Amber, Kayla, and Wes

Oh the last month or so

2011-04-17T09:47:00.001-07:00

So since my last post a lot has been going on in the lives of us.
I turned 28, I met my sister in DC, Wesley turned 5, we all had spring break, and had a BLAST!

1st: My trip to meet Alex in Washington DC was so much fun and I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet Her. She is an amazing person! We have so much in common and we talk and carry on as if we have known each other all our lives. Besides getting to really know each other we toured DC like crazy! My favorite parts of DC would have to be the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Cemetery. It was an amazing experience and one I would experience again! This trip was fun, emotional, and life changing. I learned a lot from Alex and am so glad to call her my sister.

Now as for the rest of the last month we have been busy!Between my birthday, midterms, Wesleys birthday, swimming, spring break, my cousin coming to visit, Disneyland, the beach, whale watching, and the usual life on-goings i don't know how we have even had time to just sit and enjoy the moment... But at least we have enjoyed every single moment during the busy happenings! We have had so much fun and I wish i could honestly replay this last month a hundred times over. The time spent with my kids especially the last week was much needed therapy for me since the previous weeks had been so hectic and the post weeks are going to be even more so hectic with all that's going on and the end of my ride at RCC is coming to an end! WOOT! So excited to have finally come to the completion of one of my goals I set for myself 3 years ago!

Well I hope you enjoy the pictures of the last month of all the fun we have had. I will try and keep posting the next few months, but chances are I won't have time to post much until after June 9th. But keep looking you never know. Even if it is just
a few short snippets=)

Until next time...
Keep on keepin' on
Love the Crazies!

Been far far too long!

2011-03-20T21:15:00.000-07:00

Well it has been over a year since my last post folks and yet again I failed miserably!

But better late then never right?....
haha

Anyways the last year has been full of ups and downs and rights and lefts, but we are still standing and going strong.

Amber update:
I am still going strong in school. This is my last semester at Riverside Community college and I graduate on June 9th with my AA!!! WOOT!!! And if all goes according to plan I will have carried my 4.0 to the very end! This fall I will Transfer to Cal Poly Pomona in search of my BA and hopefully I will find it by 2013. That is my goal! This semester is crazy for me but I love it and it is full of active classes. Since I only had to take 2 more classes to fulfill my transfer units but I had to carry a full time schedule I went ahead and took Hiking, weight training, and 2 dance classes, which are so much fun and will whip me into shape! Other than school not much else is going on. However I will be meeting my sister Alex for the first time this week which is so exciting and I can't wait! I will have to post pictures when I get time when I get back.

Kayla update:
Kayla is incredible! She is doing well in school and excels in Math. she still struggles with reading comprehension, but she is coming along nicely. She is also in swimming and is an awesome swimmer! I am so proud of her and her many accomplishments! One thing that I am extremely proud of her for is her ability to be such a hard worker and a great person. She was rewarded for her personality and kindness to others. Her teacher tells me she is great with all the kids and is the nicest and happiest of them all. This I believe is so great!

Wesley update:
Wesley is incredible! (I know I said this about Kayla too but its true my kids are incredible!) He is in preschool and is loving every second of it. He has made alot of friends and is more outgoing and less shy now. He has this personality that just gets you rolling. He is one of the top in his class and is ready to move on to kindergarten this fall. (yikes)LOL He is at the beginning stages of reading now and I think he might be reading by the time Kindergarten rolls around. Wesley is also in swimming and LOVES it which is shocking considering he wanted nothing to do with sticking his head in the water less than 2 months ago. He is doing great and loves his teachers. Hoping both kids will be little fishes by this summer.

A few other exciting things to share...
My Brother and Letisha were married last August which was amazing! And we got to see a lot of family that we hadn't seen in a while=)
We went to Utah again for Christmas which is always a blast yet some how stressful sneaks into the picture as well. Not sure how that happens but we handle it well.

So we are doing great. I Put up a collage of Pictures of the last year so you can see all the excitement we have been having!=)

Until next time
Loves, hugs, and kisses,
Ambs

A Special thanks to My momma

2010-02-23T11:26:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to let you know how amazing my momma is!

She is the most amazing mother and Grandma in the world we are so lucky to have her! She has been there for me through every thing and I can not thank her enough for all that she has done! I also want to thank her for being the best grandma nana ever! She is so amazing with my kids and my kids adore her! On top of being a great mother and grandma she is also a great person altogether! And no matter what she is always giving to others even when she rarely gives to herself.

Mom you are amazing and an inspiration to me! I am so glad to call you mom and so glad I have had you through all these rough times! I am sorry for all the added and unnecessary stress that my problems have added to you! But just know everything you have done and are doing are never going unnoticed!

I love you mom!

Thank you for everything!

6 months later

2010-02-23T09:49:00.000-08:00

So it has been half a year sine I have updated my lovely blog! I feel horrible because I know a few people enjoy to see what is going on in my life that do not play the facebook or myspace game! So to them I apologize greatly for my failure to keep you updated over the past 6 months! Anyways... So the last 6 months has been crazy! For me school is still going really well and keeping me busy every step of the way, but I have maintained my 4.0! (yes I love to brag about it!) I have had my very low moments and very high moments with school! But I made it through another semester well 2 if you count the short winter semester! I am on track to get my AA by December of this year or spring of next year I have yet to decide what I want to do since I may have to wait until fall of next year to transfer to Cal Poly. A special thanks to Ernie for all his help and patience with me! He has been here for me during all my highs and lows of the last year and a half!

On the other end of my life the kids are FANTASTIC they are doing well and growing up so fast, but they are such amazing kids with the biggest hearts and best personalities! I am so blessed to have them as my children! We have been having lots of fun going here there and every where. As I mentioned in my last post I think (briefly) Kayla got to swim with the dolphins at sea world for her birthday compliments of Nana. She had so much fun and I can't wait to take her to Mexico to swim with the dolphins there! We have also made trips to Disneyland (I know I know) enjoyed the movies, had campouts in mommy's room, visited Utah, had a day at circus circus,just to name a few of the fun family things we have enjoyed the past several months.

So more on Kayla... She is getting so big, but oh she is beautiful! She is doing so well in school! She loves math and picks up on it like you wouldn't believe! My mom taught her times tables and she picked that up quick! She isn't the biggest fan of reading, which I hope changes as she takes on more interesting books! Uncle Ryan has introduced her to Harry Potter so I know once she gets into that book she will find she really loves to read! At school she always gets a great report from teachers on how amazing she is with her positive attitude and her willingness to do what needs to be done. Kayla also has gotten into the whole "green" campaign. She loves to recycle, she loves the world and all things in it! I tell people she will be my little Hippie=D lol She is on her way to doing so many great things and I am so excited to see her grow and change! Kayla is also the best big sister ever! She is so great with Wes and she is so patient (minus the moments of frustration that come with the territory of being a big sister) with him and helps him learn so much! A few weeks ago she saw a commercial about how you can teach your baby to read and she decided that Wes could do that so she sat and wrote out simple words and cut them out into flashcards, she showed Wes the word and acted out or showed him what it was and sure enough he picked up on them and the next time he saw those words he knew them and could read them! Aw it just melts my heart how amazing my kids are!

Now on to Wes, he is doing great and like all kids he is getting so big! It is hard to believe that he will be 4 in less then 2 months! It amazes me how quickly he picks up on things and amazes me more how smart he is. He is stubborn and knows how to play the card well! LOL He likes to tease everyone because he knows he can get a laugh out of people! He does daycare now so I can attend school in the morning and he loves it! He has tons of friends and a girlfriend ;) there. It is so cute listening to him talk about Isabella (his girlfriend) and it is so cute to watch him when he gets there, Every morning when we get there Wes searches for Isabella and when they spot each other Isabella runs over and gives Wes a big hug! It is the cutest thing ever! HAHA He says she loves him, but he can't kiss her! So that is good! Wesley is getting so good at all his learning books and is picking up on all the concepts really well! All preparation for kindergarten! AHHHH I can't believe next year he will be in school! He is a great little brother too! He always wants to play with sister and spend time with her! It is so great that my kids enjoy each other! I could go on for days about my kids and brag about every single thing they do, but that could literally go on for days! LOL

Other news! MY DIVORCE IS GOING TO BE FINAL ANY DAY NOW!!!!!! So so so so so HAPPY it is finally at an end! Now I can officially close that chapter in my life! I do have to say that despite the end I learned so much the last 9 years of my life! I went through numerous ups and downs in my marriage and I learned so many life lessons that most people never even dream about having to learn! But I am grateful for all those lessons as I know that I am a stronger and better person for them and I can take on the world! I can now begin to expand my wings even further and conquer all my goals with no one holding me back and telling me I can't go for my goals because its to dangerous or that job doesn't make enough money or that my goals are impossible!!! So far I am right on track and before I know it I will be done with school and on my way to checking off all of my goals one by one on my terms!

I also went back to Mexico but this time to Cancun! My friend JoAnn moved from Vallarta to Cancun the end of last year so I decided to pay her a visit in her new paradise! I do have to say WOW!!! I loved it there! She has a place right on the ocean where she can wake up every day to the sunrise right outside her window! My vacation was so relaxing and fun! I hope to go back often to enjoy more of it! I am so blessed to have JoAnn and her family in my life! Alright well I think I have ran out of time for now but I will be returning soon with more! I hope all is well with you all!

Loves, hugs, and kisses Amber Lukes =D

Sorry for the delay

2009-08-26T14:40:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let you know that pictures of the sea world adventure will be up asap I am just experiencing some issues with the pictures at this time. Sorry=(

HAPPY '7TH' BIRTHDAY TO MY KAYLA!!!

2009-08-06T11:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Kayla (my) Shay;) I love you so much more than you know=)
Another year has passed and it is just so crazy that My little princess is '7'!!! It is so amazing seeing the changes she has gone through in the last year. She is just the most amazingly loving, caring, sweetest daughters a mom could ask for!!!

update

2009-08-03T08:09:00.000-07:00

Alright so as my mom so lovingly pointed out I need to update my blog... I am so lousy at this thing but hopefully I will get better...
Anyways....
So this summer we have been busy doing fun family things and it is not over yet we have a few things planned in the coming weeks that I think will put a huge smile on someones face... Can't say much as it is a surprise... But since the last update we have had a few family fun days going to Disneyland a couple of times and to legoland... We have been swimming to help the kids improve a bit seeing as they are in swimming lessons now, which they are doing awesome in. Kayla started in level 2 just 3 weeks ago and has graduated to level 3 already! She is already jumping off the diving board and she loves it, but this week she promised me that she will jump off the high dive, but we will see=) Wes is doing great but he is being really stubborn at the same time. He will not put his head in the water, but he has taken a huge step forward by not needing a towel every time water gets in his eyes. But I think he will stick with level one for a bit longer. One thing that is way exciting is that Wes is finally potty trained!!! He had been pulling the stubborn card with that too but We finally got it down!!! I am so excited because this means no more diapers for me!!! Ever!!! On another exciting note Kayla is now in second grade as most of you know and even after a month the improvements she has made are amazing!!! She is now reading harder books with very little help, so this makes me very happy and I think her seeing me read is showing her that reading is more enjoyable than torture;) LOL
Lets see...

We also had a Birthday party for Kayla with her friends last weekend which was a blast but oh so exhausting... It was a more traditional Birthday party, with the games , (and yes pin the tail on the donkey was included as you can see from the pics), birthday cake (cupcakes), piniata, and goodie bag feel... And it was oh so fun, but I am glad it is over. But I would like to thank Tish,Ry, Mom, Carl, and Ernie for all their help without them I don't think I would've been able to handle all those kids... BUt it turned out great and the best part is it but a smile on Kayla's face=)

With me I am still going. I am still on summer break from school which has been torture on my mind as it often wonders when my mind is on hiatus... HAHA but I start school again the end of this month and I will be pretty busy with that as I am attempting 16 credits this time. But I will get'r done and hopefully with my running 4.0. (crossing my fingers)! The last month I have been able to enjoy a lot such as Disneyland and Legoland and swimming, but I have also had the opportunity to go to Faith Hill and George Lopez which were both amazing and so much fun=)

I think that about sums up this update.

Loves, Hugs, and Kisses
Ambs

Back from Utah and so glad

2009-07-06T11:20:00.001-07:00

So as some of you know My kids and I were up in Utah for a week and we have now arrived back home so little miss Kayla could get back to school... She started 2nd grade today and I just can't believe it...
They are both growing up so fast...
Anyways....
We had a great time in Utah and had a blast with our friends and family... The kids spent some time with their dad and had a blast with him. I am glad we got down there even if it was only for a week it was fun for all... I only wish I could have seen more of my friends, but I decided that next time I am there I am going to plan a huge party and we will all just get together so we can see everyone at once. It is so hard trying to see everybody... I miss you all!!!
On another note because I went to Utah I missed the summer semester of school and will have to tack on another semester of school but what a do I think I am doing it the right way it keeps me sane!!! I work my butt off but it all pays off when I see a 4.0 on my transcripts at the end of the semester!!! WOOT!!!
Well I hope you enjoy the pics!!!
Loves, hugs, and kisses
Ambs, Kayla and Wes

I also wanted to share with you some of the other things we have been doing the last few months... So here is another slide show with various pictures from Disneyland, The Christmas Carol train tour, Reagan Library, our Camp out in moms room, visiting with aunt Mandy and Dallas, Cup cake Creations from Kayla, Wes and Auntie Tish, Picnics, The Beach, and also Stage Coach... It was all so much fun!!!

Its been toooo long...........

2009-06-02T13:36:00.000-07:00

So I woke up this morning and one of my first thoughts was that I have not done a post on here in almost 2 months... So I just thought I would let you know that we are all well and doing great. But we have been extremely busy (well more me than the kids ) and this has become the last priority. But I will try and get a few updates and pics up here as soon as my school ends which is next week. Then I won't be so caught up in school work....
I hope you all are well and I hope to see you all soon=)
Loves, hugs, and kisses
Amber and the kids

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY WESLEY!!!!

2009-04-11T23:04:00.000-07:00

So My little man turned '3' today and I can not believe it!!!!
Again I am reminded at how time flies!!! OY!!!

I am so grateful to have such an amazing fun spirited little guy in my life it has been so great to see him grow and learn... From the first moment I held him to now I know what an incredible joy was added to my life... He has such the personality that can get anyone to smile from ear to ear!!! His way of thinking and talking is almost like a mini comedian at times... LOL He brings so much joy and laughter to my life and many others... He is the most incredible, sweet spirited, fun loving, inspiring, happy, little guys you will ever meet... (He too has a slight attitude and sneakiness about him, but I wouldn't trade him for the world.)

Wesley, I love you more, mostest, ever, always, too infinity and , BEYOND!!!
Love your Mommy=)

An Update

2009-04-08T15:16:00.000-07:00

So I have come to the realization that I am horrible on keeping up on this blogging... While some of my friends can update daily or at the very least weekly I can maybe manage like once every month to 2 months... After kids and school and everything else I just don't find this on my todo list...
Anyways....
Quick update...
Lets see the kids are doing fantastic they have been growing like weeds and learning so much the last few months its been fun... Kayla is having a blast with her friends and school, she is improving on her reading everyday... Wesley will be 3 on Saturday and he is well aware that its almost his birthday and he is very slowly taking to potty training but he is being very stubborn... But he will get there...
As for me I have just been going to school taking everyday as it comes... I myself just had a birthday which was one of the best I have had in years:) I had so much fun at Disneyland with my kids, Ry, and Tish... The best part was the Birthday button =) LOL Oh yeah and the $69 gift card I received was cool as well... (for those of you who don't know on your Bday this year you get to get in free to Disneyland!!! Or if you have an annual pass you get a choice of a few different things, one being a gift card for the amount of a ticket)
Anyhow, it was a lot of fun... I also got a lot of really great gifts=)
We also went to Goofy's kitchen again for mine and Wes' Bday dinner which was a lot of fun as well, even though Wes was a bit crabby at first...
Everything else is moving right along we still enjoy living out here and can't wait to hit the beach again...
I hope all is well with everyone...
I will post pictures soon, but I have run out of time and have to get ready for school...
Loves, hugs, and kisses
Ambs

Dec '08 - Jan '09

2009-02-05T12:38:00.000-08:00

Okay okay I know how lazy I have been with this the last few months but I like to add a slide show of pictures as well and frankly I have not wanted to do it... But I will...

So Lets see the last month well as most of you know we went to SLC for christmas which was great, but I do have to say I do not miss the snow or being cold, there was so much snow it was ridiculous... The kids had a bit of fun in the snow though... Christmas was great and for the first time I actually didn't feel stressed... How ever giving up my kids for part of the day was really hard for me and I feel bad for the kids because they have to go from house to house to house to please everybody... It sucks when you have to revolve your life around others to please them... But all in all in was a great time and I know my kids had a great time... It was good for them to see Jeremy...
I am so grateful to my family for helping us to get up to Utah for Christmas so we could be together for the holidays... I got to spend a ton of time with my Grandma and Grandpa Lukes and I actually learned things about my grandmothers past that I never knew... I can honestly say that they are some of the strongest people I know they are incredible people and I am honored to call them my grandparents. It was so great to see my family and friends that I got to see... I wish I would have had more time to visit with more of my friends but I will be down often.
We also spent a lot of time visiting Kylie, Kayla's bestest friend and it is just so much fun to watch them together and Wesley tagging right along... ( I think Wes has a crush on Kylie he always has to sit by her and be close to her, Its the cutest thing ever!!!) But it was so great for me too because I got to spend some much needed time with my Bridget, we had so much fun and made so many great memories, I also got to meet Brooklyn for the 1st time and I enjoyed it so much.
I also got to go back to my roots at Sucasa a few nights while I was down and it was so great. I didn't think I would miss that place but I do... I saw so many of my regulars and friends and I was reminded of how great people are and why I stayed as long as I did... Sucasa will always be considered a second family to me...

Lets see what else... oh yeah I got to meet up with some friends that I haven't seen in years and we had a great time hanging out I only wish I had more time with them... I got a lot of family time in and met my new niece Hailey, but I didn't get the chance to meet my nephew Bennet but soon I hope... BUt it was great to be around the family...

New years was bitter sweet for me it was sort of like an turning point in my life, It pulled at my heart in so many ways... I was sad to experience it alone in a sense, but I was so happy that I have gotten "ME" back, that I have my kids and that I have a whole lot of incredible people in my life... I reflected on the last year And I realized that even though I lost a lot, I gained a whole lot more... I got a lot closer to my family, I found out I have a sister, Alex, who I am excited to get to know along with my niece Catherine, I truly found out who really mattered in my life and who my true friends are, I gained some great friends whom I owe tremendously for what they have done for me, but most importantly I gained a new out look on life and a new meaning and understanding of who I am and who I want to be which will in the end help me and my children to grow so much as a family and individuals...

I hope you all have a great year this year...
I miss and Love you all!!!
Ambs

Just a note

2008-12-17T15:32:00.000-08:00

So really quickly I just want to say how excited I am to be able to come up to Utah for the Holidays... It's been 6 month's since we have seen everyone one and we are so grateful that we are able to make it back up for a small break. I am hoping that we will be able to see as many of you as we can...
On a side note I am dreading the freezing cold weather everyone is telling me about... That is for sure one thing that I do not miss about Utah. Oy snow.... Oh well it is all worth it to see all our friends and family.
I hope you all have a great next week and you all stay safe...
Much Love,
Ambs

Things I am Thankful for...

2008-11-24T19:21:00.000-08:00

So I took this post idea from one of my bestest friends Steph....
THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR
Here it goes:

* MY KIDS 2 of the most amazing people in my life I never knew what love was until I experienced them... They are the 2 who can ALWAYS make me smile when I am sad. They are my heart and my life... And with them by my side I know I can conquer ANYTHING life throws my way....
* My Mom and Carl the 2 people who have always been there for us and who never cease to amaze me. Thank you for always understanding and loving us no matter what... Thank you for everything you will never fully know how grateful I am to you both for what you have done for me and the kids...
* My brother Ryan and Tish who are always there for my kids showing them a great time. They are incredible examples of an aunt and uncle.
* My Grandma and Grandpa Lukes who are 2 amazingly wonderful people who have shown me what strength is.
* My dad and Jill for supporting me in everything I do and for always loving me no matter how intolerable I have been in the past.
* Bridget who has been my best friend for 15 years and counting... She has been my rock and my other half and I know that she will always be there for me no matter what because she has proven it over and over again...
* JoAnn my newest friend who from the second we started talking has been my guardian angel... She has shown me that it is okay to feel the things I need to then to let it all go... And that I can do it all with a smile... She will with out a doubt be a life long best friend...
* Every single one of My friends! They have been here for me from the start and have never left my side no matter how much I was going through. They kept my head above water when ever I wanted to sink. And for that I am grateful... ( you all know who you are)
* The opportunity to be ME with no holding back
* The chance to go to school to become something more
* My strength I am thankful that god has given me strength to endure all lives curve balls.
* My extended family members for all the times they were there for my kids and myself. They helped us so much. (you know who you are)
* For all the luxuries in life that some people never have the chance to have.(clothes, a roof, and transportation.)
* For the opportunity I had to work with some of the most amazing people at Sucasa I had some of the best times of my life in that little restaurant. Every second that I spent with you guys was amazing and I am so glad that we have become so close... Sucasa will always hold a special place in my heart.
* Also for all the incredible life long friends I met while serving at Sucasa... My regulars That I had the pleasure to serve for years. You guys are the best and I am so glad I had the chance to meet each and everyone of you... Each one of you have taught me so much... Thank you for always being there for me through the last 10 years.
* I am grateful for all my life lessons I have learned thus far... Because without them I would not be who I am today.
* Laughter one thing that I think is really important in life. If your not laughing your not living...
* The ability to Love and be Loved it is truly an amazing thing
* God
* Life
* Everyone who has stood up and fought for our rights and others and given us the opportunity to do just this.
* I am thankful For a lot in life and this is just a small portion of what I am Thankful for...

To all my friends and family you have no clue how much this thanksgiving means to me because of you... This last year has been one heck of a ride but it was all so worth it. Each and everyone of you have taught me things that I can take with me any where in life and for that I thank you... You have all shown me love and strength and also helped me to become who I am... Each of you have a special place in my heart...

I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING! Remember to embrace those you love and be grateful for them...

I love you all!!!
AMBS

Halloween 2008

2008-11-03T09:39:00.000-08:00

This Halloween was a lot of fun because both the kids were actually into it... We carved the pumpkins and had chili dogs for dinner then we were on our way to score some candy...

Wes was as you see BUZZ LIGHTER "TO INFINITI AND BEYOND"... It was so much fun and he had the light ray that made the sounds even... He had so much fun with it... when he saw cars he would shoot them with his light rays... LOL aw it was great...Unfortunately Wes Fell asleep at like the 2nd to last house before getting home... He was exhausted. (Well wouldn't you be if you were Buzz Light year!!!) HAHA he loved it and at least he lasted that long...

Then we had our little Princess Jasmin who was absolutely Beautiful... She loved dressing up and playing the part as Jasmin... She actually got mad at me because I didn't refer to her as "PRINCESS"... It was so funny... She had so much fun trick or treating, but after her bucket got full and heavy she called it quits... I asked her if she was sure and she insisted that we go home... She wanted to pass out candy to the tricker treaters at home....

Now me I went back to the 70's again Which was fun... I never dress up and I wanted to go all out and go buy me a new costume and all but I just did with what I had and had fun...

Hoedown and pumpkin patch

2008-10-27T19:24:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we went to a hoedown at Kayla's school, we had so much fun... They had it catered by Outback steak house and they had booth's of fun games, a petting zoo and dancing... The kids had a good time and they loved the Petting zoo. We also met some of Kayla's friends, Delany is one of Kayla's best friends out here and they are total opposites... They are too cute together...

Then today we went to the pumpkin patch so that the kids could pick out some pumpkins. It was very different from the pumpkin patches that I have ever been too... They had pony rides and bounce houses and a petting zoo... It was some great fun...

We also experienced our first Ducks game at the Honda center which was so much fun... They really enjoyed that experience...

My Vacation

2008-10-27T15:06:00.000-07:00

So the last month was a little hectic with school and a million other things... Heck who am I kidding the last 10 months of my life have been hectic and crazy... But I finally got a vacation and it was amazing and well worth the wait... I got the chance to go to Puerto Vallarta where my friend Joann and her husband Tim live, and it was so great. It was a very nice relaxing vacation to just revamp myself for the next adventures of my life...
It was an incredible place with a little bit of everything... The 1st day I got there we went to the Malacone, I believe it is called, walked around the shops and beach went to dinner, watched the sunset and just took it all in... The next day we went jet skiing in the ocean, which was incredible I love the water and jet skiing, we were hoping to see something while we were out there but we did not have any such luck... after that we got ready and went up to the Jungle and went zip lining through the jungle another amazing experience... We zipped down 10 lines and back and forth from one mountain to another and it was just beautiful... Later that night we went down to release baby sea turtles to the ocean for the first time we were a little late but I got to hold one and it was just amazing... They are so tiny and squirmy and oh so cute. After that we just enjoyed the evening life down town in PV... Now the next day we just relaxed a bit hanging out just me and Joann... That night how ever was a whole other story... LOL We went and watched the drag show at the local gay bar... What an experience that was... It is definitely an experience I will never forget... WOW just WOW!!! The following day we went boating and snorkeling which was so incredible and so relaxing... It was so great to go snorkeling and go swimming with the fishies... They are all so beautiful... And as JoAnn says it is like swimming in a giant aquarium... (It truly is)
That night we went and stayed at the Flamingo resort and it was gorgeous, I would love to have a timeshare one day to go anywhere in the world and vacation in a resort like that... Just another goal to add to my list... We went to dinner at a great restaurant on the beach and watched the sunset and just had a very calm relaxing evening... The next day, Friday, was my last day and it was just a kick back walk on the beach, talking kind of day as well as a very hard day...
We had such an incredible time and I was so grateful to JoAnn and Tim for sharing with me their world and happiness... It was truly a vacation I will never forget and I am so glad I got to share it with two amazing people...
There is a whole lot of stories to share but I have very little patients for typing them all and it could take days.... So if you want to know anything in particular just ask and I will write a special post all about which ever topic it may be....

I miss you all and can't wait for this holiday season...
Much love
AMBS

A little update

2008-10-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

I am so very sorry to you all for failing to keep up on my blog... I have been crazy busy... Well I like to think I have been. LOL School has been very demanding and I feel like I have been doing math like everyday. Oh wait I have, but it is paying off quite nicely.... I received a 100% on my test in math which I am very proud of just because I have been out of school for ever and I was just impressed with myself. I was also impressed with myself in my theater arts class... Which I am actually enjoying despite the evil essays... Who would of thought that theater was so much fun... I went to my first play production and it was great... It is something I will continue doing as often as possible... I also experienced my first MLB game with the dodgers and the cubs which was pretty neat... I wouldn't mind going to another... I think that's about it with me... Boring I know....
Now the kids they have been doing just Amazing!!! They have been enjoying every minute of it... Kayla just went back to school after her break and she is still loving every minute of it, she has a rough time wanting to do her homework but she gets it done, and she has also been doing really good on reading thanks to the help of my mom and Ryan they have been helping tremendously with the reading... Every night now We read together and I read a story then she will read a story to me... It is so awesome and the smile she gets when she finishes a story just melts my heart...
Now Wes he just sits there and listens to us read and looks at his books with either cars, buzz, or dinosaurs he loves it... He has been doing awesome on his talking and learning words, he can now repeat the alphabet as it is said to him, his favorite words to say I think anyways, are Dinosuars, kachow , and Jaz... Well those are my favorite words that he says... He gets so excited and it is just the cutest thing ever when he says them.... We are taking a back seat to his potty training right now cause he just is not to interested in it but I think with time he will get it... They have also been having so much fun with their swing set, they love it... Kayla has learned to swing all by herself, and Wes is becoming a little braver with climbing up the ladder..
Needless to say we are doing awesome... I can't wait to come see you all around Christmas time it will be so much fun to see everyone... I hope all is well and that everyone is in good health....
Love, AMBER

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MOM

2008-09-17T22:57:00.000-07:00

It is my mom's Birthday so I thought I would let you know on her day how great she is!!!

My mom is an incredible woman in every way shape and form of the word... She is the best mom, grandma, wife, friend, aunt, etc... No matter what she is always thinking of others and willing to do what ever it takes to help someone out... Whether it be giving a helping hand or giving an ear she is there... I get to experience it first hand and the last 25 years she has been there for me throughout all my ups and downs, especially the last 9 months... I can not tell you how much strength she gave me on my saddest days... And how grateful I am that i could call her anytime and she would just listen to me no matter what the tone of the conversation was... I am so glad that I get to call her my mom...

Thank you mom for putting up with me throughout all of my ups and downs...
For being there for me at any given moment when I needed you and for helping me along my way to an amazing life....
I LOVE YOU AND HOPE YOU HAVE AN AMAZING BIRTHDAY!!!!!
Love your AMBER

Wat a do :-)

2008-09-17T21:29:00.000-07:00

I know it has been what 2 weeks! Give me a break I started school on the 2nd( yay for me) so I have been just trying to set a schedule for myself so I don't get behind... And yes school is going quite well so far but again 2 weeks is nothing next to the upcoming 4-6 years... AAAHHH...LOL

Okay so anyways the last 2 weeks Kayla has been off track so we have just been hanging out going swimming and Disneyland twice...WOOT! We had so much fun as you can see in the pictures... The best was when we watched the pixar parade at California adventure, The kids loved it... Their reactions were priceless... When lightning McQueen came up oh man Wes' face Lit up, I almost started to cry... Then we went and did the Turtle talk, it is an interactive show where kids can ask Crush, the turtle from Nemo, questions and he answers them so on and so forth... Well he decided he wanted to talk to Kayla, Who he actually called Cucamunga Kayla, anyways he asked her where she was from and you would think she would say Utah or California, or something to that extent right? NO she replies, without skippin a beat, "LAND", aw man it was great... After he was done talking with Kayla he wanted to talk to my mom, who could not stop laughing about Kayla's little piece, so Crush got some good teasing in on that one too... Great times Great times....
K so carrying on....

Lets see we also made it to the beach well just Wes, Ry, Tish, and myself, that was a blast... Wes LOVES the water I might possibly get him into surfing when he is a little older... Then again maybe not... LOL He does have a blast though he runs to the water and runs straight back up the beach screaming as the water comes back at him...HEHEHE So much fun... And While we were at the beach Kayla had some fun of her own Rock climbing and Jumping on the trampoline with the harness she had a blast... She also made a pool safety video that I need to figure out how to post it is hilarious...
Oh and my great wonderful loving brother is finally putting up the swing set that the kids got for Christmas last year... The kids are so excited... Can't wait for that...That should be some great fun...
Thank you RY!!!!
Well I guess that is about it for now... So until next time... Lotsa Loves, Hugs, and Kisses!!!!
AMBS and KIDS

2008-08-27T14:03:00.000-07:00

Sorry it took me a minute to post a new blog... There has been a lot going on... Anyhow we have as always been up to no good;-) We went to the dino show at the honda center which was pretty cool...The kids loved it... lets see Kayla gets her first break from school starting tomorrow which she is excited for... She is still doing really well with reading and math... Wes is still Wes he is talking up a storm he is now trying to speak in complete sentences which is so funny to listen too... Then there is me, not to much going on just being mom, and getting ready to start school next week which I am so excited for...

And As you probably see in the slide show I put in some pics of their room as well... They absolutely loved it... It suits them both so well...
well that's it for now... I hope all is well with everyone...
Ambs

Kayla

2008-08-06T11:12:00.000-07:00

Kayla turned 6 today so I thought I would throw up a post about my little princess...

I can not believe that she is 6... it is so crazy how time flies... It feels like just yesterday I was holding her in my arms for the first time running my fingers through all her dark beautiful hair, smiling from ear to ear with pure happiness... She is the most amazing daughter and I couldn't have asked for a better daughter... She is the most incredible, happy, inspiring, fun loving, caring, sweet spirited little girl you will ever meet (with a slight attitude at times...lol)...She is blessed wtiht he ability to make a person's day no matter what... I look at her and she melts my heart to the very core, making my day everyday....

Kayla, I love you forever,I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be... :-)Your Mommy...

Circus and Goofy's Kitchen

2008-08-06T10:27:00.000-07:00

On Sat. we had so much fun... We went to the circus which was amazing... I haven't been to one since I was 8 so it was basically the first for me and the kids... At first Kayla was kind of skeptical about it because we told her we were going to a clown college, so when we got there we went to the floor to walk around and see the different clowns and the performers and she thought we were serious about her becoming a clown... Even after we told her it was the circus she was still nervous about it until we got up to our seats and the show started, then she relaxed a bit.She loved it all... And Wesley was just in aw of all the stuff going on and his favorite was of course the motorcycles in the round cage, he did not take his eyes off for a second... It was so cute to see the expressions on both of their faces as they watched it all... We will definitely be going back to the circus...
Our day didn't end there...
We decided to have an early b-day dinner for Kayla because grandpa wasn't going to be able to be there for here actual b-day, so we ended up at downtown Disney at Goofy's Kitchen... It was so awesome... Its a buffet style restaurant that has the characters walking around to give autographs and take pictures... The priceless looks on my kids faces with each character was so worth the 1 hour wait.... The pictures grasp most of the expressions but not near as good as they actually were... The best was when Mulan sang Happy Birthday to Kayla, the smile on her face was absolutely worth it...
That day was seriously a blast, I felt like I was a kid again... Kayla was almost embarrassed of me because I was seriously having a great time and I laughed a lot... LOL
Anyways...
I hope you are all doing well...

Washington

2008-08-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

So before we moved to cali I went up to seattle for my cousin Lindsey's wedding... Can I just say it was the funnest most Beautiful wedding I have been too... You always hear about the weekend weddings where everyone stays at the same hotel and does the whole weekend wedding, this was it... We had so much fun...It was at a lodge in Easton, WA that was basically in the middle of the forest it was so quiet and beautiful...

The night we got there we had a 70's night rehearsal dinner which is the pic's you see with our 70's attire... We had a blast dressing up for the occasion and just chatting and carrying on... Then sat was just kick back go do the fishing thing or sight seeing, etc until the wedding... Then of course the wedding and the dinner which was absolutly Amazing it was so nicely decorated adn it was just perfect... So needless to say I had a blast and it was so great to just go walking around and be alone at times to clear my head...
Before we left we also made it to the space needle which was awesome, but I think I like the one in Vegas more..LOL they have all the fun stuff to do... HAHA
Anyways I just wanted to share that experience...
Love ya all....
Ambs

2008-07-24T11:07:00.000-07:00

We had another great week!!! where to start.... Well Kayla lost her first tooth and she was so excited about it, she wrote a note to the tooth fairy and all... Apparently the tooth fairy liked it cause she gave her $7... My mom says it is because of inflation in CA...HAHAHA she thinks she is so funny...
I have also started to potty train Wes.. So far we are not doing to hot but he has gone once on the big boy potty.. So not to much progress but he gets the idea...
As for our adventures, the 3 of us experienced Beverly Hills for the 1st time, and it was a blast. We didn't get much time to do the walk of fame or anything else but we got a few things in, but the main event, Wall-e at the El Capitan theater, was alot of fun... They had a live show before the movie that was so much fun, if you make it to Hollywood I highly suggest making a Disney movie at the El Capitan theater a must... We also hit Rodeo Drive, now I was loving that,(even if I don't have the money to shop there...) it was incredible to just watch people or walk into all the crazy expensive stores... Me and Letisha walked into, I think it was Versace, we were just browsing on the upper level when we over heard one of the ladies that worked there ask a customer if she would like a glass of wine or champagne while she waited for her dress to get taken in... Wow how would it be... So needless to say I love Beverly Hills I am def making a weekend out of it one day to do everything....
We have also been swimming like 3 more times this week which was a blast my kids are def water lovers... Kayla just jumps into the water like nothin now (of course she still has floaties) but she has a blast.. Wes is also getting a lot braver with the water, he likes to just float around on the boogie boards... (He no longer has a death grip around my neck when we are in the water)

We also went bowling last night, and can I tell you how much fun my kids are, oh my Wes has never really been bowling so that was an experience in itself.. He would roll the ball and turn around and say yes and give high fives, all the while Kayla was in the back ground cheering him on... Now Kayla she gets the concept now, but if she got any number of pins down she would get so excited, but when she got her strike she flipped... It was the cutest thing ever....
I went and saw The Dark Knight too, and I highly suggest you go see it,I think I have just found my all time favorite movie, Heath Ledger did an incredible job as the Joker...
Anyhow until next time we miss you all and hope all is well... And Happy 24th!!!
Loves Ambs, Kayla, and Wes

2008-07-15T14:04:00.001-07:00

So since being in Cali we have had a some what of a busy schedule... We have gone to the beach and Big Bear, and we have also been swimming like crazy, as well as getting Kayla started in 1st grade, which she started today, and I am almost finished with my process of getting going with school, (I go in on Thursday for my assessment tests...) Oh yeah and we had a new addition to the family, Belle(our dog) had her puppies, sadly one died but We were left with an adorable little boy puppy that my Brother, Ryan, named Mooshu....
I can not tell you how great this last week has been, I thought maybe the fist few weeks would be very hectic trying to get going with schools, and getting unpacked, and adjusted. But it has been going really good.
The kids are adjusting nicely they are enjoying every minute of it, I think I might have created a couple of beach bums though...They love the beach... Wes thinks it is so cool to play in the sand and get his feet wet in the water and be pulled up as the water goes back. I will post a video so you can see what I am talking about, just as soon as I figure out how to do that... Kayla has fun searching for seashells, and running to the waters edge and screaming and running back up to try and escape the water... LOL they are just a riot to watch.... We also like just sitting on the back porch in the evening watching the sun go down...
And Me I am doing great, I still have my moments when I have a hard time but I have had more happy incredible moments then anything... It feels so good to be in this place in my life, I am so glad that I finally get to go to school and do what I want to do... And I can not tell you enough how much I love the beach, I could spend all day just lying there listening to the surf and just relaxing, I love to go and catch the sunset, I finally got to see a great sunset last night at Redondo beach with my friend Jen... it was incredible....
Anyways thats about it for now... I have to go get my little 1st grader from school....(oh my that just seems so unreal...)
I hope you are all doing well....

2008-07-07T18:47:00.000-07:00

So we made it to Cali and it is slowly all coming together... On the way down we stopped in Bryce cannon and drove through Zions which was a new experience for me and it was all so beautiful... We had alot of fun... I def want to go back one day to do more hikes through Bryce. I think it would be so fun to do all the hikes out there...
So now that we are here we are just jumping into a busy busy schedule, tomorrow I am going to register for school at RCC and the kids are having a blast, keeping busy with swimming... We have so much planned for the summer, I am so excited... On the 19th we are going to the El Capitan theater in Beverly hills to watch Wall-E, we are gonna go to Sea world, Zoos, and we are going to the Circus, along with swimming lessons, and a million other little things we are going to be crazy crazy....

2008-06-24T00:10:00.000-07:00

So as most of you know we will be moving to cali on July 3rd, and it is coming up quick!!! It all hit me real hard today but I know that this is what I have to do for myself and my kids and I know that great things will come of it... Anyways I will be adding more posts and Pics at least once every week starting sometime in July so that you can take a peek into our new lives:) I am having a ton of mixed emotions right now about it all but i know it will be ALL GRAVY BABY!!!
Until next time....

Some funny things my kids say

2008-02-23T07:36:00.000-08:00

So I just thought I would share with you a talk me and Kayla had last night it was so funny...

So we were brushing her teeth and we were talking and she got in to this whole thing about her perils (aka Freckles) and that if she has them she can't be a cheerleader, I immediatley disagreed and told her she could be anything she wants to be... So she continued on how when she grows up she wants to be a lifeguard... And I thought that was pretty cool, then she preceeded to tell me that she wants to also be a cotton candy giver... LOL It was so funny I immediatly started to laugh and couldn't stop for the life of me... She is so funny, I get a kick out of her and wesley both....

So I will now tell you about this past weekend and what wesley was saying...

We were at my mom's hotel room(or as kayla would say ho motel lol) dropping off some clothes for the kids so they could stay with nana and papa for the night... We were just chatting about the date me and Jer had just been on and my kids were jumping on the bed diving into pillows... Well Kayla likes to say the phrase bow chicka wow wow (from the chipmunk movie) when she is jumping and what not, Well little brother likes to copy his big sister so before he would dive into the pillows he would say wow wow, wow wow, It was so funny and cute the way he says it... Kayla also taught him koo koo koo koo( its off the robots movie) and he does that as well before he dive into those pillows....

I only wish I had a video camera handy at the time so I could've captured that... Learned my lesson... But I just have to say that We are all so lucky to have these two incredibly adorable, funny kids in our lives... They can always make a person smile or laugh... They are the BEST in our eyes...

The family

2008-02-20T11:37:00.000-08:00

Kayla
Wes

Blog

2008-02-19T15:21:00.000-08:00

So I decided I would set a blog account up so that we could keep up with some family and friends in some far and not so far off places... I will try and keep up on it... we will see....