Twins!

We adopted twins over the Christmas Holiday. The boys are seven weeks old, and quite the mixture of breeds. Mom is boxer and pit bull, and Dad is Chocolate Lab and Great Dane. The boys look very different, one like his dad, the other like his mom. They are growing fast, and will be quite large when full grown. We picked Bubba up on December 20th, and his brother Charlie on the 23rd. Bubba is the blond, and a solid little thing. Charlie is chocolate with a little white bow-tie. Both have completely different personalities. Charlie likes to cuddle in your lab and Bubba just wants to be next to you. We are still potty-training but the boys are getting a lot better; fewer and fewer accidents each day.



And yes, we have become those crazy dog people. We refer to our dogs as "The Boys" and call each other Mommy and Dad. We like napping with our doggies, and love our puppy kisses. We have cleared out the downstairs bedroom and the boys have their own room. We have baby gates up to keep them out of certain places and we rush home to hang out with them.

We have lost some of our freedom. We can no longer up and go away for a weekend without a puppysitter. I had a small panic attack on Tuesday night questioning what I have done getting two big dogs. But when they curl up together on their bed and Bubba puts his head on top of Charlie, I know I needed two. It wasn't fair for us to only get one dog and then go to work all day.


We have already fallen in love with our boys.

Atkinson Christmas Party

On Saturday we had a bunch of our friends over for a simple Christmas party. I am actually quite surprised how many of us stayed close to Riverside. Many were from the general area originally, and others married people from the area. Then there is the small handful of us that still work at CBU. Hey, a job is a job, and if you like what you do, it makes it worth your while.

We were so excited when friends made the trip from quite a distance just to say Merry Christmas. Justin and Megan came up from Murrieta, and Colin and Ashley came all the way from Sherman Oaks. Rachel and Scott brought Brendan for everyone to meet and he smiled at everyone. Any we got and appearance from little Wyatt Holmes. Proud parents Elly and Jason brought the little one out so we could see him bright eyed and chubby cheeks. He is growing so fast and I just love his red hair! Some were sick and some had to work at the last minute, and we missed them all. We are so blessed with so many friends so close.

I made some sweet treats to snack on. I have been making cookies since November and took the time to frost them and sprinkle sugar, making most everything from scratch. But what did everyone rant and rave about. The only cookie made from a mix covered in canned frosting. So much for slaving over the over for 6 weeks – from here on out everything will be semi-homemade. It’s fine. The other cookies were eaten and complimented. I’m sure my brother will eat the leftovers when he gets here.

Tim, Brian, and Justin

Colin and Ashley

Rachel, Brenden, Jennifer, and Ashley

Elly, Wyatt, Amy, and Bethany

Stacy and Brittany

Colin and Kevin

Ashley, Megan and Liz

Kevin and Bekah

Family Portraits

In 1996, my father was offered the Senior Pastor position at Fair Oaks Baptist Church. He accepted the position, and moved his family to the greater Sacramento area just after Christmas. It's hard to believe my family has been there 12 years. We love the church, and they take care of my family. They cherish and support my father.

When the church recognized their twelve years this year, they showed our family 12 years ago, and our family today and how we've grown.

We now have our husbands with us, and Rachel and Scott brought Brendan to join us for our family portrait this year. Sometimes, change is for the better.

Blog Stalker

I have become a stalker; both by watching blogs of people I once knew, and following updates on facebook. I send my sister updates occasionally as she refuses to join the cult. But yesterday, when I sent her an update about a guy she used to date, she sent me this very appropriate comic. So becareful what you post - I may be watching!

Thanksgiving With Family

We had such a wonderful week away. My parents booked their time share down in Oceanside Harbor and we all headed down on Sunday. We relaxed, took naps everyday, played with our nephew, and ate a ton. My dad's brother even drove over from Phoenix on his way to Albuquerque to spend a couple of days with us; 12 total, and four generations.

On Tuesday, we went to Disneyland. I have been begging Kevin for Disneyland passes since we were engaged, but it never seemed reasonable to spend that kind of money. But I saved up my credits from my Disney Chase card and we got some anniversary money, and we bought passes this week. Many of our friends have passes, and all of our small group has them. We are excited to be able to go with them!

The Clan - Minus Scott and Bud

Dad, Jon, and Mom - in the rain

Kevin and Me - A Bug's Life Theater

Before we left on Saturday, we headed to the beach for family pics. Unfortunately, outside pictures are difficult when staring into the sun. I'll have to get a group shot from my dad to add later.

Brendan is a happy baby.

Grandpa and Grandma Reed

Give Me A PRICE Break

Every time I buy deodorant at Target it infuriates me. One stick is $2.29.

However, if I wanted to stock up and buy the two pack, it's $4.59.

Not only is the double pack a penny more, you aren't saving any money. The point of a value pack is that it is a value! Why would I purchase two if it is technically costing more money?

The same goes with refill packs. Except for the fact that it is better on the environment, why would I pay the same price for a refill pack when I can get the shiny new packaging for the same price? Why can't retailers make environmentally friendly products more appealing by allowing the consumer to save a few pennies?

I won't even get started on the price of hybrid vehicles.

Christmas is coming . . .

. . . the goose is getting fat . . .

If anyone (besides my sister) knows the next line of that song, you are the winner!

Rachel and I learned that chorus in a children's choir decades ago. And unfortunately, it comes out every year. But Christmas is coming, and I am starting to prepare. I actually started a couple of weeks ago. I took the leftover candy from Halloween and started baking with it. Then froze them until their appearance is requested.

This is a peanut butter cookie with a melted Milk Dud on top. They taste wonderful, but sometimes the caramel melted all the way through the cookie. I made Kevin eat those.

I made others with Mr. Goodbars and have some York Peppermint brownies planned. Here are the sugar cookies waiting for the frosting! Mmmm.

I also have a good chunk of my Christmas shopping done. At least the neices and nephews are done. I even spent some time on Saturday wrapping gifts.

Still have a few more to do and I would like to be done before Thansgiving. I hate crowds at stores. Thirty-six more days!

High School Musical

The commercial for High School Musical 3 makes my smile. I love choreographed dance numbers! But before I see it, I need to see the first and second one. Would anyone local be willing to let me borrow them?

Prop 8

I still struggle with Prop 8. I agree that marriage should be between a man and a woman. I fear we face that fine line of forcing our beliefs on other people, attempting to take away freedom in the name of Christ. I once heard a wise man (Matthew Brown) say, "Freedom is always filthy; People are free to interpret morality, deny Christianity, indulge sexually, be idiots, and experiment chemically ."

There are a lot of things that are taught in school that I don't agree with; evolution, sex before marriage is okay, all religions lead to the same destination. I was not taught evolution as theory. It will be my place as a parent to train my child in the ways of the Lord, not the school system.

Interesting Point - I overheard someone say "If you are so interested in protecting marriage, why don't you outlaw divorce?" I am not in favor of this, I just thought it was interesting.

My Last 2Cents on the Election

In the past few months, I have heard many people (most claiming Christianity) say “I’m not racist, but . . .” If you aren’t racist, why do you have to let everyone know? Wouldn’t your actions and statement speak for themselves? Now most of these comments have stemmed from the recent election. I even overheard one person say “What will the rest of the world think if we put a black man in office?” Phrases like “They were interviewing people on the news and I couldn’t even understand what those black people were saying” were overheard at lunch. I am very sad to think that someone would not vote for a candidate based on the color of his skin. Or to hear someone’s only reason for not voting for someone was due to race.

I was starting to get really mad when I left work yesterday realizing that people still think this way. And still teach their children to cultivate this view of hatred. This caused me to review my basic American history in my head. I was a history major in college, but hadn’t reviewed it in quite some time. A girlfriend and I were talking about the economy and how America goes back and forth with when they want Congress to get involved. It made me think about how America votes tends to vote Republican in office when things are stable and going well. I think the nation tends to pull a “hands off” attitude with government, coupled with a “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality. Which I think is why Bush was reelected; coupled with the fear factor of post-9/11. But when our nation is in crisis, we tend to vote for a Democrat, looking for someone to involve the government to come in and fix a problem. Thus some of our nation’s greatest presidents were democrats; FDR and JFK. Thus, most people who didn’t vote for Obama most likely did so because of party lines.

I am furious that race is even an issue when discussing a potential candidate. However, I don’t think the fact that America just elected an African-America man can be ignored. It shows change and progress for our country. It opens up Washington to people who maybe never thought they could make it. So to see Oprah Winfrey cry, and predominately black campuses erupt in cheers, made me tear up a little (even if I rolled my eyes a little at Jesse Jackson). I would be jumping around about the progree of women if Palin was in the white house.

As a disclaimer, I didn’t vote for a Presidential candidate. I did, however, vote on everything else! I still go back and forth between who I would have preferred in office. I’m one of those undecided voters the media kept talking about. I tend to vote a hands off approach putting more responsibility back on the state. But if Obama can get troops home it’s better for Kevin’s job, taking money aware from the war and putting it back into the other contracts, hopefully allowing the Ontario branch to remain open. And I see many areas, including the economy, where federal regulation is needed.

But it is over. No matter who is in office, we have a wonderful country where I still have the freedom to live and worship as I choose. People who say “our country is going to Hell in a hand basket” (as was overheard on Wednesday morning) have most likely never lived somewhere where their freedom is limited, and have probably never been discriminated against. Now my responsibility is to pray for my president (elect) and the people that surround him. Pray for his family and the difficulties that lie ahead. Pray that his marriage will remain strong as the stress levels begins to rise. Pray that he appoints people that will advise wisely and protect our country.

Blood Sucking Parasite

Otherwise know as the Kaiser Permanente Lab.

They took my blood and left their mark.

Atkinson's Everywhere

Kevin was in Phoenix this week and saw this little shop. I don't think we are related to any Native American's but we'll check with Gramma Rookus.

What Can Brown Do For You?

Meet Dyllan, our nephew. Dyllan will be two years old next month, and could quite possibly be one of the cutest, most well behaved children I have ever met. He is very smart and minds his mother very well, even for a two year old. For Halloween, Dyllan was a UPS delivery driver. But the cuteness factor doesn't stop there. Dyllan's parents, Deanna and El, met about 15 years ago while loading docks of UPS. Who knew their love who produce something so adorable! We can't wait for their next package to arrive the end of Decemeber. A peek inside indicates the package is pink!

Two Years

Kevin,

It has been a wonderful two (very short) years. My love and my friendship with you has continued to grow every day. It's like that song; "I love you more today than yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow." I can't imagine my life any differently. I love you very much.

House Girls

In 2001-2002, CBU closed down Simmons Hall for remodling, and moved 10 of us girls to a very small, 3 bedroom house. It was stressful and fun, and I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. I wouldn't do it again, but I wouldn't trade it. This is Elly's shower for Wyatt a couple of weeks ago. We are missing one from each bedroom; Shannon, Jessica, and Nicole. We missed you girls. Elly was the third to have a baby, followed shortly by Shannon in fourth. Who's next? My money is on Michelle or Tracy.

The Best Team I Was Ever On

I often give presentations at local high schools to promote and inform students and their parents about the financial aid process. Yesterday was my second presentation of the fall. As I left Chaparral High School in Temecula, I realized that my collegiate speech team may have been the best training for the work force I have ever received.

The first time I had ever heard of competitive speaking, was in 1999, when my freshman roommate left for her first competition. Amanda did well, and brought home some “hardware” or trophies she received for placing in her tournaments. It sounded interesting, but I didn’t really know what else was involved. Then in the spring 2001, I took my required Oral Communications course, and did pretty well. I liked doing the research, and was able to put together a pretty good speech. Unfortunately, I can’t remember what it was on, but my professor thought I was pretty good, and introduced me to John Pate. I signed up for the speech and debate team for my junior year, and even received a scholarship for my participation. And to my surprise, I qualified for the final competition at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois my junior year. The following year, I qualified two pieces for the final competition at The University of Mississippi.

What I learned from being on the team has been more valuable than any plastic trophy I received. I learned basic presentation skills; know your information or at least sound confident, make eye contact, don’t stumble or stutter, and know your time limit. This is great when making a presentation to a crowd, but has also come to be of benefit when answering questions or making a proposal during meetings at work. It has helped with my overal over verball skills. I can communicate clearly so that my audience understands what I am trying to get across. This has even been extended to my phone skills. Until I started listening to other professional phone calls, I didn't realize how many times people use the word "um". The practice with public speaking has helped me not get flustered on the phone, even with speaking with an upset parent. I truely beleive these skills were learned through my participation on the speech team.

I learned how to dress professionally. I had to get a couple of suits while on the team and they were great to have when I started my first job, which 6 years later, I’m still at. I learned you only get one first impression, so make it count. Be it right or wrong, how you look will often determine how people approach and treat you. I was the young one in my office, but I wasn’t going to look like it. This included keeping my hair out of my face. I was so annoyed during one interview with a potential counselor when she continued to toss her hair out of her face every two minutes. Most of my fashion advice came from my teammate and roommate Jaime. It was more of my watching Jaime and the suits she wore. Jaime had been on the team longer, had multiple wins, and a wonderful sense of style. She was always classy without being overly trendy.

Overall, this brief two year training has been invaluable. I wish I could make everyone of the financial aid counselors pass an oral communication course.

Mad Gab and Shout House

This weekend we headed down to San Diego to see Kevin's friends from high school. Dan is going to law school while staying at his Aunt and Uncle's house. Aunt and Uncle were spending time in Hawaii, so we, along with Colin and Ashley, headed down for a weekend away. The ironic thing was the house we were staying in looked like a Hawaiian condo. It had wicker furniture with red cushions covered in palm leaves. Every picture and every knick-knack was somehow related to Hawaii. Even the magazines were about Hawaii. There were Hawiian print comforters and sheets. Potholders and door mats had flip flops on them. There were even plumeria plants out by the pool. Ashley and I found it all quite strange.

On Friday, we got in late but headed up to meet Colin and Ashley in Oceanside on their way down from L.A. We had some appetizers and headed back to the house for games. The videos below are of us playing Mad Game. The point is to read the words on the card out loud in attempt to guess the common phrase. For example, "Went Hurl Hymn Pick Aims" is actually "Winter Olympic Games" and "Hike Up Hull Comb Egg Sicko" is actually "Acapulco, Mexico".

Here are the girls trying to guess their clues:




And the guys trying to guess their clues:




Danny was laughing so hard he was crying.

On Saturday we had a pretty leisurely day. The guys went out to play Disc/Frisbee Golf. Ashley and I slept in before heading to the store to buy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. After lunch we napped, but after dinner, we went out. We went to the Gas Lamp District, parked, and then got right back into the car: Colin forgot his walltet, i.e., his ID. The scond time we parked downtown, we headed over to the Shout House. The dueling pianos were fun to watch, and great to sing along with. We had a relaxing weekend with our friends.

When I Grow Up

This is one of Kaiser Permanente's newest ads, and I absolutely love it! It makes me laugh and cry a little. This one has been edited, but the point is to get your mamogram and breast exam. October is breast cancer awareness. Early detection is the key. My grandmother is a breast cancer survivor, and I don't know what we would do if we lost her. I want to be an old woman, too, Mimi! (Don't worry, I don't think you are old yet, Mimi.)

No Wedding Ring for Bekah

I have taken my wedding ring off. Somehow, something got under my ring, and has seriously irritated my finger. I am not quite sure what it was. At first I thought it was the change in weather as all of my skin has become extremely dry. I though I ruled out household cleaners because I wear rubber gloves when I clean anything. I even go a step further and remove my rings when I run to make sure the sweat doesn't get in there. But something caused little blisters to form on both sides of my finger, making it look like a chemical burn. Most of the blisters are gone now, but the red circle remains.

I think I have may have finally discovered the culprit. Last weekend Kevin and I ran by Target to pick up a few things. When we picked up a cart at the end of the parking lot to take into the store, I saw a little plastic Halloween soap dispenser. Knowing the thing was only worth about a dollar, I tossed it in the car to take home. It was made by Softsoap and thought nothing of it when I placed it on my kitchen sink. But now I am being punished for not taking the $1 handsoap back into the store! My finger itches, it quite unsightly, and now I can't wear my wedding ring!

Shootin', Eatin', and Golfin'

We had a wonderfully relaxing weekend out of town; in Bakersfield of all places. On Saturday morning, we headed north. We got to Bakersfield before lunch and just sat and chatted with my cousin, aunt, and grandmother. We did some catching up and story swapping. Aunt Benita made lunch and then Matt took Kevin out shooting. Kevin had a blast! He four different guns and hit 3 out of 5 clay pigeons; not bad for his first time ever! I think Kevin enjoyed it so much he might actually go dove hunting in 2009. Kevin always has his Fantasy Football draft the end of August/beginning of September, and nothing interferes with the guy’s weekend for the draft. But Labor Day isn’t until September 7th next year; it all depends on if they will go out again on Labor Day, or if after dove season opens on the first, all the birds are gone. We’ll have to see.

That evening, we had a wonderful tri-tip feast with veggies and beans and garlic bread! And Mimi made her famous margaritas. Yum. For dessert we had the See’s chocolates we picked out that afternoon. We watched the baseball game during dinner; well, the boys watched it. Ray’s lost on Saturday to come back to clinch it on Sunday. I like rooting for the underdog; Tampa Bay Rays, Aaron Rogers, Tennessee Titans, etc.

Sunday, Kevin got up early, and Mike and Mikey took him golfing, while I slept in. It was perfect for Kevin, nice and clear, and not too hot! I got up and hand tea with my aunt and grandmother. The guys came back and watched football while we ran some more errands. Then Mimi took us out to a very nice Chinese dinner. I love the egg flour soup!

We were sad we didn’t have more time, but it was really nice to see my family (even though Missy was away at school – so sad). Next time we go back, Matt is going to take us horse back riding.

Boss's Day

I got flowers for Boss's Day. Made my day. I really do feel appreciated.

So I looked up the "holiday" online to determine if it was Boss's Day or Bosses Day. The web listed both. Hallmark listed Boss's Day. Does anyone know which is correct? I missed that grammer lesson.

Decision 08 - Thursday Small Group

So we, my Sandals Thursday Night Group, have really been challenged by the current sermon series “Decision 08”. We talked last week about why we don’t vote, and even deeper, why we don’t care. When did America become so apathetic to who is in office? Personally, I think it may be a result of post-Vietnam “Conflict” with many American’s feeling their voice just wasn’t heard, and has thus passed down to make us apathetic. We never talked about voting in my home growing up. This isn’t to slight my parents, but only vaguely remember my dad wearing the I Voted sticker. Maybe they voted absentee. Either way, I don’t ever remember them discussing any ballot issues. No Rock The Vote bus ever came to my high school or college. We never discussed candidates in my political science courses. We talked a lot about the "Hanging Chad” incident of 2000, but that didn’t have anything to do with who was better qualified. Sure, there were dorm debates on the presidential candidates, but I have to admit, those guys were hard core to the right or left and always had something to say. Even now I feel like it is difficult to find someone with whom to have an intelligent conversation without someone telling me that a particular candidate is the anti-Christ, or just the same old white haired politician, or “What will the world think of us if we put a black man in office?” Yes, I actually heard someone say that this year. So when I tried to bring up the argument that a senator and house representative choice was just as important as a president choice, I was basically shot down as un-American. I don’t mind healthy discussion in favor of either presidential candidate, as long as it is an intelligent and educated conversation.


Matt Brown really challenged me to think about why I am not an educated voter. I disagree that not voting is a sin, but I do agree this is a privilege I shouldn’t take for granted. There are so many other countries where people are fighting for the right to vote. And as a woman – I have taken total disregard for the women who fought for suffrage; 1920 really wasn’t that long ago! Did you know woman in Switzerland were not granted the right to vote in a federal election until 1973? And there are still many other countries remaining today where women, and men, can’t vote.


Kevin and I were talking a little this Sunday after church about how well designed our government system was designed. Yes, we have flaws, and people work the system. But I must admit, the idea of checks and balances is pretty cool. The fact the laws must be passed by both houses of Congress and the President. Just look at the way Congress is set up; the Senate makes every sate equal with two votes/representatives per state, and the House sets the equality with representatives based on the population. Does anyone know how many districts California has? Fifty-three! That means California has 53 votes on the house floor! By the way, if you live in Riverside, you house rep is Ken Calvert.


In light of all this, our Thursday Night group has decided to research and share the current propositions on the California Ballot. There are 12. So for the next three weeks before the election, each couple will present what a yes and no vote on each proposition would mean. Trust me; I will keep you updated on what I have learned.

Over Planner or Pleasantly Prepared

It may only be October, but I am already planning my Thanksgiving. Kevin thinks I am a crazy over planner, and I might be, but I claim to need a project. I love to plan things out, and don't really seem to mind when the plan changes from day to day. I loved planning my wedding. I liked looking for houses. I liked looking at ideas to decorate my house. So now I am needing another project. Something that I enjoy doing, and that I can be organized doing. Yeah, I could help write some of our policy and procedure manual for work, but does that really sound fun to anyone? I want an after work project. So much to my sister's annoyance, I have started planning our menu for Thanksgiving. The truth, is I started planning this last month, maybe even in August, but wasn't ready to admit to my personal insanity. Honestly, it helps me sleep at night. That may sound absurd, but if I am not planning out a menu, a party, or decorating a room, my mind wanders to work and I start freaking out about things I have waiting for me on my desk. So I put together a menu and shopping list on an excel spreadsheet. I love spreadsheets! I feel so organized. I like when I can play with formulas and sort and filter! Our family budget is on a spreadsheet and I love being able to track our spending! Sick, I know. Back to the holiday menu, I have a column for the meal, and which day, what will be served, and who will be responsible. Let me back up, for Thanksgiving this year, we will all be heading down to our timeshare in Oceanside, CA; my parents, bothers, grandparents, sister's family, my husband, and I. We will be there for a full week, and there are a 10 people to feed. The other challenge I love, it to make a healthy, yet tasty, diet the my point counting parents will enjoy. I would show you and example, but you lose the true feeling without the table view from the spreadsheet. All of this may change when we arrive and head to the grocery store. After I return, I will begin planning my Christmas Brunch with Kevin's family, and the Christmas dinner with my parents. Yeah for holiday food!

Baby Bug

I have to admit, I have been bit by the baby bug. I subscribe to furniture catalogs for children. I look at nursery ideas on the Internet. I cry at television ads that show daddies and little girls. I really do want children. So when two more friends announced their pregnancy of their third child each, I was a little jealous.

On the flip-side, I love my mobility. Kevin and I are able to go and do whatever we want without worrying about childcare for the afternoon. Or whether we packed enough diapers and a change of clothes. Or if we packed the swing, and the highchair, and the pack-n-play, and the tummy mat, and the diaper bag . . . just to go to my sisters house in town. We sleep in. We spend hours watching football. We go to 10:30 p.m. soccer games. We go out of town for the weekend at the last minute. It seems I am torn between wanting the next stage in life, and wanting to stay here forever. We plan to have a family (that was the point in the purchase of a four bedroom house), we just can't seem to bite the bullet. Finances are a small part of it. I have heard over and over that if you wait until you are financially stable, you'll never get there. But admit it, money is distributed differently, and currently I am not ready for it.

I have heard it from both sides of the coin. New moms tend to want you to join them on their journey of the unknown. However, I have found that if you give them a year, many advise you to hold out as long as possible. A girlfriend has a 8 month old, and though she loves her son dearly and can't imagine not having him, she admitted she can't remember what the rush was. Sometimes I feel behind; like when my 25 year old friends are pregnant with number 3. But I remind myself that I have only known my husband for three short years. We are still learning how the other reacts when pushed by certain things. This weekend was rough between the two of us. Throw a baby in the middle of all that argument and I guarantee I would be on the phone with my mother crying. I enjoy the time alone with my husband whenever I want. I love the fact we can call in sick and just bum around the house all day without a responsibility in the world.

So ultimately God is in control. I may never be able to have children on my own. And I have known plenty that have been blessed while trying to "prevent." It may be 3 months, a year, or five years before we begin our family. I am learning to rely on God's timing and enjoy the numerous blessings I have been given.

Lord, may my joy in you not be dependent on the happenings around me.

Here We Go . . . Again

At Pinnacle we had many amenities that a large community offers; pool, spa, BBQ, tennis courts, fitness center, etc. And though, I never thought I would admit it, I miss the fitness center. I was not as consistent ad I should be, but the fact that I had a tread mill available almost whenever I wanted, was quite comforting. When we began looking for a house, I stopped visiting the gym regularly, then altogether.
As many of you know, I have never been one to focus on being fit. However, you have also read that I have struggled with this last birthday. With the change of years added to my identity, I have discovered my metabolism is not the same as it was as a teenager. It began with the Cold Stone incident in the summer of 2002 when I gained 10 pounds in 6 weeks. It was then I discovered I couldn't really eat whatever, whenever I wanted. After some jokes from family and friends, and some unsightly pictures, I shed the extra pounds. I have found myself in a similar predicament lately. I have determined that I need to be healthier. I changed Kevin's and my eating a little. More home cooked meals, less unhealthy snacks in the house. But nothing really changed. It came to the boiling point when I realized that at this rate I would be 25 pounds heavier by my tenth wedding anniversary.
So I bit the bullet. I ran. It's only a mile around our housing community, but I ran it all with out stopping. Quite an accomplishment for someone who has not been involved in an organized athletic sport . . . ever. It's been at least six months since I have run, and maybe never on my own without a treadmill. And honestly, I might have stopped running half way if Kevin hadn't challenged me. He had already run the loop once by the time I came outside. He asked where I was going to run, and when I told him, he asked "Have you ever run it before?" I took it as a challenge. Still motivated, I ran again this morning; further this time.
I have to admit; I haven't been this sore, in a really long time. Muscles that I couldn't believe were used for running have made their presence known.
I feel good now. We'll see if I can keep it up as it gets colder and darker.

Steaming Hot Vat of Bean Dip

Football season is in full swing. Sunday mornings we are up and at church at 8:30. Now don't get us wrong, we love our church, and really enjoy going. We just have the benefit of a church with four different services. So if we go to the first service, we can make it back just after kickoff of the first game. We head out to San Bernardino to Grandma and Grandpa Iacano's house for a day of food and football. Kris has potatoes and eggs covered in cheese and waiting for us when we arrive. By around eleven, the "vat" of steaming hot bean dip is brought out. As the second games begin, lunch is served. Last week was my favorite, homemade chicken Parmesan sandwiches on homemade cheese bread. I am still learning about football, and each week is better. Last week I learned the off-sides in football is different than off-sides in soccer. I have to admit I am much more knowledgeable than last year. Remember, you all have 20 years on me.


Here are a couple of pictures from the first week. We are making sad faces because the Seahawks lost.

Hugs from D

I love this little girl so much it makes me wonder if I will love my own children as much as her. Twice this week she has welcomed me with open arms and ran toward me. Actually, it's more of an unbalanced toddle. Nothing feels so good as for someone to be so excited that you have walked into a room. I would not classify myself as a hugger, but her little hugs are like nothing else I can describe. I truly feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

God is God, and I am not

Yesterday I was “surfing” around people’s blogs. I usually do this in the evening before bed, but found myself browsing around 4:00. It all started with a blog from my friend Amanda. She was truly asking about why it is that some women have a difficult time getting and staying pregnant and yet a fourteen year old girl gets pregnant the first time she has sex, and aborts the baby because she doesn’t want him. Let me back up, it actually started yesterday with the today show when Megan McCain talked briefly (very, very, briefly) about Sarah Palin’s daughter being seventeen and pregnant and a woman’s right to choose. I thought about it some during the show, but pushed most of it to the back of my mind not knowing it would come to the forefront later.

Back to the blogs.

I thought about Amanda’s posting but again, pushed it to the back of my mind. On Monday night, Bethany and I discussed briefly about the women around us that are struggling so much just to be able to conceive and it was odd that Amanda had the same topic on her mind. A lot of it has to do with the women in our church seeking support as the struggle to have a successful pregnancy.

I then came across a blog of a woman who works here at CBU. She is pregnant with her fourth; an unexpected, but not unwanted pregnancy. She talks about her struggle of the change and this not being a part of her plan. I am so glad she prefaced some of her explanation of her struggle: “For those of you who would give anything to have a child and are not yet able to do so, please do not be offended by the struggle this has been for Jim and I (mostly me) to accept. We do not at all mean to be selfish, but want to be honest that this has been a difficult time for us.”

After Laura’s blog, I came across a woman I attended college with. I honestly was a little surprised to see she had recently given birth to her third child. Three? Can we really be old enough to have three kids? But in reading further, Jessica lost her second child at two months, to what I assume is SIDS. My sister’s son will be two months on Sunday. My heart broke. I spent a lot of time crying last night. Even writing about it now my vision is blurry.

My thoughts suddenly went to another woman I attended college with. Stephanie carried her son to full term only to be forced to deliver still born.

My sister-in-law has struggled for years to get pregnant, and can’t.

My friend and college dorm director adopted a beautiful little boy after years of not being able to conceive.

The list goes on and on.

I cannot even imagine the grief. I do not have children of my own. I have not lost a child. I have not experienced the frustration of going months and years not being able to go pregnant. I cannot relate to the true grieving. I am still very sad.

To answer Amanda’s question about why all of this confusion about some being able to get pregnant, and others can’t; I don’t know. I know that God has designed us to have children for it brings Him glory. Which is why the fourteen year old girl gets pregnant; it’s how our bodies are designed. But the world we live in is not God’s original plan. There is illness and disease and smog and stress and so many other factors that affect our bodies that God did not originally design. I know that cannot ease any pain. It doesn’t make it right or fair. I don’t understand, and quite honestly, I’m scared. I know that these children are with Jesus and the Father. Jessica and Stephanie have amazing faith in God and even in their anger and grief; they still praise Him and thank Him for His blessings. I urge all to read their stories.

Thank you ladies, for your amazing faith and encouragement; my prayers are with you and your families.

My Hubby

Just wanted to say "I have the best husband in the world."

Labor Day

Kevin and I look forward to Labor Day every year, but for very different reasons. I’ll start with my weekend. I, with my sister, head to Bakersfield. Now Bakersfield may not sound like the most exciting place on earth, but it has everything we need; Target, Kohls, Mervyn's, Gottschalks, and J.C. Penny’s. The weekend to Bakersfield actually stems from the opening of dove season on September first. In fact this was the only question my father asked Kevin when he asked permission to marry his eldest daughter; “What is the significance of September first?” So while the guys get together to at the crack of dawn to shoot, as my mother refers to them, “little innocent creatures”, the girls spend the day shopping for back-to-school clothes. My favorite part is that my grandmother and aunt spoil us rotten. I try on all kinds of clothes, and they buy them as my birthday gifts! I am really am so appreciative. It always comes at a good time, when money is tight, and fall is about to start. I love spending time with my family.

This year was a little different. Missy, my cousin, started her second year at Westmont College, and classes started on the September 1. It was different without her there. The other change was little Brendan. Rachel brought the baby for his first Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately, I don’t think that Brendan was quite ready for all Dad had planned.

We spent Sunday afternoon at Brendan’s Great-Great Aunt Norma’s house in Old River. For anyone not from Bakersfield, that’s code for “out in the country”. My mom’s cousins came out and passed the baby from person to person.

Kevin’s weekend was a little different. Mostly spent at Steve’s house eating and talking football – fantasy football. This is the weekend where it is hard to determine the actual age of Kevin and his friends. They played wiffle ball on the front lawn, pool basketball, dice games, and board games. In all actuality, the boys didn’t do much . . . and they loved it. They sit around, eat, sleep, and talk. But they call this guy time, and he craves it. So for one weekend a year, I give him a three day weekend to hang out with the guys and pig out. I came back to Kevin bragging about how he won the home run derby and all the wonderful food Kris made. I think he was trying to make me jealous.

However, I was not jealous of "the draft". Labor day weekend is the kickoff of fantasy football season. He has two large drafts this weekend, one of which he is the commissioner for. Have you ever sat through a draft. I thought the NFL draft was long and boring. The guys go in a pre-picked order calling out the player of their choice, whining when their choice is picked by another. They heckle each other, and undoubtedly, one guy can't make it and is picking players by phone. The same jokes are made every year, and favorite commercials quoted repeatedly. They keep telling me that the live auction draft is so exciting, but I don't think it's worth the risk. Granted, the draft was at Landon Donovan's house in Manhattan Beach last year . . . but, I wasn't invited to attend.

I think Kevin and I will stick to our separate weekend.

Bum Days and Football

Alright, I guess it's my turn to jump in here…

Bekah and I had another “bum day” yesterday. We love bum days because they consist of lying around. We still accomplish a few things around the house, but for the most part, we just sit on the couch watching TV, snacking, and playing on our laptops. We slept in, went to church, and bummed it. I got to watch all my baseball games on the computer, and Bekah got to blog, read others’ blogs, search eBay for knick-knacks, and play Yahoo games. So, we were both very content. With the occasional, “You doin alright?”, and a nod of approval, we both enjoy this “quality time” with each other. We may be weird like that, but hey, it works for us both.


I think Bekah has an idea, but I don’t think she really knows…

How crazy my friends and I are about football season. Maybe it’s just me. Nope! It’s all my other football buddies, too (I don't even feel bad for their wives/girlfriends). We ALL love to gather over at my friend Steve’s house to watch football every Sunday. I’ve even got Bekah into watching football! Okay, maybe not. However, she’ll be the first to tell you that she enjoys going. The truth is she loves going for the food, not the football, but it also allows her to rest and relax (she loves snuggling up next to me while I watch the games). She also gets to see a bunch of dumb guys doing dumb guy things like watching football ALL day, eating way too much, Steve yelling at the referees that can’t hear him, etc. But she also gets to experience some of the best food Southern California has to offer…again, ALL day. I just might have the best wife in the world. Maybe one day I’ll get her into fantasy football…

One Year Older

I turned 27 last week. Look Ma, I admitted it. I’m not sure why, but I really struggled with this birthday. I am in my late twenties. I can hear the sarcasm from my mother now, “Yes, Dear, you are SOOO old.” But the fact that I can clearly remember twenty years ago sort of freaks me out. I am, however, enjoying more and more that people ask me who is older, my sister or I. Sorry, Rach.

This past April I received my 5 year pin at CBU and I was excited for the additional vacation time I was about to accrue. Yet when I sat and thought that this meant I have been out of college for 5 years, I became a little uncomfortable. To think that there are no longer any undergraduates at CBU that attended the same time I did. Except that one soccer player that keeps starting and stopping – graduate already! In fact, one of the counselors in my office and I were talking about how much school cost when we first started. In 1999, I paid half of what CBU students are paying today.

Next summer will be my 10 year high-school reunion! Not that I will go, I merely reiterating that I am old. Kids I used to babysit have now gone to college. I remember going to summer camp in high school and thinking the college student counselors were so old and mature. I don’t want to go back in time. I don’t think you could pay me to go back to high school. College was fun, but was still stressful trying to figure out who I was and who I wanted to be. I merely want to freeze time and be 25 (not 27) for just a few more years.

In all honesty, I had a wonderful birthday. I took the day off work and Kevin and I just did random things. Kevin’s boss is moving to Virginia so I went with him to the luncheon after sleeping in. We went by Costco. Took a nap. Went to the movies. Then finished the evening over a pepperoni and pineapple pizza at CPK. Kevin gave me a beautiful card. Let me preface by saying last year’s birthday card had a bobble head of George W. Bush on the front. I don’t even remember what is said. But this year’s card said “If I had my life to live over again, next time I’d find you sooner so I could love you longer.” Now I know I have become a sap since meeting Kevin, but that made me tear up a little; especially since he had accomplished the point of a card. A card should say what you mean. We have had many conversations on how to pick out a card. He gets mad at me when I simply sign my name to a card. I let him know I take hours finding a card to say it for me. Why would I pay $3.95 to write my own card. To prove his point I received a general thank you card for our anniversary; inside it he wrote, “Thanks for being my wife.” So this card is even more special to me!

It was a wonderful 27th birthday.

Childhood Memories

Growing up on the coast, I hated it. I didn’t like the cold, I hated the wind, and the fog was annoying. But I went back this weekend, and had a wonderful time. On our drive up the 101 we rolled down the windows and enjoyed the salty air. I was in jeans and a sweatshirt, hood up, while Kevin sat comfortable in his shorts and t-shirt. I think he was designed to live on the coast. My vanity has faded slightly as I don’t really care what the fog and damp air do to my hair. It was so nice to get out of the triple digits.

Kevin and Me at the pier

We saw my parents in Solvang, and drove up to Pismo to walk the beach and pier. Growing up we spent every other Thanksgiving camping just south of the pier. Still really nothing to do but walk around. Shops are empty. Old bungalows abandoned. We watched the surfers try to catch the baby wave as the sea otters and sea lions played at the end of the pier. We watched the pelicans dive for a while before turning back to get out of the wind. We finished our day at the beach on the swings.

Dad and Jon

Jon and Me on the swings

On Saturday we went to the wedding of my dear friend Anitra Estrada to Antonio Cruz. Anitra and I became friends in the third grade. I don’t remember our first meeting, but we must have become instant friends. I remember spending many Saturday afternoons with Anitra. At the beginning of middle school the Estrada family moved to Europe and began out pen pal phase. We wrote quite often those next 5 years. My parents recently brought me boxes of childhood keepsakes and I found every letter I had received from Anitra: I saved them all. Her family came back twice to visit, and the summer before my senior year, I got to visit her family. The Estrada’s graciously took me on their family vacation. So the seven of us (David, Roxy, Granny, Grandpa, Jacquie, Anitra, and myself) crammed into a minivan and toured Great Britain. It was an experience for which I am truly grateful, and will never forget.

Me, Jacquie, and Anitra

All that to say, I wouldn’t have missed her wedding for the world. The ceremony was in beautiful Morro Bay and was nothing less than gorgeous. Anitra smiled all day. The whole day was a reflection of her love for her husband, her family, and her friends. A wonderfully classy event.

Anitra and Tony

Kevin and Me with Morro Rock in the background

Stress

What do you do when your body is trying to tell you something, but you don’t understand what she is trying to tell you? For two weeks now my husband has thought I have been completely crazy. I am more tired than I have been in a long time. For the past two days I have come home after work and taken a nap. Who takes a nap at 6:00 at night? I DO! I got home around 5:30 and took and hour nap. My face has broken out; not those tiny ones either. I developed a fever blister on my lower lip on Saturday, and it hasn’t been pleasant. I have a sore on my inside cheek. I’m dizzy and have a major crick in my neck. Today, I realized my body is stressed out. Why didn’t you just say so? Not that I know what I would do differently. I don’t even know what I am stressed about! I just need some time off and some sleep.

Brownie Points

Friday was date night and my husband earned MAJOR brownie points. I made a pasta salad, we grabbed the chairs and headed to the Redlands Bowl for Madama Butterfly. It was free and outside, but was fun nonetheless. I was worried about how Kevin would do with the opera. I first explained it was like a play and he seemed okay. When I told him the whole thing was sung, he was slower to nod his head. When I told him it was all in Italian, he just stared at me blankly. This was my first opera as well, and was a little nervous as to how well this would go over. We were given the libretto to read the translation from Italian to English. At times it was hard to follow as they sung over each other. I always seem to get a bobber in front of me. You know that guy who leans to the right, so you lean to the left to see around him and two minutes later he leans to the left. All in all, we had a good time. The weather was nice, the food was enjoyable (he bought me some kettle corn), and the company was great. Not bad for a cheap date night.

Wow Days and Vow Days

We have two weddings down, and one left for this summer. Every summer we have friends that get married, and we love to be able to celebrate with them. I have to admit, that attending weddings as a single person was different than when being married. Both have their benefits, but I would trade anything for being able to take Kevin with me. It sure beats the invitation that says “One place has been reserved for you.”

We attended the wedding of Brian Cavazos to Elizabeth Brown on June 21 in Lake Arrowhead. It was beautiful, and it was nice to be up the hill where it was warm, but definitely cooler than down in Riverside. Kevin was a groomsman, and I think he looks so cute in his tux. He has that boyish charm I love. We had a wonderful time attending a wedding with all of our friends.

Being the best man at Colin’s wedding a few weeks ago, Kevin got to give a speech. And just like Colin did at our wedding, Kevin told jokes and stories that only Colin and a few of their buddies laughed at. It went right over our heads. But being the old married guy (of a year and a half), Kevin got to share his marital words of advice. “There are going to be wow days and vow days. Days where you are in awe of the spouse you chose. But then there are days when the spouse that you chose, doesn’t really want to be . . . the spouse that you chose. They simply drive you nuts. But either way, I strongly encourage you as you begin your family, to choose to make the decision to love each other.”

Of course the concept of wow days and vow days was not our own. Coach Rick York presented it to Kevin during our pre-marital counseling. Coach got it from Guy and Roxanna Grimes. I’m not sure if they were the first, but the idea remains. Not every day is a walk in the park, or a wow day; but when we choose to love each other and meet the others needs first, our needs will inevitably be met. If all else fails, repeat Coach’s mantra; “I love my wife, I love my wife, I love my wife.” Even when you don’t like the way she loads the dishwasher!

So far, the married part hasn’t been difficult, it’s the roommate part. Learning to share my stuff and space was harder than I thought, but if Kevin had asked any of my former roommates, I’m sure they would have warned him. But after a time, we figured it out. We will continue to have wow days and vow days, but we continue to work hard to meet each other’s needs.