Thanksgiving

As we all know it rarely rains here. On Thanksgiving we had some drizzles, some sun and an awesome rainbow. Mark got to be home with us for the first time in 8 years since Morongo so kindly asked him to leave. I was excited we were able to spend the whole day together, eat until we felt like puking and just relax. I unfortunatley don't have any other pictures besides the rainbow but at least I have the memories. In his business it's rare to have any holidays off so we made sure to enjoy every second.

Horse Play

Some of our good friends have horses out here and invited us to take the kids for a ride. They of course, were afraid the minute we got there and opted to play on the hay bails instead and watch the horses from the fences. It was a fun family outing and were happy they invited us along.

Goodbye Casino Morongo

Hello Jackalope Ranch. Mark resigned last week after 4 years as the Executive Sous Chef at Casino Morongo. He accepted the position as Executive Chef at the new Jackalope Ranch that's supposed to open early January out in Indio. I haven't seen the property but will take his word that it's amazing and beautiful and the place to hold a wedding or private party. I'm so excited for him to be able to create menus, use his talent and have fun again. But, I'm a bit scared with the economy and the amount of hours he'll have to work. Thank goodness for wine.

Back in August Casino Morongo hired a new manager who liked to live by the saying "it's my way or the highway". This made Mark's job impossible and frustrating in so many aspects that he decided it was time to go. There is nothing worse than going to a place you are so unhappy at. Not to mention I couldn't take the stress of his venting anymore. Casino Morongo and this manager gradually took over every conversation we'd have even if it wasn't the topic we started out with. It's a relief that's not the case anymore.

Many have asked how Chef Christophe took the news, but he too left in late September. They both had a great time working together first in Santa Monica 8 years ago, then at Morongo, but all good times must come to an end. Good thing we live 3 houses apart :)

Halloween

It seems like everything just crept up so fast. Drew's birthday, soccer and then Halloween. I had HUGE determination to make Drew's costume this year. Growing up Halloween was a favorite because my mom always made us the best costumes. I've really let that slip with Peyton and now he's only into "scary" costumes so I thought I could make Drew into the cutest lady bug. I bought all of the thread, material, elastic, blew the dust off the sewing machine only to have it jam, clear the jam, jam again then me saying some not so nice things and putting it away. It turns out I didn't inherit my moms talent of sewing. Bummer. The day before Halloween I was at the store buying her a ladybug outfit completely deflated. I guess there's always next year. We did have a blast as usual and already have our costumes planned for next year. It's been a tradition that the parents dress up with the kids which makes for a fun filled evening. I'm a little bummed because I don't have a good picture, but in case you can't tell Mark was the "Shower" from the Karate Kid movie. Yes, Danny Larusso dressed up as a shower to disguise himself from bullys. Each year he cracks me up with he wants to be. Last year the Keg, this year a Shower.....the anticipation is building for next year. I can feel it :)

We're back

My computer is finally fixed and happy days are here again. I get to shop online, blog, read Perez and find out who gets kicked off my favorite reality shows before the show airs. Thats very important. If you're out there and still reading bear with me as I try and catch up.

Happy reading :)

My Girly Girl

I've caught Drew getting into her dress up and being a ballerina. She may become a girly girl after all. Just thought they were cute pictures that needed to posted. It may never happen again.

Visitors

Randy and Katie came out one weekend to watch a soccer game and cheer Peyton on. Thankfully Katie had her camera and took some good shots. Later that night we went out to the casino to dance, gamble and let loose. Kind of strange but the camera seemed to really like us the later into the evening it got. Weird.

Right after he scored a goal. Woo Hoo.

Drew cheering on her brother.

Randy and Katie.

Soccer

Soccer Season has begun. Peyton is on the Coastguards and I'm once again team mom. I took the easy route this year and ordered a banner rather than making it. I didn't have enough time. So far we've won 1 game and lost all the rest. I guess the team can only get better :)

He's having fun and of course, that's all that matters.

Dance Class

Drew's finally old enough to start dance class. I've been so excited to start her up. She's going to a place in Palm Springs along with Tasha's daughter Zoe. She's the youngest in the class, has the least amount of coordination but she absolutely loves it. Thank goodness. She's so incredibly moody lately that I thought she'd freak out. It's completely the opposite though. She runs into class each week, claps after each song stops and yells "Hi Mom" about every 5 minutes. I love her little round stomach and her afro hair. The other little girls get a kick out of her curls. They like to pull them out and let them bounce back. I've since learned not to let her Dora underwear hang out.......

Birthday Pics

Drew's birthday completely snuck up on us and we weren't prepared. We celebrated her actual birthday with the Douheret family, cupcakes and presents. She was so excited and loved every bit of the attention. She got some Dora toys, because it's all about Dora, and we got her a scooter that came with all the gear and a cell phone. It then became all about the cell phone.