My List

I was inspired by Cami's blog..... Her pet-peeves-me-not! It's true that we can very easily think of the things that tend to annoy us- but it is more important to think about the opposite -- things people do that I appreciate. My list has changed as I have gotten older, of course. So I hope she doesn't mind that I copied her idea but here is my list of Peeve-Me-Nots:

-People that remain calm when the situation is tense.
-Phone calls from friends and family when I don't expect it.
-An attentive and responsive waiter.
-Young people that look you in the eye when you talk to them.
-A short opening and closing prayer.
-Companies that have people answer their calls rather than the never ending IVR (Interactive voice response).
-People that leave the room when they get a cell phone call.
-AND YES- I agree with Cami- people that chew gum with their mouth closed!

My Easter Weekend

For not seeing any of my kids or grandkids- I had a great weekend! I went to the Bay Area Friday night. It was Brianna's husband, Courtney's, birthday. Courtney is a great guy and so much fun. He and Brianna are expecting their first baby in Sept. There was a fun dinner at Casa Orozco in Livermore with about 25 people to celebrate his birthday. Afterwards I spent the night at Chris and Bill's. We stayed up too late as usual but well worth it!

Courtney on his 31st birthday!

Saturday morning I had brunch with other friends, Kathy H., Kathy C., Lisa, and Christy. At one time we all served together in Young Women's and the bond is still there! We have a tradition of doing breakfast in honor of each other's birthdays. This one was for Lisa and my February birthdays. As usual, everyone had hilarious stories to tell. Our brunch ended up lasting 2 1/2 hrs which is typical for us! I especially look forward to the birthday cards- it has become quite a competition to come up with the funniest cards. I can go months without seeing these friends and when we get together it is like we saw each other yesterday!!! I love them and cherish these get togethers.


Lisa and me with some birthday goodies!


Me, Lisa, Kathy, Kathy, and Christy

After the brunch Kathy and I spent the day shopping. She treated me to some birthday surprises. We met Dan for lunch, then shopped some more!!! We had fun browsing in antique stores and galleries too. That night we went to dinner- Dan, Kathy, Ben, Brittany, their little one, Baylee, and me. It was to celebrate Ben finishing school at Cal State Hayward! What an accomplishment for him! He has been working full time and going to school full time with a family. Congrats to Ben!!!!! I love being with their whole family. They are so fun and so special. This morning I went to church with Dan and Kathy. I always enjoy going to church in Pleasanton- cause I get to see friends I haven't seen in awhile.


Dan and Kathy on our way to church.

After church I went over to have Easter barbecue with the Gum clan. It was great to be with them all. Little Marcus Jr. was the center of attention of course! The food was wonderful, the weather was beautiful and the friends are precious to me.It was such a great way to end this fantastic weekend!


Chrissie and Bill with grandson MJ


The Gum Family

So in 2 days and 2 nights I ate in 3 restaurants, had a great barbecue, went shopping, spent time with wonderful friends, and enjoyed the amazing spring weather we are having. Pretty good deal, huh?!

A Normal Week

I have had an interesting past week. The highlight of the past 7 days was that my friends, Bryan and Lisa, had their baby, little Logan. What a cutie he is! Lisa was scheduled for a C- section and went into labor ahead of schedule. I had the honor of staying with their 2 year old while the family was busy at the hospital welcoming Logan. Congrats to the Wohlers Family!

Baby Logan, 7lbs.,7oz.

The next night I worked at the Sacramento Temple. I only work there 2 nights a month so it isn't too demanding.

Saturday night was my ward's fundraiser for the Youth Camp. Being Activities Committee Chairperson- I was in charge of the dinner for 100+ people. We had the traditional spaghetti, salad and garlic bread. Everything went really smoothly- I have a great committee. After dinner was the dessert auction. I am so mad at myself for forgetting my camera- I wish I had been able to take pictures of some of the cakes. They were absolutely amazing!

Then Sunday was another great day--- after going to church I drove to Pleasanton to spend the evening with Dan and Kathy and their kids and grandkids. Everyone but Mike, Laura, and Abby were there. Brooke, Evan, and McKenzie came over too so we had quite a house full!! Dan and Kathy's kids all came together for Anna's birthday. It was so fun to see everyone and have all the children together- McKenzie joined in playing with everyone too. So I had a very fun weekend!

Kathy and grandson, Charlie, Missy's son



Mea, unhappy Baylee, and McKenzie



Christian, Jenny's son



Wendy with Mea, Brooke, Ben and Evan

Monday evening was my usual dinner with my Dining Diva Friends, Marcia and Tiffany. We missed Diana this week. Marcia made corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick's Day..... very yummy! Tuesday evening I was at my friend, Judy's. I helped get her up and running on the internet. It was a fun night with her and her kids, David and Hailey. Tonight I went visiting teaching! So you can see I have been very busy!! Work has been really stressful but my real life is more important and helps me keep my priorities in line. I need to stay busy and it hasn't been too difficult to manage that lately!!!

Dolphins, Tigers, Elephants, and Roller Coasters!

Yesterday was a blast of a day! I met Brooke, Evan and McKenzie at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo. It was Opening Day and the weather couldn't have been more perfect!! For those of you that follow Brooke's blog too will read her version I'm sure -so I won't tell some of the details that I'm pretty sure she will! For Opening Day it wasn't very crowded. For all the rides there was hardly any or no wait. We watched Evan go on a couple of roller coasters! Kenzie is too little, Brooke being pregnant can't go, and I am just plain terrified of them. We all went on Thomas the Tank Train ride, Evan and Kenzie went on the children's helicopter ride, Brooke took her on the flying frog ride, and I went with her on some spinning and flying little kid ride. She was quite the trooper!!!! But the most fun was the up close and personal session with the dolphins that we paid extra for. Brooke and I went in there with McKenzie while Evan took pictures but it was all about her- she fed the dolphin some fish, got to rub his back and pat his nose , throw a ball to him, and dance with him. So cute!!! Then we went and checked out other animals- we stood right next to an elephant while they gave him a shower!, we saw the tigers, the camels, the giraffes, a few other animals. We did all that without McKenzie taking a nap too!! She finally fell asleep in the stroller for a 20 minute nap at the end of our stay. Brooke was a trooper too being pregnant. However, she is still running so she is great shape. But it was a long day and I was concerned about her. All in all it was a great day.

It was half way between both of our homes so it was nice to only drive half way and I still got see them. It was especially nice since before I left Sacramento I paid $50 to fill my gas tank!!!!!!! Can you believe these gas prices?????? I remember when I bought my Accord I filled it with $23. Now it costs $50. Another good reason for me to just move back to the Bay Area.... now if I could only sell my townhouse for a decent price.....


, McKenzie is the pilot and Evan is her co-pilot!



Do you see Evan up there?

Meeting Bella!

Surprise!

This last week was pretty routine- except for the fact that I planned a surprise baby shower for a good friend at work, Bryan. He and his wife Lisa have become dear friends of mine. They have an adorable 2 year old, Ayden, that I have the privilege of watching for them from time to time. Ayden is hilarious. Like most 2 year olds he knows he is the center of the universe! So Bryan and Lisa are expecting their 2nd son in about 2 weeks.  Pretty exciting!

 

Bryan also had a birthday last week. He is a great dad, devoted to his beautiful wife and son and a great friend to many. Everyone at work depends on him for his technical expertise. He is one of the few that will make the time to help no matter how busy he is. Before I left sales for the support side he was my technical sales engineer. Now he is the consultant for all the other TSEs to go to when they need help.  When it comes to data technology he is the person to go... so besides being smart he's a great friend, and has a heart of gold. I appreciate his friendship. I enjoy hanging out with him and Lisa and Ayden. They are great parents! So Happy Birthday to Bryan! I can't wait to meet their new little one!

                                      Surprise!

                         Ayden got some gifts too!!

                Lisa is showing Ayden his new book!

                Matching outfits for the boys!

        2 year old Ayden.