Cabin Fever

Better Late than Never

2011-01-17T12:08:00.000-08:00

Christmas pics!

I loved the kids outfits this year. And check out Jame's facial hair. That's something for sure.

Gabe got Aidyn a Zhu Zhu pet. This is her trying to thank him for it.

I love the jammies that Grandma Hanby got for the kids. Zane's says Bulldog. :)

My new blogging commitment.

2010-11-01T14:32:00.000-07:00

I will blog about the family at least once a month. LOL.

Halloween was this weekend. And can you believe it... we got like next to no pictures of the kids. I'm not even joking

Gabe was a ninja. Which I was happy with. Ninja's are awesome and can protect you.

My friend Kelly rescued me and let me borrow this cute froggy costume for Zane. I have a perfect costume for him. In storage. Sigh.

Miss Aidyn was a witch. She's been asking all year to be a witch. And she got to wear makeup. I swear she was the happiest thing when I was putting it on her. "Mom... don't forget the lipstick!"

Cute, right?

Why is Easter always so cold?

2010-04-18T10:01:00.000-07:00

It was cold. Again. Where was the beautiful weather that we had in March?

Also, has anyone seen my box with the Easter baskets in it? I ended up running to Walgreens on Saturday night in search of some cheapy ones. (Woot, found some!)

Deja Vu

2010-03-19T08:12:00.000-07:00

Poor Zane. He is so itchy. He's got excema that guess what... got infected. Yep, Impatigo. Ugh. We had to deal with this with Gabe. This time around I'm trying to get rid of it a little bit gentler than what we did for Gabe. With Gabe we put hydrocortizone on him and he got an antibiotic. Since he was taking the antibiotics while he was teething it totally wrecked his teeth. I don't want a repeat of that. So we are going a more natural route for now. It's getting a little better. I'm giving it a week and if I can't treat it myself then we will be off to the doctor. I really hope it doesn't come down to that.

In the meantime, it's trying to figure out what has triggered this. If it's something I'm eating (I've already eliminated dairy) or if it's hay fever. He is so itchy!

Sometimes...

2010-03-11T17:51:00.001-08:00

it's just easier to update my status on Facebook. Is this what has happened to blogging? Has it been replace with Facebook and Twitter. Or do we really need just ONE MORE place to have it all "be about me"?

Tuesday = Favorite Day!

2010-03-10T15:08:00.000-08:00

Why?

Tuesday is Kids Eat FREE day at Zao Noodle Bar. I love, love, love that place. And I especially love when I don't have to worry if my kids will actually eat $5 worth of food. BECAUSE I DIDN'T PAY FOR IT! Woot!

The Great Blog Resurrection Take 6

2010-03-02T08:19:00.000-08:00

I don't know what it is. I love blogging. I love having a place where I can direct all my friends and family to one spot to catch up on. I love showing off my cute kiddo's.

But, I really, really, really stink at it. You see, I have so many things I would rather be doing. Like sleeping. Sleep is good. I like sleeping way more than I like blogging. So sleep wins out. So does knitting, crafting, spinning and surfing the internet.

You may or may not have been wondering what the Hanby Fam has been doing the last year. This might help...

In case you were wondering...

2009-05-14T13:19:00.001-07:00

What does a rather sick pregnant lady do for fun all day?

FACEBOOK

Seriously, it's an addiction. I think I check it at least 6 times a day. Those darn Pick 5 things are so stinking hard to pass up. I'm pretty sure that I've done almost every one of them on there.

Plus, facebook is a no brainer. It's just a time suck. It whiles away the hours of nausea and tiredness. I so can't wait until I start feeling better. But then, I'll miss all the fun on facebook!

My new ticker.

2009-04-12T21:15:00.000-07:00

Family Pics Sneak Peak

2009-04-08T11:12:00.001-07:00

While my friend Misty was in town last week we did some much needed family pictures. The only day we had to do it was Thursday. And it was pouring down rain out! We got some cute shots in and I can't wait to see the rest!!! Thanks, Misty!

I just need to get over myself.

2009-03-24T11:25:00.000-07:00

We need a second car. I just don't want to do it! But, with James working 50 hours a week + an hour commute each way it's becoming GLARINGLY obvious that we should get one.

But, it's totally stressing me out. We have crappy credit from defaulting on a bunch of loans when I was pregnant and unable to work. Last time we looked into buying a car our interest rate was going to be 16%!!! That was a year ago. Not sure if it's any better now, but I'm chicken to look to see what our credit is really like. Plus, I don't want to spend more than 10k, but I want more than 5 seats. So, unless we score a great deal on a mid sized SUV with a third row (I'm hoping for a miracle in a Highlander) I'm pretty much going to get stuck with a mini van.

I.Do.Not.Want.A.Mini.Van. I will seriously feel like my soul has been sucked out if I got a mini van. It's just SOOOOOO cliche. I am a unique individual. My dh is a unique individual. We are pretty artsy. To have a mini van would be like selling out. I am so not a sell out. I am a rock star. Rock stars do NOT drive mini vans.

So now I need to get online and look around and feel all sad and worthless because I don't want to go into huge debt. But, because I'm being all careful I'll probably be stuck with a mini van.

And I will cry.

I found this... I guess there ARE worse things than a minivan.

It's true.

2009-03-03T13:22:00.000-08:00

I completely, copletely suck at blogging.

The end.

Shameless Project Showoff

2009-01-07T11:03:00.000-08:00

A few months ago I made these really great looking fingerless gloves. They are crocheted out of Noro Kureyon sock yarn and are super cute! You can see them by visiting The Crochet Insider.

It all started because we have limited cash flow...

2008-10-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

James and I love Weezer. Love with a capital L. James was so excited that they were coming to Seattle. I hated having to tell him no, because lets face it, tickets are stinking expensive! Anyways he heard on the radio that 107.7 The End was looking for people to play their instruments on stage with Weezer. Didn't matter what you played. Just sign up on line and enter.

So I did.

I didn't hear anything back after a week so I really didn't think too much of it. Until Friday. We were at the Point Defiance Zoo (pictures coming soon!) taking advantage of the nice but cool weather and a day off from school. I get THE phone call. "You want to play your sax onstage with Weezer tomorrow night?".

"Uh. Yeah!!!"

So, I'm bouncing off the walls. More so than the normal Onica bouncing off the walls. I have a perma grin. I start freaking out about what I'm going to wear (Thanks Kelly for the use of one rad t-shirt and scarf). Where am I going to find a sax (I play one, don't necessarily have one, borrowed one from the Fletchers). Who's going to watch my kids? (Tia, you KNOW I owe you HUGE).

I go online and youtube Weezer's Hootenanny Instructions. Learn the chord progressions. Have a mild panic attack. Tried to sleep. Woke up at 5am. I knew THAT wasn't going to be a good idea so I finally forced myself to go back to sleep around 7. Aidyn wakes up at 8:30... sigh. James was already at work otherwise I would have stayed asleep. It's ok. I'm WIDE awake. I resume the bouncing and the perma grin.

Gabe had a soccer game at 11:30. We were late. Why were we late? Because I had to call everyone and my brother and their brothers to totally brag about the fact that I WAS GOING TO PLAY ONSTAGE WITH WEEZER! My mom didn't know who Weezer was, but she's good now. She knows how to use Google. At the soccer game I proceeded to tell anyone who remotely looked like they knew who Weezer was that I was GOING TO PLAY ONSTAGE WITH THEM!! A few people were sufficiently jealous. I loved it. You know I did.

I get home from the soccer game. James gets home from work. I start getting ready. And posting on all my boards that I was GOING TO PLAY ONSTAGE WITH WEEZER!!! My friend Alaina tries with all her might to get tickets because she's a huge Weezer fan as well. Alaina lives in Portland. I'm bummed she didn't make it. But let me tell you, Alaina, you rock and I love you so much for even trying.

I start getting ready. I go from this:

To this:

And Gabe did this:

I looked HAWT! I haven't felt like I looked that good in a long time. Must have been the cute shirt from Kelly.

James and I drive up to Seattle. We waited around with the other 30 musicians that also won the contest. They were cool. We get everyone checked in, go through security, get our little pass things and start warming up.

They had some of their tech guys come in and go through chord progressions and stuff. I was playing the alto sax. Anyways- we had our own green room where we rehearsed and then Brian came in to rehearse with us. I had him autograph an album for me and took a very crappy picture with him on my cell phone.

Crappy Cell Picture:

The Vinyl and Pass and Ticket:

Then they let us run free and we listened to the concert. Met back up in our green room at 10:30, rehearsed a teensy bit more and then went backstage to wait to go on. It was a crazy fun. That guy sax player who did the rocking solo was awesome. I wish I could play like him, but it’s been a LONG time since I played.

I was the cute girl in the back w/ the black t-shirt and the purple scarf. (And the one that got to hug River!). The put all the winds in the back (minus the cool soloists). So I'm behind the Ukelale players.

Group Shot:

Trying to get a close up of me:

At my seat:

Man these guys are AWESOME!

Angels & Airwaves played also. I love Tom D!

Me after playing in front of 10,000 fans.
I wasn't nervous at all, but probably because it was a rather large group onstage. The roar of the crowd was sweet. I rather liked it alot. But then again, I love attention. The only thing I don't recommend is getting up at 7:30am the next morning for church. It's two days later and I'm still tired!

I'm sure I'll post about this again as the radio station and other people put their stuff on You Tube. Dang. I still can't believe I got to do that!!!!

If you haven't seen this already...

2008-10-11T05:44:00.000-07:00

What's so wrong with being a SAHM?

2008-10-03T10:04:00.000-07:00

I just turned down a job. It would be working at a lawyers office answering phones and doing some data entry. It would have paid $15/hour. I would finally be able to get a car. But lets be honest, after daycare that pretty much is all it would help us do. And I think that's a dumb reason to go back to work.

I feel it's more important to stay home. I have LOVED being home the last 9 months. Not having to worry about my kids. Being there for them. Having them drive me crazy. True, it hasn't been ideal. It's just SO much fun having to get a ride everywhere. But, honestly I wouldn't give up being a SAHM just for a car.

Gabe's First Day of School

2008-09-29T08:33:00.001-07:00

Yes. It's September 29th and I am just now posting his back to school pics. What can I say? I've been busy knitting. I know, it's no excuse. But it's the only one I have!

In front of Pine Tree. It's the same school his Dad went to when he was little. Sappily cute, huh?

At his desk! Again... how cute is he? We cut his hair super short before school started. He wanted to have "straight" hair. This is as straight as it gets, buddy!

And the ever important stand-in-front-of-the-front-door picture. He's in a Super Hero phase right now if you can't tell. Somedays I'm surprised we can make it out the door without a cape on.

Another picture from school. He's working on his first project!

Summer 2008

2008-09-23T10:55:00.001-07:00

Better Late than Never

2008-09-23T10:46:00.000-07:00

So, I completely suck at blogging. I've never been a good journal writer so this is very hard for me.

Our summer was busy and fun. Park days, family reunion, 4th of July, waterparks, camping, Cornucopia Days... whew! James' work schedule is crazy. I'm surprised we actually did anything at all. Anyways- here is a slideshow of summer memories.

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Pictures forthcoming.

2008-08-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

Yes I own a camera. Yes, we do use it... often. And yes, it is a HUGE pain in the buns to upload to the computer and then upload to my photobucket account. But I promise, I will get some pics up here soon.

Woohoo! Finally a Harry Potter trailer!

2008-07-30T17:30:00.000-07:00

It's just a teaser but who cares! (My geekiness is going to show here). The kid they got to play young Voldemort is Ralph Fiennes nephew. He looks exactly like I thought young Tom Riddle should look like. And that kid has got creepy down!

In case you haven't seen it.... the trailer.

I will update soon. I promise!

2008-07-30T17:28:00.000-07:00

Three glorious weeks of summer and I've been....

stuck inside.

You would think I could update my blog every once in a while. Nope. Can't be bothered. It makes me sad to think longily of the days when someone in my house is not sick.

It started with pink eye.
And then Gabe got pneumonia.
And then I was sick with some fever/chills/sore throat thing for DAYS.

We are doing much better. Getting ready to head out here in a few days to go to Boise for a family reunion. Should be fun! (Hopefully)

So much to say and so little energy to say it with!

2008-06-27T22:38:00.000-07:00

In the last few weeks:

My sister has gotten married. (Congrats, Sarah!)
I went to my HS reunion.
Girls Weekend Out with 25 friends at an awesome cabin in Eastern WA.

I haven't uploaded pics from the reunion and haven't gotten pics from my sister yet.

My sisters wedding was nice. She's so young though (20)! I really wasn't that much older when I got married at 21. But I still look back and go... I WAS SO YOUNG!

The high school reunion was fun! It was at McMenamins Kenedy School in Portland. I caught up with some friends, took some rather hilarious pictures in a photo booth, and marveled how things really didn't change much in the last ten years. I was still the sober "drunk" girl. I just know how to have fun.

GWO- I could write novels about how awesome/fun/amazing my friends are. I love them SO much and am so excited that I got to spend time with them. My MOF's can do anything. I am lucky, so very lucky to have them in my life and I hope that we will all grow old together and keep on having our GWO's.

My friend Lara came in a day early so we had a good start to our GWO on Wednesday. Thursday we went to the Cabin. Friday we hung out in Seattle. Saturday we had a Super Saturday full of crafty classes and of course playing games. Sunday we came home. I can't wait for next years! (Hopefully I won't be as much of a nerd then)

Some Pics from GWO.

I'll try and not be jealous...

2008-06-07T22:20:00.000-07:00

1. James is leaving tomorrow for Los Angeles.
2. It's raining and cold here.
3. He gets to see some old friends.
4. Beaches.
5. Good cheap Mexican food.
6. He'll be warm. Even if it rains, it will be warm.
7. Have I mentioned that it will be sunny?
8. It's just not fair.

(Although 2 out of 3 days he'll be in training... but still.)

What do you get with 3 balls of string and 60+ hours of work?

2008-05-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

You get this: (The dress, people, not the baby...)

The Trip, Part 3

2008-05-25T09:29:00.001-07:00

Saturday we decided to wake up early so that we could drive into DC and do some touristy stuff. We made really good time and got to DC around 10:20 in the morning. After a few stressful minutes of trying to find a parking spot we got out and started walking the memorials. We didn't have a lot of time so our main focus was to see as much as we could in three hours. We saw a LOT! It's Memorial Day weekend so it got pretty busy. There were people everywhere. It was awesome. All these people there remembering the price of freedom. There were times it simply took my breath away.

The White House

WWII Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

Washington Memorial

"The Flaming Sword of Justice" aka a WWI Memorial. I named it so because that's what it looks like.

Memorial day brings out the biker vets and their families. I don't know if you can see them well in this picture but here are thousands of bikes parked on the mall. There were biker vets everywhere, it was so awesome! They all wear these vest with patches on them on what war, if they were POW/MIA, their units, and how many years they had done the trip to DC for Memorial day.

Oh, and here is General. Look closely, the guy on the right is wearing his toy dog in a sling. The dog is wearing goggles. His name is General. That dog got his picture taken more than Lincoln himself I'm sure.

My favorite memorial was the Korean War Memorial.

Jefferson Memorial. It's not on the mall directly, we had to drive a few blocks to get to it, but luckily parking there is good. It's incredible how big these structures are. So much time and labor were put into them.

And yes, there are more pics of James than me. He's just more photogenic. Well, I'm going to wrap up here. There are a ton more pictures. It was a really great trip. The weather was SO nice, not too hot and just right warm. Oh, and did you know that North Carolina SMELLS good!! Such a nice change after living in smoggy LA and moldy Seattle!

The Trip, Part 2

2008-05-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

Thursday we drove from DC to Durham. The drive was very pretty. Virginia is beautiful. North Carolina is the same. There are trees everywhere. It was very disconcerting in Durham and surrounds. Everything is hidden by a green belt. It was hard to navigate at first, but we soon figured it out. I cheaped out at the car rental place and decided not to get the GPS. Silly idea. We ended up buying a map and had a few interesting side tours while looking for apartments.

We stayed with a friends parents in Durham. They have a beautiful house in the country of North Durham. They were incredible and generous. Oh, and they had deer running through their community. How cool is that?!?

Friday was spent looking at more apartments. (And yarn stores, we hit up Hillsborough and Fiber Loft) We figured out that N. Durham wasn't exactly where we wanted to be and focused more on SW Durham near Chapel Hill since that is where James would be working. We found some good apartments and we have an idea of where we would move if the transfer did go through.

Friday night I met up with some knitting friend that I met on Ravelry. We had a good time. One of the ladies is opening her own yarn shop (Fiber Loft). I got to go in and I bought some really cool hand spun and dyed yarn.

After we hung out at the shop we went out for dinner and some sightseeing. We ended up at Duke Gardens... gorgeous and while we were on Duke campus we went to see the Chapel.

The Gardens

The Chapel

All in all Friday was a very pleasant day and we could see ourselves living in that area. All though I have realized that living in the Northwest has spoiled me with all the yummy yarn stores here.

The Trip, Part 1

2008-05-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday we left our kids in the hands of the very capable grandparents and we flew to DC. The flight was long and boring. I knit, James read. I know, exciting. Anyways we got to DC and my friend Tami picked us up. She so rocks! She let us stay at her house for the night. We were getting settled in and funny story... I cut my hand on a tiny piece of glass. It hurt like no one's business. I went into the bathroom to run it under some cold water. And then I started feeling woozy. I called to James and the next thing I knew James was holding me on the bathroom floor trying to wake me. Yes, I was felled by a tiny piece of glass! Want to see the big bad owie that made me faint? Here it is!

Awesome, huh. I feel like a complete moron. I mean, who passes out at this type of stuff? Oh yeah, me.

Here I am with my friend Tami. I thinks she's totally awesome. She's a really good friend and I'm glad that I got to know her better.

Pleased as Punch!

2008-05-12T18:41:00.000-07:00

So, little known (or widely known, depending on how you know me) fact is that as much as I am at the yarn store I really don't knit at all. I mostly crochet. And since I have professed rather vigorously that I DO NOT KNIT... here is where I get to eat my words.

I finished this today. Yes, FINISHED. As in actually knit something and didn't take it apart after a few rows. You see, I prefer to crochet. It's faster and if you make a mistake it's not nearly as hard to fix it as it is if you were knitting. That being said, I just love how knit items turn out. They just look more "finished" and not so "homemade" looking. I've always said that I don't have the patience to knit. I guess I must have learned some somewhere.

Here it is, a purple fingerless glove to wear to Gabe's T-Ball games.

A Surefire Way to Get FAT!

2008-05-12T06:59:00.000-07:00

So, while hanging out on Ravelry one day I came across a little known thing called Cakewaffles. Mmmmm..... cake.

To make Cakewaffles is very easy. Mix up a box of cake mix exactly as it says on the back of the box. Turn on your waffle iron. Next you put some batter in the waffle iron and cook it for the same amount of time as a regular waffle. Serve warm topped with your favorite toppings. I specifically love Devils Food Cake with Whipped Cream and Strawberries. I've also heard that the Yellow Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream is also very good.

I know you all want to try them.

It's not the Aquarium of the Pacific.

2008-05-08T08:47:00.000-07:00

But beggers can't be choosers when you need something to do with your kids.

The Seattle Aquarium is actually not that bad. We got there late in the afternoon. We saw them feed the octopus. All the mammals were out playing. The girl and the boy loved it. We should have bought a family pass though.

Here we are in the bubble. The boy thought this was awesome. The girl didn't want to leave. I must admit that I love to sit in these types of places and just hang out. I needed a break! We window shopped on Queen Anne. Had lunch at the 5 Spot. Hit up the Trader Joes for snacks when we got to the Aquarium. Went to the park. By the time we actually made it to the aquarium I was beat!

The boy riding on a whale.

This seal was HUGE!

Nobody puts Baby in the corner. Except Baby herself...

Kerney Park

2008-05-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

James and I discovered this park yesterday while on a foray in Queen Anne. It's a smallish park set on the side of the hill overlooking the majestic Seattle downtown. It's a great view and I can only imagine how beautiful it is on an actually sunny day. The view is very famous. It's the one all those "hollywood" types use for stock footage of the city. Here is a good example as modeled by my extremely cute children.

At this park is a little play area that while looking down on it you think... "oh, my children will like that". But what you don't know is that they have a few pieces of equipment that are the FUNNEST things you have ever been on.

Example #1, #2 and #3 the "teacups". Fun little things you sit in and they spin you around and around. No pushing required. Perfect for my lazy self. All of us tried it. I didn't get a pic of James doing it, I was too busy spinning!

Oh, here is a pic of James spinning. Yes, this is a very cool little park.

More gratuious pics while at the park.

An unknown obsession... ok, well my husband knows about it.

2008-04-26T20:49:00.000-07:00

I admit it. I love any and all things Harry Potter. In fact right now I'm brainstorming my Tonks costume for the midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Yes, I realize that it doesn't come out until November. I'm seriously considering doing one of those paper chain countdowns in the House colors. I'm THAT excited.

I listen to PotterCast, and SnapeCast and everyonce in a while MuggleCast. I read fanfics. I love finding HP artwork and actually think about purchasing some. (Insert blush). But where oh where do you hang a paiting of the Trio? (For you Muggles that would be Harry, Ron and Hermoine). And how to not get teased unmercifully about it from your IRL (in real life) friends?

My MIL and I frequently have HP Movie Marathons. Complete with a HP feast... Unicorn Hair, Gryffin Bites, Butterbeer. So yummy! Ok, so I'm a nerd.

The newest HP obsession is books on CD. I now can crochet my HP inspired fingerless gloves while listening to Jim Dale's lovely english accent. Oh, how I'm a sucker for accents! Must be why I love the magical ENGLISH world of Harry Potter.

Oh, and for fun I dug up this photo from when a few friends and I stood in line for Half Blood Prince (in a SMITHS!!!) ... my friend Lara as Bellatrix Lestrange...

Four Play

2008-04-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged! I feel so special!!!

Four places I go to over and over: Jo-Anne's, Renessaince Yarns, Top Foods and Target and yes, they are for the most part within ten blocks of my house. I have this theory....

Four people who email me regularly: Christine, AFA (American Floral Association), My good friend Erika and of course a lot of monthly newsletters from all the establishments I like to pretend I shop at.

Four places I like to eat: ArchaThai, Il Riconsito, Panera Bread and Chipotle. And yes, also all within a mile radius of my house. You see, I have this theory...

Four places I would like to be right now: Visiting my friend Erika and her new baby in Vegas, Hanging out with Kelli A. in Santa Monica, Yarnia in Portland and I really would like to be somewhere warm and tropical right now!

Four TV Shows I watch all the time: Ugly Betty, Samantha Who, New Amsterdam, How I Met Your Mother

Four people I think will respond: Misty, April, dang it but Tia already tagged me. So uh.... Stacy and Kelly.

My kid plays T-Ball!!!

2008-04-20T20:38:00.000-07:00

It really is a surreal thing. I grew up in a very artsy house. My dad was in drama, my mom was in choir. I did the whole band/choir/drama thing. My three sisters have done one or all of the same as well. No real sports in there. Ok, there was a summer or two when we were on the Parks Swim Team. But most of my growing up was in rehearsals.

My husband however was a jock. He played football in high school. His parents are really into sports. His siblings did sports. You could say most of his growing up was spent on a field (or a court... whatever).

Here's Gabe in the line-up at his first game. I was so upset. We got his schedule on Tuesday and his first game was on Thursday. And wouldn't you know it, but I had a big Scentsy party at the same time so I missed it!

James got some video footage. For going to film school his camera work is complete crap. I'm starting to wonder if he was awake during that class. To give him credit he was trying to coach Gabe.

T-ball is VERY funny and entertaining. The kids really have no clue what going on, so there is a LOT of shouting from parents and coaches. "Run to first. No not THAT way".

My favorite footage of the game: Gabe is running the bases and the ball comes near him. He stops, backtracks, picks up the ball and throws it to first. We've since had the discussion that he really doesn't need to help the other team while he's running bases.

He's loving t-ball and so are we. Well, I could do with some warmer weather, but this is Washington. I don't think warmer weather exists here.

As Said By Carmen

2008-04-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

Carmen: Onica, you know everything!
Me: Not quite, but close. ;-)
Carmen: Well Angie does.
Me: Angie?
Carmen: Yeah, Angie Wenger. She knows everything!

Well, there you go.

A little of this... a little of that.

2008-04-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

Saturday was quite possibly one of the most beautiful days I have seen in a LONG time. Seattle is absolutely gorgeous when it's 81 degrees outside and not a cloud in the sky. Gabe was so excited to wear SHORTS and a T-SHIRT. But wouldn't you know it, we are back in the 40's/50's. I guess good things don't last forever.

Gabe and his shorts. Notice the white legs and the shoes/socks that don't match his outfit. Hey, he's 5 and dresses himself.

Aidyn's jelly shoes. I love jelly shoes. LOVE them.

My loving kids. They really do this a lot. It makes me so incredibly happy how much they love each other.

Quite possibly THE BEST blog post I have ever read

2008-04-13T23:13:00.000-07:00

Us Vs. Them aka LDS vs. FLDS

http://thegabblog.blogspot.com/2008/04/just-for-record.html

Seriously. The Best.

Read it, pass it on, leave her a comment, add her to your favorites.

Is it wrong???

2008-04-08T07:51:00.000-07:00

To hope my kids sleep in just a bit longer?

To save up money for trips/fun things/moving I have started watching Carmen (6) before and after school (and on her days off as well). I also watch another set of girls Sylvie (2) and Macey(18 months).

Today is the first day with all of them. Carmen is on spring break. Sylvie is new the area and I've had Macey before.

Yes folks, that is 5 kids in a two bedroom 800 sq. foot apartment. And yes, wouldn't you know it, it's raining outside. I think it will be a playdoh day today.

So, it's 8am. Carmen's been here since 6 but she went back to sleep. Macey and Sylvie got here at 7. They are playing. My kids are still sleeping. Oh please, let them sleep just a TAD longer.

My (not so new) New Years Resolution

2008-04-05T16:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, I realize that it is April and that New Years was 4 months ago. But what can I say? I've been busy! I would try and update you all, but it would take forever seeing as how the last time I blogged was well over a year and a half ago.

So, about me now. I need a list.

I'm a SAHM (yippee!) although I do watch some kids part time here and there. Mostly before and after school stuff.
G is 5 and will be going into kindergarten this fall. He's starting to read VERY simple words. Oh, and he's playing t-ball.
A is 18 months and she is, well she's a pistol that's for sure.
James is still working at Trader Joes. He's now in management.
We are seriously considering the idea of moving to North Carolina this fall.
I'm obsessed with Crocheting (and sometimes knitting).

A recent finished project...

It's pretty. I love it. A nice harlequin stitch made into a cute scarf. For my fiber loving friends it's made out of Cascade 220. If I was smart I would have made it longer and felted it. Oh well, live and learn. It's still cute though.

Some recent pics of us and the kids...

Lumberjack G

Miss And I

Cutest Baby Announcement EVER!!!

2006-10-22T20:42:00.000-07:00

Just had to share my first foray into using Photoshop...

Baby Girl

2006-09-17T16:42:00.000-07:00

Here she is! She was born on Sept. 12th, 2006 at 8:08pm. She weighed in at 7 pounds 5 ounces and is 20 inches long. She is beautiful and the pictures do not do her justice. I'll have to take some more in the next few days while she is still "new".

With her incredibly cute older brother who loves her to pieces. Literally.

She really didn't like being weighed, but honestly what woman does? This picture cracks me up. Notice how she's trying to pull herself out.

And this is a pure vanity thing. My hair looked fantastic thanks to my friend Kelli who cut and blew it out the night before. No clear picture of baby girl, but heh, my hair looks good for just having a baby!

I'm sure there will be more pictures on the way. I'm in that half delirious, sleep deprived stage.

My latest projects...

2006-07-29T07:45:00.000-07:00

A blessing blanket I made for a friend who is due a few weeks after me... I used Bernat Baby Coordinates in white. Pattern by Terry Kimbrough in Book 4 of Absolutely Gorgeous Baby Afghans. Hook size H.

A baby blanket I am working on for my baby girl due Sept. 16th. Simply Soft yarn in Sage, Pink and Rose. The square is called the Fisherman's Square. Still working on the edging. Size H hook.

And last but not least. My pride and joy. A baby blanket I made for yet another friend who is due a week after I am. The square patterns where from the 200 Crochet Blocks by Jan Eaton. I used Canadiana yarn in Light French Blue, French Blue, Cream and Brown. I love this and will be so sad to part with it.

So, I havn't been scrapping, but at least I've been keeping busy.

A few pics for some friends...

2006-07-20T14:37:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures of me recently. The ones in the pink shirt were taken on July 2nd. The ones with the blond hair were taken July 14th. I got bored and needed a change. My friend Kelli is an amazing hairstylist. I love her and what she can do to my hair!

Does once a week count?

2006-04-25T19:02:00.000-07:00

So now that I am feeling better my mind is racing with all of my ideas to get back to working in some capacity. Wish me luck!

I have a wedding in July, maybe one in June. In may I'm speaking at a wedding seminar and will be taking my business cards! I'm hoping to at least get a few weddings from that.

The Baby Girl has started kicking! Now that I know what I am having I feel more of a pull towards my dusty and negleted scrap area. I have so many pics to get processed too! I could scrapbook every day and all day and probably never be "done".

Someday, right?

We're having a girl!!!

2006-04-20T08:43:00.000-07:00

Had an ultrasound earlier this week to see how the blood clot behind the placenta is doing. It's still there. So, I'm still on modified bedrest for a bit. NO working. Suckfest. I need money SOOOO bad. I have a cable bill to pay for goodness sakes!

Anyways, while they were looking around in there we decided to find out the gender of this bundle of joy I'm carrying around. A girl!!!!

I finally, finally have a good excuse to buy all the girly scrapbook paper I want. That's if I ever get to go back to work.

It's time we updated this thing.

2006-04-08T16:40:00.000-07:00

I'm not a woman of too many words these days. There are a few reasons I suppose. You know, I havn't done a list in a while...

Reasons why I hardly ever blog...

I'm lazy.
I really have nothing good to say.
I'm on bedrest and other than "Hey, I crocheted a sweater today" not much else is going on.
I was hurt bad by some friends. Nice, huh.
You would be surprised about how much having a blood clot in your uterus hurts when you sit up for long periods of time.
A three year old crazy boy running around all over the place is just not conducive to being able to have rational thoughts.
I'm lazy.

Seriously, I think I'm the only person who likes having a blog but who doens't actually like updating it. I know, I'm weird.

My quote for the day...

2006-03-23T23:10:00.000-08:00

To belittle..... is to be little.

It's alive!!!

2006-03-06T13:11:00.000-08:00

My website that is...

www.onicahanby.com

It only took forever and a day but oh, well! Now I'm off to make some brochures for the area florists!!

Onica

Here I go again...

2006-03-02T15:03:00.000-08:00

So, some of you who know me IRL know that I do floral design on the side. I've decided to take it a step further and do it more than just here and there. For the past two days I have been working on my website. (www.onicahanby.com) The pain is that I can only upload one picture at a time to the photo album. Slowly and surely it's coming along though.

The plan is to get the website up, get my business cards done and pimp myself out to the area florist shops. Yep, I'm going to freelance it. If I get weddings or events for myself I can still do them and hire my own helping hands. This way I don't have to worry about having a brick and mortar store and the overhead that comes with it.

We are going home at the end of March to see the fam in Seattle for about a week. My BIL is coming home from his mission on the 10th. He's serving in the Ukraine. My SIL is blessing her baby Reese the weekend that we are coming up. Then we are all going to go see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

After the week in Seattle my DS and I are going to my parents house in Portland. Actually, we'll probably stay at my Sis's house which is literally 5 houses down from my parents. I am very excited about this.

There is a great floral design school in Portland and there is a class that starts on April 3rd. I really want to take it but it's a beginners class and I'm not sure if I will be too bored, etc. I'm still waiting on the info as to how much/how many weeks the program is. I've never had any formal training and I would very much appreciate that the extra training would afford me.

I can't wait for the info! I really want to go the school. Check it out.... www.floraldesigninstitute.com . I'm so excited. I love flowers and I love making beatiful art with them.

Is your house a wreck???

2006-02-26T10:24:00.000-08:00

Mine is! Oh my word, is it a mess. And yes, I do care. Ok, not really. I am way too pre-occupied trying to force liquids down my throat in attempt to waylay any trip I might have to take to the hospital to have an IV shoved into my hand.

My bathrooms.... ew gross! My kitchen... can't even walk into it without immediately running into the said icky bathroom and puking my guys out. DH does a good job trying to maintain the kitchen staying clean, but let's face it, he's a guy. He just doesn't understand that the sight of last nights dirty dishes are vomit inducing.

The bedrooms... look like a tornado has passed through. For some reason I can not stand the smell of freshly laundered clothing. So, all of my clothes are literally airing out in front of the window in my bedroom. They have been doing this for about two weeks now. They still smell sickingly clean. I hate them.

DS's room is equally as messy. But with toys. I clean it, I really do. Toys don't smell or look like icky food. But wouldn't you know, that the one room I clean everyday is the one that gets wrecked again 5 seconds later.

The good thing in all this is that I really don't have to make any excuses for the state of affairs in my household. Everyone who comes over knows I am sicker than a dog. Or they will if they stick around long enough to see me run faster than a jet plane to the bathroom if they merely mention the thought of getting something to eat. It's nice not having that pressure of having an immaculate house.

Hi! My name is Onica. I am an untidy woman. And I don't care.

Home show addiction...

2006-02-22T15:03:00.000-08:00

So, is anyone else as addicted to home improvement shows as I am? It's not like I even own a house. I live in an apartment and I'm pretty sure that Lanscapers Challenge isn't going to help me any. I mean really, come on. By the time I could actually afford a house with a yard I will be too old to remotely enjoy planting a kitchen herb garden or making a water feature out of an old sink.

But, oh it is so interesting to see what other creative souls can come up with! The color combinations, the themes, the demolition! I want to buy a house just so I can tear down a wall ala Ty Pennington. (Or in my wildest dreams actually get someone to nominate me for Extreme Makeover Home Eddition and the hottie can come do it himself).

I wonder if I could get away with a New England Nautical bathroom here in So. Cal?

Well, that was weird.

2006-02-16T16:08:00.000-08:00

Today I watched one of my good friends son Asher who just turned one. It was so weird! I seriously haven't watched a "baby" since mine was that little. I felt like I was new at it or something. I forgot to put on his bib. Oh, the joys of a one year old with a banana! I had a heck of a time remembering that he probably didn't understand a tenth of what I was saying to him. He was very cute though and a very good baby. I might be tempted to watch him again.

The great thing was that even though he is 2 years younger than my crazy 3 year old they still had a blast playing together. It was great not having to entertain my kid 24/7. DH works evenings so he spent the morning/early afternoon with us. He is such a baby man. I am so excited to be having another one...

Things I havn't had to do for awhile that I did today....

Change diapers... ds has been potty trained for a few months now.
Bibs. Seriously, the kid was a mess! I should have taken a pic.
Formula and bottles.
Cutting things up into a million bazillion pieces.
Hiding all the little toys so he wouldn't swallow them.
Babyproofing the house.
Rocking a baby to sleep.
Not having a kid talk back to me. Oh, now that was nice!

Must have nourishment...

2006-02-14T08:55:00.000-08:00

For flips sake! My dh has the car today and there is absolutely NOTHING in the house that I want to eat. What I really want is a fresh bagel from Bagelicious but that could be hours from now.... oh my bubbling tummy. How dare you get a craving when I don't have a car! How dare you decide that something actually sounds good and you can't even get yourself to the establishment that sells it! Your evil, very evil. You can't do this to a girl on Valentine's day. It's just not right.

Reasons why Valentines Day sucks when you are sicker than a dog.

Can't go out to eat, all the different smells make you nautious.
Can't order in. Food in general makes you puke. Unless your a bagel from Bagelicious.
Don't even dare bring flowers into this house. The sight of the smelly things that will start decaying in 4 days is vomit inducing.
You have NO energy to "let's get it on" with your dh.
Your three year old has demolished your house and you in no way want to make it pretty for dh as that will inevitably cause you to throw up.
Just sitting up to write in you blog is making you dizzy.

A Picture Says A Thousand Words....

2006-02-11T11:18:00.000-08:00

As you can see that is a positive pee on a stick test. The result of which has had me sicker than a dog the last three weeks. Needless to say I am on medical leave. I'm already down 8 pounds. I'm almost (like two days away) 11 weeks.

We told our families on Tuesday. Everyone is very excited. My SIL Sara just had a baby end of January and my sister Leslie is having a baby end of July. So there will be a few cousins close in age. Just wish WE lived closer to them.

As for the due date... it's September 4th.

Well, that's my news!

Sorry for the long wait...

2006-02-06T16:26:00.000-08:00

But I'm on a bit of a blogging hiatus.

Just know this....

I will be back w/ a vengeance later this week!

Is this really what I want to do?

2006-01-17T08:56:00.000-08:00

The last couple of months have been a great diversion. All I do is work. And it's completely crazy hours. I must be hiding from something. Maybe it's life.

The more and more I work the more and more I would just like to stay home and be a good mom. Or have my own business. I figure if I'm putting in all these crazy hours I might as well be doing it for myself.

I read other mom's blogs. It's kind of depressing. They all have funny antidotes about what their kids are doing. Mine goes to daycare. I have no idea what he does there all day. They get to vent about how their kids destroyed there house right after they cleaned it. My house still has some Christmas decorations up and is filthy. They have time to have hobbies. My scrapbook area has a layer of dust so thick I can't even tell what's under it.

I'm not saying that being a SAHM is any easier that being a working mom. It's so not. SAHM are underappreciated by society and maybe even their own families. I just really feel like I'm missing out on the one reason why we had children. To watch them grow.

Sorry folks, no list for me today. I just can't do it.

Apparently I Have Been Tagged

2006-01-14T20:49:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Alissa...
I started this a few days ago and am just now getting around to it.

Seven things to do before I die:
Have a bit part in one of my dh's movies
Travel to all the continents
Catch up w/ my scrapbooks
Own a house
Buy my parents a car
Be debt free
Star in a musical

Seven things I cannot do:

Keep my house clean.
Avoid Hollywood Gossip, heck gossip in general. My life is so boring it seems.
I cannot eat hummus again. Ever. Gag. Barf.
Stick to long term goals/promises. Like working out. Or eating right. Or keeping my house clean.
Stay in touch w/ friends after they have or I have moved away. I have one exception to that rule, my bff Stephanie.
Give up eating sweets. Over my dead body would that happen.
I cannot stop obsessing about owning our own home.

Seven Things that Attract Me to My Spouse(not necessarily in this order!):

He's hot.
He is sincere.
He's a great dad.
Most day's he's a great husband.
He buys me flowers.
He lets me do what I want.
He came home on his lunch today to make me dinner.

Seven Things I Say (or write) Most Often:

What, Gabe?
Seriously?
I love you.
Gabe, stop playing w/ that.
Whatever.
What time do I work again?
How would you like your return?

Seven books I love:

Emma
Pride and Prejudice
Sense and Sensibility
Persuasion
Mansfield Park
Harry Potter
Historical Novels

Seven movies I could watch over and over again: (This is a huge stretch for me as I'm not one who actually likes to watch movies again and again.

Ten Things I Hate About You (Oh Heath, your such a hottie)
White Christmas
Any Rogers/Hammerstein Musical
Anything w/ Carey Grant, Doris Day or Judy Garland. Or Bing. Or... ok, I admit to being in love w/ the old movies.
Sweet Home Alabama
Emma
Pride and Prejudice

Seven people I want to join in:
Does anyone actually read this thing that hasn't already done it? I mean really?

The Truth Is Out There... And It Hurts

2006-01-14T20:34:00.000-08:00

So, I've been in my department for all of two weeks. And because I want to move into management I am under more scrutiny than most. OMG, I cannot believe how catty it gets there.

Things Onica needs to work on at work.

Not being so sarcastic w/ co-workers.
Quit being so bossy w/ said co-workers.
Be more pro-active.
Take ownership of the department.

Ok, so yes, I am sarcastic w/ a few co-workers. Just the ones that are absolutely horrid and total sharks. (A shark is someone who only sells and won't do anything else, a shark also will try to help as many people as they can and leave nothing for everyone else).

There are some serious slackers in my department. Some of them have been there for less time than I have. I know that this "review" is because of them. They are total suck ups to the boss.

So, I will take the advice given. I will also take the advice given by another co-worker....

TRUST NO ONE.

Very X-files if you ask me.

Things I need, desperately.

2006-01-10T21:29:00.000-08:00

A house with a yard. Gabe aparently is a marathon runner and loves to run. I hate going to the park everyday. It would just be easier on my poor lazy soul if I could just have a yard of my own.
Money
More time
New clothes, mine are getting too loose for me to wear. (Yessssuh)
New shoes. I've totally worn out all of my work ones I bought 3 months ago. Plus, they are killing my feet.
An actual date with my husband. I think we went on one last on our aniversary... IN AUGUST!
Magic fingers like Mary Poppins. Why is it that when I sing and snap my fingers all the stuff in my house doesn't pop back into it's place?
Did I mention money? Seriously. Any day now folks.

Uh...

2006-01-07T08:43:00.000-08:00

Freak. I'm tired. My legs hurt. I have a headache. AND I get to go to work.

I need a vacation.

Seriously. I worked like a dog from October to Christmas. I had one week of not so busy at work and then I transferred departments. HOLY HECK! I thought I was busy before. That's nothing compared to what I do now. Seriously, I should videotape myself at work. I would be a blur.

Luckily I don't have to be at work until noon today. I think I feel a list coming on...

Things to Do Before Going to Work

Eat
Take a long hot bubble bath
Get dressed
Hang out w/ my family
Maybe, just maybe put away the Christmas decorations.
Enter the HGTV Dream Home Giveaway.
Put on makeup. I look like death warmed over.

On second thought, I'll get to the Christmas decorations tomorrow.

Crap, My Christmas Decorations Are STILL Up

2006-01-05T08:45:00.000-08:00

It's the 5th of January people. The FIFTH and my Christmas decorations are still up. And do I care? A little, but I'm so freaking tired just thinking about putting it all away is giving me a headache.

Yesterday..... Oh yesterday. It was like my first day all over again. Except this time I know how to use the registers and all of the logistical crap. Whole new floor (I used to be on the third floor, now I'm on the first), and new product that I know almost nothing about. I'll catch up fast. I'm a smart girl. So yeah, first day in a new department is a little overwhelming.

We are starting to potty train Gabe. I don't know how we will accomplish this with our crazy-never-the-same schedules. He's doing all right, but it could be better if I could take a week off and just work with him at it. It really helped a lot that my in-laws were down here for a week right after Christmas and worked with him on it.

THINGS THAT I WOULD DO IF I HAD MORE TIME...

Read my scriptures
Potty train my son
Go back to school, or at least do the fun things like band and drama
Scrapbook more
Clean said scrapbook area
Heck, clean my house
Go walking to the park w/ the Gabester. He loves that.
Go on vacation, to someplace other than home to visit family that I never get to see
See more movies w/ my DH.
See more movies w/out my dh (chick flicks!!)
Paint my toe nails.

Moving on up!

2006-01-04T08:37:00.000-08:00

So today is my first day in my new department at Nordies. For the past 3 months I have been in the infants/toddlers department and have been doing rather well. But, I want to go into management and my store manager doesn't really like to promote out of the kids wear departments and wanted to see me in something more challenging. (Screaming mothers isn't a challenge?). My new department...

Accessories.

Scarves, Hats, Belts, Sunglasses, Hair Accessories. All designer of course. And not one freaking thing that I can afford. Not like I need any of it. See, that's the hard part about working retail. This overwhelming feeling that you have to keep up w/ the Joneses. Well, I'm trying hard to beat that feeling down. So far, so good.

The good thing about Nordies... I make commission off my sales. The bad... They deduct any returns from my sales. Sucks. Thus the reason for moving into management. Granted I will have WAY more stress, but...

Reason why management would work well for me...

Salary PLUS commission
33% discount (I only get 20 right now)
Never really have to close ever again unless I want to.
I get to make my own schedule.
Managers are only required to work 1 Sunday a month. Right now I work all of them.
I get to be bossy and have a darn good reason for it.

Not too shabby. There are some minuses. Like during sales (three times a year) you have to put in 12+ days. But to be home every night by 6 for the most part would be wonderful. More time w/ my family and a more steady income. At least my personal life would be less stressful.

Where's the M?

2006-01-03T21:16:00.000-08:00

So this is my 3rd stab at blogging. I'm not kidding you. Maybe this time I will be better. I stopped blogging because my free trial was over. Let's face it folks, I'm freaking poor. No way in heck am I paying for something that I can get free.

For those of you who don't know me, my name is Onica. Sounds like Monica but without the M. I'm a married for four years, working mom to a 3 year old, devout Mormon who secretly wishes she was famous. I scrapbook, crochet and spend too much money on clothing and the aforementioned hobbies. My starving artist husband and I live in the vicinity of Los Angeles. Oh, and for what it's worth we met in a chat room. There, I said it.

So, that pretty much sums up who I am right now. Oh, and I'm a list maker. People who have read previous vestiges of my blog know this.

Here is my list for today:

Onica's New Years Goals (a few days late, but whatever)

Lose the last 15 pounds from when I was pregnant... THREE YEARS AGO.
Sell as many Gucci sunglasses and Hermes scarves as I can (I work at Nordstroms)
Become a manager.... buy myself my very first "Handbag" (I'm going for a Chanel one!)
Never, ever be late paying my bills again. (This is a hard one folks, I can't ever remember to do anything lately)
Read the Book of Mormon again.
Get pregnant and have a healthy baby.
Quit eating so much freaking ice cream.
Spend more time w/ my son when I get home from work.
Go on dates w/ my dh. Real ones. Taking the kid along does not count.
Scrapbook more, be lazy less. Seriously I have a fortune in scrap supplies. Can I please use them?