Firemen to the Rescue

One evening I was on the phone with my mom while we waited for Art to come home. George and I were playing peekaboo. He would shut his bedroom door and we would open it. It was a fun game, lots of laughter and squealing until.....he locked the door.

We haven't changed the knobs on the bedrooms or bathroom since we moved it. They have these lovely key locks. We do not own the keys for these locks.

George has grown enough recently to reach the knobs and turn them. I noticed one morning he was trying to turn the lock on the door. I thought oh we should change those knobs and then quickly went about my day. Well that night he locked himself in his room.

I called my dad to ask him what I should do. There wasn't a place to unscrew the knob, I tried a credit card, asked George to open the door, knife, bobby pin....nothing was working. During this whole thing George is yelling DA DA. My dad was laughing when we were on the phone because he could hear him yelling. It was like just go get da da he will get me out of this room.

Around 20 minutes into him being locked in his room he started to whine. I put my hand under the door and told him it would be ok. He stuck his hand out to hold mine. I sung songs to him when he got upset while I was working on different things.

I ran next door to our neighbors to see if he was home. Knocked on the door numerous times, but no one came to the door. Ran back into the house and about this time George was starting to cry hard. I then took a hammer to the door knob. Knocked the thing off. I thought if I knocked it off I could stick a screw drive through it to push it off on the other side or loosen it up, so I could get George out. Oh no! The knob came off, but the rest of it wouldn't budge.

Around this time I text my cousin Liz. She had the wonderful suggested I call the fire department. huh? Didn't even think of that. Later I was like why in the world didn't I think to call them? Well sometimes my brain reverts back to the farm days. The fire department was only available for fires. There were no firemen at the station. They would leave their jobs or homes and rush to the fire house, grab the truck and go to the fire.

The fire department showed up within 10 minutes. A VERY long 10 minutes. I had told them this wasn't an emergency, George was safe, but we just needed to get them out. I didn't want them rushing over here with their siren on. They ended up taking a saw the entire door knob off the door. There were sparks flying as they sawed through the metal. George was SCREAMING from the noise.

When the door opened George had BIG eyes when there were 3 firemen standing there. I grabbed him and gave him a hug. Through all this I just kept laughing. I couldn't believe this was happening. When the firemen were on the way I called Art to tell him what was happening. I could just see him coming home to a fire truck outside the door with their lights on. He would be panicked. Thankfully he found the whole thing just as amusing as me. We had a good laugh.

When Art came in the house, George was babbling away to him, took him into his room and showed him the door. Hilarious!

I did a nice number on the knob huh?

After the firemen left I then thought why didn't I take pictures of them sawing the knob off! George needed those pictures for his scrapbook.

Wordless Wednesday

Menu Monday

I have been back to making a menu for each week. I just haven't been posting them on the blog. I have cut dairy out of my diet. I am trying to avoid it completely. So far so good. I don't even miss it at all. There are so many options out there that I don't feel I am missing anything. I thought I would miss sour cream, cheese, and cream. Thankfully there are coconut milk options that are fabulous!

Zucchini Chow Mein

Korean Beef, rice and broccoli

Pork Chops, quinoa, and salad

Roast, mash potatoes and peas

Sausage & veggie bowls

Wordless Wednesday

Halloween Costumes

This is a long over due post, but I wanted to post about our Halloween costumes. I started thinking about Halloween costumes before George was even born. Art dresses up as a Viking almost every year. There has only been 1 year where he dressed up as a pirate since we have been together. Kids that has almost been 10 years.

We had to be Vikings! I didn't want to do it our first year because George was too little. I knew no one would see us, so we saved it for this past year. I sewed our skirt and pants. We bought the fur from the fabric store. I used some of the fur and some leather strings to tie around our boots, so they were furry. This worked really well. The helmets came from various places - Halloween super store, Amazon, Etsy and a little gift shop.

It was in the 80's on Halloween, so the furs only stayed on for the pictures and to arrive at our party. Once we arrived we quickly shed all our furs. George was darling!

Three Years!

I read a post this morning I put on FB 3 years ago.

"I'm off to start the next chapter of my life...cancer FREE!!!!

I'm looking forward to the BIGGEST class of ice cold water after recovery. This no water thing is for the birds!!!!

My Grandma Fischer would be proud. Woke up, did my hair and make up. Even when she went to work in the field on the farm she looked presentable because you never know who could stop by. lol

Happy Friday!!!!"

This started off my day feeling weird. It's been 3 years since I went in for surgery to get rid of cancer. Only to find out 2 weeks later I won't ever get rid of this cancer. I normally celebrate today. I couldn't really celebrate today.  I think it has been a weird feeling because my numbers aren't as low as I would like them to be. It has been a roller coaster year with ups and downs when it comes to my cancer numbers. Right now they are holding stead. I would rather have them holding steady then climbing. Still it's scary at times.

Three years ago I was sitting in a hospital bed thinking I wouldn't ever be able to move my shoulders again. The pain was horrific. Somehow I forgot the pain of child birth. I can't forget the pain after my cancer surgery.

As I sat on the couch tonight I looked at my house covered in toys. George was dragging his tent around the house as toys were being scattered.  Right now life is good. I was able to spend it with the important people in my life. I didn't celebrate my cancerversy, but I did soak in the sweet moments of just an ordinary life.

Red Lips!

I decided to try my red lipstick again. I haven't worn it in awhile. I used Vaseline lip gloss before I put it on and it was a game changer! It went on more evenly and stayed on a lot longer.  I pulled out my brownish tones for make up over the past week. I get in a rut where I will wear the same eye shadow every single day for months. Then I will try something new and get stuck again. I grabbed my brown eye shadow and coral blush. I really like the more natural tones during this time of year. 

Maybe it is the rainy weather that is making me want more natural tones. It doesn't feel like pink and purple tones right now. We need the rain sooooo bad. It is nice to see the hills green again. 

Wordless Wednesday

We don't follow all the rules!

Some days you just have to break the rules and ride backwards while you are seat belted in. Judge away! There are times you just need to get that darn shopping completed! 

Wordless Wednesday!

2016

Choices!

Bring on 2016

I have such mixed feelings about 2015. It was one of the best years, but a challenging year. 

I changed positions at work making it possible for me to work from home 3 days a week. I brought on my first client which was huge & very exciting.  Art took a position closer to home with his company. His commute was cut in half. Yay! 

I helped write a book with a group of people who have my type of thyroid cancer. It was very exciting to see my name in print. 

We celebrated our little mans 1st birthday. Watching him grow was so fun.

I have enjoyed being a mom so much!  It's the best feeling. There are days it is very challenging especially when he doesn't sleep well. Lord help me!  

Then there was health issues. We found out George is allergic to peanuts. At first it was overwhelming. Then we got into a groove and honestly I forget about it. I forget about it until someone says peanut butter or I see a peanut butter container. We only buy things he can for our house. We have found substitutes to make our favorite holiday treats. 

My health has been another story. Lots of challenges. Slowly working through them. We are at the point we have to start thinking of the future. Finding doctors with more experience and possibly living off one income. 2016 will bring new challenges as we sort those things out. 

Life gets overwhelming at times. Then this peace will come over me that it will all work out. I've had to learn to say no and put myself first. Still learning, but I've made great steps. 

I have goals of cutting out dairy (have I lost my mind), losing a little more weight, enjoying my time with my little family and handling life one step at a time. 

Happy New Year! 

Secret Service Guest List

Monday night I attended Stand Up! The 2015 Union Labor Party Banquet. My employer had a table at the event. The guest speaker was Nancy Pelosi. Let's just get this out here in the beginning of this post. I do not agree with her on any political points. Probably not one thing. 

It was fun to get dressed up and go to a fancy dinner. I rarely do that anymore. My goal of the night was to get a selfish with Nancy. I didn't think it was polite to turn around in my seat to take a picture with her on the platform giving a speech although I was VERY tempted. 

As Nancy walked in the door, sat at the front table a guy walks up & take a selfie with her. I gasp then busted up laughing. Who does that?  Bahahahahaha. Nancy smiled for the camera like it was no big deal. I wonder how many likes the guy got on IG? 

The mayor of San Francisco Ed Lee gave a small speech and Willie Brown. Willie was hilarious!  I've never seen someone leave a room faster than Willie Brown. I would like a lesson on skipping out of a place like Speedy Gonzalez. 

My name is now on the secret service list. Security was awfully tight in the building. 

Outfit details

Skirt - Target

Tank & Cardigan - Old Navy

Shoes -Nordstrom's

 

Wordless Wednesday

Disney Live! Fairy Tale Trivia Questions

Have some fun with fairy tale trivia questions!!!

Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales

Trivia Questions

What is the name of Mickey's best girl friend?

Mikaela

Mulan

Minnie

Who helps Cinderella make her dreams come true?

Genie

The Fairy Godmother

Flora, Fauna and Merryweather

What are the names of two of Cinderella’s mice friends?

Pluto and Goofy

Chip and Dale

Gus Gus and Jacques

What story is Prince Charming in?

Beauty and the Beast

The Little Mermaid

Cinderella

Sleeping Beauty

Snow White wishes for her one true love while standing by:

A wishing well

Dopey’s hat

An apple

Snow White stays in a cottage with who?

Her mother and twelve siblings

Three giants

Seven Dwarfs

You can purchase tickets HERE.

Save $5 to any show with code LOCAL

Disney Live - Three Classic Fairy Tales

Disney Live - Three Classic Fairy Tales

January 1-2 City National Civic - San Jose, CA - Buy tickets HERE

January 3 - Paramount Theatre - Oakland, CA  - Buy tickets HERE

Prepare to laugh, sing and dance as you step into a world of wonder where wishing is only the beginning and dreams really do come true in Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt. Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald and Goofy as they bring the timeless fairy tale adventures of Cinderella , Beauty and The Beast , and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to life in a live theatrical experience that is pure magic. With dynamic storytelling, award winning music, stunning costumes, glittering special effects and spectacular sets, you will be captivated by these spellbinding stories when you dream with the princesses and cheer for their heroes as they conquer evil villains. There is a world of enchantment waiting for you right in your hometown!

You can save $5 by using coupon code LOCAL.

Peanut Allergy

Back in August George broke out in hives after eating some peanut butter. I emailed his pedi pictures and questions. She said they would do additional testing at this 1 year appointment in about 2 weeks, but to avoid peanut butter until then.

We did some blood work and found out he had a peanut allergy. We then met with the allergist for additional testing. Poor buddy is very allergic to peanuts. We have to carry epi pens with us at all time. They do not take chances these days with peanut allergies. The allergist told us if we even think he ate it use the epi pen.

We can't eat peanuts around him, touch him after we have ate him and we need to brush our teeth if we eat them. So far it has been ok. I have replaced peanut butter with almond butter.

Recently we flew. I just asked the man beside us if he could not eat the peanuts. My concern was that George would try to grab the peanut wrapper or grab one. Thankfully the guy was super nice about it. He had an allergy to bee stings and carried an epi pen.

About 2 weeks after we had him tested he broke out in the rash on the right. It was scary! We rushed him to the ER. We weren't sure if he had another severe allergy or what was going on. It looked like a huge puff hive all around his mouth. On the way to the ER I was on the phone with them asking if we should use the epi pen. They said if we knew for sure he didn't eat any peanuts not to use it and just come right in. Just our luck the freeway was PACKED on a Saturday. It took us about 20 minutes. By the time we got there the rash was pretty much gone.

We did more testing on soy, strawberries and tomatoes. He is not allergic to anything. I hate having to do allergy testing on him. He cries so hard after the poke him. He is not a fan of the doctor anymore. The minute they come in the room with the stethoscope he starts screaming.

The picture on the left was after he had peanut butter. The hives are smaller. It was so weird he was allergic to the peanut butter. He had been eating Horizon peanut butter crackers for about a month before he broke out. He also had drank some of my smoothies with peanut butter in them. It took about a month for the allergy to show itself.

We will have him testing in a couple years to see if he outgrows it. In the mean time I am the crazy person reading all the packages in the store before I buy anything. It is crazy to me how many things are made with peanuts or in a peanut facility. We don't even take a chance with peanut facility items.

Sensory Paper Bag Book

There are a times I need to entertain George while I try to get things done around the house. He gets bored with the same toys day after day. We put some toys away and bring them out which is like WOW where did that come from?

I decided to make 3 boxes of different type of toys, crafty items he can play with 3 days a week. I have a lot of scrapbook items that are just sitting around my spare room. I decided to make him a book out of a paper bag.

I looked on Pinterest for some ideas of things to put in the boxes. I will blog about the boxes at a different time. I used them the other day and it was fabulous! He was soooo excited to go through the box and play with everything.

I used 3 paper bags. Folded them in half, punched holes in the end and tied it with string.

I had the stickers above in my collection. He likes to rub the mustache.

I am not sure how long these letters will stay on the page. He is trying to pick them off already. I hot glued them to the page. If he picks them off I can glue them back down.

In the pages that are open on the ends I cut cardstock to stick inside. I hot glued some twine to the page to make a G. Used stickers on the other pages.

I took a straw that was left over from his party, cut it and glued it to the page. He really liked the straw. The owl he lost interest in quickly.

The car sheet was his favorite. He played with that the most. Then he took it, folded it in half and shoved it back in the open section of the book. That is when I realized it will be lucky if the book lasts a month. lol

These books are so easy to make! You can just use items you have around the house or grab some items at the dollar store. Michaels' has cardstock on sale a lot of times for about $2-3 a pack of 50. Use a coupon and save 40-50%.

Curious George 1st Birthday Party

I started planning George birthday probably when he was a couple months old. I was pinning things on Pinterest for months. I decided on Curious George right away! It was a perfect theme for our little Curious George!

I made the majority of the decorations, signs and banners. I had a lot of fun planning it until 2 days before then I started stressing. I now understand why people rent jumpy houses and order pizza. lol

Guest Book Table

I had a Curious George Birthday book for everyone to sign as the guest book. We have this large crate I covered with a table cloth on the sides and yellow wrapping paper over the top. I bought the clips and G from the $ section of Target & Michael's.

Birthday Cake Throne

I made the I Am One sign that wrapped around G's high chair. I bought the balloon on Amazon.

Dessert Table

I made the OOH AAH OOH AAH banner. My friend Krystal made the banana hanging in the middle. She also made the monkey face with the mustache.

The table I covered the sides with a table cloth, covered the top with yellow & white polka dot wrapping paper. We served cupcakes and banana splits. I made G's smash cake.

Chalk Board

Our chalk board in the kitchen I drew Go Banana's. I am no artist let me tell you! I probably redid it a couple times before the party.

Drink Area

I collected straws from the dollar section of Target and Michael's for a few months. Picture up some red solo cups from the dollar store. The yellow bucket is from the clearance section of Michael's. My nanny helped me cup all the tissue pom poms. They were pretty easy to make once we cut them all out. I was soooo grateful she helped me with things.

Front Yard

We had some leftover wood from the deck project. My father in law cut out the 1 and painted it a solid color. I painted the polka dots all over it.

Back Yard Photo Prop

I found a picture on Pinterest the above photo prop. I printed it out and asked my father in law to draw it out for me. I told him I would paint it if he could just draw it. Well my father in law not only drew it out, but he painted it. I was soooo happy! He did such an amazing job!

I painted the confetti and party hat.

George LOVES the monkey still. It is still in our backyard. He loves to go put his head through it and laughs away.

I didn't get a picture of the food table! I set up a taco bar. Ground beef, shredded chicken, pinto beans, all the fixing for tacos, tortilla chips and salsa. Oh it was delicious! I take after my great grandma and mom. I cooked for an entire army. We had 5 pounds of ground beef left over and probably 2 pounds of beans. lol Good things those things freeze well.

The party turned out perfect! It was a lot of work, but so worth it. It was such a fun afternoon spending time with our family and friends celebrating our little boy 1st year. He was worn out after the party and took a long nap.