Where I Belong

New Spot

2011-01-06T17:15:00.000-08:00

Ok. So my plan is to start blogging here with tidbits about the funny things that happen to us, what we're doing, etc, etc.
BUT, if you check out www.everygoodpath.com, you'll see my newest project! There, I am blogging about the New Year project I'm doing with my kids: memorizing scripture. Follow it, and know what's up!

Otherwise, to catch everyone up- we've moved. Again. Probably twice since I last blogged. We left CA in July, lived in Helena, Alabama for almost 6 months, and then just last week moved to Houston, Texas. Scott is on staff with an amazing church here (themetonline.org) full-time, the kids are in their newest school, and now I'm deciding what to do with myself, two dogs, and a quiet house 5 days of the week... Probably volunteering with church and their school, substituting, and blogging... or lots of reading and tv!

Over Thanksgiving break, we were in Tyrone, where Jessica Mull (aka my very talented sister-in-law) took these photographs- check out her work at: www.atlantaphotographycollection.com or www.thephotographycollection.com

Down in my Heart to Stay

2010-03-31T18:37:00.001-07:00

I realized how long it's been since I blogged when I couldn't remember the password to my blog sign-in.
That being said, my reason for not blogging has nothing to do with not having anything so say. If you know me at all, I can always come up with something to say. Really, my problem lies with a lack of time and energy.

So, now that my on-line courses to keep my CA teaching credential are finished, the yearbook is submitted, etiquette classes are over, and there are 9 weeks of school left- most of which is planned for- I might up take up a hobby besides sleeping. That hobby just might be blogging again. Get ready, I've learned a lot this year!

One thing I've taken away from this past year is something God's been working on with me for a while. And I think it might have just got through this thick head of mine. I've really learned to find JOY in Christ. In the fact of his sacrifice for me. In his unconditional love. In his never-ending love for me. For so long I would quickly forget that kind of Joy, and I'd settle back into the circumstantial joy. The kind that leaves when something you don't want to happen actually happens. The kind that empties you. The kind that create doubt, fear, and that must-control-everything feeling. The kind that disappears when things change.

I know I've crossed over- and I want to stay on this side- because things can change in a minute. People who you could believe in change. Jobs change. Finances change. Relationships change.

God doesn't change. The fact Christ died for me doesn't change. And, in the middle of a world where every thing will change, I find JOY in One who won't.

I'm seeing lots of change and things that can be uncertain. Traditionally, this would make me nervous. And, maybe it still does a little. I mean, I went over a week without sleeping an entire night. I've prayed a lot, though. And God reminded me of Him. His Joy. Then, last night, I slept the whole night through!

That song from Sunday School makes sense. "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart! Where? Down in my heart.... down in my heart to stay!"

Birds and Bees

2010-01-11T17:12:00.000-08:00

Scene 1: In the car, riding home from school, Scott and Will:
Will: Dad, I know everything. (we already knew he thought this...)
Scott: Really. (not sure if it's a question or a comment. more of just a "yeah, sure, I'm listening...)
Will: Yes, Dad. I'm true. ("true"- as in, I'm telling the truth... a Will-ism)
Will: I even know where babies come from.
Scott: Really? (a question this time. definitely more interest shown...)
Will: Yep. They come from a mama's moo-moo. (WHAT???)
Scott: Ahhhh, ok... (not sure to probe further or not...)
Will: Yeah. God zaps them into their mama's belly first. (somewhat a sigh of relief. but, moo-moo?)

Scene 2: In the living room, Alison and Em:
Em sits on floor with Barbie and Ken. Barbie and Ken (naked Ken... why do those dolls always have their clothes off?) kiss.
Alison: Hey, Em. (curious.)
Em: oop. (throws Ken across the floor).

Lord, help us.

Did you know...

2009-10-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

1. That I have a blog? I'd almost forgot... three or so months can sure slip by.
2. I know where those 3 months have gone: traveling home to GA, starting a new teaching career, working with an organization to evaluate schools, working on an additional credential through Stanford, getting the kids settled into 1st grade and pre-k, helping run a church... did I mention that I was starting a new job at a BRAND NEW school?

There are lots of funny things that happen every week that I should be sharing. Like, Emmie Ann now can't remember "Santa Clause" as his name, but she just keeps talking about "that Christmas Man" when she comes up with something she wants to add to her Christmas list. Or, just the fact that Will asked to take breakdancing lessons...
I also tend to think on deep levels, at times, and should share this stuff, too.

Right now, I think I should share that for our ambitious Trunk-or-Treat, my Life Group has adopted the Enchanted Forrest theme... and we're going ALL OUT. Each life group has taken a theme and is decorating their cars, dressing up, and doing that whole thing. But, (shhh) we've taken two trailors (the kind that race cars are transported in) and have renovated the inside to make a walk-through experiences, complete with twinkle light stars, foliage, and fairy tale characters. Watch out, we're out to win this one. I mean, Scott's wearing leggings... this is good stuff. [Pictures to come.]
Seriously, our church is awesome. For such a "small" church, we sure to bring-it. We do great things! I know God's always at work, but when we can be apart of that- WoW!

Last week a certain thought, mentioned during Sunday's service, REALLY hit me: "In America, we tend to DO church well- really well. But, do we BE the church equally as well?"
Doesn't that make you wonder- when do we jump out of our comfort zone and actually BE what God wants? Instead of pouring into ourselves, when do we pour into others?
So, I'm on this adventure just waiting to see where God takes me!

devastated

2009-07-14T16:24:00.000-07:00

Our TV has been broken for almost 2 months. While we've been watching morning cartoons and the news in our bedroom, the DVR has continued to record all "our shows." Well, we finally moved the bedroom TV in to the living room, hooked it up to DVR, and are getting caught up on season finales... from Memorial Day.
Anyways, I've just gone back and watched my Jon and Kate Plus 8 shows. I've seen tabloids and know a bit about what is going on, but I just don't want to face it. Last summer, I started watching, and somewhere between their taking the kids to church, the Isaiah t-shirts, and their candid (yet a bit scary) conversations with one another, I grew attached to the Gosslins! I thought that just maybe they'd be a family to follow. It didn't take long, however, for questions to grow: are they for real? how much is scripted? are those kids okay? how much money do they want to make before they quit? is the next house going to be big enough? will she ever leave jon alone? can he do anything right? does she watch herself on tv? does she really believe that everything she does is for the kids? will they ever give it up? why haven't they mentioned counseling at all? are they really Christians? would they give up the big house/bad marriage for the small house/better looking marriage? was it all a scheme? is TLC evil? why don't they turn off the cameras and work on their marriage if they're so concerned about their kids?

I have to say I'm totally devastated by the way their life is turning out. The youngest just turned 5. That's my kids' age. No kid should have to deal with the mess their parents are going through- much less have it recorded on film and broadcasted to the world. With a broken heart, I took Jon and Kate Plus 8 off my DVR "scheduled recording" list and added them to my "seriously pray for them" list.

Then, in an attempt to be an informed individual, I did what any wondering ex-fan would do: I googled them. And, I found this article.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/juneweb-only/122-11.0.html?start=1

7 and counting

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

Seven years ago we got hitched. To celebrate this event, we handed the kids off to friends and went out to lunch. Nothing fancy. Just Napa Valley.
In just under an hour and a half (well, maybe two with the couple wrong turns), we made it to Napa Valley and dined at the Rutherford Grill for lunch. Fabulous. Just across the street we wondered in to a cute little tasting room from the Elizabeth Spencer Vineyards. Nice, nice people and yummy selections!
Then, we went to Peju, recommended to us by friends (thanks Kyle and Bekah!), they had the most beautiful grounds! Lots of groomed and blooming bushes and flowers that take you right up to the vines. Inside, there was an amazing art gallery on the second floor that looked out over the vineyard. Nice tasting there, too!
Finally, on our way out of town, we stopped into the Father of Napa Valley's winery to pay homage to Robert Mondavi. Also, we wanted pictures!!
It was a GREAT day! And, while it's hard for Scott to admit, it sure beats how we've spent the last two anniversaries... Cracker Barrel and a movie.

One Day Vacations

2009-07-07T19:31:00.000-07:00

Sacramento itself is not the most impressive thing I've ever seen. It's actually funny to me that it's the California state capital.
But, what Sac has is pretty impressive; the real estate world would sum it up with "location, location, location."
For example, last week we piled the kids and dog in the mini-van and went to the ocean. For the day. It was about 3 hours to the cutest little city by the sea, Carmel by the Sea, specifically. We ate at a fun little pizza joint, played on the beach ( though not much in the cold Pacific Ocean), laid in the sun, ran the dog in the surf, and dug our toes in the sand.

Later, we wiped ourselves off and walked the hill up to Carmel. It is too cute. Very European or fairy tale like. Dog friendly. Tinkerbelle not only was allowed in all the stores and had a menu tailored to dogs at dinner, but she even drank from the Fountain of Woof- built to show just how friendly Carmel is to K-9s.
After attempting to watch the sun set (a bit cloudy), we piled back in the van and headed home. The kids slept. The dog slept. And me too.
I took enough pictures to make it seem like we were there a week.

Optometrist

2009-06-22T10:52:00.000-07:00

Well, we're old. Scott and me. We found out this week at the optometrist.
Not to be "gotten" by the insurance company, I made us all appointments with the eye doctor (and dentist) before my old insurance ran out. There, we learned that both of us have astigmatisms and needed new glasses. They make contacts for this, but that involved an additional appointment only partially covered by insurance. I made an executive decision- contacts could wait for the FSA with the new insurance plan in a couple months. It didn't matter, though, because as soon as Scott saw (with the new lens) what he hadn't been able to see (because of the contacts) he only wanted glasses. He'd forgotten that trees have leaves and not just branches with blobby greens surrounding them.
Our appointments were back to back- so the kids accompanied us to the eye doctor. Walking in, Will asks which door we're going to. Scott says to Will, "The one that says Optometrist. Where is the word Optometrist?" Will points it out and we head in.
I don't mind the eye doctor. It's kind of fun- trying on all the frames while you wait and all. (Now, I won't blog about the dentist visit. Hate those visits.) And, this eye doctor is great- very personable, a Christian, and friendly. He loved the story of how I shared my "used glasses" with Scott in high school...
Anyways, while we were there, the doctor recommended that the kids start an every other year rotation to get their vision checked out once they turn four- and seeing as both Scott and I are near-sighted, Will and Em "don't stand a chance" (the eye doctor's words, not mine). Eventually, they'll probably need glasses. And, due to the great insurance plan I was taking advantage of, I scheduled the kids an appointment for the next week.
So, this week, I hauled the kids across the street and into their appointment. We pull up , and Will points to the sign he remembers from last week and says, "Optometrist- that must be Spanish for eye doctor."

Will and Em do not need glasses. Yet. But, Spanish lessons may be in Will's future.

Handsome Scott with new glasses and Sushi in his mouth

Handsome Scott with new glasses and Will and Em on Father's Day

timing is everything

2009-06-11T19:14:00.000-07:00

God said so. At least that's what Em would say. (Or, she'd say "God made it that way." these are her remarks for EVERYTHING)
But, really, it is. And, it's all about God's timing. Leonard (our pastor, Scott's boss...) speaks in series, and the most recent is Life in Limbo. I'm really working on the whole "live by faith and not by sight" thing. God's patient and knows just when to reveal Himself. Those times when I'm waiting for him to reveal Himself, I tend to bite my nails and chant "I trust You... I trust YOu..." I don't like to wait- I like to get it done now. I don't like to have to rely on someone else- I want to do it myself. I like to control it all. Hence, my lists. I list everything: to-do today, to-do tomorrow, to-do in the next 5 years... I make these lists for Scott, too. Sometimes I email them to him. Other times, I type them directly onto an open Word Doc on his computer and leave it open- so he can't miss it. Sometimes, If I accomplish something that's not on my list, I'll even go back and add it so that I can cross it off!
Recently, I've HAD to (not just wanted to, or would have liked to- but HAD to) turn over to God all the things I can not (no matter how BADLY I've wanted to) control in my life (and sometimes the lives of those around me...). One is the house in Georgia; another is the direction for our church; and, the third is a job. All these have financial burdens that keep me awake at night. I know, I know. God has a plan. I know, I know. Put my faith in Him. And, my heart says "done." It's my head working out a budget, worrying about preschool enrollment, and telling Scott that "losing the house is not the worst thing that could happen." (at least in my mind.) So, for a few months now, God's been nudging me to get my attention. Mostly, I'd sigh, tell Him I understood, then I'd find myself working up a plan for Him to agree to. He'd laugh a little and tell me, "that's not how it works- it's not your plan but My plan." I'd sigh, say I understood, and then basically start reworking the plan for Him again.
Through all this, God got my attention and reminded me, like only He knows how to do, to put my faith in Him. Find rest for my soul in Him. And, (what I'm worst at) just TRUST Him. It was only a couple weeks ago that I actually started to follow His plan and began to trust Him, and Him alone. He waited for me to walk by faith, and I have to admit that sure was lighter than walking alone. Then, once I had really started to walk by faith, the phone rang. It was God calling, in the form of a job offer, and He let me glimpse Him with my eyes.
Now, His plan is unveiling (it always has been...)and it's like He says, "Now, SEE! I had it planned all along!" To boot- my sister-in-law, Alex's wife, was hired for a teaching position this week, too! Praise the Lord!!
So, for someone typically against change- I say Bring It On! And, God being God, started with my heart-mind balance!
So,in this one week we've now seen a lot of change. I went from a crammed front-to-back side to-do list to a very scratched out, marked up to-do list. You know, lists kinda run my life, and being able to mark "find a job" off my list was great- especially when the job called me up! And, I think it's gonna be that kind of job that stretches you, challenges you, and you like it.
I went from being an unemployed mother of a kindergartner and a child who was preschool-less to an Teacher and mother of a rising 1st Grader and an enrolled Preschooler for next fall.
I marked off "buy plane tickets home," and we'll be seeing ya'll the end of July!
I marked off "insurance, eye doctor appointments, Breakaway registration (VBS), upload pictures, laundry, mail packages, meal calendar, and (now) blog!!
(In my head I hear one of those old men at church-like Southern Baptist church- call out "AMEN!")
I'll post pictures of ALL Our Recent Accomplishments- ballet, tball, Kinder Graduation:

I'm too young to have a 4 year old

2009-05-25T17:27:00.000-07:00

four years ago this week, Scott was on Good Day Alabama. I remember this because he left me at the hospital with our second child, a new born only 2 days old. My dad checked me out of the hospital and drove Emmine Ann and I home... did I mention she was a C-Section?

now, my baby is four. her birthday was full between a ballet performance and a garden tea party. She is a doll, a delight, and our 100% girly-girl!

bobbing suits and other funny things

2009-05-17T20:57:00.000-07:00

I know we all say "kids say the funniest things." So, here are some of their funny things:

We went to the neighbor's pool today as it was in triple digit degrees. Em swam for about 10 minutes, got out, made her way around the pool to me, and said with genuine surprise... "Mom, my bobbing suit is WET!"

Will, after a small little accident in his pants, let me know that "it's okay, Mom. It's just a little bit of poop slobber."

We slid the Em's captain chair of the mini-van next to Will's so that she could be in the middle to "look outta ta front winda betta." Will tried to explain to her that her seat wasn't really THE true middle, but "the crack in between our seats tells the real middle." Em shouted out, "NO Will- the seat can't talk."

Em was so confused when she couldn't see the "black window" dad had smushed in the garage... the back widow was there, however...

Strawberry Festival

2009-05-15T22:53:00.000-07:00

Did you know Will likes cars?

There are at least 20 more pictures like these. He could have walked around the Roseville Strawberry Festival looking at the car display all afternoon... if Scott hadn't been in pulling me to the Grilled Corn...

Strawberry EVERYTHING

Em Dancing with Dad to a local band

DIY

2009-04-26T20:17:00.001-07:00

The evening news tonight reported that "Do It Yourself" is now the cool thing to do. So many people can't afford their contractors, gardeners, pool boys... so they're "doing it themselves." (roll of the eyes) A true DIYer does not turn to DIY out of necessity. I have a theory. A REAL DIYer has certain traits that are an inate desire that drives them to accomplishment. To get their hands dirty and be proud of their creativity, hard work, and ability to do something nice all by themselves. I mean, who could enjoy a garden if they didn't plant it and care for it??? And, that wall's color would NOT be as nice if you didn't paint it yourself! So, to be a DIYer, you really have to be born with that trait or raised in a home that nurtured it.

Well, I don't know much, but of Barbara Mandrell was country when country wasn't cool... then Ron and Sheron were DIYers when DIY wasn't cool...
Now, Mama and Dad didn't DIY just out for fiscal frugality- it wasn't because they had a choice with a contractor, gardener, or pool boy. They are the true, original DIYers. I mean, it started when they basically built their own house.

Here's why I know my theory about my parents as the original DIYers is true:
1. My dad has single handedly (except when we were helping him- or when he'd let us help him) re-roofed the house, re-carpeted the house, finished a basement, put in a pool, taken out a pool, re-tiled the floors, installed hardwood flooring, built and installed his own cabinets, crown molding, shelving, and porches, and built furniture for us- desks, lop-sided picnic tables (just one...), and maintained all appliances in the house...
2. 5 acres- 30 years, 2 riding lawnmowers... mom rides a mean lawnmower...
3. The only mechanic I've ever met is dad. Did anyone besides me and my brother have to learn how to change both a tire and their oil before getting a drivers licence?
4. Why hire a painter when mom can reach the ceiling on a stool?
5. Curtains? Easter outfits? Quilts? Answer: sewing machine.
6. Half the finished basement is storage for future craft projects...
7. Did anyone else have a tree house with the roof of a truck camper- 10 feet off the ground?
8. There were curtains in the treehouse...
9. Why order pizza when you can make your own?
10. What teenager's Saturday alarm wasn't a weedeater at 6 AM?
11. My parents are past 60, and they are spending the weekend tearing out the back porch, rebuilding it, and extending it. (an entire story off the ground...)
12. Best of all, Home Depot knows Dad by name (and if you ask Will, nothings better than a Saturday morning, riding in Papa's truck and shopping at the Home Depp-O.)

The first time I ever saw Dad let someone else do something to his house, I was 25 and they had to replace the HVAC system. And that poor installation guy. It's gotta be hard to work with a big man following you around and breathing down your neck.

Lesson Learned: If Mama and Daddy couldn't do it, then it wasn't important.
Oh, if I could've known then what I know now: man, my parents are cool!
And, they've taught me everything I know!
Now,Lord, help me pass these talents on to my kids.

Something Small

2009-04-21T18:18:00.001-07:00

It starts small, and then it grows. Lately, that's my weight... but that'd be a different blog...
What I'm talking about is harder to measure... but it is still growing.
I can see it in my kids.. their comments, ideas, new words they learn and how they use them.
I see it in my church.. new faces, new ideas, excitement to make a difference somewhere pouring out in action.
And, I see it in the stories on the news, stories from friends, stories from home...
Sure- there are people out there who get paid to create a study, measure, poll, interview, document... and they come out with results to wow us. Of course, that's one way we discover this growth- because someone wrote an article and we overheard someone else talking about it...
But, then there's the growth we see- the growth without any scale, pie chart, or statistic attached.
It's simply a God thing. God growing out all around us. God growing IN us.
Is it always going on and I'm just now really noticing it? Or, is because in the face of "one of the toughest times since the Depression" we need to see it more?
It really doesn't matter, though, because He is here. He's here to grow us.

Easter '09

2009-04-13T16:28:00.001-07:00

Easter 2009 Easter Sunday Outfits Sliding at our new Church Building's Slide
Face Painting at Easter in the Park Bunny Faces Bounce House and Jump Slides...

Will runs sound-check...

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

So spring's got us busy out here...
Let me let you in on what we've been up to.
It all started in January (way before spring) when the cargo trailer for BCR was stolen... right out of the parking lot at our church offices. Being a mobile church, we used that trailer in the "off seasons" to store up things for children's ministry. And, at the time of January, it housed spring and summer items.. you know, a few puppets, an outdoor speaker system, a couple tricycles, and 20,000 Easter eggs. Yes, 20,000.
Each spring BCR has done an Easter in the Park event. We're doing it again this year, April 11... with WAAAAAYYY more than just 20,ooo egges.
Let me back up. So, the trailor was stolen. It left us standing their thinking, "What???" What do we do now? What can we do to make up for all those eggs? What are those thieves thinking now? (Can you imagine hauling a cargo trailer away thinking you're making off with something good inside- only to find out when you crack that lock that it's full of plastic eggs? Now, those eggs are in some dumpster somewhere or someone's having a heck of an egg hunt in their back yard this weekend.)
That last "what" made us laugh.
Then we got back to worrying a bit and asking "how". How did this happen to us? How are we ever going to come up with 20,000 more eggs when times are as tough as they are?
Next, "why" was our question. Why us? Why now?
But, as the next few months unfolded, God answered all those questions.
It's amazing what a church of about 100 people can pull off when they pull together. We bought eggs oursevles (you can get 200 eggs at Wal-Mart for $10, you know.), we told friends who bought eggs for us, it was posted on facebook and random strangers (who said they don't like church much but hate it when people steal from kids) brought us eggs. Then, after the police report for the missing trailor was taken, and the Roseville police got ahold of our story, they sent out a press release. The next day, there we were on the six o'clock news. Not only did it get up free publicity to let everyone know about our egg hunt, but we had people call in to donate more eggs and money to help with the event!
Now, we're standing around, looking at close to 30,000 eggs, and just in awe. All our questions now are turned to prayers- prayers asking God to bless this event (as if He hasn't already showed us it's in His hands!), bless the families who will come, and to prepare hearts to find his love and bit of hope from this small church doing big things.
Ain't it something what can be done when we step back and stop asking oursevles What, How, Why and start asking God those same questions?

The Sound of Hope (Easter at Bayside Central)

2009-03-25T15:02:00.000-07:00

We're Baaaaack!

2009-02-11T16:49:00.000-08:00

We are finally back on a sleep schedule. Our little, fast trip to the South really confused us... I mean, when my kids are running down the hall at midnight, I know somethings wrong... See Schedule below to understand:

Visit Home Itenerary:
Wenesday (PST)
4:00 AM- wake up and mentally list everything I need to write down on an actual list for Scott to do... charge camera, clean sippy cups, pack toothbrushes (after brushing kids teeth)...
6:00 AM- get out of bed and finish packing..
12:40 PM- get my lunch duty covered so I can leave work- race home
1:15- leave home for airport
2:00- check in at airport
2:15- security
2:20 arrive at gate (we're leaving from Sacramento- not ATL!!)
3:30- board plane, settle kids, take out coloring books, DS games, and blankies

5:30- arrive in Vegas, bathroom, eat, board another plane for Birmingham, AL
11:55 PM (CST)- arrive in Birmingham, go to Billy and Bethany's, try to calm down wired kids, watch Bethany play the Wii (and do it very well)

Thursday-
spend day with the Alabama Ivey's

4ish central time, borrow Billy's car and head to Tyrone
7:45 (EST) arrive at mom's- hug, laugh, smile, giggle, run around, EAT real Southern food, and visit with the Fam

Friday-
Divide and conquer: Alison to RSMS and Mandy's (RE: Lily!!!); Scott and kids to visit Mimi
4:30- reconveine, load up with Nana and Papa, go to Alex's b-ball game to watach him coach and watch Dad stand up for him...
8:00- dinner at Ted's (wedge salad and bison burgers... yum!)

Saturday-
Sleep-in
biscuist and gravy, visit with Nana, Papa, Stretch and the girls
11:30- Partner's Pizza with friends
2:00- Happy Birthday Ella and good-byes
4:00- good-byes at Nana and Papas... depart for Birmingham
7:30 (Central time again)- arrive in B'ham, pick up dinner, hang out, watch Bethany dominate at Wii again

Sunday-
7:00- Scramble to get 5 kids ready for church
9:00- Church
Cracker Barrel for lunch
1:30- depart for airport
3:55- "non-stop" flight leaves for Sacramento
6:15- stop in Chicago- do NOT get off plane...
7:30(PST)- arrive in Denver- again, do NOT get off plane
9:40 (PST)- Finally arrive in Sacramento, get kids McDonalds as promised if they slept the last leg of the trip, crash

A Night in South Lake Tahoe

2009-01-19T14:20:00.001-08:00

Scott and I took off yesterday afternoon to South Lake Tahoe to celebrate, a month late, our birthdays. Marc Broussard was playing at the South Shore Room at Harrah's, and, since we've followed him for years, we took the opportunity to make the 1.5 hour drive into the snowy Sierras and spend a night alone. The kids went to a great friend's house (Thank you, Sovia and Andy!!), and, for the first time in 8 months, Scott and I got a night without sippy cups, cutting someone else's dinner, pull-ups, and bed times. Although, we were in bed by eleven and watching Ocean's 11 on the TV.

We ate dinner in the Hard Rock Cafe at the Casino...

Here is the best picture we could get at the show.

Below is the view from our hotel room... Scott took several pictures and pasted them together for the panaramic view.

It's in the shadows, but it's the 30+ stairs I slipped on (at stair 3...) and slid to the bottom... Scott reached out to help me, but he fell, too- we laughed all the way to the bottom... but it's our bottoms that aren't laughing now!!

Our "Snow Shoes" (ha!) that helped us slide all the way down the stairs... we're actually standing on part of the frozen lake- can you see the crack in the ice below us?

Hello, 2009!!

2008-12-31T14:39:00.000-08:00

So, in 2008 God had us pack up everything, leave our friends and family, and relocate to the other coast- some 3,000 miles away...
I can only wonder what He'll do in 2009!
But, I can say this: if I learned ANYTHING last year, it was that my God is bigger than a U-Haul, 3 months of living long distance from my husband, loosing 1,000 sq. feet, squeezing all my earthly belongings into a 9'x9'x16' POD, saying good-bye to life-as-I-knew-it, not seeing my mom for months on end, trading in a 10-drawer kitchen for a 3-drawer kitchen, pulling my kids away from their grandparents, and leaving the job (and closest friends) I'd known for years.
My family has learned so many lessons and is, undoubtedly, closer to each other and our Lord than we've ever been!
Thank you, Jesus, for 2008 and the glory it brought to You! Bring on 2009-- and where ever you are taking us from here!!

Happy Birthday Jesus

2008-12-30T12:31:00.001-08:00

The kids are playing with the Nativity Scene from the What God Wants for Christmas story... we were trying to take some Christmas pictures...

Below, can you tell we were more than hyped up on Christmas Cookies-- Santa's coming to town! After donning our Christmas pjs, the kids selected the cookies to leave for Santa, poured him a glass of milk, and sprinkled the Reindeer Food in the backyard...

We celebrated the birthday of Chirst in style. Christmas Eve we spent a few hours (hours for me... minutes for them...) in the kitchen baking some cookies, frosting, and then decorating them. We had planned on also making Jesus a birthday cake, but the cookies were as far as we got.

We cleaned up, packaged our goodies, and headed off to church for our Christmas Eve Service where the kids sang a few songs.Will and Em shared their cookies with everyone. Scott led a great Christmas acoustic set, and we praised God for the greatest gift ever.

After the service, we had an "intimate" dinner with 20+ of our good friends from church (and a restaurant full of stangers) at Wonderful Chinese where we sand Fra-ra-ra-ra-ra...ra-ra-ra-ra..
Back at home we read the Christmas Story and exchanged a couple presents. Will gave Em a Sleeping Beauty Doll, complete with the bed and pillow. She had bought him a Walle toy. They also opened their Christmas pjs.
Photography by Will...

Christmas morning brought more fun; Santa was generous this year. We also saved all our gifts that had been shipped to us- fun stuff from Aunt Debbie, Nana and Papa,
Aunt Brenda, The Bassetts, The Lees. Em was a bit confused as to why Santa left her a kitchen set...especially since it was not Princess... and she had only asked for Princess things... Will loved it all, and with each present he opened he told us that he'd "always wanted this... it is so cool," no matter if it was a car or a pair of underware.
After opening gifts, we ate some Christmas breakfast (traditional cinnamon rolls, sausage cheese balls, and grapefruit), watched our Christmas movies (Home Alone, The First Noel, Sleeping Beauty, 101 Dalmations...), and had a quiet (except for a couple brother-sister disagreements) day and acutally got some rest!

Even though we didn't get to spend the day with our families, we spend a lot of the day on the phone, and we never got out of our pjs! A quiet Christmas wasn't so bad after all! All we needed was a little snow!!

Merry Christmas 2008!!!

2008-12-23T18:26:00.000-08:00

The Things Will Says

2008-12-22T13:36:00.000-08:00

Will told me the other day, as he walked out the front door, that he needed to "go get some exercise". He very matter-of-factly stated that his heart need to be "beeping" for him to be alive....

Will assisted Scott with the Pulse (the announcements, pre-recorded-video-style) for church Sunday. Will's particular job was to let the congregation know about the Christmas Eve service. Scott let Will know the details that he'd need to communicate, like the time and the fact that we'd be having communion and candling lighting. Will responded, "So, we'll be lighting the kanorah [translation: menorah]..."
(Big thanks to public school and Handy Manny on Disney for the education on all the different holidays. That took a bit of explaining...)

Em is into Alice in Wonderland lately. Will walked into the room, stopped, looked at the TV screen, and said, "Boy, that's a curious place." Then he turned around and left the room.

And then there are the big questions...
"How big is God? What does God look like? Can I write God a note? How can Jesus be God's son?"

A Roseville Christmas

2008-12-01T19:05:00.001-08:00

BCR was in the Roseville Christmas, I mean Holiday, Parade. Here are a few fun pics from that day... Merry Christmas from all of us!

The CA Ivey's shout "Candy!" That's what the back of the truck is LOADED down with!

It's Nick- the Road-Blocker-Hurderling Elf. He's on Santa's track team.
The BCR staff: Heather, The Grinch, and Scott. Where's Leonard?

Rudolph, Will, Em, and a pick-up truck.

Thankful

2008-12-01T18:50:00.001-08:00

Things I'm thankful for:

- DVR- how else could I watch TV- I mean, can you say FASTFORWARD commercials..

- warm sheets right out of the dryer

- healthy, happy, self-entertaining, funny to watch and funnier to play with kids

- good books, like Ruth or James or Ecclesiastes, or anything by Francine Rivers, or this new book I'm readying Girl Meets God

- The Disney Channel, Hot Wheels, and American Girl

- Scott. EVERYTHING about him. Even the way he exaggerates.

- a job, even though I gripe from time to time about it, I have a great job with great people.

- food. specifically chocolate food.

- my Central Perk team

- my family. I love my parents and little brother and sisters and brothers-in-laws and in-laws, and nephews and nieces and grandmother and aunts and uncles and cousins...

- shoes. No matter how big I get, those are the things that always fit.

- friends. who else invites you over for thanksgiving when you're 3,000 miles from home, entertains you while you're in line at Toys R Us for an hour and a half, leaves you funny texts, makes you laugh, helps you remember, and knows how to comfort you before you even finish your story?

- Campfires and scarves

- little brushes to clean under your fingernails

- lip gloss

- a God who loves me; who knows my past, present, and future and died for me despite it all.

A Moment to Myself

2008-11-25T08:30:00.001-08:00

Well, lately when I've had a moment to myself, I've slept. Part of that is my thyroid out of whack that makes me so tired, but the other is the fact that I just went back to full time teaching. While I was at the beach, I got a phone call from a principal looking for an 8th grade English teacher. I interviewed three days later and started working the week after that! I've never started teaching in November, always August. I think I prefer starting from the beginning! There is so much to learn while the kids are trying to take advantage of you: how to take attendance, the grading system, where the bathroom is, how to work the copier, curriculum & where the kids are in it, and there is the 128 names of my students! The classes are huge- all over 30 kids. I've never had this many at one time. And right now, they're all testing me a little to see if I know what's going on or not... lots of personalities.

My kids are fine with this, so far. Will is just excited he gets to go to Adventure Club (like after school). Em still goes to preschool twice a week and will be going home with a friend after school on those days. Scott's day off is Monday, and he can work from home the other days or just get a babysitter when needed.

I'm contracted until June 4... so just five months... I mean, you can't count Dec- that's only three weeks. And 3 of those days are half days. One of those days is a Grading Day... where I just go to grade papers. Isn't that something? After I've assigned a big grade, like a paper or essay or test, I can request a Grading Day where I get a sub and can either stay home or go to school to grade papers.

The staff is nice and helpful... but they're no 7th grade at RSMS. Miss you guys!

Beach Babes

2008-11-15T16:27:00.001-08:00

I took off last week down to Pismo Beach with a couple friends for a ladies get-away. About five hours and one In-and-Out Burger stop later, we rounded a canyon hill and Jillian said, "There it is!"

It was so nice to see the ocean; somehow large bodies of water make me feel alive and let me forget anything that is bogging me down. LeeAnn Womack sang to me when she said "I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean" because all I can think of when I see it is how big my God is and how secure I am in Him.

And, I somehow found a little peace in knowing that in one way or another, that water wraps around the earth and touches Georgia's coast on the other side!

Wishy-Washy

2008-10-30T11:35:00.001-07:00

Emmie Ann ran into the kitchen, "Will hit me!" She turned around and ran back out. Not by my super-mom hearing, but because they were just in the living room, I heard Will's attack, "Don't tattle on me! I'm gonna get in trouble and it's YOUR fault!" He met my eyes as he stormed into the kitchen, "Emmie Ann tattled on me!" She cried, upset from the hit and now his verbal attack; he cried, mad he was caught and knowing he was guilty...
I took a deep breath and began to sort the "he said- she said" out of the problem and get back to what caused it all... Will hit Em because she had something he wanted. That was the problem to deal with, so that's where we started.

Life is like that, I later thought as I threw a load of dirty clothes into the washing machine. How much of my time do I waste trying to sort the facts, the opinions, the details out of it before I remember what it is really about. Too often I let life get ahold of my thoughts and I start trying to figure things out on my own. Like Will, I try to defend myself when I should just realize I started it. My life is about more.
Much more.
My life is about a God, a God who made himself man, who came down here to live in dirt though he was pure. This God withstood attacks verbally, allowed sin to spit on him, and then bled to death on a cross for me. Dirty, sinful, doubtful, anxious, worrying, opinionated, defensive me.

And, as I stood in my "laundry closet" (because if you've been to my house lately, you know it is unfair to call it a "room"), I watched those dirty clothes go around and around. And, I prayed. I prayed God could help wash the dirt from my life so that I could come out clean. This I may have to pray ten times a day, but I pray God allows me to see Him through the dirt. I don't want to live a wishy-washy life; I want to live a life firm in Him.

Love-Hate Relationship

2008-10-21T16:53:00.001-07:00

What I LOVE about California:
- my new friends here
- my church
- Scott's one job... not multiple ones
- Will's school and teacher
- my excuse to get a mini-van
- the geography- lots to see and experience
- living within two hours of so many neat things
- my fresh start
- having a sidewalk in front of my house
- good neighbors
- smaller house- easier to clean!

What I HATE about California:
- the government

(oh, and of course, all the missing of my friends and family back home)

Before we even moved to CA, I took the time to start the process to get CA teaching credentials. There is no reciprocity between CA and GA, or other states for that matter, when it comes to teaching credentials. So, I filled out the paperwork, collected all the thousand of documents (transcripts, certificates, Praxis test scores... and it goes on). In June I signed up, paid for, and then took the CBEST test. By late July I had gotten those test scores back (Passed) and could send in my paperwork to the California Commission on Teacher Credentials. They received, documented that they received the paperwork, and listed my file on-line with an Aug 19 entry date.

Today is October 21. The Commission is only now evaluating paperwork submitted by July 28... I'm at least still a month away from finding out what else I have to do to be certified here.
In the meantime, I've decided to start substituting and just applying for positions for the heck of it. I actually had an interview Friday with a school near us. It was for a teacher aide, 3 hours a day, 5 days per week. I wouldn't make enough to cover childcare for Em! So, I declined. Then, the principal called my yesterday to see if I'd be willing to work in another way there. I told him I was filling out Sub paperwork already. He said he'd have me at least 2 subbing jobs per week, more if I want them, and possibly long-term subbing at well. Yeah! I loved the interview team from the school, so things were looking up.

Until I had to go to the county office of education today and APPLY for a 30 Substitute Permit. I said, out loud, "Seriously?"
"It's just how it is," the office of ed lady told me.
I then teared up and told her how I just want to go home.

I'm used to the county being the school district. Not so much that way here. There is a county office of ed, not sure why, because there are 18 school districts working independently within our county! If I have a 9th grader and an 8th grader, in two districts because K-8 is in one and 9-12 is in another, then I'd have 2 different district calendars, holiday dates, etc. And if I want to work in multiple districts, I have to apply to each individually...

Okay. So I paid $50 for the CBEST, $55 for the application fee for credentials, $70 to have a LiveScan (digital fingerprinted) done for the credential application, $76 to the county office of Ed to apply for a substituting (and an additional LiveScan), AND $57 to the state again for a Sub Permit. And, once I decide to get hired by a district as a full-time teacher, I'll have to do ANOTHER LiveScan for that district... $60.

Do I really want to teach? I think I'd make a heck of a secretary...

Out Smarted

2008-10-15T09:41:00.001-07:00

I've been babysitting for the past month with a 17 month-old and a two-and-a-half year-old; plus Emmie Ann and Will. When Will's at school in the mornings, the little girls, all three of them, love to go into Em's room, turn on the radio, and spin and dance, jump and hop, or just bounce around the room.

I was putting away dishes in the kitchen when Em ran into see talk to me this morning. She said that the radio wouldn't come on, which was her way of asking me to come fix it. So, I went into the bedroom. I plugged it in, put in a CD, and was then told to leave them alone.

As I walked out, I said, "I don't want to see ya'll jumping on the bed."
"Then leave so I can close the door," Em replied very matter of factly.

I was out smarted by a three-year-old. Yet, the door is still open...

This just in...

2008-10-14T07:59:00.000-07:00

Not much going on here. We're enjoying the transition into fall. Cooler weather is nice!
Soccer is half way there for Will. I can't believe how much he's improving. And, it's not so much improving as it is beginning to understand what to do out on the field. He loves games.
Emmie Ann has settled well into school. She really looks forward to going Tues and Thurs mornings.

We've purchased our Halloween costumes.. one Little Mermaid and one Policeman. My days of theme-planned costumes looks like it's over. They are both way too opinionated about what they will wear. We're planning on getting together with our good friends, for a total of 300 (or so it can feel like) kids to do some party games and a little trick-or-treating.

Our biggest source of excitement, though, are the upcoming visits by Nana and Papa, and later in Nov, Mimi. Em spoke to Nana last night and said, "Our playroom is a mess."
Nana, speaking like herself, said "You better get that cleaned before I get there."
A few minutes later, as I was taking my turn to talk to Nana on the phone, Em ran into the living room, as if in a hurry, and yelled at Will, "You better come in here and help me clean the playroom right now before Nana gets here."
To which my mom replied, "Oh, bless her heart!"
Em thought it was like when we were back in GA and Nana could stop by anytime.

We are also all anticipating the holiday season. Every want is now "well, maybe you can ask Santa for it." Just yesterday, Scott was sitting at the table with Will as Will drew cars on paper. He asked Scott to spell Ford. Will is all into writing, how to spell things, etc. Scott spelled it and as Will wrote it down, Scott asked, "Are you writing Ford like my Ford?" Totally without skipping a beat, Will responded, "No, like the red Ford Mustang Convertible Powerwheels that Santa's gonna buy me from Wal-mart." Santa better get a second job.

Well, as for me, I've finally succumbed to the fact that I live in California. I've taken the step to officially become a California resident. No, it's not the fact that I left my job and moved everything I own 3,ooo miles away, enrolled my children in school here, or even the fact that I took the CA drivers test and have a licence from California. It has nothing to do with the fact that I haven't seen Georgia, my friends, and my family in almost five months. Actually, it's something much bigger... I have found a hair dresser and made an appointment. I officially feel as if I am laying down some roots here. I now live in California. I've moved.

I Lift My Eyes Toward the Hills

2008-10-07T14:12:00.000-07:00

Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over you coming and going both now and forevermore.

_____________________

In the past couple weeks I've watched a lot change around me. Right outside the weather is different- getting cooler, leaves falling, darker earlier, and at least ten minutes of rain Friday (the first rain we've seen in four months...that's another blog).

But I've also stood here while lives around me changed. In just a couple weeks, one friend's job status is changing- in turn, changing the family's future. Another friend lost a parent- and a family dynamic is altered. A third friend's diagnosis from a doctor has changed her health and made her fragile. A normal up-beat, optimist is now wondering if the glass was really half full.

If you know me, you know change is not something I can neccessarily deal with easily. Come on, I never moved until I left for college. Scott will tell you that big changes are easier for me to digest, but it's all the little changes that go along with it that crush me. I may not fall apart over the big ones because that is easier for me to say "it's God's plan." But, it's the small, day to day changes in my routine that throw me off.

About a year ago I vowed to go wherever God sent us. I laugh now. 3,000 miles away is a big change. Just over a year ago I was in the Beth Moore Bible study The Psalms of Asscent. Psalm 121 was one key Psalm we memorized from that study. Ancient Jews would travel to Jerusualm three times a year, and as they traveled and asscended into Jerusalm, they sang these very words.

God has a way of bringing things back up in our lives when we need them. And, when we see them again, we can't figure out for the life of us why we didn't think of that ourselves! That happened to me Sunday, sitting in church. Leonard actually spoke on this Psalm, and I sat there, wondering "why on earth did I not think to go back to this? I know this verse!"

In the past couple of weeks, as seasons of lives changed around me, I felt helpless. I couldn't assure my friend with plans, comfort a friend who was hurting, or heal any disease. But, I could find reassurance in the only place possible. My Lord. And, just when I needed to be reminded, he piped up and spoke.

I know that my help comes from the Lord and He is watching over my life. I know He does this for everyone of us. It's just like us humans to forget from time to time.

Would it be wierd if...

2008-09-24T20:14:00.000-07:00

... I set aside some of the cooked ground turkey, that I was making for spaghetti, so that I could just eat a little bowl by myself with a little salt and pepper? Maybe it's not weird, but I always feel funny when I do that. (but I know Mandy's done it before, so that makes me feel better...)

... my kids entertained themselves for an hour this afternoon by collecting rocks from a pile of rocks, putting them in a bucket, and then relocating the rocks to another part of the yard? Would it be weirder if I stood inside and watched through the sliding glass door as they did this? (but I'm okay with it.. I mean, at least they were not watching anymore tv and were working together...)

... one of our "activities" today included mopping (not watercoloring, the sandbox, or bike riding- typical "stay-at-home" mom things). Literally, Will, Em and I took turns mopping the floor. (You should know the stupid floor is white tile. It HAS to be cleaned at least 3 times a day. Period.)

... my son ASKED me to go to work so that he could go to daycare and have lots of other kids to play with?

... my daughter thinks, no, believes that she is living in a Disney musical? She sings requests for chocolate milk and even argues with her brother in full song. She dances quite well for a kids who's never entered a studio, too, I might add.

... I spent half the day thinking about how I wanted to rearrange the garage? Really, wouldn't it make more sense to park the bikes along the left side and use the center to park a car?

... all I could think about, when I'm not thinking about the garage, is what kind of new Flair I can put on my Facebook page? (That is the craziest fun I've had lately!)

... I had to wash both one set of sheets and the cushion covers from the couch and clean the mattress and cusions because of pee - all from one day? (Thank the Lord for pretreated, Scotchgarded cushions! Liquid basically rolls off!!)

... if I sat down to think about all the wierd things that happened to me lately and then blog about it?

Facebook Me

2008-09-22T16:18:00.000-07:00

I finally gave in this morning, in a weak moment, and became, what seems to be, the last under-80-American to join Facebook. One of my first "friends" was our pastor's MOTHER...
Mostly on-line I email, shop, blog, shop...
I've put off becoming a part of this for years. First, it was because I was teaching and didn't want to become "one of those teachers" caught up on-line in some controversy with their students. Second, I knew I'd be addicted and didn't want to commit all that time to figuring it out (when I don't have time to keep the laundry caught up... I mean, I have two kids and have refused to scrapbook too because I know I haven't had the time to do it and do it well. Their "scrapbooks" are actually "scrapboxes".) And, thirdly, everyone else was doing it, and I wasn't sure I wanted all these people from my past to find me... I mean, if you really need to contact me, you'd have my email or cell number already.
But, Scott's day off is Monday, so this morning, in casual conversation, he asked me what my myspace page was (years ago he made one for me just because I had said I didn't want one) and I couldn't remember if it was myspace or facebook, so to end the debate I we went to "look it up," and I ended up creating a facebook account, thus wasting hours of my day in the end.
Because, of course, the stupid thing starts connecting you to people before you've even had the chance to decorate your page, it sucks you in. It's like having a party and letting your guests in before you've finished putting up the streamers. And, come to find out, people LIVE on this site! So, while I'm running around the site trying to figure it out, people keep "popping in" and joining my undecorated party...um, page.
Then, I had to have a profile picture (and how do you choose just one picture to exemplify who you are to those people you haven't seen in years...as if I wasn't stressed already). Next, because everyone else does it, I had to create some kind of picture album. Uploading pictures and creating captions isn't easy work for someone who has recently spent her days making play-doh people and pumping up bike tires. And, well, the kicker for me-the most time wasted- was on my flair. If you don't have flair, in my opinion, you shouldn't "facebook" because THAT is the funnest thing about it.
Now, the excitement comes in with my phone... because in attempt to keep in touch when we moved West Coast (and because I thought it was cool) I got a Blackberry that "bings" whenever I get an email. And, if you facebook, you know that whenever someone invites you to be a friend or accepts to be your friend, you get emailed. Can I remind you I was the last person to join facebook, so people were "binging" me left and right- evidently I was a hot commonditiy today. Finally, Scott had to turn that feature off so my phone would stop "binging".

I'll give facebook one thing: I didn't feel this popular in high school! I'm now addicted. If you don't see me out in the future, look on-line. I'm either looking or cheap airline tickets or facebooking. And, I hate to admit it, I'm on a quest to have the most friends in the world.

If you haven't already, check out my flair!

I've officially become my mom

2008-09-17T11:16:00.001-07:00

As I knelled on the living room carpet with a coffee cup full of Oxyclean and hot water in my left hand and an old wash cloth in the right, it hit me.
I'd already had coffee and washed that cup out. Three little girls were running around me with baby dolls, the washing machine was going full force as it cleaned the pee out of the towels, bathroom mats, and panties from an earlier unfortunate accident accident, and I'd already swept, mopped, and done a load of dishes... all this and it wasn't even ten in the morning. Will had been dropped off at school, driven by me in the bike trailer, I'd come home, showered, blown out my hair, and fed five people a small breakfast. The back patio has been swept, too. Then, "brown baby" had to be hand washed since the unfortunate pee-all-over-the-bathroom incident had rendered him, well, wet. Next, snack time. And, now that I've fed two girls Fiber One and Zone bars, grapes, and juice and one little one her organic yogurt and a jar of baby food, it was time to clean up a mess, spilled water all over the kitchen floor, before giving the baby her milk, packing three little girls in the car, buckling them up, and going to pick Will up from school. When we get back: lunch time...
Mom, you're my hero.

And then there were four...

2008-09-16T11:13:00.000-07:00

I've started a temporary babysitting job for a friend. Her mother-in-law usually watches her daughter (2 and a half) and niece (1 and a half) while their mothers work, but she has had to go out of town for six weeks... so here I am. Four kids aren't too bad (when I get to send 2 home at the end of the day!). And the girls are precious- both are mild mannered, sweet, and in a good routine that fits well with our schedule. It's a bit of work to load everyone up to drop Will off at school and Em (only Tues and Thurs), but everyone is cooperating well. And God bless the mini-van- what a blessing! (Another thing you never thought you'd say when you were in college and pre-children stages of life.) Em's adjusting to sharing EVERYTHING of hers with the little girls, but she likes having other kids around. As for Will, this has sealed the deal for him, and he really wants a baby brother.
Did I mention the girls both speak Spanish and a bit of Korean (in addition to English)? They are being patient with me, and I'm learning all kinds of nouns in other languages. (By the way- "po po" -like what we call the police in the South- and "poo poo"- like what we all call poop- seem easily confused. Especially when "po po" is Korean for kiss...)

Watch out Scotty- Will, Em, and I may be talking you into another baby before you know it!

2008-09-02T14:46:00.000-07:00

I never meant to go this long between posts, but....
Okay, so school is finally in for both the kids. Will started KINDERGARTEN last week and Emmie Ann went to her first day at preschool today. That's two mornings a week where I won't have any kids with me! So, I scheduled an interview for a job tomorrow morning. I miss work- that's one thing you never think you'll say- and I don't intend to confuse anyone- I don't want to work full time, but I do like it. I mean, this afternoon I helped Scott make a sock puppet... This is an Education Specialist position where I'd only work a couple days of the week (like Scott's day off so we wouldn't have to get childcare) but still get used to the CA ed system, curriculum, etc. Not sure if this is just a "scanning" interview or what, but I'm looking forward to finding out something about the job and what possibilites are out there!
Will is totally loving school; his teacher's name: Mrs. Learn. I ask him when I pick him up (did I tell you that you have to pay to ride the bus in CA and that you can only ride if you live farther than a mile from school, which like no one does...) how his "day" (half day K in CA...) was. "Good." I ask, "What did you do?" His reply, "Everything." Well, at least he doesn't say "nothing." He tells me who got their pin moved down to yellow or red. Of course, he says, his has stayed on green all day. His favorite part of school is the playground, and he does not want us to walk him inside in the morning. He just wants to be dropped off.
Emmie Ann even told me that I "could leave now" when I took her to school today. She's been ready to go since Will started. She'll wake up and ask "is today the day I get to go to school?"

We've kept busy lately- the CA State Fair and Demolition Derby, Gold Rush in Old Sac, birthday parities, soccer practice, church events, back to school shopping, bike riding...
Now, Demolition Derby... to think we moved 3,000 miles to watch something so redneck... At the State Fair, there is a Demo Derby- and it is packed in the stands. We went with two other families from church- 8 kids total; 5 boys (8 if you count the dads who were just as into it) and 3 girls. Four of the boys are between the ages of 4 and 6. There is something excilerating (especially to the boys) about watching a bunch of already banged up cars drive around a ring, rev their engines, ram into each other, and sling mud into the stands (thank goodness we got there early to claim seats at the top of the stands and avoid the extra dirt).

Just call it Camp Dirt

2008-08-13T06:53:00.000-07:00

In an effort to "get away" for a little vacation, we went camping for a couple nights. Back home, when people go on vacation, they load up the car, drive six, maybe eight or so hours, and end up at a condo on the beach. All you deal with is sand and who gets the first shower. Not our case this year.

Scott and I have done camping before. I don't mind "dirty"- and if you really know me, you know how I feel about washing my hair everyday...not required. We've both even backpacked, where you stay out on a trail for several nights with only the stuff on your back. But, since Will and Em came along, we never bothered to go camping; plus, we didn't know too many people who wanted to go camping when we could get a condo at the beach...

I tested my limits this week and discovered a few things:

1- "Talking when I'm talking" is not my biggest pet peeve. Dirt sandwiched under little fingernails are. And, when there are NO campfires allowed, no rain in forever, and your boogers turn black from the dirt and dust in the air, clean-non-sooty hands are impossible.

2- I am more like Kate from "John and Kate plus Eight" than I'd like to admit. I mean, when I'm yelling "Scott" from the river just so he can bring me a nail-brush or Will's clean socks (it was a lot like that episode when she yells at him at the Crayola Factory)... No matter how many times I'd tell myself that "it's just for a couple days... we're camping... kids are supposed to be dirty..." it didn't work.

3- The scenery from East to West is different- right down to the dirt on the ground. But, kids like to dig in it just as much. No matter how you threaten them, when you turn around, there they are- swirling it, throwing it, wipping it all over themselves.

4- The view is worth the journey. Dealing with the hard ground (we left our pump for the air mattress at home and my hip digs into the ground...), dirty hands and faces and clothes, and freezing 40 degrees at night... those were a few things that kept me thinking "Why would we do this?" But these pictures explain why we go camping agian.

Biding Our Time

2008-08-06T23:15:00.000-07:00

Summer is still in full force. Will doesn't return until August 26...
Last week the kids and I were fortunate enough to spend some full-time quality time together. Scott accompanied our BCR youth group on a mission trip to LA. That meant we rallied at home- there were three other mom's whose husbands were on the trip- and sought out events to keep us distracted!

We started our week off pretty mild. We visited at each other's homes, made "play dough cookies," and baked homemade pizza. By Tuesday, we stepped it up a notch when we ran around Fairytale Town, and later we got our money's worth with IKEA's free babysit-while-you-shop and 99 cent kid meals! 9 hours, 8 tired kids, 3 large area rugs, and 1 heck-of-a-deal storage shelf later, we were home... that was a day to remember!

Later that week, mom got to come out!! It's so fun to show people around, so when we say do come visit- we mean it! We drove into The City (aka San Fran) to pick her up. I was dying to get to the beach, so we drove south into Santa Cruz for the afternoon. I can say my kids are well traveled- they've seen the Atlantic AND the Pacific (not to mention the Gulf of Mexico a time or two as well!). The ocean was so cold- but that didn't stop Will from chasing the waves. Em makes quite a good sunbather, I must say! (These pics are from Santa Cruz.)
Now, I didn't realize how much I missed home until I got a few days with my Mama! We were sad Papa couldn't come, but we took pictures for him. We went to the farmer's market, the kids' last swim lesson, and the outlets. Scott got home Saturday from the mission trip, so Mom also got to see him "work" at church on Sunday and she met so many of our friends. Then, we took off for Tahoe on Monday....

Tahoe is under two hours from our house. I really knew very little about it, except it was a big, cold lake where people go to snow ski in the winter. We had to see it for ourselves, and I am so glad we did. I can honestly say that was the most beautiful scenery packed into one day's drive that I've seen in a long time. God has an incredible imagination- the way the mountains run together, the peaks and falls; I've never felt so small! And then, when you finally break around that one bend on the mountian and can see through the evergreens, peaking beyond- WOW! The water's Caribbean-clearness, despite how cold it is, makes you want to stay!

I hated packing up, but we're planning on going camping next week with some friends, so knowing we were coming back made it easier to drive on that day.

Roll of Thunder

2008-07-16T15:59:00.000-07:00

I miss certain things about the South. Hearing "y'all" in casual conversation, how much land one house sits on, and- especially- those afternoon, summer thunder storms. I may have only been here in California for a total of four weeks, but since Scott moved here in March, there have only been two days of rain. Neither since my arrival.
Mom was on the phone one afternoon (in GA- it was still the morning here) with me and "had to get inside, a storm was coming." That's when I missed it the most. I could picture it... darkening sky, low clouds, thick humidity cut by a cool breeze. The cows know it's coming. You see them gather around a tree. The bugs cease to swarm as heavily, and that rolling thunder flows above you, shaking the ground below.
When I miss something about home, I close my eyes and try to think of what I have to do here for the day... I put myself in this moment instead of reminiscing about another. "Sort the laundry, sign the kids up for swim lessons.." these were among my thoughts.
Then, I prayed, asking God for some comfort, "Please let me know this is the right place for us. I mean, there's been NO RAIN and our sprinklers still shoot up every night! How is it? I know you have a purpose for us here, so help me understand."

I took out my Bible and was led to this passage-

Job 36:26- 37:5:
How great is our God- beyond our understanding!
The number of his years is past finding out.
He draws up the drops of water, which distill as rain to the streams; the clouds pour down their moisture and abundant showers fall on mankind.
Who can understand how he spreads out the clouds, how he thunders from his pavilion?
See how he scatters his lightning about him, bathing the depths of the sea.
This is the way he governs the nations and provides food in abundance.
He fills his hands with lightning and commands it to strike its mark.
His thunder announces the coming storm; even the cattle make known its approach.
At this my heart pounds and leaps from its place.
Listen! Listen to the roar of his voice, to the rumbling that comes from his mouth.
He unleashes his lightning beneath the whole heaven and sends it to the ends of the earth.
After that comes the sound of his roar; he thunders with his majestic voice.
When his voice resounds, he holds nothing back.
God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding."

I mean, God just straight out told me, I don't need anything, not even a thunderstorm, when I have him. How could I not agree? I'll still struggle and fight my natural desires to control and understand everything, it's part of how I'm built. But this verse was an answer for me, mostly because I have to believe that God knows where I've been and where he's taking me. He knows where my comfort zone is- and he truely knows how to nudge me out of it. I believe "he holds nothing back" and is, right now in our lives, doing "great things beyond our understanding."

Why God moved us 3,000 miles

2008-07-07T11:14:00.000-07:00

This is just an excerpt from an email I wrote to a friend back home about life here, job searching, Scott and me... it's a good explaination of who I am and where I am now...

The wild fires are causing lots of smoke in the valley, where we are, and it's pretty nasty outside. Not to mention hot! And, it's a different kind of heat from GA- dry. We get the Delta Breezes, but with all the smoke and fires going on, they're doing more of stirring up than cooling down...
Thanks for putting out feelers for me. We're in Roseville, and there is one FSU about ten minutes from us- we're in Placer County, which reminds me of Fayette in a few ways. Schools are great, people are nice, and there is a mix of city space and country. I need to work some, not sure to what extent, but when I was back in GA I met with my friends from work. We were talking about what we were doing and wanted to do when one mentioned doing something like marketing with Chick-fil-A. I've worked with them for the past several years in ordering for our events, fundraising, etc. Asking around out here, I'm not as sure how "connected" the stores are to the schools and churches like at home- but I've only been here a few weeks! I would love to work for a company that, as cheesy as it sounds, is part of my Southern identity and a business that I LOVE. It's been such a part of me, we naturally make our friends who haven't eaten there drive over with us to eat there! I'm praying for God to show me where he wants me to be. We'd been here about a week, feeling far away from home, and took the kids to the Roseville store for lunch. When Will got out of the car, he said, "Oh... I'm so happy! Chick-a-fil-a!" It was the only time I felt at home those first two weeks here! I feel like I'm creative, personable, and know enough about the company, plus, I've experienced being in a community where Chick-fil-A is really apart of us.
I've applied for teaching positions with a charter school where I wouldn't work a regular day, either teach on-line classes or be a contact teacher for home-schooled students. I also applied at a gym and Starbucks for the EARLY morning shifts. That way I could be out by the time the kids are out of school, three days a week.
I love SLAH, but I am not a sales person for something I don't really think is for everyone. Either you love it or not (and you should see the new catalog coming out next month! It's double hostess month too, so you can get double the half price and double the free money for SLAH items! Did you get my email with the clearance items?...) I like talking about it, but I can't walk up to someone and convince them to buy a $60 vase when they stay at home with their kids. So, if people like it, I'll show it off, but am not built to be pushy about it. I'm waiting for someone want a party instead of me asking them to have it.
So, you can see, I'm trying to "water the fields" so that when God is ready, I'll be ready to respond. The Surrender book has helped! Everyday, I think about how far out of my comfort zone God has placed me, and pray for his direction, to plant me somewhere, to do something for Him.
Scott is loving his job- I can see how the past several, hard years of climbing, falling, and climbing up the mountain got us to this place where something beautiful is. We love this church, We love these people. And, even though It's not "home", these people are already family. It's hard to explain! Our 6 year ann was yesterday, so I've been a little reflective; I've honestly never been more proud of him or happier for him at any point in our marriage. When we said "I do," I never knew I'd love him this much. He is so amazing, talented, level-headed and yet a dreamer. I am so honored God lets me go along with what Scott is doing. In him I see this person I never realized was there and knew was there all along! He is incredible, and we are so blessed to be here, doing this (whatever God wants "this" to be) together. Although I do miss home, I don't want to miss one opportunity here, one moment. Just a fast as we got here, we could be gone! So, Carpe Diem!
I'll pass on the love here- you do so back there! We miss friends like you- that just means you've got to get out here and visit!!
Thanks for your help on this! I don't know what God has in store- and am excited to see where I go!

Seeing San Francisco

2008-07-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

Because we flew into San Francisco and Scott had parked there when he flew out, we had a car and an entire afternoon to visit the city. The day didn't end up exactly as we had planned... By planned, I mean I spent three hours on-line the previous week with mapquest and my friend Laura's notes (she lived there for a year and wrote me a small book on what to see and do while we were there- thanks, Laura!). I knew how to get to stop 1: pic opp. with the Golden Gate- kids could run around after flying for five hours, etc. Then, stop 2: Free Wednesday museum visit. Stop 3: Fisherman's Wharf for dinner and sea lions.
We first wanted to take a picture of the kids with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. Well, it was cloudy, windy, and the pic op didn't turn out exactly like I'd planned. We walked around the "beach" for five minutes before Will asked to go to the car so daddy could "turn the warm on."
Next, we were going to go to Exploratorium, a hands-on Science Museum. The first Wednesday of each month, the exact day we were there, the museums in the city are free. What a great break for us, huh? Well, us and 3,000 other people who wanted to get in... Skipped that idea, pouting as we drove by...
So, we drove on out to Fisherman's Wharf, where a tourist can be a tourist. By this time, we were all tired, hungry, and broke. We'd had to pay an arm and a leg (almost a first born...) for parking at the airport, so our budget had been infringed upon. The kids shared a sourdough pizza, and Scott and I had warm, clam chowder- YUM!! A little bit encouraged at this point, we decided to press on with out plans. You can still have fun for free, right? Well, we were going to teach our kids that money didn't buy happiness... but this area was not the one to do that in. Between all the little souvenir shops, the pier attractions like a carousel or cotton candy, and the fresh, warm doughnuts, everything Will and Em were interested in would cost us. So, we briskly walked past the money-items and pumped up the sea lions.. cute whiskery faces, flopping around, entertaining us. As you walk out the pier, following the signs that take you to look at the sea lions, you wind around shops, up and down stairs. It's a real excitement booster. We expected to see something awe inspiring with each turn. Finally, we came to the end of the pier.. and a sign. The sign explained how, around May, the sea lions migrate south to breed. On a floating dock, way out, there were six sea lions, sunning themselves. They looked like big, wet bags. They didn't even look back at us. Major disappointment!
So, four hours ahead of time (the second time we've ever been early), we went back to our car, headed out 80 West, and sat in traffic all the way home to Sacramento.
Maybe we'll try that again, one day...

My Brother's Wedding

2008-07-04T10:11:00.000-07:00

Rehersal dinner at the Smith House is always a great way to start the weekend.
The wedding was such a beautiful event. A little rain shower threatened us Saturday afternoon, but the sun broke through and it held off until late that night as the reception was underway. Like Em dressing up dolls, Jess and Alex looked like Barbie and Ken. They were so happy and perfect. Jess's sister's photography company (www.doveweddingphotography.com) did the photographs, so I know they will be amazing.
The ceremony was outside, and we did pictures beforehand. Will looked like a mini-Scott, and Em was a mini-me. Before we left CA, Em had a virus, and it got ahold of Will that week. He had a fever all day, so getting him to pose in a hot tux in the sun was not easy. At one point, he just started walking away. We tried every bribe we could come up with, but he was not feeling well at all. He did make it down the aisle, where he sat with Papa. But, by the time he got to the reception, he went to a table, laid his head down, and fell asleep. He sat there, asleep, until Mimi and Paw-paw took him back to the hotel (or home-tel as Em calls it).
Em, on the other hand, danced all night! She was in her element and the life of the party. In her princess dress, she'd dance with anyone who came along. She got to see all her cousins (second cousins), eat cake, and run around. Finally she crashed.
Alex and Jess have some wonderful friends who proved it at the wedding; I am so proud of who my brother has become, the life he's made for himself, and the beautiful, kind woman he's married.

Good Times in Georgia

2008-07-04T09:14:00.000-07:00

We packed a lot into two weeks during our trip back home. Because we were only in CA for two weeks before we went back, I told everyone it was our "Trial Run" at living in CA.
Back in GA, we got to spend time with Nana and Papa, Mimi and Paw-paw, Scott's sister and her family, Alex and Jess, my extended family (thanks to the wedding), and our friends.
After spending two day with Mom, dragging the kids through every mall and department store in the Metro-Atlanta area, we finally found Mom a dress she liked for the wedding. And, I must say, it worked well for her. Jess and I looked all over the South Side for flowers and found some that turned out beautifully in the bridesmaids bouquets. By Friday, the kids had to get out and swim with some friends. So we met up at by bff's neighborhood pool with a good group of friends. Will got to see Bryson (and Em- she thinks he's a brother still), Em got to see Ella, and they both got to play with Ariel (their favorite babysitter and one of our closest friends). We were at the pool for six hours...I miss my friends!!
Saturday was a treat, my childhood best friend, Kate, got married. It was so beautiful and perfect for her. As always, she was gorgeous. The only thing that I didn't like was the Rocky Top song at the reception... but, she's always loved to rub in our GA-TN rivalry! Will danced all night long..with everyone, including the groom's mother-slow dancing- he had no idea who she was, but she was willing to dance with him. Em is a dancer, too. Since Scott hadn't come in yet, the three of us danced in a circle all night! I was so looking forward to Will dancing at Alex's wedding the next Saturday.
Sunday morning Will, Em, Mom, and I drove up to TN to visit with Aunt Brenda and Nanny (my grandmother) for a night. The kids love going to Brenda's because they never know what they will get into and they love her dog, Princess. Plus, Nanny makes a good listener, and, you know, my kids love to talk...
Scott's sister, Debbie, and her family came into town that second week. They live in New Hampshire, so our visits aren't as often as we'd all like, but the kids always love seeing their cousins. Debbie and Brian have three kids: Cailyn, Evan, and Ally. What's crazy is they told us it's cheaper for them to fly to CA to visit us than to Atlanta! So, we're holding them to that...
Other things we did while in GA (in no particular order)...
- the kids rode around the yard on the tractor
- we helped Dad dam up the creek so he could build a water pool for his irrigation system (it was more like sloshing around, throwing stones on our part...)
- practiced tossing petals as a flower girl (there are no blooms left on one of Mom's hydrangeas..)
- cleaned, painted, and fixed up our house for our new leasers
- ate fried chicken and casseroles- squash, broccoli and cheese, macaroni... all our favorites!
- Got acquainted with Barbie- Em's new favorite pastime. Mom pulled out some huge box of my old Barbie's and their things. We didn't hear from Em one day from 9 AM until about 4 PM, with one small lunch break in between.

Home Again, Home Again!!

2008-06-21T09:57:00.000-07:00

Monday, June 16
6 AM (CA)- wake up, inhale....get dressed, make 2 chocolate milks, pack car, dress kids, load kids in car, try not to throw up...
7 AM- depart Roseville for San Francisco International Airport, pay almost $5 a gallon for gas, fight a wave of nausea..
7:45 AM- see hot air balloons over Napa, make Scott pull over so I can throw up...
8:45 AM- arrive at airport, check 2 bags, take off 6 shoes, send 5 carry-ons and one folded stroller through security, re-shoe 3 people, look for one lost croc, reload stroller, bribe Em to ride in stroller...
9:15 AM- begin to wait on flight, entertain 2 kids
11:30 (departure time)- continue to wait on flight, bargain with 2 kids
Noon (CA)- finally load plane, buckle in kids, bribe to not kick seats in front of them
Noon to 4:30 (CA)- buckle- unbuckle, buckle- unbuckle, bathroom, play with in-seat TV monitors, pick up cars off floor, dress barbie, pick up cars off floor, undress barbie... redress barbie, color, scrape Play-Doh off seat, unbuckle- buckle, change barbie's clothes...
7:30 PM (GA)- land in Atlanta! Fight with overloaded stroller and 2 kids all the way to baggage claim, meet Nana, exhale.

Truthfully, besides me feeling sick, it was an easy-peasy day. The kids were wonderful on the plane. Will even slept for 45 minutes (after he had informed everyone in a five seat radius of every detail about our family... "This is my mom. She is 28. We live at 1711 Russell Way... We're going to GA. My dad's a worship pastor. Do you want to see my cars? My mom bought them for me...."

Settled for now...

2008-06-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

So we've lived in CA for 2 weeks now with minimal homesickness (mostly by me, not the kids or Scotty). Since we lost 1,000 square feet and a basement in the move, it really didn't take long to unpack. I saved the closets for last and finished those yesterday. I'm using the closet in my bedroom; Scott gets to hang his shirts in the "playroom" closet. Will and Em are sharing a bedroom and like the bunkbeds. We now have a couch, since our GA couch now lives in Sharpsburg with Alex and Jess, and we have a futon- so come visit!
We're so close to everything! We really haven't had to leave Roseville yet. Since Scott and I are sharing a car, the kids and I walk to the park. Scott's office is only 3 miles away, so sometimes we drop him off and other times "he rides his bike" (1 time I took it to him at work and he rode it home; another time he rode it to work and we picked him up...)
We love our church (www.baysidecentral.com) and all the people there! I would alreday be back in Georgia if the people at BCR were not so wonderful! There are lots of families with kids Will and Em's ages, and everyone has been so great about inviting us to do things, offering to help, getting us information on the area, etc. We had balloons, groceries, and gifts when we got here and meals for three days! Not to mention, the Worship Pastor is pretty hot, too ;)
Will likes CA because "snails are his favorite bug." After the sprinklers come on in our backyard in the evenings, he collects the snails in his bug box (a gift from the wonderful Jane!). Maybe a little creepy if they ever decided to take over, but he collected like 82 snails one night!!! Em, of course, goes around doing whatever he is up to, screaming the whole way.