Mission Beach, baby!

M2B =) days 492 - 495.  Saturday, June 11th - Tuesday, June 14th 2011.

Saturday, June 11th happiness:  Today Brian and I discovered Cracker Barrel.  We have never been before.  We had gotten a gift card for Christmas and decided to try it today.  We heard they have good breakfast there.  They Do!  We had to buy the pancake mix and syrup to take home with us.  After we ate, we sat out front in the rocking chairs and dreamed we were on the front porch of the cabin.  It's official.  We are old!

Tonight's happiness:  Joe made it home from Moab alive and in one piece.  Woo hoo!

Sunday, June 12th happiness:  San Diego!  This morning we left dusty hot Arizona and this afternoon we were here:
Yes that is the view from the front window of our condo on the beach!  I love saying that: "our condo on the beach".  How do I get me one of those for real, and not just for a week?

Monday, June 13th happiness:  Today was a perfect day.
I had my toes in the sand for hours.
I had my boys with me.

We brought Dallin with us.  I guess girls really do like guys who play guitars.  I think these girls were a little old for Dallin though.  And yes, that girl did bring her own cow bell to play.  Who owns their own cow bell?  kind of awesome. 
I was inside the condo at the time.  Dallin was out front playing guitar when the girls showed up and asked him to play them some songs.  Soon they were joined by a third friend.  I could see out, but they couldn't see in.  I had to snap this photo to send to Dallin's mom so she could see how he was spending his vacation.  Joe was kicking himself for taking a shower and missing out on the fun.
The perfect day ended with Outback for dinner.  Yum!

Tuesday, June 14th happiness:  Happy Birthday to Dallin and Brian!  Yes, they share the same birthday.  We bought Dallin a boogie board for his birthday.  Somehow Joe ended up with one too. 
They spent most of the day in the water.
They would rotate between the cold ocean, and the warm hot tub.  Back and forth they went all day.
This is our lifeguard.  He watched over the boys while they were in the water.  Thanks Mr. Lifeguard.
Of course, there was lots of guitar playing.
This plant was HUGE.  No really.  It was bigger than my head.  I told Brian to go stick his head by the plant so we could compare how big the plant really was, but he refused me. =(
Oh happy summer beach day.  How I love you Mission Beach.
The boys birthday ended with dinner at Olive Garden and cheesecake back at the condo.

Happy Day!

School's Out For Summer!

M2B =) days 482 - 491.  Wednesday, June 1st - Friday, June 10th.

Wednesday, June 1st happiness:  Today was Joe's last day of Jr. High School.  When did he get so old?  Anyway.  I'm out of school...he's out of school... and we have all summer to hang out.  I am soooo excited.  Woo hoo!

Thursday, June 2nd happiness:  Got some much needed cleaning done today.  It's never fun to clean, but I love the result, so it's worth it.  Also today, Joe was singing and Bob loved it.  He got up, walked across the room, went and sat by Joe and just stared and listened while he sang.  It was so cute.

Friday, June 3rd happiness:  I went to IKEA today and got a DVD tower.  Then, I put it together all by myself.  woo hoo!  
Today Joe and I also saw:  
It was pretty much awesome.

Saturday, June 4th happiness:  Went shopping with Joe this morning.  Went shopping with Brian this afternoon.  And later, Joe washed my car.  Yay Joe!

Nice and clean.  Chloe needed a bath.  Thanks Joe!

Sunday, June 5th happiness:  FHE talent show.  Joe and Dallin performed.  Joe played and did a little singing.  Dallin was lead vocalist.  The name of their band:  Those Meddling Kids.  They did awesome.  Joe plays his guitar at home all of the time and plays tons of songs.  But I think this has to be the first song I've heard him play all the way through, start to finish.  They did so great!
James played the piano.  He is so talented.
Anna did some cool acrobatic tricks for us.
And Emmy showed us her tricks on the trampoline.  
Good times!

Monday, June 6th happiness:  My last day with Joe before he leaves for his super scout trip tomorrow.  We did some last minute shopping this morning.  Then, it was off to see Kung Fu Panda 2 with Sheri and Trina and the kids.  Loved it!  I may have liked it more than the first one. 
Then we had to get home and do some packing.  He had to drop off his gear at 6:00 p.m.  And tonight, Brian gave Joe a blessing.  I am so happy that he gets to go have this adventure.  But, as his mom, I worry and will definitely miss him.  I think the blessing might have been more for me than for Joe.

Tuesday, June 7th happiness:  So.  At 3:30 this morning, I took Joe to the church to meet up with the scout group.  They didn't end up leaving until after 4:00.  They had a 10 hour drive ahead of them.  I will miss Joe, but I know he will have the most awesome week.  He gets to go mountain biking, white water rafting, rock climbing and hiking in Moab.  He is going to have an awesome week.   I went home and went back to bed.  It was a lazy day after that.  I had no get up and go today.  Tonight it was ice cream and a movie, Salt, with Brian. 

Wednesday, June 8th happiness:  Tonight, Brian, Sheri and I went and saw Les Mis.  Joe was originally supposed to go, but Brian got the tickets before we found out about his super scouting activity.  So, we took Sheri with us instead.  She is a fantastic date. =)  I love Les Mis.  It was so fantastic.  I want to go again!

Thursday, June 9th happiness:  I went and visited Adam at his new job at the Disney Store.  I bought myself a yummy smelling candle.  Then, I stopped at Paradise Bakery for lunch.  And guess what????  The Summer Berry Salad is back!!!!!  finally.  They call it the Strawberry, Chicken Poppyseed Salad.  But it is the SAME thing.  I have been waiting for this since they took it away last fall.  Woo hoo!
Friday, June 10th happiness:  Watching So You Think You Can Dance, with Brian.  I so love this show!

That's it for now.

Happy Day!

Finishing May

M2B =) days 471 - 481.  Saturday, May 21st  - Tuesday, May 31st happiness:  

Saturday, May 21st:  Brian and Joe flew to Las Vegas to pick up Brian's new car and then they drove it home.  This was Joe's first time in Las Vegas. 

They didn't really get out and do anything, but Brian took Joe to see all of the hotels.  Joe took lots of pictures.  He loved it.  
Ah, what a good boy I have.  He took this one for me.....

There are so many shows playing in Vegas, we decided we need to go back soon.  

Then, they had to stop off at the Hoover Dam, of course.

They drove all day, and finally made it home.  To say Brian LOVES his new car is an understatement.
What did I do today?  I scrapbooked.  All. Day. Long.  

Sunday, May 22nd happiness:  I was feeling really sick today.  I hate those days.  Yesterday, the sixth graders put on their school play.  Guys and Dolls.  I love Guys and Dolls, and I really wanted to go.  But, I HAVE to finish these scrapbooks by Wednesday, and I literally worked on them for like 15 hours yesterday.  So, I had to miss the play.  I was really happy that I was able to catch it on t.v. today.
So good.  Also today, Brian cleaned our bathroom sinks.  They were pretty dirty and now they are sparkly and clean.  Yay!

Monday, May 23rd happiness:  I got to see Kevin today. Yay!  I happened to stop by my moms this afternoon and he brought Bremen over.   It was fun to get to hang out for a bit.  Kevin is awesome!

Tuesday, May 24th happiness:  One of the teachers I work isn't coming back to the school next year, so as a goodbye to all the staff, she brought in mini bundt cakes.  I got lemon.  mmmm.....lemon bundt cake.....

Wednesday, May 25th happiness:  The classroom I work in is in charge of the school store.  That just means that on Thursdays, 2 students roll a cart around to every classroom and sell school related supplies - pencils, sharpeners, folders, etc.  They sell some fun stuff too, bracelets, watches, rings, snacks.  At the end of the year they present some of the profits they make from school store to a charity that they have decided on.  Each kid presents a charity to the class, and then the class votes.  This year they voted to support Casa Esperanza para Ninos.
It is an orphanage in Mexico.  The Aunt of one of my kids started it.  She knew she always wanted to open an orphanage and after traveling to Mexico, and seeing these kids living on the street and in storm drains, her heart went out to them.  She knew that's where she wanted to help.  Today she came to class and the kids presented her with a check.  In return, she showed us some video of her kids and told them how the money would be used to help.  It was a very moving experience.  I loved it.  The kids did too.  It was fun to see the kids that they were helping.

Thursday, May 26th happiness:  So, last night was a loooong night.  I HAD to finish those scrapbooks to give to the kids today.  I stayed up until 3:30 a.m., then took a nap until 5:00 a.m.  and I still didn't finish.  I had the last part of one book to do.  Thankfully, Mrs. J. let me work on them during class.  I finally finished around 2:00 p.m.  Just in time for the surprise party we were throwing for the kids.  I was sooooo tired, but when they saw those books, it was all worth it.  They loved them.  It made me happy.  I am going to miss those kids.  

Tonight was awesome.  Nothing to do but sit on the couch, eat coldstone and watch SYTYCD - Heaven!

Friday, May 27th happiness:  Last day of School!  After this long month, I need a break!

Saturday, May 28th happiness:  Joe and Brian left early this morning for a boys trip to the cabin.  Yay for alone time and Yay for Father and son time.  Also today was Bremen's Baptism.  I was so glad I could go.  It was awesome!

Sunday, May 29th happiness:  Tonight on Facebook, Adam was posting Disney movie quotes, and he had a little contest!  And Yes, I won.  I love playing the movie quote game.  The only disappointment was that he didn't have any quotes at all from MY favorite Disney movie.  Oh well.  He did quote Gargoyles, and I totally knew it.  Joe and I used to LOVE Gargoyles.  Good memories.

Monday, May 30 happiness:  Brian and Joe made it home from the cabin today.  So guess where we went this afternoon......

I love me some pirates.

Tuesday, May 31st happiness:  I am loving summer all ready.  Sleeping in, no stress, hanging out at my mom's.  What's not to love.  Also today, I got my prize for winning the Disney movie quote contest.  It smells so so so so so so good.  Thanks Adam!

And that is officially IT for May.

Happy Day!

More May happiness

M2B =) days 461 - 470.  Wednesday, May 11th - Friday, May 20th.

Wednesday, May 11th happiness:  Went to Stacy's graduation.  She has worked hard for this.  It made me happy for her.

Also, it was nice to see her entire family in one place.  That just doesn't happen much anymore.

Thursday, May 12th happiness:  Nutella!  Is there anything better than chocolate and hazelnut together?  I submit that there is not!
Friday, May 13th happiness:  Stayed home from school today and worked on scrapbooks for my kids ALL day and into the night.  Got much accomplished.  Tonight for family movie night:
Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, Paul Bettany......What's not to love?

Saturday, May 14th happiness:  Brian and Joe convinced me to take a break from my scrapbooking to go to a movie. 
It did not disappoint.

Sunday, May 15th happiness:  I woke up in such a crappy (sorry mom) bad mood.  I did NOT want to get ready and go to church today.  However, in my limited experience, I have learned that the days that I completely resist going, are the days I need it the most, so I grudgingly got myself ready and went.  About halfway through sacrament meeting I was still feeling pretty grouchy, and then all of a sudden I just felt an overwhelming sense of peace and calm, and that everything would be ok.  It's rare that I have this experience, going from complete grouchies to a 100% turn around in just a minute.  It is an awesome experience.  I'm so glad I didn't give into the urge to just stay home today.

Monday, May 16th happiness:  I love my job.  The teacher I work with is always making me laugh.  Today, I was in the back of the room grading papers, while she was going over the new spelling list with the kids.  Then, she reaches over and puts in a pair of those gross rotting teeth that you can find at Halloween time and casually keeps going over the list.  As the kids caught on you could hear little giggles throughout the classroom.  One boy in particular did not catch on, so she rolled her chair right over in front of his desk, and kept casually reading through the words.  He finally looked up and got the joke.  It sent the class into fits of laughter.  Mrs. J. is awesome.

Tuesday, May 17th happiness:  Dear Chap Stick, thank you for finally helping my chapped lips.  They have been bothering me for over a month.   I am sorry I tried Carmex and Blistex first.  I thought they would work better than you.  I was wrong.  

Wednesday, May 18th happiness:  
Also today, I had my final eye doctor appointment with Dr. Lambson.  He is awesome and I will miss him when he moves.  I am glad I got to see him one last time before he left town.  I am regretting not bringing my camera to take a photo.

Thursday, May 19th happiness:  I took photos of my kids at school today.  We took one last class photo and then I got and individual shot with each kid.  As excited as I am for the end of the school year, I am sooooo going to miss these kids.  They are awesome.  

Friday, May 20th happiness:  Today was Joe's end of the school year semi-formal dance for all of the 8th graders.  It is the first school dance that he has ever showed interest in going to.  I was excited for him.  I remember going to all of my Jr. High school dances and I had such a great time.  I was glad that he wanted to go and hang out with all of his friends one last time.  He looked so handsome too.  I Love Joe.  He is awesome.  

That's it for now.

Happy Day!

Castle, cookies, baseball and goodbyes.....

M2B =) days 455 - 460.  Thursday, May 5th - Tuesday, May 10th.

Thursday, May 5th happiness:  In honor of Cinco de Mayo, we had Mexican food of course.

Also tonight, as an early mothers day present, Brian stayed home from volleyball.  This may not sound like a big deal, to you, but believe me, it is.  Brian does not miss volleyball for ANYTHING.  He still goes when I am sick.  He still goes when HE is sick.  He just does not miss.  So, I thought it was incredibly sweet when he said that he was going to stay home with me instead.  Maybe they cancelled volleyball, and he just TOLD me that he was choosing me over it, but whatever the reason, he was home tonight and I was happy.  We curled up on the couch and watched Castle.

I may love Nathan Fillion just a little bit.  It was a good night.

Friday, May 6th happiness:  One of my kids brought me this today for teacher appreciation week:
If you can't read it, it says: "Dear Mrs. Horak,  You are the sweatest teacher ever."  I really hope he meant "sweetest".  I would hate to be his sweatest teacher ever.  That's not something you want to be remembered for.

Saturday, May 7th:  I don't know if I should technically count this as happiness, since I am not too happy about loosing my brother and his family to Texas, but I guess I am happy (and a little jealous) for them and their new adventure.  I guess the happy part was spending the evening with his family.  We gathered at my mom's to say goodbye to the Jared and Tricia Lambson family.  

I can't believe that I didn't take more photos, and I can't believe that the one photo that I got of Jared and Tricia, that they both had their eyes closed.  What an excellent photographer I am!

I was too busy focusing on the kids I guess.  Anna is a little sad about leaving.
James is ready to go!
I am going to miss these cute faces:

It was a fun night.  We put together a basket of things they will need in Texas.  It included things like hairspray, bug spray, football movies, country music, cap guns, bandanas, and Texas toast.  We will miss them!

Sunday, May 8th happiness:  Happy Mothers Day!  I had a happy day.  Joe got me a movie -The Tourist.  Can't go wrong with Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp.  Guess what Brian got me?
Yup!  I get to go see Les Mis.  Woo hoo!  I am super excited.  

Monday, May 9th happiness:  No pictures today, but my happiness today was the gorgeous weather.  It was a much cooler day.  I loved it.

Tuesday, May 10th happiness:  I finally made it to one of Rowan's games.  His last one.  Oh well.  I am so glad I went.  I got to hang with my brother, and with Steve and Sara Jones.  Trevor and Rowan are on the same team.  And, It was actually cold.  I can't remember ever feeling cold in the month of May.  Fantastic.

He made it to first base and then got a little shy.
He got over that shyness pretty quick.  Here he is running home.  He swung his arms around the whole time he ran.  It was awesome.  
I wish I had made it to more of his games.

That's it for now.  

Happy Day!