Summer Time Fun!

I don't think these 3 know just how lucky blessed they are...

Where can you go to take a break from work?

Where can you drive 7 miles and be in paradise?

...To be entertained by the world's biggest canon ball splash 

(me, exaggerating? maybe just a tad, no offense, Dad)

...To receive free swimming lessons from the most loving,

 

most patient,

most fun

 

teachers around?

Where can you go to play in a customized, spacious, warm, baja-wading area covered in mosaic water creatures to entertain this little one as the ocean breeze cools her back?

...To have lots of snuggle time with momma? 

...To soak your aching feet (ignore the fact that I desperately need a pedicure) in refreshing salt water as you watch your babies play and sleep?

 And where can you go where even toy dolls are found relaxing and sun bathing???

The Emde Resort, of course.

(a.k.a. Mimi & Bapa's!!!)

The kids and I are so very blessed to feel like we are vacationing every time we stop over for the day!

Happy Summering!
(and speaking of, can you believe we are already getting sneak previews of fall weather as well as fall catalogs in the mail and holiday hours coming to Target?!?! Don't know about you, but this summer is flying by for us)

The adventures of a SAHM (with an awesome Mom!)

I get asked how I survive without a vehicle. Often I wonder why I even used to worry about what I thought at the time was one of Daddy's silly, extreme ideas. Boy was I wrong. Between 2, often 3 staggered naps, meals, homeschooling lessons, a park within walking distance, strolls to the local fabric store, wagon rides, a spacious front yard to indulge in chalk art, bubbles, play-doh, playing in the dirt, with leaves, sticks, a sand table that captures the girl's attention almost every time they set foot outdoors, a swing, a playmate next door, almost daily walks to Gramma Yvonne (our neighborhood grandma & watch dog)'s house for sweet treats & lovely chats, none of us are ever deprived nor bored. Besides, as hard as I try, I am convinced it is a forgone conclusion that every time I enter the mini-van, I am doomed to spend money we don't have. 

And then there are the visits from Mimi when she often whisks us away for an outing that is never less than perfect.

 

Like say, enjoying the gorgeous 80 degree weather at the beach...

The girls were so content for so long, amidst the mild rays of sunshine and gentle ocean breeze, I sat on the park bench not quite sure what to do with myself. So I rested. And snacked. And snapped a few pictures.

 

Thank you Mimi for an incredible day!  

Spending time with you is the greatest gift we could receive.

I can't tell you how good it feels to say I only have 12 weeks to go (hopefully less, please Lord!). Of course, to the rude clueless outsider, apparently I look "huge" "ready to pop now" and the fact I still have 3 months to grow seems impossible. But whatever, people. 

Let the countdown begin!

Second Chances

Today I lugged 60 pounds of sugar and spice and everything nice to the park in our neighborhood. I was a little extremely reluctant after our last experience at the park which involved an overly tired tot expressing her contempt over leaving so audibly that I am positive every house in the Brentwood track could hear her as we passed by on our 20 minute walk home. 

On the way there, feeling emotionally drained & my faith challenged due to several recent events, the Lord spoke to me. 

 The message was simple (as always) and obvious but nevertheless powerful and oh, so refreshing. He said, just as you are giving Spicy a second chance to show better behavior at the park, I have given you a second chance and I will always give everyone a "second" chance. Bringing to mind where I came from: a selfish, joy-less, lonely life with a deep void I could never seem to fully fill with my own pleasures and those of the world, to a place of mercy and redemption, a place that restores and fulfills my purpose in life, that brings overflowing peace and joy, living for Jesus alone, I was humbled and I was encouraged.

Then I declared my sin to you; my guilt I did not hide. I said, "I confess my faults to the LORD," and you took away the guilt of my sin. Selah 

Psalm 32:5

With sore biceps, an achy lower back and a desire to just stay in bed, I sensed Him smiling at me as I towed 2 tots in the wagon and 1 in my pouch, giving my day to Him. 

The park experience was wonderful.

Unexpectedly (of course), I met an older man with a thick accent in traditional Indian garb with 2 absolutely adorable 10 month-old identical twin boys who captured the girls with his warm smile. 

A bit later, I met a friendly college student by night, nanny by day, who was incredibly knowledgeable, impressively mature and remarkably natural with the 3 boys under 4 that she watches.

Spicy and her new found friend, Jacob, played so well together sharing cars and carrying on adorable conversations. 

Just look at you. In your long pigtails on the big kid swing. You are just beautiful, inside and out. And today, you taught me so much about second chances.

 This is Sweet's second chance at blowing the wind-borne dandelion seeds...

...You're getting closer baby doll

All three of us had a great time fulfilling each of our needs for interaction, fresh air, Vitamin D, exercise and plenty of exploratory contacts, both natural and man-made. And when it was time to leave, the only response I got was 
"Yes, mommy"...

Imagine that!

A Case of the Monday Blues

Not too long ago, I would get this feeling, starting on Sunday evening and ending on Friday afternoon. A feeling of restlessness, of being slightly unfulfilled, of wanting to be somewhere other than where I was. I enjoyed my job, I enjoyed the paycheck and I really enjoyed the people I worked with. But I felt like something was missing. 

Now I know what that something was. 

Today's Monday Blues were only calming hues from the clear sky and deep shades of indigo of the ocean waves. 

 What an incredible blessing to be able to start the week with my three precious jewels soaking up the Vitamin D, breathing in the fresh salt water breeze, and being reminded how to enjoy life with the pure joy and innocence of a child. 

Oh, and stay cool in this incredible heat wave!

It was so delightful and ...fulfilling to see Mimi and Spicy playing in the waves, the best of friends, cackling and squealing, and staying refreshed from the sun's warm heat.

As Sweets waves in admiration awaiting the day to join them

My favorite views of the day...

This bum is always struggling to stay covered. Sorry, girls, you inherited the junk in the trunk gene from both mommy and daddy!

 Sweet got her first taste of some Huntington Beach minerals. Mmmm, crunchy! 
I suppose for one who hasn't been exposed to much, this could be rather tasty?!?!?

And nothing competes with a sleeping angel baby!

 A happy, blissful, wonderful Monday beginning at mass to thank God for His blessings, a fun day at the beach, a brief jog and even a nap!  

Yeah, I think I'll keep my day job! (It's the night job I can do without...just kidding)

Have a wonderful week!

Terrific Tuesday

Unfortunately, I had to turn down a super fun invitation to hang out with Auntie Carrie, the B-man and our long lost friend from Junior High, Ashley and her daughter Zoie. But we made the most of the day anyway

 Our home-made Spectrum fountain...

 Practicing her pirouettes for Auntita and Neenee...

Not pictured: Momma sweatin bullets washing loads of laundry, cleaning floors, making dinner, doing paperwork and the like (while watching this with the eyes on the back of my head!) ;)

Just your typical Tuesday for a SAHM and her babies!