Emptynester

Kitchen Remodel Part 7

2012-02-16T15:11:00.000-08:00

Drywall...

Now it's really looking like a room!

Tom has been working on all the electrical, plugs, switches, lights. It's going to be great!

The walls will be ready for paint by this weekend. So guess what I'll be doing!

Kitchen Remodel Part 6

2012-02-16T15:02:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh! Insulation!

What a difference insulation makes! It feels like a room - nice & cozy!

Here's picture of the window that will be above my sink.

The pocket door going into the dining room. It's always been there, just needed some fixin'!

What do ya think, Roxy?

Kitchen Remodel Part 5

2012-02-16T14:50:00.000-08:00

Progress...

So my sink finally came but was damaged! BUMMER! Now I have to wait for another one!

Here are samples of my cabinet doors! They are beautiful! All the cabinets will be white with glaze. The island will be of the dark stained.

This is the wood floor I picked out. The stained cabinet door seems a little too red, so I'm going to have the stained tweaked a bit to make it more brown and take the red out.

Kitchen Remodel Part 4

2012-02-16T14:39:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've blogged, but I have a lot of progress to report!

The other wall is out which is supported by another large beam.

These windows are new and will flank the stove hood.

One Big Room!

The slider is new, still waiting for the window where the kitchen sink will be.

Kitchen Remodel Part 3

2012-01-20T09:47:00.000-08:00

Some walls are going up and some are coming down!

This is the big beam to support the roof since the wall between the family room and kitchen is gone.

Tom checking out Jeff's fine work!

This is the addition with new walls. The window to the right will be above my kitchen sink. The window straight ahead is on the right side of the stove.

View from the back of the house.

Looking down the side of the house with one window. There will be another window on the other side of the stove.

The view from my kitchen sink!

Stay tune! More to come!

Kitchen Remodel, Part 2

2012-01-13T08:44:00.000-08:00

This is the progress so far. It's happening so fast!

This is Tom taking out the tile.

The artwork is gone, the wall is gone!

I'll keep you posted on the progress!

Kitchen Remodel, Part 1

2012-01-13T08:36:00.000-08:00

This is was my kitchen...

For the last 4 to 5 years we talked about remodeling our kitchen.

It's not a bad kitchen, but things were falling apart.

We are going to "bump" this wall out so it will be as wide as family room.

This is looking towards the dining room.

This doorway is to the family room.

This wall is coming out.

This wet bar will be my new desk!

This wall is coming out!

This slider will be coming out, and the addition of the kitchen will be "bumped" out into the patio area.

This is the patio area where we will extend out kitchen.

This is where the new kitchen addition will be.

Now forward weeks later, we emptied the kitchen and the family room. Ben & Kimberly came to help move stuff and we graffitied the wall that was going to be removed. I thought they did a great job!

The artwork is gone, but I'm glad I took a picture!

Royal Wedding

2011-04-29T01:49:00.000-07:00

So I didn't want to watch it, I wasn't planning to watch it, but I was up this late (which is pretty rare) and I thought, what the heck, I might as a well and stay up and watch it! It's all the buzz! (Imagine saying that with an English accent!) Weddings have been on my mind lately, so it's not a big deal to be curious on the "wedding of the year" to take place. Our daughter got married this past summer and as the mother of the bride, I know what's it like to plan a wedding! It's very fun but can be stressful! I just wish I would have made all our female guests wear one of those silly hats with their attire! I think I look pretty good in a hat, so I don't know why I didn't think of that dressing code like they do in Britain! We just found out that my husband's mother is getting married in June. We are very happy for her. She left California and moved to Michigan right after she retired to be closer to her daughter and son and were surprised and happy that she met someone to share the rest of her life with. We are planning on going out there in June. This past weekend, we found out that a couple of our daughter's friends got engaged. When your kids are at the age of "engagement" it seems like everyone is getting engaged and everyone is getting married! So wedding has been in on my mind!!!!

I remember following "Princess Diana's" wedding back in 1981 I believe. It was the buzz! I remember when Diana & Prince Charles got engaged and I thought to myself, "what the hell does she see in him?" Of course, he's the Prince, but what a creep! but who am I do judge? I followed her life, like the rest of the world! (O.K. I'm watching the coverage as I'm writing this and I can't get over these hats! The Beckham's are being shown - how the world does Mrs. Victoria Beckham keep that hat on?!?!? I'm sorry, it looks weird! She's wearing black - are we at a funeral? Maybe she's trying to tell us something!

Now, getting back to the wedding. Personally, I'm "involved" with this wedding, because I had watched Princess Diana's & Prince Charles' engagement and wedding. It was right after my Senior year in high school (don't do the math) and it was the buzz! So I witnessed their marriage. I followed everything that was written in the tabloids and saw on T.V. I knew when the Princess was pregnant and when Prince William was born! That was a milestone!!!! I followed when they had another child, another boy, then there was the marital problems. It was all on display and secretly recorded. I remembering watching a special on the recordings of Prince Charles and his secret affair to Camelia , I kept thinking, what a creep!!!! (OMG! I just can't get over the hats!)

Anyway, I feel connected to the royal wedding and want to watch it because I remember William being born, saw him grow up and witness and felt sympathy when he lost his mother at a terrible young age. (All I know and can remember from Princess Di's wedding to this one is that is seems more chaotic and less orderly!) It seems like Prince William knew he was born into a privilege life but still wanted to make it a "normal or common" as possible. He met a special person, Kate, who is known as a "common" person, but yet caught the eye of the Prince of Whales! Well, the reporters keep talking about what she's (Kate) going to wear, I just hope it's a wedding dress! It is a historical time for this special couple and I wish them all the best! I would love to one day visit Britain and really see where all these historical events take place. I just need to convince my husband to travel along with me!

All those who are watching this live in the U.S. I'll get back to you to tell you what my thoughts are on the wedding ceremony. (I know you are waiting on the edge of your seat!) I'll post more later!

A Visit to the Beach

2011-01-18T22:09:00.000-08:00

Saturday, Tom & I went down to Newport Beach area. We stopped in at Vanguard and picked up Kevin & Candace and took a stroll on Balboa Pier. It was another beautiful day.

On the pier some guy caught this starfish. I had never seen anything like this. It was huge! It looked fake. It really gathered a crowd!

Then there was a seal swimming around looking up at all of us looking down on him! Someone finally threw him a fish - just what he wanted. I'm just calling him a he - I don't know!!!

Later, we hung out at Huntington Beach and met up with Ben & Kimberly. We saw dolphins jumping and swimming with the surfers. (Don't have pictures, but it was really cool!)

We ended going to Johnny Rockets for dinner.

The waitress made these faces for each of our ketchup bowls!

It was right on PCH and a perfect way to end a perfect day.

Because We Can

2011-01-18T21:50:00.000-08:00

We've have had gorgeous weather lately! Tom had taken the last six days off work since he's been working so much and things at home fell behind plus he just need to take time off! We really took advantage of the beautiful weather. We trimmed the rose bushes like we do every January and turned the spa on and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon hanging out in the spa. Why??? Because we can!!!!!

Seeing the Light Through the Trees

2011-01-18T21:40:00.000-08:00

In our backyard, our neighbor (behind us) has these huge pine trees. They are great in the summer because they provide shade, but they are also very messy. We are constantly scooping pine needles out of the pool. Last week, our neighbor hired some tree trimmers to trim these trees. I wish I would have taken a picture of before, but this one below is in the process. I can't believe how much a difference the trimming made. It really opened things up!

Lately, we've had beautiful sunsets. Now that the trees have been trimmed, we can see more of the stunning sunsets!

A Night Out

2011-01-08T22:06:00.000-08:00

This past summer Ben & Kimberly gave us gift cards to this amazing restaurant in Orange County called Orange Hill. It's taken us this long to finally take a trip to Orange County and check this place out. WOW! I wish we would have gone sooner! It was a beautiful place and the setting was exquisite!

This was the view climbing up the steep drive way.

There were fire pits with a great view. We will definitely be back!

Thanks Ben & Kimberly!

Aaaaahhhhhhhh!

2011-01-02T17:38:00.000-08:00

What's this? Peace & quiet, tranquillity and cleanliness? Those were the exact words Tom said when he walked through the doors a few minutes ago! I had to laugh because those are the exact words I was thinking about when I was about to write this blog! What perfect timing! I was just about to sit down and write this blog, sitting by the fireplace with a glass of wine, and write about this weekend.

We had a house full of kids this weekend just "hanging" out at the house! Kevin's friends started to arrived before noon on Friday and they just left a couple of hours ago! Ben & Kimberly & a couple of their friends came on New Year's Eve and ended spending the night. We ended up having 16 spending the night on New Year's Eve and of course, I made them breakfast! It was awesome! The next day, Ben & Kim went to his parent's house for a family gathering and their friends went home. Kevin and his friend ventured up to Oak Glen and then went to the movies. Later on that night we ordered pizza and I ended up going to bed by 10:00! Poor Tom got called out (I didn't even hear the phone ring) and worked during the night and all the next day! Earlier today, Kevin and friends left around 1:00 and headed up to Lake Arrowhead area for a retreat with all the Vanguard RA's. They needed to get up there before the predicted snowfall. I heard they made it just in time! They will be there until Wednesday. Kevin is planning on coming home, grabbing some more clothes and heading back to college.

So as soon as the group left the house I started cleaning and washing bedding, towels and getting the house back to "normal"! It really was an awesome weekend. I just LOVE the kids' friends. I am so blessed to have great kids who have great friends. I know my kids wouldn't admit this, but they would never invite their friends to hang out at the house if they didn't think great things about their parents! One of Kevin's friends even said to me that Kevin is always talking about his mom's cooking and how good it was! I almost started to cry! I love the fact that our house is the house where the now "young adults" still love to hang out. I love feeding them and just want them to feel at home.

It was defiantly crazy waking up to college kids laying all over the floor. You couldn't even see the floor! It was covered with bodies rolled up in blankets, sleeping bags, computers, Iphones, duffel bags, you name it.

The kids are gone, so are the friends. The house is all clean. (You wouldn't even know there were a ton of kids here!) Tom is home, for now. The Christmas decorations are still up. Soon they will be gone. It's a New Year. I never know what's in store!

Right now, it's peace, quiet, tranquility and cleanliness!

2010 In Pictures

2011-01-01T18:38:00.001-08:00

This past year was a biggy. I could kick myself for not blogging. Our 25th year anniversary. Camping trips, graduation and of course, the wedding! We had a busy year so I tried to capture it in pics!

Take a look!

Mission Inn: Festival of Lights

2011-01-01T15:30:00.000-08:00

The day after Christmas we went to Riverside to the Mission Inn. Every Christmas, they go all out and decorate with beautiful lights and vignettes of carolers, Santa's workshop and toy land. It's been years since I've been there at Christmas time. I think the last time, I was pushing Kevin in a stroller. This year, we met up with his girlfriend and her family.

We even saw reindeer all the way from Alaska. Kimberly didn't believe that there was such a thing as a reindeer. She still can't figure out how they fly! Just believe, Kimberly, just believe!

We had some time to kill before we met up with the Portillo's, so we decided to take a carriage ride. If you've noticed, Tom has his eyes open, ever so slightly. He ALWAYS closes his eyes when there's a flash. I've just accepted the fact, I will NEVER have a nice picture of the both of us, if there's a flash. This is as good as it gets!

Awww! So cute!

Taking in the sights!

The Portillo's had these 3D glasses that made every light bulb a snowman. Really cool!

Kevin and Candace

Ben & Kimberly

The Portillo family

The Verkaik family

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Christmas Eve

2010-12-26T13:15:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve day, Ben & Kimberly came home earlier in the afternoon, just hung out at the house. That evening,we went to a beautiful Christmas Eve service, came home, had dinner and took family pictures, which is a Christmas Eve tradition, but as you can see nobody takes it seriously.

So "Hey, everyone Merry Christmas!"

Kevin and his girlfriend, Candace. Kevin really has a nice smile...he really does!

The newlyweds, Ben & Kimberly.

Both couples, prom pose.

Tom & me, another prom pose.

Me & my kids, Kevin & Kimberly

Kevin & Tom acting tough.

Then we opened presents!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the Verkaik family!

The Invasion of the Bird!

2010-12-21T13:47:00.000-08:00

Last week records were being made by all the rainfall we received in Southern California. Tom put in over 70 hours in four days! It was insane! The other night, I heard some noise outside the front door, I looked out the peep hole and saw Tom come up the sidewalk. So I opened up the door and a bird flew in the house. I let out a scream and slammed the door on Tom! I grabbed my camera and started to video. I don't know who was more scared, me or the bird!

I'm Gonna Do This! I really am!

2010-12-20T21:41:00.000-08:00

Ok. I can't believe it's been almost a year since I've blogged. When I started blogging, I hesitated to start, because I didn't want to do what I just did this past year! Not blog! Well, I'm going to try it again. Can I catch up? We'll see! I'm not going to hold back! Stay tune! See if I remember how to do all this...

To Be Continued...

2010-08-26T21:04:00.000-07:00

I realized it's been almost a year since I blogged & so much has gone in my life (not exciting enough for a reality TV show) but it's been a biggy!! I hope to catch up year's worth of blogs, just for my sake. I could care less what everybody else thinks!!!! Give me time!

St. Lucia Jan 20 Day 1

2010-02-03T08:40:00.000-08:00

Our first day really began the night before. We headed out to LAX on Tuesday, the 19^th of January around 7 o’clock. We had a tremendous amount of rain that day but it cleared up in the evening, so it was a good trip to LAX. We had a lot of time since our flight didn’t leave until 11:30 that night. We found a Chilis and had a couple of drinks and chips & salsa. Perfect way to start relaxing!!! The flight was good, but long and we didn’t sleep very real, especially Tom.

We arrived in Miami around 7:30 in the morning. We had a couple hour layover, got a light breakfast and coffee.
We boarded the plane on time, had a good catnap and arrived in St. Lucia at 2:30 in the afternoon. The air was warm and heavy, but not unbearable. We went thru customs and decided to take a helicopter ride to the resort.
The ride was amazing and fast. It was a 15 minute ride to the resort area, by car about two hours!!!.

We took a taxi to the hotel and our vacation finally arrived! We were greeted in a beautiful lobby with champagne and a cool towel to cool us off! We booked a couple of dinner reservations and photo shoot and were shown our room. We got a room with a balcony, which overlooks the pool area and the Caribbean ocean. The room was great and we couldn’t wait to kick it and lay down for a while. We were also given a whole bottle of champagne and some cheese and crackers – it was perfect!
We had to wait for our luggage because it arrived by car from the airport. Soon it was here, we changed our clothes, walked around a little bit. We enjoyed an amazing sunset and ended up going to an English Pub, had a great dinner. I had mahi, mahi, Tom had a pork roast, dessert buffet, we were stuffed and exhausted. We soon fell asleep around 8 o’clock!

I was really looking forward to this week!

St. Lucia - Here We Come!!!

2010-01-18T18:44:00.000-08:00

bags are packed

been tanning

got pedicure

nails are done

oh, yah, lost about 30 lbs...

...I'm so ready for St. Lucia!!!!!

Christmas Day 2009

2010-01-08T15:24:00.001-08:00

One Christmas Day we had Rog, Glenda, Isaac, my mother-in-law, and our friend, Steve Aranda over for a Christmas Brunch. I made all the food, including Mimosas!! Yumm. It was a very relaxing morning that quickly rolled into the afternoon. Ben came over later on and opened a few presents. We drew names and had to get a gift that started with the first letter of that person's name. So Ben got a "Blaster"!

It was a marshmallow blaster!

Of course, we have to give it a try...

How about taking it outside!

I gave Ben & Kimberly, private dancing lessons at a dance studio, here in Redlands, called, "Shake It Up!"

I also gave Ben a photo book on the night they went to the Laker game.

Later on that evening, we did Rock Band...notice the concentration...

more concentration....

It was a great day! Until next year! Merry Christmas!

It's Been A While... Christmas Eve 2009

2010-01-08T07:56:00.000-08:00

Wedding Plans Begins!

2009-12-12T21:00:00.001-08:00

Kimberly is finally finished with finals and enjoying her Christmas vacation from school. We didn't waste a day and headed out looking for that special dress she's been dreaming of. Kimberly & I had an appointment at a bridal dress shop yesterday and tried on quite a few dresses. The first one made me a bit teary eyed since it was the first wedding dress I saw her in! She must have tried on about a half a dozen dresses, every one would have worked but there was one that seemed to fit her the best. We kept it in the back of our minds knowing we were going to another place the next day. Today we ventured out in the pouring rain to Riverside to another bridal boutique. This time we had Ben's sister, Steffany, and mother, Brenda, along for some insightful advice. Again, Kimberly tried on another half a dozen dresses, but there was one that made me cry! We all agreed on THE ONE!!!! She looked stunning! It's so surreal, but happy to be a part of this joyous occasion. Both Brenda & myself got married the same year (1984). We compared dresses and experiences. Things have changed so much. I moved out to California when I was 19 and my mom was in Minnesota, so was unable to be with me to pick out a wedding dress. I'm having a ball helping Kimberly with the wedding plans and want to cherish every moment. Sometimes I really can't believe I'm in this stage of my life. I thank God for my life. He has blessed me so!

Thanksgiving in Phoenix

2009-11-28T20:33:00.001-08:00

We headed out to Phoenix on Wednesday. It was an amazing time. One of the best part was being in the car for five hours with our kids. We had great conversations. I think we talked the whole time. There was a lot of wedding talking and/or planning going on. It was great! We arrived at Lon & Sandy's in the evening, had a great meal, sat by the fire pit in the backyard and then spent the remainder of the night in the spa. Just heavenly!!

The next day, we went to Jan & Clare's for the "BIG" meal of the year! My Aunt Jan out did herself, and everything was unbelievable delicious!! I was so excited to just regular food and not worry about counting calories! Of course, I over did it - but who doesn't??

Here, we are working on round two...

Played a new game of "Skip-Bo" called "Golf" It was fun!

The next day we went for a hike. It was a good way to burn off some of those Thanksgiving calories. Just a beautiful day!

After our hike, we journeyed back to Lon & Sandy, where Lon prepared an incredible breakfast, only Arizona style, on the outdoor grill in their beautiful backyard.

The amazing chef, Lon, at work...

After "brunch" we headed to the "Retirement Fun Zone". Some went bowling, worked out, sat in the giant spa, walked in the walking pool, played miniature golf, or lounge around. I opt for lounging around!!

After all that lounging, of course, we had to eat again! We enjoyed Glenda's homemade chili and Lon's famous Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches! Yummmm!

Kevin had his turn at the grill. Lon made it look so easy!

The night ended with "Seasoned" musicians having their hand at Rock Band. It's a lot harder than it looks! It was a BLAST!

Can't wait until next year!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Wow! It's Been A While!

2009-11-22T19:35:00.001-08:00

The month of October began with a call from my cousin (from Az) asking if they could come out for a "Fall Break", stay at our house, do Disney, (her husband has never been) and attend her alumni Homecoming football game. Of course, we were game! We love Lon & Sandy and it was a great excuse to go to Disney and renew our annual passes!

We met Sandy's brother, Jeffrey, at Disney. The last time they were there was at their "grad night" in the "80's. That's a loooong time ago and things have changed!

I love Disney around Halloween. The decore is awesome! We went on a Friday, and it was extremely busy, which was a bummer. Ben & Kimberly were going to meet us in the evening but it was "sold out", so they ended up going back home.

We got to go on all the rides that "count". Saw Fantastic, and the fireworks. It was a great time!

So My Daughter Called me Tonight...

2009-11-14T20:27:00.000-08:00

...and told me she's ENGAGED!!! I'm so happy! I love Ben, and I know that God has a plan for their lives. Congratulations!

Yeah! It's Fall!

2009-10-06T14:53:00.000-07:00

I believe Fall is here, or at least my house says it is. In So. California we don't have drastic changes of the seasons like they do in the Midwest and especially in the East so with the change of a flag or decorations around my house, those things determine the season. I love Fall. I went to a local pumkin patch and didn't realize the different variety of pumpkins. So after dropping $40 (yikes) on a few pumpkins and Indian corn, it looks like the Autumn season is officially here!

I bought some really good smelly candles, so the aroma is awesome!

HAPPY AUTUMN!

Week 10...no, ummmm Week 12

2009-10-01T19:00:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's been three months since I started JC and I know, I haven't journal in the past couple weeks. Week 10 I did gain some weight because of camping and Tom's incredible margaritas, which will always be my downfall, especially when the weather in still hot and pool weather. BUT... I have lost a total of 17 pounds since I started and have 11 more to go. It seems like a long haul, but it really hasn't been that bad. I'm hoping that since it came off slow it won't come back on...ever!!!! I'm down to two days of on my own (OMO) meals, which brings me a little bit of anxiety. I need to plan ahead and not just grab something out of the freezer and into the microwave. I'm continuing to do a lot of walking and adding some weights for my large, flabby arms. Life is good!!!

Carlsbad (again)

2009-09-23T13:09:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh! Another amazing week camping at Carlsbad! The setting and weather were perfect! We were joined by another couple who just joined the emptynesting club, Jack & Henriette. Here you can see them perched on the famouse Carlsbad chairs that overlook the ocean.

It was the perfect place for morning coffee and an afternoon margarita!

The water was really warm and the afternoon tide was way out. I walked quite a ways out before getting deep in the water to get this picture of our site on the bluff.

My husband has a new hobby, thanks to Jack! Who knew he was such a fisherman!

Tom & Jack hunting for sand crabs...

One of many beautiful sunset dinners...

until next time...

Week Nine

2009-09-10T18:55:00.000-07:00

I guess I didn't journal on week eight, but it was another successful week. I lost another pound and another this week. I'm half way there! My plan this week is to have a day with my own food. I could have done more days but we are going camping (I know, again) and I didn't want to worry about fixing food for me, so I'm bringing my JC food, which I love! This week was full of activity for me. I did alot of walking and even hiked 2 miles straight up a mountain! This Sat. I'm walking a 5K for Beautiful Africa! I feel good and I'm happy to wear clothes that...fit me better!

Labor Day Weekend at Laurel Pines

2009-09-07T20:55:00.000-07:00

Summer is officially over when we leave Laurel Pines. We've been coming up here on Labor Day weekend since we've been married and this November it will be our 25 years! We haven't made it every year but have many fond memories with our kids and other families here at Laurel Pines. This year was different because since our kids are in college and have a life...they weren't here! But there were plenty of other kids to make up for them!

Tom's hammock was a hit...

Hanging out by our trailer...

Ron & Tuggers...

The Koning's Christmas portrait...

The three chefs...

Heart attack in a skillet...

Does anybody want any peach rings?

Getting ready for church...

the worship team...

the congregation...

After church, we went on this hike literally straight up the mountain to see a 2000 year old tree. The view was pretty amazing, we saw Palm Springs. I'm proud to say I made it up this big mountain and didn't complain one bit!

Tom & Hope (& Roxy) talking to the other group of hikers on the walkie talkies who weren't back yet...

Maddie & Grace swingin on the hammock...

Wesley with that crazy pacifier that kept falling in the dirt!

Such a cutie...

Laurel Pines wouln't be Laurel Pines without a game of Stratego...

It was another great weekend at Laurel Pines. Until next year...

Pool Time, Well, Sort Of!

2009-09-07T19:53:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday, I had out of town relatives over to do some swim time and BBQ. My Uncle & Aunt, Rog & Glenda, their son, Isaac and their daughter, Rachel, husband, Bobby and their two boys, Caleb & Micah came over in the afternoon to spend some time in the pool and then later a BBQ. We've been having very hot, humid weather with the fires, mix with the smoke, it had been pretty gross. But last Wednesday was warm but not so smoky so I thought the day would be perfect for swimming. They arrived around 2 in the afternoon, we put on our suites, sunscreen and we were in the pool. About a half a hour later, dark clouds were over head and we heard thunder in the distance, it started to sprinkle, then bigger drops and then it began to pour!

Now THAT'S how you drink a Triple V!

We headed to the covered patio to get out of the rain!

Counting between the lighting and the thunder!

After the rain, we went back in water, it was still hot and muggy!
Grandpa Rog & Caleb going in for a dunk!

Who knew it was going to rain? It hasn't rained here since April or May and the one day I plan on having people over to swim and BBQ it rains! My other Uncle & Aunt Jim & Carol came over and my cousin, Joel. We did have a great time and it was so much fun being with family, especially the little ones!!!

An Abrupt Ending

2009-08-20T23:03:00.000-07:00

Today it all stopped. It was very sudden, it was very abrupt. I wasn't expecting it to happen so fast, but the kids are gone, back to school and summer is over! Kevin packed his car and is gone! I always get emotional when the kids leave the house. I never know when I'll see them again. Actually, I think I will see them in four days!

It was an amazing summer! We're emptynesters again!

Week Seven

2009-08-20T22:42:00.000-07:00

I keep plugging away, another pound lost. I really wish it would come off faster, but this is what this program is designed to do. I purchased a DVD/CD program from Jenny Craig called Touchstones. This is a tool to help my mindset to make healthy choices as I progress with my wieght loss. I did watch the DVD and listened to the CD and I think it will be helpful. We did go to In N Out yesterday after Kevin's skydinving adventure and I just so happen to have my "Dining Out" book and it even had In N Out and I could order a hamburger with everything on it except the spread! It was delicious and only 310 calories! No french fries, (I did sneak one!) I was very proud of myself for sticking to choosing "healthier choices". Until next week!

Skydiving

2009-08-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

So, a couple of months ago my soon to be 19 year old son said he wanted to go skydiving. Well, I wasn't too surprised because since he was at the age he could hold a ball he wanted to play every sport imagine even though some didn't involve a ball! He had a big birthday party and thanks to some really special girls, he received a big chunk of money to put towards skydiving. So the day fianlly arrived. I really wanted to go and see what it's all about, and just in case if something happened, I would be there. Not that I thought for a minute that something would happen..but just in case! It turned out that Tom, Kimberly and myself went to meet up with Kevin and his friends. Kevin's friend, Matt, also wanted to take the jump. Well, it was a long day because we had to wait...

and wait...
we would watch other groups fall from the sky...

wait some more...
good thing I found a deck of cards in the car...
wait some more...
went to Starbucks...

finally, after hours, they told Kevin & Matt to suit up...

good thing the girls were there to keep us entertained...

I needed to check out the plane and take some pics, even tho I wasn't suppose to be over there...

the model pose...
Kevin's photo/video guy filming Kevin saying that he loves his mother and thanks her for allowing him to experiece this very dangerous "sport".
Oh, by the way, here are a few instructions...
more instructions...
His tantum partner...
Good by, Kevin, I love you!!
any last words, Kevin?
second thoughts???
here we go, keep your head up...
finally, the jump!
free fall = 120 mph for 6,000 ft...

Thank God the parachute opened...

They made it...

A thrill of a lifetime!

They are already talking about doing it again. I don't know if this mom can take it!

Camping at San Mateo

2009-08-14T08:01:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago we went on our annual camping trip to San Mateo which is near San Clemente beach. We've been going camping with this group of families for a few years now and we always have a great time. What makes it so much fun is the kids. Now these "kids" are all grown up, some are finishing their college years, some just starting, some are half way across the states, but yet they take time out of their busy schedule to make this trip. Every day focused on food, going to the beach, campfire and food again! What else do you do when you go camping!

Steve brought tons of carne asada to grill...

Another night, we made Hobo Pies, which are like grilled sandwiches or panini, made out of two slices with bread with whatever you want inside like ham & cheese, pepperoni, cheese, pizza sauce, all kinds of choices and put them in a Hobo pie maker and cook in the fire...

It seemed like every night we had a different group of kids. Friends would come for dinner, leave for work and sometimes come back again...

One morning, somebody went out and got donuts...

There was always a game going on...

Twins!!! Jack & Kimberly wearing the same shirt!! (I think Kimberly just woke up)

As soon as Tom fired up the generator, all the cell phones needed to be charged...

My "kids"...

The girls took a big blow up matress out in the water catching some waves...

Special visitors from the Ukraine came out to see Kimbery & Hannah. The girls met them when they went on a mission trip to the Ukraine...

Making omelettes in a bag...

The kids hanging out and some saying their final goodbyes...'til next year...

Week Six

2009-08-14T07:58:00.000-07:00

Another pound loss!! I'm a third of the way from my goal! I'm thrilled! Even though I feel I worked so hard for that one pound and I want the weight to come off faster, I'm feeling great and getting into my activity routine! My clothes fit better! This past weekend I spent with Kimberly and I did really well, sticking to the eating plan, even going out to eat. I walked and rode bike, definitely got my exercise in!! Another week ahead; there should be no interruptions and looking forward to loose more of myself!!!

Week Five

2009-08-07T07:54:00.000-07:00

It's been a good week. It was a short week but I still managed to loose 2 more pounds! I had no interuptions so I could concentrate on my plan. I walked more, even did a little jogging and swam some laps. I stuck to the food plan to the T! I didn't feel hungry but I do sometimes miss some of the other off limit foods. I'm heading out to visit Kimberly this weekend and I'm planning on bringing my JC food along and allowing two dinners on my own. This will be a challenge but I think I'm confident on making the right choices. We'll see how I do.

Week Three

2009-08-01T14:56:00.000-07:00

I just got back from camping at San Clemente. We went with a few other families and our kids, who are now college age. This week was probably one of the most challenging weeks being on Jenny Craig. I stuck to the plan except for three dinners I did on my own, but I still did my portion size. I lost a pound, which is very discouraging since I feel I really stuck to the plan. This week will hopefully be easier. I'm sticking with the plan and going to concentrate on being more active. I shouldn't have too many interruptions this week.

Carlsbad and the Chairs

2009-07-23T21:51:00.000-07:00

This was their second trip to Carlsbad. The first trip wasn't as successful as this one since it was colder and windy in May. This trip they worked out great. It was heavenly to to go up them in the morning with a cup of coffee and watch the morning surfers. During the day it was heavenly to lay out with a magazine or a book. And then it was heavenly to watch the dolphins and the sunset in the famous...Carlsbad chairs!!!

A view from the sand. It was fun to see people look up and point.

A view from my chair...

Tom, always had binoculars in hand...

Some essentials near by...

It was heavenly...

Week Two

2009-07-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

So it's week two that I've been on Jenny Craig. It seems like it's been two months, but I did lose 2 pounds! I was hoping it would be more, but taking it off slowly is suppose to be better for you (that's what I was told). Tom & I went camping at Carlsbad so I packed up all my Jenny Craig food, stuffed it in the freezer in our trailer and thank goodness the microwave worked with the use of the generator. Now, that's how I camp!!! It was torture going to the grocery store to get food for Tom & other visitors we had a couple days. I missed the chips and salsa, margaritas (ok, I had one) I was so good, though, I stuck with my Jenny food. Now, for another week of Jenny and camping.

A New Me...Coming Soon!

2009-07-15T11:19:00.000-07:00

After I got back from vacation and I was looking through all these pictures and I was so disappointed by the way I looked. I guess pictures don't lie. I looked so FAT!!!. I know I had gain weight but sometimes you don't notice until you see pictures of yourself or worse yet, videos!!! So I decided to do something about it. The problem is, I know what to do, watch what you eat and exercise, which is always easier said than done. I just needed more help. So I decided to join Jenny Craig. I was very inspired by Valerie Bertinelli. She lost 40 pounds with Jenny Craig. I just watched all her blog videos and read her blogs on her journey of loosing all this weight. I thought if she can do it, I can do it!! She looks great. Of course, I would love to look like she did in that bikini commercial, but that's not my ultimate goal. I just want to feel better about the way I look and feel better in my clothes. I've always had a struggle with the way I look, I'm tired of struggling. I love food, and really hate to exercise, but that's going to change.

I've been on Jenny Craig for one week, and I weighed in this morning and I've lost 2 pounds. I was hoping for more but then I realized I wasn't following the plan like I should. I thought I could mix up the meals for the week, but found out that I needed to eat the meal plan for that particular day. Ok, now I know, and I still lost 2 pounds! This next week will be somewhat of a challenge because we are going camping. Actually I think it will be better than I think because I'm not going to bring a lot of junk food to tempt me and I usually do a lot of walking when we are at the beach. The only thing is I like to have my margarita when I'm laying out at the beach. I'll bring my Jenny food, which I love, it's really delicious and I do not feel deprived or ever feel hungry. I just need to figure out what Tom will eat. He is very supportive, which is huge. This is a big investment for me. I usually don't spend money on myself like this, but I feel like I need to do this.

I'm going to blog on my journey, which is another huge thing for me because I feel like this is really personal but I'm going to do it. My goal is to lose 30 pounds. I love the motto Jenny Craig has and it's: Progress not Perfection.

Well, until next time...

Family Portrait

2009-07-13T16:27:00.000-07:00

The scenery was picturesque and we had matching shirts, so we definitely needed to take our family picture. It started out pretty well...but then there's Kevin...

Kevin, what are you looking at??

This one is good but MY eyes are closed...

Another good one, but Tom's eyes are closed...

It gets worse...

I really like this one...

Can we just be normal??

Much Better!!!

Breckenridge Revisited

2009-07-13T15:48:00.001-07:00

We vacationed in Breckenridge, Co 10 years ago. We even went to the same hot spots. I dug out these pictures of years ago when we were younger, thinner, less wrinkles, had more hair...oh the good 'ol days!

Chipmunk rock...

Alpine Slide...

Family portrait over looking Dillion Lake...

Probably the saddest thing is that Tom still wears these shirts he wore 10 years ago...

Alpine Slide

2009-07-13T15:16:00.000-07:00

I know I've been home for a week and I'm still blogging about our vacation. My goal was to blog daily on each activity taking place for the day, but it didn't happen. The Internet wasn't cooperating with me and I just got too busy. So I continue...

On this particular day, we took a lift to the top of the mountain and slid down using a cart. The view was breath taking and ride was a blast!

Chipmunk Rock

2009-07-11T14:22:00.001-07:00

It's known as Chipmunk Rock. It's near Breckenridge, Co and over looks beautiful Lake Dillon. Bring plenty of sunflower seeds and the chipmunks literally eat out your hands. It was so much fun!

Then there's Kevin. He had such a way with the chipmunks...watch!

Hanging Out & Playing Games

2009-07-06T21:59:00.001-07:00

There was a lot to do around the house. The back deck for morning coffee or grilling...

Hanging out under the trees (and the weeds)...

The trampoline...

The loft...Apples to Apples...

The game room...

And Wii...

There were also plenty other games and a night of Gestures. Fun times!

Back in Times in South Park City, Co

2009-07-06T21:26:00.000-07:00

We visited South Park City, which is an old mining town.

FOOD!!!!!

2009-07-06T21:02:00.000-07:00

For one thing, we didn't starve during this vacation. Every family took turns preparing a meal. The first night was taco night by Brian & Leah:

The next night, the grandkids took their turn in the kitchen. Thanks, Kimberly, the spaghetti was great!!!!!

What great help!!!

Then it was Brad & Bonnie's turn, grilled chicken and rice:

Don & Karen: pork loin and cheesey potatoes: Yum!!!

Then finally, it was our turn: hamburgers!!

It's Hard to Breathe

2009-07-04T19:24:00.000-07:00

As soon as we got to our house, the kids discovered the trampoline and realized they couldn't jump as much as they thought. Maybe it's because we were at 9,000 ft elevation!

The Race Is On!

2009-06-30T15:53:00.000-07:00

During our trip, my sister-in-law, Leah, and I exchanged text messages, just checking up on each other like "where r u" or "how's the weather" etc. Well, when we were leaving Grand Junction, we got a text from Leah, "Brian says last one there is a rotten egg!" Now if you know my husband, if you give him a challenge he will do anything to win. THE RACE IS ON! Now I'm not saying that we obeyed all speed limits, but there was a time or two that we did. After a while, Leah text: "our gps says 13 min". Our GPS said 11 miles. It was getting close. Of course, we get behind a semi and another slow truck. We found our turn off and got on the street our house is on. I told Tom to go straight, but the GPS said to turn right, so, of course he went right! The house isn't on this street! It's on the street that I told Tom to go on in the first place! I felt like I was on the Amazing Race! We turn on the street that our house is on but now coming from the other direction and we see Brian & Leah's car coming from the opposite direction! I screamed, "There they are!" We found the house and pulled into the driveway literally 2 seconds before Brian & Leah! We Won!

I love Brian's reaction!

Picturesque Drive

2009-06-30T15:40:00.000-07:00

After leaving Grand Junction, most of our drive was along the Colorado River and was so beautiful. We stopped at this rest area called, No Name Rest Area. It was right along the river. It was gorgeous! We made a quick pit stop and took some pictures!

Grand Junction

2009-06-30T10:07:00.000-07:00

So, when we got back from our Sonic experience, we went back to our "Quality" hotel and saw this scene out of our room window! Who needs to watch "Cops" when we have this going on right outside our room. I'm sure to get a good night sleep!

I reserved a suite at a Quality Inn to accommodate all of us. I thought we were getting a hide a bed, but wait, there's a note...

Of course, we had to bring a computer or two, or three...

Included in our stay was a wonderful breakfast. We even had a chief making crepes to our liking!

Topped with whipped cream! Yummm!

Now off to Breckenridge!

Breckenridge or Bust!

2009-06-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

We loaded up the car and headed east. Tom, myself, Kimberly, Ben and Kevin left early in the morning (4 a.m.) and our destination was Breckenridge, Co. There we were to meet my side of the family to celebrate my parent's 50th Wedding Anniversary. This has been in the making for over a year and it's finally here! We drove over 10 hours and spent the first night in Grand Junction, Co. After driving around Grand Junction finding a place to eat, we found Sonic. This was my first Sonic experience!!

It wasn't bad!

A mouse on our House!

2009-06-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

I was sitting on my couch the other morning and saw this mouse climbing on my shepherd's hook with hanging baskets, then it jumped on to the post apparently looking for something. I grabbed my camera...

Usually people set out traps for these situations, but no...

...that wouldn't be as fun as trying to shoot it! Actually, a couple days later, Elmer Fudd shot the mouse. (Sorry, I don't have pictures of that)

Rhubarb

2009-06-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

This is my mother's rhubarb plant. It grows the best rhubarb. I grew up in the Midwest, so I lived on rhubarb. I think there's over a thousand different ways to make with rhubarb.

One of my favorites is this rhubarb dessert with meringue on top. There's no official name for this dish, just rhubarb dessert with meringue on top. When my sister-in-law came out from Minnesota, she brought along a bunch of rhubarb for me! What a treat! So, I made the famous dessert. We had Bible study at our house that night, so I thought I would make for that. So I dug out my parent's church cookbook (they make the best cookbooks) and found the recipe.

This is what rhubarb looks like. I kind of looks like a celery stalk but has a bitter taste so everything you make with rhubarb you need to add a lot of sugar.

So first thing is to wash and cut the rhubarb:

You need 4 cups of diced rhubarb:

Mix 1 cup flour, 2 Tbsp sugar, 1/2 cup butter:

Mix until crumbly:

Pat in 8 X 11 greased pan:

Bake for 10 minutes in 325 degree oven:

In the meantime:

Separate 3 eggs, keeping the egg whites chilled to use for the meringue.

Beat 3 eggs:

Add 2 cups sugar:

4 level Tbsp. flour, 3/4 cup of cream:

Mix well and pour over diced rhubarb:

Pour over baked crust (you do not have to cool the crust):

Bake for 45 minutes:

In the mean time, whip up the meringue:

Beat the three egg whites:

Add 5 Tbsp. of sugar:

Beat until egg whites form stiff peaks:

After it bakes, spoon the meringue on the rhubarb mixture:

Bake 12 minutes or until golden brown:

Cool and serve!

I hardly had time to take a picture before it was gone. It was a hit at our Bible study, even to some one who kind of pulled a face when I mentioned it was rhubarb, she liked it, she really liked it! It's one of my favorites growing up and if you ever get a hold of some really good rhubarb, you should make this!

Big Bear Visit

2009-06-21T15:10:00.001-07:00

When my brother and sister-in-law came out for a visit, I took them up to Big Bear to visit our uncle and aunt who recently moved up there. It was a great and relaxing time!

Even Kevin came up to visit Isaac...

Rog & Glenda recently took a job working at a Christian Camp. We took a tour. It was gorgeous!

Ahhh! Our last stop, an ice cream cone at the Village in Big Bear.

Sheila's Shower (June 1)

2009-06-21T14:51:00.000-07:00

A week after the Engagement Extravaganza, Sheila's parents came out for a visit and the church gave Sheila a shower. It was a great turn out and Karen got to witness how much people adore Sheila and appreciate her.

Engagement Extravaganza

2009-06-21T14:49:00.000-07:00

May 23 ( I know I'm behind in blogging!)

The weather was perfect, the setting was perfect, the food was perfect and the whole day turned out, well...perfect. My niece, Sheila, is getting married this fall and she's already getting in the wedding mode with showers. Her friend, (Maid of Honor), Michelle, hosted a shower in our backyard. Since it was a couples shower, we had to give it a different name, since my husband has NEVER been to any kind of shower and wasn't going to start now. He decided to call it an Engagement Extravaganza, so there, the name stuck. The decor and the guests were all dressed in black and white, except for the bride and groom to be. It was a great time!

Bob, the groom, Michelle, the maid of honor, Sheila, the bride

Decorations...

Details...

Games...

Gifts...

They got a lot of beautiful and great gifts, mostly from Bed, Bath & Beyond!

Since Mother's Day...

2009-05-30T21:13:00.000-07:00

Wow! The month of May has come and gone and I don't even know where it went. I've been playing part-time mom to my nephews and nieces, by cooking for them and going to their house early in the morning and getting them off to school. It's a complicated story, but a year ago, Tom & I went to the courthouse to witness my brother-in-law & sister-in-law adopt 6 children they had been fostering for a few years. The kids' age range from 3 to 11 and this is not including my sister-in-law's three children from a previous relationship. I know this is complicated!!! Well, my sister-in-law has become an "inactive" mother ( I don't know how else to say it politely.), leaving my brother-in-law with all the kids. Tom's mom has been living there and has been great for the kids. My heart goes out to them. The kids really need a full time mother and father to love and nurture these kids. I pray that they will get back together and want to be parents to these kids and husband & wife to each other. It will take a miracle and only God can perform miracles!

One weekend I had Serena and Arianna over for the weekend. It was a really hot weekend which is perfect for the pool!

I think they would spent the whole day in the pool if I let them. After swimming I took them to Nubi's, haircuts, shopping for shoes and an outfit. It's okay if Aunt Dawn spoils them a little!
We had a great time!

Mother's Day and beyond!

2009-05-12T19:43:00.000-07:00

This is the card my son gave to me for Mother's Day... he thinks he's 5 years old, but he's 18!!! The sad thing is, I get his humor. I can't wait until his birthday...

I had a nice Mother's Day. Sunday was really in honor of my mother-in-law. She is an incredible giving person. Some day I will blog about it. It's kind of complicated.

My gift was just having my kids home. They are done with school and home for the summer.

On Monday night, we went to Las Campanas at the Mission Inn in Riverside. I love that place!

The atmosphere is beautiful, the food was great, (so was the "perfect Margarita") and being with the family is the best!!!

I love my family!!!

Tucson

2009-04-30T00:04:00.000-07:00

This past Friday, we headed to Tucson to visit my brother and sister-in-law. We decided to take Roxy, since they have two dogs, (both Maltese), but half the size of Roxy!! This was the longest trip we've taken her and she did pretty good. She kept going back and forth from my lap to Tom's lap.

She finally rested...

After three stops and 7 hour later, we arrived at Brian's. The whole weekend was warm, clear blue skies and sunny, a bit windy, but it was perfect to hang out in his back yard by the new pool and stone landscape. It was total relaxation!!

Tom posing for the camera...

This is my view...notice I'm not posing for no camera in my bathing suit!!!

Tom posing again...(and sucking it in!)

This is Brian & Leah's new bar!!!

They have ever kind of Tequila you can imagine!!!

Sunday night, Brian did his famous BBQ...chicken & ribs (no comment)

Really good!!! You can taste the hickory!!!

Okay, it passed the test...

There's corn, of course...

Cheesy potatoes!!! Two pans!!!

Grilled asparagus...

The next day (Monday) we drove to Tubac, which is a touristy, artsy, shopping area. It was about an hour south of Tucson, almost in Mexico. It was fun, but our shopping experience was cut short because of two restless boys, I mean, men, who really didn't want to be there and wanted to get something to eat!!!

Remember, this is an artsy place. What's with that????

Okay, after going into three stores, we asked the merchants where the best place to eat. They both said to go to Wisdom's, which is a Mexican restaurant. Of course!!! So we drove another 3 to 5 miles south, now we are really close to the border...and went to Wisdom's. They are known for their Margarita's, which are suppose to knock you socks off. Well, we weren't wearing any socks, so we really couldn't prove that. They were pretty good, but maybe not as good as Tom's.

Besides their Margaritas, they are know for their fruit burrito. We had to get one. This was a peach one, wrapped in a tortilla, deep fried and coated with cinnamon and sugar and topped with ice cream. Yea, it was good and we were all stuffed!!!!!

I don't know what to say...

We had a great time! Thanks Brian & Leah!!! We love you guys!!!!

Roxy

2009-04-17T08:01:00.001-07:00

Roxy likes to play with our clothes,

sometimes she likes to wear them!!

Community Organizer

2009-04-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

If you were watching the drive-by, liberal media (I don't know who still watches that stuff), you probably were unaware of a huge movement that took place yesterday nationwide. This historical event got TRUE Americans to take to the streets and protest the out of control spending Washington is doing and we, TRUE Americans, our children and our future grandchildren and so on will have to pay!

"We are mad as hell, and we're not going to take it anymore!"

I knew I was going to attend, but I didn't realize that I was going to help organize it! I ran into the lady (who I knew) who organized the Redlands Tea Party yesterday morning and asked if she needed help and she put me to work. I think I'm hooked! I'm a community organizer! I guess I can become president! It was an amazing event and I felt very proud to be an American and be a part of this historical event. I have a feeling this is only the beginning!

Easter Celebration

2009-04-13T08:48:00.000-07:00

He is Risen! He is Risen indeed! This Easter Sunday started out with an awesome worship service. The church was jammed pack. Chairs were brought out to fill the isles, along the back, anywhere there was extra space. It was a wonderful celebration.

Kevin came home with two friends from school. They were home the whole weekend. Kimberly came home on Sunday afternoon with three of her friends from school. We had an Easter dinner around 3 and spent the rest of the day hanging out in the back yard, relaxing, taking naps, going in the spa, playing Outburst and playing Around the World Ping Pong! They all left around 10:30 and that feeling overcame me again. The feeling that they aren't my little kids anymore where they climb into their beds at night and I can tuck them in. No, they pack up their cars and drive away!!!!

Then the next morning you find reminders from the activities of the day before and life goes on.

I'm still picking up after my kids, but I wouldn't want it any other way.

Some of my Easter decor around the house:

Kimberly and her friends taking naps after dinner:

It was a great Easter celebration!

Rog & Glenda's house in Big Bear

2009-04-05T20:37:00.000-07:00

The day before we left on our Temecula trip ( I know this is out of order) we went to visit Rog & Glenda up in Big Bear. Yes, they are now permanent residence of Big Bear. (Well, I don't know how long is permanent!!!) But anyway, we went up and helped them move in and to visit Rachel and her two boys. I had the privilege of taking care of the boys while everybody did the moving. I know it's a hard job, but somebody has to do it.

This is Caleb. He kept me entertained and all we needed was a box that we turned into a tunnel and a few matchbox cars and I think we could have played this for hours.

Ready, set, go!

After playing with the cars, singing the ABC song, Caleb got a hold of my camera and took these pictures. I thought he did a great job!!

This is Rachel, Caleb and Micah's mom, (my cousin)

Cars...

Grandma Glenda

more cars...

Grandpa Roger

of course, more cars!!!

me, holding Micah, he's so precious!

Uncle Isaac holding Micah. I did let others hold him for a little bit!

At the end of the day, we went to explore the woods literally in their backyard.

Tom finding Caleb a walking stick. You have to have the right size walking stick!

What a beautiful place. What a beautiful day!

God bless you on your new home, Rog & Glenda!

Love you guys!

West Coast Winery

2009-04-01T23:19:00.001-07:00

Tom surprised me for my birthday and took me to South Coast Winery Resort and Spa in Temecula. It was so beautiful - we stayed in this villas that felt like you were literally in the vineyards. The weather was perfect and the setting was gorgeous! It was awesome and I highly recommend it for a romantic get away! Thank you, honey!!!

Kimberly 21

2009-03-27T16:26:00.001-07:00

I made this photo book for Kimberly's 21 birthday. I gave it to her on her birthday when we were at Downtown Disney. I'm so glad we got her reaction on video. Of course this was the reaction I was hoping for. I'm glad she liked it...

View Project at Shutterfly

Kimberly's Birthday

2009-03-26T11:17:00.001-07:00

Last night we met the kids at Downtown Disney for Kimberly's birthday. We had a great time! The weather was perfect and we dined at a place called the Catal Restaurant. We had a table on a balcony overlooking Downtown Disney. After scouring the menu for something that was familiar or any kind of comfort food, we realized we weren't at Red Robbin and chose grilled Ma hi, Ma hi, flank steak, prime rib, and some fancy pasta. The food was good, but looking at the price, maybe not that good! (They did give Kimberly a complimentary scoop of ice cream!) But the great company and the incredible atmosphere was priceless!

Special nighttime effects! I'm such a photographer! (Not!)

Happy Birthday, Kimberly!

2009-03-25T12:36:00.000-07:00

Twenty one years ago, I gave birth to my daughter, Kimberly. I still get emotional thinking about that day. It was one of the happiest days of my life. God has blessed me so much by giving me such a beautiful person. I can't believe she's 21!

I love you, Kimberly!

Donald Ducks????

2009-03-08T15:47:00.000-07:00

When we were at Disneyland we came across this

momma duck with all her babies.

It was so cute!

Bubba Gump

2009-03-07T19:11:00.000-08:00

Those were big shoes to fill! Ya gotta love Bubba Gump!

A Room with a View

2009-03-07T08:47:00.000-08:00

Tom & I booked a hotel room through priceline - $50 bucks a night and this is what we got! We stayed at the Hilton by the Anaheim Convention Center, which is near Disneyland and the view was spectacular! We could see Disneyland from our bed!

We were hoping to watch the fireworks from our room, but they didn't have fireworks that night, so we were kind of bummed :(

Valentine's Night

2009-02-17T16:44:00.000-08:00

Earlier on Valentine's Day, everyone left our house, we again became emptynesters! After days maybe months of planning, my husband took me to this most beautiful, romantic place. It was so cozy and warm with a roaring fire, lit candles, bottle of wine, romantic music and no kids! (not that I don't like kids, but...) Well, if you look closely, this place looks really familiar. Look close! Yea, that's our family room! Actually, it turned out to be one of the best Valentines. I ordered food from Mill Creek, Tom went to picked it up and when he came home the family room was turned into a romantic retreat!! The food was delicious! I highly recommend ordering out and eating in! After dinner we watched the movie "Fireproof", and reminisced on our marriage, kids, parents, people, religion, politics...well, maybe not!

Milestone!!

2009-02-17T16:33:00.000-08:00

If you knew my mom, you would know why this is pretty hilarious! I don't think my mom has ever touched a computer in her life. I was checking my email and my mom's sister sent an e-card for my mom's birthday. When I showed it to her, she was amazed! Then it asked if you want to reply and you could type in a note of thanks. So I showed her how to do that and I had to take a picture of this! Way to go MOM!

My Parent's Visit

2009-02-17T16:06:00.000-08:00

My parents drove out here from Minnesota. They were here about 10 days. We didn't do much, but did go the California Adventure on my mom's 70th birthday. We found out that you can get in for free on your birthday, so being Dutch, we took advantage of it. Tom & I have a season pass so we just had to pay for my dad's ticket. It was a great day. They rain stopped, and the sun came out and it turned out to be quite pleasant.

Being the famous photographer that I am, these are the only two pictures I took at Disneyland!

After Disneyland, we went out to dinner with the kids at Momma D's in Newport Beach. Bob & Sheila joined us after being stuck in traffic for 2 hours! I felt so bad for them, but so glad they made it. It was a great place to eat.

My mom still had her birthday button from Disney, so every body at Momma D's made a big deal about her birthday, giving her a card signed by the whole crew, ice cream and cookies with a candle and singing happy birthday! They really made her feel special. Like I said, it was a great place! I definitely would go there again...hum...maybe for MY birthday!

Sheila, Mom, Roxy and me.

Thanks Dad & Mom for coming out! I had a great time, hope you did too. I love you!

Roses in January

2009-02-17T15:13:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago (before we had all this rain) I noticed some blooms on my climbing rose bush. I didn't prune these like I did my other rose bushes, because I really don't know how or where to begin. It has taken over my arbor, but I love these roses. I got out my little Canon camera and pretended to be this photographer! (That is something I envy on all those other blogs showing off their photographing skills!) Maybe someday I will get a nice camera and take some photography class and post my work!!! But in the mean time...this is the best I can offer!

This is with the flash:

This is without the flash:

You decide...

And now the close up!

I Know, I know, it's about time for another blog!

2009-02-07T15:12:00.000-08:00

Well, it's not that I haven't been doing anything, I just don't know where to begin! Since the middle of January, I've been gone 18 out of 25 days and have stayed in a total of 6 hotels! As soon as the kids went back to school, I followed Tom wherever his company sent him. They weren't some exotic places, but it was all good! The first week we went to Long Beach. It was an exceptionally beautiful and warm week so it was pretty tough going shopping, hanging out at the beach or the pool area. We did meet the kids at their school and took them out to dinner. They never pass that deal up!

The next week we headed to Palm Springs. Again, it was pretty rough...all that shopping, especially good deals(see my prior post!) and relaxing!

The following weekend we headed to the Marriott in Anaheim for a banquet that Edison put on. It was a recognition dinner for employees who have been in the company for 15, 20, 25 + years. We went last year because Tom celebrated his 25th year. This year he was honored with a Horton Humanitarian Award which is an award for employees who demonstrate remarkable initiative on behalf of others. In other words, he helped save a mother and son who were trapped in their vehicle because a tree fell on them. Just another day in a life of a Troubleman! We got to sit at an honorary table and got free drinks!! It was an amazing event! The company put us up in the hotel that night and the next day we headed to Costa Mesa and visited the kids!!!

It was another beautiful day and went to Cheesecake Factory for lunch and made a pit stop

at Sprinkles!

The following week, we journeyed up north to Visalia. It was about a 3 and 1/2 hour drive. Again, it was time for me to explore Visalia. It's definitely different but quaint. The hotel was walking distance from Old Downtown Visalia, which had alot of restaurants and cute shops. There also was a movie theater, so one day I went to a movie and saw Grand Torino. It was me and 4 other people in the theater! (Oh! - I thought the movie was good!)

We also had a chance to visit my cousin's daughter, who moved there from Minnesota. We took Jessica and her roommate, Bekah, out to Olive Garden - We had a great time!

San Diego!!!!

Our finale destination was in San Diego. Tom was sent by his company to a convention that was held in San Diego. Again, it couldn't have been more perfect weather! We stayed at the Marriott right on the bay, next to the convention center. We were on the 16th floor, bay view with a balcony. We toured the Midway Aircraft Carrier, which is amazing. It's a must see tour!!

I did alot of walking around the Seaport Village area and the Gaslamp District. I didn't even get in my car and "go" anywhere. It was all too nice to leave!

Tom and I always talked about me going along with him if he ever got sent out of town. I just didn't think it was all going to happen in a period of three weeks!! It was great being able to spend time with myself and Tom - but I'm glad to be home - for awhile!

Life as an emptynester...

The Deal of the Century!

2009-01-22T14:31:00.001-08:00

Like most women, I like to go shopping. I love to find bargains or better yet, clothes that fit!!

Or how about clothes that fit and are a bargain. Well, I went to Ann Taylor Loft at the posh El Paseo in Palm Springs and bought a pair of jeans and a shirt. They were marked down with an additional 25% off ! So, here were the mark downs:

Here was the total bill:

They even asked me if I wanted to open an Ann Taylor credit card and save another 15%! Wow! How can a person resist?!?! Well, after a 2 second lull, I declined the additional 15%, told the cashier how excited I was with my bargain and that I was going to blog about it! I wish I took a picture of the look on his face! That would have been priceless.

What the HECK?

2009-01-17T21:30:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you're wondering "what the heck?" That's what I said when I entered the garage wondering what my husband was up to all day!!! He took my Adirondack chair that I was going to sell on a garage sale and made it into his "Carlsbad chair"! Now you're wondering "what the heck?" Well, we've gone camping at Carlsbad, which is by the beach. We get ocean front campsites, which is on a bluff. There is a chain link fence that separate you and the bluff and the view is breathtaking. The last time we went camping there, my husband, Tom (think of Tim, the Tool Man Taylor) put a lawn chair on top of the picnic table so he can look OVER the fence and see the ocean. When he saw my chair sitting there ready for a garage sale, he had an idea, "I'm going to make that into my Carlsbad chair." Can you imagine that thing in the back of the pickup or better yet on top of our trailer heading down the freeway to Carlsbad! Beverly Hillbillies, here we come!

Ok. He made me risk my life and climb up on that contraption! Then he puts Roxy up there and she's shaking like a leaf and thinking, "Get me the heck down!"

So, I'm smiling a little, but I'm shaking my head (you just can't see that!) Actually it's pretty comfortable but I'm not telling him that! Paleeeezee!!!

Dirty Windows

2009-01-16T15:09:00.000-08:00

Ok, there's not much worse than lying on the couch because you're feeling nauseated and no energy and then the sun shines through the window and I see this! I can only thank our pool sweep on the highest power, it likes to flip it's tail and mess up my windows! Oh, well, at least we have sunshine here!