tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70988047459892638142024-02-20T08:04:39.649-08:00Oh! That's gonna leave a markDaily...well when I can, thoughts from my life as a mom , a wife, as an American, as a woman.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.comBlogger402125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098804745989263814.post-1067629757353447242009-09-15T06:49:00.000-07:002009-09-15T06:51:02.755-07:00the definition of Dog Tired<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyeTL3J0gV6dgBnuloVM0Ar0iOEeh57pX2ck94ygxDgY-uoEntlevffZuKehmHzGItJ1S0pjlGhzYtnKzUhnO4zi6JENEeBAlAzEJ2W_jZcZqpMMKpRqYf42rSQyjzOK_bkFCDRfGc-1z/s1600-h/DSCF2067.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 251px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyeTL3J0gV6dgBnuloVM0Ar0iOEeh57pX2ck94ygxDgY-uoEntlevffZuKehmHzGItJ1S0pjlGhzYtnKzUhnO4zi6JENEeBAlAzEJ2W_jZcZqpMMKpRqYf42rSQyjzOK_bkFCDRfGc-1z/s320/DSCF2067.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381691200976478962" /></a>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098804745989263814.post-47643290523620093432009-09-14T09:23:00.000-07:002009-09-14T10:12:00.687-07:00I wish that I could talk to dogsI am in my 2nd week of the <a href="http://c25k.com">Couch Potato to 5K</a> program. I've never been much of a runner, but I've decided that I <span style="font-style:italic;">could</span> be.<br />A couple of my friends began and after how I heard how they were doing, I decided that it might just be a good program for me as well. I want to do a 5K in the future. I know that my 70, or possibly 80 something, neighbor will still kick my butt, but I want to finish a 5K. So far, my refabricated ACL is holding up vs my original ACL in the other knee. <br />Today, I had Cinnamon running with me, which, BTW is like trying to put a leash on a deer. She loves to go with me, so I take her almost every time. We were running along and she spotted something that caused her to stop in her tracks. She froze, and began to back up. Freaking out.<br />It was a baby stroller with full trash bags tied all over it. Something that is usually being pushed by a homeless person on the street. This was just sitting at the curb. We could not pass it and needed to turn around. Cinnamon didn't calm down until we were half a block away from it.<br />It's not as odd as Pumpkin's irrational fear of aluminum foil when we first rescued her from the shelter, but it was odd.<br />I wish I could ask her what was wrong. How long was she a stray on the street? What happened?<br />She is sleeping quietly on the sofa now (and drooling onto the floor)... safe and sound, and that's what matters.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098804745989263814.post-57885484475410002212009-09-09T14:15:00.000-07:002009-09-09T14:20:53.856-07:0014 wonderful yearsStuntman enjoyed the anniversary gift that I gave him today. <br />Even though we rarely give gifts for our anniversary, we always sit and watch our wedding DVD and have a nice dinner together (if we happen not to be apart for work or war reasons).<br />The 14th Anniversary is the "Ivory" anniversary and he liked his bar of soap.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098804745989263814.post-4743854709082988602009-09-06T17:57:00.000-07:002009-09-07T15:15:40.708-07:00Volcano, or pyrocumulous cloud?<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyJ3EO83Z2EHWPXIuJZx3x33aQ9eYo-IbsiAzPpJY0oXaBlt3DkbJkWeVd9_vmuA29sm3NizSGGjkgwrYlPBA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />I was going through my video camera and forgot all about the quick video I shot of the Station Fire in L.A. last Saturday.<br />This is my first video upload to the site, why not.<br />At the end, you can hear E1 ask me if we are evacuating. I say "maybe".<br /><br />On another note... our usually squirrel-free backyard is full of squirrels, dozens of them. Usually, there is only that one obese squirrel that eats every last almond on the almond tree. <br />The squirrels escaped the forest, <br />where are the coyotes, deer and mountain lions? Remind me not to go for walks by myself around the neighborhood.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098804745989263814.post-76231154723764894952009-09-03T02:49:00.000-07:002009-09-03T03:09:34.399-07:00Home Sweet HomeIt's good to be home.<br />We've been evacuated for several days. Although the neighborhood is smoky, it is still intact.<br />I have many days of cleaning ahead of me (what's new). I'm just happy to have a home to clean. <br />I replaced the house air filter and I think everyone else in town has done the same because the store was practically sold out of filters of all sizes. <br />I am so thankful that the winds stayed calm as the fire crept closer to my home because any flying ember would have easily torched anything in it's path.<br />The firefighters have done an amazing job. A BIG THANK YOU to them.<br /><br />Tomorrow...<br />1. clean the pool because it is full of ash.<br />2. begin wiping down everything in the house, there is a fine layer of black dust on everything.<br />3. relax... traveling with 3 kids and 3 dogs and trying not to destroy your BIL's house is exhausting.<br />4. count the hours until Stuntman returns home<br />5. almost forgot... try to fix the sprinklers in the front yard. Someone (fire truck or looky-loo) drove into my yard while I was evacuated and ran over two sprinkler heads.<br /><br /><br />On a side rant... an online map of the fire was drawn incorrectly and showed that the fire had made it's way past our home. Stuntman was a little freaked out by this when he was looking for information on the fire. The media coverage of the fire has been horrible. It has been sensational, but not informative. Some online information was helpful, but some (as noted above) was inaccurate. Maybe next time someone can get it right.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098804745989263814.post-36792649588498041522009-08-30T19:45:00.000-07:002009-08-30T20:24:38.654-07:00Another Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_6DhLOaGpwyQxSdDwqtEXrTYkWdK3ipBlw8DQt84QGS-0kfIlPH8Ivn1YVHSuwraqxqw2U3AaNKgz582263VpjbNK6-vjHtuHvF9pKhQcNOfA5G5-l_L8HPdU2S-f2LUsm6-j1-1u_8e/s1600-h/DSCF2022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_6DhLOaGpwyQxSdDwqtEXrTYkWdK3ipBlw8DQt84QGS-0kfIlPH8Ivn1YVHSuwraqxqw2U3AaNKgz582263VpjbNK6-vjHtuHvF9pKhQcNOfA5G5-l_L8HPdU2S-f2LUsm6-j1-1u_8e/s320/DSCF2022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375963283175470850" /></a><br />We left the house last night and stayed at my BIL's house by the beach. Last night, the wind came up, flames crested the ridge and I didn't want to stay up all night watching for embers. A fire engine was parked at the base of my driveway, so I took it as a sign that it wouldn't be a bad idea to get out of their way.<br />It looked as if everyone else thought the opposite because there were MANY gawkers that drove up to the neighborhood, parked their cars and watched the fire. A-holes. <br />The fire is huge and moving in multiple directions.<br />The hill behind us continues to burn and there is one more ridge to go. No one is trying to put it out because of the steep terrain. It looks like they are just letting it burn down to the community like they have done in several other areas of the fire. It is a bit unnerving to see flames from the house, but the fire is moving very slowly. If there was any wind, I would be out of here.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDlZjLjY7PxyXWzB-J786dSOj8DGJPHPZVO1UrwD9H_8YlkWKohPoN3wTv3b-jWUw3oyA5-ikBkF0cff0pORENxZ9AKnIlcqsvgj8Xak0VYGk9d-NefeakF6KaUlwUHUDup9aCL5jGTM4/s1600-h/DSCF2042.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDlZjLjY7PxyXWzB-J786dSOj8DGJPHPZVO1UrwD9H_8YlkWKohPoN3wTv3b-jWUw3oyA5-ikBkF0cff0pORENxZ9AKnIlcqsvgj8Xak0VYGk9d-NefeakF6KaUlwUHUDup9aCL5jGTM4/s320/DSCF2042.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375963291775643474" /></a><br />My neighbor and I are taking turns staying awake tonight just so the other can sleep more easily knowing that the other is watching. We are not under an evacuation order, and probably won't be, but we will keep vigilant until the flames are extinguished.<br />My heart and prayers go out to the families of the firefighters that have lost their lives fighting this fire.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098804745989263814.post-25496039192764313102009-08-29T09:18:00.001-07:002009-08-29T09:35:34.779-07:00updateThe smoke cleared for a while yesterday and the fire is moving in the opposite direction. Still, no wind, so the firefighters can do their job.<br />Yesterday afternoon, I corralled the kids into my bedroom, put in a Garfield DVD and tried to take a nap. I was successful for 30 minutes and it felt great since I hadn't slept much in the last 3 days. I was half-asleep and heard a knock on the door. No one just drops by here, it's out of the way, but there on the front step was my BIL. He came to check on us since he knew Stuntman was out of town. He could see the smoke plume from his house down by the beach and drove all of the way up here. The kids were ecstatic. They absolutely love their uncle.<br />Of course, my house was a DISASTER! On a scale from 1-10, it was a 9 on the messy scale. Toys all over, laundry in the midst of folding on the dining table, dishes in the sink. It was embarrassing. It didn't take long to tidy up while he had the kids occupied. <br />He stayed for dinner and left when it was the kids' bedtime once he could see that we were in the clear. <br />Right now, the smoke outside is unbearable and ash is currently falling, but no flames nearby. :)Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098804745989263814.post-20205828812688643812009-08-27T23:28:00.000-07:002009-08-27T23:48:35.655-07:00What to doWhat do you do when you're stuck in the house all day because it's 100+ degrees outside, and smoky, and there is ash falling from the sky?<br />Make <a href="http://bakerella.blogspot.com/search/label/cupcake%20pops">cake pops</a> with little lifeguard teddy bears on them for E1's upcoming swimming banquet.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sGuOBe2EV81tVEfQTH6GZ6iPnVneF0HNgnKZ2js0wUGmgI0rgfDqw7xDpB42vGAGocYx8S_kH1-PP4-0wHlVLdivIUy_dl_GYKoxZDGeYXnhVPalAJIn-Y0To8-L2koSytBI_HuZ-exH/s1600-h/DSCF1979.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sGuOBe2EV81tVEfQTH6GZ6iPnVneF0HNgnKZ2js0wUGmgI0rgfDqw7xDpB42vGAGocYx8S_kH1-PP4-0wHlVLdivIUy_dl_GYKoxZDGeYXnhVPalAJIn-Y0To8-L2koSytBI_HuZ-exH/s320/DSCF1979.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374898926783447026" /></a><br /><br />Once again, there are fires burning in SoCal. Thankfully, the winds are low so the firefighters have a chance to do what they do best.<br />It's been quite an airshow today with big fixed-wing water dropping planes flying overhead. We watched the helicopters take turns slurping water from the pond to drop onto the flames. It was a constant rotation of helicopters pausing only to refuel. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1CokyB7gHs-6G0EqVRmrj_4nxfbL_CVNBD7G7hyphenhyphenYaN38f-t_Fw2_UVLGKOkvoockRv4FXJ6-BLShUOCbB43AQp2uwTdn1eglojgoD3n7sy70iMIKCNey4kU02e7o11APhuhOaXDMJ6dR/s1600-h/DSCF1970.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1CokyB7gHs-6G0EqVRmrj_4nxfbL_CVNBD7G7hyphenhyphenYaN38f-t_Fw2_UVLGKOkvoockRv4FXJ6-BLShUOCbB43AQp2uwTdn1eglojgoD3n7sy70iMIKCNey4kU02e7o11APhuhOaXDMJ6dR/s320/DSCF1970.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374898914228195298" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SN3xveS593EtXMzkUQRn_LDhQiMXs_mn4k0WEsuDE7S32P-6K9wwHc3ZYiaGy6KwnPbpyl2YcWinpAccXyAvpigbjMDi3Ky0sjuM282PEezuGYsk79Z3W1mW9XVTuAP_k87sG00UcAGx/s1600-h/DSCF1942.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SN3xveS593EtXMzkUQRn_LDhQiMXs_mn4k0WEsuDE7S32P-6K9wwHc3ZYiaGy6KwnPbpyl2YcWinpAccXyAvpigbjMDi3Ky0sjuM282PEezuGYsk79Z3W1mW9XVTuAP_k87sG00UcAGx/s320/DSCF1942.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374898909356015362" /></a><br />At this time, numerous homes are being evacuated.<br />Of course, Stuntman is out of town for a couple weeks. I'm staying awake as much as possible in case the wind does pick up. After <a href="http://ohthatsgonnaleaveamark.blogspot.com/2008/10/wind-and-smoke.html">last year's fires</a>, I know how quickly fires can move. This one is MUCH closer than last year's... once again, the reason I am planning to stay awake as much as possible tonight.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098804745989263814.post-1472464609903145992009-08-05T09:34:00.000-07:002009-08-05T11:32:32.772-07:00ReflectionLast night we I heard a deep, spooky growl coming from Cinnamon.<br />She was standing in the dining room and looking out of the patio door.<br />I was concerned, until I realized that she was growling at her own reflection.<br /><br />I sure hope that she grows out of this.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098804745989263814.post-43964646098542820132009-07-18T09:30:00.000-07:002009-07-19T14:12:12.960-07:00CrunchCrunch. That's the sound that I hear when I walk on the grass. It looks like everyone around here is obeying the mandatory water conservation rules for LADWP. Sprinklers are only allowed Monday and Thursday for 10 minutes. <br />Summer just began and I have a feeling that my lawn may spontaneously combust at any moment. <br />Oh, and that <a href="http://ohthatsgonnaleaveamark.blogspot.com/2007/11/2240.html">hill that I planted</a> a couple years ago? toast.<br />I hope it will revive when rain returns.<br /><br />*updated, I forgot the linkSusanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098804745989263814.post-4500552188359307712009-07-14T23:58:00.000-07:002009-07-17T08:58:00.781-07:00One of those days<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-VmyAnDeFuNyAslGBvZIp32DTVagb1LJdZzXD3nueoIIx4e7z2VtwKWZLUe7EShiMolbDCshZ-Mz1jIayy0adDPrZLFHjcZ3dshKGkZe66crghDb_FwBBluayXzCLxYL6-UuSVbYas-e/s1600-h/DSCF1791.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-VmyAnDeFuNyAslGBvZIp32DTVagb1LJdZzXD3nueoIIx4e7z2VtwKWZLUe7EShiMolbDCshZ-Mz1jIayy0adDPrZLFHjcZ3dshKGkZe66crghDb_FwBBluayXzCLxYL6-UuSVbYas-e/s320/DSCF1791.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358578273279186050" /></a><br />It was one of those days.<br />Stuntman did arrive home earlier than he had for the last 2 weeks (7pm). I was able to sit by the pool and watch everyone swim while enjoying my mango margarita.<br /><br />update 7/17* I should mention that it was a delicious Tastefully Simple Mango Margarita. If you would like your own, contact <a href="http://lifeofabutterflywife.blogspot.com/">Butterfly Wife</a>. Seriously, delicious.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098804745989263814.post-68107392298141325132009-07-13T23:05:00.000-07:002009-07-13T23:18:26.689-07:00Now back to three<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBusjeqmihZBoVqaWvfQsudsTF2kIzgXcaEMs7aGK8q1MgJ9HSFwN1CDJHra_F_ob7WxV66sDCn7nhf9SGNNCS-z9Dam8YjqJJIE8libRVzKjZrIBLHxapMN6BocEfuqcL2Omjujkb5R4/s1600-h/DSCF1783.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBusjeqmihZBoVqaWvfQsudsTF2kIzgXcaEMs7aGK8q1MgJ9HSFwN1CDJHra_F_ob7WxV66sDCn7nhf9SGNNCS-z9Dam8YjqJJIE8libRVzKjZrIBLHxapMN6BocEfuqcL2Omjujkb5R4/s320/DSCF1783.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358193264786027074" /></a><br />Meet Cinnamon.<br />We adopted this little boxer from the shelter over the weekend. We picked her up from the vet today (the shelter requires spay/neuter before you take the dog home). They say she is 6 months old, but I'll see what my vet says when I bring her in for a checkup and suture removal.<br />She's sweet and great with the kids. She is fast friends with Roxie and Emma is warming up to her. <br />E3 and Cinnamon are both busy potty training now. I hope Cinnamon learns quickly.<br /><br />Here is a photo from a couple years ago of our last trio.<br />Roxie is the young one in the center, with <a href="http://ohthatsgonnaleaveamark.blogspot.com/2007/11/and-then-there-were-two.html">Pumpkin</a> and <a href="http://ohthatsgonnaleaveamark.blogspot.com/2008/07/and-then-there-were-two-again.html">Sparky</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZ-ganpFif9laoWh6xAwvbKrlLzkWCLLcbCQyqNe-MD28MNeZo1Osqgxafi4KjLIBoT7HOFor9-C00vAsYHwNECcHzCDu8160S9_oaOZy-4Q2s0qcNNzsQJBehoFLeNALFmsl58b5ZKrM/s1600-h/IMG_0392_2-1.JPG.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZ-ganpFif9laoWh6xAwvbKrlLzkWCLLcbCQyqNe-MD28MNeZo1Osqgxafi4KjLIBoT7HOFor9-C00vAsYHwNECcHzCDu8160S9_oaOZy-4Q2s0qcNNzsQJBehoFLeNALFmsl58b5ZKrM/s320/IMG_0392_2-1.JPG.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358195432389517682" /></a>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098804745989263814.post-62336379586593808812009-07-03T19:57:00.001-07:002009-07-03T20:02:23.906-07:00Happy Birthday U.S.A.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xUIocbIDV1Ej842AfM_1_IzBUlN-Vvr-WZKWA1kQG1JSG0O8vnIbBnopGnVSkmVLxyCltkzFHPI-L5ILpS6N0JSvAzkNj1DMG9aeMEEj2crsRCmcZIhuKzpNAozcDTT-8D0L2pEyFCkK/s1600-h/DSCF1699.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xUIocbIDV1Ej842AfM_1_IzBUlN-Vvr-WZKWA1kQG1JSG0O8vnIbBnopGnVSkmVLxyCltkzFHPI-L5ILpS6N0JSvAzkNj1DMG9aeMEEj2crsRCmcZIhuKzpNAozcDTT-8D0L2pEyFCkK/s320/DSCF1699.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354434040769646226" /></a><br /><br /><br />Happy 4th of July Everyone!<br /><br />We threw a few steaks on the grill tonight because we are loaded and ready to go...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8P1QbmQ9yIbTcbE9LpSpq-45hMyOZJQSMTWtk22PQMN_w-iBFVcLImMlm4wWSOQhhgR15MuwbfohnVDZCOPdYNKS1LXOLlLDUX3bJ1OOu5R0P5Ie_BXpQLihWsNl-W7EAvfzAWzQoNiZ/s1600-h/DSCF1710.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 107px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8P1QbmQ9yIbTcbE9LpSpq-45hMyOZJQSMTWtk22PQMN_w-iBFVcLImMlm4wWSOQhhgR15MuwbfohnVDZCOPdYNKS1LXOLlLDUX3bJ1OOu5R0P5Ie_BXpQLihWsNl-W7EAvfzAWzQoNiZ/s320/DSCF1710.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354434045556509346" /></a><br />for tomorrow :)<br />in my mini-van of the high desert.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoMl5xhcguNs8i9elMdj4n1kDwAGUEbssu-oJY8h6wSbwrrckZMWZW0tdvY6g39kjoxlxBz10Fn0-JKOMQesAWT33EDcYT_NNdanlkwXF1gWk3uDqAa6I2_AOMTMHoGzKNlQwY4liPCvd/s1600-h/DSCF1716.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoMl5xhcguNs8i9elMdj4n1kDwAGUEbssu-oJY8h6wSbwrrckZMWZW0tdvY6g39kjoxlxBz10Fn0-JKOMQesAWT33EDcYT_NNdanlkwXF1gWk3uDqAa6I2_AOMTMHoGzKNlQwY4liPCvd/s320/DSCF1716.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354434049730717506" /></a>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098804745989263814.post-57913506584877380582009-07-03T15:17:00.001-07:002009-07-03T15:20:09.579-07:00Tired dog<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVBmsl0j3g22Ca_oGJNyGsnFrUa82gA6zrCVjcRi5aDZMAf8ygLh02n5qEwj3BbcYSI6Lw7zVUynRzEv9iJ4vHrG5-6ND5oSzXMRKqF1WkZSAcsG9FfUQH7S8h2Ah9eqm93nudiA4IPj-/s1600-h/DSCF1682.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVBmsl0j3g22Ca_oGJNyGsnFrUa82gA6zrCVjcRi5aDZMAf8ygLh02n5qEwj3BbcYSI6Lw7zVUynRzEv9iJ4vHrG5-6ND5oSzXMRKqF1WkZSAcsG9FfUQH7S8h2Ah9eqm93nudiA4IPj-/s320/DSCF1682.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354361777996752034" /></a><br />What happens after a day of<a href="http://ohthatsgonnaleaveamark.blogspot.com/2009/06/happy-dog.html"> swimming</a>.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098804745989263814.post-51659891052895510352009-07-01T17:43:00.000-07:002009-07-01T17:51:42.073-07:00How long until the DVD?I rarely go to see movies at the theatre. I am too cheap. <br />Occasionally, we go to the drive-in, because it is a bargain. That's when we see "family" shows. I would like to see the Johnny Depp movie, Public Enemies, but I don't think it would be family viewing, so I will have to wait until the DVD is released.<br />I hope to hit the drive-in tomorrow night for Ice Age 3, but I'm not sure if Stuntman has Friday off of work. We have barely seen him since he returned home from his 2 week business trip. <br />On a side note, my grandfather was taken in by the authorities because he was mistaken for John Dillinger when Dillinger was a fugitive. Luckily, they soon realized their mistake even with the strong resemblance.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098804745989263814.post-23711213756593445502009-06-30T09:51:00.000-07:002009-06-30T10:11:23.588-07:00An Evening Out<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXtyO6EPNV9hVl3NOFVPTA38eh1TzJbkpv_OGsjxsgEsk3xQ_zcQLfLncuZY48RD-zWuOinMUCdRD0Z2lwZIQu2btdcyLDdpcI8W7xi_pF2KnWbVzsiBk2kt-WAcrN-Smmnr-RRbS10_p/s1600-h/DSCF1673.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXtyO6EPNV9hVl3NOFVPTA38eh1TzJbkpv_OGsjxsgEsk3xQ_zcQLfLncuZY48RD-zWuOinMUCdRD0Z2lwZIQu2btdcyLDdpcI8W7xi_pF2KnWbVzsiBk2kt-WAcrN-Smmnr-RRbS10_p/s320/DSCF1673.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353164555072347186" /></a><br />I brought these cute little chocolates home from dinner last night. You may or may not be able to tell, but they are from the Reagan Presidential Library. The chocolates were placed on top of the dessert, but since they were so cute, I needed to bring them home to show the girls. Then they ate them.<br />I was lucky enough to be invited by a friend to the Reagan Library yesterday for an event. Mike Huckabee was there for a book signing. We arrived in time to hear his speech. I really enjoyed listening to him. The content was spot on and laced with just the right amount of humor. All of the "change" going on right now is overwhelming to me. It was rejuvenating to be in a room full of people that believe in the conservative movement. Optimists that believe that America's best days are not behind us, but ahead of us.<br />After the speech, and Q&A session, dinner was served and we ate in the shadow of Air Force One. The view from the library is amazing and dinner began just as sunset began. Perfect. Timing. I wanted to lick my plate, but didn't, because I am sure that may have been inappropriate... even though the food was delicious.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdTt9TqXxKyju-UyXlG21c7sL_EDs5WW1-yZPkVX1mVX3OvGeG68CHAZhiYJzPkUI0yBlnUbuXInpfPAKTkLJTw6L6DMBzGleZPnY7cKEjfnDIdGLPrwcwvnB42wrqOVi4sf0laS5ylnn/s1600-h/DSCF1677.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 253px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdTt9TqXxKyju-UyXlG21c7sL_EDs5WW1-yZPkVX1mVX3OvGeG68CHAZhiYJzPkUI0yBlnUbuXInpfPAKTkLJTw6L6DMBzGleZPnY7cKEjfnDIdGLPrwcwvnB42wrqOVi4sf0laS5ylnn/s320/DSCF1677.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353167749037787778" /></a><br /><br />I'm trying to wrangle tickets to attend the upcoming event with Condoleezza Rice.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098804745989263814.post-86950733293376716122009-06-28T22:24:00.000-07:002009-06-28T22:24:02.298-07:00Happy Dog<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwYExD65Ri9P7TSukE_d0KTNWnHaWUR_7ymOr2-I6qW3Qqihi9_6vMZypKckDVnvwr565F1hObJ9PPCALtZ3dZTbghFsyiJgGyMy9bIJj9-9sogGde-wZGA8I4XJyp7lEg5QUnwedVQ93/s1600-h/DSCF1639.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwYExD65Ri9P7TSukE_d0KTNWnHaWUR_7ymOr2-I6qW3Qqihi9_6vMZypKckDVnvwr565F1hObJ9PPCALtZ3dZTbghFsyiJgGyMy9bIJj9-9sogGde-wZGA8I4XJyp7lEg5QUnwedVQ93/s320/DSCF1639.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352245191721732722" /></a><br />Roxie Dog in her element.<br />She really thinks that she is a labrador.<br />Ever seen those dog competitions where the dogs (usually yellow labs) fly into the water after a toy and compete for distance? In her younger years, Roxie dreamed of that... well she would have if she knew about it.<br />Now, with her bad hips, she slowly enters the water and swims around... followed by standing on the step and smiling.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098804745989263814.post-64189669256469109322009-06-27T22:14:00.000-07:002009-06-27T22:32:51.499-07:00Not Hideous, maybe.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPhFTlccGM6jrLB0L-CimsK443mgQWCCjDfeXJLC1tkNKw0TbK0Blto5PDn8DVLbezO-7sW0jqcweD5wfe9EiDS2ab6ZrselnxIMwHOc6mCYKRciYKhSnsCWBZyvRJvp1WIpGRlsRlZGB/s1600-h/DSCF1649.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPhFTlccGM6jrLB0L-CimsK443mgQWCCjDfeXJLC1tkNKw0TbK0Blto5PDn8DVLbezO-7sW0jqcweD5wfe9EiDS2ab6ZrselnxIMwHOc6mCYKRciYKhSnsCWBZyvRJvp1WIpGRlsRlZGB/s320/DSCF1649.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352243075340776658" /></a><br />I promised photos of the cake. It didn't turn out like I had pictured in my head, but it isn't all that hideous.<br />I know it will be tasty, and I know E3 will enjoy it. <br />It is a two-layer 9x13 cake, one layer is vanilla, one is chocolate. There in another half layer for the "hill". All of it is covered in chocolate frosting and crushed cookies. <a href="http://bakerella.blogspot.com/2007/12/red-velvet-cake-balls.html">Cake ball</a> (same method as link, different flavor) boulders and chocolate rocks are an attempt at a dry river bed, something that E3 is familiar with when we drive the sand rail in the high desert.<br />I hope it lasts until the party, because I have a feeling that there may be a few missing rocks and boulders by cake time.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098804745989263814.post-2585126035030837222009-06-24T22:48:00.000-07:002009-06-24T22:57:32.484-07:00Time Flies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsS1xnY04kd-eem1JJMVvGySNnQTCZY9wYoy0axFi6edANfTMWvWbWy2_Wkds2UuW4iKCdIHqCqii7UAifMGJL59sZhQ8cpds-yf14dUaR9YK7ZAq2yB_rv5vLQJe_6UKyt2yvnM2Foy0/s1600-h/DSCF1608.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsS1xnY04kd-eem1JJMVvGySNnQTCZY9wYoy0axFi6edANfTMWvWbWy2_Wkds2UuW4iKCdIHqCqii7UAifMGJL59sZhQ8cpds-yf14dUaR9YK7ZAq2yB_rv5vLQJe_6UKyt2yvnM2Foy0/s320/DSCF1608.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351140113979614850" /></a><br />E3 turned 3 today.<br />I can hardly believe that it has been THREE years since I rushed to the hospital just in time for E3's birth. Stuntman arrived just in time for the delivery. <br />He is such a fun little guy. Fun to watch, fun to play with, fun to speak with. <br />He's a little obsessed with monster trucks and MarioKart Wii at the moment, but he is always up for playing in the sandbox. At least until his "stomach barks" saying that it is time to eat. <br />He adores his sisters and they adore him, although he occasionally plays the role of annoying little brother.<br />Happy Birthday my little man.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098804745989263814.post-76912769608263660882009-06-22T17:43:00.000-07:002009-06-22T17:44:09.166-07:00Uncanny<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IsGR83Imoto&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IsGR83Imoto&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098804745989263814.post-85848959715465198962009-06-16T18:01:00.000-07:002009-06-16T19:26:13.583-07:00School's outNow it's time to plan the summer. It doesn't look like we will have an out-of-town vacation this year. Stuntman will be away to the home office for training a few times during the summer. He left today for two weeks as well. We stuck a Father's Day card in his luggage. Hopefully, he won't open it until then.<br />It finally feels like summer here. It has been cool and drizzly for a couple weeks, but now it has been sunny for almost two days. I was enjoying the cool weather because I know that we will have PLENTY of 100 degree days in the near future.<br />Just the usual going on around here. Prepping for a big birthday party for E3. He's never had one. E3 missed having the big first-birthday-bash that we had for each of the girls because Stuntman was deployed at the time. The 2nd birthday was just after Stuntman returned home, he wasn't in the mood for a lot of visitors at the house. I have some things together for the party, but still a lot to do. I have a vision of the monster truck cake that I will be making, I hope that I can create it in cake form.<br />There will be photos... unless it is hideous.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098804745989263814.post-12547022339051337902009-06-09T16:53:00.000-07:002009-06-09T17:00:45.804-07:00So ProudKindergarten Graduation... not something that I did when I was six. We just went into first grade.<br />E2's Kinder Promotion Ceremony was great. All the kids in little cap and gowns ... adorable.<br />They began the ceremony with the kids introducing themselves and saying what they want to be when they grow up. There were several veterinarians, a rocket scientist, a boxer, a couple ice skaters among others. E2 said "I want to be a Mom that works at home". Big applause followed. I guess that she figured it out a lot earlier than I did. It certainly wasn't what I had planned, but it truly is the best job in the world... sometimes the most frustrating, but also the most rewarding.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098804745989263814.post-9402274275721566912009-06-06T11:48:00.000-07:002009-06-06T11:54:41.062-07:00PrioritiesIt's been raining here for the last few days. Just a shower here and there, cloudy skies and thunder now and then. I like it. <br />With no outside play, E3 and I have played the Wii together. He is a bit obsessed with Mario Kart.<br /><br />E3 doesn't use a toilet, but he can kick my butt in Mario Kart Wii. seriously.<br /><br />He just finished ahead of E1... the reigning champion of the house. <br /><br />He can't drive a real car for 13 years. Oh boy.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098804745989263814.post-30384770121380032392009-05-31T00:19:00.000-07:002009-05-31T00:53:43.684-07:00And she's SixWe asked E2 what she wanted to do for her birthday, and she chose Legoland. The last time we were there was during Stuntman's <a href="http://ohthatsgonnaleaveamark.blogspot.com/2008/03/legoland-take-2.html">leave</a>. It was Saturday, so of course, it was <a href="http://ohthatsgonnaleaveamark.blogspot.com/2008/03/were-griswolds.html">open</a>.<br />For a Saturday, the crowds were completely bearable. I can't handle the crowds at Disneyland. It's tough to stand in line for 45 minutes for a 2 minute ride with three small kids. Legoland had lines today, but nothing crazy. We were able to go on everything that we wanted except one of the new rides that had a 45 minute wait. I purchased the tickets at the school's silent auction recently, so it wasn't as expensive as it could have been. It's one of those "spend money to save money" things.<br />We picked up a flat of strawberries on the way home. The strawberries from roadside stands in California are so delicious, nothing like what you can buy at a grocery store. <br />E1 is making the birthday cake for tomorrow. No big party, just E2's uncles are coming over for cake after mass and breakfast in the morning. <br />E2 was so excited about her birthday last night. Stuntman and I were snuggling on the sofa watching TV a little after midnight last night when E2 wandered out of the bedroom. She said "it's my birthday" with a big smile. I guided her back to bed and chatted with her for a little bit before she went back to sleep. I can't believe that she is 6 already.<br /><br />A couple days ago I was in the ER checking to see if I had broken a bone. ( I had not, just badly bruised and swollen) <br />While there, I flashed back to an ER trip that I had when I was 4-5 months pregnant with E2. I had a little spotting and a friend brought me in to be evaluated. (Stuntman was out of town at the time). While I was waiting to be seen, I hemorrhaged. A. Lot. I remember seeing "D&C?" written on the board at the nurses station next to my name. The doctor sent me home after evaluating me and I was to come back in the morning for another evaluation. He said that there was a 50%+ chance that I would lose the baby during the night and prepare myself for that. I bled for about a week until the placenta healed. <br />I'm going to go give E2 a kiss on her forehead right now as she sleeps.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098804745989263814.post-24042031175407310532009-05-25T12:38:00.000-07:002009-05-25T12:44:02.374-07:00Memorial Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYyV_PbJlI9n7Q2rU6DVS50VTLlaiNBI11VdgOYyyWZa8ub66k_fjFfUL1vHZgUrVu3LfpQXDl2q-G0cPYclHtF2MQj1Q_POBBrYrD2bHJCt7-ByD519rC3DDv9tSVNU9UEyjoTU84dpX/s1600-h/IMG_1975.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYyV_PbJlI9n7Q2rU6DVS50VTLlaiNBI11VdgOYyyWZa8ub66k_fjFfUL1vHZgUrVu3LfpQXDl2q-G0cPYclHtF2MQj1Q_POBBrYrD2bHJCt7-ByD519rC3DDv9tSVNU9UEyjoTU84dpX/s320/IMG_1975.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339848442537173538" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thank You</span><br /><br /><br /><br />"A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself" <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Joseph Campbell</span>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00529235125681847574noreply@blogger.com1