Sweet 16

We have been married for 16 glorious years!

This picture was taken on the Angels Opening Day.

What did we do to celebrate??? Well, we are on vacation with the kiddos. SO, we did what every romantic couple with kids does, and went to the movies and saw Cars 2. I giggled at the irony of us celebrating 16 and most 16 year olds want to drive, yet here we were watching a movie about driving......... Then we walked the longest pier in California, to eat at a wonderful, and fun restaurant - Rubies. Along the walk we watched hundreds of fisherman catching their daily amount of fish and two were lucky (?) enough to catch sand sharks.

A more romantic dinner is being planned without kiddos when we get home. All in all, it was a great family date night.

Mwah Babe!

Arrrrrrrr..............

Preparing for Battle
Aboard the "Jolly Roger"

We've been invaded by Pirates in these here parts. When Bubba was little, he was an avid Pirate fan. Now, we are pirate fans again. Only this time the Capt'n has a crew who is more than willing to play along. They even have the puppy playing along as a crocodile (but those pictures didn't turn out).

So Ahoy and enjoy your summer days, for I know I will be as I listen to my swashbuckling crew!

Memorial Day.....

To those who serve our country: THANK YOU!

To those whose loved one is over seas or deployed away: We are with you, in prayer and spirit

To those who have lost a loved one due to war: Our sincere condolences, and prayers for your mourning heart. Our family has been effected as well.

This year Memorial Day took a different spin. This year, we have a loved brother serving in Afghanistan. This year it hit home for us all in a different way.

Our city does a Harley Davidson Ride every year that travels right by our house. This year my in-laws rode in honor of their son serving. We cheered and yelled as we saw them ride by. This year we had even more reason to show support. This morning as the Black Hawk helicopter flew and circled our neighborhood, my little guy saluted, in honor of his uncle that flies on the same helicopter.

We in our household fly our flag proudly. We love those who have served in the past, and are currently serving, for we are a military family.

May we never forget the sacrifice that others are making, so we can sleep safely at night.

Doggie Paddling......................

(photo taken at my brother's pool - a blessing for the whole family, puppy included)

This picture is VERY cute. However, my pooch has a step he is on, an incredibly large step. Right now, I don't feel like I have a very wide step. I am doggie paddling through my days, weeks, moments. My work schedule changed - a very good and needed thing. Now, it calls for some adjustments.

My Crock Pot has come into full use several times a week.

My Laundry Basket has to be managed by the person whose laundry is in it.

Cleaning my house standard has become: Good enough. Not perfect, but good enough.

My children have learned that there are bonuses to getting ready for school on the "Early Days"

My husband is amazing and when I get the early morning phone call rearranging my day, once again, he steps in and packs lunches and whatever else I need. I married an amazing Man.

I pray that my friends and family who probably feel neglected realize that it is not them, nor my intentions, but rather my poor swimming skills at the moment.

How in the world?

We went all natural snow sledding - the snow was waist deep, and thigh high ~ literally.
My precious snow family....

How can it possibly be March and double digits tomorrow? Last week, we were still in February! I am not sure how it happens, but it seems to happen this way every year for me. One day February - I still have plenty of time to plan Missy's bday. Then all of the sudden it is in three days! Yowza!!! Maybe this year was worse, since I had to travel out of state last week. However, it never really seems to fail.......her birthday sneaks up on me. In my defense, I have proof that last week was still February. Maybe the calendar fairy is stealing days and storing them up for summer break (aha, my favorite theory here!)

This year, she doesn't want a party. She has her mind set on a shopping trip instead. We have discussed, and rediscussed this - the girl knows her mind. With three days until the big day, I am glad that this is the plan. Pictures to come, I hope.......

Last weekend though, we took a jaunt to the mountains for some family time. Much needed family time.......Here are some picts!

Words.........

The POWER of WORDS.......

Today I experienced words in the most positive way. I was in a random conversation that divinely turned deeper, it called for me to be real. I revealed some fears and inhibitions that I am facing at an upcoming conference. (Not an easy task, especially with the person I was talking with). The person I was sharing with looked shocked. She replied to my real fears with words of not encouragement but a genuine heartfelt compliment. Maybe this touched my heart in a different way, because I don't have these kinds of conversations with this person. Maybe it touched me because she gave me a boost of confidence at the right moment.

Either way, I left the conversation with a bounce in my step and a feeling that this event that is coming up, will indeed be successful. I left the conversation feeling refreshed.

The power of a compliment. The power of supportive words.

This encounter left me wondering who I could bless with some simple positive words........after all, I chat quite a bit ~ might as well make them count in a positive light.

~Blessings.

Post Stealing

To view my post that I WANT to post: Go see Lady Dunbar from my side bar. That was my weekend. Except for the fact that on Monday I was playing with Bubba and busted my head open. Stitches, black eye, the whole fireworks. That is why I am Post Stealing today. I can hardly keep my eyes open without pain since I worked all day today.

Blessings!
Mrs.C

Double Digits

This picture is from dinner. This boy, who won my heart over even before he was born, is now Double Digits!

As a Mama, this birthday has been hard. He is NOT a little boy anymore (although I still see it when he sleeps). He had a few friends over to play football in the park. For the family party he wanted to watch the Super Bowl and have Tritip, homemade rolls, and cheese mashed potatoes. TRITIP!!! This was such a grown up birthday.

He is one of my many treasures. I love this boy, more than I ever thought imaginable to love a child. It puts it into perspective just how much more God loves him, and me.

Happy Birthday Bubba!

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!