2008 in pictures- The next 4 posts

If I had to pick my all time favorite picture from the whole year it would be this one.  It is of Papa Tom and his buddy Isaiah. These two together are heaven on earth to me. They are a dynamic duo.  The rest of the pics in this post are my favorite scenery pics of the year.




The next 4 post are my life in pictures in 2008. Well, some of my life in pictures. I hope you enjoy. I know going through them reminded me of some very important things. 

1- Time goes by fast, truly it does

2- People are so very important

3- God is good, that will never change

4- Don't forget to enjoy what you have, don't forget to play

Here's to the New Year!!

Moments Captured in 2008 (cont.)

There is nothing quite like family. It takes a village they say to raise a child and the village above here and below are what I am thankful for because I have 4 children to raise. SO does that mean that I get 4 villages?
My mom and dad are some of the greatest people on this planet. I am not just saying this because they are my parents. Truly, they are really cool people and I hope this year I make a priority to spend more time with them because I want to not because it's expected around holidays but just because days.
There is nothing better in life than new life. This precious little person our nieces baby Isabella was for sure a highlight in 2008.  When I met my hubby Mo his sister's daughter Kay was only 4 years old, Isaiah's age. Now she is a mom. 

Jordan Lear makes me smile. What precious person this little boy is. His heart is HUGE. I again am so grateful for my kids friends.

More moments Captured in 2008

These women here shaped my husband's view of women. To them I am grateful for all the love and care they have given and for who they are.

There are not enough words to describe how thankful I am for my children's friends. Bob, look at that face. How can it not make you smile. 
I am reminded by this picture not to forget to PLAY. I was asked this question at an interview. How important is the role of Play in your curriculum? I could have go on and on. We all learn so much through play.  This doesn't change just because the number on our driver license goes up.

Favorite moments captured from 2008

This picture at the top is one of my all time favorites from the year. It reminds me of course of the journey of the Wizard of Oz and the journey that group of unlikely strangers faced. They soon became friends and defeated their greatest enemies together. Each realizing that the greatest enemy was just themselves. Reflecting back on the year past can be dangerous but this morning as I sit here and go through all the moments captured in 2008 I am reminded of my friends and family that have come along side me. I am blessed beyond measure with the greatest treasures life has to offer. People. The people in my life young and old are my gifts that I will take into this new year with a complete gratitude not taking even one for granted.








I have so much to be thankful for. If even one person in this life knows you, really knows you that is a blessing. So many people are lonely in this world that is full of fear right now. I am not alone. That is a good feeling. To know and be known is what it's all about so that at the end of it all you are not alone left in a room with all the stuff that can clutter and distract a life from the most important treasures, People.

A Few Nights Before Christmas

Twas a few nights before Christmas 

when all through our house

Every person was puking 

With the flu no doubt

The laundry is piling up ever so high

and although I am exhausted

I am not getting any shut eye

It started with one as I heard the disturbance

I sprang from my bed to see this occurrence

It's happened before this ugly old bug

So I went to my duties without even a shrug

Changing  sheets, blankets, and clothes

These are the nights every parent soon knows

Each child has a bowl now and will until morning

Be puking and praying without any snoring

My eyes are getting sleepy, I would like to retire

But wait I must again go put out another puke fire.

So as you snuggle close so warm in your bed

Be thankful it's not your house, this house of dread

Don't mean to be a Bah hum bug as I sign off for the night

But

Merry Puking Christmas to all and To all (BUT me) 

A Good Night!!

today

Today....

I woke up to breakfast in bed

I kept my kids home from school to have more fun

I played a lot of cards , Crazy Rummy my new favorite

I ate a can of olives a friend gave me as a present(this friend knows me well)

I gave the dogs a much needed bath, well actually the kids did but I supervised

I bought myself my favorite flower, hard to find this time of year

I got boots that keep my feet so warm from my boyfriend

I got a really great birthday kiss from my boyfriend

I got hugs all day from the greatest 4 kids in the whole world

And..... the days not over yet.

Here's to being 33

Well, tomorrow is my 34th birthday. I have to say that my 33rd year was a very interesting one and I am sure that it is one that I will look back on with some regret but also one that I will never forget. 

So much happened to me this year that I feel in many ways I went through somewhat of a mid-life crisis if you will. A bit early I suppose although who said this was ever supposed to be at a certain time. 

Some things that happen in a mid-life crisis are as follows; 

You questions many things in life.

You begin to wonder what's it really all about.

You change what you can and wish you could change more than that.

For some this means buying a new car, I didn't. Getting a new partner, I didn't. Changing your hair, I did. Losing weight, wish I did . Some move far, far away, I didn't. Some just go crazy nuts, I suppose I did in some ways, not my fault though. Some change careers, I thought about this but then that would mean I need a career in the first place. I did however rethink a time or two about the career I have been learning about for over ahem....15 years or more. 

I have to say that I am not one to get weird about getting older. To me it's just a number.

 I am thankful that 34 years ago a woman named Ellen and her honey Greg brought a baby home in a big red stocking and loved that baby oh so well. I am thankful that I have had 34 years here. That's alot of years to enjoy many things. It is also alot of years to see sadness but being the eternal optimist that I am I REFUSE to stay there. I am thankful for my life that God has so graciously given me. Oh yeah, and I am also thankful I came a week early :)

 I am also thankful that I now have a Baskin Robbins right down the street from me and that tonight is $1 scoop night. 

Cleaning, OCD, and Life with Me

I have cleaned, cleaned, and cleaned some more. I believe my bathrooms should have been reported to the CPS as being completely and utterly unsanitary. Rest assured Trista, they are now once again safe at least for today. I am going to move onto the carpets and then the kitchen floor next. I never thought I would ever hear myself say this but, it feels SO good to deep clean. I am not a deep cleaner by nature. I surface clean. I throw stuff in baskets and deal with it later.

*Usually, much later. BUT, I have so far cleaned out my bedroom closet, the towel closet, and will later work on the coat closet up front. I have brought three HUGE bags to goodwill and still have some more. It feels so good and it has been a long time coming.

Last night at bible study everyone was talking about their different OCD tendencies and my husband said(with great sadness I might add as though being OCD is a good thing), " I think I was once OCD but Noel took that right out of me. Any OCD tendencies I once had are long gone now. How could you be OCD in this house?" and on and on he went. I then began to reflect. I was trying to think if I had any OCD habits but alas, I couldn't think of any. I don't do anything in my life in the same way twice. When I watch movies where the people get up and go to bed in the same way every night and day I think how odd. My life is one big spontaneous roller coaster ride and most days, I like it that way.

I am having a hard time relaxing since being done with this semester on Friday. I still keep feeling as though I should be doing something. Studying, writing a paper, or checking the computer online classes 20 times a day. I am so glad to be done with last semester and next semester will not be taking 3 classes.

My publishers called and I talked to an actual person again which was exciting. I told them I was waiting on my illustrator which seems strange to say. They said that is a common hold up for most people and not to worry they are still interested.  I have also started working on another children's book series, entitled Micko Peeko the Whiney Rhino. This one is already such a winner with all the kids. It was really Isaiah inspired and I think might even be better than Brodey the Bishop series. 

Well, my cleaning break is over. I have finished my lunch- Nachos with Pepper Jack cheese(melts THE best) and a tall glass of OJ. 

 I think I will post everyday this week just to help me get used to not having to do homework. Ya know to kinda ween me off the computer.

Relief never felt so sweet

A huge weight was lifted for me tonight. Finishing my Health and Nutrition class , (the only science class I have to take for my degree) was like relieving 35% of a panic attack for this seriously stressed out girl. 

One class down , two more to go. 

Tomorrow wraps up another class and then I have until Sunday to finish my other online course. 

I have already registered for next semester and just thinking about it makes my stomach hurt. I was talking to a friend the other day about what it feels like to be in school in this stage in life and I have to say that it is best described as the feeling of heightened awareness you have with a newborn baby. Like you are constantly going in and checking on them to see if they are still breathing. This is like that, you are ever aware of the fact that whatever free time you have really isn't real free time , you should be doing something. Studying, writing, submitting, etc....OR Mothering, cleaning, cleaning, Cooking, did I mention cleaning. I can't wait to deep clean my house.

All I can say is that this winter break is so needed and I think I might just look forward to cleaning my house for the first time EVER!!

I can hardly wait to get back to blogging. Some of the topics that have been rolling around in my head-

-Busy work, for example the government workers who ripped up my whole sidewalk only to replace a few pipes in a few places but managed to inconvenience all 20 of my neighbors for 2 weeks.

-Pets(enough said)

-Careers why we choose certain life paths over others

-Life as a normal "lay" person, what is that anyway? Seriously!!

-Why in all the years I have been married to my husband did I never realize how accommodating he is, marriage at this stage, and life ahead

-Books, my book, your book, and what book I should read next ( for enjoyment that is)

-Kids(enough said)

-Needs versus Wants- What I am and am not willing to live without at this stage in life.

Those are just the tip of the iceberg for my blog topics so get ready for some good Christmas reading at least on my blog site  :0 

A few favorites from our Thanksgiving holiday

Our family for the first time ever got to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with Moses Mom, Nashelle at her brother's Farm in San Gregorio. Moses Uncle Kay owns 150 acres right outside of San Francisco in a little town called San Gregorio by Half Moon Bay.  This spot on the planet is one of THE most beautiful I have ever seen. We all didn't want to come home. This holiday was a dream come true one because we have always wanted to spend this holiday of food with the best cook in our family which would be Mo's mom and two because where we were able to spend it was a beautiful little oasis for our whole family.  

The picture at the top is of Papa Tom and his buddy Isaiah. Isaiah called him "My buddy" all week. It really was so heart healing to see these two together. Papa Tom is the Grandfather I always dreamed of having.  He is a kid magnet because he is just that fun. 

The next picture is of the newest member of the family our nieces daughter Isabella. She was so beautiful and I held her the whole time. Well, that is when I could get her away from my girls.

The next pic is of Isaiah feeding the horses and Papa Tom holding onto his shirt so he didn't fall out of the barn. 

The last two pics are just a few of this very picture perfect place. 

What a treat! Enjoy.

GO ahead and gloat all you nay sayers!!

I will only say this about Obama's announcement of Hillary as Secretary of State. SH** SH** SHIT!! 

That and you were right , and I was wrong , and now I am singing a new song!!

Okay maybe I have more to say about it than that but I really don't have time. When school is over and my brain is functioning in blog leisure mode I will write more but for now, 

SHIT!

Please don't tell my children how much their mother just cussed.