Merry Christmas from our Family to Yours

We wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Humming all the way

We have officially become proud new owners of a hummingbird feeder! Our new little friends are so cute! They visit us quite often several times a day, and we also now have an herb garden! Oh how I love living where the sun always shines and it is 70 degrees year round!

Oh what a day!

We started our marathon thanksgiving day by doing a turkey trot, then lots of food for the afternoon and we finished with a game of rummy. So after an 18 hour day I have had my fill of Thanksgiving -- now onto the Christmas season!! I am so excited!!

Husbands doing dishes

I am thankful for my husband who does dishes and dads who cook so very well and moms who love you no matter what! I am very thankful!

Snuggle buddy

Well I could not complete a list of thankful posts without including one of my favorite snuggle buddies! Our sweet little 7 lb ball of fur -- Captain Jack

Catch up time

It has been 4 days since my last post, so it looks like I need to catch up with 4 things I am thankful for!
1. People in my life who are honest and real. Perfection or the facade of perfection is annoying. (Striving to improve things in your life is completely different) I enjoy friends and family who can be positive and also real at the same time! I have read two blogs today that have been so refeshing about authenticity and not wearing masks! So glad there are still people out there who aren't like some politicians!
2. Being able to exercise (Notice I said "able") -- Luciano and I signed up for a Turkey Trot that we will run on Thanksgiving. Haven't trained for it but its only a 5K so we should be fine! Being sore never hurt anyone!
3. God's Creations - Today we went to the children's pool to watch the seals play in the ocean and let me say that it was so cute to watch them frolic and roll and let the waves push them up on the rocks.

4. Okay now I am going to be very real -- the thing that I am so very grateful for is toilet paper. I can't go a day without it -- can you?

Spam?

Today I am thankful for my dad and his humor! This is the picture that he took today to send to one of his friends! In honor of Dads and Daughters, I am so very thankful!

Come fly with me!

On October 25, 1930, TWA offered one of the first all plane scheduled service from coast to coast—the Lindbergh Route. The route took 36 hours and initially called for overnights in Kansas City. It is amazing to think how far our society has come -- in just under 80 years! Today, I am thankful for airlines. Think about all the experiences in life that you have been able to enjoy because of an airplane ride!

Life & Health

It is getting so hard to just pick one thing each day that I am thankful for!!! I guess I should be thankful for that too! Today I am thankful for the life that I have been given and that all those that friends and family are all healthy!

New Opportunities

Sometimes in life change can be scary. Then there are times when change is exciting. This time in my life is a season of exciting changes and that is what I am thankful for today! Only God knows what will happen in the next few months and I am ready to enjoy the ride!

Thankful for the Rock

Since December of 2007, we have been attending The Rock Church in San Diego. We have met some of the nicest people through the church. It has also helped our marriage. Our pastor, Miles McPherson also cracks us up!!! I am so thankful that we live here in San Diego and can attend a church that encourages people to "do something" in the community and make a difference instead of just going to church!

Four for Friends

I am so thankful for our friends that we have met this past year! They are all such great people who truly care about making their marriages work! So here is to meeting new friends and appreciating your old friendships too!

Day 3 -

Thankful day #3 - Grocery Store
I am thankful that we don't have to be like the Waodani (whoa-DONNY)tribe (click on title link to find out more about this tribe)and forage in the wilderness for our food but we can just go to our local grocery store and pick out healthy goodness!

Day 2 - Stellan

So I have been reading this amazing story for about 8 months about this miraculous boy, Stellan who recently turned a year old. In the womb, he was diagnosed with heart failure, suffering from Supraventricular Tachycardia, hydrops and heart block. As of November 9th Stellan has an ablation and...his heart beats in perfect sinus rhythm. His is totally and utterly SVT free and he will not need a pacemaker either! If you would like to find out more about this amazing little boy and his family -- click on the title link!

A Countdown of Thanks

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am going to pick one thing each day that I am thankful for! Today I am thankful for my husband. With all the ups and downs that we have been through I appreciate him (even on the days I don't show it.)and all he is!

A flapper girl and her mobster

This halloween we got all dressed up and went out with friends, we had fun going back in time to the roaring 20's.

Carving Pumpkins when its 80 degrees

Oh how I love fall -- but it really isn't the same as the midwest fall season! Not that I am complaining -- it is just different! (And I LOVE it) We had a few friends over for a pumpkin carving night! Chef Luciano made pepperjack & spinach quesadillas and we also had homemade wonton crisps with spinach dip, veggies, fruit kabobs with fruit dip and of course pumkin seeds with caramel apples and spiced cider!
(Pictures to follow if uploader ever works)

Blog Project...I need feedback

Last night my hubby planned a date and took me to see Julie & Julia. The movie was entertaining enough, but I loved what the character Julie did with a blog. Well maybe it was the concept of what she did. For those that haven't seen the movie, Julie decided that she was going to go through Julia Childs "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" cookbook in a year and make all the recipes and blog about her experience. I was thinking about how I could incorporate something like that into my blog. I can hold my own in the kitchen, but I don't have a passion for cooking like some of the great chefs I know -- (Victoria Woodward and my dad) I love books, scrapbooking, photography, traveling and want to incorporate one of these into my blog -- Any thoughts? Suggestions? Comments are needed! Even if I don't know you, I still welcome your opinion!

The older I get...

...the more I appreciate my parents. While growing up my dad was a hard working man. (sometimes a little to hard working because I didn't get to see him) and my mom was a SAHM extraordinaire! She took care of everything and had time to be the "lunch lady" at my school and also be the treasurer for the athletic club. For those of you that know me, I have always been quite independent. As I get older I want to be around my parents more and more. We always have a great time when we are together and the support and guidance they have given me (which was not always appreciated when I was younger) has caused me to be the person I am today. So why not take time to celebrate those people who have loved you unconditionally today! I love you mom & dad! You are the best!

All I need is a hammer & some markers!

In a holding pattern.....

Right now I feel like I am in a holding pattern and I am just circling around and around waiting to land so I can get my luggage....Do you ever feel like day to day life is like Groundhog Day? Wake up, take the dog out, work, sometimes eat lunch, work, eat dinner, take the dog out, check email or some social networking site, check work email one last time, maybe watch tv, clean something, take the dog out and then go to bed. Here and there getting a run or workout in.
So instead of complaining about what I wish would change I am going to write down things I am grateful for today
1. New Jumper Cables and the Roadside Assistance Guy
2. Helpful Husband
3. Supportive Mom & Dad
4. Cutest Dog Ever
5. Job
6. Making a new friend
7. The post office
8. Office Supplies
9. Considerate Board Members
10. Refreshing Ice Water

Taken Right From the Heart -- A hot topic

A hot topic in the news these days is marriage—or should we say a re-definition of marriage? In every culture for thousands of years, marriage has been defined as a lifetime commitment between a man and a woman. The only exception has been polygamy.

Never, though, has marriage been defined as a same-sex union. Now, in the 21st century, some so-called enlightened men and women have decided that society and laws should be changed to re-define marriage.

The idea of marriage originated with God when He created man and woman. In its origin, marriage was intended to be between one man and one woman. God’s word gives two reasons for the ideal: companionship and pro-creation. You can read more about it in Genesis 1-2, the first book of the Bible. Thus began the family as God intended.

Has 21st century man become so arrogant and selfish that we suddenly decide to redefine what God has ordained? I hope not.

Just thought this was an interesting take on something that everyone seems to have an opinion on. I am all about equality but where is the line drawn. When the Creator sets a plan in place and we as humans who only see things from a jaded perspective of our limited experiences, who are we to question what true equality is.
The definition of equaltiy is the quality of being the same in quantity or measure or value or status. Our Creator made us all unique with different fingerprints-- not the same. Instead of asking for what is equal, what if we ask the question of what is just & right from the one that Created us.

GIVEAWAY FOR A BLOG MAKE-OVER

Deadline to sign up is August 12th but if you can't wait until then,
if you get on the waiting list and deposit your $25 down payment, you will receive $10 off your blog design!
Click on the title link to be taken to the coolest blog designs!!

Just keeps getting better......

This coming September Luciano and I will have been together for five years. Oh how things have changed in just those few short years! The first picture was taken when we were leaders at a camp in Mexico with over 100 teenagers! We actually started dating about a month after that picture was taken, so we were still in the "friends zone". All of these pictures were taken in around august of each year. We have had a few more camps, vacations, and ups and downs through those years but it just seems to keep getting better!

Lets Get It On.......

This past weekend we went to Palm Springs for the second time on a marriage getaway. We had such a fun time with our friends and each other. It amazes me time and time again how many things have changed in our lives even in the past year. No matter what changes may come our way; the more time we invest in our relationship, the more valuable it becomes. This statement is true in most situations -- the more time you invest in anything, the more valuable it becomes to you. Take an account of what you are investing in and gauge how valuable it is to you. One of the challenges from this weekend was to kiss you spouse for at least 10 seconds. Go ahead and invest that time each day and see what a difference it will make!!!

The Three D's

We had a very fun sunday! We started the day by helping with the jr. high youth at church at 10 am and then went to 12 o'clock service. We came home and relaxed for a bit and then went to the pool. Luciano snoozed while lounging at the pool and then we went to a concert at the park in our community. It was so cute to see all the little dogs & kiddos. Afterwards we went to our friends house for a Scrumtious Dinner! We brought pavlova for dessert! All in all we had a great day with dinner, dessert and dancing!

Stay Classy, San Diego

Enjoy your weekend, wherever you may be and remember to Stay Classy!

True Friends are the Best

As wonderful as husbands can be, there is just something about having girl time! My BFF from Florida came to visit last week and we had so much fun! Having a true friend just makes life easier and laughing helps too! Thanks for such a great time juju!

llama lovin

We had a fun fourth of july weekend except we didn't see any fireworks! We went to the San Diego county fair and I met a new friend! We are so thankful for our friends that we were able to spend time with!
Now onto getting back into the swing of things for the week!

Jam Packed Random Fun-Filled Time

Whew! What a weekend! I love weekends that are random. I am a planner by nature but I love the unexpected surprises that weekends bring. Some of the fun we had this weekend was
1. Padres Game
2. Getting to watch the fireworks on the field at the game!
3. Suspension Bridge in SD
4. Finding the funniest cards in Seaport Village
5. Eating at three different restaurants in Little Italy in one night! (One for happy hour, one for dinner, and another for dessert)
6. Finding a very cool art gallery
7. Dinner at Roy's La Jolla -- so tasty!!!!!!!

Luciano pretending to catch the fly ball!



Laying on the field watching the fireworks!


Luciano and his long lost uncle


Walking (or kissing) on the suspension bridge


In between restaurant two and three with Reaksmay, Daniel, Rob, and Us!

Tell me what unexpected surprises came your way this weekend!

somewhere in the middle

My best friend since junior year in college called me today and told me that she will be coming for a visit in TWO WEEKS!!!!! I am so excited!! Our plan is to go for some good hikes, watch chick flicks, go get mani's and pedi's, workout with the best trainer is san diego, and just have some good girl time!! I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!

A Happy Heart

Sometimes it seems as though the weekends aren't as relaxing as they could be....and all of a sudden it is monday morning and I wonder where the weekend went! This past weekend was the complete opposite of that....Luciano and I both worked on Saturday, we rearranged our bedroom, attended our Young Married group, dinner after with friends, Laundry, Luciano made me breakfast in bed on sunday, I was able to read, Church, Luciano even got to watch some sort of UFC fighting thing, (I was actually reading again in the restaurant while he was watching), and we were able to Skype with my mom!!!!!! Maybe it is true that a body in motion stays in motion...Here's to a great week and another great weekend! I also had time to take some pics of furball!

Live Well, Love Much, Laugh Often

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My SIL graduated from Marine Corps Bootcamp this past week. We celebrated with her last night! She is now off to MCT (marine combat training), and the many new adventures! Live Well, Love Much, Laugh Often

Thank you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfhvWln2L9Q
(You have to cut and paste because my link isn't working.)
Check out the link above for a video that honors all of the men and women who have served this country for our freedom. I am SO PROUD that my husband is a veteran from the Iraqi war. Isn't he cute! (This pic was taken on top of one of Saddam's Presidential Palaces)

If you know someone who has served or is serving our country,(especially if it is a family member) please make sure to thank them today! We honor your memory & sacrifice today!

Oh what a view!

Today we went for a hike in torrey pines state park. It is my favorite hike in SD because the views are so AMAZINGLY beautius (yes that is a made up word). If you live in SD or ever visit, I would say to visit this location. Here are a few pics from the day. We even got to stop & take a pic of the cutest litte bunny!

BFF's

I rented Bridewars the other night, and since then have watched it at least 3 more times. When I saw the trailer, it wasn't a movie that I wanted to see. It reminded me of Bridezilla. It would be one of the movies that would fall under the "renter" cateogries. To my surprise this movie chokes me up EVERY time I watch it. Who would have thought that a cheezy chick flick would do that. So in celebration of your BFF's go check out bridewars and make sure your friends know how much you appreciate them! We all know that guys will be guys (as amazing as they are at times), but you will always have your girlfriends!

This weekend....

Seems as though everywhere I turn I read or hear about how many people are excited about the three day weekend. (I am included) We were going to go to Palm Springs for a few days and then I started to feel sick, so instead we are just going to stay home and relax. So wherever your plans take you for this weekend, ENJOY!!

Sweet Little Face