School Update...

Okay so school has been crazy. I have done so much in such little time. I have learned a lot about paints and have come to appreciate them. I also learned a really cool technique using a graphite stick and an eraser. I really doubted my skills but stuck with the tasks that were given to me and everything turned out great. Below I posted some pictures of what I have been doing. I will post more pictures soon. I hope you guys like them =]

The Color Wheel

Graphite and Eraser

Graphite and Eraser

I made the class board =]

Joe's Open House

Today was open house at Joe's school. I almost didn't make it but when I saw the disappointment on my Joe's face I had to move the world to make sure I was there =] Well at least I would have if I had to. My awesome teacher let us out of class early so that gave me plenty of time to arrive to Joe's big event. I didn't find out anything I didn't know. Joe is still one of three at the top of his class and is doing excellent. We still have to work on his penmanship but that I already knew. We had popcorn, icee's and still managed to shop at the book fair before I had to rush back to Sacramento to catch my night class. I love spending time with my kids. They are really a pleasure!!!

Joe in his class room

Joe and his teacher (Mrs. Reyna)

Joe looking for a new book

A day with Jessie...

Today Jessie and I spent the day loving life and it's many wonders. So we started the day having breakfast at home. Jessie loves my french toast =] Then we made our way to Starbucks and had some yummy coffee. Yes Jessie too. I know what your thinking he's to young. I only give it to him once or twice a month. Gosh that kid loves his White Mocha Frappacinos. It's so cute when we get to the counter he loves to order. The ladies are always melting in his hands. Jessie ate his snack and we drank our coffees and then headed across the street to feed the ducks at Ellis Lake. After chasing, I mean feeding the ducks we decided to check out Gaizer Pets, Petco and Petsmart. I am glad to say we made it out of all three pet shops without any extra critters. Next we had lunch at Jessie's favorite restaurant, The Yuba Buffet. I was definitely ready for a nap after eating but of course Jessie was pumped full of energy still. I took him to a near by park and after about a half hour or so he was ready for a well deserved nap. Arriving home I noticed he was already blinking slowly. I put a movie on and we both took a nap. It was a very enjoyable afternoon.

Yay for learning...

Today was the first day of school. Not for the boys but for myself =] It was nerve recking and exciting. I had a great time. There was definitely no disappointment here. My first class was Drawing I and my teacher is very well mannered and has a lot of poise about her. I enjoyed the enthusiasm she had to bring to the class. You can tell she only has your best interest at heart. My second class was College Success. What a great class. I think it's wonderful the school is offering this type of class. At first I was a bit sceptical about the class. I thought why would I need a class to tell me how to be a college student and be successful? Little did I know they would have a teacher as great as Rehema Stephens. Not only can you feel her passion with every word she speaks but it's like that passion rubs off on you. She makes you want to be better. She makes you want to be the person you can be. I think that it is great that someone so successful in life has chosen to dedicate her time to teaching others to do the same. She is definitely a fine example of a teacher, mentor and overall a great person. My third class is Design Fundamentals. What can I say about Caitlin Nevitt. She is like no one I have ever met. With her secure and calm attitude she makes learning fun. She is so talented and yet so humble. I enjoy her methods of teaching. I feel I can identify with her 100%. She makes the window of communication very accessible.

So overall I had a great day. The wait between classes was a bit much but I am sure I will have lots of homework to do in due time.


Vallene Hardman-Weeda [Drawing I]

Rehema Stephens[College Success]

Caitlin Nevitt[Design Fundamentals]

Goodbye NHIC...Hello IADT

So for those who don't know I was laid off 7/31/09. Which for me it was that nudge I needed to go back to school. Plus the work environment [mentally] was no longer okay. It was way to stressful and I hated going to work. After being laid off I started to look into schools in the surrounding area. Just when I was giving up hope on finding the perfect school for me, a friend recommended I check out her school. So I did and as I began to view there site I realized the school had a lot to offer me. A phone call and interview later I was enrolled. The people there were so welcoming it was a really, really great experience. My Admission Representative and Tuition Planner, Meghan and Rowena, are the best! And I can't wait to begin learning.




Meghan McNutt



Rowena Datuin

Welcoming Tanner!

For those who don't know when the boys and I downsized our home we had to give our 91/2 year old boxer to my mother. The boys really miss having that special cuddly friend near by. So my mom surprised the boys and I with our new puppy. Tanner is a 2 year old Yorkie. He is such a love bug =] He loves to ride in the car and sit and watch TV. He is lazy and energetic all at the same time. He is our new baby and we love him so much already!

Gauche Aquatic Park [GAP]

The boys and I went to Gauche Aquatic Park [GAP] with Joe's Martial Arts class. It was so HOT! We were in no shortage of heat. But in the end the water prevailed and cooled us off. Jessie and Xavier had a blast. They had so much fun that they could barely keep their eyes open when they got out of the water. Boy did they pass out when bedtime came around =] Joe had a great time playing with his new friends from Tiger Eye Martial Arts. And is impatiently awaiting the next event. Today was overall a great day. The boys had fun and I had some time to read my book and relax in the shade. Thanks Sensei Larry for inviting us!

Jessie and Xavier...so sleepy

Joe and Jessie

Jessie playing around

Miliano, Joe, Leonard, and Issac

Maddy & Megan / Maddy, Joe, & Leonard / Joe & Leonard

Sarah / Sierrah & Maddy

The Gold Sox Game

Joe, Dad and I went to see The Yuba Sutter Gold Sox play against The Sacramento Scorch. Well we actually went to see Joe and his classmates from his Martial Arts School give the owners of The Gold Sox an award. But it was a great perk to stay and watch the game. The score was 4 to 0 making The Gold Sox the winners. We had a blast. It was so nice to see Joe playing with friends. He had the best time. He won a baseball and bat on a batting game and was even given a foul ball that went into the crowd by his Sensei. Joe was so excited. It was so nice of his Sensei to do that for him =] Joe had 4 players sign the ball. We will be attending another game very soon. Maybe Joe can get the other players to sign the ball. Push comes to shove I can always make them...lol Point being it was definitely a do over event.

Calling all soldiers

So this weekend was my cousins sons birthday. He turned the big 2. With my cousin being an ex-marine it was no surprise he had a party with this theme. I think it turned out great! Camouflage was everywhere and water guns plus water grenades added the perfect touch. Especially because it was hot. As we all got into theme to celebrate Alex Jr's Birthday we had a lot of fun!

Isaias' 19th Birthday!!!

Yay Isaias is a year past being legal...lol We chose to celebrate his birthday by going to club 21. It was a pretty interesting night. We saw all kinds of hotties, and some not so hott ones haha. And I can't forget the crazy spanking drag queen; who gave a shot out to Izzy for his achievement on making it in this world another year. Oh and Marie going pee in the parking lot [yeah I said it] =] Well after a few drinks, some crazy dancing, and bypassing some hoochies [David] we had a good night. It ended with Carls Jr and falling a sleep on the way home. Cheers to you cousin! Love you!

Fourth of July

Fourth of July was a blast! We all gathered at my moms house for a day of fun in the sun and lots of food from the grill. Earlier that day I went to Walmart [YAY Wally World] and purchased shirts with flags on them in different sizes and colors. I convinced [meaning I made] the whole family wear them. I thought it would be a nice touch to our fourth of July spirit. I also made red, white and blue Jello treats and ice cream pops. By night time the kids were so ready to do the fireworks. Well not all. Jessie was afraid but no as much as last year. This time he didn't hide out in the car. He actually was outside and watching them even if it was through a towel..lol

Joseph at white belt stage

So Joseph got his white belt last weekend. He had his Gi [uniform] on and everything. So cute. I forgot my camera, I know I'm fired. I was able to snap some photos of him at class today. He didn't have to wear his Gi as it is to hot. But hey check out the belt..hehe so cute. I took the pictures with the camera on my phone. So the quality isn't that great but hey you get the point =] I always feel weird taking pictures in the dojo. Like Joe's sensei is going to think I am being a spy and documenting his techniques...lol I know I watch way to much T.V. Well below are just a few pictures of Joe in action. I will post better ones later.

Joe with his Sensei

Joe and the whole class

Joe one on one with the Sensei's daughter

Joe's Sensei

Jessie on the side lines fighting his own battle.

Isaias' Graduation!!

I am so proud of my cousin Isaias for graduating from high school. He already signed up for classes at Yuba College to be an RN. He wants to be the next Gaylord Faulker...lol j/k Anyway as he starts to take prerequisite classes he also is looking for a job. I really hope his determination and strive stays with him. I would love to see him succeed in life as I know he can! I pray h gets the job at Forever21. I know he really wants it. I know that it would be a great opportunity for him if he did. Maybe a start to being a grown up =]

Isaias and Hermy on graduation day.

JA-CO Trucking

So excited. A couple of months ago I made my second logo, [First Logo] . Thanks to my friend Erin. Her dad was looking for someone to help with a logo for his company. He had an idea that basically involved a nautical star and a circle. So after some sketches and ideas we came up with the following......

[Keep in mind these are sketches (done by me) and by hand]






JA-CO Trucking's owners sent it to a company to have my logo imprinted on a shirt for their employees. Today I received one of two shirts made for me by the owner. Even though the guy who did the graphics on the T-shirt messed up by not putting the correct logo in front it still came out nice!

Tiger Eye Martial Arts Studio

Joe is now a student at Tiger Eye Martial Arts Studio. He is learning all kinds of styles of Martial Arts. Joe's first day was spent 'trying the waters'. At the end of class he was given the opportunity to spar with another student [a black belt]. Mainly to see if he wanted to join Tiger Eye permanently, before we buy all the gear. I am so proud to report Joe took everything his Sensei taught him that day and kicked that other students butt! Of course we purchased his sparring gear that day and now he is ready to earn his white belt!!!




Jessie was so cute he wanted a piece of the action.....