Jack and Arnold's Howloween

Well the boys did not want to miss out on the action. They decided to dress up and thanks to Darlene they had a costume.

Jack was not to happy about the whole thing but Arnold loves the camera.

This is the best I could get out of the old grouch.

Be careful what you wish for...

On my way home today I was thinking that I was going to have a boring week. There was really nothing I could see turning into anything. I figured I would just wait until Monday when I go to the doctors again. WELL...we had an Earthquake. Not HUGE news in CA but to feel it in Stockton is rare. Unless it is a big one in the Bay we do not feel them. I of course was bent over looking at my shoe and got a good jolt. It took me a moment to process it, Leaf had to tell me what it was....all that education and a degree in geology for what!

Everyone is safe and no damage.

So tomorrow I will not wish for anything or suggest my life is boring.

What was I thinking

Last week was the end of my freedom I was back to work. The first day went surprising well I only threatened to quit once or twice. The principal sat me down and explained I would be paid soon and once I got to know the kids I would like it...who is he kidding. I did like the kids the first few days but then reality set in that I actually had to teach them something. I really just want to stay home, golf, play Guitar Hero, and eat brownies.

Since I am going back to work I needed more clothes. So today Gram and Mom took me shopping, Janet came along for fun too. I am not huge by any means BUT I have some girth to me that is unsettling. I have always worn small or medium clothes...not anymore. I bought large tops today and not because my belly is big. I left my sisters at home for a reason...Janet did a good job standing in to remind me of how much more I still have to grow.

I just have to say that for the first time in my life I really despise a certain part of our population. Tall people can such my big fat toe. First tall people, meaning all those over 5'5", can shop in the regular section of the store. They pay less for clothes, they can reach the food on the top shelf at the grocery story. They can drive any car because reaching the peddles is not an issue...or seeing over the hood. They can see at concerts and movies. Their feet do not hang when they sit on chairs at restaurants....or when seated on a large toilet. Then on top of all that, they do not get HUGE when they are pregnant!

I can hear my mom right now..."But Donna it is a blessing." Sure mom, I know and so it taking a poop everyday. I guess I can be thankful that at least everything works.

On to another delightful week in the story of my life.

Why I whine

Well today was one for the record books. Today sucked a big fat toe. It started fine, I figured it would end fine but nothing seems to be going right for me and teaching.

First, I came to the realization that by the time I jumped through all the hoops to get my job back at Edison I would be leaving for maternity leave. I passed every stupid test I needed to, I have 6 weeks left and I will complete my Masters and Credential, I contacted everyone I needed to and then....I still have to wait. So resigned to subbing I was on my way to the District office to sign the paper work.

I made an appointment and got out the door, forgetting my phone but I was only going a few miles. As I drove down the road, dejected and grumbling about my problem, I heard a thunk. Then the car was dead. Second bad thing. I realized I was not moving anywhere so I got out and started pushing the car to the side of the road. I was in a bad area on top of it all. Luckily the mailman stopped and helped me park it. Then the walk.

Because I forgot my phone I started walking to my nearest friends house. It is not like I could stop and call anyone because who knows any ones phone numbers these days. So about a mile or so later (in wedged shoes) I arrived at Angela's and Eric's in tears.

So for the second time in three months Eric saved me. He went and got his Dad and trailer to tow the car home. Of course when we got back to the car it started. At least it smoked a little. My dad said it is something with the alternator...probably related to the last save by Eric when the battery died.

At least I know I have good friends in town. Thanks guys.

Hawaii...This is a long one

Leaf and I finally took a real vacation! We decided to go to Maui for a week and live it up. Lets just get the funny part out of the way, I was homesick. I missed my mom and dad, I missed my sisters and Gram, I missed my friends, and it was a long way from home. This has NEVER happened to me before. Leaf knew something was wrong when I said.."I do not see what the big deal is, it is nothing special ." Needless to say I got over it.

We met up with a college buddy of Leaf's and had a great time snorkeling and catching up. I had not seen the guy in 10 years!

On Tuesday it was Leaf's 32nd birthday....so we golfed of course. We played at Makena on the south side of the island. It was beautiful and we played horrible. The day started with me getting my pants dirty with sunscreen, next I spilled my lunch on my shirt, then I forgot socks, and I forgot to cut my nails. I think Leaf wanted to kill me. On top of that the course was HILLY. Every green was surrounded by a hill you had to climb up or down. By the back nine Leaf was pulling me up the hills. At least the views were awesome.

Leaf on a tee box
I guess not only my belly is growing!

The story of our day...Leaf getting a ball.

Wednesday we went snorkeling and SCUBA diving. We went to Molokini Crater and Turtle Town. Luckily some other wife was left behind while her husband dove so I had a buddy to snorkel with. We saw lots of turtles and fish and we met the highlight of our trip, Edward Forty hands. If there was ever a reason not to live in the Valley this kid is it. Leaf sat next to a kid on the boat who was dumb as dirt. Beavis and Butthead look like geniuses compared to this kid. He seriously was telling Leaf how "cool" it was when he was in high school and they duct taped forties to their hands. He capped the story off with a "huh, huh, huh...Edward Forty Hands." Thus the name.

Thursday was by far the best day for me....I lied. Part of my earlier unhappiness was because everything I wanted to do I could not. No horseback riding, no diving, no hiking the volcano, no sipping fruity drinks....but Leaf gave in. We went on a zipline tour. Now, I did not exactly have doctors permission. I did ask if I could go up to that elevation though. Leaf watched the thing on TV and decided it was safe. He told me I just looked fat and they would never know...I was only partly offended.

We went on five cables, the longest 750 ft and 150-200 ft off the ground. It was awesome. Leaf wore the same helmet as Kenny Loggins.




On this trip we also met the most hilarious family. They were crude, loud, and screamers. Watch the video.



Friday we just relaxed, golfed again and Saturday we headed home.

Watching a sunset

At the top of the volcano
My belly update for Dee.

If you were wondering where to go for Easter...I hear Jesus is coming to Maui. At least it says so on the sign. The end

Peanut's First Friend

Well there is a baby boom in Stockton. Peanut's first friend was born on Friday October 8. Jacob is the first of 5 on the way...some are a few weeks apart and one is practically the same day as Peanut.

So here are the pics of the little guy.

Proud Dad
Proud Ema