Way Cool Life

2011-05-07T09:15:00.000-07:00

Kittens! This looks like Giggle

I love it!

Huntington Library

Wicked with Spencers

Being Silly

2010-12-31T10:48:00.000-08:00

My new photo blog home: Wordpress

2010-12-28T09:35:00.000-08:00

2010-12-26T19:37:00.000-08:00

Christmas Morning

2010-12-19T08:25:00.000-08:00

Chores

2010-11-28T18:33:00.001-08:00

Dynamite takes 1st place in Turkey Tournament. It's great to be on the winning side!

2010-11-26T14:37:00.001-08:00

It ain't a family get together without dressing up uncle Matt.

Psalm 37:5

2010-11-26T08:19:00.000-08:00

"Commit your way to the Lord."

Talk to God about whatever may be pressuring you and then commit the entire thing into His hands.

Acquaint the Lord with your way.

Burden the Lord with your way.

Recognize your dependence on Him.

Never snatch the guiding reigns from His hands.

from "Streams in the Desert"

Great Tips for Living

2010-11-24T10:50:00.001-08:00

do something fun everyday

drink before you get thirsty

when your body says you're tired - sleep

eat food that tastes good... but eat healthy

give affection

receive affection

take quiet time for yourself

Debbie Silver

Unconditional Love - the closest thing

2010-11-19T21:24:00.001-08:00

Sydney used to call me - MAMA-SHE-SHE-DE-SHE-BE-SHE

2010-10-20T19:45:00.001-07:00

It's October and the Spiders are out!

2010-10-04T16:51:00.001-07:00

And there was God - right outside my classroom. Showing his artistic side.

Sunset Splashing

2010-09-26T20:24:00.001-07:00

Softball Ready

2010-09-25T18:13:00.001-07:00

Big Boy

2010-09-20T18:44:00.003-07:00

Big Boy - Joe - disappeared for one whole week! Where did - ja - go BIG BOY!

Spectators

2010-09-10T16:51:00.001-07:00

I know this is a crotch shot.... I just can't delete it for some reason.

Catching

2010-09-08T15:57:00.000-07:00

long Road

2010-09-06T12:05:00.000-07:00

Buddies

2010-09-02T08:30:00.001-07:00

12 Year Old Smile

2010-08-12T16:19:00.000-07:00

Jail

2010-08-06T17:36:00.000-07:00

Hand in Hand .... God is in our Land

2010-08-02T15:41:00.000-07:00

You've Arrived

2010-07-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

Cartwheels

2010-07-14T19:35:00.000-07:00

Looking Cool

2010-07-06T17:49:00.000-07:00

Rhapsody in Blue

2010-07-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

Yikees - Motherhood

2010-06-21T18:23:00.000-07:00

As I go through my day I have all these brillant sentences. And today was no exception. However, I sit now and draw a blank.

I can say this. Raising a daughter is reliving your life again. The good and the bad. And boy oh boy the bad can be difficult to relive.

Have you every stopped to think as a mother - Oh dear - I think I'm totally messing this up! It starts with little things like - It's my fault the girls don't like tomatoes. Then it's - I should have read to them more, then they would love to read. And works it's way to - she's got a complex because of me.

I know this is an awkward place to end this, but I'm trying to be an involved mother and need to get a decent meal on the table.

For My Friend Julie

2010-06-16T17:58:00.000-07:00

My good friend Julie works for Cabelas. So of course I had to go to the store in Arizona. I bought a tube of delicious chapstick and some adorable shoes.

Vacation

2010-06-14T20:10:00.000-07:00

Cabelas
Cracker Barrell
Queen Creek Olive Mill
Pool
Ping Pong
IHOP
Pool Volleyball and Basketball
Pool Slide
Card Games
No calorie counting
Reading on the lounge chair
Hot Sun
Unlimited towels
Villas
Heavenly Beds
Jacuzzi Bathtub
Balcony
Books
timeless-ness
awww

Cave Creek

2010-06-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

Summer So Far

2010-06-08T22:18:00.000-07:00

Monday

2010-05-24T14:48:00.000-07:00

2010-05-18T18:14:00.000-07:00

Yep, That's Amelia

2010-05-17T12:35:00.000-07:00

This world of horses and horse shows is new to me. Amelia loves it and wants to join this community. I find it almost daunting. I like the atmosphere. The dirt. The beautiful creature. I like the country music, the laid back way. But there is the feeling of competition in the air that I struggle with. I know that it is all for fun. Amelia has fun. However there is a little voice in my gut wanting her to do better and better each time. I look around at all the other kids/teens and we are just a part of the crowd. Where will this take her? Where will it take me? I don't know. Hopefully somewhere good.

It's Over

2010-05-06T19:53:00.000-07:00

Sydney played her last game tonight against the Orange Crushers. She pitched the last two innings. Struck out 2 players and go an RBI. Not too bad. Her team got 4th place in the tournament (out of 11). Not too bad!

She was sad to lose. I told her that's okay. I was glad she cared.

Closing ceremonies Saturday afternoon. Go lightning!

Airforce One

2010-05-05T08:13:00.000-07:00

Game Face

2010-05-03T15:47:00.000-07:00

observations

2010-05-03T10:55:00.000-07:00

Always, there are some soaking it all in and others choosing to ignore. Readers that can't put their books down and others unable to concentrate. Writers trying to avoid and those who are eagar to express their thoughts. Listeners wanting to know the truth and children choosing to be bored.

Always....

And so I forge ahead. Read the chapter. Sing the song. Tell the story. I know that the net I throw out will catch a fish. The seed that I sow will take in the soil that is good.

But my heart breaks for the wanderer, the apathetic, the procrastinator. I watch you and my heart aches. Listen! Learn! Try!

Please just try....

Reagan Library

2010-05-02T14:12:00.000-07:00

The Lord's

2010-04-28T14:44:00.000-07:00

I used to have so many thoughts, so much to say. I really like the idea of being a great writer. When I look back at some of my thoughts and posts, Wow, I'm actually impressed. But I come up blank right now.

Lot's is going on. Everyday is busy. Everyday.
Softball Practice
Games
Riding Lessons
Piano lessons
Dinner
Call Committee
Dirty Washclothes
Bills
Dishes

This is the ho-hum life I lead. No creative comtemplation.

What meaning does this picture have? This growing beauty - called my daughter! I once told Dave (before we were married) that I wanted to have kids (a boy) because I wanted a piece of him if something were to happen to him. Hmmmm.... I wasn't predicting the future.... Now look at her. It's a girl - but with many likeness to Dave. I got what I wanted.

I've said before. I have to remind myself sometimes that these girls belong to him too. And I have to remind myself that they are not either of ours. They are the Lord's.

Garnet

2010-04-27T15:59:00.000-07:00

Amelia submitted a poem about her mom to this Jewelry story. She was a winner and was honored to select a garnet just for me. I had the garnet set in a ring (cha ching) and will take a snap shot of it - soon to come. This lady spent about 15 minutes talking it up. We sure felt special. Amelia was very proud, and embarrassed. I didn't let this moment just go by. These are the little moments to remember.

Dreaming

2010-04-26T17:51:00.000-07:00

What to write.
Write freely.
Be quirky.
Be Funny.
Be honest.
What is it on my mind?

Dream big
Be creative
Wonder
Believe

I'm sounding Disney

Maybe all these visions
have a place in
reality

Be Brave

Artistic Hand

2010-04-25T10:06:00.000-07:00

Sydney's art was submitted into the Lutheran High Art Festival this year. She calls her hand "artistic" - My Artistic Hand.

After stepping back to look at her piece, she said, "Why do you think my art got in?"

Reflection

2010-04-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

"He seldom reflects on the days of his life because the Lord keeps his heart glad."

My days are filled
busy
satisfied
lazy
not so lonely

I plug away
wake up
work
relax at night
sleep

No need to dive
into His word
I seldom reflect
because I am
happy

Is that okay?
I wonder
do I drift?
unknowingly?

Perhaps Solomon
brings me
comfort
The Lord
has made me
Happy

Oceans

2010-04-23T12:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was "Earth Day". The 3-5 Grade went to Downtown Disney to see "Oceans" It was spectacular. Although I could have lived without the pity party for the warming climate and polar bears.

I also had to continually remind myself that God created all that AND he watches over it! Read the last chapter of Job for Biblical Proof.

Amelia told me this morning that she wants to be a journalist/photographer/oceanographer. She will take pictures of ocean animals and write about them. I think I like that!

Here is a picture of a student I had in first grade exploring a "jaw" skeleton.

Another Collage

2010-04-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

Riley's Farm

2010-04-21T10:59:00.001-07:00

Walk through Old Towne

2010-04-20T10:52:00.000-07:00

This Spring Break, the girls and I needed to get out. The cleaning people came to our house early (8:30) so we scurried on our clothes and headed to Old Towne. After having a healthy pile of chocolate chip pancakes, we crossed the Orange Circle and walked through Chapman University. It was a beautiful morning with lots of great opportunities for picture taking.

Special Box

2010-04-19T09:12:00.000-07:00

Easter

2010-04-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

Nearing the End

2010-04-17T19:22:00.000-07:00

Today was Sydney's last game of the season (not counting the tournament that begins Tuesday). She is more in love with the game now than when she began. The girl pitched awesome and even struck a few out. Her comment in the car was "I'm just so in love with the ending of the game!" She finished the game by striking a girl out.

Later this afternoon, Sydney played her first piano recital. Video on that is soon to come.

World's Apart

2010-04-16T11:25:00.001-07:00

Watson's Fountain

2010-04-15T09:40:00.001-07:00

Ready for some practice

2010-04-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

Window

2010-04-13T12:38:00.000-07:00

Curl

2010-04-12T07:28:00.001-07:00

Again

2010-04-11T19:38:00.000-07:00

Softball Waiting

2010-04-10T16:00:00.000-07:00

Hiking

2010-04-09T20:06:00.000-07:00

Colors

2010-04-08T12:21:00.000-07:00

Tree Pose

2010-04-07T10:03:00.000-07:00

Amelia's picnik

2010-04-06T16:04:00.000-07:00

Shopping and Lunch

2010-04-05T10:26:00.000-07:00

Easter Sunday

2010-04-04T18:38:00.000-07:00

Sad Saturday

2010-04-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

Amelia calls today - SAD SATURDAY -

By his wounds we are healed.

A Teaching Moment

2010-04-01T18:18:00.000-07:00

I had to capture this teaching moment.

Who's in control?

2010-03-31T12:34:00.000-07:00

The Fifth Grade class did a Stations of the Cross today. Here is Jesus. He is being led to the High Priest.

Jesus was arrested illegally and put on trial in the middle of the night.

One of the most profound thoughts of Holy Week is the fact that Jesus was in control of all the events.

That fact is a comforting truth for my life as well.

A Shadow

2010-03-30T13:02:00.000-07:00

Our life now is only a shadow of what it will be like in heaven. Consider the beauty of the earth, the inexpressible joy, the warm sunshine of peace. Then remember that all of that is just a shadow of heaven.

I'm waiting with great anticipation!

Spring is Here!

2010-03-29T16:55:00.000-07:00

Spring is here when coda makes his appearance! Boy has he grown too! Sydney found him - her second year in a row. Considering that she spends most of her time outside, it did not surprise me.

2010-03-29T10:07:00.000-07:00

Pageant of Our Lord

2010-03-28T18:24:00.000-07:00

Cantering Fool!

2010-03-27T20:02:00.000-07:00

Click here to see Amelia Riding Titan

Click here to see Amelia Jumping (riding Justin)

Battle of the Books, 2010

2010-03-27T19:04:00.001-07:00

Looking Back Again

2010-03-26T13:23:00.000-07:00

This is Amelia at about age 8 or 9. I love this girl!

Bracelets

2010-03-25T07:52:00.000-07:00

On a field trip

2010-03-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of accompanying Sydney on a field trip last week. We embarked out of Long Beach harbor to dig up the bottom of the ocean and see what we find!

It was a pleasure hangin' out with Syd. She was fun to be with and the day was a warm sunshiny day.

Hmm Softball...

2010-03-22T07:24:00.000-07:00

As usual, Cole knew the ball/strike count and was highly interested in the game. I love this stance he has. Very "league of their own" Tom Hanks. He just needs a wad in his mouth and to spit on the ground.

Jumping!

2010-03-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad I stayed to watch Amelia jump. So worth it.

Cheering on the Lightning

2010-03-20T17:38:00.000-07:00

Amelia and I agreed today that food is a great thing at Softball games. Shaved ice, hot dogs, nachos, soda, candy.

Sydney got an RBI and hit off the pitcher. We had to celebrate at Baskin N Robbins.

Advice from Papa

2010-03-19T08:14:00.000-07:00

Summer Face

2010-03-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T09:54:00.000-07:00

Coming Home

2010-03-16T13:59:00.001-07:00

2010-03-15T17:23:00.001-07:00

Family

2010-03-14T19:53:00.001-07:00

2010-03-14T14:51:00.000-07:00

Catching

2010-03-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

Sydney got to be catcher! She said she liked it, but she didn't catch all the balls.

Servant Heart

2010-03-13T17:21:00.001-08:00

Here's a story to tell! I asked Amelia to put something in my room and I came in later and she was folding my clothes and had made my bed.... wow! I am blessed.

It is definitely the little things in life that show love and Jesus in our hearts.

Last Time on Justin?

2010-03-12T20:20:00.001-08:00

Click here to see Amelia Ride

Grandma Day

2010-03-12T11:45:00.000-08:00

My mom and I have a dream to look good in pictures. I think this is a good picture of my mom. Thankfully I have two girls that inherited some hidden recessive gene to be photogenic.

Ice Cream Rock Out

2010-03-11T08:06:00.001-08:00

Saddle Up

2010-03-10T08:29:00.001-08:00

I'm so glad Amelia has found Horse Back Riding.

Cabin Frost

2010-03-09T08:20:00.000-08:00

Spring Bathtub

2010-03-08T09:35:00.000-08:00

This bathtub represents almost every season.
Spring - Daffodils
Fall - Mums

Winter - Narcissus

Running to Second

2010-03-07T08:24:00.000-08:00

Reverie

2010-03-06T15:33:00.000-08:00

Still dreaming of her bare back ride on Chucky.

Long hair

2010-03-05T09:35:00.000-08:00

This was taken a few years ago when amelia used to play around with my computer. This is just one shot in a story she was telling. I like it because she looks like she is praying and it reminds me of her long hair.

Picnik

2010-03-04T14:39:00.000-08:00

This is me thinking about the Scientific process at school. I played with the effects on picnik.com

Mom Privelages

2010-03-03T16:59:00.000-08:00

Amelia says I'm her "feeling taker"

I'm so honored!

Softball

2010-03-02T20:29:00.000-08:00

hit by a pitch
base hit
stealing third
coming home
pitching
catching a line drive

and it's only been two games! Busy girl!