I Heart Gmail

There are so many things that you can do with Gmail. I love it. I'm an android and my phone is powered by google. I have currently have the droid X. 

Side note: Love love this phone.

Anyway, I've used write in calendars and white boards in my kitchen. Nothing works for me to remember the hundreds of tasks a day that I need to do, appointments, cleaning schedule, hubs schedule, Mack's, Bills, Birthday's, and last but not least blogging. 

What is the one thing that we rarely forget on a daily basis... yes, the phone.

Having email on phone is awesome and so convenient. So, I thought to myself if my email is so nice to have, then why the heck don't I utilize my google calendar through my email. I me Der!

Gmail offers so many awesome tools with your calendar. You can make several calendars aside from your normal calendar.

These are mine:

* My main calendar

* Cleaning

* Ian

* Mack

* Appointments

* Pay Days

* Bill Due Dates

* Blogging

* Birthday's

* Overtime

These are the things that I need to remember on a day to day basis. I add everything else under my main calendar. The great part about Gmail is that it offers you to make all these different calendars... to your little heart's content and color code them. You can set up reminders and even have a text sent to you if you don't can't get email to your phone or look at your google calendar. 

No more to do list's, planning for the week on post it's. It's all contained in the palm of my hand, and it alerts me by sound, so I never forget a thing.... How great is that. If you haven't used your gmail account to it's full potential, then you have to try it out. 

If you have any questions or need help, please don't hesitate to leave me a comment, or email me @ kristina.j.ruth@gmail.com

I work with google powered email through work and my personal, so I'm pretty well rounded with it. 

What do you do keep yourself organized with your to do tasks and such?

Do you keep it on a calendar or write it down?

What works' for you the best?

Constructive Criticism and you!

I've been thinking for a little bit about what my readers like and don't like about my blog. I've been blogging for almost a year. Weee... blog anniversary party. I'm curious to see what you overall think of my blog and what you don't like. I have a couple of questions to ask and I'm hoping you can answer them for me. I love to blog and share things about me, my child and my life, but I don't want to bore you guys to death. 

What do you like the most about my blog?

Are my posts too long? Too short?

Do my topics and posts interest you or put you to sleep?

What do you wish I wrote more about?

What interests you and what do you like to read on other blogs?

Thanks so much for your feedback. I'm willing to take positive or negative. 

Go!

McFatty Monday - Week #1

After epic fail after epic fail. This week has been super positive. This first week of any new thing, whether it's dieting, going to the gym, new yoga class... it can be hard. If you can make it through 7 days/week and you are still yet determined there is really nothing keeping you from stopping. Well sometimes..

This week was awesome. I'm using a cleanse and weight loss system called Isagenix. Heard of it? It is such an amazing product. They make it so easy for you. I love the way it makes you feel and the my natural energy that has been restored. 

I'm an energy drink junky. The bull. That's right the red bull. It sings sweet, sweet music to me everytime I'm even anywhere near it. I can't help it, I can't resist, it gets me at my weakest point and then done deal I bought a can. 

So I've avoided going into stores and going anywhere near that specific fridge... and I don't even make contact with bull. It sounds stupid, but this is how bad my addiction is to those things. 

Drum Roll Please....

After one week I released 5 pounds!!

Weight Loss so far: 5 pounds

Weight left to loose 55 pounds

Goals:

10 Pounds (April 1st)

20 Pounds (Reward: Free Dinner night)

30 Pounds (???)

40 Pounds (New outfit)

50 Pounds (Sushi)

60 Pounds ( Shop Spree)

Are you participating in any kinds of weight loss or health goals? 

Toddlers, What not to wear

I admit it ok! I'm one of those mom's that actually cares about what Mack wears. There are certain items of clothing that are just hideous and I will refuse to let my kid out of the house in. 

Are you nodding your head? You know there has been a couple items of clothing bought for you child that you wouldn't be caught dead with them in it? Right!

Ok, I will be the jerk face to admit it. When it comes to my kids clothes I splurge. I've never once bought a single item of clothing from Walmart. Something about the fabrics give me the willies. Have you seen the article about Walmart flip flops eating their feet? Google it. It's nasty. 

Don't get me wrong I'm not too cool for Walmart, I just don't buy clothing for my kid from there. My favortie places to shop for Mack are: Target, Kohls, Old Navy, and Gap. Oh and online for Roxy. They are too stinking cute. 

I'm OCD when it comes to her matching and looking cute. There have been times where Ian has dressed Mack and I've taken her back to her room and have redone her entire outfit. I guess that's just the mom in me. 

Exhibit B. Cheetah/Animal Print

Clothing I think is just not cute for a kid.

* Spandex --> they will never be and never are cute. Period.

Exibit A. Spandex 

* Animal print --> It really depends, but I avoid it with all costs. Last thing I need is my kid looking like she killed a cheetah. 

Levi jeans and skinny jeans on Mack, they just make my heart melt. Dresses with tights and ugg boots.. just too cute for words. 

I might be crazy, but I just want my kid to look cute all the time. 

Vote for me???

I've finally decided to delete my voting buttons for the fence and the top mommy blogs.

Why?

When I first started blogging a year ago I noticed that everyone had them on their blog. Ok, not everyone, but it seemed like it at the time. I guess I'm finally over it. I have a bunch of favorite readers on my blog that I think are awesome and I appreciate your comments and support on my blog. 

I don't need a bunch of bloggers to vote for me... cuz I already know my blog is awesome and my readers don't need to vote for me for me to think they are awesome. My followers Rock!

Anyway, it's gone & the stress of how my votes are doing and how many I have is gone & I'm glad. I'm more interested in my blogging and my followers than how many votes I have, because in the end the votes just don't matter.

The Koru

The Koru is a symbol of new life, new growth, harmony & rebirth.

My aunt brought to me from New Zealand and is one of my favorite things in my house.

What is your favorite thing in your house?

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Spring Cleaning... Meh

When I think of Spring Cleaning, I think beyond the surface cleaning. I clean all week, dust, wipe, mop, sweep, polish. blah blah blah...

What I don't do all the time

• Fill Away Bills/ important paper work
• Finish project's in craft/guest room
• Clean out kitchen cabinets and reorganize

This year for spring cleaning I want to do something different. I do all the normal cleaning weekly and a deep clean once a month. Deep cleans usually consist of cleaning the windows, closets and other random stuff you don't need to do weekly.

Things I just want to accomplish... and need to.

• Fix computer, buy new hard rive and buy windows 7
• Set up printer.... I haven't done this since we moved last may... gah!
• Organize scrap booking supplies, create scrap book spot.
• Buy sewing table and set up sewing machine and organize supplies
• Print all photos of Mack and 2010. Organize photos in an album and prepare for scrap booking
• Buy wall shelving and install in guest/craft room
• Buy storage containers for scrap book, craft and Mack's art supplies. 

I have a few projects I want to get done. Since Tahoe, most of spring consists of snow, I will have plenty of technical spring time to get these projects done. My main focus is the craft and sewing room. 

What projects would you like to get done this spring?

What does your spring cleaning consist of?

Mountain Mum's Letter's

Dear Ian: such a great weekend to relax and hang out with the three of us. Mack enjoyed building houses with you with mega tiles. Thanks for dealing with all of the snow removal this winter and especially this weekend. I'm sure Mack says thank you too! Dear Mother Nature: you have made it clear that you are here to stay for awhile, by dumping 3-4 feet of fresh powder to Tahoe on the first day of spring. Flowers, trees blossoming, and green grass I hope are in are near future, and please don't wait to show us these things until May like last year. Dear Mack: I hope you had fun with Mom and Dad this weekend. We played and played all weekend and had some good naps. Must have been the blizzard like conditions outside. I hope you had fun with mom and dad on Saturday night with dinner and video games and then movie night at home. Dear Day Light Savings: I'm so glad that you have come around this year again. It's nice to come and go to work in the sunshine and be able to have a couple hours of light when I get home. I'm glad you are here to stay for a while. 

P.S. My internet at home has been so slow for the last 3 days due to the snow storm we got today and this weekend. Sorry for the late post. 

P.S.S. Happy Spring! What are you doing to prepare yourself for spring? Any spring cleaning ideas? 

Ok one last P.S. stay tuned for my spring cleaning post this week. I want to do a garage sale this year. 

First day of spring...Not!

First day of spring for Tahoe this year consists of 4-5 feet of fresh snow. Mack and I have been playing all morning. Blocks, play doh, stickers movies and its only 10am. Yikez we have a long day of being inside today.

Hope you have a great first day of spring and happy sunday.

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It finally works ::The Potty::

The battle of the "Potty" is starting to ease from war stage to just a disagreement. Mack has been doing great and has overall been excited about her own accomplishments too. 

I literally tried everything...

* Sticker Chart

* M&M's 

* Bribes 

* Making her sit there until she tried long enough

* Running the water out of the tap in the sink

* Distracting her by singing songs, counting, asking her questions.

I was starting to get frustrated myself. I just never thought that potty training would be so hard. I thought, you start sticking your kid on the pot and then they just get it after a while.I was so wrong. I admit, I didn't do any online research or read a book. I just tried trail and error with Mack and tried to see what made sense for her. Also, being a working parent and not being home with her all day was hard. 

It's finally just started to click with her. She does not like to be wet or have sticky stinky stuff stuck to her butt anymore. 

I basically was teaching her to us the potty from 6pm to 8pm. Between those times it was hard, 2 hours isn't long enough really to get her used to the potty. I've been lucky to have preschool help and ask her all day long and put her in underwear part of the day.

Pull-ups are worthless in my opinion. If you are going to potty train and your child seems like they are ready, then the diapers stop. Don't buy pull-ups in there place, they will just replace diapers in my opinion. That's where I made the mistake. Mack couldn't tell very well when she had to go when she had the pull up on. 

I learned they will have accidents and some times it will be messy. I just carry extra clothes and underwear wherever I go. 

Potty training is tough when you are out and about in public. Some places have bathrooms and some don't. Some are gross to put it mildly. I try and carry the disposable seat covers with me. They are pretty cheap and are life savers. 

I found that if I kept asking her over and over again she would eventually agree. Every night I came home from work, before I'd do anything I changed her in underwear if she came home from preschool in a pull up. She would be in underwear till bedtime. 

Potty training is difficult and challenging. There are some weeks where she acted interested and other weeks where she acted as if she had no idea what the toilet was. 

I feel we are on the home stretch of this potty training business. 

Politics in the word Volunteer?

I'm one of those people that crave and need a busy life. I get bored and annoyed easily and I'm always looking for the next best thing. I really enjoy getting involved in my community, you meet people, not so great people, have fun and overall have the reward of knowing you have given your time and effort into something that is for a good cause. 

I'm not sure if volunteering your time comes with a child or what. I wasn't really interested in volunteer work until I had my daughter. Oh Mack I love you! Volunteer work is fun and 

I'm really getting into it. Until last night... 

I guess I never realized that there can be politics in the volunteer world. I mean shit, I'm tired of politics and the way things are run in my own state (bless California) and this country. The last thing I want to do is attend a volunteers meeting and feel like the independent party that doesn't have a chance in hell getting elected, listened too or feel valid.

The reason I volunteer for a certain organization and foundation is for the kids in our community. I help raise money and donate my time for programs for the kids. It's a great place for the kids to go and play, make friends and be creative. With recent budget cuts across the country and mainly our state, local grants are coming far and few. 

I'm not sure if it's because of where I live, but there are some mom's out there that think there shit don't stink and they are a A class mom because there kid goes to private school and I spend most of my time spending my husbands money, playing with my phone, talking shit and what they have and what they wear. I mean com'on. We are hear to raise money and give our time for each other's children. It's for the kids remember.

Last Week was the annual fundraiser for the local kids spot in our town. It's a museum type place for the kids to go play and do arts. When you have 10-15 feet of snow in your yard or get total for the winter, this place rocks to take your kid to for a couple of hours. 

Therefore, we have to be on our fundraising A games to keep this placed alive and be able to make changes and grow.

I'm just a little disappointed with some of the people on the board and committee and even some other volunteers that have lost sight of why we are actually there. It's for the kids. Not who is cool and who does what. 

Volunteers are selfless and overall good people, don't let the bullies and people that think they are better than you ruin it for you. 

What are your experiences with volunteering? Do share any frustrations? 

Wordless Wednesday- Pineapple Express

Mack loves the rain. What kid wouldn't want to splash in puddles and be soaking wet. Throw an umbrella in the mix and watch the entertainment at your own risk. We started with rain tomorrow and now currently snowing.

Happy Wednesday!

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Lady Gaga and Toddlers

My daughter Mack loves to dance and loves music. I'm not the type of mom to sing, patty cake, patty cake, twinkle twinkle. I'm just not I'm not afraid to admit it. Every morning Mack and I pick a song, mostly she picks, and we jam on the way to school. We have a 9 minute commute to her preschool so we can usually fit 2 songs. 

My daughter loves Lady Gaga. I mean who wouldn't. I love her too. 

Mack's new favorite song is bad romance. She actually sings the words. I give my kid credit, she has taste. If my daughter wanted to sing "Old McDonald" on the way to school. I would sing my lungs out with her to it, but she'd rather me bump "Alejandro" by Lady Gaga.

You should see her shake her booty to "I gotta a feeling" by Black Eyed Peas. It's priceless.

The best part of my day is our Jam sesh in the car, even if it's to Lady Gaga Bad Romance.

The Word "Remission"

I've heard this word before 8 years ago. After the experience and other words no one wants to hear. "Cancer". That word double sucks.

My mom was diagnosed with cancer's 8 years ago. She had a brain tumor. See post here: The Cancer Fight.

Anyway, my mom was told she had cervical cancer and a tumor in her uterus last year. I remember thing what the hell.. again? My mom stood strong and fought hard. Chemo and radiation for several weeks. It's almost be an entire year since her treatment was complete.

Earlier this week she went to the doctor for a check up visit. The doctor is was unable to locate any cancer cells and told my mom that she is officially in remission.

To hear those words again is a relief. However, it's also nerve racking because you just don't know what will happen.

For now "Remission" is a good word and Cancer Sucks!

Mack's first dance class

Mack's New Ballet Outfit for class

Mack is in the dark pink shirt and black pants. 

Last week was Macks's first dance class. It was a ballet and tap mixed class. She loved ot and instantly made some new friends. We will be returning to class again this week. It was a great deal. $60 bucks for 4 classes a month. She loved the tap shoes and the tap dancing the most.

The studio I took her too was awesome. They were willing for her to try a class to see if she even liked it. The teacher was impressed with Mack's listening skills and paying attention to directions. This week we will be going again with mack's new ballet outfit.

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Mountain Mum's Letter's

Dear Ian, thanks for being able to take care of Mackenna when I'm not at home. Whether it's working late at work, hanging out with a friend, or time for me to get out. I swear I don't snore, and I'm sure you beg the differ, last night your snores were louder than ever. Dear Mother-in-Law, thanks for taking me to sushi and the laugh about (shlong waxing). Dear Mackenna, you have been such a good girl this week and continue to be the best loving child anyone can ask for. You had your first dance class this last saturday and you looked to cute in your tap and ballet shoes. You melted my heart when you giggled and made new dance friends. I can't wait until your next class this Saturday. Dear Mom, Mack really enjoyed coming to meet you at school. No matter what you are there for us and me especially when I need someone to talk to. You don't judge and you always give me advice. Even though it may be something I don't agree with you still know how to be neutral person and guide me to being a better adult.  Dear Ian, Since you will now get two letter's since I always have so much to say too you.  I had so much fun with you and Mack on Sunday when we went to go and see Rango. It was fun to get out as a family and I enjoy are time together as a family.

* Remember to visit Amanda at Forever Endeavor and also check out the creator of the the letter's, Today's Letter's  * 

McFatty Monday - Week #1

Successful week thus far. Sorry for the late in the day post. Never did get around to writing this post up on Sunday. Starting over and the first week is the hardest. You have to challenge yourself to stick with something and it can be hard when life just get's the way. 


I read this post by heir to blair blog. She has the best blog and I enjoy reading it. Again, I give her credit, because she is the creator of McFatty Monday. Anywho, she wrote a post about "it clicked" she said in her post when did it click for you. It really clicked for me when I have a whole closet of clothes that I miss and remember feeling good in. Also, reading Tiffany's progress on mom-nom.com. She has lost over 35 pounds in 10 weeks. Like wow! She is looking great.


So "It clicked" for me when I see people I know doing well with weightloss and health and even in my blogging friends. I love the fact that she has shared her challenges and her success along the way. She has been real about her fears and all of the goals that she has reached.


This last week was a challenge. Who doesn't love food and food in general. I do. I stuck to my plan and thank good for @Isagenix in showing me that I can be healthy again and in a natural way. 


Weight to Loose: 60 lbs


Weight left: 55 pounds


This week: Lost 5 pounds OMGeeee! 
Goals:
10 Pounds by March 10th, 2011
20 pounds: (March 25th, 2011) Reward: Hair cut and color
30 Pounds (New outfit for summer)
Ok, I really need your help and support this week to help myself overcome the red bull and coffee while I'm working like a bee this week. Please link up with me if you would like to journey with me. 




* Isagenix is a cleanse program targeted to regain natural energy and natural weight loss. The opinions of the product and the results are my own . If you are interested in using the products, please visit. Isagenix.com *

Ready for the Weekend

I couldn't be more ready for the weekend. Seriously. It's been another tough week at work and just life. 

I'm super excited, tomorrow will be Mack's first dance class. So we shall see how that goes and if she likes it. Luckily the studio lets them do a free intro class. She loves music, to sing and dance, so I don't see why she wouldn't like it. 

Photo Credit 

I have a hefty list of things that I want to get done this weekend. Don't we all. Although spring doesn't come to the land of Lake Tahoe, CA until at least the middle or end of April. I have an itch to spring clean, organize and declutter the house. 

Have a great weekend all! 

Time to pull the Goalie

I'm getting an itch for baby number two. More so to get it rolling and be done with it. No sense in dragging it out. I was looking at the old finances yesterday and well... yikes! 

However, there is some good news. My car is paid off next November... OMGeee! Which free's up around $420 bucks a month. There is a good chunk of change. Then I was browsing over the finances to see what we can cut and what else we can lower in order to put another child in day care. ($1000 bucks a month is murder). 

I did some calculations and well, we need to pay off all credit cards but two. Well that shouldn't be too hard right. I picked the best two we have for rewards, interest rates, cash advances, and over limit. We can totally manage to live off of two credit cards. I think. 

The Goal: Pay off all credit cards, but two by the end of November. Then, I say it will be time to "pull the goalie." I have an IUD and it's been a great goalie of defending the goal for the last 2 1/2 years. 

I figured then when the credit cards (but, 2) and my car is paid off we will have freed up enough money to live comfortably and have two kids in day care. Sweet, yes, success! 

It sounds so easy, but paying off anything can be challenge. The geek in me, it was time to make an excel spreadsheet and craft up some formulas. 

I did some screen shots of the budget. These are my real numbers for credit card balances and minimum payments. I don't want to lie and I want it to be as real as it can be.


We have some serious things to accomplish. We have $320 bucks a month extra to put towards credit card debt. I have crafted this spreadsheet to plan each month, which credit card will get the bulk of the extra payment a month and start to watch this numbers disappear. The number's in RED that's what we owe on the card. The line below that is the minimum payment to that card and the next column is the extra payment amount.

Sticking to a budget and goal is hard. Life throws you curve balls and thing happen. The important thing is not to give up but start over the next month and keep to the goals you have set yourself.

My goal is get rid the debt and get pregnant again. What's you debt goals? How will you achieve them? How did you conquer debt. Please tell me!

Wordless Wednesday

The best view one can have for a 9 minute commute.

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Today's Letter Inspired - First Post

I've alway's wanted to write a letter and try it. I found this idea from my fellow blogger, The Forever Endeavor (her blog is awesome and she is awesome, so join the awesomeness and visit her). She in turn got the idea from letter's Today's Letter's. They have a cute blog and they write letter's to each other. Such a good idea. 

Today's Letter's: Dear Ian: I don't tell you all the time but I appreciate you and all you do for Mack and I. I'm so happy and excited for you that you passed yet another exam for work and another raise is added to your salary. I watched you boost your confidence since you have started this new job almost 3 years ago and your constantly raising the bar for yourself. Mackenna: you scared the crap out of me this weekend when you touched the wood burning stove and burned your hand. You cried and screamed and you have blisters to prove it. You are a strong kid. I slept on the floor of your room to make sure you were sleeping ok and tell you, "your ok", when you would stir and wake up in the middle of the night. Dear mother nature: thanks for the 4 feet of fresh snow you have graced us with. Maybe now L.A won't be in a drought and the lake's and river's will be full for summer. Dear Mack's Preschool Teacher's: you have always treated my daughter as your own. The love and care you show to her everyday is the best feeling in the world to a parent. She has learned more than you know and continues to grow and learn with you. 

P.S. Who would you write a letter too? What would you say? 

Mack Monthly Update

Mack at the KidZone. 

Mack is now 2 Year's old and 2 month's old. She is growing up to be a well behaved and well mannered child. It's hard to think at times that you are the one that has created this person. She still surprises me everyday and is smarter than I ever imagined.

Weight: 36 pounds (Still the same weight)

Height: 3 feet tall. 

New Words: Wake up, Cya Later, more please, I love you (way more clear), Remembering her friends name's from school. Counts 1-10 and almost to 20. 

Eating Habits: Really into her favorites again. Being stubborn about new food items. 

Favorite Movies: A Goofy Movie, Bugs life, and Walle

Activities: Everything is "what's that!" She wants to know what everything is and will repeat what you tell her. She is picking things up so quickly. 

Potty Training Status: She went all by herself the other weekend. She just didn't get her undies down, but she went potty by herself. Progress.  

Sleeping: She is a sleepy kid. She still takes 2-3 hour naps a day and sleeps through the night from 8pm to 5:30am - 6:00am. 

Building with Friends

She built this all by herself.