What a HUNK!

No... not Mike Huckabee! See the handsome profile of my husband??? Matthew and Mark got to "hang out" with Mike Huckabee on Wednesday at lunch. How often does that happen?!? Then, on Thursday, this was the picture in the OC Register :)

Thought of the Day

"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone."

-- Audrey Hepburn

Life's simple pleasures...

The joy of being a "stay-at-home" mom is having the option of NOT staying at home :) For MLK's Day, the kids and I packed up all the new riding instruments from Christmas and birthdays and went to the park! Let me show you how a trip to the park is one of life's simple pleasures... just look at the glow on the kids' faces:

Go ahead... give it a try! I'm sure you will love it :)

Happy Birthday, Seth!

Hey, Sethy... happy birthday, Sweet Boy! Today you turn 6 and I can't even believe it! 6 sounds so big... where did my little boy go??? I thank God for granting us the privilege of being your family here on earth! I love your tender spirit toward God and your giving heart toward others. I am grateful that God has given you a heart that is easily pleased. You challenge me to be more selfless and to be more FUN :) Thank you for adding such spontaneous laughter to our house and for being such an encourager! Your big silly hugs and off-the-wall comments always leave me laughing out loud!!! It's so great that you live life with all your heart, that you are not afraid to just "go for it"... even if that means my life span is shortened :) I love you, little Silly Goose!!!

Seth, Happy Birthday!!!

Spelling Bee

Isaac has been studying hard throughout his Christmas vacation in preparation for the District Spelling Bee. In November, he won the privilege of representing his school as one of three 2nd graders to compete in the District Bee.


Matthew and I both got to attend the competition this morning. Isaac competed against 30 other 2nd graders throughout the county. Although he didn't place in the top 4, he put up a valiant effort for his school. He spelled words like "cruelty" and "luncheon" to earn himself a spot in the 5th round. Isaac got out with only 10 or so students left in their seats.

Good job, Isaac! We are proud of you!!!

Abby is a Dancer... again :)

I had been searching for a "dance class" for Abby since the beginning of the school year. She took a little class last Spring through the community and really enjoyed it (probably because she got to "dress up" in tights, leotard & tutu!). Since that class conflicted with her pre-school hours, she has been out of any "extra curricular classes" since last Spring :)

Recently, I stumbled upon a new class that started right after the new year. We (Abby and I) were SOOO excited!!! We drove over to the Parks and Recs office and signed up right away... for 2 sessions!!! Abby is all set for 12 weeks of dance... life is good again :)

"The Happiest Place on Earth"

Abby was invited to Disneyland for Sophia's 5-year-old birthday party... so, I got to tag along :) This is Abby's very 1st time at Disneyland. We only got to stay a few hours, but, it was great fun!!!



Disneyland still had their Christmas decorations up when we were there. It was really amazing to go through "It's a Small World" and see all the Christmas things that were added for the Christmas season. I'm just glad that I didn't have to decorate my house up like Disneyland!!!

Girls' Day Out

While the boys were at baseball camp, I thought I would take Abby on a little girls outting (actually, it was Matthew's brilliant idea!). We went to Roger's Gardens in Corona del Mar.

We had a fun mother-daughter time just browsing through and enjoying pretty fauna and flora. Abby really liked their Christmas Shop (open all year round!). We had time to stop and smell every flower... not just the roses :), sit in the "throne", and observe the busy bees!!!

After our tour of the garden, we had a little dainty lunch at the bakery of Gelson's.

What sweet girly time :) I should be more intentional about making memories like this with my daughter!