Serendipity

My Little Man

2010-05-11T18:50:00.000-07:00

Me: Rhett, what would you like for your birthday?

Rhett: A lap top

Me: Well that's not going to happen.

Rhett: Ok a cell phone.

Me: That's REALLY not going to happen.

Rhett: It's not fair everyone has one.

Me: Seriously? Are you kidding me?

Rhett: No, ______ at school has one.

Me: Well _________ is saving up to buy a lap top and she is turing 11. How many years older is she then you?

Rhett: (using his fingers to count) 4??

Me: That's correct. You may not have to wait until your 11 but we are at least

not talking about this again for a few more years. And you will get a lap top before you

get a cell phone. You don't need a cell phone.

Rhett: Yes I do.

Me: What for?

Rhett: To arrange my play dates.

Rhett leaves the table and goes into his sisters room to play Weeble Wobbles with her.

SUMMER LOVIN

2009-06-24T12:02:00.000-07:00

In about 10 hours it will FINALLY, officially be summer in the Kaya household. We are more than ready to embrace long mornings of sleeping in and open schedules to do whatever we please at a moments notice. However the obsessive- compulsive in me must have some agenda so here is my plan in how to embrace the next two months of Summer Fun:

SUMMER READIN

Falling for God- Gary W. Moon

The Unlikely Disciple- Kevin Roose

7 Practices of Effective Ministry- Andy Stanley, Reggie Joiner, Lane Jones

Making Room for Life- Randee Frazee (already finished this one but reviewing notes)

SUMMER COOKIN

Lots of grilling outside alfresco style using recipes from this magazine.

Keeping freezer stocked with Dreyer's fruit bars to cool kids off from the heat.

SUMMER WORKIN

Noah's Club- Learning about God's love by understanding God does what He says He will do and God knows what's best for me.

Paint Rhett's room and frame his original art pictures

De-clutter Emmie's room and buy her a bed

Scrape popcorn off of all ceilings in the house.

Plant a garden

Rhett's summer goals:

1. learn to read

2. swim better

3. learn to ride two wheeler

Emmie's summer goals:

1. take a dance class

2. learn to swim

3. talking in longer sentences that others can understand

SUMMER PLAYIN

Keeping weekly beach day tradition. Probably Thursdays at Coronado.

Watch free movies under the stars Tuesday nights at Viejas.

Go to tidepools in Pt. Loma

Take the kids to see Le Miserables at Junior Theater in Balboa Park

Annual La Jolla shores end of summer family bonfire

Take in a game at Petco Park

Play dates at the park or neighborhood pool

Legoland

Shop at a few Farmers Markets

Go on a twilight walk at Mission Trails

Hike Cowles Mountain

Have a weekly "family night."

Family vacation

Without Kids-

Go wine tasting

Girlfriend July getaway

For summer this list already seems a bit long. However a wise friend told me a few years back that her motto as a mom of young children was to wear them out before they wore her out. This is not a to do list. I don't need to check off every item before summer is over (as tempting as that is.) It's a simple plan to take in this new season. After all those that fail to plan should plan to fail right? My main objective this summer is to see more smiles on the faces of my family then grimaces which we have had a lot of lately. I'm feeling optimistic. It's not even summer yet and I'm already LOVIN it!

Valentines in 2009

2009-02-15T16:56:00.000-08:00

Being a hopeless romantic I've always loved V-day. I'm sure there were past V-days that were harder than others but honestly I don't remember them right now. In fact one of my very favorite V-day memories was when I was single. I won't get into that story here but I'm sure you could find it in my archives somehow. For some reason I'm inept at posting links right now.

One of the best parts of having pre-school age children are the holidays. Kids love to embrace a celebration so we have been celebrating around here for awhile. Almost two weeks ago Rhett decided one day to have a spontaneous V-day celebration. We donned red clothing, used heart napkins and used our one and only heart dish towel as the base for our red flower centerpiece. We dined on pink yo-go's, strawberries and heart shaped pancakes. Emmie had her pre-school Valentines party this past week and proudly brought red tulips in for her teacher along with valentines for her classmates. Rhett wrote out all of his own valentines this year along with planning the "valentines park party." We invited his friends from church and had brownies and rolled tacos. Rhett put plates and napkins out along with heart suckers for each attendee. The funniest moment was the night before V-day when Rhett said to me, "mom, I can't believe V-day is tomorrow already!" You would think it was Christmas around here.

On the actual day we spent lots of time together as a family.

Of coarse Rhett had Valentines made for all of us when we woke up. The one above is one of at least five that he had made for Emmie over the past week.
After heart shaped English muffins with strawberry jelly the kids opened their valentines from us. They even got to eat their PEZ candy at 10 in the morning.
I wrote my sentiments on the kids bathroom mirror. The kids seemed to like it and were impressed I could do this with lipstick. Rod was afraid it might be encouraging some naughty behavior but we decided it was worth it to take the risk.
Emmie decided not to refrain from her usual craziness on V-day and decided to try and wash her hair all by herself with dish soap.
Rod wanted us to celebrate as a family and took us out to lunch at Cheesecake Factory.
After lunch Rod and the kids were taking a break in the mall while I checked out H&M.
After shopping we took the kids to a great park by Mike and my Moms house.
We went on a great walk and took in the crisp air. Rhett shot most of these pictures.
All in all we had a great day of family fun celebrating our love for each other. And just when it seemed things could not get any better we dropped the kids off at Nana and Papa's to spend the night.

Rod did not give me flowers or chocolate this year. Instead I got lots of quality time with the best husband and father I could ask for. We ate yummy food, watched great romantic movies and talked about this and that and everything. Some gifts cannot be wrapped up but they end up being the best kind. Valentines Day was FINE in 2009!

HOPE

2009-02-05T08:54:00.001-08:00

I went to bed last night with haunting feelings of uneasiness. I woke up with the same torment this morning maybe even a bit worse than last night. I pledged to deal with these thoughts as soon as possible.

After dragging one child out of bed with another hanging on to my leg we made it through the morning with only two or three meltdowns. Rhett was out the door with nothing but ovaltine in his stomach however I figured the two quarters in his pocket for the bake sale should help tide him over until lunch. Emmie was a bit more challenging as usual. Finally after trying out juice in three different cups she settled on cran-apple in the blue sippy cup with a butter and jelly sandwich and Weeble Wobbles for entertainment. At last I had a moment to figure out what was going on in my head.

I love to journal and write in general so I decided to write down each thought on a piece of paper just so I could organize them and visually see what was causing my fret. They ended up taking a whole page. At the bottom of the page I wrote "Lord, here they are now what?" I won't get into any specifics here. Basically they ranged from lost library materials to terrible twos to some deeper issues taking root in my heart. I picked up my Bible and journal and "page of woes" and did the best I could to offer them up to the Lord. I found Hope.

Back in January I decided to read the "red words" of the Bible this year. I really wanted to focus in on when Jesus spoke and what he had to say. Today I was on Matt. chapter 27. I've been trying to limit my reading to one chapter a day because the gospels record Jesus' words a lot. Generally one chapter provides more than enough verses for me to reflect on. However chapter 27 only had two verses. One being only a few words and then Jesus' last words "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" I realized in that moment that deep down I felt that way. It comforted me to know that Jesus felt that same way too and understands how I feel. For the first time this year I decided to keep reading on to the next chapter.

Chapter 28 only had a few words as well. Jesus' very next words recorded in the gospel of Matthew after feeling utterly abandoned were "do not be afraid." And then at the end of the chapter he says, "be sure of this, I am with you always, even to the end of age." I was reminded of the hope we have in Jesus resurrection which we celebrate on Easter Sunday. I was reminded of God's faithfulness in my life. My experience has been that even when times seem hard there is always a new day ahead. I find it profoundly cool that even Jesus can go from total despair to total joy and that I know how the story of Jesus ends. That yes he suffered beyond all but that's not the end of the story.

After reading I went back to my "list of woes" and wrote over them in big letters, "HOPE." I still have to deal with each one of them but now with a new perspective. Rather than feel despondent I have hope. Not hope in the outcome of any specific circumstance but hope in the knowledge that Jesus understands my pain, he is with me and God is faithful. I think the following lyrics say it best.

"My Hope is Built on Nothing Less"

by Edward Mote, 1797-1874

My hope is build on nothing less

than Jesus' blood and rightousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is shifting sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face,

I rest on His unchanging grace;

In every high and stormy gale

My anchor holds within the veil.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand.

His oath, His covenant, and blood

Support me in the whelming flood;

When every earthly prop gives way,

He then is all my Hope and Stay.

On Christ the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is shifting sand.

When he shall come with trumpet sound,

Oh, may I then in him be found,

Clothed in his rightousness alone,

Faultless to stand before the throne!

On Christ the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is shifting sand.

Mr. Spielberg This One's For You

2009-01-13T16:33:00.000-08:00

After uploading my photos today I came across this gem. I'm really only blogging this so 15 yrs. from now I will have it to show Rhett what a cutie he was. I don't expect anyone to watch it in it's entirety, I mean we are talking 8 long minutes of not much more than Star Wars figurines narrated by my 5 yr. old. Unless of coarse you are a really, really big Star Wars fan or you really, really love my son. So with the exception of Ande and Aunite Itsuko (who really, really love my son) I would recommend you skip to the last few minutes.

A few observations from the film:

1. This is proof that Rod did in fact watch the Charger game this past Sunday.

2. I love how my son places God right up there with all the super heroes which is basically the ultimate in importance.

3. "If you like Star Wars ask my dad and me we know all about Clone Wars and Star Wars. My friends Garrett and Ethan really like Clone Wars and Star Wars." So I guess the point of this was to be a Star Wars infomercial.

During the Golden Globes this past week there was a tribute to Steven Spielberg. In response he said a pretty inspiring thing in regards to the kind of movies he chooses to make. He likes to ask himself, "can I get away with this?" If he does not have to ask that question he does not take the job. I would have to say after stealing my camera for 8 mins. to make a movie and then proceed to take about 20 photos with it he must have asked himself that exact question.

Good job Rhett, Mr. Spielberg would be proud, your mommy sure is!

Auntie Itsuko

2008-11-09T21:01:00.000-08:00

One of the many blessings of being married to Rod is to be a part of his extended family in Hawaii. His parents along with aunts, uncles and cousins live in Hawaii on the island of Oahu. We don't get out there nearly as often as I would like but fortunately for us his mom and aunt come out to San Diego at least once a year sometimes even more. Esther (my mother in law) has one sister named Flora. Rod and his brother grew up calling her Auntie Itsuko so the kids and I call her Auntie Itsuko. Rod has told me on more than one occasion how she was and is his favorite aunt hands down.

Over the years I have grown to love her so much and now that my kids know her they too can share in the sentiment. When we are in Hawaii she takes us to nice restaurants and lets us use her car. When she is here she plays with the kids tirelessly and makes Rhett feel like he is the greatest thing since sliced bread. She educates us on the Japanese culture and the proper way to drink hot tea. The rest of the year she sends us care packages that are not only filled with several treats but even more impressive all the time she has to spend in order to send them. After taking maybe a bazillion photos from her visits to San Diego she goes home and prints out each picture and organizes them in an album for us. I just counted and over the years she has made us eight photo albums. In addition she makes a point to have lunch at fast food places day after day always ordering a kids meal just to get the toy for my kids. Now that Emmie is old enough to enjoy the toys she makes a point to get a boy toy and a girl toy. After we received our last care package Rhett said, "boy auntie sure eats a lot of happy meals."

She is one of the very few people that love me enough to read this blog and I wanted her to know how much the San Diego Kaya's love and appreciate her. Also Auntie since you do not have a Facebook account here are the pictures you have been waiting for. If you had a facebook account you would have been able to see them much sooner....just a suggestion.

Waiting for the temperature to FALL

2008-10-26T20:41:00.000-07:00

Update- Becky congratulations on your free one month supply of Sensa. Someone will be sending it directly to you. Let me know when you get it and we can have a club meeting :)

In other news unrelated to anything Sensa I'm embarking on my week of FALL. Nevermind that our trusty weathermen are forcasting this week to be in the 90's and my husband is forcasting the 100's because he likes to add 10 degrees to whatever weather.com says. I think that's just being pessimistic. He would say realistic. I would rather take away 30 degrees and spend the week sipping hot cocoa and carving pumpkins.

So although I will be sweating while doing so this week my plans are the following:

A library trip to check out some new movies for the kids and some fall favorite books to keep Rhett on his reading track while being out of school for a week

Finishing up two books of my own. One is almost done and one is barely started.

Finishing up sewing a Halloween costume for Emmie.

Starting a new design project for Noah's Club large group stage

Take Rhett out on a date this week while Emmie is in pre-school

Watch Emmie in her Halloween pre-school parade and help with their party.

Carve pumpkins with the Denisons (and anyone else interested)

Get back involved with our Tues. night bible study group

Attend a family birthday party and a friend anniversary dinner

Make homemade donuts for the kids for breakfast

Celebrate Halloween at the Phillipson house

And swallow my bitterness and take the kids to the pool at least once if not more
HAPPY FALL FRIENDS!

BTW the witty title to this post was thought of by my brilliant husband www.rodkaya.com

Better Than a Sensa Update

2008-10-21T20:29:00.000-07:00

If you don't have much time to read this post read the last paragraph first. Free stuff :)

So I've been meaning to post an update on our SENSA weight loss adventure however a few things have held me up. One being my sister is having such a busy, crazy week we cannot even find time to chat long enough for me to hear how she is doing with all this SENSA stuff. I know it's pathetic but life is busy at times (like always for me) and we just roll with it and talk when we can. So after playing phone tag with her several times I've given up on her update for a few days. As for myself I have nothing to report other than failure so I'm holding out hopefully getting better news from Desha.

Now on to something brighter and better related to our fabulous, miracle spice. Remember when I mentioned the before and after contest my sis and I were entering therefore the reason for our lovely pictures....well Amanda has just shared with me that they are opening up the contest to anyone interested. If you're interested click here. Let me tell you how much we would love for you to join our SENSA club. Maybe if we had a few more members my success rate would be a tad higher. We have until Feb. to post our after pictures which should give us more than enough time to cheat on each upcoming holiday and get back in the game to end with a victory.

And for those of you who would like to try it but can't afford it I've saved the best news for last. My new wonderful SENSA friends have given me a 1 month supply to give away to one of you for FREE!! All you have to do is leave a comment and tell me if you want it. If more than one person wants it I'll do some random number generator thing. So if you're interested speak up. We can start spicing things up SENSA style together.

SENSA part 2

2008-10-12T15:24:00.000-07:00

So it's been almost a week since we started Sensa. I'm so glad my sister is doing this with me because she is doing a much better job than myself therefore much more fun to update on. For me I started off pretty good for about a day and a half. After that my week started getting stressed and I stoped caring or as some might say, eating emotionally. I stopped using the product completely. As for my goal of no fast food for six months.....well the kids and I had corn dogs and chilli cheese fries on the way to church Friday night and Chic Fil A last night after seeing Disney on Ice. So much for that goal. Good thing I'm all about second chances. A new week starts tomorrow and I'm ready to go. H0pefully I will actually exercise this week since oops that was a goal too.

As far as my sis goes so far so good. She told me today she has been using the product on about 75% of her food. Compared to my 10% she is doing fabulous. When we started this we thought it would be the easiest diet in the world. Eat what you want and just sprinkle this stuff on your food. The challenge like anything is sticking with it. It easy breezy to physically sprinkle the product on your food but it's another thing to remember to do it. Imagine EVERY time you pop something in your mouth you have to remember to sprinkly SENSA on it.

As far as taste and appetite changes. For the most part you cannot taste much of a difference in your food. My sis said she tastes much more of a difference on the sweet food than the salty food. She told me her sweet stuff has become much sweeter so much so that when she goes to eat something sweet she stops because she knows it will be too sweet for her liking. So I guess it's working for her. The salty is taking a bit longer to kick in. It's only been a week. For my big day and a half that I used it I did not notice any changes in my appetite. I definitely wanted to eat ALL of the food on my plate and even went back for seconds a time or two.

So here is to a new week. Hopefully I will stick with it and report back to the blog nothing but success....and less stress would be nice too.

Oh by the way if anyone wants to diet with us by all means join the club. I made a mistake in my last post about the before and after contest. Sensa is not opening up that contest to the public. Right now it's just for guinea pigs like me. That does not mean we can't get healthy together. If you want to purchase the product you can click on the link below. If so send me an email and let me know.

http://www.trysensa.com/

Will I Ever Learn

2008-10-10T22:26:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling better tonight. I wish I could say it's because of my strong faith, trusting God all along to come through for me. God has come through for me (as he always does in some way or another) but I certainly was not trusting much ten hours ago.

Meanwhile if anyone is interested in sprucing up your blog background you can click on the button above to the left that says "free blog backgrounds." I played around with it for awhile last night and now I have this pretty blog to show for it all for free. Maybe it will inspire me to blog more. Now that I can take a break from stressing out so much I'm going to go enjoy my weekend. Our plans include:

Take Rod to the airport :(
Rhett's soccer game
Target
Making blue jello for Noah's Club
Disney on Ice - Thanks Kara, can't wait to surprise the kiddos with this one
Early bedtime and lots of reading for mommy
Church and lots of thank you's to all of the volunteers stepping up this weekend to help out- Thank you God. When will I ever learn???

My Soul's Remedy

2008-10-09T21:52:00.001-07:00

The last 24 hours have been a bit of a challenge for me. Nothing earth shattering. Nothing for my mom or sister to worry about. Just messy life being lived out. Some of it is my human nature that will always need help, some of it the human nature of others. It's just one of those days I take extra comfort in Gods word. One of my favorite if not favorite passage in the Bible is Psalm 139 but when going to read it the other day it was actually the passage preceding it that spoke to me.

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand will save me. The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; your mercy , O LORD, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of your hands." Psalm 138 7-8

My Nightstand

2008-10-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

I walked in my room the other day and glanced over at my nightstand. My reading is starting to pile up. I think I need a reading retreat. Here are my current titles:

No Greater Love- Mother Teresa

Beside Every Good Man- Serita Ann Jakes

The Intellectual Devotional

The Secret Life of Bees- Sue Monk Kidd

Gifted to Lead- Nancy Beach

The Case for Christ- Lee Strobel

Real Simple magazine

2 issues of Everyday with Rachel Ray

Scholastic Parent and Child

At least I can scratch two off that list. I have finished Gifted to Lead and the Real Simple magazine. What's on your nightstand?

SENSA Sista's

2008-10-07T10:35:00.001-07:00

So my sister and I are starting a new health endeavor today. My nice friends that made it possible for me to attend this have recently sent me a new product to try. Sensa is a weight loss product that you sprinkle on your food. It enhances the flavor of your food which somehow scientifically makes you feel full faster and thus eat less food resulting in losing weight. I'm still learning about the science behind it but here is a quote from the makers of Sensa.

"The scientific principle behind Sensa is remarkably simple. You may recall learning in biology class that smell and taste are connected. As you eat, the two senses work together to stimulate an area of the brain called the “satiety center,” which tells your body when it’s time to stop eating. By enhancing smell (sensory input), Sensa Tastants help to enable the brain-stomach connection and trigger the "feel full" signal."

What this means for my sister and I is an easy way to lose weight not to mention free. There are no food restrictions or calorie counting. We can continue to eat our normal foods and all we have to do is sprinkle on a little sensa just like salt and pepper. It's safe, Sensa is sodium-free, sugar-free, calorie free, gluten-free, and there are no stimulants, drugs or MSG. It's als affordable (especially if you click on the link below.) So sister and I have decided to use this product as an opportunity to a six month challenge to overall physical health. Here is our plan:

Long Term

6 month goal by April 7th : Tara- lose 15 pounds, exercise regularly, no fast food in six month period.

Reward- a pair of these

Desha- lose 45 pounds, exercise regularly, no fast food

Reward- shopping day at Anthropology

Short Term

1 month goal by November 7th Tara- lose a few pounds, exercise regularly, no fast food

Desha- lose 10 pounds, exercise regularly, no fast food

Reward- pedicure(Following months reward will be picked while enjoying pedicure :) )

Now obviously we don't know if Sensa is going to work yet. Check back for my weekly updates on whether this "sounds to good to be true product works or not." If this sounds like something you would like to try with us use this link:

http://www.trysensa.com/link/AOBO89 with the promotion code ROCKETXL for a 15% discount on your order (no minimum) and free ground shipping. If not convinced yet give me time. I have a feeling this could be life changing for Desha and I.

My friends are also giving away an additional 6- month supply of Sensa to 3 winners who have shown the most dramatic weight loss in late December. To be considered you must post a before and after photograph during the week of December 7-14 so be sure to take a photo now before you start the program. The great thing about this contest is even if you lose you obviously still win if you lost enough weight to even enter in the first place. So sister and I have already accomplished the first step. Here's our lovely before pictures:

I know SENSA is going to work wonders on us and can"t wait to post our after pictures six months from now. Wish us luck and stay tuned for our Sensa adventure.

Words

2008-10-01T15:18:00.000-07:00

Just a few questions in my mind:

Why do I complain so much?

Why do I blame so much?

Why do I SHOUT so much?

Why do I gossip so much?

the bible says my words reveal the state of my heart

nice place my HEART is in

In the words of Marissa Denisons 4th grade teacher...."swallow it and spit it back up."

What am I reading?

What am I listening to?

In the words of Mother Teresa...."words that do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness"

Do my words bring life?

Do my words bring darkness?

What words are my children hearing?

Do my conversations bring hope, change, love....life to my soul?

Do I talk too much without thinking?

Do God and I share enough words?

Are words really cheap?

Kindergarten

2008-08-28T21:48:00.000-07:00

Life is busy in a crazy, overwhelming, wonderful way. There are so many thoughts that flood my mind tonight like did I really celebrate my sister enough today on her birthday. I sense God telling me to calm down and take things one day at a time. One thing I like to do when I start to stress out is stop and find a few things to be thankful for. When looking back on this past week and trying to do that one theme emerges- Kindergarten. This was clearly the main event of our household this week. Rhett's first day of Kindergarten was this past Tuesday.

I really put more time and energy than I thought I would in planning the right school for him to attend and whether or not he was really ready to be there. Just over a week ago he was registered for three different schools. I had no idea it would be such a hard decision on whether to enroll him or give him more time and wait another year. I kept vacillating back and forth weighing the pros and the cons. Obviously we decided to enroll him figuring we could always take him out if it turns out to be the wrong time. The jury is still out on that since he has only been an official Kindergaten student for three days now but so far so GREAT!

Here are a few highlights from our week:

Rhett's highlights
1. The tour around the school on the first day especially finding out where the bathroom was
2. Walking around to the different activity stations the second day
3. Getting nachos for lunch the third day (Even though he did not have money for this, we were planning on going out to lunch for my sisters birthday so I did not pack him a lunch but when they asked him if he wanted one he was not going to turn it down. Three days into school and I already have an unpaid debt.)

Mom's highlights
1. Rhett has been getting up early each morning and eating breakfast with no complaints
2. His teacher likes us. On the first day of school she told Rod and I we were AWESOME parents because we were the first ones to leave.
3. So glad we picked the school with the half day schedule rather than the full day. The time length is just right.
4. In three short days he has already learned new things and grown up so much.

I could not be more proud of anyone, anywhere than my little Kindergarten boy.

Ward Cleaver Eat Your Heart Out

2008-07-26T15:56:00.001-07:00

Not only does this lady handle her mans weekend chores she makes sure to look so lovely doing so in her pink, fuzzy heels.

For other tips on how to be a good wife read here.

Happy Dance

2008-07-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

Unlike my friend Kristy you would not find me two-stepping at the nearest dance club. A few years of jazz, ballet and tap lessons as a child seemed to do little for me later in life. It's not even so much the lack of skill but more the lack of interest. Plus it's something my husband and I share together or should I say something we don't share together. Whenever we attend weddings we stay long enough to eat cake and leave early enough to miss the dancing. I'm really ok with this and would much rather be home together taking in an episode of Seinfeld. However even I can appreciate a few things in life that are worthy of celebrating and yes even dancing over. If you have been reading my blog for any length of time than you would know how happy I can be over a clean, orderly, fresh as a daisy smelling house. So don't be surprised if on those very, very rare occasions that my house is in that condition you might find me in my living room doing a "happy dance."

It's because of this appreciation (and my love of reality tv shows) that I love this opportunity that Snuggle and Fox program So You Think You Can Dance is giving not just the dancing public but an opportunity for anyone and everyone. You can read the promotion here . Basically if you're able to find your happy dance within you (everyone has one) and record it you could win a chance to attend the Fox So You Think You Can Dance finale. How exciting is that.
Check out how happy these guys are.

I would suggest you go buy Snuggle's new product, Snuggle with Fresh Release and get dancing. Let me know if you win. Even if you don't win your clothes will smell good and that should make you and those around you happy, happy, happy.

Summer Calendar

2008-07-05T11:49:00.000-07:00

So rather than clean my house on this long weekend I thought I would organize my summer plans. I may not get around to posting again for awhile so in case I don't this is what I will be up to......

Monday: Swim Lessons, Grocery Shopping, Cleaning kids rooms, kids bathroom and playroom

Tuesday: Cleaning kitchen, fridge, pantry, dining room, Family Dinner night at either Chic-Fil-A, Ruby's or Belmont Park (all of these have kids specials on Tuesdays)

Weds: Cleaning car and laundry room, Swim Lessons, Beach Day

Thurs: Office work day, zoo or W.A.P at night, movie night

Friday: Cleaning living room, office work day, soccer, church

Sat: Cleaning my bedroom and bathroom, various kids activities play at Balboa Park, storytime, concerts in the park, soccer, overall family day

Sunday: Church & REST

In addition to cleaning through the week I will be doing laundry and dish washing everyday along with teaching my new 5 yr. old his chore responsibilities and my 2 yr. old how to pitch in too. Hopefully this schedule will leave enough margins for lemonade stands, trips to the neighborhood pool and campouts in the backyard. We are also planning a mini beach vacation in mid July along with a visit from Koko in August as well as the Leadership Summit on the 8th and 9th. Lots of cool things are in the making at Noah's Club and in case this does not keep me busy enough I now have this to play on.

Happy Summer Everyone!!

Shut Your Trap

2008-06-30T17:30:00.000-07:00

Some people need to learn how to hold back on their words once in awhile. Why do we need to talk so much or share our opinion so freely? Being a mom now for five years I have come to learn the unspoken rule that most normal moms share. We don't tell eachother how to be a mom of their kids. I only know how to be a mom of two kids.....MY KIDS. My kids, my situation is different from every other mom I know or will know. The only thing I know about other moms is their job is HARD, VERY HARD and most likely they are doing the very best they possibly can and that is good enough. It has to be good enough. What other choice do we have. I believe moms should be learning and growing continually to be better at probably one of the most important roles we will have in our life.

How can we learn from others. I think it depends on the spirit of the messenger and the receiver. I have no problem with people encouraging me on this mom journey. I need it and welcome it. However if you're going to do this than please 1. know me first 2. say it in love and only if it's with genuine encouragement. I know right away when someone has passed on wisdom to me or judgment. The first one inspires me to change and be a better mom. The second one ususally causes me to feel defeated, or irritated and most likely take out those feelings on my kids.

I felt judged today. Some people need to shut their trap!

Rhetts Ramblings

2008-06-25T18:49:00.000-07:00

Lauren just wrote a post about her recent ramblings. I've had some interesting converations lately with Rhett and thought I would share them:

Last night before bed we read a book about bison. Afterwards I told Rhett that a long time ago when daddy was marrying a friend of ours in Wyoming we had a bison walk right up to our car window. Rhett replied, "but mommy I thought daddy was married to you?"

Today after swimming at Garretts house with some friends Rhett decided (or maybe it was one of the other boys not sure) that they should have a sleepover. Since Rhett does not have any older sisters I was not sure how much he really knew about sleepovers. A few minutes ago Rhett walked up to me and brought up the sleepover idea again. I said to Rhett, "what would you boys do?" and he replied, "well I'm not sure but we would be nocturnal that night and do whatever we want." So I guess he gets it afterall.

Birthday Jedi

2008-06-24T11:34:00.000-07:00

Rhett's 5th birthday was celebrated in the theme of his favorite movie. Along with cake and pizza and all of our Jedi friends we had a relay race with broom ball, bowling, bike riding, sliding and shooting water guns at DARTH VADER himself aka daddy.

I'm Alive...Which Is More Than I Can Say for My Blog

2008-06-19T22:08:00.001-07:00

I can't believe I'm acutally writing a post. This blog is so close to seeing its final days yet here I am helping it cling to some kind of meager life. Just when I'm ready to put this thing to rest which would be so easy to do (I only have about ten other things I should be doing at this very moment) I think back to why I'm doing this in the first place. I want my kids to have something to look back on when they're actually able to read and maybe even see a picture or two. Since I refuse to scrapbook or even organize our photos in any fashion this is their only hope. So here I am over a month later trying to come up with something. I have nothing to say. I will however share the latest ten happenings in my life that have kept me away from this thing.

10. Towards the end of May I helped plan a "just married open house" for a friend
9. Started new series in Noah's Club- God at the Movies Preschool style
8. Ty Felbergs first birthday party at the bay- windy but lots of fun
7. redecorated office at work including new paint, new furniture and WALLPAPER....actually Jake and Jarred painted for me, I shopped for the furniture, Jake and Austin put the furniture together and I WALLPAPERED, FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME.....and probably last time.
6. Rhett started swimming lessons as well as becoming a professional "kindergarten assesment taker"
5. Had our first CAG leaders meeting
4. Went to Palm Springs for a few days for staff retreat
3. Planned a 60th birthday party with my sister for my mama
2. celebrated Fathers Day by helping Rhett make gigantic, painted crosses out of enormous planks of wood (not my idea)
1.Rhett turned 5 this past Tues. we started the day with pancakes in the shape of his name and new age, swimming with friends, Mc Donalds with friends, Spiderman cartoons with friends and now currently planning an upcoming STAR WARS party for him
Oh and another thing, visiting my grandma in a nursing home until she is well enough to go home because she fell and fractured a bone in her back

So there you have it, not an exhaustive list but you get the idea. I have high hopes to post some pictures on this thing soon. And yes I know that word soon on this blog has become quite relative but at least I have it in writing now so maybe I might actually do it before the summer is over.

A New Perspective

2008-05-12T08:44:00.001-07:00

I just thought I would let all five of you that read this blog know that I love my children again. Of coarse I never actually stopped loving them but it's always nice to feel the love that's in your heart.

It might have been the great Mother's Day service at church I sat through, it might have been the day of shopping yesterday without my children thanks to my husbands generosity, or perhaps it was the miracle of miracles that Emmie slept in her own bed the past two nights in a row. I really think it was all of these things combined.

For the past weekend everywhere I turned I was reminded of the Mother's Day holiday. Last night I finished a book that reminded me of how fleeting life can be. I want to spend the rest of my time on this earth enjoying my children. To think that being a mom is so special that the world sets a day apart to celebrate it makes me think that I must have something pretty cool going on to be a part of that. Since I was a little girl I always wanted to be a mom. I truly feel blessed that being one is a part of God's plan for my life. I love that God made my kids and chose me to be his vessel to love them. Today I'm delighting in who they are, their idiosyncrasies, their cuteness and even their occasional temper tantrums.

And then after lunch I will come back and read this to remind myself of these thoughts because just as life is fleeting so are my warm fuzzy feelings.

If Mama Aint Happy.....

2008-05-09T09:21:00.000-07:00

Why does it have to be so hard? This parenting thing is more challenging than anything I've yet to experience so far in life. Yes it's wonderful and rewarding and probably the best expression of love one human can experience yada, yada, yada. But right now I'm experiencing the other side. My two year old is tugging on my jacket screaming "I want JUICE!!" Why when she just had juice an hour ago. My soon to be five year old was just dropped off at pre-school but not without a fight this morning about anything and everything. Yesterday we had our weekly date at Starbucks. We go every Thurs. morning while Emmie and dad stay home and watch cartoons. I imagined myself writing a post today about a peaceful, loving mother son bonding moment over coffee, hot cocoa and a game of checkers. Instead checkers lasted about 10 seconds because Rhett got upset that I would not let him jump my man out of turn. After that he spilled hot cocoa on his clothes and than we had a discussion about how he will not take swim lessons if he has to go under water. Today the house is a mess, the kids are crabby and I'm crabbier. I'm sure things will look better soon but not until about five loads of laundry are done.

Thank God for birthdays

2008-05-04T15:33:00.001-07:00

So I'm really having a hard time keeping this blog up. It's not for lack of content. I would love to write about what's been going on lately or share pictures for our family in Hawaii. Truth is my new job has been really hard and taking up every last moment of my time when I'm not feeding and dressing my children. I'm getting into a better groove with work now that I've been there almost two months. It's not so hard anymore (although there are moments) I'm starting to actually have fun and enjoy it :P! Whether or not that means I will blog more here I doubt it. I'm trying to keep up that blog too. Here is a question I would love feedback on. Should I merge my two blogs or keep them separate?

Since it's been almost a month since my last post I thought I would at least log on and share our fun birthday happenings from the other day. Friday was Rods birthday. He thinks he is someone that's really easy to buy for but really he's not. So the kids and I spent most of Wednesday preparing our gifts for him. We got the idea from here and here We took the five areas that he wrote fuels his leadership on his blog and gave him a gift to represent each area. A starbucks gift card for coffee, a spots book for sports and books, a people magazine with a fun picuture of me and the kids for people and Legoland tickets for a special Star Wars day for him and Rhett for experiences and entertainment. His mom sent one of his favorites food from Hawaii so that was his last surprise for breakfast.

We had a birthday string tied all over the house with balloons tied wherever a gift was. The wrapping of each gift gave a clue to the area of leadership the gift represented. This may have been a tad more fun for Rhett than Rod but deep down I know he felt loved. It was a great way to start the day celebrating. Sorry I don't even have one picture to post from it. I'm planning on doing it again for Rhetts birthday next month which should be right around the time I get around to posting again. By the way I realize how much I really need to update my side bar because I'm not learning how to cook chinese food or reading about kids moral intelligence. However I won't be doing that anytime soon. So maybe by next month or our next birthday they will be gone.

My Fashionista

2008-04-07T15:15:00.003-07:00

If my daughter takes off her diaper and changes her clothes one more time I'm going to scream.....

It's 3 pm and this is already her 4th outfit of the day and 5th diaper of the day. Everytime it either gets the teensy bit wet or she just feels like it off it goes.

As much as she likes to take her diaper off she has no interest in going potty in the toilet. When I ask her if she wants to go she runs to the bathroom, gets on, waits about thiry seconds and then says, "ah dan" which translates to "all done."

Here she is with Rhett's shorts on, backwards and very pleased with herself.

Is this a girl thing? Or is it just my daughter? My son never did this.

Goodbye Gilmore Girls

2008-04-01T22:23:00.000-07:00

Ever since my new job we have had to save our babysitters (my mom and Ingvild) time for Sunday mornings and when I need to go to the office on Friday when Rod and I both work. Because of this I can't quite remember the last time we have gone out on a date. However I'm not feeling sorry for myself one bit because we have found ways to be creative with our quality time together. Actually Ingvild has offered to watch my kids in addition to my work time but I often turn her down because I don't feel like this area is neglected.

One of those ways is staying up way too late after the kids go to bed watching The Gilmore Girls. Last night we watched the final episode. 7 seasons, 154 episodes and a little over 4 months later completed. Oh how I loved this show. By the end of the first season we would talk about these characters like they were part of our family. Even Rhett knew most of them by name. My favorite part of the show is how they depict the relationship between mother and daughter shown through the two main characters Lorelai and her daughter Rory Gilmore but also between Lorelai and her mother Emily Gilmore. Each time I watched this show I was reminded of the gift it is to be a mother as well as a daughter. In a small way this show even inspired me to move forward with my current job. Maybe those are some of the reasons I cried like a baby last night watching the final episode. Actually it was probably just hormones but I like to think this show left it's mark on me. Regardless I will miss my late nights with the Gilmore Girls and the rest of their quirky cast but at least now I can catch up on some sleep or maybe go out on a real date.

It Was Only a Matter of Time....

2008-03-31T11:39:00.001-07:00

This morning while cleaning up the kitchen I overheard Rhett and Emmie playing in the playroom. Earlier I had the TV on a music channel and Rhett moved the channel up a few times to the Christian Rock station. This is what I heard:

"Ok listen now, Jesus died on the cross. But that is not all. We are going to stand up and sing a song and then I will tell you more." Rhett then turns on the tv to the Christian rock station and uses a candle holder as a microphone to sing along with whatever song was on about Jesus. After the song is over he turns off the tv and says, "okay do you like Easter eggs? Yes, me too but that is not all that Easter is about. Jesus rose and came back to life. You know what God made the world....YEAH!" tv goes back on with another Jesus song belted out with a few YEAH's in the middle of each verse.

Emmie was not too impressed with this new evangelist in our house. She was concentrating more on playing legos and taking her clothes off. However Rhett continued to preach to her for another ten minutes.

I guess with both parents working in ministry now it was only a matter of time. I'm not sure if I should be happy about this or concerned????

Earth Hour

2008-03-29T13:59:00.000-07:00

So today has been kind of a strange, funky one. Starting it off with a migraine will do that to you. Thank God for wonderful husbands. When I finally felt well enough to catch up on some blog reading I found this post from one of my favorite blogs interesting. You can read more about it here. I think I'm going to try it. I will be with five children at the time so we will probably be snuggling with lots of blankets, books and flashlights.

I encourage you to give it a try tonight.....no lights or electricity for one hour 8-9pm local time. Do your part to help the planet.

Excitement

2008-03-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

As I look outside on this beautiful day and look over this busy week ahead I'm excited. This week my to do list is chalk full. I have much to do to prepare for the Easter services this weekend in Noah's Club and plan and execute a birthday party for my soon to be 2 year old and one of her soon to be 4 year old buddies all in ONE weekend....YIKES. Normally I tend to get overwhelmed under these circumstances but something feels different today. Of coarse I still have lots of house cleaning to do and fussy children to love but rather than feel burdened by the pressure I have an anticipation for great things that God is going to do.

Maybe it's spring in the air. Maybe it's the spring break fun feeling floating around. Probably a little of both but mostly one thing is penetrating my mind. NEW LIFE. Six days from now my family will celebrate Easter. We will celebrate Jesus and his power over death. He came so that we may have life. I'm truly excited about living LIFE this week.

New Beginnings Part 2

2008-02-27T16:11:00.002-08:00

So as I mentioned in my last post over a week ago I have some new beginnings of my own going on. Towards the beginning of this month I accepted a job as preschool director at our church Journey Community Church. I've been praying about working in this area for at least a few years now so in some ways I feel prepared for this role. However just like all new things it's still scary and will require lots of hard work. I'm in my second week now so the scary part is over but the hard work is going strong (as it should and will for the duration of my job.) So if I'm not posting as much anymore it's because I'm:

-recruiting volunteers
-getting to know current volunteers
-organizing and implementing a new series for Easter
-organizing series for after Easter
-leading meetings
-attending Children's conferences
-cleaning classrooms and getting area set up with some new designs
-ALL THE STUFF FROM MY OLD 24/7 JOB THAT NEVER WENT AWAY AND NEVER WILL!

I'll try to remember to come up for air and check in with my Serendipity life once in awhile. Meanwhile check out the preschool blog http://noahsclub.blogspot.com/ I will be updating more regularly.

New Beginnings

2008-02-18T22:04:00.000-08:00

I've posted before about my son being somewhat cautious. His mind never stops working. I'm sure even while he is sleeping he probably has the most imaginative, elaborate dreams because that's how he is wired. He is definitely more of a "look before you leap" kind of kid. Along with some slight motor skill delays he simply will not try something just because that's what most kids at his age are doing. He has to think long and hard about it and be ready in his timing not anyone elses. This trait also runs in one of his parents and it's not me. For example when other children his age were riding tricycles he had no interest in them. I remember telling my mom one year not to buy him one for Christmas because he simply had no desire for it so it would just sit around. Eventually he learned how to ride one but it took him awhile to pick it up and even longer to actually enjoy it. Now he loves his tricycle and would ride it anywhere, everywhere if he could. Since he is going to be five in June we have often asked him if he wants to try one of his friends bigger bikes with training wheels. He adamantly says no and rides off perfectly content on his trike. We have offered to buy him a new, bigger bike and we get the same response. In the past few months while riding with his friend Ethan who has just graduated to a two wheeler he expresses frustration for not being able to go as fast as Ethan and being first. I try to gently tell him it's because of his bike and if he was willing to get a bigger one he might have a better chance. He still responds with his resilient NO!!!

I understand that NO. I too like to stay in my safe little world at times without having to try anything new and scary. I too need people to come along side me and gently nudge me into doing things that might be for my best interest that I might not try on my own doing. One week ago today Rhett faced one of his big fears and conquered it. We were riding bikes at a friends house and they had an extra bike sitting around with training wheels. I asked Rhett if he would try it...NO! I asked him if he would please try it for mommy....NO! I asked him what would motivate him to try this bike? Jason sitting on the curb nearby kind of whispered loud enough for Rhett to hear.."money." Rhett piped up, "1,000 dollars." Well at least I know the boy has a price. I told him I did not have that money but I could give him one dollar to add to his other dollar so he could buy two things at the dollar store. He was starting to cave but still kept saying no. After MUCH persuading he agreed to sit on the bike and let me hold him and push him on a flat surface as long as no hills were involved. I did just that and could not be more proud. We took the bike home in case Rhett decided to do anymore practising with me holding him on a flat surface. He was not too happy about taking it home and told me he was never going to ride it ever again! Later that afternoon while doing homework I asked him if he wanted to go outside to try it fully expecting a protest. Surprisingly he agreed. I pushed him around on the driveway going in the motion of the letters he had just learned to write. He thought the game was so fun he forgot about his fear and let me let go of him so he could try it on his own. By the time his dad got home he was riding that thing all over the place.

Isn't that just like fear? Whatever it is we are afraid of seems so daunting that we can't bring ourselves to even try and once we finally do we realize the hardest part was just letting go and diving in. Once were there the thing that we thought we were afraid of what not so bad afterall. I was so proud of my son for getting on that bike because I knew how much he was afraid of it. I would be perfectly fine if he goes through the rest of his life choosing to not ride a bike. I would not be fine if he lets fear take control and stop him from doing things he might really enjoy doing.
Today we surprised Rhett with a new bike. He picked it out on Valentines Day out of several others because it said RHINO on it. When Rhett wasn't looking Rod replaced the one we were borrowing from a friend with his new one right before he was getting ready to go outside and ride it. We gave him a matching helmet, knee guards and elbow guards. When he saw it outside for the first time his first response was not "NO!" This time he said, "wow, I'm so excited."

One of the biggest pleasures of parenthood is watching my children grow and develop yet at the same time loving them unconditionally no matter where they're at. Although it may be easier to spot growth in children I believe adults should be striving for growth in their lives just as much. We may not be growing much physically but there will never be an end to how one can grow spiritually. In addition if I'm not growing as an adult what kind of example am I setting for my children who have to face new things all the time. In the book, Urgings of the Heart the author says,"People who are whole experience themselves as always on the verge of something more. Present struggles and difficulties are the threshold to new life and growth. Oneself always has the potential for becoming more tomorrow than it is today. Godis always more." I'm sure God must delight in watching me grow yet never failing to love me right where I'm at.

Rhett is taking his bike slow and trying to feel it out and get used to it. I have no doubt today is just the beginning of much joy he will experience with that thing because he ventured out.

Stay tuned for my next post on some new beginnings in my own life.

I Dare You....

2008-02-17T16:54:00.000-08:00

to not be moved by this post. I love blogging. I love reading them and I love writing them. I love how Compassion has used the influence of the blog world to make a bigger, more eternal impact on the world.

I used to sponsor a child through World Vision but as she grew up my heart became somewhat cold to the outreach and she seemed more like a bill to pay than a live person that mattered and needed hope. After reading the posts this past week of the bloggers in Uganda I must say I have some re-thinking and praying to do.

If you have read the above story about Dissan you can now click here to watch the video of their meeting. Make sure to read the story first. Don't cheat.

The Favor of God

2008-02-11T12:55:00.000-08:00

Our teaching pastor spoke about God's favor yesterday. One of the things that comes to mind when I think about God's favor in my life-tile.

Last week a few godly men from our church decided to give of their time and resources to help us have a new shower. It started out by asking one of them for advice on how to fix our shower door and after seeing our shower he was concerned for our health due to the possible mold build up. So instead of just helping us put a door back on track we ended up with a new door, a new shower and my favorite part new tile. Beautiful new tile in our shower/toilet area and they even pulled up some carpet and put tile in front of the sink area in our bedroom. It may sound silly but in both of the homes we've owned so far we have never had REAL tile so I have to say I take great pleasure in these square pieces of beauty held together with real grout and whatever other substance they use to hold it in place. Of coarse what's even more beautiful are the hearts of the men who gave of themselves so we could have this lovely REAL tile floor.

Checking In

2008-02-07T22:50:00.000-08:00

I feel the need to write something but it's getting too late for me to write anything. I just don't want my blog to start getting stale and outdated however I'm not so sure a post about nothing will help that. Contrary to all of this talk about nothing I actually have many somethings that I could write about but I will have to save those for another day.

I'm Glistening!

2008-02-01T23:19:00.001-08:00

I ran! I ran! I ran! I knew it was only a matter of time before I shared my exercise routine on my blog. A few weeks back I started walking on my treadmill following a workout I read in a fitness magazine. Basically it was combining walking and running but mostly walking throwing in some lunges for good measure. The longest period of time I've been running is three minutes and before anyone gets too impressed by that let me first share I started at one minute and slowly worked my way up. I know, I'm practically a running machine.

Anyways tonight for some reason I was feeling extra energetic and get this I ran for 12 minutes straight. That may not sound like much but don't forget yesterday I was running for three minutes and today I jumped to 12. The best part of it was jumping from burning 185 calories after 20 minutes to 215 calories after 20 minutes. I'm so proud of myself I think I'm going to treat myself to a doughnut.

Good night blog world.

Corteo

2008-01-31T13:51:00.001-08:00

Last night we went to see a Cirque Du Soleil show, "Corteo." Rod and I have been to a few of their shows but this was Rhett's first time seeing one. Although he had to stay up way past bedtime on a school night to watch it I think it was well worth it. As I sat in the theatre watching Rhett mesmerized by the amazing acobats and fascinating cast of characters I was so grateful Rod took the iniative to expose Rhett to this expression of Art. I want him to regularly see people passionately pursuing their craft and what God can do when one puts their heart into something. It was a great show and I highly reccomend it. I was inspired to run a little harder on my treadmill today figuring if these artists can train for a minimum of twenty hours a week I should be able to handle twenty minutes a day.

Cribs

2008-01-28T23:12:00.000-08:00

As I was putting Emmie to bed tonight I suddenly realized the day will be here soon when it's time for her to be in a big girl bed. I've never put much thought into baby cribs before. When Rhett was a baby he didn't like his very much and soon after his first birthday he was either sleeping with us or the double bed we replaced his crib with in his room. Emmie on the other hand loves her crib. It's her favorite place to take naps and the best place for her to sleep at night. As I was lowering her into it I thought to myself, this white crib she sleeps in represents such a short glimpse of her life. As much as she loves this crib once she grows out of it she will never sleep in a crib again. It made me stop and be thankful for where she is at right now. It helped me realize I don't have to rush her out of this stage. I want to enjoy having a little one while I can. I stopped for a moment and gave myself grace with potty training and getting her to talk more and each developmental milestone that slowly kisses her babyness goodbye. I'm so thankful I have a little girl. I can't wait for each stage she enters as she grows older. Someday she will be in highschool and I'll probably have to meet her at a coffee shop to get in a decent conversation with her. I can't wait for those talks. Someday she will probably get married and Rod and I will stare at her in her white dress with tears in our eyes wondering where the time went. Tonight she is still my baby girl sleeping in her crib. I'll keep it that way for awhile.

VOTE NOW!!

2008-01-26T10:13:00.000-08:00

So my friend Ella entered this contest on the Jeff and Jer radio program to win tickets to the Hannah Montana movie along with makeovers, dinner and limo ride. Can you imagine anything more fun for a little girl and her friends. If not try and think back to when you were that age and what would float your boat. I would have loved it, just not Hannah Montana maybe Madonna or Cyndi Lauper. I logged on to the website today and voted for her and realized the competition is pretty steep. Not the quality of the video's, hers is the best of coarse...seriously but they don't win based on video quality. They win on number of votes. There are many, many contestants and apparently some very popular girls in the San Diego area. So Ella needs all the help she can get. I would go on the street corner and pass out flyers but those voting need an internet connection and email address and since I don't live in the greatest of neighborhoods I'm not sure that would be very effective. So please go here, register as a Star insider (it only takes a moment and please remember why you're doing this for the joy of a sweet child) and vote for Ella's Song.
No more reading go vote.
Thank you.

Night Picnic

2008-01-25T21:11:00.000-08:00

Friday's are kind of random dinner nights because Rod is always working. We usually stay home and have kid food like pizza or mac-n-cheese. Sometimes we go out to eat and try to attend at least part of our Friday evening church service. Today Rhett and I decided we would have a picnic dinner at the park. After deciding we would do this Rhett got out his zoo pal plates, cups and straws. I told him it could be an animal themed picnic so he even picked out some toy animals to place at each setting. Early in the evening when dinner time was approaching we packed up all our food and animal decorations and set out in the car. However one small detail we didn't plan on was how dark it gets at 6 pm. We were literally driving around Rancho San Diego trying to find a park that might be lit. We couldn't find one. If you know of one please let me know. The only public place we could find with a picnic table and lights was the county library. At least we had friends with us to join in on the fun.

Pine Cones to the Rescue

2008-01-24T14:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a bit challenging in more ways than one. Rhett and I were both in a terrible mood most of the day which resulted in much yelling, crying, complaining and grumpiness and not much patience, tolerance, kindness or even good old fashion family love. By early evening I was counting down the hours to bedtime when I could get some solace. As I was anticipating this time with a cup of hot tea, a good book and a roaring fire (it was pretty chilly out) I realized we were out of pine cones for the fireplace.

I bundled up the kids and we headed out to the streets on a pine cone hunt. Rhett and Emmie each had their own bag and I had my camera.

Is it just me or does my daughter look like a bag lady. In spite of a light sprinkle and fast approaching darkness we ended up finding more than enough pine cones for the hearth.

Although my plan on taking the kids out was more to accomplish having some quiet, cozy alone time later I learned changing scenery, getting fresh air and working on something creative together does miracles for sour attitudes. However no outing would be complete without at least one melt down. Apparently Emmie did not like the idea that she had to actually put pine cones in her bag, she preferred to keep hers empty with the exception of the one sock she tossed in it on the way out the door.

Maybe next time I won't need the motivation to get out and about and we'll do it just because...although my fire was very nice, as was my book and cup of tea too.

Rhett's World

2008-01-23T12:31:00.000-08:00

I copied this idea from here , a blog I like to read regularly to be encouraged on the ups and downs of being a mom. So here is the world according to Rhett.

What are you good at doing? Playing with my animals.

If you had ten dollars, how would you spend it? What would I buy? yes A baby for you and dad to get pregnant.

What are you afraid of? Loud noises.

Who are your friends? Ethan

What is important to you? Jesus

What is your favorite book? I don't even know...the Mickey Mouse book that was daddy's when he was a little kid.

What is your favorite food? Probably manapua

What is your favorite thing about school? Eating

What is your favorite thing to do? Play with Emmie

How do you show your family you love them? Saying that I love them.

What do you want to be when you grow up? A cow

Why? Because I want to be an animal

What are you thankful for? Going to the zoo

Tell me something about God? Jesus

These were his responses word for word. Sounded pretty good until he said he wanted to be a cow when he grew up. And just to clarify no, I do not want to get pregnant or plan on doing so anytime in the future. At least I know now he will not need an allowance anytime soon.

Ouch

2008-01-20T19:13:00.000-08:00

Last night but more strongly this morning I joined the world of migraine sufferers. I started feeling pain in my left eye last night and took a few aspirin to hopefully relieve it. It never really went away but I figured it would be gone in the morning. Well this morning I awoke with the same pain x's 5 along with chills and nausea. I layed on the couch watching my four year old take care of my one year old which included apple juice and cereal all over the kitchen floor and debated not going to church. Twenty minutes later sitting in the bathroom with my head over the toilet I decided church was definitely out of the picture along with any plan I had for the day that involved light or moving. My fabulous, wonderful sister came to my rescue to feed and entertain my kids until my husband made it home. She also gave me a couple migraine pills that worked wonders for me. I stayed in bed in the dark with several blankets from 10 am to 3 pm. Fortunately when I did eventually get up I felt worlds better and even had the energy to clean the kitchen and give the kids a bath. Twenty four hours later I feel like I'm back to the land of the living with just a slight pain on the left side of my head. Our pastor has been dealing with this almost daily for several years now. How he endures such a thing I don't know but I will pray for him now with a deeper compassion.

R&R

2008-01-16T20:29:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in my previous post I was able to get away last week for some R&R to Las Vegas. Now a few things might be going through your mind. Didn't I just get back from having R&R in beautiful Hawaii and is Las Vegas really the type of place one would go to for some R&R? Yes and Yes. Yes I was able to find some moments to myself while in Hawaii BUT I still had my children with me which as any mom knows pretty much nullifies the whole R&R concept. As far as my choice of destination for R&R, well I didn't really have a choice. My husband was going for work and asked if I would like to join him. It took me about a half of a second to say yes. While we were on the plane descending into Vegas Rod asked me what I was going to do with all my time since he was going to be in meetings for most of it. My exact words were, "oh don't worry about me I have a plan." My plan was R&R.

After checking into the hotel and surveying our room I knew instantly my plan would be a success. Actually all I had to see was the jacuzzi size bathtub to be convinced. The walk-in closets, plush bathrobes, comfy double sized chair by the coffee table and enormous bed with squishy white down bedding was just bonus. I had all the armor I needed. Two magazines, two books, two journals, calendars, deep hair conditioning mask, bubble bath, nail polish and Starbucks in the lobby. In addition I also had my husband to myself (when he was not in meetings) and a great date night planned out (see previous post.) As great as all of these things turned out to be it was actually the renewal of my mind and spirit that left the lasting impression.

Looking back on 2007 I am thankful for some great memories, great answer to prayer and good times in general. However I am not proud of the time or lack of time I spent alone just to journal, reflect, read and renew. I spent most of last year living in what's been called the tyranny of the urgent. Rather than taking time to journal and pray I kept running through life taking care of EVERYTHING that I thought needed to be done. Instead of taking my lashing out at my kids and husband as clues that maybe I needed to stop for a break I chalked up my attitude as par for the course. Even before I had children I remember listening to speakers say when you have small children you will have to be ok with not having a structured quiet time. I've told myself time and time again since having children that this is a season of life I'm in and I need to be "creative" in my devotional life. So I may not have time by myself but I could always stop with my child and take in a beautiful flower or listen to the birds outside. It's taken me almost five years to learn that those wonderful, serene moments with children are few and far between and try as I might, dirty dishes and diapers are not worth pondering over it's just about getting it done and moving on.

Here is what I now know. For me, and I realize everyone is different so I only speak for myself, no matter what season of life I'm in I NEED a structured time preferably alone to daily pray and read a bit. I also NEED some extended time alone once a week to journal and read and pray and if at all possible I would really benefit well from even more extended time like several hours to myself at least once a year. I would even venture to say this season of life I'm in with small children is when I need to be more pro-active than ever to make sure I'm finding time to get away and refuel. Before having children even working full time it was so much easier to find time to read a book or have a quiet time. I'm not saying I have not grown in the past five years. I do believe by learning how to love my family more each day as Jesus does he is making me more whole in who he created me to be. Yet at the same time I'm also liable to get stuck in feelings of inadequacy, having little to offer besides teaching a seminar on how to get your family on a perfect laundry schedule. As important as that may be I think it's easy for moms to push down undeveloped gifts and talents for the sake of "family."

When I get alone with God he reminds me of the desires he has put on my heart. He prompts me to do things that I would have possibly missed out on had I not taken the time to listen. He encourages me to keep learning and growing and takes away the need to have everying perfect or completed. And although I can see God in a beautiful flower or a chirping bird, getting away gives me a chance to hear him call my name. I leave that time feeling energized to take on the role I have as a mom and a wife. I can give to my family freely out of genuine love and compassion rather than feeling like I have to. In the book Urgings of the Heart, authors Noreen Cannon and Wilkie Au say it best, "we must know we are loved before we can love ourselves and others."

As Rod's uncle a pastor in Hawaii said in his sermon a few weeks ago, 2008 will be great! Yes it will be because no matter what I'm making time for reading, renewal, reflection and retreat. Hopefully rest and relaxation will come with that but if not there's always next year!

Sharing the LOVE

2008-01-15T10:26:00.000-08:00

Last week I joined Rod in taking a trip to Las Vegas. It was actually a work trip for him being there to meet with other art leaders around the country lead by Nancy Beach. While he went to meetings I stayed back and caught up on much needed reading and solitude. One evening after a great dinner at Mesa Grill I got to participate in one of their team events watching the production Love by Cirque de Soleil.

Instead of writing about how much I enjoyed the production I thought I would just link you here. She sums up my thoughts perfectly.

Hawaii Pictures Part 3

2008-01-13T10:55:00.001-08:00

I've decided not to drag this Kaya vacation photo tour out any further and combine the remaining photos I like into one collage called....

A HAWAIIAN HODGEPODGE

There is a picture of Rhett at the airport getting ready to fly out from San Diego. He loved having his own suitcase and refused to let anyone help him with it. With all of his books, animals, DVD player and snacks for the plane it was a pretty decent weight. There is also a picture of Emmie on the plane occupying herself by putting baby wipes on her head and doll as well as a picture of her in her stroller/ car seat which I'm not sure why I included. I guess I just thought she looked pretty.

One of the highlights of the trip was spending time with family. In addition to seeing Rod's parents and Auntie Itsuko we also got to spend some time with Uncle Tommy and Aunt Elsa and their family who is pictured in there somewhere. Rod's brother Brad was also visiting from Japan so we had some great quality time with him too. I think I found out where Rhett gets all his silliness after trying to take a serious picture of Brad to no avail. Brad and his wife Rie are expecting their first baby in May and I have no doubt they will be fabulous parents.

There's also a few pictures from an aquarium we visited as well as Rhett and Emmie having their first try at firecrackers. New Years Eve is huge in Hawaii in terms of fireworks. They start around 2pm on New Years Eve and stop who knows when. I was still hearing them a week later when we were getting ready to leave. Unfortunately our main firework pictures are on the other camera so I couldn't share but just know every street in every neighborhood there has their own firework extravaganza.

So that's it my friends. Oh wait, I forgot one more thing;

Rainbows......

Obviously one of Hawaii's advantages would be their great weather. Well it rained almost every day while we were there which meant I saw a rainbow almost every day we were there. Each one was a beautiful gift. Almost as beautiful as the fact that Rod and I got to spend every morning in Starbucks without children as well as go on a few dates and see a couple great movies. Now that's TRUE beauty. Mahalo to my mother-in-law and Auntie for giving us that gift of time.

All in all a great trip with new treasured memories!

Hawaii Pictures Part 2

2008-01-11T22:06:00.000-08:00

Bags are unpacked, laundry is put away and there is milk in the fridge. Time for Hawaii pictures part 2. This one is sadly but truly one of my favorite parts of the trip. Oh the goodness of it all....

FOOD

A diet will surely be near in my future but any extra pound was so, so worth it. Let's see we started off our trip celebrating New Years Eve with Uncle Tommy's corn chowder and my mother-in-laws famous New Years Eve chili. Auntie Itsuko also made some salsa that I think I consumed a pound of and of coarse we enjoyed her wonderful traditional Bobo soup. We had traditional Hawaian fare at Rods favorite plate lunch place called Grace's. We ate at a yummy Chinese buffet, a fancy restaurant called 3660 on the Rise where the butterfish melts in your mouth and even stopped on the side of the road on the North Shore to eat grilled garlic shrimp from a truck. As soon as we got out of the car the garlic permeated the air. We also had grilled pineapple and rice, rice, rice. One night we enjoyed the best fried rice and ribs from the Sidestreet Inn. Towards the end of the trip we had the best hamburger EVER! It's at this place in Kailua you know where my favorite beach was- which should tell you if you go to Oahu and just go to Kailua your trip will be well spent...anyways it's grilled and big and juicy and terriyaki and has some kind of secret yummy sauce and it's divine. Is your mouth watering yet? Right before we flew out on our last day we had breakfast at SAm Choy's and again all I will say is heaven on a plate.

Speaking of heaven I have not even mentioned dessert. Rod is always on the lookout for a good pastry here in San Diego and I never thought much about it except that my husband appreciates sweet delicasies. Well now I know where that comes from. The bakeries in Hawaii are OUTSTANDING. Moist coconut cake, hot malasadas (portugeese donut aka a round piece of heaven) berry and apple danishes, blueberry scones like you have never tasted before and the grand finale or clearly our obsession of the trip, SHAVED ICE. We went to the famous Matsumoto's Shaved Ice place on the North Shore so the kids could try it. The long line out the door did not stop us. It was so good we were inspired to have shaved ice every day from different places around the island. In the end Matsumoto proved to be the best (which of coarse we drove back and had for a second time) but each place had our favorite flavors and were enjoyed immensely especially by Rhett. Poor Emmie alwasy seemed to be napping during that time so she missed out but we had it so much she even had a bit here and there.

Well this will probably be the longest of my Hawaii posts but hopefully you got a taste of a great part of our trip.

Hawaii Pictures Part 1

2008-01-11T21:12:00.001-08:00

On New Years Eve we left for Hawaii for eight days, came home for about ten hours and then left again for Las Vegas. We just returned a few hours ago. It was so nice getting away to see family and catch up on some family vacation time. I took mucho pictures while in Hawaii and could not wait to share them. Since I have so many to choose from I thought I would break them down to themes and make a collage for each one.

THE BEACH

We went to some form of the beach almost every day. On our last trip I said to Rod, "the beach again, do we have to?" Apparently it's one of the major things you do in Hawaii. I'm glad he talked me into it because you have not experienced the beach until you go to a beach in Hawaii. I thought San Diego beaches were beautiful, well the places we visited put La Jolla and Coronado to shame. Although all the beaches are amazing my favorite was Kailua Beach. It's the one above with Rod and Rhett sitting next to eachother with their backs facing us. Notice I did not include any pictures of myself. Truth is I don't have any since I was the main photographer but even if I did I probably would elect not to expose my bikini on the internet. The water is turquoise in color and the sand is really fine. The tide was really low and I guess there is some kind of reef or something that enables people to swim in the water almost like it's a bay. Rhett would say his favorite was Hunama Bay because he got to see a lot of big fish there.

So that's my first set of Hawaii pictures for you. Stay tuned for at least a few more. I'm off to do about 10 loads of laundry and read 1000 emails. Good night.

It's So Hard....

2007-12-30T16:31:00.000-08:00

Our good friends Steve and Lauren are moving to North Carolina this week. Today was the last time they lead worship at Journey and after church we went over to Lauren's moms house for a going away party for them. Ever since we found out they were leaving I've been more excited for their upcoming adventure then sad to see them go. Today I was sad to see them go. Saying goodbye to Lauren today was hard. This is a girl whose friendship I value greatly. I love how down to earth she is and have always felt so comfortable around her. Even if I don't see or talk to her all week I can count on checking in with her on Sundays. I won't be able to do that anymore and that makes me sad. I will miss them so much but I guess life goes on. So many people I know have had friends or loved ones move away or been the ones to move away but this is the first time I'm really experiencing having someone close move away. No matter what I really don't want to lose touch. I WILL call and hopefully Lauren WILL blog and I will comment on her blog. It's times like these that I'm so thankful for mindless TV so I don't have to think or dwell on the current happenings of my life.

Lauren if you're reading this (and I know you are because you're one of the 7 people that read my blog) goodbye. Please know how much you are loved and how much you and your family will be missed. From a girl who chooses not to cry in public today was a hard one. God bless you guys on this new journey!!

Just Another Saturday

2007-12-30T09:14:00.000-08:00

Our day started off yesterday with what I thought was a normal sibling squabble. Apparently Rhett was playing with some kind of cookie cutter in the baking drawer and Emmie came along to play with him or take it from him and he got mad and accidently shut the drawer on her finger. However after picking her up and noticing blood all over her hand I realized this was more than pinching a finger in a drawer. We later discovered she probably cut her finger on the food processor blade that was in the same corner of where her hand was. Let this be a lesson to any parent out there it's probably not a good idea to keep very sharp objects in drawers within small childrens reach......oh you already know that, I guess it's just MY lesson than.

Anyways 25 minutes later the bleeding had not stopped yet so the doctor told us to come in for stitches or glue. I was not too excited about holding my screaming daughter down for them to stitch up her finger but glue sounded very interesting. They never had that when I was a child. Rod and I even thought about going to the store, buying the glue and doing it ourself to save us from sitting in the waiting room of sick children all day. After the adventure (which it was for Rhett who was very happy to go to the doctor for his sister as long as it was not for him) was over they ended up not doing stitches or glue.

You would never know it though by looking at her hand....or the hospital ankle bracelet. And in case anyone is wondering that is an M&M in her hand. What else would you give a girl to stop her from crying than chocolate?

My Last Official Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T22:30:00.000-08:00

It's 10:30 pm and I'm waiting for Rod to come back from laying down with Rhett to watch a Christmas Story with me. Rod and Rhett already watched Charlie Brown Christmas and Frosty or maybe Rudolf I'm not sure. We just finished watching National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. I feel like we are trying to cram every possible Christmas movie in before midnight when Christmas is officially over. Either that or we need to get our Christmas movie fix in so we can spend all day tomorrow watching real quality tv as our only plans are to eat, stay in pj's and watch the Gilmore Girls. I don't think the kids will mind since they have a dozen or so new toys to occupy them. Rhett received the Playmobil pirate ship he wanted along with other playmobil toys from Ande and the Denisons. He also received a jungle animal fort, animal planet polar something or other, Micky Mouse dance revolution, and probably his favorite gift so far a digital camera from Nana and Mike. I think he's taken about 162 pictures so far including every nook and cranny of Mike's house and each item of food on the dinner table tonight. Emmie is snug in her bed wearing thermal pj's with her new Disney nightgown over them from Koko. She was so happy with the first present she opened, a stroller for her dolls that I almost considered saving her other gifts for next year. No, no I'm not that mean. It didn't take her long to figure out the whole present thing and was soon running over with glee whenever I called her over to open another. Her room is currently smothered in Cabbage Patch Dolls and Disney Princess dress up clothes and shoes. I seriously think that little girl is dreaming about sugar plum fairies right at this very minute, or at least sugar something or other. Which speaking of I think it's time for me to help myself to my 50th piece of cake/cookie/chocolate.

One last time.....Merry Christmas!!

Immanuel

2007-12-24T09:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had a break from the kids for 24 whole hours. It was sooooo nice to sleep in, fix my coffee without holding a 25+ lb toddler and actually have a decent quiet time. As a bonus I got to sit in and watch our church's Christmas Eve service run throughs. Then the kids came home and Rhett screamed for Nana for almost an hour while Rod and I thought to ourselves this torture almost completely elimitates the joy we had just experienced on our kid break. He finally came to his senses after realizing if he actually moves in with Nana (a suitcase was already getting packed not by Rhett, by Rod) he could not bring his toys, or more importantly upcoming Christmas presents or his sister. Of coarse he did not want to bring his parents with him because evidently we were the reason he wanted to move in with her in the first place, well that and because according to Rhett she gives him whatever he wants. Anyway, we all survived and Rhett is back to loving us and his home and looking forward to just visiting with Nana rather than moving in which is really good because I highly doubt my mom or even more so her future husband plan on having a strong willed four year old join their new life together.

This morning I awoke to Emmie having a nasty cold splattered all over her face which is causing her to scream every 5 seconds or so unless I'm constantly holding her. Today I'm planning on grabbing my sick child, my happy child (it is Christmas Eve and he knows he's getting a present today although he doesn't know it's just jammies plus he got to pick out his clothes today) and heading to the grocery store to get some things to make soup. If you're out and about and wondering who those two kids eating candy canes are at 10 in the morning with one having snot all over her face and the other wearing red socks, navy, light blue and white plaid shorts, a yellow, blue and white striped shirt with a yellow and green plaid button down shirt inside out over the first shirt no need to wonder just say hi...... but from a distance since were germ infested. We will be heading to church for Christmas Eve services and then some friends are coming over for soup and bread. Rod is pretty much out of touch today since it's a major work day for him but thats ok with me because we have him all day tomorrow not to mention the next few weeks :).

Tomorrow morning Nana, Ande and Mike will be over for breakfast and presents. I keep reminding Rhett that he should get something ready to give to Jesus tomorrow but he keeps telling me it won't work because his present would have to die to get to him. I'm not sure Rhett is comprehending the whole Immanuel- God is With Us thing yet. I on the other hand do get it thankfully. Only Jesus would want to join me on this ride today.

MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL!

Tid Bits

2007-12-19T19:17:00.000-08:00

Nothing major going on just a few tid bits here and there. Here are three things I'm happy about today.

1. I had a job interview here today. It went pretty well but you never really know until they offer you the job. Regardless I love this store and plan on shopping there constantly whether I'm an employee or not.

2. I finally found some of this stuff today. I just finished cleaning my kitchen, bath and play room with it. It met all of my expectations and more. My house smells soooo good.

3. I love this channel this week. Every night from 7 pm- 8 pm they show a Christmas classic. It's a perfect time for my kids to settle down and watch a movie right before bed. It also gives Rhett a chance to watch all of the classics I grew up on. So far he has watched The Grinch, Rudolph and tonight Santa Claus is Coming to Town. For an added bonus Emmie is finally starting to sit still and watch TV for a whole whoppin 10 minutes. I'll take whatever I can get.

I'm off to wrap a few gifts now and write some Christmas cards.
Six more days......

Cute and Cozy

2007-12-17T16:27:00.000-08:00

My aunt stopped by today with a surprise for Emmie. She crocheted her a hat and scarf along with a matching hat, scarf and blanket for her babie doll. She loves her hat so much that she had to keep it on during her nap. Thanks Aunt Karen, just in time for the chilly weather.

I don't need anymore gifts this year......

2007-12-14T12:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Rhett has his annual echo-cardiogram to track his heart condition. He was scheduled to see his cardioligist on Monday so he could be checked out and we could get the results from his test. Today Dr. Levy (his cardioligist that we love) called to tell us his heart looks great. He still has some leaking from one of his valves but the repair that was done when he was a baby looks good and his heart function is great. He asked me how he was doing and I said "other than being small for his age you would never know he has a weak heart." The doctor replied and said, "well he does not have a weak heart." He even told us we don't have to see him on Monday because he is so satisfied with the test results so we don't have to go in for another 6 months or even a year.

It's news like this that puts everything in perspective for me. Lately I have been hung up with my daily grind and struggles but NOTHING matters when I get news like this.

Thank you, thank you, thank you Lord for your amazing grace.

2007-12-09T17:00:00.000-08:00

So the nice gals at Pampers offered me some free diapers if I would review them on my blog. Those of you who are moms of little tikes know that some things are a constant need month after month. I would say along with Trader Joes mac n cheese, apple juice, Target brand baby wash and a few unmentionables diapers seems to be one thing we cannot live without. Unfortunately they also seem to cost more than any of the above. So I was very elated when someone offered me some for free.

To be honest I also wanted to try these because I've never used Pampers or even tried them with either one of my children. We trade off between Huggies and Kirkland or if we can't make it to Costco we just buy the Target brand.

Because of my daughters size I tried out the Pampers Cruisers. They have four different stages to choose from depending on your childs needs. At first I was dissapointed in the absorbancy factor and almost decided to give up on them but soon discovered by comparing it to my regular brand it was not the diaper at all but more that my daughter is addicted to juice and drinks way more than the average in a given day. I later found out these diapers are just as absorbant as my trusted favorites and decided to keep testing them.

Pampers seem to be known as revolutionizing the diaper category by introducing Baby Stages of Development. It's also a fact that Pampers are used by 85% of hospitals in the US. While getting ready to write this review I also learned that even celebrity Jack Black uses Pampers products for his son Samuel Jackson. Although these facts may be true, they won't convince me to buy Pampers. After using this product I discovered three things I liked most about it and thus three reasons why I will use this product again in the future.

1. They have a colorful design of Elmo on the front. This may seem inconsequential but it's actually just the opposite. My toddler is in the delightful stage right now of acting like the world is out to get her and temper tantrums are at a record breaking high. Even the simple act of changing her diaper could quickly turn into a war zone. When push comes to shove I will buy products that make my kids happy which makes me happy and kudos to Pampers for going above and beyond to make these pleasing to the kid eye.

2. That same delightful toddler of mine also likes to eat. I may be dealing with a lot of attitude but at least she sits at the table and cleans her plate. Because of this skill she has a growing tummy that needs a diaper that stretches along with her. I really like the side tabs on these diapers and the elastic built in them to stretch around her. It was something that I didn't even know I needed until I started using them. Now that I'm using up my old diapers I miss those elastic tabs.

3. I've also been using Pampers Swipers Clean 'n Go Wipes. I LOVE these. They smell so fresh and clean that I would use them for the scent alone. But not only do these smell good they're also hypoallergenic, tear free and containing pure water. These are great to clean dirty bottoms but also dirty faces and hands which is much needed since Emmie insists on eating every meal by herself.

I really don't know what the cost difference is between Pampers and our old brand since I just finished using our freebies but I will soon find out. I will be buying these soon and I encourage moms out there who are looking for products to help them through the trenches of motherhood to pick some up.

Wanna Cook Me?

2007-12-03T16:34:00.000-08:00

I just took this quiz on line for my personality recipe......

Tara - 1 1/2 cups of caring - a scoop of intelligence - 2 teaspoons of trustworthiness Combine in a blender until smooth.
'What is your personality recipe?' at QuizGalaxy.com

Christmas Traditions

2007-12-03T12:19:00.000-08:00

Edited: Today I was sitting at the dining room table with my mother in law having lunch and she looked up and saw the advent calendar on the shelf in the dining room. I moved it from Rhetts room because she is staying in there. We had just returned from Trader Joes and she said, "look that calendar is like the green monkey at TJ's you never know where it might turn up"........and then I thought what a great idea. So new edited advent calendar tradition: every night after Rhett goes to bed I'm going to hide the calendar somewhere different in the house and each day he has to look for it and when he finds it he can open that days square. Emmie's will stay in her room for her to open after Rhett finds his. Rhett is really excited about our new game and I'm excited about another way to celebrate this great season.

Last week I bought an Advent Calendar from Trader Joes for each of my kiddos. It's very simple with a box to punch out for each day of the month leading up to Christmas and a chocolate behind each square. It also has a Christmas picture on the back to color. My kids have them in their room and look forward each day to opening it. I was hoping to combine that with a bible verse reading but I have not been able to organize the right ones and make it simple enough for a four year old to understand. Right now he just thinks we do this each day in anticipation of the big birthday party for Jesus we are having on Christmas. My plan is to have some kind of devotional time occasionally when they open their square. What a great deal for $1.19 each.

After buying the calendar I started thinking about what our Christmas traditions are. We have a few that we have been doing for the past few years and I have a few that I'm starting this year. With Rhett old enough now to understand the holiday more I find myself trying to be much more intentional about teaching him why we celebrate Christmas as opposed to just the day we open presents and truly make it a special time of the year. Here are a few things that make up the Kaya's Christmas:

1. We attend Christmas Eve services at church.

2. Christmas Eve the kids get to open one present and it's always a new pair of jammies to wear. This year I'm thinking about starting a tradition where they get to open two presents, one jammies and the second a new book.

2. Christmas morning Rod reads the Christmas Story from one of the gospels and then we each present our gift to Jesus before we open any other gifts. Last year Rhett was too young to participate but this year he is already thinking about what he wants to give Jesus.

3. It's not official yet but I'm thinking about starting a new tradition of making cinnamon rolls to give out to neighbors and to have for Christmas morning.

4. Christmas morning after breakfast and opening gifts Rod and Rhett (Emmie when she gets older) go out to give gifts to random people that have to work on Christmas day at places like 7/11, Starbucks etc. Rod has been doing this for years and just started taking Rhett with him last year.

5. One tradition I would like to start is to have Santa bring three gifts for each child in honor of the three gifts the wiseman brought baby Jesus. I think this might also be a good way to keep the gift buying under control as they get older. It's already too late this year but maybe next year. This would not include stocking gifts or gifts from grandparents. Not sure yet but thinking about it. I think this might be harder for me than for the kids.

6. Christmas day we have a birthday cake for Jesus and sing to him. This is one of the most pratical ways for kids to comprehend what Christmas is all about. What child does not understand what birthday cake and singing Happy Birthday is all about.

7. Lastly we have a nativity scene displayed in the home. I have a few of them but my favorite is the one I bought at Vons several years ago. It's fairly child friendly and I have it displayed where the kids can reach up to it. Ever since I put it out last week Rhett has played with it in some form everyday. Whether Rhett is lining up the wiseman or Emmie is putting Joseph in her purse I love that they are interacting with it. Especially for Rhett I think this serves as a subliminal reminder of the Christmas story for him.

So far those are ours. What are yours?

Dear Santa,

2007-11-29T08:58:00.000-08:00

or my man or anyone else feeling inclined to lavish me with presents in a month or so. I'll admit I haven't always been nice this year but I've had good intentions which should count for something. Anything from the list below would make me very happy.

1. Gingerbread cleaner. Maybe I should seriously look into a professional job as a Molly Maid since I'm the only one I know asking for household cleaning supplies for Christmas.

2. Slippers and jammies from the Gap, although there is a cheaper version at the Gap outlet store that would suit me just fine. I would love any style of these to curl up in at night and watch the Gilmore Girls with my hot apple cider and cinnamon stick. And then for spring or summer these would be very nice. I still have a pair that I bought at Abercrombie and Fitch from highschool that I wear often. It's not easy to fine these with the perfect fit and softness but I think these might be nice enough to replace my old ones. By the way one could also find these much cheaper at the J. Crew outlet store. Trust me I know, I just saw some last night.

3. I need some casual black shoes please. These are even on sale. Speaking of sale at Macy's one of these would be nice too.

I also have no problem taking cash and doing the shopping myself.

Sincerely,
Tara

Minty fresh

2007-11-26T16:46:00.001-08:00

Is it just me or does my blog make you want to brush your teeth?

Hopefully a new look will be here soon........

Ornaments

2007-11-25T14:00:00.000-08:00

Rod and I put up our Christmas decorations yesterday. Sadly each year I usually look at this task as an arduous chore to check off my to do list rather than relish in the first festivities of the Christmas season. This year was different for me because my mom had my kids and I had my husband to help me. We took our time throughout the day and played a new Christmas CD in the background that had just arrived in the mail.

As I hung different ornaments on the tree, I took a few extra moments to reflect on my favorite ones.

My mother-in-law gave us this one after Rhett was born. I loved it because it was a perfect picture of our family back then. I love it now because it still reminds me of family and my husbands Asian heritage.

This one reminds me that we can make it through storms in life. My mom gave us this one the Christmas of 2003. This was about a month after Rhett had his heart surgery and I look at it and think how grateful we were back then to have that behind us. I also think it kind of looks like Rhett in a crazy kind of way.

This one was given to us by our Hawaii family Aunt Elsa and Uncle Tommy. I just like it because I think it's cute. I also like to have something tangible to look at that makes me think of them and pray for them since we don't get to see them often enough.

This one was given to me last year by my mom after my dad passed away. It was attached to a pillow she made me out of my dads clothes. I wish I had known what I was opening when she gave this to me so I could have cried in my closet or somewhere private instead of in front of lots of people. This one obviously makes me think of my dad. You might have to double click on it to be able to read it. On the back it's engraved and says, "Tara- I love you with all of my heart. Daddy." When I think about Christmas and my dad I'm so thankful. He and my mom spoiled us rotten. He always put up Christmas lights and bought the biggest Christmas trees. He loved giving us gifts and delighted in watching us open them. Because of his example I want to make Christmas special for my kids. I'm also thankful because as the ornament says my dad is having the best Christmas ever forever more.

These two ornaments also came from my mom after Emmie was born. It's funny the pink crown on the left almost did not make it on the tree and now it's one of my favorites. I like my Christmas tree decorations to match so the overall picture of the tree is pleasing to the visual eye not just the heart. As cold as that may sound that's what I like and I have no problem admitting that. I'm not really about pink ornaments much less pink crowns but I did have a little girl and yes she does think she's a princess. For my birthday this year my mom took Rhett and Emmie for a few days so I could have a break. I was starting to feel guilty while they were gone that not only did I not miss my children but I even started asking myself why it was I had children in the first place. Then I took this pink crown out of the box and hung it on the tree and cried. It just reminded me that I have a daughter named Emmie Kate who I love so much it hurts and I'm so blessed to be a mommy.

I'm sure more favorite ornaments will be added as the years progress. Right now I will enjoy these and all of the magic this holiday brings.

Good quote

2007-11-24T09:40:00.001-08:00

This morning I read this from my Sacred Space devotional.

"You are the God of the living, not the dead; the source of all life, the power of creation, more vital than the blood coursing in my veins, more jubilant than the Alleluia chorus, more intimate to me than my own thoughts or desires, pulsating in an eternal Now."

All I can say is Yes.

Not the Energizer Bunny after all

2007-11-23T13:55:00.000-08:00

After two Thanksgiving celebrations yesterday we finally made it home around 8:30pm. Rod and Rhett were hanging out on the bed watching something on Rod's computer when I stepped out the room. I came back a few moments later and found Mr. Stay Up Until almost 11:00 the Night Before. Too tired to even lay in a normal sleeping position. By the way this is not a postprandial sleep from lots of carbs and turkey but more cranberry sauce, pie, cookies and cinnamon rolls.

Camp Out

2007-11-22T08:39:00.000-08:00

Last night Rod and Rhett had a camp out in the living room Kaya style. Instead of smores they had craisins and chinese food.

they slept on futons

watched the Duke game

used their flashlights

and had lots of overall fun.

Emmie participated in the festivities but soon started getting tired

Rhett on the other hand was ready for a long, wild night.

Emmie gave in around 9 pm and passed out on daddy

and then here is Rhett at 10:46 pm watching a movie.

I'm so thankful for these three amazing people in my life. My two children drive me crazy almost daily but also remind me to laugh and love and let joy penetrate my life. I'm so grateful for the gift of motherhood and all that it encompasses. I'm also grateful that I have the ability to keep growing and let God show me how to love these little ones like he does. I'm so thankful for my husband. He loves his family so much and continually comes up with creative things to do with the kids. He works hard so I don't have to (outside the home that is) and is strong and dependable. He is more than I could ever ask for.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL!!

A Small Group Dinner

2007-11-20T16:24:00.000-08:00

We have small group tonight at our home. Since it's finally starting to feel like Fall I made my favorite soup. We are currently reading this book and it's really thought provoking. I'm looking forward to a nice evening of warm foods, friends and discussion.

Ebony and Aerosol.......Perfect Harmony

2007-11-19T08:50:00.000-08:00

Back when I did this my plan was to get rid of our iron door and paint our front door black. After talking to a few people about it I was told that if we were ever to sell our house people actually like those iron doors. Now I don't think anyone on this planet would like our ugly, beige, desert motif iron door but I did rethink getting rid of it. So plan B, keep the iron door and paint it black. Of coarse once I started to get ready to paint that door black I found several other things to paint black along with it.

I headed out to Home Depot last night to buy some black spray paint which I've never used before. After asking the paint dude how much paint I would need I headed out the door with eight cans of black spray paint at only $1.96 a can. I started last night in the dark painting a plant basket and part of a bench. Here is my learning. I LOVE spray paint. Often while painting I was asking the spray can "where have you been all of my life?" I'm not kidding. After painting every room in my house twice along with a few ceilings, kitchen cabinets (three times) I think it's safe to say I know my way around a can of paint. I thought I liked painting. Let me just say spray paint has revoluntionized what I think about painting and I don't know if I could ever go back again. Here are the two main things that sold me. 1. It's sooooo fast. Oh my you could paint something with a spray can in less than five minutes if you wanted to. 2. There is very little to clean up. No paint brushes to wash, no big large cans to disgard. It's fast, it's easy, it's pretty, it's a gift from God above. One thing you will need is a pair of gloves if you don't want to get paint all over your hands.

In addition to the door I painted two white shutters for our window that have been sitting in the garage, two benches and a plant basket. I also made some pillows out of fabric our friend brought us back from Africa. Now my fingers feel like they're going to fall off but look what I have to show for it.

BEFORE

AFTER

I never, ever, ever thought I would say this but look at my pretty door. I'm actually starting to like that iron thing now, especially with my pretty Christmas wreath on it. I've said it before and I will say it again, whether it's fashion or decorating black never fails you. Add it to a can of aerosol and you have painting bliss.

A New Day

2007-11-13T10:40:00.001-08:00

"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Prayer Journal

2007-11-09T12:11:00.000-08:00

Several years ago a mentor of mine encouraged me to keep a prayer journal so my prayer life would be more intentional. How many times I would have the best intentions to pray for diffent things but rarely follow up on really praying for them. A few weeks ago I decided to give my old prayer journal a face lift.

I took my moleskine journal and divided it into eleven sections using 1 inch divider tabs. I labeled one for each day of the week along with one for Rod, kids, quotes and misc. In addition to praying for Rod and my kids every day Monday is family, Tuesday is friends, Weds. is home, Thurs. is church, Friday is me, Sat. is world justice and Sunday is San Diego (local justice.)

My favorite part of the journal are the pre-written prayers I cut and pasted to the corresponding sections. Most of the prayers I used were from Stormie Omartian's "Power of a Praying Woman", "Power of a Praying Wife" and "Power of a Praying Parent."

One of the reasons why I used a moleskine journal was so I could have a built in envelope in the back to keep extra prayers that may not apply right now but will be kept for future use.

Every day when I have a few moments I pray for my husband and kids and whatever is assigned to that day of the week. The pre-written prayers help me express to God what's on my heart without having to put too much thought to it which takes time which I don't have. I obviously add specific things that are not written out and have to tweak a few things but for the most part this has helped my prayer life tremendously. In the past few weeks I've prayed more for my family, friends, church, country etc. than I have all year. The majority of the prayers are scripture so this is also helping me learn the Bible more.

This morning I was feeling resentful, tired and irritated. This is a prayer that calmed my spirit and gave me hope.
"The enemy has persecuted my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me dwell in darkness, like those who have long been dead. Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is distressed. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of your hands. I spread out my hands to You; my soul longs for you like a thirsty land. Answer me speedily, O Lord; my spirit fails! Do not hide your face from me, lest I be like those who go down into the pit. Cause me to hear your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you."
Psalm 143:3-8

Halloween 07

2007-11-05T20:59:00.000-08:00

So I'm pretty late in posting Halloween pictures of my kids and I know it's kind of anti-climatic but since this blog is also the closest thing I'll ever get to scrapbooking I had to put them in here. Fortunately for me my talented, artistic sister is relentless in capturing photos of my kids or else I would have almost missed this furry, fuzzy memory.

As you may be able to tell from the photos Rhett was a lion and Emmie a ladybug. Of coarse no dress up evening would be complete without a few obstacles. For Emmie that would be one word....SHOES. A month ago I bought her a pair of black patent leather shoes because I figured she would wear them for the holidays but mainly she needed a pair of black shoes for her Halloween costume. She has worn them a few times prior but when I put them on after putting on her costume and she belt out a blood-curdling scream I thought something might be wrong. She seemed to be fine as long as she didn't have to put any pressure on her feet but my daughter is not one to be confined to a wagon all night when she sees an opportunity to run up to strangers and ~~ask~~ grab for candy. Again my saint sister came to the rescue and just happened to have a new pair of shoes for Emmie in her car. I swallowed my self-esteem wrapped up in my daughter having a complete matching Halloween costume pride and put brown shoes on her and she could not have been happier.

Rhett had some minor issues here and there but the main one was the drawing on of his lion nose and whiskers. When I presented the idea to him he couldn't be more happy about it but right when I was about to put the black eyeshadow on his nose he decided against it. At this point I was kind of hyped on the idea and was not going to take no for an answer. Although he felt the color choice was poor he finally relented after I agreed to have a black nose and whiskers and rabbit ears myself. Looking back now I realize it was not worth the effort of walking around all night feeling foolish much less having to scrub my face later before bed for 30 minutes straight to get the stuff off. Next year I will listen to the voice that tells me to stop while I'm ahead and remember I'm not the dressing up type.

At one point in the evening Rod was video recording Rhett and asked him what he was doing. He replied, "EATING CANDY." After that Rod asked him what night it was and he said, "CANDY." And then knowing Rhett would get this answer correct he asked him where we were at and he said, "CANDY.....church." Clearly looking at the chocolate faces of my lion and ladybug the evening was a grand success by their standard.

Oh Happy Day

2007-11-03T21:56:00.000-07:00

This morning around 10 am I really thought I was going to cave in under the sofa cushions turned into forts, cheezits on the floor, unmade beds, full dishwasher waiting to be unloaded and a shower desperately calling my name. I was counting down the minutes to Emmie's nap time and Rhett's watch a movie and leave me alone time. However when I was finally sitting alone to journal and read a bit my son must have interrupted me five times to hit play on the dvd player, to get him a drink, to get him a snack and on and on.

Fortunately I don't always feel so overwhelmed by my regular daily tasks, most days I have a pretty good plan around here and I can ride the waves like the best of them. Today just seemed to get off on the wrong foot. It may have had something to do with my husband working all day on his day off and having to work on something all day on his last day off. On days like today I call it for what it is and call a friend to save me.

Thanks to Ingvild by late afternoon I dropped my kids off at her daughter's soccer game and hightailed it out of there not planning on seeing my kids until after dinner. I was off to the library ALONE to look for a book for me and not set foot in the child book or movie section. It was kind of strange to be there and not be the one everyone was staring at with dirty looks as if to say "please take your screaming children out of here since this is after all supposed to be a quiet establishment." While looking for books I heard a few crying babies and had to smile at the luxury of not being responsible for those sounds. I was so surprised and delighted to find this book. It's been on my reading list forever but since I ~~can~~ could never find it at the library I haven't been able to read it yet. I've heard great things about this story and can't wait to dive in.

After the library I was off to Ross to find some designer jeans or at least some that looked like designer jeans without designer prices. Walking into the dressing room was kind of nostalgic remembering my preceding children days when I used to shop at this store regularly and could peacefully try on clothes in this dressing room to my hearts content. I found some jeans that need a little dieting before I actually wear them but at least they will serve as a great motivator. I also found a Christmas wreath, Christamas centerpiece and a new tablecloth. Guess who is decorating for Christmas early this year. I was planning on meeting my date (what I decided to call my husband today since I felt like a single woman with all of this alone time) at the movie theater for a five o'clock movie and figured getting into line to pay at a quarter till left me plenty of time to get to the theater since it was right down the street from the store. This plan would have worked if I was standing in a different line. After evaluating which line would go the fastest I clearly picked the wrong one. I stood there and watched three other people who should have been me walk out the door while I was still waiting to be helped. This must have been because the lady in front of me was trying to pay with every one of her credit cards in her wallet. The first one was expired, the second she could not decide between credit or debit, the third almost worked but just before she signed she saw a better fourth one to use. She almost ruined my perfect shopping spree hour....almost. She finally left and when the clerk began to ring me up me up I started grabbing my stuff from her and stuffing them in bags myself to not miss the movie.

We went to see Dan in Real Life and made it in time for our favorite seats and a few previews. I really liked it and even managed to shed a tear or two. Thanks to Becky from a gift last year we enjoyed a large popcorn and diet coke too. I picked up my fed, bathed, sweet smelling kids refreshed and renewed from having a few hours to myself. On the way home I was smiling, both kids were smiling and all was right with the world again.

Mosaic

2007-10-29T14:00:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Sarah I just finished reading Amy Grant's new book, Mosaic and simply put I loved it. I was pleasantly surprised that this book was not compiled like a traditional autobiograghy. Rather than writing one's life story in chronological order from birth to present day this book is divided by individual vignettes of her life in random order, interwoven with lyrics from many of her songs as well as new songs never before published. I enjoyed how unpredictable each story was and captivated from the very beginning when I finished the first story crying my eyes out.

She writes about her experiences in life with family, traditions, special places, friends, music, love, loss and even depression. As I read the book I felt like I was sitting down with a friend having a heartwarming conversation. She was just doing all the talking. Her writing is casual, honest and thought provoking.

After reading the book knowing I had to write a review on it I kept asking myself what it was that I liked so much about Amy Grant. She has great hair, drinks coffee and loves farms and beautiful countryside. This would be enough for me yet there was clearly something much deeper about her. This book gave me a beautiful picture of a women, songwriter, artist, mother, daughter, sister whose faith in God permeates everything she does. She seems to have a keen sence of what's important in life coupled with a gentle spirit and amazing gift of communication to share with others. She has infused a desire in me to search out my own mosaic and if not write it out at least live it out.

If you are looking to be inspired by someone with a real, active faith lived out in a messy yet wonderful world read this book. You will not be dissapointed.

Pop over to these blogs to read their review on the book as well.
Sarah at www.inthemidstofit.blogspot.com
Kristi at www.aboveallicouldaskorimagine.blogspot.com
Kristy at www.fourgreatboys.blogspot.com

What Time Is It?

2007-10-24T22:42:00.000-07:00

For some reason Rod set my alarm clock 30 minutes fast. He sets all of his clocks fast for reasons I don't understand and honestly drives me crazy especially when I have to drive his car. He knows I don't practice or condone such behavior so Why, Why would he do such a thing? When I called "the time lady at 853-****" to get the correct time to reset my clock the message said effective September 19, 2007 they had discontinued this service. Why? Why? Why? I have relied on the time lady for as long as I could tell time. This is a very sad, major loss.

A Picture Says A Thousand Words

2007-10-24T15:48:00.000-07:00

As we experience the largest evacuation in state history due to devastating wildfires I cannot help but be grateful for one, my family safe and my home standing two, the incredible arduous, unrelenting work of our firefighters and three in spite of the great loss we have experienced the casualty and injured number is so much lower than it could have been. I'm not sure who took this photogragh but I think it will be one of many that will become famous when we look back and remember what our community has been through.

I WON!

2007-10-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

One of the things I love about blogging is how much you can learn from a total stranger. Although after reading so much of their writings they hardly seem like strangers. One of my favorite blogs to read is Sarah from In the Midst of It. I mentioned her back in my beginning days of blogging and over a year later I'm still reading her posts being inspired to be a better Momma pursuing it with excellence and passion.

She hosted a book review giveaway for Amy Grant's new book Mosaic and I won. I never win anything (doesn't everyone say this) and I could not think of a better gift for myself. I either check books out of the library or read one of my husband's vast collection. The problem is the library is limited in finding new books and my husband, well lets just say he is a little particular about how one reads his books. So nothing could be sweeter for me than having a new book of my own.

As for Amy Grant I could go on and on why I'm looking forward to this read but I'll save that for the review. Check back next week.

A Sparkly Blessing in Disguise

2007-10-15T14:50:00.001-07:00

In case you're wondering by the title of this post if I'm actually going to write another post about cleaning all I have to say is....YES. Yes I am, it clearly seems to be what my life is made up of lately. I have no problem with whoever might be reading this to decide not to read it because I'm very aware that most people's lives are not made up of nothing but cleaning.

Earlier today while trying to write some other blog posts on subjects that actually require some thought on my part I neglected what it was my children were doing in the other room. When I finally got up to check on them I found both kids in the kitchen on the floor drinking half strawberry half chocoalte milk. Sounds innocent enough? No, not if they are drinking if off the floor and out of 3 pots and 4 pie tins filled with it. I remember the days when my son discovered he could get things out of the cabinet and fridge on his own and make soup. Well now it's worse because he has an accomplice who although only 33 inches tall is very feisty and could easily do the same damage on her own. And Lauren no I did not take a picture because some messes need to be forgotten like my whole entire kitchen floor covered in pink milk.

After I put Emmie down for a nap and got Rhett set up in the other room with play doh I decided to tackle the mess. I knew my normal floor cleaning attempts of spraying a part of the floor with Fantastic and wiping it with a rag would not be enough for this mess. I decided to go all out and clean my floor like my grandma and June Cleaver probably did. I filled the sink with a floor cleaner and water and actually got down on my knees with a sponge and started scrubbing. Which means June Cleaver probably did not clean her floor this way because how could she get on her knees in that dress and heels she always wore. Anyways the problem with cleaning your floor this way is while you're down there scrubbing you notice the dirt everywhere else like the base boards, cabinets, dishwasher, oven and fridgerator.

One or two hours later after the milk incident I had a sparkly clean kitchen. Towards the end of my cleaning endeavor I started thinking about the play doh I was going to have to tackle soon. To my surprise when I checked on Rhett he had every single inch of it cleaned up. I saw him earlier and he had play doh everywhere, in the carpet, little pieces all over the table and now spotless. I looked at him and said, "Rhett great job cleaning all of this up!" He replied, "and great job to you mom cleaning up the kitchen floor." Because obviously I put much of my self value in how I can keep my house clean and even I need a little affirmation once in awhile. At that moment I realized I could die today and have peace of mind that my legacy will live on. It was a beautiful, tender, clean moment.

Matthew 5:3

2007-10-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God....

What does this mean to me? I don't think this verse is about being depressed, sad and walking around sullen all the time until we die. I do think it means finally coming to grips with the fact that although disturbing, my spriritual condition before God is empty and poor in spirit and that's how it should be. It means next to the almighty God who encompasses everything good and holy I'm a very needy child who is inadequate, helpless and making mistakes constantly yet deeply loved. I think it also means because God created me to be with him I will always struggle with some degree of poverty until I can meet him face to face. I really resonated with what our teaching pastor said yesterday at church, "embrace emptiness- created for.......can't quite have."

Rather than being depressed this awareness gives me freedom. Recognizing my spiritual poverty and being ok with it helps me keep my eyes focused on the only one that can one day take away that emptiness. It gives me the freedom to be who I am and know that God can use me in that place even being poor ins spirit. It's OK to be empty, to struggle. When I feel the sting of what this life on earth can bring I will remind myself that yes, it hurts to be far from where I was created to be and that having desires for things of this earth will not fill my needs. But then I will look to my God and put all of my trust and hope in him in the midst of my emptiness and I will be blessed.

Blessed

2007-10-13T13:46:00.000-07:00

I've had a bit of a sour attitude lately. I'm not sure exactly what it is I'm discouraged about but I do know I've spent some time this morning comparing my life to others and my life is not measuring up in my mind. It's the classic "the grass is always greener on the other side" theory.

This lead me to start thinking about it what it means to be blessed? Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? Is it to have a big house or a new car? Maybe the perfect job or the picture perfect family? Would I say it means to always have what I want when I want it? No I wouldn't even want everything I think I want but maybe some of the other things mentioned above would be nice. And then Jesus spoke some loving truth into my life.

He says,"blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for rightousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for rightousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

He also says, "blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

I needed a little God perspective. My plan is to do a more in depth study of the Beatitudes and maybe even write a blog post on each one.

Be Blessed Y'all!

Closets, Friends and Catch Phrases

2007-10-09T18:09:00.000-07:00

This morning around nine o'clock my friend Ingvild came over because she understands my need for all things clean and clutter free. While the boys watched cartoons and played in the other room we went busy cleaning out closets. She cleaned out all of Emersen's drawers which hadn't been done since she was born. She also helped me sort through my own closet and drawers. After lunch she took Rhett to the park so I could finish up while Emmie napped.

Now as I type this my room is almost as clean as the day we moved into this house before we put the furniture in it. I've mentioned before how much I like a clean house. I'm sure whoever wrote the ancient proverb "cleanliness is next to godliness" had something deeper in mind than a house clear of happy meal toys and closets clean enough so the doors can finally shut. However I believe wholeheartedly in the phrase. Today I will be a better wife, a better mom, a better person all around because my home feels more organized. That and the unselfish giving of a good friend.

The Perfect Salad

2007-10-08T20:51:00.000-07:00

Ok maybe not perfect but close to it. Salad is one of those things that I always think tastes better in a restaurant or at the home of someone else. A few days ago I was craving a good salad with limited ingredients in my home to make one. I had lettuce and tomatoes and that was about it. After some kitchen experimentation I came up with a great balsamic vinaigrette and some super yummy homemade croutons. I tossed it with my lettuce, tomatoes and chopped walnuts I found in the pantry and voila the perfect salad. I was so proud of how it tasted I made it again and took pictures to share with all of you.

The Perfect Salad
3 Trader Joes Romaine Hearts broken up in bite size pieces
1 chopped roma tomato
3 slices of wheat bread including crust cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 tlbsp. butter
4 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
2-3 tlbsp. red wine vinegar
1 tlbsp. dijon mustard
fresh ground pepper
1 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. parmesean cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

To make the croutons take the bread cubes and toss with half of garlic salt, parmesean cheese and fresh ground pepper. Fry in pan with butter until golden about five minutes.

Place on baking sheet and bake until darker brown and crunchy about 20-25 minutes.

To make dressing combine vinegars, dijon mustard, sugar, ground peper and remaining garlic salt with wire whisk. Gradually add olive oil while whisking constantly until blended and smooth.

Toss lettuce, tomato, walnuts, croutons and dressing. This salad is simple but tastes great.

Bon Appetit!

Friday's Five Fall Favorites

2007-10-05T10:56:00.000-07:00

1. I know I've mentioned these before however I must express my appreciation for this product again. Whenever I reach that point in my day where I'm on the edge of insanity for some reason vacumning with this takes the edge off. I know that's a silly statement and mock me all you want but when things smell good life is better. I prefer the rainshower scent. I also love to use these on days like today when it's cooler out and I'm in the mood for fall and fresh baked apple pies. The apple cinnamon is my favorite and makes my whole kitchen smell like something yummy is baking in the oven.

2. Since I only have a candle burning and not the real thing baking in the oven this is another one of my favorite things today. I plan on picking up a French Apple one later this afternoon so Rod and I can enjoy a hot piece with some vanilla ice cream while watching the Office after the kids go to bed.

3. Trader Joes. For some reason I have not been in awhile but was reaquainted with my long lost friend yesterday. They were sampling Pomagranate Green Tea and I have to share with the internet world how good it was. I bought a container and raced home to enjoy a tall glass of it on ice. Green tea has lots of antioxidants in it and pomegranates are good for your heart so it's a win win. Put down whatever it is that your doing and go buy some. Another item that consequently I didn't see in the store but when scrolling down looking at their new items on line looked interesting was their ready made lunch bags. I would not spend 3.49 regularly for something I could do myself much cheaper but I will have to try one of these out for Rhett in the near future.

4. I saw this book in Target last week and immediately started getting excited about the holidays. I'm pretty pathetic in coming up with dinner ideas for our regular week night meals so one could imagine how desperate I would be in actually preparing something for a holiday celebration. This book is on my wish list in case anyone is looking for birthday ideas for me. I can say that since my mom and my sister and sometimes my husband read this blog. I would also like this and this. Thank you.

5. Speaking of holidays a few weeks back while Rod and I were out shopping we picked this up for Emmie to wear on Halloween. Rhett will be wearing this one and I can't wait to see how cute they look. If you're looking for a costume for a wee little one check out Old Navy. The selection might not be very great this far into the month but the prices are really good.

There you have it. Have a good weekend!

Music Soothes the Soul

2007-10-01T21:34:00.001-07:00

For the past several months I've dreaded the four o'clock hour after Emmie wakes up from her nap. My kids are usually hungry and grumpy, dad is not home yet and it's too early for dinner. Lately or more like for awhile now since summer Rhett has been watching way too much TV. His recent favorite channel is cartoon network which is a problem in itself since there is really only tone show we allow him to watch on that channel. So every day we battle it out because he wants to watch tv but he only wants to watch one channel and more than likely the program on that channel is not acceptable. With the TV addiction around here coupled with the late afternoon frenzies I'm getting desperate for a solution. I think I've found it.

I always thought in the back of my mind I should be playing music more in our home during the day but Rod takes his ipod to work and I'm not sure the condition of our cd player. Today I finally had an epiphany right around four o'clock. Cox digital cable has a music channel. When I turned on the TV looking for the music I found not only do they have a music channel but more like twenty of them. Everything from rock to country to Christian to classical. They have 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's. I felt like a kid in a candy store. I put Emmie in her highchair with some dried cereal and milk and blasted the TV music. Rhett put his toys away while I vacumned and swept the floor. We sang along with the Pet Shop Boys, Always on My Mind and Danced with Amy Grant singing Sing Your Praise to the Lord. Emmie could not wait to get out of her seat to join the party. Funny of all the different styles my son preferred the Polka. The hour flew by and soon Rod was coming home and it was time for dinner.

I'm actually looking forward to the dreaded hour tomorrow when the kids and I can rock the house. I might even play a little polka earlier in the day, it's better than cartoon network.

Inspiration

2007-09-29T21:11:00.000-07:00

Some blog friends not to mention real life friends are participating in a triathalon tomorrow morning. The fact that they're in physical shape enough to do this is truly inspiring but what really impresses me is how they set a goal, put in the hard work and are really DOING IT. These ladies have small children, busy lives and a dozen excuses like the rest of us why they should not do it but they didn't let that stop them from going after it.

Kristy, Heather and Becky I applaud your dilligence. You inspire me.

Back Home

2007-09-23T12:32:00.000-07:00

We were home from the beach all of thirty seconds when I walked into the kitchen and was greeted by oh, maybe 5 trillion ants. On the bright side the clean up was so intense I was inspired to deep clean every nook and cranny of my kitchen which was very much needed. First thing tomorrow I will finally take the advice of two very smart friends and invest in some ant traps from Home Depot.

We enjoyed our time at the beach immensely. Many times while working at this thing called motherhood I feel alone drowning under piles of laundry, ANTS, dirty diapers, screaming children, screaming children and more screaming children. There are rare moments when I come up for a breath of fresh air while laughing with the kids or watching them learn something new and delighting in it but frankly those moments are few and far between. Being away this past week truly refreshed my soul. We stayed in a small villa/condo that was not really big enough to get overwhelmingly messy. There was no laundry or ants but lots of fresh air and fun times with my kids and husband. We still had lots of dirty diapers and some screaming every now and then but it was much more manageable in that setting.
Here is a picture of the view that was out of our balcony.

It's still good to be home in some ways. Like last night putting Emmie to bed in her room and crib with the door shut knowing she will finally get a good nights sleep. On our trip she was either sleeping in the bathroom or the room we all shared but she's such a lite sleeper if any of us even blinked our eyes she would wake up. Rhett is getting re-aquainted with all of his toys and I'm getting re-aquainted with the internet. While away I FINALLY kicked this stomach virus I've been battling for almost a month. I plan on using my new healthy energy this week to embrace the domestic goddess within me and shape up my home. Lot's of cleaning and hopefully painting the bathroom. I'm also excited about watching all of the season premieres especially the Office and Friday Night Lights. To wrap it up I'll end this post with some pictures and learnings from the beach!

1. Playing in closets can be just as much fun as going to the beach or pool.

2. Fresh baked cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate should be on of the five basic food groups.

3. Naps and long walks are very good things.

4. If you're one and a half riding an elevator can be just as exhilerating as a roller coaster at Magic Mountain.

5. Daddy's are little boys heros no matter where they are, on vacation or at home they can't get enough time with them.

6. Laying in the sand making sand angels while watching the sunset can cure all of lifes problems.

7. One of my favorite quotes from Karen Hughes book 10 Minutes from Normal, "I've learned while raising my children there is no such thing as quality time; there is only time, and if you spend enough of it, some of it turns out to be quality."

A Getaway

2007-09-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

Because of some wonderful, generous, amazing, GOD BLESS THEM people my family and I will be spending this week at the beach!! Adios.

Our Commission

2007-09-15T21:31:00.000-07:00

These verses had a profound impact on me today.

As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:12-17

I feel like this pretty much encompasses all that my family should work on and the rest will fall into place. I'm planning on printing and framing it and hanging it somewhere significant in our home as a family mission statement.

First Day of School

2007-09-15T21:12:00.000-07:00

Last year Rhett started pre-school in the 3 year old class with Mrs. Batol (which happens to be her first name since all teachers at his school go by their first name.) It was a bit of a transition for him and some days it was a struggle to get him there but we all survived. Here is a picture of him last year with his teacher.
This past week he started his first week of his second year of pre-school. His teacher's name is Mrs. Teresa and apparently he will be learning how to write both capital and lower case letters as well as speaking some Spanish. So far this year is off to a great start. When I dropped him off on the first day as I was standing there watching my baby find his seat in class to begin painting he looked up at me and said, "leave now Mom!" Can't you feel the sentiment. Sometimes going back the second day is rougher than the first but the next morning after breakfast he said, "when are we leaving? I don't have to finish watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse." If you knew my son and his obsession with all things Disney you would know what a miracle this is. Here is a picture of him at my moms on the first day.

An Anniversary Gift and a Healthy Dose of Self-Esteem

2007-09-12T11:41:00.001-07:00

Today Rod and I celebrate 9 years of marriage. What a ride it has been. I would not want to do life with anyone else. Along with a sweet card and a very generous gift from my husband I also received another gift today.

Rhett came in my room awhile ago and gave me a picture and said, "this is for you and Daddy for your anniversary because I love you." Before I could say thank you he said, "I'm going to go make one for Ande and Nana now because I love them too." And then he said, "and then I'm going to make one for me because I love myself." I said, "ok Rhett, I'm glad you love yourself" and he replied, "I'm glad I love everyone else too."

A Fabulous Find

2007-09-11T16:01:00.000-07:00

Ever since posting my fall reading list I've been on the search for some good reading material. Last week at the library in the biograghy section I checked out the book, Martha Inc. expecting to learn about this talented lady who has really made a name for herself. After finishing about four chapters I plan on returning it to the library on our next visit. I found the book depressing and overly critical. I'm not trying to be naive about Martha Stewart. Although I appreciate her talent and use her suggestions in my homemaking I'm not unaware of her reputation. I don't have much of an opinion about her because I've never taken the time to learn about her. I have learned from checking out this book that if I want to learn and read someone's story it would be better for me to check out their autobiograghy as opposed to a biograghy.

Which brings me to my next book. Yesterday I told Rhett he could pick out a coloring book at the one dollar store. After he picked up his book I turned around and found this. I was so ecstatic to find a book worth reading at the one dollar store. Karen Hughes served as George Bush's communications director during his six years as governor of Texas. She was one of three people who ran his campaign and then served as counselor to him after he was elected president. After about a year and a half after seeing how hard her job at the white house was on her family she decided to move her family back home to Texas where she continues to advise the president. I remember hearing her speak a few years back at the Willow Creek Leadership Summit and have always wanted to read her book. I'm currently on chapter four and I highly recommend it.....as well as the one dollar store, you never know what fabulous finds might be awaiting you.

Highs and Lows

2007-09-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

update Weds. 7pm- Since this last post was written Emmie pooped in the tub once again and had quite a show at Target today....good thing the toy dept. was near the bathroom and I had plenty of wipes on hand. After returning home Rhett told me his stomach was hurting. I picked him up to give him a consoling hug and he threw up all over both of us. Oh well, at least he will hopefully get this out of his system before he starts school next Thurs. where catching new germs will be a weekly occurence. We will look forward to that.

Yesterday was one of those days. All day long I kept thinking of the depressing, complaining post I was going to write to vent to the blog world all of my misery yesterday. However this morning in a devotional I read the author always asks the reader to review the past day and our feelings, the highs and the lows. I usually reflect for a few minutes and move on. Today after doing this I realized that not only did I have some lows yesterday I also had some highs. I decided to write them down and post about that instead.

The Lows:
1. Rhett has a cough and a mild stomach thing going on
2. Emmie has a major stomach thing going on and needs a diaper changed every hour
3. I have something going on which includes nausea (no I'm not pregnant), fatigue (have not slept much in the past few nights), headache
4. Just as I was finally sitting down to have a quiet moment in front of a fan with a diet coke while the kids were in the tub Rhett screams, "MOM, Emmie pooped in the tub!" Maybe I should have known better than to put my stomach flu child in the tub. Regardless cleaning poop in the tub is one of my top five hardest things about motherhood.
5. Our house is being invaded by ants. Even as I type this I just caught one on my arm. Last night when I finally got to lay my very weary, pounding head down to rest I found scores of them traveling along the wall behind our bed. This morning they were traveling all along our sliding glass door. I HATE THEM.
6. And the one thing that makes all of the above that much worse....the HEAT. Enough Said.

The Highs
1. Yesterday morning having a great conversation with our friend from Chicago about parenting. He was giving me some really good tools on how I can be pro-active with my kids while they're home in helping them learn something in a fun way instead of just plopping them in front of the television.
2. Watching the kids play outside with the hose (after the bathtub incident)
3. Having dinner with my family last night at Macaroni Grill to celebrate my sister's birthday. If you get a chance pop over to her blog and wish her Happy Birthday for me.
4. Having a long chat with my mom last night so she could fill my husband in on her new beau.
5. The biggest high for me yesterday was after sleeping in different beds around my moms house the past few nights was laying in my own, comfy, fabulous bed with my husband next to me. There is no place like home, ants and all.

For Your Film Pleasure

2007-09-02T16:04:00.000-07:00

Last week while my husband was out of town I rented this movie but never got around to watching it. I finally watched it with Rod and LOVED it. I laughed and laughed and drooled over both Hugh Grant and Colin Firth. I liked it so much I could not wait to rent this movie in which I watched the other night at my moms. Sometimes sequels can be dissapointing but I thought this movie was hilarious. I'm definitely planning on watching it again before I return it to the video store.

Check them out!!

Who's the Parent Here??

2007-09-01T21:46:00.000-07:00

Well it's been quite awhile since I last posted. I'm currently sitting in the dark at my moms house on her laptop while my son sleeps behind me catching up on my blog reading. When I saw my blog I noticed the date was at least over a week ago so due to my loyalty to bore anyone out there in the web world who might stumble on this site here I am. That and what else am I supposed to do while sitting in the dark with a laptop computer and no ability to actually sleep in this heat wave. If anyone is wondering why I'm sitting in the dark instead of just leaving this room to the rest of the house with lights on where I could oh read, watch TV, eat etc. let me explain.

It all started two weeks ago when my mom started dating this guy named M. (I thought I would be nice and protect his idenity since he's not officially family yet.....at which point anything is fair game.) They have seen each other every night since they have met and they seem pretty smitten with each other. I'm staying at my moms this weekend so our friend visiting from Chicago could sleep in Rhetts room and have some privacy. Tonight we had a dinner party with my mom, M., my sister, friend from Chicago, his twin brother and family and my family. After everyone left except for M. and my mom I laid down with Rhett until he fell asleep. While laying down with him I realized my mom and M. are sitting outside swinging on the front porch which just happens to be right outside the open window of the room I'm in.

Here is the deal. At first I thought I could catch up on some blog reading since my moms laptop is in the bedroom and if I happen to accidently overhear some juicy conversation outside the window then oh well. However I instantly decided to take the moral high road and not evesdrop on my mom and her date. That and the fear I might hear something that is just a little too much information for me. So as I sat here in the dark (since my son is sleeping) reading blogs I realized if I leave this room it would ruin their sweet, porch swinging date. Her house is small enough that they would hear and see me and even if I didn't go out on the porch or make eye contact I'm convinced they might feel their privacy is lost. I remember those dating days. So I sit here understanding what if feels like to be the parent of a teenager even though my oldest is four years old.

The recent development since I type this is not my problem with overhearing their conversation but more overhearing their LACK of conversation. I either hear distant voices every now and then or SILENCE. I don't even want to imagine what could be going on when there is silence. In fact I just decided that this experience is much worse than being the parent of a teenager. So much so that as soon as I shut this laptop I'm opening the door and heading out there. It's either that or shut the window and since it's a gazillion degrees outside I won't be doing the latter.

A New Season of Books

2007-08-21T15:27:00.001-07:00

One of the things I'm doing right now in addition to cleaning out our closets is compiling my Winter Reading List. I still have two books from my Summer Reading List to get to so they will be on top of the list. This is what I have so far:

The Gutter- Craig Gross
Urgings of the Heart- Wilkie Au Noreen Cannon
The Hidden Art of Homemaking- Edith Schaeffer
Sacred Rythms- Ruth Haley Barton

I'm looking for a good biograghy. If you know one let me know.

Family Beach Day

2007-08-16T18:04:00.000-07:00

Almost four years ago I started taking Rhett to the park once a week. A couple friends had started doing this a few years prior and I joined them mainly to expose my baby to the park and engage in some adult conversation as a recently new mom. Little did I know this would grow into time spent with some of my closest and dearest friends (and with the exception of my sister the only people that comment on this blog). Four years later one of my weekly must do things is take the kids to the park so they can run around outside and play with their friends and I can sit in the shade and catch up with my friends.

As sacred as "park day" is, during the summer due to the warmer weather we usually move our get together coastal and meet at the beach for the day. Last year at the end of summer we decided to have a "family beach day" so our husbands/dads could participate in our weekly ritual.

Here is a picture of the kids last year August 2006 at La Jolla Cove -Family Beach Day

Here is a pictue of the "park ladies" last year August 2006 at La Jolla Cove- Family Beach Day

A year later the tradition remains. After a year of going to the park every week and lots of other fun stuff we met at La Jolla Cove again in August.

"Park ladies" August 2007

Kids shot- August 2007 Thanks to the Berry Clan and brand new baby Ty the picture is growing

Here is the hubby shot. They don't usually make it to the park or the beach as much as we do but they understand the importance of our community

Hunger

2007-08-16T11:51:00.000-07:00

My kids need food for growth and sometimes even more obvious around here for their attitudes. If their hungry or not eating enough it's very evident by their grumpiness and sour disposition. They don't realize it and they don't even want to take the time to stop and eat when they need it but boy what a difference in their spirit when they have a full stomach.

Me too. I'm often going about my day spiritually hungry not even realizing how I need a few moments alone with my creator to quiet my heart and hear from him. Although I am aware when my tone starts to sound mean and my patience is slipping I can only imagine how much more obvious it must be to those around me. Just like my kids who hate to stop and eat I so often neglect this nourishment for my soul. And just like my kids what a difference in my spirit when I take in some rich soul food- God's daily reminders of his love for me and what is really important.

There once was a time when journaling, praying, reading and letting the Lord consume my life was so easy. Several years later, marriage and two small children that once easy discipline is now so hard. This is what the morning looks like around my home.

Rhett: Can I have candy for breakfast?
Me: No Rhett. Now please go away and give mommy some space.
That doesn't work
Rhett: (climbing on top of me) Get up mommy I'm thirsty and I want to play with you
Me: (in a slightly elevated tone) Rhett, mommy is trying to have her quiet time go in the other room
that doesn't work
Rhett: (starting to wine and cry and climb all over me) mommmmmyyyy get up!!
Me: (very agitated) I SAID STOP! GET OFF ME RIGHT NOW. I'M TRYING TO SPEND SOME TIME WITH JESUS!!

I'm so glad I know how to set such a great example for my kids the benefits of spending time with Jesus.
For the record that doesn't work either.

I've come to realize in my household I need to wake up before my children to make this happen. The problem is balancing staying up late to spend quality time with my husband and then waking up very, very early before my children. Several years ago when this was so much easier I told God he was my life and I gave my heart to him. Fortunately even though my life may change year to year my God is the same as he was that day many years ago. I believe even in the small things like waking up earlier than I'm comfortable with I can trust him he will help me and use it for his glory

Not the Only Thing He's Good At

2007-08-14T16:21:00.000-07:00

So it's been about a year now that I have been blogging. For about a year now I, along with some other friends have been trying to convince my husband to start a blog with no success. I believe very strongly that he is a great writer as well as a great thinker. For some reason unbeknownst to me he seems to be able to write things quickly with ease and great insight unlike moi who could spend hours working on something only to come up with what Rhett ate for dinner or what color bow my daughter wore in her hair today. Anyways because I'm so fond of him (for more than just his writing ability) I thought I would share with y'all miracle of miracles he finally has a Blog. Check it out.

Back to Reality

2007-08-11T19:38:00.000-07:00

So now that the relatives are gone and the Leadership Summit is over I find myself almost in the middle of August wondering where the summer went. I couldn't believe it when my friend told me her girls start school a week from Monday. I feel like the past few months have flown by so quickly I'm not even sure I could adequately reflect on any particular activity or celebration. That's what I love about blogging. All I have to do is click on a few archives on the right of the screen and presto I'm right back in June and July re-living those moments. I don't even have to waste one brain cell and frankly right now I need all the memory cells I can get.

So moving forward this month will be about adjusting. Adjusting back into a routine that involves dinner before 8pm and bedtime before 10pm. We will be getting haircuts and back to school clothes and supplies. We will decide if Rhett needs any extracurricular activities and plan our Labor Day celebration. I'll be talking to friends about a kid swapping schedule and decide how I will be spending my time when Rhett is in pre-school (with Emmie in tow of coarse.) We will be squeezing in a few more summer activities like a night at the drive-in and a few more days at the beach. We will have a few family gatherings and maybe a few house organization projects before September hits.

As great as summer is fall is my favorite season. I made this soup the other day with corn muffins and it was so yummy. If this hot weather ever leaves us I'm planning on making lots of soup and bread. I think while I'm in this mood I might even look into appetizer recipes to make for Monday night football games. I don't even like sports. Hot chocolate, flannel sheets, candles and pumpkins are lurking around the corner and I can't wait.

More Pictures....

2007-08-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of Lake Arrowhead. We went up for the day this past Wednesday. We had lunch at the Country Club, took a boat ride around the lake (Rhett got to drive the boat), walked through some shops and had dinner at the Yaht Club. It was a long day but a great one.

This is a picture of the tomato/cheese Komachi knife my mother in law bought me at Sharper Image. It turns cutting tomatoes into a very pleasurable experience. I'm serious you have to try it. You will never want to use anything else again.

Here is the Ice Shaver machine Koko and Auntie brought from Hawaii. It's super easy to use and so easy to clean up since you're just using water. Our favorite so far is cherry and blue rasberry over vanilla ice cream. Rhett and I have been praising God for this thing every hot night this past week.

Had to throw in a picture of my new shoes my mom bought me on sale at Banana Republic. They're just my style and I love them. I'm planning on wearing them all the time.

DISNEYLAND!!

2007-08-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

Withdrawls but Worth It

2007-07-28T19:21:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to have withdrawls from not being around the blog world for a week and missing some of my favorite reads. I'm planning on catching up in a week or so. Meanwhile we are having tons of fun with Koko and Auntie from Hawaii. We have been to the beach, movies, Fashion Valley for new Crocs, had snow cones with vanilla ice cream every night to stay cool along with some yummy dinners and a very full day at Knotts Berry Farm.

Tomorrow after church we are celebrating Riley's big 1 birthday. Afterwards we are heading straight up to LA for some swimming and more shopping. Monday morning we are tackling Rhett's favorite place on the planet.

Have a good week. Here is a collage from the beach and Knotts Berry Farm.

The Plan

2007-07-22T14:42:00.000-07:00

After ingesting gallons of frozen yogurt after church and just recently some diet coke I feel like I have the umph needed to transform Rhetts room from plastic toy central to an acceptable, peaceful guest room for Koko and Auntie Itsuko. Rhett has been reminding us all day today of the plan to countdown to their arrival. So here is my plan:

Hopefully make everything look clean and pretty around here
Pick them up from the airport
stay up late every night talking and sharing stories
Eating out
SHOPPING
enjoying some extra helping hands
watch my kids love, love, love their Hawaii family

Here is Rhett's plan:

play with the stamps Kara gave him which has just bumped the Yogurt Mill up to one of his top five favorite places to be
take a nap with Dad
clean up which means take a wet paper towel and wipe down everything in the house and the back yard
pick them up from the airport
stay up late every night and sleep in our bed
have someone to play with every morning as soon as he wakes up
pick lemons and tangerines outside and make fresh juice
go to the library to get some new books and movies for our short road trip
go to DISNEYLAND and visit the homes of his favorite animated friends
go to Knotts and meet Snoopy for the first time
do a little shopping
have someone to sit next to in the car and listen to his stories ALL the time
introduce them to Nemo Dory
Love his Koko and Auntie

See ya. I'll check back soon with some pictures.