Happy Holidays 2011!

Our Year!

2011-12-23T23:29:00.001-08:00

School Days and Work...
Lots of changes for our family with school! I am homeschooling Hannah this year (only because lack of room in the charter school we want her to attend). She will definitely have a spot for her next year, as a new program starts in 7th grade at Horizon! Yes, you heard me right...7th grade! What the heck? Where did the time go? Things are going well, and she enjoys helping with the preschool during the preschool hours! Abbey is in an accelerated learning program at Horizon charter school in 3rd grade. She is loving her new school, new friends, and her teacher. It takes a special teacher to "get" Abbey, and I feel she has a great teacher this year! I am still operating the preschool in our home and loving it. It gives me that "baby fix" that I need! These little 3 and 4 year olds say the funniest things, and keep us laughing! James was given a new position within HP as a manager. He is enjoying his new role within the company, and he loving his wife more than ever! (That's me!)

Our Travels...
We surprised the kids to Disneyland in October! We pulled off on the grapevine and gave them their bags, which consisted of a Disney stuffed animal, shirts to wear in the park, and gift cards to spend at the parks! They both looked at each other and asked the famous question at the same time... "are we going to Disneyland???" We were lucky enough to meet up with James' family while enjoying the parks!
We went on a few camping trips to Humboldt, Black Butte, Bodega Bay, and Point Reyes to name a few. I was lucky enough to get away on a scrapbook weekend to Bodega Bay in January! It was a blast, and I hope to do it again! We also spent a few weekends away at various girl scout lodges with our troops. Oh, the places we go!!!

Health Alert...
Abbey is doing well with her Celiac. Each day it gets easier and easier to find products and restaurants that have gluten free options! It is becoming more common, and more people are being diagnosed each day! She still gets excited when she meets another person with the diagnosis. She feels an instant connection right away, and wants to share all of her tips with her new friend! This summer, Abbey is FINALLY old enough for Camp Celiac! A week long summer camp for kids with Celiac in Livermore. She is so excited, and I know I will be crying a few tears as I bid farewell to my baby. They will be happy tears though...imagining her in "gluten free food" heaven for a week...I know she will not want to come home!
Hannah is moving right along with her pace maker in place. We have about 3-4 years before she needs another surgery to replace the battery. Hannah attends a summer camp in Livermore for kids with heart conditions called "Camp Taylor!" It is the best part of summer for Hannah! She has met some great friends with similar conditions, and some great adults that give a good part of their life to this organization! We are extremely thankful to Camp Taylor for what it has done for our Hannah!

Abbey...
Abbey is a little drama queen, and loves attention from anyone that has time to listen! She loves to sing and act, and we hope to get her in some kind of drama lessons soon. She is in the drama club at her school, and apparently thinks she deserves a bigger part that the "woodland creature" that she was cast to play! Her weekly consists of yearbook club, piano lessons, drama club, dance lessons, and girl scouts. She is a busy kid, and loves to stay home and veg out when we have a free day!
Hannah...
Hannah is still our mild mannered 11 year old who likes to stay home as often as she can! Although she is being home schooled, she takes an art class weekly, and is still involved with girl scouts, dance lessons, and piano. She is a little "mommy" and loves to care for little ones. She earned her "babysitter" certificate this past Fall, and is ready for any job that comes her way!

We can't believe it is almost Christmas Eve! Eek! It snuck up on us this year, and we have been trying to enjoy each moment of the season! We have made candy, cookies, looked at Christmas lights with donuts and hot cocoa in hand, shopped, wrapped presents, decorated the house, visited San Francisco to see the enormous Christmas trees, ice skated, and watched a few Christmas specials on TV. We hope you have a great Christmas holiday, and a fun and safe New Year! Happy Holidays!!!

Our Year!

2010-11-10T15:32:00.001-08:00

Abbey's 2010

2010-11-10T15:32:00.000-08:00

I just love my whole family, especially because..ummm (don't type ummm)! Erase it....ahhh! (she stormed out of the room!)

Christi says: That sums up Abbey's 2010!

Thoughts from Christi's 2010

2010-11-09T22:00:00.001-08:00

My year has been spent dwelling on the fact that my kiddos are no longer babies! They don't quite fit in my arms like they used to. Hannah is getting very close to eye level...which freaks me out! Abbey has so much drama in her little head each day, that I long for the days where she would complain about taking a nap, instead of complain about what kind of look a friend gave her at school! I am officially the old lady that says to parents of young children "cherish this time, it goes so fast!" It really does! Today consisted of probing the kids to get ready for school, shuffling them out the door, teaching preschool, running errands, picking them up from school, taxi-ing them from soccer practice, to ice skating. Tomorrow is piano lessons and ice skating. Yesterday was girl scouts, and soccer. I complain about being their taxi...but I know someday soon, as I sit alone in my house, while the kids are away at college, I will be sad that they are not here for me to drive to and from each activity. I am trying to live in the moment, and appreciate each stage of growth they are living in. Hannah got a call from a boy this past weekend...yikes! Not sure if I am ready for the next stage!

Happy New Year!

2009-02-23T13:59:00.000-08:00

These last 2 months have flown by, and Abbey has been asking daily about her "upcoming" birthday (which is in May!). She has all sorts of elaborate plans, including a trip to Disneyland with her friends, and a sleepover with her entire kindergarten class. She also cut her hair 2 weeks ago. I noticed a chunk of hair on her carpet, and called her in her room. When she rounded the corner, her face was unforgettable as I was holding up the hair. "Uhhh, what? Not me? I don't know where that came from? Ahhhh...mom!" As she slaps her forehead. It us growing out, and looking ridiculous. She cut at her scalp, right in the front. Looking good in 2009. She has also learned to read, and is doing quite well. Last night we were laying in her bed, and she was reading to me. I said "I can't believe you, Abbey. You are doing so well with your reading!" She looked up at me with her eyebrows raised and said "mom, it just happens."

Girl Scout cookie sales are in full swing right now, and I have quality tested all flavors! Having access to an unlimited supply is not the best idea for my hips!

Back to the grind

2009-01-02T19:59:00.000-08:00

We have had such a great 2 weeks! James and I have both been off work, and it has gone by too fast. We got home today from a week in San Diego. We visited the great-grandparents, saw "Marley and Me," "Bedtime Stories," and "Tale of Despereaux." We visited Sea World, and had a great time with James' parents and siblings. It was a quick trip, but tons of fun. After we unpacked, we took Abbey to the pet store to pick out her 1st hamster. She got a cage for Christmas, but she had to wait until we returned to get the animal. She is so excited about her new pet!

Holiday Greetings!

2008-12-29T21:35:00.000-08:00

Wow! So much grief I recieved from not sending out Christmas cards this year. Don't think we skipped your address, if you didn't recieve a card. We never had a holiday picture taken, and the season flew by us. So, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I added all new pictures of our holiday happenings. We had tons of fun, and were sad to see it pass. One of the most exciting parts of the season was having a white Christmas in Pollock Pines. We drove to my dads house, while sheets of snow fell on the truck. It was so beautiful, and the girls couldn't stop squeeling with delight as we were surrounded by fluffy, white stuff falling from the sky. Today, we are wrapping up the year by visiting James' parents in San Diego. We went to Sea World today with James' mom and brother for James' birthday, and plan to spend the New Year with James' dad and family watching football and eating all day! We hope you have a happy, & healthy 2009!

Christmas is ALMOST here!

2008-12-20T11:59:00.000-08:00

Christmas is around the corner, and the Mascarenas family couldn't be more excited! We have baked cookies, made chocolate candies, visited the area neighborhoods to check out light displays, and walked the mall, full of crazy holiday shoppers. Uncle Brian & Aunt Vicky are coming to town in a few days, and we have lots of plans for them. Our presents are wrapped, and under the tree! So exciting!!!

princess turned to pistol!

2008-12-15T08:48:00.000-08:00

Our little 2 lb. 2 oz puppy was quite the charmer when she arrived. Well, she is showing her true colors these days! The 1st 4 days, not an accident in the house. Today, you have to be careful where you walk! She is a chewing, peeing, pooping machine. We are so thankful we have her, but are sick of cleaning up the carpet, and taking things out of her mouth. James and Hannah took her to her 1st puppy class this past Saturday, which was "so much fun" according to Hannah. We are hoping this class will mold her into a perfect pup who goes potty outside, and chews on her own chew toys. The girls are in love with her, and still argue over who gets to hold her. She is such a cuddle bug, and loves to fall asleep on our laps. When she is not getting into trouble, she is great! I guess, she is a keeper!

I did so good that I told you the truth...

2008-12-06T23:29:00.000-08:00

Abbey came home from school on Friday and told me she had a time out and a warning from school, all in one day! I asked her what it was all about, and she confessed. The warning was for talking with a friend at circle time. She told me, "I just had to tell her something!" The time out was when she ran UP the slide, instead of slid DOWN it. So, I talked with her about rules at school, and she says with a sweet smile, "Aren't I so good, that I told you the truth? You aren't mad at me, are you?" With that smile, I let her off the hook. I can be quite the pushover.

"The best day of my life"

2008-11-29T16:39:00.000-08:00

Hannah told us today that "today is the best day of my life!" as she sat in the backseat of the car. The weekend crying spree started when we saw the movie "Bolt," the girls walked out of that movie with their heads down. "We want a dog!" The crying began, and continued for several hours. James and I discussed the possibility of getting a puppy for the girls,, but we ended up telling the girls "no!" After several discussions, we decided to go ahead and make it a Christmas present. Today, we went and picked up little "Rosalina" from her breeders. She is a 7 week old chihuahua, and as precious as can be. We told the girls about the surprise on our way to pick her up. We were on our way back home with our new gift, and Hannah's smile couldn't get any bigger. She said to us "this is the best day of my life!" Since we have been home, the girls have been fighting over the little cutie, and all little "Rosie" wants to do is get some sleep.

Since our last update...

2008-11-20T14:36:00.000-08:00

I added pics of my brother's wedding from September. He, and Vicky had their wedding in Washington on her parent's ranch. Despite the trek it took to get us all there, it was the most beautiful wedding I had attended. The girls LOVED being the flower girls, and sat still all morning, as I curled each strand of their hair. They were such troopers with the million pictures we had to take that day. Five minutes after the ceremony ended, they changed into sweat pants, and danced the night away. Abbey came face to face with a pig that was being roasted. She thought that was quite a sight. While up North, we visited the very fun, science museum. The girls and I had such a great day cruising through the museum, while daddy was at the hotel working. We also visited Multnomah falls. A gorgeous sight to see, if you ever travel up into Washington.
During the month of October, we attended a Celiac Disease halloween party. We don't know people in the group, and were reluctant to go. After the party had ended though, the smile on Abbey's face, made it all worth it. We met some nice people, shared some "celiac" stories, and played games. The best part was when it was meal time. We approached the table full of pastas, salads, chips, dips, etc. Abbey asked "what can I have?" I responded in an excited voice (because I was really excited to tell her "anything you want!" She ate some dinner, and then the ooey- gooey brownies were uncovered. She ate those up and wanted seconds. The day was very exciting for Abbey, which made it exciting for us too.
Trick or treating was fun. The cousins had fun running house to house, leaving baby Ian in the dust. After the 2nd house, he got the hang of it, and learned quickly that if he went up to a door, he would get candy.

Whole Foods is OPEN!

2008-11-19T22:23:00.001-08:00

This is so exciting for our little family. Whole Foods is now open in Roseville! My mom, the girls, and I ventured in last week to see what kind of gluten free food we can get for Abbey. The normal person walking by us, had to think we were CRAZY! I would approach a new item, and screech "Abbey...have you ever had a corn dog??? Want to get some?" She would yell with delight "Yes, mommy! I do!" She would grab the package, hug it tight, kiss the box, and yell "this is so exciting!" I am not kidding you...we did this for almost every item we threw in the cart. Abbey can now sink her teeth into ice cream cones, corn dogs, mini packages of chocolate chip cookies, vanilla cookies, oreo cookies, etc. It was such an exciting experience for us, and for just an hour, Abbey was thrilled about her special diet!

It's Fall!

2008-10-19T00:27:00.000-07:00

The Mascarenas family has been busy in the Fall.
Kindergarten: Abbey is really enjoying school. She loves her teacher, and is always climbing on her. On her first field trip to the pumpkin patch, Abbey didn't want anything to do with, and was all over her teacher. I am not sure how the teacher handles a class of 20, when Abbey is always climbing on her. She is a good sport, and tells me that Abbey is a delight to have in class.

Groundbreaking ceremony: Sutter Memorial had their groundbreaking ceremony for the new hospital last week. Hannah was one of the few children chosen to take part in this event. It was such an honor for Hannah to be able to dig some dirt for the new hospital. About 8 years from now, Hannah will be need her pace maker replaced, and the new hospital will be finished. It will be neat to remind her of the day, she was able to dig the first few holes in the ground.

Chicks: Our preschool is hatching baby chicks. The girls had been counting the days until the chicks would hatch. Last Monday, they made their debut. The girls have been spending their free time handeling the chicks, and taking care of them. Next week, we will be handing them off to a farm.

Soccer: Our little star has been having so much fun with her first year of soccer. The first game, she had the nickname "Tazmanian Devil" because she would swing her arms in circles as she ran after the ball. I told her after the game, that she should not do that with her arms, because she might hit somebody in the face. Her reaction was "huh! Mom! I was just trying to get the ball!" She is aggressive, and loves to play the sport!

Girl Scouts: Hannah is enjoying her 5th year in girl scouts, and really enjoyed last night's Halloween party. She came out of her shell bobbing for donuts. She is pictured celebrating her victory, as she successfully ate her donut without letting it fall to the ground. Abbey is in her 1st year of girl scouts. Her Daisy troop is as adorable as can be! Abbey is pictured bobbing for donuts as well. One perk of having myself on the organizing committe of this event, is that I had a gluten free powdered donut standing by, ready for Abbey to join in on the fun!

Softball: The Screamers are doing great this year! We are sponsored by Mountain Mikes Pizza, and are so greatful for them. We spend each Friday night after the game, eating pizza and chatting it up.

Make A Wish: Cold Stone Creamery had a fundraiser last month, and I was able to get my hands sticky, mixing ice cream for the event. It was tons of fun being behind the counter and mixing creations. Lots of my preschoolers came in, and were so excited to have me scoop their ice cream.

Our VERY different girls

2008-08-21T13:29:00.001-07:00

This may be a long post, cause I have lots on my mind! So, my little angel started kindergarten last week, and has already had a check mark, as opposed to a star. Take a guess on which one is the good mark! She told me however, that the teacher let her erase it, if she stopped crying, (this is not good)! She stood in line yesterday, and hollered out (I mean, yelled!) "what's the hold up here? Get a move on!" Last night she tells me that a friend "dumped" her, so she started crying, and another friend wanted to be her friend, but she wanted to be friends with the girl who dumped her, so she declined a new friendship with the nice girl. Anyways, my point is that what I thought was considered "drama" with Hannah, is nothing compared to what we seen with Abbey in the 1st week f school."Unbelievable" is all I have to say! The kindergarteners designed a self cutout, and all the kids painted pants and shirts on their little person. They were all hung up at back to school night last night, so that all then parents can see what wonderful and creative children the class consists of. Well, there is my daughter's front and center, with a tube top painted on, belly button showing (she actually painted a belly button on), and a mini skirt! Wow, I am so proud!
Now, Hannah comes home last night and tells me that there are 2 mean girls in her ice skating class. She said that after a while of them being mean, Hannah and her friend went up to them and asked if they could all be friends! What??? I was blown away! I told her I was so proud of her, and she was such a big person for doing that. Then, I went on to tell her that I am so thankful I don't need to worry about her being a good friend to people. Now I will be concentrating on her little sis, who has already scared me to death! It is going to be a long school year!

End of summer

2008-07-29T15:32:00.001-07:00

Our summer is coming to an end. The girls start school on August 11, and that is when our busy season begins. Back to soccer practices/ games, the girls afterschool activities, working in classrooms, and girl scouts. We had such a fabulous summer vacation, with the exception of the occassional inside day due to the smokey air. We saw a few movies at the drive ins, went boating on many lakes, and had a few camping vacations. The girls each went to a few summer camps as well. Our summer was very enjoyable, and I am sad to see them go back to school! I really enjoyed spending the days at home with them, with the freedom to hit the gym pool, or see a movie in the middle of the day. I will miss our lunches out, and picnics in the park with friends. My baby is heading off to kindergarten in a week and a half, and she is looking forward to it!

Camp Pick-Up Day

2008-07-25T09:51:00.000-07:00

We picked Hannah up from summer camp last Saturday. The morning began with myself popping out of bed, which rarely happens! I was so eager to arrive at camp, and rescue my hysterical princess from the beasts, I called "camp councelors." Well, we arrived after almost 2 hours of driving, to find our shy and timid little girl, chatting it up with friends and councelors. Our eyes met as we entered the room, and she quickly looked away. Of course, I was thinking...she didn't see me, it just looked like our eyes met! Well, as I approached her, I had to ask for a hug. She gave me one, and then quickly continued her conversation with the teen-councelor in training. She was all smiles, as her councelor tapped me on the shoulder to tell me what a pleasure Hannah was to have in her cabin. Hannah had enjoyed rock climbing, horse back riding, skits, campfires, game night, competitions between cabins, themed parties, and so much more. She even attended her 1st dance! I would have loved to be a fly on the wall for that event. So, the councelor proceeded to tell me that Hannah was such a blessing to have in her cabin. She told me that Hannah was the equalizer of the group, making sure all girls were included at all times. She even was one out of 2 kids to win a webkin for the prize of "best behaved" out of the 160 kids who attended camp. I couldn't be prouder of how she acted away from home. Tears streamed down my face, as this councelor went on and on with specific stories of how Hannah showed such good behavior and friendship during her stay at camp. As we were climbing in our vehicle, an older man approached us with a smile. Later I found out, he is known as "Papa" around camp. He stood next to Hannah's door with his hands on his hips. She caught a glimpse of him, and leaped out of the car with the biggest smile I had seen for a while. She gave him a huge "goodbye" hug (bigger than I received at pick up!) and he asked her to save a dance for him next year. She agreed, and she climbed back in the car. Her 1st question to us was, "can I go again next year?" I had wasted my whole week worrying about our little angel, instead of taking advantage of only having 1 kid. I was so mad at myself for thinking Hannah would actually miss us, and want to come home! Anyhow, her 1st time at summer camp was a huge success. She had a great time, and is still coming up with funny stories about her week away. She can't wait to return next year!

Summer Camp

2008-07-16T16:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I dropped Hannah off at a 5 day long summer camp for "heart" kids in Livermore. The camp will have activities such as a ropes course, zip line, swimming, horse back riding, rock wall, karaoke, skits, campfires, and themed parties. My heart has been so heavy since I dropped my baby off at camp. I gave her the option to say goodbye, or hang out for a while. She chose to say goodbye to me, so she could get on with her week at camp. I am so worried she will be homesick, and they won't let her call. In my heart, I believe she will be so busy, that the week will fly by! I hope that is the case! But, until then, I am here, wondering if she is having fun, does she miss us, are kids being mean to her??? This week is supposed to be a fun break with only 1 kid, but I have spent so much time missing her, I am looking forward to Saturday!

Summer Days

2008-06-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

As I add pictures of our summer so far, I realize how much we have been on the boat! There is no wonder why...so peaceful, and such great family time. When Hannah gets upset at us, she has nowhere to run! We do have to endure Abbey's fits of rage, but when the water is so close...we like to threaten to throw her overboard. That usually halts the screams immediately. I am sure someday she will realize we will not actually throw her overboard, but for now, it works!
This week the the girls are attending 2 summer camps. A bible study camp in the morning, which includes painting, water slides, team games, and singing. The evening camp is with girl scouts, called "Girls just wanna have fun!" They also played team games, did some crafts, and came home with lots of prizes. They are loving both camps, and have tons of stories to tell us about their day. Next week we are headed for another camping trip to Black Butte Lake. This one is with all the cousins their age, and they can't wait. It is sure to be a blast!

Lake Oroville

2008-06-23T15:45:00.000-07:00

What a fabulous weekend we just had! We went camping with the Spaeth family, and really had a blast. The lake was low, but when you are the only one on the lake, it doesn't matter. We are not sure where everybody was, but it was empty. The water was warm enough to lounge around in, glassy enough to have fun on the wakeboards, and the weather was hot! Hannah got up on her wakeboard with a huge smile, and went quite the distance! Abbey did her best at the wakeboard, and I was thrilled that she wanted to try it more than once! The kids had a blast on the tube! My little dare devils wanted to go faster than we would allow. Below are some pictures from our fun filled weekend!

Happy Birthday Abbey

2008-05-13T22:18:00.000-07:00

Our little girl turned 5 today, and she wanted to make sure we didn't forget. We were walking through a parking lot today hand in hand, and she said "mom, are you forgetting something?" I thought long and hard...I have my purse, my phone, shopping bag..hmmm "I can't think of anything, Abbey." She says with her eyebrows raised "Hhhhaaaa, hhhaaaaa" I reply, "oh, happy birthday?" "yes!" she says in relief! So, throughout the day she kept asking if I forgot something. I guess she needed that constant reminder that I knew today was a special day!
At the end of the day, she told us that it was her "best day ever!" We are so thankful that it doesn't take much for the Abbster to be happy! She is looking forward to her party this weekend.

Silly Abbey

2008-04-08T19:59:00.000-07:00

Abbey lays on the couch this afternoon after a hard day at preschool. Her head is obviously spinning with thoughts. She sighs, and tells me "MOM! Everybody thinks I am a rockstar! They always see me, and say 'look, there's Abbey!' I can't believe it, everybody thinks I am so cool!" This kid's head isn't big at all! We have simply done a good job at building her self-esteem (yeah right)!
Later in the day, there is a knock at the door. Abbey comes out of her room like a hurricane. "I got it, I got, I am answering the door!" I tell her "that is fine, but I am right behind you." She stops, and turns around with her hands by her head and asks me "how does my hair look, does it look alright?" I tell her "just fine, Abbey." She lets out an exasperated "ok," and answers the door.
What will my life be like next year while my little love bug is in school day?

Spring Break

2008-03-23T21:06:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a break....NOT!!! We have been so busy, it has hardly been a break! We made a trip to Incredible John's pizza, ice skating a few times, Bounce U, a few trips to the park, and a fantastic trip to Lake Shasta. My friend has a house on Shasta, so 2 other moms and I packed up all 6 kids, and headed up I-5! We were gone for 4 days, but it went by so quick. The kids named themselves the "Super Six." We toured the Shasta caverns, and the Sun Dial Bridge. The kids practiced skipping rocks into the lake, and just playing in the dirt. The kids loved having a slumber party every night, and falling to sleep with a movie. The moms had a lot of laughs, and took many pictures.

Hoppy Easter

2008-03-23T20:39:00.000-07:00

Easter has hopped in and out of this house! At 11pm last night, I reminded James we had failed to get the eggs down from the rafters. His response was "the kids won't know the difference...they will not even notice!" Well, guess what! They noticed! The 1st thing Abbey did when she woke up was, head straight to the sliding glass door and said "I am looking for eggs!" The bunny was super smart, and tried to compromise. He led them on a scavenger hunt throughout the house to find their baskets. They were led to the oven, backyard, garage refrigerator, and various other places. They ended up in the hall closet, with 2 candy and toy filled baskets. The hit for Hannah was a new Webkin, and for Abbey it is all about the chocolate! They had an egg hunt at Papa and Grandma's house today, so it ended up to be a good day for Abbey!
Exciting news for the Mascarenas family... we bought a boat last week! We have been out twice so far, and are loving it! James and I both got new wakeboards, and we can't wait until the weather warms up a bit to hit the lake. We have many camping trips planned this summer, and will get lots of use out of our new purchase! Check out the new pictures on the right!

Abbey's party

2008-02-11T22:19:00.000-08:00

I tucked Abbey into bed tonight, as she started planning her birthday party in her head. Now mind you, her birthday is in May, but like myself, she likes to plan ahead :)
She told me that she wants everybody to wear fancy dresses to the party. Everybody must wear lots of jewelry (except for the boy- we will re-visit this one in a minute). She wants to be served gluten free food, and wants people to be waiters and waitresses. Her bedroom will be the dance floor, and she will make signs that say "do not touch my toys." She tells me, she only wants 1 boy at this party, which is her current "prince in shining armor"...Zachary. She wants there to be dancing, and then after dinner, she wants everybody to do the chicken dance. As I walk out of the bedroom, she tells me, "I am trying to think of who will dress up like a chicken!"
Any takers? Come on...it is just a chicken suit...

Life is good!

2008-01-29T13:56:00.000-08:00

As I sit here, I munch on a very yummy chocolate chip cookie that my friend, Lisa brought over. Boy oh boy....they are good! Kindergarten registration starts next week, and my eyes tear up at the thought of not having Abbey here with me during the day. She has been my sidekick since Hannah started school. I am not sure how I will do. I attended my 1st support group meeting for "parents of Celiac kids" and I was so happy I went! I got some great information, heard stories that resembled my life, and even shared a tear...yeah me....I know, very embarassing! Meeting these women for the 1st time, and crying about a story of Abbey feeling so proud, making her 1st batch of GF cookies all by herself! I do have to say, the moms all nodded their heads, tears in their eyes, and several replied "we know the feeling!" Geez...why can't I hold it together! Anyways, this weekend is very special for us! Abbey, my mom, a friend, and her Celiac daughter, and I are attending a "Gluten Free cooking spree" in San Francisco. We are pumped! Abbey can't wait! The evening will be full of gluten free dishes, desserts that Abbey has never had a chance to try...like pie, biscuits, and cheese bread! We are looking forward to our special evening with Abbey, where she will feel like the "other kids," and will be able to eat anything she lays her eyes on! The weekend can't get here fast enough! I better take some kleenex!

Make A Wish

2008-01-26T08:49:00.000-08:00

Exciting news! Hannah and I entered 2 drawings for the logo contest for the Twilight Walk for Wishes that is held every year in May. Hannah and my drawing was made into one, and was chosen for the new logo and will be printed on the t-shirts given out at the event. We are so excited to have our drawing on the thousands of shirts printed for the walk. Hannah and I are invited to the "kick off" lunch, where they will present the new logo, and will interview the 2 of us about Make A Wish. Of course, I will have James by my side to take over, since I have proven I am too emotional to say anything on stage about this great foundation.

Palm Springs

2008-01-07T16:33:00.000-08:00

James and I are in Palm Springs without the girls! Bittersweet! HP is awarding James' team with a mini vacation here, along with a couple of hosted dinners, a lunch, and a jeep tour in the desert. It is fun, but for some reason, I am feeling guilty that we don't have the girls with us. Of course the girls are in their glory with their arrangements! Abbey is with Namma and Paga for 4 whole days, and Hannah is at her friend's house, having sleepovers on a school night! Totally against the rules!

So sad that I didn't pack the camera! We toured the desert along the San Andreas Fault. The tour director told us if an earthquake were to happen while on this tour, we will fall in a deep crack and die! Nice heh? Nice plug for the business, I would say! Anyhow, we made it back, and are alive. We saw some amazing views, and walked in between cracks made by the shifting of the plates. It was incredible!