Powells...

I stumbled across this fantastic candy store recently and thought it would be a fun rainy day activity--Powell's Sweet Shoppe in Aliso Viejo! They have sweets from the 50's, 60's, 70's and even todays stuff as well. They have a gelato assortment, a fudge bar, and even a Harry Potter section (you can see the girls here trying on the hats from the movie)! They had Flints, Nik L Nip's, candy cigarettes (remember how cool it was to pretend to smoke like our parents? Can you imagine offering those to our kids nowadays?!!) --there were zots, and those Big Cherry's, Abba Zabba's and so much more. It was the most wonderful cavity inducing place I have ever been in! The quote of the day goes to Grace, "THAT was the GREATEST candy store EVER!" Oh, and please ignore my son's lovely expression--this is the face I get now whenever I take his picture. Isn't he just a darling?

Rainy Days...

It is cold, windy, gray, and wet outside. And I love it.

California weather shows the same episode most days, and this is a nice change to the usual line-up. I feel for the folks that have water seeping in, and I myself am praying that our very own pool does not overflow (it is right on the verge), but all in all I am at peace with mother natures stormy visit. I lighted the fireplace, turned on my Itunes, bundled up in my sweats and sweater, and will warm my hands soon while washing the morning dishes. May even make a cup cocoa for myself (although THAT won't be as fun without my mini-me's to share it with). --Maybe I'll save that treat for when they get home from school. Something to look forward to...

As I look outside at the rain drenched ground, I wonder how may Californians forgot to turn their sprinklers off this week?

Ephesians 5:15

Be careful how you live, make the most of your time.

Favorite Snapshots from 2009...

Niko took this one of me at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in Orlando. Juan enjoying his vacation. :> All of us sitting in the giant golden chair at the Casino in the Bahamas. My insane son letting the man place a snake around his neck at cub scouts. The three of us at a museum in Deadwood, South Dakota. Lauren celebrating her birthday (am still looking for Niko's pix from Disneyland). Lauren at her Dance company luncheon. Niko's tennis draw--and the first time he was teh first seed in a tournament!

On the way to play tennis. Having fun during a dance competition. End of the year Luau. New Game Stop in town. All the boys are having parties there. Video game heaven! Lauren performs in Annie--Pop-pop flies out to see!
New Years Eve at teh Beebe's -fun! The audience cheering for NIko's talent show performance. School field trip down to the beach. MOre New Years Eve. Someone toliet papered our house--never did find out who! Both my kids got the Timothy Award! What a great year!

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HIghlights of 2009....

I started this blog as a journal of sorts, to document the daily happenings of our life. As it turns out, I can barely keep up with the happenings, much less documenting them! So, even though they aren't in the order they happened, the following are some of the highlights of the last year:

I turned 44!
Juan turned 45!
Our kids turned 11!
Juan and I celebrated 26 years together!
Our company had it's 15th birthday!

Joined Facebook--which is something I would never do.
My youngest biological brother found me on Facebook--after almost 20 years of losing touch.
I started to write my book. Glad I joined Facebook.
Touched base with friends haven't talked with in nearly 30 years. We are all mostly living very similar lives. Raising kids, working, trying to figure it all out.

I gained 10 pounds. The most I've ever weighed in my life (except when pregnant).
Have a double chin and realize I was just fine with one.

My son got his braces off, and then got glasses on. His feet, btw, are now bigger than mine, Lauren's and almost the size of Daddys'. He is growing like a weed!

My daughter got her braces off, and her retainer too. She was one of four 5th graders asked to join the Math club at school and she is stoked about that! She has a high 8th grade reading level, and loves the Harry Potter series. She started her own blog and loves to write (hmmm...). :>
She has taken a break from the growth spurt in 3rd and 4th grades but her feet fit perfectly into my adult sized shoes.

Both kids are learning Spanish.

We added Grandmas dog to our household and that is a good thing. Chloe was lonely. Joe is the perfect addition.

I got reading glasses. Juan is next.

Niko won 5 trophies since he started competing in April in the USTA tennis circuit. Lauren went to the ACSI Speech Finals and got a first place ribbon. Niko played football for the first time ever--and had a great time. Lauren competed in tennis for the first time ever and wants to compete some more. Niko is playing Basketball for the school and loves it. Lauren was chosen to be the Lyrical Dance Team captain for the team she dances on.

We finally hired someone to take over some of my duties at the office. I only work one day a week --and I am not really sure how to navigate through my days now. I have never been a stay at home wife, mom, or anyone. 2010 will have to bring some clarity and focus on this, I hope. All these hours, with so much on my "want to do" list. Where do I begin?

Went to South DAkota and loved it! I highly recommend it to all! The locals are some of the nicest folks I have ever met. Even let me sleep in the lobby of the hotel when I wasn't feeling well. Went to Bahamas and had a good time too. Be careful though. A week after we left, they stopped the cruise ships from docking there. Too much theft. Sad too--beautiful island.

Had a lovely six week visit with my aunt. what a treat! Had three lovely visits with my dad--what a treat! Wish I could visit with my other aunt--what a treat!

Had a twenty year anniversay lunch with Wendy, Jackie, and Shundra. We all met at Paramount Studios 20 yrs ago, on the same day, in the page department. So grateful we still are in touch.

Juan got a very bad case of Shingles. Said it was the worse thing he has ever been through. Thankfully, after five weeks, he is better now.

Did I tell you my son is Rock Star? Lauren has taken up guitar now too--maybe they'll form a band!

Only 2010 will tell.....

2010...

Twenty-Ten, for me. That is how I will call the date. Short and simple. That is my motto for this new year we started today. I have no desire for chaos, racing pulse (unless, well, you know), nor any stress if at all possible. Things will be what they are, people will be who they are, and I will try to be part of the solution of it all, rather than part of the problem. So far, so good. Only 364 days to go. :>