The "MK"

The "MK" is the Magic Kingdom, Disneyland of course. Last Christmas we asked for Disney annual passes for our family. And boy, have we enjoyed using them (even though we spend most of our time in Fantasy Land were all the other little girls in Disneyland are). Buggie is way more adventurous when it comes to rides, and is up for anything. Jac is alot more timid, and selective about what rides she would like to go on. Just this alone always brings for an "interesting" time at Disneyland. She is not a fan of tunnels we have found out, and most of the rides at Disneyland have a tunnel that you enter into the ride, or at some point in the ride. Because of this our choices of rides have become few, until this past week. She took her "brave pills" and stepped out of her comfort zone to experience some other rides (with tunnels!!!). I will say it took some bribing but, I am ok with that since we were limited to 5 rides. Instead of 5 we hit 13! Go Jac!

Buggie and Jac with Rosetta the fairy. This Buggie's favorite fairy.

Every time we meet Tinkerbell, she girls become so shy and star struck. They love Tinkerbell.

Jac and I on Dumbo.

Buggie and Brian on Dumbo.

I love little phrases or quotes that get me through the day. That inspire me, and remind me of whatever it is at the time I need reminding me of. Lately, these are ones I have written on our chalk board wall. I hope these lift your heart and spirit as well. Peace and smiles to you!

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly"

"Don't postpone joy"

"Where there's life, there is hope"

Lake Arrowhead

So, this past weekend we had the joy of spending it with the Butler's. Matt's family has a cabin in Lake Arrowhead, pretty awesome. Jac and Hudson are also buddies. Jac frequently talks about how Hudson is her "king", and that they are going to get married, have a son and name it Hudson, and live in Redondo Beach or Yucaipa. She's a kick, and wrapped in her fantasies (typical girl). And then there is Buggie and Tobin. Whom most of the time played independently and both tried their hardest to enter the "inner circle" (between Jac and Hudson). They were successful half the time. We had a great time as families, and laughed the weekend away. Thanks Butlers for a wonderful mini vacation.

Were better at making funny faces than smiles these days

Enjoying looking at the skiers, ducks and boats

The whole weekend they held hands. It was so precious.

They made cookies and frosting. Let's just say Buggie really likes cookie dough (like her Mama).

Look at Hudson's face. So funny!

Schedule

Do any of you wake up and think about the day ahead and wonder how you are going to get through it? Thinking it's going to have to take a miracle from God to be able to accomplish everything that's supposed to get done, and make it on time to everything that were supposed to be at, and show up clean and smelling good, and somewhat put together. I tend to feel that way often. It has been a good 2 years of learning how to manage myself and family through the "schedule" of our lives. Finding balance, learning to say "no" to things, setting up clearer boundaries, telling myself "it can wait" or "it's ok that the house looks like a disaster", I am happy and want to enjoy the "now". So, as I try and juggle all the roles I have as a Mom, Wife, Pastor's wife (wife and pastor's wife are 2 totally different roles just so you know), church and friend, I give myself lots of grace. What's important will get done, and in the mean time to enjoy what is happening right now.

Jac's First Day of School

Jac started school this week. In Redlands, they start school so early, it's nuts! Lots of breaks throughout the school year is nice, I guess. Jac's in her second year of preschool and loves it. Jac is very independant, very smart, very sweet but filled with alot of fire and sass. I have always had a hard time "teaching" her, she would rather be "taught" by someone else. So her and I always spend the time doing things that hold her interest and passions. Needless to say, school has been amazing for her and I. She loves school, loves her teacher, loves learning, and I can take a deep breath and just enjoy her.

Words from a 4 year old

Sweet words from Jac-

Conversation 1
Buggie-"I don't want to go to ballet class tomm. Mommy".
Jac-"Buggie, you can be brave. Remember that God is with you in the darkness. So when you are afraid know that God is with you".
Buggie- "Hmmmm... ok sissy".

Conversation 2
Jac- "Mommy, when am I going to be a grown up, it's taking too long".
Me- "Well, first you were a baby and now you are a kid, then you will be a teenager and then a grown up".
Jac- "But, Mom I need to get married to my prince and have a son"!
Me- "Well you can get married to your prince and have a son but, not until your a grown up".
Jac- "Mom, your words make my heart sad. I am so frustrated".

Conversation 3
Jac-"Why do I have to be nice and kind to Buggie"?
Me- "Because she is your sister, she is your family, and we need to treat others including your sissy with love and kindness".
Jac- "But Mom, she is embarrassing, and has a squeaky voice and gives me a headache".

Buggie the Ballerina Part 2

Today was ballet class again for Bugs. All week she talked about how she did not want to go back to ballet school.
Buggie is quite a ham. She is the biggest clown in our family, and makes us laugh constantly. But, when she is not trying to be funny and we laugh or look at her she gets very upset. (And that is an understatement). This is one of her insecurities, bless her heart. So, this morning I was laying in bed with her and figured out why she didn't want to go back to ballet school. It was because she didn't like how all the mom's were looking at her during ballet, and giggling. She thought that all the giggles were towards her, and in her words "it made her have a sad heart". Poor girl. So... I explained that all the mommies are watching their little girls during ballet, and that I am the only mommy watching her. And that when the other mommies are giggling it's not because of her (Buggie) it's because they think their little girl is so cute doing ballet. Well, she got it! She was ready to put on her tutu, and tights and give ballet another go!
At first she wanted to hold on to her "lovie" and one of her cars that she named "Gidget", but about 5 min into it she was ready to be hands free. She was so brave, and staged the floor, and did great. They are starting to practice for the Christmas recital already, eeeeeeee can't wait for that! Here's some footage of today-

Soon to be Dr. Michael Sayers

This weekend we celebrated Michael. Next week he leaves for grad school to begin his long journey towards a PhD in Psychology, specializing in addictive behaviors. He will be a long way from home living in Pittsburgh, PA, studying at the University of Pitt. We are so excited and thrilled for him but, will miss him terribly!

So we went to this amazing restaurant in Hollywood called Yamashiro. It was incredible! We got a babysitter, who was amazing! Jon and I were able to just enjoy being with our family as we celebrated Mikey. My favorite food in the whole world is sushi, and let me tell you the sushi was

d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s!

The drinks, sushi, and desserts were in abundance that night, and we were so grateful to the Sayers for inviting us to come along.

Here are some pictures of that night-

Here are "some" of the many memories/pictures of Mikey-

Mikey is part of our family, and we are so proud of him and the journey he is about to encounter. We love him, and know that he will do a job well done at the University of Pitt! We love you Mikey! Smooches to you!

A hunting we will go!

So I am a sucker for the dollar spot at Target. It seems like most of the time as I am about to check out in line I add up my items and there is about 10 to 20 dollars worth of dollar spot stuff! Argh. I end up sifting through it all and get it down to about $5 and realize the rest I don't need, and the other $5 I just spent I don't need either. Those "Target guys" are sneaky! So lately, I have done my best to try and avoid the "dollar spot" all together. Grab my big red cart, and shield my eyes from the many dollar treasures.

I wanted to share with you two of my new "dollar spots"-

The first is Tai Trading Company. It's not as cheap as the dollar spot but, close to it. There are so many things that are "knock off" Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, and West Elm. There are tons of deals and finds. I went there the other day with my friend Leah, and spents $10 and got some amazing things for my home. Leah's basket was full and she spent $25! It was pretty amazing. So I encourage you to check out their website and see if there is a location near you. And if there's not one by you come and visit us and I will take you there! You won't regret it!

My next new dollar spot is Etsy.com. I am a sucker for "crafty"things. Etsy is a website for anyone who wants to sell their crafts, art, clothing, jewerly, etc. Etsy has become a love of mine this year. I did just buy 3 things from them yesterday. 2 of the things were for me and the other was for a dear friend who is adopting a baby girl from Korea. (Katy, I think your gonna love it!, I couldn't resist). I can honestly say it is a website I check daily but, probably should start shielding my eyes from too! Tee Hee.

If any of you have some fun places that you like to hunt let me know! (Or maybe you shouldn't). Giggles.

Happy hunting my friends!

Buggie the Ballerina

Today was Buggie's first day of ballet class. Jon and I thought this would be something fun for her to do that is separate from things she does with her sister, Jac. Something that is just hers. Something she can call her own. Buggie has wanted to go to "ballet school" for a while now, and Jon and I both thought it could only help her coordination. She is incredibly clumsy (like her mama). She woke up this morning so excited to go! The picture above is of her before we left the house.

After we arrived, her mood quickly changed. She became quite nervous and unsure as she stared at all the other ballerinas.

After much convincing and well some bribing Buggie braved the floor. Tears were shed, her little heart raced, but she took her "brave pills" and did it! Her participation was close to none but, did step up to the plate and attempt "ballet".

She was so relieved when the class was over and seemed proud of her accomplishment. We will see how she does next week. Keep ya updated on Buggie the Ballerina.

6 Man with Auntie

Every year the first weekend in August is a volleyball tournament in Manhattan Beach called the "6 Man". My sister plays beach volleyball and does tournaments all year round but, this by far is our families favorite. Each team dresses up in full costume, and every year thousands of people come to see the event. It is quite a "scene". So my sister's team dressed up as sailors, they were pretty cute. It is so fun to cheer her on, and watch her play. She is so athletic. She can jump so high and hit the ball with such power. It makes me jealous. Let's just say i can't jump, and was not blessed with "volleyball genes". Here are two pics of the girls with their
favorite person in the whole world, their Auntie. They adore her, and are so proud to call her theirs. We love Auntie!