Sean's First Day of School

It just got to difficult to balance a 2 year old and a monthly quota. So we decided it was time to send Sean out in the real world to interact with kids his age in an environment where he can play and learn. This is a year younger then I started Andrew, but for some reason it wasn't difficult leaving this one. He went in like an old pro and was clearly ready. He ran straight for the toys, and then when I said goodbye from across the room he didn't even look up, just yelled, "Bye Mom!"
We had the essentials, a new back pack, new clothes, and of course he packed his snack and lunch (even though he only stays until noon). He felt he needed those things. I am already feeling life settling a little and I think this was just what both Sean and I needed.

I am just hoping that I don't get a phone call to come pick him up because he punched some kid in the nose. My fingers are crossed.

You can see in this video just how excited he was about all of it.

Jade's Favorite Things, #9

This Magazine.
I bought it before Christmas and was super excited to make just about every cookie in it over the holidays. After a leaking window drenched my book and glued the pages together I was only able to make a few from it. I got online and found I could order a second copy, and I did. I am already planning on making these cookies for Christmas 2011 and LOVE that there are so many good recipes in one book.

If you also want a copy you can get it from the America's Test Kitchen website (I think it is still available). If you live local and want to come sneak a peak, I will let you, but you can't borrow it. I am not letting this book out of my site or setting it near leaking windows.

Swimming at the Concordia Club in SF

Thanks to an invitation by Tom's boss Jeffrey, we were able to swim at the Concordia Club in the city. I am sure this pool has never seen the kind of action our family brings to a pool. It took everything I had to keep Tom from jumping off the balcony from the floor above that over looked the pool. The pool was beautiful, and the company was great and it was a good time for all. Now if we could just figure out how to get a membership.

No, I Do It!

I can't keep up with this 2 year old. It must be that there are older siblings around, but this kids is learning quick. He is talking really well these days and all I ever hear is, "No, I do it." Today, I left him in the living room watching PBS, only to return to see he had put on Spy Kids 3D in the Blue Ray Disc player, and even knew to put on the 3D glasses. Who needs a mom around when you can put your movie on yourself?

Next he will be making his own lunches and even driving himself to school.

Happy Birthday Kira!

Today this no longer little girl is 14. It seems life sort of begins at 14 and the count down to 16 really starts. Kira has been waiting for this birthday and today it has arrived.

Happy Birthday Kira!

This picture was taken a few weeks ago before braces. The scarf and hat were made for Kira by my Grandma Erickson and Kira loves them.

11 Years

This week marked my 11th year with www.Branders.com. I shake my head at this only because when I started this job back in 2000 I never expected it to last this long. I started with Branders as a temp after moving to the Bay Area and trying to decide what I was going to do. After temping for 2 days, I was offered a job in marketing and then later became a sales rep, and then on to be a manager. That job lead me to the Philippines for 6 months and then back to the US in 2005. Today I am a sales rep which allows me the flexibility of working from home, and being around for our 3 children. At times I want to scream at the world because balancing both a job and being a mom can be difficult. I then sit back and realize what a blessing this job has always been and become thankful that I have it.

In the office I have been told on many occasions that I must take Branders pills because of my energy in the office. While I don't take pills, I do like to remember the blessings I do have and I consider this job one of those blessings.

Thanks Branders.

Brace Face,

and a cute face at that.
Being sick all week wasn't quite enough for Kira. We had to finish off the week with getting braces. We have been preparing for this day for a while both mentally and financially and it finally arrived. Here is to two years of Kira being "metal mouth." Slow down on the insults Andrew, your next.