Holidays

Every year I think the holidays will be different. I anticipate some bumps in the road, but I think that my family will all magically get along, I will feel the love from my hubby’s family, and there will be peace on earth. You would think that after 34 years on earth I would know better. As soon as Thanksgiving hits, the family goes into panic mode. “Oh my gosh! What do I get Chris?” or “I don’t want to have to deal with ______,” are common remarks. I often feel like I’m pulled in different directions and expected to answer perfectly to everyone’s questions. Well I’m sorry to say that God did not give me the gift of perfection. He did however arrange for me to become irritable and want to take a vacation, no family, no friends, just my hubby and me. Do you ever feel that Christmas has become about the gifts? My husband and I have talks about how materialistic our society has become and how it increases my disappoint in the holidays each year. I remember looking back now, how Christmas used to be fun and exciting. We got to spend time with all of our family and I always enjoyed seeing the joy in people’s eyes when they got a special gift. What happened to the times when a homemade gift brought a tear to someone’s eye because it was so special? Or how watching a child experience the joy of the season made you feel warm inside? This holiday season take some time for yourself and don’t let the hustle and bustle of the season overwhelm you. Spend time remembering a happy holiday moment and try to hold on to that feeling. If all else fails, flee with incredible speed to an undisclosed location! Happy Holidays!

Last Minute Presents

It's that time of the year when we hustle to buy or finish making those last minute presents. This year I got most of my holiday making and shopping done early. I did however have a last minute idea to finish a present for my sister that is 10 years in the making. It has been quite an undertaking and the added stress that it must be done by Thursday this week. Although it has been a major project, the excitement grows when I see what I have accomplished. I will be sure to share once the holiday has passed. How are your last minute plans coming along?

Las Vegas Weekend

Chris and I had a nice "free" weekend in Vegas last weekend. I have only been to Vegas twice before. One time I never went to the strip. The second time Chris and I drove the strip, but stayed at Hard Rock Hotel. We took a minor detail during the day to Caesar's Palace, but that was all I had ever experienced. On our weekend we stayed at the Silverton Hotel and Casino. We walked a quaint shopping strip in Henderson, saw the "old strip" - Fremont Street Experience, and visited Ava in Binions. Let me just say that the updates that Ava and Carlos are doing at Binions are going to be amazing. I can't wait to go back when it is done. (I can't believe I actually want to go to Vegas since I don't gamble.) Anyway, a good time was had by all until our drive home. It took 7 hours because there were 4 different accidents along the way home where cars had driven off the freeway and flipped about 20 yards from the road. Scary! If that doesn't tell you to drive safe I don't know what will!

Missing You

It has not even been a week yet and I already miss my classes. I wish my 8th graders all the best in their high school endeavors. I'm going to miss their fun and playful natures. It was truly a great year!

February Catch-Up!

Jenn's Favorite Flower - Daffodil

Daddy, are you really going to leave me here?

Anakin's Sled Ride

Ethan and Troy and Snow Day

Leia at Snow Day

San Clemente Sunset

Chris watching the Metro in San Clemente

Jenn enjoying the swings in San Clemente

Chris in Newport Beach

Hunter having a pitcher of beer for Jenn's B-day!

Day 29

Making a plan to get myself, the house and my classroom organized...

Day 28

Who would have thought that the helmet would fit?

Day 27

What a cutie!

Day 26

And I thought gas prices were low??? I guess we're on the upswing.

Day 25

Now that the clothing fits again, I have no excuse not to get out and get in shape. Riding here I come!!!

Day 24

The first "original" band reunites. After 28 years, the "original" band got back together for a show. If you did not make it to Strings Music on Saturday morning, you missed the event of a lifetime. The magic that took place cannot be described in words. It was an experience to remember.

It was Evelyn Burgan's 90th B-day and the family and close friends got together to celebrate.

Caught Up

Dyson in One of His Favorite Places

My Classroom After the Holiday Break

One of My Hobbies

Anakin on the Playground of the New Apartment

Anakin Fixing the New Apartment

Troy and Ethan

Catching Up

Today I finally had a moment to breathe. We are at the end of the 1st semester at school and I will be adding photos again this week. Sorry for the interruption in photo journaling.

Day 7

Anakin is loving the new refrigerator. It has handles that he can reach. He has taken to helping himself to anything inside. It is quite a riot.

Day 6

We went to see the Roberts new pad. What an incredible place! They have a 3 bedroom, 2 bath apartment with access to a pool, BBQ area, and a kid's play area. It is fantastic! Of course it needed a few things repaired by the resident carpenter, Anakin.

Day 5

Chris and I started back to school on January 5th. Although it is work and a lot of it, we really enjoy it. We wouldn't trade teaching for the world.

Day 4

Aunt Jem and Uncle Chris got the opportunity to babysit Hunter this evening. As I was sitting there watching Hunter sleep I saw just how tiny his little hands are. I think we often forget to remember how delicate life can be and just live for the moment.

Day 3

Chris and I stayed up late last night talking with a friend. That is when the craving hit. Donuts from the famous "Donut Man." So we made a trip down to Route 66 for donuts and chocolate milk. It was too late to post last night so I'm doing so now.

Day 2

Today Chris and I stopped by to see the McKinney Family and snapped this adorable photo of Hunter (6 weeks old).

Happy New Year

A cousin in Arkansas started a blog that would be her photographic journal for the new year. The challenge was to post a photo a day for the entire year. I thought it was such a cool idea that I decided to use this blog to do that myself. Starting the new year off just right, Chris and I spent the day visiting with a good friend, Ron, who happens to be home from Germany for a short time. He will be headed back in no time to spend another year in Germany. We've really missed him. Today was spent catching up on the last year. E-mail and telephone calls just can't beat a little face to face time.