Traitor..........

Not quite sure, how I was the only one who received white, but I like it!!!!

I feel like Benedict Arnold......a Traitor to the literary world. But I can't help it.......

I (and the other huge readers in my family) have traded over to the Kindle!

Yup, that is right, I went digital. The sad thing is, I can see my kids going digital reading before WAY too long, but not before we are out of picture books. Our bookcases are full now, and I am nowhere near the point of wanting to stop reading. I will miss the smell of a brand new book, but a girls only got so much room in the house......

So it was a VERY Kindle Christmas around here. My Mom, Dad, and Bro all got one, including ME!!! This new advancement to the e-reader, will not stop me from rereading the current books that line my shelves now, but it will be handy in the new books coming my way.........

Happy Reading, whatever form you choose!

Singing in the Rain..........

These Munchkins were preparing for water balloon battle at the time of the picture - hence the shorts. Now, we are wearing our boots for the reason they were made for ~ RAIN! Our neck of the woods, has received almost 2 inches of rain since Noon today. You know it is BIG, when we make national news! Remember, we are in So Cali....not really known for rain, but SUNSHINE!

OK, so I took a walk today with the little Munchkins and the Puppy because we all have been in the house for 6 straight days now. We need some exercise. As we left it was misting heavily. We kept walking, jumped in a few puddles, watched the creek behind our house overflow.....Enjoying the weather. By the time we rounded the VERY flooded park, and the kids tromped in the EXTREMELY flooded play area normally filled with wood chips, it was really coming down. I didn't know what to do but keep walking home. What other choice is there? Secretly I was hoping Hubby would drive by on his way home from work......NOPE. So we walked, and my singers were singing in the rain: Christmas Carols. Priceless.

Puddle Jumping

After Puddle Jumping, we needed to be warmed by some good ol' Hot Coco, and a Marshmallows Snowman (notice on side of cup). For this activity, her brother decided to join her ~ funny how that works. He has been coughing and wisely chose to not jump in puddles. Hot Coco is just what the Mommy Doctor ordered.

Her Trusty companion in the rain. You can't really tell in this picture, but here is Puppy, still half soaking wet, after being towel dried. He chased balls and bit at the rain, while she splashed away. They both had a ball.

Seriously ~ how cute is she? Sorry for the sideways view, don't know how to turn it. This is what comes in adventure fun, after four freezing days of rain. Love it, but bored kids are never fun. Yesterday's creative fun was blowing bubbles in the rain, to see how fast they popped. They surprisingly pop fast when Puppy is biting them.

All the while she was jumping in puddles her song went like this:

"Rain, rain, stay today,

Stay around till Christmas Day!"

Personal Tradition Change.......

This is my new choice in reading. I have read it before, and L.O.V.E. it!!! It is spiritual, personal, and encompasses the true meaning of Christmas and the faith and hope that go with it. Highly recommended. Also, apparently Max Lucado has written another Christmas book called the Christmas Child. I haven't read it my self, but based on popularity, and who wrote it, can it be bad?

As stated before, this was a pick by my school's book club. I for one am not a fan. They made a Hallmark movie out of it. However, the drama and struggles were a bit too personal for me to enjoy. Some of the conflict wasn't my cup of tea to be reading at Christmas time. So very unlike me, I stopped reading it. Usually I torture myself, thinking and believing there will be redemption near. This book I just gave up.

Dickens is still next, but I somehow gave out my copy, and need to go find it, or get a new one.

Happy reading.

Reasons to Love Cali.........

Tomorrow our skies will look like this as more "wintery" weather blows in.

Today: our skies look like this picture perfect and resting in the mid to high 70's.

I don't live in Syracuse and get 39" of snow dumped on us in three days time. I don't live in Alaska where they don't see the sun for months (although, I want to go and see the Northern lights one day, wanna join me Cathy?) Anyway......this weekend we got blessed with warm weather. Too warm for some.

We went to Disneyland and wore flip flops with our Christmas t-shirts and jeans. Today Bubba wore shorts to church. Today is a gift for us who live in Southern Cali. Today is a gift because we can enjoy the sun, and relish in the beauty that God created.

Never fear, winter is right around the corner. By the end of the week, it is suppose to be in the 50's. For us Cali chicks, that down right cold!

Hope your day is just as beautiful, regardless of what weather you are having.

Personal Tradition

Every year at Christmas time, when I have the time, I only read books about the Christmas season. This is my own little tradition, that helps me in the Holiday mood. Some are spiritual, like the one from Max Lucado. Some are just for fun. These are the two for this season. Mrs. Miracle was actually picked by co-workers and our noncommittal book club.

I have picked this one, because I have seen almost every version of the movie, yet have never read the words that Mr. Dickens penned himself. It's about time. That and it fulfills another personal goal of reading a classic a year.

Happy reading, and if you join me in my personal tradition, let me know so we can chat about it!

Whirlwind Weekend.............

This weekend was a blur. So much going on, and yet so much time to reflect on it.

It started on Friday with Parent/Teacher conferences. The kids and I got a more relaxing morning before we had to report in. Then I got the opportunity to go with Mr. C. to our kid's conferences, before going to the ones for the kids I see for work. A blessing to hear about your children, and what the teachers think of them. A blessing to see their hard work be acknowledged, and yet at the same time, see areas of growth that need to happen.

Usually we go to Disneyland to celebrate the end of the beginning of school, and to see the Christmas decorations. However, that wasn't in the card for this year.

After conferences, the kids and I came home so I could change clothes, and then headed back out to have lunch with Daddy. Funny, when the kids get to pick their choices: Subway while eating out at the tables in front of Daddy's office. Fine by me, healthy, beautiful day, and you could see the ice skating rink and decorations.

Then it was off to the races. Curling Missy's hair for her BIG Christmas performance. Getting Bubba to soccer practice before playoffs start. Somehow making and feeding the family dinner, and making it to all these places on time.

Missy was AMAZING in her Christmas performance. I wish I had pictures. Yep, that is what happens when you are running around like a mad woman, you forget the "easy" camera. However, never despair, Mr. C. got it captured on the big camera that isn't loadable to my laptop. GRRRRRRRR. At least we have the moment captured, and had a great cookie reception afterward.

Then on Saturday, we were up with the Sun ~ literally to get to the soccer fields for round one of playoffs. The boys were ready. The parents were bundled up. The excitement was in the air, we had arrived to this point. The game was great, we had control of the ball MOST of the game. The ball should have gone in the net, several times. However, fate found it's way to the field........ Although the boys played with endurance and with their whole hearts, we ended up loosing 1 - 0. Our first loss.........Several players cried, several parents cried. The coaches were teary eyed. It was a shock to our systems, for we were undefeated. The way the boys played, it shouldn't have ended that way, but it did. So we went home, licked our wounds, and rested until we had to return to the fields for round two. Round two would mean that we were ineligible for the championship round, but we had a job to do, and were ready to do it. Again the boys played with endurance, speed, and a hunger to make the end of their season end right. Bubba scored an amazing goal, the others played with their hearts as well. We ended up ending our season winning our last game 3-0. Bitter sweet, but sweet all the same.

We were all tired from the events that had happened over two short days. We had much needed family time. We went to the movies, took the kids to a fun dinner to celebrate good report cards, relaxed with each other. We ALL are going to go to bed early, for tomorrow starts another week..........

16 years ago........

16 years ago..........We had the trivet here all to ourselves. Unknown to me, the event was being documented and videotaped.

16 years ago, he asked one of the most important questions.......

"Will YOU marry me???"

16 years ago, I answered........YES!!!

Happy Engagement Anniversary ~ to my Prince Charming.

Triptaphan Happy

I personally love the Triptaphan High that comes with a meal like Thanksgiving. Stuffing yourself silly because it all tastes soooooo good.

Having the munchkins excited that the Christmas music can finally flow in our car, as we drive home. Having them so exhausted that they fall asleep before we get home.

Spending time with family is what it is all about.

Now it is Friday, and unlike some, I WON'T go shopping. Today is the day to continue the Thanks. We will clean, watch some movies, and eventually get out the tree ~ but undecorated. Decorating the tree will come later in the weekend. Christmas will slowly come to our house, each new thing one to wonder at, appreciate and get excited over.

But for now, as our bellies are still full from the night before, we just sit in our Thankfulness....

Have a blessed weekend.

Cow Chip Cookies...........

THESE are the most DELICIOUS, AMAZING, STICK IN YOUR MEMORY FOREVER thing in the world ~ and they were mailed to me today!!!! A whole DOZEN just for me, unless I decide my family is worthy enough to share with.

Isn't this box the cutest???? Love it!

Rarely, do I get "Fun" things in the mail. A catalog can be considered fun, but that just usually gives me the "Gimmies". An occasional "Snail mail" comes, but with family living in a 5 mile radius, we here rarely get the fun stuff.

However.....TODAY.......I GOT IT...........

COW CHIP COOKIES!

My friend Laura sent them to me. Here is the funny part though ~ just this week, I have been having a conversation with a cyber friend and fellow Blogger: The Lemonade Makin Mama. She lives close enough, she and some of her girlfriends could go and get some. It would be a trek, but I would do it, especially at Christmas time!

Laura moved away from Cali long ago, but our friendship remains. Even she has moved away from the Emerald City. However, we spent countless days eating away a snack or two, under our totem pole and drinking milk which then matured to Starbucks. This is a food that is eaten with a memory. Never quickly acquired, but savored down to the very last crumb.

If you give a girl a cookie, she'll have memories to go with it. If you give a girl a COW CHIP cookie, you will have changed her week for the better, maybe the entire month!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you thank you, thank you and THANK YOU!!!!

XoXo.

Thankfulness prepares our hearts

So I was over at Lissa's blog: Humble Pie, and read this paraphrase from her friend (Tracy)

"Thanksgiving is the time prepare your heart with gratitude

for the upcoming celebration of Jesus birth."

If that isn't reason enough to be Thankful, I don't know what is. I never have thought of the season of Thanksgiving, in preparing me for Christmas, and having a grateful heart. Now, my family and I will be forever changed.

These are some of the things I find Gratitude in:

• Neighbors that we have a mutual "Sharing of the bounty" with. When one of us cooks something tasty: we share! It goes both ways and is such an outreach, that and super TASTY!


• The laughter of Children


• The look of pure peace on a sleeping child


• Disneyland!


• Dentists and Orthodontist (that my kids LOVE)
• Sunshine
• Cool evenings
• Happy Dogs - that truly look happy
• The smell of freshly bathed babies - oh my niece smells like Heaven!
• Friends: old, new, or from the blog world, walking the adventure of life with me
• The smell of a fire in the fireplace, or better yet on the beach with friends
• A great book
• The simple and amazing fact that my children can read (big with a first grader) and more importantly love reading, and being read to. I see the flip side daily........this is a treasure for sure.

What brings you the spirit of Gratitude this week?

Medical Thankfulness

We are blessed. Truly, truly blessed. My husband is a civil servant in his job. It is an amazing job that he excels at, but his ultimate boss is the governor of our state. So with the ups and downs of Cali government......sometimes his job and paychecks are - shall we say interesting.

However, we are blessed. We have insurance! Wahoo!!!! Now, some of you may be thinking - a blessing yes, but this chick is over the top.

On Wednesday, the kids went to the dentist for cleanings. This is a process, for my little Missy, but as she gets older, it is getting easier. Good news, NO cavities for either child. Bad news - her pockets are really, really deep and is going to have extensive sealants done next week, where anesthesia will be used etc. My portion of this bill, will be to make our dentist cookies.

Yep, over the top excited because today, all FOUR of us went to the eye doctor (and friend) for check ups. Now, you might be thinking - ah, your friend is your doctor - hook ups! Well, we do get hook ups, like appointments when we want them.....but I don't think its because we are friends, I think its because he is an amazing man and doc. Anyway, all four of us got our eyes checked. Mr. C's and my prescriptions stayed the same. However, the munchkins.........Bubba is fine for now, but Little Missy needs glasses. The sorta funny detail, is her prescription, is exactly the same as mine! So Daddy helped her pick out these adorable pair of glasses (I was finishing up my exam). Now, I am overjoyed because I never knew my little one couldn't see, but in a week, she'll be seeing just fine in class. The majority of the expenses were covered by what? INSURANCE!

Thankful for this week.............

This week, I am thankful for so much. This is one of the reasons I LOVE November, it makes me reflect and focus, on just how blessed I am!

So here is my list for the week.

• That we go to a church where the truth is told, whether you like to hear it or not. Truth is truth, and we get offended by it, only when we are in the wrong.
• The weather is getting "fallish" outside
• The weather is not blistering hot, so it makes me want to cook, bake, and spend time in the kitchen (this makes hubby thankful too)
• My children are playing together and giggling up a storm
• My husband loves me
• My husband is handy, and does things for us like painting the fence (envision Huckleberry Finn here)
• My children are close enough in age and distance to cousins to play, and have a ball
• My almost 10 year old will still snuggle with me on the couch
• When we focus on God's truth, it far surpasses the lies that are trying to fill our brain
• Because our country celebrates it's Veterans, we get a THREE DAY week for school and work.
• We got the opportunity to talk to my brother in law stationed in Iraq this week. Just to hear his voice was reason enough to be extremely THANKFUL.

In stealing the words from Cathy: "All of this and God too!"

What are YOU thankful for?

Our first "Baby" turns 14

This is our first "Baby" Charley the kitty. We got him soon after moving into our first house, right after our first anniversary. He was barely 6 or 7 weeks old, and won over our two very "Non-cat" people's hearts. When we first saw him, I thought "No, way is Mr. C going for this scheme". However, Charley was sly......he climbed right up on Mr. C's lap, curled up, and started to purrrrrrrrrrrr. Now, 14 years later, we still have him curling up on our laps, and hear him purrrrr.

We celebrate birthdays big in this family for many different reasons. So tonight, we ate seafood, in honor of Charley. The kids got KitKats as a treat, and we are watching the Aristocats. A purrrfectly perfect way to celebrate the "Kitty's" birthday.

Oh, and as for the beast next to him......not his first puppy he has whipped into shape. They happily get along as you can tell. However, if Charley were to go out the slider, Koda has permission to bring him back in the house. Protector that he is! Ask anyone, we have the coolest cat in town!

Thankful for...........

IT is November 4th last time I checked the calendar. Being in education of elementary kids, you check it every five minutes when they write the date.

SO.......last week, when completing Missy's costume, I became outraged that one half of the store was clearance of Halloween and the other gearing up for Christmas. CHRISTMAS!!! Now, I am no BUM-Humbug.....but come on!

I will stand, until I die for the season and Holiday of Thanksgiving. I love that we still have pumpkins all around the house. I cherish the fact that my porch has pumpkins with other fall trinkets....... I am so excited that this weekend, a stuffed animal turkey that Mr. C and I got our first Thanksgiving married, will sit on my mantel, and at times chase my kids around "Gobbling" after them with kisses (okay the kisses are from me, but the game is hysterical!)

So.....Here is a list of things I am thankful for out of the spirit of being Thankful this month (in no particular order):

• My God, loved us enough to give us Salvation, when we don't deserve it.
• We live in a country where the people vote for changes, and issues that matter to them as the people.
• Pumpkin Spice Lattes
• The coolness of evening and the warm Fall days
• Although this week, we are really warm with Indian Summer days, we are blessed with the last tastes of summer
• My kids attend a wonderful school with teachers who LOVE them - mentally and spiritually
• Hubby and I have jobs we love, and that work well for this season of our family
• We have an amazing family. Sure we got some quirks, but who doesn't and it adds spice to the pumpkin pie of life!
• Our pets are funny, and truly part of our family
• Our neighbors are friends who gather on the sidewalk or in the street and chat about life

More thankfulness coming next week! What are YOU thankful for?

Where's Waldo (aka - me)

Where o' where has Mrs. C gone?????

Some of you may be asking, others may have just written me off. I understand and no real hurt feelings. Even this weekend, Mrs. Dunbar commented on the fact that "I see you comment, but where's the post?" I felt like the old commercial "Where's the Beef?"!

Here is a short recap of my last month:

New job: taking more hours, yet producing more joy than I thought possible. Funny, how when you are right where God wants you; you can be crazy busy, stressed by the learning curve, and perfectly happy and content all in the same situation.

Marriage Getaway: Every year for the last 9 years, our church hosts a Getaway for the married couples. For the last 6 years, I have been behind the scenes. Helping those that needed the help, tying bows, cutting paper - yada yada. The last 3 years, my role has stepped up. Now I am the one asking friends who are able to help me tie bows, cut paper, and this year make the cutest (so sorry no picture) milk cartons out of paper. They were stinkin' adorable if I do say so myself. Then the time of the weekend, it is Mr. C's and mine time to serve the attending couples. We are actually considering doing another married group, and leading it, but we'll wait on that until after the holidays.

Kids: Missy in Art classes on Monday nights from 4 until 6, rush home, finish homework that wasn't done in the parking lot, shove food down their little mouths, shower and bed for all.

Bubba: Soccer on Tuesday nights, repeat of Monday. Then on Friday night repeat (yes, Friday night practices - UGH!!!)

Hubby: Ever patient, kind and supportive of our new and crazy life. At least this week, our family underwear was clean on Monday! Yeah!!!! He roles with the punches, volunteers with Bubba's soccer team, and doesn't truly care when the underwear gets washed, as long as at some point in the week, he has some clean. Now we get ready for his traveling season to being.

The rest of me, taking into perspective that life, at its craziest, is not as crazy as some. I for one, am thankful for my life, craziness and all.

Tales from the Crypt............

Today, I thought I was headed here. I knew I wasn't going to survive! I got the call yesterday to be a HIGH SCHOOL sub. I would have said no, if it wasn't for the fact that the man on the other end of the phone is someone sweet and dear to my heart. We have a bond, that makes me say yes, to things that quite frankly scare the begeebers out of me!

Well, a really good, kind, and compassionate friend emailed me this......"High school is cake. You tell them what to do and they should do it. Unless, the teacher tells you to actually give instruction, then your day might be screwed." Thanks Mrs. Dunbar!

My day on Thursday was so full, and so tiring, that I slept like a baby. Kids were taken care of, we were on our way out the door......when I looked down to see that the puppy had slobbered my shirt! YIKES!!! I can't teach all day with puppy goo down my shirt. Run upstairs and quickly change shirt. Good thing I was wearing black pants.

Get to my Alma matter high school, and was sent in the office to retrieve the key I would need for the day. Who is there????? Another beloved friend. She gives me a hug, gets me my key, and sends me on my way to teacher meeting (wasn't expecting this). "Oh but you must go" she says, "they would be so disappointed to NOT see you there........."

Off I go....back to an old classroom of mine, LATE to a meeting I wasn't intended to go to. My hands are shaking as I open the door. Every desk is filled except one - MY old one from when I attended school there. Really God???? Really???? God's sense of humor shining in this moment. Of course no one knew it was my desk but me.....but still. To some extent it was comforting for me to sit where it was comfortable, in a chair that had held my bum for so many hours before.

Off to the classroom and my first period, being escorted by the new principal......The day went fine. I had mostly seniors, who for the most part were perfect teenagers (is that an oxymoron?). I played a School House Rock video on the Preamble to the Constitution in three periods. Gave a Pop Quiz, and watched them work frantically so they wouldn't have homework over the weekend.

My day ended at 12:20, a full day teaching for this teacher! A stressful situation ended up being a lot of fun. Going back to High School wasn't that bad after all. I might even do it again!

What a Week...........

Do you remember the commercial......"CALGON take me away......." That is my week.

For the record, this is NOT my bathroom, but I wish it was. Do you see the rose petals and the serenity that is in this bathroom?

This week, I started to work with the students that have been entrusted to me for therapy. It is a whole different ball game to be planning sessions instead of lessons. To be intentional, while trying to realize that now I am doing these strategies on actual kids, not adults or my own children. It is different when you look at a lesson planner and realize that what is filling the boxes are children with specific learning needs and disabilities instead of subjects, state standards, and homework. My partner, and boss told me I would be tired. She tried to warn me to take it easy. Do type A people heed warning to NOT over due it?! Well, not this one. I am wiped. She too admitted to coming home and taking a TWO hour nap - I WISH.

Amazing though, that when you are in the place that God has called you. You may be tired, worn out, and exhausted all at the same time and in different parts of your body, but are filled with peace. I was tired, but never to the point I didn't think I could go on. I was anxious about doing a good job, but not stressed to the point of being crazy. All week, I had a peace and confidence that was not coming from me, but from my Father, who kept confirming I was where I was suppose to be. That feeling of being right where HE wants me is the best there is.

Then we started with Missy an amazing Arts program with parent meetings (whew only for the first week). We had soccer, schooling for hubby, homework that we are still getting used to and just general crazy life with two kids, a cat and a dog.

Tonight, my parents are blessing us with an invitation for the kids to come over for a movie party/ sleep over. Rarely does it happen that they are asking US for the kids. We are tremendously blessed that they are always happy to help with our hoodlums, but tonight they are asking for them. So after soccer practice (yes, we have to go with Hubby being assistant coach) we are going on a MUCH needed and anticipated Date Night. I can't wait to start the weekend.

Happy Friday, and hope your weekend is filled with Fun Family Memories.

Choosing the RIGHT words

I received a lesson this week in choosing the right words at the right time. As I stated last, I spent the weekend at Women of Faith.

My family spent a good part of their weekend at the soccer fields. This was one of the trade offs of me going away.........I was going to miss the first soccer game of the season.

While playing for the Comets, Bubba scored a goal. The only goal for his team in the game. Later while telling me about it, on the phone, I kept saying "I am so proud of you!" and I was. Except something kept eating at me. The word wasn't right.

Well, after finishing hearing this year's speakers, and hearing their stories, I figured it out. You see, they were talking about God, but I could relate it to human parenting. I wasn't MORE proud of Bubba because he scored a goal. I was proud of him because despite the heat, he gave it his all. Despite some bad calls by refs, he still was trying to do his best. The most important thing that I was proud of him for, was that although most of the game they were loosing, he had a fun attitude about the game. He wanted to be goalie, and stop any more goals from coming in. He wanted to be the best player he could be, while having fun playing a game he loves. THAT is why I was proud of him.

That night, as I tucked him into bed and went through our nightly rituals, I had a serious moment with him as well. After prayers, I had to specifically point out that I was EXCITED for him that he scored a goal, and PROUD of him for his attitude and fun spirit. I didn't want him to think that his performance made a difference on how I perceived him. He went to bed understanding, and I left him in his room with a smile on his face. (Glow in the dark retainers help see the smile in the dark!)

The lesson here that I learned is that I want my children to understand that I am their biggest fan, even if I am rooting for them 45 minutes away. I also want them to know that win or loose, score or not, I am proud of them when they try to do their best. Just like our Heavenly Father is proud of us when we are trying our best.............................................

My Weekend

My weekend took me back to Women of Faith. I haven't been to a convention in 8 years. It was time to reconnect with these women with so much wisdom. Our church went as a group, but I went on my own Friday morning. This was my favorite session, quite possibly because I was alone, and could sit and relish what God was saying to ME, sitting among thousands.

I can not tell you all of the lessons that I walked home with in 36 hours of time. I can not express the ways that God reached out and touched me. Funny how such a short time really can make it seem like a weeks worth.

I CAN tell you, that when God tells you to go somewhere, and prompts you to step out from your comfort zone, so that HE can speak.........He doesn't disappoint.

I encourage you to find a conference near you during this season. They are coming, and man ol man is it worth it.

Back in the Saddle..........

This week I got back in the Teaching Saddle ~ again............
(If I were savvy enough, I would have Gene Autry singing it to you.....)

Back in my life this week were: staff meetings, planning meetings, agendas, long range plans, room cleaning and decorating, and even Back to School Night.

This time around, I am not in my comfortable saddle of classroom teacher. Now, I am in a new saddle, one that hasn't been broken in, or worn in all the right places. Going back as an Educational Therapist is different. Much like Western and English saddles are different. Some things are VERY different, and some I just have to adjust.

I am excited to begin this year with new students, new expectations, and the launching of a whole new career. There is so much that is different and new, yet the comfort of some things that are the same. The smell of chalk and coffee are still a comfort. Excitement in the air, of fresh beginnings and a new school year, for everyone.

However, as great as this week has been. I am SUPER excited to be able to sleep in, enjoy the last taste of summer with my kids, and relax with friends and family. For Tuesday will be here before I know it, and the start of a breaking in this new saddle. Giddy-Up

Great is Thy Faithfulness..........

Growing up I sang hymns when I visited my Grandmother's church. Something about them though always spoke such clear and simple truth that drew me in.

Then my hubby and I started dating and although the church we attended together still didn't sing hymns, when we attended church with his family, there they were. As an adult, I was introduced to BSF, if you know what that is......enough said about hymns, but I loved it.

Lately the Hymn that won't leave my mind is one of my favorites....."Great is Thy Faithfulness.." I have been singing it for almost a complete week. This morning on my run with the puppy, I realized the significance of why I have been singing it all week. It is because, if God is nothing else, He is Faithful. He is faithful in punishments that are promised and well deserved. He is faithful in blessings ~ promised or not, and usually never deserved. He is Faithful, in taking us to places we never would have considered, if it were left up to us, but not letting us fail either. He is Faithful to never leave us, forsake us, or stop loving us. He continues to be Faithful, even if and when we stop or falter in our own faithfulness.

What struck me this morning about God's Faithfulness, is that He is faithful for getting us through any situation. He IS there, whether or not we feel, see, or recognize it. His Faithfulness is also not limited to what it is that I want, but providing for me what I NEED. This is a huge difference. What I NEED is so much less, than what I may want.

As I prepare for the weekend, my prayer is that I continue to see more of His Faithfulness, for it is there.

Wonderful Week

This week, Bubba has been away at camp. That means it has been a girly week all week focusing on Missy. For the first time she and I watched one of my absolute favorite movies, The Wizard of Oz. She LOVED it, and loves the soundtrack we downloaded.

We went to the beach with other moms and friends, where the kids played and the moms chatted. It was a wonderful afternoon, where I was having so much fun in the moment, that I forgot to take the camera out and capture the moment. Maybe, this was better to be part of it, instead of trying so hard to capture it. We saw a great,big, dark red jellyfish near the shore. We also enjoyed watching a California Sea Lion playing right by the pier.

We went to Disneyland with Nana and Papa, where she was Queen Bee and chose all of the rides and activities. We stayed in Adventureland the ENTIRE day, because it worked out that way, and we were having fun. We watched Pirates sing, and took our time on Tom Sawyer's Island. We did eventually leave Adventureland to head over to Princess Fan Faire, to hear not one, but two princess tell us stories. She was enchanted, and we were relaxed.

I introduced her to Beignets. Fresh, hot, wonderful pockets of sugary dough....... What started this adventure was a cookbook based on the Princess and the Frog, which she loves! We also visited the bathroom in this restaurant that is painted like a New Orleans Bayou and Swamp. Strange to have a bathroom as a destination, but she really loved it! The only downer here was we weren't in New Orleans with my beloved friend.

She had a play date with her two best friends from school. Here they are having lunch in their "Clubhouse". They did everything Girly.....painted nails, played Barbies, made jewelry for themselves and each other. They enjoyed summer as girls and the Three Musketeers that they are.

This morning we get to go pick up Bubba, and hear of his adventures. I have missed him, but I have enjoyed just being with her. I am looking forward to next week, when we go away as a family, enjoying summer before it ends.

Nightly Visitors

We have nightly visitors. They play and flirt and entertain us.

This pair come every night, without fail.

They come for these. Luckily our yard is filled with these colorful explosions of blooms. The nector is sweet for our friends, and they are happy.

We eat here every night and enjoy the show. We hear them chitter and chatter, see them fly and flirt. We see them happy in our little slice of Heaven, and in return they make us happy.

Deployed..........

Later this week, our brother is being deployed to Iraq. We have said our good-byes, and had fun at the family BBQ. It was a mix of tears, that the reality of his year long deployment brings to our family, and laughter, as we tried to keep things normal. There was lots and lots of laughter, and Wet Willy's ~ gross but a great tension breaker.
Missy LOVES her uncle that is never too busy to share a hug, push her on the swings, or avenge her against her teasing brother. One to help out when we need him, and one to be carefree on the trampoline with the kids.
Always one to bring a smile to Bubba, and helping train my son to be a stronger man. Funny that when I came into this family, this now man and soldier was younger than both of my kids. He was younger than Bubba in our wedding. They both share a love of Legos and he can be found on Bubba's floor with new creations they have quietly built together.
The baby of the family is now a soldier and a man. It is hard to see him as such especially when he is so carefree and easy going with the kids. We will miss him. I will miss him and pray for his safety daily.

Take me out to the Ball Game......

The family at Petco Park, watching the Padres vs the Dodgers. This checks off one of Bubba's Summer bucket list items: to visit a different baseball park. As you can see, our efforts to not be in the sun, backfired a bit, as our seats and the day were chilly! Good thing we thought to bring jackets to a day game! This is So Cal for goodness sake, who would have thought? I didn't have a jacket, and hubby left his in the car, but I was SO glad I had jeans on, and that the kids were covered. Although we are still avid Angel's Fans, it was a great day watching amazing baseball.

Pure delight to a Mother's eyes. Bubba patiently explaining baseball to his sis, who frankly doesn't care right now. She was there for the snacks.

The hilarious Padre that dances around the stadium in between innings. This is the only baseball park, I have been to that has a Mascot that dresses up and gets the crowd going and excited. With a rivalry between the Padres and Dodgers who are battling for first place, it wasn't a hard day on the job for the Padre. We sure enjoyed his antics though.

Camera malfunction here, but the picture is worth a thousand words. We got to the stadium early to hopefully meet players and get our baseballs signed. This is Bubba getting his baseball back and having a conversation with the Padres' right fielder. Later in the game, we got to see this player make some amazing catches and plays. It was fun being able to personalize who it was with his signature in our hands. Missy didn't talk to him, but loved the experience all the same. Having the balls, on their respective nightstands and the gleam in their eyes when it was over: Priceless.

90

Last week we had the extreme pleasure of wishing my Grandma a Happy 90th birthday. Her story is one that I treasure, since her story becomes our heritage. Born of immigrant parents who spoke only broken English, at their best. They refused to let any of the 10 children speak anything BUT English, so that they could "Be American". My grandparents were the rebels by moving WAY out to the west coast when my grandfather got transferred. The rest of the family still lives in the original 5 mile radius, in New York. She was the adventurer, the one who took risks, challenges when they came, and was always looking for the fun in a situation.

She is now the oldest of the siblings, and is the one who has lived the longest EVER in her family. We had an absolute wonderful time, being with family, eating, laughing, eating some more, and celebrating her. Then we ate again. Hey, we are Italian, it is what we do! Her youngest brother came out from New York, as did my cousin. It was magical having us all together for a couple of days.

Happy Birthday GG, we love you!!!

Drivers Start Your Engines.................

The Official Logo for this year's VBS experience

My two race car drivers!

This week has been filled with Vacation Bible School! Oh how I love it!!! Since our church is in the middle of building our own building, and before that never had our own building, we visit the neighboring church and are invited to their VBS. Every year it is AMAZING!!! The stage that they transform to the coordinating theme.........The volunteers that dress the part, everyday. The work and effort that this church puts in is truly blessing to those they serve. This year 1100 kids are attending. They had to finally turn away some, for that age group was full. This church serves our community, and knows the definition of hospitality. They also have a gift for serving and teaching our children. I for one, am extremely thankful!

Goodbye Ol' Friend

We bought this chair 10 days after Bubba was born. It instantly became my favorite chair, and most treasured baby item. Something about gliding, reading, singing, or just sleeping was soothing for us both. This is the place where I first read to my kids"Goodnight Moon", " Where the Wild Things Are," and "The Napping House". We have said countless prayers, sang a billion songs, and slept more hours than I can count in this chair. This chair became a haven for both of my kids as a safe calm place.

But alas, all good things come to an end. Now, when we read to Missy in the chair, her feet almost touch the ground. It isn't as comfortable with a "BIG" kid in the chair with you with long arms, long torso, and just long. So the chair has sat in Missy's room for a little over a year, being a haven for her babies and stuffed animals. But now it is time to move on. Both kids were kind of sad to see it go, for they have as many found memories as I do. However, a couple at church is expecting their first little one, and need a chair. So we said good-bye. We showed them where the treasure secret pillow can hide, making the chair THAT much more comfortable. It is good to bless someone else with a need, but there is part of me that is sad to see my friend go and be reminded that we don't have little ones anymore................

And the Winner Is.......

Testing being done

Official Judges

New or Original.......Which would win

The other day while shopping for snacks to take to the beach, the kiddos found these NEW Oreos. This presents a conundrum in life. To have something NEW, usually is expanding on the old, or changing it. These (although you can't see the middle) are inside out Oreos. The cookie is vanilla and the center is chocolate! We thoroughly enjoyed them at the beach, but without the original to compare to, it left us wondering on which one is truly better.

Hence, today while giving the kiddos a snack, we had impromptu Taste Test. As you can see each "Judge" was given equal amounts of cookies and flavors, and the tasting began. It was funny to me, that although blindfolded, they each picked the New one first.

The Winner: The NEW Inside out Oreo. They both said that it was close, but the new ones aren't quite as sweet. Although an Oreo consumer for many many years, I have to agree. The 98 year old cookie, may have met its match this year.

15

This is us before the Michael Buble Concert that he gave me for Christmas!

Fifteen years ago, I married my best friend. Back then I wasn't sure what real love was, because I think I was too young, and too dumb. We were "in-love" and that is all that mattered. Now, years later, I love this man more than I did back then. Except for now, I really truly LOVE him. We are on a roller coaster of life, and I am SO glad I am strapped in with him. I am still "in-love" with him, and LOVE him, which is that much sweeter. Happy Anniversary Babe!