up side down baby

There are some times as a parent when you wish you could get a camera before you save your child from their precarious situation.

Like today. Ronan was playing with his big brother on my bed while I was folding laundry. He took a tumble of my side of the bed.

All I could see was feet flailing around which i shouldn't see because the bed is really tall. I then realize that I didn't hear the notorious thud that is associated with a head first fall of a bed.

So I went around the side of the bed to find Ronan with his large noggin stuck in the garbage can. "Help me mommy! Help!"

That there was the point where I had to decide to get my camera to take a picture and let my child suffer or save him, again, from his impending doom.

My better judgement won over and I picked him up and put him back on the bed, but it was such a close call, it could have gone both ways.

I really wish I had a picture, but since I don't, take this picture of this cat and pretend it as a 2 year old with his head in a garbage can.

Angels Rest Hike

 Yesterday was another amazing day for a hike. Angel's rest, out in the Columbia Gorge has one of the most amazing views at the top of a hike I have ever experienced. Beautiful!

The hike was considered a moderate 4.8 mile out and back hike, which after our first hike up Wakina falls I was ready to take this trek on.

I did surprisingly well and only had to stop a few times to catch my breath, but I never got to the point where I felt like my lungs were going to bleed. I think all this walking is helping me to become strong again. Now if I can only get rid of the tummy flab, then I would be a happy mamma.

A few of our good friends came along. My bestie Donella and her boyfriend Derek. We had a lot of fun and I'm really glad they finally decided to come with us. I couldn't think of two better people to experience the amazing creation that was at the top of Angel's Rest.

Check out some more pictures of the view from the top.



And don't forget our traditional bathroom break at Crown point





A mouse in the house

If there is one thing that I can't stand, it would have to be mice. They eat my food and leave poop all over the place.

We've tried everything to get rid of them and sometimes they are gone for a while and sometimes I find little presents from them in the worst places. I hate having an old house.

I jump at any chance to get back at the little critters, so this morning when I was minding my own business sitting on the couch watching the news and I heard the cat food bag crinkle, I knew that I would get my revenge.

Normally, I call my husband, Jason to take care of these kinds of things, but he was still asleep so I decided to be brave and take a look in the bag.

There it was, a little mouse. His eyes were so big as he stared back at me. Then he jumped at me and I freaked out and dropped the bag. Thankfully the mouse was still in it when I picked up back up. I quickly folded the top down to trap the little sucker in the cat food bag and went and woke my husband anyway.

He wasn't too pleased, but he is a great husband and helped me with out complaining. Jason's way of catching the mouse was to put the bag in the bath tub and try to trap the furry rodent with a plastic container. It was the funniest thing. That mouse was fast.

He finally caught the critter and the rest is history. I guess some days you are met with challenges that take a little creativity to over come. :)

Tweezle my finger.

I love four year olds. They say the greatest things.

On our car ride home from Grammy's house tonight, my older son Phoenix told me that he had something on his finger so I told him to wipe it on his pants.

"I can't, that wont work."

So wash your hands when you get home."

"That wont work either, it's stuck on my finger."

"So scrub your finger."

"No, that won't work. Gavin said that you need to take it off with tweezles."

I laughed so hard and when I tried to correct him, he told me that I didn't know what I was talking about. "It's a tweezle mommy, Gavin told me."

So Phoenix and I had a long conversation about how tweezles aren't sharp and they make a pinching motion. He didn't believe me though. Oh, kids are great!

The wayward Eliphant

Some times as a mother you have to deal with some pretty ridiculous things your children throw at you. My four year old son is the king of ridiculous, but even though he over reacts to every little thing, he has the biggest heart that I've ever met.

Meet my son's favorite elephant. His Nana gave it to him for Easter and the two have been inseparable ever since. He sleeps with it, he takes it on long car rides and he holds some pretty interesting conversations with it. Did I mention he named it Elephant. He also named his turtle, Turtle but that's a different story.

Some how Elephant the elephant made his way into little brothers crib around bed time, big mistake. My two year old likes to eat and destroy things to no end. We like to say "Hulk smash" when ever he gets that look on his face of pure destruction. The battle cry is also quit terrifying if you ever come face to face with it.

So, poor little Elephant spent some time with Hulk child and consequently lost one of his eyes. When my older son found his little buddy tears began to stream. He was heart broken and came running to me. "Mommy, Elephant lost his eye. How will he be able to see anything? He will never be able to see again."

He was so sad there was nothing I could do to calm him down. I took Elephant and told my son that I would take care of him for a while and then sent the boy back to bed. A few minutes later I popped into his bedroom to check on him and give him some great news.

Elephant hand grown his eye back! Thanks to a black sharpie marker and quick thinking on mommies part, Elephant was healed and my son wiped the tears from his eyes and curled up with his friend and went to sleep.

This would make an awesome children's book. If only I could find someone to illustrate it, I would totally write it.

Because its been one of those days

Since it's been one of those days where every little thing seems to annoy me, I thought I would share a few funny prints that I found of Pinterest. Take a chuckle at these!









This one is my favorite of course. I rolled around laughing for a long time. My husband didn't get it but he's from a different generation. If you still don't get it like my husband then listen to "Milk Shake" by Kelis.

Sunny with a side of glow in the dark

Temps reached into the 80's today. Kinda weird for this time of year in Portland Oregon, but I'm not complaining... to much. :)

I decided to wear dress shorts to work today. I don't really care so much about the color of my legs, they've always been pale even after I've been out side in the sun for a while. It's either pale or burned, no in between. So I just go with it. I don't get out much anyway.

Imagine this color on my legs out in the sun. 
So today wasn't much different from any other sunny day that I've ever had, I put on a pair of shorts and do my thing, but there's always got to be the haters and since I work with a bunch of men who 1. act like boys around any member of the opposite sex just because they feel they can and 2. are extremely jealous that I get to wear shorts in 80 degree weather and they don't because they work in a shop, that poo gets thrown around like we're all monkeys.

Of course most of them decided to make a smart ass comment about the color of my legs. What ever. I just told them that glow in the dark is in right now. I don't let it get under my skin. It's not worth it. 

My husband suggested that next time I tell them that skin cancer is't cool any more and they should get with the program. I highly doubt that they care much about getting cancer of any kind since most of them smoke constantly. What ever floats your boat I guess.

I know I can always count on my husband to help the situation (thanks sunshine.)

Well, there is always tomorrow. I wonder what I will wear.  How about a skirt, that would be a big shocker. They probably don't think I own a skirt, but I do. I own one skirt. :)

And that's my rant of the day.



Mockingjay book review

Ok, so even though I complained about book one and the way the author was lazy and then went on to read book two and complained about how I thought it was a set up for the next book, I still went on to read book three, Mockingjay because my sister promised me that the books were real good and if I just had an open mind and I wasn't so old I would love them like she did. She was wrong.

I tried to keep an open mind, but with so much senseless killing of new characters and old characters that I found myself actually starting to get attached too, it was hard for me to even finish this book.

I was kind of apposed to the whole concept of killing children for sport in the beginning anyway, but this last book brought the whole meaning of innocent murder to life. This is not a children's book or a young adult book. Its gory and sad, but if you like that stuff then go for it, plus she totally ruined the love story between Peeta and Katniss which was the only reason I wanted to keep reading.

I guess I am too old to read a book about murdering children. Why didn't someone tell me this earlier so I wouldn't have wasted my time and brain space with these horrible images that are now ingrained in my mind. My next book, I have a feeling is going to be a happy go lucky love story where no one dies. I don't think I can handle anything more.

So, If you want a really slow read about Murdering children then pick up this monstrosity.

I would like to reiterate that this is my opinion and if you loved the books I won't judge you (Lindsey,) but I would like to hear what you liked about the book if you put aside the gruesome war story.

Catching fire book review

So, I moved on to the second book in the Hunger Games series and it took me twice as long to read as the first book. That would be a whole two weeks.
I found the content a little less entertaining but I chocked it up to it being a set up for the third book. Come on Suzanne, don't let me down.
I guess I don't really have much to say. It felt a little unreal with the way she set up the Games as opposed to the last time where I could really picture Katniss in the the woods running for her life. This time not so much. There was just too much sit and wait for my taste.
I guess if you really like this author, then go for it, but if you didn't like the first one you really wont like the second one. So don't bother.

Mt Tabor hike

Today was a special day. It was the first hike my boys went on and by the way it went, it definitely wont be the last.

We went up to Mt Tabor which is fairly close to where we live. They had three hikes, the easiest one being only a mile long. So we thought if worst came to worst we could each carry a child the rest of the way. A mile is a piece of cake for us.

The trail was so easy, not very big hills to go up. My younger son Ronan who is almost two ran the entire way with only a short trip on dads shoulders. I'm pretty sure he just wanted a different view of the reservoir down below.

We all were having a lot of fun till Ronan lost his binky in the reservoir. Ronan didn't really care that it was gone but my older son Phoenix sobbed for a long time. Apparently the binky meant a lot to him even though it was his brothers. He even offered to jump in to the water and bring it back. This coming from the kid who is afraid of getting his head wet in the shower, I don't think so. Plus that's drinking water. I guess I should apologize to the entire city of Portland for my son's saliva being mixed into your tap water, he didn't throw it, it really was an accident.

So, take a look at some of these fun photos before you hit the sack tonight.









If only I looked like this

This woman is amazing. Who doesn't want to be Jennifer Lawrence right now. She's sizzling hot and has a box office hit with the Hunger Games movie. Check out this dress that she's worn on the red carpet. It's the girl on fire.
I think this might be another dress I could see myself wearing, and if you've read my most recent post about another dress Jennifer has worn you will know my views on dresses. I just don't know when I would ever find an occasion for this fiery beauty. Maybe it will be something to wear to the company Christmas party (If they ever have one again.)
On top of it, I wouldn't mind having that body. Just saying. Two babies kind makes that a little hard. Some times it sucks to be a woman, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Let me know what your thoughts are on this dress.


Vanity fair Hunger games photo shoot.

On my hunt for new and exciting things to blog about, I came across this picture of Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss from the Hunger Games) and I fell in love with this dress, even though you cant see most of it.

I love the color, the fabric and the ruffle down the front. I would totally wear this dress even though I'm apposed to wearing dresses because what if you have to run away into the woods because of a zombi attack. Who wants to do that in a dress, or even worse heals. If you don't understand what I'm talking about watch Cloverfield, then you will understand.
I searched around to see if I could find a better picture and I came across these.

The first picture has an orange ting to it. Looks like a scanned copy to me. All the other copies of that photo were in black and white. Not terrible but I like the color cause orange is my favorite. So get over it, ok.

Since I loved these photos so much I went on to googling the entire photo shoot from Vanity Fair. I couldn't help myself. Check them out.

Ok, so if anyone knows where to find this dress or one that is like it, please leave me a comment. I probably wont be able to afford it, because who can but actresses, but it would be nice to see what the rest of it looks like and if it comes in any other colors. 

Have a great day and "May the odds be ever in your favor!"

Candida 101


I can’t count the times I've had to explain what exactly Candida is and why it makes me so sick over the last year. When I say “Oh, I've got Candida,” People are clue less and most have never even heard of this fairly common ailment. So, I’m going to give you the rundown on Candida so pay attention.

The basics of Candida
Candida is a good form of bacteria that hangs out in your digestive system. It helps in the breakdown of food. When the bacteria gets out of hand it can eat holes through your intestines and get in to your blood stream wreaking havoc on your entire body. Sounds like fun, right? Not so much.  I’ve found a long list of symptoms, most of which I’ve experienced over the last couple of years and still experience as I’m fighting this little bugger off.

Signs and symptoms of Candida
THE WAY YOU FEEL
Inability to focus, Poor memory, Brain fog, Irritability, Anger, Dizziness, Depression, Crying spells, Panic attacks, Low libido, Persistent extreme fatigue, Hyperactivity, Cravings for sweets and alcohol, Insomnia, Poor coordination.
YOUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Acid reflux, Bloating, Flatulence, Nausea, Diarrhea, Constipation, Stomach cramps, Indigestion, Burping after meals, Mucus in stool, Hemorrhoids, Itching anus.
YOUR SKIN
Acne, Cysts, Hives, Night sweats, Psoriasis, Eczema, Dermatitis, Fungal infections of the nails & skin, Athlete's foot, Body odor.
YOUR MOUTH
Thrush (white coating on tongue), Swollen lower lip, Halitosis, Metallic taste in mouth, Bad breath, Canker sores, Bleeding gums, Cracked tongue.
YOUR RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Persistent cough, Mucus in throat, Sore throat, Sinus congestion, Chronic post-nasal drip, Flu-like symptoms, Hay fever symptoms, Sinusitis, Asthma.
YOUR EYES AND EARS
Eye pain, Itchy eyes, Sensitivity to light, Blurred vision, Bags under eyes, Ringing in the ears, Ear infections.
YOUR GENITO-URINARY SYSTEM
Recurring yeast infections, Recurring UTI’s (urinary tract infections), Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), PMS & menstrual irregularities, Fungal rash.
YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
Frequent colds and flu, Allergies, Sensitivities to food, fragrances and chemicals.
YOUR WEIGHT
Inability to lose weight, Water retention, Weight loss.
OTHER SYMPTOMS
Headaches, Heart palpitations, Chronic body pain and/or joint pains, Muscle aches and stiffness.


As you can see the symptoms are all over the place so it can be really hard to diagnose.  There is a simple test that you can do at home if you are concerned that you might have Candida.

First thing in the morning when you wake up and before you put anything in your mouth. Take a clear glass and fill it up with room temperature water. Huck a large loogy into the glass and wait about 15 minutes.
If you start to see string like tentacles at the top, cloudy specks in the middle or cloudy blobs on the bottom then you probably have Candida. If after an hour nothing happens then don’t worry, you’re fine.
It can take a long time to get rid of Candida. The longer you’ve had it the longer it takes to get rid of. I’ve read on average it can take 4-6 months to wipe it out and go back to normal, but if you’ve had it as long as I think I have then it might take years. Let’s hope not.

The Candida Diet
So how do you get rid of Candida? You cut out sugar and anything that breaks down into sugars, like carbs. I’ve been on this diet for over a year now, and it’s really really hard to stay with for a long period of time. That’s why I’ve had so many relapses and have to start over. Not completely start over but get back on track. Either way, it’s still hard. Looking on the bright side though, I’ve lost 20lbs.
I’ve written a book on the foods that you can and can’t eat on this diet if you need a little help figuring out meals and if you don’t have Candida feel free to try the diet out for weight loss. It’s totally worth it.

In the end
In closing, you can live with Candida and even beat it, although it’s not always pleasant.  I’ve learned to deal with it and even feel a little better. It’s a slow journey but in the end it will be worth it.

Worlds greatest head massage

My husband came across this you tube video by accident, but now I want a head massage so bad. This guy is amazing. He sends cosmic energy your way and he never stops. It looks so relaxing. I kinda want to travel to India just for a head massage. Check it out.

The Hunger Games Movie review

So, my friend Amy finally took me to see the Hunger Games movie last Wednesday. I was a little surprised that there wasn't really anyone in the theater, but it was Wednesday evening after all. I'm sure that had something to do with it, right? Maybe not. I was a little disappointed.
If you really loved the movie, as my little sister does and I've already pissed her off with my opinion, remember its just that, my opinion and I really love a good discussion about a book/movie. They make life interesting.
I think that if I hadn't read the book before I went and saw the movie, I would have enjoyed it a little more since I wouldn't have known what I was missing, but the movie left out a lot of things that I thought were important to the story development.
On the other hand, if I hadn't read the book then I don't think I would have understood Katniss very well since they didn't give you very much insight into what she was thinking.
My sister says that the movie was awesome and that I'm just stupid and old. Well, if 27 is old then yes I am (Old, not stupid) but I think that my age has helped me to be objective and not get caught up in the fact that there are cute boys in the movie to drool over and day dream about, that's not really my style since I'm MARRIED and all. There was a lot of hype that went along with this movie which makes it hard to make up your own mind.
My sister also said that I just can't understand anything about authors of her generation, again stabbing at me being old. I would like to point out that the author of the books, Suzanne Collins, also wrote "Clarissa Explains it all" a TV show of my time that I thoroughly enjoyed back in its hay day, I would have to say she's also an author of my time and can completely appreciate her writings. I just didn't this time around.
So to all the haters out there. I did enjoy myself enough to have a good time with my friends. I'm not knocking the choice of movie that you like (Lindsey) but let me not like the movie as much as you do in peace. That's all I ask.
If you're really into the books, The Hunger Games, then go and see the movie in theaters you won't be disappointed, but if the books didn't seem to hold your attention, then I would suggest waiting till it comes out on video and paying the $1.15 at the Redbox to rent it.

Horsetail Falls

This is going to be the last hike for a few weeks since my husband is scheduled to work the next few weekends. :( Sad face. She here goes nothing.
Our hike today is the Horsetail falls, Ponytail falls trail. I really enjoyed this hike because of the many water falls that were very close together and easy to hike to, even with that though, the trail was steep and very rocky. I thought a few times I was either going to fall or twist my ankle. So, if you have bad ankles (Like I apparently do) you will want to be very careful walking this trail.
Before We started our hike, we took our customary trip to vista point to go to the bathroom so I will never have to experience the four mile pee, ever again. Not a good experience. Below is a picture of my husband taking a picture of the Columbia Gorge from Vista point.
For the first time ever the balcony was open at Vista Point while I was there. It was pretty cool and you could see so much more from up there. Hey Jason, smile!
 Didn't get any good pictures of Horsetail Falls but Ponytail falls was way cooler. The trail takes you behind the falls where you can take a picture from behind. WAY COOL!

We had a lot of fun on this hike and all though I forgot to tape my toes and got a blister, it was totally worth it and would do it all over again in a flash.

Enjoy the rest of these photos and remember, life is what you make it. Stay thirsty my friends!