Bangs

There’s a little story behind my bangs:  I had traditionally been getting a gentle A-line hair cut that sits just below my chin.  It had been my absolute favorite haircut and found it easy to maintain and could just blow dry with a round brush in the morning…can you say, Per.fect!  Yep, that was until I overheard two friends that are married with no kids, discussing one of their recent haircuts (the same haircut mentioned above), when the question was asked, “Are you sure it doesn’t look too much like the Mom bob?” My head whipped around so fast I’m surprised it didn’t just keep going, and I’m sure my chin touched the floor.  “Say, WHAaat? Did I just hear that right?  The Mom bob! Uh.No. You. Didn’t!  I love that hair cut, and it looked super cute on her.  I, of course, did not say anything, just picked my chin up and took a minute to reflect in silence. 
After some reflection, I realized she could easily be right. *Sigh*  Who am to know what someone unlike myself, a mother ,would think of that haircut.  Needless to say, I will definitely still be cutting my hair in the gentle A-line and enjoy, no love, the hair style.  Right now though, I am growing my hair out, because it sounds like fun.  Kinda like the bangs!

San Diego Fun

 

After church on Sunday we headed down to San Diego for some much needed R & R, if you can call the Science Center and Zoo R & R?!  No matter what you may call it, we had a great time.  Our original plan was to visit our favorite beach at Coronado, but the weather was a bit chilly for a beach outing, so we headed to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park. 

The Science Center was tons of fun and offered lots of exploration and learning activities for both Josh and Carter.  Josh’s favorite was learning about Black holes and space exploration.  Carter enjoyed the building blocks the most, 

Here is some of the fun…

A lot of the museum had these stellated dodecahedrons. 

Even Mom can build.

Spent Monday at the Zoo soaking in the warm sun and enjoying the sights.  Not posting any pictures of the animals because most of them seem a bit blurry, bummer!

Rush Hour

 

Oh, how we love strategy games!  Josh for his 6th birthday received the game, Rush Hour, and has been hooked since the first game.  In fact, Mike and I have been as well.  Rush Hour is a game of strategy, obviously, the game involves an assortment of vehicles that you have to move either up and down or side to side to allow for the ice cream truck to make it’s way to the exit.  I know, I know, doesn’t sound like a ton of fun, but then again neither does Angry Birds and look how popular and addicting that game is, right?!  Just sayin…try it!

It’s fun to watch Josh gets completely immersed in the game….

Oh, and guess what?!  There’s an app. for Rush Hour on my ipod touch.  So now we can play it anywhere.

Lent

 

There has been a lot of chatter on Facebook about what families &/or individuals are giving up for Lent.  We as a family have never done anything.  Not because we don’t want to, but because we can never come up with something that both Michael and I can agree on.  I would absolutely love to give up cable.  Michael, no so much!  In his defense, I should be condemned for even suggesting no cable during MARCH MADNESS! Seriously woman, what are you thinking?!  Okay, so that’s out the door with a big slam. How about something else then?  Michael just kind of stares at me….guessing he’s not over my original suggestion!

Sooo.  I guess I’m on my own.  Hmm, what to do?  A few years back I gave up coffee.  I could, but I only drink one cup and it’s half caf.  That’s not enough.  Got it…gluten free or as I’ll call it, carb free!

Carbs and I have a love/hate relationship.  I have often considered going carb/gluten free to see how much weight I could lose, but never had the will power to do it. I do now!  I’ve committed this Lent to go carb free.  So far, it’s been three days and I feel great (a tad hungry), and down 3 lbs.  I love being conscience of this sacrifice and remembering the true meaning behind Lent every time I look at a cracker, or tortilla (boys had burritos for dinner last night). 

This weekend will be the real challenge as I travel to Thousand Pines in Crestline for our High School Youth Group Retreat where I have zero control over the meals…wish me luck!

Maybe next year I can motivate Michael and the boys to come up with something as a family. 

 

Turning Six

Josh has been excited for weeks to turn six.  I love how excited with anticipation for his birthday he gets, and each year that excitement grows.  He loves to count down the days till the big day and he really enjoys when we spread out the celebrating over multiple days….sounds fun, huh?!

This year Grandpa Parine purchased Josh tickets to go and watch the Harlem Globetrotters in Ontario.  Michael was originally supposed to go with Josh, but was still pretty heavily medicated from his surgery, so I had the honor to escort Josh.  We had SOOO much fun!  Thanks, Dad!

For some reason he would not take his hood off, but he was very proud to be wear his Calvin College sweatshirt, from Grandpa P., as well.

The Harlem Globetrotter’s mascot, Globee, and mini Globee, dancing to “Shuffflin” 

The team dancing with big Globee.  We both got some good giggles from the mascots.

Watching contently. 

After the game we drove home where Josh chose to have Mac ’n cheese for his dinner and brownies for dessert.  We had a wonderful Monday celebrating and on Tuesday, his actual birthday, he was able to celebrate with his class.

And what makes turning six even better?  How about losing your first tooth and losing it while eating the snack you brought to share with your classmates?  He had the biggest grin when his tooth popped out after taking a bite of his chocolate chip cookie. 

Such a proud grin. 

 

 

SOLD

After 7 months on February 9, 2011 we officially closed on our house of 6 years in Mentone.  We filled that house with many great memories, family, and friends.  It was our first house together, and each of our children were born while we were there. 

Though we quickly out grew the house, we were always grateful for having a roof over our head that we could afford, and watch our children grow under. 

We DEFINITELY learned a lot after purchasing our first home.  1) Take a good long hard look at the neighborhood, especially your neighbors before purchasing.

2) Never purchase thinking this is a short term purchase.

3) Sidewalks, sidewalks, sidewalks…and maybe a cul-de-sac.

Just to name a few, and as we looked for a new home there were definitely items that moved to the top of the “must have” list.

1) Garage

2) 4 bedrooms

3) Central air & heat

4) DISHWASHER, DISHWASHER, DISHWASHER…it’s been over 6 years since I’ve had one.

Luckily, after some searching and praying we found that house.  It’s exciting as we look forward to our “forever” house.

Some pic’s of the old house…empty.

The boys room…

The world’s smallest bathroom…

onto the next stage…

Merry Christmas

 

Christmas in California is much different from Christmas in Washington.  For one, it’s 80 degrees (typical WA summer weather), and two, we get the opportunity to entertain family….love! 

This year we had the opportunity to welcome my mom, and youngest brother, Brian for Christmas. 

  Our annual tradition of decorating a gingerbread house.

Happy boy surrounded by lots of candy.

The boys received these little football helmets, one for each NFL team.  They love them.  Each day they set up different match-ups for the teams and ask each other, “which one wins?”

Just some fun that we shared with Grandma Parine, and Uncle Brian.  Thanks for coming to visit.