Knotts Berry Farm

Riley and I skipped out on all responsibility today and went to Knotts Berry Farm for the afternoon. This was her first time there and she gave it a thumbs up! It was super hot, but the park was empty... We were able to ride the rides without the lines, we rode some 3 or 4 times in a row. Let me tell you how strange it is to hop on a completely empty log ride. I will post the pic of my petrified princess later... too funny!

Ready to start the fun!

We found Snoopy... Riley let me know that she thinks Snoopy is a girl because he doesn't have any boy parts like her boy dogs.. Gessh, that kid doesn't miss a thing.

The Halloween Decor was up, absolutely my favorite holiday. I love gargoyles!

6Th time on the merry go round.

A kiss to distract from a possible mid day melt down.. she was one tired puppy.

Knotts got a thumbs up from Riley...... Fun rides, good junk food and no lines.. yeah!

1st Visit to the Dentist

Riley had her first dentist appointment this week and she loved it! I have been dreading this day because she is such a prissy little thing, I thought she would throw a huge fit.... boy was I wrong. It was like I took her to Disneyland, she was that excited! Shes a strange one. Any who the chompers look great and her brushing habits are good. Getting some X-rays.... For me personally this is the worst part about the dentist. Damn you over reactive gag reflex.

All done. and No toothbrush for you... Budget cut backs I guess, not even a small tube of toothpaste. So I had to put a cute little toothbrush package together and mail it to the munchkin. She loves getting mail!
Have a great cavity free week everyone!

Just ranting

I read something the other day, that Americans are getting fatter, well duh! (thus increasing a woman's bra size... You would think right?) In addition I know more friends with breast implants than ones without.... I also read that breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery in the US... So answer me this why cant I go to any department store and find a freaking bra in my size that fits? Seriously, who but circus freaks wear a 32DD? Who is managing the inventory?
I particullary care to waste $40 in gas driving all over town only to find 1 bra I like for then pay $55 for it. Don't get me wrong the girls looked and felt great in their new digs, but it pisses me off when that same $55 bra accidental sneaks into the dryer and gets tangled up and ruined.. Now the Twins are homeless once again, evicted from their luxury condo, back to the cardboard box in alley... You get the point. So the hunt continues.
Ooh and that reminds me, when I'm diving all over town I notice the stickers on cars.... People once the election/proposition has passed, remove the freaking sticker from your car.. Thanks for listening to my rant.. whew I feel better.

Sand castles

This year, we spent Labor Day in Havasu. September happens to be Monsoon season; hot weather but super stormy. I am not brave enough to go boating with the boys in this weather. I planned on chillin' at the house; Riley had other plans............. Windy, rainy with black clouds looming she wanted to play on the beach. So we jumped into our swimmy-suits and did the damn thing.. We built sand castles, played in the water, searched for shells and collected rocks... Not a soul Labor Day weekend Guess everyone else got the bad weather memo..... Man-o-man I love every minute with this spirited little munchkin.

What happend to August?

Shoot where did August go? Here is what me and my favorite girl did in the first week:

We rode our horses.....
Riley rode all by herself and she has mastered steering Mr. Patches.

We played with a Cock or two..... Well mommy did. Riley hates these dirty birds. Get your mind out of the gutter (translation** Roster=Cock) Being able to correctly use that word in general convo is the soul reason why I love those dirty birds!

We partied till we passed out in B-pa's chair, mid sentence might I add.

We got kissed by a pup and attended garage drinking session... hey a girl has to be able to appreciate her hillbilly roots.

We celebrated Riley's belated birthday with her Oma (Great Grandma) Who was in and out of the hospital most of July. This is the last picture taken of my grandma outside of the hospital.

A few days later she returned to the hospital and never left. :(

Flora & Fauna...kinda

First, some of my favorite Fauna:

Bubba turned 5! Mike is 7 and Riley 4... This is a million dollar picture! I have never been able to get all to cooperate for a pic. (I guess it helps that the dogs were sleeping; is that cheating?) I have new hope that this years holiday cards will include the 4-legged babies too!
If you look closely at the pic below, slightly right of the pink potted roses, you will see a beautiful butterfly, a pair of them in fact. They followed me for a few minutes, but the second I get my camera out they were nearly gone. Lately, I have found a deeper appreciation for life and its simple beauties... Cheesy I know, but being with a loved one until their last breath is certainly a humbling experience that brings the sappiness out of a person.

Grand Finale

Everyone brace your selves, the end of the world may be near! Or maybe this just proves that my Sis is biologically related to my mom and I. Yes folks that is MINO doing yard work. I was informed via text that "sis was busy trimming her hedge!" I reminded my Bro-in-law of the T.M.I. rule. He said no the hedge in the front yard.. In shear disbelief I beat it over there with camera ready and it is true; my "yard work despising sister" was caught in the act! Guess she was not pleased with her hubby's hedge trimming skills. Oh and that's sassy little Riley talking shit to her favorite Auntie (her only Auntie).

Have a happy week my friends!

Tribute to my Grandma

10-23-1928 to 8-22-2009

On August 22, 2009 at 10:37pm, my grand mother passed away. It was a terribly emotional two weeks for the family. My Mom spend every minute by her Moms side, My sister and I would alternate spending nights with our mom and grandma, while attempting to juggle our own families, jobs and school. I just hope that when its my time to go, I have someone as dedicated as my mom, comforting me as I take my last breaths in this world. This shot was take some time in week one in the cardiac care unit.

Here we are at the beginning of week two, being transferred to a more peaceful wing of the hospital. No more beeping machines, constant blood pressure checks and hourly poking and prodding from nursing staff; just the comfort of family and a perpetual morphine drip.

24 hours prior to her passing. My poor exhausted mom taking a quick nap. :(

Out of all the flower arrangements this was my favorite; from my Grandmas Sister in Germany. Some of my most cherished memories were made spending summers in Germany with my grand parents. The service was perfect! The non-denominational ordained minister put together a spectacular service, documenting my Grand Mothers full life. It wasn't too churchy for the non-believers in attendance (as per my request). It was a sweet good bye to a great woman and a warm hello to cherished life long memories.

Emotional??? yes

I will post something soon, I promise.. Just taking a break to avoid an emotional melt down.