Winner of the $20 Gift Card (CHOC)

Last weekend, October 17, the girls and I walked for the Children's Hospital Orange County. I ended up raising $55 and Big Sis raised $50. I signed Little Sis up at the last minute to walk with us, and I donated $25 to her name, and Disneyland Resort matched that. We walked for the Disney VoluntEars, and we had a great time!

I had 6 people donate to me, and of those 6, 4 also donated to Alex. So I had a total of 10 entries, which were given random numbers. Here's how it worked:

Robert A. 1, 7
Brooke F. 2, 8
Wendy C. 3
Liz K. 4, 9
Barbara M. 5, 10
Robbin M. 6

And the winner is.... Number 3!!!! Congrats, Wendy! You get a $20 gift card from Amazon, Starbucks, or, as an added bonus, Disney! :) Let me know what you choose, and it'll go out by November 1!

Congrats again to Wendy, and thank you to everyone who donated to CHOC! :) (Pictures will follow soon!)

My 365 Challenge

So back in January, I started a 365 Project. I went almost 2 weeks, then got busy and stopped posting.

So, I'm going to start up again in January. You can find the link at 365 in 2011. I have even updated the graphics already.

Oh, and what should I be doing right now? My homework, but instead I'm playing on my blog.

Sponsor and WIN! $20 Starbucks OR Barnes & Noble GC (ends 10-16-10)

So, I'm really lacking on sponsors for the 2010 CHOC Walk, which happens at Disneyland Park on October 17, 2010. So far, I have ONE sponsor at $10 (Thank you, Barbara Murray!!)

So, to spice things up a bit, and to get as many sponsors as I can, I'm going to offer an incentive.

Sponsor me, and you can win EITHER a $20 Starbucks gift card OR a $20 Barnes & Noble gift card (winner's choice).

Here's how to enter:

For one entry, click on my sponsor link: http://www.chocwalk.net/justaddlaughter and donate at least $1.

For a second entry, click on Big Sis' sponsor link: http://www.chocwalk.net/alex2001 and donate at least $1.

For a third entry, leave me a comment telling me you've sponsored. For bonus kudos, guess how long it will take me to finish the 5K (which is 3.1 miles). If you guess right, I'll post your blog or website's button or ad for 30 days at the top of my blog, right below the CHOC Walk logo.

For more entries, if you tell someone about my contest, and they donate, you will get one additional entry for each person (they must donate to at least one of either myself or my daughter,  and tell me you sent them).

Only one entry per person per requirement (donating $1 ten times will only get you one entry). Remember, this is for an excellent cause. The Children's Hospital Orange County helps 200,000 children each year, and they need our help to continue offering exceptional care. Big Sis and I both need $100 to be able to participate in the walk.

Contest ends on October 16, 2010, which is the day before the CHOC Walk.

Winners will be notified on October 18.

You can read my first entry about the CHOC Walk by clicking here.

One week ago...

On August 19, 2010, my girls went back to school. I had been working since the 16th, and they were at Grandma's. I picked them up Wednesday night, and everything went smoothly on Thursday morning.

Big Sis started 4th grade. She's very excited. She got her flute today, and will be in the GATE Science program after school. She's also continuing Karate and will be doing a dance class. She is also going to be taking Japanese, which is being offered after school as well. Who knew we attend a small school district with only 220 students at the Elementary School?? She'll be doing a California Indian project as well as the California Mission Project. I've already told her teacher I want to go on the field trip to the Mission, which is usually in January. Once we know what Mission she'll be building, I'm going to try and plan a trip to visit it.

Little Sis is now in 1st grade. She is still in the Spanish Dual Immersion program. Her teacher had a pre-Curriculum Nigh meeting on Tuesday, and we got to hear a bit about how their day goes. I'm very excited. She's getting more independent and I'm thankful. It lets me focus on my job. She's currently in the after school swimming program and she started Karate as well. She even has her uniform! I'm hoping to get her into some fun after school classes as well as some academic ones to help her with her Spanish reading and writing.








Both girls are getting into th routine. Little Sis is in bed by 8, and Big Sis is allowed to stay up until 8:30. But because Wipeout and Minute to Win It are an hour (we love those shows), she's been staying up until 9. However, she's not giving me any problems in the mornings, so I'm comfortable letting her stay up. Once she starts telling me she doesn't want to get up, it's back to 8:30 sharp.

The week before school started, I took apart their bunk beds, and now they're in their own twin beds. It's cramped in the tiny bedroom, but now they can make their own beds. Also, I can snuggle with Little Sis a little easier and tuck Big Sis into bed (which is hard when she's on the top bunk).

So, back to another year of school. I am working the after school swimming program as well as my 6.5 hours at the elementary school. I am also finishing up my first term at Kaplan University. I have 2 weeks left, then a week off, then I start my next term. I'm looking forward to the Crossroads Church Women's Ministry Retreat in mid-September and a trip to the San Francisco Bay Area in November so my kids can see their dad and I can visit some friends. We've got Girl Scouts as well, as Big Sis is now a Junior. We're still in the discussion phase as to whether or not the Daisies (Little Sis) will become Brownies or not. The other 2 moms and I think the Daisies should stay Daisies for another year. Because of our small community, finding the girls and the parents to help can get challenging, so we are sticking with our small group of 3 Daisies, 3 Brownies, and now 6 Juniors (Big Sis and her BFF were Brownies last year).

Here's to a busy and healthy year!

CHOC Walk -- October 17, 2010

Every year, I try to support a good cause. For the past few years, it's been Walk Now for Autism, and in the last 2 years, I've also volunteered for Royal Family Kids Camp.

This year, I've decided to walk for Children's Hospital Orange County. On October 17, 2010, thousands of participants will get the privilege of walking through Disneyland Resort to raise money for CHOC.

Most of my readers know how much I love Disneyland, and I've wanted to participate for several years. I have many friends walking as well for the team Disney VoluntEARS.

If you would like to donate, click on the link to my Donation Page. There's also a link at the top of my blog next to the fundraiser counter. (Don't get it confused with the RFKC Donation button, although you can always contribute to that, too!!)

Thank you for any donation you can make. If you cannot donate, please pray that the walk will be a success, both for my donations, team donations, and overall money raised.

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

When I bought this book, I didn't even know it existed. I was in line at Costco, and the lady behind me had it. I ran to get it because, let's face it, it was a Twilight book.

I started reading this book on Sunday, and was about half way done by the time I went to see "Eclipse" on Wednesday (I don't have too much time to read). I'm glad I did, and was also wishing I had finished it, because it made the battle scene so much more enjoyable.

If you enjoyed the Twilight Saga, you'll enjoy this book. It offers a look into the life of one of the Newborns, one with feelings and a conscience. I just wish it had all turned out different for Bree.

RFKC Walk-a-Thon

Today I walked for Royal Family Kids Camp.

I arrived at Rancho Community Church in Temecula, California at 7:45am. I checked in with my donation packet, and got my lap counter tickets. 16 laps I was told was 3.5 miles.

My friend Rose and I walked together. At one point, I got distracted by my sister and her dog so I ran half a lap to catch up with my walking buddy.

We finished all 16 laps in about one hour and ten minutes. Later, I learned it was more like over four miles.

I was doing great while I walked. I was a little sore after while Rose and I were sitting at Starbucks, but once I got home and took a FOUR HOUR nap, I started feeling the muscles tightening and spasming.

It was for a great cause, though, and if I were to train properly, I could do a 5K in under an hour!!

We still need donations! Click the RFKC logo or the Donate button above to help us send 52 kids to summer camp!!

Wordless Wednesday 4-21

April 17, 2010

Tidelands Park, Coronado (San Diego)

Dash For Cash!! (Fundraiser)

I am raising money to help abused and neglected kids attend a free (and wonderful) camp this summer. Royal Family Kids Camp - check them out online. (http://temecula.rfkc.org)

My goal is $500 and You can help:

If each of you would mail me $2, just $2! I would reach my goal. Of course you are welcome to send more if you see the need and are able....

Every bit helps! Thank you ahead of time!!

Send to:

RFKC
c/o Jaime Heath
PO Box 114
Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Checks payable to RFKC.


Or click on the Royal Family Kids Camp logo or "Donate" button on the left to donate using Paypal. 


I will be walking on Saturday, April 24 at Rancho Community Church in Temecula for RFKC as well!!

If you cannot contribute financially, please pray for us. Pray for the camp, the campers, the volunteers, and others who are giving. It's a 5 day camp, and we counselors put our blood, sweat, and tears (and heart and soul) into this camp. Every little bit counts, and contributions are tax deductible.

Thank you, and God Bless

1/12 - Very Cool License Plate Frame

Something I saw recently that I haven't shared yet.

1/11 - Baby pics

Here is a picture of me as a baby. Again, I have no idea how old I am...maybe 6 months or so?Here's a picture of Big Sis (before she was a Big Sis) at about 4-6 months old. I would have to check the original pic for a date. Can anyone see a resemblance??

1/10 - Another flashback...waaay back!

I may have posted this before over at Just Add Laughter, but I thought I'd add it here. People on Facebook are changing their profile pics in "wayback week."

I have no idea how old I am...I would guess about 2 or 3. I'm wearing my grandma's heels, too. :) Don't you love the SHAG carpet??

Tomorrow, I'll post another one of me as a baby...and one of Big Sis as well. You'll get a 2-for-1!!

1/9 - Another beautiful sunset (from Ranchita, CA)

Jaime
-- Sent from my Palm Pixi

1/8 - Desert sunset

Isn't it gorgeous? A photo just doesn't do it justice.

Jaime
-- Sent from my Palm Pixi

Friday Fill In 1/8/2010

1. There are places I'd really rather be.


2. Desert winds blow those clouds away.

3. Standing in the desert at night can make one cold.

4. Mickey says:  oh boy.

5. He went out tiger hunting ... they're greeeaaaat.

6. Not much keeps my mind from wandering .

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to one more night kid free, tomorrow my plans include the last of the training and then driving to Hemet and Sunday, I want to go to church and see my family that I haven't seen since before Christmas!!!

1/7 - Snow capped Mountains

So here is what that winter storm did. This is a picture of the mountains to the west of Borrego Springs. On the other side is highway 79, which takes a person into Julian and then into Riverside County to Temecula and I-15.

So far this winter, we haven't had much snow. There was one day on which is snowed, but the snow didn't linger long enough for anyone to enjoy it.

I hope it does snow in the mountains and rain in the valley soon...we want some wildflowers!!!

1/6 - Flashback

Since my kids aren't home, I'm finding I'm not taking pics of anything. So here's a picture from last Winter.

This was taking mid-December 2008. I was driving from Hemet to Borrego Springs, and it started snowing. When I reached Ranchita, which is about 4500 feet, it was snowing pretty bad, and I couldn't make it down the mountain.

Luckily, I had a friend who lives in Ranchita, so we (the girls and I) stayed there to wait out the storm. We ended up being there for about 30 hours. Once I got out of their 3/4 mile long driveway, I went back home to Hemet. Come back tomorrow for what this looked like from the Borrego Valley floor...

1/5 - Flashback

So I sat in training all day today, so I really didn't have a chance to take any pictures.

So, here's a flashback pic.

I love it when my girls are goofy and getting along. Very rarely will I get two honest-to-goodness smiles from my girls in the same picture.

This is one of my favorite pics (I have many many favorites). I can't remember what was going on, I just know that we were having a good time!!

1/4 - One last look...

I'm going to be taking it down tonight. I am finally home today after being gone for 2 weeks. So the tree will be first tonight, so I can make room for my DVD tower and make a corner for the puppy.

Bye-bye, tree. See you in 10 and a half months!!

Jaime
-- Sent from my Palm Pixi

1/3 - Disneyland Today...

Today, Big Sis and I went to Disneyland to celebrate her getting to the 100 Point Club.

We started by having Breakfast at Plaza Inn's Minnie and Friends Breakfast. Then we had a fun filled day, including a ride on Tower of Terror.

Check My Disneyland Vacation this week for a full trip report!!

Jaime
-- Sent from my Palm Pixi

Disneyland tomorrow!

Big Sis and I are leaving tomorrow morning at 5am.

I hadn't originally planned on leaving that early, but I made Priority Seating arrangements for the Plaza Inn Character Breakfast for tomorrow morning at 7:10am. This is during Magic Morning, so we won't miss much park time.

Our ultimate goal tomorrow is to see (and participate in) Tiana's Showboat Jubilee. I also want to take one last ride on Small World Holiday for this season. AND...Honey, I Shrunk the Audience is closing on January 4 to make way for Captain EO's return, so I'd like to see that one last time.

She also wants to ride Indy, since we haven't ridden that in a while, and since we won't have Little Sis with us, it's a great time to ride!

Come back for pics!

1/2 - Playing nice

My girls playing Candyland. Little Sis threw a toy car at Big Sis' head today. Then later, while they were riding the scooter, Little Sis bit Big Sis on the back. Left a bruise, too.

It's nice to see and hear them playing nice.

Jaime
-- Sent from my Palm Pixi

Princess Lessons (Meg Cabot)

Last night, I finished "Princess Lessons" by Meg Cabot. This is one of her Princess Diaries books, but it's not part of the series, per se.

Technically, it's written by Princess Mia, her grandmother, her bodyguard, and her friends. It basically teaches a young lady about how to act like a Princess, even if she wasn't born one.

This would be a perfect gift for a pre-teen. It gives fun, age-appropriate, real-life advice about how to treat people, how to act, and even a few tips on how to dress from Princess Mia's hair stylist and fashion designer. Princess Mia gives her opinion on everything, telling the reader that she should just be herself, too.

As a special feature for this blog, I am going to list the Accelerated Reader (AR) reading level and points for each book that has one. My daughter's school uses this program, and since I'm reading Young Adult books as one of my 2010 Challenges, I thought I'd add this onto my reviews.

So, Princess Lessons by Meg Cabot has an AR level of 6.8 (upper 6th grade reading level), with 2.0 points available.

1/1 - Happy New Year!!

We were supposed to meet up with a friend at the McD's in Walmart to have dinner and go baby shopping (she is due on the 11th). But, I ended up not being able to get ahold of her. So I brought the girls anyway. We're eating and will get ice cream after. Then we'll go browsing for a bit.

Jaime
-- Sent from my Palm Pixi

New Year's Eve

So a year ago, I was at Disneyland to bring in 2009 with Big Sis. It was the day I activated my Premium Annual Pass.

That being said, I did renew mine and also Big Sis' annual passes!! So we have a whole 'nother year to enjoy Disneyland!

I really want to be at Disneyland tomorrow. If I don't make it, though, I will be there with Big Sis on January 3. We're going, just the two of us, because she did make it to the 100-AR-Point Club. She's hoping to get into Tiana's Showboat Jubilee. I was in it on December 5 with some of my LP friends. The girls and I saw it on my birthday, so now Big Sis wants to be in it.

She has a list for all the things she wants to do, like CA Screamin' and Indiana Jones twice each (grab Fastpasses, then hop in line). We will be there at opening at 8am, however, it's a Magic Morning, so we won't have our super-empty park when we get there.

Looking forward to it! Check back here for pics, and also my 365 Challenge blog.

Waiting for the Train with her New Year's Hat

She didn't make it to midnight.

I'm going to be an Auntie!

AGAIN!

My sister, Kimberly from Welcome to My Life, who was married December 5, 2008, is pregnant, and due May 24, 2010!

On Monday, December 28, she and her husband found out it's going to be a GIRL!! I'm so excited for her. She and my brother are so lucky...they already have nieces. But I don't! (I'm the only one with girls so far.) So, I FINALLY get a niece!!

So, congrats to my baby sister and her husband!! You can read all about it on her post, I'm going to be a Mommy!

2009: Year in Review

2009 was a year of Ups and Downs.

Big Sis and I brought in the New Year at Disneyland on December 31, 2008. She made it to 11:00pm that night, and fell asleep on the ground near it's a small world. She wasn't the only child, either. It was so very foggy that neither set of fireworks, at 9:25pm and 12:00am, were visible. We had a good time, though, dancing to Family-Friendly music at Small World Mall.

On January 4, 2009, the girls and I finally accepted my dad's invitation to go to church. We went to Crossroads Church for the 10:30 service. Both girls were sitting in the service with me, and Big Sis and I both accepted Jesus into our lives. That was the biggest decision we made all year, and the best one of our lives.

I started my full-time position at the Elementary School on January 12. It was a transfer from the Middle School. I went from working 3.75 hours a day to 6.5 hours a day. Little Sis started going to the baby-sitter after she got out of preschool at 12:30. She was not very happy about it, but she knew it was for the better. At this time, I was still commuting from Hemet to Borrego Springs, which was a 1.5 hour trip each way.

In March, the student I was working one-on-one with moved from Borrego Springs to Nevada, prompting me to fear the loss of my job. I wouldn't have lost my job completely; I would have just moved back to the Middle School working 3.75 hours a day. This was not going to be a good thing if I was commuting almost 150 miles a day. The Superintendent, however, let me stay on at the Elementary school, where I was to help out in the afternoons with the large group of third grade Special Ed students (our SDC class is only half-day, then the kids go to their General Ed class after lunch). At this time, I realized I needed to live in Borrego Springs. With God's Grace, a friend, who was also commuting, found an apartment in Borrego Springs, but decided against it, so recommended me to the landlord. I was able to move in with a small deposit and no credit check. Thankfully, I had thought to save $1000 of my tax refund, for no particular reason. So, on March 25, I moved into my apartment, where the girls and I currently live.

School ended June 12, and brought summer in all it's blazing glory. The apartment complex where I live has a large swimming pool, so the girls and I swam practically every day. They took swimming lessons at the high school, and both overcame their fear of the water. Essentially, they turned into fish. I was working during the summer, tutoring one of our SDC kids. He was also taking swimming lessons, so I was able to work some of my required hours with him in the pool, which I used as time to build his gross-motor skills and multi-action movements (kick your feet and blow bubbles). He also turned into a fish, and he still asks the instructor when it's time for swimming lessons again!

On July 15, I ended up going on a date to see Harry Potter with my ex-boyfriend. We ended up "back together" which we thought was a good idea. More on that later.....

School started again on August 21, and I had my old position back! Only this time, I was working my afternoons with a group of 4th graders. I also became a one-on-one in the morning, thanks to the new SDC teacher who saw potential for conflict with that student and his one-on-one. So she and I tag-team him. I work mostly with him during the morning, and she has him in the afternoon. His behavior has improved exponentially since school started. I love the team we have working in the classroom this year.

On September 30, my former-ex-boyfriend lost his job...and his employee housing. So, I let him move in with the girls and me in our tiny one bedroom apartment (did I mention is was a one-bedroom? The girls have a bunk bed in the bedroom and I sleep on a futon in the living room). This was the beginning of the end.

The girls, the boyfriend, and I went to Disneyland October 5-9 for the girls' birthdays. It was a good time had by all. Little Sis rode Tower of Terror for the first time, and Big Sis rode (and LOVED!) California Screamin' for the first time. It's now her favorite ride, and is bummed when we have Little Sis with us and can't Baby Swap. The girls spent their Disney Fun Card, which they received because we are Annual Passholders. Big Sis bought a Jack Skellington jacket, and Little Sis bought a Mickey Mouse sweatshirt, among other small little things that are probably lost by now.

On October 30, we went back to Disney's California Adventure for Mickey's Halloween Treat. We didn't get as much candy as we did in previous years, but because both girls had braved the bigger rides, we were able to have a little more fun. Little Sis actually chickened out of Tower of Terror, saying she had to "GO POTTY NOW!" as we were boarding the elevator. As we ran down Hollywood Blvd, we saw Handy Manny and the Little Einsteins. She loved that!!!

November brought many trials for me. The boyfriend and I were having more and more arguments over little things, and my grandma and dad finally hosted an intervention to get me to get him to move out. The girls were unhappy, and I was unhappy. So, he moved out. Things have been much better since.

Thanksgiving was yummy at my Dad's house. My brother-in-law was home from Japan, and my step-mom made her Sweet Potatoes. My sister, BIL, and I won at Pictionary Man (reigning champs!!) and we played a little Boggle. My BIL is very good at that game, yes, even better than me.

December brought in cold weather to the desert, as well as the LaughingPlace.com 10th Anniversary celebration at Disneyland. I met some great friends who I only knew through LaughingPlace.com and Facebook. I also saw some great friends I hadn't seen since July, or even since the previous December. Some friends were missed, including the one person around whom the meet had originally been planned. It was a nice kid-free weekend (well, my kids weren't there...others had their kids there), and we had a nice Girls Weekend in my friend's condo at Windham Worldmark. (And I had my first rum & Coke...OMG! Coconut rum in Coke is AMAZING!!!)

On December 13, the most dreaded day in my 20's happened....my 30th birthday. The girls and I went to Disneyland after church that day, and we had a pretty good time! Our friends, Gary and Kathy were there to help me celebrate in the morning. Kathy had a rough year; she was diagnosed with breast cancer in February, but received her clean bill of health in November! YAY! Thank the Lord for miracles...he really does answer prayers.

On December 15, I met a Christian man named Jeremy, who lives near my grandma. We made plans to meet, and we finally met on December 23.

December 18 was our last day of school before the holidays. Big Sis (who had received Student of the Month for November) reached the 100 AR Point Club for reading. So far, the only 3rd grader this year to do so! Little Sis was named Student of the Month for December for her Kindergarten class! This was one proud Mama!!! We had a sing-a-long in our jammies, and then the Kindergarteners went to have breakfast with Santa Claus at the firehouse. That night, we had our Girl Scout meeting, and made ornaments to take to the Assisted Living Facility, which we did on December 21.

On December 19, we were driving to my grandma's for the Holidays, and I turned a curve and saw a sign that said "Fresh Julian Pies." Then I saw a man holding a sign I thought said "Free pies!" Turned out it said "Free puppies!" I had stopped to get a pie, but when I saw the puppies, my heart melted. I insisted we couldn't have one, but when I picked up Midnight, she totally relaxed in my arms, and I knew she was mine. We have since changed her name to Rosy, and she's still so loving!!

That brings us to now. Christmas has come and gone. Presents have been unwrapped, turkey has been eaten, and the Starbucks card is empty (yes, already). I have two weeks left of Winter Break, but technically only one, since I have trainings all next week. I'm looking forward to what 2010 has to bring. Bring on the New Year's Eve Party....and the rum and coke! (Just kidding...I'll be driving that night!)

And I sincerely hope I didn't bore you. Really. If I did, I'll try and make 2010 more exciting.

Introducing...

On March 14, 2009, I posted a pic of a gorgeous puppy and entitled it "I Want One!"

Well.. let me introduce you to Rosy Bear.

She's a Lab/Husky Mix. We got her on December 19, and she's approximately 8 weeks old. I'm guessing her birthday is around Halloween, so we'll just celebrate her birthday on that day.

Her name was Midnight when we picked her up. The girls changed it to Princess, but I vetoed it because that's what I call them, and I'm already confused with their names being so similar. We went through a barrage of names, and finally settled on Rosy. I call her Rosy Bear, so that is her official name.

She's such a sweet baby girl. When I go outside (she's outside at my grandma's, since we're here for the holiday. At home, she'll be an inside dog), she loves seeing me. Of course, it's usually because I'm bringing food or treats or lovin'. She loves getting her belly rubbed, and will stop eating, sit on my feet, so she can get a little rub. Then she'll go back to eating. She loves to just sit in the girls' or my lap, and LOVES to be held!! She's going to be one spoiled little girl!!!

FINALLY!

Well, it seems like it's been forever, but the 2010 International LaughingPlace.com Meet is FINALLY here!!!

I got to the park about 7pm on Friday, December 4. Met up with some LP friends, and rode Space Mountain. Met up with more LP friends and watched the Fireworks from the Concierge Lounge at the Grand Californian.

Went back to Disneyland, renewed my annual passports (mine and Big Sis'. Little Sis' doesn't expire until February). Met up with MORE LP friends.

Went back to the hotel. Showered, and now it's 2am and I'm still on the computer.

HELLO??? What's wrong with me?? The park opens in SIX HOURS!

Good night!

Project Princess (The Princess Diaries #4.5)

This was a short little book about Princess Mia's Spring Break, and her trip from Manhattan to West Virginia to help build a house for a Habitat-for-Humanity-type charity.

I read it while I was eating at Sonic today. At 64 pages, it was a very quick read. Very good, though. I love Meg Cabot's writing style as Princess Mia.

I am now reading The Princess Diaries #5: Princess in Pink.

The Princess Diaries IV: Princess in Waiting

Because I joined the 2009 Young Adult Challenge, I decided this would be the time to read the Princess Diaries series. I've been working my way through them, and just finished the fourth volume, Princess in Waiting.

This one was, in my opinion, the best one so far! It starts with Mia in Genovia for the holidays, where she is pining for her new boyfriend. When she gets back to Manhattan, her Grandmother (who is NOTHING like sweet Julie Andrews from the movie version!) is trying her best to ruin Mia's life, like always. It has a great, sweet ending and I'm ready to move on to Volume IV and a half.

If you have a tween who loves drama, or are like me and has to read the book if there's a movie, this series is great. I cannot wait until Big Sis is old enough to read this series.

Things Kids Say, #2

A conversation that JUST happened with my 8 year old.

Big Sis: Besides Indian (aka Native American), what else am I?

Me: Well, your great-great-grandma is from Mexico, but she was a Mexican Indian.

Big Sis: Anything else?

Me: Also European.

Big Sis: What's a "peein'"?

Go ahead and laugh. I did.

Happy Halloween!!!

Little Sis as Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)
and
Big Sis as Hannah Montana

October 17, 1989

On October 17, 1989, I was just 2 months shy of turning 10. My family (mom, dad, brother, sister) and I were visiting my grandparents in Fremont, California before we moved to North Dakota (my dad was Air Force, and that's where he had been stationed).

My grandfather and dad were settling down to watch Game 3 of the World Series in the living room. My mom and grandma were doing something in one of the bedrooms. My brother, who was just 3 days shy of turning 8, was around. I was sitting in the "Patio" where the kids' TV was, watching "You Can't Do That on Television" on Nickelodion.

All of a sudden, it felt as if my brother was shaking the couch. I remember realizing it was an earthquake, and running into the kitchen. As I did, I saw my mom run towards the living room, and heard the adults shouting "Where's Kimberly??" (My sister was only 4 at the time). As I was crossing the kitchen, I saw my grandma's Hen Cookie Jar fall and shatter on the floor.

I made it into the doorway leading to the living room, and stood there while the earthquake finished. My dad had run outside, looking for my sister, who was still no where to be found.

Once the shaking ended, and the adults had made sure my brother and I were OK, my mom went outside to also look for my sister. I can't remember how long it took for them to return, or who brought her in, but it turned out that she was in the front yard, holding onto a tree when the neighbor found her, and snatched her up so she would be safe. The neighbor told my parents that before she picked her up, my sister had said "I don't like the rolling grass!"

In the hours that followed, I remember being very anxious, as if it would all happen again. My grandfather continued watching the coverage of the fires and the Bay Bridge collapse. I didn't watch all that; I only caught bits and pieces as I moved through the house. I remember not wanting to go to bed that night, either.

I watched some YouTube videos today, mostly of World Series coverage before and after it happened. Not much footage is to be found of the actual earthquake, but a lot of pictures of the aftermath. I remember watching the Made-for-TV movie of the collapse of the Cypress Freeway, and the Earthquake Experience at Pier 39, where they actually simulate the 7.1 magnatude earthquake.

No earthquake I've ever been in has come close to that experience. A few summers ago, there was a swarm, and the largest was a 5-pointer, but I was driving and didn't feel it. I was in England when the 1994 Northridge Quake happened, too.

I consider us lucky that all we lost was a cookie jar. And I still feel for those who lost so much more.