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

A time out definitely needed...

I went to a time out for women this weekend in Sacramento with Deanna, Dawna, Dacia, Darlene, Vola, Danicia, Deidra, and Taryn.  It was such an awesome weekend that words can not describe.  I laughed, I cried, I got sick, and I got inspired.   

It all started on Friday night.   We got to listen to Kenneth Cope and Cherie Call.  I think that Cherie Call has to my favorite LDS singer of all time.  She was so real and so amazing!  I just love her songs.  We all know that Kenneth Cope is also always amazing too.  Kenneth Cope has a song titled "White Dress" which made me realize how I really need to do my sister's temple work and that she is waiting on the other side for us to finish it.  Then we got to listen to James L. Ferrell.  He was great also because down is up and up is down.  (You totally understand that if you were there!) =)  

After that we went and grabbed a bit to eat.  This is where being sick comes into play.  I wasn't hungry and so I just had a milkshake.  Well, sometimes my body decides to be lactose intolerant and on Friday night and Saturday morning that is exactly what it did.  I was so sick all night.

Then on Saturday morning I was a little slow going because I felt so bad and we finally made it to TOFW about 45-an hour late.  I started feeling a little better at this point.  When we got there we got to hear the hilarious Mary Ellen Edmunds speak.  We came in on the later part of her speech and I was so disappointed because she was so great!  After her we heard from Kenneth Cope again.  Kenneth Cope sang all day Saturday through out all the speakers.  We heard from Car0lyn Rasmus, Camille Frank Olson, Sharen G. Larsen, and Jason Wright.  All of them were the great speakers.  It was a weekend that I will never forget between the couple next door to our hotel that we heard all night, to Taryn singing in a Karaoke bar, to being uplifted by Cherie Calls songs.   I am so glad that I decided to go it was a weekend that every woman needs to attend.  

I've come to realize that I get nothing out of church.  At my point in life I'm okay with the reason but I miss being spiritually uplifted every once in a while.  That is what this weekend gave me.  I didn't have children interrupting me so that I couldn't hear anything and I didn't have a calling to tend to.  It was just a weekend for me and all the girls.  I am so thankful that my husband gave me the time away to get spiritually uplifted.  I love him more than words can express. =)

Chase is becoming a BIG boy...

On Wednesday we finally got the rails for Chase's bed and we put it together.  So on Wednesday night Chase slept in his "big boy" bed for the first time.  Thank you Grandma Hockey for such a great birthday present for Chase.  He looks so tiny in his new bed.  It is too cute!  

What is it with a child and a bed that their first instinct is to jump on it.  That is how Chase broke his bed in.  He just jumped and jumped and jumped.  =)

Isabella's first big girl school picture

Here is Isabella's school picture that we got on Friday.  I just love it.  =)

Girl's Night Out...

Brenda and I were lucky enough to be able to go out together last night, just the two of us!  Wow, that was a needed night!  

We first went to Elephant Bar for dinner and dessert and then we went to the mall for a little while.  Then we went to the movies.  I had lots of fun and lots of laughs.  I don't know what I'd do without Brenda in my life.  Thanks Brenda for the date!  =)  Next time can you please touch up your nails....

Primary Activity...

On Wednesday of this week we had a Primary Activity at Micke's Grove Park.  They added a new water park and new playground area.  They had a great time with all their church buddies.  =)

Chase's first trophy day...

At Gymstars when you are there for a year and each year after that they present you with a trophy for all your hard work.  Chase had his first trophy day last week.  Chase at times can be shy but he wasn't when he got his trophy.  He was on the other side of the gym when they presented it and called his name and he went running to get that trophy.  He was so cute.  After he got it and gave it to me he got a hug from his proud sissy.  They were so cute.  

New Gymnatics Teachers...

Isabella and Chase had to get new gymnastics teachers because of Isabella starting full-day Kindergarten.  They both love their new teachers and even though Chase wasn't 3 yet they let him go into the 3 year old class.  He's done way better than I expected!

Kat Country visit...

I know that I talked about when Kat Country came to UPS but I never had any pictures to post when I talked about it.  Here are a few pictures from that event.  

Gymboree Play & Music...

At the beginning of August right after Isabella started school I figured Chase needed to do a fun activity.  I took him to what I though was an art class at Gymboree but I got the times mixed up and it ended up being a gym class.  It all worked out great because he LOVED it.  He had a ton of fun and didn't want to leave.   

Setting the record straight...

My niece Britney came to Stockton to spend a few days with us.  (At least someone besides my Mom comes to visit me.)  When she came down here she really realized the how my brother and I compete on who my Mom loves the most.   She compiled a list on her blog of the pros and cons about both of us, which you have to check out, so I need to set the record straight....

-I talk to my Mom more than once a day.  If I didn't have my Mom to call I don't know what I'd do.  She my one constant person that I can always count on to talk to.

-I love hockey.  Oh heck yes!  

-Of course girls take the favorite vote because my Mom is a girl.  And it doesn't matter that she had only one boy.  She had two girls because girls are better.  Right, Jimmy!?

-I take my Mom on vacation with us.

-I visit my Mom more in Bakersfield than my brother does and he lives in the same town not 3.5 hours away!

-Even though my Mom is a homebody like my brother.  She enjoys getting out and doing things which I take her to do.  Then I give her her homebody time too.  Best of both worlds.

-Well, I don't cut Grandma paychecks but I try and get some of those paycheck. =)  Just kidding.  Love is more important than money.  

-My music taste is just fine.  I love anything that is good.  I like a huge variety.  I just don't like crappy groups like Weezer.  Oh, did I just say that?  =)

-Now, I think you would have to agree that my brother can clear a room much better than I.

-Now let's talk about our style of dress.  At least I don't go out with pants that have chicks on them, my wife's pink slippers and a red shirt, which by the way doesn't match, that says chick magnet on it.  I think I've got him here.

-When I tell my Mom that I'm going to buy her something for her birthday I actually get it instead of her waiting months for it, which her birthday is in February and she still doesn't have her BBQ.

-Also, my Mom wants a mans-man for a son not a girly-boy who goes scrapbooking!

As you can see the correct choice would be Me not Britney!  =)  Even Lori thinks so...gotta check out the comments on Britney's page.  Thanks for the love Lori!!  =)

By the way, my brother and I are nothing alike.  I need to set the record straight on that one too.  =)

Weberstown Mall in Stockton and UPS...

University Public School is part of a program at Weberstown Mall called "Earning for Learning".  Each dollar spent is one point earned for the school. (Certain dates you can earn double points by shopping at certain stores, check it out by clicking here.)  The school that wins gets $5,000 toward their school.  If you have your receipt and shop at the Weberstown Mall or Weberstown Property between August 3rd and September 27th then take your receipts downstairs to the administrative office and tell them that you are there for UPS (and Mrs. Tiede's class if they ask, Isabella's class can win a pizza party) or you can give me your receipts and I will turn them into Isabella's school.  You will receive your receipts back.   I just thought if you were already shopping there then you could help her school out.  Thanks so much!  =)

UPS on Kat Country...

I am so excited because I emailed Kat Country to see if I could get an audio clip of when Isabella's school was on Kat Country.  I know that a lot of you missed it so now you will be able to hear it, especially those from out of town.   It is too cute!  =)  Enjoy!

UPS on Kat Country

UPS and Kat Country...

Isabella's school has the opportunity tomorrow to be on the radio.  Tomorrow morning University Public School (UPS) will recite the Pledge of Allegiance Live on the air with D.J. Walker In the Morning.  Tune into Kat Country 103.3 FM at 8:20am and listen to them perform.  So if you are in our area and are up at 8:20 in the morning tune in and listen!  =)

9 years...

I can't believe that we have now been married 9 years!  Time flies!!  Above is our engagement picture that we put on our invitation and a picture from our wedding day.  It was nice to reflect back to that day.  =)

I woke up this morning to my hubby singing the anniversary song.  Too cute!  We actually heard the anniversary song from about a handful of people today.  That songs always makes me laugh!  =)

Then, I had a great evening with my husband.  We went to see an early movie which turned out to be a great deal.  We went to see Hancock.  It was an excellent movie!!  When I went to the counter to buy the tickets and she said $7.  I couldn't believe it.  I guess in Manteca on Tuesdays certain movies are $3.50 each.  Our anniversary just landed on the perfect day and we picked the perfect movie.  =)

Then we went to Olive Garden for dinner.  It was very yummy and very expensive.  It seems that every time I go there the prices are higher and higher.  But, it was worth every penny!

The bouquet of flowers are from my sister-in-law, Lori, and my brother.  They are beautiful.  I love the lemon slices in the vase!!  Thanks Jimmy and Lori!!  =)

Only 5 more days...

I am so excited because it has been forever since I scrapbooked!!  This Saturday I am going to the scrapbook expo in San Jose with Heather and Brenda.  We have 3 classes with the first one starting at 9:00am.  We say that we aren't going to do this every time and every time we schedule a 9am class!  =)

Then we are going to the crop from 5:00pm-11:30pm.  I am going to be so exhausted but it is going to be worth it!  

Frustrating....

So I got pulled over by a cop and for the first time I wasn't doing ANYTHING wrong.  I guess I had a brake light out and he caught me without proof of insurance because stupid me forgot to put my new one in!  AHHHHHHHHH!!!  So now I have a stupid fix it ticket.  I have to find a cop to sign off on my ticket when I show my proof of insurance and then I have to take it to the courts, pay a fee, and then it will get signed off.  I am so frustrated that I now have something else added to my overflowing plate!  Just had to vent a little.  =)