Snot Fests and Sore Chests...fa la la la la

Wow, I can't believe Christmas is over! It just seems like so much build up, excitement and anticipation. Then, the day comes and the gifts are opened expediently and that's it. On top of it all, I started to get sick on the 24th although, (thank God,) it didn't really hit until the 26th. I don't get sick and when I do, it's not a big deal. I guess I over did it this time (as usual.) A stuffy nose, I can handle. Sore throat? Sure, gargle with salt water and it kills the bacteria, directing the sickness to something other than Strep. But the cough. The annoying, lingering, blasted cough! Now the hubby started this cold and then a million little sniffling and hacking children brought more of it to the Christmas party so I wasn't completely surprised when I, having not taken care of myself and known it, got it. Now, Danny has it back and Lu, who was sick a few weeks back, is a bit sniffly too.

I have to say that even I am looking forward to the first of the year and everything going back to "normal." It's so funny, I can't seem to use the word normal to describe my life without chuckling a bit. Ok, this is an incredibly boring post.

Check out my writing blog. It's very short but has a new writing project teaser.

Happy Birthday Liz!

Hey Liz! This is the first time I've really had a moment since my crazy weekend so I'm sorry it's a little late. I ALWAYS think of you on the 20th, even when we weren't in touch. I found the cutest picture of us last week. I'll post it when I get it on disk or can scan it. You were this cute, little mouse with wavy brown hair and big teeth and freckles across your tiny face. I had a bad haircut with way too much bang (thank you Barbara) and chicklet teeth too. We were a sight! You are one of my very oldest (not age wise of course:) and dearest friends. I know there's distance but I cannot tell you how much fun it is to watch your kids grow up. How funny it is to be raising our own children now and watching them remind me of us. "Come on mom, just wait a little longer for Debbie. She'll be here." Lucy fights just as patiently (or desperately) for play dates.

So! Happy 30th. Don't worry, it's only a little scary around the actual day. After a month or so, it feels no different than 29 which I will always be. Many hugs your way. Have a wonderful week. I'm glad you came as a Christmas present. It's only right. You're just sorta magical and special. I just wanna wrap you up and stick you under the tree with a bow on your head. Ok, I know, I'm working on my stalker tendencies:) Love you to the moon and back!

Tricia

It's midnight in New York, technically December 13th. I want to wish my cousin Tricia a happy birthday. This will be the second birthday she's spent in Heaven. I'm sure the celebration is so much more incredible there! But we miss her and so today we reflect on her life and the good she brought to us in her 34 years.

So, Happy Birthday Trish. I love you and miss you. I think of you often and all the good memories. Though I know the what ifs are pointless, I think of all I wanted to say to you that I didn't get the chance to. Somehow, I think you know. May Heaven celebrate you today and the angels rejoice!

The Good Old Fashioned Griswold's Family Chrissmass

Thanksgiving at Pop's

AFter Pop's, we enjoyed a second dinner with our dear friend Laura and her family. Well, Jude enjoyed the second dinner. I couldn't get another bite down!

On Friday we had a "good old fashioned Griswold's Family Chrissmass" and cut down our own tree!

Kat and Lucy looking for the perfect tree.

We found our tree and lugged it to to the car. We named the tree Leif and our Thanksgiving turkey, Lucy named Thyme. She said she felt bad about eating Thyme. I said, he was dead when we got him, it was his Thyme:)

We won't eat the tree, too prickly.

Happy Turkey Day (although I doubt the turkey is really happy)

Wishing you all a wonderfully magic holiday! May we truly remember to be thankful for our many blessings. Or, in more poetic terms, Happy Thanksgiving to all, and to all a good bite!

The Holiday Spirit

This will be the first entire holiday season without our extended families. I was a little concerned that they would be difficult and feel lonely. I love that we don't have to specifically ask God for things because He knows our fears and desires. Our dear friend Laura has taken us in for Thanksgiving. We were going to have our friend Joan up but Laura offered to have us both. We'll spend the morning with Pop. I'm going to make a mini Thanksgiving feast for him, and then we're off to spend the afternoon with Laura and her family.

As for Christmas. I don't know. We'll probably visit Pop after the morning gift opening. We brought him a tree and decorated it a week ago. He loved it. We're going to wrap his door soon. We put lights up on our house yesterday and decorated the inside. I LOVE Christmas, just the feeling. I know we'll feel warmth and love from friends (our true family) during this holiday, we already have. It's sad that our families cannot be a part of it. It's sad above all because they are missing out on their granddaughter and the excitement and magic that only a child can bring.

It's cold here today. We'll light a fire, listen to some Christmas music and watch a Christmas movie later. I guess the best thing that comes from losing something that we staked so much faith in, is that we truly have to rely on God to be our family. We are also reminded of the true spirit of Christmas, the birth of our Lord and Savior. The rest of what we need will be provided, as it always is.

Don't forget to check out my writing blog, I've posted the first of what is a 21 day challenge of change for myself. It should prove interesting:) Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas. Most of all, Happy Birthday Jesus!

New Post

For those that haven't checked out my writing blog and new website, please do and tell me what you think. The website, jessicalennon.com, is really supposed to help with boosting my "popularity" as a writer. I'm hoping it'll look good for any interested agents. Thanks for those that are checking the blog and commenting and those that signed up as fans:)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HONEY!!!

I know we've had a lot of crap thrown at us in the past few years and that much of the recent problems have come from your "family." Know this, no matter what kind of people they are, they did something wonderful in having you. And no matter what I think of them, I will be FOREVER thankful to them for bringing you into this world so that you could be mine, as God intended. Remember, we were created for each other. We'll get through all of this. I wish you the very best birthday and a year that blesses you in all the ways you deserve. I pray that every year from here on out bestows blessings of happiness, health, love and prosperity.

I love you to Heaven and back. You are a great husband and father. You should know this because of the way you are loved. ((Hugs)) Lucy and Jess aka....aka:)

Website and Writing Blog

Besides checking out my new website, Jessicalennon.com. Also check out my new writing blog (there's a link on my website) at jessicalennon.blogspot.com or click on my list of "friends" (on the left) for a quick link. The more people I have clicking on my website and joining/commenting on my new blog, the better my "popularity" looks for the agents...and for the first (and only) time in my life, I REALLY want to be popular:)

I'm back!

Where's my head Danny? It's ok, I had some REALLY bad roots there:)

Halloween...nice face Lucy...that's her cheesy smile:)

1774 colonial girl. American Girl inspired:)

Hey guys,

Sorry it's been so long. I've been working hard to polish my book. It is finally officially done,

editing and all. I have two agents that I favor and will be sending out query letters today or tomorrow.

I'm also starting Lucy on the Sonlight Curriculum. It's a lot of work but all literature based. She was getting so frustrated with the old curriculum because it wasn't challenging her. Heck, I was getting bored with the old work:)

It's been a while since I've added pictures so it seemed time. Hope every one's well. I'll keep you posted on the book. Oh, it's totally raw and nothing is up on it but please check out my new website, jessicalennon.com. The more you view it, the better the numbers look (with the agents) for me:)

Miss Ballet

So I'll try and post pictures soon but my cord broke for my camera so... Lucy had her second dance class tonight. She's doing mostly ballet (Ms. Bunny's ballet class) and a tiny bit of tap. She likes the tap shoes, I think because of the sound. But this child has been walking on her tiptoes forever. Someone mentioned that it might be a neurological problem, I think possibly from the birth complications, although it doesn't seem to cause her any trouble. Especially since she's got the strongest calves and is apparently a natural at ballet. Her teacher said she did awesome and asked if I worked on it with her, I didn't. We got to sit in and watch the first class last week and this girl is good. Her posture is perfect as is her toe point. I think we may have a ballerina on our hands. Now, I was always good at dance but have to say that the credit would probably go to Danny who had to take all types of dance for the acting he did in high school and was told he had a "perfect toe point." Sure his dad looked at him funny when he then decided to have a friend teach him a little bit of sowing but obviously it has rubbed off on the little one. Most important, Lucy is having a blast and we even felt like a "normal" family tonight which is really, really nice for us. And if Lu needs some help with a twirl here or there, well, we know who to ask:)

Buon Giorno!

Last nights class was really awesome. I figured since I was spending the last night of my 20's with them, I'd bring some cookies. Yes, I'm in third grade and have to bring snacks to class:) At some point, we had to go all around the room and tell our birthdays. quand'e il tuo compleanno? (When is your birthday?) E il quattordici Ottobre (It is 14, October.) The girl next to me was so cute and said, "ooh, ooh, ooh, how do you say Happy Birthday?" Then the teacher got it and at the end they all sang Happy Birthday in Italian, "Tanti Auguri e te," which translates to many wishes to you. I have to say, the happy birthday song is better in Italian. But then, I think everything sounds a little prettier in Italian. Anyway, it was so cool and made my night. I am now off to watch the Doris Day movie, "Please Don't Eat the Daisies" which I never got to finish from last years birthday because of a certain family member issue:) Ciao!

Italiano

So I attended my first Italian class on Monday and quite enjoyed myself. This, of course, is after I got over the "first day of school" anxiety. Although it was quite a bit more toned down than my, "I'd really like to puke now" high school days. So, at the end of 11 weeks, we shall see what I am able to do. The teacher is really sweet. She pointed out the really important things and for the rest of it, told us with an accent, "That, is not so important, people will know what you're saying. This is for people who want to be perfect. But it's not so important." She said this about more than half of the first couple pages of the book:) I like that about her. Did you all know that while we Americans say Bru-shed-a (brushetta), it is actually pronounced, bru-sket-ta? This is because when sh is followed by an e, it makes a k sound. Also, for you wine drinkers, Pinot Grigio, which is often pronounced Gree-gi-o is actually pronounced Gree-j-0. This is because when a g is followed by an i it becomes soft like a j and the i is silent. That is your lesson for the week:) And for now I will say Ciao! Which in America is something we have for dinner, chow:)

Miss Me?

I know I've been gone for a while and in fact, I haven't been on the Internet at all. So I wrote that post a while back about all the things I wanted to do before I turned 30. Only, I really didn't do any of them. Instead, a whole new list took over my life in the most wonderful way. I have rid myself of all anger, made some big decisions as to the rest of my life, am starting my Italian class in Little Italy on Monday and most of all, the reason for my two week absence, I finished my memoir. This is the book that I have been working on for about 13 years. So, I took what I had, about 180 pages and edited them, cut and pasted and reworked them until my fingers were starting to numb. Then, the real work began and I set to work writing the rest of my story. Sunday night I finally typed THE END on the last page of my 338 page memoir/ biography/ autobiography, whatever. The meanings of those three are so similar. Anyway, I spent all of Monday and Today editing the new stuff I wrote and sent it off to my friend Win who is the grammar man! I've also finished a query letter and am collecting the info on agents that I'm going to send it out to. PRAY LIKE YOU'VE NEVER PRAYED BEFORE.....PLEASE! I feel good about it and so satisfied with it's completion. Missed you all but glad to be back:)

New business

We're hopefully going to be launching our new company this week or next. It's a Videography/ photography company called "Make Believe Memories." We've put together a few sample videos which will premiere on the blog we're working on, but I thought I'd post a few sample pictures on here for you to see:) This specific video was a 1774 theme.

We Will Always Remember

9/11/01

I dreamed last night of rebirth, of peace and unity on earth,
I awoke this morning to fire and flames, to hate filled hearts gone insane,
I watched the injury their bombs inflicted,
Not crash hope still felt as the wreckage was sifted.
I saw coward’s attempts to bury freedom and grace,
And wipe strength and pride off America’s face.
They may hold the power to make buildings fall,
But they cannot break the spirit that keeps us standing tall.
We will mourn the dreams of lives cut short,
By the indignant weakness of madmen.
But we remain one nation, more united now,
And for those lost eager to defend.
Today I stand, my head held high,
My heart a little battered.
Honored to see Americans hold onto one another
And to know that every precious life matters.
I dreamed last night of an earth united
Without separation.
I awoke this morning and declared with my country,
You caused pain to our family and friends, now deal with our nation.
Only a people with no courage or honor would be proud
To leave a blind opponent broken.
Now let’s see who shatters the other to pieces,
When America’s eyes are open.

By: Piper J. Lennon (c) 2008

The Horizon

Ever get that feeling like you're missing something? Oh my gosh! I feel like I'm at this precipice and something really big is on the horizon and I'm anticipating it and am excited and jittery but I cannot put my finger on it. I keep wondering if this is because I'm not quite yet meant to see it or I'm just totally oblivious to what is right there! Then I ask myself, "is God trying to tell/ show me and I'm not listening enough?" So I try and listen harder and watch more closely. All I know is that there's good in store in big ways and our family will be able to live freely and artistically and begin to better accomplish what we were put here for. The best thing is, I know I'm not crazy because Jude feels it all too.

In the mean time, I will learn better patience. I'm used to waiting so you'd think I'd be better at it:) Oh, I start taking Italian lessons at the Italian Community Center San Diego in Little Italy on October 4th. I even sat down and learned the Italian alphabet yesterday so I'll have a basic knowledge before I start. Six different levels, each a certain amount of weeks and I should be speaking fluent Italian within a year. Perhaps that's part of this big "winds of change" thing I feel. For the first time, instead of being afraid, I'm acting on my goals. Hmmm.....

to be continued......

Vegan 100 List

Ok, I'm doing this vegan list found on http://thefitnessfreak.blogspot.com/ but don't forget to check out (and comment on) my post underneath it about the 10 Things I want to do before I turn 30!

Rules:
1) Copy this list into your own blog, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
4) Post a comment here once you’ve finished and link your post back to this one.
5) Pass it on!

1. Natto
2. Green Smoothie
3. Tofu Scramble (I've had something like it)
4. Haggis (I think I'd rather die)
5. Mangosteen (looks good)
6. Creme brulee
7. Fondue
8. Marmite/Vegemite (I'll take Nicoles advice on it being nasty!)
9. Borscht (I might try it but I don't like regualar beets so?)
10. Baba ghanoush (I must admit the dish looks yummy even though I'm not a fan of eggplant)

11. Nachos (have eaten but probably wouldn't eat today, I don't really like them anymore)
12. Authentic soba noodles (I may have had these before, I am a huge Japanese food fan!)
13. PB&J sandwich (with cold milk, I know un-vegan)
14. Aloo gobi (mixed with potato and cauliflower, sounds yummy!)
15. Taco from a street cart (from a street cart? Probably not, I've had a hot dog from a cart in New York but now I hate hotdogs so...)
16. Boba Tea (I like most tea's so I'd give it a try.)
17. Black truffle (I'm not usually a fan of fungus but I'd try it)
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes (I don't drink)
19. Gyoza (yum)
20.Vanilla ice cream (don't like ice cream, especially vanilla)

21. Heirloom tomatoes (yummy)
22. Fresh wild berries (Super yummy. Nicole, let's take the kids to a strawberry picking event during the season ok?)
23. Ceviche (not my most favorite. I don't like the citrus taste with fish)
24. Rice and beans
25. Knish (my fav, did you ever try the one at Skinny Haven? It was the best!)
26. Raw scotch bonnet pepper (my taste buds crave spicy, my tummy fights it!)
27. Dulce de leche (yum)
28. Caviar (while I feel some guilt, I do like it on occasion in SMALL amounts)
29. Baklava
30. Pate (I'd try the veggie version but not the one with meat)

31. Wasabi peas (I love wasabi so bring it!)
32. Chowder in a sourdough bowl (I don't like chowder so veggie chile in a sourdough bowl)
33. Mango lassi (mango's my fav fruit)
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Mulled cider (don't like it)
37. Scones with buttery spread and jam (all homemade!)
38. Vodka jelly (why not?)
39. Gumbo (don't like)
40. Fast food french fries (fast food makes me sick now and I CANNOT eat it)

41. Raw Brownies (why not)
42. Fresh Garbanzo Beans (not a gigantic bean fan but willing to try, may have had once)
43. Dahl (sounds yum)
44. Homemade Soymilk (maybe)
45. Wine from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more (don't like wine, don't drink, waste of money)
46. Stroopwaffle (love waffles, why didn't she bring me any?)
47. Samosas- Yummo (sounds good)
48. Vegetable Sushi (sure)
49. Glazed doughnut (fried things make me sick now)
50. Seaweed (mmmm)

51. Prickly pear (the bear necessities of life will come to you)
52. Umeboshi (with a name like Ume, it's got to be good)
53. Tofurkey- (not a big fan either)
54. Sheese (sheese to you to:)
55. Cotton candy (good at a baseball game)
56. Gnocchi (Italian family, think I liked it)
57. Piña colada (pina colada, coconut juice....yUMMy!)
58. Birch beer (interesting)
59. Scrapple- (Nasty! And I hate pork)
60. Carob chips

61. S’mores (had one Saturday night:)
62. Soy curls
63. Chickpea cutlets
64. Curry
65. Durian (they look like alien bugs)
66. Homemade Sausages (Ick!)
67. Churros, elephant ears, or funnel cake
68. Smoked tofu
69. Fried plantain (I guess that be a no for Nicole huh?)
70. Mochi (sounds nummy)

71. Gazpacho
72. Warm chocolate chip cookies
73. Absinthe
74. Corn on the cob
75. Whipped cream (don't like)
76.Pomegranate (fav fruit with mango)
77. Fauxstess Cupcake
78. Mashed potatoes with gravy (without gravy)
79. Jerky (yucky)
80. Croissants

81. French onion soup
82. Savory crepes
83. Tings
84. A meal at Candle 7985
85. Moussaka
86. Sprouted grains or seeds
87. Macaroni and “cheese” (depends how it's made)
88. Flowers
89. Matzoh ball soup
90. White chocolate (not my fav)

91. Seitan (hope it tastes better than it looks)
92. Kimchi
93. Butterscotch chips (in cookies)
94. Yellow watermelon (not a big fan of watermelon)
95. Chili with chocolate
96. Bagel and Tofutti
97. Potato milk
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Raw cookie dough

10 Things I Want To Do Before I Turn 30!

Ok, so I only have 35 days but hey, better late than never:)

1. Start a creative business with Jude. (This in the works as we are in the beginning stage of a videography business...stay tuned.)
2. Write more and on a regular basis. Start submitting work on a weekly basis.
3. Finish reading at least one book. (Being ADHD, I'm often reading a bunch of books at one time and I'd like to concentrate on and finish one by October 14.)
4. Have dinner at an Indian Restaurant. (Do not order cat:) This is an ongoing joke with Jude and I because our old vet also owned an Indian Restaurant.)
5. Get name change process started and get a passport.
6. Work harder on healthy living. (I'm pretty good with it but because of the move, I picked up a couple bad habits. I'd like day one of year 30 to be after a super healthy and awesome month!)
7. Work toward ridding myself of anger. And as my newest tattoo says, "Laugh, Eat, Pray". These are the things I'd like to do more and better.
8. Wear my beautiful and red, forties style dress (that fits like it was made for me) out to a nice dinner.
9. Fall in love all over again....with Jude:)
10. Go on a family camping trip.

Things to do after 30

1. Grow SO MUCH MORE in Christ.
2. See Australia, Panama, Italy, Ireland and Prince Edward Island.
3. Do missionary work with YWAM Panama.
4. Learn to speak more fluent Spanish, Sign Language and Italian (possibly Japanese).
5. Get published many times over.
6. Listen more to others and be more patient and trusting.
7. Grow stronger in my marriage and as a mother.
8. Learn to sow (I think I may know some people that can help with that:)
9. Live more actively creative.
10. Find a wonderful "adopted" extended family for Lucy to grow up with so that she won't miss out on grandparents and cousins and such.

Just Call Me.....Anonymous

Ok, so you're all probably going to want to strangle me but for my entire life, I've been trying to change my/ pick a pen name. I really fell in love with Piper about three years ago and used it to self publish a book, The Alpine Garden Series and to write for a local newspaper. The only problem was, I HATED the way I signed the name. I just couldn't figure out a pretty way to do it and get it to flow like I could on Avery or Rory or Story. So, the other night, I'm doodling names and I come up with the most beautiful signature for Piper. Needless to say, I'm going back to it and I promise, sticking with it. In the next few months, we're going to make our name changes legal and we'll send out name change announcements. Unfortunately, this means you all have to get used to Piper instead of Avery. Sorry guys:( But I still totally love you all and that will erase all lasting damage. Smooches.

Long time...no write

I am writing to say that I know it's been a while since I've written something new but that I have not stopped writing on this here blog...say that last part with a Southern accent. Somewhere between the move, school starting up, the SARK blog contest (I wanted to leave the entry up for long enough), work being REALLY bad/slow (for Jude), Pop being in the hospital yesterday with a UTI, again (Urinary Tract Infection that almost went into his blood stream...Thank you Lord!), and Barbara having a complete freak out melt down over the weekend, I've not had a lot of extra time. Plus, I'm trying to make time to work (write) so that I might actually get...gasp! published.

And I don't mean to complain, because somehow I haven't thrown myself off a cliff yet, but I often wonder if we're being punished and if so for what horrible offense? I just feel like everything in our life is an uphill battle. Nothing has gone smoothly, ever, not my childhood, school, our wedding, Lu's birth, extended family, housing, career. I try and have faith and I really do trust God to take care of us. Heck, what gigantic catastrophes didn't befall us because we had angels watching over us, but just one week of peace would be the most humongous and wonderful gift to me! I know it sounds like I whine a lot and ask for prayers, but I'm going a bit crazy and am starting to fog out on life in general because it's so much easier than feeling all the sadness and anger. Only, that's not the person I want to be because it's not the person I was created to be and I could just really use some little miracles (and prayers) right now. Thanks girls and smooches your way.

I will write happiness as soon as it comes (it always does, even just in small wonders).

MY WORLD OF MAKE BELIEVE

On June 19, 1994 my mother gifted me a colorful book entitled A Creative Companion: How to Free Your Creative Spirit. She stumbled across it in a gift shop at the San Francisco airport on her way to Hawaii and thought of me. I was 15 years old at the time and had been drawing outside the lines for my entire life. I found writing in Kindergarten and the characters quickly became part of my life as did a flare for the dramatic and eccentric. I was the girl whose arrival everyone awaited in fourth grade because I often had different colored socks on. And while I didn't mind being me, I did sometimes feel like the girl that drew purple tree trunks while everyone else fought over the brown crayons.

Then came SARK and her book and suddenly, I was ok just as I was. I knew I would be one crazy and creative adult and that I would never conform and be like everyone else. SARK made the juicy adult life that I dreamed of a reality and even more so I began to really love that my skies were sometimes rainbow colored and that my friends referred to me as Punky Brewster.

Here I am now, almost 30 and having grown up with SARK. I have an eight year old daughter that has fully embraced her own creative living. We talk to fairies and decorate the pictures in our home with flowery head wreaths instead of frames. We paint on our walls and make murals to hang on the ceiling and put glow in the dark stars all over our rooms. She too will grow up loving herself for her awesome imagination and someday she will be a wonderfully creative woman, she has even recently started to write. We need those that break the mold because they are where art and literature and music comes from.

I continue to write because I cannot go for long before I get that passion of expression tingling inside me, when the paper in front of me is thirsty and only the sweetness of a juicy pen can quench it and rehydrate my soul.

I'm so thankful that SARK lives her life true to who she is because her writing has helped me live true to who I am in the very best and colorful ways possible.

Quick Moving Update

Hello from....my house is scary.....me! We're finally going to start our move on Friday morning and hopefully be pretty much done by Sunday night. I guess this is a blog update for Nicole:) because Liz and Tirza are away and Jude knows we're moving! So, we would like to know which day(s) you and Aaron are available for a house warming get together in the next two weekends (present upcoming weekend excluded.) Let us know cause we really want you to join us and there's enough land for the children to run out their energy and that, is always a good thing:) SMOOCHES!!!!

Hey Nicole....doesn't have the same ring as Hey Jude!

Ok, in my defense, I didn't know when your birthday was but....................

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

I have appreciated getting to know you better through blogging. I so like that you are REAL and that you speak the truth. Until now I thought I was the only one with that "special" trait:) I think your family is awesome and that you're doing a fabulous job with your boys. It is such a peace to see you and Liz raising your kids to be true warriors of Christ. And it doesn't make me feel all alone in trying to live morally. Thanks for including us in your life:) Have the most blessed year ever.

Love, Lucy, Jude and whoever I am this week:)

Count Down...

Welp, it's a count down!

9 Days to Moving day!

My house looks like poo with lots and lots of boxes and stuff everywhere. Oh wait, my house kinda always looked like this. I told Jude that after five years, the only way I could get the house cleaned is by moving out of it:) I know, I know, curious minds wish to know where we have chosen to run from the madness that is our life. We desperately wanted to get out of state and I do mean desperately. However, in researching our options it was brought to our attention that other visitors Pop receives only come once a month when the bill is due and so we didn't feel like we could abandon him. What we decided on, is an 18 month lease to own (that and because of the housing problems, there isn't a rush on loaning money to those that are self employed/ stated income without 20% down. Sure, I'll just pull that out of my butt!) Anyway, it's a beautiful 1930's house in....drum roll please....DESCANSO (so far away) with a granny flat so Jude can close down his office in town and have less to pay every month. I'll post some pictures as soon as we're in. And I hope, for those that live close, you'll come join us when we have an open house. Big yard for rambunctious children:)

In other news, after the latest battle of family fighting....Smiths this time and all the changes, I've been having a little trouble with some eating issues (I seem to do this every summer, it's like my winter). I'm working on it and praying on it and have managed to not lose any weight in the past few days...yeah! I would appreciate a GIGANTIC prayer covering until we can get settled into the new house. Things are going a bit better with my dad, so that helps. Thanks guys for all the words of wisdom and silliness during this wondrous year of blogging:) I'm looking forward to all the good life has to offer in the future.

By the way, I have been ordered by a certain husband to quit being ridiculous (because we live so far) and get together with Nicole. We like that Nicole, she's real:) Thanks for everything ladies...smoochie woochie

A Poem for Summer

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

There is a place where the sidewalk ends. And before the street begins, And there the grass grows soft and white, And there the sun burns crimson bright, And there the moon-bird rests from his flight. To cool in the peppermint wind. Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black. And the dark street winds and bends. Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow. We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow, And watch where the chalk-white arrows go. To the place where the sidewalk ends. Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow, And we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go, For the children, they mark, and the children, they know. The place where the sidewalk ends.

Summer Dress Up Fun!

Lu and her friend Aurora played dress up in my clothes. I did Aurora's makeup too, she looked so pretty, as did Lu of course.

This was half way through the pictures, Lu's first red ant bite.

Nothing a little ice couldn't fix.

Pretty Lu with a flower leaf in her hair.

Pretty Morning Glory clusters in our yard.

Morning Glory close up. I always think of God and the Crucifixion when I see the inside of flowers.

Aurora looking all grown up and gorgeous.

Sweet girls.

Aurora sweetly placing the flower leaf in Lu's hair. Aurora's family is moving back to Stockton soon. Lu's sure going to miss her friends.

Fourth of July

Again, the pix are out of order.

Lu with a view:)

Lu fishing (without a hook but with some cheese...they didn't like the salami)

Lu and Uncle Jono
Daddy and Lu.


The boys.

There I am with my bug eyes.

Jono gets silly.

Jude, below deck.

Crazy Sisters!

Kat and I decided to do eachothers makeup. I played hers down (she usually puts more on) and she played mine up (I usually wear powder and chapstick:)

Pretty Miss Kat
So pwitty and yet so scary!

I think I look 15 in this picture, probably the braids. Lu put bows in them.

Get my good side!

We're so hot....bet you wish you could be just like us.

Very Cool Trip!

Just before I start with the "real trip" pictures, I have finally figured out how to get my husband to smile in pictures.....put a bra on his head. Who knew?

We finally took our L.A. trip to the American Girl world. We were supposed to do it for Lu's 8th birthday in Feb but there were extenuating circumstances...hee hee....understatement. We left Sunday morning and returned Tuesday afternoon. Here are the pix, they are totally out of order because I always forget to do them backwards and now I'm too lazy to fix it.

Lu and her new doll, Kirsten in matching pajamas.

Lu and mom in the hotel.

Us at the American Girl store.

Lu in front of the Kit movie sign.

Tickle monster!

The American Girl cafe. Very pretty and very um...pink!

The dolls get their own seats and little tea cups and saucers. They even gave Scruffy one too.

Pretty Miss Lu with dessert: a star cookie, piece of really yummy cake and choco mousse! They let you take home the flower in the dessert and the bows (in her hair) that are napkin holders.

Kit and Lucy ready for the Kit movie premiere. We got to see it a couple of days early!

That's the face a person makes when the flash goes off in their eyes in a dim theater.

In the theater, we got free shirts and posters. (I say free but I'm pretty sure we paid for them:)

This is right after Lu got Kirsten. Awww, the love between a girl and her doll....

Errr....dolls. Because of them, Lu will not be attending college:)