hopes fulfilled

the end

2010-12-20T18:13:00.001-08:00

326 posts....

I loved my hopes fulfilled blog.

but....I find my self over here

Back to School 2010

2010-08-23T22:57:00.000-07:00

Off to 2-day program....I know they can't be any cuter. I will miss them.

Matt's new desk. Mr. Chun's class rule : "Do the Right Thing"

Starbucks lunch bag, sitting at all boys table, across from new friend Matthew...she is rolling with it.

harvard or yale?

2010-07-11T23:43:00.000-07:00

Mommy : "So honey, what university would you choose, Harvard or Yale?"

Bria: "Harvard."

Mommy: "Why is that?"

Bria: "Yale sounds like a fish."

I Heart Saturday AND....kids with kites

2010-07-03T07:26:00.000-07:00

Two of my favorite images of kids are when they are painting/coloring and when they are flying a kite.

Matt loves to fly kites.

and you cannot get a better view

I Heart Saturday AND....better than a hallelujah

2010-04-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

(photo brian took on the path where I run)

major sickness

work deadlines

regrets

tons of unfinished housework

the cooking, the cleaning

the grocery stores

over-priced gasoline

taxes

sometimes I feel like it will never stop pushing me down

but in the midst I have run

not like run away - but really run

it feels good to breathe hard and have physical pain and push

during the running I have the ipod

on the ipod is amy grant's new single

it is my new all-time favorite amy song

it captures my head

it declares all I have to give

which is not much

but He knows

here is the song if you want to listen

to share the chatter

2010-03-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

she talks, and talks, and talks and then talks some more...

just thinking that part of my job is to be there for her to share all she needs to chatter

so I will keep listening and smile as she goes on and on....

I Heart Saturday AND.....not UN-packing

2010-03-27T16:43:00.000-07:00

Packed last night for a Spring Break trip.

We were off to Central California. I could not wait.

Matt got a sore throat.

Matt got a fever.

We made it as far as Pasadena.

Turned around.

Packing is better than unpacking.

more matt madness

2010-03-25T19:10:00.001-07:00

really just a bunch of pictures from our few days of February fun celebrating Matt.... big brother's gifts always come with lots of layers....

and another...

last one...

well worth it!

somehow when the kids opt for no birthday party...

what was once thought to be a cost effective plan...

becomes kinda costly...

bring on the dragon sushi

add a little Sherlock Holmes...

a quick meet up with Mam and Pap....

for even more...

he loves golf balls...

especially when the box is loaded with some cash...

as always... - it was FUN celebrating YOU my boy!!

field trip...what is that?

2010-03-21T18:45:00.001-07:00

Some of our best memories as a home school family are going on field trips. If we don't take advantage of getting out behind the desk (kitchen table) every now and then I think we miss out on great learning experiences, SEEING what we are reading about and just re-enforcing that learning is fun and is all over life!

Well, with one in highschool on a traditional schedule, offering me less flexibility, my 3rd and 5th grader have been a little cheated.

I am going to play some catch up with Matt and Bria over this last quarter and get out more. We plan a Legoland day, Balboa Park day, a visit to the Inland Valley symphony and Huntington Library...'cause those are just a few of my favorite places :)

A few weeks ago we took off to Forest Lawn in Glendale. My first visit and I never knew that the "builders creed" for this memorial includes the idea of bringing the beauty of our historic world to the lawn. The mosoleum has replications of several Michalangelo sculptures and Leonardo's Last Suppper on stained glass. Our visit included a show featuring the two artists in costume talking about their lives in Italy and what was going on when creating their most famous works of art. Well worth the trip. It is an excellent presentation they do throughout the year.

After meeting Da Vinci in real life, I gave Matt a little kit and he was able to build the artists version of the flying machine.

Since we were in the LA area we took the chance to eat at the German deli Schreiners in Montrose.

Over half of Bria's sausage went home to big brother!

I Heart Saturday....and then some more

2010-03-20T14:17:00.000-07:00

....this is my friend Bria (totally ripped off her name to give to my girl)

We grew up together as she is the little sister to my best friend through jr high and beyond.

Now she is a loving mommy and has a much more grown up blog than me.

Her blog is called.....and then some more

Love what she says about HOPE ....and many other topics like motherhood, marriage and her walk with God.

Totally did not ask her permission to do this...so I will go do that right now...hee hee

great read aloud...

2010-03-14T22:43:00.000-07:00

Vinegar Boy -

We are enjoying reading this aloud with Matt and Bria. Really takes them to the events surrounding Christ on the cross.

I Heart Saturday AND......mancala

2010-03-13T19:43:00.001-08:00

I love it 'cause they get it out so often and play it in the early mornings or just before bed....

it's one of the few games they play where they are quiet and don't end up fighting!

I Heart Saturday AND.....avila beach

2010-02-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

soon I will be running along this beach....

staying at this cute mex-boutique hotel....

sitting on this bed with my laptop...

watching this news channel...

and hopefully getting lots of work done so that I can enjoy these guys the rest of the week...

the big One Six

2010-02-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

We surprised him! He loved it.
I dig my 16 year old....

Yes, this was back in January,
but never got to posting the
pictures.

Thought I better before I put more of Matt's birthday.

See, the kids have me running in circles in life AND on my blog

my middle guy is 11 today!

2010-02-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

I have an awesome 11 year old boy. Can't we all be middle children?

I think I would have more friends.

Something extra sweet about his temperment.

We call him the "simple man"

Most birthdays he chooses a day at Knott's that always ends in Boysenberry Pie.

This year...

he simply asked to see the snow.

We got nervous about the wind and possible need for chains.

We owe him a day.

Last week we took a pre-birthday trip - just the two of us.

I took him to Fresno with me for work.

Not quite Disneyland with mom but we sure had a great time.

He got a new DS game, a great lunch and Starbucks 2 times!

We had lots and lots of laughs and listened to Hobbit on CD and some great music.

12 hours alone with one of your kids is a wonderful gift.

Happy Birthday Matt!

I.O.U. a SNOW DAY!!

highway 99

2010-02-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

sure signs....

that you are...

on...

highway 99

I Heart Saturday AND....ratatouille

2010-02-20T09:10:00.000-08:00

We love the movie Ratatouille!

Matt has been bugging me to make it for months!

We found the real recipe used in the movie, a Thomas Keller recipe, and went for it! It was so yummy. Crazy good flavors.

I think the kids were all disappointed that it was literally ALL vegies.

but fun to assemble and they ate it anyway ;)

I Heart Saturday AND......bria's cooking club

2010-02-13T11:15:00.000-08:00

This girl loves to work in the kitchen. But, more than that, she really loves being with friends.

She has been reading a book series from the library about a 3rd grade girl that has a cooking club. We had our first club meeting today and since it was Valentine weekend, we made lovely cake balls.

The recipe we used was from Bakerella

We made them with white chocolate and added pink and red heart sprinkles.

It was fun and the girls cannot wait until the next one!

oil temps

2010-02-09T19:13:00.000-08:00

How did other generations of mothers know things without Yahoo?

The higher an oil’s smoke point, the higher the temperature the oil can withstand. As a result, each type of oil should be used for the cooking method that is most appropriate to its individual smoke point and heat tolerance. Here is a quick guide for the next time you reach for your favorite oil.

Heat During Cooking	Oil	Best Use
No-Heat	Flaxseed	Salads
Low to Moderate	Coconut	Baking (low heat) Light Sautéing Pressure Cooking Salads
	Corn
	Olive
	Peanut
	Sesame
	Walnut
Medium Heat	Macadamia Nut	Baking (medium heat) Sautéing Stir-Fry
	Safflower
	Canola
High Heat	Avocado	Deep Browning Deep-Frying Searing
	Grapeseed
	Sunflower
	Soybean / Soy

Note that the above table represents oils that are refined. Most oils we buy are refined. Refined oils tend to have much higher smoke points than their unrefined counterparts. They also differ in nutrition and flavor. Unrefined oils are more nutritious (some of oils’ nutrients are removed during the refining process) and they tend to be much richer in flavor. For instance, unrefined peanut oil will smell and taste just like peanuts, while refined peanut oil will have a lighter smell and taste.

When it comes to extremely high heat cooking, always choose oils which are refined. If, however, you are anxious to have a salad with a rich taste, splurge on the unrefined variety if your palate so desires!

I Heart Saturday AND....ready to brew

2010-02-06T20:47:00.001-08:00

Just for fun: How many milligrams of caffeine in an 8 ounce cup

Starbucks Coffee Grande - straight up black - 300

McDonald's Coffee - small - last resort - 100

My Starbucks Verona drip coffee - from home- 135

VIA Instant - about 80

hello buttercup

2010-02-05T21:00:00.000-08:00

When I was a student a Westmont College in Santa Barbara I had two great jobs. WAYyy back in 1987 when you went to chapel you had to handWRITE your student ID number on a blue card. My job was to input the student ID numbers into a computer. I got maybe $25 per week. Money for Penguins Frozen Yogurt.

I also worked at a little church. The First Christian Church in Santa Barbara. A historic little church in the center of downtown. Cool old pews and stained-glass windows.

The ad asked for a student at the college to teach the children's church every Sunday. The church consisted of mostly older folks but of course there were a few young families with kids. They would pay $250 per month.

I took on the job. They said that one of the couples from the church would pick me up at Westmont early Sunday morning to bring me to the church. I remember waiting outside the front of Clark dorm area until this ADORABLE elderly couple pulled up.

When they pulled up, I got in the car and they were very lovely and friendly. When we got to the church they really took me under their wing. They began to introduce me to the other families in the church.

My maiden name is Butterfield.

Somehow they thought my last name was Buttercup.

They started telling everyone that was my name. I did not correct them.

It all happened so fast.

All the way back to campus they talked all about what an unusual last name I had. How they had never met a Buttercup before, and on and on.

I said not a word.

So, for the rest of the year I was Paula Buttercup.

I was driving around downtown Santa Barbara this past month and I drove past this cafe.

Paradise Cafe is where a sweet elderly couple and Princess Buttercup ate after church on Sundays during the school year of 1987-1988.
They always treated. It still makes me smile.

I Heart Saturday AND....pillow covers from mom!

2010-01-25T21:26:00.001-08:00

My mom can sew. Me - not so much. But, I have so many ideas that just need a stitch here and there... nothing MAJOR. So, her having a new little machine works out PERFECT for me :)

I wanted to add this fabric somewhere.....I thought covering my favorite throw pillows would be a good use.

My mom surprised me with some really cute touches! She used velcro to attach the one of the sides so that I could easily take out my former beloved pillows.

But, what I did not know she would do was to add these buttons - which were my grandmothers.....

and she picked out this cute ribbon for the inside.....

more buttons...each pillow is different...I love!

saving her dollars

2010-01-25T20:47:00.000-08:00

she is keeping track of her dollars - already adding what she thinks she may get for her birthday

then...we will go to Pasadena to pick up Lanie and bring her home

I Heart Saturday AND....nate

2010-01-23T00:32:00.000-08:00

Matt took this picture playing with the self-timer on his new camera January 2010.

So, here you are Nate, two days before turning 16 years old.

See how much you are loved.

You make me laugh. A lot.

You have so many interests that are developing and talents that are growing.

I can only pray that your intelligence, humor, your tenderheartedness as a lover of music and art...

will show you more of Him

and be used for Big God things -

things that are unseen here.

'Cause nothing else matters.

It is a blessing to have you in my life.

So here's to the day that we can listen to music loud while you drive and you will not lose your concentration.

another wonderful birthday

2010-01-21T10:43:00.001-08:00

January is my family's month for birthdays!
You may have a dad that does not tell you outloud how much he loves you and is proud of you.

I do.

When I think of my dad I think of...

- Enjoying Angels baseball! He taught me to keep score....I always had so much fun

- Sport stats - he knows them all!

- He had a great work schedule when I was playing highschool sports and he was always there!

- He is crazy about my mom and treats her like a queen! As my mom said the other day "they are joined at the hip"...so sweet.

- He loves vacations!

- He is a major GIVER....in time, thoughts, ideas, listening, material things...you name it.

- He gives me green olives....'cause he knows I like 'em

- He really digs is grandkids!

- He loves a good story and he loves remembering the many from his own past 64 years from childhood, his parents, us as kids, lessons learned, his travels and now tales of his simple days with awesome grandkids.

I love you more dad!

the little things

2010-01-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

This week, one of my dearest friends bought me this...

This week I am going back here and get to be with my bosom friend - the one I can share my heart and soul with....

Five-star, food, fun and fellowship and all on company money...another unexpected GIFT that He knew I really needed!

I Heart Saturday AND....home remedies!

2010-01-16T10:20:00.000-08:00

After pulling my casserole dish full of piping hot sausage filled manicotti's the other night, I laid a towel down on my table and the dish on top. I thought (lame) it would protect my table. It did not.

I lifted the towel and this stain was left. I was so mad. I am so hasty and rough on things. Uggh.

Searched my Home Comforts book and it only mentioned how to repair with sanding and staining. Google brought up this idea:

Hover your steam iron above stain and the stain will be lifted. This worked at first, but then the stain came back after about 5 minutes.

Another said, put a pillow case or white towel over the stain and set your steam iron on it for about 30 to 60 seconds. I tried that and it worked!

Happy me.

(Oh, Renee White - if you see this, that is my new Southern Living cake stand, turned up side down. I love it!)

Mom's birthday

2010-01-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

Earlier today we celebrated! French cafe and shopping...my mom is the BEST!

I posted this picture last year on my moms' birthday. That is when she told me she really kinda hates this picture. Seriously? I love that it is candid and she just looks cool with her long brown hair. So hairspray and everything.

Plus, my brother and I are just cute and serious which is rare even today.....

Well, I am posting it again. So there.

I am taking her to birthday breakfast this morning and will capture her current beautiful self.

Love you mom and I am SO VERY Thankful for y o u!!!

I Heart Saturday AND .....winter cherry tomatoes

2010-01-09T14:39:00.000-08:00

still enjoying these from my little potted plant..

also heart honey bringing out his camera more so I can enjoy some lovely photography from Abstract Vision.net

I Heart Saturday AND......my Jen scarf!

2010-01-02T14:07:00.000-08:00

my dear friend Jen knits and knits

she looks adorable doing it

she digs diet coke with a splash of cherry with crunchy ice

just like me

she a perfectionist type person

not like me

she carries around her works of art in a lovely bag or basket

she gives them away to friends

and this Christmas

I was lucky enough to be one of them!

a Rennick Christmas morn

2010-01-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

it happened one december...

2009-12-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

we went to a switchfoot concert

at DisneyWalk...which gave us our first taste of the sites and sounds of the Christmas season...

then she was a toy soldier with her dance group that performed for senior homes and at Vista Murrieta high school....so fun...

and made a new friend in dance class...

we made lots of homemade hot chocolate and drank it in our Christmas mugs by our partially decorated Christmas tree...

snuck out to eat ice cream by the fire while brother was at basketball practice...

this guy played Bob Crachitt in the Christmas Carol, of which I have photos to prove but they have not been edited by Mr. R.....

went to a lovely Christmas wedding....

Christmas piano recital with this dear friend...

played the violin at a rescue center

....met up with favorite neighborhood friends to see Santa at the big white star

saw the house with the 125,000 lights,

wrote letters to Santa and mailed them off at Macy's for the Make A Wish Foundation,

made chocolate covered pretzels for friends,

cookies for neighbors,

ate lots of candy canes,

decorated gingerbread cookies,

read the pop-up advent calendar each night,

watched Charlie Brown Christmas,

the Grinch,

the Polar Express,

Christmas Carol and

Miracle on 34th Street....

sang Christmas carols (and discussed their theology),

shopped and shopped,

wrapped and wrapped,

oohed and ahhed.....

am I done now?

Merry Christmas!

"In all your ways acknowledge Him"

Prov. 3:6

things I want to do next year

2009-12-21T22:00:00.000-08:00

Besides not still shopping on December 21 - next year I would love to use a few of these ideas

...I am really liking burlap right now, plus these little "fake" presents hook on with ornament hooks right onto the burlap - it looks so pretty

in the backyard I would love to set these on the table - ooh I still might, they look wintery

I could totally see one of these above Bria's bed - they are very easy to make

links to these ideas and more :)

the lettered cottage

the inspired room

just a girl

I Heart Saturday AND......trader joe bags

2009-12-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

Cute enough to be used as gift tags this year...

'cause he grabbed my heart tonight

2009-12-15T23:05:00.000-08:00

looking through old photos tonight and this kid of mine grabbed my heart. It is not just his cool dark eyes, but I am telling you, if you know him, you quickly see his sweet spirit.

I dig him. Big time.

So does his little sister and his big brother.

rainy day

2009-12-07T21:04:00.000-08:00

Early bundling in jammy pants to take big brother to school. A rare site for this Southern California mommy.

I Heart Saturday AND......you can't silence my love

2009-12-06T15:56:00.000-08:00

(late edition)

To be honest...I am overwhelmed and not hearting anything right now. Well, that is not entirely true. While I am struggling with a bad attitude, marriage conflicts, work dead-lines and homeschool issues - I love and need the help that music gives. Listening all week to the new Switchfoot CD and, yes, it is no news that I am a very big fan of Jon Foreman, but really, this album is great.

"hello hurricane, you're not enough - you can't silence my love...

Everything I have I count as loss

Everything I have is stripped away

But before I started buildingI counted up these costs

Ain't nothing left for you to take away"

I Heart Saturday AND.....our thanksgiving table

2009-11-28T14:06:00.000-08:00

Mom put green beans in one of MiMi's (my grandmother who passed away four years ago) beautiful china dishes, mashed potatoes are in a bowl MiMi gave me for Christmas about five years ago, stuffing in pretty green bowl I bought for my mom several years ago that we both love and...

gravy in a glass measuring cup - ahh :) oh well! I love meaningful dishware - maybe it will all be on Bria's table one day..

oh, and Bria made the pretty place cards and set the table with the napkins - sweet girl!

Always love to share at Tuesdays Unwrapped

really?

2009-11-24T06:31:00.000-08:00

yep. there we go - that is the way to make this homeschool mom feel good about taking the week off!

I Heart Saturday AND....when the girl cracks me up

2009-11-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

she saw the chair and decided she should pretend she was getting interviewed....

'tis the season for shopping silly fun!

Veritas History Class - mummies part II

2009-11-20T20:36:00.000-08:00

Here they are!

We take history VERY seriously...

Veritas History Class - mummies part I

2009-11-18T07:41:00.001-08:00

We are studying MUMMIES! There are so many great books with excellent pictures and descriptions of mummification. Our class is going to try the process on our little game hens.

These were taken several weeks ago.... the kids each have a small hen to liberally salt and season in a large ziplock bag.

They took their hens in a bag home and were told to freeze and salt them (each week) and bring them back about 6 weeks later.

Well, today is six weeks later. Today in class we get to do the fun part - wrapping and stuffing the little guys with linen. Then, we will put them in our decorated, gold and glittery coffins.

I Heart Saturday AND.......sip daily

2009-11-14T18:05:00.000-08:00

I kept eyeing this cardboard calendar at Starbucks and when they finally went on clearance for $3.99, I got me one...and one for a friend! The coffee picture at the top changes too! Good thing there is a picture of just plain black coffee since that is pretty much all I drink. Bria picked this whip with carmel 'cause it looks "fallish".

Oh, unfortunately though I have found that I REALLY DIG the pumpkin latte with double shot of espresso and only one pump of pumpkin....mmmm ooh its kinda perfect.

cuteness

2009-11-13T10:44:00.001-08:00

CUTE

EVEN CUTER

I love casual mornings, cloudy skies and waking up to smiles...even on the jammies

remembering them

2009-11-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

If you live in my town - go see the flags by the police station and library! It makes you pause. Today is when we are supposed to pause and remember. It is really the least we can do.

oh bother!

2009-11-09T21:02:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I feel stuck. (Mental obvious note to 40 year old self: Stuck doing the wrong thing is not as good as stuck doing the right thing.)

When school first started I was making it a priority to read and pray first thing in the morning, work with the kids diligently on their school and when they were on their breaks I would get to my list of work calls or spreadsheet edits.

My afternoons were spent picking up my highschooler and once home I made it a point to run/walk for an hour and read a chapter of a fiction book before starting on dinner. Sounds good. Was good. Lasted about two weeks.

Then I began missing the early morning wake up with God time. It was not the first thing to go. It was the run/walk and the fiction book that went first. The working at home and homeschooling thing gets a little smudgy here and there but I am used to that. What happens is that all that did not happen during the day gets pushed to the night. Then there is facebook time killer. The nights get later. Then I am in a hole - too much honey. I sleep it off.

Referring to Bible reading and prayer, John Piper says: “I earnestly recommend that it be in the early morning, unless there are some extenuating circumstances. Entering the day without a serious meeting with God, over his Word and in prayer, is like entering the battle without tending to your weapons. The human heart does not replenish itself with sleep. The body does, but not the heart. We replenish our hearts not with sleep, but with the Word of God and prayer.”

The great thing about falling or messing up a well laid plan? You can get back up again. The days I stick to the plan are a gift. They even prepare me for the unexpected.

So, this is me. Getting pulled out of the hole and back on track. No more waking up too late. Less oh bothers.

I Heart Saturday AND....american girl dolls

2009-11-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

she loves when the new catalog comes in the mail - it inspires her to change her dolls hair and make new outfits! of course, she has more than a few new outfits she wants for her doll for Christmas....

just doggy

2009-11-05T18:48:00.001-08:00

It was Snickers birthday! Matt made him a dog food sundae with puppy snack toppings...

This is the dog seen in the movie "That Thing You Do". This is at Mr C's records in downtown Orange where the movie was filmed.

it is only november!

2009-11-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

Yet I am completely OUT of college ruled paper and No One can FIND a pencil. My teacher RED pens are GONE. Everyone's Yellow Highlighters - where are you? Playing house with the black socks and the guitar picks I am sure!

halloween 2009

2009-10-31T22:33:00.000-07:00

the festivities included dressing up....

Bria was Penny (from Hairspray) and Matt was some kind of dark knight with a sword

these are our adorable neighbors

this is such a sad photo...Bria got a little freaked by the scary house. Poor thing!

I love teenagers that are not too prideful to have fun! Kanan is dressed as Mr. H and Nate is the Nacho Libre wrestler....

fun on the slide!

way too much candy

I Heart Saturday AND....fall stuff

2009-10-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

I bought these apples having no idea how AMAZING and YUMMY they are! Honeycrisp is my new favorite. I think this is the apple they use to get the juice for the Green Apple Jolly Rancher candy.

Awww....they are so cute! These guys did most of the work on their own pumpkins this year. Matt really likes his and Bria is all about that little peace signs this year so I guess her design was very appropriate!

Cricket diet COLA

2009-10-28T22:41:00.000-07:00

Diet Coke is one of my most favorite things in the world. I really, really love diet coke. Recently I ordered a diet coke at a fancy lounge....

Very cool hang out.

Well, the bartender brought me this...

Cricket diet Cola. It is made with Green Tea. You know what? I really liked it. Not love. But like. I googled it and can get it at BevMo. I just may try to replace my little vice with a healthier version. Down side is it is not cheap.

Can I post another picture of the Harvest Inn in Napa? It is just so pretty.

Here is one of my favorite patio areas. It is at a hotel called Solage in Napa Valley.

I Heart Saturday AND.....yountville, ca

2009-10-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

How could you not love walking up to this building? Pumpkins, brick and pine trees and I am in love.

Yountville is the kind of town you spend time walking through and come across not just one or two little cafes or amazing restaurants, but several .

This quaint little building houses something not so quaint.

It's Chef Thomas Kellers' French Laundry - named "best restaurant in United States" by some fancy restaurant magazine and several chefs you watch on the Food Channel have said that it was the "best meal of their life." Takes a long time or you have to "know" someone before you can get in.

A few blocks away I walked to Bouchon. Thomas Kellers' bakery/bistro. I got a pastry, coffee plus a few chocolates.

Walking the town and came across this winery store. I liked the name- something I would have picked if God had willed me a vineyard.

This was the fancy-shmancy hotel I stayed in and was the subject of my work trip. It is the kind of place that makes me nervous. So afraid I will break something, forget to tip one of the many people waiting on me (sorry lady who brought me my diet coke at the hotel lounge). Love the trees in Yountville!

See, I was really there. Those are my funny feet, relaxing before my interviews. Ahh. Only thing I was missing was my honey. Next time.

I Heart Saturday AND.....this article and Mike and Matt

2009-10-17T09:25:00.001-07:00

THE NOBEL PRIZE TO OBAMA: EUROPE'S BID TO RE-COLONIZE AMERICA

Shared via AddThis

Matt and Mike Scioscia - here's to hoping they make it through the week!

your local hotel travel planner.....

2009-10-15T20:08:00.000-07:00

When I am not homemaking and homeschooling, I am a hotel real estate appraiser and consultant. This work often happens from home, very late at night or very early in the morning.

I am often asked about what hotels to stay in by friends and family in case I have recently been to an area and know of a good hotel. After 14 years, I have actually seen enough to know that I will never just stay at a Marriott without first looking at other choices.

Holly asked about a hotel in the Seattle area and I immediately thought of this one...

the Best Western Pioneer Square. I had to warn her that the neighborhod was a little "rough" but it is historic and just a block from the Pugent Sound ferry where the locals come back and forth to work - it's just cool.

Most of the time, I am working on local, franchised hotels, like your typical Comfort Inn, Ramada or Holiday Inn Express - BORING.

But for the best value - franchised hotels, I like the Hampton Inn and the Ayres Suites the best. The Vega family can tell you about Ayres Suites - it's now one of their favorite hotel brands.

Here are a few of my other favs....hope you can visit one of them some day.

Favorite Island hotels...

El Cordova, Coronado - their first floor Miguel's restaurant is so great and they are right across the street from The Del. This hotel was formerly the home (mansion) of the dude who built The Del.

The Catalina Island Inn, Catalina - super sweet family-run business. Near everything in Catalina and great ocean views...but affordable (for Catalina) :)

Favorite Surprise - 'cause it is out in the middle of NOwhereville

Riverlodge in Bordman, Oregon - awesome restaurant overlooking the Columbia River.

Favorite Experience Overall (Texas of all places)

Sheraton Gunter, San Antonio - if you are going to the Alamo and spending some time along the Riverwalk, this is a great place to stay. Off the lobby is this adorable bakery.

Favorite Under-construction Hotel

Opening November 2009 - The Padre Hotel, Bakerfield

I love that Bakersfield is getting this trendy, funky, cool hotel. The developers are so innovative - I cannot wait to see how it turns out.

Favorite Romantic Get-away Hotel

The Cambria Pines Lodge, Cambria is just my speed and I love the lodge look. Lovely. Ask for the newly renovated rooms - they are amazing.

If you have a few extra dollars and want to find a different, but well-managed California hotel, bookmark this hotel company
Joie de Vivre
Their hotels have a unique feel and give a lodging "experience".

Oh, if I was to show pictures of the crummy hotels I have inspected and been required to stay in - eeeek...not always the fun part of the job!

give away day at 4RE!

2009-10-15T08:30:00.001-07:00

I would love it if I win! If not, it is uplifting to browse Sandy's blog - so go enjoy!

what makes her happy - part II

2009-10-12T20:48:00.000-07:00

being SECOND on the list at recital - she get's very nervous if she is first...

getting permission to use her calculator to CHECK her math....
I love catching her with her wide-mouth grin :)

what makes her happy- part I

kids 2009 school pics

2009-10-11T15:10:00.000-07:00

I Heart Saturday AND.......dog costumes

2009-10-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

being at my aunt's

2009-10-07T20:06:00.000-07:00

is so different from our life at home. She lives in the midst of vineyards in Central California and has goats, chickens, farm fresh eggs, berries to pick and one of our most favorite things - a front porch.

oh, and lots of music too

tuesday thankful eyes

2009-10-06T08:13:00.000-07:00

When she gets done singing all the songs from the Hannah Montana movie,

running around outside with her girlfriends,

asking me when she can wear make-up,

doing all the dances from High School Musical...

I am thankful she still plays with her baby doll

Tuesdays Unwrapped

I Heart Saturday AND.....this homecoming princess

2009-10-03T12:47:00.000-07:00

We had fun being with friends and cheering on this sweet girl!, oh and there was a football game going on too :)

more pics from our favorite city

2009-09-28T11:51:00.000-07:00

Most of these Nate took so I wanted to make sure I posted them. These were taken during one full day of walking and riding the city bus. We walked around China town, Union Square and the Financial District. Taking it all in.. it was a great day!

We thought we could get Dad to crop this and make it work for a facebook profile picture...

I Heart Saturday AND.....the golden gate bridge

2009-09-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

practically perfect in every way

2009-09-24T21:09:00.000-07:00

Veritas History Class - salt relief map

2009-09-22T22:06:00.001-07:00

The salt relief dough was sticking stuff! - and I barely had enough. But, I think they turned out great. The kids are now adding labels of each body of water, Upper and Lower Egypt, The Great Pyramid at Giza and anything else they want to as they study Egyptian history. If I was to do it again, I would stick toothpicks where I wanted lables before it dried.

Fun project!

I Heart Saturday AND......my tv cabinet

2009-09-19T20:50:00.000-07:00

Pier One Imports - garage sale find $25

Thank you honey for not complaining that it is a little too big. I have watched you almost hit it several times. You are learning to walk around it as you go in and out of the bedroom. You have not complained. Not even once, 'cause you know how much I like it.

how to eat a cupcake

2009-09-15T21:09:00.001-07:00

One of the many, cute, trendy cupcake shops around. This one is in Orange,CA and it is just fun!

Has kind of a "Breakfast at Tiffany's" theme. Loved this poster of Audrey holding a red velvet cupcake.

Matt surprised us all when he broke the cupcake (banana - oh so good!) in half...

took the bottom half and placed it over the top...

so now he has this cupcake perfection - no bite without the frosting and no messy frosting mouth!

I had not taught him that...so I asked "Matt, where did you see that?!!"

"Oh, it was on the Food Network at our hotel on vacation." :)

I'm so glad he did - I feel like this will change my life. Not really, just make me eat more cupcakes! Seriously, I did not even order a cupcake, but of course, after I saw him do that I could not wait to try it.

Have you seen a cupcake eaten like that before? Maybe I have just been in the dark.

Or, you can eat it the traditional way. Ever so carefully and basically, just licking off the frosting!

the vine

2009-09-10T20:24:00.000-07:00

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

John 15:4-5

Elyse Fitzpatrick notes:

In my typical self-aggrandizing fashion, I overlook what he's saying about his being the vine. Instead I focus on what I have to do to abide.

Oh, yes, yes, I know that you are the vine, but now I've got to abide. Let's see...what should I do first?

I overlook the truth that it's his power that births and sustains the entire plant. He's supplying all that's necessary for my growth and fruitfulness.

It's his life, his purpose, his determination to be in union with me - that is the central point.

It is not about what I must do.

(Taken from Day 20 Comforts of the Cross by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick)

* Photo -"American Idol's" vineyard under construction in San Miguel next door to my Aunt's property.

Veritas History Class- creation art work

2009-09-08T11:13:00.000-07:00

I have the privilege of working with this group of students every Wednesday!

As a way of reinforcing what they are learning studying history (Egypt, Greece and Rome) we will be getting together to do fun projects and review our facts.

This first week we are starting from the beginning - creation. The kids had artistic freedom to illustrate the days of creation and as they colored we talked about the awesomeness of creation and God's perfect, scientific thinking. What a super fun group of kids. So looking forward to this year!

the girl had a birthday (in May)

2009-09-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

Bria's birthday is the kick off to summer fun. I went immediately into summer mode and never posted pictures from her big day!

Our tradition is to wake the kids up early with a candle in a doughnut. They get to open one present in bed. Guaranteed to start the day with smiles - of which this girl has plenty of as she opens her oldest brothers' gift.

She wanted a "spa" party, but she was also hoping for a sleepover with a couple girls and was also wanting to go to the mall. SO, the girls came over for presents...

then we were off for pedicures....

to the mall....

can you tell these girls are a blast to be with!!?

Island's for dinner - Brian and the brothers met us there. They were easily entertained by these 8 year old's as well. Brian told the waiter we were celebrating all three girls tonight and we would like three birthday ice cream cups :)

and then sleepover fun!! These silly girls did not get to sleep until 3:00 AM! I could not believe it - and I was the fortunate one that got to wake them for church :)

Bria said it was the best day of her life and she wishes she could do it all again!

I Heart Saturday AND.....outside movie night

2009-09-05T13:46:00.001-07:00

It worked out great with a white sheet nailed to the wall - just can't tell with flash photo.

of course we had to have meat pies....."Heavenly!Not as hearty as bishop, perhaps,but then again, not as bland as curate, either!"

Great memory with some awesome teenagers - two of which are off to the mission field and will be missed very much.

the quote board

2009-09-04T12:03:00.000-07:00

We have added a new use for our hallway white board - Favorite Quotes of the Week.

This weeks quotes..

"Promise me you'll never forget me, because if I thought you would, I'd never leave."

Winnie the Pooh

"Fear is the foundation of most governments."

John Adams

"The Pope may be French, but Jesus is English."

Roland in the movie "Knights Tale"

This last one may be an indication that Nate either found nothing worthy in Jane Eyre to put on our board or ....

he is going to be making fun of my white board idea and that I may soon be reading way to many quotes from Michael Scott of The Office.

Do I at least get an A for effort?

Ferry Market and Cheesy Giada

2009-08-31T20:25:00.000-07:00

I am not a "foodie": someone who mostly cooks gourmet and eats very gourmet and spends $25 for the perfect quality cheese.

I am a Trader Joe's girl. But, I love open markets. Samples of cheese, bread, olive oil with vendors selling buckets of fresh flowers....Love it! One of the stops I really wanted to make in San Francisco was the Ferry Market Building. Various cooks on the food channel and in the Rachel Ray magazine had mentioned it featuring some of the West Coasts premiere gourmet food vendors.

The building itself is worth seeing, as it was originally built in 1896 and was the main harbor stop for immigrants traveling to California. It has its originally clock tower and was one of the only buildings to survive the San Francisco earthquake in 1906. Survivors of the earthquake nestled in this building to receive help and care. Over the years, the market building has been largely unused until the late 1990's when it was renovated and began featuring gourmet restaurants and food vendors.

Now, when you walk in it is an amazing food court of some of the best coffees, teas, cheese, gilato, olive oil around!

One of my favorite stops was here, at Cowgirl Cheese. Awesome, crazy, yummo cheese.

So good! and so expensive! We left with a sample box ($20) that was perfect - a good variety of flavors and a souvenir cheese knife.

When we got home I was still thinking about cheese and this amazing episode of Giada that I saw featuring a few recipes with lots of cheese!

Isn't she just so pretty....

and doesn't she look like she is related to Susan Lucci?

For Giada's Cheesy Baked Farro here are a few of the ingredients I used...

I could not find farro, at least I could not find it at Trader Joe's, so I substituted it for TJ's Harvest Grains. That seemed to work out fine. I did forget that I needed bread crumbs. But, they are really needed for this casserole, so I made my own by toasting bread in the oven, putting it in a zip loc baggy and then hammering it a bit with a rolling pin.

Here is Giada's recipe:

Ingredients:

Vegetable cooking spray

Sauce:
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups warm whole milk
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Farro:
2 1/2 cups grated Parmesan
1 cup grated Gruyere
1/2 cup fontina cheese grated
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups faro or barley, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup plain dried bread crumbs
Olive oil, for drizzling

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 13 by 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

For the sauce: In a 2-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually add the warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the sauce is thick and smooth, about 8 minutes (do not allow the mixture to boil). Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

For the farro: In a large bowl, add the cheeses and stir to combine. Remove 1/2 cup of the mixture and reserve. In a large stock pot, add the chicken broth and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the farro, reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the faro is tender, about 25 minutes. Drain, if necessary. Add the farro, thyme, and sauce to the bowl with the cheese. Stir until combined and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the reserved 1/2 cup of cheese. Sprinkle the top with bread crumbs and drizzle with olive oil.

Bake until the top is golden brown and forms a crust, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

For more recipes that were also very cheesy go to Giada at Home

...and for more recipes go to Jen's site today at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam for

I Heart Saturday AND.....japan town

2009-08-29T18:21:00.000-07:00

We loved staying at the Hotel Tomo! The hotel and the rooms are decorated in Japanese pop art which is one of the kids favorite things. The rooms had japanese robes and bean bag chairs. We all love sushi and we ended up at a restaurant we could walk to that served sushi on boats floating along a little bar river. You pay per color of the plate. The kids (me too) loved it! There is so much to see in San Francisco, but I was really glad that we hung out alot in Japan town.

the theology of rest

2009-08-25T09:51:00.000-07:00

'O ye of little faith!"

What a pang must have shot through the disciples

"Missed it again!"

....and what a pang will go through me when I suddenly realize that I might have produced downright joy in the heart of Jesus by remaining absolutely confident in Him, not matter what was ahead.

There are stages in my life when there is no storm, no crisis, when I do my human best; it is when a crisis arises that I instantly reveal upom whom I rely.

If I have been learning to worship God and trusting Him, the crisis will reveal that I will go to the breaking point and not break in my confidence in Him.

We talk a lot about sanctification.

What is it all going to amount to?

It should work out into rest in God which means oneness with God, a onenes which will make me not only blameless in His sight, but a deep joy in Him.

(Taken from August 12 My Upmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers)

I Heart Saturday AND....ciao bella

2009-08-22T09:24:00.001-07:00

Blood Orange is my favorite. We have also had Chocolate Hazelnut and Pistachio and they are way yum too. On sale at Albertson's this week!

cash cab

2009-08-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

Bria loves watching Cash Cab on the Discovery Channel. She was already facinated with taxi cabs before she saw the show. Several times she would comment about how much she wanted to ride in a taxi. She would ask me questions about taxi's such as why someone would take one, how much they cost, can we take a taxi to co-op or music lesson!?? Can a taxi pick up Jenna and bring her to our house, and WHAT if she and Jenna ended up in the Cash Cab!!!

So, we started playing Cash Cab (more like Cash Van) in our car. I would ask history and bible review questions between point A and point B. Three wrong answers and it was over. Answer all correct and its McDonald's ice cream time :)

We get to San Francisco and of course she sees lots and lots of taxi's. The benefit of traveling with Grandparents is (besides they happen to be very fun) they say "Yes" to ~~almost~~ everything. Papaw was more than willing to get Bria in a taxi. He was so sweet. He found a taxi and told the driver to drive them around as far as $10 would take them - they were on the ride just for fun. Bria of course asked the driver if he has seen Cash Cab...he had. I have no pictures of her and the taxi since I was off exploring other parts of the city (another benefit of traveling with grandparents). But, I love this picture of Bria and my dad (with taxi in the background.) She was so happy about FINALLY getting to ride in a taxi...even though it was not the Cash Cab!

on the hunt..

2009-08-18T23:27:00.000-07:00

for these shoes...
they are (were) at wal-mart...$10 and the most comfortable shoes ever. I tried on my Aunt's and now I want them to be mine. I looked on-line and all I found were the red ones. So, today I shall check my third wal-mart as part of my hunt. Mom, if you are reading this, check your nearby store and remember, I do not want the red ones.

the good, the bad and the reality

2009-08-16T23:10:00.000-07:00

"What!? What do you mean you cannot find your school uniform tie!??" It is 9:45 pm, the night before the first day of school.

As if the buzzing noise coming from the pencil sharpener was not annoying me enough!

Seriously, when going through the check list of what to have ready for the first day of school, did we forget the tie?

"We" also only have PE shorts because "we" lost required PE shirt before the end of the last school year.

"Did you print out your summer paper?"
"It is not due until Wednesday, that gives me two more days, it is near done and I won't have any homework the first few days of school. I just don't want to think about it right now. Let me enjoy my last day of summer!"

So, the nagging has begun. The excuses flown around and my head starts pounding.

How sad. The vacation clothes are barely washed and put away. Really? Is it time?

What did I learn from last year?
Trust God.
Let Go.
My kids are His.
Relax.
Enjoy them.
Love them.
Train don't Nag.

He went to bed without a nice goodnight. Without prayers with me.

His mercies are new every morning.

I Heart Saturday AND......ghiradelli square

2009-08-15T03:08:00.000-07:00

a facebook status

2009-08-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

a friend of mine posted quite the facebook status to announce the birth of her fourth baby (and first girl):

Eloise Marie, the bitter warrioress, completed her first misadventure this morning at 3:30, bringing her 8’4”, 19 inch frame into the world kicking and screaming in protest against the inherent injustice contained in one’s denial of liberty when being unceremoniously forced into the cold and bright post-partum world

got to love facebook friends who majored in English and have both a nack for prose and humor!

I Heart Saturday AND.....vacation plans

2009-08-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Mom to Family: "So, what song should we be listening to when we drive across the Golden Gate Bridge for the first time?"

Nate: "Don't Start Believing" - Journey - definitely"

Family: "Perfect" - "Yes"

Good to know we are all on the same page.

music note thingy

2009-08-06T14:31:00.001-07:00

I have been really wanting one of these guys for a while now. It is a magnetic music note board - a great aid for my budding music people. About $40 with shipping and handling.

Some things just look too easy to make....so I never bought it. I used a small dry erase board I already had, bought art tape for $3.99 and added some jewled magnets...

I can add more magnets, but I really only need one at a time to test her on which note is which. I also like this because I can quiz on the time signature and it does not need to be too big as I can change it with the marker to be treble cleff or bass cleff. She can identify each note by writing on the correct letter name right on the board.

I can quiz too by writing name of notes that she is to place on music staff. So, now we have a little music note thingy :)

with an emphasis on reluctant

2009-08-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

I am at 4 Reluctant Entertainers today!

When it comes to entertaining...for me the emphasis is on reluctant. Really, if you are a friend who comes to my blog chances are you have never been to my house for a meal. I really struggle with this.

Today on Sandy's blog I share the story of one of our weekly meal traditions.

"Hospitality is not about having the best or newest or most beautiful," says Reluctant Entertainer Sandy Coughlin. "It's about sharing your heart and home with others."

Love that.

However, what really got me attached to Sandy is..

Yes, it's a theater balcony and you will see why this has another meaning for me soon.

Oh, and to learn another fun thing about my co-worker Doreen....see this post

low carb breakfast

2009-08-03T07:55:00.000-07:00

Anyone else trying to stay away from heavy carb breakfasts? Like my favorite blueberry pancakes from The Orginial Pancake House!! It seems that since blueberry's are on sale alot this month I keep running into food that looks this good!

Of course, we all visit PW's recipes...but I wanted to make sure I documented my new found eggs.

Finding this recipe has made me wake up the past two mornings smiling and looking forward to eggs! If you have been trying to think of all the ways you can have eggs in the morning-

Try these! Huevos Ree-Os

Speaking of breakfast, but definitely off the low-carb mind set.....one of my favorite parts of vacation was that my mom bought these guys..

First, because mom did not buy sugar cereal, so the fact that the pack comes with the good stuff was such a treat! The corn flakes and rasin bran were for the parents- we kids never reached for those first! Plus, how fun that breakfast came from a mini-box!

Im buying them this week for our up-coming - it's finally here - vacation!

I Heart Saturday AND.....the new downey

2009-08-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

I love when products just get better. This Ultra Downey smells good and makes everything soooo soft. An indulgence for me.. the other selling point the bottle matches my new laundry room :)

On Location Friday

2009-07-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

In what movie?

Oh, my dream job

Answer: You've Got Mail

more on holding on

2009-07-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

My first born is taking drivers training as I write…

Yeah, he can get himself where he needs to be!

Wait, no!

That means no more one on one in the car with my teenager!

That is precious time.

When I look at my kids growth weather physical, spiritual or socially,

I cheer – yeah you!!!

But then I think NO!

Stop – that means you are growing up right before my eyes!

I try, try, my best to be thankful when they ask me for help with something. If I am busy, my instinct is to complain at being interrupted.

Yet, some days it is so quiet.

No one is asking for my help.

Not even to reach the cereal bowls.

When did that happen?

So yes, I am holding on and letting go at the same time.

I am taking a picture of myself today WITH my kids.

Next summer they will not look the same.

he starts driving school this week

2009-07-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

I Soooo miss the days when this was his driving school!!

I Heart Saturday AND.....gifts from Norway

2009-07-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

The gift of sacrifical love...thank you birth mom!

The gift of beautiful surroundings

This photo may soon replace my current blog header photo (which Brian took at Andrew Jackson's house)... he was thinking of me when he saw this Norwegian doorway and old cobblestone walkway- I love it!

The gift of new family that bestow on us art, cookies and candles

We loved it!

On Location Friday

2009-07-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

Name the movie...The Bennet's house from 2005 Pride and Predjudice

women discipling women 09

2009-07-20T22:19:00.000-07:00

What timing God has.

Highlights of the weekend:

* I was so washed...showered...drench in the gospel by dear Elyse Fitzpatrick. I felt like a dried out pot and her speaking the gospel to me, filled me up with cold and needed water.

* We are elected, regenerated, justified, adopted, sanctified and glorified for no other reason than that we were chosen "in Him" - Cannot hear that often enough.

* I got to see Molly! My dearest friend from college, my kindred spirit, my bosom friend.

Molly and I went to Europe together and she remains one of the most beautiful, well-read, godly woman I know. I learn so much from her. The weekend was too quick, I could have kept soaking her up like a sponge...that is probably a weird way to say it!

* Molly's daughter Hannah served with the Women Discipling Women Crew. Lord willing, Hannah will be in the Biblical Counseling Program in the near future - she is an amazing young lady.

* Friday Night chocolate chip calzones at Claim Jumper. Oh My mmmm... we shouldn't have, but we did :)

* Hannah's new Converse shoes - love them

* This was a conference about, among other things, biblical counseling. Really, about equipping women to minister using God's word. A fav quote from the weekend:

"The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy, which can ever engage the attention of a child of God, is the name, the nature, the person, the work, the doings, and the existence of the great God whom he calls his Father...I know no other which can so comfort the soul; so calm the swelling billows of sorrow and grief; so speak peace to the winds of trial as a devout musing upon the subject of the Godhead."

Charles Spurgeon

I Heart Saturday AND......donna young

2009-07-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

donna young

Her site has home organization forms, school aids to help with writing, math, art and lots of other good tips for notebook organizing, etc.

I routinely use her shopping and menu forms.

I love all the fun new looks of organizers, binders and notebooks! Pretty and practical.

On Location Friday

2009-07-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

from what movie...answer: The Holiday

I can only imagine

2009-07-14T11:19:00.000-07:00

My husband left for Norway this morning.

He is going to meet his birth mom for the first time.

Three short months ago he was found by his younger brother. In an e-mail which said,

"there are four of us here... please call"

After months of long phone calls, tears, chills, laughter, amazement, facebook messages, e-mailing of pictures ----- the day has come.

He will be in this little town, meeting some very special people.

A small miracle in our little life. God's sovereignty in seeing the big picture of our lives.

Where we are placed, to whom we are given...that alone is too big to be unwrapped. I am rejoicing today in God's purpose.

Thank you chatting at the sky for posting and sharing little miracles.

mission accomplished

2009-07-13T21:31:00.001-07:00

Nate and I were on assignment today.

First, the Federal Building. A certain someone in our family who is traveling across the world (like, tomorrow) needed that important little blue book before he can get on the plane.

and since we were sooo close, we had go here,

and see this building, 'cause someone is starting to dream

then it was off to this lovely building off I-10 to obtain some needed meds for that person that is departing the country - tomorrow...

and then to this fish taco joint because.....well because I was with my teenager .

I Heart Saturday AND....audio books

2009-07-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

Long drives, even errand days, are made sweeter with audio books. The library is our source for all the great classics. We just finished listening to ...

"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world. It wouldn't be half so interesting if we know all about everything, would it? There'd be no scope for imagination then, would there?"

On Location Friday

2009-07-09T22:36:00.000-07:00

New feature for Fridays - hopes fulfilled is on location.

I love movies! One of the things I love about them is where they take me. More than the characters, it is the travel, the setting, the home, the time period.

I have some old favorites that I watch just see the place again - even if the plot or characters of the movie were not my favorite.

Name the movie.... answer: Somewhere in Time - The Grand Hotel, Lake Michigan

one of the things..

2009-07-07T22:31:00.000-07:00

there are many...but one of the things I love about summer is that Nate is home to empty the dishwasher and do dishes throughout the day.

I would rather do ANY chore around the house than empty the dishwasher. It is so easy to just run out the door to the post office and say "hey, Nate empty the dishwasher and clean the kitchen while I am gone" and he says "ok".

Really, he does. Partly, because we have so little to be done around this house unless it is our once a week cleaning day and partly because he knows that making mom happy is well worth it and does not go unnoticed.

I love the dishwasher placement in the picture below. Is her husband putting her coat on or off? Are they going out for after dinner drinks or just coming home and about to realize "oops, we forgot to close the door to the dishwasher and run it while we were out!".

Is he saying to her "have a great time at the Ladies Summer Night study, don't worry, I will turn on the dishwasher and tuck in the kids, you have done enough already today."

Not like I am holding a unhappy feeling that I missed my first summer night study or anything.