We have a birthday....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RICHIE!

To my sweet husband.

I hope you have a wonderful day!

You are a the best daddy and husband!

Thank you for everything you do for us!!

You are so loved!!We love you! Love, Vanessa, Julien, and Jonah

Bad Luck?

They say we create our own "luck." Hum, well, apparently Rich and I have attracted this:....Last week we had some really "bad luck" at Rich's work (won't get into that one though). I picked him up from work one day because we had some "bad luck" with his car that day (won't get into that story either). After we pulled into our driveway that day, I put the car in park took my foot off the brake and we rolled down the drive way. He gave me the look like, "oh girl, you just did that wrong." So I pulled up again and did things according to his instructions and we rolled down the driveway again. HA! It wasn't me! Yes, the parking brake broke. (By the way, our emergencey brake is hardly working anymore too). We just laughed because it was one more thing that went wrong that week...what the heck! Anyway, we haven't fixed the parking brake yet, and only Rich is strong enough to minipulate it back into place (so I can't drive it) and when we take my car somewhere now, we travel with these big stones to keep it from rolling when we park. I think it's pretty embarrassing...what do you think?

Yesterday, we were leaving to go somewhere (in Rich's car that is), and I noticed someone had hit my car! When did that happen!? Oh goody, one more thing we need to fix. They dented the top corner, broke the light, and broke the bumper. Cha, I love honest people.......(we still have no idea who did it).Close up...

Bummers! So then we got home last night, went on a nice walk, and came home and realized we locked ourselves out of the house. So needless to say we weren't thrilled to have to call a locksmith and pay $50 to get into our house.....ugh!!! Although, we did have fun running in circles around our culdesac chasing Jonah, and kicking a softball around until he got there!

Easter Sunday 2008

If this slide show isn't working, "X" it out and it will start again.

Easter (Saturday)

Happy Easter everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! We sure did. We couldn't have asked for better weather! It was perfect!! Saturday we met a bunch of our family (Rich's side) at a park right by my house. It's my favorite park and the views are breathtaking! We had so much fun. I took about 3 million pictures this weekend and I love so many of them, so here are a ton of them….

Here are Julien and Jonah on the way to the park. As you can see Julien is thrilled and can't wait! Jonah on the other hand, desperatly needed a nap and was trying to rip his Easter basket apart the whole way there!

(Above) This is one of the views from the park, overlooking the community that we live in.

More gorgeous views.... from the park!

(above) My favorite shot of the day!!! I love the colors in this picture and those cute kids!!
Another cute one!

You'll notice Jonah hanging from the bar in these next pictures. The reason we love these pictures is because Jonah loves to hang like this and hold his feet up in a "L" position. He is always doing this at home, hanging from our kitchen table. He also does this at resturants that have lines and these types of bars (like fast food or buffets). He is really strong. -He is constantly climbing and hanging on things, so it's no wonder! Isn't he CUTE!!

Jackson and Jonah eating

(above) enjoying the view...Rich's grandpa, aunt, and grandma!

Bubbles!!!

Easter Egg Hunt!....

We ended the day flying kites. It got pretty windy by then, so it was perfect! Julien loved it and I love these pictures of him and Daddy....

Okay, so this is it! I'll get Sunday's pictures up later today or within a couple of days. Bye for now:)!

DrEaMs

Last night I was so tired and couldn't wait to go to sleep. Just before bed, I went out to the kitchen to get some water and saw that the computer was still on. So much for going to bed! I went blog hoping and added some new songs to my playlist. It was so much fun! I didn't get to bed until 1:30 a.m. For some reason blogs get me in the best mood! I was totally wired even though I knew I was tired so I was lying there for about 20 minutes, letting my mind wonder, when I felt Rich shaking. My first thought was, "Is he having a seizure?" Then he stopped for a second and started shaking again, I thought, "oh, no, I wonder what he is dreaming about?!" Then I was startled by a big, "HAAAWWWW!" noise that he let out. (It sounded like a deaf person trying to talk, if you know what I am talking about...and that is nothing mean towards deaf people; I just don't know how else to describe the noise)! I starting cracking up and Rich had woken himself up by making that noise and started laughing with me. He said, "Babe, someone was sitting on me and I was trying to call for you!" You know that feeling in your dreams when you are trying to yell or say something, but it won't come out...I think that's what happened, but it sounded like "HHHAAAWWW!" LOL!! (Try making that noise out loud right now with some slur and it will make you laugh). To all those reading this, this probably doesn't even sound funny, but it was hilarious, or maybe we were both really tired. Anyway, we couldn't stop laughing for like 15 minutes. He kept telling me I was so mean because I kept making the noise and he was embarrassed. And then he was wondering why I was in such a great mood and why I was acting like I just hung out with my girlfriends.....duh, I was reading blogs (puts me in the best mood)!
While I'm on the subject of embarrassing Rich, I might as well tell you a few other stories about him dreaming since we've been married....he talks in his sleep.
Story #1: One night Rich woke up and said loudly, "Where are the ladies?!!" I was sleeping, but awoke pretty alert, so I responded, "WHAT LADIES?" And he said, "The ladies with the samples?" He later claimed it was something to do with work...weird!
Story #2: I rolled over one night and I think my foot barely touched his leg, and he went from a dead sleep to sitting up, jumping out of bed, ripping our sheets off, screaming like a girl, yelling, "there's a spider in our bed, get out!!!!!!!!" I said, "Babe, it was just my foot!" He felt dumb.
Story #3: One night I woke up to Rich springing up to a sitting position, pointing his finger and aiming it at a moving object ( moving it in a semi circle around our room) and yelling REALLY loud, "WHOA WHOA WHOA WHOA WHOA WOHAAAA!" (It kind of sounded like a machine gun). I sat up fast; it scared the bageebees out of me at first. Once I started cracking up, he woke up and looked at me with a blank stare and went back to sleep.
Story #4: Rich had a very rough week at work last week and the stress was pretty high. He fell asleep on the couch early that evening and later when I woke him to come to bed, (he was still asleep) and said, very seriously and mad, "I'm telling you now...WHAT did you DO with our money?" It was almost scary how he said it, but it was hilarious because I knew exactly what he was talking about (and talking to for that matter). If you know that recent story, you'll think that's funny.
Well, sorry to bore you with dream stories...it's always more fun when you are half asleep and there to see and hear the whole thing! Sweet dreams.

Clever little guy

Everyone knows that kids say the darnedest things. Julien has always cracked us up, but lately he has been taking me by surprise. I'm going to share some things he says now or has said lately. Of course it's always better coming from him...but I wanted to write these down before I forget.

(1.) Mom- "Julien, you are such a good boy!"

Julien- "You better believe it!"

(2.) Mom or Dad- "You are so smart!"

Julien- "Yeah, I know! You can say that again!" (He's so humble).

He says "you can say that again," after many things we say, and it's so funny because it's always at the perfect time....he just knows right when to say it!

(3.) The other day Julien got sent to his room. He kicked the door and screamed his head off and was yelling, "get me out of here! I don't want to be in here!" So when I took him out and started talking about his behavior and what I expected of him, he said this, (with a really sly look on his face).."Yeah, I think you're right, Mom. Yeah, you're right. Okay, Mom, I trust you." It is so hard not to laugh when he does this because his facial expressions are too funny. He doesn't take anything seriously, he just tests out his acting skills on us constantly. His favorite thing is to memorize lines from a movie and then try them out in real life. So everytime he can fit a line in, in a real situation, he takes full advantage!

(4.) If we allowed Julien, he would watch movies all day long and not get tired of it. But we don't. So he waits for a time that he feels he could probably get what he wants, and says in the sweetest voice with the most innocent face, "Daddy, would you like to watch a movie wit (with) me?" So, he presents it in such a way that if we say no, we will be letting him down. Sometimes we give in, and other times that sweet innocent boy quickly turns into a sullen teenager (mixed with a temper tantrum).

(5.) A couple of days ago I asked Julien to do something and he responded with, "hum...on one condition!" He then followed that up with his condition. I wish I could remember what it was exactly, but I was so blind sided by what he said. Where did he get that!?

Now, on a sweet note, Julien has gotten a lot better at saying his prayers and really thanking his Heavenly Father for everything. The other day Jonah threw up all over Julien's bean bag chair. It was late and we were trying to get the kids in bed, so Rich put the bean bag on our back patio to wash later. (It's still sitting there, I need to hose it off and sanitize it...sick, I know). Anyway, Julien was saying the prayer for our family before dinner the other night and after a huge list of all the things he was thankful for (his family, the food, t.v., ect.) he said, "and thankful for my bean bag that has throw up on it." That's the point in the prayer where we let out some chuckles and Rich and I open one eye and look at each other and smile. He really is grateful for his blessings and we love to hear him pray.

Yesterday I had a headache and he said, "well, Mommy, I can give you a blessing." So he took my phone and pretended to unscrew a lid and pour a drop on my head (like it was oil). He placed his hands on my head and said, "Dear, Heavenly Father, I'm thankful to give Mommy a blessing. I'm thankful for blessings. I love Mommy. Help her feel better. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen." Then he kissed my head and said, "Do you feel better, Mommy? I love you so much!" I wanted to cry. He is so tender and sweet at times. He is learning about blessings now and it's so precious to see him copy his daddy.

One last story: today I took the kids on a walk and on our way home, Julien was looking at my wedding ring. He told me he liked my ring and I told him that Daddy gave it to me when we got married. He said, "Mommy, I want to get married at the temple. I want to take you to the temple and wear my church clothes when I go. And I want to hold your hand when I take you to the temple, okay Mommy." Yes, it melted my heart, and I did explain to him that he will get to find a girl when he is big like Daddy to marry and take to the temple.

There is always a new story to tell with him. He can be oh so clever and oh so sweet. We sure love him!

I've been tagged!

Well, I've been tagged, so here I go with my little survey. My husband will be rolling his eyes at this post. He thinks these things are so lame...silly husband; they're fun!

1.Where were you ten years ago?

In high school, wishing I wasn't! Probably working, hanging out with friends, and wishing I had a car!

2. 5 things on my To Do List:

Dishes, laundry, read, get ready for bed, sleep!

3. Things I would do if I became a Millionaire...

Pay off all debt! Go on a vaccation for once! Get my hair done and replace my whole wardrobe! Do some good things with it! Invest some.

4. 3 Of My bad habits....

*Back seat driver (but I'm getting better, don't you think, Rich?)!

*Popping a zit or bug bite on my husband or kids (it's a serious problem and it tempts me beyond description)!

*Eating after I'm already full (but I am working on that too)!

5. 5 places I have lived...

Camarillo, Somis, and here. (3 towns, but MANY different houses and a couple of apartments)!

6. 5 jobs I have had...

Ahem..Burger Barn :), Evan's Pest Control, Hot Dog on a Stick, gymnastics coach, and now my favorite job....a "Mum!"

7. Something people don't know about me...

I'm probably not the typical sweet, gentle mom. I can be gentle and sweet to my boys and I am most of the time, but I like to wrestle, play superman, and get down on the floor and tickle them like crazy. Whenever I am doing that I feel so boyish, but, what can I say...they LOVE it, it's fun, and I was raised by my dad! I also talk in a really weird voice when I get wound up with my kids and they run from me when they hear it, because they know it means I'm either going to smother them with kisses or tickle them. Besides Rich, the only ones who have heard it is my dad and my sister...because, yeah, I used to talk to my cat like that. Sometimes I talk to Rich in that voice and he blushes...haha, well, he tells me to stop, but I tease him and keep on talking! I realize I'm weird, but my kids like their weird mom, okay.

Oh, 2 year olds! Or should I say, "Oh, Daddy!"

About a month ago I was busy going through a box of paperwork, looking for something for my mom. I was in our bedroom and Rich was with the kids out in the living room. When I was done, I came out and found Rich watching the golf channel, and Jonah with green arms! Hum. He had colored his arms with green markers and also colored our table! I gave Rich "the look," and he said something like, "What? He was having fun, so I just let him!" Just then, Jonah started rubbing his eyes, and that's how it got all over his face. Anyway, I had to share these pictures with you all. Jonah looked pretty proud of himself though, so of course I had to laugh about it
and take some pictures....

As you can see, Jonah got pretty annoyed at me taking pictures of him, so I couldn't really capture the full effect here (the inside of his hands and arms were covered). He got a kick out of the green water in the bath, though! Thank goodness for washable markers; it came off really easily. And just for the record, Rich really is a good Dad...there must have been a "really good" tournament on the golf channel that night, I don't know. I still love ya, Babe;)!

Recent happenings

I'm still trying to figure out how all this works. I hope I can get some pictures on here and add a cute layout. I thought I would post some recent events and pictures for those I haven't spoken to in a while.

I cut 6 inches of my hair off. I really needed to get it colored too, but since we are a bit pinched for $ right now, I just cut it. And guess how much it cost me? $3!! I went to the hair college here in town and was happy with my $3 makeover. Here is my new look...

It's easy to do and despite of my massive ugly roots, I'm excited to do my hair everyday now.

Rich and I went on a date! This is something that we have neglected for quite some time now, but we are committing to going on a date at least once a week. We didn't get to go last Friday, because the kids were sick, but I'm looking forward to going out with him again. It's so fun and VITAL to a marriage!Thanks, Hun, that was fun! (We are goofy looking too)!

Russ (Rich's brother), Serenity, and Brecken came to visit for a day. That's always fun. Here we are at Olive Garden...This is a fun group of people. This is all our family that lives near us (minus Russ and Ren, Rusty and Kari's kiddies). We had a good time and ate too much. I love my in-laws!

Last but not least, Jonah turned TWO! Wow! My baby isn't a baby anymore. We felt bad because we didn't have much of a birthday celebration for Jonah this year. We will next year! The night of his birthday Rich and I took the kids to dinner and frozen yogurt ( a special treat for us!!!). We were going to try to get all the cousins together while Russ and Ren were down for a party at the park, but that didn't work out. So five days after his birthday, and feeling really guilty for not taking pictures of him blowing out candles or anything, I made him a cake and some cupcakes. Mommy, Daddy, and Julien sang to Jonah and he indulged in his chocolate cake. Julien was lovin' it too! So here is Jonah blowing out his candles, (five days late).....

We're are so thankful to have been able to enjoy Jonah for the past 2 years, and are so excited for this year! He is such a lovable little guy. Children are precious! I'm so blessed!

I'm giving in!

I tried to resist the temptation to start a blog. I didn't want one more disraction in my life, but after much thought, I decided to go for it. Here's why: (1.) It beats myspace because you can have more of a story behind your pictures; (2.) I spend enough time reading other blogs, so I might as well start my own; (3.) I like the idea of online journaling, with pics, videos, ect.; (4.) It's a place where I can share my thoughts, experiences, pictures, and joys..and keep my family posted at the same time; (5) I love to scrap book and all the templates are so cute...let's just hope this doesn't take time away from my real scrapbook..then again, I never have time for that anymore. Sounds like some good reasons to me...so let's begin. Now I need to spend some time trying to figure out how to post a picture, music, and cute layouts. K, bye.