Introduction for MommyFest

As part of the MommyFest and meeting other moms, I'm adding my name to a Mr Linky on the MommyFest blog party. As part of that, I'm supposed to introduce myself to all the new Mommies coming to meet little ole me! So here goes:

My name is Angela, I go by Ang4him online. I'm a Christian mother who is pursuing God and his purpose for my life to the best of my ability, with TONS of help from Him! I'm trying to raise my three children to also puruse the Lord. I have another blog that is dedicated to my journey with the Lord and what He is teaching me - Ang4him. This blog is more dedicated to my family. Sharing stories of what we are doing and usually what my boys are up to at the moment. It is a good way to keep in touch with my family back home as well.

I have been married to my high school sweetheart for almost 13 years. He is a wonderful man who is very compassionate (although he would never admit to it!) and is an amazing father, not to mention a great husband!

My daughter is almost 7 years old (how fast they grow up!) and my boys are 3 1/2 and 2! My hubby works from home for the most part and stays home with the boys three days a week. He is a automotive mechanic who has turned to working on Harleys. Mostly he just finds old ones, pulls them apart and sells the parts (and keeps a few parts for his Harley, of course!)

I work with a large software company, in their accounting department. For the most part I love what I do but I do wish I could spend more time with my family at home. Although the boys do drive us NUTS at times right now!

I love to read and write. Those are my passions. I would love to write for a living someday, but for now I get my "fix" by blogging and journaling.

I attend a small house church which is made up of about 6 families. We started meeting this way almost 3 years ago and it has definitely been of God. I've grown so much in the Lord in the past 3 years and these people have truly become part of my family.

Those are probably the most important things about me. If you want to get to know me more though, please feel free to explore this blog and my other one. That is probably the best way to get to know me.

God Bless and Happy Blogging!

Ang4him

Update

I know I've not been a social lately as I'd like to be, but I figured I would give you a quick update on some things.

1. My weight loss - I've met with the physical trainer that comes into our work and have been using the gym at work with two other co-workers. We are holding one another accountable for working out and for what we eat. I still "cheat" a bit sometimes but my eating habits and my exercise habits have most definitely improved in the past month. As of Wed (my weigh in date) - I have lost a total of 7.75 lbs for the month of January. I know my upcoming months will not be quite as much but this is so encouraging for me. I can feel a change in the way some of my clothes fit and I'm sleeping much better.

2. InBox Dollars - I told you I would update you on how I'm doing. I've not participated in very much for this but for what little I did in January I earned $13.85. I'll keep it up as I have a few moments to spare here and there and I'll let you know if I have trouble getting the money from them. For this one I think I need to have $30 before a check is cut. It won't be much but I figure it is something small I can use to treat myself once I loose some more weight!

Today - 33 years ago

Thirty three years ago today, my mother gave birth to me after 3 days of labor. I can't even imagine being in labor that long. I was supposed to be a Christmas baby, but I was five days late.

So today, I want to thank my mom (and my dad!) for bringing me into the world and raising me. You guys were great. So thank you!

Oh yeah, and Happy Birthday to me!!!

38 Things You Can't Wait to Learn About Me.

So, Becki tagged me for this little Blog MeMe – well actually she said she was not going to tag anyone because nobody ever responds and I think I’m one of the guilty ones from the past. So I’m doing it now!

1. Name one person who made you laugh last night?
My son, Austin. He is frustrating at times, but what a comedian!

2. What were you doing at 0800?
Driving to work

3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
Putting my youngest child to bed.

4. What happened to you in 2006?
Pregnant, having a baby and then raising three children.

5. What was the last thing you said out loud?
“No more running!”

6. How many beverages did you have today?
Not sure but I know I’m now drinking my second cup of coffee. I have a set at RHOP tonight from 10 – midnight.

7. What color is your hairbrush?
Boring black.

8. What was the last thing you paid for?
My lunch in the cafeteria at work. The tuna was a bit overcooked, it is usually really good though.

9. Where were you last night?
At home.

10. What color is your front door?
Dark Green, I think. Let me check. . . nope – it is a dark burgundy color. (Boy I was not even close!)

11. Where do you keep your change?
In a desk drawer at work, or in Shaun’s Harley Fund jar.

12. What’s the weather like today?
Cloudy and starting to cool down a bit. Reminds me of back home.

13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor?
Anything coffee flavored, preferably with caramel swirls in it.

14. What excites you?
Starting a new book!

15. Do you want to cut your hair?
It needs to be but we are on a budget right now. I also need to get my roots touched up (Yep, the blonde I was when I was younger, I now have to pay for!) Oh well.

16. Are you over the age of 25?
Yes

17. Do you talk a lot?
Depends on who you ask.

18. Do you watch the O.C.?
I am ashamed to admit that I did. But Shaun watched it with me!

19. Do you know anyone named Steven?
Yes, a cousin. But it is spelled Stephen. At least I think it is. Now I’m not sure. (Can you tell I’m over 25?!)

20. Do you make up your own words?
I don’t think so, but others say I do. They just don’t have as broad of a vocabulary as I do.

21. Are you a jealous person?
At times, yes.

22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘A’.
Amanda

23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’.
Kathy

24. Who’s the first person on your received call list?
Shaun, my wonderful hubby.

25. What does the last text message you received say?
“Yes, I should be.” It is from Misty – I lining up a babysitter.

26. Do you chew on your straw?
Yes, and my pens.

27. Do you have curly hair?
I wish. It is straight and baby fine!

28. Where’s the next place you’re going to?
RHOP (Roseville House of Prayer) for the Fire in the Night set.

29. Who’s the rudest person in your life?
Some of the individuals I used to work with at my last job.

30. What was the last thing you ate?
Animal Crackers. You can never outgrow those. Especially when they are being fed to you by a three year old making the noises of each animal.

31. Will you get married in the future?
I already am, for 12 years now.

32. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks?
Surf’s Up. I thought it was really cute. Even Shaun laughed a couple times.

33. Is there anyone you like right now?
I try to find something I like in everyone I meet. But if you mean do I “like” anyone, then yes! I have a HUGE crush on my husband.

34. When was the last time you did the dishes?
Sunday, Shaun does most of them during the week.

35. Are you currently depressed?
I do get depressed at times. I find it happens a lot when I am neglecting my quiet time with God.

36. Did you cry today?
No, not yet. I do tear up pretty easily though. Not usually over sad stuff though.

37. Why did you answer and post this?
Because it is a fun one, I have a bit of free time and I wanted Becki to know we don’t ignore her.

38. Tag 5 people who would do this survey.
I’m honestly not going to tag five people either. I think there are a lot of people out there who visit me, but don’t ever or rarely comment. So my challenge to anyone reading this is, do this Meme and then post a comment here with your link so I can check it out.

What Color Are You?

I love these tests like this. I guess this is pretty accurate. If you take it comment and let me know what color you are and if you think it is accurate.

you are aquamarine #7FFFD4

Your dominant hues are cyan and green. Although you definately strive to be logical you care about people and know there's a time and place for thinking emotionally. Your head rules most things but your heart rules others, and getting them to meet in the middle takes a lot of your energy some days. Your saturation level is medium - You're not the most decisive go-getter, but you can get a job done when it's required of you. You probably don't think the world can change for you and don't want to spend too much effort trying to force it. Your outlook on life is very bright. You are sunny and optimistic about life and others find it very encouraging, but remember to tone it down if you sense irritation.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

Birthdays & Trips back home!

This last weekend was quite eventful. To begin with, it was my first time off since the Monday prior to Labor Day. That was something to celebrate all on its own! Quarter end was over! Yeah!
I took Friday off so I could get ready for Austin’s birthday. He turned three on Friday. It was kind of weird because for some weird reason, I’ve been thinking of him as being three for a few months now. But if you ask him, he’ll tell you he is eight!

I bought him a cupcake cake, like I had Tyler. They are not as expensive, they are really cute and you don’t have to worry about finding a knife to cut the cake with.

A few people started arriving and Austin asked if it was time for cake. I told him no, we needed to wait for a few more people to get there first. A few minutes later he comes walking in the front living room with a cupcake in hand. I went into the kitchen wondering how many of the cupcakes he had grabbed and what the cake looked like now. What I found was the entire cake upside down on the ground! Luckily, the lid had stayed shut and the cake landed on it (I had just cleaned the floor that day though!).

I had Shaun help me pick up the box and we just set it on the table as it was, placed the candle on it and sang Happy Birthday to him. He loved it! The cupcakes were a bit messier to serve than I had originally planned, but they still tasted great and everyone was happy.

In the end it was a memorable night and we had lots of people we love show up to help us celebrate the night.

Then on Saturday, my aunt and I flew up to Washington state for my mother’s 50th surprise birthday party. Dad took her to play golf that day and when she came home she was surprised by over 40 people in her house. Somehow, we were all able to keep it a secret for 2 months and she had no idea! She was even more surprised to see my aunt and I. Then she was bouncing up and down like Austin the night before when she saw the new set of golf clubs we had all bought for her!

The next day she had already been committed to a golf tournament to raise money for breast cancer. So the four of us (mom, dad, my aunt and I) played in the tournament. It was best ball, which was good since it was only the third time I had ever played. We did use my ball some though. I found out my short game is not bad! We all had a lot of fun. We walked the entire 18 holes which was really good exercise and it started to rain on the last 6 holes. That was kind of nice because I do get homesick when it does not rain very often and it has been really hot and sunny (until yesterday) here in Northern California.

So all in all, it was a great weekend, if not exactly restful!

What's New?

I'm in the middle of quarter end right now, so very busy and lots of hours at work, but I really miss writing and decided to take some time out to update anyone who is still visiting my blogs on what is going on with me.

Shaun is now officially a stay at home dad. He is still doing his Harley work, but things are a bit slow now. And he is able to do that in the evening and weekends when I'm home (except this weekend when I'm working). We hated taking the boys out of daycare because she is like part of the family for us, but we are still involved with one another and the boys are getting much more "daddy time" now. Shaun will be sharing carpool duties with our now ex-daycare provider for Tyler and her grandsons.

Tyler starts school in two days! She will be going full days now. I can't believe my baby is going to be in 1st grade! We went to meet her teacher on Thursday and I kind of wish I could go with her. She got to choose her desk and chose a seat in the front row. She absolutely loves school. She is also very excited because we had to buy her a Bible for school. She already has a couple at home but this one is for her to use at school. They will be spending 20 minutes everyday in school reading and some of that will be the Bible.

Austin is on his way to being potty trained. YEAH!!! He still does not have the poop thing figured out and he still has his accidents, but he is spending a large part of the day in "underwears" now as he call them. Shaun's mom was here last week for a few days and I think she was a big help in getting him excited about using the potty.

Jesse is walking, or I should say running, all over the house now. Once he finally started, he caught on really fast. At first he looked a lot like Frankenstein walking around the house but that stiffness is disappearing fast. He wants to run everywhere now, but doesn't have his balance down real great yet. Now instead of Frankenstein, he just looks tipsy.

That pretty much sums up the major events in our life right now. I hope all is well with you and your families!

12 Years and Counting!

Last Sunday (Aug 12th) Shaun and I had a neighbor watch the kids and we took a much needed day for ourselves and went to San Francisco. Our excuse? Other than the fact that we haven't had anytime alone together since I got pregnant with Jesse (other than the time in the hospital when I was in labor, but I don't count that!) While that is a great reason, there was more to it. We were celebrating 12 years of wedded bliss.

Okay, so maybe the whole 12 years has not been "bliss", but we've stayed together and we are both still alive with all our limbs! That's an accomplishment. Seriously though, we have had our share of troubles, but we are both stubborn and love each other very much. So we made a decision 12 years ago to stick it out no matter what. We took the "til death we do part" thing seriously.

Love and marriage definitely is not an easy thing and love is not just a feeling you have towards someone. It is something you make a decision to do and then you work at it day by day, through the good and bad. You don't see real love during the good times when everything is peachy. Real love is what you see through the hard times when it would be easier to walk out and not look back.

So with all that said, Shaun and I spent the day in San Francisco. We walked from Pier 39 to Ghiradelli square (did I spell that right?) and back, doing the tourist thing. Then we ate a bunch of calamari and 3lbs of crab. Yummy! We wanted to go on a tour after that but the one we found was 2 1/2 hours. We did not want to go for that long so we got in the Tahoe and Shaun just started driving. That is how he got to know his way around Seattle and Phoenix. He just drives, gets lost and finds his way back. I could never do that as I would be a nervous wreck and in tears. But he enjoys is and as long as he is the one driving, I enjoy myself and watch the scenery. I know he'll get us home eventually.

We ended up driving down the Presido (that was really cool!), almost went across the Golden Gate and then in our search to get back home we ended up on Market street. I saw more rainbow flags than I ever care to see again there and the biggest one I've ever seen. It was the size of the US flags some care dealerships fly. HUGE!!!

We really had a great day and I loved spending time alone with my husband. I remember doing things like this in Seattle and Phoenix before we had kids. Don't get me wrong, we dearly love all three of our children, but it is nice to have a day to yourselves sometimes too.

My Life Update

We all went to the San Francisco zoo last weekend and I'm just blogging about it now. We took all three of our kids and a neighbor girl. We had lots of fun, did lots of walking, and came home VERY tired. We've not been there since Tyler was 3, so it was really nice. They've added some new stuff since the last time.

Tyler on the Carousel at the SF Zoo
I've been horrible about keeping up lately with my blogging and I apologize to everyone. I noticed quite a few people are still visiting even though I've been "absent" and I really appreciate that! Work is getting kind of crazy again. Quarter end is coming up and we had some big acquisitions I'm dealing with right now. And I've started excercising regularly. I've started walking 4 -5 times a week with some neighbors. I even got out my Tae-Bo tapes and could hardly get out of my chair at work last week! I have some pilates DVDs that I want to incorporate as well, but am concentrating more on aerobic exercise right now.

The good news though is I lost 3 1/2 pounds last week! I know most is water the first week, but I'm still happy. Shaun has an x-box 360 that he won in a contest a few years ago when they first came out. I talked him into buying a game called Dance Dance Revolution. Have you seen those dancing games in the arcades? Well, it is basically that. We just got it last night and I'm already hooked. I'm not all that good, but it sure works up a sweat!

I've been needing to do this for awhile and then a couple weeks ago I went in for my annual. I'm actually very healthy and have great blood pressure. But it has gotten to the point where the doctor mentioned that my weight is a "little bit much" for 5' 2". I laughed and said "a little much? Try way too much!" So I'm cutting back on portions, cutting out most of the junk (I tend to binge if I totally cut it all out) and I've started exercising regularly.

Well, there is my update. Hope you are all doing well and I'll try to do better with this blogging thing! Just keep visiting, it is encouraging!

House Churches

(Cross-post with my other blogs)

Some of you who read my blog already know that I attend a "house church" instead of a traditional church. I've grown alot in the past almost 2 years now since we started meeting in this way. My relationship with those in my church family has become more intimate and meaningful. More importantly, my relationship with God has deepened and therefore my walk with Him and my obedience to Him.

This morning I was listening to Air1 and the news segement had a short blurb on a how house churches are growing. It was very short, but I found it very interesting. Tonight I got on their website to check it out and found the original article the news blurb was based on.

Here it is for your reading pleasure if you are interested.
There's no place like home, these Christians say

I found it very interesting, especially considering I've fellowshiping and worshiping in this way for almost 2 years now.

Memories

Well, I'm back from Washington now. I arrived back home this morning at about 9:30AM. As much as I enjoyed seeing my family and being up where it is so green again, it was great to come home and sleep in my own bed. Shaun unpacked the Tahoe for me and took the boys to daycare so I could get some much needed sleep after driving through the night.

Leaving back home always is bittersweet. I wanted to get home to my own bed and to see my daughter and husband again, but I'm always sad to leave there. Some of it is that nostalgia and all the memories from growing up there. Shaun and I started dating in high school so there are always tons of memories. And of course, you mostly remember the good times. Part of me wants to stay there, but I know that is all the past now. Some things have not changed, but alot of things have changed. Memories stay, but times moves on.

As I had posted a couple days ago, my parents no longer live in the house I grew up in. However, on the way to town you have to pass by that house. When we moved in I remember it had been empty for awhile. It was in desparate need of a paint job and the grass was over my head. Of course that was the summer between 1st and 2nd grade, so I was not all that tall yet. My parents put a lot of time and effort into that house. We always had a nice yard and mom planted beautiful roses and carnations along the driveway. It was one of the nicest looking houses in the area. We did not have tons of money but they took pride in our home.

It is a bit depressing to see the house now. The latest owners have not taken care of it at all. The yard is overgrown in some areas. In another section they have a dog who has dug holes all over. There are wrecked cars everywhere. The paint is peeling and I noticed the front door does not appear to close all the way. The front windows where my parents room used to be is full of garbage. I know my mom does not even look at the house any longer as she drives by (which she has to do often). I guess a year or so ago there was a raid on the home because they were growing pot in what used to be my brother's bedroom.

But it is just a building. I still remember it the way it was in my head. And my parents have a beautiful home just down the road now. It may not be large, but my parents have always been able to make it feel like home and it is always beautiful. Part of it is how it looks, but alot is just because they are there. That house now feels like home when I go back there.

I always tend to be amazed at how things have changed each time I'm there. I guess if I had stayed there I would not have noticed it as much, but since I only get back once or twice a year, it is so much more noticeable.

Do you live where you grew up? If not, do you go back to visit that place often? Is it just me or do you take trips down memory lane as well? You'll probably get to hear more in the next couple days about my trip, once I'm totally caught up on my sleep. I was able to see a few people I've not seen in a while and I was really happy about that. More to come!

Dentist Thoughts!

I recently lost a filling and had to go in yesterday to get it checked out. They put in a temporary filling and had me schedule a cleaning before they replaced this one. I guess that makes sense considering it has almost been a year since my last cleaning and I'm supposed to go in every 6 months.

So, first question. Why is it I am able to get my kids in regularly to the dentist, but I can't seem to get myself in?

Second question. Why is it that as soon as I sit in that chair I regress 25 years? I feel like I'm 6 or 7 again!

So now I have to go back in for three more appointments. One to replace three fillings (the one I lost and two other old ones that are starting to break down). The other two appointments are for two deep cleaning sessions where they numb my gums and get in there really good. I knew I was in trouble when she started saying "5, 5, 5" instead of the normal 3's. I guess I need to start flossing more often now too!

Okay, here's the last question (or group of them). What do you look at and think of when you are sitting in that chair with your mouth wide open, lips becoming chapped (am I the only one that leaves the dentist with chapped lips?)

I can't figure out where to look. I don't want to stare at the person cleaning my teeth. That is awkward. Everywhere else seems to be lights. So I usually end up closing my eyes.

Then I wonder what the person cleaning my teeth is thinking. Is she thinking I have horrible breath. I hope I don't, I make an effort to ensure I don't before I go in. If I did, could she smell it through the mask she is wearing?

I also start getting paranoid as to whether she is having to look up my nose. I think the angle is not quite right, but you never know.

In the end I realize she does this all day long and I'm just another client and she is probably really just thinking about what she is going to make for dinner that night, but you never know.

So, what do you think about when you are in that chair?

Now you're really getting a view into this mind of mine. Believe me, I think of even weirder things than this!

A Blast from the Past

Last night Shaun and I were going through some old pictures and I came across this one from our wedding day. I can't believe in August it will have been 12 years! Amazing how the time flies by.

Fun Stuff - Do you want to know more about me?

“This my dear friends is a game called Chinese Freeze Tag - straight from the blog of Rebecca. What are the rules, you wonder? Well then, allow me to explain. What you are about to read are ten - hopefully - interesting facts and/or habits of mine. After you are done reading you will find a list of ten people in no specific order. These are the names of the innocent bystanders whom I have tagged and thus drawn into this game. They will then be forced to write their own blog listing ten interesting facts about themselves, and also select another ten people to tag - No Tag Backs! Very simple, hopefully interesting. Now, sit back, relax, and be amazed.”

1. I have no sense of direction underwater. If I go under the water, I can not figure out which way is up and start to panic. Lucky for me, once I panic and start flailing enough, I end up getting to the surface somehow. However in the meantime if you happened to be up above the water looking down at me you very well may see me under the water swimming in circles, thinking that I am headed toward the surface.

2. When filing things I have to sing the alphabet song to myself. Especially when it comes to alphabetizing things in the middle of the alphabet. I’ve heard if you get pulled over suspected of drunk driving, they make you say your alphabet backwards. I would fail that test even if I was totally sober.

3. When I am in extreme pain, I sing “Jesus Loves Me” to myself. Not loud, just quietly or sometimes just in my head. This has happened at least five times that I can think of off-hand. When I was in labor with each of my three children, when I miscarried (between Tyler & Austin’s births) and when I got a tattoo on our 10 year anniversary.

4. When I eat M&Ms I separate them by color and eat them one color at a time. I did not even realize I did this until someone at work started making fun of me. When I eat Lucky Charms I eat all the cereal first and then eat the marshmallows by color as well.

5. In my opinion only black licorice is real licorice. That red stuff is NOT licorice.

6. I have weird reactions to medicine. I went to a Women's Retreat one year and had a horrible headache (so did my friend Tanya). Someone gave us some Tylenol PM saying it would help with the headache and knock us out so we could sleep good. NOT! We were both wired until about 2AM. We are the only two people I know that react like that to it. Also, Pepto Bismal which is supposed to help your stomach when you are sick, makes me throw up, however I LOVE the taste of it. I love the pink Neccos that taste like Pepto Bismal (they don't make me throw up though!)

7. I love cheesy teen movies. You know, She’s Out of Control, Can’t Buy Me Love, She’s All That, 10 Things I Hate About You. The list just goes on and on! I also tend to love “stupid” funny movies as I call them. Blazing Saddles, Rat Race, etc.

8. When I get really mad, I cry! I just can’t help myself. Not sobbing, just the tears running down my face.

9. I tend to be very loyal to my friends. If I feel someone is “attacking” one of my friends I will fight for them. I do not tend to do the same for myself though.

10. When I was younger I had horses. I raced barrels and participated in tons of other events such as pole-bending, flags, keyrace, and others. I went to state every year that I competed. I really miss having a horse and riding!

Okay, now comes the really hard part. Do I know 10 people in the cyberworld to tag? Becki is out since she tagged me and the rules state no tag backs. Here goes, in no particular order.

1. Burg - Deeper Shades of Red
2. Angela - Angela’s Right to Free Speech
3. Toni - Special K Family
4. Blessed1 - Daily Blessings
5. Lisa - Work at Home Mom Revolution
6. Shauna - Pass the Chocolate
7. Dana - Life Turned Upside Down
8. cdorsey - Angel Food Cake Isn't A Candle
9. Carla - Four by 40
10. Melissa - Cup of Tea With Me