The 4 Aguas!

Heather Williams - Hallelujah

2011-01-23T17:15:00.000-08:00

Ice Skating with the Earl girls

2011-01-23T16:32:00.000-08:00

Jenna wanted to try ice skating, so we decided to get the Earl girls in on the sction. We went to Ice Town in Riverside. It was fun--even the cold and the slipping and sliding. Jenna thought it was easier than roller skating, here are some pics:

This is where we found Miah most of the time!

Jenna and Michaela actually got to the point where they could hang on to each other and make it around the rink.

December

2011-01-23T15:57:00.000-08:00

Okay, you know you are busy when you are posting Christmas pictures and it is almost February! Here are a few for those of you who would like an update :)

Christmas was spent with family and friends--the BEST kind of Christmas! Jenna asked to go roller skating, ice skating, and for us to redo her bedroom. We did it all! Owen just wanted to PLAY--good enough! Here are the pics!

Jenna is SO good about reading to her brother

Family and friends came over for Christmas breakfast

Owen got a new bike

We went to Pat's brother's house for Christmas Eve. This is Jenna and her cousin Jake

Jenna Owen and Kelsey Waters

Jenna got a special singing part at Christmas Eve service this year

Redoing the room--she picked orange and green--it is SO her!

We had a dance party video in her new room, but Pat would kill me if I posted it :).

And....drum roll please...the finished product!

November Happenings!

2010-11-28T17:17:00.000-08:00

Okay, I've realized that a once a month posting is working well..so...here it goes...

First off..Happy 40th to my forever friend Charlene!

God had it planned at the right time...that this sweet little thing would grow up into a beautiful woman who serves God, her family, and teaches children with her whole heart.

We also believe that we were sisters separated at birth :)--because we are SO much alike. I mean don't you see it?? :)
Jerry (with a little help) actually pulled off a surprise party

Twins??

The cake from Michelle's bakery in Redlands was DE-LI-CIOUS!

Char actually got to open presents in front of an audience

Carolyn's chocolates were a BIG hit!

Friends and family made it an awesome birthday, not to mention the trip the day after and hot air balloon ride! We love you Char! We hope your 40th was just as wonderful as you are!

Then...it was time for our Thanksgiving family trip to Silver Strand State Beach in San Diego! We packed up the camper and headed out with our Thanksgiving dinner in our little fridge!

We went to Sea World on Thanksgiving day--a great day to go by the way. The kids got up close and personal with a walrus.

I think Shamu was trying to hit Owie in the head here???

The kids in Elmo's bouncy house thing :)

The ultimate family shot--Elmo, Abbie, and US!

We thought this poinsettia tree was cool

Of course we HAVE to visit a hat shop!

NO--it is SPARKING CIDER--geez!

The man by his fire

Owen and Jenna patiently waiting for S'MORES!

It was cold, but breathtaking

Our crazy monkey

What I am Thankful for:

Jesus--what you have done for me and the way you made beauty from my ashes, I am eternally grateful. My prayer is that EVERYONE would be gripped by your grace and come to the knowledge of the REAL reason we are here on this earth.

My family and friends--I am a blessed woman beyond belief, and I love you all!

December is upon us--may we be grateful every day for the blessings that surround us.

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T19:43:00.000-07:00

Our festivities started on Friday with a Harvest Carnival for our school.Jenna had a dress up birthday party on Saturday. She was excited to sport her new costume!
Then off to Rob and Lisa's on Sunday for some family time and candy hunting :)

Karly was the "Queen of Hearts"--too cute!

We had a ninja, Lightning McQueen pit crew, Mad Hatter, and Super Woman

We had to get a shot in with Grandma

It was a fun way to end October--now, let's see what November has in store! We are BLESSED!

August/September

2010-10-02T16:06:00.001-07:00

Well, since school started, we have been BUSY! Here is a fast catch up:) Jenna Bleu is now a fourth grader, and I get to have her in my class. At first I was TOTALLY against the idea, but the first month has been so FUN! I never knew how smart and funny she really was--it is going to be a blessing for both of us, I can just tell!
Owen grew 2 inches over the summer--he is ALL boy! Cars, dump trucks, trains (still)--oh, and he can swim all over the pool on his own--no floaties!

We celebrated Rick Sanchez's 50th B-day!

Owen and I with Kelsey (niece) and Jake (nephew)

Susan and I

Step, Tim, and Andy

Jake

Jake is a sophomore in high school this year, and Kelsey is a sophomore in COLLEGE--okay, how did that happen?

Rick and I--Happy 50th Rick!

Our friend Carolyn who attends the home fellowship that meets at our house was baptised! Yeah!

The baptism at Forest Home was a BLAST! Pat got to deploy Roy off the "BLOB"

We also went to our church's Fellowship at the Park--In-N-Out Burger, ice cream, kettle corn, games, the park, Evan Wickam doing worship--what more could you ask for

Pat's tug of war team won, and so did mine--TWICE

Owie got to play with Malia

Life is good--God is good--we are BLESSED!

October is finally here!

Jenna Bleu turns 9!

2010-08-15T13:19:00.000-07:00

Well, let me start by saying that this was Jenna and Amy's idea:) We had a BLAST! I LOVE MY FAMILY, and when I say family, I mean friends too because they are my family. Everybody got into the "theme" and the party was crazy. Thanks so much family for your help, craziness, and for being such great sports! I love you!!!Pat's camera takes MUCH better pictures, but I took the individual shots of the kids before they jumped into the pool. These are from my funky camera--there are better pics coming soon.
My 9 year old Birdie

Jenna and Richelle took a before party photo shoot

Okay, so God has blessed me with the most amazingly fun child! She has a heart of GOLD, and she is up for anything! She loves Jesus, her family and friends, and she has learned to serve others at an early age. I am so thankful for her and her positive, good natured style.

YOU ARE MY BEST, JENNA BLEU!

Here are the pics of our 80's gang:

Abby

Dallas

Katie--oh yeah--she did this pose all night--Gotta love her!

Aunt Kel--rocked her outfit! Great bangs too!

Kels and Karly--BEAUTIFUL as always!

Richelle

David--such a good sport in his "Vanilla Ice" ensemble

D.J. A-ME in the house!

Lauren B.

Miah

Malia

Caroline

Tori

Shumari

Lauren O.

Ethan rocked it as the only DUDE (kid) at the party

Michaela

Hailey--you better watch out Rob and Lisa!

Me :)--DonYell was impressed that I could still do my 80's bangs!--OH YEAH!

Becca

Char and Jerry--Char actually looked so good in her outfit we told her to wear it to work. Jerry sported the ever popular neon green of the times.

Katie Fonda needed a little beverage after her "Let's Get Physical" workout

Strike a pose

Thanks for the fun times! More GOOD pictures to come!

Fun with Friends!

2010-08-01T21:43:00.000-07:00

We had our friends Carmen and Luis (Carmen takes care of Owen during the school year) and Sara and her husband Fred over for spaghetti and swimming with their kids. We had a BLAST! I am SO thankful for SO many wonderful people who bless our lives. We are SO thankful!KK and Jenna having fun!
Owen is a swimming machine. He LOVES it when Dad throws him across the pool. He is such a good little swimmer already.

Fred, Freddie, and Sara. Carmen watches their boys during the school year too, and Owen LOVES them! They are like his brothers. It was so much fun to see all of them play together.

Carmen, Luis, and KK

Owie--growing up fast!

I love this picture of Pat

Pat and KK

Owen with his amor :)

Lukie playing with his tractor. It took us a while before we could get him into the pool :)

The gang--minus a few

Christian, Carmen's son, was our acrobat for the night. That boy was flipping on the trampoline AND into the pool.

Owie, Lukie, and Freddie--best buds

After spending Friday night with the Knox's and Arreola's, we had our home fellowship group over for a BBQ in Saturday.

Shawna and Terry gearing up for a game of "corn hole" (thanks Rob and Lisa for letting us borrow it!).

Maryann and I. Shawna and I don't want to brag, but WE WON!!! :) --but, not by much!

After dinner we had a mean game of Pictionary. Boys vs. Girls--oh, and by the way--girls won :). those who know my competitive nature will appreciate that. (again, only by one). It got pretty rowdy so we stopped for worship and dessert :).

You can tell the boys team was lively

The best were the husband and wife show downsWe also got the brother vs. sister competition with Vic and Carolyn

Lord, thank you SO much for our wonderful family!
We are grateful and thankful beyond measure to you for bringing all of these "cracked pots" together.

Pat's Annual Summer Beach Trip with the Girls :)

2010-07-29T17:10:00.000-07:00

Pat has made it a tradition to take all the girls (Jenna, her friend Richelle, Kate, and Amy) to the beach every summer. They love boogie boarding and playing in the water (Owen and I prefer the pool). Here are the pics: The back side of the beach :)
Jenna and Richelle making sand castles

"Kake" and "Mayme" eating lunch

Bathing beauties

Pat said the first time he tried to take this picture, Kate fell into a sand hole :), so they had to do another take. I think it looks "Charlie's Angel-ish". It is nice to know that clumsiness runs in the family.

Pat and Amy trying to help the girls catch a wave

Action shot--future lifeguards

Jenna, Richelle, Pat and Amy heading into the water

Best Friends

The End--literally (that is Jenna's new saying)

Just so you know--Owen and I weren't jealous at all. I asked him what he wanted to do on our date day and he said "Hmm, let's see Mom, see a train, ride on a fire engine, and go into shops". So, we saw a train on our way to Toys R Us, he rode a fire engine at Chuck E. Cheese with the Earl girls, and we went to Target. Super Mom strikes again--hahaha!

The Great Transformation

2010-07-17T21:42:00.000-07:00

The Great Transformation

Click on the link above and
check out the video our church made from our Bible Blast this year--too cool! If you miss us, we are in the great trapeeze artist costumes at the end ;). What a blessing to be part of a church that serves a Living God!

VACATION!!!!

2010-07-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

Here they are! Finally! We have been going strong since summer started, but we are finally home, and here are the vacation pictures. We decided to take a different camping route this year. First stop was Flagstaff, Az. We stayed in Pine Cove--about 15 minutes outside Flagstaff in the mountains. It was BEAUTIFUL!

The first thing Owen did was make a new friend from the neighboring campsite. He and Chelsea were bike riding buddies the whole time we were there. I think she wanted to stay with us even though her grandpa had a HUGE motor home. She liked our snacks and sparkling cider--and she LOVED Owen. She was 4, but Owen didn't mind hooking up with an "older woman" :)

Chelsea also had an older sister who Jenna made friends with and they all had fun!

Our first camp site

In our third grade curriculum, we had a story about Slide Rock in Sedona, AZ so I told Jenna that would be our first stop. It was AWESOME! All natural water slides, and red rock climbing.

Pat and Jenna deciding who was going to go first down the slide

Dad won--here he goes

Now it's Jenna's turn!

Owen liked climbing the rocks best

And the snacks

There was also a great place to jump off a huge rock--we all had to try it! Jenna was the bravest of course

Then she had to talk me into it--so did the guy behind us

But I finally did it

These are more pictures at Slide Rock

Then we took a day and walked around Flagstaff. We rode our bikes and got caught in a thunderstorm
The next day we headed our for Chama, NM to visit my Mom and Dad at the property they bought 10 years ago. We had to stop by Meteor Crater to check it out first.When we finally reached Chama we were in for another thunderstorm. Mom and Dad's place is GORGEOUS! This was the view from our trailer "set-up". They don't have a house on the property yet, but they have hook ups for their fifth wheel and fresh water and electrical
My Dad built two swings for Grandma and the kids

Check out the sky behind my Dad!

Our first night there we had a thunderstorm. Pat and Jenna were staying in the tent. They said it was a BLAST--I was jealous. You can see there little faces peeking out of the tent

The day after we got to Chama, Mom and Dad took us to Pagosa Springs, CO to the hot springs. IT was very relaxing, but Owen kept saying that the water smalled like eggs, and he wasn't getting in--so he opted for the pool :)

Papa and Owen had a chat and some snacks while we enjoyed the hot pools

Mom and Owie got some special time too!

Grandma and Papa took us out for a YUMMY lunch too!

The next day was our BIG train ride on a "REAL STEAMIE" as Owen would say. He was SO excited! We went to the Chama station to check out the trains before we went.

Owen was overwhelmed by the size of the trains. He was in awe and kept saying "Mom look, its a coupling hose, Dad look, its a steam dome"...on and on

I have never seen a kid SO interested in trains

The BIG kids were excited too

Then came the day that Owen has been talking about for the last few MONTHS. We went for an all day ride on a real steam engine. The Cumbres and Toltec steam train took us through two tunnels, a stop for a great lunch and back. We had great seats, we stood in the open car, we talkied to a REAL engineer, and made friends. Pat stood in the open car through the whole trip. I think he MIGHT have been a little more excited than even Owen was.

Jenna got her hat, so she was happy:)

Owen was a little nervous when it started out. His favorite was the water towers and when the train let off the excess water we got "misted".

Grandma and Jenna enjoying the view
Outside in the open car

I think Pat took about 100 train pictures, so here are just a few

Pat and I love this shot of Mom

Owen liked to stand in between the train cars and watch the wheels on the tracks

Here is a shot of one of the tunnels

Pat HAD to take a picture of the Amish people--he thought it was appropriate for the times :)

Our day came to an end. Everyone was tired, but it was a wonderful experience. Thanks again Grandma and Papa!

My parents also took us to a little shop where they make Navajo rugs on looms. The factory had about 8 looms and they rugs were beautiful. The dye the wool by hand and do the weaving piece by piece. The rugs cost about $2-7 thousand

I tired to get Jenna and Owen interest so they could make a little cash on the side :)

Papa mimicking Pat--look in the window

We stopped in Chama on the way home for ice cream from our favorite ice cream lady and Owen was WORN OUT!

The next day was the Fourth of July, so we all packed in the Expedition and headed into town for an AWESOME fireworks show. They were selling fireworks EVERYWHERE, and plenty of people displayed their own shows whiule we were waiting

Pat and I took turns sleeping with Jenna in the tent, so I was able to catch him with Owen snuggling in one morning. Owen was GREAT about sleeping in his own bed this time--YEAH! Then he would want to come in with us and cuddle in the morning.

After 5 days, we had to say goodbye to Grandma and Papa and we headed out for Moab, UT for a night. We camped right on the Colorado River in 100 degree heat and millions of gnats found our trailer--the ONLY place we didn't like, but it was only a stop over spot. The town of MOab was cool thought, and we were able to go to Arches National Park which was the most gorgeous place I think I've seen yet!

This was the view from our campsite

Jenna LOVES the water and will go in anywhere at any time.

Owen's favorite spot was on top of the cooler :)

We checked out the shops in Moab and got a few goodies. Owen LOVES shopping--weirdo!

Here are some pics from Arches Outside the park was a HUGE red sand mountain that Jenna just HAD to climb--so she did

Our next campsite was in Duck Creek, UT--up in the mountains at about 8,500 feet elevation--just like we like it! The deer came through our camp site every morning and the chipmunks loved us too!

We finally got to use the outside shower on our trailer. I told Pat it reminded me of when my brother and I took baths in buckets when my parents took us camping. I promised Jenna I wouldn't post the pictures of her, but she was the FIRST to want to try it out. She is the BOMB--love that girl--she is SO adventurous!

Once we hit Duck Creek, our first destination was Bryce Canyon National Park--if you have never been, it is a must see.

They call these rocks the HooDoos, but we had to name a few on our own, like....Butt Rock

And neopolitan ice cream

Window to the trees

We took a few family hikes, too.

Now, Bryce was beautiful, but Zion National Park was my favorite. Pictures just can't capture it! We took out car into the park, then you have to take a tram to the "good spots" we loved it all!

This is called the three Patriarches (Abraham, Issac, and Jacob)

This is called the three crazies (Owen, Jenna, and Mom)--you didn't even recognize us --did you?

This was "Weeping Rock" where a natural spring flows out of the rock, and there are natural hanging gardens all around.

Pat and Owie coming back from the hike

waiting for the tram

This was the Lodge at Zion where we ate lunch in the middle of the beautiful red rock canyon.

After lunch we hiked up to the 'Emeral Pools" and the waterfalls. We also got caught in another thunderstorm--YIPEE!! I LOVE THUNDERSTORMS!!!

So, our first camping trip of the summer was TREMENDOUS! Owen's favorite part--the train.

Jenna's favorite part--the water!

and.. Granpa Ted showing up to meet us at Duck Creek for a few days!

Pat and I--wel, our favorite part is being with our beautiful kids ALL SUMMER!! Thank you Lord!

TOY and Rob turns 40!

2010-06-03T21:51:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know you are wondering...Pat was selected "Teacher of the Year" (TOY) at his school site. We went to a dinner to honor all TOY's and retiree's from the district. YEAH PAT! You touch the lives of SO many children--keep shining!

This is Pat and his former principal (gone wild)--it was a 70's themed party, so all the "administration" dressed up
Shawn (Pat's former principal, and Becky--his former vice principal)

My principal (Lauren) and I--"Dancing Queens"

Pat and some of his "teacher friends"

WAY TO GO!! YOU DESERVE IT!!

My brother Rob turned 40 on Memorial Day (appropriate, huh?)

My sister in law, Lisa planned a surprise party at my Mom's house. We had a BLAST! We ate Mexican food, listened to great music, caught up with family and friends, watched a video of my brother's life, and had Aunt Kelly's lemon bars--life is good!

Rob was surprised, and we are thankful he was born so we could have Aunt Kelly's lemon bars:)

We love you Rob! Owen had to make sure he told Uncle Rob "Happy Birthday".

I love this shot of Kelsie and Karly

Kels and Amy--such beauties!

Rob and Lisa were worn out, but having fun!

Rob's best friend growing up was Tom. He and his fiancee showed up with is kids to share in Rob's milestone!

Grandma hanging out with the kids

Lisa's bother Brett and his daughter Jayden

Lisa and Amy

My beautiful Aunt Kel

I learned a new game called "corn hole", well, I guess it isn't really new, just new to me. It was FUN! David would have played too, but he was too busy messing with his cell phone :)

Amy and I won, so we had to do a victory dance!

Tom and his fiancee Amia

Here are the notorious close up shots

We think Kate looks like the little dog from the Grinch

Are you still considered "newlyweds?"

I managed to get into every crazy face shot, humm--weird:)

Take 1

Take 2

Take 3

Pat and I are SURE we got the BEST picture of Kar this time--look at that face!

Owen made the BEST looking cupcake! We all tried to get a bite, but he wasn't sharing with just ANYONE---

Dad--"No way Jose!"

Papa, "Ummm--Nope"

Mom--"Oh YEAH!"

I am convinced that God gave me the BEST family in the WORLD---I am BLESSED!

Relay for Life--Prayers are ABOUNDING!!

2010-04-28T18:33:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we participated in the "Relay for Life" cure for cancer walk. Our school had a tent set up for all of our friends who have battled, or are currently battling cancer. We raised money, and our "Early Act" club made bookmarks to hand out to the cancer survivors. Pat was a good sport and did his part--hat and all!
This is the area that our friend Angela set up.

This is my friend and colleague Jennifer Seymour. She is battling breast cancer for the second time. It has spread into her bones and we are praying for God's healing hands and a miracle. She has four kids, and a wonderful husband (check out the shirt!). Jennifer is a k/1 teacher at our school.

Jen's family came to "roll her" around the track.

Jenn, Angela, and me

Christina came to help out too!

The "survivors" have the first lap of the morning. They walk around the sport park and we all cheer for them. It was pretty emotional this year.

Shari is our librarian and friend who battled breast cancer a few years ago.

Lauren, our principal, battled breast cancer twice.

I started a new club this year at our school called "Early Act" it is a community service club off of Rotary. We have done TONS of community service projects this year, and the kids have done an amazing job helping their school, community, and world! They have realized how important it is to GIVE!!!

San G., one of our middle schools, had twp giant ball that the kids could walk in. Jenna had a BLAST with her friends.

Lauren and Shari

Shari with her family

The CRAZY teachers

Okay--let me explain--this was for charity. One booth was asking us to give a dollar to walk around the track with a bra on to "Save the Tatas". Yeah--I know

These are Owen's buddies Luke and Freddie and their parents Fred and Sarah

And I had to throw this one in just because! Uncle Jim came to visit us at our yard sale :) and I love this picture.

Catching Up!

2010-04-11T20:45:00.000-07:00

Life has been a bit busy for us lately. I realized that I haven't posted pictures in about a month, so it's time to catch everyone up.

This weekend we had the privilege of attending one AWESOME wedding. We shall forever more call them "Christian and Mandy Lindberg"! Sounds weird now, but it will catch on soon. Christian was one of Pat's fifth grade students years ago, and the Lindberg family (10 in all!) have been our friends for several years. We've known Mandy for about 6 years and we LOVE her family!

Pat and I thought it was the perfect wedding--outdoors, worship, In-N-Out Burger, Rice Krispie treats, frisbees, picnic-style, blankets in the sun, dancing, and did I mention Rice Krispie treats? They TOTALLY did it Mandy and Christian style! We have no doubt the Lord will bless this marriage richly! Here are some of our favorite pics of the wedding.

The happy couple on their "Happy Day"

My handsome husband playing frisbee with the kids

Our blanket in the sun

Owen's funny face

My beautiful Birdie
The ceremony shot

Owen getting ready to DANCE

One of my favorite shots of Many and her father Brian

Walking down the isle

Owie checking things out

Mandy's mom Katrina and her brother Jake

The happy couple

Okay--this one was for us :O)

The night before the wedding, Amy watched the kids so we could go to a concert with Jerry and Char. Two of our MOST favorite bands were playing in addition to about six others. We were TOTALLY excited because we were able to meet and greet our all-time favorite band "MercyMe". Here are some pics!

Bart Millard--the lead singer of Mercyme (most famous for "I Can Only Imagine", and "Word of God Speak")

This is one of my favorite pics.

Okay--all I can say is "WACKA DOODLE". I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, DAVID CROWDER!

Not only do I LOVE his music, but he is hilarious and crazy fun, plus--You just gotta love that hair!

Francesca Botescelli (don't know if I have that right?)

Us with the band. Yes, that is me next to BART MILLARD--yes, I got a hug--yes, I was a little star struck--yes, I am weird, but so are they :O) (hence the planters that made it into the shot)

I just love Jerry's face in this shot

This is Jerry and Charlene's long lost daughter--just kidding!

Jenna dressed up like Harriet Tubman for a "Wax Museum" presentation at school. I just thought I would add that in the mix.

We also celebrated the resurrection of our Lord and Savior! The kids wanted to do the "dying of the eggs thing". After I got over the "egg smell" in the house, I was okay :O). Here are the pics!

Owie liked the stickers more than the egg dying

I just LOVE that face!

The celebration continued after church with most of the family. Rob and Lisa were out of town, and Dave and Nay had a BUNCH of teenagers coming over, so it was quiet and relaxing!

Grandpa Ted came by for a visit

My BEAUTIFUL cousins, of course!

And, our BEAUTIFUL Mom's (well, aunt and Mom)

Grandma made Jenna matching hat and afghan for Easter--she LOVES it--can you tell?

So, I am sure things are just going to get busier as the school year comes to an end, but we are THANKFUL, BLESSED, and CONTINUALLY GRATEFUL for what the Lord continues to do in our lives and the lives of those we love!

2010-02-28T14:05:00.000-08:00

My little man is turning 3 on March 3rd! We decided to have a little family get together on Saturday so Owen could open some presents. He was so excited and grateful for everything. thanks everybody! We love you!Grandma gave him a Thomas backpack filled with little trains and a carrying case to take with him when we go camping.
He liked his cards too!

Then we took a break for a minute and the other kids got their party favors--clown glasses, noses, and punch balls--they looked hilarious!

Miah

Ethan

Malia

Michaela

Jerry

Then it was back to opening more presents from Aunt Kel and the cousins! Thanks guys!

After that we got some family shots

Karly

Grandma and Uncle Rob (who was looking a little creepy in this picture by the way :))

Jerry and Char

Dad with the cousins (second?--right?)

or should I say "kissing cousins"?

Kels and Kel (are you glowing?)

Then we all when into the "Fun Room" for "create your own cupcake". Owen was first--he chose strawberry frosting with green sprinkles and m&m's--oh yeah! We sang "Happy Birthday" and he blew out his candles (his favorite part). Then the other kids got a chance to "create".

Ethan's creation

Haley's creation

Michaela's creation

Jenna's creation

Malia's creation

Miah's creation

Owen really just wanted to lick the frosting off

All in all, one great 3rd birthday!

Carlsbad

2010-02-20T13:34:00.000-08:00

We are thankful once again for the jobs the Lord has given us, and we are thankful for dead presidents who gave so much for our country that we now have a vacation in their honor :)--

We booked two nights at South Carlsbad State Beach and our spot was right in front of the ocean. Our site was so big that we were able to turn the trailer sideways and have "oceanfront property" . The sunrises and sunsets were amazing! Here are the pics!

The beach was filled with colorful rocks and we even found a giant clam.

Owen liked the lifeguard stand

This was our "Biggest Loser" workout on the trip--the stairs that lead from our site to the ocean

These pictures are for Katie--we tried to get "creative"--notice the shadow?

Our site

Our happy Bird

and the happy monkey with an otter pop

and the happy parents on vacation:)

Pat ALWAYS has to get a bike picture

I guess Owen isn't the only monkey

What do you get when you give a kid a box of wood? A wooden display

Pictures with our Birdie

and the sunset

Jenna did pretty good with the pictures, except she cut Pat's head off :)

Ready for our bike ride!

The second day we went to Legoland. Brother was SO excited to see Thomas made entirely out of LEGOS

Jenna was excited about BOB--hehehaha!

We had to have a crazy tongue picture

Then it was time for the big girls to take a ride. Poor Jenna has the Mom who is CRAZY for CRAZY rides. We found this rotating arm thing that I just HAD to try (Legoland rides are pretty tame for me). The ride had 5 levels of "intensity", so of course, I talked my sweet Bird into trying Level 5--I mean how bad can it really be? OH MAN! I would tell you about it, but Jenna's version is MUCH better :)--ask her some time!

The pictures might tell the whole story :)

Owen played with the Ogre

Jenna played in the water

We saw our friends the Dickinsons

We took a funky" after the water hair picture"

Owen and Dad went on the helicopters

Jenna and Owie went on the train

And all in all--we had a BLAST!

I also had to our OUR pictures of Baby Karly's first b-day because she is so STINKIN' CUTE!!!

and she had one BEAUTIFUL Mommy!

SNOW DAY!!!

2010-01-22T10:21:00.001-08:00

My prayer was answered even MORE gloriously than I thought! We woke up to snowflakes the size of half dollars and a snowy landscape to melt your heart. What a wonderful gift! A day off with my family--on a Friday no less! Here are the morning pictures. Owen wasn't up yet, so there are more to come!

A Date with the King!

2010-01-18T14:32:00.000-08:00

Okay--not everyone can claim to have a 'King" for a friend, but WE can! :)

Our friend Jerry played the role of "King Coriander" in the Life House Theatre's presentation of "Cinderella" and he was "indubitably" FANTASTIC in his role!

We laughed SO hard--with you friend, not at you, well, maybe at you too a bit! :)

This is a MUST see if you have the time. It plays until February 12th I think. Our "date" started out with getting dressed up. I was going to wear jeans and my converse of course, but Char said they were gettin' "all gussied up" and we didn't want Jerry to be embarrassed by his "Po-dunk" friends, so we went along with it. :)

And what do the Waters do when they get dressed up? Take pictures --of course!:)

Take one...
(Owen had to get in on the fun too, even though he stayed home with Amy--thanks Am)

Take two...

Take three...

Take four.....
(Owen gave up on the madness)

Now, when you have a handsome king and his gorgeous queen, what do they produce?

RIGHT--3 beautiful princesses!

Princess Michaela

Princess Miah

And, Princess Malia

One BEAUTIFUL family!

Hey--who's the white girl? Oh, that is ours :)

Charlene will like this picture...

but this one is my favorite!

The girls with Cinderella

The king had to stay for awhile to sign autographs of course!

(We hope he's not getting a big head;))

The REAL fans!

This is Pat's favorite shot.

The girls got a picture with the "Fairy Godmother"

This is MY favorite picture!

Yes, we know the King.

Pat had to make sure he got a shot with Jerry to stick up on his wall at school. Maybe he thought no one would believe him--I don't know!

I had to end the night with this shot because she was all smiles--all night!

yep--she's a Daddy's girl!

Thanks for letting us share in your special night friends! We love you!

Christmas Night at Grandma's

2009-12-26T12:04:00.000-08:00

Pat and I decided to do "Converse Christmas Style"The kids had a blast opening MORE presents...

Grandma got Jenna a 50th Anniversary addition Barbie

Owen had a TOTALLY THOMAS Christmas for sure! Thomas trains, outfits, tracks, pillows, blankets, talking Thomas....and the list goes on. We think we can open a Thomas store now.

Pat got a new gray sweater from Grandma, so we thought we would get a picture together.

Owie played with his Thomas

Uncle Rob and Aunt Lisa wanted to take some family pictures

Dad made prime rib for dinner

I don't think my Mom has aged in 20 years.

Pat playing with Owie

The kids were cracking each other up as they patiently waited for dessert

Rob decided to take a rest after dinner, so I "wrapped him up"

Family time

What a wonderful, relaxing Christmas with friends and family--once again, WE ARE BLESSED!

Merry "CHRIST" mas!

2009-12-25T15:03:00.000-08:00

Christmas Vacation has BEGUN!

We are SO blessed to have the jobs we have. God has enriched our lives through our friends, colleagues, and students we have had the privilege of sharing our days with every year at school.

AND...with our WONDERFUL jobs come the blessing of frequent vacations!

SO--here is what we have been up to.

Pat and I made Christmas picture frames and ginger bread houses with our students before we sent them off to be with their own families for two weeks.

We went to see former students and current students in a production of "Beauty and the Beast"
Jenna and I went with Ethan and Uncle Rob to Disneyland for Ethan's birthday--thanks Uncle Rob!

Jenna and I had to show the boys how to "DO" Disneyland "Tracy Style":) I know you are laughing right now! We took it easy on them--first timers.
Jenna had to visit the hat store for pictures--poor Ethan!

Buddies!

Uncle Rob got the best score on the Toy Story "shoot 'um up" ride--go figure! Ethan had the best accuracy rate though!

We ended our trip at In-N-Out of course!

With Christmas only a few days away, we had our annual cookie decorating day

Jenna and her BEST friend Richelle were on "sugar cookie OVERLOAD"--check out the video at the end of the blog.

Richelle made a plate to take to her family

Jenna ate all hers--just kidding!

Owen stayed in his pajamas all day and drank coffee and ate cookies--just kidding again.

Jenna and Owen making pictures together

Owie just being cute

Jack was excited we were home finally--can't you see it in his face?

Pat put the windows and the slider in the "not so sunny anymore sunroom"

Aunt Don went with us to Christmas Eve candlelight service at church. Owen wanted the camera.

We got to hear my BEAUTIFUL friend with the most BEAUTIFUL voice sing my favorite song!

Jenna sand with the choir

Miah got a solo part and did a BEAUTIFUL job. I think she might follow in her Mom's footsteps??

Then we went to Uncle Dave and Aunt Nay's house for a Christmas Eve present fest!

Aunt Nay goes a bit crazy with the presents, but the kids get SO excited!

Jake is growing into such a handsome man. He is playing football in high school. Kelsey is in her first year of college at Redlands University and is having a blast. She is also working at The Micah Hose tutoring kids. Dave and Nay have raised some AWESOME kids!

Christmas morning brought us to Owen's gigantic train set (Pat and I stayed up until 1 am putting it together. Well, actually, I gave up, but I stayed up with him:))

Owen was SO excited--so was Jenna. We thought we should have gotten her one too:)

Then everyone came to our house for our traditional Christmas breakfast feast!

Jenna and Aunt Don

The Earl girls

Papa enjoying the new "Fun Room"

Aunt Don and Jerry

Uncle Rob actually got a picture of us by the tree this year

David got Kate a new camera

And we all enjoyed our "Family Time"

Aunt Kel got Owen a fun Christmas tree ornament

We continue to thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for His amazing gift of salvation. Our hope and prayer in the coming year is that all of us would "draw ever nearer" to the REAL reason we celebrate Christmas. As believers, our CHRISTmas is EVERY DAY. We are thankful and we give GOD all the glory for the great things he has done in our lives.

"Though none go with me, still I will follow--no turning back, no turning back"

Being Thankful!

2009-11-27T14:10:00.000-08:00

One of my most favorite verses in the Bible is from 1 Thess. 5:16

Be joyful always, Pray Continually and give THANKS in EVERYTHING for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.

The first two, I'll admit are not always easy for me at times. I would like to think that I am always joyful, but I am sure my family would disagree with the ALWAYS part.

Praying continually--another area to work on :).

In EVERYTHING give thanks--YES!

I KNOW without a DOUBT that my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has a plan for my life, so I AM thankful. I am thankful to HIM, first of all for " pulling me out of the pit, out of the miry clay, setting my feet upon the rock and steadying me as I walk along".

HE put a new song in my heart, and I will forever sing His praise--even if I have to sing alone. There are MANY things I am thankful for, and here are a few--not necessarily in order :)......

I am thankful for ....KISSES BABIES...
A Grandpa who loves his grandkids and still cries when he prays....

FAMILY (especially mine!)

FRIENDS...

A GRANDMA (and mother) who loves her family and the Lord

A HANDSOME, hardworking, God-loving, one-of-a-kind husband...

AND... Beautiful kids!!!

PLUS--MANY, MANY MORE !

Thanks be to God--great things HE has done!

I am THANKFUL!!

DEMOLITION DAY!

2009-11-21T14:29:00.000-08:00

Vacation has started! Demolition has begun! We are redoing our sun room. We took off all the bricks earlier, so our day started with loading them into the trailer to eventually take to the dump.

Charlene came early to help--and we put her right to work of course! This was her "action brick toss" shot

This is what the sun room looked like before we started

Kate, David, and Amy came to help us too! THANK YOU SO MUCH FAMILY!!

Owen got right in on the action with the drill

Pat had to pull out the swamp cooler

Amy did great with the crowbar

Charlene was a HUGE help! Thank you friend!

This was Katie's "no more window" shot

Then her and Jenna did a little 'mime" action

We had to break for a Popsicle!

And Owie had a little coffee break

The girls worked hard while the guys went to the dump. We took out the rest of the walls and only left the 'main beams". GIRLS ROCK!!!

Then Kate HAD to sweep up. We are tidy girls :)

Pat wanted to save the redwood, so Amy and Kate pulled out the thousands (literally) of nails. Such dedication!!!

We have the BEST friends and family in the universe!! Thanks you SO much! We love you!!!

A DAY OUT WITH THOMAS!!!

2009-11-15T19:56:00.000-08:00

We took Owen for a "Day out with Thomas" at the Orange Empire Railway Museum on Saturday. He had a BLAST to say the least. He is a HUGE Thomas fan (he can tell you the names of EVERY engine). We think it's a little weird, but we are supportive :).

Our day started with a stop at the temporary tattoo parlor--he chose the tattoo of James, but it was a tough decision.

Then it was off to the train tents where they had a bunch of train sets set up for the kids to play with. He would have stayed here all day if he could have.

Jenna was the "ever supportive" sister. She was a great sport and made the day fun for her brother.

At 10;00 it was our turn to ride on Thomas the train!! We waited for a few minutes in line...

Jenna carried our boarding passes

Thomas arrived....

We tried to get a picture with Thomas in the background, but it didn't work!

When we got on the train and took our seat, they had Thomas music playing and Owen got a Jr. engineer certificate.

After we started, Owen stood up in his seat to get a better look.

By the end of the ride he was taking it easy.

Jenna got one, too

After the ride, they exit you right into a shop--of course!

Jenna and Owen played on a few toys while we waited in line to take a picture with Sir Topham Hat

Exciting, huh!Then we got some ice cream--Jenna's favorite part!

Owen sporting his stylish 'Thomas Shades"

We got to ride the streetcar and the trolley

And we ended our day saying goodbye to Thomas!

It was well worth it! We had a great family day, and Owen is still talking about his train ride on Thomas.

Catching up!!

2009-11-11T22:01:00.000-08:00

I FINALLY got a minute to post some new pictures!

Thank you to all of our outstanding Veteran's! You not only served our country, protected us, and fought for our freedom, but because of your service,--we get a day off!

Thank you!!!

Our family spent the day "catching up"!

We had a little family time...

We started taking off the bricks on the outside of the sun room--getting ready to redo it!

Dad and Jenna DID help too, but we somehow managed to miss taking pictures of them--oops!

Here are some of our Halloween pics too!

Owie and Jenna had a BLAST planning and carving their pumpkins!

I decided to go Disney--go figure!

After a trip around the block at Uncle Rob and Aunt Lisa's house, we went up to Aunt Kelly's for a little costume party.

This is Amy and David (who freaked Owen out with his costume by the way!)

Jenna decided to be a pirate (again), she recycled her costume from a few years ago.

Kelsie made Karly to cutest "tooth fairy" costume I have EVER seen. You are SOOO creative Kels!

Jenna fit right in with the "pirate theme" the girls had going on!

Our family was a bit "mish-mosh" -- I guess that is how we usually are :0)

I decided to go "totally 80's". Pat was a doctor, and Owen was SO excited to be "James"--NOT Thomas (as he was gladly telling everyone who wanted to know--all night long).

My dad even bought a wig for the occasion

Kelly was the "heroic" Peter Pan!

Me and Mom

The girls!

Kel and the girls made THE BEST Halloween feast! We are SO thankful for our family! We have SO much fun together!

Announcing Mr. and Mrs. David Hollingworth!!

2009-09-22T17:50:00.000-07:00

Katie and David FINALLY :) got married on September 18th! The wedding was PERFECT and we all had a BLAST! Here are some pics!

Was Katie GORGEOUS or what?

I got the chance to hold Baby Karly for awhile

Uncle Mike flew in for the weekend

Pat and I actually got a picture together thanks to Aunt Lisa!

Grandma and Owie

Matt and Mason (my cousins)

Dad and Randall

Amy's friends--Becca took the video for Kate and Davie--what a SWEETIE!!

Aunt Don and Aunt Cathy

My sweet Jenna Bleu was the Jr. Bridesmaid

Owen was a RASCAL!! He decided to take a roll on the lawn!

Kate with Owen

David with Jenna

Katie and her Dad Mike

The venue was magical, the food was delicious, the bride was gorgeous, the groom was handsome, the family was happy, and two of our favorite people are finally married--who could ask for more!

We love you Kate and David--to Heaven and Back!

Jenna's 8th Birthday BASH!

2009-08-15T10:25:00.000-07:00

My Birdie girl turned 8 on Friday the 14th! I can't believe it! It was like she was born yesterday. We decided to throw her a "Reality Show" party. It was lots of fun. Here are the pics! We started out with family shots!
Kelly and AmyAunt Don , Kelly and Baby Karly

Our first game was a "Survivor" obstacle course. This is what they had to do:

Dad set up 2x6's across the pool, so the kids had to walk the beam across the pool first...

Then they had to hit the croquet ball through two arches on the lawn...Next, they had to run around and go down to slide, swim across the pool...

shoot a hoop, and then get a licorice from me and tag their next team member. They were exhausted:).

Sweet Amy--thank you SO much for ALL your help! You are such a blessing!

Then we took a 5 minute break !

Owen having fun!

Karly and Ricky (yes, she is teething!)

For the next game, we blindfolded the kids for the "fear Factor" worm hunt! They had to stick their hands in the "unknown (spaghetti, chocolate pudding, grapes (eyeballs :0), and gummy worms)" and they had to dig out 2 gummy worms, then it was the next teammates turn to go!

We needed help to blindfold them all;). Amy got Jenna and Lacey helped Zach.

They all started peeking when they heard the first group scream when they stuck their hands in:)

When they were done, it was time for a "wash off" with Aunt Kelly (thanks SO much for ALL the help Aunt Kel--you are THE BEST!)

Then it was time for another 5 minute break!

Ben and Tyson (Ben LOVED the jacuzzi--so did Tyson!)

The next game was the "Biggest Loser" jell-0 eating contest. The teams had to eat a bowl of jell-o with whipped cream. The fastest team wins! (this one made a few of them a little sick:)

Then it was back to the pool for a little break!

The last game was the "Amazing Race" USA puzzle race. The team that put the puzzle together the fastest won!

After the games, Amy, Katie, Kelsie and the MOM's helped the kids make glow in the dark T-shirts. Thanks SO much for All your help girls! UR LVD!

We had some more fun in the pool

Then it was time to sing "Happy Birthday" and have cake...

open presents (THANK YOU EVERYONE--WOW!)

End of the night pics

What an AWESOME b-day! Thanks to EVERYBODY! WE LOVE YOU!

Summer Fun--Catalina!

2009-07-30T15:04:00.000-07:00

We have been having the BEST summer EVER! I think it is because we are spending so much quality family time together:).

Owen is a swimming fool--he also loves to help Daddy with the blower!

This is Jenna on the "Catalina Flyer" on our way to Catalina. We saw dolphins on the way back--too cool! We loved sitting on the top of the boat and feelin' the breeze".

Owen at the beach in Catalina

Dad and Jenna on the kayak

The water was crystal clear

This is the "casino" which means "gathering place" as we found out--not an actual casino.

Owen loved the park in the center of town--especially the fire truck!

Jenna loved the frog :)--go figure

We took our bikes and rode all over Avalon

We also played a round of mini golf.

Owen was examining his next shot

The colors around Catalina were AMAZING

Gotta love Owie kisses

Dad taught Jenna how to use the camera--pretty good shot, huh?

We had a great time! And we needed a crazy face shot of course!

Then it was time to go home:0--all good things must come to an end!

Jenna's Baptism!

2009-07-21T17:50:00.001-07:00

We had Bible Blast at our church this past week. It is a time for the kids to have fun, learn about what Jesus did for them, about missions, and crafts. Jenna had been asking us about baptism. She wanted to get baptised, but was a little nervous about what she had to do. We talked to her about it being and outward showing of an inward faith. It is showing others that you are committed to living your life for Jesus and loving others. We wnated it to be TOTALLY her decision, so I told her to talk to Pastor Brian about it. She talked to her Children's pastor, Pastor Brian and Mr. James and came home on Sunday saying, "Mom and Dad, I am going to get baptised. I am ready".

We are So proud of you Jenna! You have such a beautiful heart! We know the Lord is going to do AMAZING things through you baby girl!

'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, and HE will direct your paths"

Miss Katrina has known Jenna since BIRTH! She was the first person to give her a Bible.

The video isn't that great, but we know that Grandma Sue wanted to see it!

The LONGEST post EVER!:)

2009-07-21T16:22:00.001-07:00

Our summer has been PACKED FULL OF FUN! I finally had some time to sit down and post some pictures. We started out our vacation with a camping trip up the coast headed to Oregon to see my mom's best friend since high school (Aunt Pat). My brother and I grew up with her 3 girls, so they are like family. Our first stop was San Simeon State Park. It was BEAUTIFUL! The ocean was right across HWY 1, and we could walk there. We also rode our bikes all along the beach. The water was a bit cool, but that didn't stop Jenna! Our camp site was AWESOME and so were the 25 cent warm showers:).

Jenna and I spent one day making castles in the sand--so fun!

This was our camp site

Owen didn't like the sand as much as Jenna. He thought it felt "EW, icky mom"

We went to the tide pools at Moon beach and we saw sea stars, sea urchins, cucumbers, crabs (purple), and the seals were EVERYWHERE!

Jenna was trying to entice her Dad into the 50 degree water:)--she didn't even try me--she knows better!

Our next stop was Half Moon Bay State Beach. Our campsite was RIGHT BY the ocean. The waves lulled us to sleep each night. We went for a bike ride around the small town of Half Moon Bay, and we found a "Jenna St.)--you can barely see the sign in the picture, but we thought it was cool:0.

While at Half Moon Bay, we took a day trip to San Francisco (25 min away). We went to the BEST ZOO EVER! It is so cool in San Francisco that all the animals are out. We were a bit early, so we visited the world famous "Cliff House".

We saw everything at the zoo. We even got to see them feed the Grizzly Bears. They let them into the ponds and they caught salmon right before our eyes--pretty cool!

Jenna and I had a picture like this when she was 4.

After the zoo, we took our bikes and rode across the Golden Gate Bridge. It was cold, but SO worth it! We had a BLAST!

After our bike ride, we just HAD to get ice cream at Ghiradelli!

Then we headed for Grants Pass Oregon to visit with Aunt Pat for 3 days. They have the MOST BEAUTIFUL home. We camped in their back yard! They have hookups for the camper, and a huge grassy flat area right by the rouge river! It was AMAZING. The river runs right through their back yard. The area is full of small vineyards, and beautiful pasture.

Owen's favorite thing to do was feed the llamas.

Jenna LOVED driving the Gator, and playing with Kinsley and Sage (Aunt Pat's grand kids--Kristy's girls)

This is where we camped. The river is to the left.

We went into Jacksonville, an old mining town and went on the Trolley, ate lunch, played, and shopped. Oh--and ate ice cream of course!

When we got back, we all went for a swim in the river. This is right in the back yard. It was BEAUTIFUL!

Sage and Kinsley--Kristy's twins

Uncle Clare--making the BEST hamburgers in the WORLD!--Seriously

Me and Deb--we call each other cousin--we have some great memories together:)

Everyone in the kitchen for dinner. It was fun to be able to get together with the whole family. I hadn't seen most of them in about 15 years.

Jenna and Kinsley. Jenna became instant friends with the girls. It was so great for her!

The girls LOVED Owen too!

We all laughed at how the llamas just came right up to Owen. He loved sharing their food with them too!

This is a picture of Aunt Pat's house

Kristy and pat

Sage had a BLAST playing soccer with Owen

We were sad to leave, but we are going to stay longer next time--thanks SO much Aunt Pat and Uncle Clare. Your hospitality was much appreciated--we LOVE you!

Our next stop was actually our favorite. We stayed at Henry Cowell State Park in the redwoods just above Santa Cruz in Felton. The camp site was Amazing! It was in the middle of Oak trees and redwoods with blackberry and raspberry bushes--we hiked, rode bikes, had s'mores--so much fun!

Owen rode his big wheel EVERYWHERE!

This is a picture of our camp site

One of the days here, we headed for Santa Cruz. We went on the Boardwalk, rode our bike all along the coast, rode the rides, and had a BLAST!

I love this picture that Pat took on the skyway

We decided not to drive all the way home from Santa Cruz, so we camped for a night in Solvang. I love this little town. They had a Farmer's Market, so we got some delicious fruit--and Danish pastry--of course!

Owen loved the Thomas the train store--it was hard to get him out of there!

If you want to see ALL the pictures, you are just going to have to come by and visit us:). thanks again to the Lindberg's for the fantastic gift--we are using the trailer and making SO many memories!

SUMMER IS HERE!!

2009-06-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

YEAH! We made it! We have been busy this past month, so we will catch you up FAST!

First... we had Katie's graduation--finally done with her credential--wanting a job-- get together at Kel's house:)

Pat got to hold Owen and Karly

Owie got to blow some bubbles

Second, we had a little birthday get together for Miah ( the middle sister:) at our house.

Owie and Pat were the "cool dudes" in the pool

THIRD-- we went to Kelsey Waters' graduation party on Saturday. I CAN NOT believe she is already graduated and ready to start college at the University of Redlands (Katie and David would be SO proud--it's their Alma Mater)

Nadine (my sister-in-law and Kelsey)

Owen could be found MANY places that evening--relaxing in the lounge chair by the pool was one!

This is our good friend Rick

Pat's twin brother Dave--already wearing the Bulldog t-shirt in support of Kels

Owen found Aunt Nay's delicious BLUE cupcakes:)

Hanging out

Our friends--the Mason's (Scott is the Pastor at the church Dave and Nadine go to, Kavia was in Pat's class this last year, and Rena (mom) is a substitute teacher for our district

Steph, Tracy, and Susan-- long time friends

Pat with the girls

I also finished my 14th year of teaching. I had to include this picture because this little girl (Lexi) and her mom made me this COOL Solar System apron for an end of the year gift. I thought it was TOO COOL! I wore it all day--the kids thought I was CRAZY--nothing unusual:). I am also starting a new adventure. After 12 years at third grade, I will be venturing into fourth grade next year (I know--a big leap:0) I will get a chance to break out of my comfort zone and have 35 in a class instead of 20 :). I CAN'T WAIT!

Summer is ALMOST here!

2009-05-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

We are getting excited about our trip up the coast this summer. Aunt Pat--here we come. The pool is already 80 degrees due to the warm weather, and Owen is ready to go! He has already donned his floaties and is prepared to dive in. These are my latest favorite pictures!

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

We had Mom, Dad, Rob, Lisa, Ethan, and Hailey over on Saturday to celebrate Mother's Day. We had a great time just relaxing and catching up with one another. Then I got to relax with our little family on Sunday after church. It was SO nice! The kids (Pat) treated me to new running shoes and a Starbucks gift card, since our latest walks have been to Starbucks and back!

The best part of the day was when Jenna decided she wanted to learn how to ride her bike (FINALLY!!!)

She said, "Mom, instead of walking to Starbucks, I am going to ride my bike!"

"What?"

Then she proceeded to take a 5 minute lesson from Dad, and she was off! She rode the entire 5 miles--broken arm and all!

Go FIGURE!!

Here are some pictures from our day with the family.

Owen is getting ready for his Olympic trials!
Mom and Owie

Pat and Rob--relaxing!

The kids had a ball game going

Hailey and Owen were the

supporters

This is Owen's "Secret Service" pose for Uncle Rob--"Shhh"!

My Mom wanted some family shots

Owen wanted to water the flowers. He LOVES being outside!

All in all, a BLESSED day!

ONE TOUGH CHICK!!

2009-05-02T08:31:00.000-07:00

Well, we have had an interesting few weeks! Jenna broke her arm while we were on a walk. She was riding on her Razor scooter and lost her balance while doing an ollie with a full reversal flip---no, really she just fell off (grace and balance run in the family:)). It was drama, but I told her:

"Suck it up, you are fine"

"No. Mom, it REALLY hurts. You just don't know"

"Come on Jenna, It is just bruised a little. Lets finish our walk"

'MOM!"

So...we went home to put ice on it and ...well...to make a LONG story short, we went to the urgent care on Sunday after church where we got the news.

"She broke both her radius and ulna" (arm bone)

"I TOLD YOU MOM!"

Off to the Orthopedic doctor on Monday where he had to SET IT straight! That is where the "TOUGH CHICK" came in. The doctor put a piece of gauze in her mouth and said, "Bite down on this". We weren't exactly prepared for this which is probably a good thing.

I felt so bad for her, but she was tough. The doctor told her she could brag about getting her arm set without medication. (she didn't really want to hear him at that point;0).

We are all good now--bright pink cast and all!

Grandpa had to stop by the house to encourage his sweet granddaughter.

Jenna got two awards this last month. One for being an AWESOME student, and one for reading 110 books at an end of fourth grade level ( in second grade) in Read-a-thon. We are so proud of her!

Katie was subbing that day at our school, so she got to come see Jenna get her award.

Six more weeks to go!

Easter--He has RISEN!

2009-04-14T19:34:00.000-07:00

We are so BLESSED to have such a wonderful family! We all went to my Mom's house for Easter "Linner" (lunch/dinner). We had fun hunting eggs, flying kites (well sort of ;)), enjoying a meal together and sharing LOTS of LAUGHS!

Mom and Jerry (I LOVE THIS PICTURE!)

Jenna Bleu hunting for eggs, thanks to Papa!

Pat caught Miah and Malia looking into the sun

Kelly, Karly and Ricky relaxing

Owie on his first egg hunt

These are just some random "goofy" pictures

What a great set of eyes this boy has!

Our electric cooktop started sparking and eventually gave out this week, so we have a big hole in our counter until our new one comes. So... Owen and I made it into a play fort:)

FUN TIMES!

Fun with the GIRLS!!

2009-04-01T14:20:00.000-07:00

We took a girls trip to Glen Ivy Day Spa during our break. Kelly and the girls had never been, so I decided that Charlene and I HAD to take them so they would know what to do :). (They had to twist my arm:0)

They weren't too sure about he mud at first, but then we all got in on the action.
Kate and Amy aren't actually this tan yet--it's the mud, but wait until the end of summer .

Kelly and Char could pass for sisters in this shot:)

On Sunday we went to a bridal expo with Kate to get some ideas for her upcoming wedding

Sunday night Pat and I went to the Lindbergs for dinner and Bocce ball. We LOVE their family!

This is Owen with Gabe (1 of 8)

Jenna and Elizabeth eating pizza

Joe is showing Pat how to play. The boys are just a LITTLE competitive (that is putting it mildly:))

Owie got to play in the rocks with Victoria for awhile too.

Half of the gang at the dinner table.

Lisa, telling us a story.

We are SO THANKFUL for the BEAUTIFUL friends the LORD has put into our lives. We are RICHLY BLESSED!

SPRING BREAK!!!

2009-03-28T11:21:00.000-07:00

SPRING BREAK is here!! And what better way to start than a trip to DISNEYLAND. Jenna and I accompanied Jerry and "his girls" on his BIRTHDAY trip to Disneyland Friday night after school. He already has a pass, so he got a $69 merchandise voucher to spend because of the new "Visit Disneyland on your birthday for free" promo that is going on this year. He has been talking about buying his "Indiana Jones" hat for weeks now, so we were all excited to see him in his new "birthday hat".

The girls had to get in on the action too, of course!

"Indy and his mate"

Jenna preferred the creepy Indian statue

In the end, Jerry got his hat, T-Shirt, and something at the "magic shop" that he wouldn't share with the rest of us because it was "magic". It was a fun night! Thanks for letting us share your ##!! birthday with you Jerry! We love you, mate!

The Many Faces of Owen Patrick Waters!

2009-03-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

Owen Patrick Waters,

Our little Leprechaun,

Grandma's little shamrock,

From Ire-Ire-land

He is a cutie-tootie,

We love him all day long,

He's Owen Patrick Waters

And this is Grandma's song!

Owen turned 2 on March 3rd. I feel like I just had him. They aren't kidding when they say that time flies.

He is truly a "Gift from God"!

Here are some of his FAVORITE things:

The Great Outdoors!

GRANDMA and PAPA,

He loves to play with ANY guitar, he LOVES music (especially worship music), he knows his body parts in English and Spanish, he climbs ANYTHING, he loves skateboards, he can bounce a basketball, he favorite song is

"The B-I-B-L-E, yes that's the book for me..", he LOVES any book he can get his hands on, ELMO, Thomas the Tank Engine, he adores his sister, he LOVES his family, he jumps on the trampoline, loves kisses from the dogs, going for walks, and enjoys sitting in the jacuzzi!

We are SO BLESSED!!

We love you Owie!

My Dad is famous for making the kids their birthday cakes (Thanks Dad!). We decided to enjoy Owen all by ourselves this year. We took him to Disneyland for the first time and he had a BLAST. His birthday was spent with just the four of us, Grandma's lasagna, salad, and Papa's birthday cake! My parents are the BEST!

Owen sang the birthday song, blew out his candles, and SCARFED down Papa's cake!

Here are some videos of his birthday cake fun!

Grandma June

2009-02-28T13:31:00.000-08:00

I miss you Grandma!

March is the month when I miss my Grandma the most. She will have been gone 7 years on the 6th of March. She was our "Wild Irish Rose" and one of the most influential women in my life. My favorite memory was when I stayed with her for about a month before Pat and I got married. My Grandpa had passed away not long before that and I needed some "Grandma Time".

We were having chicken salad (one of my favorite things she made) and it was about 11:00 at night. My Grandma LOVED to gamble, so I said, "Let's go out and play the nickles for awhile." She said, "Tracy, it is 11:00 at night! We can't do that--I'll get my purse".

We didn't get home until 2:00 in the morning, but we had a BLAST together. I am SO thankful for the MANY times we talked until late, played cards, and laughed until we thought we would wet our pants! Our relationship was like none other (because of course, I WAS HER FAVORITE!).

Now, my kids have the most amazing Grandma in my Mom and I am SO THANKFUL that Jenna can look forward to the same kinds of amazing stories and adventures.

I love you Grandma June! I can't wait to dance the Irish jig with you when I get to Heaven! Thanks for all the wonderful memories! Happy St. Patty's Day!

Disneyland

2009-02-19T13:54:00.001-08:00

We are ALL in LOVE!

2009-01-31T16:37:00.000-08:00

Baby Karly is FINALLY home after being under her "tanning bed" for a few days. Dumb 'ol jaundice took over, but she is great now. Jenna and I got to go visit our new cousin. Kelsie looks great and has already gotten into "Mommy mode". We are THANKFUL!!

Jenna couldn't wait to get her hands on this sweet little baby. I called her from the hospital when Karly was born and she said "Really?" then silence.. I said "Are you okay? Are you crying?"

"Yes, Mama. I am just happy."

My Mom couldn't resist either

We love you Karly!

I had to add these pictures. My mom and dad got Owen his own chair for Christmas and he LOVES it. This is his new favorite place. They grow up SO fast! --(notice the remote?)

Welcome Karly Ann Lee!

2009-01-30T18:59:00.000-08:00

"Children are a gift from God"

Psalm 127:3

My cousin Kelsie had her baby girl on Tuesday, January 27th. Kelly became a grandma (HOLY COW), and I am once again in total AWE of our Creator.

Kelsie was a trooper considering her epidural wore off when the REAL labor started, and 10 people were in the room quietly watching her while she breathed through the pain. When she was ready to start pushing, we all left and Kelly, Kathy,and Ricky got to see the birth.

After it was all over we were able to see Kels--the happy Mama!
Kathy Lee (Grandma) with Karly

Kelsie holding her baby girl

This was pretty much the crowd before and after the birth:)--you are SO loved Kels!!

And the family begins...

Grandma Kelly:0

Karly Ann Lee

Thank you Lord! Please bless this new baby girl and I pray that she will grow to love You more than anything else in this world. May her light shine for all to see!