The Crazy Chicken...

I just think that is the funniest name for a fast food place but I love their food.  We ate there tonight and I haven't eaten there in forever and I forget how yummy it is.  I really love how it is fast-food but healthy food at the same time. (depends on what you get.)

To top it off they gave us a 7 piece meal free.   They just made it up by mistake and we were the lucky car to get it.  Danny will have a great lunch tomorrow too.  =)

If you haven't tried it in a little while go check it out.  It is super yummy.

Football game

Here are some pictures from one of the football games in September.  Isabella was so cute that game.  Brittany had given her these "real" pom-poms, as Isabella calls them, and Isabella was up in the stands trying to copy what the cheerleaders were doing.  It was too cute!  That's why when she actually got to go down in the cheering area and cheer with Brittany she was too excited. (Not sure how this is underlined or how to take it off.)

Then I had to snap a pictures of Dacia (Grandma) and Kenzie.  They look so cute.  It is cute to watch Dacia talking in sign language to Kenzie.  What a special thing to have with your Grandma.

Then there is Chase.  He wished that he could go play football out on the field with Dylan, but I think he would have gotten smooshed.  Maybe one day.

Cheering with Brittany

On September 19th Isabella was so excited because she went down on the field and cheered with Brittany.  Brittany even brought her some "real" cheerleading pom-poms.  Isabella felt very special that she had the pom-poms.  She even took them to sharing time on Friday, at school, so that she could share with her class about the pom-poms and what she did at the game.   Here is one video of Brittany and Isabella cheering together.  I can't get the other one to upload.  I'll try again later.

Chase's Happy Birthday Day!

Okay, now I need to back up a little bit.  On Chase's birthday this year we let him choose to eat where ever he wanted to.  Chase chose Mongolian BBQ.  He loves that place.  This was the first time he has ever had his own bowl.  Now that he is 3 and we have to pay for him we told him that he could have his own bowl.

  Then we met the Casper's at Baskin Robbins for his free ice cream.  They all got the clown ice creams.  I remember always getting those as a kid.  =)

This was a great day because it was the first time in over a month that we hung out with the Caspers.  We won't talk about why...I'm just really glad we are hanging out again!  =)

The Circus on September 18th

When Danicia called me to see if she could take Isabella to the Circus I told her under one condition....that she take a ton of pictures.  I guess that is the photographer in me.  Here are some of the pictures that they took at the Circus.  

Isabella still talks about going to the circus.  She loved going with Ryan and Danicia by herself.  Chase wasn't very happy but he gets to go to the park, his choice, with Ryan and Danicia by himself.  He is excited about that!

We told Chase that he could eat anywhere he wanted to and he chose Elephant Bar and then we ran into the Casper's there.  That was perfect since he was so sad that sissy was at the Circus.  He had tons of fun eating with Gavin and Makayla.

McCain and Obama both support Prop 8....

It doesn't matter which President you are voting for they both support Prop 8.

Video about Prop 8, watch and educate yourself....

Preserve Marriage

We have a very big election coming up in November.  Not only are we voting for the president but we, in California, are voting on a huge legislative initiative to preserve marriage.  So, to Californians, please vote YES ON 8!

I know that this could create controversy on my blog and I would ask that those that disagree with me would please realize that w all have our own beliefs and I would like to be allowed the respect to share mine.

Here are the reasons that I think this proposition should be passed....

1. Californian voters passed Proposition 22 in 2000 by more than 61%, saying that a marriage in California is between a man and a woman.  Earlier this year, four activist judges in San Francisco wrongly overturned the people's vote, legalizing same-sex marriages.

2. Gay marriages will be discussed and possible "promoted" in the public school system starting in kindergarten.  For those who think this isn't going to happen...it already has.  In the same week that the No on 8 campaign launched a first grade class took a school-sponsored trip to a gay wedding.  Eighteen first graders traveled to San Francisco City Hall for the wedding of their teacher and her lesbian partner, The San Francisco Chronicle reported.  The school sponsored the trip for the students, ages 5 and 6, taking them away from their studies for the same-sex wedding.  The wedding was officiated by San Franciscan Mayor Gavin Newsom, who arrogantly welcomed the arrival of same-sex marriage by saying, "The door's wide open now.  It's gonna happen, where you like it or not."  Not only will schoolchildren be taught about same-sex marriage if Prop 8 fails, it's already happening. 

3. Churches could possibly loose their not-for-profit status and will start being taxed if they don't agree to perform same-sex marriages.  I am not someone who hates gays.  I've actually had a few friends that were, but that doesn't mean that I agree with the choices that they are making.  Just like I loved my Dad but didn't agree with the choice he made to smoke cigarettes.  Something of this nature should not be something that we have to do or perform when we don't agree with it.   Plus, if the LDS church is taxed then they will have to stop giving the millions and millions of dollars of humanitarian aid that they give throughout the world.  That money will then be given to the government instead of those who are in need.   That would be horrible if that happened.

For those of you on the fence...a big reason why you should vote YES ON PROP 8 is because it doesn't take away the right of gay couple.  They will still keep all the rights they previously had...the only right that will be taken away are the rights of churches and us as parents.

Please vote YES ON PROP 8 so that we can restore the definition of marriage between a man and a woman.  It will have a lasting, long-term affect on our country, society, and families. 

Free Handbags...

Handbag Planet is almost here. To celebrate the October 15, 2008 launch, they are giving away a free handbag every hour for 24 hours on the day of the launch. Their high fashion, trendy handbags are inspired by popular designer brands and priced between $30 and $80.

There's absolutely no catch - this means no shipping/handling fees or credit card required. Yes, it's really that simple!

Click on the link below to sign up:

Free Handbags

My 300th blog entry...

Wow...I can't believe that I am posting my 300th blog entry....

Well, I just have to vent for a minute because I think hot weather follows us. When we were in San Diego they had record highs. It was SO hot until the day we left.

Then I thought, I will have relief when we go to Pismo, well, guess what, I WAS WRONGO!!! The high today in Arroyo Grande was 100. When the heck is it 100 degrees at the beach? Only when the Brandow's are there.

So my conclusion is...if you want it to be hot where you are...invite the Brandow's there. We'll make it hot for you. =)

(As I was thinking about hot weather Deanna reminded me that when we went to Tahoe during Labor Day weekend it was hot there too. We really don't have the best of luck with weather and vacation.)

Picture complements of Danny Stocks, my brother-in-law.

My potty boy...

I can't believe that I am even able to write this but our entire trip in San Diego Chase has not gone potty in his diaper. We still have a diaper on him just in case but he is doing awesome. A few months ago if you would have told me that he would be doing this now I would have laughed! He was anti-toilet. He wouldn't even sit on it and try and now he goes about every 20 minutes. It can get a little frustrating but he is trying so hard and doing so great. I haven't had to change a poopy diaper for over a week now. It is great!

So, if you need to potty train just go on vacation....it worked for Chase! =)

I'm on vacation...

For the first time ever Danny was able to get two weeks off of work, with a little prodding. We started our vacation on Friday, September 26 by driving to Bakersfield and then we drove to San Diego on Sunday, September 28th. We will be in San Diego visiting Legoland, Wild Animal Park, the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, my cousin Jeb, my Aunt Marie, Lealond, and hopefully my friend Emily, (haven't seen her in about 6 years) until Sunday, October 5th. On the 5th we will drive back to Bakersfield and do laundry. It was so hard to pack for two weeks for two different places. On Monday, October 6th we will be heading to Pismo to visit Danny, Deanna, Jordan, and Keanu, one of our favorite places. We will return back home on Friday, October 10th because I have a big photo shoot with 6 people on Saturday, October 11th. That will be a little stressful. So, this will be my last post until after I get back. Hope you have a great and safe two weeks while I'm gone! =)

Meet a Mother Warrior

After complications from a c-section.  Monica was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, also know as flesh-eating bacteria.  Defying the odds, Monica survived, but many of her organs didn't.  The doctors had to remove her uterus, ovaries, gallbladder, and part of her colon.  Then it spread to her arms and legs and so she had to have both her arms and both her legs amputated.   After four months in the hospital, 37 surgeries, and grueling physical therapy, she was finally able to be released and go home to her family.   

The doctors expected a "why me?" breakdown from Monica while she was in the hospital and it never happened.  She did have moments that she wished she had one arm or one leg because it would make life a little easier but that is not what happened and she accepted that.  She was so thankful that she could still love her girls and that she was still here today.

I just think that her outlook on life is amazing.  She says, "What good are you to your children if you're miserable?  What are you teaching them?  That you give up?   That's not what I want to teach my kids.   I want my girls to know that their mother's a fighter."  

If you ever feel like giving up or that life is too difficult just think about Monica and if she can do it so can we!  

A Big "3" year old...

Last Saturday we celebrated Chase's 3rd birthday party.    We had a ton of fun.  I went a little low key this year and only invited family and friends of Chase.  He had fun playing with Landen, Kayden, Gavin, and Blake.  It is so cute to see him finally interacting with others his age.  =)

My theme for his party this year was trains.  I think trains are Chase's very favorite thing right now.  He even chose this over Cars which he loves too.

I had a conductor hat and red bandanas for all the kids.  They didn't really wear them but they at least took a cute picture for me.  

I just love the picture of Chase and Landen.  Since we live so far away from them it is really hard to see them.  Chase misses Landen so much and was so excited to see him.  One of the highlights of his party that he still talks about.

Then we had a pinata and Makayla was the one to bust through it.  Way to go Makayla.

Next was the train cupcake cake.  I bought my cupcake cake at the Super Wal-Mart here in Stockton.  I have to say that when you think of Wal-Mart you typically think of cheap but when it comes to their bakery they make fantastic cakes/cupcakes and they are always decorated so cute.  Best of all, you can't beat their prices.  I even prefer them to Costco now.

As you see in the last picture.  Chase played very hard and had tons of fun.  (Look how red and sweaty he is.)

It was so great to see everyone!  Thanks to those of you who came to the party.  =) 

My new love...

So, about a month ago we had a whole house fan installed into our house.  (Thank you Mommy!)  It is so awesome!  I love love love it.  I'm not quite sure what I did without it.  Actually, we paid a huge PG&E bill.  Our bill in July was almost $400.  Then after that bill I deceided that I would just sweat all day and my bill was still almost $300.  I can't wait to see what it is going to be in October.  That will be the first bill that reflects having the whole house fan.

Now my house is "freezing" as Chase calls it.  We asked him one morning when we first got it if he was cold and he said, "no.." and then proceeded to say, "...but I'm freezing."  It was so cute.  Well, Mom is the only one in the house who loves it to be freezing.  When we wake up in the morning our house is about 66-70 degrees by only having one window open.  I used to have three open in the night but we'd wake up to a 64 degree house.  That is a little cold for me too.

I've found my new love!  =)

A must see...

I would hope that Danny would do this with Isabella.  =)  Just thinking of that makes me laugh.  Thanks Angela for sharing this! 

Hope this makes you smile.  Have a great Monday!

A day I will never forget...

On the morning of September 11, 2001 I got up early to get ready for school and I turned on the T.V.  I never turned on the T.V. in the morning because I was always rushing but for some reason that morning I turned it on.  When I turned on the T.V. the first plane had already crashed into the first tower.  I was in shock as I watched in horror as the second plane hit.  I will never forget my feeling as I saw that plane hit.  Right after that I had to leave to go to school.  I remember listening to the radio about it that morning and when I got to school they had the T.V. on in the teacher's lounge.   

That day was so different and weird on campus.  Everyone was so quiet.  You could just tell that everyone was in shock.

This was my first year teaching.  What a horrible tragedy to deal with on my first year.  

I will NEVER forget that day.

Got me thinking...

My friend Emily had an awesome blog today about how she is still growing and it got me thinking to what my struggles in my life are right now and how I am still thankful for my life:

1.  You never know what a parent goes through with a child and their homework until you have your own that you are doing it with.  As a teacher I NEVER truly understood this until the past month.   I also would like Isabella to enjoy homework with Mommy and not remember how frustrated I get.  I guess I just know what she is capable of and expect that.  We aren't all perfect.  That is what I need to remember. 

2. Money.  Wow, something I totally took for granted until recently.  I'm just glad that my family is healthy and happy.  Things could totally be worse.  We could be loosing our house like the rest of Stockton.

3.  My husband works so hard for us.   I appreciate him and everything he does.  He is an amazing man.  Yes, he does have his faults but we all do, right?  Everyone's fault are just different.

4.  What would you do in life without your friends.  After a time out for women I have come to realize how important my good friends are in my life.  I can see that as my life keeps changing that I don't have as much time for them as I used to but I still love them just as much as I used to.  

5.  Sleep.  Wow, what an amazing concept.  I am realizing this week how important sleep is and so are my children.  We have went to be a little late every night this week and it has effected all of us.  Poor little Chase crawled into bed himself at about 9:30 and took a nap.  Pretty much unheard of for him.  Obviously he needed it.

6.  Since Chase had his birthday I am realizing how quickly my children are growing up, right before my eyes.   Where did my baby Chase go?  When I see older kids it makes me sad to think that they are going to be there before I know it.  Right now I just need to cherish the cuddle time that he gives me.  I love it so much and I am going to miss it so much when he gets older and we don't have that time anymore.   Also, with them growing up comes new adventures that I am so excited for.

Chase's 3rd birthday invitation...

Here is an example of Chase's birthday invitation.  I just loved how it turned out.  He decided, at the last minute, after wanting a Cars birthday that he'd rather have a train birthday which I love so much more!  =)  (I even perforated the bottom of the ticket stub.  Didn't think anyone would notice but they did.)

I really wanted the photo at the bottom on his invitation but Danny didn't like it.  He says it looks fake.  I LOVE it!  I used the picture that Danny liked more but thought I'd share the one that I liked.

Edible Crayons...

So I saw this on a friends blog and I think they are just adorable.  Some people are so creative!  It is amazing.  Click below to find out how to make them.

Edible Crayons