Craig often goes out to play Magic: The Gathering (a popular trading card game, for those not in the know) on Friday nights. It's his "guy time". It's fine by me, since that means he won't beg me to play the game with him, lol.
Cameron is not a fan of "guy time" when it does not involve him. Every Friday night he gets annoyed and upset that his daddy goes out to play without him. He REALLY loves his daddy.
Tonight, Craig announced he was leaving to go, and gave Cameron a hug. Cameron clung tightly to him, and pleaded, "Don't leave me!" I have no idea where this kid picks up this stuff, lol. It would have been heartbreaking if it wasn't such an unexpected thing to hear from our five year old. Instead we just busted out laughing. What mean parents we are. :-P
Friday, October 23, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Happy Birthday, Cameron!!!
I can't believe my baby boy is FIVE!!! How did that happen? Suddenly I have the "big kid" with mile long legs and boats for feet, lol. Not to worry, though. He has assured me that, "I will always be your Baby Boy, Mommy." Oh yes, I love this boy!
The day before his birthday he was not feeling so great. He had woken up with dry heaves and the runs, which was just no fun. We kept him home from school and made sure he got plenty of rest. The next day he was feeling much better. He had no school that day, so we just decided to have a fun day:-) He wanted to go swimming, so I got out his little pool, and he happily splashed around in it for about an hour, while I was busy working on his very special Mickey Mouse birthday cake.
Let me explain the Mickey Mouse theme. Since Cameron was a newborn, I thought it would be great if for his fifth birthday we could take him to Disneyland. Unfortunately, that simply did not work out for us this year. But somehow the idea of Mickey Mouse stuck with him, and he begged for a Mickey Mouse party. We were happy to oblige him:-)
After Craig got home, we took Cameron out to pick out some birthday gifts. Craig and I got him Wii Sports Resort, which we all love:-) We also got him the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Cameron has been a HUGE fan of the original series for some time now, but he has never watched any of the prequels.
That night we started to watch Episode I, but we had hardly got in to it, when Cameron started to look very sleepy. He was asking to go to be even before 8am, so we knew something was up. We put him to bed, and hoped we were wrong.
The next morning he was up early playing his games. I had to leave to teach a photography class, but while I was gone, Craig called to let me know that Cameron was officially sick, sick, sick! All he wanted to do was sleep, and we could not get him to eat anything. Sadly, we had to cancel his birthday party that day.
We kept him home over the weekend, but the illness was very persistent. He had a nasty cough for a few days, and it was very hard to keep his fever down and his appetite up. His doctor suspects he might have had the swine flu. The good news is that it was fairly mild, as far as the flu goes, and we won't have to worry about him getting it again (if it was the swine flu). Happily, he is feeling much better, and back to all his normal activities:-)
Since we could not have his party before, we moved it to this past Saturday. We were a little sad that only two of his friends came, but we still had a lot of fun. I had made a new cake, which was even better than the first, and the kids had fun playing games and getting loaded up on sugar, lol.
I hope that someday soon we will be able to take Cameron to Disneyland. But for now, I think he to a good healthy dose of Mickey Mouse:-)
The day before his birthday he was not feeling so great. He had woken up with dry heaves and the runs, which was just no fun. We kept him home from school and made sure he got plenty of rest. The next day he was feeling much better. He had no school that day, so we just decided to have a fun day:-) He wanted to go swimming, so I got out his little pool, and he happily splashed around in it for about an hour, while I was busy working on his very special Mickey Mouse birthday cake.
Let me explain the Mickey Mouse theme. Since Cameron was a newborn, I thought it would be great if for his fifth birthday we could take him to Disneyland. Unfortunately, that simply did not work out for us this year. But somehow the idea of Mickey Mouse stuck with him, and he begged for a Mickey Mouse party. We were happy to oblige him:-)
After Craig got home, we took Cameron out to pick out some birthday gifts. Craig and I got him Wii Sports Resort, which we all love:-) We also got him the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Cameron has been a HUGE fan of the original series for some time now, but he has never watched any of the prequels.
That night we started to watch Episode I, but we had hardly got in to it, when Cameron started to look very sleepy. He was asking to go to be even before 8am, so we knew something was up. We put him to bed, and hoped we were wrong.
The next morning he was up early playing his games. I had to leave to teach a photography class, but while I was gone, Craig called to let me know that Cameron was officially sick, sick, sick! All he wanted to do was sleep, and we could not get him to eat anything. Sadly, we had to cancel his birthday party that day.
We kept him home over the weekend, but the illness was very persistent. He had a nasty cough for a few days, and it was very hard to keep his fever down and his appetite up. His doctor suspects he might have had the swine flu. The good news is that it was fairly mild, as far as the flu goes, and we won't have to worry about him getting it again (if it was the swine flu). Happily, he is feeling much better, and back to all his normal activities:-)
Since we could not have his party before, we moved it to this past Saturday. We were a little sad that only two of his friends came, but we still had a lot of fun. I had made a new cake, which was even better than the first, and the kids had fun playing games and getting loaded up on sugar, lol.
I hope that someday soon we will be able to take Cameron to Disneyland. But for now, I think he to a good healthy dose of Mickey Mouse:-)
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Cameron's First Day of School!
Ah, my little boy is growing up! It's a bittersweet moment for me. I miss the little baby, but I have really enjoyed watching him grow and learn.
Today was Cameron's first day of "school". This is only preschool, as he missed the Kindergarten cutoff here by all of two weeks. Sad! We cannot afford a private preschool anymore, but he was accepted into Head Start. He gets to go to the "big kid school", as he calls it, which is so exciting:-)
Cameron is so excited to learn. For someone his age, everything is still fresh and new. He is already learning how to read, and can read little words like, "cat", "mat", and "exit". He also likes numbers.
Here are a few pics of his first day!
Today was Cameron's first day of "school". This is only preschool, as he missed the Kindergarten cutoff here by all of two weeks. Sad! We cannot afford a private preschool anymore, but he was accepted into Head Start. He gets to go to the "big kid school", as he calls it, which is so exciting:-)
Cameron is so excited to learn. For someone his age, everything is still fresh and new. He is already learning how to read, and can read little words like, "cat", "mat", and "exit". He also likes numbers.
Here are a few pics of his first day!
Friday, August 28, 2009
I hate scammers!
We had an interesting experience here this week. Craig has been putting application all over, trying to find any decent job. He put in an application to one company that does property management. The position was for collections, which Craig has done in the past, so he thought he would be a good fit.
Before we knew it, he had been offered a position of employment! But instead of being excited, we became very wary. Craig had never had an interview, and had not even spoken to anyone over the phone. The company turned out to be based in London, which made us even more cautious.
Craig decided to try contacting them to talk with someone live, and get some more info. Instead, they emailed him to let him know that the first "rent" check from a client was on it's way to our home. Of course, this sent up red flags all over. They had not even had Craig fill out any tax info yet, or even ask for a SS number.
We talked to my bro, who is also in property management, and he agreed it sounded very suspicious. It was certainly not how his company handled things. We ended calling the Attorney General for advice. They also agreed that this sounded like a money laundering scam.
The check did come, and Craig took it straight to the bank so they could run a background check on it. Turns out the account was valid, but frozen due to multiple accounts of fraudulent activity! The check was worth quite a bit, and if we had actually put it through the bank, it could have been devastating for us.
Normally, scams are pretty easy detect, but these guys were being very tricky. They gave all their info piece by piece. In the beginning, they never mentioned anything about Western Union, Paypal, or where we were to deposit the money. those would have been immediate tipoffs. The English was very good, and gave detailed instructions. We Googled the company name, and it turned out to be a legitimate company in London. They probably have no idea their company is being used as a front for illegal operations.
Fortunately for us, we were listening to the Spirit, and we were able to avoid being taken in. But it makes me angry that there are people out there who are so willing to prey on the weak and the desperate. They offered a comfortable sum of money for "employment", and because they were so sneaky, I know many people could be easily fooled.
FYI, the scam company was operating under the name of Kalmars Property Management. Hopefully no one else will be duped by these people.
Before we knew it, he had been offered a position of employment! But instead of being excited, we became very wary. Craig had never had an interview, and had not even spoken to anyone over the phone. The company turned out to be based in London, which made us even more cautious.
Craig decided to try contacting them to talk with someone live, and get some more info. Instead, they emailed him to let him know that the first "rent" check from a client was on it's way to our home. Of course, this sent up red flags all over. They had not even had Craig fill out any tax info yet, or even ask for a SS number.
We talked to my bro, who is also in property management, and he agreed it sounded very suspicious. It was certainly not how his company handled things. We ended calling the Attorney General for advice. They also agreed that this sounded like a money laundering scam.
The check did come, and Craig took it straight to the bank so they could run a background check on it. Turns out the account was valid, but frozen due to multiple accounts of fraudulent activity! The check was worth quite a bit, and if we had actually put it through the bank, it could have been devastating for us.
Normally, scams are pretty easy detect, but these guys were being very tricky. They gave all their info piece by piece. In the beginning, they never mentioned anything about Western Union, Paypal, or where we were to deposit the money. those would have been immediate tipoffs. The English was very good, and gave detailed instructions. We Googled the company name, and it turned out to be a legitimate company in London. They probably have no idea their company is being used as a front for illegal operations.
Fortunately for us, we were listening to the Spirit, and we were able to avoid being taken in. But it makes me angry that there are people out there who are so willing to prey on the weak and the desperate. They offered a comfortable sum of money for "employment", and because they were so sneaky, I know many people could be easily fooled.
FYI, the scam company was operating under the name of Kalmars Property Management. Hopefully no one else will be duped by these people.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
"Lil" the duck - a long overdo update
I am sure some of you are wondering how "Lil" (aka Lily) the duck is doing. Truth is, I couldn't tell you. Because Lil is no longer here.
After 6 weeks, we were finally able to release our duck back to the pond. He was mostly fully feathered, and getting too big to keep in a crate any longer. He also reeked. I was cleaning his crate twice a day, and it was still in a constant state of filth. Folks, DO NOT keep ducks indoors if you can help it. PHEW!
One surprise we had was the slow realization that "Lily" wasn't a "Lily" at all. In fact, our little duck turned out to be a male. That was my first instinct, and we had even given him a boy name, when I decided to double check by sexing him. But sexing can be tricky, and I guess I didn't get it quite right. We realized he was male when his feet and bill starting turning yellow. It is odd that on all the websites I went to about sexing ducks, they never mentioned the change of bill and feet colors in males. Females will retain a very dark bill and brown feet, whereas in a male they will turn yellow. I am not sure if this is true for all ducks, but it is certainly true for Mallards and their domestic counterparts. I have never seen a case where this is not true.
Lil was THRILLED to go to the pond. The last time I released a duck, Mira, I had to coax her out of her crate, and even then she did not want to leave my side. it was painful letting her go, because neither of us wanted it. But with Lil, practically the moment I opened the crate door he was out and made a beeline for the water! He splished and splashed and dove, and you could just see how very happy he was. I was a little worried that seeing other ducks might freak him out (since he had not seen any for 6 weeks), but he seemed to be right at home among them.
The only very sad part was watching Orion. He strained on his leash to get in the water, too (totally unlike him!), and whined pitifully for his little friend. He really loved that little duck.
Since releasing Lil, we have not been able to find him again, as he looks just like all the other dozens and dozens of ducks at the pond. We were going to put a little tag on his leg, but then I forgot, and by the time I remembered it was too late. Oh well. I am sure he is doing just fine out there, and I am happy that I was able to care for him.
Here are a few images:
This is one of my faves from when we first found him. So tiny and fluffy and cute!
And here he is the day we released him. Not so tiny and fluffy, but still very cute.
Here is Lil in the pond. Notice the female in the top right corner with her dark bill, as compared to his yellow bill and feet.
After 6 weeks, we were finally able to release our duck back to the pond. He was mostly fully feathered, and getting too big to keep in a crate any longer. He also reeked. I was cleaning his crate twice a day, and it was still in a constant state of filth. Folks, DO NOT keep ducks indoors if you can help it. PHEW!
One surprise we had was the slow realization that "Lily" wasn't a "Lily" at all. In fact, our little duck turned out to be a male. That was my first instinct, and we had even given him a boy name, when I decided to double check by sexing him. But sexing can be tricky, and I guess I didn't get it quite right. We realized he was male when his feet and bill starting turning yellow. It is odd that on all the websites I went to about sexing ducks, they never mentioned the change of bill and feet colors in males. Females will retain a very dark bill and brown feet, whereas in a male they will turn yellow. I am not sure if this is true for all ducks, but it is certainly true for Mallards and their domestic counterparts. I have never seen a case where this is not true.
Lil was THRILLED to go to the pond. The last time I released a duck, Mira, I had to coax her out of her crate, and even then she did not want to leave my side. it was painful letting her go, because neither of us wanted it. But with Lil, practically the moment I opened the crate door he was out and made a beeline for the water! He splished and splashed and dove, and you could just see how very happy he was. I was a little worried that seeing other ducks might freak him out (since he had not seen any for 6 weeks), but he seemed to be right at home among them.
The only very sad part was watching Orion. He strained on his leash to get in the water, too (totally unlike him!), and whined pitifully for his little friend. He really loved that little duck.
Since releasing Lil, we have not been able to find him again, as he looks just like all the other dozens and dozens of ducks at the pond. We were going to put a little tag on his leg, but then I forgot, and by the time I remembered it was too late. Oh well. I am sure he is doing just fine out there, and I am happy that I was able to care for him.
Here are a few images:
This is one of my faves from when we first found him. So tiny and fluffy and cute!
And here he is the day we released him. Not so tiny and fluffy, but still very cute.
Here is Lil in the pond. Notice the female in the top right corner with her dark bill, as compared to his yellow bill and feet.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
I hate being broke
Whoever said money can't buy happiness was obviously never flat broke and jobless. Maybe money can't buy happiness itself, but it sure can make life easier.
It has been over 3 months since Craig and I have worked. We have both put in applications and resumes EVERYWHERE. We have thought outside the box and applied for jobs we never would have thought of before. And yet, the phones are eerily silent. When we do get interviews, we never hear back.
Meanwhile, the bills are piling up, and the collectors call on a daily basis. I agonize over even the smallest purchases, wondering if what I want is really worth it, or if maybe I could get by without it. It is almost physically painful to know we have so much debt over our heads, and no way to pay it off. For some reason the collectors do not understand that sine we are JOBLESS, we can't pay them. And even more weird is how they have special payment programs for people who are working, but for people who are out of work, no such luck. Does that make any sense to you?
We are doing the best we can to get by, day by day. I have had a few more sessions this month, which has been nice, but also some cancellations, which is sad. People just aren't willing to pay money for quality photos, I guess.
The very saddest thing about our financial situation is not being able to take Cameron to Disneyland next month for his birthday. Since he was a baby, I always thought it would be really fun to take him to Disneyland on his 5th birthday. Then they came out with the free birthday pass, which was even better! But, there is just no way we can afford a trip like that right now, even with his free pass. Thinking about it makes me want to cry.
I really and truly hate how so many of the fun things we plan, or things we want, or even need, are centered around whether we have money in our bank account. Day to day living becomes almost unbearable when you know you will have a hard time just putting food on the table, and keeping that roof over your head.
It has been over 3 months since Craig and I have worked. We have both put in applications and resumes EVERYWHERE. We have thought outside the box and applied for jobs we never would have thought of before. And yet, the phones are eerily silent. When we do get interviews, we never hear back.
Meanwhile, the bills are piling up, and the collectors call on a daily basis. I agonize over even the smallest purchases, wondering if what I want is really worth it, or if maybe I could get by without it. It is almost physically painful to know we have so much debt over our heads, and no way to pay it off. For some reason the collectors do not understand that sine we are JOBLESS, we can't pay them. And even more weird is how they have special payment programs for people who are working, but for people who are out of work, no such luck. Does that make any sense to you?
We are doing the best we can to get by, day by day. I have had a few more sessions this month, which has been nice, but also some cancellations, which is sad. People just aren't willing to pay money for quality photos, I guess.
The very saddest thing about our financial situation is not being able to take Cameron to Disneyland next month for his birthday. Since he was a baby, I always thought it would be really fun to take him to Disneyland on his 5th birthday. Then they came out with the free birthday pass, which was even better! But, there is just no way we can afford a trip like that right now, even with his free pass. Thinking about it makes me want to cry.
I really and truly hate how so many of the fun things we plan, or things we want, or even need, are centered around whether we have money in our bank account. Day to day living becomes almost unbearable when you know you will have a hard time just putting food on the table, and keeping that roof over your head.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Cakes and Dinosaurs
This past week we had the opportunity to head out to my parent's house in Price, UT. They are planning on selling their house, and I agreed to take some nice photos of the house. It is almost a shame they have to leave the home. It is by far the largest home they have ever been in, and I know they really liked the area. However, since they are moving closer to us, I don't feel too bad about it:-)
Since this past weekend was also the birthdays of my sister Amanda (who turned 15) and my dad (who's age I will not disclose), I also decided to bake them a cake. The specifications were that it must be a chocolate cake with chocolate icing. I decided to add some strawberries for a little color and flavor. This was a pretty simple cake, but it was really yummy.
My sister took one look at the cake, declared she hated homemade icing, and refused to even try the cake. Sad. Who would not love to eat this cake? So delicious and moist.
On Friday we decided to visit the Dinosaur museum. Cameron loved looking at all the big skeletons and watching the live alligator. My favorite was the phosphorescent rocks seen under a black light. So cool! And for those of you wondering, yes, Craig STILL remembers most of the dinosaur names, even the really long, hard to pronounce ones.
Since this past weekend was also the birthdays of my sister Amanda (who turned 15) and my dad (who's age I will not disclose), I also decided to bake them a cake. The specifications were that it must be a chocolate cake with chocolate icing. I decided to add some strawberries for a little color and flavor. This was a pretty simple cake, but it was really yummy.
My sister took one look at the cake, declared she hated homemade icing, and refused to even try the cake. Sad. Who would not love to eat this cake? So delicious and moist.
On Friday we decided to visit the Dinosaur museum. Cameron loved looking at all the big skeletons and watching the live alligator. My favorite was the phosphorescent rocks seen under a black light. So cool! And for those of you wondering, yes, Craig STILL remembers most of the dinosaur names, even the really long, hard to pronounce ones.
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