Our Messy, Beautiful Life

Uh-Oh... Blog full!

2010-06-21T18:42:00.001-07:00

Our blog is full.

No more photos allowed.

I am going to start a new one here.

www.ourmessybeautifullife.blogspot.com

See you there!

Double Piercing

2010-06-21T18:37:00.000-07:00

Miss M has been waiting for - according to her - a BILLION YEARS to get her 2nd piercing in her ears. Since her first one was when she was 2 months old, it was the first one she got to be a part of. She wanted one last year and we made her wait. She thought she was getting it for her 14th birthday, but we made her wait 'til 8th grade graduation (much to her anger and frustration - Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!)

But that long anticipated day finally arrived!!!!!

She got them done and she will now have them for her graduation in 2 days! (Happy girl!)

These photos were taken RIGHT after soccer training, so she looks a little red & sweaty, but, you get the picture!

Happy Father's Day 2010

2010-06-21T18:15:00.000-07:00

This was an slightly unusual Father's Day this year.

It was especially fun to have just spent 5 days in Vancouver commemorating a special time in my OWN father's (Grampie's) life as President of MDRT with the father of my children! So I felt like we had just HAD a 5 day great Father's Day!!!

But Father's Day Sunday was unusual because the "B" kids had spent the night and were with us to celebrate. It was FUN, but definitely a different morning than we are used to... with Deevs, Miss M, Jade, and the "B" kids, we had a FULL HOUSE!

I made pancakes at the request of the "B" kids (that sounded like a fitting Father's Day breakfast!). When D woke up he tended to Miss M's stitches for a wound the cause of which shall remain nameless (rhymes with "mort memoval").

After that, it was PRESENT time. Miss M and Deevs - with the help of the "B" kids - carried in the gifts from the car and presented them to Dad (Uncle Darren). He got an antigravity chair and a watch to add to his collection.

Jade came over and played with the kids for a while (that was fun for them... THANKS Jade). Then Mr. B came and took the kids home to celebrate Father's Day with them - I think they were building a snake enclosure for the baby snake they found.

And we headed off to the beach.

It was a bit hazy down there, but still a lovely day. It was just us, minus Lando (Alaska) and Sara (work). Deevs and Miss M went for a run up to the pier and ended up leavin together a little earlier than us - they had to study for finals. We stayed later with the 2 of us and Jade... we were all reading our books. We headed back around 6:00. A very relaxing & lazy day.

We went to G&G's for dinner (Las Golandrinas) to celebrate Grampie's fatherness. We got him Glenn Beck's new novel "The Overton Window" and Season 1 of "Chuck". We hung out for a while then headed home.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, FATHERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Au Revoir Vancouver

2010-06-18T17:47:00.000-07:00

After seeing Todd off, D and I went back to the hotel to say goodbye to Grampie since he was heading over to MDRT (Jade & Elle went too). Then we had over an hour to go see Stanley Park. Which is the big park on a peninsula attached to Vancouver... kind of like Central Park, but not right in the middle of the city.

We drove through the whole park, getting out at various points, like the totem poles and the lookout point.

We briefly drove through China Town which has (sadly) become a seedier part of town, it looked like Meth Central. It looked like it was once kind of cute... but apparently, even most of the Chinese restaurants have left the area.

Then we met up with everyone else and tried to grab lunch real quick, but were kept waiting a LONG time for a table and for our food. We stuffed the food in our faces then dashed back to the hotel to pack and get to the airport.

We turned in the rental car and check our bags.

We went through customs IN Canada (which, when they were finished they said "Welcome to America" and they said it was like an embassy or consulate).

We got onto the plane and flew from Vancouver to San Francisco.
We had a 2 hour lay-over in San Francisco and at a little food court.
Back in America, Elle could finally use her phone!!!

Jade rode back & forth on the moving walkway talking to Sar... he could finally use his phone too!

2 hours later at 10:45PM, we were back at home, safe and sound.

What a great family trip. I wish EVERYONE had been able to go, but it was awesome to be with all the siblings and to celebrate Grampie being the PRESIDENT of MDRT!!!!!
Thanks Grampie & Grammie for a BLESSING of a trip!!

Bye Todd

2010-06-18T17:05:00.000-07:00

Grampie had to say good bye to Todd the night before (at the suite, having pizza and watching Alice in Wonderland, because he was at MDRT all day the next day).

The rest of us got to say goodbye the next morning after breakfast.

Silly one (who is the big brother, who is the little brother?)

Real one

So hard and sad to say good bye, but happily, we get to see him in August for the wedding - and this time with the whole CLAN!!!

Vancouver Day 4

2010-06-16T09:31:00.000-07:00

Up early this morning. We had to drive 30 minutes from Vancouver the city to the Tsawwassen ferry which we boarded with our car and rode 1 1/2 hours to Vancouver island (not to be confused with Vancouver the city which is not on Vancouver Island - WHY is Vancouver not on Vancouver island??? And WHY is Vancouver the city not the capital of British Columbia instead of Victoria, which is on an island and not the mainland? So many questions!!!!) It was Grammie, me, D, Todd, Drew, and Elle (Grampie & Jade could not go because they were at MDRT all day, working - we missed them!)

The ferry ride was long but beautiful. The scenery was GORGEOUS! Of course, it was tough to appreciate it a lot because it was POURING and quite chilly!

On the ferry in the rain

We got off the ferry and had a 30 minute drive to Butchart Gardens (pronounced Boo-shart, but which will forever be known as Butt-Chart by our classy family!). We paid a king's ransom (highway robbery) to get into the gardens, but since that was what we were THERE for, we had no choice.

It was rainy and cold and fairly miserable. It was kind of hard to maneuver on the tiny, narrow paths when everyone has massive umbrellas. Eventually, thankfully, the sun came out! We were SO thankful as we collapsed our umbrellas and took off our jackets.

The gardens were BEAUTIFUL!!!! They were formed in what was originally a quarry that was finished being dug and had left a huge, ugly hole of scarred earth... the wife (Jennie Butchart) of the man who owned the quarry decided not to leave it that way and planted the lovely sunken garden in the former quarry. This was QUITE an undertaking and top soil had to be brought on and landscape experts brought in. This was just the beginning though... it is now HUGE and much larger than just the original quarry. Mrs. But-Chart would be SO proud!!!! She could have had NO IDEA it she was creating something SO spectacular that would be such a delight for CENTURIES after her!!!

The original sunken garden where the Quarry once was

Showing Grammie the camera

Off to the races

Mary Poppins-esque

Um... yeah... creepiest carousel animals...

Rose (roseless) arches

Cove

In the Japanese Garden

Even though SOME of our party members grumbled a little bit about having to spend a couple hours looking at FLOWERS, they were all good sports and we had a GREAT time with the family. The flowers were truly AMAZING and I am so glad we went!

The whole gang

Gelato

After the gardens, we went down to Victoria (30 minutes) where we had Noodle Box (which I will be Yelping at 2 stars). We looked briefly at the water front and popped into the famous Empress Hotel then scurried back to the car to make it back for the 5:00 ferry.

British Columbia's Parliament Building in Victoria

The Empress Hotel - a courtyard

One of the entrances of The Empress Hotel - Victoria

We made it in plenty of time and had to kill an hour+ in line waiting for the ferry to arrive. I started chatting with a woman while we were waiting in line who lived on the island and was an "aboriginal". The term "Indian" is seen as derogatory and she wasn't really even into "Native Canadian"... it was aboriginal. And we are "non-aboriginals". She works for an organization that kind of represents all "First Nation" tribes ("tribes" is still OK) and tried to build bridges between their people and ours and their culture and ours. They get government grants from the Canadian government to do that.

We finally boarded the ferry at about 5:15 - we were impressed to learn they can hold 450 cars.

These things were MASSIVE. They had a restaurant, a walk up food "bar" and a private lounge. The seats were fairly comfortable & cushioned and there were TVs and even a little play area for kids.

night-night

We rode back, this time in the sunshine. It was SOOOO pretty. I would never get tired of looking out at the sea and all the green trees. As I think I mentioned in a previous post, it stays light out until after 10:30PM, so we were sailing in broad daylight.

I wanna LIVE right there

We got back to Vancouver and went to the Royal Suite and ordered Pizza, Wings and Salad and just ate in while Todd hooked up his computed and played the new "Alice and Wonderland". I pooped out early though and headed back to out hotel to check emails and hit the hay.

Vancouver Day 3

2010-06-14T23:19:00.000-07:00

Today started early. Todd & Jade had to be over at the MDRT prayer breakfast at 6AM... Elle and I had to be at rehearsal at 7AM. We actually didn't "rehearse" until 7:55... and the first (Welcome) main platform session was at 8AM.

Because Grampie was being acknowledged as President of MDRT, they had a little "ceremony". There were some Canadian First Nation people there (I HOPE to get photos to add later) and they did a dance and blessing in their native language which Ellen & I translated. (Someone thought we actually KNEW the language - hahaha! - Nope, it was a teleprompter!)

After we were seated (after our 30 seconds of fame), all the flags of all the countries represented at MDRT were paraded through... this was pretty awesome!

Grampie was on the stage a lot introducing people - and he also gave a good talk!

We watched several speakers.

John "Gucci" Foley formerly of the Blue Angels

and Marla Shapiro (Canada's "Dr. Oz") and one of Canada's "Most Beautiful People" and Cancer Survivor (she prefers "thriver").

and also the founder of Playing For Change (mute the blog music to listen to the video).

After the session, it was a MAD HOUSE!!!!!!!!! Grampie was a ROCK STAR!!!!! People CROWDED around him and everyone wanted his picture. It was hysterical!!!! What was even FUNNIER was that they wanted photos of US becuase we were his children... and many of them did not speak English, so they just grabbed you and thrust you where they wanted you to be.

When we finally broke free of our fans, we went to lunch.

and walked around Robson street. We found a yummy little grill and a cupcake shop (Todd was the only one who got a cupcake - Lemon).
Then we went back to the room and CRASHED!!!! (I think I slept for 2 hours.) D watched TV and did computer.
Then Indian food as a family after... Salaam Bombay (I am going to Yelp it 4 stars).

Vancouver Day 2

2010-06-14T22:44:00.000-07:00

After a lovely breakfast where Drew and I discovered we were dressed like twins (he went back and changed - Haha!),

Todd herded us all to church. I think we thought it was a much shorter walk that it turned out to be... over 3 miles... which was long for some of the non-walkers in the bunch. We eventually made it, a little late, but still in time for some of the singing (which was all familiar, so that was fun). We misunderstood and thought Grammie didn't want to go, but she did... so she took a cab and met us there.

walking to church

still walking to church

church

After church we found the subway ("sky" train - WTH???) and took it back to our hotel and got our car.

We then drove to Granville "Island" (which is really a peninsula). This was a very touristy area. The public market was crowded and fun and the produce looked AWESOME! (Todd's pear was YUMMY, Darren's apple was not.) The food stalls LOOKED great but were NOT. Grammie's lemon chicken was greasy and gross, the fried oysters had not been cleaned (gag!), my pierogies were decent but the cabbage roll was not good, Darren's smoothie was tasty. Brave eater that we are, we all gave it another shot with raspberry tarts which were quite good.

Everyone else headed back but D and I took the rental mini-van and went to look for Nature. We left Vancouver and headed into the mountains. We passed Capilano Suspension bridge (thinking we would come back another time, but it doesn't look like we will make it). We went up to Grouse Mountain. We took the Ariel Tramway (gondola) up

then hiked around a bit (there was a Grizzly Bear enclosure - see him in the back there??).

Then we took a chairlift up even higher up. It was really neat to be able to get a view of Vancouver from way up there and to see the lay of the land... it helped to understand the city so much more.

After we came down the mountain, we were still able to make it (albeit a little late) to dinner with the Fam at G&G's hotel.

Oh Canadia!!!! (Eh)

2010-06-12T23:19:00.000-07:00

We made it.

Our day started at 5:30AM.

Jade & Elle met us at our house and we headed to John Wayne. (I woke Lando up and hugged him and kissed him since we will not see him for SIX AND A HALF WEEKS while he is in Alaska!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - he was heading up a few days early to Seattle for a short visit with friends. I already got a text saying "Mom. I. Am. Moving. To. Seattle."... UGH!!!!!!!!!)

We flew to Vancouver via San Francisco.

The Vancouver airport was lovely.

Customs was effortless for us (not for Todd, when he arrived several hours later and got pulled out for extra interrogation - after already having a delayed flight and missing his connection in Chicago!! - Poor Guy! :(

We were met by Grammie & Drew at the airport and they already had the rental car all handled. We went back to G&G's hotel and said "hi" to President Grampie, the MDRT Rock Star who was just hanging out it the Royal Suite with a spectacular terrace with breathtaking view!

Can you see the GRASS on the whole roof of the building behind us?

And you can tell, but this is all RIGHT on the water

Twins?

We went to our hotel, a couple blocks away, and checked in. Then we FINALLY got lunch (at 4:00). Grammie, Jade, and Elle took off to get Todd at the airport (and wait for his cavity search to finish - haha).
They finally got back to the suite.
Then dinner with the whole clan!!!!! (We missed you, 2 Saras!)
It was almost 10:00PM by the time we headed back to the hotel and it wasn't even completely dark yet... sunset is at like 9:30 or something.

Can't wait to see the city tomorrow!

Night Night!

More Closet Continuation

2010-06-05T13:24:00.000-07:00

Wow! The closet has made progress.

You saw Lando & D working to close in the HUGE window in what was once Maddie's room.

You saw the room begin to get framed in.

You saw the door get punched through,

Since that time, D put up all the the drywall, hung the door, textured, and painted,
He rewired the electricity, moved the light switch and added a new overhead light (a little bit of a retro feel :)

We finally decided that we could get what we wanted for a price we could live with at Ikea. We are not huge fans of Ikea over all, but their "Pax" closet system fit the bill well enough for what we were doing. We were quite happy with our choices & design.

The night the cabinets finally arrived, Jade & Sara came over and Jade worked with his dad for 4 hours, sweating and being manly... They put together all the big "boxes" (frames) for the closet. They put them together in out bedroom, then slid them out into the main room and the hall, then had to bring them all back in, one x one and bring them into the tiny closet and stand them up and put them in where our design placed them.

I CAN'T BELIEVE I DIDN'T GET ANY PICTURES!!!

But here is a photos of their handy work, the next morning:

The next morning, Deevs got home from spending the night at his friend's house and jumped in to work (trying to earn money to put toward a "fixie" bike) to assemble and install drawers and shelving and hanging rods, and baskets.

Lando's Alaska Prep

2010-06-03T15:25:00.000-07:00

Lando got some of his waterproof gear for fish gutting in Alaska.

Sexy!

He leaves in 2 weeks.

Random Daughter

2010-06-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

These are just 2 photos Miss M took of herself.

Silly.

Babes In Arms

2010-05-30T20:40:00.000-07:00

Miss M's 8th grade Theater Production class did "Babes In Arms" this year. She was very disappointed to get such a small roll and we were sad for her. She did GREAT with her 7 lines though and - as you can see from her facial expressions - she mad the most of her time on stage.

This was the end to 2 years and 4 productions in Theater. She doesn't think she will do theater in High School, so this is the end of an era.

Miss M as Nancy

Taking a bow

A Very Lovely Story

2010-05-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

One day,

long, long ago...

there lived a wonderful woman who

did not whine or

nag or

complain.

But that was a long time ago,

- and -

it was just that one day.

THE END.

22 Years~

2010-05-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

Twenty two years ago D and I said "I do" to each other.

We said we would (in sickness and in health).

We said we would (in richer and poorer).

We said we would (for better or for worse).

We said we would (as long as we both lived).

When you are young and in love, this seems like it would be an effortless task.

As in:

The Pastor asks - "Will you take D for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, in richer and poorer, as long as you both shall live?"

To which I answer "DUH!" or "No problem" or something equally blithe.

But 22 years gives you both a ton of large doses of reality and a LOT of perspective.

Sickness, poorer, and worse - for life is a long and hard proposition... Sooooooooooooo much longer and harder than you could EVER help a young engaged couple to understand.

And yet...

And yet.

The health, better, and richer parts... a lot deeper and fuller than you could EVER help a young engaged couple to understand.

SO worth it.

And you only get those if you hang in there through the sickness, poorer, and worse parts.

But would you choose it all, if you knew the whole picture in advance???

HAHA.

I think maybe that's part of the reason God doesn't let us know much in advance?...

Would you have kids if you knew all the possible fear, heartache, tears, and pain (even with the promise of joy, passionate adoration, giggles, and love)?

Would you have friends if you knew all the possible losses, hurts, betrayals, moves, abandonments, fights?

Would you drive a car if you knew you could crash?

I don't know why the answer is yes, but it seems to be.

For most of humanity, most of the time, the answer is a resounding yes.

I think it is (at least partly) because we were built - created - to HOPE. We were designed by God for connection and LIFE (full and abundant) and to want the best, long for the best, believe the best, hope for the best... even though sometimes it makes no sense.

And to love and to be loved... is there really anything better to take a risk for? (Although I think, in the end, I am GLAD I didn't know in advance all that I was choosing... but I wouldn't UNchoose it :)

Let me cease waxing philosophical and say that in celebration of these 22 years of sickness, health, richer, poorer, better and worse, D & I spent a few nights in the Desert - just the 2 of us (thanks Jesses!).

We went to Palm Springs for the day on Sunday... It was (strangely) gray & rainy.

We hiked out Tahquitz Canyon to the waterfall.

We brought a little picnic and enjoyed it in the sunshine on a rock with a perfect view of the crashing falls. It could NOT have been any prettier!

For those that ever want to go:

It is in Palm Springs. (Exit the 10 and head into town. Get over onto Palm Canyon Dr. - the "main drag" - When it bends, keep going straight. Turn right on Mesquite. The visitor's center is up ahead and you park in their lot.)

You HAVE to pay their admission price of $12.50 for adults and $6.00 for kids for a wrist band (or you are trespassing).

It is a 2 mile hike that they consider "moderate" - we saw people with toddlers & kids on the hike and we saw a couple grandmothers.

It is a loop (if done correctly - although many just hiked the same trail up & back).

The waterfall is seasonal so, do not wait too long in the summer to go out there (it will depend on how much rain there has been that winter).

In the summer, it sounds like the are closed Monday - Thursday.

Hiking toward falls, by streeam

At the falls (cell phone camera)

After the hike, we drove to 3 mid-century modern Inns/hotels in town.

We got out of the car and looked around all 3 and they even took us in and showed us a room or two - AWESOME!

Orbit In

Del Marcos

Movie Colony Hotel

Then after that, we drove through one of the MANY mid century modern neighborhoods just to appreciate the architecture.

We ate at a crappy mexican restaurant on the strip (Maracas - avoid it. Yes, I already wrote my Yelp review) then headed back to Rancho Mirage and saw "Robin Hood" at The River.

The next day was POOL day all day then dinner at the Yard House.

Tuesday was pool for a few hours before driving home (with 1/2 hour stopover at Cabazon outlets) to sad, sick and mopey kids :(

It was a relaxing - if too short - weekend. (THANKS Grammie & Grampie for watching the kids.)

❤ ❤ ❤ⓗⓐⓟⓟⓨ~ⓜⓞⓣⓗⓔⓡⓢ~ⓓⓐⓨ❤ ❤ ❤ PART 2

2010-05-09T21:03:00.001-07:00

We had a lovely family day.

After receiving the BEST gift EVER (see my video in the post below!!!!), D & I went out to bagels for breakfast. We came home and relaxed a while.

Then we met the rest of the family (Grampie, Grammie, Elle, Drew, and even Jade's friend, Kyle - but not Sar because she had to work :( at the movie theater for IRON MAN 2.

Then we went to Islands for dinner. FUN - as always!

After that, to Cherry on Top for frozen yogurt (thankfully, they had caramel mocha with heath bar topping for Grammie - YAY!).

Grammie opening her Brighton nightlight.

Grammie in her favorite spot she created to eat her yogurt!

Grammie obsessed with Titanic :)

Then they all stopped by our house to see how the closet is coming along (I LOVE to show it off).

Then everyone quickly dispersed. Lando headed back to school, Jade took Sara out for a date, Elle headed home, G&G also went home (Grampie just got back from Thailand and is BEAT).

All in all an enjoyable and love and family filled day.

And now it's REAL people, because I blogged about it!... so you can relax, it actually happened!

❤ ❤ ❤ⓗⓐⓟⓟⓨ~ⓜⓞⓣⓗⓔⓡⓢ~ⓓⓐⓨ❤ ❤ ❤

2010-05-09T09:31:00.001-07:00

What a special gift I got this year!

In addition to a custom website from JADE, I also got personalized messages from each of the kids and D.

Then they put together this spectacular video.

(Yes, you BET I got teary!)

While I spent the day lounging at the pool with my friends (ahhhhh), they were secretly putting this little gem together.

Jade & Lando wrote the custom lyrics - FUNNY!!!!

Deevs & Lando sang - ahhhh!

Miss M made the video - awesome!

And, like I said, Jade stayed up late into the morning MAKING the site - so great!

MUTE the music at the side - and for a "full size" version (not cut off because of my blog lay-put), link here http://mom.maslyn.us/family/

It was so funny later to hear all the contortions they went to to make this in 24 short hours! Sara wanting to show me something on the computer but then realizing she couldn't because they were making this, so she comes out and says "I can't show you right now."

I say "OK, why?"

She says "Um... cuz I'm HUNGRY".

hahaha

Me, asking Lando where he is and him saying "Where AM I???"

"Yeah"

"The canyon"

"what canyon"

"Um.. modjeska canyon"

"you sound like you're in a house"

"I am in a house... in the canyon"

"oh, who are you with?"

"Diego"

"But whose HOUSE are you at?"

"Oh... um... taylor stanton"

"Oh. What are you going to do."

"A photo shoot."

"For the music you'll be playing?"

"No. Just for fun."

"Where?"

"At this pool out here."

"Canyon pool?"

"No. A different pool."

"OK... well have fun."

hahahahahaha

Miss M suddenly deciding not to stay later for painting & costumes at drama.

D and Deevs taking HOURS AND HOURS AND HOURS to get Deev's ears pierced and me asking "why is this taking so long? how hard can this be?" (They were supposed to be joining us at the pool, but never came.)

I am SO glad I was nice and understanding and patient instead of crabby and demanding like I can sometimes be :/

What a sweet and loving gift.

*sigh*

I'm rich.

From the song Poor Folks Town "we're rich in love and that's one thing that we've got plenty of"

Happy Mother's Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Deevs Does it

2010-05-09T09:29:00.001-07:00

Awesome young man.

Good character.

Strong grades.

Wise choices.

Great attitude.

How could we say "no"?

More Home Updates

2010-05-09T08:58:00.001-07:00

I took a gamble on Etsy and got a pair of vintage pinch pleat drapes originally from Sears & Roebucks. Do you remember these from your Grandma's house?

We went and bought the traverse rod and put the hooks into the pleats and hung them up.

I thought it would be complex and difficult, but it was actually VERY self-explanatory.

I am pretty happy with how they look.

I think they will look even better with the new paint color - when we finally choose it!

Here is a little vintage kitsch - the napkin holder.

AWESOME!

(You can also see some paint possibilities taped to the wall behind... not sure what we are doing... we shall see.)

The closet is continuing to shape up day by day.

We picked a light and D installed it.

SO EXCITED!

I told D "it is all turning out better than I could've imagined it!

I can't believe it is actually happening!

Dining booth is ordered.

Won't be here for 5 weeks.

Now that I have decided, I am IMPATIENT!

Sooooooooooooo excited!

Closet Continuation

2010-05-06T14:10:00.000-07:00

As D progresses on the closet renovation, I simply MUST gush a little!

His expertise and work ethic have made this probably the cheapest renovation on the face of the planet. It has taken VERY little in the way of supplies to create this room... it has take WAY more time and knowledge and sweat equity. He has saved us a fortune (like he does on SO many things like car maintenance and repair etc.).

It is moving along at QUITE a steady pace, especially considering he is also running his own business and going out on appliance repair calls!

New door cut into wall between our bedroom & new closet.

View of framed in new wall with drywall still to be hung.

View from other angel - looking in at what USED to be a huge, floor to ceiling window that has now been framed in and covered with drywall.

View from our room of what USED to be our closet - with all the shelving & hanging rod removed - into the new closet.

Rubiks Cube Bros

2010-05-05T09:16:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, Deevs was on a Rubik's Cube kick. He got one for Christmas then went online and learned algorithms to solve it and was quite a pro at it. Then over time, his passion faded and he kind of forgot a little (not entirely).

He got a new one this past Christmas and his love resurfaced a little, but not much. Then something happened a couple weeks ago where he found his cube again and has been timing himself solving it. Then he found ANOTHER one and has been timing himself solving two!

Then Jade came over and - their brains work very similarly in many ways - Deevs was delighted to not only share the formulas, but also to let Jade borrow one!

Maybe now they can RACE? ;)

2 of our genius kids.

Deevs teaching Jade how to solve the Rubik's cube.

We Heart Popcorn

2010-05-05T08:57:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned that our family LOVES old fashioned (real) popcorn?

Dad loves movie popcorn DRENCHED in butter and the microwave "movie" popcorn best (poor guy, why do I always buy the low fat kind?).

Mom (I) am not a huge fan of either one.

The kids like movie popcorn. They will not go out of their way to make microwave popcorn - but will eat it if it is around.

But we all LOVE yummy, oil popped popcorn with salt.

I grew up with this and it is what my taste-buds CRAVE when I think of popcorn.

Storing this monstrosity of a popper is no easy task... but it is worth it! Yum!

Miss M's Heart

2010-04-27T20:03:00.000-07:00

This post from Miss M's Tumblr (like a blog) today is written about her experience at lunch at her Jr. High this afternoon. She told me the story over dinner and I listened, teary-eyed. I am SO glad she wrote it out. I couldn't be more impressed with the heart and character of our kids! (There is NO WAY I would've done that at 14... my unspoken motto was "every man for himself".)

"Today at lunch i was doing what i did every other day, just standing around. But today as i was standing around i head the “popular group” laughing really loud, i turned to look at the bench where they always sit. As i do so i notice they are all looking at this one kid who had just thrown a trash can to the ground, and now the trash was spilled all over the place. The kid started digging through the trash on the ground. Meanwhile the popular group is all still laughing at him.

So i turn to my friend and i said “lets go see what hes doing.”

Now normally i would have just looked, noticed, and gone back to my conversation. But something about the way they were laughing at him made my heart get all angry and furious and i felt bad for the kid.

So my friend and i walk over to him and ask whats going on. He then started to tell us how he threw out his retainer. He sounded so distressed. He was worried about his parents getting mad. And even more mad cause he had done this once before already.

I looked at the popular kids (still laughing) and back at this very upset seventh grader and then i got down on my knees and started digging through the milky gross trash. It was the grossest thing i have done it a while. And i sat there and did it for about 15 minuets. He finally stood up and said “its no use.” then he walked away.

We never found his retainer. And i bet he didnt think twice about the fact that me and my friend had walked over and helped him. But all i know is that on the way to the bathroom to wash our hands, my friend looked at me and said, “wow i feel really good right now.” I silently said a little thank you to God. and finished washing my hands.

We didnt find his retainer. We didnt shove the popular kids in the trash can…even though they deserved it. We really did nothing but tried to help him.

For the rest of the day every time me and my friend looked at each other we just smiled. It felt so good to do a little thing like that. No point at all to do it. But just because he looked like he needed it.

I have been on mission trips, i have volunteered at church events, i have served God in a lot of ways. But today was the weirdest thing. I felt better than i ever had felt on a mission trip and dont know why. It was refreshing to think that i could serve God in little ways around my school for people who might not think much of it. Of course it felt awesome to just defy the popular kids and show them that laughing was not what was needed, this kid just wanted to find his retainer. But in the end it wasnt about defying the popular kids. It was about glorifying God in the little actions throughout my day. And today i feel like i did that very well."

*sigh*... humbled and blessed.

From the Archives 1

2010-04-20T22:44:00.000-07:00

This was Mis M in her 80's costume from summer church camp in 2007.

Adorable.

In Living Color 2

2010-04-17T16:55:00.000-07:00

You may (or may not) recall that a little more than a year ago I said I was sick of BROWN and that I wanted to add some COLOR to our home.

The process has begun (slowly - but surely). We have some GREEN and some orange and some yellow! I will update as we change other things (like the wall color, for example. and one day I would love WHITE kitchen cabinets).

I also want to put in our inspirations to show where we are KIND OF heading... but there are a couple different directions we could go, so stay tuned.

sofa, carpet, table, pillows

different angle

mantel

New dining booth, table chairs... although the table is not working because of the legs (we need a pedestal). See below for other items we are considering.

Entry hall credenza, bought from "estate sale"...

and FAB mirror sculpture to go above it

Little phone, paper, pens station (obviously, the cabinets behind it need SERIOUS help, but that is not a cheap fix, )

"New" credenza under TV

Below are some of the items I am craving (or at least considering):

Backsplash for kitchen

ball clock (different colors or maybe wood)

Fun fun fun wall clock!

Possible dining table styles:

Saarinen style tulip dining table

or Eames style dining table

What about going a whole different direction with SOME of the pieces?

What about a little retro diner in the eating area???

I also really like this lamp.

And what do you do about WINDOW COVERINGS??? I am at a complete loss! A ot of websites are saying cafe curtains and barkcloth and pinch pleats but I am SOOOO unsure about color and pattern... Hmmmmmm.

Like I said, stay tuned...

Grampie is 65!

2010-04-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Grampie's bday one day early (TAX DAY) at the office with what else but his favorite - El Pollo Loco!... and don't forget Jill's famous carrot cake (mmmmmmmmmm).

He had QUITE a turn out to celebrate him.

What a BLESSING he is to so many people!

WE LOVE YOU GRAMPIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We will celebrated as a FAMILY the following Sunday at G&G's house.

Happy Easter 2010

2010-04-04T22:56:00.001-07:00

It was a full weekend celebrating the resurrection of our LORD with the family! We did our traditional Saturday morning egg hunt, baskets, and brunch at Grampie & Grammie's.

Gone are the days of little bright-eyed and bushy tailed kids squirming to stay in their rooms until 7:00AM because they are SO eager for candy and gifts... now, we head down after teens & young adults (and Dad!) have awoken from their slumber... so it was closer to 10:30.

Also a little untraditional, Dad had an appliance call with Lando prior do being able to come down (they couldn't turn it down, I mean, it WAS, after all a whirlpool dryer, not heating! - Sheesh!).

We did not do money eggs this year. (Lando was disappointed and thought that in honor of Jesus having risen, he deserved a "cash prize" - we all got a good laugh out of that one!). Drew and I DID however, do an interpretive dance (I'll have to secure a photo or two from Elle).

Hunting

Finding Jade & Elle's clever hiding spots!

Deevs wasn't fooled!

Miss M

Must be a remnant $1 egg from LAST year!

Instead of money eggs, we got everyone a pair of TOM'S Shoes for their baskets!

Trying on TOMS.

Father/Son bonding on the Sport Court

Late in the afternoon most of the kids took off. Drew had band practice back up in LA, Deevs & Miss M went to exchange their TOMS for different sizes & styles, and Lando went to play volleyball with friends.

Mom, Dad, Grammie, Grampie, Elle, and Jade stayed at G&G's and watched "Sherlock Holmes" which was certainly enjoyable!

EASTER SUNDAY

We arrived at Angel's stadium by 7:45AM to serve at the 30th Anniversary Saddleback service.

We were "Section Hosts". Lando & Jade did one section... they did a GREAT job welcoming, greeting, and engaging their guests! And seemed to have a fun time doing it!

Deevs and Dad had a section. They were at the FAR end, alone and their section was small and slow to fill up which was discouraging at first, but revved up right before the service started.We had LOTS of prizes to give away. This was not as fulfilling as it may seem. People were not grateful recipients, but kind of (dare I say it?) - Greedy. They wanted more and more and more. If I could advise the planning team for next year, it would be no gifts unless everyone gets the same gifts in their bag... it was chaos!

We still had a GREAT time serving as a family! I PRAY a lot of people came to Christ as a result of the efforts of this special day to share with them God's love for them and all Christ did for them on the cross!

As soon as service started, we were allowed to go back to our seats for the rest of the service.

After the service was over, the Jonas brothers sang 3 songs. We were NOT that far away, but they looked so TINY on that HUGE field!

After the service, we were tired & hungry, but happy!We were going to maybe go OUT to brunch, but we ended up coming home & BBQing, watching TV, resting...
and experiencing a LARGE earthquake! It was not that big here, but just a short way into Mexico, it was pretty large at 7.2... but I guess it was pretty deep which - they are saying - made it not FEEL as strong. It lasted a really long time... it felt like it just kept going & going. Wow! That was some unexpected excitement for the afternoon!

All in all, it was a lovely Easter weekend. We are SO grateful to be able to celebrate that our Savior ROSE and is Risen (indeed!) with each other. I couldn't IMAGINE a more pleasurable way to spend 2 days.

Thank you God for such ABUNDANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

New Closet in Process

2010-04-02T18:54:00.000-07:00

Our Master Closet is finally beginning. I know it will be a long process since D is doing it while trying to run a business and do appliance repair calls, but it has BEGUN! Today Lando & Dad took out the big, old window and framed it in and are putting on the ___________ (I have no idea what it's called, but it is like chicken wire over black paper or something).

Sad to lose a big window (even though it was ancient and needed to be replaced) and all the sunlight that went with it, but we do not need a whole wall of our closet to be a huge window... we need shelves and drawers and hanging space.

outside views

from inside

macro view from inside

Great start, men!!!

Still a lot more to do:

* Dry wall over old window area

*Wire for electrical so both the new closet and new storage areas have lights & switches

* Divide the room in half with a new wall which will separate the new closet from the new walk in pantry/storage/laundry kind of area.

* Bust an opening (doorway) through our master bedroom wall into closet (frame it in?)

* Fix the gap in the flooring where there was previously wall.

* Design what closet space will look like

* Put in all the shelving, drawers and hanging bars for which we designed the scheme

And that is just the closet (and only what I know about it... I am probably over-simplifying it!)... then onto the storage/pantry area.

EXCITING!

Cyclist Deevs

2010-04-02T18:49:00.000-07:00

Deevs sold a Lens on craigs list and using that and his (months early) bday money, purchased a used bike he found online.

Here he is getting ready to ride to church (7-8 miles, think?).

Lando has been super into bikes lately and now Deevs is too.

I don't have photos of Lando yet (I wish I had gotten some of him & his friend Jake working the whole weekend in the garage, fixing & painting!)

I am happy for their new hobby and interest but I am also worried... I get nervous when they are out riding that they will get hit by a car or crash and have a head injury. I am a stickler for helmets, but grown and nearly grown boys don't always listen to their mamas :(

Maybe I will spank them both soundly and put them to bed!

Miss M's Backyard Camp Out

2010-04-02T18:43:00.000-07:00

Miss M had 2 friends sleep over and even though it is EARLY Spring and still pretty chilly, they begged and begged to sleep in the tent in the back yard.

When i picked them up from church and they asked, I told them "No"... it was too cold, it was a pain in the neck, wait until summer etc. etc. (all the while knowing Daddy had already set up the tent in the back and it was waiting for them). OH how they worked it and cajoled and wheedled, but I held strong.

When we got home, I told Miss M (a little sternly) that I needed to speak with her and to step out back. She followed me, seeming a bit ready to argue and then she saw the tent already all set up! The reaction was worth the torturous 15 minute drive home from church.

Was it cold? Yes! They said it was freezing in the middle of the night! (Sometimes Mother might actually know best :)

Miss M Videos (MORE)

2010-04-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

Miss M's newest video with Em, Chels, and JB. Enjoy their talent & creativity!

Jouey

2010-04-01T18:46:00.000-07:00

Here is a great photo of Bijou taken by Miss M. Bijou is hard to photograph but she loves Miss M... and Miss M just has talent!

Spring Has Sprung!

2010-03-18T14:07:00.000-07:00

I pulled up to our house today and the sun is sparkling the the crystal blue sky and it is making the daisies on our slope very happy. They are wide open, sunny-side up to bask in the golden rays and it is SO pretty!

This eye candy was particularly delectable today because I was so delighted to be FREE from Jury Duty! I thought I would be trapped in the dreary courthouse until at LEAST 5PM and possibly tomorrow as well, but instead, I was dismissed at 11:30. So I was even more appreciative of the sunshine and the blossoms.

Check it out!

front slope

back slope

Purple & White

Jury Duty of 2010

2010-03-18T13:44:00.001-07:00

I had Jury Duty today for my first time EVER.

I wasn't sure if I should be committed to my civic duty or if I should be prepared with excuses (which I have in abundance: work, kids, etc.) and reasons that make me unfit ("I can tell he is guilty just by looking at him! Look at those beady eyes!" etc.)

I thought perhaps the mere fact that I would be clutching my Bible (that I would bring to do my Bible Study to pass the time) might make them not want me (the defense attorneys might fear an "eye for an eye" thought process while prosecutors might cringe at the thought of all that New Testament "mercy and forgiveness" stuff).

However, when I arrived at the courthouse at 7:20AM (25 minutes early - ugh!), I realized I had FORGOTTEN my Bible! So now I not only had not tool of getting excused but I also had NOTHING TO DO! (Maybe God didn't like His Word being used to get out of Jury Duty???)

Of course they did not start on time. About 8:30 they began. Announcements, rules, thanks, etc. The first case is announced. it is a TWO MONTH case... it should be done by mid-June!

It is not voluntary. It is mandatory unless you have a pre-paid vacation already planned or an impeding surgery date already scheduled. So I get in line. A LOT of people did not. (I was mad at them.)

I eventually got up to the front and the lady asks me "Do you have any reason you cannot serve?" to which I responded "I don't know".

So she asked how many days my employer paid for jury duty.

"I am self employed," I said.

"Didn't you listen?" she scolded "Self-employed people do not have to do this."

COOL!!!

I went back and sat down and waited. And waited. And waited.

Eventually they called a random group.

We were sent to a courtroom on the 9th floor (I have been bad about walking this week, so It took the stairs - MAN, was I huffing & puffing when I got up there). We stood around for quite a while. Then the bailiff came out and announced that we had a break until 11:00 (it was 10:15).

We all went back down to the 3rd floor to kill 45 minutes.

I got a cup of coffee. I tried to go our onto the balcony (who knew how long I would be trapped inside), but apparently, that was the smoking area and even though it was outside, it was clouded in a dense smoky fog. So much for fresh air.

I eventually returned to the 9th floor (via stairs :)

While waiting, I chatted briefly with a woman next to me and she told me, described through a thick accent (maybe Indian?) about her excruciating foot pain on both feet and how it appears now to maybe be neurological and how she hopes she can be excused for medical reasons.

We were eventually led into the courtroom where we were seated and the judge thanked us for being there. He told us the case was criminal and he apologized for making us wait so long but told us it was because at the last minute the defendant pled guilty to Life in prison with possibility of parole (attempted murder and torture with a knife). He dismissed us back to Jury Assembly room.

We sat back down and then were told to line up again. We lined up and waited in line for quite a while. Eventually, I got to the front where my parking was validated and I and was given a "certificate of jury service" and told "You can go home".

They didn't have to tell me twice!

Gramm-ie = Sixty-three

2010-03-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

To celebrate Grammie turning 63, we quickly squeezed in a dinner in the 6 days between her long Europe/Asia extravaganza and going to Gram & Pop's during gram's surgery & recovery period.

We went to MiMi's.

It was fun to see both Grammie AND Grampie after they had been gone for 3 weeks. And of course, they brought home little treats for us (beanies from Poland, painted egg from Poland, kalamata olive oil from Greece, Korean doll, Greek jewelry, and other fun items!)

Not posed. Quite candid. (haha)

I forgot to take photos of her gift (vintage silverware garden markers), so I borrowed these from the website. Hers were actually personalized though, which is kinda fun!

D's Big 4-0 (+2)

2010-03-07T12:11:00.000-08:00

This year was birthdays 40 +2. (Last year was 39+1.)

This year D owns his own business.

Last year, he was still working for Caesar's.

This year he worked all day on his birthday.

Last year, he took his birthday off (first time EVER!).

His birthday was Thursday, so he got a 40th/2nd bday dinner (turnabout deserves fair play!!!)

We just invited a few friends (and a few other friends dropped by too!). We catered from Tutto Fresco (yum!) and I made a few hors d'oeuvres and sausages & peppers (Darren's friend Andy thought that meant that I stuffed them into casings and everything - heehee!)

Appetizers

Grampie & Grammie were out of town but we used their lovely (and large) home. (You know what they say about "the cat" being away.) Grammie has the BEST set up for entertaining: zillions of folding chairs, wood toppers for tables - to make them bigger - enough plates, cups, and silverware to feed an army, plus BOWLS, tongs, supplies... everything! ~ ~ THANKS Mom & Dad!!!!

Lando asking God to bless the dinner and the Birthday Boy!

Dinner time

Birthday Boy starts the buffet

One of the tables

Birthday wishes

The guys

Mmmmmmmmmm... cakes! (and Suezi's cupcakes for Jaxon's 13th!)

Serving cakes

Playing pool

Karaoke (Suez & Shel)

More karaoke (Elle & Em)

Enjoying the serenading

A "thank-you-for-my-party" kiss (maybe it wasn't so terrible after all?)

It was a great evening. Shelly (our official event photographer) summed it up well when she emailed "Last night was a total blast! We really hated leaving... Great friends, great food, great fellowship...great

singing!!!! :-0"

Big Bear Date Weekend

2010-03-02T16:10:00.000-08:00

The Runyons offered us their FABULOUS cabin in Big Bear for the weekend - and all the kids were either not ABLE to go (Miss M had mandatory rehearsal, Jade had a friend in from VA for the weekend, Lando had a show) or did not want to (Deevs wasn't particularly interested in being an only child for the weekend).

So D and I went ALONE for a restful and romantic (and virtually FREE) weekend together!

We kinda thought we would ski/snowboard (and even brought out stuff... but we didn't. We rented 3 movies and watched them all (and then - on the way home - we stopped by a theater and saw Shutter Island) - wow! that was a LOt of cinema!!!

We ate at 3 different Big Bear establishments. 2 which we found on Yelp.

Sweet Basil's (yummy)

The Himalyan (adequate and disorganized chaos!)

And one which we did not.

Teddy Bear Cafe. I wrote a Yelp review and a manager contacted me and apologized. He said they got new (clean) blinds and told the servers to clean the floors better. He offered me free meal tickets as an apology... very nice & generous! I was pretty impressed!!!!!

We also went snowshoeing 2 different times. Neither of us had done this before and we both really enjoyed it. Even though it was freezing we worked up a good sweat and I even took my jacket off.

Snowshoeing together

Mom showshoeing

Check out that beautiful scenery!

Crossing a bridge

Resting?

VIDEO - Snowshoeing

We had a great time. We wished the kids had been with us... but at the same time, it was some much-needed R&R for us as a couple. We rested and napped and played and ate and watched movies and enjoyed nature... JUST what the Dr. ordered!

VIDEO - The drive home was SNOWY!

Sole Mates

2010-02-15T20:18:00.001-08:00

Jade & Sara's photo and story made yet another appearance.

This time on Elle.com (Elle Magazine's website).

Their 15 minutes of fame has been extended!

Hanging Photos

2010-02-15T20:13:00.000-08:00

We got got some photos enlarged & developed and then we even bought frames and then we even HUNG THEM UP!!! This blank wall has been begging for something since... well... since we took down the massive 1997 classic denim photo.

Now it finally has some new, updated photos of our whole clan. *sigh*

Happy Valentine's Day 2010

2010-02-14T11:23:00.000-08:00

Valentine's day -

Miss M was still on her Apache Mission trip LOVING on the Apache people.

Katie had planned a special date but Deevs wasn't feeling well so they decided to reschedule. They just went to dinner and to get caramel apples for dessert.

Meanwhile, Mom & Dad went on a date to Fondue... yum yum!

I am will work on seeing if I can get photos of J&S's birthday date and Lando & Emmy's lunch date.

This was a cute video I posted on the kids' facebook pages wishing them a Happy Valentine's Day!

Miscellaneous Life Shots (Jan '10)

2010-02-13T21:20:00.000-08:00

Here is a collection of random photos taken over the last month of the various random activities that make up our lives:

Lando has been working with Dad to learn some appliance repair... hopefully not for a lifetime trade, but it may come in handy to hep pay bills & supplement income. Here he is installing our "new" dishwasher (a hand-me-down, but NEW to us :)

Miss M and her friends on "twin day" (although, they made it "triplet day") at Jr. High. They won 2nd place!!!

Scroll down to the bottom of this entry and you will see them - a few weeks later - with their crazy make-up & hair for their drama production.

We went to a football-play-offs-watching-day at Frank & Dawn's... FUN!

We invited the whole clan - and, to my GREAT delight, they ALL came! Jade & Sar, Lando & Emmy, Deevs & Katie, & Miss M (and Tessa was there to hang out with since it was her house).

Chargers lost to Jets and our beloved Vikings (Go Favre!) beat the Cowboys (sorry Dawn :(

(Tho' they would go on to lose to the Saints who won the Superbowl this year.)

"The sensation that is sweeping the nation!"

"The blanket with sleeves!"

"Blankets are OK,

but they can slip and slide -

plus your hands are trapped inside.

The Snuggie™ Blanket keeps you totally warm

and gives you the freedom to use your hands!"

Yes, I finally succumbed and bought a Snuggie (as seen on TV)...

Check out the remote control in the pocket!

Deevs & Kyle at the Kill Ball tournament - their team all dressed as scouts.

Miss M & Lando just hanging around the house (Lando was still home on 6 week winter break)

Sunday, Game Night! (Balderdash, this time.)

Miss M & friends ready for their roles as Hip Hop Faeries in Shakespeare's

"A Midsummer Night's Dream"

Happy 21st, Sara!

2010-02-13T20:54:00.000-08:00

Sara's birthday is Valentine's day. She turned 21 this year. Although she is homesick, being away from her family & friends for her birthday, we were happy to get to celebrate her with a birthday dinner of Grammie's famous spaghetti (Luke's famous quote from YEARS ago : "Grammie, why IS your spaghetti so famous?").

She got a few gifts including a Disneyland Annual Pass - so now she & Jade can go together for a whole year! (Thanks Grampie & Grammie!!!)

♪♫•**•.¸❤¸.•**•♫♪ "Happy Birthday to You" ♪♫•**•.¸❤¸.•**•♫♪

♫♪"Happy Birthday Dear Sara"♪♫

♪♫•**•.¸ "Happy Birthday to You" ¸.•**•♫♪

jade & the birthday girl

"OH! Fake, plastic ice cubes? Thanks!"

Miss M's First Mission

2010-02-13T20:39:00.000-08:00

Miss left for President's Day weekend (and Valentine's) on friday at 7:30AM. (They return Monday at 5PM.) They are going on an Apache trip to Whiteriver, AZ. They will be helping to paint houses, light building tasks, trash clean up, and even working at a Carnival for the local children.

It is supposed to be VERY cold (low at night of 25 degrees - Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr). Several of Miss M's friends went too. So hopefully, they will each grow in the Lord, grow as Individuals, grow and friends, and HELP others. (Albert Einstein said "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile."

- Nice!!!)

Ready to Go.

Miss M and Tess

Friends!

Bye Mom

Bye Dad

Waiting to get on bus

Do YOU want to spend 10 hours on a bus with 45 Jr. Highers??? (God bless those volunteers!!!! :)

Miscellaneous Family Pics '10

2010-02-09T16:23:00.000-08:00

Is there such a thing as too much of a good thing?

Are you sick of our faces yet?

Are there just too darn many photos?

TOUGH!

It's my blog and I love these photos (and I love us) and so I will put up many many photos and for ME, the only way there could ever be enough is if I posted all 450 of ours and all 450 of Jade & Sara's. Actually no, there STILL wouldn't be enough... and I would still want Alanna to come and take more.

I am filled with gratitude for these photos and that God has provided them... that we get the opportunity to have luxuries like this.

I am filled with gratitude for a fun day & memories.

I am filled with gratitude for each one of the people IN all these photos.

Oh how my heart fills with love and thankfulness for THEM in my life:

Babe,

Jade (and now Sara)

Lando

Deevs

Miss M.

*sigh*

It just doesn't get any better than this.

*sigh*

Again, it just doesn't get any better than this.

Family Photos 2010

2010-02-09T15:58:00.001-08:00

Here are some of the favorite family shots from the 450 shots Alanna took.

Individual Photos 2010

2010-02-09T12:07:00.000-08:00

We decided to (and were able to) combine J&S's engagement photo shoot with a family photo shoot. We let J&S pick the location and the selected the train depot. Although we just did our LAST shoot there, the area is SO varied that you could shoot there every year and have it look different enough, which is FUN! And I love the look of it, so it is FINE with me! I will upload the family shots in a separate post. For this post, I am putting in a few of the best individual or couple shots.

Enjoy!

We who created this fabulous mess! (haha):

Mom & Dad

Jade

Lando

Deevs

Miss M

Jade & Sar

I love us.

More TOMS shoes

2010-02-05T17:56:00.000-08:00

J&S's TOMS story was just featured on shoedish.com.

Screen shot.

... a fun ride

Brothers At Sea - Pure Volume

2010-02-05T17:49:00.000-08:00

Lando's band, Brother's At Sea was just featured on the home page of purevolume.com. Exciting!

Here are some screen shots.

Here they are one of "Today's Top Artists"

Here, in the bottom right hand corner, you can see they were "recently featured"... I forgot to take the screen shot when they were one of the BIG 2 pictures :(

Here are some screen shots of their My Space (which Jade designed).

Way to go brothers!

TOMS Shoes - A TOMS Love Story

2010-02-05T10:31:00.000-08:00

I sent an email to TOMS shoes telling them about how Jade & Sara met and how TOMS played a contributing role. They were tickled enough by the story that they featured them on their blog and in their blast marketing email. And it looks like it might have generated other interest as well (stay tuned).

The email blast

The TOMS blog website

The blog post

tell us your TOMS love story!

February 3rd, 2010 by admin

A few weeks ago, an amazing story fell in to our inbox about a couple who met because of TOMS. Not only did the two TOMS fans fall passionately in love with one another, they are now engaged to be married and plan for their entire bridal party will wear TOMS! See the Mother of the Groom’s story below…

When we were in Virginia on vacation this past summer (from our home in CA) our delightful, 22 year old bearded, tattooed web designer son and our family were eating burgers at little retro diner in Williamsburg.

We were approached by a (brave!) girl “My friend wanted me to give you her number” is what she told our son. Yes, this cute and stylish 20 year old thought our son was cute… but what clinched it was that he was wearing TOMS! Because he was fashionable AND socially conscious she could NOT let this opportunity pass by!

He called her. They dated cross-country (interrupted briefly by his 6 week trip to help orphans in Kenya). They are now planning their Virginia wedding and they want everyone in the wedding party (bride, groom, attendants, flower girls – parents???) to wear TOMS!

Stacie
(mother of the groom)

The happy couple rowing in Central Park, “Sara came to visit and a TOMS love story had begun..”

Although this is a beautiful and incredible story, we’re convinced there’s more like them… So tell us- did wearing TOMS land you an awesome relationship? Do your friends label you and your honey the “TOMS couple”? Would you dump your boyfriend if he stopped wearing TOMS? Post a comment below and tell us your TOMS love story!

See Jordan & Sara’s engagement photos after the jump!

The post generated a lot of comments. Here is one I didn't think would hurt their feelings - haha! (It says "They are clearly models and this is a publicity stunt, but if it sells you more shoes then go for it " ) SEE BELOW.

Engagement Photos

2010-02-05T10:22:00.000-08:00

Alanna took us out and did engagement & family photos. We haven't gotten the family photos back yet, but we DID get the engagement photos back.
They are awesome!
Here is a sneak peek. (A few of my faves.)

Miss M & BFF Videos

2010-01-21T16:01:00.000-08:00

Miss M and her friends are really into making these FANTASTIC videos these days... they are so talented! (It takes hours and hors to film, write backward, edit, etc. but they have a great time doing it!... Wish this had been around when I was a teen!)

[YOU MIGHT WANT TO "MUTE" THE MUSIC PLAYER OVER TO THE RIGHT SIDE.]

Enjoy!

Miss M & Chachael

Miss M and Mary Kate

Miss M & Tess

Fun video from church to have students bring cans!

Miss & Chach again.

Engaged!!!!!!!!!!

2010-01-03T08:21:00.001-08:00

Jade did not join us in Mammoth this year because he had other plans... BIG plans!

He wanted to surprise Sara with a New Year's Eve proposal (he had convinced her he was not going to be able to propose yet because he was too broke).

This is how he planned it - we have to hear the details about if it is actually how it happened - The countdown to midnight would happen, then he would kiss her for "Happy New Years" and then he would drop to his knee and ask her to marry him. (And if all went as planned, she would say YES!)

Apparently she DID indeed say YES and was so happy & excited, she dropped to HER knees too (adorable!).

There is supposed to be video too... if I can ever get my hands on it, I will post it here as well.

So happy!

Awwwwww!

Happy & crying

Congratulation cake

Blowing out the candles as an engaged couple

The ring.

(Blurry, but all we have right now... more coming :)

We all knew for a couple weeks and we were having the hardest time keeping a secret (just like Kristen Wiig as "Sue" in this SNL skit. Watch it and ENJOY thinking of our suffering through it!!! - hahaha!).

Mammoth '09/'10

2010-01-03T07:51:00.000-08:00

Christmas & Mom's 40th birthday passed into the history books and we took off for a holiday in Mammoth. Jade did not join us as he had special (secret) plans with Sara for New Year's Eve (more on that in a future post). But we DID have Mom, Dad, Lando, Deevs, & Miss M.

The plan had been to leave at 3AM on the 3oth and get to the mountain in time to board/ski that day, but we decided to sleep in instead and got on the road closer to 10AM.

We drove most of the day and stopped for lunch at the Pizza Factory in Lone Pine. Scott & Mel were in England visiting Becky & Frank & Rachel, so we did not get to stop to say "hi" to them.

Lone Pine Pizza Factory

Dad driving - "look at the snow"

Brothers

At the condo

Getting ready to hit the mountain

Suiting up

Mom & Deevs

Mom & Deevs again - Lando showing us the "super model" camera angle to make us look tall & thin

Waiting for the gondola from the Village to Canyon

Dad & Miss M at lunch

Lando & Mom at lunch (in an attempt to make sure he was not going to make a funny face, I was the one who got caught making a funny face!)

The conditions were pretty darn good and the weather was OK. The storm that was supposed to roll in on New Year's Day passed through as barely a whisper with no measurable snow.

Miss m and Wooly

Family shot

Deevs hurt his back in a fall on a jump attempt. Having also come the week before with Kyle, he was not as dedicated to being on the mountain so we let him go home on Friday with friends & stay with G&G.

Miss M & Mom were both feeling altitude sick and getting colds and were sore... so both of us only went 2 days then stayed in on Saturday (we went to see Avatar). Dad & Lando went together for a half day which started at 12:30. They said it was surprisingly uncrowded (on a Saturday of a holiday weekend) and the weather couldn't have been better. (I was a tiny bit regretful that I didn't go.)

Today is Sunday and I am typing this from the condo. Everyone else is still asleep, but should be waking up shortly when we will hit the road for the 5-6 hours back. (Worth it!!!)

Oh No! Say It Isn't So! I (finally) Turned The Big FOUR-O!

2009-12-28T13:25:00.000-08:00

Wow!

A beautiful black & white extravaganza!

I wasn't really dreading turning 40... but I WAS kinda dreading the party celebrating it.

The day after Christmas is a tough day to ask people to do something. I didn't want to put my friends out (ESPECIALLY the ones planning it!!!)

So I buried my head in the sand and blissfully carried on my December preparations & celebrations in denial while my amazing husband, friends, and Mom planned away.

I DID have the job of shopping for a red dress & shoes... I secured the dress early... the shoes were a booger and Miss M and I finally found them on my birthday - the day of the party (phew! couldn't have done it without her!!!).

It was BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!... Could NOT have been prettier! The black & white, the tulle, the flowers, the lights & lanterns, the apothecary jars filled with treats, the candles, and the CAKE (nore on that later)... It was a real grown-up party (I guess that means I really am a grown-up now that I am 40?).

It was gorgeous and I could've gone home happy after just seeing the decorations... but NO... there was a party to follow. People came and ate and seemed to have a good time. I even had a good time (D said to him, I never even look like I feel or am uncomfortable - I should go into ACTING, for sure!!! :) It was fun though and I felt very loved... again... especially by D, Shel, Suez, & Tyra.

THANK YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And now on to the pictures thanks to official Momarazzi photographer extraordinaire, Shelly!

Me & my LOVE - definitely the "Host with the Most"!!!

Oh Baby!

Me & my party planner sistas - look at their amazing decorating talent!

Me & my personal shopper

The delectable, all edible work of art, by MASTER baker (for love, not money), could-have-her- own-Ace-of-Cakes-show: Tyra

Cake topper - spectacular individually handmade gumpaste flowers & sparkly fondant balls (by Sophia) & fondant rolled by Leon (truly a family affair)

Me & Ty

Mom & Dad

The gorgeous yard - check out the lights & lanterns

Me resting my wimpy feet with Suez & Charmane

Eating tacos (appreciate the all WHITE flowers - with one red rose tucked in - so creative!)

Serving tacos - Mmmmmmm

The toast (look at the beautiful decorations!!!)

B&W toast at a B&W party

Antols

Gurzis

The whole Maslyn clan

Forced family fun (haha)

Tired from a LONG night (& day!!!)

Thanks all!!!!!!!!!!

What a FUN, happy birthday for me!

Christmas 2009

2009-12-27T17:37:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2009 was full and blessed.

CHRISTMAS EVE

Miss M's turn - reading the Christmas story from the Bible

Mom's turn

Uncle Drew

Thankfuls & Hopefuls

Happy birthday Jesus

CHRISTMAS MORN

Traditional Christmas morning stairs shot.

Santa came!!!!!!!!!!

Bijou LOVES opening gifts!

Jackets from Gramma & Grampa

Mom's gift! Awesome!!!

Breaking out Dad's gift.

Did he know what it was?

He "cannot tell a lie... Yes."

Opening the box
Admiring the gift
Oooooooo... lots of space

CHRISTMAS DAY

At G&G's

Opening gifts

Miss M's new end table (mid-century modern)

Poor Dad - with his back out - opens gifts

Miss M sleeping

Grampie doing something unexpected :)

Carving the horseradish-crusted prime rib

Full of gratitude for a blessed day & year!

Thank you God.

Better Late Than Never - Miss M is 14

2009-12-27T17:23:00.000-08:00

Miss M turned 14 back on November 2, 2009.

It was a day off school - but not a holiday - which made for a PERFECT Disneyland day!

GREAT friends Tessa & Parker had the day off too so the 3 of them were excited to spend a FUn day at the Happiest Place on Earth.

Mom & Dad came too and were at the park all day... but it was more like a date for us because although we checked in with the teen periodically, they certainly never "hung out" with us (unless you count 10 whole minutes on Tom Sawyer's island!).

We had a great day though, and so did they.

Lots of fun!

Waiting for the Tram.

Buying tickets

Christmas Tree Decorating 09

2009-12-22T17:08:00.000-08:00

We had our annual Christmas Tree decorating festivities (better late than never). And because we waited until the 20th of December, Deevs had to miss is because he took off to Mammoth with the Longs until 12/23.

But other than missing him, we had the rest of the Fam together. (No small feat!)

Our tree is tiny, so we just decorated the kids' ornament collections. (Which one day we anticipate they will each take their collection with them when they establish homes of their own... and they will have a full trove of treasures with which to decorate their first trees.)

We have Jade with his Angels.

Lando with his Santas.

(Deevs will add his Bears when he gets home.)

And Miss M with her Snowmen (snowpeople?).

The tree is the same size as the boys!

3 of 4 sibs ain't bad

Dad's back was O.U.T. - bummer! :(

We also had our traditional fettuccine alfredo... AND even enjoyed a little serenade by Lando.
FUN evening. (But Deevs was missed.)

Brace Face No More

2009-12-22T16:37:00.000-08:00

Well, it's final.

Miss M got her braces off today after 3 1/2 LONG years!!!!!!!!!!!

Her snaggletooth grin is no-longer.

It has been replaced by a straight, gleaming set of pearly whites.

BEFORE

AFTER

Thanks Dr. H!

I can't BELIEVE we are actually DONE.

Wow!!!

Great job Miss M! (And thanks Katie for the inspiration!)

My Church

2009-12-21T12:58:00.000-08:00

These are my girls.

These are with whom I fellowship and study the Bible and pray and find community.

This is my church.

In back: Shelly, Lynn, Jen, Andria, Me, Suez / In front: Kim Kathi, V.

Love you!!!!!!!!!