I'm throwing a pity party..wanna come?

B.Y.O.P

Garage Sale-ing in Ladera Ranch

Okay, so Ladera Ranch only allows garage sales when they advertise for it.  I think it is only once a year, maybe twice.  Today was the day.  Since Brian and I found moved into our condo, we were looking forward to this community wide garage sale.    It's quite the production--if you plan to sell things you have to register and then all the realtors have to put up signs pointing you to the exact street---almost to the exact home of the participants.  All week long I was having my own little countdown.  We weren't looking for much--just a jogging stroller and some toys.  So, we went to bed anticipating the garage sales this morning.  I woke up with a horrendous headache and my daughter, who decided to wake up at 5, didn't help matters.  She was screaming.  We got her to calm down a bit, but I decided to get her out of bed at 5:45.  I then got a bloody nose---things were not in my favor this morning!  So, we were not able to head out at 7:00 like we had hoped.  We didn't get out the door until 9:45.  

I learned 5 things today about garage sale-ing in Ladera Ranch.  

1.) It probably is best to get out and about at 7:00 if it is advertised to start at 7:00.  If you don't, you end up following flat-bed trucks that are loaded up mountain high with stuff.  Now, if you recall, I was wanting a jogging stroller.  We got stuck behind one truck that had EVERY type of stroller, bike etc...I was so mad.  Brian almost made the guy pull over so we could ask him how much he wanted for the stroller---you know he was going to sell it anyway. 

2.)  Parking correctly does NOT apply when garage sale-ing in Ladera Ranch.  Apparently, you are allowed to park in the middle of the street and have your KID sit in the driver seat.  You are also allowed to park as far AWAY from the curb as you possibly can--it's like you get an award if you do. 

3.) It is okay to drive 1 mph down any street.  I mean, you wouldn't want to miss any of the garage sales, right?  I have an idea, step outside of your car and look at the items, but don't forget to park as far away from the curb as you can.  Apparently, it is also okay to drive in the wrong direction too.  

4.) Carry dramamine, ginger or peppermint with you.  You might just get carsick from riding around in your car going around round-a-bout after round-a-bout after round-a-about.  (If you don't know much about Ladera Ranch, there aren't really stop lights---just ROUND-A-BOUTS---I am feeling nauseous just writing round-a-bout.)  We were in the car for at least 2 hours and I was starting to question if I was pregnant or carsick because the feeling was not leaving me.  (I was carsick)

5.) Rich people also have JUNK.  

In case you are curious.  We drove away spending only $0.50 at the second to last house we visited.  Quite bummed, but at least now I know the rules for next year.  

I mean not to offend

 but how can I not share this...this was the day before we moved.  Apparently, Emily was not very happy with us.

Missing my hubby....

Okay, so I have been single mommin' it this week and I decided it is NOT for me!  I am so incredibly thankful that I do not have to do this on a regular basis.  For those of you that are single parents--my hat goes off to you!  

I miss my husband SO much and I know that his little girl misses him too.  I don't think I realized just how many little things he does to help out with her.  With an infant, there is so much that has to be done.  For instance... one thing I have never been good at with her is suctioning her slime from her nose.  She wakes up sounding like a pig most mornings and he always helps with that.  Well...since he has been gone, I have had to do it.  I must be getting better though 'cause I got a TON out this morning.  He cuts her nails, he burps her, he changes her diapers, he gets her dressed, he takes her to daycare---he helps with everything!  I know that I am truly blessed to have him as my husband and Emily is going to have the best male role model.  I can't wait until he comes home tomorrow!!!!! 

I tried to upload some videos, but they didn't want to cooperate.  I'll try to get them up later.   

Emily and Brian in line for this ride.  (video to come) We actually rode in that cookie bucket. Yes, she does have crazy hair in the back.  Christie Walker, our hair stylist won't let us cut the "rat tail."  P.S.  If you need your hair done--she is awesome---she won't leave you with the rat tail though, unless you want it. 

Emily is actually wearing a shirt that says "Apple of daddy's eye."  She totally is...

Hi...I'm cute

Next time you are in Japan

Look for pictures of Emily!  For my 4th day of spring break, Brian took the day off of work and we headed to Disneyland and met up with Kristi and the girls.  We had a great day of fun.  It was VERY crowded today so we just relaxed as much as we could there---including an ice cream treat.  While we were in line to order our ice cream, a couple of ladies from Japan start peeking in our stroller and are staring at Emily and talking about her.  Next thing I know, they are taking out their cameras and taking pictures of her.  I didn't really know how to react so I just made sure that they had the right lighting--i kid.  We did chuckle once they left.  Quite strange.

Haley was very concerned about Emily being lonely.  She spent the majority of the day helping us walk her through the park.  

Waiting for the parade

 Trying to get everyone to look at the camera at the same time with a happy look wasn't going to happen---so, here we all are---minus Kristi taking the photo.  

Spring Break day 3

So, one of my dear friends, Megan came over to spend the morning/afternoon with me.  Megan and I met at work and became good friends.  We grew closer when we found out that we were both pregnant just 5 weeks apart!  (Patrick is 5 weeks to the day younger than Emily...she is just so tiny!) So, Emily and Patrick got to hang out today!  We went on a long walk and had lunch together.  It's just so fun to see them together when us mommies used to dream about what they would be like, look like, sound like etc...we are both so blessed!  

I thought it was so sweet when she held on to his leg.  What I didn't get a picture of was when they held hands---SO cute!  

family visitors...

I have been meaning to post some pictures up from Emily's visit with her Auntie Alyse and Grandma Wolf.  They were kind enough to come down and spend an entire week with Emily.  That saved us from having so spend money on daycare and I am sure Emily got lots and lots of love!  

Spring Break day 2

Today was bit of a show and tell day---I took Emily down to my mom's work.  A grandma loves to show off her grandbaby and show off she did!  I can't even begin to tell you who everyone was, but Emily was greeted by lots and lots of smiling faces.  She was a good sport.  It was her nap time and she was certainly tired, but didn't break out into any of her deafening screams, so that is always good.  

After visiting with Grandma---Emily and I went to see Jessica.  Jessica is a good friend of mine who is expecting a little girl, Ella TODAY!  We're praying that she comes soon.  I know that Emily and Ella will be good friends!  

Tonight we are taking Auntie Holly out for her birthday dinner.  Lots of things to do!  

Spring Break day 1

I am on spring break this week and I certainly need a break after the month of March!  I loved my day with Emily today.  It was so sweet!  Auntie Kristi came over and brought cousin Lexi to play with Emily.  Emily was taking her nap when they got there so it was more like I got to play with Lexi.  Lexi has used a "night-night" as her pacifier since she was a baby.  So, anytime she hears another baby cry, she thinks they need their night-night.  Emily woke up a couple of times crying during her nap and Lexi was quick to go to the door with a night-night.  It was time for Emily to wake up from her nap so I asked Lexi if she wanted to help me wake her up.  I took this video and wanted to share it with you.  Lexi is so sweet to her little cousin. (I don't know why it is showing up all black, but press the play button and it will show.)

Space Mountain makes me smile

So, Brian and I decided to take Emily to Disneyland after church today.  My mom and dad met us up there a couple hours later and my dad offered to watch Emily so that we could ride a ride together.  So, Brian, my mom and me all endured the 45 minute wait for Space Mountain and I gotta tell you it was worth it!  I haven't been on that ride for over a year because of being preggers and all.  It made me chuckle all the way through it.  Thanks Dad!  I really needed that!

Love and Hate Relationship

So, I love me some In N Out---problem is I have a love/hate relationship with it.  I love to have it Animal Style, which is of course, double the sauce.  Problem is, I am allergic to eggs.  I can't really eat anything with egg as the main ingredient without paying for it later.  I do NOT eat mayonnaise---except the sauce at In N Out.  So, I know that if I eat there---I WILL be sick for the rest of the day---that's the hate part.  So, I love In N Out, I hate the effects of the sauce, and I love Emetrol---and by "love" I mean, it allows me to stay vertical.  Just thought I would share...

IT'S APRIL!!!

I have never been so excited to be in the month of April in all of my life!  March 2008, not my most favorite month.  I can't believe how much work I have done at home and at work!  I am pooped, but hey, IT'S APRIL!!!!! 

 

We moved into our new place on Saturday.  Well, I guess technically we started on Friday.  We moved our kitchen in Friday night to help with the time.  I am so glad that we moved because I was really starting to feel like the I Love Lucy episode where Lucy and Ricky have to move into Fred and Ethel's place.  I remember watching that episode as a kid thinking it would be fun to have a maze of boxes to walk through---yeah, not so much fun in real life!  So, I'll have pictures eventually, but right now it's just too messy with boxes and things all over the place.  Special shout out to Benjamin, Alyse, Marie, Shannon, Holly, Cory and my mom and dad for helping us move on Saturday.  We truly could not have done it without you guys!  

My big work night was last night.  I worked on planning the event for about 2 months.  It was nice to see approximately 1,000 people come to the evening that I was in charge of.  I worked a 13 hour day yesterday, which was horrible because I barely got to see Emily, but IT'S APRIL!!!

These pictures are random Emily photos that we took last week, but I thought I would add some pics since it has been awhile