brown eyed blues

My Soap Box

2010-08-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

Collossians 3:23-24 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

This is the passage than runs through my head every time that I am at work, especially when I feel like banging some heads together. As a follower of Christ, I think it's easy for us to remember this at our jobs, every day, during the week or whenever you work.

But you know when I think it's hard to remember this? On Sunday morning. When you are setting up tables in the foyer, or unpacking the trailer, or unwinding cables, teaching children, it's hard, sometimes to really put into perspective why you are doing what you do. I think people feel obligated to serve for one reason or another, to avoid guilt, to not let your pastor down, etc. But what does the Bible say about that? it says WHATEVER you do, work at it WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AS WORKING FOR THE LORD.

Ever wonder why you're getting fatigued in your service at church? Ever feel like you "need a break"? Ever feel like something or someone pissed you off, so you're just going to stop being a servant? Maybe even leave? Take a good hard look at your intentions. I mean, seriously. Examine your heart. Pray to our LORD about it. Why are you being a servant in the first place? You can't have 2 masters! If you try, you will fail one of them. You have a choice. Serve man (that includes selfish reasons for serving) or serve God.

Be committed! Have fun! Do something you love! And if something you love isn't available to do, do something else and have a good attitude about it! Do I serve God b/c I think our church is awesome? Or because I think we have all the answers? Absolutely not! I serve b/c God called me to be in the place that I am, and b/c I love God and want to do whatever I can to please Him!

IT IS THE LORD CHRIST YOU ARE SERVING!

2010-08-11T22:25:00.001-07:00

What??!? It's only been a year! Seriously, in a real lifetime perspective, that's nothing! OK, I need this outlet, I want to write, I want to remember things that happen when my brain feels like letting the supposed unforgettable moments of my life slip through the cracks.

Judah started first grade today. All day--eating lunch in the cafeteria--sitting at his own desk--first grade. I'm a little overwhelmed! But him? He's doing great. Loved every single second of his new adventure. I'm not sure I expected anything different out of him, he's so much like Brent in new or unfamiliar situations. He is a rock, unmovable, unshakable, and takes everything with a grain of salt. He is my little champ, and I love that about him.

The summer of 2010 brought alot of activity to our schedule. Jude and I spent 2 weeks in Idaho with family and friends. We got 10 days of a wonderful visit with my sister and her fam. We had such a blast having a full house while they were here. We high-tailed it to the beach a dozen or so times, and went swimming at friends pools more often than that. Judah turned into a little brown bean, despite my sunscreen efforts. Brent put in hundreds of hours at work, thank you LORD, and hoofed around the Zoo and Wild Animal Park with us as often as we could. We planted a container garden in early May, and are now enjoying more zucchinis and tomatoes than we know what to do with. Brent and I celebrated our 11 year anniversary with a dinner cruise on the SanDiego harbor, and tried to squeeze in as many other date nights as possible. Judah and I attended an alpaca shearing and brought home 2 fleeces. I crafted as often as I could squeeze it in, knitting here, dyeing there, and spinning when it was cool enough that the wool wouldn't stick to my fingers. I've been a real slacker as a photographer..it's all part of the shame. No good pictures = nothing for me to blog about. We've had a few days of down time, but we found them rather boring in general. So I'm fairly content to settle into a nice little schedule of school days.

Playing drums with Dad

My little ham

Wool roving all the colors of the rainbow

Judah with a baby alpaca

a knitted set of monsters for my friend Billie's baby boy

Our little garden around July...I think.

One of my dad's bird houses. They are fabulous!

A scarf I knit out of my own handspun yarn

for Judah's Kindergarten teacher

First day of First Grade!!

Our anniversary date

The Birthday Boy

2009-09-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

He's a F.I.V.E. year old now. Hard to believe it, I know....it's a little freaky for me too. Judah was arguing with me this morning about being 5, and he said, "I will be 5 when it looks like a birthday party." So, I guess he's more correct than he realizes, since he won't technically be 5 until about 4:00 or so this afternoon (5:00 Idaho time...). Big Spiderman birthday plans are in store, including a pinata, which seems to have become a tradition.

Grandma and Grandpa are here to help celebrate the big day, we've already been to Disneyland, so there are plenty of pictures to come! Stay tuned!

Pictures? How about some pictures!

2009-09-01T12:27:00.000-07:00

Some more pics of our Anniversary weekend! We had such a great time, it was MUCH needed, and so appreciated!

The trees at Seaport Village

Coronado Beach

a view of downtown

The Coronado bridge

Goofy happy.

Goofy hubby.

blurry first day of school pic. I *might* have been a bit nervous....

lining up. big kid.

Judah's classroom

A Week Ago

2009-08-14T21:38:00.001-07:00

This was the view from my bed...

Now, I know you see a parking lot and a street, but all I can see are the palm trees and the harbor!

Brent and I had a great time on our little 10 year anniversary getaway, with much thanks to Laurie for the great deal on the room, and thanks to Jamie for being the babysitting machine for Judah!!

More pictures to come when I'm not so pissed at the lousy internet connection.

It's the first day of the rest of your life, Judah.

2009-08-12T13:53:00.000-07:00

No it's not mom!!

He has no idea that school will dominate his energy, time, thoughts, emotions, ....life....from now until he's a man. wow. This is scary. How did I get out of that Kindergarten classroom without crying today? I guess I knew I had to, I didn't want him to think I was sad b/c I'm not sad. I'm soooo happy. but in a sad sort of way. Every mom knows this feeling. I'm glad I'm not alone.

Brent was talking to him mom about his first day of Kindergarten, and she told him that she cried. He asked if I was going to cry and I told him I might. He was a little confused as to why I might cry or why his mom did. REALLY??? ugh. men. Love that man, but for reals....seriously? I told him that I guess it's different for moms than it is for dads, at least stay at home moms. You spend pretty much 24 hours a day (minus sleep time) for FIVE years with a person, and then one day, you just leave them...in a room with 24 other kids and only ONE adult? Are we all clinically insane? yes. yes we are.

I didn't just leave Judah behind. I left my heart. I guess that's what makes you want to cry. The only thing that held the tears in until I reached the car was knowing that I am still doing what is best for Judah. He needs this, he will grow and blossom so much in school. I am confident of this. The smile on his face as he waved goodbye was priceless. I'm glad that, for once, I got a milestone on video.

They're all gone??

2009-04-25T19:00:00.000-07:00

My Inner Nerd

2009-04-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

granted, I've never heard of hyperbolic space or hyperbolic geometry before this, but it really intrigued me. (and yes, it has to do with yarn, but watch it anyway. it just might blow your mind. except, of course for the hudreds of millions of years part...)

A New Hat

2009-04-03T22:48:00.001-07:00

I made this hat for Judah this week. do you think he likes it?

No, he does, I promise. that was just at the end of our photo session, and he was done. There are much better picture. Better, but not cuter than that pouty face!

Did you miss this face?

2009-03-24T15:09:00.001-07:00

I promise, I'm on my way to blog land again. It's time I got off my arse and posted something.

It's beginning to smell alot like Christmas....

2008-12-21T22:54:00.000-08:00

Now, I know that's not how the song goes, I really do. But this is one thing I've learned this year. I can decorate all I want, and believe me, I have this year. I went all out (for me....) I decided that if we weren't going to Idaho for Christmas, it was going to BE CHRISTMAS here! So we got our tree in record time, set up all the Christmas decorations I own, and decked the halls. It's been COLD here too! Even had to scrape the car the other morning. But it still didn't feel the same. not at all. Until I baked.

Ah yes, that intoxicating smell of Christmas goodies seeping out of the oven. It is good. and then it hit me. I smell Christmas. I can look at a fake tree all day, and admire how perfect it is, with it's prelit branches, and evenly spaced ornaments. But the smell of a real pine tree filling my living room, THAT is Christmas. The almond spritz cookies, topped with holiday sprinkles, those smell like Christmas. The peanut butter bon-bons, the smell of the chocolate melting on the stove, it fills me with cheer like nothing can. snickerdoodles, gingersnaps, muddy buddies, fudge.....

ok, I had better stop before I gain 15 pounds just from WRITING this!!

anyway, just wanted to share my super secret tip about Christmas.

Stop and smell the season.

Is it just me,

2008-12-07T23:59:00.000-08:00

or has the Christmas shopping frenzie started WAY TOO EARLY?!?!?!? I can't go anywhere! The traffic is always horrid, and people are MEAN! I haven't even done any shopping for actual presents yet, but I feel like this started earlier than normal!

In fact, I'm trying really hard to not buy Christmas gifts this year. I think I'll have to, in one situation or another, but I'm really enjoying this non-materialistic year. Now, those of you that usually get a Christmas gift from me, worry not. All gifts are being MADE this year! yay! Now you get a personal touch, and the thought, that every time you wear/use/whatever the gift you will be getting from me, I have touched EVERY SINGE INCH OF THAT YARN! Maybe that doesn't really mean that much to you, maybe you'd rather have a Gift Card to Starbucks, maybe that creeps you out a little bit! ;-) But it means alot to me. It means I'm not forced to participate in the madness of the mall in December, and I don't have to get pissed at someone else that grabbed that last fondue pot off the shelf. Now, I did have to buy the yarn. Or the fiber to make the yarn. But not all of it. Some of it I recieved in a trade or a swap! Some of it is international yarn!! WOOT!

Now, all of this does depend on if I can reach my deadlines.....I really truly hope that none of you have to open up a box full of yarn, needles, and a picture of what you were supposed to get.....I'm going to try to not make that happen.

Now for something completely different.....

can you see the glee???

stuffing it all in....

2008-11-27T00:07:00.000-08:00

to one post. Knitting stuff, that is. This isn't a knitting blog, but knitting, crocheting, spinning....it's all a part of me, so I'm going to do something my mom taught me. Stuff it all in to one place. That's what she used to do with My brother's new clothes at Christmas. I still remember the sighs Nick used to let out when he'd open that one giant overstuffed box of sweat suits, pajamas, pants, t-shirts, sweatshirts, socks and underwear. But mom knew that she'd only have to hear that sigh one time....if all the clothing related presents were in one box.

So here it is----what have been keeping my hands busy, and my brain working.

Some new yarn I dyed

some new yarn I spun

This spindle

And this fiber

became this yarn

Fiber I dyed

Felted Bags

More Handspun yarn

Emily's birthday purse (I almost kept it)

Now, at this point if you're thinking, "Crap, there's MORE????" the answer is yes. Feel free to take a potty break, get a new cup of coffee, grab a turkey leg, and sift through some more. Or go look at some of my favorite photos. Not mine. Not of yarn.

Some sewing and embroidery

Another bag

slippers for ME!!

A funky crocheted scarf

And pretty much everything else I'm working on is SUPER SECRET!!!! (aka Christmas goodies)

Alright. I got that out of my system. Starting after I've stuffed myself sufficiently with Turkey and mashed potatoes, I'll post something non-fibery.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

Why I respect and admire my Husband.

2008-11-20T00:42:00.000-08:00

Well, I haven't written much lately, and this idea for a post has been holding my heart hostage for a while. I think it's time to get it out.

Brent doesn't really read my blog, he's a busy man, and when he has down time on the computer, well, he likes to look at motorcycle stuff, and, well, I don't have that on my blog, so....I don't mind, though. I don't do this for him. I'm not really sure who I do this for, I mean, family and friends, but mostly I think I do it for myself. Sometimes I just feels good to get my brain out there, to have somewhere that my thoughts can live, even if it's the "web". So, anyway....

There are SO many reasons I respect my husband. I can't write about all of them, just a few. This isn't about why I LOVE him. I don't think I would ever be able to verbalize that in a way that would fully describe it. This is all about admiration and respect.

9 1/2 years ago, Brent married me, and every day, he chooses to remain true to that commitment. I don't think it's a surprise to any of you that I am a handful. I know it's not a surprise to my mom. I'm pretty sure she was surprised that anyone would volunteer to deal with that for the rest of their lives! I'm full of drama, emotions, highs, lows, tears, screams, laziness, hyperactivity, unproductiveness, messiness, and craziness. Brent doesn't love me in spite of all that. He loves me because of all that. He knows that those things are WHO I am, and that, in and of itself, is worth admiring. Believe me. I'm a whole crockpot of crazy.

9 1/2 years ago, Brent promised to always provide for me, and whatever family we became. Every day, he does his best to do that. I admire nothing more than a man who will do whatever it takes to provide for his family. I think alot of people say that they will do whatever is needed to provide, but when it comes down to it, I think most people would rather have a glamorous job.

Brent always wanted to finish college, for himself. To get a degree, and do something that he loved. Brent has always wanted to be in full time ministry, to be able to serve the Lord full time as his job. But he knew that, more important than what he wanted for his life, was to take care of the family God has given him. College will come, it will always be there.

Many people focus on getting to their "dream job" or "have a job doing what you love". Sometimes I feel bad and a little bit to blame for Brent never reaching that goal. And then one day it hit me. Brent IS doing what he loves. He IS doing his dream job. He is a dad. He is a husband. And he takes care of our family. THAT is his dream. It's not glamorous. It's not always fun. But Brent is good at it. I don't think very many little boys want to grow up and operate heavy equipment, lay pipe, and work on the "business end of a shovel", or even be a host and bus boy at a restaurant. But when it comes down to it, a job is a job is a job. It's a means to an end. If you DO get to do what you love that is awesome! Keep doing it, and keep loving it. But always know that if that job falls through, or that job isn't helping you to take care of what God has given you to take care of, maybe it's time to remember what the real "dream job" is. Brent lives that out every day.

My dear friend Josh and I were talking today, and he affirmed this for me. He said that alot of guys like to say that if they had to, they'd be running the fryer at McD's to make ends meat, but when it came down to it, most of them wouldn't do it. Josh said that is something he's always admired in Brent, his family comes before his pride. I'd like to think that it would never come to that, but it might. And I know that my husband will always be there to take care of us. That's just the kind of man he is.

Someday, maybe Brent will get to get up and go to work every day doing an occupation that he loves and having a "dream job", but for now, I know that he is content just to be living the "dream life".

Future BMX star...

2008-11-17T10:08:00.000-08:00

One day last month, Judah decided he wanted to try to ride his bike without training wheels. So we figured, why not try, right?

Brent was prepared for many falls and tears and scrapes.

But he did what all dads have to do....just let go, and hope for the best.

Holy Crap!! Is that our 4 year old son riding a bike?!?!?!?

He did amazing!!!

Jager decided Judah needed a little support from the sidelines.

A family affair

My BIG boy!

some photos....

2008-11-15T10:22:00.000-08:00

In the interest of not boring y'all to tears, maybe I'll put up a few pictures a day until I feel caught up, That is if anyone besides my brother is reading. Hope you didn't give up on me.

Carving pumpkins. One of these days we'll get to do this with dad.

Judah really didn't want to stick his hands into the pumpkin. STILL! I thought at some point he would embrace the boyish dirtiness love, but not so much.

(He had just woken up from a nap...I swear, his hair doesn't usually look THAT bad!!)

About a month before Halloween, we got an ad in the mail from Party City with 15 bazillion costumes in it. Judah would sit down and look at that silly thing every day, and tell me all the things he wanted to be for Halloween.
This was the first year I let him choose his own costume...as in, I didn't try to sway it at all, and he chose...a skeleton.

No more pictures, please.

What??? Over a Month?

2008-11-14T09:13:00.000-08:00

I should be shot. I realize that.

See, there is this vicious cycle that happens. First, I just go a week without a blog, no biggie, right? Then alot of stuff happens, and I think "well, that is going to take a few blogs to catch up on all that stuff," and so I don't do it b/c I'm lazy. Then MORE stuff keeps happening, and life goes on! (how dare it?!?!?!) And then I get so far behind on pictures, on stories, on cute little 4 year old sayings, that it scares me to even OPEN up my own blog, b/c I know there's no way I can catch everyone up on everything! GAH!!!!!

So, let me just preface this with: There is no way I can remember everything that has happened over the past five weeks.

Buuuuuuut, here is a small re-cap.

* Brent lost his second job delivering pastries for the bakery. They combined his route with one that leaves from Escondido, and laid him off.

* Brent got another second job at Applebees being (get this) a HOST (with the most). Brent has never worked in food service before, so it's fun to tease him about doing a teenagers job. But he really likes it, and his favorite part? bussing tables. Yes, he is weird.

* I tried to get a job before Brent, and he beat me to it. I'd like to work a little, outside of the home to stave of madness.

* I'm going to be teaching a series of knitting classes at a local yarn shop here in Murrieta starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving! WOOT!

* Moose is doing fantastically better! He even ate dry food yesterday for the first time in months!!!!

* Judah is giant. his hair is long and surfer-ish. I love it, and so does he.

* Judah is riding his bike without training wheels. He can even start and stop all by himself, and rides up and down the sidewalk when Brent and I are outside.

* I'm still spinning, and knitting, and dyeing, and all that rot. I still like it, even though I'm in the crunch for the Holidays.

Pretty much all I can think of right now.. I'll update with pictures when we get back from the beach....(I know, woe is me.....)

"You spin me right round, baby, right round...

2008-10-07T14:58:00.000-07:00

...like a record baby, right round round round."

Or like a spindle baby!!!

Just a little something I've been teaching myself lately. It's satisfyingly mindless, and I love the outcome.

Right now I'm working on making something a little more manageable instead of this bulky yarn. I, myself, love a good bulky yarn, but the yardage is short, and I can't think of anything to make out of them. So now I'm working on some amazing olive green merino (which is as soft as a babies rear...softer) and trying my best to make it thinner!!

And by the way, by making my own yarn, I'm saving lots of money!! Not that I'll never buy yarn again, but a decent sized hank of handpun yarn goes for $30 easily on ETSY. Not that I'll ever get good enough at this to sell mine, but it does mean that I won't be spending $30 on handspun yarn!

this is my very first attempt, and very uneven, but pretty nonetheless. It's not finished though, it's hanging out, wrapped around a paper towel roll....because I'm ghetto like that, and haven't bought a real spool.

This stuff came out really pretty, just not my colors. But it's my first spun and plied FINISHED yarn, so I'm keeping it, and making something out of it FOR MYSELF! But I probably won't get around to it until after Knitting Christmastravaganza. yeah, you read that right.

Alright, and now for some answers to questions....

The birthday monster!! I'm glad some of y'all liked it so much!! It's a free pattern on Ravelry, but since I didn't make it up myself, it won't be going in the ETSY store, for legal reasons. But if you really want one, I can make one for you, just e-mail me, and we can work out the details!!

Moose is doing ok...I'm still pretty worried about him, and headed back to the Dr. today for more fluids and food. I've found a cat food that he actually is eating on his own, only problem is, it will be about $3 a day....yikes. I just hope that after this is all over he's not a picky kitty, 'cause that's a 'spensive diet!!

Oh, and just so you know, I don't know who you are when you leave comments in you leave your name out of it!! I really appreciate the well wishes for Moose, Anonymous, and I'd like to know who you are!!!

Oh, and some pics from the dog beach. Polly and Jäger had a blast!

We're angels, see?

Such a poser...

Hey, Jäger! Stop posing and go play like a normal dog!!

J meets some ridgebacks....I love the ridgebacks.

See ya!

UGH.

2008-10-05T23:13:00.001-07:00

you know when you don't do something long enough that it becomes an un-habit? That's where I am with alot of things right now. Most obviously THE BLOG. I do apologize...

There's just been alot getting in the way of computer time.

Moose is sick, has been for a while, but was diagnosed with liver disease about 2 weeks ago. And I've been doing force feedings multiple times a day, and fluids once a day, and antibiotics etc etc etc.....It's tiring, but just tell me you wouldn't do it for this face...

So, everyone send Moose all the positive healing thoughts you can muster right now. He could use it. And I could use a good night of sleep not worrying if he's going to keep it down or throw up tonight, worrying if he's going to make it to the litter box b/c of all the extra fluids, worrying if he's going to be there, waiting to cuddle when I wake up in the morning.

I also haven't been to the gym. in. a. long. time. ugh. Getting back this week, no excuses, k? Hold me to it, blog land.

What else....let's see. maybe some more pictures?

Judah's birthday cake!

Having the first whack at the pinata.

One of the funniest pictures. ever. My friends little boy, and the anger overflowing!!!

opening gifts, I made Judah a birthday monster....

Grandma and Judah finally at Disneyland!!!

Headed to ToonTown for the first RollerCoaster experiment.

The birthday boy

Saying Hi to Tigger

My little man....

Judah wanted to go on this so bad, but it was closed by the time we finally got around to it. Maybe next time....oh yes, there will be a next time!

Getting all pooped out

The Carousel at night.

At the beach with Grandma, mom and dad!

Local Surfers

Eating lunch with Grandma at the airport

Saying goodbye. Thanks for a fun visit Grandma!!!

So, if I haven't crashed your computer with all these pictures, or it hasn't frozen, then feel lucky!

Have a great week all!

just a taste--

2008-09-19T01:28:00.000-07:00

--of what a 4 year old looks like at Disneyland....

My Abcense....

2008-09-17T22:48:00.000-07:00

is explainable. My mom was in town. Judah turned four. He had a pinata. We went to Disneyland. Wow. What a whirlwind. Pictures to come. I have ALOT of stuff to catch up on.

what I'm up to

2008-09-06T23:13:00.000-07:00

business. yup! That pretty much sums it up. Sometimes I think I should take a break from the busy...but that probably is not going to happen any time soon. Especially since Judah's birthday is just over a week away. I'll tell you one thing I haven't been doing, and that's taking pictures. It's been too hot to be outside. just too freaking hot and muggy. But, since my little man is turning 4 years GIANT in a week, I am going to make it my goal to take lots of pictures of him this week, doing the things he loves to do the most. And then, there's Disneyland on his birthday. The camera will get exhausted on that day!

***(If you're of the praying persuasion, say a little prayer for my heart right now. I'm sad that Brent can't go with Judah, my mom and me to Disneyland for Judah's birthday. It's just not logistically possible, with him having to take a day off work and no vacation time to use. It's not a giant deal, it is just sad for me that Brent won't be there for Judah's first trip to D-Land. But I'm sure there will be many more in his future.)

So what have I been taking pictures of? It's probably boring to most, but it makes me happy, and I love having a hobby.

new project bags:

and some newly dyed yarny goodness

and this....

who is technically 100% natural. and also 100% crazy and growing up way too fast.

Happy Labor Day

2008-09-01T21:50:00.000-07:00

Brent celebrated Labor day by sleeping in until 11:30, and then taking a 2 hour nap on the couch. I celebrated by making these.

Have a good week!

too. hot.

2008-08-29T23:06:00.000-07:00

I forgot, during my month of blissful Idaho weather, what humidity does to a person. It makes you sweat beads, down your face, off of the end of your nose. It is, in one word, GROSS. I doubt there is even a big difference in the humidity from here to there, but it is enough to freak my body out.

Anyway, so since all of the horrid heat and humidity, we have been outside as little as humanly possible. We're bored. We go to the park as early as we can, and we can really only stay until 11 or so, b/c it's just unbearable. ugh.

No pictures, nothing new. I can't knit tonight b/c I sliced my thumb open today. lovely.

So, so much for the better blogging resolve! I missed yesterday, and today is a crapshoot!

later, gator.

In the interest of kicking my butt into gear...

2008-08-27T10:26:00.000-07:00

I, Alicia, do hereby promise to try my best to be a better blogger.

Okay, so that was less than convincing, I know. It was fairly pathetic. I am just stuck in a slump. Being without (and sometimes, for a little bit, with) internet for over a month on vacation really atrophied my blogging muscles. And I'm just going to have to do what Brent and I are doing with the gym and working out. Doing it every day for a while, even if we don't feel like it, even if our muscles are screaming "DEAR GOD! NOT ANOTHER SET OF LEG PRESSES!!!!!" we will push through it, b/c we know that it is in our best interests to get back into shape, hop back on the wagon (or is it off of the wagon....I can't ever seem to get that one right) and start afresh, knowing that it will be painful and not-so-pleasant, but that we will feel better and healthier, and our bodies will thank us for it in the end. (Seriously....that was the longest run-on sentence in the history of all mankind. I apologize to all of you english majors out there. ) Anyway...not that I'm promising to blog every day, but I'm going to try. And you don't have to read all of them, really. It may be one of the most boring undertakings of my life, but I'm going to try. I really would never consider myself a "writer" but I do remember my lit profs telling me to just start writing, something will happen. SO that is what I'm going to try to do.

It won't be ALL writing, for the love.....I'm a picture-a-holic! and I have over 800 or so pictures from our vacation just waiting in the wings, and every single one of them has a story behind it, so there are plenty of blogs posts jsut waiting to be written. All I really need to do, is pick one and DO IT!!!

For know, I will leave you with some pictures, some of the only ones on our computer. ( I have yet to put all the vacay pics on here!)

Mr. Grump Face at G-ma and G-pa's house in Idaho

Yarny goodness dyed by yours truly

The other new obsession, little drawstring bags for knitting/crocheting projects

'Tis all for now, I will be back tomorrow (hopefully)!!

a sad day

2008-07-25T18:35:00.000-07:00

Today has been rough. It was the last day of vacation bible school at our old church in Nampa, which has been so much fun for me and Judah! (I got talked into being a helper...) So I'm pretty much pooped out as is Judah.

Right after VBS today, I made my way to a funeral for a kid Brent grew up with in church. Shawn Burton. Shawn was the same age as me, and I knew him as well through youth group and such. He was always the jokster, full of life and energy.

I remember one night at youth group when Brent and I were dating, Shawn jumped up on Brent's back and Brent whipped him off of there so fast, and HARD... Shawn said he was fine, but later we found out he had a concussion! Anyway, he was like that, willing to take on anything.

He died last Friday night, on his was home from a friend's bachelor party. He was riding his motorcycle, going too fast around a tight curve.

He left behind his wife, Sarah, and their un-born son, Ezekiel, who is due in one month. I was told Shawn was so looking forward to being a dad for the first time, and I don't doubt it. He always had such a loving spirit about him.

And I know that he is with his LORD now, but it still hurts. It hurts to see his pregnant wife walking in front of his casket on the way to the limo. It hurts to hear all his family crying while friends tell stories of his full life. It hurts to know that little Zeke won't ever get to meet his daddy.

We loved you Shawn, and we'll miss you. I can't wait to see you on that wonderful day when we all get to be reunited in God's presence.

crap crap crap

2008-07-14T22:26:00.000-07:00

Our computer is dying. Today it won't boot up at all. Ugh. I haven't backed up pictures at all in so flippin' long and I'm scared!! I know it's been too long since I've blogged. And this isn't very exciting. Sorry! This will be breif, sorry! (Posting from my phone)

Judah's Dreaming....

2008-06-24T08:25:00.000-07:00

No, really, he is dreaming. At night. And remembering them. I'm not sure at which age that normally starts, but I don't remember remembering my dreams that early.

This morning he turned to me and said, "I had a dream last night."

"oh yeah? What was the dream about?"

"We had licorice. We weren't eating it, we just took it out of the package."

"Do you remember where we were in the dream with the licorice?"

"Yeah! We were at home!"

So, this is really weird. Because we never have licorice. Not really ever. And not ever at our house. But I was planning on getting some today, which is weird.

When I was growing up, our family would always go out to the (then) public pool at Gowen Field to go swimming. We would pack our own lunches in order to pinch every penny. But mom would always "splurge" on one thing. We always brought licorice. You know, that big bag of licorice with red and black together? Heather would eat all the black, and the rest of us would fight over the red. My favorite was the chunk that had the 5 short pieces stuck together. We would lay out on our towels, hands wet with the over-chlorinated water, and feast on that licorice. It is burned in my brain. I even remember the one time we brought a bag of chocolate licorice. Blasphemy, I know, but I love chocolate licorice.

Today, we're going over to a friends house to swim. Last night I was thinking that on our way over, we should stop at the grocery store and pick up some licorice and keep the tradition going. But I'm pretty sure I never vocalized that thought. And then to have Judah dream about licorice kind of freaks me out!

Anyway, there's my freaky thought for the day.

Now, for some long awaited pictures!

Playing with Grandma Debbie at the park

HI-YA!

Lilah's trying to stay cool

Feeding the Goose at the Dairy

Saying goodbye to Grandma at the airport

Cooling off in our "pool".

Cheese ball

Playing soccer with Dad on Father's Day

My most recent knitting adventure....dyeing my own yarn!

Here is it washing up in the sink, pre-dye.

I used kool-aid! Here it is bubbling on the stove.

Hanging out to dry

The finished product! A little neon, but it was fun!

and knitted up into my very first sock!

Blogging from my Blackberry!

2008-06-21T09:16:00.000-07:00

That's right, my friends. A blackberry. We were waiting for our stimulus check for what seemed like forever, and it came just in time. My old phone (trusty razr) was really starting to crap out on me. For example: -turning off every time I would try to open a text message. -randomly be off in my purse for-who-knows-how-long. -hanging up on someone at least half of the time. Etc. Anyway, you get the drift. Brent finally drew me over to the dark side of The blackberry... And I'm not too ashamed to say that so far, I love it!

And in other news, I caught the death flu once again from my wonderful son. This time it seems worse than before and it doesn't bode well that he has been fairly sick and out of service since Monday. By that count, I'll be down until at least mid week next week. Can you all take a second and pray for me and Judah? That we'll be healthy and happy in time for my parent's visit a week from today? I would greatly appreciate it!

Ok. Pictures next post, I promise. I'm not sure I'm up for trying to figure that out right now from the phone!

tsk tsk tsk on me...

2008-06-17T11:09:00.000-07:00

sorry. It's been kindof a crazy 2 weeks. Polly and Polar both got adopted (yay) Brent's mom came for a visit, it's hella-hot outside, and not Judah's sick again. Stomach flu type stuff. third time in two months. ugh.

some highlights:

--Brent and his mom finished right in the middle of the pack at the 5K. Debbie got 1st in her age group, and Brent got 3rd.

--I've been knitting alot, and completed my first successful sock (now I just have to knit it's mate)

--We might be selling the tempo and buying a motorcycle. (for Brent and possibly me. I know. shocking)

--Judah's been playing in the sprinkler alot. And he's getting the feeling of swimming again.

--Haven't been to the beach at all, so we were planning on going tomorrow...that won't be happening if Judah's still sick.

pictures are to come. Time to try and keep something in my baby.

new judah-ism's:

2008-06-02T09:01:00.000-07:00

When told he had to get ready for bed after that last cracker, "Aye-Aye captain"

Upon seeing 2 convertible cars in a parking lots, "Look! There's some cars with out toppings!"

Life is good here. Brent still has his job, and we're starting a new budget this month. Our NO tolerance budget! so that kindof sucks, but it's good too.

I've been knitting some, and not selling much. Maybe it'll pick up more during the colder part of the year.

I don't feel much like blogging right now, so I'll just post some pictures....

my new knitting needle case from Andrea!

Brent knitting.... (don't ask)

After our torrential downpour

Judah finding the joy in running through the sprinkler

Joyful Lilah too

Nothin' like running though the sprinkler on a hot summer day!

not blogging...

2008-05-25T00:17:00.000-07:00

not sure why. Well, I could come up with some reasons, but you know, there's really no excuse...

--Judah got the death flu---again. yuk. no more puke please.

--I've been crazy tired, not sleeping well, (mostly due to the previously mentioned sickness, but is continuing...)

--lately the computer makes my eyes hurt, and makes me tired.

--it's been raining and gloomy for 3 days (i'm not about to complain about cool weather!!!) and I get a teensy bit depressed and crazy when we can't go outside. also, 4 dogs that don't want to go out...ever...to pee, to play, to exert energy, makes me go crazy...quickly.

How about some less depressing things?

--There were 11 layoffs at Brent's work this week (only ~40 employees to begin with) and did NOT include Brent, yay for small victories. Their business has slowed down so much lately, and per the owner, Brent still has a job with them b/c of his "hard working attitude". Thank the Lord for that!

--I received my new knitting needle holder in the mail this week from Andrea!!! I love it so much, and it makes me feel so organized!

--I've started crocheting. I never knew there was such a vicious battle between knitters and crocheters, but I aim to bridge that gap. and. do. both. so far so good.

--Judah is feeling much better and back to his old, naughty, crazy, hyper self. Why did I complain when he was so sick and laid on the couch all day and slept??? oh yes. the puke.

--I bought a new pair of shoes. high heels. brown. They are spectacularly cute, and even more uncomfortable. Who needs nerve endings in your feet anyway?

--I am going to start making Christmas gifts next month. Everyone would be smart to expect something made of yarn and wonderfully cozy, just in time for a chilly winter!

I'm sure I will think of more things once I upload pictures from the camera, but for now, that's a little peek into our world...

25

2008-05-17T19:36:00.000-07:00

I officially hit the 25 pound weight loss mark yesterday. It's good to hit a goal, even if it is a small one. This comes at the same time that Brent passed the 106 pound mark....it's hard to not continually compare myself to him, and I know that we are doing it at our own paces...I've also been really slacking in going to the gym lately. But I've been twice already this week, and plan on trying to hit the rest of the days also. It's time I kick this into high gear.

I also sold my very first item through ETSY two days ago! It was just one of the little "Horton Hears a Who" clovers for $5, but it feels good to know that someone out there found my store, and decided to buy something. I have someone interested in one of my beret hats, but they haven't ordered one yet. I've sold 2 purses, but not through ETSY, one through Google checkout, and one with a money order, both to people that I know outside of ETSY, so that is progress too. It's hard, b/c I know that we aren't the only ones going through a financial crunch right now, in all actuality, probably the majority or families are going through this as well. I figured, since I can't really go out and get a job, whatever I can do to help with our families finances I should do. Also, since I have become what Brent likes to call a "yarn snob" I need to make a little extra cash to support my habit.

I've had this uncontrollable urge for In-n-Out lately...it's extra bad since they built one about a half a mile from our house....

Our family played animal rescuers yesterday. Brent is working in Orange County this week, on a busy street corner or a new shopping center. Yesterday, 2 baby bunnies ran right by his backhoe into a big pile of 2x4's. He hopped off his backhoe and found them, both of them, and decided to put them in a box and bring them home. (Please, someone else agree with me that this is *SO* unlike Brent) After he got home, we put them into Moose's cat carrier with lots of blankets, water and some greens. I found a wildlife rehab place online, and called them to see what was the best thing to do. She recommended we set them free in a thick bushy area. We knew exactly where we needed to go. One of the parks we tried to go to once is completely overrun with wild bunnies, so much so, that we never go there b/c of the bunny poo. HA! so we decided there was no better place to set those babies free than there. Judah even named one of them "Dan" and he was a little sad to have to let them go. But when I mentioned that we were animal rescuers, like Diego, he was way into it.

***okay, this post has been sitting here for 4 or so days, waiting for pictures, and I'm too tired to dig them up, so I'm just posting it!

I sold a hat on Etsy. I really hope this starts to pick up, then I can have an excuse to be knitting all the time.

Judah is sick....again....why couldn't it just be a cold this time? I would give anything for his to just have a stuffy nose and a cough etc. But it's this horrid stomach flu again, and I'm already so tired to cleaning up throw-up...I got about 4 hours of sleep last night, Judah kept asking for drinks of water in the middle of the night, and eventually just got up by 6:30. Pray for him to feel better, and pray for Brent and I that we don't get it this time too. I can't go through this again.

Knitting Knuts ! ! !

2008-05-06T21:40:00.000-07:00

Well, in case you've not checked, there are now 6 (YES!! SIX!!) items in my ETSY store! I just finished another little purse for a friend up in Orange County, and I secretly (not so secretly) don't want to send it to her!!

I'm just excited. That's all. So excited, I even chose knitting/sewing over going to the gym today, I know....not the best choice. Speaking of the gym....

I've been neglecting my workout blog lately. I was finding it a little hard to remember to update it every day I went to the gym, plus, I haven't been going very often, averaging about twice a week for the past few weeks. I'm going to aim for at least 4 times this week, and I went yesterday, and I'm going tomorrow, so that's halfway there. I figure that's a very attainable goal, 4x/week.....I'm officially down 22 pounds, haven't weighed in yet this week, so we'll see how it's going. I'm losing at a snails pace in comparison to Brent, who is down 102 lbs. I KNOW! He's looking so great, it's really amazing!

Oh, and Mom, Grandma WOULD be proud! Please tell her that I'm using my SEWING MACHINE!!!! Even though the presser foot lever is broken off, and I've cut my index finger knuckle trying to get it to work.....I'm using it!

Bonus picture of Judah in his Sunday School class!

......ETSY......

2008-05-03T00:03:00.000-07:00

I took the leap, and decided to open up an Etsy shop, if you've never heard of Etsy before, check in out here!

My newest creation, a cabled handbag pushed me over the edge, and I decided that I liked it enough, maybe someone else out there in cyber space would like it too.

So, here's the link to MY ETSY store, there's nothing in there yet, but I intend to put up some items for sale soon, mostly items I've already made (and probably given away) and do custom orders based on what I know how to make (which isn't that much!!)

I even tried to name it something clever.....the jury is still out on that one...

So, pass it along! (well, maybe wait to pass it along until there is actually something there....)

Wanna creep yourself out?

2008-04-29T16:52:00.000-07:00

Anyone use Google maps? Have you noticed their new feature? (Disclaimer: It may not always work) Type in your address, hit "search maps". In the little bubble that pops up, hit "street view". (some addresses may not have this function yet) It has an actual picture OF THE FRONT OF YOUR HOUSE!!!! A little big brother-ish???? I think so! Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not crazy protective of our personal information (I know you're cringing, Mom!) but this totally freaked me out! What if you were standing naked in your front picture window when the picture was taken?!? (Disclaimer: I don't stand naked in our front window...ever.) Or what if your garage door was open when the picture was taken, and people can see right into your house?!? Just a little creepy, me thinks!

One thing I have loved about living where we live, is a quality Zoo. Our zoo passes expired in Jan, but we went with Sharon and the boys yesterday for free with some guest passes, and I have missed it. It was my camera's first time at the Zoo, and it had fun!

It has been brought to my attention.....

2008-04-25T22:43:00.000-07:00

that I'm being neglectful....of my blog. Well, here we are. writing a blog. let's hope I can think of something interesting to say.

Well, I've been a little busy, trying to manage my herd of dogs. I realized, after Polar and Polly had been here for a couple days, they must have been backyard dogs. They have NO manners, and even less obedience. But, in all of the frustration, it's been good for me to brush up on my training skills. It's hard trying to teach "sit" and "down" when they don't even know things like "off" and "out" and "knock it off" and "shut the---" wait. nevermind! So, we're starting from square one with them, and it's going ok. They both have a long way to go, but they're quick learners. And they're so gosh darn cute, they probably get away with more than they should!

Brent went on a giant hike last weekend...up Mount San Jacinto. A group of crazy guys from church went last weekend, to try to reach the summit. They encountered so much snow, they had to turn back before they wanted to. But they got pretty high, close to 9000 ft or so. They hiked about a mile vertically, and 11 miles round trip. I was pretty nervous for Brent, I was glad that expert mountain climber, Micah with them, but I just had this sick feeling that something bad might happen. I couldn't shake the feeling, so I decided to take my mind off of it, and take Judah to Erica's salon to get both of our hair cut. Turned out to be a pretty good tactic, b/c by the time we got home, Brent was on his way back. He had a pretty big fall. He lost his footing on a really icy slope, and started sliding, feet first down the side of the mountain. He braced himself to try to catch his feet on a tree, hit a bump, which spun him around, and he ended up hitting the tree smack dab on his thigh/hip area. In retrospect, he may have broken a leg if he hit the tree head on with his feet, so I'm glad it happened the way it did. He's got a pretty sweet bruise too, which is nice. They're going to attempt to reach the summit again, but make it an over night trip. lovely. I may have a buzz cut by the time it's all over.

(thanks to Vince for the photos....I was not about to give Brent my new camera to take with him!!)

Oh, and since we're on the pictures kick, here's Judah's haircut....I just can't seem to cut it all off. I wonder what he'd look like with a buzz cut?!?!?

evil plotting Judah

Oh, and I've also been knitting alot. I joined a local knitting and crocheting group (because apparently I'm a grandma and a giant nerd). I go to meetings about once a week or every other week. It's been a good time to get away, have an adult conversation, and make some new friends. Right now we're working on a project together, making a knit/crochet square blanket for a lady who owns a local yarn store. She just had a brain tumor operated on, and now is going through chemo. Usually we just bring whatever we are working on to the meetings, but the past few have been working on making the blanket together. It's been really fun and encouraging. I think we're meeting to give it to her this coming Tuesday. It's going to be fun!

What the dogs do at the dog park...

What Judah does at the dog park...

Yes, that's a 6 foot chain link fence. And yes, he's climbing his way into the small dog area!

Goodnight!

A New Challenge

2008-04-19T16:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I pulled 2 dogs from the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter, a cramped, high-kill shelter a little north of us. The first picture I saw online was this:

So, being the bleeding heart that I am, I called the shelter to see just how long he had been there. Turns out, he and his kennel-mate were dropped off by their original owners over 2 weeks ago, and they didn't have much time left. The were also fairly bonded to each other, and the shelter was looking for someone to adopt them together. (which could possibly be why they were still there) So I decided to head up there, and bring them home, and give them a second chance at life with a family. They're both only 8 months old, and so sweet. They have alot to learn, seems like they were backyard dogs exclusively, no manners, no crate training, they share food from each others bowl, stuff like that. So, without further ado....

POLAR

POLLY

Polar is already neutered and ready to go, and Polly is getting spayed in a week and a half, and then will be ready as well. They are looking for good forever homes, so if you know anyone that's interested, let me know! You might be surprised at how good I am at putting together transports! The rescue that I adopted Lilah from transported a dog from Fresno, CA to Seattle, WA !!! And Honey went from here to San Francisco, so anything is possible!

no fun being sick.....

2008-04-16T10:05:00.000-07:00

we've been through the ringer this past week. About a week ago, Judah came down with some sort of a stomach bug. Right when he was starting to feel better, I got sick. And I'm just now getting back to feeling sort of myself. blech.

We had planned on celebrating Brent's birthday last Friday, but were amidst the sickness, so we postponed it until last night. We had a blast! Micah and Erica joined us on our outing to the Stone Brewery for a tour, tasting and dinner. I brought my camera, but was having too much fun to take pictures, so you'll have to just take my word for it that we had a fantastic time! Delicious food, tasty beer (including a beer float for Brent) and great friends made for a wonderful night of Birthday bliss!

Judah stayed at the Paschall's house while we were out, thanks Jeff and Sharon for taking care of him! Per Judah's report, they had "some green stuff I didn't like" for dinner, and then "rice with cinnamon and sugar on it!" I didn't get the full lowdown from Sharon when I went to pick him up, b/c he was asleep, in Ben's bed w/ Ben! That is so exciting for me, b/c I've always thought he was not capable of a sleepover at someone else's house, but Sharon said that Jeff put them to bed, and before she knew it, they were both asleep! This gives me hope. Not sure what for, not that Brent and I will ever have a use for this, but it's just one of those "he's growing up" things, and it makes me proud and happy!

he doesn't need a haircut, does he???

Tag....You're it! & Happy Birthday Brent!!

2008-04-09T19:10:00.000-07:00

Kelly tagged me, so I decided to oblige. I'm officially tagging Mary (the mafiosos) and Jessica! (c'mon, I did it, you have to also!)

1.Were you named after anyone? I don't think so. I just know that I would have been Nicholas if I was a boy.

2.When was the last time you cried? Sunday in church. I'm sappy like that. (and it was communion, which almost always makes me cry)

3.Do you like your handwriting? Not most of the time. I usually write too fast, and it ends up looking like a Doctor or something.

4.What is your favorite lunch meat? Honey roasted Turkey Breast

5. Do you have kids? uhhhh......KID!

6. If you where another person would you be friends with you? Sure! I could hypothetically be friends with alot of people!

7.Do you use sarcasm a lot? No......me? never. (ha)

8.Do you still have your tonsils? Lemme check......yup!

9.Would you bungee jump? Nope. I mean, for a million dollars I might. Anyone got that? Didn't think so.

10. What is your favorite cereal? It's a tie between Cracklin' Oat Bran & Peanut butter Cap'n Crunch

11. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? Never.

12. Do you think you are strong? Heck yes! I've got skills.

13. What is your fav. ice cream? Breyers Mint Chocolate Chip

14. What is the first thing you notice about people? Hair.

15. Red or Pink? Red, baybee!

16.What is the thing you like least about yourself? Laziness

17. Who do you miss the most? Prolly my sister.

18. What color pant and shoes are you wearing? Jeans and black converse

19. Have you ever re-gifted? I'm sure I have. I'm cheap. That's how I roll.

20.What are you listening to right now? something on Discovery Channel. I tend to tune it out.

21.If you were a crayon what color would you be? Burnt Sienna

22. Favorite smell? Tie between first few minutes of rain & orange/clove.

23. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? Grandma Vay

24.Do you like the person who sent this to you? of course!

25. Favorite sports to watch? UFC / Wrestling / Volleyball

27. Scary movies or happy endings? Scary movies WITH happy endings!

28. Last movie i watched? Horton Hears a Who

29. What color shirt? Salmon. I hate it.

30. Summer or winter? Summer. As long as I have air conditioning and a friend with a pool and plenty of gas to go to the beach. K---maybe winter.

31. Hugs or kisses? kisses

32. Fav. dessert? cheesecake. mmmmmmm......... :::drools:::

33. What book are you reading now? books? I don't need no stinking books!

34.What did you watch on tv last night? The Biggest Loser! Go vote for Roger! He rocks!

35. Favorite sound? Brent playing the drum while I play my guitar.

36.Rolling stones or Beatles? The Beatles. Forever.

37. what's the furthest you 've ever been from home? Prolly Atlanta, if airports count.

38. Do you have a special talent? Well, I can sing and play the guitar, but there's not really anything special about that!

39.Where were you born? Boise, Idaho

OK. Now that THAT is over, down to business!

! ! ! ! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRENT ! ! ! !

It's hard to believe you are only 1 year away from 30....It is also hard to believe that this is the 13th birthday I've gotten to celebrate with you!!! You are such an amazing man, I've loved getting to grow up with you, and see you mature into the man that I know you God made you to be. We've gone through thick and thin together, and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you by my side. You are a wonderful husband, and an even more wonderful father. You are my inspiration and my love. Happy Birthday!!!

not alot goin' on here....

2008-04-07T17:24:00.000-07:00

just a little of this:

and some of this:

and ALOT of this:

and, well, this...

Jager, being the guard dog at the park. I thought it was really cute, and funny, b/c he kept growling at something, and nothing was there, well, nothing to the naked eye. But hey! Maybe he scared off whoever it was!??!

Seriously....this is the face that would make a criminal turn and run....

New knits hot off the needles are:

1. Recycled silk hobo bag! I love this thing!

2. Horton's clover, complete with speck!

Judah hears a Who...

Happy Monday!

Judah-isms....

2008-04-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

"What are my options?"

--when asked what he wanted for Breakfast.

"Moose, you're such a hamburger helper."

--Talking to Moose, the cat.

"Daddy, I got some gummy bears when we went to the philbrook store."

--telling Brent about our trip to JoAnns (the FABRIC STORE).

Oh, and we went to the beach last Friday! It was a little chilly at first, but it warmed up to be a beautiful March day at the beach. Judah even got in the water a little bit, and I started working on my tan for this year! Thanks, Emily, for going with us! We had a great time!

The Dude abides....

2008-03-29T08:48:00.000-07:00

The big Lebowski. It wasn't a great movie. I'm not even sure when it was that I first saw it. I think it was one of those weird movies that Danny had Brent and I watch at some point when he lived in our basement. I'm not, by all means, condoning this movie or recommending it. From what I can remember, it is pretty foul and "adult themed". But I did take a couple things from it.

#1--White Russians--by FAR my favorite cocktail. "the dude" drinks them throughout the movie.

#2--"The Dude Abides." The "dude" is one of the main characters in the movie, and he says (possibly more than once) "the dude abides". yes, weird. First of all that he calls himself "the dude". But that phrase always stuck with me.

On the street one over from us, about 4 houses away, there is a "dude." I'm not sure why we started calling him that. But every time we would drive by, we would find ourselves looking for him. If it is anytime after dark, he is there, in his garage, with the garage door open. Were not sure why he's there, or what he does. But he's sitting there, on a barstool, sometimes with friends, sometimes by himself. Sometimes he's out during the day working on something in the garage, using some power tools. It has become something that we always say when we see him--"The Dude abides." Because that is what he's doing. Just abiding. I wish I could take a picture of this, but that might seem a little stalker-ish, so I will refrain.

"The Dude abides. I don't know about you but I take comfort in that. It's good knowin' he's out there. The Dude. Takin' 'er easy for all us sinners. Shoosh. I sure hope he makes the finals." --The Stranger in The Big Lebowski.

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T22:34:00.000-07:00

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Should I......

2008-03-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

....have taken advantage of a crazy steal at JoAnns??? I keep thinking about this. It's seriously lame, but I can't decide what I should have done....

Yesterday, at JoAnns, I was picking up one skein of some yarn to finish Tami's hobo gloves when I saw a sign. This is ALL it said: "Lion Brand: Wool Ease $2" Now, there are 3 different kinds of Wool Ease, 1-worsted weight (normal-everyday thinner yarn--$2.50 regularly) 2-Thick and Chunky (heavier thicker yarn-- ~$5.00 regularly) & 3-Thick and Quick (super bulky--$6.50 regularly). I knew, in my heart of hearts, that the sale was probably only supposed to be for the worsted weight, b/c it's the cheapest, and there is NO WAY they would ever put the other, more expensive yarn on that huge of a sale. So I found an employee, had her look at the sign, and she said that if it didn't specify which kind, then it was all of them. I KNEW that it would ring up wrong, and I'd have to go through all of that again, but I decided to grab 2 skeins of the thick and quick, b/c there was this pattern I was dying to try that uses it. So of course, I get to the cash register as they're closing (lovely) and, what do ya know....$6.49/each. SO I explain to the cashier (only her 2nd day working there....poor girl) about the sign, and she calls a manager. Turns out, only the worsted weight is on sale (big freaking surprise) but they will honor the sign, even though it was wrong. I knew they would have to honor the sign, even though I knew it was wrong. My dilema is, should I have gotten more skeins to begin with?? One side of me says yes, b/c it was their mistake, but one side says no, b/c I knew it was a mistake and mispriced from the beginning.

Anyway, It's over now, and I'm sure they've fixed the sign error, so I got 2 skeins for $4, which is less than one normally costs. But I feel semi-good about it still, b/c one of the skeins is going to make a hat for a cancer patient. That's good karma, right??

Anyway, presenting the $2 hat!

It the Brangelina Hat from my new favorite blog. It's modeled after a hat seen on Angelina Jolie, not that I care about that, I just thought it looked cute! I also love how it looks in the red! Mmmmmm...wooly goodness....

I also realized, after I had downloaded the pictures of this hat, I have a disturbing pattern going on. I almost always finish up a project in the morning while Judah is eating breakfast and watching 'toons'....I am always to eager to get pictures of said project, I often jump the gun, and model it pre-shower....blech. **Note to self---people might appreciate seeing a showered Alicia...they might actually like the knitting projects better if there isn't greasy hair poking out of it!!

SILLY JUDAH FACE INTERLUDE!!!

Oh, and here are some pics of Judah and Ben at the play place on Friday! They had a blast!

and a rare pic of me and the man...

And some new pictures of Moose, b/c he seems to get left out alot...

wow....I've been working on this for too long...better head out and get to the gym (since I declared that I shall not work out during my birthday weekend...I've got alot of making up to do!)

best. birthday. present. ever.

2008-03-14T16:42:00.000-07:00

Yes...yes...today is the day. Birthdays are, in general, less fun when your extended family isn't there to throw you a party with the dinner of my choice, cake of my choice, homemade ice cream, and a close knit family celebration. I really do miss that. So instead of focusing on what I am missing out on, I need to remember that this is a different stage of my life, and that means I get to do things differently.

So what did I do today on this, oh magical of days? Not a ton. really. Sharon and Benjy treated Judah and I to Starbucks on our way to Child's Play, an indoor play place with dress up costumes and toys up the wazoo. It was a good outing. And Judah is sufficiently pooped (which is always good). On our way home from that, I stopped off at Temecula Valley Yarn Company And bought myself a little B-day prezzie. Well, one skein for me to make this and some blue and orange yarn to make this for my brother (yes...in BSU colors). I got 15% off b/c it's mah birfday! BONUS!!!

Then I came home, hopped on the interwebs to check my e-mail and had a lovely little surprise in my inbox, an e-mail from Laurie, author of one of my favorite knitting blogs, http://www.crazyauntpurl.com/ , which is where I got the basis for my beret pattern I shared a few posts back. And I'M ON HER BLOG!!! I was so happy and excited, and a little freaked out to see me (and apparently my bra strap) in pictures on her blog!!! Anyway, it just is the best Birthday present ever, to be published (in a very loose sense of the word) on such a wonderful and popular blog!! Oh, and yes, I am a humongous NERD!

So anyway...back to our regularly scheduled programming----Brent and I are going out for a fabulous dinner tonight (we don't know where yet, but since we're breaking our diet, it WILL BE delicious) and possibly a movie. I know...boring boring boring. But that's what you do for kicks when you have to line up a babysitter and all (thanks Sharon).

So what have I learned in 28 years of living on God's green earth? Hmmmmm.... I'll make a list, b/c lists are fun. (Yes they are. Lists are SOOOOO fun)

1. I DO have the strength and willpower to lose weight (17.5 pounds so far) YAY!

2. I love to love my family. Brent and Judah are the best. period. It is hard to be so far away from the rest of our family, but I'm learning how to deal with it.

3. I really love my dogs (not a big surprise to most of you). Even through all the hair and slobber and holes in my yard...I can't get enough of them.

4. I never thought I would love living in California, but I really do. Wearing flip flops year 'round can't ever be bad.

5. I love knitting. Even if I don't fit the stereotype for being a knitter. I'm 28, and I'm not going to knit a button down sweater vest....but I love knitting.

Ok...I think I'm done.

Surprised by Beauty

2008-03-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

When we moved into this house, last August, our front patio was just a big patch of dirt with a large, nasty, poky aloe vera bush in it. I was actually planning on what kinds of flowers I would plant in it when spring came. Brent is toying with the ideas of a small vegetable garden also! Then, the beginning of January, we noticed some leafy green stalks protruding from the ground, where nothing had been for 5 months. At first, I thought they must be weeds, but as time progressed, i realized they must be some sort of bulb, that had died back completely during the late summer. Time progressed, and I started to recognize the leaves...but i couldn't put my finger on it. Then yesterday, as I was walking back towards the house, I noticed something. It had bloomed!! Imagine my surprise, as I see this:

I am so excited!! There are 5 more blooms yet to open, and 4 more plants! The bulbs probably need to be spread out, one plant is way huger than the others, so this fall, I will do some rearranging! It was just such a surprise to see something so beautiful come from nowhere. I never watered them, I never cultivated the soil, I never fertilized them. I didn't even know they were there. But they turned into something so beautiful, without me, without my help. Someone put those bulbs there a long time ago, and I get to see the results. I don't know. I'm weird like that! It just seems like God knew I needed that. It was a good object lesson to me. Even when I don't do everything I should, God is still working on me. Whether I take the time I should to pray, be in the Bible, whatever....He is still there, working on my heart, and my life. And there is always the potential that something beautiful will come of it. But then I know that next year, after I have replanted the bulbs, fertilized them, watered them, how much more beautiful they will be! The same goes for me.

Anyway....I couldn't stop taking pictures of that single Lily...

Also---I have started a new link list on my sidebar for knitting/crafty blogs or websites. Feel free to leave a comment with some of your favorites, and I can add them to the list!!

For Better or Worse....

2008-03-09T13:43:00.000-07:00

I'm in love with this hat.

(pardon me while I talk about knitting)

This hat is a modification from this pattern I had to modify it b/c circular needles are EXPENSIVE, and I have no money. But it turned out great! (hold on to your hats...here comes the technical stuff) I cast on 66 stitches on #9 circulars, 1x1 rib for 1 1/2 inches, then increased by k1, kfb, then knitted over to #11 circular needles. I was worried that the giant change in needle size would make the hat turn out all wonky, but it actually made it just the perfect slouchiness!! I started the decreases at about 6" into the hat, and began with k13 k2tog (you have one extra stitch on the last set, but I just chalked it up to imperfection and said "SCREW IT!" you just have to knit one more regular stitch on that set every time. but it works out just fine.) In between the decrease rows I knitted one regular round, until about the sevens....when I started to think that this hat might very well be the cause of my early demise, so I started to decrease on every row after that, I ended up with either 14 or 7 stitches to choose from at the very end, I went with the 7, probably should have chosen 14, it would have been more flat on the top. But I love it anyway! I will wear it in sickness and in health.....(the sickness comes in when I am wearing it in our 110 degree weather this summer...)

I don't think I've shared very many of my knitting adventures on here yet. I have lots of pictures of stuff....you can see them here if you're the least bit interested!

The trouble with being 3.... UPDATED

2008-03-07T15:01:00.000-08:00

Judah pulled our TV off of the entertainment center this afternoon. Thankfully, no people or animals were injured in this process. But our 8 year old TV was. That blasted TV faithfully followed us from house to house, apartment to apartment, state to state, 6 places in all, and now it is gone. Oh well, it's just "stuff", right? But the only real problem is, that this "stuff" keeps me sane....many of you know just what I mean, being a stay at home mom, the TV really is a nice distraction and time filler when you need a break, need to do the dishes, need to make lunch, it is just a luxury you get used to having around, and take for granted.

We may be TV-less and insane for a while.

***One of Brent's former co-workers is giving us their old TV! YAY! They invested in a giant big screen TV, and didn't have a use for their old one...until now!! ***

Before that happened today, I was all prepared to write a happy post about how much I love my little man....how silly and sweet he is, how wonderfully complex he really is, even at his young age...but I feel a little disenchanted about that topic right now. So I'll just post the pictures I was planning on posting....

Decompression

2008-03-03T19:53:00.000-08:00

you know, when you get home from a big trip, you need a vacation from your vacation? At least that's what my mom always called it. I was glad we got home on a Saturday, so Brent didn't have to go straight back to work. We got a nice day of rest in yesterday, Church, lunch with friends, Judah got to play with his buddy Ben, Brent had a meeting, and I got to smoosh puppy faces. really.

A friend of mine has these 2 little 1 month old Pomeranian Pups...it's a long story, but the short version is this: she adopted a senior male pom, Nick, who was really too old to go under anesthesia to get neutered...fast forward to her adopting a female pom from our local shelter who was inspected by the vet at the shelter and deemed already spayed....well, fast forward to a year later....OOPS! Puppies! By the way, Nick, the male is AT LEAST 17 years old! Look Ma! No VIAGRA! HA HA HA!!! So this is truely what you would call an "oops litter". So I played puppy photographer for the afternoon, and caught some really great pictures!

So, anyway....today was our lazy day, as most Mondays are. lounged around in our PJ's for waaay longer than we should have, and then decided Judah and the dogs needed a trip to the park. So we hopped in the car and headed down to Temecula. It was t-shirt and shorts weather. I love California.

Judah is having a little bit of a hard time getting back into the schedule of Pacific time, he was tired and whiny all day today. So when he fell asleep on the couch at 5 o'clock, I didn't even try to keep him up.

Well, the second half of the trip was super fun as well! I can't even remember anything we did...I am having post-vacation amnesia. maybe some pictures will spark my memory.

Oh yes, we got to hang out with Eddie and Becky!!! We haven't seen them (in their entirety) for 2 1/2 years. It was sad to see them be with out Mason. But is was so good to get to sit down and talk and just *be* with each other. They are some of our dearest friends, and it was so good to remember just what their friendship means to us. And Judah and Jazzy got along swimmingly, so that was a bonus. Until 1 in the morning, in fact. I know. We're insane.

Something I knitted for myself!! Anna was disappointed it was Slytherin colors.

Me and my Daddy

Oh, and one of the afternoons it was nice enough to be outside playing on the playground and to eat popsicles! Imagine that!

The similarities are eerie...maybe it's just the hair. Judah and his Uncle Nick!

Oh yes, and a night of fun and fellowship at Dan and Reb's....I LOVE this pic of Ella!!!

Friday, we had family pictures taken by Dan Beighley. YAY! I can't wait to see the results! This is my amateur photo or Paul and Heather.

I can't get enough of this silly face!!!

Judah chasing the geese. It isn't Idaho until you chase a goose.

Friday night we had a get together at Mom and Dad's to see friends we hadn't had the chance to see yet. What a whirlwind! It was so much fun, though!

Steph and William...he was just a little bean when we left for SoCal!

Josiah and Brody....they are the "big boys" now....so weird.

I didn't realize this post would be so picture heavy! Hope they all load well for you. Next time I guess I should make a slideshow or something.

Be sure to stop by and say "HI!" in the comment section! I am up to around 40 visits a day, and go for weeks without any comments!!

Alright....off to bed I go! Nite!

pictures.....maybe.

2008-02-28T12:49:00.000-08:00

Brent and Judah's first airplane ride together

Cousins...together....finally!

More cousins, Brent's brother's kids, Tristen and Rhonda

Rhonda Quinn...cutie pie

Jumpin' on G-ma Debbie's bed

Lydia Grayce

Murphy Brown...I miss her and her perfect eyeliner

Eden Bonne. She is a smartie pants and a cutie pie

...and a stinker....

Evil Charles....planning the demise of the world...

Bear Bear, old lady....14 years old now

More Charles

The Anniversary Inn

Downtown Boise

Enjoying our night out, Irish Car Bombs at the Hapenny Bridge, an Irish pub Downtown

Reading books with G-ma Debbie

More to come when I get around to it! Enjoy! We're having fun, stay tuned....

The trip so far...

2008-02-26T16:37:00.000-08:00

has been great! Lots to report, and not alot of computer time to divulge it all! Sunday was Church and then time with Brent's Dad and Brother's family. It was great to have everyone together again. The cousins all played wonderfully, in a year or so, we'll be kicking the boys outside to play, Tristen is getting big and starting to roughhouse with Judah alot, which is great. Judah needs someone to kick his hiney sometimes, ya know?

Yesterday, Monday, I got to babysit Eden for my sister in the afternoon while Brent, Judah and Debbie went to go see Brent's Grandpa. Little Baby Eden....really isn't a baby at all anymore. She is so smart. Too smart....reminds me A LOT of Jude.

Then last night, Brent took me out for our Valentines date! We left Judah with Debbie, and checked in at the Anniversary Inn, caught a cab to downtown. We ate our dinner at the Hapenny Bridge (an Irish Pub) and coffee at JAVA. walked around alot, we both miss downtown Boise, it was good to be back for just a little bit. We headed to the Record Exchange for old times, and caught the cab back to the hotel. We had a fabulous time, and Judah did Fabulous with G-ma Debbie all night!!!

Ok, I've had this post waiting in the wings for 2 days now, trying to UL pictures, and blogger just isn't cooperating....GAR!!!!!!!!

Now we're at my mom and dad's house. Trying to see friends, and spend time with family. Nick is flying in tonight to be here while we are, and we are actually getting some family pictures taken! I will update when I can with some pictures...until then....

Uninspired....

2008-02-19T09:36:00.000-08:00

...as of late. Not much going on here. We're gearing up for our vacation to Idaho!! Yip yip yipee!!! We leave Sat. morn, using our really cheap plane tickets, flying standby. Say a little prayer for us that we get on the flight we are trying to get on. I don't really feel like spending any more time than necessary in our tiny little lame airport. I'm starting to make lists of things we need to do before we go, and lists of stuff to pack, and lists of what we'll be doing....it's all just lists lists lists....

so, instead of boring you any further, some new photos.

The kids at the park and me trying out a new photoshop thingy!

Miss A.J.

Handsome man, Steele

My little photographer; he took over the use of my old camera.

Our Valentines Day treat for our small group Bible study, yes, that is cheesecake!

Mr. pouty face hurt himself

Thanks for cleaning the door, Mom. Now we're ready to slobber it all up again!

Cartoon time with MooseDrool

Mini-Golfing, thug style

Emily's new boots (wahhhh!!!!) they were supposed to be mine, but I couldn't even get my foot in them. And they look cuter on her anyway!

It's all in the hips....it's all in the hips....

Looks like Emily has a halo!!

Judah actually did really good!

Disenchanted....

2008-02-13T22:15:00.000-08:00

with pinkberry...

After hearing many many people RAVE RAVE RAVE about pinkberry frozen yogurt, we decided to try it out tonight. Can I just say.....YUCK YUCK YUCK!!! From the 3 (yes, only 3) flavor choices, plain-green tea-coffee, I went with plain. It was P.L.A.I.N. Like plain yogurt that was FROZEN. Judah, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy it (covered in chocolate chips, of course). Anyway, if you like plain yogurt you'll like it. But I would have rather spent 70 calories elsewhere. Like a bowl full of spinach. honestly.

the beach!!!!!!

2008-02-11T20:14:00.000-08:00

We're back baby! Back at the beach! It has been amazingly H-O-T here lately. And there was a Golden meetup at the DelMar Dog Beach yesterday, so I made the whole family accompany me! It felt great to be back at the beach, although I was nervous most of the time we were there, the reasons for my anxiety are twofold:

1. I decided to take my new camera with us. I was really nervous I would drop it in
the surf, or the sand, or get shaken on by 57 wet stinky golden retrievers. I actually managed to get some decent pictures, though.

2. It was Lilah's first trip to the beach, and first real off-leash experience in such a large non-fenced in area. I felt like I needed to watch her like a hawk, her recall is not-so-good yet. We have alot to work on. But Jager was amazing with her, showing her the ropes, and helping me go round her up when she would get too far away from us.

Anyway, we had a great Sunday afternoon. Judah was in heaven, there was sand, water and rocks. What more could a 3 year old ask for?!?!?

Just bummin' around town...

2008-02-09T15:52:00.001-08:00

Something we like to do every once in a while, on a Saturday morning. We head to Old Town Temecula, to the Farmer's Market they have there every Saturday. It has been unseasonably WONDERFUL weather the past few days....we knew we needed to get out and enjoy it before it switches on us unexpectedly, which it will do here in about a day or so. I figured out the secret weather pattern for our part of SoCal....nice for a few days, crappy for a few days, nice for a week, crappy for a week. It's like even stevens around here. But we are due some nice weather. All that rain had me really despising the fact that there were 3 Golden Retrievers in the house!

So, back to the topic at hand....Old Town. The instant we say the phrase "Old Town", Judah goes bonkers, b/c he knows that he gets to go to the candy store, and pick up some gummy worms and gummy circles. Yeah, I said it. BOTH! You would be excited too. It's a good old fashioned candy store where you buy it by the pound, and there are hundreds of sweet treats to choose from. I decided to take my camera along for the ride...

After the sugar dose-up, we headed to the farmers market. Purchases included olive oil soap (peppermint), some organic no sugar added dried fruit (yummy goodness)...then there's the list of things I wanted to buy but refrained from. Just to mention a few, blood oranges, gerber daisys, hummus, fresh baked artisan breads, house plants, jewelry, parakeets, falafel, fresh squeezed lemonade, and kettle corn. Yes, it's a ridiculous list, but you know how sometimes you end up with really weird and inconsistent purchases at places like that! So I decided to just take some more pictures.

Oh, and my new haircut! Have a great weekend!

Some new pictures...

2008-02-03T00:03:00.000-08:00

I'm awaiting a tutorial session with my 2 favorite photographers...until then, the Auto settings are working great!

Judah combing Dad's hair with water..."just like mom.."

Princess Lilah...

Our fig tree finally lost all it's leaves...

just about the time it started blooming! HA! That's SoCal for ya!

Best buddies already

Whiplash is real.

2008-01-27T23:03:00.000-08:00

And please consider this my official apology to you if you've ever had whiplash and I've mocked you. (out loud or in my heart) I've never really thought that whiplash hurt so bad, or that it continues on for so long! Ouch.

So, we got in an accident on Friday afternoon. We were on hwy. 79, on our way to the dogs park (Lilah's first dog park trip) and stopped pretty quickly at a yellow/red light, and a guy behind us never stopped. I assume he was expecting us to speed through the then red light, and he would just slide right through behind us. Well, he must have been going at least 50 mph. and there were no skid marks. I had just turned my head to look at Brent, right before he hit us, and both of our seats broke. Judah and the dogs were fine, fairly unphased! They were all happy to just be able to get out of the car and play alongside of the highway for an hour or so! LOL! I went to the Dr. yesterday, he said that it was all muscular, not skeletal, so he told me to keep up with the ibuprofen 3x a day, and prescribed me some muscle relaxers....supposed to make me drowsy...how about LOOPY!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!! I took one last night, and just came out of my stupor about 2 hours ago...ugh. What a waste of $20. At least the guy's insurance will be covering it.

The van is in the shop getting repaired, what a tank! That thing kept us so safe! The guys car was completely undrivable, and the van just has 2 broken seats and a couple dents! I'm just so glad it's going to be fixable. I hate to admit how much I like that beast!

On other news....Judah is sick. coughing, stuffy nose, fever, sore throat, and an owie ear. We're headed off to the Dr. first thing in the morning. He is pretty much miserable. Think of us tomorrow, and send a prayer up for him.

It's also miserably wet here. Raining for 3 days, on and off, on all day today. And today Gracie came to stay with us for a while. We are 3 golden retrievers deep, and no one wants to go outside! Eeeps!

I'm also sad that it keeps raining, b/c I really want to go outside and take more pictures and experiment! There is only so much you can do inside with poor lighting!

One brief moment of sunshine..

Overheard-

2008-01-25T10:14:00.000-08:00

while Judah was eating his breakfast the other day:

"Everybody, just stay calm. Grapes, stay calm! Blueberries, Stay calm! Do you hear me? Stay calm--all of you!"

Apparently, the fruit was freaking out, on a molecular level, of course. Not to the naked eye, though. He only saw the friut acting up with his super hero super power vision!

Taking the plunge....

2008-01-24T17:10:00.001-08:00

I did it. I'm the proud parent of a Canon EOS Rebel XT. Now, would someone please tutor me on this thing?!?!???

The Delimma....

2008-01-21T16:15:00.000-08:00

In my 6 month (or so) search for a new digital camera, I have pretty much narrowed it down to 2 choices....

A digital SLR, namely, Canon Rebel XT.

A high end Point and shoot, namely, Canon S5

Every time I think about it, I end with a different conclusion. It's really been frustrating. So, in order to help clear my head, here is a pro/con list for each of them. Feel free to chime in with your opinion on which I should choose.

Rebel Pro's

-Nicer camera in general
-professional looking pictures
-ability to upgrade who camera with a new lens purchase

Rebel Con's
-about $150 more just to get started
-new lenses at least $200/piece
-the trap of always needing (wanting) some new accessory
-too nice to take to the beach
-switching lenses around
-have to get a new camera bag

Canon S5 Pro's
-lightweight
-costs less (I could get it this weekend)
-fits in my old camera bag
-great zoom with the attached lens
-face recognition (great feature!!)
-takes up less space on my computer per file
-has a video setting with audio

Canon S5 Con's
-not an SLR :*(
-it will probably be outdated in another 4 or 5 years
-not the rebel.....

ok...now I'm more confused than ever!! Someone help me!!!!! maybe I should set up a poll or something. Just feel free to leave a comment and chime in! I welcome all opinions, criticisms etc. Thanks.

Hi-Ho-Cherri-o....

2008-01-18T10:19:00.000-08:00

...one of the games we got Judah for Christmas. He loves to play it, especially when mom and dad can play it with him at the same time. He's already learned how to cheat, you know, when the spinner lands on the bucket spilling all the cherries, he tried to move it really quickly to another space....I don't know how they learn things like that so quickly! It just shows me that our sin nature truly is something we are born with! No one has to teach you how to be a sinner! It is just something that comes along with human nature, young young human nature!!

But we did have this funny conversation yesterday during our daily game of Hi-Ho-Cherri-o...

J: I have fums (thumbs), that's how I can pick up this cherry.

A: yep! You do have thumbs!

J: The dogs don't have fums.

A: You're right. They don't. Who told you that?

J: Daddy. They don't have fums, that's why they can't play Hi-Ho-Cherri-o with us.

Judah is doing better at the gym. It was a little touch and go to begin with. He's never been to daycare or anything like that before, only Sunday School. So I think that this is good for him. He's interacting with different kids every day, and learning to cope with that. At first, after the initial intrigue wore off, he was a little hesitant to go, but now we've gotten over that hump. He is genuinely excited to go. The ladies that work in the kid care area are really great, and I know that helps him to feel more comfortable in there too. I'm soooo glad, I'm not sure what we would've done if he really didn't like going there. He would've gotten over it eventually, I suppose!

Today is my first weigh-in. I'll be posting the results on my other blog, in case you're interested. I've been journaling a little bit there about how all of this is going. I'll try not to neglect this blog, though, in the process!

So, just because, some new pictures!

ow.

2008-01-15T09:21:00.000-08:00

I'm sore. I'm tired. Someone call me the WAAAAAHHHHH-bulance.

Brent and I got a gym membership last week at Gold's Gym. It's time we kicked out flabby rears into gear. I've had 2 sessions with a personal trainer. It was good, but it hurts today. But that's good, right? If it doesn't hurt, it's not doing anything! I have started a blog to keep track of my exercise and weight loss. I'm planning on weighing in once a week, probably on a Friday. I'm not expecting huge weight loss, b/c I'm not going on a really strict diet. But I am limiting my fast food intake. I figure that anything I eat at home is going to be healthier than any fast food! So I'm trying to limit calories to 1600-1800, and eating at home. We had to cut something out of our budget to be able to afford a gym membership, and Fast Food seemed like the best thing to cut out! HAHA!!! If you want to check the progress out, feel free to stop by.
http://lessofaliciamarie.blogspot.com/

It was a difficult decision for me to make this a publicly viewed blog, but I decided that if I really put myself out there, it might help me stay more accountable! So feel free to pester me if I miss a few days in a row. I have the time, I'm never super busy during the day with Judah, and they have childcare at the gym, so there really aren't any excuses!

In other news....Meet Lilah!

Honey and Jack both have found their new forever homes!! So what is this, you ask? Another foster dog? Or could this one be staying? What do you think?

We adopted Lilah this Sunday!!! She is so sweet. She is a little bit shy, just like Jager was when we first got him, but she is already coming out of her shell. She is still recovering from her spay on Thursday, so she's not really 100% yet. Jager can't wait until she starts to feel like herself again, b/c he really wants a play buddy! More stories of Lilah to come in the not too distant future!

The Longest Day of My Life....

2008-01-10T15:00:00.000-08:00

was yesterday. Here we go. It's story time.

Yesterday, about 1:30 I was just finishing up my shower when I heard a helicopter flying over our house. Judah was in the front room watching some cartoons, entertaining himself while I was in the shower. I hurried to get dressed so that I could take Judah outside to look at the helicopter. Once we got outside, I realized it was a police helicopter, and it was flying pretty low and in a circle. That's when I decided we probably shouldn't be outside. So we rounded up the dogs and headed inside, locking the door behind us. About that time, I realized I was hearing some sirens, and then I saw a police car drive backwards down our street.

Next, I saw our neighbor, who happens to be a fireman, walk down the street to ask some policemen what was going on. I watched him walk back into his house, and then come back out to check his mail. I started to think I had better know what was going on, so I ran next door before he got inside to ask him what they had told him. He said that an escaped parolee had crashed a car on the freeway exit right by our neighborhood, and was seen, armed, running through someones backyard. I told him that we would head back into the house and make sure everything was locked. He suggested that we might think about hopping in the van and leaving, just to get the "heck outta dodge". I seriously considered that.

It wasn't much later that our neighbor and friend John called me. He said he could tell from his house, about 2 blocks away, that the helicopter was circling our street, and wondering what was going on. I told him what I knew, and he offered his house as a safe haven to escape to, if need be. I seriously considered that.

It wasn't much later that my friend Tami called me. She wanted to know if Judah and I could join her and her kids at the park. I joked a little bit, and told her we were on "lockdown", and I would call her back and let her know if we wanted to go. While I was on the phone with Tami, the K-9 officer and his police dog walked through our front yard. I officially started to freak out, with Tami on the other end of the phone. The doorbell rang, so I said goodbye to Tami, and answered the door, with all the dogs on high alert.

There was an officer at the door that asked permission to let their police dog off leash in my backyard. I of course said yes, and proceeded to lock Judah, Jager, Honey, Jack and Moose all in Judah's tiny room. I stayed there with them for a few minutes, then decided to come out and see what was going on. They were already gone, but I decided to have Judah stay in his room.

Once the police officers had left, I decided we were getting out of here, and called Brent to let him know what was going on, and to let him know that we may not be here when he got home from work. I had our shoes on, keys in my pocket, and Jager's leash in my hands. I was planning on taking him with me. He just makes me feel safer. Brent suggested we stay put, he was planning on being home in an hour or so, he felt that we would be safer if we just stayed put, in Judah's room until he got home.

SO that is what we did. I poked my head out of Judah's room a few times to see what was going on, there were police in cars, on motorcycles, in unmarked cars etc. most of them were parked right across the street from our house. About an hour later, Brent called to say that he was on his way home from work, he'd be home in about 10 minutes. I was beyond relieved!

About 5 minutes later, I realized the helicopter was gone, or at least gone from here. The police cars quickly followed. I thought they either had found who they were looking for, of had given up. I was even more relieved to see Brent pull up in his work truck and come in through our garage door. I let Judah and the dogs out of his room. We were safe.

A few minutes later, Brent noticed out of our dining room window that some of the officers and the police dog were back in our neighbors yard. They saw Brent looking at them, and motioned to him to ask if they could come over. Brent waved them over, and then decided to go out the front door to see if they needed anything.

About a minute later, Brent came back in, took one look at me, held me by the shoulders and said, "I don't want you to freak out (by the way, that is the universal freakout guaranteed catch phrase) but they just pulled the guy out of our van."

OUT OF OUR VAN!!!!!!!!

He had been there the entire time!!! Why didn't I leave? I had the opportunity to, the means to, even the persuasion to do so MANY times, yet, we stayed here. I KNOW that God was watching over us, and his angels were surrounding us keeping safe. I don't know what would have happened if I had opened up that van door to load Jager up. I don't know where we would be today, or what situation we would be in. I'm glad I don't have to know. i am so thankful that God, in His infinite wisdom, protected us from getting into a bad situation.

Needless to say, we were all pretty upset. I couldn't stop shaking. I looked out the front window just in time to see them escorting him, in handcuffs, to one of their cars. Brent said, when he was outside, and saw them pulling him out of our van, the threw him over the top of Brent's Tempo, and were yelling at Brent if we knew him or gave him permission to be in our van! Ummmm, let me think....NO! About that time, there was another knock on our door, the police asking us if we had any questions...uhhh...yes!??!!?! They didn't really tell us much, we actually got more information from the photographer that was there soon after it all went down. He took our names and numbers, and about 10 minutes later, we had the Californian calling for a phone interview. I did a phone interview for the Press Enterprise, and there are articles in both local papers about the incident today.

Here are the links to the story, which describe, in more detail, who this guy was, and why they were chasing him, and the whole story leading up to the point where he was found IN OUR VAN!!!!!!!!!

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/01/10/news/californian/4_02_421_9_08.txt

http://www.pe.com/localnews/murrieta/stories/PE_News_Local_S_smanhunt10.34a4620.html

I still don't believe that this happened. It still has me a little shaken up.

Moral of the story??? I don't think we're in Idaho any more. We need to start locking our car in the driveway......I know, I know....that's what you get for moving to California, right?

An unexpected family day...

2008-01-08T22:56:00.000-08:00

Brent didn't work today. Lots of rain + not alot of work = Brent staying home....it's been a little harder that this had to happen right around and after Christmas, so we're trying to make the best of it, and have some good family time on the days when Brent's home.

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am NOT a morning person...in fact, if you go through all the posts on this blog, probably 98% of them were made after 10 pm. There's a reason for that. My brain doesn't work in the morning. Some people can make do. I'm not one of those people. And anyone who knows Brent well, knows that he is sooooo a morning person.

So when I got up this morning and saw Brent chipperly (I know it's not a word, but you all know what I mean) sitting on the couch, I knew it wouldn't be pretty. Brent force-fed me breakfast and coffee, and threw Judah and I into the car! Before I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, we had made it to the bank, the Library (which was closed....because it was EARLY), the veggie/fruit stand downtown, and the dairy! Wow.....just typing all that out exhausts me!! Then we headed back home for some lunch, and then back to the Library! Judah and I rarely make it out of the house before noon, only for play-dates at the park and church. Even grocery shopping gets to wait until after lunch, now that Judah doesn't do naps anymore...

I woke up about the time we got to the dairy....

In other news....I have hopefully found a new home for Jack! He's been with us for a month now. It's been fun, and he's a sweet boy, but I'm glad that he's going to get his new wonderful forever home soon!!! And Honey may be on her way to a new home through a rescue in Northern California! I know, crazy, huh? The NorCal Weimaraner rescue has been the most helpful rescue...which is frustrating...they have been more helpful than any Vizsla (which I'm pretty sure she is,mostly) rescues down here. Ugh. So now I'm looking for help to get her transported up there...

Anyway, here's hoping Brent gets back to work soon, and Judah and I can resume our schedule of sleeping in, watching toons, and being vegetables.

Fun with Photoshop

2008-01-02T21:41:00.000-08:00

I am starting to branch out a little bit more in photoshop. I really like funky effects on some pictures, and on some, I have really liked making them black and white, or sepia toned. This is just tiding me over until I can get the new camera!

So, a funny thing about 3 year olds....they can't chew gum. It's not humanly possible. My mom got Judah a 4-pack of mini superhero bubble tapes for his stocking this year. He was ecstatic! He is, of course, into everything superhero. Well, we've tried supervised gum-chewing-sessions, and it inevitably ends with a quick swallow. Sometimes he chews it for a long time, sometimes not so much. So the other night, Brent and I realized Judah had been quiet for about 10 minutes. We looked at each other and decided to just let it go. We were enjoying the silence.

About the time we realized the silence, Judah came prancing out of his room, and on the end table, right by Brent, laid down a container of bubble tape. Brent checked it. It was empty. He ate it. All of it. Brent had just had the discussion with him about NOT eating the gum.

So Brent sent him to his bed for just a little time out, to think about it, etc. We sat in the living room chuckling at each other....when we again realized, it was too quiet. So we sneak into his room to hopefully catch him in the act....he was asleep...poor guy. Tired, and a gut full of gum! So Brent wakes him up and says, "Judah, we need to talk about the gum." And Judah says (whines), "I don't want to talk about the gum."

Life with a 3 year old boy!

Last post of 2007...

2007-12-31T18:53:00.001-08:00

I had to post this, even though I really don't have anything to say! Well, maybe not nothing.

Recent Acquisitions: (Don't ask. They aren't ours, they're not staying. I think we should open up a home for wayward dogs.)

Jack Daniel: (whom you've met)

Honey:

Today we got off our butts, and out of the house and went for a walk out by the lake (Elsinore) with a friend and her dogs. It was nice. We walked about 3 miles, give/take, and enjoyed some wonderful SoCal Winter weather.

Have a great New Year's Eve, and I'll see you next year! Love to you all!

Some Christmas pictures....

2007-12-28T11:48:00.000-08:00

because I don't really feel like typing anything out...I just made 5 typos in that sentence alone. ok. Here we go.

Sleeping in on Christmas morning. I'm enjoying it while I can.

So excited that there are presents in his stocking!

New paint set in his stocking

Moose getting in on some of the action

Superhero socks!

A sweet new ball (for Jager to bite through...)

He had so much fun opening up all the presents!

Puzzles from Grandma Vay!

Christmas morning cuddling!

My men...

This was the Christmas of games!!!!

Even Jager got to open some gifts!

Playing Candyland. So Happeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!

All sacked out from the morning action.

Playing around with Judah's present from the Benzel's!

Mr. Tool Man. He was walking around the house saying, "Let's find something to build."

Getting thrown around by Micah at the Hilberg's house.

Yes, I made him pose!

Then Danny Micah and Brent brought the funk. er....bluegrass!

We had a wonderful Christmas. I hope all of yours was warm and full of family and friends.

Merry Christmas from us....

2007-12-24T23:46:00.000-08:00

to you!

Because I'm lazy and don't plan ahead, this is the best I can do....graphically enhanced Christmas pictures! Maybe I'll get some cute ones tomorrow, by the tree...

but for now....

Have a wonderful holiday!!!

Neglectful...

2007-12-21T12:07:00.000-08:00

is what I've been to you, blog. Poor poor bloggie...are you hungry? Do you want a belly rub? Who's a good bloggie? Who is? You are!!!

OK, feel better now?

We've been busy? Not really. We've been lazy! That's more like it! And we've just been overwhelmed with Christmas ongoings and activities.

The past week included many things...lets begin.

the tree and decorations are up:

There was a shower for Sharon and baby Beau on Sunday:

for which I made finger sandwiches:

and Christy made a delicious punch!

OH yeah, and Brent brought home a dog on Friday...he found him on his jobsite, and fell head over heels in love with him. We are awaiting his owners to claim him, and NOT keeping him! :-) But he's cute and we're calling him Jack...and oh yes, he likes to wear sweaters.

And then there's this:

He's pretty cute. all of the time. It's sickening!!!
and just in case you don't believe me, PROOF:

Before:

After:

Oh, and there was a staff Christmas party on Tuesday, and I made 4 pies. The same four I did for Thanksgiving, so I am kindof sick of the kitchen right now. SO sick, that I didn't even bake anything for our small group last night, something I do every week. Instead, I just put out a plate of Christmas goodies we've been collecting from alot of people!

We've been receiving lots of mail, Christmas cards, packages etc. And we've made a couple trips to the post office also, to mail off packages, and I have to again today. It sure is different getting used to celebrating Christmas away from family. It's hard, and the closer it gets, it's getting harder. But this too shall pass, and we will be with family again soon, hopefully February.

Ok. time to go get something done, like laundry, or dishes **shudder**, or, ya know, get dressed!!

Have a great weekend!

Blessed.

2007-12-16T23:36:00.000-08:00

We are blessed. That is all I can really say. And the only one we can give glory to is God. Brent and I are so thankful that we have a God that takes care of us and sustains us at all times, in plenty and in want. And even when we aren't as faithful as we should be with what He has given us to begin with. So, Thank you Lord, for blessing us, for your loving care for us--your lowly servants. We give You alone the glory and the honor. Thank you for your gifts to us, and thank you for the gift of your Son, which we celebrate this season!

What's happening. . . . .

2007-12-10T18:11:00.000-08:00

not too much. I sometimes forget that it's been so long since I've updated here. I had a fairly stressful week last week, Sharon had her baby which is wonderful news, so we watched Benjy for 2 days in a row! WOW! I know that if (IF) we have another child, they will be an infant while Judah is older, but this having 2 toddler thing is CRAZY! It completely wiped me out! But we are recovering nicely, and Ben is glad to be back with him family! Here is one of Jeff's pictures or Sharon and the baby.

His name is Beau Goeffry Gabriel Paschall. I got to meet him today, and he is soooo cute and chubby and tiny, and very sweet! He sure loves his momma, and he just sat there and listened to Jordan as she talked with Sharon. I think he is really excited to hear all of his sisters and brothers voices outside of the womb!

In other news, Judah is still a nut. Tonight at dinner, as we are eating some roasted chicken, Brent, Judah and I had quite a conversation...it went a little like this:

J: Do we fish for Chickens?

Me: No. Not really. Chickens don't swim in the water.

J: But don't we throw the chickens into the water and then fish them out?

Dad: ummmm....nope. Chickens live on a farm.

J: Oh! Just like corn!

Dad: Yeah....corn grows on a farm.

J: Yeah, and then the corn turns into animals.

Me: What? How does the corn turn into animals?

J: Well, you have to work really hard. And then the corn turns into animals.

Me: Well, you work really hard to make the corn grow, and then you can feed it to the animals to make them grow up strong.

J: Oh. (singing a made-up song about corn and animals)

Judah cutting with "safety scissors"

Well, that's about it. I'm tired. Tired and grumpy. I'll try to update again soon with some more eventful things.

I'm thankful for....

2007-12-03T09:50:00.000-08:00

I know...it's not Thanksgiving anymore. Well, am I not allowed to be thankful at other times? It just hit me this morning, so I'm sharing!

I'm thankful for:

*a taste of winter weather this weekend.

*frozen (microwavable) french toast sticks

*that I found the Direct TV digital music channel of Christmas music

*my Husband...wonderful wonderful husband

*generous friends, and even more generous strangers

*Sunday night pizza and TV with friends

*Judah's creativity

That's about it for now. I'm sure there are more things, but these ones hit me this morning.

I having a hard time being inspired to take pictures lately. My camera, in it's old age, goes through batteries soooo fast....it's frustrating...so these are all the new ones lately...

Strawberry Banana Trifle

Moose on his new favorite sleeping spot

That's what she said....

2007-11-29T08:39:00.000-08:00

Any Office watchers out there? While we haven't caught nearly all the episodes, we like the show. It is, however, one of those types of comedy that makes Brent physically uncomfortable, and he sometimes has to leave the room. You know, the dumb, I feel sorry for, type of humor....he's not offended by it, in the least, he just can't stand it sometimes! It makes me laugh. But some of the episodes brought us back to one of our often used joke with one another---that's what she said. And if you don't really know what I'm talking about, here are some examples...

As inappropriate as that joke in general is, we will admit, we say it often, mostly to each other, but I know that sometimes we forget we have a 3 year old recorder near us at all times...so, on to the story...

Lat night as we were finishing up our dinner of sauteed chicken and vegetables over rice, Brent and I were both out of water. We went back a forth several times, as is normal for us, about who should get up to get some water for both of us. So I finally conceded, and decided to get the freakin' water! Before I left the table, I said (in a very smart-allicky way) "The last shall be first and the first shall be last!" and got up to get some more water for Brent and myself. I'm halfway to the fridge and I hear, in a raspy little voice, "That's what she said."

Brent and I both went into fits of laughing convulsions.... I haven't laughed so hard in months. What a little mouth that one has, and you know why? he has his mommies mouth....yikes.

In other news, Brent and I had a date last Friday, and I'm just now getting around to uplaoding the pictures from it. We dropped Judah off at the Paschalls, and headed down to Escondido to go to the STONE Brewery. Brent found out that we have a specialty brewery basically in our backyard, so we decided to go down and take a tour, with, of course, a free tasting at the end. We had a great time, learned a little bit about brewing, and enjoyed (well, at least Brent did) some really freshly brewed beer. It was all very interesting! Here are some pictures from the tour.

All the things that go into the brewing

The bottling/labeling machine, coincidentally, the actual machine used in the movie, Strange Brew no joke!!!

Brent and his Growler (refillable 1 liter bottle)

Remember this?

2007-11-25T23:07:00.001-08:00

Well....how's this?

Or this?

To this?!?

What a difference Photoshop can make!!! And this is only after one night of playing around with it...This is really going to make having to wait for a new camera a whole lot more tolerable! I was given an older version of Photoshop by a friend (protecting the anonymity of the gifter) who recently purchased the newest version. Well, I had no idea what I was missing! I'm so excited to really jump in and get my feet wet! Not alot of people notice, but if you go back through most of my pictures, you find a large scratch right through the top or side of the picture....my lens has been scratched for over a year now, it's one of those things that made me decide to get a new camera. Now I can just blend that line away (in most pictures). EEEPS!!!

Even Jäger pictures look so much better!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Look! I even can take out things that don't look good in the picture, like the pile of sand toys!! I'm just a little excited, can you tell?

Have a great Monday everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T20:44:00.000-08:00

We had a great Turkey day today. Our second Thanksgiving day celebration in California was wonderful! Erica's parents, Steve and Lori invited us over to celebrate with them again this year. Micah's parents were also in town, so that was an added bonus! My marching orders for the day were to make an Apple and Pumpkin pie. I went a little overboard....

Yeah, that's right...4 pies... Can I just say I love baking? I find it to be a wonderful stress reliever. Erica took WAY better pictures of the pies individually and I'll post those once I get them from her, but just so you have an idea...

Pecan

Pumpkin

Chocolate Cream

Apple

This was my first attempt at Chocolate Cream, and, I hate to pat myself of the back, but it was DELICIOUS!! I already copied the recipe onto a card for my recipe box. It's definitely a keeper! Here is a link to the recipe. If you feel brave, try it! You WON'T regret it! I didn't top it with meringue, though, I topped it with homemade whipped cream using this recipe. Then I topped it with semi-sweet chocolate shavings! I can't wait for Judah to go to bed, b/c Brent and I are having another slice tonight!!

Ok, so now for some non-pie pictures!! :-P

Wishing we could go for a swim...

Playing with the trains

Judah and Miss Lori, his CA Grandma!

Micah and Erica with Ruth, Micah's mom!

Hope all of you had a wonderful day full of family, food, fun and gratitude! Have a blessed weekend!

Silly Boy

2007-11-21T10:19:00.000-08:00

Everything that Judah does and says is my daily comic relief. This morning he told me he wasn't a baby anymore, he was a big boy. He is such a big boy, he can go all the way to the moon. I say, "How do you get to the Moon?" His answer, "When I'm at the top of a tree, I jump up high in the sky!" Me: "How do you get the the top of the tree?" Judah: "In a rocket ship!" Good idea Judah. Use the rocket ship to get to the top of the tree, and then discard the rocket ship, and just jump!! What a goof!

Also, while we were snuggling in bed this morning, he told me, "You're the sweetest, sweetest Mom in the whole world." Awwwww....I cried, yes I did. Right then and there...

I think I am way overdue for some silly Judah faces. I have received a couple comments that my blog has become a little too dog intensive. I'm not going to change anything. I always have been, and always will be the crazy dog lady. But here's a Judah intensive post just because...

Can we stay?

2007-11-17T22:13:00.000-08:00

Jäger and I had such a great time at the beach last weekend, we took Brent and Judah with us this time!

We were a little hesitant when the forecast showed mostly cloudy, and a high of only 66, but we decided to brave it with sweatshirts and blankets, if needed. Well, we didn't need those sweatshirts at all! It was wonderfully warm, sunny, and just beautiful all around! We had to tear ourselves away just an hour or so before the sunset (which frustratingly enough is before 5 pm. grrrrr....). The longer we are in California, the more I fall in love with it. I know, I wasn't supposed to fall in love with SoCal...it just kind of happened. My mom knows what I'm talking about. Of course I miss the definite 4 seasons of Idaho, I miss the chilly mornings, I miss the snowy sidewalks, I miss the frosty tree branches. But I don't miss the windshield scraping, the black ice, the cold booty b/c you didn't buy along enough coat....etc. I LOVE LOVE LOVE having a beach day in the middle of November.

I would add more pictures, but Blogger is having issues tonight...come back soon for more beach loveliness!

The Endless Summer

2007-11-13T18:32:00.000-08:00

The title of this entry stolen without permission from the documentary of the same name. The search for the perfect wave.

This is what we are in right now. It was at least 80 degrees today. I am having to force myself to not take this wonderful weather for granted. It would be really easy to just sit inside and wish for cooler weather so that I could wear my cute sweaters and converse and cords, and I will love it when that time comes. But today, I put on some shorts, and tank top, and my Reef's, and headed out the door with my camera in hand, headed to the park with my boys.

Judah is getting really comfortable on his bike. He was crossing the streets and getting back up onto the sidewalks very smoothly today. I'm sure that at some point before his 4th birthday, he will be riding without his training wheels.

Take a second and notice a few new blog links on my sidebar. 3 of our 4 pastors have blogs that are updated often, and are a great read. Micah and Erica also have a new blog (blarg) and it's linked there too. Brent also has started a blog, but he has forbidden me to link to it yet. He's still working things out, and just decided on a title today. He has also forbidden me to help him with it. (heh heh heh) So I will let you know when he decides to publicly join the blogosphere.

Fritos

2007-11-12T22:58:00.000-08:00

Judah was eating some Fritos on our way home from Bunko tonight. He informed me that they tasted like mosquitoes. Interesting....

He also has a rubber red-eyed tree frog that he named Mr. Notrinox. Seriously. I don't know where he learned that, but he said it just once, and remembered it to tell Brent when he got home from work. He has asked to sleep with it the last 3 nights. That is the first toy (or stuffed animal etc.) he has ever slept with. Yes, a rubber frog. At least it's squeaker is broken.

A Busy Weekend

2007-11-12T10:15:00.000-08:00

It all started off Friday night, went to a movie with Tami, Martian Child. It was really good, but I always have been a huge John Cusack fan, probably ever since Better Off Dead.

Saturday morning I headed out with Jäger to another Golden Retriever meetup. This one was at the Del Mar Dog Beach, so Brent and Judah were planning on going also, but at the last minute decided not to go. So it was just me and the Jägermeister...we had a blast, of course....the proof..

The Giant Schnauzer that befriended Jäger

An artsy fartsy picture....I like it

Bailey, the big man

Jäger and the PUPPIES!!!

After the crowd thinned, we walked the beach, just my dog and me. I didn't want to leave. The sun was shining, the water was warm, the beach was almost empty....it was wonderful. When anyone asks me what I miss most about Idaho, about the area itself, I always talk about how I miss the wilderness, you know, the forests--and the meadows--and the rivers...all of it. I just remember being up at camp, feeling so close to God while sitting in the middle of his beautiful creation. I still miss it, but yesterday I experienced that at the beach. It was so peaceful, so serene, so wonderful...I could have stayed all day and just soaked it up.

This is how it felt...

Don't you want to stay??? It was difficult to leave.

Then Saturday night, we had our friends Adam and Brady over for dinner. I made my mom's famous cheese and olive enchiladas! They were a hit!

Sunday, after church, we had our kids fall festival thing. It was postponed from 2 weeks ago, due to the fires and smoke and air quality, so it was definitely better late than never! Brady and I ran the face painting booth. It was fun being creative, and thank goodness I forget to bring a mirror...the kids had no idea how horrible it looked until they got home, and by that time the parents could blame it on a number of different things! HA HA HA!!! But really, I think it turned out ok, and I had fun doing it. Judah had a great time, got to go to all the different booths with Daddy, fishing, ring toss, all sorts of carnival fun! I don't have any pictures, b/c I was too busy being an artist! HA!

Lat night was prayer mountain. It is something that a small group of people do every few months or so for our church, just a night of prayer and praise...worship at it's best. The night of prayer refreshed me.

This picture makes me laugh. Judah is in a no-shirt phase...it appears Benji is joining the club...

Have a good week!

Starting to recover...

2007-11-08T22:12:00.000-08:00

I am feeling much better. My voice is still not quite there, but I'm feeling remarkably better. Now guess who's turn it is to be sick?!?!??? Jäger!! Well, he's not technically sick, but he's going into the vet's tomorrow for a long awaited checkup and vaccinations. While admiring and lavishing love and attention on my dog Sunday night, my friend Brady found 2 little bumps under his skin on one of his sides. Then tonight, I found 2 more. I am not really that worried, but I want to make sure it's nothing serious. So off the the vet we go, and these are the times you wish you had pet insurance! Just with a visit and shots I'm already in over $80....ugh....my poor little man...

Now for the randomness...I realized I never posted pictures from Halloween...what was I thinking?!?!? We had such a great Holiday! Judah was really into carving the pumpkins this year, and wanted a scary monster face just like the Halloweener book again. With as dirty as that kid gets on a daily basis, he really disliked getting the goo out of the pumpkin! It was actually quite comical to watch him grimace through it...unfortunately, I was too busy laughing to take any pictures of it! But I did get these.

Judah seemed to be fine with the idea of his cheap mother re-using his Monkey costume from last year. He was really cute, of course, and was calling himself Curious George. We went to the ridiculously ginormous fall festival thing at a mega church in Temecula. It was soooo crazy and busy, but he had a blast, riding rides, playing games, jumping in jumpies (honestly, what are those things called???) anyway, he wore himself out. But not to fear, plenty of sugar was eaten to make up for the expended energy...we are still battling the candy to this day. My friend Brady had a great idea when, about a week ago, took down the pumpkin baskets and gave them to her children and told them to eat it all, so that she didn't have to hear that dreaded sentence "Mom?!? I want some candy!" ever again. Smart lady.

Here are some pics from Halloween.

Waiting in line to play a game with Daddy

Giving me the stink eye...seriously, click on this pictures, his expression is priceless!

Give me more candy!!!

Playing one of the carnival type games

Riding a helicopter ride

Riding down the big blow up slide!

I've been a bad photographer...and I use that term loosely in reference to myself. I just realized I haven't uploaded any new pictures to the computer in over a week, and I'm sure if I checked my camera right now, there wouldn't be anything spectacular on it either...I've not been very inspired lately. Mostly b/c I really want a new camera. I think I finally decided on one, but with hundred dollar trips to the vet, that won't be happening any time soon....

Oh, and one last thing. Judah said the weirdest thing today. We took a walk/bike ride down to our neighborhood park where he found this stick. It was a rather poky stick, one that would have made my grandpa Frank feel the need to say something like, "Be careful. Kids shouldn't play with sticks. You could poke an eye out!" He picked it up and turned around and looked at me and said, "This is my CLAW FIFTY THREE THOUSAND!!" What a Goofball!!!

It's my turn, now.

2007-11-05T12:51:00.000-08:00

OH goody! My turn! For something fun? For something exciting? NO! For being sick. Ugh.

I may be out of commission for a while. I thought I was getting better yesterday, and now it is worse than ever. The coughing has begun, and I didn't sleep very much at all last night. Being sick when you have a 3 year old to entertain (who is coincidentally feeling great and ready to rock and roll) is NOT easy or fun. He wants to go on bike rides, and go the the park, and play with friends, and I don't really feel like getting dressed or getting off the couch. Again, Ugh.

Enjoy your week. I hope that I will be back with a healthy post in no time.

And because I don't have the energy for a real post right now, I will post the rest of my pictures from last week at the beach with my cousin Beth and her new Husband, Ari. Sorry it took me so long to post them, mom.

"Are you kidding me?

2007-11-01T21:35:00.001-07:00

Are you freaking kidding me?" are the words I just heard come out of my 3 year olds mouth. He is playing alone, in on my bed, waiting for Dad to go in and read a book with him before bed. I just couldn't believe that those words came out of his mouth! And guess who it sounded like? Me. Only me. Even the intonations in his voice. He is going to be one sassy little man. I officially have my hands full.