Holy Cow!

Today we had a Diary Council assembly at school. It was fantastic! The kids just ate it up. A farmer drove up from Moss Landing with his one of his heifers and a calf. He taught us many great facts about cows, but the cows taught us far more than the farmer did. He taught the kids about the importance of cows, their four stomachs, and many more interesting facts. One of the most interesting facts he taught them was that the animals could release bodily fluids (liquid and solid). Almost on cue (surprise, surprise), the kids were able to observe more than they wanted about cows. As to be inspected, we were lucky enough to see and smell both. It was hilarious to hear the kids responses!!!
I believe my favorite part was when the farmer taught the kids how to milk the cow. After telling the kids how to do it, he used the heifer to demonstrate. The heifer was no novice to producing milk. The farmer, was able to shoot milk at the kids in the front rows. Too funny!!!
I will definitely be looking forward to having this assembly again.

Family Time

Pictures for now. I will add commentary later.

Catching Up With The Girls

I had a wonderful time with my girlfriends this week. I am so lucky to have moved back to my home town after college to reconnect with a bunch of my great friends from high school. We have put together a couple of "clubs," which are truly just good excuses for us to get together and hang out. I always look forward to going to these events because I know we will all have a blast.

On Monday night, Cooking club got together to end season two and kick off season three. We went out to dinner at the San Franciscian in Walnut Creek. Due to busy summer schedules, Cooking Club was put on stand-by for the last two months. We all wanted to catch up and hear what was new with everyone, so we had a candle passing (yes, I am serious) to share what is new in our lives. Although we loved it, I am not sure what the other patrons were thinking of us.

On Thursday, a few of us got together for a walk. We walked along the Iron Horse Trail (occasionally staring into some fancy backyards). The weather was wonderful which made it a great night for walking. Alix gave a zoology lesson as she taught us new facts about ducks, Jen and Maddie taught us some new Wiggle songs, and Melissa told us about her amazing trip to Croatia. After the walk, we headed back to Jen's to chat more and watch Maddie (so cute) play in the sandbox.

P.S. Thank you Jen for the NUGO bars. You never disappoint. Chad and I love the coffee flavor!

I LOVE fall!

In only 8 more days, Fall will officially be here! This is by far my favorite season. Although it has been pretty warm in California, I am ready for all aspects of Fall. I love the turning of the leaves, the crisp morning air, pumpkins, sweaters, scarves, warm apple cider, reading books on the couch under warm blankets, etc. This morning, I was shopping at Safeway, and low and behold, they had PUMPKINS!!! I bought a bunch of small ones and ran home to decorate our table. Although I really want to put our all of our cute Halloween decorations, Chad told me that I should probably wait until it gets closer to the end of the month. Let the countdown begin!

Surprise Date

Life has been so busy since school has started. Our weekends have been jam packed with to do list, so Chad and I haven't been able to spend much time with one another. Last night Chad took me on a surprise date. We headed out to Berkley for dinner. We went to Paragon in the Claremont Hotel. The atmosphere was perfect - they had a jazz band playing, the view of the bay and the bridges were beautiful, and the candles really helped with the ambiance. It was wonderful to just be able to talk to Chad with out any distractions. On nights like this, I always realize how incredibly lucky I am to have Chad as my husband. He is so genuine, kind, giving, romantic, and of course handsome. I am so fortunate to have him in my life!

Movies with the Girls

Last night I went to the dinner and the movies with my mom, Adie, Tracy and her mom, Jolynn and her mom and grandma. It was a wonderful ladies night out! We started off the night at Lark Creek Cafe. We had a great time catching up and enjoying some great food and drinks. From there we headed to the movies to watch The Women. It was a cute film of just women; there were no men in the film, not even an extra. Although I liked it, I would recommend waiting until it comes out on film to watch it.
It was so wonderful having all of us ladies get together. I hope we all do it again soon. Thanks for setting this up Tracy!

Big Brother 10

I don't know what it is about this show, but I am addicted to it! I acknowledge the fact that the show is truly lame, but there is a special place in my heart for it. Last night I turned on the tv at 8:20 (this allows me to watch the show without commercials), unfortunately, I become quite upset when I realized the US Open was still on. As if that wasn't bad enough, 60 minutes came on next, therefore my tivo was really messed up. Today I have been exhausted because I stayed up until 11 something just to see what happened (I realize this might not be late for you, but it is later than my bed time).

I am voting for Dan. Not only is he a fellow teacher, but I also love watching him and listening to his sarcastic comments. He is so hilarious on this show. He is willing to take big risks if he believes they may help him advance in the game (my favorite was "Veto Roulette"). Good Luck Dan!

Lots of Love in Clayton!

Last night we had a wonderful evening in the adorable town of Clayton. I went out to dinner at Moresi's Chophouse with my parents. Although I am usually not a big fan, the dinner was delicious! They have a wonderful front porch where you can enjoy a drink as you are able to take in the picturesque views of Mt. Diablo.

From there, we headed over to the new park in Clayton to listen to Dave Hosely aka Diamond Dave. He truly had the park packed! He knew so many songs it was unbelievable! He would sing tunes from Neil Diamond to Frank Sinatra to Justin Timberlake.

At the park, we met up with some other Diamond Dave fans. After Diamond Dave's two encores, we headed over to the Clayton Club for a night cap.

Sunday night BBQ

Last night we had my parents over for a BBQ. It was such a wonderful evening. The weather was beautiful, food was delicious and our conversations were as fun as ever. I feel so blessed to have such amazing parents. They are always willing to listen to us talk about anything, lend a helping hand with or without being asked, and most of all show us their love. We love you!

It's Not Delivery, It's BBQ!

Friday night we made some delicious BBQ pizza. It was quick and easy, and I would definitely recommend it to everyone. All you have to do is follow these easy steps.


1. Drive to Trader Joe's and buy their premade whole wheat dough and pizza sauce.



2. Let the dough raise for 20 minutes.





3.As your BBQ is warming up to a low setting, roll out the dough.








4. BBQ on one side for 8 minutes. Turn, add toppings and cook for 8 more minutes. (Forgot to take a picture of this step!)
5. Enjoy!