I did it!!

I did it!!  Phase one of my 4 phase goal has been completed!!!  I am the official holder of an Associate in Arts Degree for both History and Liberal Studies!!  I am so beyond proud of my self for accomplishing this phase of my goal to becoming a teacher!!

I will officially begin Phase Two of my goal on August 20th when I head to Sonoma State University for my first day of classes as a college Junior.

It has been a very interesting and rewarding journey as an adult college student and I feel I have grown leaps and bounds as a person.  

I am so very excited to begin classes in August at the University I can hardly stand it!!  

The Duchess Turns 8

 On January 15, 2003 I arrived at the hospital at 7"00AM for my scheduled c-section.  Hubby and I could not wait to find out if we were having a boy or girl....although Hubby was so convinced we were having a boy he wouldn't even discuss girl names.

At 9:44AM the doctor announced "You have a big baby girl!"  I will never forget the look on Hubby's face.....it was complete and utter shock!!!  He turned to me stunned and said "What on earth are we going to name her??"  I gave him my top two picks and said "Pick one."

The Duchess weighed in at 8lbs. 10oz. & 21".  MUCH bigger then her 5lb brother and 4lb sister who had been born just 13 months earlier!!

That's right...13 MONTHS between TWINS and another baby!!!  CRAAAZZZYYY!!!!!

I suppose I should explain The Duchesses conception......well, not THAT part....get your minds out of the gutter!!!  But more the HOW I learned of The Duchesses impending arrival.

I went through nearly 4 years of infertility prior to conceiving my twins through IVF.  Over those 4 years I worked with 4 different doctors, had NUMEROUS medical procedures and was told by ALL 4 doctors I had a 0-1% chance of every concieving or carring a baby to term without medical intervention.  My infertility journey is a long and complicated one I'll share another time.......

Ultimatley I had a successful IVF cycle in which I concieved triplets....Yep TRIPLETS!  Sadly just one week after learning we had concieved 3 babies, I lost one.  Thankfully the other 2 continued to grow and arrived healthy, although 6 weeks premature.

When My Boy and The Contessa were about 6 months old I started feeling very yucky throughout the day.  Several things went through my mind..............the flu, exhaustion, or even a allergy to dairy (I craved milk like you would not believe, but felt horrible every time I consumed it!)...........never, and I mean NEVER did pregnancy even cross my mind!!!

While on the phone with a very dear friend, I was telling her how I had been feeling for the past several weeks.  Her response.....she laughed and said "I bet your pregnant!"  "yaeh, right." was my flipant response. 

Later that night I was telling Hubby about the conversation with my friend and her comment about me being pregnant.  Suddenly I noticed Hubby had stopped what he was doing and just stared at me.  "What?" I asked him.  He quietly said "I've been thinking the same thing."    "You WHAT!!!???" I was stunned.

"I've been thinking your pregnant too.  You've been acting the same way you had early on before." He said

You know in the movies when a character has a revalation or realisation and they get that look and the camera zooms in on them??  Yeah, that's how I felt right in that moment.  It was like I was watching a film of my ealrier pregnancy with the twins in my mind and comparing it to how I currently felt and suddenly....and I mean SUDDENLY I knew!!!  I just Knew!!!  He was right.  My friend was right.  I was pregnant!

I left right then, and headed to the drugstore for a pregnancy test.  I came right back home and walked right into the bathroom and took the test.  There were two lines before I even laid the test down!!!!

I waited the alloted time and grabbed it and walked out to show Hubby the test.  He was on the phone with his brother and I just shoved the test infront of him.  In mid-sentence he said into the phone "I gotta go!" and hung up.

The first person we told was my sister, who had also been the first to learn we were pregnant with the twins.  The next day we told our parents and other family members.  It was a scary and joyous time all at once! And sadly just 3 days after my very first ultrasound, my stepdad passed away unexpectadly.  So, as you can imagine I was an emotional mess throughout my pregnancy.

The day The Duchesses was born was such an emotional day for my family.  We had endured the loss of a loved one and now were being blessed with a new family member to love.  It was VERY emotional!!

So, how is The Duchess 8 years later..........
*She is very loving, very kind, very smart
*She is Beautiful
*She LOVES school, and wants to be a teacher when she grows up
*Her favorite color is brown, followed by purple and pink
*Her favorite food is a tie between meatloaf and tacos
*She loves to play Barbies
*She likes to read, draw and color
*She REALLY wants an Ipod Touch, which she is saving her money to get on her own
*She loves Full House reruns
*She Loves Taylor Swift
*She is PERFECT in every way!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETPEA!!!!!!!!

It's my birfday!!!

Yep, today is my birthday!  I'm a year older than I was yesterday.  To celebrate my day here is a list of 10 little known facts about little ol' me.

1. I have NEVER had a birthday without a cake.

2. I'm 9 months younger then my Hubby.

3.  I always thought it interesting that my birthday is on the anniversary of JFK's assasination.  I Love history!!

4. I was born at 1:02 am weighing 8lbs. 9oz. 21inches

5. I am the shortest person in my ENTIRE family over the age of 12!  No joke!!  Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Neices, nephews I'm the shortest at 5'2"

6.  I love thunder storms and rain.

7.  I do not think Brad Pitt is sexy.

8.  If I had been born a boy my name would have been Nathaniel Benjamin.

9.  I was born the day before Thanksgiving  x-number of years ago.

10.  I wear a size 9 shoe!  Crazy I know considering my lack of height!!

Living The Busy Life and trying to find TIME for it all!!!

The kids have all returned to school for another year of learning!!  I am now the proud Mama to 2 Third Graders, a Second Grader and a Kindergartner!!  The kids are all very happy with their assigned teachers, as am I.  My Boy and The Countessa actually looped up with their second grade teacher, who we absolutly loved, so we are very pleased to now have her for third grade!

We have had a few bumps with getting into the groove of doing homework each night, but each day they get a little less resistant.

I am several weeks into the college scene and so far my only complaint is being the oldest person in each of my classes!  I guess that's what OI get for taking day-time classes rather then night courses. 

In my English class yesterday I met a young girl who it turns out is the cousin of one of my former roommates back in the mid-90's.  Her exact words to me about him were "I don't talk to him much, he's MUCH older then I am!"  Can you say...OUCH!  He's my age!

I'm really loving my history course!  I'm actually considering a History Major and pursueing a History Teacher credential.  The only hesitation I have on that is it would put me teaching ages 13-18....I don't particularly care for that age group when it comes to teaching them.  I'm still leaning heavily on an Elementary School credential....grades 2 or 3.  We'll see.  I have 4 more classes I need to take before I can enroll in the credentials program, so I have time to webble-wobble on my choise.

My Boy is in the full swing of football.  He is currently a corner-back on starting defense, but his coach his considering moving him to a running-back on offense because he is the 3rd fastest kid on the team.  I'm torn on this.  right know he is in a relatively "safe" position...meaning he is less likely to gewt hurt.  Becoming a running-back will put him in a much more dangerous position....after all he's the kid the other team is going to try and take down!!!  

So far his team is undefeated.  Last weekend we went up against a team that everyone felt was much better prepared then us.....we won 28 to 7!!!!!  This wasn't just luck either!  Our team rocked it!!!!

With school and football and dance with the girls my poor blog has had to take a backseat the last few weeks.  I'm hoping that things, our I, get settled and into a better grove allowing more time for all the "extra" stuff I want to do...my blog being just one of those extras. 

Getting to know you...and other stuff........

Join in on Getting to Know You Sundays hosted by MannLann5

1. If you had to choose a country to live in besides USA (or the country you live in), which would it be?  I would LOVE to live in Scotland or England.  I've never been to either but I'm a history nut and the amount of history and old castles..... Oh I would be in heaven!


2. Which would be worse, wearing flip flops in the snow or wearing gloves in the summer? Gloves in summer!!  I HATE being hot!

3. Fried or Bake and why? If I'm being totally honest....FRIED!!!  Fried foods are "feel good" foods for me.  I'll take fried chicken over baked chicken any day of the week and twice on Sundays!

4. If you were an entertainment reporter, which celeb would you love to interview and why? Julia Roberts.  I love her personality.  I tink she would be a fun interview.

5. What was your favorite book as a preteen/teenager? I wasn't a reader growing up so I can't think of anything.  I love to read now though........Outlander Series!!!!!!

6. List your top 3 guilty pleasure television shows.  In no particular order.............Real Housewives of New Jersey, Americas Got Talent and Wife Swap.

7. What bumper sticker slogan best describes you/your attitude/your life? "Have a Nice Day!"  said and implied in MANY differnt ways from genuin to extremly sarcastic.

8. If you were to join a circus - what performer would you be?  A clown.  Although I find clowns a little disturbing I would, and do, love to run around and act silly.

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In other news.........

I'm officially a college student....again!!  Yeah Me!!!  I have decided, after many months of thought, to return to earn my teaching degree to teach elementary school.

I went to college after high school and earned a degree in Early Childhood Development and worked in that proffesion for 10 years prior to having my twins.  Once they were born I stopped working to focus on raising my family, with the intent to go back and earn my Elementary Teaching Degree once they were in school full time.

Well, then I ended up having two more kids and that plan got set back further.  Now that The Princess is starting kindergarten and will be in school 5 days a week, I deceded now was the time!

Hubby is behind me 100% and I love him all the more for it!!

I start classes August 16..........I'm a bit nervous, but VERY excited!!!

Ten on Tuesday

1. We've taken a break from "Summer Homeschool" this week due to the kids being at bible camp all week.  They are loving it!  We'll get back on our summer schedule next Monday.

2. I'm hoping to get some of my printables loaded for our Virtual Road Trip curriculm by weeks end. 

3. I think I've lost my mind.......................more on this later

4. I have lots, and lots, and lots of photos I would like to share here.............would be helpful if my photo editing software was cooperating!!!!!!!!!!

5. I LOVE my new washing machine!!!!  My laundry has been cut in half due to the load capacity!  LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

6. "The House That Built Me" is my current favorite song.  LOVE IT!!

7.  We just learned that our old house has gone into forclosure.  I feel bad for the woman who bought it from us.  Sad.  It was 5 years ago tomorrow that our sale closed.  I Loved that house!!  All my babies were born there!  Lots of memories in those walls!!

8. I wish Hubby and I had extra cash kickin around so we could buy back our old house and have it as a rental property.   I can dream!!

9. We are FINALLY having summer weather!!  90's today, but back down to 60's tomorrow and the rest of the week.

10. I'm 37 years old, quickly appraoching 38, and have FINALLY decided what I want to be when I grow up!!  More on this later!

Defining Moments

Our lives are made up of moments; large and small, meaningful and unidentifiable. Among the moments that make up our lives each of us experience “Defining Moments.” These are moments in our lives that change us forever.

Defining moments change your opinion of someone or something. They can change your view of a subject or the world at large. Bottom line, they change who you are from that moment on.

May 26, 2007 held a defining moment for me. On that day my Grandfather passed away. His passing in and of it’s self was not a defining moment. We knew it was coming, and had known for several days.

In April he had been diagnosed with lung cancer. He was given a few options for treatment; chemo, surgery or nothing at all. At age 84 he was a very active man, he loved photography and traveling the world. It came as no surprise to any of us that he chose surgery to remove the cancer. His thoughts were go in, get it out, and move on.

On May 16, 2007 he went in for surgery. He came out as he had predicted…cancer free.

On May 20, 2007, while still in the hospital recovering, he suffered a massive heart attack and had to be resuscitated three times. He ultimately ended up on a respirator. He would never come off.

On May 24, 2007 I saw him for the first time in over a year. When I entered his room he was awake and alert. When he saw me, the man I had grown up with as the patriarch of our family; strong, stable, sobbed. A piece of my heart broke away that day. I sat simply holding his hand. There were no words I could say. I knew he was dying and although I had much I wished to say, I simply held his once strong hand.

On the morning of May 26, 2007 his doctors informed us he was in complete organ failure. It was left to my Grandmother, his wife of 62 years, and his six children to decide whether to keep him on the respirator or let him go.

Once the decision was made my Grandmother asked that we all be present for his passing. I walked silently into his hospital room along with my Grandmother, my mother, my three sisters, my four aunts and five of my cousins. The nurse explained not only to us, but also to my Grandfather, what would happen next. He shook his head in agreement with silent tears rolling down his cheeks.

As the machines were shut off and the respirator toob was removed my Grandmother held his hand. All the while my mother and her sisters gathered around his bed. In less than two minutes he was gone.

On May 26, 2007 I walked into a hospital room in Arizona as one person, but I left as a completely different person. Being present for my Grandfathers passing was a gift and a defining moment in my life. I am so grateful to have had him as my Grandfather for 35 years and I’m blessed to have him watching over me now.

Hair Do and Target gift Card winner!

After much debat I finally decided to get my hair cut.  Here is my before & after......

Before my hair was long, all one length and boring.

NOW......................

It's shoulder length, layered, bouncy and fun. 

I LOVE it!

(Sorry for the wonky scanned photo!!)

I showed this photo to my hairdresser...........

and told her I wanted similar, but no identical.  The over-all cut is the same but I went shorter.

Now, for my fun little $25.00 Target Gift Card GiveAway WINNNER..................

jociegal said...

I am going to guess hair do #3! Can't wait to see what you chose!

Congrats "jociegal"!!  Email me at thisthateverything@comcast.net to claim your gift card!

Ultimate Blog Party 2010

I'm participating in the Ultimate Blog Party 2010 hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom.
Here's what 5 Minutes for Mom has to say about the Ultimate Blog Party 2010:

The Ultimate Blog Party is a virtual party celebrating online friendships.

Join the party and find new blogging friends, connect with longtime blogging buddies and maybe even win a prize

To participate visit 5 minutes for Mom for the complete details, write a post on your own blog introducing yourself, then link up to 5 minutes for Mom.

So who is The Queen and what is This, That & Everything?

I am Hillary, aka "The Queen" and I've been happily married to my high school sweetie for nearly 13 years (we've been together for over 20yrs!)

We have four amazing kids!

First we have our 8yr old twins.

"My Boy" & "The Countessa"

Next we have our 7yr old daughter

"The Duchess"

Then we have our 5yr old daughter

"The Princess"

And our family would not be complete without our 2yr old Black Lab

"The Pooch" and frequently "The Wild Beast"

This, That & Everything was born out of my desire to connect with other Mom Bloggers and to share how I functional on a daily basis in a busy household of 6 + A dog.

Here you will find reviews of products & toys our family loves. Reviews of books I enjoy and sites I love to visit.  You will also read about our daily lives and those wonderful "mommy moments"...you know those moments when you think to yourself..."Who are these kids, and what has happened to my life??"

I also like to share my organizational ideas and things that help me get through the day in a somewhat organized fashion.

This, That & Everything is exactly that.........it's about a hodge-podge of ideas, thoughts and randomness.  I love getting comments and love getting new followers!!

The top three Blog Party Prizes I would love to win are:

#32 A $25 Target Gift Certificate

#73 A $30 Amazon Gift Certificate

#37 A $20 Visa Gift Card

If those aren't available I would love any of these prizes; 20, 31, 41, 48, 52, 61, 63, 84 or anything for kids ages 5-8 or something just for mom.

Happy Blogging!!

Finding direction....

I started this blog several months ago for reasons I'm still not sure of. LOL!  I felt, at the time, it would be a nice way to share ideas and tips with fellow "mommy bloggers."  However, lately I feel like my blog has no direction.  As my title states I dabble in a little of this, a little of that and a lot of everything.  It's hard for me to decide on one thing to focus on.

I read a lot of various types of blogs....funny blogs, mommy blogs, homeschool blogs, cooking blogs, scrapbook blogs, photography blogs, organization blogs.....and when I think of how my blog fits into any of those catagories I can't say it fits soley into one over another.  I guess I just have too many things I would like to share!!

So, I guess what I'm saying is this blog is about all of the things that interest me and the things I find joy in.  You can be assured that reading this blog you will read about any of the following on any given day with no rhyme or reason......

*All of my life's "Mommy Moments"...you know the moments when you think to yourself   "Are these MY children??!!"

*How I organize and stay organized with 4 kids, a wild dog, and a busy self-employeed husband.

*My attemps at photography and cooking.

*Anything scrapbooking related

* homeschooling finds (I don't homeschool, but I do LOTS of homeschool activities with my kids to enhance their public school curriculm.)

*And pretty much anything else I feel like writing about!

Ultimatley, my blog is about This, That & Everything! I hope you enjoy what you find here.

5QFriday....

I've been reading this blog for awhile and decided to join the 5 Questions Friday. 



Here are the questions for today...

1. How much time do you spend on the computer a day?  Maybe an hour, sometimes alittle more.  It really depends on wat's going on in my real life that day.


2. Will you pay for your children's college or raise them to pay for their own way? Just this last fall Hubby and I opened 529 College Funds for each of our kids. 

3. Have you ever been in a car accident? Yes, Three.  My mom and I were hit at low speed when a car was backing out of there driveway and didn't see us; no one was hurt.  Another one when I was 7 or 8 we were in an accident on the freeway.  The car infront of us ran out of gas and we hit it an da car hit us from behind.  No one was seriously hurt, aside from my aunt splitting her lip open. And the last was when I was in my early 20's I was rearended at a high rate of speed when I was at a dead stop at a red light.  I ended up with severe whip-lash.

4. What is your favorite book?  I LOVE the Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon

5. Do you make your bed everyday? I attempt to.  I'd say it actaully gets done 4 out of 7 days.