Momma's Mosaic

April 29, 2012 I will be….

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 03:08:00 +0000

Running a marathon here!!!!

How lucky am I?!!!

Big Sur International Marathon

26.2 miles: Big Sur to Carmel!!!!!

Ragnar Relay SoCal 2011…

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 03:36:00 +0000

Well the running adventure continued this weekend with the 200 mile, 12 person Ragnar Relay. My team- “Slow Motion to the Ocean” was great! Fun, energetic and relaxed people who love running. We ran from Huntington Beach to Coronado Island in 34 hours. Here’s some pics from the trip!

The start line.

The route

So happy to be done with my first leg- mid-day…Yorba Linda along the river.

Some of my teammates at the 1st Major Exchange in Yorba Linda before we split up again.

The campground in Lake Elsinore. Chillin’ and waiting for Van #2 to finish its leg so that we can start on our second legs.

Patty and I getting ready to start on our 2nd leg in Murrieta. How do you like our safety gear?

Gotta have some bling.

The driving range in Carlsbad where we “slept” from about 3-5am.

Last leg coming to the point at Torrey Pines. So thankful that hill is over

We did it!!!! Go Team Go!

Fun with Chompy and Writing…

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 05:46:00 +0000

A couple of months ago I came upon this website: Trekaroo. (Image Source: www.trekaroo.com)

This site is incredible!

Parents provide reviews and suggestions on activities, locations, lodging places etc. that other parents can refer to when planning trips or looking for fun things to do with their kiddos.

Since I’m trying to always be creative in what I do with Chompy, this is right up my alley! I love looking through great, fun, safe options for Chompy. I also really enjoy writing reviews and hopefully helping other parents through Chompy and my adventures!

Check out some of my reviews by searching for MommasMosaic on the website or just look around for cool things to do!

Maybe you’ll find a new adventure!

The Big Sewing Project….

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 05:36:00 +0000

So, it was delivered to Lissa today, and therefore, I can post the pictures of my biggest project yet!!!

I love how it turned out and hopefully she likes it too! She picked out the best, swirly, fabric ever!

I think it looks pretty good in her beach-y, mountain-y, outdoorsy, beautiful sister’s room!

Celebrate the boy!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 04:45:00 +0000

I'm in the middle of a BIG sewing project, but tonight, I decided that I needed to do a project that I could finish in 1/2 hour. So, in honor of the beginning of MADE's "Celebrate the Boy" I made Chompy a new bib. Even though he is 20 months old, he is a messy, messy eater who needs a bib. So, this can replace the itty bitty baby drool bibs that we still have around in our drawers.

Wonder...

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 04:03:00 +0000

I was drawn to this blog post today, and cannot help but feel like my heart spoke through her.

http://www.chattingatthesky.com/2011/02/10/the-secret-to-keeping-the-wonder/

I think this is why my mommy theme since Chompy was born has been "Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder." E.B. White. In fact, it's framed in his room right now.

Reasons for the lack in posts...

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 04:44:00 +0000

So now that we've been in the house for 7 months, I finally got the motivation to start organizing. So, that's where I've been hiding.

Here:

And Here:
(Thanks to my Aunt Danie and Uncle Tom for the AMAZING hand-me-down rugs! They make our floor so much more cozy to race cars and build duplos.)

And here:

And Here:
I've slowly been going through each closet. While they aren't perfect, they are much better and at least everything fits. 'cause if something didn't, then it got tossed or donated.

And...last but not least, in between Chompy and I sending sickness back and forth to each other, we've been trying to get in some good runs that end like this:

2011 Improvements…It’s all about being a runner…

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 04:44:00 +0000

So, here are the goals for 2011. I’m not very good at sticking with something as I have mentioned before on this blog. However, I have been sewing now for 4 whole months, so that’s something. But, I also am a runner. I may not be consistent through the years, but I always feel better, more alive and healthy when I’m running. This year is about being a runner in all aspects of life: feeling better, more alive, and healthier!

With Josh going back to grad school, I feel the need to organize our lives in order to leave the space that we will have for being together and playing together (see…do the dishes while he’s at work/school so that when he’s home, they aren’t waiting for us when we could be having a great conversation).

I think this comes back to balance and motivation. But, now that I have three “improvements” (albeit, vague, existential “improvements”) I’m sure that I’ll be able find that place of harmony, right?! I’m so lucky that I get to work part-time and be home with Chompy most days, but I’ll admit that I get so tempted to play and play and relax with him, and leave any “chores” for another time. The reality is there is not any other time…so Chompy and I are going to learn how to play more and cook healthy home-made meals; run fast and jump high, and clean this beautiful home we’ve been given; use crayons, and shop for the fresh food to make our healthy meals. We will read (board books and SW journal articles). We will train (play with choo-choos and log in miles and miles). We will stretch our creativity (play pretend, use play-dough, and sew and write). We will of course, continue to be good at resting and being as well.

Ok, I’ll acknowledge that while these statements are pretty, they are not measurable, so what do I really hope to do in order to make my life and therefore my family better, healthier and more alive?

New Things:

Finish the 1/2 Marathon with a PR.

Finish the Full Marathon.

Be a better long distance friend. I SUCK right now, and it’s not okay! There are friends I dearly love whom I haven’t spoken with in so long that I don’t remember when we had our last conversation.

Complete 1 University of Phoenix classes (if instructors don’t teach one a year, they lost their credentialing and have to start over).

Start sticking to the budget…and using coupons and the envelope system to help (even if it hurts). We have grad school to pay for and the threat of a car that’s about to die.

Do the chores when the chores need to be done, not wait for it to get so bad that an emergency response team needs to be called in. (ok…I’m not that bad, but I definitely have some kitchen and cleaning-related procrastination issues).

Continue to:

Sew at least once a week.

Stop thinking and just play with my son, husband and friends!

Search for a community of faith that loves our family (and all of our crazy beliefs).

Do something new as often as possible! Our Thursday Night friends still have the goal of 1000 new things! Besides what a better way to feel alive then to expose ourselves to something different and out of our normal routine?! Not only that, but Chompy has so much fun when he gets to do something new…his curiosity is the best motivation ever!

Look for ways to be creative and stimulated. And, place myself around people who make me feel that way as well.

I think that it’s going to be a really,

really great year!

An adventurous, enlivened year!

Advent Christmas Countdown…

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 05:05:00 +0000

I saw tons of blogs this week that make advent calendars out of scrapbook paper and magnetic paper. Well, I have lots of magnets, but not magnetic paper…so for a whopping $1.23 I made this advent calendar. The idea is to put a fun activity on the back of each number which tells the kiddos what fun, special Christmas related thing the family will do that day. I.E. Christmas caroling, eat popcorn and watch Elf (Momma’s new favorite Christmas movie), read “The Night Before Christmas”, donate a toy for Toys 4 Tots. It could go on and on. This year, I haven’t really figured out what we will do each day. But, I figure that we will make this tradition grow with Chompy. Too fun! Oh, and Chompy helped me glue! That makes this even better!

Crafting gone Christmas…

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 03:16:00 +0000

This weekend has been a little bit of a craft-extravanganza. I had a couple of Christmas presents to make (can’t tell you anything more than that). But, I also worked on two cute and crafty (cough) inexpensive (cough) projects for Christmas.

One I finished, so I’ll show it to you. I’ve been looking for an alternative for hanging our Christmas Stockings since we don’t have a mantel. I also didn’t want to just hang them on a bookcase like we have in the past, seeing as Chompy would probably pull on them and hit himself in the head with the metal holders. So, I started blog-hopping, and eventually found at tutorial to do this:

Thanks: http://holdingon2myhope.blogspot.com/2008/12/stockings-are-hung.html

Now we have a cute way to show off our stockings and Chompy will not have a lump on his head from falling Christmas decorations. Thanks to hubby for helping me put them on the wall.

Oops…Thanksgiving Lagging…

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 05:06:00 +0000

Okay, here’s from day 11-today.

11. The invention of pasta! Both Chompy and I would probably starve if not for pasta.

12. UCLA Bruins! Need I say more? 6 of the best years of my life, great friends, challenging, stretching time, and fun!

13. My Canon Rebel xs. It takes such beautiful pictures and captures everything I could want it to.

14. Health- I’m very thankful that my family is healthy and doing what it can to stay that way.

15. My family- So supportive, fun, and loving!

16. Living in Yucaipa where we have snow, rain, beautiful springs and warm summers.

17. My great group of friends who live out of the area. Even though I don’t get to be with them or talk with them as much as I wish I could, I love them!!!!!!

18. A sewing machine- It’s been so fun to stretch and be creative and actually make things for others.

19. The ability to run outdoors and the love of feeling the cool air in my lungs.

20. California-as much as I do not like a lot about it, you can’t beat the sun, surf, mountains and fresh air.

21. A DVR-with working as much as I have been, it is so nice to be able to just veg out in front of the TV any time that it is convenient and watch some shows.

Thankful Day 9 and 10....

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 04:21:00 +0000

Today I have two to do again because I've been a little busy with working.

Day 9: I'm very thankful for my little CRV. She's such a good little car and is so nice to let me drive her (quickly) up and down the Cajon Pass repeatedly. I'm thankful that although little things keep breaking, she keeps running well. Now, little CRV...please keep going for at least 4 more months. Thanks!

Day 10: I'm thankful for the pretty green grass that is growing in our front yard. And, I'm thankful that we have a front yard. Our yard is starting to look like a place that is cared for and lived in and I love that! Plus, it is soooooo fun to watch Chompy watch Josh mow the lawn.

Thankful Day 8...

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 02:47:00 +0000

Today, I'm thankful for my job. At work, I talk with people all day long who have been laid off, downsized, can't find work, and are now in the hospital sick. People have lost their insurance, their motivation, their paychecks, and their passions after so long of looking for work without success. As much as I do not like being away from Chompy, I'm soooooo thankful that I have a job that I love, that pays the bills, that provides me with a chance to use my "not-momma-toddler-mush" brain, and that I have such amazing co-workers. Co-workers who throw me wedding and baby showers, ask daily about how Chompy is doing, and make me laugh.

Thanks St. Mary Medical Center for a great 4 years!!!

Thankful Day Weekend Edition...

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 01:29:00 +0000

Two more things that I'm thankful for:

Having dual heat and air in the house since it's been in the 40s at night and 90s during the day :)

Our Thursday Night Community Group! Today Chompy and I spent the day with the Javish's and walked the Buddy Walk to raise money for Down's Syndrome Foundation. We've been so thankful to be able to share our lives with these great friends and raise our kiddos together. Here's a picture from today (not the greatest, but I was running after Chompy) as he was running the bases at Angel Stadium!

Thankful Day 5...

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 02:49:00 +0000

The past two days when I left for work it was wicked dark! As in it was still dawn when I got to work. While getting up early is not my favorite thing, both mornings have been so clear! Orion has been positioned right above our driveway. I am so thankful for the beauty in nature! It's awesome!

Thankful Day 4...

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 21:20:00 +0000

Today, I'm thankful for the invention of Twix. At work, my friend Lisa and I share a pack so that we can each have one...and lately I've been finding mini Halloween size bars on my desk. These little candies get me through the day...and in a weird way motivate me to go to the gym. ;) They were also one of the only candies that I could eat growing up at Halloween because they didn't have peanuts/peanut butter. YUMMY!!!! Chocolate and Caramel! :)

Thankful Day 3...

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 03:15:00 +0000

Today I'm thankful for my house...it was 2 years in the making and so worth the wait. I love it and that it's the little nest for my family.

November Thankfulness... Day 2...

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 20:59:00 +0000

I'm going to say one thing that I'm thankful for each day in November to remember what this season is all about. Since, I missed yesterday, today I'm going to say two.

Today, I'm thankful for these two boys. Well, I'm thankful for them everyday....but I'm going to make sure that I say it today! My two best boys! :) I'm very blessed to be able to call them my family!!

Just in Case…

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 02:24:00 +0000

you were wondering, I’m still sewing, I’m just really in the midst of Homemade Christmas 2010 and making presents (which of course I can’t show until after Christmas). :)

Gulp…

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 21:12:00 +0000

June 5th, 2011!!!!!!

Fun…

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 02:25:00 +0000

This week’s photography theme. Chompy’s friend Livy came over for dinner last night. After dinner they both decided to get books and climb up on the big chair to read together! They have lots of fun!

Fall…

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 01:43:00 +0000

So, in my blog hopping to Mommy/Crafty/Artsy blogs, I’ve found a few that have weekly posts where each blog host posts a photograph that follows the theme for that week. These usually happen on Thursdays, but because of my schedule, I decided that I wanted to try participating, but on Tuesdays. The theme ideas are coming from Mental Inventory.

Here’s fall :) It finally became cool enough for candles and I love the autumn color of this one.

Baby Shower…

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 02:40:00 +0000

So, I’m kind of impressed with myself. I sewed everything for a shower that I’m going to tomorrow (yes, I posted this late because I couldn’t let the Momma know what I was getting her). It was fun to get to use lots of pink as baby Madalyn’s room is pink, pink, pink :)

I made three bibs, a bunch of babylegs, burp clothes and cute appliqued onesies :)

Cute Lil Owl…

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 22:02:00 +0000

My newest project. He is almost finished, but just needs some eyes and a beak…then he is all Chompy’s. To give props where props is due…the pattern is from “The Green Mama”. Homemade Christmas 2010 is on its way! :)

Suggestions for better ways that Meg Whitman could spend her $119 million…

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 18:50:00 +0000

So, yesterday, it was announced that Meg Whitman has now spent $119 million of her own money (apparently she is worth about $1.2 billion per: KFI Bill Handel) to try and become governor of California. I guess Mayor Bloomberg spent similarly when he ran for Mayor of NY. Anyways, since she started spending and spending and spending to become the leader of a state that is in deep financial stress, I keep thinking that there are better ways that she could spend her money that could help the Californians she wants to represent.

So, without further ado, here is my little list of ways Meg Whitman could spend her money.

Finish some Cal Trans projects like widening the 10/405 interchange, finishing the 10 :) in San Bernardino and for your in Nor-cal—finish widening the 99 on the way to Merced. http://california.construction.com/projects/top25hwylist.pdf

Pay for education for a year for the students of multiple California school districts. http://www.cde.ca.gov/ds/fd/ec/documents/currentexpense0809.xls

Pay for the cost and recovery for the San Bruno Explosion. http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2010/09/16/more-questions-raised-about-california-gas-pipeline/-

Cover the Cost of Station Fire http://www.sandiego6.com/news/local/story/Station-Fire-Costs-Will-Far-Exceed-Firefighting/Wg1hFev4ZUWWxAVMzc1MOg.cspx-

Give every Californian adult a $5 Starbucks giftcard :) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_California

Pay for every needy Californian who needs an eye exam and glasses or Lens Crafters exams. http://www.californiavision.org/cvf_index.htm

Pay for physical exams for the 8.4 million Californians without health insurance http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/08/number-of-californians-without-health-insurance-continues-to-increase-ucla-study-finds.html--

There are 18,000 kids waiting for adoption in California’s foster care system, Meg can pay the fees for those families who adopt. And the next 279,500 kids that need adoption.

http://www.childrensdefense.org/child-research-data-publications/data/state-data-repository/cwf/2010/child-welfare-financing-california-2010.pdf -

Feed 595,000 Californians for a month as it costs $200 average cost to feed 1 person a month.

Send 1,900,000 families to parenting classes

Provide the start up funds for 4250 farmer’s markets. http://www.sfma.net/aboutsfma/how2start.shtml-

<span>Buy Disney Annual Passes for 1:10 California kids. </span>http://www.kidsdata.org/data/demographic/dashboard.aspx?dem=8-

Send 464,444 kids to Forest Home Summer Camp www.foresthome.org

Provide 3 meals a day for a family of 4 for 2,163,636 families…. Or feed 5947 families for a year…through Urban Rescue Mission or insert your favorite shelter here ;) https://secure3.convio.net/urm/site/Ecommerce?store_id=1241

pay off my mortgage

198,333 couples a night at the Hotel del for Christmas http://www.hoteldel.com/Reservations.aspx#

Give 2, 380,000 the HTC Aria--I love my phone. (Amazon prices, not ATT prices)

Feel free to add your own suggestions to this list. Imagine the amazing things that could be done just in California with $119 million.