me and mine

The "we're so much better...now I can tell you about Maddie's birthday!" post.

The four of us are sooooooo MUCH better. We’re still stuck with the snoctopusses living in our sinuses and we cough every other word, but at least we can think clear thoughts again. For a while there, I thought I was going to take up residence on the sofa with the girls. I didn’t even check my e-mail. You know it’s bad when I go missing off the internet. I usually eat colds for breakfast. They hardly ever slow me down but this one…man-oh-man, it was a mean mother-buster. Blah blah blah…I don’t need to complain about the common cold/flu. You guys have all had it before and heard it a thousand times. Cold schmold. What you really want to hear about is Maddie's 9th birthday party, right?

It's not every year that you turn 9 and get to celebrate your special day with ALL of your friends from school to go rock climbing! We had been talking about this party for 2 months but poor Maddie - just like last year when her birthday finally came around and she came down with a fever - woke up with a high fever, headache and stomachache. It sucks having your birthday during the winter cold/flu season.

So, we prayed and we prayed and we prayed and by the next morning, her fever had lifted and so we went ahead with the party. Although she wasn't completely back to her normal, healthy self, she had a blast and so did all of her friends. These are SOOC (straight-out-of-the-camera) because...well, I'm just too lazy to edit all of them.

Going over the rules. Now what was it she *just* told me NOT to do...

Harnessing up.

Blurry but I still love it.

A quickie lesson in rock climbing.

 

Ready. Set. Climb!

I've always said she was part monkey.

 

THAT. WAS. SO. TOTALLY AWESOME!!!

Kidlet #2 had a blast as well. So much in fact, that she wants to have a rock climbing birthday.

 

(Next week, Part 2.)

NOW, A LITTLE ABOUT MADDIE

She loves Elvis, Webkinz, Abraham Lincoln and singing karaoke. She's completely obsessed with tether ball. She still loves Sponge Bob, chocolate milk, watching movies and dreams of owning a horse someday.

She is sassy, full of attitude and tests my patience constantly. And sometimes makes me more mad than anyone. She has a devilish streak, especially where her cousin is concerned.

She is pure and innocent and I love that about her. She still thinks the "s-word" is "stupid". She makes me laugh without even trying.

She is the most compassionate, sensitive, tender-hearted little person I know. She has a big heart and always thinks of others. When we watch sad movies together, she looks over to see if I'm crying as so is she. She lays her head on my shoulder and pats me a few times as if to say, it's okay, mom.

She is strong and very independent. She's always busy. She loves to have fun. She has the most infectious laugh and can light up an entire room with her personality. She loves life and lives it to the fullest. She inspires me.

She rocks at Math, Spelling and History. She still prefers picture books over chapter books. When I do make her read chapter books, she prefers "Geronimo Stilton" and "The Magic Tree House" series. She loves to write plays and stories. She's learning how to play the violin and is getting quite good. She wants to be a Teacher and/or a Veterinarian when she grows up.

She brushes her teeth to Indian Jones Tooth Tunes, wears Chuck Taylors, gets grass stains and holie knees, and absolutely despises shopping. She sends the sweetest text messages to her dad and I while the other is out and about running errands, etc.

She is 100% a daddy's girl. When she comes in our room late at night, she climbs in on his side thinking I won't notice in hopes that I won't give her the boot. She loves nothing more than to have her dad tell her stories from when he was a kid. Her face lights up, she gets excited and begs for more.

She is really, truly an amazing kid and I'm so thankful she's mine. Happy 9th Birthday, baby girl! I love you with all my heart and soul. XOXOXO

Sickie McGees

Boog (aka: Kaylee) and I have been struck down by wintertime virus's. I have the flu and Kaylee has strep throat on top of the flu. Lovely. Especially when we are celebrating a certain little girls 9th b-day on Sunday. I will resume blogging when we are better.

Gasp!

I don't know what's more shocking...the fact that I'm posting more than once in three months or that my favorite home decor magazine, Domino is folding. You probably heard the sad news yesterday about the closure of Domino Magazine. Just mere weeks after I renewed my subscription. I'm devastated. I just may cry real tears.

Because of financial hardship, we've scaled back tremendously on un-necessary expenses over the last year...but Domino was my little ray of sunshine every month. I SO looked forward every month to their fresh look. I would always wait to put the girls to bed, pour a cup of tea, and drool over all the yummy pages. It was a terrific window to ideas and for unwinding at the end of the day. I'm so thankful I'm a pack rat and haven't thrown away any of my issues. I love to look back for reference and inspiration. 

I will sorely miss this little gem. I hope it emerges again in better times. RIP Domino. And here’s hoping all the fantastic writers find jobs elsewhere that are just as amazing.

 

 

 

 

New Years resolution = will blog!

Every day that I thought about blogging (which, by the way, was not every day) there were so many things I wanted to say. Life has been flying by. November through the beginning of January is such a blur for us. First, it was the school-wide spelling bee on 11/6. Then, the Thanksgiving Feast on 11/21. Then of course, Thanksgiving. Then right after that, the Christmas Program on 12/16. Then, the Happy Birthday Jesus parties on 12/19. And then...who knows what happened to the rest of December. Christmas arrives. New Year comes. Such a busy time for us. FUN time. So nice to be together every day. It was really different to stay in San Diego this year. We didn't do much...we hung out and relaxed A LOT and enjoyed every moment of it all. The girls received lots of wonderful gifts, however I think they would have been perfectly content with JUST Webkinz. So easy to please.

Now that the girls are back in school again and we are back to our normal routines, it's time to start being productive. I am really feeling the urge to clean this house and de-clutter, reorganize, etc. I think I always get the urge after the New Year. Come to think of it, it's the ONLY time I get the urge. Even though I always clean up and put things away in between projects, it seems that some things just get tossed aside and not everything gets put back in its proper place. Anyone have a junk drawer? Yeah, well, we have something even worse--we have a JUNK ROOM. Also known as the office. It's where everything gets tossed into when we don't know what to do with something...or we just can't bring ourselves to throw it away...or we have unexpected guests. It's our catch-all place. It's a nightmare. I cringe just thinking about all I need to do in here. Ugh!

I got my hair did! And now that I've finally tamed my wild cowlick, I'm LOVING it! I hadn't had a haircut since October 2007 (eeeeekk!) and it was looking rather mangy. Plus, it was so long that the weight was pulling down the hair on top making me look like...well, not good. After several years of haircuts gone bad, I finally figured I didn't have anything to lose by asking Kaylee's auntie La to cut it. I was a little nervous as she had only ever been to beauty school...no other salon experience, etc. I’m cursing myself for not getting my hair cut by her sooner. Why? The girl, she just GETS me. I showed her a few pics of Maria Sharapova from this months issue of Women's Health and she got it right on! I actually could have gone shorter (believe it or not) but SHE was afraid. Isn't it suppose to be the other way around? These pictures were taken in my bathroom. Not the best lighting but you get the idea.

Curly

 

In a pony

 

Straight

I feel like such a girl again...so happy and healthy and with cute hair. Next step of the plan...COLOR. I have so much grey, it's frightening.

My best friend, Katherine has (finally) succumbed to my wishes. Are you ready for this? Dum da daa...she now has a BLOG! Oh yes she does! She's up and running on Typepad and already has a couple of posts up. Go check it out. She's real. She's raw. She's funny. She has the greatest scrapboking style. She rocks the photogs...oh yeah, and she looks like Tara Whitney's twin. Love her. And speaking of rocking the photogs, I wanted to share some photos from the Christmas card shoot she and her hubby did of our family last month. I could not have asked for a better Christmas gift. Here are just a few of my favorites.

 

 

 

I hope you all are having a wonderful new year so far...that everyone loses the magical amount of pounds, the house magically stays clean every day, and the savings account magically has enough money and the credit card debt disappears. That's my little fantasy world anyway!

So...

1. I need to update this blog.
2. I need to share those new hair pics I’ve been promising too.
3. I need to catch up on laundry.

All will be done this weekend. See you soon!

Lots...

So yeah. Since I last posted way, way, waaaaaaaay back in August, lots of things have happened.

I got a part-time, seasonal job working as a Costco Merchandiser for Presto Heaters. Thanks to my best girl, Katherine (*wink* Katherine) who put in a good word for me. All the job entails is going to my local Costco twice daily to make sure that the heater display is turned on and working properly. It's almost not fair that I get paid what I do to do what I do. It's great... the perfect p/t job for a housewife and the extra income has been a huge blessing.

Last August Madison was diagnosed with a mild case of ADHD. Since the very beginning of pre-school we've been told by her teachers, "Madison can't sit still, Madison can't be quiet, Madison can't focus." But last year (2nd grade) was most difficult. She struggled academically, she struggled at home, she struggled in extra curricular activities, and she was frustrated. We were frustrated and so we finally did something about it. We've been working hard exploring natural alternatives before deciding on medication and so far she is making remarkable progress. I feel extremely blessed as my daughter's doctor and educators have been very supportive in our approach with her ADHD. People forget that diet and exercise have a very powerful effect on the body and its chemistry. There are many frustrations that come with being the parent of a child with such issues, however I am constantly reminded of all the amazing things that she is and the talented little ball of energy she has always been. I feel utterly blessed to be her mom.

Omg! We had our first bought with lice two months ago. Another classmate that sat next to Maddie at the time, passed along his lice problem to her along to four other children. This had to be one of the worst experiences we’ve had to deal with yet. I freaked. Fortunately they did not spread to Kaylee, myself or Ken. Its one of those things you deal with and hope its a one time thing, kwim?

I have had several failed attempts at writing a couple blog posts. So the last time I just gave up and decided that I would come back when the moment was right. Today was right... I guess. We'll see how long before the next, that is if I even have ANY readership left. Lol!

I recently joined the brand new Photography Ministry at church. We had our first meeting two weeks ago and I am so excited about this ministry! I am no professional but I have had a love of cameras and pictures ever since I was a little girl. I love this idea of a creative outlet for people just like me to express how God can be seen in everything around us. We will be receiving instruction as well as going out and documenting events.

In the meantime, my bf Katherine and I are trying to get in some practice time whenever we can fit it in. Of course when our kidlings are in school, we are forced to practice on each other. Neither one of us like being in front of the camera so it makes for some hilarious but fun times.

 

Oh yeah! About a month or so ago, I had the best thrifting/alley scrounging/garage sailing luck I've had like... EVER! Ken and I were headed back home from a nice breakfast out when I was eye-balling a garage sale across the street and exclaimed, "Look, they're selling an Eames chair!" As it turns out, I don't think it's an actual Eames chair but most likely a replica. Even these fake ones sell for quite a bit on eBay and we definitely got this one for a steal for only $5.00! It needs some TLC but it has great potential.

I recently had to have a root canal. It wasn't terrible, believe it or not. You always hear people say, "Yeah, I'm looking forward to such and such like a root canal." But I'm here to tell you that although it had its sore moments and a bit of discomfort, overall it wasn't as bad as everyone led me to believe. Let me just say though, there are a few things I have noticed that are A LOT harder with having half your face numb. I had no idea how much they have to make numb for one tooth! It's hard to put lip gloss on when you can't feel your upper lip. It's hard to swallow Ibuprofen when you can't feel it go down your throat. It's hard to enjoy your food when you can't taste it in half your mouth. Why can't we be like sharks and just have our teeth constantly replaced?

What else? Madison is learning to play the violin at school. I was hesitant in the beginning because extra curricular activities have always turned into a negative thing in the past rather than a positive. I wanted her to love music, not hate it. But after talking with the music teacher, we decided to go ahead and let her explore this opportunity and so far it has been a really good fit for her. I think the concept of learning an instrument has been beneficial in helping her with her focus issues. It's been good therapy for her small motor skills too. She has her first performance next week so we are all very excited.

Miss Kaylee is making new friends and adjusting fabulously to kindergarten. She is sounding out letters/spelling words up a storm. Constantly. Non-stop. Everywhere we go. I love it and yet it drives me bonkers at the same time. She is such a great kid and I'm so very proud to be her auntie.

And because I like to save the best for last, I have some really, really WONDERFUL news! My little/big brother who has struggled with a meth addiction for 11 years is now clean thanks to God! He has been in and out of jail too many times to count but after his last stint in June--a life saver for him--he has been able to stay clean. In jail, he was visited by a couple of southern baptist men who discipled him. It was then, that he rededicated his life to the Lord. He is now in a drug rehabilitation program, attends daily meetings, sees my mom and his two daughters (after being absent off/on for years) and goes to church on the weekend. I pray that he continues his good progress. It's terrible what meth can do to a person. This drug grabs you by the balls and will not let go. My brother is alive. My brother is clean. My brother is living proof that God answers prayer. I just had to share this great news with the rest of my friends here. Many thanks to those who have been praying. Keep those prayers coming.

So, for your viewing pleasure, I'll wrap this up with one more pic from Halloween. Princess Amidala and Cheetah.

 

Happy Fall almost winter (even though it still feels like summer here)... blessings!

Believe it or not...

I haven't called it quits.

I'm just taking an extended and much needed break.

I will be back soon with a real update.

Until then.

Halle Girl

Meet Kaylee's baby cousin, Halle. Is she not the cutest? She is such a little doll baby. She and her mom have been living with Kaylee's grandparent's (right across the street from us) for the last two years and sadly moved to Fresno last Monday.

Kaylee adores her and is going to miss her tremendously. The Thephommy home just won't be the same without her.

Every time I would try and take her picture, she would run straight for my camera. Silly girl.

She and this little guy are the main reasons for Kaylee always wanting to go to grandma's house.

 
Can you blame her? They're so stinkin' cute! I want to eat them for dessert.

Luckily for Kaylee, she still has Tristan to keep her company when she goes over to visit.

More soon!

P.S. Just want to give a shout out to my best girl, Kat... without her, none of these photos would be possible. You see, my lens broke a few weeks back and she has ever so graciously allowed me to borrow her 28-90mm, which I love btw. Thanks girlie!

Blame It On A Monday

I was getting ready to write a post about Kaylee's cutie baby cousin who is moving today when this little gem came along this afternoon to remind me about paying attention to the intuitive side of life.

I was driving Maddie to Subway to grab lunch after finishing up some school shopping. I pulled up to a stop light to go straight through the intersection when this dude in a Infiniti G35 pulled up along my right side. He tried to squeeze through to make a right hand turn and cut it too close, scratching my rear fender on the passenger side. Argh! My first thought was, "oh crap - not again!". If you remember, a similar thing happened to me just last fall.

Thankfully no one was hurt, and the scratches are very minor. However, it still doesn’t make it any less aggravating to me. Just add it to my list of road blunders I've been involved in over the past couple years, none of which were my fault mind you. I swear, I'm like a magnet to bozo drivers.

If that weren't bad enough, ten minutes after the incident, I'm standing there waiting for bozo to get off the phone with the insurance company, Maddie walks up to me and says, "mom, do you have your car keys?". You know that can't be good. I check both pockets and no keys. I try all the doors and sure enough, all of them are locked with my purse and keys sitting in the driver seat. We were stranded. Argh!

OF course it couldn't have been yesterday when the temperatures were a little cooler. OF course it had to be today, in the middle of the day when everyone is at work. OF course! Luckily, I had my phone in hand so I call Ken and the poor guy drives all the way home from work (about a 45 min. drive) just to bring me my spare key. About an hour later, he finally arrives and we are home free!!! Back to my poor, beat-up, *but* air conditioned car... and finally, a sub sandwich.

Note to self: you MUST go TODAY and purchase a magnetic key hider. Maybe two, possibly three. Really, go now!

We Spy - 8/22

Eeeeeekkk... we're late! I spent the entire day outdoors away from the 'puter... it was FABULOUS! On with the spying...

We spy with our little eyes something MOSAIC. Michelle's mosaic intrigued me so that I thought it would be fun if Maddie and I did it for our "We Spy" this week. Although we/I didn't take any of the photos (except for #12), a many thanks to the photographers who allowed their photos to be used in this meme. I feel honored to have my Mosaic formed from their amazing photographic work. I believe it “looks” like us.

Me:

1. [Christy Mathewson, New York NL (baseball)] (LOC), 2. Mexican Style Feast, 3. Phoenix Suns, 4. green goods to portugal, 5. P1160357-smlg-001, 6. *fresh*, 7. llibreria - bookstore - Amsterdam - HDR, 8. Have S'More, 9. The Photographer, 10. Plus haut, 11. Gullible, 12. Aviators

The questions:

1. What is your first name? Christy
2. What is your favorite food? Mexican
3. What high school did you attend? Phoenix High, Phoenix, Or.
4. What is your favorite color? Green
5. Who is your celebrity crush? James McAvoy
6. Favorite drink? Water with lemon please!
7. Dream vacation? Europe
8. Favorite dessert? S'mores seem to be my dessert of choice this summer
9. What do you want to be when you grow up? Photographer
10.What do you love most in life? Jesus
11. One word to describe you? Gullible
12. Your Flickr name? christyberkhouse

Maddie:

1. Springtime along the Madison, 2. Steak & Fries, 3. PIC00001.JPG, 4. When I'm sleeping, I slow down my breathing...Living in dreams, dreams that come true...thinking of the color blue... ZZZzzzzzz..., 5. Aladdin Window Scene, 6. "An Original American Classic", 7. Eiffel explosion of stars, 8. My Yummy Heart.., 9. Patriotic Patient, 10. copia d'arte - the last supper -ultima cena- Leonardo da Vinci, 11. my oh my!, 12. Hey! Nothing

The questions:

1. What is your first name? Madison
2. What is your favorite food? Steak
3. What school did/do you attend? Horizon Christian Elementary
4. What is your favorite color? Blue
5. Who is your celebrity crush? Aladdin (Just meant to be funny obviously. When I asked her who she thought was cute, she became embarrassed and said, "mom, I'm too young to like boys". Good answer, honey.)
6. Favorite drink? Rootbeer
7. Dream vacation? Paris
8. Favorite dessert? Chocolate cake
9. What do you want to be when you grow up? Veterinarian
10.What do you love most in life? Jesus
11. One word to describe you? Silly
12. Your Flickr name? None

Here is what to do if you would like to create your own mosaic:

Type your answer to each of the questions above into Flickr search, using only the first page, choose your favorite image, copy and paste each of the URL’s into the mosaic maker (3 columns, 4 rows).

Go on... give it a try. It's tons of fun!

TGIF!