June 23, 2007

Today was my mother's birthday. It was a wonderful day for her. I could tell she was very touched by all who attended. It was a surprise to her to see one of my brothers and my little sister. She was so happy and I was happy for her. She deserved this day. God bless her.

Because it was a Hawaiian theme, there were lots of shis-ka-bobs (I don't think I spelled that right, but you know what I mean). They were absolutely delicious!

My daughter's gift to my mom -- in a coconut! It was a wonderful day.

Yesterday, before my mom's birthday, we went to "Play on the Freeway!" It was a lot of fun and quite interesting to see how they brought it altogether with so many activities. We have been waiting patiently for this freeway to be done. I think they have been working on it for at least seven years. Perhaps this was their way to say have a little bit more patience -- soon it will be done.

My husband remembers when the Helms Bakery truck would cruise the neighborhoods on the West Side selling glazed doughnuts and pastries. How neat is that? Wow! One of the Car Show entries.

A cool rock climbing wall. Lots of kids.

Mayor Quimby and the gang. :-)

It was cool to actually walk on the freeway and look at all these really well-taken-care-of old cars. I enjoy car shows.

A picture of a "Hello Kitty" car for my daughter.

My future car -- when I retire or perhaps an updated version would be nicer. :-)

Good Old Stater Brothers.

My Mom's Party - Cool!

Today was our last day of school for this year. The year went by too fast. I said goodbye to my little ones and hugged them as they left my classroom for the last time as 1st graders. I will miss them. But then again - it was time.

Tomorrow is my mom's birthday and I feel excited and somewhat anticipatory. My sister and I were hoping for all the children to be there, but alas, only the regulars will be there and that's ok to a degree. My brother and his family from Sacramento will be there. My little sister from Idaho and their youngest son will be there. My little sister from Phoenix and her husband will be there, my youngest brother, my family, and my sister. That makes six siblings which is not bad considering that there are nine of us. It just would have been nice if all had come out for my mom. How can they not understand that my mom will not always be here. I'm so glad we are going. Now the anticipatory part is that I need to behave and be polite to all in attendance - primarily the "in-laws" who will remain unnamed. I'm an in-law, too, and I know how it feels to be excluded. So, therefore, I will be nice. OK? :-) Excited!

A Beautiful Bedroom

I haven't blogged for a while. Things have been very busy around the old homestead. After our son moved out, we had a spare bedroom with thoughts of what to do? A Pool Room? A video game room? A catch - all room (oh, it already was :-) And we can be pretty layed-back, take our time for a long time and that's ok with us. BUT this time we are hurrying to get this room done because my Mom's birthday is in two weeks and a lot of the family is coming, therefore, preparing the extra bedroom for guests. Whew! It's been. . .

In less than a week, it's been painted, a bed has been bought, curtains hung, furniture (ugly) moved out. It looks so pretty -- almost like another world. My honey has worked very hard getting it ready. Thank-you, Honey. We have done it in the style of Tahitian - Mexican, HA!

To top things off, report cards will be due in one week and I still need to finish grading all the kid's math packets. I think I have two weeks worth left. The good thing, tho, is that most of the time, I grade as they do. Therefore, I just need to more or less enter grades. I can't wait for this year to be done. It's time for my little ones to leave me. They've been a really great group. I will definitely miss them - a lot.

Next weekend -- a wedding -- then my Mom's birthday (an interesting day to say the least). I will be on my best behavior -- I promise :-).