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...

Pool Time, Well, Sort Of!

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!!!