The Perfect Night

There are a lot of ideas of what a perfect night is, I know I have a few different thoughts on this. But tonight is a perfect ending to a week of broken items around our house. I am sitting here surrounded by laundry; washing, drying and folding. Now normally this would not excite me, but tonight it does.

I have not been able to do laundry around here since last Friday. It is consuming our house in all rooms, piles, piles and piles. I have to say too that with all of Bryan's work stuff....it starts to stink after sitting around for more than a day. As of tonight, we are the owners of a new washing machine (from Cotsco this time so we can return it if it breaks) and the laundry has begun. I am currently in the middle of load number three with many more to go. I will let you know how many it takes to get through Mt. Washmore.....as my friend puts it.

So as I sit here listening to the sounds of the wash bin filling up, the spin cycle and the clang of the dryer......I smile. For tonight, never ending laundry is the perfect night.

The End of and Era....

Yesterday was a day for fixing and we were not too successful. We found out that the washing machine was going to be a mess to fix and keep giving us problems. So today we have spent looking around at all the stores for a decent low priced washer. We are still looking and in the mean time we are being creative with our outfits to conserve clean clothes.

Then there is the truck.....oh the loving Expedition. I got a call from our mechanic and found out that almost every essential part of the car was broken and would need replacing. YIKES! I think the cost to fix it was close to three times the value of the car. So today we began a quest, a quest for some thing that would hold the family (which is NOT going to grow anymore unlike all my friends), is going to be fuel efficient so I can fill up on one transaction, and also will be easy on the bank account. Bryan was a champ and got a great deal and they even took the expedition. Well they didn't really take it....more like towed it. I have to say I am a little on the sad side though. I have had that car for 6 1/2 years and I have had some memories in there. Here are a few that came to mind as I drove off from it for the last time.

1. Brought Chris home from the hospital in it
2. Drove up to our first house we bought in it.
3. Took the kids on their first camping trips in it.
4. Brought Dani home from the hospital in it.
5. Crammed the Madamba's, Romeril's and Barke'rs all in for a trip to House of Prime Rib
6. Road trip to San Diego for the '05 Marathon
7. Trips to Tahoe with the family
8. A memorable flat tire on the way to Big Bear Camping.

Those are just a few I thought of. I will miss my truck after almost 7 years and 180K miles. But we have a new member of the family now and her name is Nissan Altima. I think she will be great for the family and I will be able to fill up in one transaction.....PRAISE GOD!

Oh that third thing that was on the list has not been fixed yet, the Christmas tree. Actually we have been too busy with the other two to call. I think the character of the unlit portion of the tree is growing on us. Maybe next week.

I have added a picture here of a new member of the family. Meet Mr. Espresso Machine. If you know anything about Bryan and I you will know how often this will be used. Our friend got us a killer deal at the Starbuck's friends and family sale. We have welcomed him into our family with open arms.....and mouths.So it has been quite the week and it is only Tuesday. The nice thing is that hopefully the worst is over. But we are thankful for the way we were provided for and how everything worked out. Our week will be a success when we have a fully lit Christmas tree.

A day for fixing

Today is Monday, normally this is a relaxing day with not too much going on. Today is different. Bryan is home and it is now a day of fixing.

The first item is the Christmas tree, we took it out of the box last night and noticed that there is a strand of lights that is not working. We checked all the plugs, checked the fuses, and still no luck. Next step will be to call the 800 number for help. If all else fails....return to Costco.

The next item is a little more tricky, the washing machine. An essential item in a household with children under the age of 5. The drain is clogged and we are truing to fix it ourselves without getting Sears out here. Note: If you ever take apart your washing machine....be prepared for a horrid smell. Sad since this is a machine that cleans clothes.

Last but not least.....MY TRUCK. Yes, it is broken again. I know I know, kick that thing to the curb and getting something more reliable, it is a Ford. We are trying to hang onto it for a little bit longer. It died in Moraga on us yesterday and we had it towed to our mechanic in Livermore. We are currently waiting the diagnosis, but it does look good.

So it is fix-it Monday around here and we are trying to have a good attitude about it.

That time of year....

All right it is Black Friday, the day that marks the beginning of the holiday season. The crazys that were waiting at Kohl's, Mervyn's and Wal Mart at 4am are probably already in bed, but I am sure they feel good about the $5 they saved on those gifts. I did hit the shops today, but I rolled in around 11:30. The CRAZY thing is I still got what I wanted, at noon they had the same $10 Old Navy fleeces that the people at 5:00am got....and I was well rested.

In the spirit of the season I had Jennisa pimp my blog to the holidays (she rocks!). This weekend we will pull down all the boxes and start prepping the house for all the trees, candles, garland and pine cones. Bryan will even get to partake in his favorite event of the year. Hanging all the Christmas lights on the house. He does not know yet that it is what he GETS to do on his day off. I think we are going to shoot for a new goal this year on getting them down. Last year was a bit embarrassing considering he was up on the roof the weekend before the kids birthday party taking them down, keep in mind my kids were born in May people. My goal is Valentine's Day this year. I make no promises.

So enjoy the holiday season my friends. I am off to go play with the new espresso machine we just got.....LOVE IT!

Search for green beans

This Thanksgiving I am not doing dinner at my house, no cleaning, no decorating, no last minutes panics and no cooking. Yet here I find my self waiting for the turkey in my oven to get done. Turns out I am cooking a Thanksgiving dinner for all the guys on Bryan's team that are working tonight. To me though this is what I prefer, I get to cook, serve others and not have to have a ton of people at my house.... the food isn't even consumed here.

This week was crazy and I totally forgot to shop for this lovely dinner until 7pm last night. I knew what I was getting myself into, shopping on the busiest day of the year, not a guarantee that everything would be there. I was actually rather successful, I got my turkey, stuffing, potatoes, pie and all the utensils for the feast. But no green beans, that place was cleaned out. I asked the produce guy if there were any left and he said they were cleaned out and that a truck should be there later that night or early morning. A few minutes later there was a woman ranting and raving at a manger that they were out of green beans and that this happened last year. What kind of store was this, was she going to have to take her sopping somewhere else? Now here is my question....if you go to Safeway the night before Thanksgiving, you are going to run the risk of possibly not getting everything you need. Well at least that is the thought of a logical person. So I left with out green beans.....but I would be back.

On a side note I left the store and headed over to the gas station since I qualified for my 15 cent discount. I started the pump with the hope and prayer that with the discount I might be able to get a full tank before getting cut off....waiting.....waiting.....stop. Again I get cut off at $75, this time 2 gallons short of a full tank. I am open to a new car for Christmas if anyone is offering.

I was finally successful on the green beans this morning, and they are patiently waiting for their turn to be cooked. Back to the kitchen for me now.

For the 5 people that actually read this, have a very Happy Thanksgiving with your family and friends. I feel very thankful to have all the things in my life that God has blessed me with.

A day with good friends

Saturday I packed up the kids and went to Turlock to spend the day with my friend from college Jenn and her two boys. Isaac and Chris had a great time just being boys in the back yard and playing with his collection of trains, cars and trucks. This left Jenn and I the freedom to catch up and hang out with the babies while the boys occupied themselves. Dani thought that since baby Josh had a pacifier it would be fun for her to walk around with one. Luckily this was something she only did their and did not want to take home with her. I forget sometimes when you have not been around friends for a while, how great of friends they were and still are. Jenn and I had a great time and realized this is something we will do more often.

Chris and Isaac with their sticks.....it's a boy thing.

Isaac was king of the table.

Dani driving the jeep with the pacifier? looks a little silly at this age.

That's better

Josh was just as mellow as can be enjoying some lunch.

It's a sad day

It is a sad day when you go to the gas station to fill up the car and you can't.

Not because they are out...NO, because the gas pump cuts you off at $75.00.

Seriously people all I wanted to do was fill up my truck and now to accomplish that I need to do two transactions or just be happy being 3 gallons short of a full tank.

I love my truck, but I think we may need to soon part ways. After all we have been through 180K miles, a new transmission, 6 new sets of breaks, 2 sets of new tires, a new alternator and most recently a new transfer case. And those are just the major things I remember over the past 6 years.

Oh to live in the days when I first got my license and I could fill my suburban with a $20 bill. I miss those days.

I should know better.

Do you ever do things that you know the outcome will NOT be good, but you still do it. I realized just now (after doing one of these things) that I think we do this more then we realize. Or maybe this is just me :)

1. Open a hot oven (preferably over 400 degrees) with your face right there and then get annoyed that it is hot on your face.......my face is still hot after just doing this. My house smells like really good muffins though.

2. Taking a sip of a really hot cup of coffee and again being annoyed that you just burned your tongue. Like you did not realize that the lady at the Starbuck's just poured that coffee at about 200 degrees

3. Knowing that you smell a dirty diaper on one of your kids....yet you still hold their bottom up to your face to check. This is quickly followed by being absolutely repulsed by the smell that is coming from your sweet darling baby.

4. Going to Costco on a Sunday afternoon for one or two items and being completely annoyed that there is a huge line. Like I actually thought there would be no line after church when our church is across the street.

5. Or my favorite....being annoyed that your kids wake up early after getting them to bed late the night before. I don't know about your kids, but mine do not equate staying up late with sleeping in. We are working on it.

My poor princess.....

I realized something tonight while in the playroom with the kiddos, and I felt like I had failed my little girl. There were NO girlie toys in the room. We have a great train table, a lego table, every Lightning McQueen car, all the tractors and every sort of firetruck that they make. But not one purse, doll, crown , or even barbie. I don't think Dani seemed to mind, after all she is my daughter :) But now I think I know what we need to get her for Christmas this year.

Just like her mommy, she likes to drive the big trucks!

This made me so proud, we may have another builder in the family.

She loves this garbage truck since it plays music and she dances while putting blocks in back.

My babies...

This weekend we had some family pictures taken. Chris is at the age where he actually does a great job.....hence the fabulous picture. Dani on the other hand turned into another child as soon as the camera was out. My good friend Sara always takes amazing pictures of the kids and did not fail this time. She was able to get a good picture of Dani even though she wanted NOTHING to do with the camera. Thanks Sara, I love them.....

Love that boy...

Okay, I have to admit I have my days that my sweet, innocent, fun loving little 4.5 year old little man can drive me up the wall with whining, complaining and being just as stubborn and hard headed as his mommy :) But tonight he made me laugh....again, he has a way of doing this.

Bryan and I were downstairs when we hear the creek of his door. Like always we turned down the TV and waited to hear what it was this time that brought him out of bed.

Mom: What's up bud?
Chris: Uh....my bed broke?
Mom: Okay (with a little bit of a puzzled tone)
Chris: Can you come fix it?

So I go upstairs to find out how his bed broke. When I got in his room Chris is standing there with his hands on his hips declaring that his bed was broken. Well I guess to a four year old that is looking for an excuse to get out of bed, the comforter and blanket falling off the bed means that the bed is broken. So after "fixing it" I put him in bed yet another time.

I love that Chris has a creative and active imagination and the ability to make me laugh, even after a frustrating day.

My little preppy boy

This outfit was a little to cute to pass up. For some reason today he asked me to tuck in his shirt (this is a first). He looked like he was ready to go hang at the country club, get on a yacht or play legos. Love this boy!

Go Bears!

Chris was able to experience his second live football game this weekend thanks to Aunt Amy. He went a 49ers game when he was 5 months old with me and my sister but I don't think he really remembers that. So Amy got us some tickets to the Cal vs. WSU game last night. He was all geared up in his Cal hat, shirt and sweatshirt. I think the only thing that confused him was that he thought we were going there to PLAY football, he kept asking when he could go on the field. He did great through the whole game, especially considering the game ended at about 10:30. I think his favorite part besides them kicking the field goals was the ice cream man walking up and down the isles. Every time he would come near us and start asking if people wanted ice cream he would say sure and put his hand out. Yeah, we would have been broke by the end of the game if we let him. It was a fun night out and thankfully the Bears ended their losing streaked and pulled off a win with a score of 20-17.

Despite how excited he looks in this picture he actually had a really good time. Chris and Daddy intently watching the game.

Chris's Preschool Halloween Party

Chris celebrated Halloween with his classmates on Tuesday with a fun party and a parade int he back yard. For those that don't know Chris attends Little Learners Preschool which is conveniently located about 25 feet from our house. Miss Julie, his teacher lives across the street from us and runs a great school out of her house. All the kids loved having the parents there to help decorate cookies, make spider hats, play some games and have a parade. Batman had a great time hanging out with his buddy Spiderman....aka Josh

Our Halloween Adventure

Batman and Minnie Mouse

Every year at church we host a fun night called Candy Zone at Cornerstone. It is a safer alternative to trick or treating, a ton of fun and it is weather proof. Batman hopped in the bat-mobile with Minnie Mouse and off to church we went. The kids loved walking around playing the games, getting balloon animals, going in the jumping house and winning candy. Minnie spent most of the night playing in a ball bit and trying to convince mom to give her as much chocolate into her mouth as humanly possible....that little girl can put the food down. Batman was more concerned with bouncing, eating and running.

After about an hour and a half we hit melt down and headed home. We stopped at Sara's to do a little trick or treating and get even more candy and then it was home for baths and bed time. It was all going smoothly until we took Chris's costume off for him to get in the bath. I looked at his legs and noticed that his left leg was about twice the size of his right one from his thigh to his knee. There was a 5 minute debate on whether or not to call the doctor, and we did. I proceeded to tell the nurse the size of his leg and that the swollen area was red and hot to the touch. The only thing we could think of was that on Monday morning he had had a flu shot. After reading some of the flu shot reactions this was no where on the list of normal reactions. They figured at this point since this was reaction to a medication we needed to talk to the doctor. By about 9:30 the doctor had called me and said she did not like what she heard and to go ahead and take him in. Here we go again...

My first choice of hospitals to go to was Sutter since it is here in town and takes about 2 minutes to get to, but she proceeded to tell me that they had not been thrilled with the doctors there lately. That was good for me to hear though. In the 4, yes I said 4 times we have been there with the kids we have not been super impressed. So I dragged Chris out to bed and headed to ValleyCare in Pleasanton, if our doctor does not trust the Tracy hospital, that is all I needed to hear to drive an extra 20 miles

When we got to the ER we were seen fairly quickly, another nice bonus to this hospital versus Sutter. After some questions and a few doctors looking at it they really could not come to a conclusion so it ended up at it is most likely an infection in the leg and/or allergic reaction to something. I know what some of you are thinking it is a because of the flu shot. They actually ruled that one out. I know there are many people against those shots and think....yes this is why we don't get them. But both of doctors told me that this was not related, it just happened to be in the same leg. The swelling was actually not around the shot area, just below it. So we got some benydryl and antibiotics to get the infection under control. After entertaining all the nurses by shooting them with a plastic syringe filled with water and talking about the deputy that was there with the "bad guy" from Rita....we headed home.

I think the best part of the night was what I received when we check in at the hospital we got a special gift. The nice nurse checking us in handed me a card and said, " Here ya go, next time you guys are here to see us just hand this to us and we will scan him in and have him pre registered with all his info"

Seriously people....do we actually go that much. I guess we do since we qualified for the Rapid Rewards Card at the ER. All is well now and we are about to go in for a follow up with his pediatrician. Just another fun and adventurous night at the Francis house. Oh, and for those keeping count for the year we are at a tie at 1-1 for the year.

It was a long Halloween night....

This will be the short version since it is 12:45am and I just got back from the hospital with Chris. Yes the ER called our name on this fine Halloween night. When we got the kids home from CandyZone at church I was getting them ready for bed when I noticed Chris's leg was about twice the size of his other one.....NOT NORMAL. Long story short we ended up at ValleyCare in Pleasanton (the Tracy hospital is not on the top of my list). They treated him for an infection in his leg. ODD! I am still trying to figure out what it is but the Red Bull I drank on the way out there is wearing off, so that will have to wait till morning. When I get the Halloween pics up tomorrow I will tell the whole story, he was a trooper.