Rantings of a Stay At Home Mom

Home appliances, AC service and baking

2008-05-18T21:41:00.003-07:00

My refrigerator is taking a crap on me. I mean, not literally but, you get it. I woke up today- and it was sinisterly quiet in the kitchen. I noticed the fridge wasn't cooling. This is bad because it doesn't get cold enough as it is- so it really can't take a break on the cooling. I guess most of them cycle, but this one really can't. Just recently, it stopped making ice- I think the reason for this is that it doesn't get cold enough or something, maybe not but, who the hell knows....moving on. So My dad, Jennah and Ayman and I took a ride to day to look for a replacement. A used replacement. I figured that I could get something for a couple hundred. I showed up at Wilson and Coffey and found this gem- except get this: It has an ice maker. woohoo. the deal with it is, it got damaged in shipment, and they fixed it. you really don't know where the major damage is unless you know where to look for it. They did a nice repair job. There is also a couple of dings on the outside door, but hell, that is gonna happen at my house anyway. so I am gonna buy it tomorrow, and it should be delivered by Tuesday. Thank goodness for that. I had to put everything in the freezer, to keep it all cold. The milk turned, and I had to throw out all the milk and mayonnaise based products. Perhaps, that is why I have had an inordinate amount of gastrointestinal distress....if you know what I mean, and I think you do.

On a more positive note, I was in contact with my Uncle Brian, who is a whiz with all things car related, and he says he can service my Honda's AC for very little cash. I will see if he can check out the thermostat as well (the car overheats when you idle, so no stop and go traffic, and no drive thru). Then, the kiddies and I will have a cool car to ride in this summer. YAY!

I made another cake- I kinda screwed up the topping for it though. I don't think it was a keeper. It came out a little dry, although they have you serve it with ice cream. It is OK, but I don't think I am going to categorize it as a "keeper", but when I upload the pic I will post it. It turned out pretty. My next attempt will be a carrot cake. I love carrot cake. I just have to acquire some spices for the dish. I have a delicious recipe for a cream cheese frosting. wanna hear it? hear it goes:
1 pound (2 bricks) of Cream cheese softened
1 cup of butter (2 sticks) of butter softened (it is low cal)
4 cups of powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp vanilla
beat until creamy.

Don't ask me what the deal is with me and baking right now. Soon, I will be making a homemade ice cream cake- one of those ones that is rolled up. i saw a neat one on Emeril Live. I have to look in to it.

time sure does fly by....

2008-05-16T00:54:00.005-07:00

It has been quite a while since I had anything to post. I mean, I have had stuff to post, but Ihave been to lazy to do so. My last post was in late April, and it is almost late May, so I guess it is time. I am back in class, for the next twelve weeks. No offense to my teachers, but I am straight up struggling to stay awake in the classes. Ugh, I dont wanna drink the nasty coffee they have there because then I get all jacked up caffeine-style, and never fall asleep. So let's have an update, shall we? (i know this is too boring now. Sorry, I just dont have the energy to spout all my venom anymore. I mostly save that for the myspace blog.)

Ayman is rapidly approaching the end of his school year, and after a little bout with pneumonia, he is doing fine now. Jennah, is speedily potty training- she totally digs the potty chair. Ayman had nothing to do with it, but Jennah will totally go all Britney Spears and eat her cheetos and drink her juice while crapping on the potty chair in front of the TV. Yes. My potty chair is in the living room. When my daughter is home, she has no pants or panties on. Sue me. Whatever works. (right Colleen?- i wish i could visit you by the way...) I dont make my guests dump out the chamber pot, so it is all good. Hmmmm, what am I missing here? Summer is upon us here in Stockton, and we had the first of several ridiculously hot days today- early. I had to borrow Amr's cursed Honda of death today to go pick Ayman up from school, because it has an AC and my Kia does NOT. Totally ridiculous. I live in the hot-assed central valley and have to truck my two small children around in a compact car with no AC. Do not even think that a trick-ass-mini van wont be at the TOP of my list of purchases once I get my RRT, thank you very much. I made an awesome Southern Red Velvet cake (trust me, this recipe is easy and totally worth it) for mothers day this weekend, which was a nice bbq at my brothers house, (kudos to Auntie Nay Nay for the hard work, she is like, 20 weeks prego) I won't go in to all the reasons that I was upset and pissy on mothers day, let's just say, I would like some recognition. So, here are a few pics, sorry there isn't more, and yes, the cake was freaking awesome. Definitely a keeper.

Braces, OFF!

2008-04-21T00:58:00.002-07:00

So, two weeks ago I got the braces off. I have just been too lazy to post a pic. Everyone knows it involves getting pretty and taking oodles of pictures of yourself. So tonight, I finaly did it. Of course, I should be studying or writing a paper, but this is way more important, huh Dad?
Oh yeah, I am trying to potty train Jennah. As you can see by the picture, it is going GREAT. (NOT)
Hope everyone is doing well!

updates

2008-03-28T21:18:00.002-07:00

So here are some gems from Easter- As you can probably see, Jennah has learned to make a face. This is the only one she does. It is adorable of course. These pictures were taken at Genes house on Sunday. I just finished a module at school, and as of Monday, I am on clinical at a hospital here in Stockton. Lemme see, what has been going down? Jennah and Ayman went to the dentist and Yay! No cavities! Umm, I think that is about it, I am boring.

Jennahs 2nd birthday celebration.

2008-03-18T23:24:00.003-07:00

So today my daughter turned 2. It is just amazing how time flies. She got her very own princess tricycle. We did a party for her at Ayman's preschool, where the kids enjoyed cupcakes with marshmallow peeps on them, made by me of course, and gender specific goody bags. Oh yeah, I was awake until 3 am the night before, but it was so worth it. Of course, no post would be complete with out a picture of my boy too.

The best proffesional amateur commercial ever.

2008-03-11T13:17:00.002-07:00

this video has gone viral, I am mostly posting it here so my mom can watch it at work.
I will have kid related video later in the week.

Ouch, i went bananas

2008-03-02T00:22:00.001-08:00

So, my father and I took the kids to a place in Lathrop called "Go Bananas" basically, it is a large warehouse in an industrial park, that has several inflatable bounce house things in it. It was pretty cool. Ayman and Jennah were loving it. Unfortunately, Jennahs favorite thing was this really high slide. She is a short little thing, so it took her a long time to make it up the steps to the top. Towards the end of the visit, she wouldn't walk up at all, but really wanted to go up. So, that left good ole Mom, what can I say? I am a pushover. I put Jennah in a firemans carry, and climbed her right up to the top. She loved it. Which made it necessary for me to do it like, fifty more times. Needless to say, my legs are killing me and I actually busted a sweat. The kids tore it up. I think it would be fun to go again sometime. I will have to take Amr, because he is way more into the physical activity than me.
In a completely unrelated note, I have seen my husband for like, one hour total all week. That is weird. He comes home, I go to school. I come home from school, he is in bed. He goes to work, I am in bed. WTF? Not only that but I have no energy. I was reading a friends blog and he was saying how he wished he had 1/3 of the energy he used to have. I am agreeing with that. I wish I did too. I just wanna sleep all the time when I have the chance. But I feel restless. Like, I want to do something, I almost need to do something. Like, ants in your pants, you know?
Whatever, maybe I am experiencing once of several self predicted mid-lifes.
I am gonna roll with it and see what happens. Perhaps the crisis won't include flunking out of mechanical ventitlation (ok, i see that that is a typo, but i like it so it stays). We'll see.

Crapity crap crap

2008-02-20T06:34:00.002-08:00

So last night, I watched the season finale of nip/tuck. Whoa. Here is my imitation of Daphne and I on instant messenger last night while watching:

Cass: omg
Daph: omg
C: o m g
D: wtf?
C: omg omg omg omg
D: omg omgomgomg omg
C: ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
D: OMG

And that concludes my poor re-enactment of the instant message conversation between Daphne and I.

In a completely unrelated note, I started school again last week, and Whoa, nelly! It's hard. Time to study, yo. Last weekend, I met Daphne in Manteca and we had a very nice time visiting with one another and seeing old friends from school. Much props to the Junior Varsity and Varsity EUHS basketball teams for spanking Manteca High, I always like to see that. It made the evening even better. Next time we have a class gathering we need to find somewhere more quiet to do it. I will ponder that one- I have like 7 months.

Alrightie then, I will try to keep you posted, or at least get a good video of the kids up here sometime....I should be getting my braces off soon so I may have that to show you....but I wont be specific, because you just never know.

Dr-aaaa-maaaa

2008-02-11T04:41:00.000-08:00

Jennah is a drama queen. I believe I have said this before. Here are some good examples.
When I left with my mom to go to the spa on saturday morning, she was standing on the driveway with Amr, pointing at my mom and I in mom's car, crying. Then she threw herself on the ground, (so carefully.) She was on her side, with her upper body propped up, like she should be laying a cross a piano in a cabaret. She hung her head and cried. It was pathetic and hilarious at the same time. I am sure I will be going to hell for laughing at her.
Then, later that day when I came home, I noticed that Jennah was acting like a puppy, (which is pretty normal for her) but with the added twist of biting things. I was talking to her father and she came up to me and out of nowhere bit my thumb, Hard. So, I slapped her hand. I told her: "No biting Mommy! No biting anyone!" She totally lost it. She was bawling. I held her on my lap. She squirmed and cried "Le-et meeee dooooowwwn", "No, sweetie, say sorry mommy." she wouldnt. "Say sorry Mommy, and I will let you down." Still no go. "SAY sorry mommy." Finally, finally, finally, she says "Soorr-eeee Maaaaahhh-meee" through a red face, covered with tears and snot. I gave her a kiss, and said thank you, cleaned the tears and snot with a kleenex. I then set her down on the floor- where she promptly ran over to and dove onto her fathers lap, looking at me as if I were the devil.
Nice.
A couple of weeks ago, Jennah was crying after her bath. She was crying for no reason other than she hates to get out of the tub. It doesnt matter how long she stays in. She was crying and Ayman says: "Jennah, stop being a drama queen!"
Stop being a drama queen- Stop being a drama queen , indeed.

And now a word from Ayman.

2008-01-17T23:44:00.000-08:00

So, as I mentioned before, I am on clinical right now. I was sent to a hospital in a town 45 minutes away (did I mention where before? I dont know, and I am too lazy to go back and look.) Anyhoo, I tried to get switched to the hospital close to me, but they said no. (see earlier posts, I was pretty heated.) Well, they called me this Monday and asked if I would switch with the girl working at county hospital. So I got what I wanted, and in doing so, I am actually doing THEM a favor. (those bastards) Oh, well onward and upward. I am doing Monday, Tuesdays, and Friday nights, so I have the weekends off again now. So it is all good. My first night on, I worked with my brother and he precepted me. Now, this may be an issue for some. I know my brother. He is extremely knowledgeable about his job, and he asked me questions and challenged me. I really appreciated it. I totally hope I get the opportunity again. He did a great job. It really makes a difference when someone is actively teaching you and not just having you do the work with out asking you why.
So next up, we have some awesome video of Ayman in the bath. Enjoy.

Ok, in the begining of the video, I am asking Ayman about about some arabic videos from You tube, so the Egyptian relatives will know what it is all about, but The American folks won't. Also, it is priceless when I cut to Jennah at about 45 seconds.
I don't know what it is, it just makes me laugh.

Wow, school must be back in.

2008-01-08T19:44:00.000-08:00

I am sure, from the lack of posts, you can tell that school is back in. I am on clinicals at a hospital about 45 minutes away from my house. I am doing Wednesday nights and Saturday and Sunday days. It is going pretty well. The boy went back to school, my mom is off vacay, and it is all business as usual. I have started the diet, again; right now, I really don't want to get on the scale to see what kind of damage I did over the holiday. In fact, I think I will stay off the scale for another week. I finally took down the Xmas decor in the house. It was cute, when i was taking down the tree, Ayman said "It isnt Christmas anymore today?" No, honey, it isnt Christmas anymore today.

4 Wheelin'!

2007-12-30T21:28:00.000-08:00

I love Al Gore

2007-12-20T20:28:00.001-08:00

I was just watching a repeat of The Daily Show from Memorial Day Weekend. Al Gore was on, and he did two segments. It was awesome. I really wish that guy would run for President. He totally kicks ass. I think he could win if he ran. Too bad he isnt going to. I wish Draft Gore actually worked. Plus, he is hunky. I wanna see some more of him with the facial hair working. That was awesome. If you never have done this, read his wiki page. The guy really kicks ass.

Next, after TV is the internets.....

2007-12-18T17:44:00.000-08:00

So my life revolves around TV and the internets. When not in school, that is. Obviously this bunch of posts is happening because I have some more time. Normally I would be in school at this time, but not now, as I have said, I am on vacay.
Now on to the reason for my post....

JAMIE LYNN SPEARS, 16, IS PREGNANT!
Why am I so disturbed by this? Is it because she has a show on Nickelodeon? Is it because she is a role model for young girls everywhere because of said show? Is it because after her sisters trailer park twins, and the obvious cautionary tale she presents, this little bitch still got pregnant? What the HELL is the Mother doing over here. I was giving that woman the benefit of the doubt with Britney, because that idiot is working her own stupid agenda. Clearly that one is beyond help, but Jamie Lynn? 16 years old, Still, technically a minor, (but i am not sure about that any more. Can't she be considered emancipated once she is pregnant? She was probably emacipated as soon as she started making that money) Where the hell was mom? Ok, what was I doing at 16? Besides the point. I wasn't on TV with a show geared at young girls. I am not saying that the Mom should march her daughter out and get an abortion; but how can they turn this around, so it doesn't glamorize teenage pregnancy?
Fricking ridiculous.
I mean, seriously people- this is what happens when white trash gets money. You can take the family out of the trailer park, but you can't take the trailer park out of the family.
And this concludes my rant, thanks for tuning in.

Can jou feel it? I said, CAN JOU FEEL IT?

2007-12-18T16:25:00.000-08:00

WOO HOOO! It's Nip/Tuck Tuesday! Yes, my life revolves around tv. You should have seen me when i still had my DVR. Man, I miss that thing. Last week was the first really good show of the season. I can't wait to see tonight. I will be very bummed when they run out of shows, which I am guessing will be really soon. I wish the writers were off of strike already. Crap.

there is no escape

2007-12-17T20:39:00.000-08:00

I am sleepy. I actually didn't have school tonight. I am on vacay. The downside, when i usually get to make my escape, at the time of day when my kids are most irritating, there is no escaping. I am stuck. Ayman is very close to nodding off right now, it is his sheer determination to finish the episode of The Backyardigans that Amr cued up for him, that is preventing him from falling asleep.

OK BEDTIME.
Jennah was just in bed with Ayman. We told her she could sleep with him and we went out of the room. Amr and I just stood outside the door. For 3 seconds they were giggling. Then Jennah calls "DAD-DEEE" Amr goes in. she wants water. She drinks water, Amr goes out. Before his hand is off of the door knob, "DAD-DEEE" Amr opens the door- Jennah says "Hi!" OK, no more messing around. I got the crib ready , we put her in it. All is now quiet on the home front.
Hmm, time to chill, if Ican stay awake, and dig on some Kevin McKidd in Journeyman.
I know the above picture is from Rome, but I liked Vorenus, so sue me. It is all good, I say.

Seriously.

2007-12-14T23:06:00.000-08:00

I am going to fricking Maric College because of the evening classes, and flexible schedule. They have me going somewhere far away for a clinical rotation. When i found out someone didnt pass the class required to go on clinical, thereby opening up a position, 15 minutes from where i live, I called to ask for that positon. The powertripper I talked to straightup said "no" because it would be "Too much work" This is what I pay 30 grand for? No fricking consideration. What the hell ever. I am not over it. I will work on it, but this isn't over by a long shot. Too much work? PUH-leeze. Consider what you are getting with this school. Consider it for a while if you are thinking of going there, San Joaquin Valley. Most of the faculty cares, but don't expect administration to put out much effort by any means.
Man, I am heated.

Tired, my people.

2007-12-14T02:08:00.000-08:00

I am tired.
I took my comprehensive lab final last night, and really felt that I tanked it. There were several questions I actually didnt answer and questions i straight up guessed at. I got an 85%. One of the top two scores in the class if not the best in the class. I was shocked. i mean, really shocked. I was thinking if i got a C on that test it would be a total miracle. Hopefully I am going to pull a B+ or if i am really lucky, an A-. That would be awesome, and put me back on the honor roll. I didn't get honor roll last module because i made straight B's, not that there is anything wrong with B's but I like A's better. I heard there is a lot of people failing our class, and I am looking to poach a clinical site closer to home. It may cause me to be a pain in the ass, but if it shaves 90 minutes off of a commute i am happy. I will look into this tomorrow- I havent called Oak Valley hospital yet to confirm my orientation, so I may have wiggle room.
So now I will sleep. Gee, it is only 217 am, actually, that is about right.....

It was a very good day.

2007-12-11T22:28:00.000-08:00

Today was a very good day.

I didn't know it was going to be a good day, and I didn't try to make it one. It just was.

First, my son woke up all on his own, with out any bullying, tickling or harrassment. Jennah and I slept until noon. I got up, and let the chicken outside. Then i made frosting for a cake i made for a classmates surprise baby shower, that I organized. The cake was a white cake, with homemade butter cream frosting, and bananas in between the layers. I frosted it and decorated it with "It's a Girl!". Last night, I put together this awesome gift basket, which included an 80 dollar gift card to target. So, while i was frosting the cake, my chickens voice changed, which is to say, it started clucking it's tail feathers off. Today was the first time it did that. It was a horrible noise but so cute (in a noisy annoying way, but it is different when they are your own). Then I introduced Jennah to the joys of frosting. from there on out it was "Bobby! Please?" Then she would hold up her little index finger like "1" for more frosting. Very hard to say no to. We went and picked up Ayman. Then, I took them both to Del Taco for lunch. At Del Taco, Ayman decided he had to pee which really sucks, because we have to take his shoes and his pants off. But today, i just put him on the toilet. he was kind of looking at me like i was nuts. then i showed him- Push down above your "you know" and pee. Surprisingly, he did it. I was shocked. He is a creature of habit so i totally expected him to revolt but he went with it. The cool thing there was he was surprised how easy it was, to go potty with out taking of his clothes from the waist down. We went home, Ayman sang to me all the way home. I went to school, the surprise baby shower went well and everyone liked my cake. Then we took our final (The first of two) and I got a 141 out of 159- which is pretty freaking kick ass. (For not studying too much at all) So all in all a good day. to some it may be mundane, and very "Mom oriented" but i loved every minute of it. Eh, now i am tired. I am enjoying the Nip/Tuck right now and then off to bed. woo fricking HOO!

Preschool Birthday Party

2007-12-09T09:49:00.000-08:00

The top picture is Ayman, totally enjoying the frosting of the Funfetti cupcakes, i painstakingly made for Aymans party at preschool. The second picture shows the excited kids when they sat down to enjoy said cupcakes. The bottom picture is Jennah getting in on some cupcake action. When she goes to Aymans school, she owns it. Here she is with Aymans best friend. Jaziel. Jaziel doesn't speak english, and Ayman doesn't speak spanish but they get along great. Jaziel also looooooves Jennah.

Happy Birthday Ayman.

2007-12-09T09:44:00.000-08:00

Here are some cute picks of my baby boy, who today, turns four. I can't believe it. He is so big now, and cute and funny and sweet, everything i was hoping for, I got in him. So happy Birthday Ayman, Mommy, Daddy, Jennah and Chicky love you very much.

Today is my 3(coughcoughahemblercack)th Birthday.

2007-11-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

So this is a birthday, refer to other birthdays to find out which one, because I'm not telling. So far so good, so let's hope that this coming year will be even better. I am excited at the prospect of spending another year with the people I love and making a difference, blah blah blah, But seriously- Thank you to everyone who is helping me suceed- You all know who you are, and I love you.

Halloween Part II and Autumn

2007-11-04T19:20:00.000-08:00

Next stop on the Halloween tour- Uncle Jim and Aunt Cindy's house.

They did really good and got some fun toys.

However, they were done with the driving around and ready to trick or treat.

The next day, i used child labor to clean the Halloween mess.

I am telling you, she likes to squat when you take her picture.

Halloween Part I

2007-11-04T19:19:00.000-08:00

Jennah and her famous pose- squatting down. Don't ask....

I doctored Aymans store bought costume.
That reflective tape is awesome!

He even had his name on the back.

First stop- Uncle Alex and Auntie NayNay's house.

Sometimes, it is really hard to get everyone to look at the camera at the same time.

My daughter scares me.

2007-10-26T13:57:00.001-07:00

She is a daredevil. She isn't scared of anything-and that scares me.