What's in your camera?

Here are just a few pics that I have hanging around....thought I'd share.
We saw this the other day & Skylar about broke his neck trying to take this picture before I had to turn. Pretty interesting I thought.

Blast from the past.....So cuuuuuuuuuuuuute!!!!! I miss those days. :-) We were at one of our favorite playgrounds in San Fran.

This pic makes me think of a food bank poster. Feed the hungry, except he is never hungry.

Another Blast from the past. Here we were in a hotel in South CA. Mahala used to wear my pink Mary Kay sunglasses everywhere.

Please tell me that you see what I see in this pic. I think Kaden's scare looks like Idaho, right? What do you think.....I may be crazy, but I think it's Idaho baby!!!!!

We still have our Thanksgiving Thankful tree up up. I'm a tad embarrassed, but at least you can't see the pile of clothes beside it. HA HA HA

Manic Mom turns 1#

What a week!!!
*First Skylar and I celebrated our Birthday on the 7th. We had a nice quiet Birthday at home. Last year was anything but quiet. Skylar surprised me with a Birthday party.
*This time last year was when I began blogging. Wow, it's been a year already, can't believe it. I guess I should celebrate a Blog Birthday too. Manic Mom is a year old!!!
*Skylar had friends stay over for the weekend and Mahala went to six flags with the Girl Scouts.
*Mother's Day was wonderful- I had seafood....been craving that for weeks.
*This week Thanh has been out of town for work. It's been lonely without him at home, but we also have been so busy.
*The kids dragged themselves through Star testing this week, today was the last day. Thank you Lord.
*Now we're cleaning up and trying to make the house look nice for Thanh. When he comes home he will be surprised that Mahala & Skylar did the front and side yard for him. It no longer looks like something from the Discovery channel.
*Summer is almost here, which means I can smell the sunscreen and taste the homemade lemonade. It also means more writing for me. I sent out a few letters last week to some local writers. I would like to find an agent that is in my neck of the woods, but I'm not sure how important that really is. Right now I'm picking out some key scriptures that I found important growing up. A few stick out as favorites and some my survival nets.
*Tomorrow we start our week of school work now that testing is finally over. Poor kids....I'm going to still squeeze in a good 4 days of work into the next 2 days. We will see if it gets done. We may need Saturday too.
*Thanh is here and all the kids are screamin'. Better help Dad out!!

Weekend Review

For hours we "Supervise" Kaden's daily projects. He is always organizing and grouping things together. Some people tell me that's a sign he is intelligent, I say it's a sign that I don't keep the house clean enough for him. :-)

It's amazing to watch, because he gets this intense look on his face. The only word you can say to break his concentration is..........Snack. Just like any man if you mention food he'll look up. At least I know he's normal, right?



What did the Manic Family do this weekend?

*I got to spend time with Mahala.
*Skylar went on a submarine tour with friends of ours. He is all into anything Military.
*I taught the kids how to fry chicken.
*We played 3 games of Monopoly and 2 games of Phase 10.
*Washed too many loads of clothes.
*Baked bread with Skylar.
*Watched Hotel Dogs and Ratatouille as a family.
*Enjoyed takeout from a new Tai restaurant.
*Played Memory with Kaden for hours.
*Clipped coupons with the kids.
Aren't we exciting? I mean it's crazy fun over here.....HA HA HA HA.

The Swine Flu Movie

So the news is saying that the Swine flu is going to blow in and blow right back out. I have to admit I checked our food supplies, stocked up on water and picked up an extra set of prescriptions. Was I worried about this thing? Yes I was , I have no immune system and kids to think about. But, I tried not to get all freaked out like I did when the Bird Flu poked it's head into the news. I was like a Super Freak on steroids, coffee and crack during that thing.
So, now they are saying that they think the swine flu is going to be no more harmful then the everyday flu. A friend of mine reminded me that every year nearly 40,000 people die from the "normal" flu. Who knew? I didn't know that.
Tonight I read that the WHO can't even give a correct number of cases or deaths. So I was telling Skylar that what probably happened was someone that knew someone that was sick in Mexico leaned over and told one person. Then that person told another that called her Aunt that emailed her brother and so on. Until it reached CA when then it got blown out of proportion. Hell, people in L.A. probably have a "The Swine Flu Movie"script finished & ready to announce casting calls. Too bad they'll have to sell the movie rights to Lifetime....no Big screen movie deal now. Isn't is sad that negativity sells.
Honestly, I pray it all blows over and everyone stays healthy and strong. But, just on the safe side I'm picking up some dehydrated meals at REI this weekend. There is a huge sale going on!

Mom died today

It was a week before I turned 13. I can't believe it's been 21 years. That seems like such a lifetime ago.
It took a long time to feel normal after my parents died, especially after Mom's death. But, I made it, it can happen. If anyone is reading this that feels like life will never be the same after you lose someone so close to you that you feel like you shared the same heart beat. You will, but it will take time. Allow yourself to take the time. Don't get wrapped up in the anger so long that it causes you to be a bitter, nasty person that cares about nothing and no one. I know a little bit about that. Even a little girl will go through the same process a 50 year old person would. Talk about it and surround yourself with people who love you. People who want what's best for you. I didn't have that.
Every year I become anxious a few weeks before Easter. Sometimes it's worse then others. This year I have tried so hard to be positive. I want to celebrate her life this year. After 21 years I am finally able to do this. Some children become angry at the person that has past away. I was never angry at her. And believe it or not I wasn't that angry at God. Mom was very sick, I basically watched her slowly die for about two years. So, I knew she was in a better place. She had left the pain behind her. But I picked up that pain unfortunately where she left it. Sounds crazy I know. But I have done a ton of soul searching over the years. Lot's of personal therapy with myself, I guess you could say. And these where my mistakes that I made as a child. I made these mistakes because nobody was there to help me sort them out. I was all alone with my emotions, my fears, my pain. It was as though I became trapped in the fear, pain and worries of those last few years. Reliving it over and over, but involving the current life situations that was around me. Because life goes on....it will not stop just because you need it to do so. And time will never rewind, trust me I have tried to. I have begged & pleaded with God for it to happen, just once.
Her name was Violet. I think Violet is a Beautiful name. It's the name of a flower and the prettiest color I know. The evening sky can be Violet and early morning before even the birds want to peak their little heads up out of their beds. Most importantly Violet was my Mom, she gave me life. She carried me in the warmth of her belly and nourished my soul with every deep breath she took. She held me tight when I was scared and chased away the monsters that hid in my closet. She kissed my forehead when I was sick in bed and let me stay up late when her and Daddy played cards. She laughed wildly I guess like I do now. Even though I can't remember the sound of her voice or the smell of her perfume I know that she was beautiful with a heart of an Angel. She was so kind hearted, always doing for others and giving of herself.
She will always be in my heart. And I want her to be in the hearts of my kids too. Which is why this year I am going to share some stories with the kids and look through some pictures with them. I want them to know about her bravery as she fought for her life. I want them to know how kind her heart was and how generous she was. I want them to never forget the person who I called Momma.

Punked for Honey Kix?

I wanted to try the New Honey Kix mainly because as a kid I loved Kix. I remember my Mom laughing at me because I would play tea party with them in my "fine" china bowls with all my Cabbage Patch Kids. She said she bought them because I loved them so much. I think she bought them because they weren't loaded with sugar and I wouldn't climb the walls all wired.
So, how fun would it be to let little Kaden try them out, right? So, last week he climbs up into his seat and says,"cereal please". I put them out on the table with his bowl & spoon. He looks at the box and inspects it. I make him a bowl and; he loved them. He looks over at me as I scarf down adult cardboard and asks me if I wanted some. I thought how sweet of him to ask me. And then his eyebrows bunched together and he said nooooooooooooooo, just kidding. :-) And he laughed and giggled. I thought did I just get punked by a 2year old? I think I did.

He had 3 bowls that morning. I couldn't believe it....and he never shared until the end. He offered me the left over milk and smiled up at me as he said Thank you Mommy!!!! What a boy, you got to love him. So, for now on he's gonna be a Honey Kix kind of kid. Can't blame him, I had to sneak a bowl while he was playing with Mahala. They were great! Just like Kix with a touch of honey sweetness. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I'm gonna have a bowl now.

Aunt Flow

I'm back and I'm at the gym with my new toy....life is good. Mahala is flipping and sprawled out all over the place. She's so beautiful even with one butt cheek showing and hair flying all over the place. She's like her mother, an OX! My Dad used to say that I was a bull in a china closet. I heard that almost everyday. God rest his soul, Thanh tells me the same thing sometimes and he never even met my Daddy. So, I guess that says a lot about me, right?
Mahala is tough though, nothing phases her....nothing. She is so strong minded and determined with everything. Somethings are just supposed to be simple I tell her. And lately on top of the I will kill you if you touch or look at me stage, she crys a lot. I feel so sad for her, because she will not open up to me. Skylar talks to me if his hair looks different then the day before. I hear about all things Skylar, nothing goes through his head that doesn't pass through my ears at some point. God love him. With Skylar we talked about everything, we were connected and no topic was closed. He felt comfortable. And this is what I would like to be able to offer Mahala.
I've started talking to her about older girl issues. She's interested and wants to learn, but there is this look of non emotion. Is that a word? I swear she could probably start her period, go purchase her own girly things and never tell me.
I never had a preteen relationship with my parents, so this is all new territory for me. Most of my foster parents didn't really try to parent or connect with me in a family way. And the different group homes treated us all as a community, not really individuals.
I'm babbling, I know. But, it's on my heart tonight. My little acorn is hard to crack. But, I'm thinking maybe she doesn't need to be cracked open. At least not until she's ready. I'll pray about it.

It's Here!!!!!

I'm so excited!! It's official, I have a New laptop. I just did all the registration and this of course is the first place I headed to. The set up and registration took forever, so this will be a short post. The kids need lunch and school books need to be opened. I'll write more tonight, because Mahala has to go to the gym tonight.
FYI, Kaden ended up real sick with the Flu. Not Swine Flu, but a flu. His fever reached 104 yesterday, so it hasn't been fun at all. I'm trying to keep my distance, but still love him. The last time I had the flu I went to the hospital. Crazy Lupus!
I'll be back-

Laptop shopping

Once again my Birthday is just around the corner. It's like someone screaming in the room with a Big Fat Sign flashing your Older Momma!!! Oh well, it's gonna happen and I guess it's better then the alternative. Actually I know for a fact that it's better then the alternative.
So, for my Birthday Thanh is getting me a new laptop. I'm thrilled, because I'm determined to have a finished book by the end of the summer. YEAH!
Anyway, so I asked Thanh about getting the laptop this weekend. He thought great idea. Easy enough....right? Oh noooooooooooooooo! All week he looked on every website that mentioned lap tops. He compared prices, checked for rebates and everything in between. So, Saturday gets here and like a kid on Christmas I was ready to hop in the car and get my new toy.
I didn't realize that my trip to the toy store was going to consist of 4 stores and 10 sales men. I wanted a pretty one with the most power and battery life. That's all I cared about. Simple, I thought, duhhhhhhh. I hate to say it but we didn't bring home the prize, but we tried again on Sunday. And after 2 stores we decided on the one. I don't even know which one, shows how much I paid attention. I just wanted the torture to end. We grabbed the little sales guy and showed him the one we wanted to get. I was like I want to take this little beauty home with me today. Right now I want to put it in my oddly shaped buggy and pay for it. And take it home and be recharged from it's beauty.
But, I once again came home empty handed. Yes, it's sad, but they were out. We stood there with our little slip of paper while the sales guy went to "get" my baby. La La La, I looked at other stuff and Thanh was still looking online, just once more to make sure this was the best deal for all the bells and whistles that I will never use anyway. And then the guy comes out and says it will be on the truck Tuesday. That's sooooooooooo long away.
But, I will wait till Tuesday for my new Baby.
After a long day we grabbed some food and hung out at home. Kaden hasn't been feeling well today. He's running a fever tonight. I hate when my kids get sick. I worry, worry and worry. After a game of Monopoly with the older kids I made good on a promise. I took Skylar to Costco for a driving lesson. More on that later!

My Little Girl Scout

My little Girl Scout is going to the Nursing Home tomorrow. They are going to sing songs for the residents. She loves doing this and has been counting down the days. After they give their little performance they are going to replant their garden for them. A double pleasure for Mahala. I love to see my little girl want to help others. Is this the same girl that sometimes makes me wish I could down a few long island iced teas. She's growing up.....I'm so proud of her.

She just started a few months ago and I have no idea why we didn't do this sooner.
Of course when she signed up we ordered her sash and handbook. She asked me to take pictures of her while she opened it, I didn't complain. Here is just 1 of the 25 I took. Yes, I am one of those parents that take pictures of Everything!

Red Icy Day

It was Kaden and I the other day just hanging out. I was trying to stay out of the sun and he was making his "rounds". First he played with his trucks and cars. Then her organized all the buckets, trash and various rocks. Then he wants to water the plants, which usually turns into him playing in the watering cans. And then the dogs get their exercise by rolling around with him and playing "come here horsey". I just snap pictures left and right. I enjoy watching him play, eat, sleep, even breath. He's like a 40 year old man. He would be perfect behind a tv camera, because he doesn't even flinch when someones following him around. He doesn't stop what he's doing, show extra"look at me" emotion, nothing. He just goes about what he was doing, like you aren't even there.

So, after about an hour or so, he says I need an icy. I get up, to see what he's gonna do. I'm wondering if he even knows how to get them.


Duhhhhhh! He peals back one of them and decides "no, he no want dis one". Peals back another and finds the right color.....Red!

I think I'll take a rest on this wall here for a minute.

After heavily debating his next move he decides on a brief walk around the yard. Just in case he drops any Macy decides to walk closely beside him. Rocco is hidden under some shade. Rocco doesn't like the "red icy", Kaden says.

Kaden is growing so fast, all kids do. I'm thrilled I get to watch it all happen, one Red Icy at a time.