No Pink Slime Here!

As a seller on EBAY, I come across many things that I wouldn't normally know about or use.  One thing in particular that is hard to find but brings in great money is a Kitchen Aid Food Grinder attachment for the stand mixer.  When I do find one, (which is usually few and far between) I'm usually really excited because I know I will get 4-5 times the money I paid for it. 

A few months ago, while out at an estate sale, I came across one that looked pretty new in the box and immediatley thought of the money I'd make on it.  At the same time, there was lots of talk on the news about all the fast food restaurants burgers containing pink slime.  After seeing pictures of the disgusting looking stuff, I decided I might forfeit the money and keep this little gem to try it out.  I've had my Kitchen Aid stand mixer for about 10 years now and have never used any of the attachments that are available for it.

Today, I decided to try it out to see how it works.  Oh how fun!  I bought a piece of beef and cut it into chunks small enough to fit through the mill.  I can't believe how fast and easy it was.  I'm gonna make burgers tonight.  It sure feels good to know that what I'm putting on the table is pure and not processed with who knows what kind of junk. 

The possiblities are endless with this little gadget.  I'm looking forward to trying chorizo, which is actually pretty easy, or so I've heard!

Homeschool thoughts!

As many of you know, I home school my son who will be starting 6th grade next month.  I can't believe that 6 years have gone by since that dreaded "first day of school" experience.  We were all so excited (well, I was sort of excited) about our son starting kindergarten.  After all, his dad was a teacher there, his sister was a 7th grader there and I had spent almost every day at the school since he was born, either working in the classroom, helping with lunch duty or just attending school events.  He knew all the teachers, and most of the students and a lot of the parents.

He woke up his first day of school and got dressed in his cute little uniform and off to school we went.  I tried really hard to hold in my tears and emotions and pretend to be excited for him.  He was quiet and somber and looked so sad as he stayed in the classroom watching me and his grama walk away.  When I picked him up at noon the first day, he didn't say a word.  I took him to Jack in the Box and anxiously asked him about his day but he just sat there shrugging his shoulders.  The next day was no better.  He didn't want to eat, didn't want to talk and when it was time to go to the classroom, he cried.  The teacher tried to pull him in and I was telling her to wait so I could calm him down.  I didn't want to leave him crying.  She pulled him one way and I pulled him another.  Eventually, he came home with me.  The third day, after 2 days of not eating and not talking, we never even made it out of the car.  As we pulled into the school parking lot, he cried and said he wanted to go home.  I tried to tell him how exciting school was going to be but all I could see was his sad face and those big crocodile tears.  I called my husband on the phone and he walked out to the car, tried to talk to my son and finally said, "Take him home." 

That afternoon, when my husband came home, he announced to me that I would be homeschooling our son.  What!!!  I wasn't a teacher.  I didn't know the first thing about teaching.  He found a school online and signed us up.  A week later, UPS dropped off 4 boxes of materials.  My son was so excited to see all his new school stuff.  He didn't care how much work he had to do, he was just excited to get started!  That was 6 years ago and now, he is just as excited about his UPS deliveries as he was then.

He can't wait to open those boxes and see what the year has in store for him.  I must say that I was very reluctant about homeschooling and although, it's no piece of cake, I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 6 years.  People ask me every year when I'm going to stop and send him to school and every year, I say when he decides.  He is an excellent student and has scored extremely high in his STAR testing every year.  He does fine socially and has no problem joining in groups with other children.

Homeschooling for us has given us the freedom to spend more time together, work longer on subjects that he struggles with and really take the time to teach in a way that he understands.  We research things he has questions about, and we can find ways in everyday life to incorporate what we've learned.  I hope that these school days will become fond memories for my son.  I think the hardest part is following my heart and to stop listening to outside influences who mean well but think they have all the answers about what's right and what's wrong.

For now, we'll enjoy what 6th grade brings and revisit the issue in the spring!

Where's the Summer Fun!

It's the middle of summer and somehow it's not quite as fun as I remember it being as a child.  When I was little, I remember there being a certain feeling that started in May.  The weather was changing, the days were longer and the anticipation of the end of school meant only one thing....SUMMER vacation!

The last day of school was so exciting and it seemed like an eternity before it started again.  Summer meant sleeping in and staying up later.  I got to play outside till well past dark and I remember the sound of the crickets at night.  Grama's kitchen was always stocked with fresh fruit - oranges, peaches, plums, watermelon and those oh so delicious strawberries!

I remember one big vacation was planned (either camping or Mexico) for 2-3 weeks.  There were beach visits on more than one occasion with my aunt and running around barefoot was the norm!

Now, however, summer is just another season.  There's no vacation for me, no sleeping in or staying up late.  The thought of running around barefoot makes me cringe thinking of all that dirt on the bottom of my feet!  Summer to me means more bugs and I really hate bugs!  I never realized that someday, I would grow up and lose that excitement!

I wish I could be a kid again and just feel the freedom from responsibility for a few months.  There lies ahead another month of summer and I'm gonna do my best to try to relive those feelings and just let go of the worry and stress of life!  Wish me luck!!

Sunday Morning

Life has been so hectic lately.  Work, end of the year school wrap-up, graduation activities and summer anticipation have left me feeling depleted of energy. 
I decided to get up early today and slip out for my pedicure and manicure. It feels so good to just sick, relax and be able to clear my head of all the noise.
I am truly blessed to be able to have this time to re-energize. 

End-of-the-year-Jitters

Spring has come and is almost gone. I can almost smell the sweet smells of summer, with the fresh cut grass and the succulent fruit that goes with the season. It's that time of year again, when everyone is rushing around trying to finish up school activities and school work and the anticipation of summer vacation is upon us. Normally, I would be waiting for summer with bated breath but this year is different. This is Alyssa's last year in high school. Another graduation to plan. It's not like I haven't known all along that she would be graduating this year, but I guess I figured there would be more time. Now, I realize that along with planning a graduation party, I also have to fit running around for prom, finish up with Patrick's home school assignments, CIF games (yes, Troy made the CIF's again this year), do favors for the end-of-the-year sports banquet and everything else that goes in-between. I'm a little overwhelmed. It just seems like there is more than usual going on this year.

Maybe it's the fact that I'm a little more emotional about this graduation because I feel like the end of seeing my girls experience the high school "life". No more formal dances, sleepovers, sports and the usual activities that go with it. I know that Neecy will be starting high school but it will not be the same for her or us. There won't be formals and softball games and all the things we've come to know with Amber and Alyssa.

It'll be awhile before Patrick gets to high school (3 years) and then it'll be a whole new experience. No more mom and daughter shopping for dresses, hanging out with the "girls" and getting hair done etc. I am sad but excited that I still have my girls at home.....for now. Alyssa will be at the college and playing softball.

I need to just push through and get the ball rolling. There's food to order, decorations to buy, favors to make, shopping to do and invitations to make. I guess I better get to it....Graduation won't wait!

Out of Sync

I hate the feeling of being out of sync.  I left work Friday, looking forward to the week-end.  I came home and mentioned to my husband that I felt like something was biting me.  We have a cat so perhaps a flea.  I was going crazy scratching and finally my husband checked to see all the bites but there were none.

I was so uncomfortable that he gave me 2 benedryl.  I took them and was knocked out by 9:30pm.  I woke up yesterday (Saturday) at noon feeling achy and sleepy so I went back to bed.  I slept all day and nite.

It's now Sunday morning and I feel out of sorts.  I need to get moving but my body doesn't want to cooperate.  I haven't felt like this in such a long time.  I wish I could just learn to rest and not feel so guilty about doing nothing.

I guess I'll get ready and take the day one baby step at a time.

On the Job Again!

Well, after 11 years as a stay-at-home mom, I'm once again working.  I don't really know how I feel about this.  I spent many years working at an oil company, before I had my daughter, and really loved it but after my daughter was born, I realized I needed a more stable job.  My friend convinced me to apply at Fullerton College, for her previous position, because she was transferring to another department.  I gave her lots of excuses why I didn't want to, but in reality I was afraid to make a change.  I was comfortable where I was and really enjoyed the people I worked with.  A co-worker sat me down one day and set me straight about what I needed to do.  I remember he said that change was scary but if I ever wanted to move forward, I needed to take risks and feel that uncomfortable feeling that comes with the fear of the unknown.  I applied for the job and got it!

I worked as the secretary and really enjoyed my job and the people I worked with (well most of them anyway - lol!)  After a few years, my supervisor, who was the Administrative Secretary to the Dean of Student Support Services, decided to transfer to another department.   I loved our Dean and even though the position required a lot more responsibility and included duties that I was not knowledgeable in, I decided to apply for her position.  Thankfully, I got the position and learned a lot about the job, through the help of lots of great people around campus and the district. 

During all of this time, many things changed for me.  I got married, had 2 more children and was longing to be more involved in their school activities.  I hated the fact that when they were small, they were with a babysitter and I was missing out on many of their firsts.  As time went on, the stress of work mixed with family illnesses was really taking it's tole.  The last couple of  years I was working, I wasn't really enjoying it at all.  My body was there but my heart was at home.  I had always wanted to be a stay-at-home-mom.  I was pregnant with our 3rd child, working full-time, had just lost my grandmother the year before and now was taking care of my dad who had terminal cancer.  I was tired and worn out and developed Meningitis for the 2nd time in 3 years.  I was hospitalized and then put on bed rest for a month.  It was during this time that I sat in bed and hated the fact that I was going to have to go back to work.  I told my husband how I felt and even though I was bringing home really good money, we decided that after our son was born, I would quit. 

I did just that and for the last 11 years have been home.  I watched my son grow and we've shared many great times!  I was able to be the room mom for my daughter's classes and attend all their field trips!  I volunteered and was part of their elementary and Jr. High years.  I've home schooled my son for the last 6 years.   I have enjoyed every minute of my time at home.  Unfortunately, my husband has been out of work for a year now and even though I don't want to go back to work, I know that the need is there.

Once again, my friend, my angel, has provided me with the opportunity to return to the college.  It's only part-time and it's temporary which, for me, is a good thing because it gives me time to see if this is what I want to do.  My daughters are in college, graduating high school and going into high school and my son is older now too.  He can get his schoolwork done without me being there by his side.  I don't really know how I feel about working again.  There are still things I want to do but without the financial means, I can't do them.  I really like the freedom to come and go as I want, get things done at home and just be with my son.   I must admit that I know in my heart I was beginning to take staying home for granted so this might be just what I need to make me appreciate the gift all the more.  For now, I am grateful that I have a friend who loves me enough to share opportunities like this with me and for the feeling I get going to work at the college every day.  It's like going home to your family after a long time away.    

Wrong Car!

Today was a beautiful day after last nights rain.  So clear and slightly warm.  Robert took Patrick to my brother's church for an Easter egg hunt and I stayed behind so I could take Amber to work.  After dropping her off, I decided I wanted to do some cardmaking and make some cake pops so I stopped at JoAnn Fabric to pick up a few supplies.  I paid for my items and got back in the car, started it up and before taking off, decided to check my phone to see if there were any messages.  When I decided to leave, I noticed an older lady casually walking out of the store.  I put the car in reverse and started to back out and the lady was walking toward the front of my car.  As I backed out and started to put the car in drive, the lady was now at the passenger side of my car.  I wondered what she was doing so close when she reached for the locked door.  I looked at her and nodded to let her know it was the wrong car and she kept pulling on the handle.  Then she looked up at me with a look like why aren't you opening the door?  I nodded to her and was going to roll down the window when she suddenly realized I wasn't who she thought I was and apologized.  I couldn't help but giggle as I watched her walk to another car that was parked two cars away from where I was.  It was an SUV the same color as mine. 

SANTA'S HOUSE

This morning I got to see Santa's house and workshop!  Not in the North Pole but in my own little town of Fullerton, CA.  You see, today is Thursday and that means I was out shopping Estate Sales.  Today one of the sales happened to be at a home in Fullerton that was owned by Mr. Bob Von Fliss aka Santa Bob!

The house was full of treasures.  There were the usual kitchen items, books and crafts but there was also the bedroom full of his clothes and costumes.  His Santa suit, black boots with the white fur cuff on top, not to mention Mrs. Santa's outfit!  There was a room full of Christmas dolls and ornaments and miniatures for doll houses.  Even the carpet throughout the house was Santa red!  There were ornaments and garland still decorating the living and dining rooms.  I walked around to the back yard and there was a small workshop behind the house.  This must have been where "Santa" did all his work. 

The house belonged to Bob and Dottie Von Fliss.  These 2 have quite a history!  Dottie worked as a carhop at the famous Simons Drive-In on  Wilshire Blvd.in Los Angeles, CA.  Bob was the co-founder of The National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts.  Together they owned an antique shop that specialized in dollhouse miniatures called the High Button Shoe.

An article in the Orange County Register dated November 24, 2005, gave this account of how the Von  Fliss' started their Santa careers:

      "One day, when Bob was out shopping, the woman who owned Dixie Doodle Entertainment approached him and said what a great Santa he'd make. He was rather portly and had a magnificent, flowing white beard. (Real-beard Santas, he says, are hard to find.)   She then asked if he'd be willing to work a party that night. She was in a bind. He agreed and said he'd bring his own Mrs. Claus.   A jolly new career was born for Bob and Dottie.   They didn't do malls, but could be found at plenty of posh parties from Beverly Hills to Newport Beach. In later years, a Beverly Hills agent began booking their appearances.   Dottie was adorable in her fur-trimmed, red-velvet jacket, fitted at the waist with a flared peplum, red skirt and red suede boots.

Bob even played Santa in a TV program called "Ferbus' First Christmas" on December 12th 1995. It was part of the "Masked Rider" series. He also played Santa in the "Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers" in a TV episode called "I'm Dreaming of a White Ranger" and also in "V.R.Troopers" in an episode called "Santa's Secret Trooper".

I've shopped at the home of Mr. Wendell "Bud" Hurlburt who worked for Mr. Knott of Knotts Berry Farm.  He is the man who designed and built the Calico Mine Ride and the Timber Mountain Log Ride.  He also established Castle Theme Park in Riverside, CA.

I love to go to these Estate Sales and get lost in time looking at all the things of the past.  You can almost feel the presence of these people and see what their life used to be.  

Easter Cans

Easter's just around the corner and I'm getting ready to make Easter Baskets made from empty paint cans.  These are gallon paint cans that are decorated with paper and embelishments and ribbon.  The lids can be sealed (there's a key that opens the can) or they can be left open.  Just fill with grass and goodies!  These are so fun to make and so cute!  I love how each one is different and unique.  If you wouuld like to order one, let me know.  There's still time to get an order in.  They can also be personalized.  I've attached a picture of a birthday can I did that was personalized so you can get an idea of what it looks like with a name on it.