Rubiks Cube Mania

My brother sat down on Sunday and decided that he was going to solve the Rubiks Cube. He and my husband googled Rubiks Cube and watched You Tube videos for hours mastering the simple skills necessary to complete the little puzzle. It took David about 5 hours to get all the colors aligned (without taking off the stickers! LOL!).


The next day, Chris stepped up to the challenge. Meticulously watching the videos over and over, I'd hear him curse, I'd hear the same video play 4 times in a row, I'd see the twitching and fingers and finally the triumph in his face as he mastered one row of similar colors. I think it took Chris about 5 hours as well to finish the puzzle. The boys had a good time messing it back up just to watch Chris fix it again. Who'd have thought that a $6 puzzle could be so much fun!!

36 hour drive

We made our trip to New Mexico this year to see the folks. Instead of the usual 27 hour drive, it took us a whopping 36 hours!!! Just getting over Snoqualmie pass took 4 hours this year, and it's not usually that long of a haul. What made the trip even better, was the constant 30 mile an hour driving we had to do because of snow, and the constant question of "How much farther" and "Are we at Nana's yet" by our 4 year old. Let me just say that the traveling of our cat Collin was very nice as she was quiet almost the whole way!

Declawing Debate

How ignorant am I that I never knew exactly what went one when a cat got declawed??? I did elect to have Collin declawed. My theory was that at least one piece of furniture in my house would be saved from the vicious attack of a new kitten. I did not however know that they actually cut pieces of bone off of the paw. When I picked up my newly sheared kitten, my eyes got moist. How horrible she looked. To not only have all of her female parts (she was spayed too!) cut out, but then to have her paws cut. As I watched her hobble on her huge boxing gloves, I couldn't but think of what we humans put our animals through.

Titan Truck Canopy

Side View

Back View

I received my truck canopy last Friday, and then it snowed! *sigh* Doesn't look to bad, I'm proud of it. Makes my truck look bigger I think.

Jump for Joy

We borrowed a green screen to take family photos the other day. They actually turned out very nice. On the second shot we got a family photo worthy of the picture books, and Chris and I got a picture that I love. The last part of the photo taking involved me trying to 'jump' for Chris. We both laughed, was the funniest photo shoot ever, and we had alot of fun.

My wonderful husband, I think I'll keep him! haha!

AutoDesk University

Right now I'm standing at one of the teeny little laptop kiosks kindly provided by Autodesk to us 'losers' without some type of mobile media device. (Thanks Austin*****). Anyway, the first two days I had laringitis, which made it really hard to be communicative to some folks. I even was interviewed on the first day so I have a really bad 2 seconands worth of media with my raspy sexy voice. The conference was huge, over 8,500 people, what was amazing, was that there were hardly any lines for waiting. The wait staff were very professional at the Venetian and were lined up each morning to usher us along to the food lines. When I say usher, think more linebacker or defense, because if you tried to hop into a line that wasn't "open", that would usher you back out into the main herd.

The days are long, going from 6:30-9:30 at night with classes and events. The food is fine, and they do offer snacks throughout the day to appease the unruly mass. The best class was taught by an engineer who works at Disney Imagineering. What a great guy, he was very witty and kept the class engaged by asking silly questions, such as "What was the name of Super girls super cat????" If you don't know, look it up! LOL! Also, I met one of the artists who worked on the cars for Fast and the Furious "Eddie Paul". He was a neat guy. I also met Jay S. (last name to come) who designed animation for Wall E.

All in all, a very informative conference. I can't wait to try and talk the upper management into coming next year. Very worth it, especially the networking. AU Rocks, here's to next year....

ACDC Rocked

What do you get when you cross 22,000 fans into the Tacoma Dome????

A Drunken Riot!!! LOL!!!

So, Chris and I had a blast working security for the ACDC concert. We actually worked the southwest corner of the floor so we got to check people into the seats right in the main area. EVERYONE got checked EVERYTIME they went out and came back in. There were some really sad moments; a drunken couple lost their tickets, started swearing at each other, and smacking each other around looking for the tickets. Of course, Chris and I couldn't let them in, which made them upset and cry, and yell more. Then there were the 3 times I was offered at least $40 to let them past me, of course I laughed because past Chris and I were only 6 more security officers working further down. I loved telling them that we couldn't possibly let them by.

......Then the puke started....

The smell was horribly, and admist all of this drunken gaity, there were several kisses offered (YUCK!!!) and one guy wanting a high five (he missed). All in all, was a kick butt concert.

Now, if only I could find a picture of the inflatable biker chick. I swear she was like 20 feet tall!!!!

ACDC on Sunday

Guess who gets to work security at the ACDC concert!!!!!!!!!!

Freaks of Nature 08 Season

We ended our soccer season with a fantastic run. We won 7 games, and willingly forfeited the last game as we had already made it into the championship. The game was a really tough match. I felt for the most part we dominated the game, but sadly it ended in a 2-2 tie. We then went through (2) five minute sudden death rounds in which nobody made a goal. Sad to say, we lost in pk kicks 4-3. Was a really good run, we all had fun and can't wait until next year.

Twilight...............

Alright, so I am so not on the band wagon with the movie. And yes, I did read all 4 books and love them. First of all, the book says that Edward is a person that hurts so much to look at him. Well, I am not into Edward, I do not know why he just doesn't appeal to me. I know, call me silly as thousands of teenage girls are swooning for the actor on screen, I so would much rather have the bad boy villian Cam Gigandent be the main star! Now that's a hunk.

We took all the boys to see it last Friday night, and I was actually criticised for being a parent who would *gasp* take her 3 children to see a PG-13 rated movie. Says one woman who appeared to be in her 60's. Can I go to one movie without pissing somebody off? What's sad is that my kids have seen more violent shows than that awkward teenage love fest. Oh well. Another movie, another critic.

Into Africa with Madagascar 2

I forgot to mention that we took the boys to see Madagascar 2 last Friday. When did they start making these cartoons for adults and not the kids??? Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the animation, and my kids still laughed, but there were some scenes that were adult-themed with jokes that I'm sure only people over the age of 17 really got. I think one of the weirdest parts was when the male hippo starts 'surfacing' out of the water so that Gloria could get a better look at his 'assests' hmmmmmmm...... Wonder what cartoon they'll come out with next for us.

Staff Pro Security

Yesterday Chris and I worked a 12 hour day as Staff Pro Security Guards for the Seattle Seahawks. Although it was alot of being on your feet and we only got (1) 25 minute break in that time, we had quite the fun.

The first 8 hours we worked in an area called Friends and Family in which we were security for all the VIP people that get into Qwest Field. We got to see the majority of the Seahawks from 2 feet away, including the coach's from both the Seahawks and the Cardinals. Chris also got to pat down Warren Moon and Steve Riebl!!! How awesome is that. We saw some very neat people yesterday.

After that, the next 2 hours were spent in the main corridor of the Seahawks and the Sea gals locker rooms. I worked the corridor and didn't allow anyone through unless they had a pass, while Chris worked the area next to me guarding the food! LOL! I think his best moment was being in charge of the gates while the Sea Gals ran back and forth from the game to their locker room! :)

The last 2 hours I was in charge of Freight Elevator number 2. Yup, you guessed it, I got to press the buttons and make the elevator go up and down. The highlight of this job was when I had to escort a prisoner who had been tasered from the upper concourse (level 5) all the way down to the field level. And of course there were stops on every floor of the way down, with the prisoner yelling the whole time. Lots of fun.

Super Aidan to the Rescue

So I took Aidan to work on Friday and the shop crew set up an area for the man of steel to test his might in holding up a 24" piece of ductwork. I loved his face, so hilarious!

Happy Halloween!!!!

I know, I'm late, story of my life, right?!!! So, the three boys had a ball on Halloween. Brennon and Keagan went all over with their friends gathering enough candy to feed us through the winter (work here I come!) haha. Aidan loved being a jedi and found his own Darth Vader to get into fights with.

Motorcycle Pet Mobile

So I'm online looking up pet carriers since I have the 3 cats and nothing convenient to carry them in, when I come across this motorcycle pet wagon.

I actually think they look kinda cool. I mean, who doesn't want to cart around their dog behind their motorcycle. Look at all the cool windows that little box has, and the vent on top. I especially like this one......

If only they showed the picture of the mini horse inside of it! :)

It's a girl, I think....

We decided to keep Collin our rescue kitty, who, up until 2 days ago I thought was a boy. Turns out I think it's got no boy parts what so ever and my little totally dependant on me kitty is a girl. I believe she's 7 weeks old. We're set to get her spayed, vaccinated, and declawed in two weeks.

My Little Pumpkins

The whole family went to the pumpkin patch on Sunday, along with some friends of ours. We had a great time. We let the boys go to their first haunted house, and somewhere through the house I had 2 kids holding onto various parts of my pantleg. Aidan was crying, I was laughing, overall was a very successful haunted house. Brennon and Keagan weren't very sure if they liked it or not, but I'm sure they'll go again sometime.

Keagan, Sophie and Aidan cheesing it up for the camera.


The rare mommy creature with Aidan posing for a photo.


Strolling through the corn maze.

This cat reminded me of my kitty Ican. It was so typical of like the halloween, pumpkin and cat theme so I just had to snap the picture.

Resting after spending 1/2 hour walking the corn maze.

Mamma Mia what a morning

This morning as I performed my daily jogging (only 1.75 miles today) I decided to turn on the soundtrack to Mamma Mia. What a funny movie this is. I didn't realize how enjoyable it would really be as I'm not usually a big fan of ABBA. The beginning of it had me pumping my legs to the music. Of course, I also never believed that some stars could actually sing (i.e. Pierce Brosnan, Meryl Streep). I enjoyed it. Especially the bachelor party scene. Wish all the guys looked like that.

Officially a Referee

Last night I finished the 3rd part of an 18 hour series to become a USSF referee. The reason I did this is because our coed soccer team is not getting enough referee's to be at our games. Do you know how difficult it is to try and play soccer with 22 coed adults on the field without a ref???? Let's say it sparks much debate on legal calls and out of bounds. Anyway. I passed with a score of 88. Although not my personal best, I have to admit it made me feel good because I beat everyone in the class. Here's to the passing out of many yellow cards.

Barn Kitties 2008 Part II

Did I mention I'm a sucker???? The cats had more kitties at the barn. Ironically same female with litter number 2. She had 4 kittens. They are just so darn adorable. She had 2 grey and white kitties, a solid grey and a tortie calico. So darn cute. One male was given away earlier today, the calico is pretty much given to a lesson student at the barn, so I have 2 males left to give!!!!

Drill Team 2009

The new season of the Rowdies starts on Sunday. We had our first meeting tonight. Can't say as they exactly welcomed us back with open arms, but we're trying our best to work into the team. It's alot of hard work, and there are several veterans who we feel would rather not have us at all. Here's a picture of Chris during last season riding Ginger.

Drunken Moments

How old do you really have to be before you stop doing things like the associated picture. Which *thanks honey* was snapped by none other than my fellow married individual for the last 13 years. The whole event lasted about 2-1/2 hours. The first hour which consisted of my consuming about 24 mixed shots and 1/2 shots of tequila. Excuse me, there was one shot of banana malibu rum in there as well which I shot with the usual salt and lemon. I was pretty well toasted at that point. The bath tub event however I will never understand.

Aidan's T-ball Antics

Aidan waiting for his coach to throw the ball.

Gauging the ball, trying to find his distance. Still not syncing up well with the ball yet.

Aidan waiting on first base yesterday.

Sisterhood of the traveling Pants II

Katie and I saw the movie last night. It was your typical teenie bobber show, but I loved it. Of course my favorite is Alexis Bledl. My goodness, could she be any more beautiful???!!! And, the fact that she's quite older than the ages that she plays is amazing. Of course, I think Katie is under the impression she can't take me anywhere as I almost tried to pick a 'disgruntling' with a group of about 6 teenagers who just couldn't shut the heck up. So as I nonchalantly 'shushed' them into behaviour I was the receiver of several childish stares. That's right kids, bring it on! :)

Gluteous Maximus

You know there are 3 major butt muscles. After working out for the past 2 weeks straight, I feel as if I've torn every single one of them. Especially the ones around the outer edges. How can they hurt so freakin' much??? Although to my credit, I still woke up this morning, hopped on the treadmill and ran for 1 mile. Afterwards it did feel quite a bit better. We'll see about tonight when we have to lift weights for our workout.

Clone Wars The Movie

Yes, I actually asked off of work early so I could surprise my boys by taking them to see the new clone wars movie that started today. Why.....because I'm a mom. Not that I don't like shoot them up, slash them, robots, robots, robots, weird things, and of course jabba the hut *sigh*..........but....... sometimes it's not my type of movie. And then of course to add to my degredation, the whole theatre (45 people for the 5:15 showing) clapped after it was done. I have to admit, my favorite part was the new girl jedi. At least I had somebody I could relate to in the movie.

Hawaii Pics Part 2

We snorkled at Hanauma Bay (wasn't very nice, the water was dirty, and not many fish. :() From left to right....my sister in law Lori, my brother David, Chris performing his Robinson Caruso look, and then me.

My mom and dad looking out at the Missourri battleship.

Taken from the Arizona looking up through the slots.

We saw dolphins!!! Yes, we took a catamaran out into the ocean and got to see a large pod tagging alongside the boat. Was very neat. When the motor was turned off and we started snorkling, they skeedaddled though. Although to take their place was a 3-4ft baby reef shark.

Hawaii Pics Part 1

This picture was taken at the Hale Koa, which was the first hotel we stayed at.

This picture and the one below were both taken at our condo resort we stayed at. The condo was 5 star all the way, called the Ko Olina. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.......

Did I mention Chris and I spent a wonderful week in Hawaii???? We got to go snorkling, visit the folks and my brother and sister-in-law and relax. Okay, so maybe relaxing wasn't really on the agenda. Attached are some pictures.

Almost a month!

It's been almost a month since I posted! How can that be???!!! Well...... Here are 5 reasons why
1. Zena suffered her horrible emergency. (Because I had too much money lying around)
2. We felt horrible and took the boys to the movies twice in one week
3. I'm still teaching lessons out at the barn (I love more students, and get a kick out of newbies!)
4. Chris tied me up (that's another post not for this forum)
5. We started p90x (2nd time is the charm!) two weeks ago and I can't lift my fingers

Little Peepers

Some birdies had their babies in one of the horses stalls at the barn. Aren't they cute????!!!!

The Terrible Four

Nathalie took this photo of the four of us from Summit at our June Competition. From left to right are:

Chris riding Ginger, Robin riding Indy, Dan riding Skippy, and me riding Zena.

Zena + Metal Tab = 22 Stitches

So, Zena thought my day wasn't eventful enough without having to go and get her butt tore up by running into a little metal tab. Here's why I wonder why we have horses at all. I think that Ginger scared her and she flew backwards, tearing her butt up in the process. I had to cancel 4 lessons with my students, borrow Nathalie's car and haul her 30 minutes to the vet. She should heal up nicely and be rideable in 5 weeks. Here are some pics from the after event.

Zena's lovely butt with the purple stitching. There are 11 stitches on the outside and 10 stitches on the inside!!!!!

Here's Zena suddenly being camera shy because she's embarrassed!!! haha

Zena got her feet done, look how nicely they're shaping. For those of you who don't know, Zena was EXTREMELY long toed when I first bought her because her previous owners didn't have a regular trimming schedule!!!!!

WLRCA Drill Team Competition

So, right now I'm typing from inside my little borrowed trailer (okay, it's fantastic! And the bonus is it's just me!) We had practice at 7am this morning and now we're on a little break until the actual competition starts later this afternoon. Of course I'll try to provide updates!

The rest of the time was really a downer. Our coach suffered from heat exhaustion, which put everyone in an upset mood really concerned about our coach. We did our best, though to try and do what we needed. At least it's good experience for next year. Here are some pics from the season. The saddle blankets in the pictures were made by me and Nathalie a few days before the event. We'll see what we can come up with for next year.

Swing Batter Batter

Pictures are coming I swear! Our boys started baseball. I'm so excited, of course since they are on different teams, they hardly ever have games on the same day. AND when they do have games on the same day, they're usually at the same time and on different fields. Brennon is doing better, he's just not excited with the whole sports thing. Keagan however is starting to hit the ball and really loves to slide into the bases. Aidan is suppose to start T-ball sometime in the next week.

Spring Rec Team Finalists

Our 2008 Spring Soccer Team "Freaks of Nature" made it to the semi-finals of their league this year. We finished with a 7-0-1 Record which is awesome!

PNWDTA Competition - June 21, 2008

Yes, I'm quite aware the date doesn't match, I've been a slacker on the blog, but super busy in real life! We had our 3rd even on the 21st of June here at the Tacoma Unit. 13 different teams competed, PLUS there were 4 novice teams (1 is us!) that competed as well. We got
1st in Impromptu!
2nd in Short Program
3rd in Freestyle
13th in Quad

and 2nd overall in high point. Overall was a FANTASTIC Ride!!!

Aidan's First Competition

Aidan did his first leadline ride last Sunday. He walked away (okay rode, I walked!) with a second place and 2 third places. We entered in the keypole race, the poles, and then figure 8 poles. It was quite a bit of fun. He rode a little p0ny we call Roman that belongs to summit stables. Here are some of the pics!!!