Nance Family

winter photos ...from the beach to skiing

2010-02-15T10:39:00.000-08:00

Updated Pics

2009-12-26T22:52:00.000-08:00

Can't believe it's been so long. Life has been crazy, more than usual and thankfully with really good things. New house, PhD program coming to an end for Phil, my job is going great and I'm still in Grad school and of course the girls are doing wonderful.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2009-12-26T21:59:00.000-08:00

Girls Meet Santa

2008-12-23T22:21:00.000-08:00

Our neighbors wanted to come over dressed as Santa and one of his elves. So I told the girls that I thought Santa might be coming by tonight. They grabbed the rice krispie treats we had made, opened up the fireplace and sat down to wait for him. Jessica even looked up the chimney to make sure Santa was going to have enough room. Thankfully Santa rang the door bell instead. Emma didn't know what to think and couldn't believe her eyes. Jessica was so excited she was about to explode.

Holiday Dance

2008-12-22T22:53:00.000-08:00

I need to put up more pictures, but here are some cute ones from the dance show

A little help please

2008-12-14T20:28:00.000-08:00

I thought there was a website blog to book where I could have my blog put into a hard bound book. No one is responding from their website. Where can I get my blog put into a book? This was supposed to have been my Christmas present. :(

Here's my bailout idea

2008-12-04T22:18:00.000-08:00

Why don't the whinning, painsies who run the automakers ask the gas companies for a bailout? They're the assholes who were making record profits while the rest of us were going broke trying to fill our cars.

Honestly, do you know of anyone who is driving 'that much less' to warrant a $3 drop PER GALLON in gas? I don't. Seriously......we're all driving that much less?
Thank you Gorge W Bush.

Because I have sooooo much extra time

2008-11-10T14:20:00.000-08:00

I start school tonight for my single subject teaching credential and Masters in Education. I figure working full time, doing everything possible for that 'Mother of the Year' award, and supporting a husband who all but lives in a lab while getting a PhD. just wasn't enough. So I go to class 2 nights a week till 9:30pm, but only for the next 10 months. Thankfully the babysitter lives next door. Without her I could see both Phil and I sitting together at the dinner table (not sure when that will happen)wondering, where are the girls? So it will be the Nance Nuthouse as usual. No soccer, tap, jazz, ballet or extra of anything, not till this wave of craziness passes. After all, once I am teaching the girls will have all summer to do whatever they want.

Trick or Treat

2008-11-01T20:51:00.000-07:00

Love this picture~~~

what happens when

2008-10-29T19:18:00.000-07:00

your stupid mutt eats an entire stick of butter?

Guess I will find out. Got a feelin' this isn't going to be pretty

Jessica's quote of the day

2008-10-19T19:41:00.001-07:00

With Jessica I have a plethora of quotes to choose from on a daily basis. Last week she asked me if George Bush was mean. Even a five year old know! Today it was;

I know why you have 2 kids. So if one of us dies you still have another kid.

Sad to think about, but she's right

Ready to come back.....for reals this time

2008-10-18T22:05:00.001-07:00

Tonight I wanted to quickly show Emma some pictures of herself so I pulled up the blog and showed her some. Well I couldn't help but to read about our entire trip to China. It's so awesome to look back and read everything. The best part is that Emma is still that super sweet, loving, happy kid.

It's now been hours later and I have been laughing so hard, I've been crying about the blog. A couple of light beers may have something to do with that too. But wow, I miss my blog. I am going to bring it back. Get ready, cause here I come.

Out of the mouth of a 4yr old

2008-06-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

So tomorrow we're packing up and heading to Mexico (Rosarito Beach). Us, the girls and the babysitter, who lives next door. So tonight we were getting in the car to go to a pool party when the babysitter was out getting the mail. The girls went running over to say Hi. It was when we were about to get in the car when Jess said to the babysitter, "Do you have a baby in your tummy?". She covered up her belly and said "no, I'm just fat". Great, Jessica!! I wanted to dig a whole and bury myself right then and there.

As we were coming home from the pool party we headed into the neighborhood and saw the babysitter out for a jog. Guess she took Jessica's comment to heart. Ahhh crap.

So while we're in Mexico if Jessica mysteriously goes missing while being watched by the babysitter, I'll know why.

Fill me in

2008-06-03T21:31:00.000-07:00

OK, so I've been neglecting the blogs and I am way behind on what's going on. I know... I went out and got one of those job things to support one of those husband things and because he's a smarty pants and goes to school all the time, I work all the time. So, I have no idea what is happening in the adoption world.

How long after LID till match?

Did the earthquake slow things down even more? I have heard how many families in China lost their only child. I wonder if that slows things down here to make more children available there.

Fill me in peeps.

At last!!

2008-06-01T13:12:00.000-07:00

Mr. Nance finally got the call we've been waiting for. He's been accepted with a fellowship to the

PhD Program for Molecular Biology

University of California

Riverside

He starts soon and will be done sometime in 2012-2013

Reality Check

2008-05-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

After filing up my car at $4.08 a gallon I realized

I know have more equity in my Honda than my house.

Awesome!

What are you up to?

2008-05-27T21:28:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving

Christmas

Hula turns 2

Happy New Year

Girls Vegas Trip

Friends wedding in San Francisco

Children's Museum. Notice Jess is sad she's being taken to jail

Off to the dollar store with Valentine's Money

Valentines Day

Trip to the Zoo

Family hiking

Spring Break in South Beach Miami

Picking Strawberries in South Carolina

Jessica's soccer season comes to an end

Jess gets 6 stiches and a new gecko

That's what we've been up to.

Blasted Blogger

2007-11-02T20:58:00.001-07:00

Ahhhhhhhhhhh I have been trying for a week to update blogger with no luck. Anywho, everyone is safe and sound. My parents came home to find their house is still standing. They used to be the 4th house on the street and now they are the 1st. Most of their neighbors homes are gone. Their house sits in the middle of a large avocado grove, it was the trees that saved their house. They're in a hotel till their house gets water and electricity. Here's a few pictures of what we have been up to.

Safe for now

2007-10-23T21:20:00.000-07:00

After seeing 2 fires within 20 miles of my house, I decided not to go to the office. Going to the office would be over an hour away and headed towards other fires and crazy traffic. So I worked from home and kept an eye out.

The fires are still out of control and growing faster and stronger by the minute. I have been able to get my hands on a list of homes completely destroyed and it's unbelievable. Click here to get an idea. The house I grew up in, is gone. The neighborhood that my parents lived in for about 5 years after the kids left the house, is gone. So much is gone. With my parents on vacation till Sunday they were able to get a hold of a neighbor who said that everything on their street is gone. The neighbor is going back tomorrow just to check in case. So by tomorrow I'll know for sure. My grandmothers house was barely spared, but is still standing.

I have to say that watching everyone at Qualcomm stadium makes me feel better. To see everyone coming together and helping is awesome. At one point it was said that there were almost as many volunteers as their were evacuees. I saw lines of people getting a hot breakfast and people were being taken care of. And this was before FEMA showed up.

My neighbor has been calling every 5 minutes to see if we're packing up. Her husband is out of town and she's by herself with a baby. Until tonight, when I started to see flames coming over the hills, I had been telling her not to worry. Thankfully she can't see the flames, otherwise she'd probably be sleeping between Phil and I tonight. We have promised to help her if and when the time comes. Ack......we'll see what tomorrow brings.

It's worse than you think

2007-10-22T20:17:00.000-07:00

People have been emailing and asking if it's really as bad as it looks.......they answer is No. It's actually worse. We're fine. My grandma was evacuated last night as firemen we're pounding down her front door. My aunt was able to get her. Then my aunt heard my parents house was in danger and they're on vacation. She spent hours in the middle of the night to rescue all the animals. As of today we think my grandma's house was spared, but we're not sure. She tried to go back to her house today and the neighborhood is shut down and she's not allowed in. My parents house........there are two major roads that many houses have burned on....my parents house is in between these two roads. We won't know till Thur or Fri when they open up roads so my aunt can drive and take a look. I had no idea of any of this till 7am this morning. I was getting ready to go to work and was listening to the radio and heard..."Major fire...Bandy Canyon road...San Pasqual Valley". I immediately called my parents who were already hysterical. All this after spending 4 days in the hospital with a friend who ended up in the ICU. Long story there...but after 4 days of endless Dr's playing "hot potato" with her and no one wanting to do shit for her...a surgeon opened her up to see that there was a foot and a half of her intestine that was rotted and she was dying. Something about an infection after having her appendix taken out and her intestine had shut down and had gang green. I'm actually going to work tomorrow given that I can actually drive there with all the fires....I'm actually looking forward to work as a mental vacation. Keep you posted.

Summer in Pictures

2007-09-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

I finally got my own bike!!

First day of school. Jess is excited about her uniform

Beauftiful dresses.

Little Mermaids

All by myself

4th of July

Such a fine hound

We can't believe that summer has flown by. Things have been crazy, between working our rears off and Phil having to travel every single week for work..it's been a little nutty

cute pics

2007-05-20T20:48:00.001-07:00

Emma, practicing her Pledge of Alligence..for next weekend
Jessica dancing in the Disney parade

Another trip to Disneyland, and yes Jess is still wearing her Cinderella dress from her last birthday. She even slept in it that night.

Emma feeding Ozzy chips during Mother's Day

Ooooooh Ozzy

A trip to the Wild Animal Park for Emma's 2nd birthday

As much as Emma loves Mexican food and my homemade salsa, I have questioned wether she's Chinese or Mexican.

Another Cinco De Mayo, another anniversary

The only golden retriever on the face of the planet scared to swim!

The Nance pirates .....watch out Hula!

Captain Jessica Sparrow and Lil' E

Exactly how many floatation devices does it take to float a whopping 23 pounds?

After looking at all these pictures and knowing that they were all taken in a matter of 3 weeks, no wonder I'm tired.

Still Alive......sorta

2007-05-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

We're all still alive. As usual, it's nuttier than squirel turds, over here. In a glimps, the girls are doing good. They have their end of the year dance recital! My favorite parts of the year...the dance recitals. Hopefully Emma will make it out on stage. The first time Jess had her dance recital most of the 2 year old went running for the hills screaming when the curtain was drawn and there were over 200 parents watching. As you all know by now Jess is a stage hog and loves to perform. If Emma makes it out on stage she will be the littlest peanut by far. And of course you'll get video! I start a new job tomorrow. Yup, steping back into Corporate America after about 4 years. Got to say I'm real excitied. Both girls are in school and it's time I do my own thing. Mr. Man has a new job too which entails 6 days a week and lots of travelling. Things are going to get super nuts around here. Hopefully once I settle into my job things will calm down and the kids won't be living at preschool.

You and your silly music

2007-04-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Mr Ice Cream Man,

While working upstairs in my office yesterday, I heard you and your ice cream truck coming down the street. Listening to your whimsical music, I got chills and started having flashback of last summer. You see, Mr Ice Cream Man, you seem to visit my house everyday at a real inconvient time for me and my family. Yes, I know that most families don't eat at 5pm, my dear husband reminds me of this on a daily basis and makes jokes that I'm already an AARP member. Most children live just to see you coming down the street. Most children are thrilled to be running down the street with dollars cluched in their tiny hands trying to get your attention. Not around here, Mr Ice Cream Man, not around here. You see, your presence is pure torture. Not just for me, but for my children. Everyday when I'm trying to tempt my children into eating their deliciously prepared meal (sometimes even all 5 food groups are present) you come by with your silly music offering sugar, treats and sweets. Just how am I supposed to compete?

I have an ear for your tempting music. I have so much as ran to the front screen door to quickly close the front door so that my children won't hear your music. My husband and I have even known just when to start speaking extremely loud at the dinner to table to mask your presence. You really made dinner time miserable all last summer. If for one minute you could see what torture you bring versus pleasure, I'm sure you would understand. Yes, if for one minute it was you watching my children pressed to the front screen door, lungs full of air, screaming for you to "stop", all the while their tiny hands were fumbling for the lock, desperately trying to free themselves, you would be crushed. Your heart would break at the site of little fists banging on the door. You would feel awful to witness the desperation as my children realize you're getting farther away from them, before they could make a quick get away. And then the lonely pathetic tear, streaming down the sad face. Yes, Mr. Ice Cream Man, if it were up to you to wipe that little tear, you may understand.

It's not all your fault. The children were actually convinced at one time that you were nothing more than a "Choo Choo". They actually believed it was your job to drive through the neighborhood spreading music. There was no knowledge of your sugary treats, which by the way, you sell at a 200% mark-up. Yes, Mr Ice Cream Man, it was those pesky grandparents, that had the wonderful idea of stopping you and handing you an outragous amount of cash for a sugary, unhealthy treat. As someone who prides themselves on having "bright" children, it didn't take but that one instance for my children to know that they could count on you for much more than just your music.

If you truely want to provide a "treat", maybe try coming by once a week. Feel free to move onto another neighborhood. I'm sure there are plenty of mothers who find themselves scratching their rumps, staring into empty pantries and refrigerators, while trying to find something to feed their families at exactly the same time you make your presence and for them it's like being rescued. With a few dollars out of their wallets it's, "big sticks", "pop rocks" and ice cream sandwiches to the rescue.

Please be easy on us this summer.

My favorite pictures from our Spring Break trip to Charleston, South Carolina

2007-04-12T20:04:00.000-07:00

GOT PETS?

2007-03-05T20:59:00.000-08:00

Well it's finally here. This is yet, another brain child. Protected Paws works just like pet insurance only better.

There are NO deductibles, forms to fill out, and you never have to wait to get reimbursed from costly vet bills.

We accept any animal (yes, this includes that cute bunny of yours), any age, with any disease or pre-existing conditions. Our prices include up to 4 pets

You'll receive 25% off your vets bill for a number of benefits. Look at the website and see if there's a vet in your area!

Go ahead, click on that paw and check it out.

ya, I'll get back to posting cute pictures of the girls :) but hey, mama's been a little busy, and there's still just one more business I'm working on.

One year ago today

2007-02-19T21:24:00.000-08:00

February 19th 2006

March 06

April 06

May 06

June 06

July 06

August 06

September 06

October 06

November 06

December 06

January 07

Taken last night after dinner

One year ago today Emma joined our family. It's unbelievable at times that a full year has passed by. We've been thankfully to experience so many "1st's" with her. From teeth to potty training. We've been celebrating all weekend, with a trip to Disneyland, a trip to the beach, and a good Chinese New Year dinner. You wait so long for "the day" to come and it all seems to go so fast. I still remember the first night we had Emma. Before we left for China we were given her schedule. Amoung other things listed, it said that every night around 1am, she wakes up for a bottle. I remember Emma stirring around in need of a bottle that first night. I was more than happy to get out of bed and make her the bottle. After all, I had waited 15 months to make her a bottle. Blurry eyed, I stood over the sink and made her a bottle of formula. I looked over to see what time it was. That's when I felt sad and tried real hard not to cry. Tonight was the night. I was not the only "mama" awake at 1am to feed Emma a bottle. I was sure that her foster mother was also awake. I'm sure out of routine she woke up at 1am almost every night and she was awake that night. Only there was no baby to feed. Her crib was empty. Emma was gone. Even though she had dreamt about how hard that night was going to be, I'm sure it was still hard. I too had dreamt about that night and my crib was full and I had a hungry baby. That's when it hit hard. Adoption is full of emotion. Loss and gain, to be felt by so many. Hard to believe it's been a year.

It's tough being a princess

2007-02-16T08:39:00.000-08:00

Hula "The Princess" Bear

Anna Nicole Smith has died.....

2007-02-08T13:22:00.000-08:00

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070208/ap_en_ce/anna_nicole_smith

whoa.....

livin' the dream...

2007-02-07T17:56:00.000-08:00

You ever have those days where you could either laugh or cry? What's happened is already done and now you can either get pissed, sad, and cry or laugh it off and just keep going. Ya, I often choose sarcasm, laughing it off, and then keep going. It's a great way for me to get through life. And so far it's working. Around here, it's called "livin' the dream."

You know...like when the sprinklers go on and half are broke, leaving you with about 3 geysers in the front yard. Or better yet, it's about a gorgeous day out and you're looking outside at the new dog, thinking "what a great dog, she's so perfect for us." Then you peer around the side yard and holy shit. She's made it look like we're in preparation for the 3rd Annual White Trash Party(TBA). There's trash, plants and crap spewed all over the place(had she managed to pull a shopping cart into the backyard, I would have truely been impressed). You go to take a few steps to "take it all in" and fall in a blasted hole that the idiot hound dug. Oh yes, 'livin' the dream'.

Monday night while flying around the kitchen attempting to make dinner, I found myself in a warm pool of urine. Nothing puts a warm smile on my face like wading in a warm pool of piss. Hmmmm. The brainless mutt, who's favorite afternoon snack is her own shit? How about the potty training baby? Me? No....not me, I actually checked my rear just to be sure. I'll never know. But once again, 'livin' the dream'.

It could be worse. I could be my neighbor who just received all her Christmas gifts from her in-laws. Lucky gal....she just opened up 5 different items for her 3 month old son, all with "Baby's 1st Christmas" on it. I'm still laughing at that one.

Emma went to school and didn't pee once. Not even while she was taking a nap. She's only been potty training for about 3 days. I knew this just by pulling up to school and looking at her. She was still in the same outfit as she went to school in. Anyone who's potty training know this. When you pull up to school and they're still actually wearing the same pants.....that's awesome, your kid made it through the whole day with no accidents! I couldn't wait to get home and show Mr. Man. I asked him to look at Emma's outfit. Then I directed him to her pants. Then I pointed out that they matched her shirt(had she pee'd in them, they would have changed her into different pants). Then I made the statement that they were the same pants she went to school in. Still nothing........I'm not so sure he would have noticed if her pants were on fire. Whatever. So after an entire day, including a nap of not peeing herself, she promptly stood in her PJ's tonight after a bath and flooded the kitchen. Livin' the dream!

Here's to the good stuff. Jess had her ultrasound on her heart, and she's fine! We are very relieved. Emma needs to start physical therapy for her legs. I originally took her in for tip toeing. So that's not too bad either. We just had our last post adoption home visit, and the social worker was asking if we had received any bad comments about Emma. Sad but true, the worst comments came from her orthopedic Dr. This guy was a total ass hole! Yes, that is to be said separate...ass hole! I won't go on for days, although I could. Here's just two of the many comments. He walked into the room and was looking me up and down. Then he proceeded to tell me that he had heard that China was changing some of their rules for adoption. He told me that if I was to consider adopting from China again I shouldn't have a problem as my BMI (body mass index) seemed to be good. Then he spewed out more diarrhea from his mouth and when it was almost finally done he peered over his glasses and said, "I heard it's very expense to adopt from China, what was it, about $20,000 (pause) $50,000?"

Was he hoping that I would pull out my 'adoption receipt'? Total assclown. I knew that I (we) would get stupid comments, but from a 60 year old Dr. ? Doesn't he deal with the public everyday? Hasn't he seen adopted kids before? Loser.

We finally sent Emma's foster family a letter with pictures and have received back a letter. Poor woman had been waiting by the mailbox for about 10 months. I'm a slacker. Now that I know that the address I have (which I can't read, as it's in Chinese) works, I plan to use it more often. That's it in a nutshell. We're both working like mad. I just got my life, disability and annuities license. Mr. Man's cell phone is once again ringing off the hook and things are good. As you all are good people, I promise to upload the photo of the Hogette's breakdancing soon.

Introducing................ Hula

2007-01-23T19:11:00.000-08:00

Here she is...Hula. Or Hula Bear, Hula Girl sometimes Hula Dog. She's as sweat as can be and perfect for our family. We wanted a dog but couldn't manage a puppy right now. We contacted the Greater Los Angeles Golden Retriever rescue and they found us a perfect match. Hula's previous owners (who had named her Emma) didn't want her anymore, as they didn't feel like she turned out to "look perfect". Golden retrievers usually have blocky heads and thicker, fuller fur and well, Hula doesn't really have those characteristics. Not like we give a rats ass....she's perfect for us. It's amazing how shallow people can be. The picture above is "the girls" settling in to watch The Little Mermaid.

Emma needed about two days to warm up to Hula. The problem is that Hula is the same heigth as Emma and all the "dog kisses" go directly on Emma's face....she's not real happy about that. After awhile Emma warmed up to her new best friend.

A stare down between the mutt and the ball.

A new "favorite picture" I took today at the park.

We've adopted again!!

2007-01-21T20:23:00.000-08:00

Yup, it's true. Knowing it was going to be different from the last time we adopted and not sure how long it would take, we haven't told too many people. After filling out the paperwork, and completing our homestudy we were finally matched. We were open to both male and female up to age 6 years old. Today we came home with a 13 month old, blonde hair, brown eyed, girl. Jess is in love with her and Emma's still not sure. We're all doing good and everyone is getting along.

Click here to see our latest addition.

We've had a long day and we're all pretty tired. I promise to do better on keeping up with the blog. And you thought I was referring to another child, we're nuts but not totally crazy.

Palmetto Golf Clubs

2007-01-07T19:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a little something we've started with the real estate market slow down. These are clone golf clubs that we custom build to suit your exact needs. For instance, interested in the new Nike square head driver, but don't want to fork over $400? No problem, we have a club (with many others) that's just like the Calaway driver at a fraction of the cost. Specify what type of shaft you want too and we'll build the club just as you wish. Click on the logo below to check us out!

Stay tuned for the next brain child which should be up in about 3 weeks!

Off to school she goes

2007-01-03T21:47:00.000-08:00

Emma started preschool today. She was a little upset when it was time for us to leave, but she did pretty well. She will now be going to school with her sister MWF.

Jess was a good big sister and made sure she felt comfortable and introduced her to some new friends.

So now what to do with all this new free time? Get a job............ack

Merry Christmas

2006-12-24T11:46:00.000-08:00

My gift to you, is pictures (after 3 seperate trips to the studio) of the best gifts I have ever gotten. Have a Merry Christmas and be safe!

Sure, she looks happy now................

2006-12-19T12:08:00.000-08:00

This is Jess minus a few EKG tabs home after being at the hospital this morning. Will it ever end? Does it? Sometime last month at a regular doctos appt. they noticed she had a heart murmur. I guess most kids do. They still wanted to run tests on her. This meant getting her in the car and driving down to the hospital for some tests. About 30 minutes later, Daddy called and asked for my help, as Jessica was NOT going to let this happen. Having just been at the ER and being terrorized, anything to do with Doctors or the hospital completely freaks her out.

Off I went and there she was. Screaming while laying down on the table, shaking her head "no". The nurse gave me the "you better come up with something" look as she was ready to call it quits. Jess was not allowing any EKG tabs to be placed on her. Daddy quickly picked up "Little E", stuck an EKG tab on her belly and then attached the wire...all to prove that even the baby wouldn't cry and this was really "no big deal". Nothing was going to work though. After about 5 mintues of trying to figure out what would work, we pinned her down. Not exactly what I wanted to do, but it worked. After pinning her down and putting 12 tabs with 12 wires hooked on to her, she calmed down. I said anything stupid (yet funny to a 3 year old) I could think of. She was finally able to breath and the EKG was complete. Then it was time for the chest Xray. Daddy was able to handle that one all by himself.

The whole experience made me sad. Not that Jess won't be fine, I'm sure she will be. But it makes me sad for the families that do this all the time because they have to. Because they're child has cancer, or something really wrong. I promised Jess that I would take her to the Wild Animal Park (which I am doing later today) so that she would "work with us". What do parents with really sick children promise? Tomorrow?

We'll find out Jan 17th what the EKG and the chest X-ray reveal. Until then I take Emma to an orthopedic specialist to find out why she tip toes all the time. Good times! Fun stuff!

"Miss Kristy's Best Dancer"

2006-12-17T19:06:00.000-08:00

Here's Jess striking a few poses before heading out for the dance recital. She was pretty excitied to wear her little dress. She was happy to tell everyone that she was "Miss Kristy's Best Dancer". While watching the video please know that the woman you hear in the background is NOT me. Mr. Nance had to quickly get up and run to the other side of the stage as we were told to sit in the wrong spot. This means, I got away with blubbering into the back of Emma's shirt, as she was standing on my lap so she could see her sister, and there's no evidence!

Note to self for next year; Do not feed Jessica the lumberjack dinner special before stuffing her into the leotard for her recital. Even before dinner my dainty 3 year old was already squeezing into a size 6X-7. I don't know too many other 3 year olds that wear this size.

Without further adieu... here is Jessica at her Winter Recital.

Mama's going to make it all happen

2006-12-13T21:34:00.000-08:00

A week ago we met up with the Teague family and enjoyed Disneyland. This is the PERFECT time of year to go. No lines, awesome holiday parade and a fabulous firework show! It was great to see the Teague family, the girls have changed so much!

Jessica (Cinderella) making friends with Mickey.

Emma having a good time

The very next day Nana and Grandaddy came from South Carolina to visit.

They looked like Santa, hauling their huge suitcase filled with nothing more than endless gifts for the girls!

We had a great time while they were visiting and always kept busy. Here the girls are "enjoying" snow brought in to a local park. You can just read Emma's mind, can't ya. This crap is cold, wet, slippery and just plain sucks! Gotta love her new jacket that Nana bought. too cute!

Jess and Nana made cookies. A special thanks goes out to Jess. Thanks honey, for personally licking your finger and touching every cookie.

One of the highlights was taking the girls to see Santa. Emma just loved him! Wrong. When Jess hated Santa she just sat there and yelled while the rest of the crowd stared at us like we were committing child abuse. Emma decided she would ante up and throw punches, kick, squirm and all but bite the fat man. Poor Jess, she's looking at Santa like, What the hell do you think you're doing to my sister ?

Wow, it's past 9pm and my rump has finally made contact with the couch for the first time in about a week. My knees feel swollen, my feet hurt, my back hurts, my eyes are so tired that they're bloodshot and are trying to cross, I feel like I just got out of a car accident....oh and I just got a paper cut on my tongue. Aren't the holidays a bitch? If I was real smart, I would have planned Jessica's pregnancy better. I would of had her closer to Christmas. That way I would still be in the "planning" mode. Kinda like from her over the top princess party. Only that was planning for a 4 hour event, not an entire season.

Holiday Season. Isn't that an oxymoron? I mean the word "day" is part of Holiday yet it lasts an entire season. Whatever the case, I'm ready to cancel the whole thing, fancy dinner and all and just open a beer and grab a bucket of chicken. I know........puttin' the "ass" in class.

I never knew growing up how much Mama had to do, to make it all happen. The Christmas tree, stockings, decorations, holiday photo's (3 trips to the blasted studio), holiday cards, presents for everyone you've ever met, planning the dinner and who's going to bring what, standing in endless lines, and the holiday parties. And that's just the beginning. Once you have that beautiful child, well....now you've got their parties and the food they need to bring and the blasted goodie bags and can't forget those teachers. Lord knows those poor women have worked hard.

I stood in a 30 minute line just to buy stamps. And then was handed the last stamps in the place...all containing baby Jesus. This meant tracking down "other" stamps as these were to be used for the 120 Holiday business cards I still have to address, and I certainly don't want to offend others with baby Jesus.

And the ornament exchange. I'm actually looking forward to this. I feel like I purchased a nice ornament, which of course wasn't the easiest task either. I mean after all, last thing I want to be, is the poor slob sitting at the party who's ornmanent is being opened and the women opening it, holds it up like a rotting dead fish and then restrains herself from going directly to the trash can to throw it away(which has actually happened to me). I feel like I at least will get the ever so overdramatic "OHHHHH" from the crowd.

And what I am looking forward to the most.......my baby girl dancing away on Friday night. I promise video. Just don't make fun, if once again, I'm blubbering. Can't help it.

Mama can't wait to watch it in motion

2006-12-05T19:01:00.000-08:00

Next Friday night Jess will be wearing this adorable item and entertaining us at her Holiday dance recital. I for one, can not wait. Last year was the first time Jess had a dance recital and for those who tried to enjoy the video we posted, you probably found it hard to hear the music over me blubbering into the video camera. Well, just the thought of Jessica's bubble buns stuffed into this outfit fluttering across the stage gets me all misty eyed.

Tomorrow we're off to Disneyland and meeting up with the Teague's . Then on Thursday Nana and Grandaddy fly in. It'sgoing to be 4 fun filled days of seeing Santa, playing in the snow (being brought in), shopping and hanging out.

Anyone laugh while watching the Today show? Every year at Christmas time they have different celebrities walk around the crowd with huge Santa bags and collect Toys for Tots. This morning supermodel Gisele (who's being featured on the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show tonight) was holding the bag and collecting toys and it was hilarious to see grown men searching for anything to put in the bag just to get "that" close to her. Grown men....... can be ....well, so dumb sometimes. Even Matt Lauer was laughing...I think he saw a man throw his wallet or his keys in the bag.

I've been to hell, I know what it looks like

2006-11-30T20:18:00.000-08:00

Oh the agony....... the pain! Torture, pure torture. And I did it to myself. For the second time in less than 8 days, I trapped myself, my husband and both the Hogettes in the portrait studio at JC Penney. The first time I tortured all of us with the thought of capturing gorgeous Christmas pictures of my darling little angels, all hell broke loose.

Dressed in outfits brought home from China, Emma acted like we were stabbing her with hot pokers. The screaming! The tears! "MAMA, MAMA". Arms extended. Snot pouring out of her nose. All after waiting in a crowded, stuffy waiting room. Other kids screaming, couples fighting, people getting impatient...you know, the types of attitudes that let you know we're all about to embark on the holidays. We left, without buying one photo and quickly made another appointment, but not till after watching Jess push some little boy down on the floor....whole other story.

So today....dragging Mr. Man into the same stuffy waiting room by his fingernails to once again set sail for those adorable holiday photos. All gussied up and ready to go. And once again it was 500 people stuffed into a closet sized room with 10 employees and of course NONE of them were doing anything.

Be still my beating heart.....Emma's actually sitting there, smiling. Great, we may be able to pull this off. Huh? What the hell is Jessica doing with her dress? Why is she pulling it up and showing off her underwear? STOP! Please just stop!

OK, please for the love of Pete just smile. This is wear mom who's wearing the new Gap wool blend sweater bursts into a sweat. The sweat is rolling down my back. I'm begging, pleading....offering things I can't even provide to Jessica. Please just sit there and smile. PLEASE! All the while Mr. Man is doing everything but striping down naked and standing on his head so that they look into the camera.

Whatever. Who really cares? Right? We ended up buying a picture that I'm not so sure even resembles my kids. Shit who knows...I should of bought someone else's pictures of their kids, because I'm not really sure I care anymore. Cute kids, but who's are they?

And because I'm a total loon. I'm going back for more torture with just Emma tomorrow. I WILL GET CUTE PICTURES.........I WILL

Thanksgiving Day at Grandma and Grandpa's

2006-11-25T21:17:00.000-08:00

Doesn't happen often, but when it does.....a picture of the 4 of us, is pretty cute. And yes, I am totally biased!

We had a great Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa's. The food this year was especially good.

The girls had a BLAST playing in all the leaves

Unfortunately due to a death in the family we have postponed our trip to Charleston till after the New Year. Breaking the news to Jessica, that we would not be going on a big plane to see Nana and Grandaddy was not easy. After all that Jessica has been through in the past 10 days with feeling so awful, she was really excited about going. Little does she know, we're off to Disneyland again this coming week.

Sam's club has a great deal on a jar of nuts...only $13,000

2006-11-21T21:09:00.000-08:00

WOW, such a deal! Only about $13,000 for some nuts. What the hell am I talking about? Well, at the expense of sounding like a total assclown, here it goes. Remember when I felt like crap ALL summer? I subjected myself to a esophagogastroduodenoscopy(scope down the throat) and a diagnostic laparoscopy. What ever came about all that? Well nothing as all the Dr.'s were concerned. It was my self diagnosis that found out what was wrong.

It was while lying in bed recovering from the laparoscopy that I only ate food which had been blended and that could fit through a straw, that I felt better than ever. I wasn't nauseous at all. That was until I sat down on a Friday night and as usual, ate handfuls of nuts. Lots of nuts. Kinda like I did ALL summer. Saturday I was nauseous and all sorts of sick.

Wait a minute......grandma can't eat nuts either, otherwise she's in bed all day sick to her stomach. Now that I think about it. I remember the GI Doctor telling the lady next to me in the recovery room not to eat nuts. Something about ridges in her stomach and that nuts would make her sick if she were to eat them. Ok...... so I didn't eat nuts for about another 2 weeks and then tried eating nuts again...to test my theory. Yup, I was really sick. Crap, you mean to tell me I was considering having someone take out my uterus and all it was, was Planter's Stinkin' nuts!!! Gawd do I feel like a dumbshit. Now that the bills have arrived, I feel like an even bigger dumbshit!

$13,000 for both procedures. And NO, I don't have to pay out of pocket for both and YES I do have insurance....but what? $13,000 for some nuts? Needless to say, next time I feel like crap, I'm just going to live with it.

Enough about what a dipstick I am.....on to the cute kids.

Here's Emma loving her big sister. Let's hope this is also the case come Friday. We leave Friday to fly from LA to Charleston, South Carolina. So if you hear screaming coming from the sky on Friday, you can bet it's us! How does a 22 pound diva require us to carry 80 more pounds of crap? I thought packing for China was hard. Two strollers, a car seat, two diaper bags(Phil get's to carry one too), Phil's laptop, snacks, sippy cups, surprise toys to keep them entertained, a few DVD's to play on the laptop, mom's vodka, dad's bourbon, blah, blah, blah....and that's just the stuff we're trying to get through the metal detectors. My apologies now to the poor suckers in line behind us, while we struggle with trying to bend all the FAA rules just get through the security check.

I probably won't post before Thanksgiving. Hope you all have a great one and truly take the time to think of what you are Thankful for. I'm thankful for my wonderful family and my awesome husband. You know, the man who's bringing home Jessica from the emergency room any minute now. Poor Jess, really wasn't feeling better. In fact she's sick again. It was tonight when we lifted up her shirt and saw that the 3 year old looked 9 months pregnant and her belly was as hard as a bowling ball that a trip to the ER was in order. Obviously something was wrong. Fecal impaction. I'll spare you of all the details. But she was so blocked up that the food was coming back in the form of vomit. She just walked in the door with daddy and looks much better. I can't imagine the pain the poor thing has been experiencing. Gotta go, can't wait to tuck her in! OH, Phil just told me, what a trooper she was. The DR. said he's seen adults about to go through the roof with less "blockage" and that she's a strong little girl :)

Have a great Thanksgiving!

This should be illegal.....and oh ya, I need your help

2006-11-17T20:30:00.000-08:00

Well Jess is finally feeling better. But not till after watching 2 and a half straight days of cartoons and Disney movies. I still can't believe that there isn't smoke coming from the TV....I feel like I'm committing child abuse! Poor thing has been lethargic and only wanted to lie on the her little couch and do nothing. Oh ya, and eat nothing. I think, she's had a few pieces of cheese and maybe a bit of a PB&J. Now you know she's sick....I don't call her Hogette for nothin'.

I also would like to solicit a little help from you. We are putting together a website that involves pets. I would like some cute (high resolution) pictures of cute babies and fuzzy pets. If selected your child will appear on a website that will be used to make money....just so we're clear. Hopefully with a little luck, your pet/child and my website will both be famous! I won't go into specifics yet about the website (can't give away that million dollar idea!). But as many of you know, the mortgage/real estate market has all but crapped the bed and we're looking for something else to do. Maybe you don't want your child in the picture but have a super cute pet....great! Any pet is fine, although we do prefer ones with hair.

So if you have a little talent and cute animals/kids around...start taking photos.

Thanks!

Can we pweeeeeeeeeeeeze go to Disneyland?

2006-11-15T20:35:00.000-08:00

It started at 1pm, when caller ID showed that the preschool was calling. Immediately you get a pit in your stomach.

Dear Gawd, why are they calling, how hurt is she? What happened?

Mrs. Nance? This is Miss So-in-so calling from Montessori school. Jessica is throwing up everywhere.

We'll be there, right away.

Poor Jessica. She wasn't sick when we sent her to school, therefore I sure hope the school doesn't think we knew she would do that. Phil got to school quick and there she was....embarrassed, claiming to her school mates, teacher and daddy that "it was an accident." Upon coming home and flopping on her Dora the Explorer couch, she grunted, moaned and clung to her belly for hours. While both daddy and I were doting over her, she did manage to look as pathetic as ever, struggle with a weak voice and ask

"Can we pweeeeeeeze go to Disneyland?"

That's when the parents looked at each other and unanimously voted that "she was milking it."

But really she wasn't. Of course knowing Jessica she'll try to get something in there....gotta love her effort. But hey, the poor thing asked to go to bed almost 2 hours early with only having a popsicle for dinner....that's after passing up an entire can of 7-UP we offered...which around here, is a big treat.

He's turning California

2006-11-12T19:06:00.000-08:00

Did you hear that? Right there....that loud burst. Hmmmm sounds to me like the housing market bubble just burst. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Actually for us, we feel like it's a good thing. This way all the hacks in the business will hopefully move on to something else. During that past 5 or so years the refi and housing boom has made way for people to become "experts in the business" by only having to fog a mirror. Thanks to these clowns who've given the rest of us a bad name, any time you mention you're a mortgage broker people think of you in the same way as if you had said you sold used cars. Phil just got his new license plate.

Pretty funny.

One way you know you're in California is that almost everyone has a personalized license plate. Just trying to drive down I-5 you can get lots of reading done, just checking out the plates. And of course to go with his fancy new plate, he's also been putting together a website too.

www.philnance.com

This last week I took Emma to finally get her first haircut. It didn't go to well.....

hmmmm, interesting, scissors and comb. Sure hope she's not going to touch me!

I'm hating every second of this

Most of the time Emma just makes a lot of noise when she crys....this time we had tears to boot

The girls were busy, as Pop came out from SC to hang out with them

We love Pop!

Great fun at the park

NOT SO BABY ALERT

I looked at Emma the other day and thought.....Dear Gawd she's getting old. And unfortunately it is true....you really don't take as many photos of the 2nd child as you do of the 1st.

Mama busted out the camera and rectified the situation

Just cruisin' on my bike

more cute pics here

searching for the end of blog world.......

2006-11-03T13:28:00.000-08:00

Have you ever gotten "lost in Blog world? I remember back when I started my blog, almost a year ago, I could search and search trying to see what other blogs were out there. Almost all the time they would somehow lead back to one or a few that I had already seen. Now it seems even my grandparents have their own blogs. Everyone has a blog. In a search for "the end of the blog world" I did come across this. A blog written by cats.

Cindarella, Piglet, Fried Chicken and Beer

2006-11-01T19:09:00.000-08:00

Blogger has finally cooporated and the pictures are up. The girls had a blast Trick-or-treating last night. Jessica's best friend, who no longer goes to her preschool (which makes her visit extra special) came over to trick-or-treat. They were both dressed as Cindarella and looked so cute!Jessica is old enough to truely appreciate Halloween. Emma wasn't too sure about her Piglet outfit and didn't care for the hood. Once we got outside and started hittin' the streets she was much better.

Two cutie pies! Jess and Chloe

More candy please!

Baby Piglet

Look at these two.....they know how to dress up for Halloween and throw one heck of a party! Every year they throw the best Halloween party. It takes days to decorate and get ready.

Phil and I all dressed up. Phil won first prize for his Colonel Sanders costume. The live band was a hit and the party was great

More pictures of the pumpkin patch

Grandma and little "E"

Mama's Buckaroo's

click here to see more photos

Blogger blows

2006-10-31T06:54:00.000-08:00

Anyone else not able to upload pictures to blogger? I've been trying for 3 days.

Hey, that looks like my house

2006-10-28T08:04:00.000-07:00

Besides super cute clothes at great prices, this is the latest advertisement for The Childrens Place. Looks like my house, only Jess has blonde hair.

Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat

2006-10-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 3 year anniversary of when we moved to Temecula. And for this special occasion Mother Nature decided to throw us a party complete with fire and smoke. Three years ago while pulling up in the U-haul pretty much all of San Diego was on fire. It was totally crazy. As we pulled up we could see a fire heading up and over a hill, towards us. We weren't sure weather to unpack the Uhaul or just keep everything in boxes and flee. So once again, we're on fire! This is looking out our office widow. Usually you could see mountains off in the distance. Today the entire town was full of smoke and raining ash.

Last night we carved pumpkins. Jessica's job was to pull out all of the "guts". She didn't really appreciate her job

I carved a ghost, Jessica (with my help) carved a smiley face and Phil carved a skeleton. Because it's been soooo hot, Emma's pumpkin has already started rotting.

Last weekend we took the girls out to the pumpkin patch.
Only in California can you go to the pumpkin patch in late October and sweat to death. It was so blasted hot! We waited over 45 minutes for a stinkin' 3 minute pony ride. After a few hours Jessica threw a fit and we were outta there....we didn't even buy pumpkins

Emma's first Halloween

Mama's little pumpkins

to see more Pumpkin Patch photos click here

This weekend we are to attend the mother of all Halloween parties. Adult Halloween Party!! This year we're going to a party where everyone brings a little something to eat and we'll have a live band. There is nothing I love more than parties where people are supposed to dress up. I LOVE dress up parties. Here is past costumes we have worn to parties.

This was when we went to New Orleans with a bunch of friends to see Widespread Panic for Halloween. Our group dressed up as the Royal Tanenbaums. I went as Margo and Phil went as Richie.

For years, I begged Phil to dress as a Spartan Cheerleader (from SNL). And he finally did. Unfortunately the great party we were to attend was a total dud. There went the hours of cheer practice. And boy was I ready.

Taco, burrito, what's bustin outta your speedo ?

Can you tell by the look on Phil's face, how excited he was about this costume.....he's still complaining!

Phil went as White Trash and I went as Mrs. Roper.

The best part is that the outfit I was wearing was something my grandmother used to own and wear! This year we had stumbled across the awesome party (in Denver) on the top floor of an apartment building. It was a huge conference room, with a DJ, drinks and you could walk outside on the roof.

Last year we were Slash and Wonder Woman. For all you faithfull readers (yes, I'm talking to all 2 of you.) Wonder Woman is my all time favorite person!

Any ideas on what we'll be this year?

Blast from the past

2006-10-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

So the other day, I was skimming through the channels when I looked up and said, "holy crap that's Kristin Veitch!" How did I remember that so fast? Who is Kristin you ask? Kristin is an old friend of mine from middle school. We hung out a bit and spent the night at each other's houses and went trick-or-treating together. I remember one time on our way to Blockbuster with her mother driving we hit a black poodle at night. We pulled into the fire department down the street and reported the accident.

You too may know Kristin as she has a show on the E! Channel. Pure craziness. I haven't seen her show yet. I just saw her on a commercial. Have you seen her show? I think she's actually part of the E News show that has Ryan Secrest (can't stand that dweeb) hosts. Anyone else go to school with someone who ended up famous?

Greatest Story ever Sold

2006-10-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

Jessica woke up this morning looking like a pirate missing her eye patch. Her right eye is swollen, red and spewing green goo....thanks preschool!!! Needless to say with her pink eye she stayed home from school and hung out with the rest of us. I'm sure we'll all have pink eye by Friday. One thing I did today while just hanging around was watch some of the Oprah shows I have Tevo'd. One show imparticular got me thinking a bit. It was the episode with Frank Rich the author of The Greatest Story ever Sold. During the show someone posed the question wether or not people in the US are demanding that we receive the truth through our media sources. It seems as though we have become so comsumed with celebrities and materialistic bullshit, that no one really cares what story is being told regarding to the war. It's like we could careless if the reporters are feeding us dogshit, as we're not really paying attention anyways. I'll admit I too have payed more attention to the rediculousness of Hollywood. Never in High School did I pay as much attention to "who" got what boob job, or "who" was dating "who." I feel that now as an adult with two children and a husband, for some reason I am actually buying those gossip magazines. And it's not just me, it's almost all of us. For me personally, I've become numb. The nightly news is almost the same, and it's been this way for years. Another roadside bomb....another suicide bomber. It makes me sad that I even think of it this way. But week after week, when you're looking at rubble and debris left from bombs, sitting on last weeks rubble and debris, sitting on last month's rubble and debris...you become numb to it. For me, it's so easy to look at a celebrity magazine and not have to put much effort into it. Not to have to figure out politics, war, hate and destruction. What makes me sad is the lives being lost and so many times it's just a new (higher) number on the TV. I really try not to have those lives be "just another number on the news" and try to think of the families left behind.

A few times I have heard about all the wonderful things "we" are doing in Iraq. "We're" building schools, hospitals, water systems, roads and bridges. So where the hell are the pictures and stories ?? Why hasn't the media shown me this? Some people suspect that the coverage of the war is slighted by the fact that it's such a dangerous war. You're not ever really sure who is fighting who and you can't simply carry your camera around videotaping what you like. But if we can show pictures of rubble and destruction, where it is obviously very danagerous, how hard would it be to show a peaceful school being built? The whole thing is hard to wrap your mind around. I'd really like to think that we're not a nation full of assholes that really only care about purses, Hollywood and materialistic crap. Are we not asking enough of our media or are they keeping up with our demands for "just another entertainment show"?

Disneyland or bust

2006-10-11T10:26:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, about noon, the car was gased and packed. The Hogette's had taken naps and we were off to Disneyland. After two hours of sitting in traffic and not making it 30 miles we turned around and came home. ACK. We were so not happy. There went an entire days completely wasted. Thankfully Jessica did NOT throw a
fit and was just as happy going to the park
and feeding the ducks. So yesterday we tried
it again and had success.

The girls had a blast! Here they are with Pocahontas.

Cinderella

Nothing like maneuvering a double Hogette stroller through crowds.

Last weekend daddy gave mommy a much needed break. If you live anywhere near Big Bear Lake and enjoy beer, brauts and music attend the Ocotberfest.

Some new biker friends I met.

Whatever you do, don't forget the chicken hat!

Grab a gaggle of friends and GO!

For those of you looking to get your teaching credential in the comfort of your home (and you live in California) check out Calstate Teach. We still need to figure out if I'll be able to get the credential now, or if I need to work somewhere first and then go for the credential later.

Calling all California teachers

2006-10-03T22:09:00.000-07:00

If you have gotten your California teaching credential ONLINE after receiving a bachelor's degree could you please email me? Here's what I am trying to accomplish. With my bachelor's of science in marketing from the University of Oregon, I am wanting to get my multiple subject credential to teach K-8. I want to do this online, as I need to work while going to school. The more research we put into this, the more confusing it is. I am looking for a reputable online college that would fulfill California's requirements. Any and all help is appreciated.

A week sure can make a difference

2006-10-02T20:05:00.000-07:00

I am happy to report that the Hogettes are back to "normal". We figured out that if Jessica so much as gets bored for a nanosecond, it's going to hit the fan. Hence why I have enrolled her in "My Gym" classes. Last weekend was great, we attended a wedding overnight without the girls! It was great as this was one of our last friends from college that was getting married. Good gawd are we slowing down. Certainly not as wild and crazy as the first wedding of the bunch..ours.

Thursday we are headed to Disneyland. Remember the Pony jar? It's back and better than ever. This time Jessica is attempting to be good for a trip to Disneyland. For one full hour straight a few weeks ago, we sat down and told Jessica about everyone (Mickey, all the Princesses, Pooh, blah blah blah.....we even made some stuff up) that lives at Disneyland, we also told her all about the rides, the food, you name it, we hyped it up. Needless to say, she's ready.

This video, made me laugh. First off, how cute are they? Second, one way we know that the girls are back to normal for the time being, is that Jessica tries to make Emma laugh the entire time we're heading home from school, just like the video. And third, Emma has this same silly laugh.

Where the hell are the parents and when are they going to show up?

2006-09-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

The past 48 hours in this house have been hellacious. Truly hellacious. I couldn't make this shit up. Long story short (read: longer)......... Saturday the girls were SO bad, we left the house about 3 in the afternoon and were headed anywhere. Anywhere they might not whine, cry, bitch, moan, antagonize each other, antagonize us, pull hair, demand shit, scream, throw rolls of toilet paper in the toilet and pretty much anywhere out in public where someone might stop us from killing ourselves or them. Three in the afternoon and we were at the dollar store on a blasted Saturday. Can you say Hell? An afternoon at the dollar store during the weekend where it was "butts to nuts" was actually better than being home.............starting to smell what I'm stepping in? Then we were home around 5pm, both girls were in the bath. Emma got a strange look on her face and my voice elevated fast..."Did you just go potty?"

That was it. The baby was in hysterics. Crazy crying. I had her butt on the potty and left Jessica with the floating turds. Phil having heard the commotion ran upstairs and rescued Jessica. Emma spent a few minutes throwing a temper tantrum in her crib while Phil showered off Jessica and I dressed myself (I had been taking a shower right next to the girls, while they were bathing). I went into Emma's room got her out of her crib, where she was screaming and crying so hard she couldn't breath. Jessica is flipping out...something about her stupid undies, and she couldn't' get them on. Somehow all 4 of us were in our bathroom, I start to cry as this was our 10th hour of this shit....when Phil looked at me and said,

"Get your ass in the closet" (we have a HUGE closet with two separate doors)

I'm in the closet..he's in closet and each of us is manning a door. Phil looks at me with a crazed look.

"what the fuck is going on here?"
"why are they doing this to us?"

I'm crying and laughing both at the same time. What they hell was going on? Somehow the parents ended up together hiding in the closet each manning doors.....not from a rapist, not from robbers....form a 1 and a 3 year old.

Both the girls were fed and put to bed early that night. Now you know why on Sunday we decided to drag them up to 5000 feet and have them hike. No way in hell were we going to go through "that" again.

Then today................oh gawd, today. I picked up Jess from school and surprise, surprise she was awful. She's been beyond awful since her new class. It's been so embarrassing, I can't even post about it. So tonight, Phil took Jess out for dinner...who knows, maybe she needs a little one on one time. Dinner was fine (although Phil complained that she can't hold a conversation....uh hello...she's 3). Then it was time to get ready for bed and holy shit.

Another long story short (read: longer). Mama finally got tired of the 3 year old bossing US around. She was headed to bed without brushing her teeth, after giving us plenty of sass. Phil decided he was going to put Jess to bed as she was freaking out over not brushing her teeth. I was putting Emma to sleep. For some unknown reason Emma starts screaming bloody murder in my face. I can hear Phil struggling with Jessica, and that was it. I put Emma down on the floor and marched straight into Jessica's room . Time to set the record straight, who's boss...and it's not the 3 year old. I shut the door behind me as I don't ever reprimand Jessica in front of Emma. I told Jess, to get into bed and to stay quite. I went to leave and oh crap! I just locked us all in Jessica's bedroom. We had switched the lock around (to lock her in) on Jessica's bedroom when we left for China. At that time, she was great at climbing out of her crib and we were afraid she might fall down the stairs(we had just moved into a two story house and she had never seen stairs). So her lock works on the outside and was done as a way to keep her safe and we've never taken the lock off.

Panic set in. I'm trying to pick the lock, Phil is pacing starting to get worried, Emma is beating down Jessica's door trying to get in while screaming, Jessica seeing us worried and hearing Emma screaming, starts to have a melt down. Now what?

Phil called the neighbor on his cell phone and said,
"You're not going to believe this, we just locked ourselves in Jessica's room and Emma's outside the door freaking out. Can you please come in through the back door and let us out?"

Now lets stop for a second....once again, what the hell was going on???

Within minutes our neighbor was at Jessica's door and let us out. Poor guy. His eyes were as big as saucers and you could read his mind. "These people are fuckin' nuts!"
His wife is due in less than 3 weeks with their first child. Phil thanked him and then also reminded him that he was looking into his future. Not saying much, he let himself out through the front door.

The hogettes are asleep, we have each indulged in adult beverages to calm the nerves and we both are still feeling like, "Where the hell are the parents and when are they going to show up?"

I know you appreciate posts with pictures, but trust me on this one folks....you really don't want to see....you really don't.

The Hogettes go Hiking

2006-09-24T21:04:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts. I spent the greater part of the past week in bed on pain pills. Whoever said that they were flouncing around the house after laparascopy surgery was either full of shit or had waaaaaay better pain pills than I was given. Actually I'll fill you in later as my final appointment is tomorrow with the OBGYN to go over what the diagnostic pictures of innards look like, and to come up with a plan as to what we're going to do. I know, I know, I'm just as sick of hearing myself spew about this as you are, trust me. After spending way too many days in bed, it was time to get out!!! We took the hogettes hiking.

Please say someone is going to pick up this backpack

Rip, roaring and ready to go

My new backpack isn't half bad

Mommy and her cute little hiker

When asked, Hogette #1 said, "Summit or bust"

Along the Summit trail.....quick break for a snack. After all, we call them the Hogettes for a reason

Nance Family

Jessica did awesome. We didn't exactly make it all the way up the Summit trail as it was more than 2 miles and most of it was straight up.

Phil laughed at himself, as he felt weighed down with 60 pounds of pure Hogette. How did he ever used to slap 90 pounds on his back and take 12 teenagers out in the woods for 3 weeks straight? Oh ya, that was 10 years ago.

We decided to stop hiking when Jessica said she wanted "Lamby Pie".....poor kids was a wee bit tired.

Her first time hiking Jessica was good for a little more than 2 miles a good portion was straight up.

Tuckered out Hogettes having yet another snack before heading back home.

We had a blast and are encouraged that we can do this again

Click here for more photos

Not exactly what I had in mind for today, but I'm at least 500.00 richer

2006-09-16T12:31:00.000-07:00

With a few goals in mind; sell leather sectional couch so that Phil can get his car in the garage plus use the money from the couch to pay neighbors for the bar and stools they gave us earlier this summer.....what else, but have a yard sale. Typically my idea of a yard sale is to call salvation army and tell them to "come and get it". But we really did have decent stuff to get rid of (minus the hideous chair I'm sitting in, which now has a FREE sign on it).

Phil sporting the sexy Lowe's money belt

This is what happens when the 3 year old gets a little too sassy while mom and dad are busy trying to sell off their crap.

We were up at 6am and Phil dashed out to put out my "crappy" signs (I've been taken it in the ear all morning about how awful my floppy signs were) by the time Phil got back around 6:20 I had sold almost all the "good stuff". Keep in mind that the sale wasn't to start till 7am. Well it's a little after noon and I'm hunkered down with my 500 bucks getting ready to watch hours of college football :) Not bad, not bad at all

Would someone please inform our mother that Halloween is over a month away!!!!

2006-09-14T10:16:00.000-07:00

Ok, so let it be known, I'm a huge wussy. The scope down the throat was no big deal at all. My throat never hurt for a second. No uclers either, just a biopsy because I have an "inflamed stomach".

I feel a soar throat coming on...........

2006-09-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

Later today, I am off to the GI doctor for an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (admit it, you're impressed with this word..and that I spelled it correctly). This is where they are sticking a scope down through my mouth and into my stomach to see if I have an ulcer. This was recommended by the OBGYN. Before he starts cutting out lady parts he wants to be sure I've covered my bases. I feel a sore throat coming on because it just has to hurt, pulling a scope back out through my throat, that's what I am preparing for at least. What I'm a little worried about is being put under. The last time this happened, I was about 8 and had my tonsils taken out. Actually back then I wasn't too scared. If I remember correctly it was Eric Piercy who brought his floating tonsils in a mason jar to school for "show and tell". I mean really how bad could it be? Not only did he live to tell about it, he had the tonsils, in a jar. I decided to forfeit my tonsils to the hospital, I mean really, how many floating tonsils do kids need to see in one school year for "show and tell"? I'm 31 years old and I'm still talking about his!

Then Wens. I have a pre-op appointment for the laparoscopy appointment I have next Monday. Wensday, I figure out more about the appoinment for next Monday and come up with a game plan.

Oh wait, Thursday I have a dentist appointment to finally put my crown back on......maybe. Here's a long story, even longer. About 3 or so years ago, while talking to Phil half of my back molar fell out. In a hurry I chose a crappy dentist. This crappy dentist put a silver and porcelain crown on. Not two years later while in China eating a pot sticker, this crown fell out. Because the crown was guaranteed for 5 years, I get a new one for FREE. Here's the problem, between the time they fit me for a new crown and last week, more of my back molar fell out.OK, stop questioning me. YES, I do brush my teeth and I even floss for good measure. I blame my mother for this. It's her bad tooth gene that has plagued my entire mouth! I know what you're thinking.... with all your teeth falling out maybe you should be a carney. Hey, don't think I haven't thought about it. If Phil's whole new business thing doesn't work out, I will be 'The Toothless Wonder' at your local fair, attempting to twist balloons into some sort of animal.

It's great that Phil is working from home. While Emma is taking a nap I can dash out to all the different appointments. It's race against the clock. Our new insurance kicks in October 1st. Having been self employed before and having delt with insurance companies before, I learned my lesson. If you so much as claim you've had a hang nail sometime in the past 5 years they will deny you faster than you can say deny. So needless to say (this would be where any of you working for health insurance companies can stop reading) I haven't been totally honest about the fact that I spent more time at the OBGYN's office than the beach this summer. If any surgery or other big appointment is going to happen...times a ticken' and I need to be seen NOW. And really I haven't been feeling that bad. I still get bouts of nausea where I can't eat a thing. And then every now and then I get the horrible pelvic pain. So, who knows?

Never to be forgotten..........

2006-09-11T08:40:00.000-07:00

Back in the saddle again.....................

2006-09-04T20:51:00.000-07:00

I'm here, are you? Sure hope that's not the sound of crickets.. Well let's see. Awhile back Phil opened is paycheck and about burst into tears. No, not those tear...like you just won the lottery. The tears like, "What the hell is this shit? I just got done working how hard, for this? Are they kidding me? Are they outta their frickin minds? I'm so outta here!" And that was it. Time to quit being a manager for a major mortgage company (read: Wells Fargo) and go back to being self employed. Only this time, it's a bit trickier. We didn't feel like he could successfully make this move without his assistant, which meant she too would have to quit. Convincing a single mom of 2 to give up a steady paycheck and benefits, isn't the easiest of tasks. Long story, short....last week Wells Fargo all but emptied out and we now have people working out of our upstairs. I know, glamorous life....you wish this were you.

So it's been nuts. "Helping" people with their real estate tests, buying laptops, installing software, getting PO boxes, ordering business cards and of course trying to figure out how everyone is going to support themselves now that we're all 100% commission and it's not like we all had tons of money working for Wells. Oh ya and the best part, not letting Wells Fargo know about any of this till we were all "ready" to leave. The goal; come spring we would like to be up and running with our own "real" office space in town and a few employees.

A week before the big employment move, Phil's grandmother was sent to hospice. Phil quickly boarded a plan for South Carolina and was with his family for almost a full week. Thankfully Phil was able to attend the funeral before heading home. The world lost a wonderful woman the day Cora Lee passed. She's the type of person who carried more class in her pinky finger than most of use do in our whole body. They just don't make people like Cora Lee anymore. To know Cora Lee was to love Cora Lee. It was awful without Phil here. Actually the girls took it pretty easy on me, but whoa was I bored and outta sorts.

This is what else is happening around here; College Football. We LOVE college football and are avid Oregon Duck fans. This would be Phil using my foam finger to flip me off. You would think after parking his rump on the couch and watching hours of football while enjoying cold frothy beers, he would be in a better mood. Oh well :)

Here's a wonderful thing happening around here. Phil's assistant loves to babysit. Well what do ya know, I love to have my kids babysat while I enjoy adult time. This would be us while we enjoyed a full night out. Yes folks that's 24 glorious hours of just us (I can't even type this without a shit eatin' grin on my face). We started out at the Del Mar horse races where we probably would have had more fun just standing over the toilet and watching our money swirl down. Oh well. Then it was off to The W hotel. We cruised the gaslamp district for dinner and then drinks. While enjoying libations we laughed at a bachelorette party. I dared Phil to take his shirt off and run into the crowd of screaming girls. Guess he hadn't had enough $9.00 vodka tonics, as he turned me down. One of the biggest laughs, was hearing Joan Jett's blaring, 'I love Rock N Roll". You know, the song that goes

I love rock n' roll

So put another dime in the jukebox, baby

I love rock n' roll

So come an' take your time an' dance with me

This would be about when we both felt 200 years old. Hmmmmm a "dime" for the jukebox? Try C-note. Jukebox? Dear gawd, do they make those anymore?

After that it was back to the hotel for their own awesome bar. On top of the roof at The W, they have a sand bar. The entire floor is about 2-3 inches thick of sand...heated, of course.

Just this Tuesday was Jessica's first day back at preschool again. We're starting to wonder how this kids is going to manage a backpack full of books when her lunch box alone weighs 85 pounds. And just like every dainty little princess heading out for her first day of school, the fake lizard was in tote.

Among other things, Jessica received a cute pink bicycle for her birthday. This picture about sums it up, "stay outta my way, or I'll run you over!"

We've spent a little time at the beach. Jessica was sharing some of her crabs with Emma.

Oh ya, Pluto is no longer a planet, say what? Who the hell decided this one? I mean take away that Michael Jackson is a man, and we can all agree...no scientist needed. But taking away planetship (did I just make up a word here) isn't that a little harsh? I'm going to guess that most of the scientists that voted to make this decision were men. It's been said that Pluto is no longer a planet, due to the "lack of it's size". Why don't we just get Pluto one of those huge jacked up trucks to compensate for the "lack of size"...seems to work for men. I guess when all the teachers get to the part in the textbook that claim Pluto is the ninth planet in the solar system, kids can pull out their sharpies and just scratch that part out. If it's that easy to rid something that's been in existence for so long, can't we just get rid of Bush?

So that's it..just working on figuring out how to make money appear out of the sky, convincing people that the grass truly is greener somewhere else and trying to enjoy adult life.

I'm not really here..............

2006-08-15T20:49:00.000-07:00

Just playing around with pictures....

Hiatus

2006-08-10T21:25:00.000-07:00

It's time to step. away. from. the. blog for a few. Most families makes major decisions regarding family, employment or finances about every 2-5 years (just guessing here)...well at the Nance Nuthouse these types of major decisions happen, oh every 10-12 months at the most. I need to take time to spend with Mr. Nance as we are in the process (again) of making major decisions regarding major "things" with our family. Oh, I wish it were as easy as, "do these shoes match this outfit"....but it's a bit bigger than that. And to be honest, I just haven't felt "it" lately and haven't had anything worth writting. No worries my pets, I'll be back and will fill you in on what has been happening and will provide a few pictures to document. Everyone take care, I'll see ya soon.

and just so no panties get in a wad, we are NOT moving......anywhere!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh no more Princess

2006-08-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

Birthday Princess Jessica

The day started off great. Thankfully we had perfect weather. After all the children showed up, so did Snow White.

One of my favorite parts of the days was when Snow White showed up and Jessica said she wanted to see Cinderella. We had a feeling no matter which princess showed up, she would ask for a different princess. Snow White was great, she face painted and hung out with the kids giving the parents time to talk.

Then it was pinata time. I decided to buy a pinata online from the Oriental Trading company. I wanted a dragon so that we could "slay the dragon". The Oriental Trading Company must make their pinatas out of concrete.

Not only did we break the pinata stick, (where half of it flew into the crowd of kids and about poked an eye out) then it broke a golf club! Finally Mr. Nance took it upon on himself to rip apart the pinata with his hands. Ridiculous!

As the children scooped up their candy you could hear the parents saying;
Atomic Fireballs?
Jaw breakers?

Oops, when I bought pinata candy I didn't think to really look at what I was buying. I guess buying choking hazards for a group of 3 year olds was not the best idea.

The parents stayed amd goofed around with the kids. This is "the trio" Jess, Chloe and Sienna.

It was a great party but tons of work. Next year a family trip to the beach might have to suffice.

click here to see more pictures

Please pray for us.....

2006-08-03T10:50:00.000-07:00

Monday afternoon while picking Jessica up from school, I had mentioned to her teacher that out off 22 invitations for Jessica's Princess party, only 1 boy was coming(and this doesn't included other invites for friends not at her school). I explained to her it would be kinda hard to truely enjoy a princess party with most of the attendee's being boys and that I would have to request them to wear tiaras and act like princesses; something I'm sure would make all the father's 'oh so proud'. The teacher said that most of the kid's don't RSVP and will just show up. Great, where does that leave me with how much food and things like goodie bags? Ya certainly can't have enough for everyone but just one kid. Then the next day I was filing out endless paperwork at the Preschool for the upcoming school year. Sophia's mom came to me with a paper in her hand and seemed a little worried.

"I promise I was going to call you today, we're coming to Jessica's party"

"Oh thank you, that's great."

I could see she was referring to a piece of paper in hand. I asked to look at what she was holding

Crazy Ms Wendy! I quickly explained to Sophia's mother that I had not written this. And this it was Ms Wendy. I honestly don't think she believed me. Ms Wendy had placed this paper in each of the chidlren's folders to be taken home. Needless to say...the RSVP's are coming in which is good news. The bad news is that the RSVP's are coming in. I'm certain that between the children who are RSVP'ing and those who plan to just show up...my backyard ought to look like this by about 2pm on Saturday.

Seriously, pray for us. Mama may have gone a little overboard (who me? ....never).

update; I just called Mr Nance and jokingly said that 4 more people called this morning to say they were coming to the party. His response; "Holy Shit we'll need more beer." Hmmmmm does he not know that this weekend is the party for the 3 year old and not the annual White Trash Party?

Forfieting the baby making machine??

2006-07-27T21:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon I went again to the OBGYN, starting to feel like I should get a frequent vistor card where my 5th visit is free or something. Before I even got in the car I took myself a long shower. And ladies, you totally know what I'm talking about. The shower you take before your "exam". The type of shower, you're not even so sure you took the night you met your husband or got engaged, maybe not even on your wedding day. A very thorough shower.

A quick knock on the door and there was the Dr., ready to find out what was going on. As with any exam of this type a nurse has to be present. After a few minutes the nurse did appear, and then another nurse, I kept my eyes on the door to see exactly how many people were going to be walking in. I was starting to wonder if we would be trying to fit as many nurses into the room as possible to see my privates or what. Thankfully the door closed and there were only 4 people in the room, still about a few too many. One quick ultrasound and, 'Hey what do ya know there were things showing up on the screen...then it was time for the saline sonogram. This would be were I started to crack jokes and laugh. I mean 3 visits to the OBGYN in about 5 weeks, what the hell else are you supposed to do?

And there they were, polyps swishing in the saline solution clear as day on the screen. Yup, I saw it for myself. Ohh hope it's not to late to say that if you're not in to reading about some random lady's uterus and random things that might be festuring in it, then you don't want to read this! In addition to the polyps there is a good chance I also have endrometriosis. The pain I have been feeling and describing are not associated with the polyps. Endometriosis is hard to diagnos without actually having laproscopy. And ya the sonogram did hurt, but nothing compared to what I have been feeling.

This would be where the Dr. asked if I was done using my uterus in the terms of reproduction. Pretty much, "are you done with that?"

Hmmmm, ususally when I hear, "are you done with that?" it's often refering to my vodka tonic I have been able to order while enjoying the presence of my husband on a coveted "date night". This is where you look at the melted ice and try to distinguish between the melted ice and the actual vodka and of course just for good measure you take that last slurp and relinquish your glass. But my uterus? Gosh, I think so. I mean. I do have 2 kids and well, 2 around here is good enough.....but I've been sorta attached to the uterus and have had it for a good 31 years. But then again, you start talking about not getting periods and well I start to search for where I sign on the dotted line. And of course when the Dr. explains that hysterectomies these days are 'not like your mothers ' and that there are only 3 small incisions on your tummy and recovery time is only a few days...the whole thing is starting to sound a little better. And no, he didn't use my mother as a frame of reference.

Actually, I said I would wait 2 months and then decide. I have started to feel a little better. I wonder if it's because I have purposely not gotten my period since May. I'm a little hesitant to quit taking the "pill" and start getting my periods again. I have decided to wait till after Jessica's party. Knowing how completely awful I felt the last time (the first time in my life I ever bought Midol) , I can't imagine having a 3 year old's party going on while wondering if I would be feeling better at the bottom of the pool with a weight around my neck.

I still have the GI appointment in 2 weeks. I mean, why not? Let's find out everything. And to keep the appointments steady, I also have an appt. with the dentist next week to finally put a crown on my tooth.........ya know the crown that fell off while in China. Ur... uh....ya that really was 6 months ago....I'm a slacker.

Oh ya...nothing like home cookin'

2006-07-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

Remember my solicitation for recipes, as I need help in the kitchen? Well, thank you to all that helped me out. I'll admit that I haven't used all of the recipes submitted. Between feeling like a walking dog log and it being 1000 degrees outside, I haven't real felt like standing over a hot stove or heating up the oven. But I have tried to throw in a few good recipes here and there and here is the response.

Here's what the husband of the house had to say; "WOW, awesome! Seriously, when you said you had new recipes, I just figured Stouffers had a new line of cuisine"

Here's what Hogette #1 had to say; "What!?.....my last name really isn't Boyardee ? I have a lot of explaining to do at school."

Here's what Little "E" had to say; "Not now mom, I'm stuffing my face"

So there you have it folks....the family is impressed! And to be honest I have had a little help. If you haven't already found your nearest Dream Dinners, do yourself a favor and go. You can make 12 dinners in the span of 2 hours. The recipes are good and for people like myself, it's a life saver!

I'm hot, you're hot, they're hot.......Global Warming?

2006-07-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

This Saturday was the hottest day in my existence. I know, I said that about last Saturday, honestly though I never thought I would live to see a day past 114 degrees. So exactly how hot was it yesterday, check it out for yourself. Be sure to scroll down to the 'Daily Statistics' and look at the awesome daily high! I can think back to about 6 summers ago and every single one seems to get hotter. Of course this summer takes the cake. And it's not just here, it's across the country and well.......everywhere. So what's going on? The Discovery Channel couldn't have planned it better.. last night they featured, Global Warming: What You Need to Know. Not sure they could have picked a hotter day (lets hope so) to really grab peoples attention. We also watched Too Hot To Handle (which we Tevo'd off of HBO). After watching 3 hours of programs relating to Global Warming, what was almost as interesting as the science proving what is happening to our planet is the idea that there are people who think Global Warming is a farce. Besides the people heavily invested in gas and oil, I don't see the benefit of pretending like it's not happening. How does the average Joe benefit from sitting in his house with the air conditioning cranked on, with his entire family (including Fido) sitting inside because it's too blasted hot outside....all while saying 'Nope, No Global Warming here'. Huh? And yes, a few hot summers doesn't add up to Global Warming, I know. It's the combination of many things.
Even as a child, I remember seeing a smoke stack (maybe even on TV) and thinking; 'that can't be good', 'where is that all going?' 'that's so dirty.' If smoking a cigarette isn't good for you, why would smoke stacks be okay? To me, it's just common sense. One alternative people have come up with, is that the Earth is in an interglacial period. Hmmmm, okay...let's say for a minute that it is. The temperature wouldn't be rising as quick as it is. Something must be helping push temperatures highter at such a quick rate. I use temperature as one example as temperature is something we can all feel. It's not like we have a window into the Amazon to see it being depleted. We all don't live in Alaska to see the glaciers melting.

We can see vast changes that have taken place within the lifetime of our grandparents. How can you deny something major is happening, and that we have nothing to do with it? Enlighten me, what else is it that we aren't looking at?

Baby's first haircut

2006-07-20T21:55:00.000-07:00

We decided a few nights ago to get "baby's first haircut". We opted for the fancy haircut place, that gives you a "first haircut" certificate, lock of hair and cute picture. After the cut, they "style" whatever hair is left. We're pretty happy with the cut and thinks it looks cute. The whole ordeal took over 40 minutes which we felt was a little long for a "first haircut".

What do you think?

"before" picture.

Hold still what? How do I do that?

All done.

Say what? Oh you thought Baby's first haircut was referring to the actual "baby" living in the house. Oh no, see Jessica is almost 3 and has never so much as had a trim......it was time!

Yesterday I thought, "hmmm I could really use a pedicure and just relax". I had plans on maybe doing this after dinner. That was till I smashed my foot into a free weight. And one of my toes ended up looking like a purple grape.

Yes, I know my feet are ugly. But hey, I could still hoble around today.

Then I was leaving the mall today with the Hogettes (Daddy's loving word referring to his beautiful girls) While trying to stay calm as the 2 year old was about to melt down.....Oh Crap...that was my heal (of course on my other foot......no fair only having one foot in pain....gotta have both!). The door leading to the outside about took off my foot.

Great, now how long do I have to wait till I get a pedicure?

I do have great news. Jessica will be attending the advanced class this Fall. And I have an appt. for a Saline Infusion Sonogram. For real this time. Persistance!!! Not leaving till I get my Sonogram.......period!

GLOBAL GIVING

2006-07-19T21:30:00.000-07:00

Make a difference click here.

Half the Sky foundation is a participant and you are looking to vote for

"Foster families for 50 disabled orphans in China"

You'll see what I mean after you click the link.

Good news, Bad news, So-so news.......actually I'm not so sure there even is news

2006-07-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

I went to the OBGYN for a Saline Infusion Sonogram to further explore whatever it is in my uterus. Today's appt. was with a different Dr. than who originally did the ultrasound and then ordered the sonogram. After a few minutes of explaining my symptoms she decided to first do another ultrasound as the sonogram is quite painfull and she wasn't too sure I needed it. Long story short. I did not receive the painful sonogram. There's the good news.

According to today's ultrasound the mass that was in my uterus is no longer there. Hmmmmmm, okay ? Today's Dr. was a bit stumped by the lack of info the first Dr. gave...as he didn't write down hardly anything. I explained that because of this lack of information was why I have been so nervous. He never gave me any idea as to what could be going on. All he ever said was, "Your uterine walls look a little too thick and there seems to be a dark mass over here." There's the so-so news.
So with no polyps or fibroids visable by ultrasound, I now have an appt with a Gastrointestinal Dr. Today's Dr. said she thought that there could be something in my GI making me feel sick. So as it stands, I see another Dr. in 3 weeks and then go back to the OBGYN in about 5 weeks.

The bad news, I still am in pain and feel sick. Every time I try to find things on the internet myself, it says "you're pregnant". I have blood test results that say "no way". Needless to say, I'm frustrated.

So I will continue to sit here with my

nausea
cramping pain in the lower right area of my pelvic
pain in my back directly opposite of my pelvic
the feeling like something is pushing on my bladder
and the feeling like my pelvic area is "heavy"

hey, other than that I fee like a Million Pesos!

Big time stuff going on over here....

2006-07-17T19:30:00.000-07:00

Click HERE to see what the fuss is all about.

The Mother of all birthday parties

2006-07-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

Remember this? Just by looking at it you knew the party was going to be a blast. To give you a true feeling of what it was like to attend this birthday party extravaganza, let me tell you how hot it was for starters. Try 114 degrees! Yesterday was truely the hottest day in my existance.

Here is what we saw when pulling up to the birthday party for a 3 year old friend of Jessica

do yourself a favor and blow up these pictures, just click on them

A full carnival!

Exactly what does the Mother of all birthday parties include.......

Carnival booths with prizes

A live DJ. If I ever have to hear the Wiggles blared at 800 decibels again, I will throw up....just thought I would warn you

A blow up jumper with water slide and small pool a the bottom.

This is truely what saved the party. Without this they would have had to call 911

A homecooked, full BBQ for the parents.

A woman administering tattoos to all the children

Pony rides. I was certain PETA was going to show up. 114 degrees and ponies ??

A snow cone machine that was everyone's best friend

Two pinata's, as one is just never enough

Each child was given a sack lunch with 'carnival' type food. And of course, not just a brown sack, the birthday girls picture was on it!

Not one, Not 2, Not three, Not even four, But FIVE (yes 5) full bouncy houses. This one pictured, might have been larger than the first house I bought. No, actually I'm sure of it ...........

Fireworks to top it all off. Last time I checked, these were illegal

Did we have fun? Sure, in between feeling like we were going to pass out or sweat straight through our clothes. I actually was ready to set fire to my outfit once we got home. Why the hell did we stay? The mother just found out last week that she will be leaving with the Navy to serve for one full year. We were there to show our support....plus give me a break. Once you show up to something like this and figure how many thousands (not hundreds.....thousands) of dollars were spent...can you really just leave?

Jessica tearing it up on the climbing bounce house

Sliding down!

Here's what I find to be the most amazing thing of the day. While running 2 air conditioning units, 5 huge bounce houses, a DJ, a snow cone machine plus Gawd only knows what else...they never blew a fuse! Now that's impressive.
With Jessica's Princess party next, some of the parents were joking about wether or not we would be topping Sienna's party. The only I can think of to top off this party would be to have Walt Disney himself rise from the dead and attend. Do you have any great ideas?

This was at the family's home. And for anyone who lives in So Cal and has driven on I-15 near Temecula, you have probably wondered ...who would pay 1,000,000 to live on the freeway? Now we know.

Muy Caliente

2006-07-13T11:25:00.000-07:00

IT IS SO HOT !!!! What is gong on? Why is it soooo stinkin' hot?

yes, I know it's summer but give me a break, it shouldn't be this bad.

And if you live in Phoenix, aren't you all considering calling it something different? Maybe like Hell or Mars....I'm not even sure the face of Mars gets up to 116.

The worst part of the heat is the fires! Out here in California it's fire season. I hate fires. Fires scare me. I can handle earth quakes. Earthquakes are quick and unpredictable. I prefer the "hit me" method. I really don't want time to evacuate or time to panic or even worse, standing in your house while trying to remain calm deciding what out of your entire house is worth "saving." I've actually been in some crazy earthquakes. The worst was the during the summer at our beach house. What made it so bad was the house was on top of sand not hard ground. I remember standing in the door way of my room (as you're supposed to do) and staring at my parents across the hall as they stood in their doorway. Between us a was a wall of glass and the house was literally swaying from side to side. One of my first earthquakes that I remember was when I was about 5 or so. I stood there and watched the cookie jar ( a big one too) take about 5 or 6 "jumps" straight off the counter and then hit the floor. I also remember Phil's first earthquake experience. That man shot out of bed and ran straight for Jessica's crib, grabbed her and stood under the doorway. what the hell was that?????

While he was ready to pee his pants, I was laughing. "Welcome to California, honey" I also commented on how quick he had moved, I had never seen Phil move that quick...ever. Yup, I like to be blindsided. Don't care for hurricanes, fires or tornados. Just get it over with. The best part about earthquakes, as long as everyone is fine and dandy is you can blast

Carole King's, I feel the Earth Move, through out the rest of the day.

if the girls aren't good, I'll threaten them with moving to Death Valley, even worse...a boarding school in Death Valley...that way I don't have to live there too. Geez no wonder it's called Death Valley who can live where it's 124 degrees?

Headed in two different directions

2006-07-11T19:39:00.000-07:00

For a few months now Jessica's teacher has told me that we need to work with her on her "sounds". Wasn't sure if this meant animal sounds or what. Her teacher was referring to the alphabet and phonics....you know, the sounds that letters make. In September all the kids at school will be moved up to appropriate classes according to their ages and ability. I just found out that there is a "smart" class for those kids turning 3. This "smart" class will be for those children who can recognize numbers out of order, know all their colors, shapes and all the sounds. So my thoughts are, "hmmmmm so there's a "smart" class? And I've got till September to help with her sounds. Better get cracken!
Flashcards are Jessica's new best friends. Quick Jess, what does this letter say? She's not doing too bad and we still have plenty of time.
Jessica has a few boyfriends who will be starting Kindergarten this year. Kindergarten is not like when we went to school. No more sitting in the corner eatting glue while wiggling your loose tooth in hopes of having something for the Tooth Fairy at night. Oh no. These kids are expect to know how to write their names and addresses, count, speak well and be close to reading. Three new schools in my area are trying something new this fall. If your child is behind you can now send them to Kindergarten till 2 instead of noon. They're finding out that kids with no preschool and those that English is their second language are holding back the whole class. It seems like across the nation school districts are expecting more out of the children.
Here's what I find odd. While the schools expect more the parents require less. Kids these days can't even make it to the grocery store without mommy throwing in some mindless DVD or video game while driving down the street. Are you shitting me? Johnny can't go 4 minutes without some type of stimulation? Kids TV shows on cable claim that "It's like preschool on TV". No it's not. It's still the blasted "idiot box"! Preschool requires leaving your home and interacting with other children and if you're lucky obtaining some knowledge. Kids don't have ADD ( I realize that yes some actually do)...just because the teacher isn't bursting into flames and shooting guns into the classroom. It means you failed as a parent. It ticks me off that so many kids are being labeled with ADD and then given drugs because they can't operate unless they're playing video games or zoning out on hours of TV. How lazy are we as parents? And childhood obesity? Huh? Those two words shouldn't even be in the same sentence. I guess while you're kid is watching TV in the car why not drive through McDonalds? And as long as the kid is enjoying "preschool" while zoning out on the couch, heck throw them a bag of cheetos.
I don't quite know how the schools expect children to be ready when they're not receiving much support from home. I guess we'll wait and see. For us, we'll continue with the flashcards. My goal is that by the time my two young ladies walk out the door ready for college they'll know (and it will have been proven to them) that you'll get farther in life with what's above your shoulders.

Not sure we could have squeezed more 'crazy' into this week if we tried.

2006-07-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

As if I have fans out there clinging to my every post....sorry for lack of posts, but this week was a doozy. Jessica's great friend Cameron had his 4th birthday party and as usual Jessica was the only girl at the party. EVERYONE in this town has little boys...oh well, she'll get her pick at prom!

Jessica hitting the pinata at Cameron's Party

About Monday we found out one of our friends had a bad accident. Long story ...short. Phil'g great friend Jonathan is in South America travelling. I have a great friend who went down to meet him and travel through the month of July. The first day my girlfriend showed up in Peru, John had a paragliding accident that has left him with the possibility to never walk again. Thankfully my girlfriend is fluent in Spanish and has been able to translate medical forms and speak with doctors. Jonathas girlfriend is also down in Peru and knows some diplimate that's been able to help. The whole thing is crazy. As I was reading the first email, I was in disbelief. He's had a surgery where they placed titanium rods and screws in his back. You can read more at his blog that his girlfriend is upkeeping for him. Then there's my girlfriend who is still wanting to travel but not quit sure what to do. You can read more at her blog. We've been receiving emails and a phone call from Peru and it does look like things are getting better!

Then it was Wednesday and I had an ultra sound that showed some mass in my uterus. They have no idea what it is or anything. I am to go back in 2 weeks for some fancy sonogram to pin point where and what it is. Problem is that I am sick and have been for over 5 weeks. Sick, like I can't eat I'm so nauseous and I have awful pain. I asked that my appt. be moved up considering they have an ultra sound picture to prove there's something "in there" and I'm sick. I was told to go to the ER. What the hell happened to service in the medical field? So we'll see how long I last.

Then there was last night. A bunch of girls went out for drinks and to see The Devil Wears Prada. Included in this group was my 9 month pregnant girlfriend. About 20 minutes into the movie after hearing huffing and puffing ...another friend and I looked at each other and that was it, time to go wait for her husband to meet her and head to the hospital. After spending some time at the hopsital they sent her home to labor. She was home long enough to take a shower and end up on all fours and then race back to the hospital. Baby Wilken was born before mommy could even put a foot in a stirrup. A poor frantic nurse delivered the baby as the doctor didn't make it in time.
Everyone is doing fine. Please welcome baby Landon.

This morning we went to another birthday party.

This time it was Jessica's best friend Chloe's birthday. This is a picture of Jessica and 2 of her 3 best friends from school. The party was at a place where they have huge jump houses that the parents can jump in too.
Tomorrow we're off to the beach. Grandma and Grandpa are condo sitting right on the beach. Ought to be a great time and this time we have the video camera charged up.
Hard to see....but this is yet another birthday party invite for next weekend. I swear it looks like some sort of diorama that I made in school. It's a 3D invite featuring Dora the Explorer hitting a pinata. According to this invite there will be ponies, slip and slide water things and a boat load of fun. So what am I to do with Jessica party right around the corner? One up.....of course! Just kidding....I'm really not the "one up" or "keeping up with the Jones's" type of parent. Hell that could just keep going on forever. Jessica has asked for a Princess Party and a Princess Party she will have. So far we have Snow White coming to sing and face paint. I'll be sure to post pictures of the Princess Ball.

So that's it folks, a crazy week full of friends with terrible accidents, masses in the uterus, babies born faster than lighting and the endless kids birthday parties to attend. Gawd only knows what next week will bring!

Happy 4th of July

2006-07-04T13:51:00.000-07:00

Click HERE to see The Pledge of Allegence

by Jessica

age 2

Jessica 2 years ago

Emma today

Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July weekend! As usual we were busy, with birthday parties, fireworks, friends in town and hopping in the pool.

popsicle princesses

2006-07-01T22:32:00.000-07:00

With a week filled of days reaching at least 100 degrees, I thought Emma ought to cool off with her first ever popsicle. Jessica herself ought to be entered into a popsicle eating contest. I have never seen another kid eat a popsicle without one little drop hitting the floor...she has serious talent.

Gee, thanks mom this tastes good!

See Emma, I told you these were awesome

ha ha I have a popsicle and YOU don't

say what? I'm to eat this in a quick like fashion or it will melt

blasted! where did my popsicle go?

no worries, I still have this cool stick to chew on!

My mom found just enough hair

2006-06-27T19:55:00.000-07:00

TO DO THIS!

Oh gosh mom, I'm so embarrased!

I can stand up all by myself. Next thing you know I'll be running after the cats and terrorizing the house!

Swifty swines, elephant rides, surf, sun and copious amounts of sand in the bathtub.

2006-06-26T20:00:00.000-07:00

Gas up the family truckster, it's time to get the hell outta dodge!

Saturday we loaded up our car as if we were moving and headed towards the Del Mar fair. I have spoken highly of the fair to Phil for about 6 years, I couldn't wait to finally show it off and better yet, take the princesses.
RUN PIGGIES RUN

About 2 seconds after we handed the guy $$$ for the ride I felt extremely guilty. Hope Jess liked the Elephant Ride, it will most likely be her last.

After a full day at the Fair with no naps it was off to the beach for two nights.

TWINS ?

This was Emma's 1st trip to the beach and loved all of it

Even Mama got to relax!

Jessica provided the entertainment of the day. For a good 5 minutes she repeatedly took turns washing her feet then sticking them right back in the sand. We had tears rolling as we were laughing our butts off.

Jessica is an exact replica of her parents. From the second she was up (6:30am) it was "beach! I want beach!" The water was freezing cold and no match for the eager 2 year old

Little Miss "I love to fling sand"

Jessica's new "fancy" way to get her hair wet

I would be more than happy to share video of our first ever family vacation, but the battery is dead and we lost the charger. ACK! Therefore I went crazy with the still photos and literally took over 200 of them. The best part of our 'mini vacation' is that Phil found out that we can have lots of fun even if he only does take one day off. After 3 days, we're beat. Running after kids that want to plunge in the ocean, chase birds, and eat pounds of sand takes lots of work!

click here to see more photos and click on any photo above to make bigger

Mommy needs a sebbatical something fierce

2006-06-20T13:55:00.000-07:00

It was about 4pm yesterday as I was watching the brown submarine floating through the bathtub (thank you Emma....this happens once a week) that it hit me. Game Over. I'm done. Mommy needs a break.
Phil came home and the girls were eating dinner as I sat at the end of the table zoning out. I told him, while watching Emma throw her half eaten chicken nuggets on the floor, that I need a 'mommy sebbatical'. He suggested getting a massage or pedicure. NO can do. This requires much more than a quick trip with friends to the local watering hole for adult beverages. This is bigger than 30 minutes of reading Hollywood Gossip while someone makes my feet resemble someone who actually isn't homeless. This requires sand, surf and lots of sun. In no way do I want anything that may resemble a sippy cup, chicken nugget, car seat, diaper, laundry or even a french toast stick within a 1000 mile radius.

And who's invited? Preferrably friends with no children. Why you ask? First off, I really don't want to hear about Johnny and his bowel movements or lack there of. I am completely uninterested in Cindy and her ability to pick her nose till her head caves in. And when it's my turn to babble about my children, please feel free to shoot me that, "I don't have kids, therefore I really don't care" look.
Ok, you can come even if you do have kids...but there's to be no more than 3 minutes each talking about the rugrats. And shopping. Just once I want to shop for myself. I find that it is soooo much easier buying in sizes 4T or 18months, you know the clothes are going to fit. It's taking time with baby in tow and trying on different clothes that just never happens. I'm not looking to film 'Mommy's gone wild"...just nice dinners, glasses of wine, reading worthless gossip mags while sitting on the beach and oh twist my arm, throw in a few 'fu fu' drinks, heck I'll even take intellectual conversation.

In the meantime, we will be getting away this weekend. First stop, Del Mar Fair ( I refuse to call it the San Diego fair) then off to Carlsbad beach where we have a 2 bedroom condo for the next 2 nights. It should be a great weekend.

guess i should note that the princesses will be with us this next weekend. a childless weekend is something i can only dream about at this point

Princess and the Poker Chips

2006-06-19T20:16:00.000-07:00

This is Jessica

This is a 'Styling Pony'

This Pony come complete with 4 barettes, 3 hair clips, 6 bead clips, styling comb and 2 sticker sheets. I totally know what you're thinking...."I need to get me one of those!" Mommy and Daddy are especially excitied about this Pony as she comes with hair styling pieces...which means we no longer have to take turns be subject to Jessica's "making us pretty" A.K.A. pulling our hair and stuffing random barettes and hair ties in our heads.

Here is what stands between Jessica and her new Pony

This is the 'Pony Jar' and coins. Upon good behavior Jessica will receive coins to place in the 'Pony Jar' once the 'Pony Jar' is full of coins...wa la, she receives the fancy Pony. We know she can do this. Question is, when? By 4th of July? By the end of summer? Will she be packing up her things for college, laughing at us and our 'Pony Jar' ? Time will tell.

There's only one problem.

These things would be the problem. While on a shopping trip to the dollar store to buy stickers and a 'Pony Jar' we saw critters. Jessica LOVES bugs. Our problem now, she loves these bugs so much it's taking some of the spotlight off the Pony. Not to worry day #1 and she already has 6 coins on the jar.

father's day was great. Daddy got the usual stuff, boxers and golf things

Pop was in town and he too had a great time

oh ya, just another crappy day in So Cal. It was sunny and about 85 all weekend, what else are you supposed to do but enjoy the pool?

Grandpa and the princesses!

Train wreck

2006-06-16T11:01:00.000-07:00

Did anyone else see Brittney Spears on Dateline(yes I was extremely desperate for Tv) last night?

Are you kidding me? She looked like she just got done pulling an all nighter down in Tijuana! You're worth how many millions and you can't even fix your hair, find clothes that fit or have someone check to make sure your make-up isn't all over the place before going on National Television?

oh poor blubbering Brittney

Here 's what I want to know. How was Matt able to conduct this interview without totally gawking at Brittneys oversized, nasty, pregnant breasts spilling from over her shirt (something I find disgusting is when a pregnant woman puts her engorged breasts on display...uh ya we got the point, you're pregnant..you're huge belly sorta gave it away)? I would have had to put a hankerchief over her chest. Matt wanted to know if Brittney was ever upset that she had been referrd to as a "redneck". Hello Matt? Look who you're interviewing, being called redneck would be a compliment. It's sad that she once was a roll model for little girls. What the hell happened?
Of course I watched the entire show, she's a train wreck.

Can you please direct me to the closest boarding school that is now accepting 2 year olds?

2006-06-14T16:09:00.000-07:00

TAKE A LOOK AT THIS

click to make larger

Yup it happened again. In case you're having a hard time reading the really 'great' part. It says, Jessica wasn't a good girl at all. She almost made me give up teaching but as I was walking out the door she took her nap.

Embarassed, pissed off, mad, frustrated, disappointed, concerned, upset and pretty much wondering why out of 18 kids mine is the one that's the worst of them all. One thing I'm not....willing to chalk this up to "oh well, she's almost 3, this kinda stuff happens"

Something has go to give and quick. In addition to seeing a movie with girlfriends (way needed) I'll be stopping off at the book store and picking up anything referring to how to Parent a hard to handle child. I'll do the best I can at staying away from the isle of books that may referrence boarding schools where I can drop off this 2 year old. Please feel free to help with any type of book recommendations or anything else that may help me from bursting into tears.

sidenote: Jessica has been at school almost one year and her teacher and I have become good friends, her comment above was more of a joke...but a joke that was trying to get the point across. I have asked Ms Wendy serveral times if Jessica was making her wanna quit. I love Ms Wendy, she a big ole gal who doesn't take any lip, she's great. Who else in their right mind would want to take charge of 18 two year old's and potty train all of them.

'high maintenance' and it's oh so fitting

2006-06-13T21:26:00.000-07:00

8am this morning and Emma is screaming for more food. Jessica is throwing a fit because she's not wearing the dress I'm trying to move buttons on. Phil looks at me and says, 'these two are so high maintnance'. We've reached the point with Emma where the honeymoon is almost over. Usually when an adopted child (at least from what I have heard over the past year and a half) has been home for about 2-4 months their true personalities start to show. They no longer sit quitely and just ' go with the flow' sorta taking it all in. Emma now feels very comfortable being demanding, a little bit pushy and oh so whinny. You think you've heard a kid whine till you've heard Emma whine. Good Gawd is it the most annoying thing I've ever heard. And what's up with her standing up in her crib and screaming at 2,3 and 4am? We're running a little low over here in the sleep department.
This Sunday is Father's Day. I had to laugh when I went to buy Mr. Nance a gift. The shelves where almost clear, there was almost nothing to be bought. If Sunday were Mother's Day the shelves would be full and almost overflowing with items for purchase. The difference.....men procrastinate. I can't tell you the hilarious cards I have received for different occasions....the cards that just scream "I waited till the absolute last minute to buy this card". I may even have a card designed for an aunt, sister or teacher....although I truely am the wife...they must have been out of the 'wife' cards at T minus 30 minutes. So what did I buy him? I can't tell you yet it would spoil the surprise. To be honest, nothing terribly fancy. Pop (Phil's dad) while be here on Thursday through next Monday, Jessica can't wait....she loves the man!
Here's proof that Daddy is working hard for that Father's Day gift.

Daddy gets attacked by Jessica and has to play pretty princess

Aloha......

2006-06-11T21:41:00.000-07:00

It's Luau time at the Nance Nuthouse.

Does it get any better than a grown man showing up in a lime wedge bra?

Needles to say a great time was had by all.

Phil and some hula babes.

Mama and her hula baby

Jessica showing off her "jumping in the pool' ability

I love summer, lets hop in the pool

Gotta bunch of time on your hands and want to pratice patience? Teach a 2 year old to snorkle

Sidenote: Jessica was much better at school on Friday and was rewarded with the knowledge that the ice cream truck really isn't just some 'neat train' but he actually serves ice cream. We've never let Jessica know that there is such a thing as the "ice cream man"....as for as she was concerned it was a "train". oh ya, I finally got a new banner up top the blog...hope you like it

click on any of the above photos to make larger.

They're paying attention.....and Mama's not impressed

2006-06-09T12:53:00.000-07:00

Everyday we pick up Jess from school there's a progress report. It tell's us how she was during the day...did she eat her lunch, take a nap, participate..blah blah blah. And everday is the same..she ate all her lunch (big surpirse there!) she took a nap and was a happy little girl all day. Because everyday the report says the exact same thing, we began to wonder....are they paying attention?
Well.....I walked into school yesterday to be greeted by Ms Rhonda cutting her eyes at me.

What's wrong?
Well Jessica, (big pause and a sigh) was awful today
What do you mean? What happened?
Well, let's put it this way..she was in time out twice before I even got here.
I am sorry Ms Rhonda. She really didn't seem like she was in a bad mood this morning. I'm sure Jess will try to be better tomorrow.
The first thing Jessica did this morning was push Grason down on the floor. Let's hope tomorrow she'll do better.

click on picture to make bigger

We all agreed that Jessica should try harder tomorrow and today was an off day for her. Jessica is never this bad at school. As I loaded her and Emma in the car I explained that she can't hit and push her friends and that she probably made them sad. As I drove from school to Target to buy her some new shoes for the playground I was wondering what might have set her off. Was it that she woke up this morning before 6am because her diaper exploded like a New Orleans levee? At 6am I was racing around swaping out soaked sheets for dry ones and trying to coax her back into bed as it was entirely too early to start the day. I guess if I found myself waking up as I was floating out of my bed, I'd be cranky too.
Once at Target Jess picked out her very own cute pink and green shoes and seemed pretty excitied. Somewhere between the bedding isle and the gift isle it happened. There she was on the floor kicking, arms flailing around emitting screams that I'm sure Nasa was able to pick up on some sort of radar. And that was it, I was that woman. You know, the woman who can't find the exit route quick enough to escape while ushering her obnoxious toddler. That same woman you have glared at and thought, "What the hell is wrong with her and that brat." For about 5 seconds I tried to ask that she remove herself from the floor and kindly get in the cart. Feeling the beads of sweet about to break loose, she was thrown into the cart. This is where I showed her those 'oh so cute' shoes and then stuffed them on the closest shelf I could find. Slapping a huge smile on my face I pushed us out of the store. It was then in the parking lot where my beautiful child attempted to bite me. Emma suffered a smack to the head and I only suffered a small fist into my thigh.

What was I thinking? I had already been pre-warned...my kid was awful. After an hour to cool off in her room, daddy came home to let her out and have dinner. Through the entire dinner she explained to her dad what had happened and why she didn't get the shoes. It wasn't too much longer after dinner she actually asked to go to sleep. She's still at preschool and Mama's hoping like heck she's been a good kid. I'm considering going to Target and getting the shoes to use as a reward for good behavior. One of the funny things about yesterday was Emma's face. Poor kid was going deaf with Jessica screaming behind her. Poor Emma never said one peep the whole way home. Oh ya the life of a mom with a 1 and 2 year old....what was I thinking?

There's a panda bear on the loose!

2006-06-06T20:26:00.000-07:00

Watch out!! Emma has learned how to crawl and is on the prowl.

The cute panda diaper cover was bought off of Ebay

Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Fest

2006-06-03T12:14:00.000-07:00

We loaded up the family got together with friends and hit the Balloon fest. This year was a blast. Thanks to it being as hot as the face of Mars it seemed pretty empty, which meant more room for the kids to run around. This years bands were Berlin and Loverboy. The lead singer of Berlin actually looked just the same as she did about 20 years ago...not so much for Loverboy, who is now being named Blubberboy. A good time was had by all.

Whenever we're getting ready to go somewhere and we need Jessica to cooperate we tell her "we're going to a party". Last night's actual conversation

Jess, we're going to a party..we need you to get ready

oh ya, I wanna see my boyfriends

This would be where Phil and I look at each other and shake our heads. In case you haven't been paying attention, Jessica is only 2 and totally boy crazy.

long time....no blog

2006-06-01T22:04:00.000-07:00

Jessica dressed as Princess Leia at a Star Wars birthday party.
you talkin' to me?

Things have been unbelievable crazy busy, so for now a few pictures.

The two new men in my life

2006-05-26T22:22:00.000-07:00

Not sure why, but recently I have become obsessed with watching Dr 90210. I'm pretty sure it has something to do with the Carl's Jr. adds featuring Dr. Rey.
This man is a complete cheese ball. I watch the show basically because it's a train wreck. His aversion to wearing anything that might cover up those buldging muscles is too funny. If you've ever watched the show you can see this egomaniac lifting free weights while waiting for others to scrub in. His "Versace" suits...are ya kidding me? He looks like a gaudy pimp. I just love how this man takes himself sooo serious. And what about the people who come in to get plastic sugery? Where does the single mom with 4 kids get the money to have everything tucked that may flap in the wind?

An oldie but goodie is "The Dog".

Uh hello, take a look at this dude. If you're wondering who the hell is this guy and why does he deserve his own show. This was the bounty hunter who nabbed fugitive cosmetics heir Andrew Luster in Mexico. The best part is that the bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman was not entitled to any share of the money because he was acting on his own and not as a legally authorized bail recovery agent and ended up in jail himself. Someone got the bright idea to follow this guy around while watching him "bust" people and made it a show.

And if you think he's scary you should see his wife. Hot mama, is she scary. The best part about her is the holster on her belt made just for her hairspray. She'll be driving around town catching criminals and pull her hairspray out of it's own holster. Does it get any better than this? If you're thinking, wow these shows sound so awful I have no interest....that's exactly why you should watch.

This summer is being brought to you by

2006-05-24T08:34:00.000-07:00

Continuous spray sunscreen and a pizza cutter? You need to run not walk to your nearest store and buy this type of sunscreen. Can I tell you how awesome it is, to just spray your child down rather than feeling like your greasing up a piglet. It's a little spendy and goes fast (we're in the sun everyday). And the pizza cutter? Having a one year old and a two year old (hmmm, that really does sounds about as insane as it feels!) there isn't any 'meal' that doesn't require being cut into smaller pieces. You name it, it's being run over by the pizza cutter. Throw this onto your retail therpay list.

So American Idiol. I'm not a true watcher. I only watch the very begining and the end...my gosh this show lasts months! Anyway I don't really care for either of the two that are left. Taylor belongs as a wedding singer or someone in Vegas. Kat is super cute but she really doesn't sing well...neither of them do. Is it too late to bring back Chris? Who else felt that last night's show was totally geared towards Taylor...can't say I would be surprised if he won.

side note. Emma gave her first ever 'pucker up' kiss. And it went straight to daddy. blasted!

Weekend wrap-up

2006-05-21T20:12:00.000-07:00

Well, we've been down and out around here. Jessica started Wens night with a big fever and by Friday we found out that she had Hand, Foot and Mouth.........sounds much nastier than it really is. By Friday afternoon it looked like Emma got it too. The worst part about this, was missing my grandmother's 85th birthday brunch today. Who needs a $50 all you can eat brunch, offering everything under the sun, while sitting snuggled up to the Pacific Ocean, slapping against the window while you eat? Heck, I had a half burnt Pop Tart while the 2 year old was climbing up my front to get a better angle while attempting to scream in my face. Maybe in another 5 years or so, someone will offer to pay for us to have brunch at the Marine Room in La Jolla.

Something exciting did happen this weekend. Take a look at this beaut. You are looking at a Huntington Piano made around 1900. This puppy is over 100 years old and still plays. Wanna read the best part?

This bad boy was FREE! Thanks to Stacey Teague, I found out about Freecycle. In a nutshell Freecycle is a place where people can post free stuff they want to give away. You can also post something you may want. I decided for the first time ever using the site, I would go huge. I wasn't just going to post and ask for a used Q-tip or one lonely brown sock...I asked for a piano. Ask and ye' shall receive my friends. We're still in shock.

To cap off this weekend, Jessica had another dance recital. I did so much better this time than last November, I didn't even blubber into the video camera. When we called the school on Thursday to say Jess wouldn't make it becuase she was sick, the director said "I sure hope she can make it for Sunday's recital, she's Ms. Wendy's best dancer!" Take a look for yourself.

Click HERE to view the dance recital.

Love without Boundaries

2006-05-17T21:06:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite charities is having an auction on Ebay. Feel the need for some retail therapy?? Check out what they have to offer on Ebay.

The 3rd Annual Born in my Heart Art Auction is Here!
May 17-22, 2006
Over 600 Beautiful Treasures!
All proceeds go to provide surgeries for Heart Babies.
Be a Hero! Heal a Heart!

http://stores.ebay.com/Love-Without-Boundaries-Store

Need some blog help

2006-05-17T20:53:00.000-07:00

For about 2 months I have been trying to work on a new blog theme/look. Long story short, I can't seem to find what I am looking for. Can anyone draw half decent and would be willing to draw something for me? Please email me, if you can help.

Thanks!

Dear Gawd, when will it end ?

2006-05-16T21:22:00.000-07:00

I've been lying in bed since 7pm, watcing TV and hanging out with my best friend, the laptop. My legs hurt something fierce today. I have had problems with my knee's since we moved into this house. Something about hauling the 32 pound two year old up and down the stairs...which isn't happening anymore. So now to the point..........................

Dogs....loud, barking, annoying, obnoxious dogs, obnoxious dogs at 4am...starting to smell what I'm steppin' in? I'm sick and tired of hearing the f' ing dogs. I love dogs, I used to have a dog...till she wanted to eat the baby. But dogs that go ape shit at 2,3 or 4 in the morning...make me nuttier than a squirrel turd. I can't stand it. No lie, we were in this house not but 4 days before I called animal control on my neighbor. She has 4 dogs and all were left outside with NO water or food. I have no tollerance for that.

Unlike the last cest pool of a neighborhood I used to live in, the animal control folks actually come out.....fast. They fed the neighbors animals for 3 straight days and gave the owner 72 hours to call. Of course the day they showed up to take the animals away, someone (a daughter or son) was home and cleared things up. We haven't heard much from those hounds.

In the last neighborhood, the people directly behind us, decided to leave for 10 solid days and leave their dog outside. For 10 solid days I was ready to sit at thedeep end of my pool. Thanks to the nature of our business, I can look up the name of a home owner using their address. And sometimes, these people are listed. Let's just say I truely enjoyed calling these jerks at 4am when their dog was going crazy. I'm up...you should be too....it's your stinkin' dog! They finally figured out it was us and long story short they ended up cutting the vocal cords of the dog. Not what we would have recommended.....we just thought they ought to let the dog inside. Let's you know what kind of jerk they were.

I'll have to keep you posted on the dog that's been ticking us off for...oh the past 5 months. We first need to figure out which dog...we live in a coldasac that backs to another coldasac and connects to another road. We'll try to be nice at first and ask nicely that they bring fluffy ass inside at night......then bust out the poison meatballs. Just kidding....no one's killing fido. Seriously, if you have dogs do the world a favor, please bring them in at night.

Emma Bear's party.....

2006-05-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

bring on the cake !

A little for Jessica
A little for Spenser
And a lot for me

We couldn't of had a better birthday party for Emma. It was gorgeous outside; sunny, warm and the pool was great. She wasn't too sure exactly who to feed the cake to. Everyone had a great time.

It's on baby..........it's on

2006-05-14T19:07:00.000-07:00

The Nance Pool is officially open

complete with backflips

and cannonballs

Come one, come all, we're open till at least September

yes, Stacey...this is exactly what's happening when the kiddies are napping! Phil and I are thinking of making a little extra money on the side, we want to make our own videos.."Parents gone Wild".. just kidding

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY EMMA BEAR

2006-05-11T07:27:00.000-07:00

happy 1st birthday Emma

we love you with all our heart and couldn't imagine life without you