25 October, 2008

PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY
Today we made a "YES on 8" chain on major PCH cross streets from San Clemente up to Long Beach!  Even though we got the bird several times and a few other names... it was an AMAZING experience and I loved every second of it.  My favorite part of the day was when a group of Harley motorcycle men strolled up on their loud bikes and cheered and gave us a thumbs up!  My second favorite part was when a few different police came by on motorcycles and gave us a secret smile with a wave of their head "YES"!  I got chills every cheer and thumbs up we got... it is a great thing to witness a major part of history take place.  I really hope that it passes... it's going to be very close here in California.  Click HERE for some great info.
P.S. I wore flats and am realizing how short I actually am in this picture.... 

24 October, 2008

IT'S A GIRL THING!
Why is it so fun to be a girl?  Because....

You get to share in fun baby showers for your friends
Have a spa day with a dear friend
Play dress up and have tea parties
And watch the Project Runway finale in jammies while eating treats!
I love being a girl!

23 October, 2008

AN ARTIST!
Bryan decided to take sharpie markers and draw tattoo art on one of his surf boards.  I think it turned out pretty good...
Now if he would only create a picture for our house!  I have been asking for years now.  Maybe for Christmas?  hint hint Bryan....

20 October, 2008

THEY MELT MY HEART!
The talented Ali Degraff took some pictures of us this weekend!  She is AMAZING!  I can't show many of them because they will be for our Christmas card.  Thanks Ali for capturing some darling moments and also being so patient with these crazy Toddler girls!
GROWING UP BEFORE OUR EYES...
David is looking so much older these days.  He is such a cutie.  We had a photo-shoot for him all day friday in LA.  He did great and is getting more and more comfortable in front of the camera.  I am so excited for his album to come out on 11/11!  It is projected to do very well and the talk in the industry is that he is going to be more successful than David Cook.  I think so too.  His voice is absolutely remarkable!



18 October, 2008

LOTS OF WORDS...
Since I use this as a journal, I am going to write an entry with some personal feelings.  I feel like I have had so many thoughts in my head lately.  Some good and some bad.  With everything going on I do say a prayer of gratitude daily for everything that I have been blessed with.  I am so glad that I have a knowledge that I am a Child of God and that He knows me and looks out for me.

I see our world changing so much.  And the sad thing is that it is not for the better.  Well, some things are I guess.  But it's almost like slowly our society is becoming de-sensitized to things.  One of the things that I have been very involved in these past few months is PROP 8 here in California.  I will admit that when I first heard about it... I didn't fully understand it.  I DON'T think it is good to judge others for what lifestyle they choose and whether or not they decide to have a same sex union.  However, I now understand it's IMPORTANCE and the huge role it will play in our state (even country) if it doesn't pass.  Teachers will talk to kids about gay "marriage" as early as kindergarden.  And with no parental approval.  Our kids will grow up with stories about a King and a King instead of King and Queen.  Something about that seems so wrong.  It should not be something that is taught to kids.  Yes... they will end up learning about it but not like that.  

If PROP 8 doesn't pass we will also have our religious freedoms stripped of us.  I see this to be very hypocritical coming from a group of people who want equal rights and to be treated fair.  Catholic churches in Massachusetts have already had to close their adoption agencies because their church did not believe in allowing kids to be given to homosexual couples.  Religions such as Mormons, Catholics, Presbyterian and others will have to allow same sex couples to marry each other on their property... even though it goes against what their religion believes.

Another thing that is on my mind a lot lately is my small trial.  It really is not one that is a big deal.  I have a few friends going through much harder trials.  Life gives us all trials... sometimes big and sometimes small.  They always seem to be learning experiences and I have learned great lessons from some of you with bigger trials.  My trial right now is not being able to get pregnant.  I do realize how blessed I am to have 2 beautiful girls.  I really do!  I just always thought I would be fertile myrtle.  I conceived Haven the first month we tried.  When trying for Berkley... it took 7 months.  I know it doesn't sound long but when I was going through it and wanting to plan the timing... it seemed long.  I learned patience from this and that sometimes it is not "MY" time but rather "HIS".  I am going through this again right now.  We have been wanting a third child to join our family and again I find myself sad every month when it doesn't happen.  I have turned it over to the Lord to know when the time will be right.  I hope soon...

It's no secret that our economy isn't the greatest right now.  Some say it is going to get as bad as the great depression.  I sure hope not... but are we prepared?  I certainly don't feel like I am.  I certainly worry about our financial future.  It makes me feel SO grateful to have a home and a car.  It makes me feel bad that at times I want a bigger house and a nicer car.  It has really put things into perspective for me that I am so fortunate to have what I do.  

With all this said, I feel overwhelmed to be a mother in today's world.  At times... I have even gone so far as to think that maybe I shouldn't have another child or that I am not supposed to.  The worry that I feel as a mother to raise these children in such a harsh world scares me daily.  I know that I can do it but I also know that it won't be easy.  I know that by the time my kids are in high school... they will probably be faced with things that I never had to be faced with.  These are the last days.  I feel priveledged to be here but also know that I have a duty which I need to fulfill.  I truly feel blessed to have a great network of friends and family to help me through it.  

I know sometimes that my words don't come out exactly how I want them to.  I just hope that one day my kids and grandkids can read this and understand a little more about me, my feelings and what the world was like in 2008.  Hopefully they won't think I was a Debbie Downer?  I LOVE my life...

15 October, 2008

On monday while Berkley was at her play group with this cute bunch...
..I was able to take Haven alone on her field trip at Tanaka Farm!  She was so excited and we had the best time.  It is a fun place with lots to do!

First up... the petting zoo!  There was a cute baby black sheep, a pig and many goats like this one.
Then we got on a tractor ride to see all the different things that are grown there.
Her favorite part (and mine too) was picking fresh vegatables right out of the ground!
At the end... they all get to pick and take home a pumpkin from the patch!

When we got home... Haven and I cleaned and cut up the vegetables to put in our dinner pot roast.
She is such a big helper and we had a really nice day together!
RUN... DON'T WALK!
I am so in love with Red Mango yogurt that I have been driving 20 minutes to Newport Beach to get it.  This morning as I was on my way to Berkley's music class, I noticed their logo being put up for a new location.  The best part.... it is right across the street from my house!  I could walk there everyday and just might!  Anyone who lives in the area... you must try it!  It blows the doors off Frosted Cup, Cherry on Top and Golden Spoon!
And it is the only chain that actually has this stuff in it!
And the yogurt is in between an original flavor and vanilla so it tastes as creamy & sweet as this but frozen!
I went by on my way home from the music class to see when it opens... and much to my SURPRISE, they already are open!!!  I met the owner Mary, gave her the biggest hug and thanked her for opening this wonderful shop right in my back yard.  

THEY ARE HAVING THEIR GRAND OPENING THIS FRIDAY AND ARE GIVING AWAY FREE YOGURT.  YOU MUST TRY IT!  I HAVE BEEN GRINNING ALL MORNING!

14 October, 2008

FLUFFY FLUFF!
A conversation from today...
Haven: "What happened to Gordon Mom?"
Me: "He went to the groomers to get his hair washed and a blow dry."
Haven: "Is he going to stay like this forever?  He looks funny!"
*I have to admit that I laughed for a good hour after picking him up!  He has a HUGE afro!



This one must have thought he looked so soft and used him for a pillow!

13 October, 2008

  CAN'T STOP EATING THESE...
When I had all my dental work done several weeks back... my mouth would be numb for hours!  I would get so hungry but knew that I needed to eat soft things.  That is when I fell in love with UNCRUSTABLES!  I hadn't ever tried them before because they are packed full of so much garbage and preservatives.  Boy are they scrumptious though!!!  I went to Costco last week and ended up with a giant box of them as well as the other things listed on this post!
I blogged about this last year but PLEASE don't try this Pumpkin Cobbler!  Then you will have my problem and be addicted!  It is super easy and tastes homemade.  Topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream... you'll be a goner!
I like to have cookie dough around the house just in case I need to bake some cookies last minute for something. I am more of a chocolate chip girl but these are AMAZING!  
I don't know what my problem is but when it becomes fall and winter... I give myself a free pass to eat lots of treats!  I think many of us do this.  I probably shouldn't be asking but... Are there any treats that I am missing out on that you need to share with me?

12 October, 2008

AN EXAMPLE OF BRAVERY!
Yesterday one of my best friend's growing up came out on her blog about a secret she has been hiding from many people for years.  I just want her to know that she is so strong for doing this!  I am so proud of her.  I know that if she helps just one person... it was worth getting out there!  I love you Amanda and love Anthony.  So many of us care and are here for you during this tough journey.


XOXO SPUDS!

11 October, 2008

IT'S GETTING CLOSER...
and by "it" I am talking about Christmas!!!  Today it didn't just cool down... it was down right cold!  A high of 65 degrees and a low of 47!  We went to the Spectrum tonight and it was great to walk around with cool, brisk air and wear a sweater.
and even hoodies!
And YES- the "Holiday" Ice Skating Rink is starting to be put up...
as well as my dear friend Santa Claus' house!
HALLELUJAH!!!  "It's the most wonderful time of the year!"

10 October, 2008

"TAKE YOUR TIME"
This morning... Bryan and I woke up to Haven saying, "It's OK Berkley... Just take your time."  I went down stairs to see what was going on.  Haven had put her little sissy on the potty and was wanting some results.  When she saw me she said "Oh hi mom.  She already went pee and I am telling her to take her time for number 2."  
I guess this is a hint from both of the girls that I should start potty training Berkley like I had said I would a few months back...
FROM D-LAND TO OLIVE GARDEN!
Yesterday Megan and I thought it would be fun to take our kids to Disneyland.  After all, it seems as though September and October are some of the best months to avoid crowds and heat.  Well- this did NOT happen.  It was SO crowded yesterday not to mention HOT!  The weather channel was not telling the truth about it's degrees being in the 70's.  We were dripping with sweat.  It took just one ride and then letting the kids pet some animals before Megan and I decided that sitting down in a cool, less crowded place sounded way better.  And that is when we ended up with full bellies at The Olive Garden!  


P.S. Anyone attempting to go today or this weekend... there are some states that are out of school this week and I think that was the reason for the crowds.

07 October, 2008

WHAT HAVEN HAS BEEN DOING WITH HER FREE TIME...











She is still into using the Photo booth on our computer and every couple days... I discover new poses.  She is a silly one.