52 Blessings and When Will I Ever Learn!?!

Handsome son came over today to use the pool...it was supposed to get to triple digits but it didn't quite make it thank goodness.

Anyways, I was in the spare bedroom packaging up some good mail, getting my Favorite Swap gift ready, and just doing busy stuff when he asked me to go in the pool with him.

"No" was all I said...and I said it rather quickly. Immediately I regretted it when I saw the look on his face.

I've done alot of reading on blogs about picking out a word for the year. I've never done this but way back in February I decided I'd pick "DO" for my word. My goal in picking this word was to actively "DO" more in life and just to be more in the moment.

I'm actively doing more and being more in the moment now aren't I!!

"Wait handsome son...just let me put on my bathing suit" (this is the reason why I didn't hesitate to say no in the first place...I hate swimsuits...especially me in them!)

Handsome son and I spent about 30 minutes lounging in the pool. I took the brush and scrubbed down the sides of the pool and we just talked and talked. We talked about school, jobs, 4th of July, and just whatever came to mind.

Today is Sunday and I'm thankful that God opened my eyes at that moment and urged me to "Do" more today. I ALMOST MISSED OUT ON THAT SPECIAL ONE ON ONE TIME WITH MY PRECIOUS SON...WHO ONLY WANTED TO SPEND TIME WITH HIS MOM. It makes me wonder how many other times I've missed out on valuable time with my children (no matter how old they are).

When will I ever learn?

It's Almost Time

For My...



UNBELIEVABLE is all I can say!

My "100 Things About Me" has been in draft form since April just waiting for the day to come...and now it's only 6 posts away. In celebration, I'm thinking this also is in order...



Yes, a 100th post giveaway coming right up...and you can be sure it will have something to do with these...



So stay tuned!

You Made My Day!

Thank you my sweet, funny friend Rhonda for passing this on to me! I love it...and I love you too!

I had the day from you know where at work today so to come home tonight and see this, well you just made my day! Thank you friend!

What Does the Future Hold?

Our recent trip to Colorado reaffirmed for me the fact that I am eager to move out of California. I'm a California girl born and raised but recently I have been wanting to experience life somewhere else, other than California, but there's only one problem...

Hubby and I don't have a clue as to where to move and alot of the times, we disagree!

This is what I do know (my wish list):

~ I would love to live in either Oregon, Washington, or Colorado
~ I want a view
~ Hopefully that view will be of a river or lake
~ There needs to be a Target relatively close by
~ And it will have to be a place that has mild winters (remember we're CA people...basically, we're wimps!)

You may remember we travelled to Oregon and Washington to look at a few businesses that were for sale. While we were there, I fell in love with the Columbia River Gorge. To be able to look at that view everyday would be heaven on earth for me! Hubby on the other hand says "it's too cold there!" He could easily live in Arizona!

Will we ever agree? Will we ever move out of California? At this point only God knows the answer to these questions! I did see a glimmer of hope during our trip to Colorado. He loved it there and so do I.

So my friends out there in blogland...any suggestions on where Lindanjake and family should move to in the next year or two? I'm open minded...but just remember, I'm a Target lovin' kinda girl! And if that Target has a view of the Columbia River Gorge...even better!

Birthday Greetings!

Happy 23rd Birthday

Brandon!

Twenty-three years ago today I gave birth to my firstborn child. I had been married for 5 years already so we were eagerly awaiting the arrival of this baby to shower with love...and to make our little family complete. With the exception of 3 months of severe morning sickness, my pregnancy was smooth sailing so no ultrasound was ever needed. We didn't know if we were having a boy or a girl...only God knew.

When I delivered a boy, I couldn't believe it and truthfully was a little disappointed about it. I have 2 sisters, didn't know anything about boys, and had a gut feeling I was going to be having a cute little girl...but nope...not this time.

It didn't take me long to fall deeply and madly in love with my BOY bundle of joy. I cannot even express in words how much happiness my son has brought into my life and into the lives of others. He has enriched my life beyond what I thought possible...and I can't imagine a day without him. Here are 23 things that I love and respect about my son, Brandon.

* He is extremely thoughtful
* He is respectful of others, especially his elders
* He is compassionate
* He loves all of his family dearly
* He is hardworking
* He is smart
* He is dependable
* He is a loving big brother to his sister
* He is crazy about our dog Jake
* He is clean cut and always wants to look his best
* He is unassuming, yet commands the room
* He is a loyal friend
* He can do anything he puts his mind to
* He is a safe driver
* He is even-tempered
* He always says "thank you"
* He never raises his voice
* He lettered in swimming as a freshman (that's how good he is at swimming!)
* He played ice hockey for 5 years and never missed a practice or a game
* He never complains
* He is polite, with great manners
* He is gorgeous, yet doesn't act like he is
* He loves his mom and dad...and isn't afraid to show it!

My handsome son, I love you and I hope your day is truly a happy one!
Happy Birthday Sweetheart!!

It's Time to Say Good-Bye

All good things must come to an end and so it is that we've had to say good-bye and head back home to reality. We've had a wonderful time in Colorado and my parents have been such welcoming and gracious hosts...thank you both for your warm hospitality! I miss you both already!

We are now at the Denver Airport waiting for our flight which leaves in 2 hours. The airport offers free WI-FI so I've parked myself next to an electrical outlet and I'm good to go. This will give me plenty of time to catch up with all of my blogging buddies!

I can't wait to plant hugh kisses and hugs on handsome son, beautiful little sister, and my adorable Jakester! I've missed them so much and it won't be long now!

(We'll be home just in time...tomorrow is handsome son's 23rd birthday! Where did the time go!?!)

Greetings from Colorado

We arrived in beautiful Colorado on Thursday and have been on the go ever since...and hitting every buffet along the way! Our first night here, we were welcomed with this...


Yep, that's hail alright!

Friday we went to a gorgeous Park and Amphitheatre called Red Rocks. In 1927, the City and County of Denver purchased this 640-acre park for $54,000. The amphitheatre was completed in 1941 and today it is used for Easter sunrise services, high school graduations, and nighttime concerts during the summer months. Everyone from the Beatles to Sheryl Crow to John Mellencamp has played at Red Rocks. This is a picture looking down at the stage from the top of the amphitheatre. From this viewpoint, I had the perfect view of downtown Denver which was about 45 miles away.



Today we took a drive out to Colorado Springs to tour the United States Air Force Academy. You talk about a gorgeous setting. The Academy is nestled up against the mountains and it's just breathtaking. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the Academy.





I felt it was an honor to be able to walk the grounds of the Air Force Academy...the only one of its kind in the United States, and one with so much history behind it. My heart swelled with pride and I truly felt blessed, and proud, to be an American. If you ever go to Colorado Springs, make an effort to visit the Air Force Academy. Guaranteed, it will be the highlight of your trip.

My Mom the Blogger!!

I finally know a "real" person in the blogging world...and it's my Mom! I had been hoping that my family would join in and start a blog for themselves...and now that I'm here in Colorado, it gave my Mom and I the perfect time to set one up for her.

So...please go over and visit my Mom here...and give her a warm welcome. You're gonna love her!

Birthday Greetings!

Happy Birthday Natasha!!

Hope your day is G-R-E-A-T from start to finish!

(Natasha, I wrote this earlier in the week and scheduled it to post on your birthday...but I see that it didn't! I went back and checked the scheduling date and I saw that I put 6/19/09! I hope your birthday was wonderful and just know that you were in my thoughts!)

We're Takin' A Trip

Yep, we're going out of town early tomorrow morning, and not in the motorhome, but on one of these...



My son has been a little depressed with girlfriend issues plus it's his birthday next Wednesday so I came up with the brilliant idea to take him on a trip to Colorado to see my Mom and Jim for a few days. Our daughter is working and already had said she wouldn't be able to join us (boo hoo!). So we called my parents and they were absolutely thrilled at the thought. Hubby and handsome son have never been to Colorado so I was excited that they would get to experience Colorado's beauty for themselves.

Yesterday, handsome son goes to work to talk to his boss about the schedule and guess what...mean mean boss told him he can't get the time off! I am so bummed you have no idea!

So what do you do...my parents are all excited now thinking that we're coming for a visit!?!

Hubby and I have decided to go anyways. We've booked our flight and we leave tomorrow. I'm gonna miss handsome son not going as planned but we'll be back for his birthday. In the meantime, I'm happy that hubby can see Colorado for himself and I'm looking forward to us 4 adults having a great time together.

If I'm away from the computer for a few days...now you know why...I'm soaking up some fun time with family!

I Told Them I'd Go...

My family bet I wouldn't keep my word tonight...how rude! Don't they know by now that I'm a girl who keeps her promises.

It all started this morning at 5:00am as I was leaving for work...

Hubby said he would be going to the gym today (he gave himself a gym membership for Father's Day after years of me bugging him to do it). I mentioned that if he and the kids waited until I got home from work that I'd go to the gym with them...well I guess they didn't believe me.

My family knows that when I come home from work I'm finished, done, ka-put. Even though getting up early is a killer, it's nothing compared to how I hit the ground running once I enter the building. It's non-stop, both physically and mentally.

After working 12+ hours today I returned home to find hubby and daughter standing there, smirking, just waiting to see if I was going to keep my word.

They had bet against it!

Ha Ha...I walked in the door and immediately said, "just give me a minute to go potty and change my clothes."

They need to learn to bet on a sure thing and me keeping my word is a sure thing!

(We spent an hour at the gym...and I even ran on the treadmill. I'm so tired now I can hardly stand it...but I did it.)

Do you have enough energy to go to the gym after a long day at work?

Summer Sale

TRUST ME... this is one sale you won't want to miss!

I love Bath and Body Works and they have so many fragrances that I like...and many of them are on sale right now. I take advantage of these sales because you can really get alot for your money. I spent $60.00 and walked away with exactly 20 items. I just did a quick calculation and estimate the original cost of these 20 items to be around $235.00...now I'd say that's quite a savings.

Not only do I like Bath and Body Works for myself, but I stock up on these things to give away as little gifts too. I bought body lotions, bath soaps, body sprays, bubble baths, and plug-in air-freshners and refills. Now who wouldn't enjoy a little treat like these!?! Seriously though, you never know when you might need to throw something together real quick for a gift so I like to have these types of things on hand.

I'm not sure when the sale ends but I do know you've still got time...so go check it out for yourself.

52 Blessings

Today I am thankful for the men God has placed in my life. I have been blessed with a devoted husband, adoring son, kind-hearted step-father, wonderful father-in-law, 3 brother-in-laws that love their wives, and crazy men friends that keep me laughing all the time...with each and every one of these men treating me with love and respect. Truly, what more could a girl ask for...yes, I am blessed!

Happy Father's Day guys...I love you all!

My First Award!

Thank you Kathi!

Kathi, this is my first blogging award received from a friend and it is sincerely appreciated! I in turn would like to pass this award on to a few blogging buddies of my own.

So...if you've signed up to be on our list of "blogging buddies" just like the cute cats in the picture, please accept this award...from me to you (Jennifer H., Rhonda, Michelle J., Jan B., Kim Sue, Mandi, Brenda E., Michelle M., Jennifer W., Becky, Kacey, Bren, Ronda, Sidney, and Patti).

You all are the "best blogging buddies" around!

Birthday Greetings

Happy Birthday

Brenda!!

Hope your special day is as special as you are!

Let's go over to http://itswonderfullygood.blogspot.com/ and wish her a happy birthday!

There's Still Time...

If you want to be included on our list of blog friends (names/addresses/birthday information)...send it my way, there's still time. I'll give it until the end of the week and then I'll start to compile our list.

We can always add friends, and I hope we do, but for now we have 12 special friends (including me) who have forwarded on their information...so thank you Jennifer (TX), Rhonda (CT), Michelle (MI), Jan (WA), Bren (AZ), Kim Sue (MS), Mandi (Australia), Brenda (AZ), Michelle (AZ), Jennifer (MO), and Becky (MI).

Anyone else?? Send your information to me at chasins4@yahoo.com. Don't be shy...we're all really really nice people ~ I promise!

Camping Club Weekend

We've been down in beautiful San Diego since Thursday night...have you missed me!?! I've sure missed all of you and can't wait to read your posts to see what everyone has been up to. The weather here has been incredible, in the 80's...and we're just steps away from the beach.

There was a Hobie Cat race scheduled for Saturday but I think it ended up being cancelled due to the wind. It kept getting postponed and postponed but all of the boats lined up on the beach waiting for the race to begin was a beautiful sight to see.


With all of the wind, there were quite a few parasailers enjoying themselves too. This is one sport I will never try. The wind was so strong I was surprised it didn't lift these surfers clear out of the water and deliver them across the ocean...and from what I understand, it can happen. I was told they have emergency release pulls that can be used just in case the wind gets to strong and carries them up, up, and away!


This RV park is very upscale, yet family friendly. Saturday night the park put on a 50's party for all of the guests...DJ, dancing, prizes. We had a ball! Our friends are very outgoing and fun so we always have a great time together no matter where we are or what we're doing but we also have alot of young families that belong to this club too. It was adorable to watch the dad's dancing with their little girls...so cute!

We were supposed to be heading home today but hubby wanted to stay another night along with some friends. I said fine just as long as we don't have yet ANOTHER big meal. I swear I'm not eating another thing until Wednesday!! I haven't felt an ounce of hunger since before we got here. Here is a little run down of some of the food we've eaten since Thursday...

filet mignon
scrambled eggs
bagels
fruit
potatoes
chips and homemade salsa
cheese and crackers
grilled salmon
steak kabobs
rice
garlic bread
salad
cheesecake
reuben sandwiches
shrimp cocktail
more chips and homemade salsa
hamburgers/hot dogs
potato salad
cake

What even makes it more frustrating is that our friends LOVE to cook and literally whip up these gourmet meals each month...do you know how this makes me look...the one who doesn't particularly like to cook and basically eats nothing but salads. They were talking yesterday about cooking cordon bleu and veal parmesan next month! Give me a break people...I said "hey guys, THIS IS CAMPING...haven't you ever heard of hobo stew and chili!?!" They looked at me like I was crazy. Sooo, if you guys have any good recipes to pass on, please send them my way (although I will never ever be able to compete with these cooks nor do I try!)

I thought I'd leave you with one last picture. I followed these cute little guys all around this morning trying to get a decent shot. Aren't they just darling...a momma and her 12 littles.

Who's Your Daddy?

"Jakester...wanna go bye-bye with Daddy?"

That was what I heard my husband say to our dog Jake as he was leaving the house this morning. This coming from the same man that said the following things only a short time ago:

"I don't want a dog, but I know how much you do...but remember, I don't want a dog!"

"If you get a dog, you're going to have to clean up the pee/pooh because remember, I don't want a dog!"

"I'm not going to do any of the training of a dog because remember, I don't want a dog!"

"Even though we've had Jake for a few months now, if you found a good home I'd say go ahead and give Jake to them because remember, I didn't want a dog!"

"Don't say I'm his "daddy" because I'm not...it's ridiculous to hear you say that. Remember, I didn't want a dog!"

and the list goes on and on...

Well after 2 years now, hubby is singing a different tune. We ALL love Jake and just couldn't imagine a day without him...especially daddy!

Crockpot Wednesday

Wild Rice Hot Dish

2 cups wild rice, uncooked
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup chopped celery
8-12 oz. can mushrooms, drained
2 cups cut-up chicken
6 cups chicken broth
1/4-1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. parsley

1. Wash and drain rice.
2. Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Mix well.
3. Cover. Cook on Low 4-6 hours, or until rice is finished. Do not remove lid before rice has cooked 4 hours.

(Recipe from Fix-It and Forget-It Cookbook)

You've Got To Check This Out!

I stumbled across this new site...The Secret Is In The Sauce (SITS).



Just take a look at their giveaway...sheez louise! How can you pass this up!?!

This site looks like fun. They will feature a new blogger each day, Monday thru Friday, then post that site on their "Saucy Blogs" list of top 20. We could be their next featured blogger!

You can bet I'll be checking out this site regularly!

I'm Signed Up!

I'm so looking forward to this swap. I've never participated in a swap before but this one sounds like so much fun.

You should join in along with me! You can read all about it here.

52 Blessings

There's just something about the thought of "June 1st" that makes me happy...and grateful. Flat out, it just makes me think of...

* vacation
* hot weather
* watermelon
* shorts and flip flops
* lazy days
* warm summer nights
* Father's Day
* mall shopping to avoid the heat
* the beach
* friends
* my anniversary and handsome son's birthday
* more free time

What do you think of when you think of June 1st?