Wedding Plans Begins!

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

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!

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...

...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!

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

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)

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

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

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...