New Melones Visitors Center

Amelia and I spent the morning at the New Melones Visitors Center with her class. It was actually really fun. The kids watched a film about conserving water, pet a California King Snake and Gopher Snake, went through the mining exhibits, touched many different animal pelts and did a couple different crafts. We were also to be treated to a little nature hike but that part was cancelled due to the rain. Amelia said that her favorite part was touching the snakes. If you live in this area and just drive by the signs on your way to and from Angels - stop and check it out sometime.

Getting So Big

Not long ago I asked Amelia whe she got so big. She replied "on Thursday." Getting big she definately is and she's learning so much every day. On Sunday, Joel threw the bikes in the truck and we drove up to the basically abandoned Black Oak School where Amelia could actually learn how to pedel and steer. She did so great! After biking through the campus and around a bit on the basketball courts, she was ready for a break and spent some time on the playground but then it was right back to it as we had to get back to the truck.
Later that evening, Joel took her down to the Ponderosa Pond where she proudly caught four blue gills! She had more fun with the worms and wasn't really into touching the fish so much - Joel took some really cute pics on his phone.
The relationship between Amelia and Sweet Pea the kitten is flourishing. She cat has absolutely no problem being packed around the house and is very content to nap in Amelia's lap while she watches her daily dose of Shrek.

Earth and Eggs

Saturday was Earth Day and I am a little ashamed that we didn't do anything special. We could have at least planted something. I did take Amelia to her friend, Charlie's 3rd Birthday Party which a lot of fun.

Today is Easter Sunday and it was not as good as the last few. After Thomas and Joel had a little spat at breakfast, Thomas and Jessica left and no one really felt like celebrating "family style." Patrick, Emily, Joel and myself hid the eggs at White Rock Acres while Gwynne kept the girls busy. Roxy and Amelia had such a great time hunting and driving around in the Barbie Power Wheels Jeep.

Amelia's been bouncing around all day, due to the sugar intake I'm sure. She's asleep now and I'm not too far behind.

I Passed!!!!!

I cannot believe it! I passed the California State Real Estate Salespersons Licensing Exam... first time! I am so relieved and happy and nervous all at the same time! The test was in Sacramento on Monday afternoon and I received my results this morning. I have to say, the last few days of waiting and wondering have been just aweful. Now, I should get my application for license in the mail by Monday or Tuesday, my desk is waiting for me at the East Sonora Prudential office and I'm already searching for leads. So, if anyone out there needs a REal Estate Agent - give me a call! 209-768-1304! I'll find your dream home for you and put you in touch with someone that can get it financed as well! :)
So, other than the cold rain, today has been pretty darn good so far! When I dropped of Amelia thismorning, Roxy told me that today was her real birthday and that she and Amelia were going to dress like princesses. I'm sure they're having a great time!

Crazy Monday

My quick trip to Sacramento was just that... quick. I found my way to the California Department of Real Estate building without any problems and over an hour early. No worries, there was a Target just down the block and I had to get dog food before heading home anyway. The 150 question exam took me about 2 hours (there was a limit of 3 hours 15 min. to finish) and I won't know the outcome for a few more days. I really hope that I passed! The suspence is going to kill me!!!
Because I got my shopping out of the way ahead of time, I was able to bust back home with a Emily-requested bubble machine in time for Roxanne's 4th Birthday Party. Lots of kids, sweets and a trampoline! By 7:30, Amelia was fading away and we headed for home just in time for me to watch "House" while Joel got the little girl bathed. I love that he does the bedtime routine every night!
Now that all of this chaos is behind me, I really should clean the house.

Sun-Day!

What a beautiful day! The sun is shining and the sweet peas I was so scared of freeze for are doing great! I pulled away from studying to mow the lawn and play with Amelia a little. She and Joel made a kitty fishing pole out of a stick, string and ribbon today. I think Amelia and the baby kitten like it equally. Today, the name is "Dusty." I'm not sure if this will stick or if we'll be calling the kitty something else by tomorrow. This afternoon, Amelia said that the name should be "Amelia" but I talked her out of it.
Such a nice day. Joel took Amelia for her very first motorcycle ride. They just went around the neighborhood a bit but Amelia LOVED it! She told me that they went really fast and in a circle. I know how fast I've been on that bike and I'm posative that her version of fast is not the same as mine.
I'll be heading out early tomorrow morning to get to the exam site in Sacramento then it's time to race back home for Roxy's 4th Birthday Party!

No "Studying" without "Dying"

Amelia and Sweet Pea

My Brain Hurts!!!! I've been cramming for my California State Real Estate Licensing Exam which is scheduled to take place Monday at high noon! Joel and Amelia went away for the day so I could study and now... I'm tired but I'll be hard at it again tomorrow as I'm still not completely comfortable with Law and Arethmatic. I am, however, very comfortable with the section on Construction. Hmmmm, I wonder why that is. Thanks Joel! So now that my eyes are burning from staring at the computer all day, I'm taking a break to play with "Sweet Pea" as Amelia has decided to call the baby kitty. Cute. She just woke up from a little snooze in my lap and is now tearing through the papers on my desk. I think she looks like SkippyJohn Jones. Skippito! (You'd have to read children's books to understand that one!)
We enjoyed a Spring Party at Arastraville School yesterday. Amelia had a great time with her friends on the Egg Hunt, searching for gold coins in the sandbox and eating lots! I made cupcakes for the event (of course) - they were shaped like little easter baskets!
Well, after Monday, I hoping to get my house cleaned up and since Amelia's on Spring Break now, maybe she'll help - probably not!

Baby Kitty

We have a new addition to our family and according to Amelia, "she doesn't want a name." Joel and I picked out a little girl kitten from Cousin Aaron's litter a brought her home. We hid her in the lunch box for Amelia to find, it was very cute and I took video that's way too long to show here. Our first evening was great! The new kitty loves her bed and slept with Amelia all night. She spent today with Donna across the street as we were at work. Jinx doesn't seem to care one way or another and Honey likes kitties so she's very interested in sniffing the baby as much as possible. So far, so good.