New York Life Executive Council Trip

We've been in Southern California for a few days now. It's been great! I was able to spend some quality time with family and friends! It was extra nice spending the day with "My Papa" on his birthday. I've been able to take Clay to the Brea Mall, Downtown Disney, and there is more to come. Tonight we will be going to Disney's California Adventure. NY Life has rented the park out for the night, so we will only have to share with ohters in the NYLIC family. Friday we will experience Disneyland together. Clay hasn't been there in 13 years, so it will be great! I've really enjoyed being here and learning more about NY Life. I'm extreamly impressed with the empasis they put on family. So, I'll fill everyone in when we get back!

Fresno State Bulldogs..

There is a new exitment in the Blanton house, it's called Fresno State Football. Last year Clay watched the games! Some games we'd have "football parties." Some were just DVR worthy, and I am sure Clay went to one or two of the games. This year it's a little different. At about 7 am I heard my husband concerned about his dress attire. For those of you who know Clay, he's not one to ever worry about what he is going to wear. However, this morning, a dark cloud hovered when he realized he no longer had a red polo shirt. How was he going to support his team?! Did you catch it was 7 am?! I don't think the team will come after him for not wearing his polo, considering we have season tickets, with 6 other couples, for all the games. We will be sitting on the 50 yard line about 20 rows back...is that not support enough! This means our schedule has been focused around Fresno States home games. It should be fun. For those of you who are not from Fresno...these games are the big highlights of the year. Everyone in Fresno seems very supportive of the school and the Athletics. Tailgating and football...should be fun

Back in the Day...

This weekend we went to an 80's birthday party. Considering the 80's, to me, was the first 10 years of my life....finding the right outfit was a challenge. I do remember poofy bangs, leggings, long sirts, and t-shirt clips! So, we improvised. I did however learn something new about my husband. He still has his ear pierced! We had talked about a time in his life when he used to wear an earing, but it was another thing seeing him come out of the bedroom with one of my earings in his ear.
I have to hand it to the Norfleets. They sure can throw a good party.

House Update..

They seem to be moving right along!

Officially Listed

Tonight we signed the papers. Our lil house on Katy Lane is on the market. I have to admit the thought of strangers going through my house drives me nuts! Opening my closets and what not. This means everything has to be clean 24-7. So after a day of steam cleaning the carpets and dusting off the ceiling fans I think I can honestly say I'm ready. It just means we're step closer to moving!

Lets be Original!

Sometimes I have to wonder what people are thinking when they start following me around stores like Home Depot and Albertsons! I'm clearly not the famous actress Renee Zelweger! I would try to argue that I don't look like her, but everyone else seems to think so. It's annoying already. When I was bartending it was oftern asked, "has anyone ever told you that you look like Renee?" Then there was the fish lady at Alberton's. She would seriously shake around me! Chill woman, I'm not her. It was really crazy when she started telling everyone around me that I was their "Hollywood star." Now, I can't seem to escape it. The other day we were at Home depot. There was a strange man that kept watching me look for closet doors. It creeped me out a little bit, but I ignored him. When were standing in the check out his wife let it be known that he thought "I looked like...." I finished her sentence for her. Is there a way I can make money on this?

Breaking Ground

Last night we went to our "dirt." We have officially broken ground. The area is looking great. We have streets now, and the new models should open this weekend. We can't wait to see some of the upgrades they have done from the original model.

All Aboard!

Last weekend we escaped the Fresno heat! We traveled north to see parents in Santa Rosa. This trip was much different from all the other, we took the Train! I was a little nervous at first because we were going to be on the train for a little over 3 hours and then a bus! Never did I think I would travel willingly by bus! To my surprise, it was awsome! We played cribbage, talked, walked around a little, had a snack in the dinning car, and just really enjoyed our time together. Now, we had other motives in taking this trip. We are going to travel to Santa Fe in November over Thanksgiving. So, the train trip is 14 hours from Barstow! I wasn't sure if I'd be up for it, but now I think it will be ok. So, we're helping the enviornment and saving money! (Did I mention the train is cheap! It would have cost us the same amount in Gas to drive to Santa Rosa.) So, if you're looking for a new way to travel, I highly suggest looking into the train.

Finances or Enviornment?

So now we've been laughed at and called crazy, but we think we're being wise. It seems as though Clay and I have become much more concerned about our enviornment and the world in which we hope to raise children in. It started with some documentaries on Dateline, or 20/20 and it soon escalated to us going to the movies to see An Inconvenient Truth. So first, let me remind everyone that I really don't enjoy going to the movies. Usually it's cold, uncomfortable, and there's someone just being really annoying. So, I opt to wait until we can order it from Netflix. This movie was great! I could have done with out some of the political babble Gore shared, but for the most part I felt it was very educational! I do beleive that it should be shared with everyone. The real question is, what will the people actually do with it? Let's be honest, it's real easy to recycle...do you do it? This brings me to us being "crazy" part. We want to buy a scooter! Not a little rinky dink one, but one that actually has some get up and go. Why? First of all, we want to help the enviornment. That doesn't mean I'm giving up my SUV but we will share it! We'll use the scooter for getting to point A to point B. I took one for a ride today and it was lots of fun! Now, for those of you who know my husband....we are also doing this for financial reasons. They are cheap! They get anywhere from 80-100 miles to the gallon, and Clay figured out after 20 years the money saved will pay for our kids college. Don't worry! That is not how we are funding our children's college accounts, but he seemed to think that was cool! So, I'll let you know how the scooter shopping is going. In the mean time...visit An Inconvenient Truth. It doesn't hurt to see what little changes will make a world of difference.

"Just Borrowed"

We had a great time in Havasu. We decided to name the boat "Just Borrowed." When I say "we" I mean my father-in-law and I. Basically...they are just borrowing the boat from Clay and I! (I can pretend anyways!) I loved being back on the water! It was also really nice spending time with everyone! Austin (our 13 year old nephew) hung out with Janelle most of the time. Hannah (our 3 year old neice) was just a cuddle bug! It's a shame we don't live closer.

Happy 4th of July!

We're leaving for Havasu today! That means I actually get to ski again for the first time in two or three years! Well with the exeption of going wake boarding with the Glancy's for the day! So, for everyone else, have a safe and Happy 4th!

Granite, Cabinets, etc...

It's been so much fun picking out all of our options. After spending a total of 6 hours at the design center, we finished designing the inside of our house! We also changed our lot. Our new lot is still on a corner, but now we have an almost 40 foot backyard, vs. 20 feet! (To see pictures click on the links)

Something to Ponder

It's not too often that I really like the forwards that people love to send. As a matter of fact I rarely read half of them! However, when I do read a good one I like to share it, and figure that only 1 or 2 of the people I send it to will actually read it. This morning I was sent one that I feel is worth reading! Thanks Stephanie!

Beautifully stated
As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.

Don't be afraid that your life will end,
be afraid that it will never begin.
~anonymous~

Thank God it's Over!

Today was my last day at Pershing Continuation School! It was a great learning experience. I learned I really enjoy teaching, but I don't think I'll ever take a long term sub position again. I enjoy Jr. High, but I can't teach Math or History! I think I'll stick with English or Science. And, I think I really really enjoy "just being a sub." With that said...it's time to enjoy summer and get the house ready to sell!

Bass Lake

Clay took me on a surprise trip to Bass Lake for our 1 Year Anniversary. We can't wait to go back with family and friends. Ski season is here and both of us are anxious to get on the water. Although, we discussed being there with friends, we had a great time with just the two of us!

Introducing Additions to the Blanton Household

It's been an action packed weekend! Thursday night my parents, The Wards, and Matt all came in from out of town to go white water rafting! It's been somewhat of a tradition. The Friday and Saturday of Memorial day weekend Clay's friends get a group of 75 people to go The King's River . Check it out, if you want to go next year, just let me know!
OH, and no it's not a joke! There are two new members of the Blanton house hold. One is my lil sis's dog! The other is Janelle, my lil sister! We're glad to have here in Fresno! Any bets on how long it will take my mom to give in and start CONSIDERING Fresno?

No More Waiting

It's official! Saturday morning we put our reservation down for lot 125! No, we didn't end up with our first choice, but after walking the lot, we are just as happy with our second choice. We still don't have anyone behind us, and we're on a corner of a cul-de-sac soo...we only have to share a fence with one neighbor! So, the process begins. We will be moving to Harlan Ranch in Clovis. I guess #49 wasn't so bad after all.

Number 49...

I've realized Clay and I like to keep things exiting, so we're looking a new house! We put a bid in on a lot in Clovis. We're super exited! The house is going to be in Harlan Ranch, a master-planned community. The lot we are the list for has a park across the street, and no one directly behind us. The key words here, are we are on a list! 49th to be exact! So we are praying about it. The rest is up to God.

Easter Fun!

Easter was great! We were able to spend Saturday at Roeding Park! This park has a little bit of eveything. We played tennis, the kids played on the playground, and some played softball. There is even a zoo! We had a BBQ, and then went to Storyland. (The kids area next to the zoo) I was fascinated by our "spring" surroundings. Little Chicks were learning to swim, Geese were sitting on their eggs, and some were even hatching! It was great! I think my mom had the most fun practicing to be a grandma. She just loved on my niece all day long...

Not so bad!

So, we realized sleeping in the Trail Blazer isn't so comfortable! I don't think we'll doing that again! Putting up a tent might be a little work, but well worth it! We had a great time. We went on a long hike up and down the hills, Clay went on a few rides, and we were in great company! We're looking forward to doing it again..just next time, we'll have different sleeping arrangments!