Recognize the Journey

30 Days of Thankfulness ... Day 15

2011-11-15T14:20:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for the new family I will be gaining in a few month. Not much I can say besides that; they are a sweet and wonderful family who have welcomed me with open arms simply because Dennis loves me. While I haven't gotten to spend that much time with them yet, I'm looking forward to all the years to come ...

30 Days of Thankfulness ... Day 14

2011-11-15T14:17:00.000-08:00

Today and everyday I'm thankful for these two little sweeties who make me an auntie. Alani and Airi have enough personality to light up a room individually or together. I'm blessed and thankful to be an Aunt to two sweet little girls who always keep me smiling and laughing. There's no one else I'd rather be in a wagon with!

30 Days of Thankfulness ... Day 13

2011-11-15T13:53:00.000-08:00

Today I'm thankful for being able to spend a weekend checking things off "the list" and also being able to take time to simply enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. And I'm extra thankful to have a supportive fiance who doesn't mind doing things with me because it's just as much his day as it is mine. We managed to get several big ticket items taken care of, enjoy a sunset, some new experiences, a few nice dinners and even managed to get some college football watching in there too ... Thankful for a weekend where everyone wins!

30 Days of Thankfulness ... Day 12

2011-11-15T13:50:00.001-08:00

Today I'm thankful for the beauty of the Northern California coast; and I'm thankful that even in a busy life I can still take time out to sit and watch a beautiful sunset. The ocean is a place that calms me and brings a peace to me, and I'm thankful for times to just sit, be still and think about life.

30 Days of Thankfulness ... Day 11

2011-11-15T13:42:00.000-08:00

Of course today I couldn't be thankful for anything besides the men and women who fight tirelessly to protect my freedom. Year after year throughout this country's history there have been men and women willing to make sacrifices for this country and we must always honor and remember them. My very own Airman has brought a whole new meaning to this day for me; not only because of his service but because of his respect and pride for his job and the others who choose to serve with him.

One of my favorite pictures of two of my favorite people

30 Days of Thankfulness ... Day 10

2011-11-10T15:18:00.000-08:00

My Mother of Course!

She's bright, brilliant, beautiful, loving, warm and almost exactly like me (or I suppose I'm almost exactly like her). She raised me to be the woman I am today, my whit, sarcasm, mad cooking skills, goofiness and sense of adventure all come from this lady. She's a great example of a loving wife and a Godly mother. We always have a good time when we're together and we've grown our mother/daughter relationship into a beautiful friendship that I very much cherish.

Thank you mom for always pushing me and inspiring me to be the best I can be and to live my dreams for myself. Thank you for always encouraging me when times are tough but standing back and letting me figure out my life on my own.

30 Days of Thankfulness ... Day 9

2011-11-10T15:12:00.000-08:00

Today I'm thankful for this guy ...

Can you tell who it is??? That's right; it's my step-dad Bill. He's a wonderful example of what a husband and father should be, and it was through him that I was brought to my faith. He's one of the smartest and funniest people I know and I'm so blessed to have had him in my life for the past 18 + years. I've shared a lot of special times with him through the years and I can't wait to have him walk me down the aisle and give me away at my wedding.

Thank you for being such a great and Godly example of what a man is supposed to be in this world, thank you for loving my mom, and thank you for all the love and laughter you've brought to my life.

30 Days of Thankfulness ... Day 8

2011-11-08T14:28:00.000-08:00

This morning as I was driving to pick the little one up after my trip to the gym, snacking on some grapes I realized I'm thankful for my health. It was just a little over a year ago that I decided I needed to take my life and my health into my own hands and make that difference for myself. In the past year I've lost about 60lbs and am a happier and healthier person for it. I've been so blessed to be supported by loving family and friends and one amazing trainer. Through that transformation I was able to open myself up to finding love and letting God work in my life to fulfill my dreams of having my own family.

In today's 30 Days of Thankfulness I have to give a little shout out to Fabian who kicked my butt and pushed me harder, at a time in my life, than I ever thought I could go.

I'm still on this journey to a happier and healthier me, and now I've been joined by the love of my life who both supports my goals and is striving towards his own. So, today and everyday I'm thankful for my health and the ability to take charge of this area of my life.

30 Days of Thankfulness ... Day 7

2011-11-08T14:24:00.000-08:00

Today I'm thankful for this sweet little girl who both drives me insane and brings joy and laughter to so many of my days.

I've spent just shy of 3 years working with her and watching her develop from a chubby little thing into a sweet and spunky little girl. God had blessed me with such a sweet little girl to watch over and care for. She was 4 months old when I started watching her and last week she started pre-school; always a bitter sweet time for me because I love to watch these little ones I care for grow into their own people, but the start of school always means my job is coming to a close...

30 Days of Thankfulness ... Day 6

2011-11-07T14:48:00.001-08:00

Today I'm thankful for my amazing church family; I'm so blessed to be surrounded by a number of people who love God and are trying their best to help others love God. I'm constantly in the presence of people who inspire me to be a better person and a better Christian; people who truly care about me and about all the people in the world.

Thank you Lord for blessing me with such an amazing church family at Cordova; it's a church family that will never be replaced and one that I will whole heartedly miss once I move.

30 Days of Thankfulness ... Day 5

2011-11-05T13:54:00.000-07:00

Today I'm thankful for a day with nothing to do. A lazy morning with a late breakfast and nothing else on the agenda. Days like these are few and far between at this moment in my life so today I'm being thankful for an empty page on the calendar; and I'm not going to feel guilty about not doing anything either. The only things on my to do list today are all optional and they all involve cooking and baking which just happens to be how I love to spend a lazy Saturday!

30 Days of Thankfulness ... Day 4

2011-11-04T14:03:00.000-07:00

Today I'm thankful for the most awesome big sister I've ever had ;) She's fun, funny, silly, caring, loving, rock'n. She's a great mom to my two beautiful nieces, she's a great example of a Godly woman. She's my best friend and my confidant. I can't imagine what my life would have ever been like without her. And right now she's playing the lead role in Matron of Honor for my wedding!

30 Days of Thankfulness ... Day 3

2011-11-04T13:52:00.000-07:00

Today I'm thankful for people like Aaron Redelsperger and Ryan Lundquist who have the insight to see the needs of the world and instead of just talking about them, they do something about them. Both the Free Student Breakfast and Project 680 are making a difference in teens lives who for one reason or another are not getting their basic needs met. I'm thankful that I've had the ability to make a difference in these teens lives by simply buying a few pairs of socks, or by getting up a little earlier than normal to help serve hot pancakes and sausage.

I'm thankful for the people in this world who take action and inspire me to make a difference in other people's lives.

30 Days of Thankfulness ... Day 2

2011-11-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

Today (and everyday to be perfectly honest) I'm thankful for this guy.

He loves me for who I am, he can always make me laugh (even if the last thing I want to do at the moment is laugh,) he's a giver of himself, and he loves God. He has a job he can be proud of, one that makes me proud too because he sacrifices of himself for the safety and protection of this country; as a person he believes in and stands for something greater than just himself. He makes me happy in ways I didn't know I wasn't happy before, and he asked me to be his wife. I'm so blessed to have Dennis in my life and I can't wait until we officially start our lives together as husband and wife in the spring. We have fun together, take on adventures together and side by side will go wherever this crazy world takes us.

30 Days of Thankfulness ... Day 1

2011-11-02T14:24:00.000-07:00

Amidst all the craziness that is my life these days I'm going to attempt to take a few minutes each day this month to share the things I'm thankful for. I know it's the "trendy" thing to do right now but I like the concept and idea of taking at least a little time every day to reflect on the manny blessings in my life and why I'm thankful for them. There has been a little quote going around; something to the effect of "What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you thanked God for today." By the end of this month I'll have a long list of things I'm thankful for and I'm going to try my best to remember to thank God for each and everyone daily; those and the many more blessings He has given me.

So because I'm a day late today I'll start with being thankful for two things ...

First and for most I'm so thankful for my God and the sacrifice He made in sending His son to the cross to die for my sins; it's through that sacrifice I have been bless with the gift of salvation. I cannot thank God enough for the amazing gift he has given me or the amazing gifts he continues to give me in this life. An ever constant and unwavering God who loves me with all he has.

Reflections

2011-03-12T11:38:00.000-08:00

As I sit here icing my foot in preparation for tomorrow's half marathon I can't help but shake my head in disbelief at what I'm about to do tomorrow and how less then a year ago it wasn't even a thought that would have crossed my mind.

I got up this morning; threw on some clothes that I never would have worn before because I didn't feel comfortable in my own body (not to mention that I did it without showering which is something else I never would have skipped before heading out ;) and drove down town to pick up my race packet for my first half marathon tomorrow . . . something I never would have thought possible a year ago. I was struck by how much I've changed and not just in a physical sense but mentally. I've always wanted to "learn to run" and even when I finally did I didn't think I'd ever be running 13.1 miles! I say I only want to do it once and I say I can't wait to get it over with (which I can't) but I know myself too well and I know I'll be doing it again. I'm one of those people who can't do her best; there's always something better I could have done so I'll have to do it again. I can tell you right now that as crazy as it seems to me that I'm going to be running a half marathon tomorrow as soon as I finish I'll still feel like it's not that big of an accomplishment and I can to do more; run further or faster or something . . .

I've always been that kind of person; the kind where my best can still be better, but so much of that in the past was wrapped up in my insecurities about who I was and what I had to offer other people. In the past year I've learned (and still am) that while I feel like my best can always be better it's not in relation to other people but in relation to me. I know I can do better and I want to do better; to prove that to myself and not to anyone else. This journey isn't about how I feel about myself based on what others think of me but simply about how I feel about myself.

With each goal I accomplish I'm making myself a more confident person in who I am and what I have to offer myself; each task is a stepping stone to the ultimate me, and I'm realizing along the way that possibilities truly are endless. If you'd told me last year that in less than a year I'd: be 60lbs lighter; a boxer, and a runner (among many other things!), I wouldn't have believed you . . . there's no telling what I can do next!!

Today I'm excited and confident that tomorrow I'm going to run a half marathon and when I cross the finish line I'll enjoy my simple victory, enjoy my tasty mexican food (yeah I'm so going off "program" for the day), probably contemplate running a full one; and then I'll move on to the next thing that I want to accomplish this year . . . pull-ups!!!

I'm a Runner

2011-02-06T22:57:00.000-08:00

Today was a big day for me; not because I completed my first 10k ever and not because I ran the furthest I've ever run before, but simply because after doing the race today I felt like I could finally call myself a "runner."

I've always wanted to be a runner, and over the years I'd think about taking it up, run 2 minutes on the treadmill and call it quits, but now I'm a runner!! I've wondered over the past few months how many miles people who run ran (at one time) before they considered themselves a "runner" and apparently that magic number for me is 6.2 miles!!! I'm just starting out in this brand new world of running; I don't know if I'll like it all that much as I train for my first half, but I can say this . . . I liked running 6.2 miles and when I was done I had that feeling I've been searching for; the feeling of being a "runner"

My splits

And this is exactly how I felt today!

Budding Photographer

2010-06-24T17:58:00.001-07:00

Alani is following in her mother's footsteps when it comes to photography. She took a liking to my camera on her last visit, and within minutes was a pro at it. She went around during our Brunch taking pictures of everyone and everything and then flipping the little switch and went (back) around showing everyone. I deleted most of the unflattering ones, but thought I'd show you some of her handy work!

Oh What A Week

2010-06-24T16:32:00.000-07:00

My sister and the girls came out for a week to visit, throw secret surprise parties, to celebrate birthdays and graduations. Of course, when Timbra comes out the week is always packed full off goodness, but we also had some quite time as well which was nice. They were here the 25th of May to June 1st.

I picked them up on Tuesday night and we dashed home for tuna casserole and The Biggest Loser season final; we have our priorities people! And of course visiting, hugs, kisses and cuddling! My favorite moment of the night was when Alani told Airi who was a bit wary of me "that's Auntie Haley, she's one of the good ones" . . . well I'm glad I made that cut ;)

Wednesday I had to work, but the weather held out, and E and I came over and picked up the girls and we all headed to the Folsom Zoo, to check out some of our local animals along with a tiger and a monkey or two, ride the train and then have some tasty mexican food for lunch before heading back to put E down for a nap. After work we hung out at home for about an hour before heading over to a friend's house so Timbra could catch up with her. From there over to a graduation of the daughter of some family friends, and to their house for a post graduation party to celebrate their jr. high and high school graduates!

Red Head? I think Yes!

Why Hello Little Deer

And Brown Bear

And Mr. Peacock

Making some commemorative Pennies

Loving the train ride

Thursday Timbra was supposed to be out and about visiting with some other friends but apparently she spent the whole day planning and setting up for a surprise party for ME . . . a very unexpected surprise! We were supposed to have dinner with the people I work for (who were apparently also in on the whole thing) and I'd made the dessert and marinated the chicken for dinner, but when my sister and the girls showed up 45 minutes late they told me I needed to change (Timbra brought me some dresses to choose from) because really they wanted to take me out for an early birthday dinner; one that required wearing a blind fold to, hmmm???? I was pretty convinced because when we pulled up to the church building it smelled like food, but I couldn't figure out why a burger joint required a dress! I shouted at my sister because she ran me into a car, a tree and through a whole, and all the while I was completely unaware that just inside the room 100 people were listening in. I took off my blind fold to a loud SURPRISE, and was rendered speechless for a good portion of the next hour!

I was overwhelmed by the number of people who showed up to celebrate my 25th birthday, so many people from so many different parts of my life, and of course by the love my sister has that she would go through all of that work just to honor her little sister . . . thanks sis. You can read more about the birthday here on my sister's blog . . . she's got all the photos. Oh, and lest I forget the surprises just kept on coming because a bunch of people chipped in and got me a kayak for my birthday . . . I've been wanting one for several years, and I really couldn't have asked for more. Thanks everyone!!!

Friday I had a surprise day off thanks to my employers!!! We spent the morning with my step-mom, running errands and me finishing up a cupcake cake order. We hit the road for Bodega Bay and while we got there later than planned, we still managed to enjoy a lovely picnic dinner on the beach and some sand play before heading to my Aunt's for the night.

Ahh Bodega Bay

Tasty Picnic Dinner

Just us Chickens

Apparently Alani thought the part where Tim and I jumped Airi was super cool

She REALLY loved the sand

Saturday my mom gifted my sister and I facials by my cousin at her new spa, so Timbra and I took turns with the kids while the other got a facial; and from there we went to get pedi's. It's a rough life we live ;) After our Pedi's we met up with Mom and Bill at the hotel, let Alani swim for a bit and then headed to dinner at the house of my mom's high school friend. It was a lovely evening full of laugh and good times!

Lucy just came to town!

Enjoying a ginger cookie and lemonade while mom got a facial

Can't leave Snoopy Out

Sometimes she's too much for words

And this one too

I think it's a little small

Me and Tai

Timbra, Airi and Tai

Sunday was official party/celebration day (because we party/celebrate all the time but this day was actually designated to them!) We had a tasty brunch in honor of my Uncle Stephen's 60th Birthday, followed by my cousin Rachael's high school graduation, and after that a pizza dinner to celebrate early for Alani's 4th birthday.

Champagne Toast

Happy 60th Uncle Stephen

Alani with her special drink; she was so proud of it

Al and Tai at Rachael's Graduation

Monday was a lazy morning at the hotel where Gramps took Al swimming, and then we all got ready to head over for Rachael's graduation party! It's always fun getting together with family, and we got a lot of family time in on this trip so it was extra extra fun! Mom and Bill left for home from the party, and we took that as our que to drive home as well. Timbra dropped me off at my apt for some "on your own time" while she went to visit with another friend! (Alani had a little too much fun with my camera so I didn't get any pictures from the graduation or the party)

Tuesday E and I picked up Timbra and the girls and we all headed to story time at the library followed by Spaghetti Factory for lunch (one of our favorites) and then spent the afternoon hanging out at work until it was time to take Timbra and the girlies to the airport.

at the Spaghetti Factory

It was a super fun week, and until next time (which is now only a week away) . . .

Segway S.F.

2010-06-24T15:46:00.000-07:00

I figure the least I can do while laying on the couch recovering from the stomach flu is to catch up on my blog . . .

On Sunday May 23rd I went on the Senior Mystery Trip with our youth minister Aaron and 8 of our graduating seniors. The Senior Mystery Trip is a day or weekend trip dedicated to the graduates to pamper them, and reflect on some special times they have had in the youth group, and since I've been working with the youth for a little over a year now I was invited along to share in the fun with them.

This year's mystery trip was to San Francisco; we stopped on the way to the city in Oakland at a little place for Chicken and Waffles; a favorite for many of the seniors and a new experience for the rest of us! And for those of you who know me, mixing foods is not my thing, and being sticky really isn't my thing, so eating a bite that contained fried chicken, waffle and syrup was a stretch to say the least but I did it, and survived! No seriously, it wasn't half bad, though I don't think I'll be craving it anytime soon!

From there we headed to Twin Peaks in S.F. to check out an amazing view of the city, and then off to the extra mysterious part of the mystery trip . . .

View from Twin Peaks

Enjoying the View

The Most Complicated Bathroom Ever

With a 20 Minute Time Limit

We took a Segway trip around the city. Everyone was excited or apprehensive at first, but after 10 minutes on that baby we were all pros! And the best part is that you see people doing dorky things like that around the city and laugh at them, but when you're the one doing it you're having so much fun you could care less what people think!!! There were people pointing, and taking pictures like we were celebrities! I asked the guy before we started how often people crash and he said not very often . . . well in our group of 10 i think 7 of us had some sort of "crash" a little higher than average I suppose!!

Getting "Driving Lessons"

Out and About in the City

Group Shot

"Free Ride" Time in the Parking Lot

Riding a segway is soooo much fun, and the movement in your feet is so slight it feels like your controlling it with your mind! We went on a 3 hour tour, but fear not, we all made it back alive!

On the Municipal Pier - Closest you can get to Alcatraz on land

Group Shot in front of Alcatraz

On Pier with Golden Gate in the background

The Golden Gate Bridge

Ghirardelli Square from Municipal Pier

After that we let the kids pick dinner, and ended up at the Rain Forest Cafe, we got a great table right next to the waterfall and the elephants!

From there we drove across the Golden Gate and looked out on the beauty of the bridge. We headed home from there, and there was talk of a bond fire once we got back, but all the kids were asleep by the time we made it back to the building, so everyone dispersed for home!

It was so much fun, and a lasting memory from youth group that they can all take with them as they move into the next chapter of their life!

A First for Everything

2010-05-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

Today was the first time I've ever dropped an egg in my kitchen . . . splat

And last week was the first time I've ever inadvertently dyed my white shirts pink in the wash . . . whoops

You can't see it well in the photo but they are tinted pink!

Seems like I should have already accomplished these milestones before now!

Happy Mother's Day Momma Llama

2010-05-08T16:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to the best mom I've got!!! You've taught me how to give, how to love (God, myself, and others), how to find adventure in everyday life, how to laugh out loud (even at myself), how to just be me, and much more. Thanks for always being there to support me, encourage me, and love me along my journey through life!!

Though I'm sad that I cannot spend Mother's Day with you, I'm reminded of all of the wonderful time and adventures we've had together. In just the past year we've:

Partied together (Alani's 3rd B-Day)

Walked Together (4th of July Fun Run)

Rode Busses Together (First bus trip to the SEA-TAC Airport)

Raced (and Finished) Together (Eppies)

Been Sweaty Gross Together

Waited for Babies Together (Airi's Birthday)

Thanksgivinged Together

Played Together (White Christmas)

Hiked Down to Waterfalls Together

Rode Trains Together (On the way to Vancouver)

Seen the Olympic Torch Together (at 1am because you love me;)

Enjoyed Canada Together

Bought Tickets to Olympic Speed Skating Together

Seen Apolo Ohno Skate Together

Bobsleded Together??

Sported Country Pride Together

Masqueraded Together

Kept Partying Together (Grandpa Bill's 80th)

These are just a few of the things we've done together, and I cherish every moment I spend with you. You're one totally cool, awesome and spunky momma!

Happy Mother's Day

-Love Haley

Be The Change You Want To See

2010-05-05T07:54:00.000-07:00

Do you want to be a little more like God today; a goal we should all be striving for day after day? Do you want to see an example of God using us to effect change in the world? Head over to Trey Morgan's Blog and see how you can make a difference in this child's life . . .

Today you can love God by loving the "least of these" among us.

Winter Camp

2010-04-03T21:54:00.000-07:00

The weekend after Valentines Day (yes I'm this far behind in my blog; I was maintaining at a month, but now I'm 1.5 months behind). The youth group headed out for Winter Camp. Don't ask me where we were because I still don't know for sure, but it was a lovely set of cabins, camp in the woods in the middle of no where!

Riding the church shuttle

We rode the shuttle out Friday evening and arrived a few hours later. Friday evening we had our first devo, and the first of a few talked from an awesome guy with an amazing story; grew up in Iran, lived in Spain for a few years and eventually his family made it to the U.S; he became a Christian when he was a teen and has been working passionately for the Lord since. He had some amazing stories and adventures to share throughout the weekend.

Saturday we headed about an hour out (again to I know know where!) to the snow for tubing. It was fun but I only did it twice; semi-terrifying not being able to control myself and a steep drop off the top. I had to be pushed both times; couldn't bring myself to "make the leap" on my own! We ended up heading back to camp a bit early because it started snowing while we were there and continued to get heavier so no one was actually tubing anymore!

Kelsey, me and Channing at the snow

A big group that all tubed down together

I've been waiting to wear this headband since my last tubing trip!

Charlie our faithful shuttle driver

Snacks and Skittle Poker in the lodge

Back at camp warming up after the snow

In the evening during our lesson the power went out and stayed out until about 5 minutes after we sent the kids to bed (an hour early). It actually worked out well because we had these different stations for the kids to go around and do; prayer stations, sin confessions (where they wrote their sins on a huge sheet anonymously), creation stations; scriptures; and an opportunity to get a tangible idea of how much God loves up . . . all made more powerful (in my opinion) but the fact that the power was out and it was all in the dark or by candle light.

Sunday we had a worship service in the morning followed by a baptism in a VERY cold pool in the rain! Free time in the afternoon and then we headed home. An awesome weekend full of learning and growth for not just the kids but everyone there . . .and an opportunity for all of us to get to know some fellow brothers and sisters in Christ at different churches in Northern California.

The following are several segments of what happens when one rides on our church shuttle; enjoy . . .

2010-03-13T16:57:00.000-08:00

I'm participating in a 30 Hour Famine along with the youth at our church this next weekend (March 20th-21st) to help raise awareness (and funds) of the fact that today alone 25,000 kids under the age of 5 will die from preventable causes such as hunger, poverty, and disease, and 13,000 alone just from causes related to hunger; a very sad statistic.

Next Saturday at 12pm we will start our fast and will continue until Sunday at 6pm . . . while this amount of time does not compare to what children all over the world go through on an empty stomach, it will help give us a glimpse of what daily life is like for these small children who cannot help themselves. All the funds we raise will be donated to World Vision to be used to feed these hungry children around the world.

I know that money is tight for everyone these days, and I completely understand if you cannot afford to donate at this time, but it doesn't hurt to ask right? A donation of $30 is enough to feed one child for a whole month; but no donation is too small. Please consider if you might be able to help out with a donation.

If you can make a donation; please make checks payable to World Vision, and mail to me at:
10624 Fair Oaks Blvd #36
Fair Oaks, CA 95628

To find out more about 30 Hour Famine click here . . . nobody should die because of an empty stomach.

My Little Valentine(s)

2010-03-06T22:38:00.000-08:00

Valentines day I was lucky enough to take Aden and Lauren to see the Disney on Ice show . . . what Valentines Day treat!!! It was a late Christmas present for both/Birthday present for Lauren (who turned 4 on the 7th . . . can't even talk about that!!)

I'd also made plans with Michelle (the people I work for now) because she thought it would be a fun Valentines Day activity for the three of them; unfortunately when I booked all of our tickets I wasn't paying close enough attention because I thought I'd booked them in the row right behind Aden, Lauren and I, but apparently I booked them "one row behind us" on the other side of the arena . . . whoops! A little fact I didn't realize until I was taking the tickets to Michelle, and by that point there was nothing I could do about it, but we all survived!!

Of course one cannot simply get away with the tickets being enough of a present, so Aden and Lauren not only got a show, but:

Subway for lunch before the show
Cotten Candy/Lightening McQueen Hat combo for Aden
Snow Cone/Tinkerbell mug combo for Lauren
Popcorn and Lemonade at intermission
A coloring book each
and McDonalds for dinner later that night

(let's not forget about the cost of parking!) And surprisingly enough I still got off cheaper than when we went to the circus a few years ago!!! While I can't say that all of that was "priceless" it was defiantly worth the looks on their faces . . .

Utter Mezmoration and Suspense

The show was awesome, I think it was "One Hundred Years of Disney" but I'm not exactly sure if that's the one we saw. Hosted by Mickey, Mini, Goofey, Donald and Daisy we saw, Cars, Little Mermaid, Lion Kind and Tinkerbell!! We were able to meet up with Michelle, Mark and E after the show to visit a bit and reflect on the awesomeness that was the show, so all was not totally lost in the whole "let's see the show together" department!

Part of Your World

Under the Sea

Oh I Just Can't Wait to be King

I love ice shows and was just as excited about it as the kids!!!! After the show we headed to the church building so the kids could play on the playground for a bit, we grabbed some McD's for dinner and then went back to the church for a meeting I had, after which we met up with their momma so she could take them home and tuck them into bed!

Thanks for being my Valentines Dates Aden and Lauren!!!

First "Trip" of the Year

2010-03-02T14:21:00.000-08:00

Oh February, where did you go?? You came and went in the blink of an eye, and here I sit in March wondering what the heck happened to my February??? Apparently I was so busy with trips, activities, and fun to miss you too much!

The first weekend of February was spent in Utah with my super cute nieces (and their parents too of course; who are not chopped liver because they have children ;)!!! I flew in Friday night to my sister and two little girls passed out in the back seat picking me up from the airport, and then a quick trip to pick up Mike from the Haiti benefit concert the AIMers were putting on and we headed home to just visit and enjoy the evening.

Saturday was a relaxing and "family fun" day, we got a late start to our morning, and after Alani picked going to the zoo off of our list of potential fun things to do (with some persuasion from her daddy of course), we bundled up and headed out of the house. Along the way we stopped for this super delicious pastry (that is totally going to be in heaven) that had been on a food network show or two (?) and some breakfast sandwiches.

The zoo was awesome, not a lot of people there, and the weather was cold but not bad at all. And of course the best part was seeing baby Zuri who was born just two weeks before Airi, but wasn't out when Al and I made our way to the zoo in August . . .

We wandered the zoo checking to see which animals were out because a lot of them are inside for the winter, rode the merry-go-round and grabbed a snack before heading out. Al and I shared a giraffe because she was a little frightened to go it alone, but in case you didn't know this . . . there is plenty of room on the back of a giraffe for two!

(Mike did not ride but wanted to be included in the fun . . . his reflection in the mirror)

From the zoo we dared the likes of Costco on a Saturday afternoon before the Superbowl; which was a little bit more than a madhouse, but we made it out alive!!! Had a tasty dinner at the Spaghetti Factory and then home for the evening.

Sunday was of course church and the Superbowl so a busy day to say the least. We had church in the morning and food prep in the early afternoon, then party guests, snacking, game watching, commercial watching, and all around good time till late evening. After the days festivities were done and everyone was gone or gone to bed Timbra and I managed to sneak some "private" time on the love sack and catch up a little in sister land . . . you know the important stuff like how she admitted that when we were younger she'd plug my nose when I snored because apparently I snore through my nose (unlike everyone else who snores with their mouth open); which resulted in me attempting to fake snore with my mouth open, something I apparently cannot do without sounding like I'm choking to death or dying. Last time we had one of these late night sessions my sister discovered that peeled grapes freak me out. The joy of stolen late night moments with a sister and moments to never be forgotten!!!

(cupcake making with the nieces)

Monday was officially "Date Day" Timbra, Airi and I had a pedi date while Mike and Al had a lunch date. Al and I had a movie date to see the Princess and the Frog while Mike, Timbra and Al had a Lost catch up date. Mike and Timbra had a book store date while Al, Airi and I had a puzzle and play date at home. And Mike and I had a "date" to go pick up dinner while Timbra and Al and Airi were home . . . I think everyone got quality time with everyone that day!!! Alani loves dates, and we'ed set a "date" to go on a "date" while I was there!!!

I was able to stay late on Monday evening which was nice because then we got a whole days worth of fun, and Timbra and the girls drove me to the airport around 8:30 . . . of course Al fell asleep about 5 minutes before we got there in true Alani fashion!!!

Such a great trip!! I apparently was too busy having fun to take many pictures!!

Faith

2010-01-22T14:41:00.001-08:00

I hope and pray that one day I can have a faith as strong as this woman . . . a faith so strong that in the most unimaginable of times I can have peace to know that God's will is always being done; even if I don't understand it. A faith that allows me to trust in God and not question why.

What I did on My Christmas Vacation (part 2.)

2010-01-04T20:36:00.000-08:00

So, as I said, I was picked up directly from the airport and whisked away to Monterey for 4ish days. Mark had been in coo-hoots (??) with me about planning a trip away for Michelle's birthday (the people I work for). Michelle didn't know where we were going until we actually got there, and because she's fron the mid-west and can't comprehend that on the other side of the hills and in the middle of farmland (or I guess more on the edge) is the ocean, she still didn't really believe us when we were there! She actually uttered these words as we were pulling up " so there's the beach, is that all" clearly not a Californian!!!

We stayed in Pajaro Dunes in a lovely 3 bedroom condo right next to the beach! We spent a little time on the beach Monday later afternoon and spend the rest of the time getting settled in and making dinner. After Elli went down we had dinner and watched a movie.

Tuesday was "just" a beach day, we took a nice long walk in the morning, had lunch at home, played some more in the sand and water, and then once again after Elli went down we had dinner and watched a movie.

Wednesday was Michelle's actaul birthday, and Mark had plans to go to the aquariam; yay, I love the aquariam!!! We ended up only spending about an hour and a half there, we were on super speed because of Elli, plus there were tuns of people out on Christmas break. Elli loved the fish and such but was quickly ready to move on! I could have stayed and watched them all day! They have a new seahorse exhibit, and sadly that was the one thing we didn't get to speed through. Mark made reservations at a place called Roy's for a nice lunch. It was on 17mile drive next to one of the 3 major golf courses (not sure which one) in Pebble Beach. After a lovely lunch and chocolate lava cakes we headed back and hung out at the house. On the way home we stopped at a local roadside fruit stand and loaded up some goods. Mark made lazagna (Michelle's birthday dinner request) for dinner and it was quite the adventure as Michelle and I spent most of the time running commentary!! We spent plenty of time eating that day and were stuffed by the end! After Elli went down we played a round of Qurikle, way fun, chatted and then turned in.

Thursday morning was mostly occupied with packing and loading, but of course we made time to visit the beach for one last hour of toes in the sand before we headed home. We pulled into my apartment around 4:15!!!

Greatful for the Christmas Pedi

Ahh, it was lovely, beautiful and relaxing as I didn't do much of anything despite my constant offers and attempts . . . apparently the wanted it to be a "perk" of my job!! I can't complain about getting to spend so much time next to the ocean both in WA and CA; I love me some Pacific Coastline!
*faces hidden to proctec the innocent!!

What I did on My Christmas Vacation (part 1.)

2010-01-02T23:16:00.000-08:00

My Christmas vacation was like a double vacation in one, and I suppose since tomorrow is Sunday I still have one more day to enjoy before heading back to reality!!

I flew up to Washington the Wednesday evening before Christmas, and not much happened that night besides the usual plane trip, drive to the ferry, ferry trip over to BI and the quick car ride home. We were up rather late if I recall (we were up rather late every night) though I'm not exactly sure what we were doing!

Mom knitted the resident Flat Bat a Santa Hat

Thursday (a.k.a. Christmas Eve) Mom, Bill and I headed out for a yoga class followed by a trip to Doc's for a delicious omelet breakfast . . . one can never go wrong with Doc's for breakfast! After coming home from breakfast mom and I both decided that we needed pedi's so we dashed out for an impromptu pedi excursion. We went to a little place in town that was celebrating their 2nd anniversary (unbeknownst (sp?) to us before hand). They had a full on buffet feast laid out, and though we tried to escape without partaking the owner caught us as mom was paying, so we sat down to some fried rice, noodle dishes, spring rolls with a mystery meet inside, cookies, pork, etc. The two funniest parts were . . . first when I was coming out of the bathroom in the back I noticed a full on whole pig on the floor (in a pan of course) that had been roasted for the event; not something you see in a nail salon everyday. And second, one of the guys working there asked mom if she wanted a pop and proceeded to open the cooler that was FULL of beer!!!!! We cracked up; fortunately we are a family that finds joy and humor in these types of experiences. After that we grabbed a few things from the store and headed home for a pizza dinner and sugar cookie making. We deccorated the Christmas tree (I think we actually did this before pedi's) and I finished my first ever scarf (also something I think we did before pedi's but I can't remember)

Bill Modeling my Scarf

Placing the Snowman atop the tree with care

Trying to get Luke to wear the Santa Hat
Sugar Cookie Baking

Bill ordered the pizza (which the delivered wrong so we ended up with an extra!) and Mom and I made sugar cookies. I opened my traditional Christmas eve present of PJ's which included a new hoodie!!! Mom was dying to open presents so she not only managed to talk me into opening our little presents from Timbra, but also talked Bill into opening a present . . . which was our new Christmas game . . . Yamslam; tricky lady!! We played a few rounds of Yamslam which is apparently the it game of the year (the it game of the year for those who play real games not of the video variety!) Very fun. Then we headed to bed and the Christmas elves set about their various activities . . . mine included wrapping all the presents I'd brought along with stuffing Mom and Bill's stockings! Oh, and how could I forget, we also watched White Christmas . . . a Christmas must in our house!

The Stocking were placed in their spots with care

The Tree all ready for Christmas morning

Christmas morning I was up around 8, thought Bill was up first Mom apparently decided that it would be a good morning to sleep in . . . at about 8:30 I came up with the idea to put a little snoopy playing a piano on her bed to play a song to wake her; Bill took it in, but it didn't work. Around 8:45 I put the singing snowmen outside her bedroom door and that finally worked . . . she thought that Bill was trying to wake us both, ha if only she knew! We opened presents, had a delish breakfast, showered and headed out to the local hunters club (forgot the actual name) to help prep and serve a lunch to some of the elderly people on the island who wouldn't be spending Christmas with family. It was quite a fun experience, though there were way too many helpers, and only about 25 people who ate lunch we still had a blast. Mom and I picked up a couple who were a total crack up!!!

Bill playing the role of Santa

Mom got an Atlas Book

Ahh the annual greasy hair Christmas morning just woke up picture

Bill with the hat mom knitted him

Christmas morning breakfast

The three of us at the lodge before the lunch

Tables set and ready to go

Yeah I'm picking his noes, it's what you do when there's

too many helpers and not enough work!

The dessert table, never mind the moose

(seriously the guy serving dessert kept whacking his head on it!)

No caption necessary

Christmas evening we saw Invictus, at the older theater on the island, which was awesome and totally makes me want to learn more about Nelson Mandela! After that we headed home and had a delish Christmas dinner of brie, prosciutto and chicken wrapped in phyllo dough, twice baked potatoes, tasty bread and salad . . . yum!! We finished out the evening with a few more rounds of Yamslam!

Saturday we headed over to Snoqualime Falls with mom and Bill's friends Rich and Betty. We had a wonderful brunch at the Salish Lodge and then hiked down to the falls. We were hoping for nice big icicles, but it was fairly warm . . . fear not the view was still beautiful, it's neat to get that close to the waterfall! On the ferry ride home we opted to stay in the car, and much to our luck (not so much for the people in front of us). The couple in front of us managed to lock their keys in the car, and our "in ferry" entertainment (like in flight, get it???) was watching the ferry workers attempt to get into the car. It seriously took 3 guys and almost the full half hour; they managed to pop a door open as we were docking . . . nothing like waiting till the last minute! The rest of the evening was spent hanging out and playing Canasta!

The falls

Sign, what sign?

(yes we went over and down)

We had brunch up there (and you can see the moon out)

Mom and I on a rock on the river

Action Shot

(does he remind anyone else of a spider about to attack?)

Me and the Waterfall

Sunday we had a nice morning at Church, and came home to make our delicious homemade street tacos (I like to think of them as famous now as well!), and after that Mom and I headed into town for me to pick out some yarn for a new scarf and then we saw Avatar =awesomeness! I cannot remember what we did the rest of the evening, but I'm sure it was lovely. Oh, I remember, we watched Secret Life of Bees, mom knitted, I worked on laundry and Bill slept!

Luke all curled up with his Christmas Ball

(he loved it)

Monday morning mom drove Bill and I to the ferry, we rode over together, we had my driver drop him close to work and then it was on to the airport.

The second half of "What I did on my Christmas Vacation" begins once I landed back on the ground in Sacramento . . .

Page #

2010-01-02T00:35:00.000-08:00

So my goal for 2009 was to read 52 books; better known as a book a week. I've got mixed feelings on my results because as it stands from a numbers perspective it looks (and feels) like I fell way short of that goal, where as if you just look at the number of books I read this past year and don't take into account my original goal it looks (AND feels) like I read a lot of books. I finished out the year at 33 books; finished the last page of the last book on December 30th, and if I recall, I think I started the first page of the first book on January 1st, so I literally began and finished the year with books!

Looking back over the list of books I read, I'm happy to say that I feel I have a good mix of both fiction and non-fiction, and I've been very happy with the spiritual books I read as well. I look over the list and if feels like I just finished all of these books, and I can' believe it's been a year already. There were weeks at a time where it felt like all I did was read, and then of course there were weeks at a time where I didn't touch a book. The fastest I read a book was in 2 days, and I've still got two books that I started and needed a break from so I've yet to finish . . . hey if you add both those halves in I can bump up to 34 right!?!

My favorite book from the past year was Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne; I think everyone who considers themselves a Christian should read it; well actually I think everyone should read it, religious or not . . . I had to keep my journal close by to write things down non stop, and I finished it only a week and a half ago, but I can't stop thinking about it. I took my time reading that one because there was a lot to absorbe and process along the way, and it wasn't the kind of book where you could just read a page here or there because you'd need time to process. It is truly the kind of book that makes you look at yourself and the world and think "hmm . . . well I can't just read that and not make a change"

I finally broke down and read the Twilight series, which I really did enjoy; I resisted those for a good part of the year! I managed to read the first one in 2 days, the second and third one in 3 days each, and the 4th in 5 days I believe. Very easy reads, and great if you want to feel accomplished in reading lots of pages!!

My least favorite would probably be Middlesex; that was a tough read (at least the first half). In fact I put it down half way through and wasn't sure if I'd pick it back up (which is not my typical style, if I start a book I have to finish it sooner or later), but it had a spot in my closet where I could see if everyday and it kept "calling my name" so I had to finish . . . "interesting" to say the least.

I also throughly enjoyed The Art of Racing in the Rain, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, Look Me in the Eye, Here's the Deal . . . ok, really I throughly enjoyed all of them for their own different reasons!

Though I suppose if you could the countless children's books I've read in the past year my number would be well over 52!!!!

I have decided in the past few weeks that while reading books is great, and I don't intend to give it up, it's time to put my efforts towards reading "the Book," so one of my goals for the coming year is to read through the bible . . . on that note, any recommendations for good websites, books or references on reading the bible in a year would be much appreciated.

And of course I got a few more books for Christmas I can't wait to dive into . . .

*For a complete list of my 2009 reading (less the children's books of course ;) you can check the left side of my blog!

Fastest Dog West of the Mississippi

2009-12-06T14:09:00.000-08:00

My dear sweet (and often crazy!) doggie passed away on Saturday. Chocolate Chip, who has been a member of our family for the past 17 years; thought he mostly went by chip he was a dog of many names (not unlike everyone else in our family) - Chip, Chocolate Chip, Chipy-E-O, and "The Fastest Dog West of the Mississippi," just to name a few.

He was such a good dog:

One who never turned down the opportunity to fetch a stick, ball, rock or anything else you might be willing to throw for him. He was so fast that other dogs didn't even try for the catch or chase; in fact both his "little" brother and sister gave up quickly on the idea of fetching the stick and created a game of fetching Chip instead. The would grab onto the back of one of his legs as he ran and Chip would just run with 3 legs and still win! When Chip was a puppy he's play fetch with himself in the back yard if no one would play with him, getting the ball in his mouth and throwing it up in the air to catch and then start all over.
One who was the master escape artist. Often when he was a puppy we would get a knock on the door front one of the neighbor kids informing us that Chip had escaped the back yard . . . this often lead to a large group of neighbor kids chasing him up and down the streets trying to catch him which wasn't easy, and a game he delighted in! Once we move to a place where he could roam free (within the limits of the invisible fence) he required the extra large shock collar, which never seemed strong enough to keep him home, but was a perfectly good excuse not to come back!
One who claimed senility much before his time . . . mostly so he could get away with things; hey who can resist a cute brown dog!
One who loved to chew so much that he eventually chewed his teeth right off, sticks, rocks, bones whatever the flavor of the day . . . more often than not you could find him passed out on Christmas after chewing a bone all morning. He would literally chew until he was dead to the world, fast asleep with exhaustion and joy, and at that point nothing could wake him!
One who was a good sneak; we learned quickly not to leave any food too close to the edge of the counter . . . once my mom made cupcakes for my class and when she came downstairs later there was a whole row missing, wrappers and all . . . not a crumb of evidence left but we knew there was only one likely culprit. Another time it was a row of muffins, and so on.
One who was the alpha dog despite his size, even thought his "little" brother and sister grew to be twice his size in less than a year, Chip was still the leader, and always the first one home after a walk . . . right up until he wasn't going on walking trips anymore.

There are so many stories I could tell about Chip, he loved running in front of the rider mower when I was out front mowing, barking like a mad man. He hated being away from home, it made him a nervous wreck. When my parents moved to Utah it took chip twice the recommended dose of meds to knock him out (it took Luke who's twice his size half a dose.) Chip loved to be sprayed with water, and he was the best bubble catching dog you've ever seen, he'd go crazy for those bubbles. The only thing he was ever afraid of was the vacuum when he was little, and his first favorite thing to chew were white socks . . . much to the dismay of my little brother!

And who ever said you can't teach an old dog new tricks didn't know Chip; once when Bill was teaching Luke to wave he looked over and Chip was doing it! Of course Chip was one of those dogs who was only "capable" of learning or minding when it was what he wanted to do; otherwise he beat to his own drum (also much like most of the other members of the family ;)

I read a book this past week called "The Art of Racing in the Rain" a story of family life told from the dogs point of view (I'd give it two thumbs up!) and the dog said this; "Because terriers are problem solvers. They'll do what you tell them, but only if it happens to be in line with what they want to do anyway." Chip must have had some terrier in him because this was his personality exactly!

I'm sure there is more to say and more to share, and little stories will pop up from time to time. Thanks to Chip I'm going to expect all my dogs to hang around as long as he did! I'll always remember Chip as my first dog, for all the crazy things he did, and for all the laughs (and sometimes annoyances) he brought to our family . . . But most of all I'll remember him as "The Fastest Dog West of the Mississippi" who could do circles in the yard for hours (if he had to) to find that stick (that was probably tossed in a tree so he'd stop pestering us with it)!!!!!!!!!

My Cute Little Puppy

Chewing anything in site . . . the flavor of the day . . . newspaper Couch snuggle time

And a little tug-of-war (flavor of the day rope!)

Snuggled down for a nap

Such a handsome dog

Nap Time!

My 10th Birthday

Hoping for some cake

Christmas/Birthday Bone

Another Christmas/Birthday Bone

Wonder what this Christmas/Birthday present will be

Check out the air on that dog (with Pearl)

Christmas/Birthday Bone Time!

"Family Photo"

Chip and Luke

Umm this is when Macee was like 2 or 3 and we'd just gotten Luke . . .
at Macee's B-Day I think

Such a fine looking dog

Doing some yard work with Bill in WA

Chip and I Christmas 08' Washington

Chip, Luke, Bill and Al in April 09'

April 09'

Love you Chip-E-O

December 1992-December 2009

Thoughts on Lemon Juice

2009-11-11T19:32:00.000-08:00

Lemon juice was always one of those items that was kept in the fridge; I had/have no clue what my mom use to use it for. I'd see it come out, or at least be replaced every now and again which ment it was getting used in something . . . I probably didn't/don't want to know what ;) But lemon juice is something I've never kept in my fridge and I've been living on my own for something like 5 years, I never saw the point; that is until now.

There have been a few times here or there that I thought about getting some lemon juice, or maybe needed it for something, but I always justified not getting it for this reason or that. Until I took a class a few months ago and the recipe called for lemon juice, well we all know how I feel about that. I've yet to make the recipe inpart because it would mean that I'd have to break this unspoken "take that lemon juice" attitude I've had about keeping it in the apartment. I've thought about making the product a time or two but when I'd review the recipe I'd end up not because . . . I didn't have the lemon juice on hand.

Well tonight that all changed. I decided since Tuesday was National Vanilla ________ Day that I'd break down and finally buy the lemon juice. I don't think I ever really realized I have the whole "take that lemon juice I don't need you" attitude until I had to buy it today. I felt like I was losing the battle against the lemon juice.

So I said, ok, today on my way home I'll get some lemon juice and make the recipe . . . but I think today the lemon juice said "take that for giving me a take that" all these years. I thought about it like 20 minutes before I left work (where I drive by a store right on the way home), and didn't remember until I was about 30 seconds from my apartment that I forgot the lemon juice. I made a quick right into the mini-mart and the lemon juice gave me the second "take that" of the night (the first was forgetting it already) because the mini-mart (who has never failed me on a product before) only had the giant bottle of lemon juice. I decided to pass, come home put dinner in the oven and head back out to the store for the lemon juice.

At the store there was the little lemon shaped bottle, and the big lemon shaped bottle. Well I'd forgotten how much the recipe called for, and I didn't really want to have excess lemon juice on hand (don't want to become dependent on it!) but was afraid if I got the little one I wouldn't have enough . . . so I went with the big one. I came home and checked the recipe . . . 1/4 tsp of course . . . the lemon juice gave me a real what for today.

But alas I'll now have it on hand for next time I need to make . . . cupcakes . . . yeah of all things I broke down in my battle against lemon juice for cupcakes . . . what can I say, I'm devoted to my art!!!!!

Next thing you know I'll be stocking lime juice. . .

Airi's Arrival and the rest . . .

2009-11-05T08:59:00.001-08:00

Airi made her way into the world Monday night (8/24) just after 10pm and came in at 8lbs 15oz and 20.5 inches long. Such a sweet little thing; here is a first photo of the family of four. You can see that big sister Alani is so very proud of her new little sister. She was awesome running back and forth between her parens and mom and I giving us updates . . . . she's here, oh, no she's not here yet . . . she's going to be big like me . . . I tired to look at her with a flashlight . . . she's got hair . . . etc. It was way too cute!

Pondering her sweet "baby sister names Airi" (as Al referred to her for the first few days after she was born!)

Grannie and Alani sharing a celebratory hug

Mike checking out the youngest lady of his life!

And one VERY excited Auntie Haley and Airi

The girls all snug in bed!

Mom and I headed out so they could have some family time for the rest of the evening, I think we left around 1 maybe.

Airi (and everyone else) came home Tuesday morning around 10ish, and mom and I met them at the house. Mom had to head home Tuesday afternoon so she got to do most of the holding between when we got there and when she had to leave.

Here's Airi in the cradle Gramps made when Alani was a baby.

Grannie and her second granddaughter, she's not proud or anything!

Airi all stretched out and trying out a cloth diaper for the first time

Sister Kisses

Thursday Alani and I went to Music Together, momma had to stay home with Airi. We went to class and picked up some bagels (as is tradition) afterwards. Later that day the midwife came by to do the 3 day check up . . . and the rest is history. I'm sure most of you were all well informed via Timbra's blog or facebook or emails about Airi's bilirubin issues so no need to recount them here. Thursday night they left for the hospital and the next few days Alani and I busied ourselves with a little of this and a little of that while Mike and Timbra did the back and forth between Airi at the hospital and Alani with me. We all survived and Airi turned out just fine in the end!!!

Orange Baby on Thursday

Auntie Haley and her little "pumpkin!"

Alani and I borrowed a truck from Timbra's friend Emily so we could go about our business. It's just a single cab so Alani got to ride up front with me and she thought she was hot stuff. By Monday (this is Friday morning now) she knew which peddle you had to push to go and which you had to push to stop, which light colors meant what, what the "clock" (speedometer) said, and what all the radio/temp buttons did. . . a regular expert!!!

Friday we went to the zoo and then met up with Mike and Timbra for a little treat before heading home for a sleepover, Alani's first one without mommy, she was a super star. She woke up once during the night, looked at me and said "oh hi" and then went back to sleep!

On our way to the zoo

Alani having a little moment with this sad little monkey

There was a baby elephant who'd just been born two weeks before but she was having quality time with her mom while we were there so we didn't get to see her. Her name was Zuri

We saw lots of animals, had some lunch, rode the train and the merry-go-round, and got some cotton candy on the way out . . . because Auntie Haley Rocks

Here we are riding the merry-go-round

The baby elephant was not out and the 3 baby tigers were sleeping too far away for us to see, but we did get to see this litte guy!

She's so chill

Having a little treat with mommy and daddy, except she was asleep most of the time they were there; they had to go back to the hospital and here is the tired monkey finishing her yogurt!

Friday night we went to the store and picked up Madagascar 2; Alani had been requesting the "other madagascar" all day, you know the one with the lady and the purse (that's all we had to go on to figure out what movie she was talking about in the first place!) I must have worn her out good because on the way home from Target she said "can we just go home now?" Poor thing!!

Saturday we got to see Mike and Timbra a little more which was good for Alani, we went to the park to play; get nice and dirty!!!!! We met up with Mike and Timbra for dinner and then Timbra was able to come home to put Alani to bed that night, and Mike was there when she woke up Sunday morning.

Sunday I was able to hold Airi, so Alani got to go to the park with her momma for a bit while I was at the hospital with Mike. We switched off after a bit so Mike and I were with Alani at the park while Timbra went to be with Airi. That evening, after going home for a change, we were able to having dinner with Mike and Timbra again, and again Timbra was able to come home and put Alani to bed (she feel asleep on me both night before Timbra made it home, I know how to wear a kid out I guess!)

Playing some music with daddy at the park

Nothing better than a little treat from the ice cream truck!

Alani master of the water!

Some impromptu tribal dancing we stumbled upon at the park

Alani had to wear one of Timbra's shirts like a dress because her clothes were soaked!

Dinner at Chili's

Monday we got the good news that Airi was finally going to be coming home. I'd extended my trip by and extra day so I could help out and had to leave Monday afternoon. Once Mike, Timbra and Airi got home Mike and I ran the truck back and picked up some Sonic treats. Then I spent some time playing with Alani and holding Airi before heading back home.

Alani giving Grannie and update

Sweet baby girl back to her natural coloring!

Me and my girlies!

It was a fun trip, stressful, happy, emotional, busy but wonderful . . . and now I've got two super cute nieces!!! (and this post is only a little over two months late; Airi don't let this reflect on how much I love you ;)

Posts to Come

2009-11-01T21:44:00.000-08:00

Perhaps if I write a list of posts on my blog I'll actually have to blog about them!! Seriously there has been lots and lots going on over the last few months that I need to blog about . . . be looking out for them this week.

What to look for.

The actual arrival post of Airi (way back on August 24th) and days following
The second trip back to UT post Airi
What I've been up to with the youth (LDYR, Jr. High Retreat, Scary Monsters, Amazing Pumpkin Race)
The Wiist Girl visit to CA (Grannie and Gramps too)
and Halloween

So come back soon . . .

Pre Airi Arrival

2009-10-07T22:27:00.001-07:00

The anticipation of Airi's arrival lasted a LONG time because she was overdue . . . and since I had a free ticket and was going to fly out last minute, I didn't know when I'd go. It was torture on all of us, but mostly on Alani who really just wanted her super cool Auntie Haley to get there to hang out with her! It was decided that I'd fly out early Friday morning and stay through the next week. It was of course a few more days before she came, but we didn't let that stop us from having fun!!

I arrived Friday afternoon and we mostly just hung out for the rest of the day, me and Al got some good play time in!! Don't really remember that we did anything super fancy because I don't have any photographic evidence of it!!

Saturday we also just hung out (we did a lot of hanging out and holding our breath waiting for Airi to come!) We met up at Craker Barel for breakfast which is always a fun time!! That afternoon Mike and Timbra snuck out for a bit while Gramps, Grannie, Al and I played with some bubbles in the backyard . . . Al is the best bubble blower in the whole world; she has a
special oscillating lip technique! After that we watched Pete's Dragon for the 100th time!!

Mom and I "playing" checkers before breakfast

Mike's post-breakfast rock

Gramps and Alani having a rock

Her special blowing technique

Sunday Gramps had to head home (he'd already been there for a week waiting for Airi and in the end had to go home without meeting her . . . important meeting he was hosting and all!) After church the Wiist clan and mom and I headed up to Park City for Park Silly market. We wandered around trying the elevation trick to invite Airi to join us, had some shaved ice and saw what there was to see. Of course Al needed a purple giraffe balloon too from this super friendly clown named Scooter Bug! We went back home and hung out for the evening.

Some sweet loves for Auntie Haley

The Wiist family waiting for Airi

Al and the purple giraffe

Enjoying some Hawaiian shaved ice

Monday Timbra and Mike had an appointment with the Mid-Wife so Grannie, Al and I headed to Nickelmania to have a date. After having all the fun we could and winning some tasty prizes, we headed to the cheese cake factory for lunch. We took a few desserts home to share and then mom and I headed out so I could get a pedi. She and Timbra went earlier in the week, so she said she'd "sponsor" a pedi for me; such a sweet momma! Afterwards we went to a few shops and then called Mike to see if they wanted us to come back over and hang out. Upon calling we heard that Timbra was having some more intense labor so maybe we should entertain ourselves for a while, but to take some dinner over to them. We picked up dinners for everyone, dropped theirs off and took ours back to the cottage. We'd only been back to the cottage for a bit when Mike called and said they were headed over to the meet the mid-wife and we should meet them there. That was just after 7 . . .

Al and I trying our hand at DDR

Al and Grannie Ski Balling

This was Grannie's favorite game

Eating our winnings (75 tix each and hand picked by Al)

Grannie, Alani and I did some coloring, played with some blocks, watched a little over half of Chicken Run; all the while Alani was running back and forth reporting the progress to us, and then before we knew it . . .

Passing the time with coloring

And block building

And puppet playing . . . Where's Grannie!?!

Because it's what we do while we wait!

Blue LIke Jazz

2009-09-20T15:19:00.000-07:00

Because I'm such a blog slacker and I have a lot to cover from this past month . . . I'm putting it off. I'll work on it this weeks; all about my trip to UT and Airi and Alani and all that good stuff. But for now just a few quotes, from the second to last book I read, to get you thinking.

Quotes from Blue Like Jazz:

"I believe that the greatest trick of the devil is not to get us into some sort of evil but rather have us wasting time. This is why the devil tries so hard to get Christians to be religious. If he can sink a man's mind into habit, he will prevent his heart from engaging God."

"If you don't love somebody, it gets annoying when they tell you what to do or what to feel. When you love them you get pleasure from their pleasure, and it makes it easy to serve."

"I mean to be in a relationship with God is to be loved purely and furiously. And a person who thinks himself unlovable cannot be in a relationship with God because he can't accept who God is; a Being that is love."

"If loving other people is a bit of heaven then certainly isolation is a bit of hell, and to that degree, here on earth, we decide in which state we would like to live."

"The most difficult lie I have ever contended with is this: Life is a story about me."

The Infamous Photo

2009-08-16T14:58:00.000-07:00

Crime: Haley caught in the act of what appears to be . . . coming out of the Sani-Hut talking on her cell phone

Date: July 29th, 2009; approximately 7:15 pm

Location: Tahoe, CA

As it appears: Haley is walking out of the port-a-potty in Tahoe while talking on her cell phone, and unbeknownst to her, Laura is waiting at the ready with camera in hand to document the crime.

The Truth (according to defendant): "Laura and I have a running joke because a few years back we were taking a picture of ourselves at TFE (Tahoe Family Encampment); and upon review of the picture we discovered that the Sani-Hut was our backdrop. After that things sort of fell into place to make a tradition out of it; so we have several pictures of ourselves in front of said Sani-Hut. Believe it or not now we go out of our way to make sure we get a picture in front of the Sani-Hut every year. Well this year started out like any other, we went over to have our picture taken in front of the Sani-Hut and on the way I said that after our picture I'd actually need to use the Sani-Hut. Laura then told me she was going to take a picture of me coming out of the Sani-Hut. So I went in to use the 'facilities' and apparently forgot to lock the door (and apparently Laura was too busy talking on the phone to pause for 2 seconds to tell me I forgot to lock the door; yeah she noticed . . . she was also apparently too busy to stop what happened next.) while I was pulling my pants up a little girl opened the door on me and then quickly dropped it (by the way second 'walking in' incident I had in Tahoe this year, but the first time I was the 'walker inner'). I was distracted by this and came out, and Laura thought it was funny and said; ' good thing I didn't take a picture of that' but after having said this she realized she forgot to take a picture at all. So back into the Sani-Hut I went (see this time it was staged!) I thought I'd add an extra element to the already comical picture, so I whipped out my cell phone and pretended to be chatting away."

Jury Conclusion: So there you have it folks, the jury concludes that Haley is not at fault of talking on the phone while using the Sani-Hut . . . though upon questioning she did make this statement; "Port-A-Potties are kind of creepy and gross so safety in numbers is always a good idea, and since two people can't actually fit in there, a buddy on the phone is the next best option."

But what do you think: Do you think that Haley is innocent and this was a staged photo, or . . . do you think she really was on the phone and has concocted this elaborate story to"cover up" the truth.

*As of the writing of this post, we have not been able to gather a statement from Laura . . .

Sani-Hut Photo 2008

Sani-Hut Photo 2009

The Great Race

2009-08-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

So a few weeks ago (umm almost a month ago the 18th of July) I participated in my first triathlon; granted I only did two portions of the race, but still I can now say I've done a tri! This particular tri is a run/bike/paddle as opposed to the traditional run/bike/swim tri. Apparently (she confessed this) my mom has been wanting to do this tri for like 15 years or something crazy like that but it was just never the right time. Well this was her lucky year, and she was so lucky in fact, she got to do the whole thing herself and with her family!

A Sea (or should I say River Front) of Kayaks: Pre-Race Set-up

Through a series of unfortunate events we went from having two teams of 3 to having my mom do the whole thing herself, and a team of 2, which was Bill and I. The biker on my mom's team dropped out two weeks pre-race due to a back injury and her husband (the runner) decided to drop out as well. One week prior to the race we found out that my brother (my team's runner) had a few broken ribs and punctured lung; so he was out! After several failed attempts to find new runners we just gave up and the Tuesday before the race my mom and I decided we'd just do the run ourselves.*Side note, I'm not a runner at all and 5 day's isn't really a lot of time to prepare for a 5.8mile run! I went to the gym Tuesday night and walked 4 miles in an hour which helped me realize that I could do it!* But alas it was decided and we were just gonna do it; the point wasn't to win anything but to have some good family fun!

My mom came in on Wednesday for a few days of extra visiting time which is always a treat! We had mexican food for dinner and then ran a few errands; one of which was to get matching shirts for the race. . . we ended up with the same shirt in different colors! Picking shirts at 9pm at night was and adventure in and of itself!

Thursday I had to work but my mom met me and we walked to Jacks for lunch; man it was hot, but as my mom pointed out it was good for her because that way she could acclimate to the heat a little before Saturday. We didn't do anything strenuous, just about 2.5 miles round trip. After work my mom treated us to a massage which is always nice; I got worked really hard and had several bruises Friday, but all the knots and tight muscles were gone! We grabbed some mexican food, headed home to finish up folding the bulletins for church and then just hung around for the evening. (I love when my mom comes to town because we get to have LOTS of mexican food;)

Friday morning we were supposed to go kayaking but our original trip fell through so some quick rearranging of the day's schedule and we were good to go! We ran some errands in the morning and then met up with Bill and Justin along with the family I work for, for a nice lunch downtown. After a lovely lunch and visit we headed home for a wardrobe change and the boys dropped us off at on the river so we could kayak the course in prep for the big day. I've kayaked the river several times, but my mom wanted to do a test run; and who am I to complain about kayaking!!! It worked out well because the end of the course is exactly where the pre-race packet pick up was Friday night. We were able to pick up or packets, make the changes to our teams and dash off. We spend Friday evening with Ben and Katie, talking race strategy and getting everything gathered together for the big day!

*Katie also signed up to do the whole race herself; her first tri! Funny story; mom wanted to tie ribbons to our kayak paddlesso we each needed one. At this point Katie looks at me and says "don't we need one for each paddle?" She's never kayaked before; I then had to explain (through laughter) that you connect the two paddles together! I could just picture Katie out there on the river paddling with two paddles while everyone else only had one!

The race stared at 8 on Saturday, so we had to meet up at 6:30 to drop kayaks off. Now stay with me here; here's what we had mapped out for the day (and thank goodness Justin was there to be our "crew" because without him we couldn't have done the race!) We dropped kayaks off at 6:30, from there Mom and I went in one car to the start line for the run, Bill, Justin and Katie went to drop off bikes. Katie then met us at the start line about one second before the race started! Bill and Justin were waiting at the bike transition where mom and Bill rode off and Justin drove me to the kayak transition. From there mom and I took off in kayaks and Bill and Justin loaded the bikes in the car and drove to the finish line to meet us! Complicated but all went as smooth as it possibly could!

Kayaks Unloaded and Ready to Go

The Crew/(Bill)Teammate

Serious News Coverage of this Race

My Kayak ready to go

Katie and Mom prepping their Kayaks

One Side of the Bridge: All the Iron-person Kayaks

These were on the Other side: Tandem and Team Kayak groups

The "Rat Pack" headed back to the cars!

Mom and I finishing the Run Strong

Bill headed out on the Bike Leg

Mom taking off for the Bike Leg

Bike to Kayak Transition/Handoff of Red Wristband!

She's still going Strong!

The Last leg/My Favorite Leg!

Mom headed out for the last leg

Pulling in for the Big Finish

Mom Crossing the Finish Line

Our goal was to finish the race in under 3 and a half hours; that a lotted 1 and a half hours for the run (remember we mostly walked I think we rand like 6 or 7 minutes?) an hour for the bike and an hour for kayaking. We totally rocked; mom and I did the run/mostly walk in under an hour and a half and then mom and Bill did the bike in like 45 minutes; the kayak took about 50 minutes. . . . whew 5.82 mile run/12.5 mile bike/6.25 mile paddle.

Post-Race Photo Shoot

Us Girls

Me and my Teammate!

Mom and Bill

The Family/Teammate/Crew Members

The Racers

The whole day was a blast! I'm so glad my mom talked me into it ;) I'm hoping that maybe next year I'll be brave enough to do the whole thing myself!!!!! We went to see Harry Potter in the afternoon and then after dinner played cards for a while; so it was a wonderful day all together!

Kayaks loaded up post-race; they look go up there!!

Not to Shabby looking for post-race self-portrait!

Sunday my parents departed with Justin and I went about my day feeling wonderfully sore all over . . . you know, the kind that feels really good!!

So who wants to do The Great Race 37 next year?? By the way The Great Race is "The World's Oldest Triathlon" check it out here

Kayaking

2009-08-04T14:42:00.000-07:00

As I'm sure you all know, I love love love to kayak. I'm so lucky/blessed to have a friend who not only owns 4 kayaks (and 5 paddles; story to come during Tahoe post ;), but she also lets me use them whenever I'd like. I've had two of her kayaks for the past month and have had several opportunities to use them with friends and family!

In prep for the Eppies Race (which will be coming up in the next post), I went out on the river with my friend Del. He's been asking me to take him kayaking for the past 3 years, and this particular weekend his number came up! It was a beautiful day on the river, not too hot and not to cold. It did rain on us a bit a few times, which was just awesome, and made for a beautiful sky.

Del getting ready to take off!

This is when it was raining

People party on this little island every weekend

Floating down the river

At the End of another Great River Run

Ahh, if I could only spend everyday sitting atop a kayak on a river!

The Rest of the Trip

2009-07-30T16:26:00.000-07:00

So, I'm finally getting Washington finished up . . . good thing because I've got other things piling up behind it. Be looking for blogs on . . . kayaking, eppies/family visit, and Tahoe. How will I ever get these all done; all I can say is my niece better hold off her entrance into the world until I get caught up first!

The Sunday after the 4th of July, Courtney, Kevin and I headed back over to Seattle to see what kind of trouble we could get ourselves into! We decided, upon inspiration from my mom, to take the under ground tour of Seattle. Very interesting, we learned a lot about the city that we didn't know before. It's kind of comical really; after the city burned down, they started building simoutaniously the ground level and the now ground level because the owners of shops and the city were in disagreement. You can learn more about the history of Seattle here

After we finished up the underground tour we pretty much just wandered around for the rest of the day. We grabbed some lunch at a little cafe, walked Pikes Place, down the water front, through the pirate store and then back on the ferry home.

At the Cafe where we had Lunch

On the Warf "Acting Natural"

That evening we spent working on a super cool puzzle that Ben and Katie gave my parents; it was a puzzle that was based on where they live. It was really funny; a total "family puzzle night" moment. We did dash out for Mora (super awesome ice cream) in the middle and sadly Kevin had to head home about 15 minutes before the puzzle was completed; because ferries don't wait for anyone!

Hard at Work (Kev and Court were on water duty/Mom and Bill on Land Duty)

My contribution . . . The Center!

Looks like Kev/Court are winning!

We did it!

Bright and early Monday morning mom and I took Courtney to the ferry (somewhere in the 4am hour). The rest of the day, after we woke up around 10, we spent just relaxing and recovering from all the funness we had over the weekend.

We did decide to partake in one new adventure for the day . . . the bus. Now nothing really exciting to report, it's just something neither of us has tried taking to the airport yet, so today was the day. We didn't take any pictures of ourselves on the bus because it wasn't a novel adventure for anyone else ;) Mom did break the bus rule by giving her my ticket to someone on the way back so they wouldn't have to pay; good thing she didn't get caught.

There are lots of things you can't do down there!

Ready to hop the bus!

Of course we did!

Yikes

Actual 4th of July Post

2009-07-21T10:03:00.000-07:00

**Ok, I must confess that part of the reason I'm so unmotivated to blog these days is because the photos are very difficult to load. I'm holding out until September to upgrade my operating system; at which point photos will hopefully be much easier to load!

Anyway, back to the good stuff. 4th of July was a blast!! We started out the day on a "Fun Run" which was a 5k that our group managed to finish last in. Bill and Ben came in dead last and it came down to the photo finish . . . .

Ben it is! After the adult "Fun Run" the kids had a kids dash they could participate in; unfortunately we missed it, so us "Big Kids" partook in some silly races with them; galloping, skipping, running, and sideways running!!!

Bill is getting beat by Aden and Lauren is skipping along

Breakfast at Doc's . . . where else!?!

We checked out the Classic cars at the car show, and happened to be next to two cars while their owners got trophies!

This guy won Most Original

This guy won something like "For the Love of the Hobby"

We picked our place to watch the parade, and then I had to traverse parade watchers (and the parade itself at time) to meet up with Kevin. We then walked back by everything (there were parts of the parade I saw 3 times!) to get back to everyone. The parade was awesome; one of the best ones I've seen; except it was rather warm out and it kept going on and on and on.

Not even a 5th of the Crowd!

Blues Brothers

My Favorite Float/Group

Found my Family Again

Finally right before it started winding down our group headed off in search of some froze lemonades (how much more all American can you get!) on our way to the Limerick readings. (Back Story . . . Mom and Bill won a contest for a Limerick reading back in March and they, along with others, were asked to read their limericks at the 4th of July event. The one they got Editor's Choice for was great, but neither felt it was their best one, so Bill decided he'd do a bate and switch and read a different one instead. We all thought he'd chicken out, but . . . . he did it!!!!) Bill read the "best" limerick which made us all laugh!!!!

After that we all headed home to freshen up and prep for the big bbq and get tattooed!

Watermelon Time

Tattoo Time

Katie on the shoulder/Ben on the forearm (Ben's says "Superstar")

Lauren on the arm

Mom's goes with the classic shoulder look

Bill Sporting the Calf tat

Court rock'n the behind the ear

Mine was incognito

Mom's friend Katie was most daring of all; the cheek tattoo

The evening was spent with good company, great food and an amazing view of fireworks around the sound. There were some people right down the shore lighting off some fireworks that are "commercial" grade; so it was an impressive close up show! We could see fireworks going off all around the sound; I'd say there were at least 10 to 15 different shows we could see!!! They too kept going and going and going into the wee hours of the night!

Master of the Grill (Luke is offering his assistance)

Enjoying the company and the view

Dinner Spread

Enjoying the food

Red, White, and Blue Dessert Spread

Fireworks Time

Passing the 3-D glasses around

We finished out the night with a bang. . . . Brian Regan of course!

4th of July in Washington

2009-07-13T21:36:00.000-07:00

Oh dear, I'm such a blog slacker these days. And now the blogging I have is such a big chunk I've just been putting it off. I need to adopt the Timbra plan which is to just blog a little everyday (except she blogs a lot everyday ;) There is a lot of goodness to report, so I may have to break this up into more than one blog, so don't hold it against me if the actual part about the 4th of July doesn't come until another post! But let's just start off by saying this . . . Who would have thought that the most sun and sunburnt I'd get all summer would have been in Washington!?!

Let's start from the beginning . . . Once upon a time I was born . . . ok, not that far back; let's just start with the beginning of the trip! I flew up to WA the Tuesday before the 4th of July (so June 30th). Nothing really eventful about the trip up there, hopped the plane, grabbed the driver, ferried over and drove home with my mom. Does anyone else think it's funny that to get from my house to my parents house I have to take a car, a plane, another car, a ferry, and a third car; and I still say that there way nothing eventful about getting there!?! Said some hellos and goodnights to my parents and then headed off to bed.

My Festive "Room Drop"

(Tim these are the orginal glasses that came with the t-shirt you sent me for my birthday the year you were living in Fiji; the t-shirt from Old Navy!)

Wednesday the fun began; Wednesday was mommy and me day! I say this because the rest of the trip there were lots of comings and goings, and on Monday as I was packing to leave my mom said, " it's a good thing we had Wednesday together otherwise I would have felt like I didn't see you the whole time." Now realize that she uttered some very similar words back when I visited her in April (as I was packing to leave); " I feel like I haven't even talked to you the whole time you've been here." Apparently my parents new house is all the rage because there are a lot of people stopping through to check it out!

Ok, ok, back to Wednesday. Mom and I started the day by making a list of our shopping needs for the weekends festivities to come (we both enjoy making lists)! Once the lists were complete we headed out for a lovely walk along a trail which took us to the ocean; about 5 miles round trip! It was a nice walk, but on one leg I had some issues; I was convinced a tree was going to fall on us (it was leaning and making a lot of noises), I got something in my shoe and the icing on the cake was that a bug flew straight to the back of my throat!!! After our walk we went to the movies; saw My Sister's Keeper and enjoyed sharing some popcorn and a tasty sandwich! Once our eyes were dry, we headed off to get mani's and pedi's; one of our favorite girly activities! We rounded out the day by doing all the shopping, picking Bill up from the ferry and enjoying a tasty bbq'd dinner!

Thursday morning, Mom and I hopped the ferry over to Seattle to meet Courtney who was coming to enjoy the weekend of funness with us. Mom so kindly took Court's stuff back to Bainbridge, and Court and I headed off to enjoy what the city had to offer us for a Thursday . . . Beautiful weather and lots of fun. Cout was actually born in Seattle but hasn't been back in like 20 years. We scoped out Pikes Place, the Public Market, and the Hmong Flower Mart.

Throwing a Crab

Hmong Flower Mart

Us Girls at Public Market

We then headed off to the Space Needle and up we went. It was a beautiful day out and very clear so we got an unobstructed 360 view from the top! We were pretty hungry once we came down so we took the monorail back (oh we rode it both ways) and ate at a little pub overlooking Public Market.

Street Performer at Space Needle

Space Needle Looking Down

View from our Table

We took the ferry back over to Bainbridge and took the bus from there to my parents. (my mom had taken the car over to Seattle side for an appointment. We were like ships in the night; or ferries in the day, whichever you prefer). After that we spent the rest of the day hanging out with Bill's sister and Co. and Grandma. Court fell asleep pretty early and was out until the next morning. It kind of freaked my mom out because she's apparently never seen anyone sleep as hard as Court can; it really is an art ;)

Friday; what did Friday hold for us???? Oh, I remember. Friday we met up with Bills family for a late breakfast and then some good old fashioned fun hanging around the dollar store!!! Mom, Bill, Court and I rode our bikes (with me grumbling and complaining because I realized that I'm not really a huge fan of bike riding, it's been like 5 years since I've been on a bike. But umm, I'm pretty sure I'm the one who has been suggesting a bike ride for a while!) down to the harbor where we rented kayaks and tooled (mom's word for that day) around for about an hour. It was a blast to go around and check out all the boats and see island life from on the water! We all really enjoyed it! Stopped at Blackbird for toast on the way back home.

Court Getting in/Bill Waiting

She Looks Like She's About to Jet Off

Mom and Bill

The Ferry with the Space Needle Behind it

Court Kayaking

Friday night we made homemade tacos for dinner; we made the mini corn tortillas, salsa, and all the other good stuff for a little mexican feast! Super tasty, we always enjoy cooking together and having a "fresh" meal; everyone participated! The rest of the night was spent on 4th of July food prep which kept us up rather late; no surprise there.

Our Dinner Display

to be continued . . .

Shh . . . It's A . . .

2009-06-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

SURPRISE!!!!

Last weekend held several celebrations and surprises for the Wiist family; mostly Timbra thought. See, I'd told her long ago that I wouldn't be able to make it for Alani's 3rd birthday because I owned my own business and couldn't take the time off (which was true.) And than I told her I could make it because while I didn't own the business anymore I hadn't budgeted for a trip so I could afford to go (which was also true.) And than I told her I was hoping to get some flight vouchers on my way back from my Mother's Day trip to pay for my flight but I didn't get them (once again true). But what I never told her was that our wonderful parents offered to pay for my flight on the condition that it was a surprise (ok, really there were no conditions, it was an afterthought; but a very fun one at that!)

We also decided the same weekend (through inspiration from Timbra's friend) that we should just go ahead and plan a surprise baby shower for the same weekend. After some trepidation about the surprise aspect of the plan; we decided to just go for it and see how it went! But the time my mom and Bill picked me up Thursday night they were both convinced that Timbra knew I was coming; and maybe even thought something was up about a possible baby shower . . . I knew that if she really didn't think I was coming she's have no clue about the shower because we wouldn't do it without me there. Turns out she was completely clueless to both!!

So Thursday night (after throwing her off track one last time), I hopped a plane and made my way to Utah for the weekend of parties, fun and surprises. Mom and Bill picked me up, we stopped to pick up some ice cream and head over to the Wiist house. Mom was sure Timbra knew something was up and told me to wait in the car for a few minutes. . . . so I waited and waited (ok it was like 2 minutes.) When I knocked on the door Timbra was totally in shock to see me she said; "are you com(the ing was implied). . . I mean are you hear?" It was really fun to have pulled off that surprise, little did she know there was more to come. Alani was also excited to see me, and we all enjoyed our ice cream and some visits before Mom, Bill and I headed back to the hotel.

Friday mom and I picked Timbra up and we headed out for mani's/pedi's as per our usually girls get together activity! We spend most of the afternoon "bebop'n" around town doing a little of this and a little of that; lunch, I needed my bangs fixed, party errands, shaved ice, etc. After all our girl activities (with Al after the mani/pedi's) we headed back to the house to work on party prep; had some tasty Cafe Rio salads for dinner and then off to the hotel for secret activities and sleep.

Enjoying out Pedi's

Saturday was party day; Alani turned 3!!!! She was such a happy, sweet and cute 3 year old who was very excited about her party! We had last minute party prep to take care of and then at 2 we had Alani's tea party; so cute. It was the perfect day for a backyard tea party! After getting all cleaned up from the party, mom, Bill and I snuck off so Tim could put Alani down for a nap, and then we came back and Mike and Timbra snuck off to have a pre-anniversary date. And while Mike and Timbra were gone and Alani was sleeping Mom and Bill snuck off to do some secret baby shower errands and a quick trip by a graduation party. ("I fear you underestimate the sneakiness") Once they arrived back we took Alani back to the hotel for some swim time; she's quite the little fish, kept having me scoot further and further back so she could jump to me, and at the end even diving under the water more than jumping!

Getting Piggy "Brains" From Grannie

Quality Control

Party Princess

Sunday we had church; Bill and I made it for class by mom wasn't "feeling well" (finishing up surprise shower prep) so Bill picked her up between class and worship. After worship we all visited for a bit and Emily (Tim's friend aka shower hostess) told her she had something she'd forgotten to give Alani and wanted us to stop by and get it later. During lunch Timbra said; "oh we forgot to stop by Emily's on the way here." We decided that we'd just go get it afterwards; and in the mean time I told Mike and Bill they needed to say they were going out for coffee. Timbra wanted them to come straight home after getting their coffee so we could do something for my birthday (haha)! When we pulled up to Emily's (the door was decorated) and Timbra said; "are they having a baby shower or something?" After a few minutes of silence while we were all getting out of the car her exact words were; "If this is what I think it is you guys suck (or maybe it was you guys are jerks; now I can't remember)." I'm just assuming she meant that in the most loving way possible ;)

Us Girls

Shower Hostesses

Yes, we'd pulled off two surprises in one weekend! Timbra had no clue that was coming! We had a blast, played some game, opened some presents and got some good visiting time in. (I'm sure she'll expand more on this on her blog!) Mom and Bill flew out around 5, so they left from the shower. I went back to spend some more time with Mike, Timbra and Alani, and Timbra made a little cake for me and she and Alani sang me happy birthday! After enjoying a little cake and playtime they took me to the airport!

The weekend was a busy one and stressful (in a good way for those of us in on the surprise to come) but of course so much fun. Now big sister Alani is 3 and Timbra's got a few more things in preparation for baby girl Wiist 2.0!

*Slideshow will be coming but I want to let Tim post most of her picts of Al's birthday party first!

Day 15

2009-06-01T10:12:00.000-07:00

Today is day 15 in my challenge to myself and I must say I'm proud of myself for making it this far! I would say of all the days yesterday was actually the hardest; much harder than day 3 and 4 (when I kind of just wanted a break). I spent the whole first week sore because I was actually putting at lot of muscles to use that don't get used on a regualr basis!

Yesterday I was at church from 8 till 2 because I was hosting a bone marrow registry drive; which meant I needed to be up before 7 (not my ideal for a Sunday morning) and I hadn't gone to bed till well after 1 Saturday night. Anyway after that I was wiped out and ended up taking a nap from about 4:45 till 6:30ish. We had a little concert at church from 7 to 8 which I went to despite still being tired and now having a headache. I didn't want to go to the gym even before I left the house but packed my gym back "just in case!" After the concert I was talking to someone and telling them about my challenge to myself to which he replied; " It's day 14 you have to go." So I did. I still didn't want to be there and my head was still hurting but I put my 40 minutes in and by the time the 40 minutes was up I was feeling much better and probably could have gone longer; but it was already 9 by that point.

So all of that to say, now that I'm at day 15 working out feels more like part of the routine and I'm use to just packing my gym bag when I leave in the morning. I've stuck to not doing the exact same thing everyday which I think really helps. Monday's and Fridays are my cardo/strength training days; and Wednesday is yoga and hot-tub day (quickly becoming my favorite workout day!). The rest of the days I kind of just do whatever floats my boat; usually a different form of cardio and some ab work. I'm really enjoying it, and I love that it now feels like part of the day. I'd like to add some swimming in soon!

I will confess that I did go through a drive thru yesterday at In n Out burger; and while I feel guilty about it, in my opinion In n Out isn't quite in the same category as other fast food; and I only got the burger, no fries for me.

So overall I'd say that I've only really had one slip-up in the past 15 days which I personally think isn't too bad, and making it this far I don't feel quite as guilty as if I'd done it on say day 3. But I also know that being open about my goal and sharing it with others has been a big help. Having people who know about my 21 day challenge makes it a little less challenging because I don't go more than 2 days without someone asking how things are going!

Thanks for the support so far; I'm 2/3rds of the way there! And than it will be on to the next challenge!

My 21 Day Challenge

2009-05-20T09:29:00.001-07:00

I have decided to give myself a 21 day challenge; and at first I thought about keeping it to myself in case I don't follow through. . . but then I realized that is exactly why I need to broadcast it to everyone, so I do follow through! (I actually almost talked myself out of going to the gym yesterday on day 2, which is exactly why this post is necessary - but I told myself if nothing else I have to do at least a half hour of excersise)

The Challenge is this :
I have to do some sort of workout/physical activity every day for 21 days.
I cannot do the same workout/activity two days in a row.
And I cannot eat at anyplace where there is a drive through window.

Along with this, I'm trying to get all my water in everyday, give soda up (again) and eat at least one veggie each day; but these are bonus items, not the challenge. I think in the past when I've tried to challenge myself to something I've added too many factors into the mix, then when it gets to hard to get each one done I feel like I've failed; so this time it's really just 2 things, and the rest are bonuses!

I actually already started on Monday, so I'm on day 3! My workouts for this week include:
Monday - half hour of strength training/half hour of treadmill
Tuesday - walk with Elli/ half hour of treadmill at the gym
Wednesday - Yoga
Thursday - 45 minutes of elliptical/abs
Friday - half hour of strength training/half hour of treadmill
Saturday - kayaking
Sunday - T.B.D.

The rule about not doing the same thing everyday is simply there to encourage me to mix it up; in the past I've been good about going to the gym and walking on the treadmill everyday, but I need some spice to keep me going!

Anyone want to join me and challenge themselves to a 21 day change of their own?

* Clikcing the image won't actually do anything, just thought it was fun!

16 Books and Counting

2009-05-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

I'd actually planned on writing this blog after I'd finished book 15, that seemed like a good place to review. . . but time slipped away from me and I went and read another book. In all fairness once I start a book it doesn't take me more than a couple days to finish it, and I'm usually too engrossed in the book to be bothered with blogging!

As you might recall, I set a goal at the beginning of the year to read 52 books in 2009, or roughly a book a week; thank goodness it's not a leap year or I'd be a little off in my math! Anyway I've completed 16 as of yesterday and started in on book 17 today. As much as I love reading I cannot keep a constant pace of starting one book after the next, I find it a little tiring to read that much; and part of that is because once I get into a book I don't want to put it down . . . something my eyes don't always appreciate!

Ok, so like I said I've ready 16 books and have started in on #17, but we are 19.5 weeks into the year. First off, I'd just like to ask where exactly those 19 weeks went???? I can't believe it's almost summer, not that I'm complaining, but I'm pretty sure I just celebrated New Years like yesterday. Anyway, I'm a little behind in my reading, but I'd say I'm not doing to shabby, I did after all spend a good part of the last few months purchasing and "un-purchasing" a business. But fortunately my "charge" is just shy of 9 months and still takes some pretty sizable naps during the day; these provide ample time for reading!

I can't do a book review on each book, but if you want to ask my opinion on a specific one I'd be more than happy to give you more details. So without further adieu:

Book I cannot in good conscious recommend: The Reader - while this book is good, it's a bit hard to swallow. I borrowed this one from the Lady I work for and after reading the first part she couldn't get over it enough to bring herself to read the second part. If your willing to overlook a 30 something year old sleeping with a 15 year old then have at it. If you do decide to read this one, just stick with it, it's a fairly quick read.

Book that took the longest to read: The Making of a Chef - this book is great if you too happen to have a desire to go to culinary school one day. It's written by an author (duh) who goes through the Culinary Institute of America (he's an author going through not a chef who turns to writing; thus my previous statement!); great book, tends to be a little technical, and it's one of those books where you feel like your not making any progress until you make the half way mark. I actually had about 30 pages left of this one and I put it down to read The Middle Place, and then came back to finish it up.

Book that will make you feel good: The Middle Place - this one is a great one if your looking to laugh and cry at the same time. It's about a woman who's dealing with her Dad being sick while she is also sick. It will make you cry but it will make you smile and laugh. It leaves you feeling warm inside.

Favorite Author: Nicholas Sparks wins that category with The Lucky One - this book is more along the lines of Nicholas Sparks earlier books; his previous two didn't really do it for me, but this one feels like "home." But what can I say, I've read almost every single one of this books!

Book I'd recommend: Look Me in the Eye - This is written by a guy who has Aspergers; I personally love reading true stories and especially by people who process things in a different way than most people would consider "normal." Seeing how other people's minds work is so fascinating, and this guy actually did all the technical stuff for the band KISS, so he was a pioneer of this time. Aspergers wasn't even a "real diagnosis" until he was in his late 30's. This gets TWO thumbs up and FIVE starts!! His brother is the author of Running with Scissors, if you've ever heard of that one?

The list of books I've read is to the right if you haven't found it yet . . . up next Adventures of an Incurable Optimist

Who knows when the next review will come; I'll have to rework my math!

Cupcake Class

2009-05-05T15:35:00.000-07:00

Let's start things off right and show you the final product!

Alright; time for the back story. I was at a special olympics even two Sunday's ago with my friend Laura and her friend Cyndee (who from here on out I am just going to claim as my friend!) and somehow we got on the subject of cupcakes and how we were all longing for one. Cyndee was telling me that Babycakes is the best place to get cupcakes downtown . . . and so the conversation went. Fast forward to Tuesday (at this point Cyndee and I have been facebook friends for 2 days so we totally fall into friend zone; as oppose to friend of a friend zone) when I got my Learning Exchange catalog. I always look longingly at the cooking classes never brave enough to take one on my own. But wait; what's that. . . a cupcake class at Babycakes . . . must be fate. I quickly facebooked Cyndee to tell her of our good fortune and she said she was in, so we both signed up that very night.

Come Wednesday I'm so excited about the idea of taking this cupcake class (since I've always wanted to take a cupcake class) and Michelle (the lady I work for, from here on out also known as a friend) randomly said; "Mark asked if you'd told me that you borrowed our cupcake book!?!? Random because I'd borrowed the book the week before on a Thursday. I got so excited and told her about the cupcake class I signed up for; she in turn got so excited she wanted to come too. So after quickly asking Mark (her husband) it was set. I got her all signed up while the little one was sleeping, and we were ready for Cupcake class. Mark proceeded to think it was funny that we were taking a cupcake class, but was secretly excited because apparently he loves cupcakes!

Time for Cupcake Class:

Monday night was Cupcake Night; so much fun. Class was from 6-8:30 and we got to make both chocolate and vanilla cupcakes. Just an FYI: Frosting is a completely different class! The class was small, only 7 of us (class can only be 8 people). We got a demo of the vanilla and then split up into two groups of 3/4 and then from there into pairs to make our cupcakes. Cyndee, Michelle and I went to the front part of the shop and Michelle and I worked on our batch while Cyndee worked on her own. We each got to make 6 vanilla and 6 chocolate cupcakes. Sadly Michelle had to do all 12 of our scoops because the ice cream scoopers were not lefty friendly! Oh, I did do one scoop! I must say the 3 of us had the best cupcakes, the others over filled and had some blowouts, but not the three of us. Vanilla cupcakes were rather uneventful in the making.

Cyndee Scooping

Baked to Perfection

Same for Chocolate; we all gathered for a demo and then split back up into our groups to make our mixed. . . this is when things got a little out of hand! Michelle at one point decided to lower the mixing bowl while the whisk was still on which resulted in batter flying all over the both of us ( or maybe just me???) and excessive amounts of laughter. No sooner had we recovered from that, that Michelle decided to take my picture. I was pouring the dry stuff into the mixture and Michelle was asking where the button was to take the picture; I look over and she's got the camera completely upside down . . . once again resulting in excessive amounts of laughter and this time a few tears (from laughing so hard). This time the batter was thin enough to pour into the molds so I got in on the pouring action.

Me Mixing

Michelle Pouring

While our chocolates were baking all 7 of us gathered around the table to frost our vanillas. There was chocolate frosting (which we applied in AMPLE amounts) and vanilla bean butter cream. Both were amazing. And once our chocolates were done and cooled we frosted those.

Cyndee's First 6

Michelle's First 6

My First 6

We each go to take home 1 dozen tasty cupcakes, and the recipe for each!! It was so much fun hanging out with Cyndee and Michelle and doing a "girls night" type activity. We found out that the owner will do private classes for groups for 5-8 and she said we could pick what we wanted to learn! So next up red velvet cupcakes and cream cheese frosting (because according to Cyndee they are the best she's ever had); who's in!?!?!?!

Spring Fest "Pirates of The American River"

2009-05-05T09:14:00.000-07:00

I was super excited to go to Spring Fest this year, but the rain got the better of the event. Spring Fest is a two day event in Fair Oaks that includes among other things: a parade, live music, a children's play, children's activities, a car show, a children's fun run, an adult run and walk, frog jumping contests, and lots of local vendors.

I had been planning on going for months, but the rain had other plans. I watched the parade come by my apartment and decided that I would be so dedicated that I'd stand in the rain to watch (not that it was really raining that hard but I could have watched from my bedroom window). The parade only lasted 20 minutes; which I'm pretty sure is the shortest one in Fair Oaks history; they are usually impressively long. But alas two of my favorite groups held strong and walked/rode in the parade; the Fair Oaks Sci-Fi club, and the segway riding polo players . . . seriously?

Later in the day I walked over to Old Fair Oaks to check out the happenings; there wasn't much happening, I walked there and back and checked everything out in less than 20 minutes :( There were only maybe 15-20 vendors, and they were all huddled around in the same area; kind of sad.

So Spring Fest wasn't quite what I'd hoped but it was fun none the less. The theme for the year was Pirates of The American River; so there was a lot of lost potential due to the rain. Oh well, there's always next year.

Pirates of The American River

Watch out for this one; He looks scary

These are my two favorite parade groups

I've come to depend on them!

Me and my "booty" post parade

Ironic Really

I did manage to snap a picture of one of our new signs

Stand By Me

2009-04-29T23:13:00.000-07:00

We all need someone to stand by us at one point or another. This is an awesome video; a bit long but well worth the 5 minutes. You'll not only have a great song stuck in your head; you'll see that everyone around the world needs someone to "stand by them"

"Stand by Me" performed by musicians around the world from SKAT on Vimeo.

Who Sponsors Your Birthday

2009-04-23T23:36:00.001-07:00

When Life Gives You Lemons

2009-04-11T18:46:00.000-07:00

This week at Funtastic has been super busy; what would you expect . . . Spring Break and lots of rain make for a good week at Funtastic! Anyway one guy came in with his two boys and told us they were all supposed to go up to the snow but it was bad weather and mom wasn't feeling well, so the opted for plan b. He said it was a good lesson for his boys though; go with the flow. And then he said this " You know, when life gives you lemons you make lemonade; so thanks for being the lemonade in our day!" Ok, sweetest thing ever. I'll keep that one in the books for when I'm having a long and possibly stressful day at Funtastic.

I'm going to strive to be "the lemonade" in someone's day more often!

99 Random and Odd Things About Me

2009-03-29T20:24:00.000-07:00

Well over a year ago I made a list of 101 thing about me. Well; I figured it was time to do it again; except I only made it to 99. I didn't look back at the last list to see what I put, so I don't know what is a repeat or what's brand new; it's a little more fun that way! I've been working on this list for almost two month; on my first list I sat down and did it in one afternoon, this time I've just been letting them come to me! 30 of these are actually from a list I made on facebook recently, but they are mixed in. Hope you enjoy and learn a little something new about me; and hopefully when your done you don't find me to be too odd. If you do I blame it on my parents ;)

Conquering a children's play structure -

should give you some insight as to what's ahead

1. I went to a concert by myself last summer and had a great time; I'm not really good at doing things on my own so this was a big one

2. It bugs me when I leave drawers in my dressers opens; and I have to close them before bed

3. Leaving cabinet doors open; the pantry door open; or even the fridge drives me nuts; all must be closed unless my hand is actually inside

4. I hate Charmin toilet paper commercials; I find them a little odd and uncomfortable and therefore will never purchase their toilet paper

5. I organize my pictures by Year; Category; Subject and Date; so say a picture of Aden (the little boy I use to nanny) would go in Folder 2009, then in Folder Kids; Folder (Last Name) Kids; and then in the last folder with the date. A picture from The CAYP Super Bowl Party would go; Folder 2009, Folder CAYP, Folder Super Bowl 2/1. Sometimes it feels like going down the rabbit hold to get to the final folder!

6. As most of you already know; one of my goals for the year is to read 52 books; at least.

7. I have pictures in frames in little piles all around my apartment; but only actually have one thing hanging in my entire apartment

8. I always use two paper towels when cleaning; I discovered that if I bought the smaller paper towels (as in the half sheets) I still only use two; but I cut my paper towel waste down substantially

9. It's pretty much impossible for me to clean my closet without it becoming some sort of reorganization project; last time I cleaned it I got rid of ( I think) 4 boxes and 1 bin full of stuff

10. I no longer have a car payment; It feels a little surreal; but I think I'm more shocked that I've had the same car for 5 years and am still totally in love with is. Umm in an appropriate way; as much as a person should love an inanimate object!

11. For some odd reason I keep thinking I'll be 25 this year; somehow I've jumped ahead a year.

12. I cannot believe that my dad passed 5 years ago; it doesn't seem like it's been that long. I still think about him almost daily.

13. I try to be a very practical person; but tend to be more so when helping other people with their problems; then if I was dealing with my own

14. I have a hard time trusting other people to do things; I always feel like they won't do it the way I want it done, or as good as I would do it. I have been allowing more people into that "circle of trust" over the past year

15. I made it through 5 years of college; and only have 2 friends that I consider close; the rest I never saw outside of school unless we were meeting to go over something for a class, and I'm totally fine with that.

16. I love to blog and think of things to blog about all the time; but when I sit down to blog the task always seems to "big" so I have a hard time starting; once I get typing though it always seems so easy and fun

17. I'm a 49ers fan; and believe that if your a Niner's fan besides rooting for your own team; your other goal is to see the Cowboys lose!

18. I love live sporting events; I don't watch many on TV besides Football but I love watching anything live

19. I clean out my bulk mail at least once a day; even if it's only one or two emails

20. I love to plan things; and if I could spend all my time doing that I would; being an even planner sounds so fun but scary at the same time

21. I'm a horrible speller and since I've had my mac and rely on it's auto spell check my spelling has gotten worse because I don't know if I've spelled anything wrong unless there is a red line under it. This causes problems when I'm using other computers.

22. I pretty much never use my myspace anymore; but for some reason can't bring myself to delete it, and I want to.

23. WinCo is my new favorite store to shop it; I'm in love with their bulk item section, it's a food shoppers wonderland!

24. It drives me nuts that I have 9 preset stations in my car and more often then not; none of them have a good song on; or they all manage to be on commercial at the same time.

25. I love wearing hoodies because they make me feel comfortable and I love feeling comfy!

26. I pretty much think about going kayaking and long to go kayaking every time I drive over the river (which is at least twice a day); unless it's pouring rain outside.

27. If I stick to my current weekly schedule I don't ever have to go on the freeway; and the only night I even cross over the freeway is Thursdays! (* This has changed but I'm keeping it because it was a big one at the time)

28. I love sleeping with the fan on; but the rain is the best sound in the world to fall asleep listening to.

29. I keep count of how many loads my laundry detergent lasts on the side of the bottle and have been able to make it last longer because of it; the first time I kept track it only lasted 26 loads; now it lasts 30 (out of a supposed 32)

30. I no longer take issue with wearing jeans to church and quite enjoy it now; Sunday mornings that is

31. I despise onions but love sour cream and onion chips

32. I'm a postsecrets addict but have never sent a secret in; I want to someday

33. I'm a huge fan of hulu.com and probably watch my shows on hulu more then I actually watch them on tv

34. I'm just about to finish up my FPU class and I'm excited about getting out of debt and living the rest of my life that way.

35. I'm still checking the bed every night for spiders; not the first two nights after I wash my sheets because in my mind they are clean and cannot possibly have spiders in them. Now I'm starting to wonder if it's something I'll be doing forever

36. The biggest drawer in my dresser is full of pj pants (only the pants; everything else is in another drawer)

37. I've been to two New Kids on the Block concert; one at 6 and one at 23

38. I have to be looking at my bed every night when I turn off the lights; so I can find my way there!

39. Target is my kryptonite

40. I still hold out hope that someday someone will make me a mixed tape; even though they are no longer "in style"

41. I'm a self professed reality TV junkie; and not really that proud of it. I have decided to give up on American Idol this season and don't miss it. And sadly am not able to watch Biggest Loser; thought I've been managing without it!

42. I think putting wet dishes away is one of the grossest things in the world

43. I can't eat a grape if I've seen the inside of it; always have to eat them whole.

44. Pretty Women and Dirty Dancing are two of my all time favorite movies

45. I'm proud that my niece takes after me in some way; even if it's the things my sister finds annoying ;)

46. I see someone in my family probably at least every 6 weeks of not sooner; and they live 2 states away

47. If I don't get myself out of bed to go to first service on Sunday's I never go to class either

48. I decided to give up soda this year and I've realized I don't really miss it; as a bonus I've cut out a lot of fast food too.

49. I quit biting my nails a while back and can't believe how fast they actually grow. Now if only I could stop chewing on them.

50. Every now and again I wish I still had a stick to drive; I miss how fun they are, I can't remember the last time I drove one, it's been a few years at least

51. I try not to have more then 2 lights on at a time in my apartment

52. I strive to always be the first comment on each of my sister's blog posts; it's a lot of work, today alone she posted 4 blogs!

53. Every time I hear Free Falling on the radio I think about my musical destiny. A theory I always mean to blog on but haven't ever gotten around to.

54. When I move my eyes around sometimes I notice a black spot that I'm seeing out of my right eye; it took way too long to realize it wasn't an eyelash I've been seeing.

55. I often wake up with a random song in my head that I find myself singing in the shower; once I recorded the songs for two weeks; you can find that list here

56. On sunny days in the spring I often find myself craving the beach boys; thank goodness I've got their greatest hits CD in my car. I keep it in there for just such a situation (* the beach boy's days started in January this year; talk about an early spring!)

57. I take a drink of water pretty much every time I wake up during the night; and since I'm a counter; I always take the same number of swallows. Same number each time per night; but not the same number every night, if that makes sense. Some nights it's 7 and some nights up to 11

58. I can't stand it when the shower liner touches me while I'm taking a shower; it makes my skin crawl

59. Since I'm left handed it feels just as natural if not more so to use the mouse in my left hand working the buttons backwards as it does to use it with my right hand; though in general I prefer to use the touch-pad.

60. I've had the desire to work with kids since I was in the second grade

61. I like taking classes at the gym but not by myself; I like to have a partner in crime even if we can't talk during class

62. I'm a blog junkie and check for updates all the time; and then I like to go back and look at the comments people leave (not with all of them just a few)

63. It bugs me when my sweatshirt strings are uneven; a little lopsided is alright, but one way longer then the other annoys me and I have to go about "readjusting" them

64. I joined a website called 43things several years ago and every once in a while when I remember I go back and check it out. It's a website where you can list 43 things you want to do before you die; and you can see how many other people have the same goal. I think I only have like 7 things on my list; don't want to fill it up too soon!

65. It bugs me when microwaves aren't cleared; I often clear them when no one's looking, though if I feel comfortable enough I'd just walk over and do it without trying to be sly

66. I love the Ellen show and check her website often to see if tickets are available at a time that I'd be able to work out a trip down there to see the show; hasn't happened yet

67. If I need to remember something I usually just send myself an email. I have two email addresses that go to the same place so I send it from one to the other and keep it unmarked until I do it.

68. I try to keep my email inbox very clean; I only have things in the inbox that still need to be replayed to; everything else gets filed away.

69. I don't like mushrooms at all, but use cream of mushroom in a dish or two and always have some in the pantry! I know; kind of like the onion thing!

70. If I could only buy items for one room of my house for the rest of my life it would probably be the kitchen.

71. I can't remember the last time I was in Old Navy; that's not something you'd hear me saying very often.

72. My left hand is always colder then my right; I think it's because I always have my left hand out doing things like holding a book while my right one is tucked safe under the covers.

73. I'm not a fan of umbrellas, I find them to be more trouble then the are helpful.

74. I'm not really sure what I'd do without my crock-pot, I use it at least once a week.

75. I always plug my hair dryer in to the bottom outlet and my straightener into the top outlet; but I never have them plugged in at the same time.

76. I sold my first car for about $500 more then I paid for it.

77. The only bone I've ever broken was my collar bone when I was five . . . still my sister's fault ;)

78. I was hit by a cyclist once on a fishing trip with my dad; my sister and I were walking to the bathroom when he hit me, and my sister thought I was dead!

79. I have a cash box that I've never used. I always wanted one growing up; would try to convince my mom we needed one every time we had a garage sale. She gave me one a few years ago that I keep but have no use for.

80. I scar very easy, but I really like the scars I have because they all remind me of something. Like the big one in my thumb that I got from shutting my finger in a car door; or the one on my knee I got from spilling bacon grease at my first job. Each one is a little story and a part of my history. You could probably ask me and I'd know how I got 90% of my scares.

81. I've been living in this apartment for 2.5 years and have never purchased a full length mirror. More often then not this lead to me bringing a dinning room chair into my bathroom to stand on so I can see how my shoes go with an outfit; only when I'm trying to look nice.

82. I started making my own popcorn on the stove a few weeks ago, and haven't looked back. I have a great love for popcorn and I think the bag stuff was starting to bother my stomach; haven't had any problems since the switch.

83. I try to give blood every 8 weeks, though it probably averages out to more like 12 weeks, seems that when it's time to donate again I'm either sick or gone or who knows what.

84. I got to see Phil Collins live in NY and be on the Early Show. He was promoting the opening of Tarzan on Broadway.

85. The first "grown-up" theater show I saw was Les Misrables probably about 10 or 11 years ago, and my sister and I knew pretty much every line to every song before going to see the show; it was amazing.

86. I've seen Les Misrables and Phantom of the Opera in Sacramento, Lion King in San Francisco, Rent and Stomp on Broadway in NY and Jersey Boys and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers in Seattle; I love theater.

87. I like to know exactly what time it is; none of this rounding business

88. I once had to catch 40 goldfish (one at a time) with a cut in half water bottle by flash light (the power was out) for wedding center pieces; that's how much I love my friends!

89. I have a special knack for being the one to find our dead animals; it all started with our rabbit patches when I was in like second grade. Since then my 2 birds, 2 rats, 2 more rabbits; one of our dogs died while I was right there, I ran over one of our cats, and one of my sisters cats while I was taking care of them. You might want to think twice before asking me to pet-sit.

90. I don't have a particular love of snails, but for some reason many years ago I adapted a little snail as my "artist signature"

91. The thing about being a cook is you get your brain going in the kitchen; today I'm at work and they are remodeling the kitchen (i.e. no oven, stove or microwave). I made a grilled cheese sandwich using a toaster and a waffle maker and it tasted just as good. Creativity in the kitchen is what it's all about!

92. I'm completely fascinated with all things left-handed these days; what actually makes a person left handed. I think what is most fascinating about it all is that after such a long time scientists still don't know.

93. I always had a love hate relationship with school; I didn't enjoy being in school, but I didn't know what my life would be like without it. I don't even miss it, and it doesn't feel weird to not be in school. Though I think if I had it to do over again I'd take more fun classes, and more psychology classes; the two psychology classes were probably my two favorite classes in college.

94. You know those signs that say "Your half cent tax at work;" every time I see one of those I can't help but laugh (or at least smile). I find them very ironic because I've yet to ever see any construction work being done even close to one of those signs.

95. I clench my jaw really bad; a lot during the day as well and don't realize I'm even doing it. It's so bad that I have bite lines that run along the inside of my cheek; I kind of thought they were like veins or something until my TMJ doctor told me otherwise. Sometimes if I'm really aware during the day they are almost gone by night, but they are pretty much always there.

96. I've actually seen the end of a rainbow. No gold but it was beautiful

97. I'm very self conscious about my handwriting and fear I'll never get over it

98. I now own my own business and I'm only 23!!

99. When I laugh really hard my right collar bone hurts; I always thought this was normal until I recently took an impromptu survey to discover I'm the only one it happens to. I've concluded it's because of my "incident" when I was 5.

Business Owner

2009-03-16T11:01:00.000-07:00

I have some very exciting news; as of 9:30 this morning I am now a business owner. My cousin Katie and I just purchased a children's play center in El Dorado Hills called Funtastic.

Funtastic opened up in 2005 and Katie and I use to take the kids there when either of us had them to play for hours upon end! We found out just about a month ago that it was for sale and we both felt after meeting with the current owner that this was an opportunity we couldn't pass up.

This past month has been a whirl-wind as we've been crazily trying to get everything prepared to purchase the business. And finally we signed the Sales Agreement this morning.

Over the next few weeks we plan to get ourselves aquanted with how the business runs and the client base and on April 1st we will be taking it over to run ourselves. We are both so excited about this opportunity and can't wait to put all of our ideas into action.

You can check out the website for more information on Funtastic; please note the website will be undergoing some big changes as I am working with the web designer to finalize the new layout with all the current information. http://www.funtasticplaycenters.com/

We can't wait to get in there and make it our own; and we can't wait for you all to get the change to bring your little ones to play!

Tim, Al and Hal

2009-03-15T00:29:00.001-07:00

My sister and niece came for a visit the last week of February; as I'm sure most of you read over on Tim's blog, but I always have to tell my side of the story!

Tuesday evening I picked the girls up at the airport; a pretty standard pick up, nothing too exciting to report. Though I did have to park in the new cell phone lot and I'm not really sure how I felt about that one, but that's really beside the point. I was so excited to see them because I hadn't seen them since Thanksgiving; way too long. Timbra and Alani got in in the later part of the afternoon which was nice because then we got to spend a good deal of the evening together. We went and had dinner and then played at the toy store for a bit. We also had to make a run to the grocery store because I didn't have any food and when one has a pregnant woman staying with them there always needs to be food!

Wednesday I had to work a half day; I'm fortunate to work for a very caring and generous family; so Michelle offered to come home early without me ever asking! We ran up the hill (umm, in the car of course) to meet with some of the Polley's for a little play time at Funtastic, and then Timbra had her first of 2 DMV adventures. Later that evening (which was another low key just us evening) we went to Big Spoon. I've been promising to take my sister there for like her last 3 visits or something, so I'm glad we finally got to go, no one can resist a good froze yogurt when you get to top it yourself!

Thursday I had to work again, but the weather was nice so after work we went to Old Fair Oaks to the park to check out the chickens and play around. Alani was so excited to play with the chickens!! She got out of the car and went up to greet a few, but chickens being chickens they ran away. Alani turned around to me and said " I think the chickens are nervous." Seriously how can you hear a 2.5 year old say that and not just die from the cuteness and hilarity of it all. We spend about an hour at the park playing around and finding chickens; we even found a little one that we got to pet; I think that poor little guy actually was nervous, a baby. Later we dashed up the hill (same hill still in the car but twice as far) to have dinner with a group of friends who all wanted to catch a visit with Tim and see Al! It was a fun night because though I still live around here I don't get to see that group too often anymore. It was fun catching up with everyone, even if we did miss ER!

Alani and the Nervous Chicken

Al and Auntie Hal

The Triplets

Friday My step-mom came up and all of us girls headed out for a weekend adventure. We headed up to Willow Creek which is a little town out in the middle of no where by the Trinity River. My dad went there to go fishing in October every year for about 30 years before he passed away and it's where we sprinkled his ashes. This year marks 5 years since my daddy passed away.

We set out Friday late morning for our drive; I was the designated driver of the weekend which is just the way I like it! It took us just under 6 hours to get there with stops, I'd estimated before hand 5 hours of driving which was pretty dead on because I think we had about 45 minutes worth of stops here and there for potty and food breaks! It was a long drive but a nice one. Earlier in the week Timbra had gone through my give away pile and found some road trip bingo cards I had and decided we needed them for our adventure. Since I was the driver we quickly decided that being in charge of my own board was not going to work. Timbra and Di were in a race to the finish; I just shouted out when I saw something that was on one of their boards. It actually ended up providing 2 days worth of entertainment because the last piece on Di's board was a no left turn sign and we didn't see one until Saturday afternoon!

Di focusing on her Bingo Board

Saturday we drove about an hour from Willow Creek to the ocean; it was a beautiful day and the beach was just perfect. I was most impressed at the place we stopped because there was no wind and the sand was awesome; it was fine grain but didn't stick to you after you brushed it off. I took Alani to get her feet wet in the water and I think it was a little too shockingly cold for her; she did enjoy building a little sand castle with me afterwards though. When we came into Eureka The Perilous Plunge was going on which was quite a blast to stumble upon! You can read more about that on my sister's page.

Collect Shells for her Castle

Beach Bums

Al playing pinball

Sunday we made our way up to the actual river where my dad's ashes were sprinkled; after a little muddy 4-wheeling (didn't actually require 4 wheel drive, though I did do a little fish tailing getting back out)! We spent about a half hour at the river before the rain set in which was perfect timing. I don't think any of us wanted to linger there for too long, just visit for a bit and remember/celebrate my daddy for a few minutes. After our little river expedition we headed back home. The trip home took a bit longer because we started at the river which was about 25 minutes from Willow Creek and it was raining most of the way home, but we made it back safe and sound despite the little "hot car" mishap!

The River

Monday Tim and Al had to leave; Di drove them back to the Oakland airport to fly home. The visit was great, we got to do some visiting with friends, and spend some quality time with just us! I can't wait to see them again in a few weeks in Washington! You can read more detail about their visit on Tim's blog!