Nerdy Love...

Studying for finals and this made me laugh..so ignore the nerdyness that has been frequently happening over here

End of the Year Wrap Up

Ryan and his cute buddy Katie..its a love hate thing

Ryan is out of school, and in true elementary school fashion it was sent off in style. All the first graders did a patriot performance. They sang such cute songs, and did what Ryan calls "Jazzy Hands" which made me laugh and get teary eyed all at the same time.
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Ryan was the tallest kid so he was at the very top side of the risers, which was PERFECT to see him. Except he almost passed out one day at practice, and I was worried that if he passed out during the performance he would take down 10 kids with him

Hooray for America

Look at those Happy Jazzy Hands..he was way into it!

Ryan also made honor roll again for the semester. We are really proud of him. Ryan worked really hard and reached all of his "Smart" goals and learned all his sight words.

Ryan and Abby..she is such a cutie and so sweet

Ryan and his Honor Roll Medal.

First grade was a great year. Ryan's teacher, Mrs. Cannon was amazing. She has such a passion and talent for working with these little people. I had the opportunity to volunteer every Monday afternoon, and what I learned was, I could NEVER teach, and that first grade teachers have a disturbing tolerance to noise and tattle tailing. I loved seeing Ryan is his element. Ryan learned so much this year, and is even reading beginner chapter books. He is really gifted at math, and is very lucky because it come easily to him. He wants to be a scientist, a pilot, and Lego creator when he grows up...for now anyways. Adam and I are so happy to watch him grow up and do well in school, but most important we are happy to watch him develop into a kind caring warm person.

Summers Here...almost

Ryan started summer break today weird huh because it is sooo early. But, my summer break doesn't start until June 7th...so I am in this weird place mentally where I am ready to relax but I am in the thresholds of finals and exams. But I am so looking forward to SUMMERTIME.

I love summer, and I love staying up late and watching movies. I remember one summer April and I watched Clueless and Twister almost every night. I think I can still quote most of Clueless. AS IF! I am already starting to assemble the old movies that I cant wait to watch again, and setting up my netflix cue to check out some new ones.But I am also looking forward to:
YosemiteBig Bear
Las Vegas <-adam and I are going for our anniversary
Beach DaysAttempting to teach Ryan how to surf
Santa Barbara
Frozen YogurtBaseball Games4th of July
Watermelon and Corn on the Cob
Legoland
Sleeping In
Yoga
Swim Lessons for Ry
Museums
Leisurely breakfasts
and
The Farmers Market
I seriously have lists of fun things to do, not to mention I am planning on doing a little educational hour each morning..gotta keep Ryan on his "A" game!

I love summertime, and this is my first summer not working since like ever in my adult life I think. I am taking an online critical thinking writing course, but I can do it all from the comfort of my own home. What are you looking forward to most about summer?

Nerding Out

For starters I am a NERD..no I am not trying to hide it, I am actually really proud of it. But often times I come across equations, problems, or concepts that I need to know more about and when I do I go to my buddy Sal. I wish I knew him personally, but he is brilliant and in my opinion changing the world of education and learning.

Here is the link Khan Academy

He can really teach you practically ANYTHING!

Also, like I said before...Khan Academy is really changing the world. Here is their mission statement, "The mission of the Khan Academy is to provide access to high quality instruction to anyone, anywhere. It was founded by Salman Khan who has recorded over 1,800 videos on math, science, finance, and economics at khanacademy.org"

I know this is a nerdy post, but it Khan Academy makes me SOO happy. And if your kids are driving you nuts this is a good site to throw them on!

Amazing Weekend...

I cant lie and say this weekend wasn't loads of fun:

Ryan went to Father's and Son's campout with cousins, uncles, grandpa,and Adam

While he was away I,
Grubbed at Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles with great company!!
Ate Dots Cupcakes (try it, they are in Pasadena)
Stayed up late playing Rummicube and watching The Office
Brunched with my sisters as well as, Rachel, Katie and Camille also sisters, at The Avocado House in Chino --A M A Z I N G..seriously life changing..that post will soon come.
Took a Saturday Nap
Watched Movies at home and ordered pizza with my boys
Sipped Hot Coco from Starbucks in bed brought home by my sweet hubby
Watched "How Do you Know"--Adam cant pass up a Reese Chick Flick he admitted it himself
Spent time with my brother and his family grubbing on kabobs, and taught the under 8 crowd how to play Clue ..which brought out plenty of giggles from me and Sarah
And today is Monday..I registered for the class I need over summer and GOT IT!
Adam and I dropped Ryan off at school and then went to the mall and enjoyed shopping (doing returns and getting cuter shorts that don't make me look like a pirate). Strolling around, and then delicious taco bell.

But you want to know what the best part was?
I have lost 30 lbs since January...yup 30 LBS!!! The new shorts I got at the mall today were 2 sizes smaller than what I was in January. I danced out of the dressing room, Adam laughed, but it is wonderful. Seriously, I LOVE Weight Watchers..amazing.

Yes I Did...

Yes I did watch the Royal wedding. I didn't wake up at 1:00 am I watched coverage this afternoon. The Hubs was making fun of me, and then I caught him standing in front of the "telly" with a huge smile. Like ear to ear. I called him out on it, he responded, "weddings just make me really happy."

But I just have one comment...this came from my sister April's mouth, "Don't these two look like the evil step sisters from Cinderella?" Discuss amongst yourselves.

Week In Recap..

I cant believe April is almost over..let the countdown to summer begin. So here are the Hammy's adventures for the past week.

Adam and I saw Soul Surfer and really liked it. Adam claimed we were going because he knew how bad I wanted to see it, but secretly I think he really was anxious to see it too!

Plus Bethanny Hamilton is awesome and it is pretty cool we have the same last name, right?


Grubbed at Lucille's while listening to some awesome Blues music, and watching hockey playoffs!


Went to the Elementary School Talent Show where Ryan and his friends did school cheers. They were so cute, and so many of the kids were very talented. Ryan has decided next year he is going to play the ukulele..better start practicing kid!


We got goodies from the Ice Cream Man. Although, it wasn't as amazing as I remember it being as a kid. Plus, he was out of Big Sticks and didnt even have screwballs WHAT THE???
(I remember eating screwballs from The Stefans house growing up all the time, I think there freezer was the first place I went when I walk through their front door)

So I settled for this beauty which was an excellent choice, and I enjoyed it while I watched Adam change my break pads and rotors.

I cant lie Adam was pretty impressive. It took him almost 5 hours to figure all of it out because Honda screws on their rotors. Long story short, YouTube and Honda message boards helped us figure out the problem. After using a blow torch and a drill I have new breaks and rotors, and we saved a ton of money!



We had a quick family trip to Disneyland. Just for posterity sake I killed the boys on Toy Story Mania..nothing like friendly competition!
I love these two guys!


Silly faces, their strange no denying!

Disneyland...My Happy Place

I love Disneyland, I have been a passholder for most of my life. I know the park like my own house, I know the best days to go and the best months. I have been all over the park. So here our my current fav's of Disneyland.

I love Story Book Land it is one of my favorite rides in the park, plus I think it is a great crowd pleaser...to be honest I am smitten with Disneys Gardens and all the horticulture they embrace. It is AMAZING. I have actually pick and ingested a strawberry I saw growing...yes I am sure it was filled with pesticides but I just had to.

The CORN DOG stand is AMAZING. They are greasy and the line can be CRAZY long, but nothing is as tasty as a Corn Dog. Honorable mention next door is the Plaza Inn..it has great food and large portions but more of a sit down vibe and a little pricier but you can share!

White Water Snacks is inside the Grand California Hotel. It is a nice way to escape and get food that is hot and prepared when you order it. The staff is nice, it is usually pretty mellow and it is a great way to enjoy the hotel without paying to stay there. Not to mention the GREAT nachos, Adam and I can share an order and both leave stuffed.


My other tip is Enjoy the park, not just the rides. I like letting Ryan run around in the water features, enjoy free tortillas, and just explore.

I like to brown bag it on occasion and eat downstairs at the Hungry Bear. It is quiet and relaxing, plus the kids enjoy feeding the ducks.
My other must is the Dole Pineapple Whip located at the entrance of Adventrureland. I have used this picture before, mainly because the weirdo worker. But seriously it is refreshing and tasty! Next time you go try it, and don't wait in the long line, just go into the tiki rooom like and it is WAY faster!

My Very Special Secret is the Secret Bathroom. It isn't located on a map, and it is a singe bathroom with a door so you can be ALL ALONE!
This bathroom is right next to the Cast Members Entry at the Plaza Gardens stage. It is a family restroom and IS NOT located on the map "as a bathroom" It is located as a baby changing center though. Enjoy!



Enjoy my favorites of Disneyland! But in the words of my boy LeVar Burton (Reading Rainbow), "But you don't have to take my word for it"

Can't Complain...

I Enjoyed a great weekend, and when I wake up tomorrow morning I am on Spring Break!

This weekend I....
Played ALOT of Bop It! with Ryan, I received it for my birthday and I am currently the high score holder...any challengers?

Read magazines...

Ate the worlds BEST homemade matzo ball soup courtesy of my buddy Michelle..I seriously crave this stuff...


I studied alot... ALOT of Cardiology and Circulatory System...I don't consider myself M.C. Escher but I am pretty proud of my sketch...

and watched this cute guy play hockey! He scored 2 points!



Not to mention I had a beautiful run with my sister April and my Mom

Baked some yummy chocolate chip cookies

and enjoyed a wonderful Sunday at church, and I am looking forward to a beautiful Easter and celebrating our Savior!

I am hoping to have a few adventures this week while being off, maybe a museum, the beach, and walking Ryan to school each morning!

Dear Miss Manners...

So today has been full of adventure..okay not really at all..but I like my Saturdays that way. The pictures are from our adventures today. After finally getting out of the house this afternoon I took Ryan to get a free haircut (who doesn't love free stuff?) and to finally get my oil change. Side note: I hate doing anything that has to do with my car...this includes getting gas, going to get new breaks, oil changes..you get the point. I know it is MY car but still. I would rather move to a city with public transit and walk then have to continue getting gas and worrying about tire rotations. SO I decided that I needed an oil change, considering the digital readout on my car was telling me I was -475 miles past the recommended mileage. So I went to a place I had a coupon for, if its not free I like a discount.Sadly due to Ryan's large stature he will never make it as a jockey, but I don't have the heart to tell him. He rides weekly out in front of Albertsons..come place your bets.

As we walked into the waiting area ALL the seats were occupied by men. Darn it I really wanted to sit down. But nobody offered or even glanced over which brings me to my point when did men stop having any manners??

Some people say they died with women "coming into their own" , I choose to think that mothers are just doing a poor job.

So I proceeded to sit next to Ryan at the childrens' table while we waited. I also made it a point to talk to him about giving up his seat for a women if there are no seats available. I try to make it a point to have Ryan open doors for me and to teach him manners although sometimes my attempts are not so great..I find great pleasure in burping because it is something I am really good at and seriously.... it is funny.

Also I feel like I can officially say it Adam got a new job and will be working at AMR in the Rancho Cucamonga Division....so hide your kids, hide your wife, and hide your husbands because he is driving an ambulance in a community near you! Although he just switched from one ambulance company to another AMR runs ALS (Advanced Life Support) calls and 911, and he will not be commuting, so we are very excited!

Insanely Happy

There are few things in life that make me insanely happy, but those that usually do can be linked right to my Ryan. Ryan is an entertainer. He is a self proclaimed "lover and not a fighter". He has a huge heart, and a goofy spirit.

One day on the way home from the beach we listen to "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz the WHOLE WAY HOME on repeat..over..and over.. and over... he sang every word every time. It took everything inside of me not to laugh and say no more...I love that song as much as the next person..but come on 20 times? But I didn't because each time he sang it he lit up and sang louder.
Ryan will dance if you request him to. April and Wes tried to teach him the evolution of dance, he did it while singing opera style Ode to Joy..I have never laughed harder.
He says things like, "When I grow up I want to marry a girl like Zippy Zippy (my sister April) because she loves technology, playing video games, AND she takes care of Peyton". It made me laugh because it was sweet and it reminded me of Kip from Napoleon Dynamite. SWEEET!


So when you see Ryan next time, ask him to do the evolution of dance, sing opera, or do the robot...and you may be laughing at him and he won't even care!

Under Pressure...

My husband plays Call of Duty and at times it can get very annoying. Especially when he wears his headset like a telemarketer and talks to his best friend while they play online. I did however buy him a headset that provides surround sound for him, and no sound for me <---don't tell him but it was like a little gift for myself really. Sometimes I get annoyed when he chooses to play video games instead of 1. doing laundry 2. cleaning the bathroom 3. helping Ryan with homework 4. paying attention to me or 5. all of the above. This isn't to say Adam doesn't help out, he does his fair share..some weeks more than other....like when he left his 24 hour shift because Ryan had some crazy flu bug and I had a test in the morning that I was already in panic mode from. But then I got to thinking, Adam destresses by playing Call of Duty, and it makes him a happy relaxed guy (I don't understand how that game relaxes you but hey whatever works right?). But I do alot of things that I find helps relieve the pressure of my day to day, that I am sure Adam sees as a waist of time or just ridiculous.

I love to look at random peoples blogs. Yes, I go to my friends blogs and then their friends and then their friends..this started when I was working as a dispatcher and had to find a way to pass the time. And I hate when people go private, I am not a creep lurking on your page I promise. And so what maybe I fell like me and NieNie are friends.

I also love to online "shop", and by that I mean I go onto websites I like and add everything I want in the shopping basket, and then I like to look at the total and laugh...well lets face it I cant blow $800 on cute shoes and jeans <---Not in the budget.

My next habit is what Adam calls watching my "stories". So what if I like reality television mainly those on Bravo. I know it is ridiculous and staged, but it is great entertainment to fold laundry to late at night.

I also love Itunes, my wish list is 1000's of songs long. I love music.. I love listening to new bands I have never heard of. I love when I get Itunes gift cards but I hold onto them to make sure they are used for the perfect songs.

And lastly I love to listen to NPR, like obsessive. It is like the grown up Sesame Street really, public funding and all. I am addicted to it, and after listening when I pick up Ryan after school I like to try and give him an update of what is going on in the world. But then he says random things to his teachers like, " its great I get to come to school and that I have power and water."

So I am sure we all have weird ways of destressing, and even if it is Call of Duty (which might I add I have joined in with Adam on a few occasions and I suck and it is frustrating and I get killed like ever minute) but I get the fact that it helps relieve his stress, and he puts up with quirky stress relief tactics.

Weight Watchers

So after deciding I was tired of carrying my baby weight, yeah I know Ryan is 7, but it lessens the blow if I call it baby weight. I realized that I needed to take a new approach to losing weight, lets face it I am a little chunky, pleasantly plump, or whatever you would like to call it but I needed a change I want to be healthier and look better in a bathing suit at this beach this summer. So with a little reluctance I joined Weight Watchers. I was apprehensive so I went to my first meeting and kind of feel in love with my leader and the program as a whole. I like food, no I LOVE food. I care about each little flavor and smell, and I like weight watchers because I can still enjoy yummy food, but just have to keep myself in check. So this all happened six week ago and I am happy to say I have lost 15 pounds already. Honestly I still have a ways to go but working on it one week at a time and watching the scale drop is amazing. So I am proud to say I am weight watchers member and I am kinda loving it! I have also joined a weight lifting class at school in hopes to tone up more and really turn my body into a well tuned machine!