Just Around the Bend

before.

2012-02-18T09:49:00.000-08:00

No words necessary!

the bee

2012-02-16T21:43:00.000-08:00

She was 1 of 2 kids out of 29 in her class to make it to the school spelling bee. She tied for 5th place out of 20 kids. She made it 4 rounds. She studied 6 pages of words for 14 days. Her word that tripped her up...Muscles spelled Muccels. She made us so proud before and after

The Bee!

It's Love.

2012-02-14T21:34:00.001-08:00

It was a joyous day of love complete with a working laptop (3 cheers...hip, hip hooray), my ubber-perfect hubby making his 3 valentine's a special dinner and margaritas (for me) and the end of a long and grueling project in sight. What a day! We reminded ourselves during grace that we are lucky enough to say "I Love You" everyday and not just today! xo

red & pink

2012-02-01T20:37:00.001-08:00

It's been a while. Welcome to February! With my laptop on the fritz, blogging has seemed so much more difficult. We've had quite a January with mini-vacas, spelling bees and practice, last minute jobs and of course the daily duties! I am welcoming this month with open arms. I'm also starting a big-new home project this weekend! I'm so pumped! Here's a photo of this month's mantel with the sign Grace bought with her own .99 cents! Yep, it's LOVE!

first time skier.

2012-01-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

The sunsets are to die for. The hikes are amazing. The skiing is usually awesome (although it was perfect for two first time skiers). Bailey did amazing for her first time on skis. We were all so impressed. We are hopeful that there will be fresh powder upon our next return. We are loving the mountains this winter!

time flys

2012-01-10T20:43:00.001-08:00

Every year. Same time. Same two girls. My bestie from college (and still), Sara and her daughter Avery come for a visit. My girls and I love it. We laugh, we have mini photo sessions (well, Sara does the picture taking and I wait in the background), we make and eat pizza and we just catch up. The girls kept saying "your just like my mom" to each of us and really it's true! We are crazy together...just as it should be. Just like it was and still is.

2012

2012-01-01T21:44:00.000-08:00

I'm looking forward and 2011 is in the rear view mirror. No resolutions for me. No big things I need to accomplish. No time I need to fill. My mom asked me what I want to have happen this year and I responded with, "NOTHING, I think we had enough craziness for 1 year."

Happy New Year!

Two Thousand Eleven

2011-12-31T15:09:00.001-08:00

The girls and I managed to squeeze in 1 last trip before the end of the year! The American girl store never disappoints however this time it was much better than the last when I had a mini-mom-meltdown with one of Grace's twins.

I'm not really reflecting on twenty eleven because I know that although this year great it was not without worry, pain and sadness. In the end we came out better and stronger and realize just how good we have it! I can't wait to see what's in store for 2012!

skating on ice

2011-12-31T11:11:00.000-08:00

Ice skating with the girls...definite Winter must-do!

Merry & Bright

2011-12-30T14:00:00.000-08:00

Santa came to our house and we all had a glorious Christmas enjoying family, friends and the true meaning of the season! We are more blessed this year than ever and we continue to give thanks to the one that really matters. Hope you're feeling as merry & bright!

On the eve

2011-12-29T22:55:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas...Eve.

2011-12-24T12:22:00.001-08:00

The VanVelson Christmas was a hit this year with walking dogs, lalalopsies and lots of fun! Next up, a Christmas Eve, Eve with friends and a celebration for Jesusmas tomorrow!

Christmas Chaos

2011-12-20T20:37:00.000-08:00

Another Clymer Christmas has come and gone. Once again, we missed my brothers and their families but it was a wonderful year full of celebrations. We toasted to health, a hard year behind us and a bright future ahead.

holiday hook-up

2011-12-18T20:30:00.000-08:00

It's official...another holiday tradition has been born! We started last year and have many more to go. The girls getting together for drinks, dinner and funnies is a must every year at this time. Truly, I love these girls!

spreading a little Christmas cheer

2011-12-03T22:06:00.000-08:00

Look at all of those carolers! It was a cheerful night of singing, friends and a visit from Santa. Ethan sang a solo at one of the homes! God is good!

The girls had another great year of this fun, family tradition!

thanking.baking.gaming

2011-11-30T17:06:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving week went something like this:

Pie-baking, family-bonding, deep-pitting, game-playing, table-cloth dressing, champagne-drinking and of course, loads of loving!

Thankful

2011-11-24T12:12:00.000-08:00

This time last year, I had just spent 2 weeks at mom's nursing her back from serious brain surgery.

This year, we are THANKFUL for her last chemo session next week!

This time last year, I ran the Turkey Trot for all of those who could not run and wish they could. This year, I am THANKFUL to have run with my baby girl...3 miles in 40 minutes (not bad for 7)

This time last year, we were so blessed with a great family and amazing friends.

This year, we are THANKFUL for our family, our health, and our best friends who have showed us that in our most trying and difficult times, they will always support and be there! WOW! We are blessed!

This time last year, I was grateful for an amazing husband and two beautiful girls.

This year, I am overwhelmed with GRATITUDE for God giving me my best friend to share this life with and can't believe I am lucky enough to have such an amazing family!

What are you THANKFUL for?

The HELP

2011-11-14T16:12:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, Mary and I hosted a dinner based on the book/movie, The Help. The girls showed up at 9am to "help" with the days preparations.

On the menu: fried okra chips, deviled eggs, cucumber tea sandwiches, cheese straws, homemade macaroni & cheese, Waldorf salad, fried chicken, fried pork chops, black-eyed peas, collard greens, corn pone and of course, Caramel Cake. The ladies took home The Help CD and the men took home mini- homemade chocolate pies.

It was such a great night with great friends!

Disney Fright-Night

2011-11-04T16:54:00.000-07:00

It was a Disney Halloween with Princess Jasmine and Tinkerbell. We did the usual; Annual Hairball, trick-or-treating the neighborhood and a finish at the Fabrie's party. The kids had a blast, as always.

fall

2011-10-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite time of the year! Although I love Summer, I so enjoy the crisp air this time of year brings. I am in love with the changing colors of the trees, my warm-weather clothes, Thanksgiving, my crock pot, darker nights, great evening television and of course all of the baking the early evenings bring. Winter will be here soon enough, but for now I am blissfully dancing through this season.

family

2011-10-26T12:24:00.001-07:00

2011-10-19T20:11:00.000-07:00

Troy and the gang took a 3 day/2 night hiking trip over the Great Western Divide. They went up Franklin Pass, over Sawtooth and had a great time. The weather proved to be a bit of a problem at times with heavy hail, rain and lightning. Great stories were told and bonds were formed with this group of 1st time hikers mixed in with a few veterans (okay, Matt and Troy were the only 1st timers but I heard they did great). There are now rumblings of half-dome in Yosemite and an even longer hike next summer. I'm not sure my nerves can take it.

Dance

2011-10-15T20:09:00.000-07:00

Monday and Thursday. 5:30-6:30. Tulare. This is where you will find us...every week!

A New Shaver Experience

2011-10-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

Although we went to Shaver late this Summer, I'm barely getting around to posting about it. The girls and I went to Erik and Kristie's new home and it did not disappoint. We spent time exploring, going to the lake, enjoying great pizza and best of all, the kids zonked out early. I see many memories being made (both with and without kids) in this beautiful cabin in the sky.

Birthday Bliss

2011-10-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

It's Ev's big day and the couples rendezvoused for an evening of drinks, yummies and a little bit of funny! There were more hysterics that could not be shown but all in all it was a success! Here's to another year, girlfriend...

Home

2011-10-09T19:47:00.001-07:00

Not glamorous but definitely needed...a weekend home! We caught up on laundry (although I do it everyday, it still seems to be miles long), cleaning/organizing the garage and attic & of course catching the girls playing in their rooms (together and well). It was a catch-up weekend before more madness ensues! Love the craziness but love home even more...

jess loves kevin

2011-09-19T15:02:00.001-07:00

It was an extraordinary wedding weekend! Jess and Kevin put on a hoedown celebration we will never forget!

Summer's End

2011-09-06T12:02:00.001-07:00

Hanging at Jelly Bowl in Carp is one of our favorite memories from this summer. A definite summer must-do!

38

2011-08-21T12:03:00.001-07:00

Thirty-eighth will be pretty great but then again so was thirty-seven. You are the most wonderful, most perfect, most gloriously handsome father, husband, son, brother and friend anyone could ever wish-upon-a-star for! I know this because I am blessed to have you and because everyone we know thinks so too (they tell me all the time how very lucky I am)! I also know this because I think so too. Your friends want to make you birthday breakfast, take you golfing and have bbq's for you. Not many are so lucky to have all of this love but not many people are you!

Happy 38, TVV...

camping...carp-style

2011-08-13T22:59:00.000-07:00

The decision to camp in our home-town was the best idea Erica and I have had in a long time. We spent time at all of our childhood spots and did what we do best...a little of everything and a lot of nothing! The highlight was camping at Sarah's Grassy Knoll! It's an annual trip for the books.

concert in the park

2011-08-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

Ojai has a wonderful park smack-dab in the middle of town named Libbey Park. It's quite beautiful for picnic-ing, playin and parading which is a lot of what we did. On Wednesday's, durning the summer, Rotary hosts a concert in the park with lovely big-band music, popcorn, lemonade and an old fashioned balloon march. While we always enjoy the park on our visits, this was an extra special treat for all of us.

h2o and more...

2011-08-03T10:24:00.001-07:00

With temperatures soaring, we needed more than just the pool to cool off so off we went to check off 1 more item on the summer bucket list! Kids had fun but is it just me or are these places starting to seem really dirty? I don't know, I'm sure we'll be back next year...just to see!

Waddy Cabin Take 2

2011-07-31T22:12:00.001-07:00

pizza people

2011-07-18T18:26:00.000-07:00

3 old friends, 7 children under 7, 1 husband, 1 dog, 5 plasma cars and 1 pool made for an exciting 2 days of fun in the sun. These besties couldn't have done it without our besties: coffee and wine!

go birthday blue

2011-07-16T18:07:00.001-07:00

Birthday weekend wrap-up:

amazing friends-check.shopping-check. awesome eats-check. riding roller coasters on the pier-check. cocktails in the sky-check. 21 hour birthday wake time-double check. dodger game-check. fantastic dinner at Katsuya-check. lots of farmer's market time-check, check. ending my birthday boogie boarding at j. bowl with friends-triple check. it was one for the books!

Star-Spangled Day

2011-07-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

It was a happy fourth this year with home-made ice cream, lots of family time, good friends, water slides, pool time, and fireworks! Gracie started swimming with no floaties so we were doing double the sparklers for her! It was an amazing holiday!

3650 days...

2011-07-06T10:12:00.001-07:00

swinging away...

2011-06-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

...our summer days!

last day at BH

2011-06-21T14:40:00.001-07:00

The end of a first grade year has come to a close. We enjoyed this year so much and Bailey had the most amazing teacher, Mrs. Thompson. Our girl received straight 4's on her report card ( 1 being the not meeting - 4 being over exceeding), can read chapter books and was 1 of 3 kids in the class to complete and get 100% on her math timed test.

Yes, I'm 1 proud momma who's looking forward to a great 2nd grade year.

Celebrating 7

2011-05-28T22:03:00.000-07:00

This is how we roll!

Celebrating age 7 never seemed so sweet but today it was all that and more!

Seven.

2011-05-24T14:56:00.000-07:00

fresh

2011-05-23T21:25:00.000-07:00

FINALLY!!!

I'm done...for now. Oak is painted out (up until the kitchen), new white baseboards, new floors in both rooms, new paint on the walls, re-upholstered chairs, pillows, new window treatments and rugs. Awww...but you will notice I still have that couch. Slowly but surely, right?!

Whew! It has been so much work and time consuming but after 9 years of living in this house and 10 years of being married I finally feel like I've figured out my style and I'm loving it. It feels light, open and a bit more modern. It feels so good to have done the work on our own (my AWESOME husband did all of the baseboards and floors).

It feels like home!

MOMS.

2011-05-17T20:03:00.000-07:00

FYI: Blogger has been down. Next, I was down. Better Late Than Never.

This past Mother's Day was extraordinary and I don't want to forget it, so here are just a couple of shots from the day. Cheers to a few of my favorite moms!

Come to Hawaii!

2011-05-06T17:42:00.001-07:00

How cute is this one?! She had "International Day" at school and her class performed an Aloha song. Adorable!

Girls, Girls, Girls

2011-04-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

It's official! Warm weather is here, swimming has begun and friends are visiting! Erica and the girls came for a visit and the girls loved being together! I never thought 5 kids could be so easy but Nash & I managed to squeeze in some wine, lounging, Oprah and chatting. It was a perfect couple of days and...It's her birthday today!

Happy Birthday to the 1 of the most beautiful, kind, stylish, most perfect mom and friend I know. I love you...

Lakeside Service

2011-04-28T13:04:00.001-07:00

Dying and Decorating

2011-04-23T21:49:00.000-07:00

Easter is around the corner and once again, we are preparing for the Easter Bunny to arrive! This year we are in Ojai with the family and tomorrow we will attend sunrise service at the lake! Until then...

a little bit of this...

2011-04-13T20:17:00.001-07:00

and a little bit of that!

This is what the last few weeks have brought to me:

a month long eye-twitch (which, by the way, is twitching as I write)

beautifying our yard for summer

going to both the fabric district and the Janet Jackson concert (in 1 long, deliriously-fun weekend)

working at the school (both in volunteer and $$$)

working on the home project I so desperately have wanted for the last 9 years!

I'm so excited to share all my work here with you in just a few short days. Until then, I will leave you with a sneak peek...

All American Girls

2011-03-23T14:49:00.001-07:00

The American Girl store was a first for Grace, so we drove down to the Grove to round out the 4th birthday festivities. Her buddies Olivia and Ella joined us and in between laughing, playing and throwing herself on the ground having a temper-tantrum, it really delivered! Grace had a blast with her little girlfriends enjoying lunch in the Cafe and shopping to her heart's delight.

Now, I may have a had a moment myself (which I'm so glad was not caught on tape) but by golly, that little Max deserved to be thrown on the ground and put in time-out. Hey, that's what moms are for. Right? We also got to enjoy shopping with some of our besties, Sara and Avery.

It was a special day for our sweet Grace!

Cupcakes and Curry

2011-03-18T17:26:00.000-07:00

Grace officially turned 4 on Tuesday and we were so lucky to have my mom here to celebrate with us. We had so much fun making curry together and I feel like I am now "in the loop". The recipe we used is from my Grandmother's side of the family from South America and it is so delicious. We were even able to find the Indian Rotti! Yum. We had a few friends over to sample our delights and then we celebrated with yet another rendition of "Happy Birthday" for our little Gracie. It was an awesome visit with my mom and a great evening with good friends.

P.S. The first official MRI results were awesome! Couldn't have capped our few days together any better. Praise God!

Four.

2011-03-15T00:14:00.001-07:00

My baby is 4 today and I'm a little bit sad. She has now informed me that her friend Andrew told her when she turns 4 that she is no longer a baby so I'm not allowed to call her that. It actually brought a little mist to my eyes. She is so darling and sweet and mischievous and funny and adorably cute. She is so totally four.

Happy Birthday to you, Gracie.

2011-03-09T17:02:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to me! Look at the booked-blog-beauty that landed on my doorstep today! Yep, 2009's blog has been booked, bound and is beautiful. I'm so excited! Blogging now seems much more thrilling, less time-consuming and way cheaper than scrap booking ever was. There is so much more in this book that I would have never scrap booked but now have the memories to keep. These pictures do not do it justice! Thank you, M. Waddy for the awesome gift of timeless memories. I LOVE IT!

Green Eggs & Ham

2011-03-02T17:17:00.000-08:00

In honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday, Bailey's school is having a few days of activities including crazy hat day, which was today. We decided to get creative and make a Seussical top hat, complete with green eggs and ham. I think she did a wonderful job with her execution.

Pen Pals.

2011-02-24T17:30:00.000-08:00

This is the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

Bailey wrote her first letter today to her new pen pal, Avery. Avery is my friend Sara's daughter and they had the best time when she came for a visit last month. I can't wait to see what these girls have to chat about and all of the fun they will have learning the art of correspondence.

Seaside Playground.

2011-02-14T17:30:00.000-08:00

Pink Peppermint

2011-02-12T10:10:00.000-08:00

After reading a blog the other night I was inspired to make homemade peppermint with the girls for the teachers for Love Day! A simple yet thoughtful task, right? NOT! It all seemed so easy until you get to the chocolate dipping. Wow! Not so easy but I do think they turned out great and they are mighty tasty. I dyed ours pink for Valentine's Day but how cute would green be for St.Patty's Day? You can find them here http://www.flythroughourwindow.com

That's another reason why I love blogging! The ideas are endless~

Sweet Treats

2011-02-09T21:54:00.001-08:00

This is what has been going on in this neck of the woods. Lots of volunteering at the school, shuttling here and there, counting down to the end of mom's radiation, an overnight trip for me and tons of laundry in-between. Sounds exciting, right? So, there you have it. Not enough to blog about but plenty to keep busy! Here are the winners of the 100th day of school door-decorating contest. This event was put on by our parent's club and we hosted an ice cream sundae party for the winners. Yep, Bailey's class was victorious for the 1st grade. Their door is the one with the skiers. Toot, Toot!

Joy.

2011-01-27T18:37:00.000-08:00

Another wonderful day spent with my momma! I cherish these days more and more each time!

Disneyland Christmas

2011-01-09T18:56:00.001-08:00

Kristie and I took the Bailey, Grace, Ethan and Andrew to Disneyland for a couple days right before Christmas. We had the best time with the kids not counting the fact that the parade was the greatest! What a happy place!

New Beginnings.

2011-01-04T00:31:00.000-08:00

I feel really lucky! I mean, REALLY, REALLY blessed! To the core. Troy and I are happy. We have a solid unit of four with two wonderful kids. We have an awesome family who is at times dysfunctional but loves each other to the death. We have the most amazing friends who have shown us the beauty of love and what it is to become a family when blood divides you. We have a roof over our heads, food in our cupboards and a business that is thriving. We have each other... and most of all we have GOD! This year we are praising him for our blessings and asking for wisdom, grace and discernment in the year to come.

Happy New Year!

Forever Friends.

2010-12-29T23:56:00.000-08:00

A fabulous Christmas gift came 2 days after Christmas...a visit from one of my BESTIES, Sara and her daughter Avery from down South! Avery and Bailey are only 2 months apart, see each other 2 times a year and although it takes about 2 minutes to warm up to each other, it seems like magic when they are together. I think they will be like their moms and be FRIENDS FOREVER! We laughed, we dressed American Girl dolls, we made our own pizzas, Sara took some amazing photos of the girls, we invited ourselves to the Fabrie's until really late to play the Michael Jackson Wii...it was a whirlwind of excitement! Too fast but it seems like yesterday!

We can't wait to visit them in February...

On the Eve of Christmas

2010-12-28T16:45:00.001-08:00

Our holiday weekend consisted of Oakhurst with the family followed by wine tasting and an afternoon soiree with the Wadsworths & friends and rounding out the evening with gifts, games and tons of giggles! In our house we celebrated birthday blessings abound: the gift of life for mom (a Christmas birthday) and the glorious gift of life from our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Cheers!

2010-12-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

Home for the Holidays

2010-12-20T19:50:00.001-08:00

We had our annual family gathering at my Aunt Jill and Uncle Gary's house this past Saturday. It was a great time to celebrate the holidays and although you wouldn't know it by the pictures, there were other people there. I don't know how I missed them! We did miss both of my brother's families as well as Grace. She was sick so she had to stay home. Oh well, there's always next year!Mom, Aunt Jill and Uncle Jack...Siblings.Jessica, her children and her mom, Aunt JillSamantha and her new boyfriend Nico Overall, the weekend went fast but was a great time! Happy Holidays

Falalalala...lalalala!

2010-12-15T19:51:00.000-08:00

The VanVelson Annual Christmas Caroling Party was in full swing last Sunday! Warning: Picture overload as you sing into the holiday season! It was such a great evening with good friends, hot cocoa on a straw-filled trailer, a visit from Santa and the best was that we skyped with my mom who couldn't make it. She played carols from her guitar at home and we sang with her! It was so wonderful to include her and I think she loved to hear 38 voices singing back at her too! Tralalalalala....

Winter Program

2010-12-13T11:50:00.000-08:00

Here's a couple of pictures of Bailey's class.

Bailey's school had their Winter Program and her class sang "We Wish You A Merry Christmas."

City Lights

2010-12-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

We left our hearts in San Francisco!

What a wonderful holiday weekend we had in the city over Thanksgiving weekend. It is now a family tradition!

Blessings and Thanks

2010-11-28T20:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you had as lovely a day as we did. We have so much to be thankful for...

The Blessings Before...

2010-11-24T23:01:00.001-08:00

It's the day before Thanksgiving and preparations are in place! This year, more than any other, I feel so truly blessed for my life! I love my family, my friends and the many blessings we have! I am so thankful to our friends, the Waddy's, for hosting Thanksgiving and inviting our entire family! I'm not sure they really know what peace of mind they gave to me. It has been an incredible gift. Our day was so fab with cooking, baking, leaf-gathering and joyous laughter. I can't wait for tomorrow!

Trick-or-Treat

2010-11-01T21:57:00.000-07:00

...and a Happy Halloween it was for the kids! Bailey would like to emphasize that she was a "good" witch. Grace was Jessie and her buddy Luke was Woody. So cute!

Jack-O-Lanterns

2010-10-31T16:35:00.001-07:00

Mr. Pumpkin Head

2010-10-26T16:38:00.000-07:00

Making a pumpkin into Mr. Pumpkin Head = Great Fun for the day with great friends!

Like New.

2010-10-19T12:29:00.000-07:00

After giving the bathroom a face-lift, I felt it still needed something! I found the perfect solution to the drab floating mirror here: http://isabellaandmaxrooms.blogspot.com

I'm thrilled with the results! What do you think?

BeforeAfter

Soccer Games.

2010-10-17T12:17:00.001-07:00

Games have begun...finally! It seems like we are ALWAYS the last to start our season but alas here we are. Grace was a grumpy spectator, it was very hot and Bailey got something in her eye and exclaimed, "I can't live with this eye anymore"! It was quite the first day!

Phase 2. Check!

2010-10-05T20:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, so truthfully I'm not sure what phase we are on but I know I'm so happy to have the back half of my house Done! Done! DONE!!!! No more oak for me! No oak doors, no oak baseboards, no oak vanities (not that I have anything against people who do like it). Here's some pics for you...

BeforeAfterBeforeAfter

Bubbles.

2010-09-27T22:23:00.001-07:00

The girls were so lucky to do a photo shoot with Evelyn today involving BUBBLES! It was soooo hot today and they partook with gladness.

I need 3 shots for my newly, not-yet- re-done guest bathroom. They will have some sort of white frame with a pink (I think) matte. I need your help! Which 3 do you love?....Help ME! and THANK YOU to our dear friend, Evelyn!

Shaver Lake.

2010-09-14T17:13:00.000-07:00

Our Annual Shaver Lake Camping Trip went a little something like this...loads of family time and tons of friends to play with,lounging in the lake surrounded by ducks (that would be Mary with her spare)and hanging lakeside with the kids.Cuddling up after a float,digging moots ,and building huge sandcastles with common rooms and master beds.The morning found us playing a mean game of scrabble with Bellini's and cake ballsand by night we were on to something a little saucier!Round-robin story-telling, rock-climbing, birthday's celebrated and too much fun had by all! This trip never disappoints!

better than cupcakes...

2010-09-08T17:54:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure but they come pretty close!

Cake balls!

I am so in love with all things cake and this is just one more reason to celebrate! Imagine the endless possibilities...red velvet/cream cheese, lemon/vanilla, chocolate/chocolate, sprinkles, nuts, lollipops! I can't take the credit...the cake ball ladies are in Dallas and this is the new cupcake. They are everywhere but I just thought I'd document it for kicks. Between you and me, they really give cupcakes a run for their money although I'm think I'm still on Team Cupcake!

summer games

2010-09-06T22:01:00.000-07:00

America's favorite past-time right here in good 'ol Fresno comes in the form of the Fresno Grizzlies. We enjoyed ourselves on a weekday, treat-night out with our good friends, the Hansen family. Great seats, great company and a great game. Who could ask for more?!

facelift.

2010-08-28T17:33:00.001-07:00

It's been a couple of weeks of projects around here. Staying up until 2 am for a week and half straight, hosting my step-dad who graciously came to help with the bead board, trim and baseboards and re-doing my room. I am still tired but so excited phase 1 is complete. I wish I had taken before and afters of the doors in my hall way to the bedrooms and the bathroom doors. The top photos show my doors and Grace's door. They were all oak with oak trim and I painted the trim white and we got all new doors. I also painted the hallway a light grey with new white baseboard. It looks so much prettier and open. Just my speed. Up next...the hall bath! I'm going to attempt this in the next couple of weeks but will take better before pics.

The first hutch is from Troy's Grandma, Bonnie. I re-purposed it for a dresser as I got rid of my dresser and two nightstands. A touch of paint and new glass hardware makes it like new... Here is our bed. It is pine and I removed the iron leaves and painted it white. So much more me! The pink tile is gone and so is the oak vanity and it it's place is dark wood vanity with granite top. Yeah!

Be back soon for the end of phase 1...

back to school...

2010-08-20T00:36:00.000-07:00

and it's still ubber-hot here! What's up with that?! Bailey started 1st grade and we LOVE her teacher, Ms. Thompson. Grace started two days at pre-school as I'm going back to subbing a couple of days a week and she HATES it! Her picture pretty much sums up how the mornings are going. The best part...Grandma Robin was here for the 1st day of school.

Stargazing

2010-08-18T08:09:00.001-07:00

Last week, we took advantage of the great weather and the meteorite shower! Wowza...I have never seen shooting stars like that in my life! It was spectacular.

Bass Lake

2010-08-13T10:02:00.001-07:00

Lake time is always so wonderfully pleasant! It doesn't hurt that we got to swim, jump, drive and partake in the world's best burger...The Forks burger! Yummmmm!

yosemite.

2010-08-09T20:01:00.000-07:00

We love Yosemite!

We spent a few days with the VanVelson family and ventured to this magnificent place! Bridal Veilhalf-dome

mountain air.

2010-07-29T13:42:00.001-07:00

This is what a weekend in fresh, mountain-air looks like!

Lots of playing with the kids, walks to the river, time at the playground, games, arts, rock-painting and plenty of laughs to go around. Oh and let's not forget Bailey who channeled Ansel Adams all weekend with the camera! She got some great pics...dontchathink?! We had a great time with our hosts, Jim and Mary, at their cabin in the sky! Thank you!!!

Swimming for fun.

2010-07-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Last week we had the Blue Dolphins end of the year swim party! Bailey and Andrew got medals and trophies and were so proud! We also hosted Sarah, Asher and the twins, Lucia and Holiday. It was great fun for all of the kids.

pebble beach.

2010-07-22T15:10:00.001-07:00

glorious weather, wonderful friends, terrific kids!

The girls and I took a little two-day trip to our friends home in Pebble Beach and had a great time visiting the aquarium. It was Grace's first time and Bailey had not been since she was 10 weeks old (does that count?) and they loved it. As our summer is winding down, we are trying to cram in as much as possible and enjoy these last fun days.

Happy Birthday...

2010-07-18T20:39:00.000-07:00

To Me! After Vegas, my girls took me out for drinks and dinner! So much fun especially when you visit the VP for Lemon Drops...yummmy! I know everyone says they have the best friends ever but I truly do...near and far! I love you girls.Mary really tried to get me a Caprese...not so much! But I appreciate the sweet sentiment, Mary!

Daisy Love

2010-07-17T22:54:00.000-07:00

Please continue to pray for Daisy Love Merrick!!! Her blog can be accessed in my favorites on the side! I know he hears all prayers...

H2O & Sun

2010-07-11T20:00:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I'm a little behind on my post as this was a trip to the water park in June! We had a blast with our good friends, the Fabrie Family! The girls and Brian loved the slides, the sun and lazy river. The dads even got in on the fun with sliding down the tubes.

sweet lemons

2010-07-03T21:38:00.000-07:00

The kids had a lemonade stand on Friday and did an awesome job! They made a business plan, made lists of what they needed and executed it all so wonderfully. Any small-business owner would be very proud of Ethan, Bailey and Andrew! I know we were.

To Name a Few...

2010-06-29T16:53:00.001-07:00

We are getting ready to celebrate the fourth in style around here! Swags are up, hats are decorated and must-do-for-fun lists are made.

Kids at Play

2010-06-27T22:39:00.000-07:00

Friday the girls and I took a road trip to Pasadena to meet up with our VERY GOOD friends Erica and her girls (Molly and Bea), Sarah and her 3 kids (Asher, Lucia and Holiday) and Allyson and her boys (Ben and Sam). It was a most glorious day with swimming, walks to the park, more swimming, playing, dress-up and 4 moms who have been friends for what seems like an eternity! It was great to see all of our babies playing together, loving each other and getting along so beautifully. We will be doing this again and hopefully often and always remember to treasure our fabulous friendships. It's a lifetime of memories that only gets better!

Blue Dolphins Swim

2010-06-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

Bailey is officially a member of the Blue Dolphin's Swim Team! Go Bailey!!!

Banner Preview

2010-06-21T22:08:00.001-07:00

I made another birthday banner but this time it was for a friend of Erica's in Pasadena. I enjoy the creative process banner-making and the end result is always worth it. So much fun. Hope they enjoy it!

Summer Slide

2010-06-16T16:06:00.001-07:00

Been gone too long! The girls and I took a little road trip to visit my parent's in Ojai, swim team has captured our time and the pool has been calling our name. We opened our mail today to find this lovely from grandma for some backyard fun! So, how's your summer going so far?

School Days

2010-06-06T21:33:00.000-07:00

The last day of Kindergarten was Friday!!! Wohoooo!!!! Cindi and I made apple cupcakes for the staff, had water day at the school and ended with a graduation ceremony for our dear friend's daughter. Bailey is officially a 1st grader! Summer is bound to be great!

Batter Up Take 2.

2010-06-01T17:59:00.000-07:00

The end has come to a great season of T-Ball! Our team was great, our coach (Troy) was awesome, and Bailey improved sooo much! Now on to swim team for the summer...

Birthday Bonanza.

2010-05-25T19:38:00.000-07:00

This year a little girl turned the magical age of 6. We asked her if she wanted a party or the gift she has been begging for, a Nintendo DS! She chose the DS. I thought to myself, "yes! I'm off the hook." Not so fast.

We had my parents here for a night of partying hard, Grandma Nikki here on Saturday for more festivities and on Sunday we had lunch, pedi's and shopping with the girls! We rounded out the big day with her actual birthday being Monday and we did the school party, T-ball game and Grandpa Lester coming for a pizza party. WOW! Little did I know my girl would take after me and want to celebrate for 4 days. I LOVED EVERY MINUTE & SO DID SHE!!!!

Happiest Birthday Bailey!

Happy Birthday to You!

2010-05-24T08:06:00.001-07:00

Today our Bailey is 6!

We have had an amazing, fun-filled 4 days full of birthday guests, activities and treats! Stay tuned for our birthday extravaganza...