Amazing Award!

Well here I am on vacation and it has been amazing!!  When we return home I will give you all the run down of what we have been doing.  Tonight we got to go on a date...finally!!  My Aunt watched Audrey and she did great. She sure does have an amazing Nana!   Anywho....I received a lovely award from Samantha!  Thank you so much!  I met her on one of my blog hops and she has the cutest little daughter!! Thanks so much for awarding me! Chat with you all....maybe on Saturday or Sunday!

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 23

First and foremost I want to say that I know I am not done with my challenge....I am so close!  BUT, I think that this challenge only works if you are at home, in your own state.  Well, starting tomorrow we are going on vacation and I won't be at home for a while so I will resume my challenge when we come home on the 1st of July.  I know how much you will miss me.  I really won't miss much since I'll be in San Diego!!!!!!!!!!  Back to business.  Today's challenge is:
Favorite Movie
Now I feel like this is kind of redundant since earlier it asked what my favorite movie's are.  Weird.  Well, if I had to choose just one of those I would have to say in all reality that it's a 50/50 shot with Dirty Dancing and Grease.  One has lots of dancing and one has lots of singing with some dancing.  Sorta same era and came out around the same time.  Both fabulous movies that I will make sure when Audrey is old enough that she enjoys them as much as me!  Goodnight all.  Tomorrow: Pack and go on a road trip with an almost 10 month old.  God help us.

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 22

So....after spending the day at the pool and then the evening at the car dealership I am finally home and here in NM it is 11:21 so I am still on time for my challenge which is........
What's in your purse?


Okay...in my lovely purse is my duct tape wallet that Elijah made me, a coin purse, some kleenex, cell phone, keys, gum, pens, diapers, wipes, blanket for changing, Audrey's snack container, usually a toy and a bottle of water or milk, headache meds, my Angel rock and probably lint.  Nothing exciting. My purse now houses like 3 things of mine and the rest Audrey's, especially if we are going somewhere!!

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 21

Today's challenge is:
Favorite Picture of yourself ALL TIME Why?

Yeah, you thought I was gonna put a pretty little picture of me all dolled up.  I really don't take that great of photos, but this one made me laugh so hard I cried.  That's what makes it the best EVER.   I have no idea how my tongue came out so long like that.  It's just a classically dork photo.  Exactly and purely me.  Enjoy my yuck face I am giving to Zane.  I hope I made your day, or made you throw up in your mouth a little.  Goodnight world.

Mealtime Madness

Audrey has started doing some pretty sneaky stuff during mealtime.  1st of all: hates her veggies!  She used to enjoy them when they were pureed, but for whatever reason she doesn't like them anymore.  Probably because she has tasted much yummier things.  Hopefully one day she'll like her veggies like me.  2nd: she now enjoys feeding the dogs her food.  Yay for the dogs, not so much for Audrey.  Here are a  few pictures depicting our lunch today.

 Hi Mom!  I'm not doing anything wrong!

 Sure you aren't Audrey...what's this here in your little food catcher?  Is that a bunch of carrots?

 No, Mom.  It's not carrots.  Am I cute or what?

1 for me...4 for you.  None for me...8 for you. 

Tweedle Dee Sidney and Tweedle Dumb Bruno waiting for their lunch served by Audrey.  The other one, Zane, is just to lazy to care.  He was laying on the couch chilling.  Much like this.

Nice gams, Zane.  Long and lean..not like the rest of him.

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 20

We had a nice day today.  Elijah flew out of town for work (not so nice), but we went to the pool with a few friends.  Our original pool destination was closed because the heater pipe burst or something to that effect so we had to switch gears and head to another pool.  Same beach entrance, just frigid waters. Oh well, we still had fun, minus my on going streaky fake tan (another post about a lovely product review for you NOT to buy).
Anywhosits...today's challenge:
Nicknames
Well that's easy.  I get called Mrs. Cavinder (is that a nickname?).  These lovely students have been known to call me mom on several occasions and once or twice, Grandma.  Really?  I get called Sari, Sarita, Babe, Mamamamamama (by Audrey), Soups (shortened version of Sarah Soup Label given to me by my brother).  My high school Spanish teacher used to call me TriSARAHtops.  That was clever.  Lynch Mob (an homage to my previous last name).  My cat calls me "meeeoowww" and my dogs call me "rar rar rar."  I think that may be it. :o)

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 19

Day 19's challenge is:
Something you miss
Well, I am sure you all have heard this from me time and time again...but something that I miss is spending time with my mom.  There is nothing in the world like hanging with your mom, especially when you have your own baby girl.  I really wish that she were here to guide me in parenthood and stand beside me and be the wonderful Grandma that I know she would be.  She is guiding me from Heaven, but sometimes it's just not the same.  I wonder if she would even want to be called Grandma. Hmmm.  I miss her more than you know.  9 years it has been.  Almost a decade.  That makes me want to cry because that's how long I have been without a mother.  It get's lonely some days, but one day I'll be with her again.  I love you mom and I miss you so much!

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to my dad!!  He is an amazing guy who travels about 30 minutes each weekend to spend 30 minutes with his granddaughter...and me.  Yes, he could stay longer, but he's got things to do on the east side of town.  Thanks for giving me life, I don't thank you for my ears, but I guess I'll keep you!  Love ya!

Notice the Grandpa's #1 Girl Shirt!!

Also, this is Elijah's first Father's Day and we would like to wish him a happy day as well.  It's also our 7th wedding anniversary and so I shall say Happy Anniversary to you too!  He is an amazing dad who is always the one to get up at 6am (Audrey's internal wake up call) and hang out with her so I can sleep in!  She loves him so much and I am so glad she has a dad who wants to be there for her and protect her.  Thank you for doing an amazing job with our beautiful ladybug!

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 18

Day 18.....Favorite Place to Eat
Well, I have a few places that I enjoy getting my grub on, but one of my favorite places is:

The salads, first and foremost are AMAZING and whatever dressing they use is scrumptious.  I generally get Fettuccine Alfredo or some other sort of pasta (weird at an Italian Restaurant, I know).  I also thoroughly enjoy their peach tea. I have many a girls nights there or a fun family date with the Ladybug.  I know, it's not like a fancy shmancy 5 star Rodeo Drive hit, but hey...it's New Mexico folks.  And this is my favorite sit down yum it out place! 

The Lion Cub

*Editors note: Please read the following in your best Bear Grylls accent or maybe try Steve Irwin.

We followed our little lion cub out of his den to see just what these little creatures do.  We first saw him grazing on grass...a pre dinner snack possibly.

We then followed him to higher ground where he proceeded to climb a tree.

Do not mind the lion cub observer.  She was merely feeling how soft this baby was.  The cub continued to look around from higher ground.

 He is camouflaging himself....for what though?

 Ferocious lion cub-what are you searching for?

"ROOOOOAAAAARRRRRRR I have found my prey," the lion cub yells.

 Will he be eating this scrumptious ball of yum???

Or maybe this furry morsel?  Well, we didn't stick around long enough to find out.  However, we did come back a while later to find this lion cub in his actual, real, habitat.

We had fun observing you Sunny lion cub in your backyard African oasis.  Until next time, oh scary one.

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 17

Something you're looking forward to
Well I am SOOOO looking forward to our trip to San Diego!  I am not looking forward to the drive with an almost 10 month old.  We will be stopping in Arizona for the night and then heading on to San Diego.  We leave this coming Friday.  I have so much to do and figure out what to take.  It's so much harder with a baby.  I can't wait to get there.  My family has not met Audrey yet and that is going to be great.  We will be staying with my Aunt, Uncle, and Grandma.  My Aunt is pretty much my mom and has taken over the roll so well.  We will also be spending some quality time with my cousin, Renee, and her kiddos and I'm excited for that.  We are also heading down to Valley Center to visit Elijah's Grandparents.  They met Audrey when she was a few days old.  We are so excited for this trip.  We will be gone a week and my dad is so graciously going to stay here and watch the zoo while we are away.  So this is what I am looking forward too!!!!  San Diego or bust baby!

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 16

Today's challenge is.....drum roll please:
Dream house
Well I know I should find one in the good ol state of Nuevo Meh-he-ko because I doubt we'll ever move, but here's to wishful thinking.  I would love to live on the beach in California...preferably San Diego.  Like a beach house with doors wide open, lots of whites and blues...still want a yard with grass for the dogs, but wouldn't it be so fun.  Maybe it could looks something like this, but less rock and more sand.

How gorgeous is that???  What would your dream home look like?

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 15

My challenge for the day is:

Bible verse


"Those who walk uprightly
enter into peace;
they find rest as they lie in death."
Isaiah 57:1-2 

And this is so true because you are at peace and rested after you pass...it is those that live who suffer the loss.  Be happy that they are Angels and are guiding you from Heaven.  I know my mom is!

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 14

We're almost there...half way that is to the end of my blog challenge.  I am slowly wishing I didn't sign up for it.  Haha!  But today's challenge is easy.
A picture of you last year - how have you changed?
Here's a picture of me at roughly the same time last year.

How have I changed?  Well, I am no longer 7 1/2 months pregnant for one.  I now have a 9 1/2 month old baby girl named Audrey. I actually just threw that shirt away yesterday because it had a stain and I still rock those gaucho pants.  My hair is no longer that long.  It is just now hitting my shoulders.  I also don't have those boobs anymore.  Yet another sigh.  Other than that I pretty much look the same.  I should put the stained shirt and pants back on and pose the same just so you can see.  I genuinely don't change much from year to year.  I am not a weight fluctuator and I don't do drastic things to myself.  I guess I am very much like the book, "Sarah Plain and Tall."  Haha!  Here's how I roll these days...no longer a bump, just a baby on my hip.

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 13

I'm starting to see a trend here.  I am excited to blog earlier in the day but then put it off until late in the night for whatever reason.  By this time I am annoyed I have to do it...so what's the point.  Maybe tomorrow I'll do it mid afternoon.  I still need to vacuum, again.  Yay for shedders.  Anywho, today's topic is:
Goals
Well, my main goal is to make sure Audrey grows up secure, happy, loved, and respected.  I want to teach her how to be a good citizen in our world, to make good choices, and to be an all around fantastic human being!  We'll see how that goes.  I also want to continue to be a better teacher and try and work my magic to make my students even more successful kindergartners than they already are.  This coming year I will be working on my Level 3 Dossier (last step besides being Nationally Certified).  This is a big to do and basically like an enormous thesis paper.  My goal is to complete it and pass it and thus bring in bigger bucks.  I also want to continue (hopefully I am) to be an amazing wife, sister, and daughter.  I want to be a great person to be around and such.  Anywho..is that to much to ask?  I think I can do it!  Oh...and I want to gain some weight.  That's a goal!  Yup!

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 12

Something you don't leave the house without

Now I'm not sure if this refers to ANYTIME you walk out the door or like actually get in the car and get outta town.  I'm assuming it's actually leave the house and not like just check the mail.  Well I guess there are a few things that I never leave the house without.  First, it's my underwear.  Haha!  You can never be secure enough unless you have your undies on.  Sometimes I wish I had an extra pair in case you have to go to the hospital. But really now, probably my keys and my wallet.  You can't start the truck unless you have the key and I need my wallet because it has my license and ATM card in there.  I also bring along my cell phone.  I need to be in constant contact with whomever has the Ladybug (unless it's me).  So there you have it. Nothing out of the ordinary...the true basics!!

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 11

Today's challenge is:
Favorite tv shows
To be honest with you...I really don't feel like blogging today.  We had to take one of our dogs to the vet and then went to a very beautiful outdoor wedding where the albino me got sunburned.  It is now 10pm and I have just finished vacuuming up what appears to be the remnants of a Pomeranian around the house.  We do not own a Pomeranian, but we do own 3 very large dogs who are shedding.  Not that any of this has to do with my challenge today, but thank you for listening.  I will give you the list of my shows and a small explanation.  Let's just say that I LOVE tv.  It has become hard to watch tv with a toddler or infant...whatever stage she is in.  But bless DVR because I can watch it whenever.  I still have 12 episodes of Ellen to watch whenever I get the chance.  I love reality tv, however I don't watch all of it...just most of it. Haha!  I also enjoy the 1 hour semi drama shows.  I hardly watch any half hour comedies...not sure why.  They are shorter and quicker to watch.  I am sure I will forget some of my shows, but I'm sure you don't even care.  Now I don't know what constitutes favorite...but I love all my shows, hence the reason why I watch them.  Here goes...maybe I can do by channel or something like that.
Fox: So You Think You Can Dance, Raising Hope, Cops, Glee, Hell's Kitchen
NBC: Love Bites (new show and it's good), The Voice
ABC: Bachelor Pad, Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy, The Middle, Private Practice, Wipeout
CBS: Amazing Race, Big Brother, Survivor
Bravo: ALL the Real Housewives shows
TLC: Quints by Surprise, 19 Kids and Counting, Police Women
A&E: Parking Wars
E!: Anything with the Kardashians, Kendra, Holly's World
MTV: All Teen Mom whatever (whether they are 16 and knocked up or already popped one out...whatev), Real World, any of the Challenges


So there you have it.  Pretty girlesque tv shows and lots of em.  I know I'm lame...and you still love me.  Ta ta for now folks!

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 10

Today's lovely challenge is:
Something you're afraid of
Well, I'm afraid of a lot of random things, but two things popped into my mind straight off the bat.  The first is heights...of sorts.  Now I am not really afraid of being on the roof unless it's super pitched and I am not afraid of being on a ladder.  However, I am afraid of being on the top of the Stratosphere in Vegas and getting thrown into the air on that stupid ride.  Why did I do that?  Not too sure, but never again.  I am also afraid of driving or riding in a car on a winding road up a mountain.  I have really thought about it and I sincerely think that I may die falling off a cliff in my vehicle.  We have to travel over a mountain like this right outside San Diego and EVERY time I have to close my eyes and tell Elijah to let me know when it's over.  So scary.  The road resembles this:

No thank you.  And...I will NEVER go on that clear glass walkway thing at the Grand Canyon.  I will wait in the car for you.  I'm getting chills just thinking about it.
The other thing that I am most afraid of are these little big guys.

These creepy little cockroaches.  Thank goodness the huge ones are in NYC and Florida. I can only imagine seeing something the size of a checkbook scamper across the floor.  I had never seen one in my life until I went to UNM and there were dead ones in the ceiling light fixtures.  One time there was one walking across the floor and I slowly grabbed my bag and picked my feet up.  I prayed to God that he wouldn't come near me because I would either crap my pants, have a heart attack, or make a scene.  I now know that they are everywhere and have happily made it to my neck of the woods.  Thank goodness we got rid of the railroad ties because they enjoyed those.  When Elijah did his little stint at Truly Nolan I was told, "Once you see one, you know there are 32 more out there because that's how many babies are born each time."  Thanks honey.  I guess my brother had a small outbreak in his house (and he lives down the street). I hoped they weren't in our house and sure enough the next day I opened the cabinet in our bathroom and one of those little freaks was sitting on a cotton ball.  We never saw anymore after that so maybe he had Rabies or something and got lost.  I swore that I would burn the house down, move, or live in the car if they EVER got in the house.  I am that afraid of them.  I will Raid my body if one ever touches me.  
So there you have it.  2 things that I am most afraid of.  What are you afraid of?

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 9

Wow...it's day 9 of the challenge and I have made it this far!  Woo hoo!  Today's challenge is...drum roll please.  I know how excited you are to read this...come on now!
 A favorite picture of your best friend
Well...I'll have to look back into the archives to see which I like the best. For whatever reason we don't take that many pictures when we are together.  As of late it has been few and far between.  She works, as do I and she is a mommy of 2 beautiful little girls.  So...we both lead busy lives, but that's okay.  This lovely lady is my "toasted sister" as I like to call her.  She got cooked just a bit longer than me.  Her name is Genise and I met her..wow, maybe like 6 or 7 years ago.  We were both working at this place that's secret and only Victoria knows it.  Anywho, we both got this seasonal position and had to work together.  I wasn't so sure of her at first.  She can come across as bitchy (before you get to know her).  Or at least that was my perception.  She probably thought I was a stupid nerd, so there.  Well we became fast friends and I am so glad because a former friend was slowly unraveling her friendship string when I needed her the most.  Too bad for her and not for me.  I then got an amazing best friend who WAS there for me and did not judge and stood by me.  She even coached me during labor (thank you!!) and took the first pictures of Audrey.  I don't know what I would do without this beautiful person in my life.  I kid you not...we are like the same person.  It's crazy!  I love her to death and if anyone has the pleasure of being her friend, they are very blessed.  Love you!

I love this picture of her.  So pretty!  Giavana is so small.  She's going to be in kindergarten this year!

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 8

Today's...or rather tonight's challenge is:
A place you've traveled to
This place that I travel to is a place that is very much like home to me.  When people book their vacations or trips they pick exotic locales or places they have never been.  Every year all I want to do is go "home."  Even though I have never officially lived there (except during the summer growing up) I still consider it home.  Home is where family and love is.  This place is San Diego.  Fortunately for me, this home is so much sweeter than the desert and there are just too many things to do!  We weren't able to get out there last summer as I was a beach whale, but we are heading out there again at the end of this month.  I have Audrey's Nana waiting for our arrival.  Nana is my mom's sister, Susan.  She is my surrogate mom, my confidant...and oh so funny!  My Grandma is also there as are all my cousins from both sides of the family. Elijah's Grandparents also live in California and not too far from San Diego, so we will get to see them as well!  I am so excited for them to finally get to meet Audrey and have some good family bonding time.  We love to hit up the beach, mostly Pacific Beach and Mission Beach.  I particularly like Mission Beach because Belmont Park is there and some neat little shops.  We also might hit up the bay so Audrey can be in some calmer waters.  We LOVE us some Sea World and will definitely head there.  We are going to go to the zoo, which I haven't gone to since I was younger, so that should be fun.  We also like going for the outlet shopping.  We have one outlet here and really, there aren't that many good shops to choose from!  Overall, the scenery is great.  Green, plush, fantastic weather, and the beach.  One day we want to pack the UHaul and move on out west...let's hope it's not just a dream!  Oh yeah, Ikea AND In N Out Burger is there too.  2 more pluses!  Here are some pictures of a trip a few years back!

Sea World...dolphin show!

Shark walk

Handsome fellow

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.  Me and Aunt Susan...aka Nana!

Boogie boarding!  So fun!

Beach bums

Okay, this is better!  Darn...my boobs look nice.  Good ol days!