7 Grandkids

7 Grandkids under the age of 5 .....

Self Portraits

My dad & I

Holly & I

Ginger & I

Ninny & I

Meema & I

I am convinced that family photos are out and self portraits are in. With 7 grandkids keeping us all busy, it is all but impossible to get our 5 siblings together for a family photo .... (sorry Jed -- missed ya!)

Merry Christmas and Merry Christmas!

Well ... our 4 Christmas celebrations were wonderful. We got home from our final Christmas celebration with my mom yesterday afternoon and enjoyed a relaxing Christmas Day afternoon followed by a quiet yet delicious Christmas dinner. After dinner Martha fed all the animals and shortly after informed us that one of our pregnant goats was indeed in labor. I went to bed around 11 p.m. after helping Martha prep the goat pen for delivery (make it warmer!). "Little Fluffy Guy," (named by Sage) came around 1 a.m.

Merry Christmas!

Dead Camera

A while back the lcd screen on our Cannon-Elf camera cracked. No biggie -- still took decent pictures and I enjoyed it's small size and easy-to-store-in-my-purse quality, and have still been using it for quite sometime ...even without the benefit of knowing if you caught a good pic or not. Then yesterday I took it out of my purse to take a pic and noticed the "click" button was missing. Yeah -- that's kind of the most important part of the camera -- gotta be able to push "click." I tried pushing my fingernail down the hole to see if I still might get it to work...nope! Oh well. I think I have gotten the most out of this little camera. Now it's time to save for a new one ...

I had one of those moments today ...

while looking across the table at my two girls chowing down In-N-Out french fries and burgers, covered in katsup and washing it all down with a chocolate milk shake. It's one of those moments when you are overwhelmed with amazement and wonder at how quickly kids really do grow up. It's such a cliche -- "Enjoy it now -- they'll be grown up before you know it." That's usually coming from a seasoned grandmother and said to a sleep deprived mother, who thinks, "HUH?" how could THIS go by any slower than it already is? It's like my sister said a while back, while the years fly by, the days seem to pass ever so slowly. So, I had my moment today. And I'm sure I'll have many, many more.

I'm not an architect ...

I am a bookkeeper for an architect, but actually designing structures?? -- nope! We assembled a gingerbread house at my mom's tonight along with two graham cracker houses (shacks, really). After lots of laughs and some frustration over a crooked frame and a slipping roof, we finished it! The girls did all of the decorations with little help from me. I felt sick from eating so much icing ... can't even imagine what they feel like since they ate the icing by the spoonfuls in between samplings of the candies. All good fun.

Christmas Fun

Christmas cookie fun! We are having fun making Christmas crafts and baking and eating and then exercising most of it off : ) Yes -- that's a Christmas Tree made out of sugar cookies. My mom had the cookie cut-outs for it, so we made it for a party I attended last week. That was fun and funny to make. It only toppled over a couple of times before I removed a few layers so it would stay upright.
I am so enjoying the crisp, cool weather lately. We have been going on lots of walks -- well, really it's me sprinting after Sage who speeds on her bicycle down the bike path and me pushing Aspen in the jogger, dog in toe, trying to keep up! We live in a truly beautiful place here. We stop for a snack and break half way through our walk and the mountain view is breathtaking.
We have really scaled back our Christmas consumerism this year which has made the entire season wonderfully relaxing.

I am ready...

...to be sitting by the campfire, bundled up, eating marshmallows and sipping wine. Dumont is here and I am so glad that 99% of the packing and planning is finished. I would show you my list and check marks and scribbles but you might actually get a little nauseated. I do. Anyhoo. I hope everyone has a lovely Thanksgiving holiday! See ya!

Burp Cloths for Jake

I love being an auntie. My youngest nephew was born just over a week ago and I still have yet to see him. I tried to go see him on Saturday but the fires prevented travel. I am hoping I get to see him tomorrow and am excited to gift him (and my sister) with these darn special burp cloths! I found this pattern on-line and was actually successful in executing it -- that's always a plus after all the cutting and sewing.

Similes

**Note** Before this wonderful little conversation, I used to be the "most beautiful mom in the world."

Sage: Mom, do you know how beautiful you are?
Me (smiling ... ready for the normal "most beautiful mom in the world," response): How beautiful?
Sage: As beautiful as a booger.

So ...

...this is what life is like when your kids stop taking naps. I always wondered when this day would come and what it would look like. Over the summer the late bed times (9 ... sometimes 10) weren't a problem. In the summer you don't eat dinner until 8 anyway, so 9 or 10 doesn't seem too bad. Then comes day-light-savings, otherwise known as -- moms going crazy with their kids in the house, in the dark from 5 until bed time : ) Anyways ... the naps were causing painful bedtime routines ... too many empty threats to "xy &z, if you don't ab&c RIGHT NOW!" So, no more naps for the girls. The day is a little longer. Although I have the kids watch a show for about 1 hr in the middle of the day so I can get a little break. But you wanna know something fabulous? It is 7:35 pm and the house is quiet and peaceful. I am thinking this is going to be o.k.

The Vote

Which might better be stated, The Historic Vote. Because it is, isn't it? Even while our economy spirals downward, people cheer for the hope that is to come with the newly elected president.

I voted today ... walked down the street to the grange hall. Got my sticker too. Used the sticker to get a free coffee at Starbucks : )

McCain's defeat speech: 2 Thumbs Up
Booing audience: 2 Thumbs Down

Waiting ... waiting for Obama to make his entrance ...

I am very impatient!

Rated R

I had my annual check-up today. I don't completely dread the pap-smear. Well, maybe I do. You'd think after having two kids ... well, I won't go x-rated, but you get the drift. ANYWAYS ... the funniest part was the paper towel "gown." Yeah -- after undressing, you get to put on two paper towel material pieces -- one looks barely like a shirt and the other one is just a big ole Brawny. Oh, and let's not forget the shirt looking one is completely open in the front to allow for the breast examination ... Do men have annual exams? Hmmmm ....

So ...

I am stoked about our "new" fridge. It is a hand-me-down from my aunt and Ryan's pretty sure it's a 90's model. The thing is huge! Double doors, tall and wide. And ... a bottle of wine fits in it standing upright -- cuz that's the most important thing -- the wine. Haha ... No seriously, I am enjoying that everything fits into this fridge with room to spare : )

Flock

Ryan set me up with Flock (flock.com).  If you are an organizer like me and would like to blog, FB, check email, check blogger, (do anything), from ONE location, you will LOVE it!  As always ... why have I gone so long without this gloriously efficient internet tool?

Couldn't Ditch the Boppy

So we have been doing some cleaning around the house and lots of stuff has made it to the thrift store.  Yesterday I brought a large load of give-aways and amongst it was my boppy -- which has lasted two kids, lots of late nights, spit-up and much more.  And I couldn't detach myself from it -- just yet.  This odd feeling of anxiety came over me at the thought of parting with the 3/4 doughnut shaped pillow (I had the cloud pattern).  So, I didn't part with it.  I'll find room somehwere to store it until I am ready to let go of it someday.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

My Parents ...

watched the girls for us on Monday. We brainstormed about what we should do with all of our free time (9 or so hours ...). Ventura was a thought ... but then I am a psycho list maker (and crosser-offer) and I would want to run errands to make the most of our trip, so we scratched Ventura. We ended up just staying local and it was amazing! We hung out at Coffee Connection for a bit, then rode bikes into Ojai for lunch, wandered around the arcade and then rode back home to catch up on some of our shows. The time went by so fast ... it always does. The best part was how relaxing the entire day was ... well ... until we picked up the kids and you know how all of that goes : )

Well ...

I'm sitting outside right now while the girls explore with their flash lights and I get to catch the last glimpse of a beautiful sunset.
I am contemplating running to the store to get some milk because we are out ... but that sounds like a lot of work right now, so I guess that's a no.
I can't even think of anything witty or interesting to blog about ... so this is more of a face book type entry ... bare with me through this dry season of blogging.

Fall Line ...

Okay, so I don't think Disney will be calling me to design their fall line for the Disney Princesses ... but I was pleased as punch with how these dresses turned out. Ariel had gone naked too long ... it was time to clothe her properly. And once Ariel had a new dress, then Cinderella wanted one too. Thank goodness they sew up pretty quickly -- all without a pattern even : )

Fun!

So I know it's not Halloween yet ... but ...

This is like a dream come true for Sage ... Ariel!!!

Fun play date with friends : )

"Kitty"
Sage, 4

I just love ...

...busy and adventure-filled days like these ones. Woke up early to watch the sunrise and go on a photo shoot with Ryan. (I know, sounds professional, huh dear?) Then was treated to lunch at the Emporium ... Mmmmmmmmmm. Then went on a hike with my girls. And to top it off, Ryan fed and put the girls to bed and I took a nap : ) I just love days like these.

Bible Stories

(During lunch at the kitchen table ...)

Me: Girls, what did you learn at church today?
Aspen: Mean dolphin, that was a mean dolphin
Me: A dolphin, huh?
Sage: We learned about Noah ... he didn't die in the whale ...
Me: Oh ... you mean you learned about Jonah and the whale?
Sage: Yeah ....
Aspen: Mean dolphin, mean dolphin.

Wander Pets

Sage: Dad, I know why they are called the "Wonder Pets."
Dad: Really?
Sage: Yeah, they are called that because they wander around everywhere.

I am a paradox

Okay ... so my reading list is ever so long and I am just now starting a book Ryan read 4 years ago, but nevertheless, it seems like the right timing. Brennan Manning (The Ragamuffin Gospel) honestly admits, "...I am a bundle of paradoxes. I believe and I doubt, I hope and I get discouraged, I love and I hate, I feel bad about feeling good, I feel guilty about not feeling guilty. I am trusting and suspicious. I am honest and I still play games. Aristotle said I am a rational animal; I say I am an angel with an incredible capacity for beer." Somehow I was comforted and scared by this honest statement.

Stuff Mart

Yesterday I reorganized my kitchen cabinets. Just because, you ask? Nope. I needed to make room for more stuff! As I was reorganizing I came across a cookbook I was given years ago (Dining on a Dime Cook Book). It actually has lots of wonderful tips on how to save money as a home manager, and it also included a chapter on the importance of de-cluttering your home. She says, "Get rid of the junk you don't need. Half of what you have piled on the floor, the bed, the counter tops, and on your furniture is either trash or something you don't need." Isn't that the truth? Even before reading that statement I was in a de-cluttering mood and now ... watch out STUFF - out you go! And all this stuff talk reminds me of that catchy tune from that Veggie Tales with Madame Blueberry .... yeah, you know which one I'm talking about -- it's like a rap tune or something.

Planes, trains, subways and much more ...

N.Y. City was amazing. Although overwhelming at first, we eventually fell in love with the crowded streets, mass mix of culture and amazing night-life. We toured most of the popular sites, but most enjoyed hanging out at Union Square until 2 a.m. our last night in the City.
The wedding was fun and emotional. Sage twirled until 11pm, never once getting dizzy. While putting her to bed at midnight, she complained, "Mom, my legs hurt." Yuh think?
Flight back to L.A. was long, esp. after only 3 hours sleep. Slept most of the day Saturday and then woke up with enough energy to do some laundry and pack for Hume Lake.
Camp was amazing! My parents were more than awesome with the girls which allowed Ryan and I to work together -- which was so so so so fun.
And now we are back ... and I am so enjoying this day without any agenda or time schedule. The house is a mess and I could care less. We are home and we have been blessed beyond measure over the past two weeks. God is good indeed.
Some day I'll post more pictures ... maybe.

Retirement

My dad retired from the L.A. City Fire Department just last month ... I love this picture -- so much emotion.

Pismo.New York.Hume.Home

Alas the bachelor party (Pismo) has come and gone and N.Y. has arrived -- tomorrow to be exact. My list is getting crossed off ... just the last minute things are left. A mix of emotions has overcome me ... excited, anxious, curious, oh, and absolutely sick of packing (is that an emotion?). We fly back Saturday only to launder our clothes and re-pack them for Hume on Sunday for another adventurous week. Whirlwind.

Lake San Antonio Trip 2008

Cousins : )

Sage wakeboarding with Ryan

Sage sailing with Uncle Jed

Aspen very very tired.

Okay ... it was just a sip ...

Spinning ball

Kate gave us her old Mac computer ... it's the model that came out in all those cool neon colors ... green, pink, etc. The one she gave us is orange. Tonight I was loading a movie to watch and the "spinning beach ball of death," popped up ... and Sage appropriately says, "That means it's frozen mom." I am sure she'll be surpassing my mediocre computer skills in a few days.

Proud

I watched yesterday as Sage rode her bike (w/out training wheels) around and around and around ... needless to say, we are proud. We have some pictures and video that I might getting around to posting ... but for now, just had to write about this is exciting moment.

5:40 A.M.

is about the time my kids have been waking up lately. I'm tired ...

The thin spot ...

Lately I have felt restless. That the is best word I can think of to describe my state. I have been excusing this feeling away by telling myself that it's summer and things are just a bit slower and less busy and so on and so forth. I find myself wanting to do everything and yet wanting to do nothing all in the same moment. There have even been moments of depression ... feeling down ... feeling lost.

When Henri Nouwen, chaplain of 9 years, was granted a 12-month sabbatical his first journal entry read ...

I have always dreamt about a whole year without appointments, meetings, lectures, travels, letters, and phone calls, a year completely open to let something radically new happen. But can I do it? Can I let go of all the things that make me feel useful and significant? I realize that I am quite addicted to being busy and experience a bit of withdrawal anxiety. I have to nail myself to a chair and control these wild impulses to get up again and become busy with whatever draws my attention.

I have not been making time to experience God in the "thin spots," ... that thin area where heaven and earth meet ... where God is fully present and realizable ... And like always I sit and wonder, "Why am I feeling like this?" instead of getting on my hands and knees and getting close to my creator who's cup truly fills my day (or should anyway). Our schedule has slowed down for the summer, and yet I find myself restless instead of rested.

So ...

...last week my mom and I decided to take the girls to the SB zoo. She had been wanting to take them on the train, so we decided she would take the girls on Amtrak and I would pick them up at the train station and then go onto the zoo from there. I boarded the train in Ventura JUST to take a picture of the girls and as I turned to start heading for the exit, I looked out the window and slowly watched the train stop (and my car -- illegally parked) fade away into the distance -- yeah, I got stuck on the train! Everything ended up working out ... but I must admit that I am not a big fan of public transportation. Something about the waiting around and not having control drove me a little nuts. Hmmm ... probably need to stuck on a train again.

Inspirationless

Is that even a word? Not a whole lot of inspiration for the blog lately. Is it a summer-heat thing? Is the blogging thing loosing it's luster? And then even as I write this I think, ah, whatever, don't need to post that ... Writer's block maybe. Oh well ..

Celebrations ...

Gradutation ... bridal shower ... wedding ... all in one weekend. Life is rich and full.

Sage's Birthday

We had a great day yesterday celebrating Sage's 4th Birthday!! Here is a link to the photos ....

Courting a Disney Princess

Just wondering ... what is the average courting period for a Disney princess and her prince charming? Sage and I were watching The Little Mermaid the other day and I always grumble inside when Ariel's fish, bird and crab friends are trying to get Eric to kiss her after only knowing her for 1 day -- AND -- Ariel doesn't even have a voice. All her little animal friends are actually disappointed ...
Anyhow. So, if I count the 3 days that Ariel is on land (after she gains some legs at the cost of loosing her voice), and maybe a few days prior to that, the total courtship is about 5 days. What about Cinderella, Belle, Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Snow White ... etc.?

Gotta love the Internet

I don't think I watched one single episode of Brother's & Sister's for the entire '08 season and all I had to do was watch the season finale on the Internet and now I am all caught up. Doesn't get much better than that!

Ice Cream

Cory gifted us with 4 pints of Ben & Jerry's ice cream Monday night after homegroup. My favorite so far is Mint Chocolate Cookie. Oh my ... it is really quite amazing. I have threatened to toss the pints into the sink and drown them in water various times, but I just can't bring myself to waste such amazing ice cream. Now I remember why I don't by the little pint sized ice creams -- they are way too good to stop eating after just a 1/2 cup ...

: - 1

Some links to further our blogging communication ....

http://www.netlingo.com/smiley.cfm

http://www.fingertek.com/smilies.htm

Anniversary

Celebrating 7 years of marriage : )

Knowing is Loving

It is no wonder that God not only loves me unconditionally, but everyone else in the world too. He knows me. He knows my story, my mistakes, my joys, my sorrows, my ups & downs, and my good and bad decisions. He knows that I wake up every morning and crave a hot cup of tea. He knows that I list my way through life, crossing off accomplishments as I go. He knows my heart and all of the desires of that blood pumping organ.
How much easier is it to love people when we know them? I wish everyone had a little conversation bubble above their heads which gave a brief snapshot of their lives ... and maybe a statement about how they were feeling at that very moment. How much more compassion would I have for others if I actually knew their story instead of inferring my own for them?

Weeds ...

Sage and I were weeding in the front yard today during which she asked the profound question ...

Mom, why did God send the weeds?

No Internet

Well, no, I haven't been avoiding you all. Our Internet was down over the past week so I have been a little out of it. Glad to be back in-touch.

Daddy and Daughters Day One

Guest Blogger: Daddy Ryan!

This weekend, the nursery is all mine. At 10:41am Amber left, and it's just me and the girls for the next two and half days. As Aspen would say, "It's no biggie."

Today we met Todd, Elijah (4) and Lincoln (1) for a morning of adventure.

We met up at a secret location and took the kids on an adventure that I doubt they will they soon forget.

We took them on a journey through 8 ft. high weeds, over a creek, under tunnels made by the trees & past huge boulders, in search of a cave that I hadn't been to in over 10 years.
Sage made it most of they way, Aspen and

Lincoln were held the entire way, and Elijah ran, jumped, and basically somersaulted as he blazed a path for the rest of us to follow.
The thistles were HUGE, & we most likely walked through tons of poison oak, but then, through the brush, looking like something out of an Indiana Jones movie, we saw a giant rock in which the cave was hewn. We made our way up the creek so we could climb inside.



Then, after tromping back through the poison oak, thistle, and weeds, we made it to the trucks and headed off to eat Ojai Ice Cream in the Gazebo at Libby Park.








We made it back to the house just in time for naps, where we all took long naps.

Now I'm just praying that none of us wake up tomorrow with itchy rashes.

Update: No poison oak, just ticks!

Something in the air ...

I am a broken record and this is my most recent song ...

Sage, share.
Aspen, please do not scream.
Sage, you can't just take a toy from your sister's hand ... you need to at least ask first.
Aspen ... do I need to count? 1 ....2 ....3 ....4....
Aspen, please ask nicely.
Sage, share!

Repeat it a few times, changing the tone from polite to not so nice and you might even be able to sing along with me ...

Some other moms have shared that they are struggling through the same thing this week. Something must be in the air. Whatever it is, I wish it would blow away -- fast!

I de-cluttered the house today ...

...which is a funny statement considering I have never pegged myself as a clutter-type person. But, over time, when things aren't put away where they are supposed to, clutter just happens. The kids have been gone all weekend camping with their grandpa, so I thought I would take advantage of my freedom and do some spring cleaning. I can breathe again.

A phone call away ...

Dropping to my knees in prayer has never been part of my life -- until now. Growing up I was always very content with "horizontal prayer," (i.e. laying in my bed, praying, sometimes dozing off). Which is still a great way to pray and makes up some of my prayer time, but, in our most recent women's bible study, Beth Moore, as crazy and wordy as she is, urged me to truly and actively Believe God, part of which (for me anyway), was getting the lowest I could and crying out to God, knowing that He hears my every cry and request.
During the study I was working through some personal dilemmas and was led to drop to my knees in prayer. I say "led" because I didn't feel like I had a choice in the matter. Now, of course, I did because of free will and all of that, but you get what I am saying.
Okay ... why, oh why am I rambling on about my praying habits? Get on with it, Amber.
Well, you see, since these "drop-on-my-knees" prayers started, I seriously feel like God is just a phone call away. I feel a real sense of relationship ... the one I always sing about but don't always feel. And I have to say that I am more than exited at this new change in my spiritual life. It, like my workout routine, often needs change and uprooting in order for further growth to occur.

Active

Ever since my bike ride down Sulfer Mountain my eyes have been open to alternative activities to running. I have ran my entire life and have somehow managed to make it to the gym at least two times a week since I was 17 and had come back from 2 months in Mexico and desperately needed to shed the extra cheese and beans from my body ...
It's been way too many years of the same regime. Time for an impeachment. We traded our single bike buggy for our friend's double buggy and today was my first try at "going to Von's for bread." Huh? I told Ryan the other day that I wanted to start riding my bike as much as I could ... even to go to Von's and get bread. After Von's, we flew back down the bike trail (going home is a breeze), and went a little further to Old Baldwin Road (hwy 150) to buy some fruit from Mr. Produce (is that really his name?). We picked fresh mangos, strawberries, bananas and apples -- all of which fit in the buggy.
Daily activity is a good thing.

Bullets

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind for me. There were and are so many blog-worthy moments and ideas ... but alas, I settle for bullet points.

- Went to Easter sunrise service, sung Easter hymns at nursing homes, came home to sleep and recoup and ate egg scramble, ham steaks and cinnamon rolls for Easter dinner.
- Was whisked away by my sister's on my 30th birthday (3/25) to get a massage, go out to lunch and get manicures and pedicures. Then finished off the night with more shopping with the hubby and a fabulous dinner at TGIF's : )
- Recouped on Wednesday (all that pampering was exhausting!)
- Worked on Thursday and then got to go shopping again for an outfit to wear to my official 30th birthday party. (shopping without the kids -- yeah! thanks mom!)
- Went to the Ranch House on Friday night with family and friends to celebrate my 30th. What a magical night ...

Other highlights ....
- Watched the movie, Trade. A must see, but hard on the heart and soul.
- Had a date day with Sage ... strawberry ice cream and gallery shopping downtown. She kept thanking me for taking her out ... guess I need to do that a lot more often!
- My dad underwent his first round of radiation on Thursday (he has undergone various chemo-therapy treatments but his new doctor wanted to go forward with the radiation).
- Found out my little sister is pregnant! Makes for 7 grandkids in 4 years!! Go sistas!
- Went to the women's tea with my mom today -- we never get mom/daughter time, so that was pretty special.


Now I am up to date!

Don't finish the novel ...

Pastor Paul encouraged us this week "not to finish the novel." Huh? He was talking about holy week and the events leading up to Jesus' death, including the death itself. He said, "Stop! Linger, wallow and experience the crucifixion of Christ this entire week, and don't go any further until Easter morning." He argued that without meditating on what occurred before the resurrection, how can we feel the full joy of the resurrection itself? So I got out my bible yesterday morning and read Mathew's account of the events leading up to the resurrection. I am hoping to read Mark's view today and then Luke's, etc. Still, it is difficult to find that quiet time to really reflect upon this entire subject, esp. with kids running around, snacks, lunch, dinner, etc. to be prepared, dishes to be cleaned, etc. But, God knows this. He knows everything. Hey, if you get a chance, come to the labyrinth, hosted by OVCC. If it doesn't get you into the mood I am not sure what else will.

www.ovcc.org

F.I.N.E.

Freaked Out
Insecure
Neurotic
Emotional

I was at the OBGYN today and a woman sitting in the waiting room was quietly crying. After a while she was called into see the doctor. I happened to look up when she was re-entering the waiting room. Fresh tears filled her eyes. She left the office swiftly and within 5 seconds I decided to follow after her. I caught her just as she was getting into her car and from a distance I said, "Excuse me, are you okay?" She had her cell phone up to her ear, but she responded, "Yes, I am fine."
I don't know what news she received. A possible miscarriage? Perhaps the loss of hope of having children at all? Whatever the news, nothing about her was "fine."
Of course, I am a stranger, so maybe, "I'm fine," seemed pretty appropriate. Whatever the case, it broke my heart to see this woman in pain and I pray God's healing on her heart.

Craigslist is Trafficking

Did you know that Craigslist is serving as a portal for human trafficking? Here is the article. Here is the main website to learn more. Awareness is the first step.