"it is what it is...today"

Guess where I am....

2008-06-29T19:05:00.000-07:00

HOME! It's true, I am HOME before 11pm...it's not a lie, I am HOME! I am home reading a few blogs, laying on the couch listening to my family rustle around the house doing what they do...I get to hear them do it, NOT THAT'S AMAZING! I have worked many MANY long hours and feel very satisfied at the accomplishments that we have achieved this far. The FIRST food service area opened in the Refinery this weekend and it was a great success if you consider hundreds of students drinking expensive waters, eating BOAT LOADS OF CANDY BEFORE 9am a success! I am excited yet ready to hire LOTS more help so I can see my awesome rustling family more often!

Lot's to look forward to...2 more food service area's opening (tomorrow I get to meet with the ice cream vendor who is flying out to teach us how to use our new AMAZING ice cream machine...YUMMY), and did I mention Harbor House is about a month away?

Did I disappear...honestly YES!

2008-06-21T22:20:00.000-07:00

THE REFINERY....THANK YOU!

Ok, I admit...I have disappeared from this whole blogging world. It's a combination of moving, work, kids finishing school, work, sleepless nights, work...oh did I mention the Refinery?

Tonight I had my first feel of nerves sitting in my stomach and causing severe nausea! I was SO nervous for what is about to come, this has been such a HUGE project for SO many people and I have worked hard to pull my end of the bargain. I wished from the bottom of my deepest heart that we could have been open in the Food Service areas of the Refinery tonight! I am SO excited about what is about to come from all the hours that our team has prepared for the openings of all 3 Food Service areas!

The work that went into this amazing building showed on so many faces tonight! I loved looking at each of the Student Ministries Staff members and hearing the glow of success that has come from SO many years of preparation. It's been God's work in progress and I am proud to be a part of the team even though they have yet to see what we have begun to make this a success for them (everyone LOVES food, we won't disappoint)! Even with menu boards that still have misspelled words, I know that what we are about to offer WILL be amazing!

SO...from the bottom of my tired deep heart....THANK YOU GOD, THANK YOU EVERYONE who put in moments, hours, days, weeks, months, years to make this building what it is...A place for MY kids to find God right where they are in life, find fellowship and find themselves in a world where they have SO many other options! I can honestly say, our family is GRATEFUL AND THANKFUL!

As for me....stay tuned, I will be back!

Because she is......

2008-06-02T13:04:00.001-07:00

AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL!

Favorite part of my day...

2008-05-28T02:23:00.000-07:00

Kelly runs to the bottom of the stairs 4 or 5 times during the day yelling:

"I HAVE TO CHECK MY NEW ROOM!" For what you ask? Not sure, I think to make sure it's still there! I love her girly room and I love that she loves her girly room! LOVING the yellow walls, really thought I wouldn't yet, I like looking at her room too! It's the cutest, I promise!

PS. She makes her bed EVERY morning and cleans her room 4 or 5 times a day....I LOVE 8 year olds...life is simple!

Sad, mad, frustrated...it's all in the bag for today!

2008-05-27T21:04:00.000-07:00

I recieved some horrible sad news today. A friend passed away, this is a friend I shared in a bible study with, I looked forward to the Monday summer nights and watching her surf, I loved pulling up to "Old Man's" and seeing her car, we could always share a story, a few moments, I adored her, she had a light even when see didn't see it.
She was hurting, she was in an accident and passed. I would give her name but I know there are people who have not been told yet and I would hate for this to be the place. My heart aches, it's been crying all afternoon, she was SO sweet, yet so sad and hurting. I hate that this accident stole her life. Her family loved her deeply, they knew her hurts yet loved her deeply. Again, my heart aches!

I want to swallow my tears because I KNOW that she is in a great place, she is out of any pain she thought she had or was dealt by the carelessness of another. It's sad!

Life can make you sad....then your daughter comes home excited, you talk to a friend who you know has a smile ear to ear, life is sad, complicated and ever changing. I will cry tonight, most likely at the funeral and again for her family off and on, but I know life is going to be ok...I just wish I knew they weren't going to hurt so much right now!

As for mad....that's another story for another day not directly related to any of this!

I am OK, you are OK, we ALL Ok....THANK GOD!

HOME SWEET HOME!

2008-05-26T18:47:00.000-07:00

THE MESSY GARAGE (next week there WILL be 2 cars in it)!

MATT'S ROOM (he is still working on it, need pics)!

We are finally moved in! A few walls have pictures, most rooms are 80% done, and we are ready for company if you can handle a few things still out of place! The garage is "almost" ready for cars to be parked inside and we are waiting for a few pieces of furniture to arrive (a new wall unit, backyard furniture, etc).
KELLY'S ROOM

KELLY'S AMERICAN GIRLS DOLLS ARE HOME!

HOLLY'S ROOM

We are ALL very happy, love this house AND the GREATEST part of all...it's QUIET! Yes, I said QUIET with a family of 5, people around helping out, visiting and meeting new neighbors.
We still have no phone service home and limited cell service but it's been great just spending time getting settled! We are NOT ignoring people we just have NO connections and have had to "borrow" from the neighbors for limited internet connection (a friend is here now trying to cure that issue)!
I am on the hunt for a trampoline and pool so this summer should be amazing with our new large backyard.
Speaking of backyard we are not "fenced" in so our dog Buddie escaped! Someone let him in the backyard without the tie-up (I will not tell you which teen did that to save face but let's just say I may have patted that one on the back)! Then 2 of the children cried themselves to sleep and we made a visit to the Mission Viejo Pound and $110 later...our dog is home safe and sound! YES, YOU CAN PAT ME ON THE BACK FOR BEING A GOOD MOM THIS TIME!
So, we can't wait for you all to stop by....HOME SWEET HOME!

Moving has begun...

2008-05-13T22:47:00.000-07:00

Secretly I LOVE moving, not the packing and lifting but the organizing, redecorating, finding new ways to make my old stuff look good. I love the smell of the new paint on the walls, brand new AMAZING carpet, buying new bedding to match the new walls, I LOVE ALL OF THAT!
Today we started the move, David had to work late so I recruited my children to help me run the first 5 loads to the new house. The fragile stuff I don't trust anyone to move, my china, my pictures, and decorations, all important to me so I must move them myself.
I started Kelly's adorable yellow room and can't wait to finish it tomorrow! It's so "girly" and she LOVES it. It's her first time to do all the choosing of colors, bedding and room design. I would not have chosen pink, yellow and green but she REALLY wanted it! I gave her so many other options so for now I am LOVING her little "girly" room.
I have realized that the closet in my much smaller bedroom is much smaller than the one I am leaving behind. How long will it take for me to move into my husbands side? I think I will start slowly inching my way to his side, do you think he will notice? Let me tell you when you own 200 Trader Joe hawaiian shirts (well, maybe not quite 200 but it seems that way), you owe your wife a couple of inches on your side...right?
Ok, so the fireplace is still ugly and I have had many offers to help me make it better. I wish I could send you a picture but the cord to the camera is lost in moving land somewhere. I tried to send it from my phone to my email, didn't work..sorry! I would love a REALLY pretty shelf over the REALLY UGLY fireplace to make it presentable. I went to Home Depot to "look" at shelves but I do not have the "eye" for what I need....so I now know help is on the way. THANKS FRIENDS!
I can't wait to have a summer barbecue and invite you ALL! Stay tuned for pics and invites! We are looking for a trampoline for these barbecue's, adults love to jump too!
Call us, come visit...ALL ARE WELCOME AND I WILL COOK!

Mother's Day...is a beautiful thing!

2008-05-12T19:33:00.000-07:00

I need to look up how Mother's Day got started and who decided we would celebrate the birthing of our children! I want to know all about this great holiday! I want to believe it's really Mother's Day weekend. I personally had a great weekend! On Saturday I was blessed by visitors galore! It seemed so many people came to church and stopped in for visits! Thank you to all! Julie took tons of pictures and brought Pete and Donas for her visit (Julie is great about remembering her camera, me NOT SO MUCH). Check out her blog for those pics!

Yesterday was my great day! I woke early (I know...what it was Mother's Day) but I made the decision to work for 3 short hours, mostly so I could have some "Holly" time. She was scheduled to work and I wanted to make sure I got to spend time with each of my kids yesterday.
After leaving work I was off to my great friend Cheri's house...or should I say a DAY IN PARADISE! Kelly had spent the night there the night before and so I was off to spend time with her and have some time to catch up with my friend. We sat by the pool, overlooking the golf course and talked for HOURS! This is just how the whole idea behind Mother's Day was designed for! We talked so much we were both ready for a nap and relaxation!
David came to pick Kelly and I up and we headed home to spend the rest of the afternoon with Matt who was home and had done a ton of chores, homework, began preparations for dinner! WOW...LIFE IS AWESOME! We relaxed, I "rested my eyes" for a few minutes and Matt made BREAKFAST for dinner! LIFE IS GREAT!
The 2 younger kiddo's were in bed early, the house was quiet and I got to watch some sappy "Lifetime" movies!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ME AND ALL MY MOTHER FRIENDS!

PS. Here is the topping on the whole day...I received homemade cards from the Facility guys at work thanking me for my "Mothering" skills at work! I was touched! Thank you Jason, David, Chuck, Jesse and all the Saddleback boys! I so appreciate you and all you do, for eating my food, for laughing at my dumb jokes, for taking out my trash, and for just being GREAT! You all make being your "mom for the day" worth it!
PSS. Clean your desk boys!

Cassandra made me do it...

2008-05-09T18:21:00.000-07:00

I don't forward mail, I don't forward text, I just don't forward...it's not me. I get so much of those little cute "if you don't send this to 300 million friends in one minute" things that I just don't want to torture others with more and I am hoping I don't get tortured more. BUT....I love love love Cassandra and I love that she wants to know more about her old lady friend, I love that she is "in love" though she wouldn't say "those" words forever and now she says them with the biggest smile EVER.

THAT SAID...I fell for it and I forwarded her forward happily. Here is the details for those of you I didn't forward it to. It's cute, it's innocent...I love making this fun for her!
1. What is your occupation? I work at Saddleback Church but if you ask me what my real job description is...UH, I am NOT sure anymore, it's ALL new!

2. What color are your socks right now? White with a pink Nike logo

3. What was the last thing that you ate? Cashews and Vanilla Yogurt (not together but that was lunch since I didn't eat the great food we had today!

4. Can you drive a stick shift? Yeppers, I learned on a RED corvette ALL BY MYSELF! I am one determined girl! It got me out of the house for the weekend and my friends LOVED it!

5. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Pink or Yellow...

6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Holly begging to do something tonight even if it is with us, she is grounded and wants us to open the jail! HA HA

7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? She is an AMAZING young lady! I hope my daughters are JUST like her! She's pretty darn special, heck I would only do THIS for her!

8. How old are you today? Mean and rude but ok I will answer, 44 for another 4 months! Getting old is NOT FAIR!

9. Favorite drink? Sparkling water

10. What is your favorite sport to watch? Do the Dodgers play the Lakers or the Lakers play the Ducks? Just kidding, gymnastics? Sports are just not me, if shopping is a sport...I WILL TAKE THAT ONE HANDS DOWN!

11. Have you ever dyed your hair? AGAIN...RUDE but I will play along, MAYBE, MAYBE NOT!

12. Pets? a really dumb dog, Holly tells me there are 2 fish that live in that tank downstairs but I choose not to look!

13. Favorite food? Pepperoni Pizza and they better have LOTS of it in heaven!

14. Last movie you watched? Tried to watch "Glass House" last night but I hate scary movies so I chickened out and ran upstairs to watch the news...which can be scary also!

15. Favorite Day of the year? the day we leave for our Harbor House, I seriously get giddy! Why does it take SO long to come each year! We can go almost 365 days a year and we can't find the time to drive 30 miles to enjoy MY FAVORITE PLACE! IT'S CRAZY...welcome to the McTaggarts!

16. What do you do to vent anger? Get SUPER quiet, shut down and need to be alone. I hate that I am angry so I tend to want to be alone to get over my anger. It's confusing but I love to go to my room be alone and figure it out or wallow, then I am fine!

17. What was your favorite childhood toy? a ballerina doll that you would spin the crown on her head and she would dance. It was my first gift from my step-dad when he was dating my mom.

18. What is your favorite season? Summer for the Harbor House, beach, fun with kids. Winter for Christmas and building family memories!

19. Hugs or kisses? it depends, I have had to learn to let people hug me but now I actually enjoy reaching out and hugging someone to let them know I care. Kisses...ummmm, ask my hubby!

20. Cherry or Blueberry? Really neither.

21. Do you want your friends to email you back? Yes!

22. Who is most likely to respond? Julie, Holly, Lisa?, hopefully Melissa, it would be fun to learn more about her life now.

23. Who is least likely to respond? Rude if you don't! HA HA

24. When was the last time you cried? Today almost twice, but I am strong, no tears here! Actual real last time I cried, 2 nights ago for NO reason, really NO reason, I was just SUPER SUPER tired and anxious about all this new stuff going on!

25. What is on the floor of your closet? dirty clothes basket, that's it. Should have asked that question about a week ago when I was packing my closet, seriously I ask again...WHERE DOES THIS STUFF COME FROM???

26. Who is the friend you have known the longest that
you are sending this to? It's probably a toss up between Melissa and Lisa, well Melissa was Junior high and Lisa was (I am NOT telling you but one of us was 12)! This makes this question unfair....I AM NOT OLD, I just have grey hair that I hide well!

27. Who is the friend you have known the shortest that
you are sending this to? Kristin and Olivia

28. Favorite Smells? a clean house!

29. Who inspires you? Megan H. because she inspired me to tell my story, Lisa because I can tell her ANYTHING and she still loves me and laughs at me! When I say ANYTHING...wow I MEAN ANYTHING..she is the greatest!

30. What are you afraid of? oh gosh the list could be long here, heights, the dark, losing my children, snakes, bugs, oh this list is too long and would cause too much heckling on some of your parts!

31. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? Cheese and lots of stuff on "our" burger at Fridays, you know who you are! Our hubby's would be appalled!

32. Favorite car? Secretly I want a 2 seat, convertible, topless car to drive ALL BY MYSELF!

33. Favorite cat breed? A DEAD CAT IS A GOOD CAT. Sorry cat lovers your cat not only smells, it makes my eyes swell shut, it makes my daughter have to go to the hospital, it is just plain USELESS! I know I will gain some enemies with this one, but really it's how I feel!

34. Number of keys on your key ring? WAY TO MANY! Do I actually use ALL those doors? Maybe I need to close some and leave them that way!

35. How many years at your current job? 2 years and some months, really not sure...it feels like forever! That's not to say it's bad it's just familiar.

36. Favorite day of the week? Sunday if I am off work, Monday if I am off work! I love 2 days in a row off! It's an amazing invention though it doesn't always happen often!

37. How many states have you lived in? 4, California, Oregon, Washington, Pennsylvania

38. Do you think you're funny? I can be REALLY funny but it takes work or a night out with one of my favorite gal friends!

39. Favorite candy? OH YUMMY...Swedish Fish and ANY of the Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks! RIght now I am addicted to the My Little Pony ones or Speed Racer, they are adorable AND YUMMY!

40. Where do you see yourself in 10
years? OH CRAP this question ages me, WELL, Holly will be almost 28 so maybe I will be a grandmother, Matt will be almost 26 and HOPEFULLY will NOT make me a grandmother till he has his life figured out, and Kelly will be ALMOST 18. SO, now that you asked I see myself on MANY MANY vacations with NO children...SO GREAT! Love them but can you imagine!?

HELP...is needed!

2008-05-09T00:43:00.001-07:00

This is my sick, selfish, pleading, bribing, and whatever you decide to call it way of saying...

HELP!

Oh so here's the deal, in 5 short weeks, count them 5 SHORT weeks I am going to be crying in a creek, wallowing in my sorrows, begging (using money of course), pleading on hands and knees, offering food as a sacrifice to my defeat!

Here is my dilema and if you can help...GREAT! IF you know someone is reliable, drives, loves to swim, eat, play, see movie's (kiddie movies preferably) or whatever other entertaining thing that happens to cross their minds...I COULD USE SOME HELP!

I am going to need a sitter for probably 3 days a week, 6 hours a day. I really need to work on this because her big sister has a job, I have to work, her brother well lets just say 15 year old boys don't babysit their little sisters and live to tell about it when their friends find out. SO...Kelly needs a buddy, one that drives, loves movies, swimming, eating ice cream and other summer treats, etc. I pay well, food and play money is included! I need to know this person and/or one of my trusted friends needs to know them! If you have any ideas or have talked to that one person who would LOVE a summer job making some $, let me know PLEASE!

Loving my new job....

2008-05-08T23:43:00.000-07:00

I realized today how much I really love my "new job." Ok, so it really isn't a NEW NEW job, it's just different responsibilities as the new Refinery makes it's way to being a GREAT success! Somedays are SO hard, some are easier, some are challenging, and some are confusing but I love waking up each day ready for the new challenge! I had been a "stay at home mom" for almost 14 years before I took the job at Saddleback and really I have enjoyed most of my tasks along the way. I worked for many years in HR and loved it, but this is new and I am ready for the challenge! I just realize that I have found a new "me" in this new adventure. While I am comfortable for the most part around people I know there are times where I love "ducking" out and not letting new people "in," talking in a group, or inviting new people to put their feet under our table for fellowship, this has allowed God to stretch me and my comfort zone to a place that I never believed!
My new job allows me to meet new people, share God with new people and learn TONS! I have watched my husband build new Trader Joe's stores from the ground up for MANY years and now it is my turn to do something to help build a building from the ground up. I am proud of the days that I learn something new, that I make a mistake, and that I challenge myself when I feel like I am incapable of handling this new task. I won't lie, it scares the "you know what" out of me somedays! Will I get it right, will I have all the equipment, vendors, food, people in place and be able to support my boss and the rest of the team by pulling my weight...ALL THAT SCARES ME! Today was the beginning of that overwhelming yet complete succession day. I accomplished so much and the day flew by and EVERY task on my list for today was completed and I STILL made it home for dinner, time with the family and kisses good-night from my great little girl! I am SO LUCKY!

SO far the Refinery is amazing, the people who have worked countless hours making it a success are amazing, the team that is heading this is amazing, and I feel priveledged to be a part of it. I want to do what I can to help, work hard, and make this endeavor something I can stand back and be proud of who I became to make this happen. I can only offer you what I have, I can only offer to carry your favorite candy, treat, drink, etc and I am willing to do that, shoot me an email and I will do what I can!

WAY TO GO TEAM...We are lucky to be in this army together!

High School....

2008-05-06T23:54:00.000-07:00

This was my high school: Yes I realize it's still very 60's looking!

Remember high school? Did you like it, love it, hate it? Do you miss it or are you glad you never have to go back? This subject has come up quite a bit lately and I am not sure why. Could it be that we are realizing just how old we are getting and wish we could go back?
I didn't hate it, I didn't totally love it. I loved my friends, the ones that I still know today. I didn't love that I lived in a small town in Humboldt County where people knew too much about everyone's lives, but I loved that I lived in a small town where I felt safe amongst the people who knew about my life, confusing isn't it?

Ok, here is the real reason I ask these questions and ponder life today versus life in the late 70's early 80's (VERY EARLY 80's)! What was I thinking during those years, clearly I have forgotten...So I ask for my daughter some important questions.

My daughter is going to be a senior next year.
She has gone to school with the same kids almost her entire life.
She started school with some of these kids, yet she tells me tonight she doesn't really feel that she knows them. That confuses me, I ask her why she feels this way? My daughter is a full year older than most of her class (thanks to one year in Seattle and the cut off age for starting school), she hates that she is a full year older.
She tells me today that she feels that her peers are so much younger than she is and she can't relate to the "girl drama" the high school "yuck" and she can't wait to finish.
I have realized with her that she is not the same as most high school girls and her peers seem to be quite a few years older than she is.
I am sad for her that she feels she is "done" with the high school and won't walk away with a great memories of fun, struggles and high school memories we all had. She has made the choice to attend college this next year as well as finish her senior year, she will take calculus and chemistry at our local junior college, as I am proud I am sad that she will spend her days studying things I don't understand (really, where she gets her smarts from confuses me)!
I wondered today if she will regret not connecting at school and church with peers her own age?
She loves the college ministry at church, she loves the college connections she has made, but will she remember not having those same connections in high school?
Am I worrying about something she will not ever worry about or regret?

High School...is it a blink of an eye or a memory not to be wasted? Wish I had a crystal ball or a look at what she will be thinking in 25/30 years? I will never try to try to change how she thinks now, it is her life and she is one of the smartest people I have EVER known, I just have wonders as these memorable years come to a close for her.

When did being a mother to a smart, bright, intelligent daughter become so confusing? Really she was the easiest child to parent!

You take the good, you take the bad...you take them all...

2008-05-03T23:05:00.000-07:00

There you have the facts of life....

#1. The mail brings treats from great people like Julie...THANKS FRIEND! It made my day! You are one amazing woman...
#2. The mail brings letters from the school that say: pay attention one of your bundles of joy is slipping through the cracks....THIS TRANSLATED: Get busy!
#3. A day can start out great and turn out not so great!
#4. A day can start out a little crappy and turn out GREAT!
#5. Sunday/Monday as days off are awesome!
#6. People who walk into St. Joseph's hospital and try to scare your little brother the doctor are JUST PLAIN NUTS! (read the OCRegister) This brought a call from the little brother, another opportunity to tell him that we love him and support his love for his job! He's pretty darn cool too!
#7. Moving is not fun to do, but FUN to start anew!
#8. Emails from an old friend from WAY WAY BACK to my Humboldt County days can melt my heart. Nothing says friendship like an old friend from years back telling you they have missed you for many many years and took the time to write and tell you!
#9. Life is full, exciting and full of exciting changes that we are ready to embrace, even with a little hard work!
#10. There is NOTHING like summer time, time with my family, HARBOR HOUSE, and renewing days of sunshine and bonding (meaning NO HOMEWORK)!

These are few facts of my life that I embrace today! I love on the opportunity to wake up again tomorrow, I am blessed!

I kept trying....

2008-04-30T20:35:00.000-07:00

BUT THE FORCE WAS AGAINST ME!!

Today when I woke I planned on a great day, no I didn't say to myself it would be a great day because seriously I hope everyday is a great day BUT...the force was against me! You wouldn't know it at 8:36pm because I wasn't going to let the "whatever" have my day!

It started out with a trip to Kelly's school where we met a wonderful Speech Therapist, she really did have better news that we expected but it has become apparent that we have to focus more on Kelly's speech and hearing and we aren't as far as we thought we had come. It's ok, Kelly won't know it, we will ALL have a positive attitude for her.

Then I went to work, my first planned meeting was postponed and I was fine with that because I got TONS done at my desk.

Then I went to lunch...DOWNHILL was on FULL SPEED AHEAD! Have you ever had that feeling that someone knows something you don't and it's about to "take you down?" That feeling came true when we were engaged in a discussion over lunch with a person who happened upon us and decided to "share" their views on what was about to happen and what we believed was no longer. FULL SPEED...

Next meeting was a lot of patching up what was discussed over lunch in the views of 10 other people though I NEVER engaged in any "view" and I will hold out to see the outcome when the outcomes are on the horizon.

I came home and to my children's defense moving has taken a toll on my normally clean home and they are using it to be lazy...NO THAT WON'T WORK so I go into "mom" mode and tell them to help me fix it. My son makes a great grilled chicken dinner and being "mom of the year" I think I will treet them to much deserved ice cream.

Banking on the rumor that Baskin Robbins was having .31 cent ice cream we head to the local Baskin Robbins....line is around the store. I head to the next one, IT'S WORSE! I can honestly say...I AM NOT THAT DESPERATE for a .31 cent ice cream so off to the grocery store because again let's not forget I am "MOM OF THE YEAR!" I tell them each to pick out an ice cream to enjoy....I guess this is where I failed one more time today! They can't decide on which flavor treat mom is letting them freely choose. I realize then I should take them out to pick out treats more often, they are like kids in a world of ice cream treats who don't know how to make a decision. It was crazy! They don't see the "grocery store" often, we do go to Trader Joe's or Costco, usually not ALL 3 of them at once, I swear I don't keep them locked in closets or anything.

Treats have been chosen, eaten and I have one in bed and 2 to go! My husband is finally home after his VERY long day!

Tomorrow is "National Day of Prayer" I hope to wake praying for a great day for everyone I came in contact with today including my children and it will be better than today!

WAIT...TODAY WAS GREAT, it ended with ice cream and smiles! Making lemons out of lemonade...that's how life is supposed to be! THANK YOU GOD!

There's no place like home...NOT!

2008-04-29T23:23:00.000-07:00

Today for kicks my friend and I went "house-snooping" in Coto. Ok, so that doesn't sound like a strange place to do this but we seriously saw some of the strangest homes EVER! I guess when you think of those living behind the "iron gates" you think of grand, beautiful homes! NOT SO MUCH!
We saw 2 homes that will leave me sleepless for days! One I swear had to have been a home used to shoot movies I have never seen and don't EVER plan on seeing! The other...OH NOW FOR REALS...it had 3 showers that you seriously had to jump 5 feet down to get into, NOT STEP, JUMP! It was a 3000 square foot house with a kitchen the size of a closet used in a child's bedroom. It had secret rooms that were taped shut and NO WE DID NOT OPEN THEM! We found rooms that looked like dungeons!

I still can't get over my night in Coto and won't sleep for days! SERIOUSLY what were these people thinking when they build these homes!?!?! Who lived in these odd strange homes stuck in the midst of normal neighborhoods? It would be a fun place to tell scary stories on a Halloween night if you are into that kind of thing..I am NOT and I WILL LAY AWAKE REMEMBERING MY SCARY ADVENTURE!

By the way...They were BOTH banked owned and I wonder why!?! Anyone looking to buy a new home CHEAP! REALLY CHEAP AND REALLY REALLY SCARY! Pictures can be deceiving as well as ads posted by realtors!

PS. If you were the original homeowner of these "homes" in Coto you probably know which homes I am referring and for that I apologize for my hastily made comments BUT it doesn't stop me from wondering "who are you and what were you thinking?" Hopefully you have come to your senses and moved into a much nicer, calmer laid out home!

LONG POST...

2008-04-24T22:11:00.000-07:00

Don't shoot me...see below! Promise for shorter next time...or is this next time?

Here it comes.....

2008-04-24T21:37:00.000-07:00

Life seems to be blazing by and blogging has become harder to keep up with, for that I apologize!

We are packing for our move, our house (now) looks like a brown box cheaply decorated place, we won't be inviting you over! I love a clean house, it doesn't "feel" clean with things EVERY WHERE! I can't stand it. For some reason my children are using this opportunity to "forget" their chores and manners...do they REALLY think I don't see their junk laying places it never was laid before? Or they are using my dining room table as a dumping zone...SINCE WHEN was THAT allowed? I may be getting old and needing glasses but I still see their C.R.A.P. where is is not allowed to be!

Now, that explains the ranting going on around here...CAN YOU HEAR IT FROM YOUR HOMES? Sorry for that too!

We have picked paint for all the rooms (at the new home), they start painting tomorrow! I am getting more and more excited to finally spread out. We pick carpet on Monday, this is such a hard task for me but I am also excited! Odd me!

I can't wait to have all our friends at the new house. I can only hope it's "done" with it's upgrades by the time the kids get out of school!

Other news on the radar:

I am working hard to negotiate great food offerings for the "Refinery" and I am loving this project though my phone rings CONSTANTLY! If you really know me, I HATE talking on the phone for any length of time, this is why I love to text. Sounds impersonal...I know and I again SORRY! I love to meet face to face.

I had a GREAT dinner with JULIE THE GREATEST this week, it was my highlight! Julie is so normal and fun to "run things by" she is SO grounded! THANKS AGAIN JULES!

My bad/confusing news of the week...my Step-mother died. Now I am not sure she was still my step-mother, her and my father divorced 10 years ago. I received this call from my dad and I heard my real dad cry for the first time in my entire life. I know he loved her at one time in his life. I on the other hand...DID NOT! She was not a good person and actually died from alcoholism, it killed her and she missed out on a great life. I am not sad, I feel confused and nothing...again odd me!

Ok....here is a real rant....WHAT IS WRONG WITH KIDS THESE DAYS! These 2 crazy things REALLY happened to my kids this week, it's almost like we should be on the "Roseanne" show with those crazies! Here goes:

Last Friday I get a call that my 8 year olds school is covered with cops and helicopters! WHAT!?!?! There was a report of a man with a gun in the area. My kid and the rest of the school was put on "lockdown" WHAT IS THAT ABOUT! The real story, 2 little boys (in my daughters 2nd grade class) decided to add excitement to the day by telling the teacher they saw a man with a gun, real story...gardener with a leaf blower! I REALLY hope there are some little red bottoms to go with THAT story! 2 hours later my kid was free to leave!
Yesterday I hear an over-exaggeration of a "riot" at my kids high school over a "water/food" fight! Really people, kids go to school, do your work, laugh with your friends, teachers teach and let go of the drama! How did my kids become the lucky ones to have so much "drama" I really wish I knew. FYI...for those of you that know the story about the high school, I can praise God that my children made good choices and were NOT involved!

Sorry it's long...talk to you ALL soon!

It's not about "ME!" BUT...they are MY shoes!

2008-04-12T20:42:00.001-07:00

I try to remember this quote constantly, I love this quote because it keeps me grounded BUT....I am wondering if my feelings of resentment towards losing my shoes this last week are legitimate!?!
I didn't "lose" my shoes, I didn't misplace my shoes, nor did I give them up to a woman who needed a pair of shoes out of the goodness of my heart. The conversation went a little like this:

"Mom, can I go through the old shoes in the shoe bin and our closets for HSM?"

I respond with "sure, but ONLY take the old shoes no one wears or that do not fit anyone anymore." Seems simple RIGHT? We keep shoes in 2 places in our home, a shoe organizer bin at the front door and in my closet I have built in shoe organizers. The task of "going through the shoes" seems an easy one. I am also a VERY giving person, if you need ANYTHING just ask and I will give it to you. You can have ANYTHING I have, anytime...just ask. My daughter thinks her selective hearing said "take whatever you want." It would make me happy to give away my shoes, I am thrilled with this project BUT here is my issue and I agree it's an issue! My daughter GAVE AWAY the shoes I wear ALL the time, not the ones I NEVER wear, the ones I wear DAILY! Black flats, white flats, cute sandals, etc...GONE! I would have been fine to knowing I was getting new shoes HAD I BEEN INFORMED THAT MY SHOES WERE GONE! After dressing for work wearing black capris, cute summery top, I do my usual...go downstairs to leave for work...."WHERE ARE MY SHOES?" I even go as far as asking my 8 year old to help me find my shoes and she says "I think they are in Holly's car (we wear the same size). I text her and ask her if my shoes are in her car she says "no, and I don't know where they are." "WHAT...SERIOUSLY, I keep a clean house (outside of the boxes we are starting to live out of right now in the midst of moving), how could she NOT know where my shoes are since I KNOW I put them in the organizers.

Now..the truth comes out...SHE GAVE AWAY MY SHOES TO HSM! I am good with donating them JUST tell me next time! Anyone up to shoe shopping on Holly's dime??????

Googling?

2008-04-10T00:41:00.000-07:00

Tonight my husband asked for my help "researching" some let's just say "candidates" for his work. With my new found "links" I was able to help him with this "research" thanks to some friends who know stuff I don't...it's complicated I know!
After we were done, we decided to "Google" ourselves. Just so you know we have led quite the exciting lives outside of our normal 40 hour work week, parents to 3 kids, AND A DUMB DOG! We have delved in the world of politics, Greenpeace, baseball, etc. We even "googled" our kids for kicks...they too have led exciting lives that we HAD NO IDEA ABOUT!
It was fun but I will take our "boring" little bedroom community lives ANY DAY!!!!

Josh Griffin question???

2008-04-08T22:22:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or do others still use Josh's old blog to get to his new blog? Just wondering?

And this is what happens when you "google" "Josh Griffin"

Back to work...back to re-occuring dreams...WHY?

2008-04-08T21:34:00.000-07:00

Today I went back to work after being off for almost a week (I worked Saturday for 4 hours...doesn't really count). For some reason I woke up almost a week ago with a high fever, worked anyway so we could serve up a great Staff lunch, left that day and forgot about the next 2 1/2 days. Then we had the company party, then I had 2 days off and a minor surgery (don't worry, really minor). So today was officially back to work but being that my surgery was yesterday I was given let's just say something to "help me rest" after the surgery. I didn't function from about 3 till 5:45am when I woke this morning with the same darn re-occuring dream!

I dream that I am on the freeway, sun in my eyes or falling asleep at the wheel and can't make it over to the side...I wake FREAKING out everytime! WHY...someone PLEASE TELL ME!

Anyway...the point about my story is: it felt good to go back to work but WHY do I wake up with this SAME dream so often...could it have been after the "help me rest" junk I was given, am a nervous (I don't feel nervous), OR should I stay home and relax and not ever go back to work so I can work on this "problem" (just kidding staff reading this)! I am tired of the dream, I have to get up every time and look at my family and make sure that we are all here, no one has been in a car accident, why is my stupid mind playing this same trick over and over!

Maybe I will go find a warm beach, relax for days, and see if it happens again....OK!??! OK!

I know...what does one have to do with the other Mr. Pete....My point...maybe I need to spend time "relaxing" and not working so I can work on this "issue!" Just kidding, I love working....it just started to sound good after having a few days off and the Harbor House coming in 103 days! SEE YOU THERE THIS YEAR PETE AND DONAS!!!

GUESS WHAT IS SET IN STONE!!!

2008-04-07T19:14:00.000-07:00

In exactly 104 days...we will be at our families favorite place and for those of you that enjoy those days with us........

HARBOR HOUSE DATES

July 31-Aug 11

NOW...some of you know this is earlier than the last 8 years! We realize that but these are the ONLY dates that fit into ALL of our schedules this summer. We have SO much going on this summer and this is even causing us to miss a few things BUT this is SUMMER and THIS is what SUMMER IS ALL ABOUT!

See you there...ALL ARE INVITED! Can't wait...I already bought 2000 (seriously 2000) water balloons!

Ok, I know 2 blogs in one day BUT.....

2008-04-05T22:19:00.000-07:00

THIS IS IMPORTANT INFORMATION! Everyone knows I have 3 kids because I talk about them often and I LOVE THEM TONS! Even more after last night, we didn't need a babysitter...we have an almost 18 year old and we can go away OVER NIGHT!

NOW...the IMPORTANT INFORMATION...I had this dream LAST NIGHT IN THE HOTEL!

My dream started with my visit to my friend Susan's house, BIG house, lots of kids, and love so no wonder it started there! I was visiting her and she for some reason had LOTS of little African kids there. They were ADORABLE! I have NEVER NEVER NEVER thought about adopting and if you ask my family they will honestly tell you that I wanted ONE child and God gave me 3, THANK GOD! I was done after Holly, no Matt, NO REALLY REALLY DONE AFTER KELLY...trust me (I have proof, enough said)! In my dream I find a little baby black girl, her name is "Sharpae" and she is SO STICKING CUTE, TINY AND ADORABLE, she had an adorable pink little tiny dress on! I spend the rest of my dream trying to convince everyone at the house and my husband that I want this baby to be ours! I even try to make them contact the family in Africa and tell them about our new house we are moving to! THANK GOD I WOKE UP...but what does this mean????!!!! Really, I am SO done with the "baby thing" I was DONE 17 1/2 years ago!

SHE WAS CUTE! David didn't see the humor in my dream......he was busy basking in the fact that our children NO LONGER needed a sitter and we were on an official overnight date!

Last night I was a princess....

2008-04-05T19:49:00.000-07:00

Or at least my husband made me feel like one! Every year we have the Trader Joe's company party, usually not my favorite I will be honest. The last 2 years I decided to look through better eyes about the event. I decided that it was not about the party but about David and I having a night out, me being proud of who he is and what he has done for our family for the last 19 years of Trader Joe's service, and enjoying the night. SO...I have but in my decisions to go to this party with new eyes I have come away feeling like a princess, he has spoiled me with attention, time alone, and embracing who we are as a couple, sharing moments about where our kids are in life (most of these people have known them their entire lives) and being proud of US! I love being proud of us, it makes me feel so honored to be a part of "us!"
The night was great, the hotel was beautiful, the room was perfect, the morning (before we both had to go to work) was wonderful. I wish I would have remembered the camera (SO SO SORRY JULIE...I just forgot at the last moment, really I felt horrible all night about that part), but because of my wonderful friend Julie I wore a beautiful dress, David in his brand new suit..it was all perfect! Here are a few pics of this wonderful hotel, stay there sometime...The Waterfront Hilton in Huntington Beach. We had a Sunset, Ocean View room...thank you again to my wonderful sweet talking husband at check in!

The china hutch hasn't moved....

2008-04-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

My poor son was blessed with size 17 feet and still growing. He is having trouble keeping them out of the way of the furniture. Today he kicked the china hutch twice, it hasn't moved, it's been in the same place for 2 years. After he kicked it the 2nd time and swore his baby toe was broken he asked me why we moved the china hutch. Seriously it hasn't moved in 2 years! Poor Matt.
As he towers over me I will always know he is there to protect me, carry me when I am elderly and can't walk anymore. I love my tall, tall boy...I just feel sorry for his baby toe!

AWK...WEIRD moments...

2008-03-29T23:07:00.000-07:00

Today was one of "those" days! Not so much for me but for my oldest. It seemed no matter which way she turned, when she answered her phone, where she looked...well, tons of awk...weird moments. She called me to ask me where I was during the WORST awk...weird moment and the conversation went a little like this:

Daughter: "MOM, WHERE ARE YOU, you don't understand!"
(What she didn't know is that I saw the moment that she was about to get emotional about before she did...THANKS GOD)!

Mom: "Yes, I do, I see you and I will be in your presence in 15 seconds"

Daughter: "No, you DON'T understand!"

Mom: "BOYS ARE DUMB!" (Enough said)

Daughter: "Ok, I am going to church!"

This all came after many awkward occurances but she was content going to church and working it out with God. She just needed her mom to tell her "BOYS ARE DUMB" and well, just to be there! I WAS HAPPILY!

(PS...My oldest told me that I blog about her a lot...I told her she was an easy target. She laughed and said she knew)! I love her great attitude about the awkward moments in life)!

Boss says....

2008-03-27T11:31:00.000-07:00

TAKE THE DAY OFF IF YOU WANT....

Before she finishes her statement...I agree! AWWWW.....

Not ignoring...

2008-03-27T08:38:00.000-07:00

I miss blogging and my blogger friends, SO SORRY! Coming down off a super busy week last week with Easter and needing some down time I just didn't do the puter thing at all!
Easter was amazing, tiring, frustrating and great...it's a LONG story! All in all, it's over and we are moving on to the next holiday...Mother's Day!
Moving news...looks like it is definitely in the works and we are all getting super excited. The kids are excited for Lake Priviledges and I am excited for space! The packing has started and they all hate that but they either do their own or there is a chance a few green trash bags make their way to the trash bins!

David and I had a GREAT date night at a wonderful restaurant called Agora in Irvine. It was a Braziilan Steak house and let me tell you it was YUMMY! We had been given a gift certificate over a year ago and never used it and now we are glad we did! Anyone up to a night out...we would HAPPILY GO AGAIN????

Who had the brilliant ides to give kids candy and then start Spring Break...I have decided that they should come home on that Friday with disclosures:
1. Do NOT shop with your children for food!
2. Do NOT shop with your teenage daughter for clothes! (That is if you want
to leave the stores before nightfall!
3. Do NOT leave the 3 children unattended for long lengths of time and
expect them to get along for the entire length of time NO MATTER WHAT
THE AGE DIFFERENCE IS!
4. Cartoons are ANNOYING!
5. Bubble rap is ANNOYING and should be kept out of the hands of 8 year olds
or 15 year olds who enjoy terrorizing their little sisters!
6. Don't forget to pick up the dog at the groomer, even though that sounds
like a great way to get rid of said dog!
7. Don't show up to Spaghetti Factory with a large party at 6:30pm and expect
a table in less than 2 hours! Don't show up STARVING!
8. Bathing suit shopping in MARCH...ARE YOU INSANE!?!?!
9. BATHING SUIT SHOPPING AFTER "NIBBLING" OUT OF YOUR CHILDREN'S
EASTER BASKET...BAD DECISION!
10. I thought ALL kids liked to sleep in...I must have been given the wrong kids!
11. Tell ALL your kids that EVERYONE gets toothbrushes, underware and socks
in their Easter baskets!
12. Hide the Easter candy for parents who need a "pick me up" to keep up
with said children who are home for too many endless hours.
13. Kid movies are GREAT naptimes for mommy!
14. YOU WILL MISS THEM WHEN THEY GO BACK TO SCHOOL!
Well, that's my life in a nutshell...I will now move on to reading your blogs, laughing, crying and missing all of you!

2 Meals down....12 more to go!

2008-03-21T00:03:00.000-07:00

Today started our Easter services which means...meal services for us! We did 2 today (one for a Prayer Breakfast) and we have 12 more to go BEFORE noon on Easter! Prayers for strength!

Tonights meal:

Grilled Pork Roast with Cinnamon Apples
Grilled Sweet and Sour Chicken
Garlic Mashed Potatos
Rolls
Asian Pasta Salad
Fruit bowls
Gourmet Desserts

Does this explain the exhaustion already taking effect? You should hear about the meals for the rest of the week, come see me and I promise to share a meal and menu's!

HAPPY PRE-EASTER ALL!

Lauren Mulderrig

2008-03-19T23:25:00.000-07:00

Watch this name, watch for her headlines...she WILL be big, I PROMISE! November of 1993 I met this amazing little girl, her amazing little sister and her equally amazing mommy and our lives have been blessed ever since! She is AMAZING!
I babysat her and her little sis Amber for years, loved them like my own, they dawned my doorstep Monday through Friday every week for years and every day I loved on them like they were my own.
Tonight I shed a tear for the joy they have brought to my life but most of all the proud moment our family was blessed to be invited to share!
Lauren debuted her very first (and let me tell you NOT HER LAST) CD tonight and our family shared in her moment...HOW AMAZING! Like I said...WATCH for her name...she is AWESOME! You can say someday to your friends, I know someone who knows this little girl FIRST HAND...trust me, it will be a proud moment! Listen to her CD, look her up on MYSPACE, then tell me that I shouldn't be proud...I won't be convinced! I am PROUD! You should have heard this older sister sing to her little sister tonight...you would have cried like I did! OH...and the BOY singing next to her...pretty amazing too!

LAUREN YOU ROCK and YOU ROCK OUR WORLD! LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU...THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR NIGHT WITH US!

Good parent...Bad parent!

2008-03-17T21:37:00.000-07:00

Now no matter what you say we all play this game a little bit! Don't get me wrong in the end we are on the same team but my children will play "good parent, bad parent" to find out who is going to give into the choices they are trying to make. I hear it coming, sweet talk, offers to do extra chores, pick up the little one from school, or whatever happens to "work" to butter up the choosen parent. Mondays happen to be the day both my husband and I are both off work, feeling a little more relaxed, love hanging out together BEFORE the kids come home from school, plan a family meal and afternoon time as a family. I love this day, we love this day and look forward to it each and every week. It never fails one of the three God given children will "test" us this day to find out where we stand though it never fails we are always on the same team in the end. Here is my issue: WHY do we have to go through the same song and dance to get to the same conclusion? Is this just my children who play this game? Our oldest is trying to find herself (I am realizing this more and more, thanks Julie), our middle is the perfect challenger for this game though in the end loses everytime, our little one loves the sweet talk and cute routine to get her way.
My kids are pretty good for the most part, definitely NOT perfect and definitely pretty close to normal...but this is where they challenge us! Why? What did we do to make them think that this game would work, ever? We usually agree on the yes's and No's, we laugh at the same efforts, but they try. UGH!

Hint....

2008-03-14T01:42:00.000-07:00

BUT.....NOT too far! We think we found our new home...it has bedrooms for each child! After searching and searching this might be the one! I was SO proud of myself for finding it and wanting to share the great news with the oldest daughter who will finally have her own room again after sharing with her baby sister who is 10 years younger, I made a quick call to inform her that she would have her own room. I was quickly INFORMED that they LOVE sharing a room and will continue to do so and we will make the extra room an office...WE WILL SEE HOW LONG THAT LASTS! Still in the next day or so I should have more info, just know it's close and as of now the McTag's are staying in So. Cal, until the next Trader Joe's tease!

What's your favorite candy craving???? I can help....

2008-03-12T18:09:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I have been invited to a place that only drops in on the dreams of a 4 year old....IT'S CANDY HEAVEN!
I received an invitation to a Candy Warehouse of sorts in LA. They only sell to the resale public, it's not a public place. I have been told that there are more Swedish Fish than my dreams could EVER dream of. I wish I could invite ALL of you to go but the best offer I have is...email me, text me, call me and I will purchase your candy dreams for you!
Can you imagine? Can you imagine the talk on the way home? I don't indulge in tons of sugar so I can only imagine that we will be talking fast, high on sugar and living in my 4 year old dream! I will take as many pictures as I possibly can...

CAN YOU IMAGINE......

Eye openers...right before our eyes...

2008-03-10T22:09:00.000-07:00

As our daughter has ventured into a life of more freedom we have come to realize quite a bit about us, our children and our guidance. First of all, she LOVES to be "on the go" and that is not something we are used to but we attempt to give her wings to fly. We love watching her fly BUT have a few wonders about how well we have done in the Christian influence area. We do have a few rules when she goes out, we ask the usuals, where are you going, when will you be home, who is going with you? We do have a set curfew because of the DMV requirements right now. 10pm on weekends (our rule), 11pm on weekends (DMV rule), one for one right? Also the "who are you going with?" question is difficult, as we don't want to "pick" her friends, we want to "guide" her friendships and also give her an oppportunity to share her faith and invite her non-believing friends to her church activities and services. I feel this is where we are not challenging her. I hear a distinct difference in her tone when she is sharing time with her "church" friends and her "school" friends. While she thrives to be a leader at church she doesn't want to fall into the clique's that are SO strong there. This keeps her from inviting her school friends to church, I am not sure why. She is a leader at Christian Bible Club at school yet hangs with students who aren't part of that club but WON'T bring them to church. Have we not taught her how to share both lives with one another? Have we not given her the wings and strength to mesh both worlds? We need to work on this! We need to find a way for her to be comfortable enough to mesh both worlds as she ventures out. We need to figure out why she is not entirely comfortable in both of these worlds to not step out, even at church. I understand the "clique" thing as we have taught against this but it has held her back a little. We invite TONS of kids to our beach home every summer, will she invite each diverse group at the same time? I don't think so unless we teach her or help her find her place that she is not entirely comfortable but challenged enough in her faith. We will work on this...not quite sure how, but we will.
There have been MORE eye openers this last year as she grows bigger wings than we ever had anticipated! I thought those first years of that we were parents we learned a ton...NOT EVEN CLOSE! The kicker is we have 2 more kids to learn with...at least Kelly has a better chance at having seasoned parents!

Opinions needed....but I KNOW the answer!

2008-03-03T20:12:00.000-08:00

My daughter and I are going to New York in April. When I asked her if she wanted to join us on this "Purpose Driven" trip she jumped at the chance. I thought it was so great that she wanted to "step up" and venture into this avenue in her spiritual growth. I quickly realized...she is STILL a teen with a heart for a boy!
Here is the story, her "friend" goes to school in New York at a college preparatory academy. She asks me if I think she could stay a couple of extra days and visit this "friend." Really I have no problem with this, then I realize the reality of the issue. Not only would I be leaving her in NEW YORK as a 17 year old girl, she would need a hotel room and transportation to and from the campus hoping her "friend" could make time in between classes (keeping in mind her "friend" is NOT allowed to leave the campus during the school week). This doesn't seem like a sensible extension of our trip. Keeping in mind the cost of an 8th grade girl going to DC needing extra spending money (hoping for $100, thank you LINDA), I am thinking that this sounds like a "costly" mistake and for lack of better words....

NO NO NO!!!!

Moms....am I being unreasonalbe? I haven't passed on my final answer to my daughter since she only told our boss her "real" plans! She asked for a couple extra days, no details! Does she think I am insane??? You will probably hear some crying and weeping when the answer is given no matter what part of Orange County you reside in. I hate to break her heart, but then again I REALLY LOVE HER!

PS....Julie, I added this pic ALL by myself on the MAC!

Midnight blogging....

2008-02-29T00:26:00.000-08:00

This is one of "those" nights...sleep is not coming. SO, I sit here and read your blogs and many other blogs around the world. I watch the clock and hope my eyes close soon as tomorrow is another day I need to be productive....

As I sit here and blog, read and wait here is what I learned today:

My son had a physical for sports, he is 15. Never in my life did I imagine that I would have a 15 year old, 195lb, 6'2 son! He towers over us and the doctor informed us...he's still growing and has a way to go. I guess he has to fill those size 17 shoes I search so hard for every other month! YEAH NORDSTROMS RACK!

David and I discussed moving today AGAIN! We are pretty sure Lake Forest/Mission Viejo is where we want to be and the housing market is where we were hoping it would be for us to buy something bigger (we will need a HUGE room to house the growing teenage boy)!

Kelly was treated to Top Ramen today against my better judgement...she loves it! Hello sodium! Who invented that stuff anyway! She can't stop talking about it and asking why we don't buy it, she told us that how to make it healthy...add carrots! Still....not so healthy, RIGHT?

As for my food adventures today...was treated to some real treats with some samples from La Mousse...I SHARED!

OH...and here is the KICKER of the day! We spent 1900. getting my car fixed (yes you read that right), I drove it ONE day after waiting months to get the problem solved. Got in the car this morning....YOU GUESSED IT DEAD DEAD DEAD! UGH! The bigger kicker was we were on our way to drop Holly's car off to get a new starter in it! I HATE car trouble, I am spoiled, I just want to get in the car, turn the key and drive! I know where the gas goes...THAT'S IT! I wish I was Julie who can change a transmission while baking and organizing her garage...BUT FACE IT FOLKS...SHE IS SUPER WOMAN, I AM NOT!

SO, that is my day while I lay here and wait for my eyes to close! So far...not happening...don't be surprised if I am grumpy tomorrow please accept my apologies now!

I've been tagged AND I CAN do this on a MAC..watch me!

2008-02-27T20:25:00.000-08:00

Where was I ten years ago?
I was in a new place with my marriage and children. It was a second chance, and I took in that year! I couldn't be happier about my choice! I was that mother that ran the book fair, coordinated the school play, and made goodie bags for the kindergarten and second grade classes. I was the asst. to the Girl Scout troop, and soccer mom to a purple wearing 5 year old soccer team! WOW...life has changed!
What would I do if I suddenly became a billionaire?
I would pay for ALL of my children's education at the college of their choice! I would pay for my parents retirement so my dad didn't have to worry so much about the next ten years.
I would give the friends we know that are "hurting" or "struggling" but have worked hard enough to be comfortable and feel like they are getting a "fresh" start.
I would pay off my brother's student loans so he would never have to worry about them again or work double shifts to pay them off.
I would help my older brother find a place that makes him happy, go somewhere, do something he NEVER had the opportunity to go.
I would take each of my children on a trip with just their daddy and I and bond with them for ONE week...alone at the place of their choice (one rule...they have to hang out with us and talk to us)!
I would help my good friend start over after being put in a place that is SO out of her control. She deserves a new life and a new start being a single mom of 3 boys! I would buy her a new car, home and more food in her refrigerator and pantry than she has EVER SEEN!
I would move to Seattle, Washington buy a home, not a big home but a home we were comfortable with.
I KNOW my husband wouldn't quit his job, but I would hope that he would find more time to fish, walk with the kids, and do the things that make him happy.
I wouldn't want to quit my job but I would have to if we move, so I would find a ministry wherever we are. One where I would make a difference but have more time to spend with my husband and kids.
Five jobs I have had?
Shakey's Pizza - I started when I was 14 and worked there until the day before I left Eureka at 17 1/2.
Independent Indemnity Insurance- this is where I met 2 of my best friends still to this day! We were young, fun and drove this office crazy! They still love all of us till this day!
Orange County Register - Human Resources Specialist - I also made some amazing friends here, learned a TON about Human Resources. I was there for almost 8 years, then I stayed home with my kids for the next 14 years.
Tupperware Distributor- stop laughing, it only lasted 2 months!
Saddleback Church- Food Services Coordinator/Asst to Food Services Director- Still there, learning and loving daily!
Three bad habits that I have?
Telling it like it is! Sorry, I am working on this!
I can't sit still long enough to watch a whole movie unless I am doing something at the same time.
When I make a meal, I make WAY to much! My husband hates this! Hey, it means leftovers for the family and friends sharing a meal here!
Five things you might not know about me?
I am the product of an entire family of atheists.
I have self diagnosed ADD...hence the not being able to sit still.
I LOVE Swedish Fish and crave them to the point of paying a child or two to stop at the store and buy me some, even though I SWEAR I won't eat anymore!
I don't cry in front of people...EVER!
I hate speaking in public, in a group, or being the center of attention. I would rather crawl in a hole and hide!
I am afraid to death of being pulled over even though it has only happened three times in my whole life (I swear I have never been to jail)! 3 tickets in my entire life and none over 12 miles an hour over the speed limit. I went 22 years without one!

JULIE...are you proud...all done on the MAC! It took a time to find the copy and paste button but I did it without asking the teenagers to help me! I am feeling SO proud of myself!

OK, I tag....let's see....Linda, Holly, Diane and Steve (he needs something to do in Vegas, ha ha)!

Fried Food

2008-02-26T18:32:00.000-08:00

I am SUPER good at not eating fried food or letting my kids eat fried food (yes, I know I have no control over what they eat when they are not with me). I try my best to remind them how bad it is...yet guess what....

I HAVE TO DO AN ENTIRE TASTING ON FRIED FOODS FOR THE NEW STUDENT ZONE! Do I politely just look at these foods? That won't work, it just doesn't sit right with a vendor when you won't try their product...so I am going to try fried foods...DON'T TELL MY KIDS!

The best part of this experiment is that we are doing the tasting at one of my favorite caterers...he makes the BEST BARBECUE MEATS I HAVE EVER TASTED! YEAH!!!!

I am too young....huh!

2008-02-26T18:26:00.001-08:00

I don't hear those words often but yesterday they kept radiating through my head. I went to see ANOTHER doctor to get ANOTHER opinion about my back issue. After a LONG exam his words were "you are too young to have this surgery!" What...when was the last time I heard someone say I was TOO YOUNG for ANYTHING! It's been a long time, I feel young just hearing those words. No my back isn't better yet but I am on a new road of recovery and need to see another doctor to continue this recovery but I NOW know that I am too young to have this surgery and want to live my life like I am young! I worry that my kids are going to remember the mom that needs to lay down because her back hurts or not be able to participate in activities because of my back. I have yet to miss a day of work because of my back and I am determined to not miss a day of my life and my children's lives because I was cursed with the back from HELL (you can thank my real dad for this). I want to change that...I am determined! So for now...NO SURGERY, NEW TREATMENTS and NEW OUTLOOK ON LIFE!

The most wonderful accents...

2008-02-22T21:31:00.000-08:00

We just finished the Small Group Conference at work. It was so enjoyable, not overwhelming and I loved hearing the accents off so many people. My parents are all from the South, Mom from Kentucky, Dad from Greer, South Carolina, and real dad from West Virginia. I was always told by my friends that my parents had cute accents but I rarely noticed. When they would come back from a visit home the accents would come back and I would make fun of them. More times this week I was asked so many questions with that Southern Drawl and quick run on words...I actually LOVED hearing it! I met a wonderful sweet beautiful lady from Atlanta, Georgia today who was looking for a room, we ended up talking for quite awhile as she admired our campus, loved our hospitality and it felt like I had known her for years! I wanted to hug her and tell her that I could listen to her for hours just because she had so much love in her accent for Small Groups, Saddleback, California and then going home to share what she had learned about loving on people.
I may not have an accent, I may have been raised in Humboldt County, California but I was able to embrace this feeling of being home! As I venture into this next unplanned notch in my schedule I wanted to feel sorry for myself, be mad at God and say "why me," and remind him that I need to be at home in my home, church and life and not taken down...BUT, meeting this new face in a crowd today reminded me that I am home and I am thankful for the "accents" that remind us of the love we have around us and are called to share. I will heal and be back on my feet in no time, this will be just a notch so I can get up and continue to share the "Accent of Saddleback" with so many others...that is what God has called me to do! Walk someone to a room and find yourself thanking God for these interruptions that make us stop and listen to the accents of the world around us!

Wish I had better news....

2008-02-19T21:31:00.000-08:00

Still laptopless but thought I would update my news....need prayer but PROMISE not to make this blog about this over and over but will update once and a while. Ok, I am beating around the bush...so here goes!

I have battled a back disease for the last 15 years, it's gotten progressively worse the last year. I am an active working mom and I love it that way. I have been told the last 2 months that if I don't do something fast I will be in bad shape forever. SO....I am going to do it, have the surgery that is much needed. It's looking like next week. I will be out of commission for anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months.
I am sad, devastated and can't believe that I am old enough to have this done. It's scary...

AGAIN WISH I HAD BETTER NEWS!

STILL LAPTOPLESS!!!

2008-02-16T16:49:00.000-08:00

I am still without my laptop, this means I don't know how to add pics to my blog using the MAC. I am at work and can't get the pics off my phone camera from last night so the 2 of you that got pics, feel blessed!

MY NIGHT....
We were given STYX concert tickets and a dinner gift card for the House of Blues Anaheim for last night! This was how we celebrated our Valentines after giving our oldest daughter the night out on the REAL Valentines night. My husband and I left around 4:15pm to head to Downtown Disney...bad choice for a Friday afternoon. It took over an hour to get there only to find out the wait for dinner was an hour and a half. We scored a small area in the bar (don't panic Saddleback people, I wasn't in the bar bar), ate there so we wouldn't have to wait the hour and a half. Dinner was ehhh, but being with my husband WITHOUT the kidlits and talking to just him, was amazing and wonderful! We then found ourselves standing in what HOB calls the "VIP" line that gets us into the concert a whole 15 minutes before the "regular" folks. Again, being that we had to stand in this line for almost an hour and a half, I was blessed with conversation with my husband...I LOVE THIS! We scored 2 stools right in the middle on the upper floor of the concert (I am sure this means I am old because I no longer competed for the front row standing) but no matter, WE had PERFECT SEATS...yes, I am proud to say SEATS!
This is where our night got dicey to say the least...the couples around us were more than intoxicated and a little touchy feely, we just sang along to Grand Illusion and watched the concert. The lady directly behind me had only been to one concert her whole life and was to say the least scared out of her mind at the surroundings, she held her purse in front of her like a shield all night, cute, funny and rather interesting, but fun to watch in the midst of the freaks around us.
STYX was great at first, they started playing some Beatles stuff and then did some "Circus" music...odd but I don't think the group around us even noticed!
All in all, my night was amazing...I love "date nights" and the concert was for the most part memorable!
Hopefully our next concert will be something like James Taylor or Van Morrison...but we will see!

It's 9:03 on Valentine's night...blogging???

2008-02-14T21:03:00.000-08:00

Yes, I realize it's 9:03pm on the most romantic night of the year and I am sitting in front of the computer. NOW hear me out before I get the WORST WIFE OF THE YEAR AWARD! I have graciously accepted my WORST MOTHER OF THE YEAR AWARD many times over so this isn't a stretch.
My day...started out amazing. I have 2 desks at work, it's hard to explain but it is what it is at this point. I went to my first desk in the Ministry Center and found roses on my desk, cute little white ones and noticed that every woman on our team had the same! SO SWEET AND YES, I KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND I LOVE YOU TOO)! Headed to my 2nd place of work in the portables, the ladies in the room (YES YOU!) told me to go to my "other" desk where a bouquet of flowers were waiting from my wonderful amazing husband with rose petals thrown around my desk and a cute note! Feeling the love, let me tell you!
From there I was blessed with another vendor and my favorite distributor and LOTS AND LOTS of food samples. This is where my day gets weird...don't kill me BUT SERIOUSLY can I try another cheesecake, hash brown, colored pasta by 10:30am? I am over the whole smile and nicey, nice comments over food that I would NEVER serve to all of my favorite bloggers and friends at church. In the meantime, I have quietly without mentioning a word....indulged in Valentine's candy, cookies and treats that we have been given throughout our meeting. I am on a MAJOR sugar high proceeded by the sugar crash, and headache! (Forgot to mention my boss had to fill in at the Easter meeting for our team because of this prearranged meeting, so it was just me playing the nicey nice game). This is something I am really good at usually...but I cut back on sugar over a year ago, you guessed it...the major crash was coming on FAST!
Now...in order to salvage the day, I decided to do an interview for a position we are hiring for then get the heck out SO I can be well rested and maybe find some protein or carbs to counteract the suger floating through my body like a ship filled with sugarcane!
My kids are SO sweet, guess what they brought sweet "Mother of the year," you guessed it chocolate....smile and eat mommy!
My wonderful husband came home, started a dinner of shrimp scampi and cheese fondue...my goal...pull it together and eat with smiles and romance. I left the house for a few short 20 minutes to drop off one kid at a church event....and guess what.....came home to the song of "Daddy says I can have a sleepover HERE, Daddy says I can have a sleepover here...TONIGHT!"
Knowing our night is no longer salvageable with 2 8-year-olds, and a 15 year old I chalk it up to the amazing night we have planned tomorrow night! Concert and Dinner...wait till you hear who we are seeing!!! Again...forgot to mention...NO KIDS! CAN'T WAIT!
Forgot to mention...back at my desk this afternoon, chocolate covered strawberries (YES I KNOW THEY ARE FROM YOU AND YOUR MOM....LOVE YOU TOO)!

HAPPY VALENTINES ALL MY WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING BLOGGER FRIENDS! I love hearing your stories of Valentines, Golf, Music, kids and nights on the town. Thank you for sharing a glimpse of the fun, funny, and serious side of your lives...it helps me understand just where life can take us, has taken us and has given back to us! I thank God for each of those, even those I only know through this world! I hope your Valentines is special NO MATTER WHO OR HOW YOU SPEND IT!

RED HEARTS...PINK COOKIES...and God's shower of love of each of you! (again no pics, MAC'ING IT AGAIN)!

OK, here is comes....

2008-02-12T17:43:00.000-08:00

I am writing this from the MAC which BTW...I HATE! Ok, ok, I know, Mac's are great, but I am a PC girl and don't know any better! IF and I say IF with the understanding that Brent is probably NOT reading this, BUT if he is...I know "back away from the Mac!" I would but I am having blog withdrawals as well as I have SO many other "computery" things to take care of, like balancing the check book! I will get off soon...promise!
On that note so many things have happened and are about to happen, so I wanted to get caught up a little.
First of all, the dreaded phone call this morning came...the one I hate every year! You know the one if you remember ANYTHING about this time last year....YES, it's true...TRADER JOE'S COMPANY PARTY TIME! I have about 6 weeks to find the perfect dress and after last year you will remember that I also hate this task! I have decided that I am old and proud of not having a "night life" I want to stay home, I don't want to wear heals, dressy dresses and a smile when we are discussing the latest and greatest at Trader Joe's. Remember I work in food, I cater, I speak ALL day about food, I make calls regarding food, I order food, I don't need a night in an uncomfortable dress to talk about food and/or drinks. Ok bring it on...you are thinking FOOD IS GREAT, TRADER JOE'S IS GREAT...that's my point...I KNOW! So, who is on the "help Heather find a dress" team this year?
Backing up...last Friday night I catered the "wonderful" Singles Dance at church. WHAT A BLAST...NOT! This is the event that makes me SO grateful for my husband and family...but even if I didn't have either...this is NOT where I would be spending ANY Friday night...EVER! I do this event with such hesitation every year, I think it is WONDERFUL that we do this event, I think it's wonderful that we open our Worship Center doors to the single population so they aren't on the streets, bars, etc looking for Mr or Mrs. Right, this is where they should be, I am JUST SAYING...not me EVER! To top off the night, I was invited to a "Lemon-Drop Martini" party the next night by one of the attendee's...I guess he missed the ring on my left finger and our 20 year age difference!
Yesterday I spent the day at Fastrak trying to convince them that I didn't know that you could NOT put your transponder in another car! OOPS...can you say violations like you can't believe! If you get a new car...call them from the parking lot...take my advice! They were VERY kind...I was shocked, but REALLY I AM SERIOUS...they were SUPER KIND!
So, those are JUST a few things that happen to be happening in my life the last 5 or so days...oh the laptop is STILL in the shop! Tomorrow I am at a Food Vendor in San Dimas for some AMAZING treats...stay tuned! I would post pics but I don't know how to get them off the MAC.....yes, Julie I will take that lesson!

David Hughes is a REALLY ugly girl!

2008-02-10T19:04:00.000-08:00

SERIOUSLY!

Watch us grow...baby style!

2008-02-03T19:38:00.000-08:00

I have been blessed with another addition to our "family!" Kristi's (Kristi is the friend that came to live with David and I as a teenager and we lost to cancer 4 years ago) brother Brandon and his wife added to our family this week! We would LOVE to announce the birth of LUKE CHRISTIAN BUEHLER! He is SO SO SO AMAZINGLY ADORABLE! His "older" brother is growing up SO fast and we kick ourselves that we don't spend MORE time watching our little guys grow up! He is talking up a storm, cute as a button, and SO SO fun!
Today we were SO blessed with a fun and wonderful day spent in pure enjoyment! Added to our day with the amazing JAMIE from Vermont, and Sheila from Pennsylvania! We were almost complete minus a couple of spouses and Holly who had to stay home with a cold! We just couldn't let her visit a new baby with a cold, soon she will meet her new little family member!
Football, babies, meals shared...WHAT A GREAT DAY! Days like today make me thankful and SO blessed, I am so lucky!

FOR MY "Blogger" friend Linda!

2008-01-31T23:13:00.000-08:00

This has been a week of food, LOTS OF FOOD! I know, I know I work on the Food Team BUT this has been amazing! If I could have taken a camera with me without looking completely unprofessional I would have, but I had to keep up a professional appearance...DANGIT!
I have seen more CINNAMON ROLLS of every variety, with frosting, without frosting, with raisins, without raisins, you get the idea. I have seen EVERY size Churro on the market as well as toppings. I have seen every type of chicken wing, slider burger, salsa, potato salad, breads of EVERY variety, PIZZA, PIZZA and MORE PIZZA! Ice cream, cookies, cakes, desserts of amazing proportion have been put in my face even though I try SO hard to resist! I have been privelged to visit test kitchens of every shape, size and smell! This is ONLY a portion of the foods that I have tested, looked at, disected, and analyzed! Today was the BEST OF THE BEST, we were treated to a personal chef who cooked up and shared every detail about each item. It's been amazing AND SORRY...I have 3 more weeks of food tours to get through! In 2 weeks we will be going to a test kitchen of FRENCH FRIES! Millions of French fries and toppings!
One day, I will be able to take pictures of the foods we have chosen from some great distributors and vendors. Our main vendor has made sure that we only see and test the best of the best, so we will be able to pass that onto you SOON!

What came first the chicken or the FAKE egg?

2008-01-30T17:25:00.000-08:00

Remember I am the Asst. the Food Service Director...translated: We ARE AROUND FOOD, TALK FOOD, and SEE FOOD ALL DAY! Lately it is more often than usual, see we are previewing food for the new Student Zone. I am meeting with vendors ALL day, everyday. This means lots of samples of foods that I had NO idea existed! I usually put a smile on my face, "act" kind when they are giving their speech about how great their product is, BUT I draw the line at some things! Today I was in a meeting with a sweet young vendor, she couldn't be sweeter she had LOTS of fun products to show: warm pretzels, muffins, slider burgers, cheesecakes, churro's, oh yeah ALL GOOD! THEN she brought out fake eggs, yes I said FAKE eggs!
They were seriously colored with yellow dye, shaped into a round pattie looking thing for morning egg sandwiches! THIS IS WHERE I DRAW THE LINE...so what do I do? How do I behave kindly and not tell her to take away her FAKE EGGS? You guessed it, I stick my fork into the cheesecake sitting next to me and keep eating, filling my mouth and making YUMMY noises! How could I stop eating cheesecake and put FAKE eggs in my mouth? WASN'T GOING TO HAPPEN!!! SO...FYI, we WON'T be buying the FAKE eggs and you will be blessed with REAL eggs when the Student Zone opens! I couldn't serve those to ONE SINGLE person, EVER...no matter WHO you are! You could be my best friend, or worst enemy...I WILL NEVER SERVE YOU FAKE EGGS!!! I PROMISE!!!!

BTW...Tomorrow I am previewing a vendor AT the actual vendor kitchen so we can try ALL their goodies! Pray for REAL EGGS!

Pay as you go...

2008-01-28T19:13:00.000-08:00

We have a rule in our house, the first year you are allowed to have a cell phone it's on a "Pay as you go" plan. This is to teach responsibility, self control and so we don't go broke! For the last year our son has had a "Pay as you go" phone and plan, it has been a success.
Matt turned 15 last week, has the best grades he has ever had in his entire life and has shown more responsibility than ever over the course of a year. In the last 6 months he has grown up tremendously and shown that he is headed down a great path. SO...how did we reward...OF COURSE, you got it, he got a new phone with UNLIMITED text messaging (yes, I said UNLIMITED) and he is sharing our talk plan. Ok, so all is well, RIGHT?!?!
Well, it depends on what you consider "all is well" see he took that text messaging unlimited plan to mean you can text everyone you know for NO REASON what so ever. He has said "HI" to me more times in the last 5 days over text messaging than he ever has in his entire life. ALSO...ALSO...and ALSO...that phone keeps ringing and texting ALL DAY AND NIGHT! When we finally asked him who could be texting, calling you at THIS hour, or this time, his answer is WELL LET'S JUST SAY...NOT a guys name but an array of girls names! Where did these girls come from and HOW did they learn SO quickly that our son has a new phone that he doesn't have to wait every 30 days to fill up???!! Where are THEIR mothers when they are calling and texting MY son at all hours?? WHO are these girls?
See having had a daughter first when she meets a guy she likes she is dying to share who he his, what he looks like and every other detail she "thinks" we need to hear. We are used to this, but now we have a son...he doesn't share the details, these girls are mysterious. Other people know them, his friends know them, even his sister knows them...BUT mom DOESN'T know them!!! It feels weird! It's strange! He is definitely growing up and actually becoming SO SO mature (something I had my doubts about, hey he's a guy...don't fault me, you know what I am talking about) but he is still my guy! These girls will have to get through me and I promise to put on a fake smile and NOT judge them for being texting queens, calling princesses but it will be hard! I can make these promises BUT his older more protective sister...well, that's another story and I am smiling just knowing that!
Here we go on ANOTHER ROLLER COASTER RIDE!!!

It's been A WEEK!!!

2008-01-25T21:32:00.001-08:00

This has been ONE OF "THOSE" weeks! CRAZY good, crazy weird, crazy sad...but it's almost over and next week will have it's own title...THEY ALWAYS DO! Just when you think it's going to be mellow....

We started the week with Sunday off for the first time in MONTHS! I usually work Sunday's and now I have switched my days off to Sunday/Monday to match David's. It felt weird and I vowed NOT to go ANYWHERE near the campus BUT Kelly's little friend was baptized and how can you miss THAT!?! Seeing a little 7 year old go under for the sake of her faith and letting God be the boss of her life is SO amazing! Spent a great afternoon at their house after making plaques for the kids at Orangewood to give back to our God for what he gives us!
Monday we spent the day MAKING our kids study for the upcoming finals they were NOT happy about!
Tuesday was Matt's birthday and we had a nice dinner,cake, gifts but AGAIN we were the bad guys who made our children study for finals! BAD MOMMY, BAD DADDY!!
That brings me to Wed when finals were getting to them, they needed a break and some treats...THANK YOU SADDLEBACK HSM for giving them a "study break!" This night turned sad for a completely different (unmentioned..sorry) item but it made for a night of holding my daughter's hand while she slept, cried, and DIDN'T STUDY! Trust me, it won't be the first time we will have nights like this, sad but worth the life lessons!
Thurday night also brought a late night visitor who needed a place to crash so she wouldn't have to drive home in the rain...it kept mommy up late BUT IT WAS SO WORTH IT FOR SOME GIRL TALK AND CATCH UP TIME!
Thursday and Friday made for MORE finals...TODAY THE PAIN IS OVER! We rewarded Holly by letting her go out for dinner and movies with a group of girls! THEN we caved and finally bought Matt a brand new cell phone (again, we are mean and give our kids a "pay as you go" phone for their 1st cell phone year to teach them responsibility first), it's on our plan and HE LOVES IT! It has rang ALL night since he HAD to tell EVERYONE he knows his new number and has UNLIMITED texting!

ALL I CAN SAY IS...this week has taught us some great lessons, memories and bonding! Can't wait to see what next week has in store! LORD HAVE MERCY MY HUSBAND IS DYING TO "check" on our cabin to make sure the snow isn't too high on the balcony...or is that an excuse to drive up the mountain to play and ski! I have to THINK SO! Anyone find the "need" to kidnap me for a "girl talk, girl's day" I am NOT saying I would fight you!

I would love to say...

2008-01-22T23:05:00.000-08:00

We partied the night away in celebration of my sweet son's birthday BUT we were on "flu watch" with the littlest AND finals are this week!

Party coming over the weekend....he was a good sport! I marninated steaks all day, made garlic potato's, and spinach salad to help the brain power along and make the day somewhat salvageable! Oh, homemade cake was also on the menu!

I guess it goes to show growing up means giving up your birthday to studying for finals....is reality!

Where have the 15 years gone?

2008-01-21T22:47:00.000-08:00

15 years ago tonight, I was packing the last of my suitcase, giving Kristi all the specifics for Holly to be taken care of and on my way to Hoag Hospital. As David and I drove to the hospital I will never forget the song "A Brand New World" playing on the radio and I started crying...tears of joy! See 2 years 4 months earlier we were told that we should probably not have another child since my pregnancies are not good. We decided to talk to all the best doctors we could find so I could try to give my husband a son!
Fast forward 15 years ago tonight...driving to Hoag Hospital to give birth to the SON I wanted SO badly! Yes, God brought us a healthy, happy, fun, energetic SON! MATTHEW RILEY MCTAGGART!

Hand prints are leaving the walls slowly as Matt grows up and doesn't play in the mud anymore, he has turned into a WONDERFUL GOD LOVING, SISTER PROTECTIVE, STILL HUGGING HIS MOTHER, young man!
He towers over me and his father, but he is the baby boy we prayed and begged for! He is turning out to be a great servant, with a heart of gold. I love watching him and his older sister build their friendship! He protects his little sister when she walks in the street or wanders from our sight. The lego's are sitting in the corner where he left them years ago, the baseball trophies collect dust but proudly still sit on his shelves, he now spends his time trying to figure out his next step in this crazy life, he has big dreams, fun dreams but he loves to dream...that's ok, he WILL be a GREAT MAN! I have NO DOUBT, God gave us our dream when he gave us Matt...he has a plan for his life...I just know it!

HAPPY 15th BIRTHDAY MY BIG SON! WE LOVE YOU TONS! YOU MAKE US PROUD (this year has made us prouder than ever, thank you for ALL your hard work...it shows)! Keep your focus and keep moving forward, we will walk beside you EVERY step of the way! HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY...I just know that each birthday makes you more and more of the MAN God created for this family to share! We are the LUCKY ones, you have blessed our lives!

After MANY talks...change of date????

2008-01-15T21:23:00.000-08:00

We are in "talks" about changing the dates for the Harbor House this year! Yes, it's true we may not be there over Labor Day weekend!
Here is our thoughts:
:many of Holly's friends are leaving for college this year in August
:a good friend may be getting married on the Friday before Labor Day and
wants me to cater.
:we could stay 3 days LONGER (this is a deal maker)!
:we won't come back the day before school starts and still be DEPRESSED
about being back!

SO...here is the deal, we are looking for your opinions. Would it fit in to most of your schedules to go around the end of July through the beginning of August? Who is ready to go a month earlier? The weather should be JUST AS GREAT as labor day, we hope!

"Jamie-Lynn has a baby in her belly"

2008-01-14T21:42:00.001-08:00

My conversation with Kelly:

Kelly: "Mommy, Jamie Lynn has a baby in her belly and they don't know how it got there."
Me: "Really Kelly, where did you hear that?"
Kelly: "The kids at school said so, they said that the doctors can't figure out
how it got there and that she is only 16 and 16 year olds aren't
supposed to have babies in their bellies."
Me: "Your right, they are not supposed to"
Kelly: "She has to go to lots of doctors to find out how it got in there"
Me: "Yes, she does!"

Ok, didn't have the heart to have the birds and the bees talk with her as I am sure she would repeat it all to the children on the playground and I am just NOT in the mood for the "mommy calls!" Seriously though....

16 YEAR OLDS AREN'T SUPPOSED TO HAVE BABIES IN THEIR TUMMIES!

Prayers and friends!

2008-01-14T21:36:00.000-08:00

Julie blogged about Cathy being in the hospital but I will add to it...please please pray for her! We are feeling SO lucky that they caught the blood clots before something terrible happened! She is quite grumpy which is funny for Cathy who keeps us ALL happy most of the time! I will keep bringing her chocolate so she doesn't throw things at me when I walk in!

It was a great night to get caught up with Julie! She is funny, has a GREAT perspective on this chapter of her life, and I can't wait to hear what the next chapter has in store! SHE IS SO GREAT! I would link her so you can read her fun blog, but remember NOT COMPUTER SAAVY here (she my side links for her, she has pics too)! It's so great to watch God's success in her life!

Birthdays....gifts for mom too!

2008-01-11T16:47:00.000-08:00

I know that sounds a little selfish BUT I bought this SO I could take pictures of our baby turning 8 last night! I needed one, it was important! What I didn't take into consideration buying it ON THE WAY was that I would ONLY be able to take a few pictures since it needed charging and a memory card that was formatted! Too much "computery" stuff for me but it's all good NOW. It's ready to shoot lots of pics of my family again...ahh...MOM FEELS BETTER!

Last night was great, Kelly turned 8, we had a little get together at Claim Jumper and back here for her favorite jello cake. I think this is the last year we will have lots of American Girl stuff, nightgowns, and High School Musical videos, she is growing up SO fast!

Purchases being made in anticipation...

2008-01-10T17:35:00.000-08:00

Can you guess what I am FINALLY off to buy on our way to celebrate the ONLY 8 YEAR OLD BIRTHDAY we will EVER have again in this house?

Hint...I will SHOW you when I get home!!! I am EXCITED!

8 years ago today....

2008-01-10T07:40:00.000-08:00

I gave birth to an amazing life changing little girl!

TODAY IS KELLY'S 8TH BIRTHDAY...trust me we have been on countdown for months till this day!

8 years and 9 months ago, well about 8 years, 8 months ago I found out we were pregnant with a baby, and YES I was shocked. BUT, God had a plan, a great plan. It had been a long time since we had a baby in the house and we weren't sure we could go back and do it again, diapers, car seats, sleepless nights, the whole shebang!

Kelly is amazing, she has added SO much joy, happiness and fun to our home. I am still so thankful for the gift God gave us. He knew we weren't complete without one more addition to this family. She has given us each so much in her 8 years on this earth. Watching David do the "daddy/daughter" thing again has been so sweet, only this time I have to admit she has him wrapped around his little finger more than Holly or Matt ever did (he won't admit it but just watch them together)! Holly has an incredible relationship with Kelly, she is her big sister, her little mother, her best friend, all those things sisters have even being 10 years apart. Matt has given up his spot for the baby of the family to her, sometimes not willingly but he loves her and loves watching her laugh, loves having someone to just needle enough to be the pain in the butt big brother, but needing her to give him that laugh he needs everyday! I on the other hand, have learned that God has a plan, he gives me SO much and I can't be more thankful! He gave me Kelly at a time when I wasn't sure what was my next step in life, Matt going off to school all day, deciding whether to go back to work full-time or being a mommy full-time! His plan was for me to continue my full-time mommy work with a wonderful, loving beautiful little girl! I COULDN'T BE MORE THANKFUL!

Kelly has given SO much to this world! She has struggled with hearing difficulties, and conquered them! She challenges herself to do the best, the most, try harder, learn more, and do what others think she can't! Just try to tell her she can't do what the teens are doing, she will prove you wrong! Headstrong, yes, but loving outweighs EVERY TIME!

KELLY YOU ARE THE BEST! WE LOVE YOU AND YOU LOVE ON US!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE ONE! We are SO BLESSED BY YOU!

Somehow I engaged....

2008-01-09T19:29:00.000-08:00

In this conversation today that started with this statement:

"We are SO proud, she is 4 and reads at a 3rd grade level."

My mistake, I asked how their child was and got myself caught in a world of "my child is so smart, etc. etc. OK, I have 3 kids, all fairly intelligent, some more than others but they ALL have great God given qualities. I am proud of each of my children and I equally love all of their quirks, difficult challenges and who they are. No, I am not perfect, I get frustrated with them and want to strangle them on a DAILY basis...hey, 2 of them are teens...who could blame me RIGHT? On the whole, we are pretty proud of each of our kids for who they are but not always the choices they make. Seriously when the almost 15 year old is sitting next to the almost 8 year old in the car and says "you are touching me" I want to jump out of the car at 70mph and run (yes, I realize that makes them sound like they are far from intelligent), but they are who they are!

I never know what to say to this conversation that continues on for a length of time that I am starting to get uncomfortable because there is NO more responses to their constant..."and she does this, she says this" and so on and so on!

It makes me laugh and sad at the same time. Are we really raising kids who need us to constantly brag about them to the point of driving others insane? Do we REALLY expect our kids to be smarter than the next kid? When can we just say, "they are normal, great kids?

One of the reasons we enjoy our shared vacation home in Huntington Harbor and our cabin is because we have NO phones, NO Internet, NO TV, it's what my husband refers to as "just being a kid, and enjoying it time!" One thing he says to other kids and friends who join us on our vacations is "leave your ego, and need to grow up fast and JUST BE A KID!"

We believe education is SUPER important (trust me, many sleepless nights trying to figure out how to pay for upcoming college) but being real, being a kid for this short time is SO important! I also think enjoying childhood amongst homework, school, church, and a busy lifestyle we subject them to is equally important!

I love that I engaged in this conversation today, it made me thankful for my kids!
So they aren't the next rocket scientist, I am pretty sure that there is a defense attorney amongst them somewhere with the constant need to debate that goes on around here when the word "grounding" comes into play!

Quick catch up....

2008-01-08T17:09:00.000-08:00

I will catch up soon....Kelly is doing MUCH better and precauions are being taken for the next bee sting...that BETTER NOT HAPPEN! STILL STUPID BEES!

The flu has hit our home not to mention PINK EYE so we are hunkered down and trying to heal! Countdown still going on to the BIG 8 year old birthday this week...so the germs better be gone by then! The thought of everyone puking jello cake just doesn't sound fun! Can you imagine the pictures of this birthdday????

BEES ARE DUMB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-01-06T14:32:00.000-08:00

Bees REALLY are dumb! Bees don't deserve to live on this earth, AND NO...I don't want to hear about why we NEED bees...blah blah blah! You will NEVER EVER IN A MILLION TRILLION years make me believe bees are useful and needed on this earth!

OK...so now that I have ranted, raved and had a GIANT size temper fit about BEES, let me explain my anger!

Kelly (our almost in 4 more days) 8 year old got stung by a bee this week. Now the LAST time she got stung it took a week for her to have a reaction but the doctors weren't throughly convinced it was an allergic reaction so we didn't take an DRASTIC measures IN CASE it happens AGAIN! SO...you guessed it, SHE HAD A REACTION SOONER this time! 2 days into bee sting the swelling in the general area of the stupid stinger the bee stung her poor little foot! OK, THEN and I mean 12 HOURS LATER...her foot not only swelled, she couldn't walk on it BUT BUT BUT those RED lines you hear about with an injury (but NEVER SEE) started running from the stinger swollen area UP her leg! YES 2 NASTY RED SWOLLEN LINES RUNNING UP! Crap, (yes, I said CRAP) we have to actually figure out HOW BAD this really is!
After MANY conversations with her doctor, urgent care, nurse triage and FINALLY calling my brother THE DOCTOR we decided that it was URGENT and she needed to be seen YESTERDAY (NOT TODAY...YESTERDAY, bad parents AGAIN)! I couldn't get a straight answer out of ANYONE because we were ALREADY doing what we had been told to do by the first doctor after the actual sting. So, off to the doctor on a rainy wet Saturday afternoon I went with her barely being able to walk. The doctor decides that she needs to be seen BEFORE everyone in the waiting room, which makes me glad UNTIL (and I WILL get to the UNTIL in a little bit)! This doctor prescribes a HEAVY dose of antibiotics, with LOTS of advice and orders epie pens for home, school, travel. "I think" and that is the word of the day...I THINK we are good to go!

HERE'S COMES THE UNTIL!

BUT NO....off to the pharmacy to get the prescription. She tells me it will be 20 minutes and I "think" that we will be home, in jamies, by the fire, watching a cartoony movie together in a half hour! WOULDN'T YOU?????
NO...THE PHARMACHIST decides that this presciption is TOO strong for a 7 (almost 8 in 4 days) year old! I tell her what is going on and she STILL insists it is TOO strong! She calls the doctor, her head pharmachist, and tells me it will be ANOTHER 20 minutes! Ok, I can deal with that (pushing Kelly around the store in a shopping cart because she is now crying that her foot hurts)! Back to the counter I go in 20 minutes only to hear...there is a "discrepency" in the prescription, we will have to hold it and wait! The doctor calls me in the meantime to tell me that if they don't fill it she will have to go to the hospital for 24+ hours to be administered antibiotics through an IV! CRAP...YES I SAID "CRAP" again! We wait AGAIN, for an answer and FINALLY they agree that we can give her this med for 24 hours but if there is ANY change we need to go right to the ER! Those words NEVER make a mom feel better! 2 1/2 hours later we were in jamies, watching a cartoony movie and praying for her foot to stop swelling!

TODAY...swelling has gone down and RED LINES are ONLY 2 inches long now! THANK THE LORD!

FOR THE RECORD....STUPID BEES!

This year is starting out great already...

2008-01-02T22:19:00.000-08:00

I am so excited, this year is already starting off great! We are finally feeling a little better around here, the sickness had taken over the whole family. We decided to go out and celebrate a little on New Year's with our great friends the Fehrenbach family. They had visitors from as far away as Cicely, Italy! The food was OUTSTANDING and the company was GREAT! We don't get to see many of our friends from the "old" neighborhood often but when we do, we pick up where we left off and can't get enough. So, one New Year's Resolution...to spend more time with friends who are important to us!
That takes me to my next excitement! I was asked to cater a wedding for a couple who we absolutely adore and LOVE spending time with, Kathy and Steve. They just bought a HUGE BEAUTIFUL home in Portola Hills where she is living until the wedding. The backyard is gorgeous with a HUGE pool and patio, great for catering. Today I met with her to go over details and what fun we had and will have planning and preparing for this special day. This will be my first event where I am completely in charge of every detail and I am excited, yet SUPER nervous that I will forget something, charge something wrong, but I am trusting that this will be HER SHINING MOMENT and I get to help her! This is not a great picture of the backyard and pool, but it has waterfalls, gazebo's, tons of sitting areas. I am really excited for this challege...pray for me!

I just have great feelings about this year for our family. I asked God to open doors and close doors for us this year and make them clear to us. One door that seems to keep closing is about moving out of state, every time we ask God about this one, he enlightens us with all we are blessed with here!

2008 IS GOING TO BE GREAT!!!!

2 sick days...New Years Tonight!

2007-12-31T14:38:00.000-08:00

I have spent the last 2 days in bed sicker than I have been in a VERY long time. Fever, head cold, aches, the whole shibang!
Tonight is New Year's Eve, we have been invited to 3 parties, do we stay or do we go? That is the question of the day! My teens have plans to go out, Kelly could probably use a night in bed early since she was at a sleepover last night and David has worked around the clock at Trader Joe's selling alcohol to all the drunk drivers on the road tonight.
I am thinking another night wrapped in blankets, watching the last of the Christmas movies (YES THEY ARE STILL ON LIFETIME), sounds pretty darn good.
Then again it's New Year's and one of these parties is with some of our favorite people and we rarely get a chance to spend an evening with. Could this confusion be from the cold medicine induced coma I have been in for the last 2 days? So, I will sit here and read blogs and try to see through the fog in my head to make a decision!

HOPE ALL OF YOU HAVE A GREAT AND SAFE NEW YEAR!

GIRLS DAY!

2007-12-28T22:34:00.000-08:00

Today was our Annual Girls Day at The Grove in Los Angeles. We were all really looking forward to today and it didn't disappoint! We head down in the days following Christmas hoping to hit the great sales and THAT WE DID! Our favorite is Victoria Secret...WE SCORED AGAIN! Cute stuff at great discounts, SO FUN! We hit tons of stores, but some of the best parts of the day were:

Driving down there we see a black and white police cruiser and someone in the car says are series of numbers. My comeback is, "You sound like Adam 12!" The comeback to that was "What's Adam 12?" CRAP, I just showed my age AGAIN!

We head off the freeway in the direction that was given to us from mapquest...or so we "thought" we were on the right track...low and behold, we had a great scenic tour of West LA! WOW, you ever thought there were so many odd and strange storefronts! We drove in circles, back and forth, back and forth! Yes, I have been to The Grove MANY times before but this time we just couldn't get there correctly! I loved our driver Steph, she not only drove great in LA but gave us a humor filled tour of LA!

Once at the Grove we found our way through the stores to be productive and fun. I found some time to break away from the group to take Kelly to the American Girl Doll Store which she oo'd and awe'd for the full half hour we were there! I just love watching her love on those dolls, it's every little girls dream! I managed to score a few sale items there for her upcoming birthday!

After walking out of Victoria Secret with our purchases and smiles, who did our wondering eyes did appear...Vince Vaughn! Seriously I could have touched him as he walked by! He is SO tall, which surprised me a little! Some little girl asked him for his autograph, he gracefully declined! I was caught a little off guard that he was SO close to us, but kept my cool and "tried" not to stare too much!

All and all, our day was SO GREAT and tons of fun! The weather proved to be a little chilly, which made it feel like Christmas! I love the girls we make these memories with every year. We have now added a summer day to our calendar so we can do it this twice a year, only the summer day will be in LaJolla (can't wait)!

SEE'S WHY????

2007-12-27T21:21:00.000-08:00

After losing a good amount of weight this year, I have tried REALLY hard to not eat sugar especially after 6pm. I do have my one vice..Swedish Fish, they are God's great treat to me, fat free! BUT!!!!

We were given not one box of See's candy for Christmas but probably a total of 5 plus gift certificates for extra boxes, just in case we run out! Now, I know they are in the kitchen, I know who they came from and why...but what I don't know is WHY THEY CALL MY NAME! Just one piece I say, then well..that other one looks interesting, good, yummy or whatever I tell myself! Great sucked in by the See's candy in the kitchen! I gave away 2 boxes, wasn't that strength?!?!

So, time to flush them down the drain!

Dear Parents, LET ME!

2007-12-27T09:31:00.000-08:00

I realized this Christmas just how much each moment means one more step that my children are inching towards growing up. I realized that it's just about time for each of them to say "Let me" in a new way and a new journey for each of them.

If they could articulate and tell me just what is happening to them or write me a letter here is what I am sure each one would say:

Dear Dad and Mom,

Let me grow up and prepare for the new world that awaits me as college approaches. Let me drive to places not within a 10 mile radius. Let me see my life as an adult but I want to hang on to my childhood just a little longer. Let me find my path and guide me but not control me. Hug me, hold me and don't say a word when you do just so I know you are there. Teach me to be forgiving and loving even when it's hard. Right now, this is a hard one but I have to figure it out, just walk beside me. Being a teenage girl sometimes stinks, but show me that being a "GIRL FOR GOD" is my goal!

Love, Holly

Dear Dad and Mom,

Let me navigate away from the "mommy boy/daddy boy" stage and be looked at like a man who now stands 6'1 and wears a size 17 shoe. Let me grow away from the "needing you" to the "knowing you are there but not acknowledging it" stage because I am a boy trying to find a man inside. Let me argue with my little sister and let me work it out on my own, I do realize I need to be her protector but I also have a duty in life to make sure she knows I am still her big brother. Let me show you how hard I can work, build things, put things together, lift things and be the man that you have trained me to be. Let me make mistakes but guide me when you see them AFTER! Teach me to be a Godly man who leans on him.

Love, Matt

Dear Daddy and Mommy,

Yes, I still believe in Santa (or at least that's what I want you to think) so the mysteries of Christmas can still be mine to hold onto! Yes, I want everyone to tell me that Santa is coming, and he brought me the things that I dreamed of. Yes, I still want to play with dolls, dig in the dirt,and eat lots of sugar, but I want you to help me clean up my dolls, make sure I get clean after I play in the mud and hold me when my tummy hurts from all that sugar. Yes, I want to say "mine" still when my brother and sister play with my new toys but show me how to share. Most of all, make memories that include me. Share the same traditions that you have started before I was born into my wonderful family. I don't want to be left out.
I know I am the pesky little sister, THAT'S MY JOB! Guide me and show me your road map so I don't get lost in this big world that I have to tag along in. Remind me to love, forgive, accept, and honor God in all I do. Hold me and talk to me when you do, tell me you love me, tell me that people love me, tell me that I am SO LOVED for the sweet girl I want to be! I love you more than you know and I am willing to run into your arms and tell you this right now, don't blink though!

Love, Kelly

I am not sad, I am not mourning their growing up, I am excited that each Christmas brings new realizations of what the next year will hold. I am watching them change and Christmas seems to be a mark to their growth and change. I think it's because we are buying them "grown up" gifts, sharing their time with their relationships, and it's a milestone marker. I am great with this, they are growing up to be the people we have raised them to be, it makes me proud! I know there will be days when I miss the noise and toys of Christmas morning but right now...I am holding onto this roller coaster of life and cherishing every Christmas and all the days that mark new changes.

Hope your day was Merry and BRIGHT!

2007-12-25T21:58:00.000-08:00

Ours was!
What a great day! I loved the day, it started out with Kelly standing next to our bed at 6:24AM begging to see what Santa brought! Finding a trail of chewed up carrots and celery from her room all the way down the stairs she just KNEW Santa had come! We woke 2 teens who convincingly (is that a real word) told us that THIS WOULD BE THE LAST year they would wake up early to do the "Santa thing." They were sure that NEXT year their sister would not believe in the whole "Santa thing." HA HA...I will ALWAYS do the "Santa thing" no matter how old they are...early Christmas mornings for many many years to come..ha ha!
We sat and looked at the gifts Santa had brought and waited for my parents to arrive to get busy opening the wrapped gifts, Kelly was SO excited! We had a surprise visit from my brother, which we all enjoyed, then the door revolved all day with many many faces of friends and family.
I decided to do my usual open house again this year, I love seeing the faces that come in the door all day and night, some surprises some not, BUT equally GREAT! I made TONS AND TONS of food, lots of games, park visits and just plain FUN! It was great!
I am sad that it is over yet thrilled to have a day or two to sleep in! We are slowly being talked into another New Year's Eve party this year (NEXT WEEK!)though we have 3 we are supposed to go to....I loved today SO much, I am leaning towards staying here to enjoy some more of what today offered!
MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIENDS, FAMILY AND STRANGERS who read my blog! I am SO blessed to have each of you touch our lives in even a small way! Life has been busy BUT trust me, we have stopped today to reflect on how great and blessed our lives are each and every day with each and EVERY one of you in our lives! I love looking at the Christmas cards we recieved in the mail again and again and reflecting on the friends and family we have in our lives!

MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

PS. NO camera but the sale ads this week are promising! Also, NO puppy (Kelly was begging), we told her a "white lie" that Santa has to send a letter to parents first to get "approval" and ours must have gotten lost in the mail! I know...MY BAD, but SERIOUSLY can you imagine the blogging that would take place if I brought something ELSE in this house that POOPS and/or MAKES NOISE!

Do me a favor...PLEASE!

2007-12-22T00:34:00.000-08:00

As many of you know our family was SO incredibly sad to see Doug Elliott leave Saddleback. He was such a great asset to our family, especially in the life of my son. Doug saw in Matt what we and most people didn't at a time where Matt was struggling in school and just starting to be a teenager. We were SO incredibly THANKFUL for his input, his laughter, his ability to make Matt feel SO important in a mixed up world of being a teen and struggling to figure out that he was going to be ok!
Today I recieved a letter from Doug, he is starting a new church not far from our home. It will be called The Great Park Church. All I am asking is for your prayers for him and Eric Busby as they set out to follow God's calling on their lives to touch the lives of SO many young people in our area.
I am SO excited for them as God's journey's them through this new adventure! Our family will be praying for them, supporting them in ANY way we can! Please do the same with your prayers!
GREATPARKCHURCH.com....visit their site as they continue to grow it!

It's beginning to feel alot like.....

2007-12-22T00:05:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS AND JOY!

Today was the first of 14 services at Saddleback....2 down and 12 more to go. This means I will be at church for the next 3 days BUT I am LOVING every minute of it...painful feet and all! 14/15 hour days seem to pass by so quickly when everyone is SO full of joy! It's the season, this is what it's all about.

Today we had MANY MANY visitors to our kitchen, gifts were given and recieved, cards were given and received, good news was given both in person and in the mail, it just felt like it was Christmas!

Ok confession...I JUST got home because I am STILL shopping...it's 12:09AM! Holly and I hit EVERY store that was open and I still have a few things left to get. NOW don't get me wrong, I am STILL putting thought into EACH and EVERY gift I am purchasing, THAT IS A PROMISE!

I am really starting to get excited for Christmas and the next 4 days. I am also looking forward to the next 2 weeks that my kids will be home...DON'T call me crazy JUST yet! Take into consideration that I also have a week off of work between Christmas and New Year's and that means a lot of sleeping in, hanging out, re-connecting (remember I promised that after we got home from our beach house...I need to work on this area)! I just wish David had the same days off BUT you know those Trader Joe's groupie's there is NO WAY to miss that week! He will continue to work 14/15 hour days and we will stay home and make hot meals every night (ok, delusion is setting in as the clock ticks later, but it was a good thought, RIGHT)!

SO, just know that we are thinking about each and everyone of you and our home is open this holiday to visitors (same as last year...Christmas Open House), and the weeks after feel free to call and see if we are out of our jammies before noon to stop in. Thank you again for our visitors at work again tonight...AMBER, it was SO exciting to see you walk through that door and spend a couple minutes just chatting! Josh and friends...well, you know where to find a quick meal of Tri-tip and Mashed potatos on a cold night, thanks for the updates and visits, I could see it meant the WORLD to my kids! KELLY KELLY KELLY, we love your visits whenever you can pull away from that newspaper and hang with us, you make us smile! Jason, well watching you light up the world of Cass makes us ALL so happy, as does the rest of the Ortega Family! WHAT A GREAT NIGHT!

MERRY EARLY CHRISTMAS to ALL of our friends and family! I love these days!

Christmas Lists...

2007-12-16T19:41:00.000-08:00

We don't really believe in Christmas lists. My husband cringes every time the kids say "I need" because they don't "need" anything! They want, we want for them, they think they want, and the topper of the season is the commercials that tell them they want..."stuff!" They have SO much in comparision and don't "need" anything...trust me!
SO, my dilema...I DO want and I am trying to convince myself...NEED 2 things! Nothing major, nothing bank breaking, nothing that seems "too" terribly selfish, I think! I don't "want" to use the word "want" or "need" in front of the kids because I have preached along with their father that there are NO "needs" and "wants" that haven't already been met in their lives.

SO, should I buy myself a little gift and stuff it under the tree and convince them that "Santa" brought it or it fell down the chimney in his travels. This gift could "mysteriously" fall down the chimney...I WANT/NEED a new camera! See, it's not that I want it for total selfish reasons, I want/need them to have memories of their lives through a lens, is that a crime?
THEN..the next gift is a TOTAL selfish gift BUT also memory making. I REALLY REALLY REALLY want a professional picture of my three kids together. It's been YEARS since the professional picture was taken and for those of you who have seen our HORRIBLE (yes, I DO REALIZE IT'S HORRIBLE) Christmas picture should realize that I REALLY REALLY REALLY want/need this!?!?! Someone PLEASE take my side on this one!?!?!I also have to believe that the years of therapy that it's going to take to reverse the damage I have caused threatening them to smile for a picture is going to be somewhere in the FORTUNES of dollars!

SO, as I write this I realize that I have SO much to do before Christmas actually gets here and I haven't even begun to delve into what my kids are really getting from the bearded red suit wearing fat man!

Welcome POWERS!

2007-12-15T09:34:00.000-08:00

It is official, Steve AND Diane Powers have joined the blogging world! I enjoyed working with Steve at Saddleback Church for a few years. Every time I would see him his first words were "Where's Kelly?" Kelly adored him! I was sad sad sad to see him go but thrilled that he has ventured on to expanding his business (some kind of sound equipment, sorry Steve I am electronically challenged)! His wife his SUPER sweet, it will be fun to get to know her in this world!
Anyway they have joined us bloggers, so welcome them to our "blogging world!" Use my links at the side since I can't figure out how to add them link here! AGAIN...CHALLENGED!

Tonight's festivities...we are getting ready!

2007-12-13T19:54:00.000-08:00

Our plans changed tonight as we all await the news of a new baby coming into this world tonight...our friend's sister is in labor as we speak. They were supposed to come to dinner but are now sitting at the hospital waiting for the little guy to appear. They were missed tremendously and our "special" meal plan will have to be posponed :( !!!
...This gave the McTag's a night we needed to get the tree decorated and decorate some cookies after! We are ready, well...almost Santa still needs to shop!This is proof that you CAN get the teenage boy to participate in cookie decorating (I think it has to do with the fact that he it is actually food that he gets to eat)!Then there is the teenage daughter who just got out of the shower and begs me to not put her in my blog, then she acts like this so it's all fair after that!This one LOVES every minute of the whole event...she makes it ALL worth doing!
Here is the proof that we did the tree FINALLY! I know the pictures aren't good but we are still hoping that Santa leaves a new camera under the tree...hint hint if anyone talks to the adult male Santa that lives in my house!

Magic....

2007-12-11T22:53:00.000-08:00

"Did you feel it, did you hear that...it feels like there is magic all around!"

I felt it, I heard it! It was the magic that came from the face and smile of my little girl! It was the feeling of pure innocent joy and celebration for the season and for where she was and who she was with!

This morning Kelly was awake at 5:50am! I know...WHY and YUCK! But I couldn't wait for her to wake up, it was better than Christmas morning! I had something to share with her and couldn't wait for her reaction.

I started the conversation with:
"If you could do anything today besides go to school what would it be?'
Her answer:
"Go to work with you at the church" (this made my heart melt)
My next question:
"If you could do anything with daddy and I today, what would it be?"
Her answer:
"Make and bake cookies" (wow, she is so easy to please)
My next question:
"If you could GO anywhere with daddy and I today, where would it be?"
Her answer"
"DISNEYLAND!" She has NO memory of going there since she hasn't been
since she was 2.
My ANSWER:
"THAT'S WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO!"
She glowed for no less than 12 to 14 hours! She was NEVER SO EXCITED in her entire life! I watched her just eat up every moment with pure JOY and excitement! The rides, decorations, characters, the SNOW (seriously, on Main St), the whole package! We didn't bring the other 2 kids because we had done this with each of them at one point or another and figured it was her turn! We added to her joy by inviting a friend for her that she adores and loves but doesn't live close enough to spend much time together. We stood by the gate waiting for this friend to come and when she did, they ran into each others arms, never letting go ALL DAY!

She giggled ALL the way home tonight (2 hours past her bedtime and laughing that she missed school for Disneyland, AND we let her)! When we asked her what was her favorite part, her answer...EVERY MOMENT TODAY!

My holiday is COMPLETE...this was the perfect mommy gift (well, minus the gift I am hoping for under the tree (see the PSS)...watching her happiness!

ps. I EVEN went on ALL the rides (remember I am afraid of heights and roller coasters, but she didn't need to know that,it wasn't about me)!

PSS..We would have TONS of better pictures but the camera got dropped RIGHT WHEN WE WALKED INTO DISNEYLAND AND BROKE! No, I didn't do it this time..that doesn't matter but I am hoping Santa puts a new one under the tree for me! While I wait, you get the pics off the cell phone camera, SORRY!

FINALLY...DID IT!

2007-12-09T22:14:00.000-08:00

We set up the tree today (by set up you know that we went with FAKE this year)! My kids are lets just say HIGHLY disappointed at our choice to go FAKE this year but David won the arguement and so we have a FAKE tree sitting in our living room! They are not even attempting to argue over who gets to put on what ornament because they are seriously NOT happy with this decision. Kelly offered to put on the lights herself...so who needs lights ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP? Matt decided to use his height and help out with the lights but off to bed they went before one ornament could be put on...oh well, there is tomorrow right? We also finally decorated the house so it's beginning to feel "alot like Christmas" around here! I guess that means I need to actually shop for gifts, hey there is still time right?
We have attended 2 Christmas parties, one musical, and heard the guys at church sing "A King is Born," Tomorrow it's off to lunch at Magianno's for another Christmas lunch, NOW it's time to start the holidays, reality is setting in! Anyone want my shopping list and credit card to do my shopping for me???

Campaign for a new blogger!

2007-12-06T19:23:00.000-08:00

Dear Steve Powers and family,

After feeling incredibly blessed at the end of my work day today with a sighting of the famous "Steve Powers blue mini car" then a quick chat with you to "try" and get caught up on our lives I feel that it is time for you to GET A BLOG! You and Sherry can keep us up to date so we don't have to wait for the sightings, Trader Joe visits, or Harbor House to get caught up! So, what will it take to GET YOU BLOGGING! Sherry could keep it updated, you could keep it updated and the mystery comments will actually have a name!

SO...what will take it take? We can have your family over for dinner and have a "set up a blog" lesson, though to be honest I am not the expert that is a Julie Hibbard, Josh Griffin job! I truly stink at the details!

So my Christmas wish....GET A BLOG! TODAY! NOT TOMORROW! TODAY!

Your friend,

Heather

PS. It was great to see you and I DIDN'T have the heart to tell Kelly since she couldn't be there...or maybe she could have IF her mother would have left work ON TIME, but then we would have missed the "little blue car" sighting! I can bet her Christmas wish would be to have a visit from her friend Steve Powers!

Sometimes the greatest gifts...are right where you left them

2007-12-05T21:49:00.001-08:00

THE CHRISTMAS STATION
Tonight we were invited to SIT and watch The Christmas Station at Saddleback(my place of employment). I say that because staying at my place of employment any later than I already do is something I try not to do these days in order to spend more time at home being a family. BUT...we took up the offer and decided to spend tonight with some of our great friends to hear a Christmas message I REALLY needed to hear.

The Christmas Station sent home a message that I truly needed to hear. First of all, the busyness of life can get away from the true meaning of this season. My best friend text me today and asked if we put up our tree yet and WHEN can we go shopping, go out to dinner and spend time as a families over the season. My first text response was...can we pospone Christmas till January, PLEASE! UGH...the calendar seemed to be filling up fast for December...BUT, now I am going to be careful about where we spend this holiday, who we spend it with and why we spend it together!

Like I said...or the statement I stole from the poster sponsoring this GREAT show..."Sometimes the greatest gifts...are right where you left them!" By the way...I will make LOTS of room for my best friend and her family this holiday! That's one gift I won't need to EVER take for granted!

PS. If you have an open night tomorrow night...GO SEE IT! It's $5 well spent! Also some of my great friends are in it...Leah Shafer, John Stearns, Bill O'Dell...to mention a few!
Tim Davis has his new CD out and he performs BEAUTIFULLY! BUY THIS CD...I promise you won't reqret it!
PSS. Rick Muchow sang "Gotta dance, it's Christmas" one of my favorites! This is to mention a few, everyone was amazing! OH AND THAT ADORABLE BABY...WOW!!!!

Another great conversation....Who is smoking more crack, her or me?

2007-12-04T21:17:00.000-08:00

Holly (17 years old): Can I go to a concert at Knott's Berry Farm on New Year's Eve?

Me: Are you smoking crack? (a good question considering I haven't seen her in 3 days! She was at a concert till 11pm last night too)!

Holly: No, can I?

Me: Are you insane?

Holly: NO, Why can't I?

Me: FOR ONE, you aren't driving there on New Year's, TWO, I AM NOT DRIVING YOU THERE, and THREE, YOU ARE NOT HANGING OUT AT KNOTT'S ON THE CRAZIEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR! (I am learning to let go quite a bit...but I draw SOME lines)!

Holly: Why not? What if I get other parents to say yes (meaning the boyfriends parents who are stricter than the Secret Service I encountered this weekend)?

Me: HA HA...NO! (yeah, like I would fall for the "but Suzie's parents said yes" game...ha ha)

Holly: I REALLY REALLY want to, I REALLY mean it!

Me: Ok, since you REALLY REALLY want to and you REALLY mean it...OK, NOT! What part of NO didn't you get....the N or the O? STILL NO, not budging, same answer...NO!

Holly: Gotta go (called from her phone, see we haven't seen her in 3 days and really about a week and a half because she has been SO busy)

Me: Ok, coming home anytime soon? (I think she missed that question when her pouting lip hit the off button)!

Serious Shopping DAY!

2007-12-04T21:02:00.000-08:00

Today I did some serious Christmas shopping...Kirklands, Costco, Home Goods, Barnes and Noble to name just a few! I left with a car full of "stuff!" Here is the fun and not so fun part...I got to shop with someone else's money, I got to buy BIG stuff...then the sad part! NONE OF IT WILL END UP UNDER MY TREE!

I was in charge of shopping for a project and did a GREAT job! It's over, the shopping with other people's money is done! Time to start shopping with my own money, I can guarantee the gifts won't be as big but they WILL be heartfelt and bought in love and picked with each person in mind! I can't wait...that makes it more fun! Never know whose name is on the list....better not pout, better not cry....

The last amazing 27 hours!

2007-12-03T17:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday David and I celebrated our 18th anniversary! (ps..I take horrible pictures, I am not worried like I look in the picture)! David booked us a room at the Grand California at Disneyland, a beautiful upgraded view room. He also made reservations at Steak House 55 for dinner but after walking over there to check it out before we got dressed to go we both decided that after a LONG week neither one of us wanted to do the "dress up" thing. We decided to have an early dinner at Tequila Jo's then walk around Downtown Disney before relaxing by the fire and Christmas tree at the hotel.
We had an amazing time ending with the end all of end alls...we have been searching, looking, and hunting for REAL Shave Ice Hawaiian style since we got home from Hawaii AND WE FOUND IT! Yes, I love being married for the last 18 years and couldn't image my life without David!

World Aid's Day

2007-12-03T17:02:00.000-08:00

Saturday was World Aid's Day...it was long but worth the time...it flew by! Outside the silly Secret Service men who by the way...had to search my platters of food delivered to the Pastor's Greenroom for Jenna Bush, it was worth every minute. We ALL were able to look outside our world and vow to make changes to the way people view AIDS/HIV.

There were fun things to see too....my good friend Dan (aka THE COOKIE MONSTER) is a Rider 4 Christ, he and his buddies entertained us with their amazing riding skills.

There was a attention brought to the cause.

There was bonding going on...a little too much, you decide!

Ending the night with baptisms by Rick.

Where was I 18 years ago tonight?

2007-12-01T18:59:00.000-08:00

18 years ago tonight I was kissing my fiance' goodnight for the last time as my fiance. The next day I spent the next day dressed in white, waiting to see my Mr. Right at the end of the aisle at St. Columbians Catholic Church in Garden Grove, Ca. AND BOY DID I!!!!

18 years ago tomorrow I married the MOST amazing man EVER! We have shared so many highs, lows and in between but most of all we are still in love and happily married. This man has fulfilled a life that I had NEVER thought possible for me! I have been blessed with a life of love, commitment and constant overwhelming hard work to make this work for us! He vowed to do that, even during the hard times! I have been blessed with 3 AMAZING WONDERFUL offspring of his!

My life is what it is today 18 years later because I am loved SO deeply by this amazing man....AND I LOVE HIM SO DEEPLY IT SEEMS ALMOST INDESCRIBABLE! I love who I am with him, I love who he is with me and I love that I am SO blessed to love someone this OVERWHELMING MUCH! It just doesn't seem possible...but it is and for all, I am THANKFUL!

Teaser.....

2007-12-01T07:44:00.000-08:00

Sorry Pete this one won't be long either but wanted to give a quick catch up and a fun Christmas idea!

This week has been exhausting and AMAZING! I have watched my teens realize that this life is NOT ABOUT THEM! Holly has worked the World Aids experience till 10pm every day with the exception of last night till midnight. She has realized that her selfish complaining ways are selfish and wants to help these kids and many others in Africa who need her and us to help them. Matt has worked his fanny off running for us, helping ANYONE who needs him and taken this conference VERY seriously. It makes my heart full! I have missed Kelly tremendously but she loves being up there in the midst of so many wonderful people who someday will teach her that this life we are so blessed with is about helping and serving others. David has worked a 10 hour day at Trader Joe's and come and helped me everyday for another 3 or 4 hours to make my job easier and this reason for the hard work a success.

I will be sad to have this HIV/AIDS conference come to an end because of the lessons learned but sleep is needed. I will read every inch of everything we have collected, I will listen to my children tell us what they have learned and how they are going to use this week in their lives. I pray we won't walk away and "forget" what we have learned and start taking advantage of our blessings and we will use this week to help someone somewhere. I pray that anyone who walked onto our campus will see that they are blessed in this life and can use their blessings to change the lives of others dispite being uncomfortable. The kids are begging to get up to the church so I will close for now BUT I am sure we have so much more to share when we get caught up in sleep!

Here is a GREAT Christmas gift idea for people like me who wash more towels than anyone because I don't WANT to know how they are used!

Can I have a movie wif Brian?

2007-11-26T10:03:00.000-08:00

Kelly comes into the kitchen at work yesterday and we engage in this conversation:

"Mom can I have a movie wif Brian?"

Me: "you want to go to a movie with Brian?"

Kelly: "no, can I have movie wif Brian?"

Me: "Brian has work to do, no you can't have a movie wif Brian."

Brian: "Um Heather, she wants to make SMOOTHIES with me."

Me: "Better get on the horn and call that speech teacher TOMORROW MORNING!"

Kelly: "well, can I?"

Yes, Kelly was born almost deaf! She has had a few surgeries to repair the damage and we were at 95% in one ear and 97% in the other. We were thrilled! Now, we realize she is going backwards quick, we have put in calls to our insurance to get the next round of speech started! I dread the next question she is going to ask that I am not going to understand or for that matter someone else won't understand!

HER FAVORITE PLACE TO WORK...FACILITIES AT SADDLEBACK! She works harder than ANY of those guys....HANDS DOWN!

Connections amongst busyness!

2007-11-25T21:00:00.000-08:00

It's been a SUPER BUSY BUSY weekend, it's been a weekend of connections, some amazing connections, some old friends, some visiting students, some new friends! There was weird day Wednesday, then there was Thanksgiving, THEN TONS of work to get done for the week ahead CRAZY BUSY!

We have also had some eye opening experiences having teens in our house. It seemed the days when I had 2 toddlers were hard, then having a colicky baby 8 years later were difficult....THEN THEY SPROUTED INTO TEEANAGERS! This is harder than the baby or toddler stages.

The best part is we have had so many moments to talk and make realizations that they are growing up. The week started out with some sad moments with each of them over a lost friendship, tears and realization that they truly lost someone that they cared for. I thought we would hear about it ALL week and all weekend but they were blessed with visits from old and new friends, my brother and everyday friends.

Tonight after a LONG talk with my daughter about another situation she had gotten herself into (nothing major but definitely EYE OPENING) she realized just how blessed she is RIGHT NOW and God hasn't left her, he has given her more! Last night I was able to crawl into bed with her and hold her (yes, at 17) as she cried herself to sleep, I tell you this not to embarass her but to let you know that sometimes needing mommy is still important just to get to the next day.

Tonight could have ended in disaster (really DISASTER) but we have spent their entire life teaching grace...and they showed GRACE for a situation that was out of their control WITHOUT us guiding them....WOW IT PAYS OFF TO BE CONNECTED PARENTS AND TEACH RELATIONAL SKILLS! When I start to question my parenting or the teaching of reaching out and relational skills to our children...they prove to us they GET IT!

While I think that this was a busy weekend...I am anticipating one of the BUSIEST weeks of my year! There are 4 weeks a year that are THIS busy...Easter, Christmas, Worship Conference and THIS WEEKS HIV/AIDS Conference! I am desperately looking for sitters for the 7 year old girl...who by the way LOVES movies and I am willing to PAY young, engaging, energetic students to take her! Really, I am not advertising...I am JUST SAYING if there happens to be a kid appropriate movie you are dying to see and need a 7 year old date...who pays...CALL ME (popcorn included)!

Sometimes they just touch your life....

2007-11-23T23:38:00.000-08:00

Tonight we had a few kids over for what started out as a "Poker Party" but no poker was played! Sometimes the holidays bring some of the kids home that just touch our lives and make us so excited to just stop and listen, catch up and share a few moments. Holly's friend Keean is one of those people, he is her best friend, he makes us ALL laugh, and he is truly a special friend to this family. He and a few other kids were here tonight and I just know that it was a "God-night!"

One of those people who truly touches my life with her visits is my friend Maribeth, she is a student this year at Biola and I just LOVE catching up with her! She makes me happy just to listen to her and what goes on in her ever growing life. I LOVE visits from Maribeth...I always will! SHE IS AN AMAZING WONDERFUL GOD LOVING YOUNG WOMAN! She is a blessing to our family, from talking to Holly about boys, congratulating Matt on his WONDERFUL grades, to playing a quick game with Kelly, she is just a breath of fresh air and love! THANKS MARIBETH FOR SHARING OUR NIGHT!

Today....

2007-11-22T20:19:00.000-08:00

was amazing! Thank you for ALL the Thanksgiving messages, calls and visits! We are SO SO SO blessed! I want to bottle it up and feel that way EVERY day and really I do but today it was GREAT to feel so much love for our friends and family! I loved watching my kids glow surrounded by the love they felt, I loved that my husband COOKED THE ENTIRE MEAL, cleaned and loved on all of us and made it ALL beautiful! I loved that my brother loved on his neices and nephew because he missed them and forgot how much they love him, he glowed too! I love that my friend Julie reminded us to be forgiving and live for today, not in the past, I love that there were hugs and real laughter in my living room, I love that the meal was amazing but the fellowship was even more amazing, I love that the day lasted SOOOO long (I wish it were longer), I love that we had an opportunity to love on so many people today, I love that there was SO much food that NO ONE went home hungry! SO, was today wonderful?????

It was AMAZING...I wish I could make it more clear...it was amazing! Hope ALL of you had the same kind of day...it should be bottled up and sold!

PS...I even got my Christmas cards addressed today! As soon as the pictures are ready...they will be in the mail despite the fact that I just read the right hand corner of the envelope and it says something about "more postage needed" you are ALL worth the extra stamp!

Thanksgiving...tomorrow...holidays...

2007-11-21T20:12:00.000-08:00

As tomorrow approaches quickly I have some hesitations, yet I also have that wonderful feeling of excitement in the air. I LOVE the holidays, I love that it gives us a chance to be thankful for ALL we have. I hesitate because I have a VERY diverse group of family and friends to enjoy it with. I being the "fixer" of the group worry about how everyone will deal with each other, my family can be difficult at best (meaning parents and brothers), friends who we have loved into this family Tonight as I lay in bed (and yes, I am STILL very sick...bummer) I want to pray, hope and try to remember the great things about 2007. Yes, I realize that we haven't hit January yet but I want these holidays to be the greatest for my kids, not materialistic great but filled with those around them that love on them like they deserve to be loved on and fill their hearts like we do! I have watched my kids fill their lives with love for others and I love that in them, it helps me remember that diverse as the holidays are for us, they are capable on filling their hearts with love for others. They see the good in those around us when we aren't as forgiving, they accept the diverse in people that we as adults mess up on so often, they love even when they don't receive the same, they are accepting of errors, mistakes and continue to want to fill their lives with the love of family and friends, I love this about them. So, I will see the holidays through their eyes and hearts, that's what makes the holidays SO wonderful for me! Through the eyes and hearts of children! Yes, I am THANKFUL for my family, friends and all that we have be blessed with!

Fuel...

2007-11-20T19:01:00.000-08:00

My kids are counting down the days till this BIG event! Join them...

Fuel (Worship Night) Watch the Expensive Video Promo!!!

Fuel
A Celebration of Purpose for Him
Saddleback Church
We are shooting a live DVD and recording a live CD and we would love for you to be a part of this!!!

FREE!!!
Monday Nov 26th
6:30pm-8:30pm
Tent 2 or also known as the poop tent. (There are 3 tents on campus and one of them is brown, hence the poop tent)

If you would like to also worship through painting please bring $5-$10 topay for supplies unless you bring our own.

Come with a prayerful heart of wanting to worship an incredible God. Please hear my heart in that, this is not just a concert to be impressed and be WOWed, its a chance to gather and worship through song and creative arts and WOW our God, because worship is not for us, but for Him who deserves WORSHIP!!!

If you watch this expensive video and your a part of HSM or WILDSIDE put this on your blog, myspace, facebook, send this video and link to your friends, and help promote this night!!!

Philipino LOVE
Taffy

This is why...I AM "Mother of the Year!"

2007-11-20T14:10:00.000-08:00

I am home sick as a dog in bed......

Matt calls home:
"mom, I am REALLY sick!"
Me:
"Ok, I will come get you."

An hour passes........

Matt calls home:

"mom, are you coming to get me?"
Me:
"I am on my way!"

CRAP...don't tell the kid the first time he called that I hung up and fell back to sleep in my feverish slumber!

YES....I did go get him and apologized profusly even trying to stop and get him soup at Soup Plantation, it wasn't open yet! CRAP...I failed this day!

Like Holiday magic...poof, I am back!

2007-11-17T00:41:00.000-08:00

I have heard from a few of you, even passing in the halls at work "why don't you blog anymore? Where have you been? Is everything alright?" I even heard from my friend Pete...thanks PETE!

SO...to answer those questions and a few more, here goes in a nutshell.

Everything is GREAT! Life is great as we get ready to go into a busy holiday season. Funny I was at the doctor one day (no worries) and he said "so are you getting ready to relax during the holidays?" I had to laugh and answer "no, my husband is in retail and I work for a church, NOT A CHANCE!" But, I am ready, excited and looking forward to the hustle and bustle. I just pray that I don't miss a moment with my family that I can never get back! I have bought a few gifts and look forward to actually making my shopping list and getting started. I have attended 2 Christmas parties, one being today in LA. This one was at one of our vendors who serves AMAZING desserts!
The kids are great. Holly and Nick are still going strong and we even accepted an invitation to go bowling and lunch with his entire family last Monday even though I tried to think of a million excuses to not go! David reminded me that again "it's not about me!" We ended up having a very nice day and then off to another party(just David and I) that night with another vendor of mine and this one was TOP of the TOP in food, atmosphere and entertainment! What a great night that was!

Matt is impressing us ALL OVER THE PLACE! He is almost an straight A student and loves school, getting up at 4:00am the last 3 Saturdays to go to work with David to help prepare the store for the holidays! His size 17 feet are driving me INSANE because he can't quite coordinate them but HEY if that is the least of my worries...I am STOKED!

We have Kelly's teacher conference on Monday....yeah, I get to sit and listen to a 300 year old lady tell me what she thinks Kelly knows! Yet, I am pretty sure she is deaf and has Alzheimer's! I know MEAN...but seriously people she is pushing 300!

I have purchased yet another new phone! It's another Treo but it's the 680 and I LOVE IT! NO, nothing is wrong with the old one but after the "time change glitch" I just didn't want to take another risk!

So, I know that doesn't tell you much but our days have been full or extremely quiet around here! I have tons of pictures from a few occasions but I am not sure posting them without the stories will help. Maybe I will back track and tell some stories this week...just maybe!

Oh...and I got pulled over by the NICEST COP EVER today! He didn't even give me a ticket (well, really he had NO REASON) but he was so kind when he figured out that he couldn't ticket me AND upon asking me where I was going because I was a little frazzled (yes, I almost cried not knowing what to do...I know BABY)! He seemed concerned that I was upset and didn't want me to drive far (this is a story for another day...just a teaser) I told him "Saddleback Church" and he smiled and told me to have a GREAT DAY! He was super super nice....the last time I got pulled over years ago for going 11 miles over the speed limit the cop was SUPER mean!

Holly went to homecoming...AND!

2007-11-04T13:39:00.000-08:00

Holly went to homecoming last night, she looked amazing, her boyfriend looked pretty good too...Here is one pic to prove it!

Let's see how long it takes her to blog about how "wonderful" and "ackward" her night was! HEHE! Trust me, we are NOT mad!

STUPID CELL PHONES!

2007-10-29T00:05:00.001-07:00

Last night Holly broke her cell phone (I am ALMOST sure it was on purpose, she hated that phone). David broke his probably the first week he had a phone and it hasn't worked the same since. So today we took a break from work to go get Holly and David cell phones. Now, we had insurance on David's phone and the deductible would be $40 and none on Holly's since it was the cheap free phone. Holly decided to buy herself this phone for a small fortune of $120.00.

David on the other hand decided that he doesn't want the same phone (which is what the insurance company would make him get) and he wants to wait until his contract is up or I find him a phone on Ebay. That's great BUT I can't find any good phones with the features he wants on Ebay for anything short of a small fortune! SO...here I am up late looking at phones for no reason except that I REALLY want him to have a good phone So I can talk to him!

Which phone do I buy????? I have NO idea and he doesn't want a PDA or Smartphone, don't even go there, he just figured out how to text!

Disneyland or Mountains?

2007-10-27T21:57:00.000-07:00

-VS-

This is the before picture...do you think it still looks like this? Wish we knew?

We were planning on taking the kids to Disneyland this coming Monday as a surprise. We have been promising Kelly to go forever since she doesn't remember going with us when we were proud owners of passes. Proud, did I say that....remember I am not fond of roller coasters, rides or anything that leaves the ground for that matter. Not a huge fan of crowds either. But, I promised to give her a day to experience the "Magic!"
Now, with the fires and the possibility of losing our cabin we are not sure we really want to do the Disneyland thing and David is chomping at the bit to get up the mountain. Either one just doesn't sound like fun but choosing is coming sooner than later.
I am thinking a day at a Spa....sounds great! Was that one of the choices?

Here we go again....

2007-10-26T08:10:00.000-07:00

Holly has done the "boyfriend" thing before. We weren't crazy about the idea, not so crazy about the boy either. We were pleased (don't tell her) when that "relationship" found it's way to being OVER! She even stated that she loved being single (she's 17...ha) and we were definitely OK with that!
Then she met another boy, she has actually known him for about a year. Super nice boy, sweet, kind, polite, all the things we didn't get with the "last" boy. They both have hearts in the same place for ministry, for God, and they both seem to have lots in common. When he asked her to homecoming, she was so excited and didn't stop giggling for a day.
Yesterday I came home early because they were out of school, my back was out and just wanted to be with them.
I pulled into the garage to see "the new boy," Holly, Kelly and Kelly's little friend standing on the front porch behind a mass of teal balloons (which is the color they have chosen for homecoming). I was on the phone with a friend and quickly told him that I needed to hang up and see what was going on. Turns out this was a huge bouquet of balloons used to ask Holly if she would be "his girl!" He even got my neighbor Brian to help him get Holly outside to ask her since the HUGE bouquet wouldn't quite make it to the door without popping! (it is now MUCH smaller because of this very reason)!
So...here we go again...Holly has a "new boy" in her life and we really like this one, but then again they are both 17 and looking to go away to school...so how long with this last? Doesn't matter, it's still VERY cute!

PS. I tried to take pics with my phone but they won't send to my email and David had the camera! SORRY!

THANK YOU'S ARE IN ORDER!

2007-10-25T19:39:00.000-07:00

We just want to say "THANK YOU" to ALL those who have called, text, commented, emailed, etc about our cabin! Thank you for your prayers, support and offers to help! Amazing all our friends are! We are SO appreciative! I can't wait to send pictures of a cabin still standing (ok, hopeful thinking) or even an empty lot to all those who have prayed for us including the pastors at our church! We are feeling the support and still walking around with smiles on ALL our faces! THANKS FROM THE DEEPEST PARTS OF OUR FAMILIES HEARTS!

PS...I will blog about Holly's happiness soon! SO CUTE!

Update...what we know and don't know....

2007-10-25T14:23:00.000-07:00

The update on our cabin is we are PRETTY sure we don't have one anymore. The fire ran through our town not once but twice! IF we were spared it would be a miracle! We aren't really talking about it much until we can make it up there. We had plans to take the kids to Disneyland on Monday but it's looking like we are making a trip up the mountain to shed some tears, go through the rubble and take care of business. I dread the tears my husband and kids will shed. They will shed them for the memories for the thankfulness we are ALL rejoicing in knowing that we weren't there during these fires. We will shed tears for the people who have truly lost their residences and places they live year round. It's sad, no doubt but TRULY we have SO much to be thankful for! We are here, we love each other like no one can imagine, we need to be together to hold this time of thankfulness. We are thankful for our friends and those who have prayed with us and for us, we are thankful for the people who have walked beside us and just shared a moment of understanding with us. We are just truly THANKFUL!
We were lucky to have our kids home from school today (thank you district for making that decision)! My kids played, worked for the firefighters, Holly was delivered a bouquet of balloons from someone who is thankful for her, it's been a great day to rejoice in being a family!
So, that is ALl we know now! We continue to pray and walk beside the firefighters, the people who have been evacuated, the people who are taking the time out of their busy and filled lives to help others when it would be easy to continue their lives and ignore what is going on! It's been a GREAT life lesson for ALL of our kids!

We have been affected...we think?

2007-10-23T16:11:00.000-07:00

It happened...we are ALMOST sure that our cabin in Arrowbear is no longer standing. I waver back and forth today between being OK with it and being really sad for my kids and husband. I can't say it's been my favorite place to go, but we have SO many memories of my kids there. It's been a LOT of work for me but again A LOT of memories.
We won't know for sure if it stands until we can actually get in our car and drive up the hill but right now that isn't happening. As of now, we wait and try to explain to our children how thankful we are for the memories and that we weren't there and locked in a firestorm.
It made me think about what I am thankful for and what I would take if it were my home here. I am SO thankful for the memories, too many to tell, the growth my kids gained in confidence in skiing, snowball throwing, and cuddles by the fire.The memories of many, many friends joining us there for some great fellowship and fun! I wouldn't TAKE ANYTHING from there except the memories.
From our home here...I would take the pictures of my wedding, and my kids! That's it. David would take the important papers...thank GOD for a man who can think straight as my heart is heavy, sad and thankful ALL AT THE SAME TIME!

WORK just got a little more exciting!

2007-10-21T20:09:00.000-07:00

One minute it was quiet, (if that is what you call sitting at my desk in the facility office)! The next we see this and chaos erupts...boys LOVE fire! Why, I don't know but for the next 2 hours it's been the talk of the night...so here is what my REALLY bad Treo camera wants to share with you:

These were taken from the new Pedestrian Bridge at Saddleback Church at 6:28pm tonight!

Then what I really realized is FIRE makes BOYS (and MEN) really hungry! We had an array of visitors come visit us in the kitchen (some of which we were super happy to see...Randy, Josh G (and friend Larry), Holly's new "friend", and many many more! I think the threaten of evacuation and not being able to have a meal scares them! Funny NO girls came a running, just the boys! David and I happily fed them and gave them PLENTY of drinks as not to dehydrate tonight! They left VERY HAPPY!

So, IF you need a place to camp out tonight...you know where to find us! In the meantime pray for our friends who may be out of their homes for real tonight!

New Target

2007-10-17T16:26:00.000-07:00

Today I had exactly 52 minutes to spare before I had to start picking up kids from school, so what better way to spend it but cruising the new Target in Mission Viejo. It's SUPER nice don't get me wrong. The aisle's and products are faced and looking forward, neat and organized, Starbucks/Pizza Hut area is clean with no straw wrappers lying around and the staff actually smiled (wonder if they are paying more than the other Targets). I seriously thought that Santa would be working at each register (oh yeah, he works at the Huntington Beach store).
So, you are wondering what could I possibly have to complain about, it sounds amazing RIGHT?!?! WRONG...there were NO clearance racks! I LOVE Target clearance, where else can you get the same detergent on clearance that they are selling on the regular shelf with a different label (meaning color change)? I can spend a WHOLE day just browsing clearance aisle's at Target and come home with a brand new candle, fabric softner, and other things I really don't need! I realize it's a new store so where would the clearance come from....make some, it makes me happy! I almost left just to go to another Target but then the clock told me I only had 11 minutes to spare!

PS. If they don't have clearance racks where will I buy Brent's Christmas gift? I got it....Walmart Clearance!

Time has flown, yet stopped in a breath!

2007-10-16T13:07:00.000-07:00

At the end of this month Kristi (for those of you who don't know, she was one of my best friends' who died) would have been 36. 4 years ago she was taken from us, we were given 5 short months to say good-bye. I think about her quite often, not as much as before I regret to admit. Every year on the anniversary of her death and her birthday I think of how I can remember her in a new and special way. Another drive to the cemetary, another walk on that path and bridge leading up to her site, gives way to wishing that I shouldn't have to be making this walk. It's not fair, runs through my thoughts, though I know God had a plan and this was it.

The road of grief is a funny thing … no matter how far out you are from loss, little memories or moments come up and bite you in every now and then. What I feel now is not what I felt then.

So, as her birthday approaches I will try to not get caught up in the grief, I will surround myself with family and friends who are still here living and breathing and loving on our family even though they don't understand the missing piece. I will smile because I have SO much to be thankful for and I will reflect on what Kristi left behind when she touched our lives (all 30 years of touches)!