Winding down..

Yesterday we surprised the kids with a late day trip to Sea World to finish off summer. They were excited especially because Darren joined us. Kennedy faced another fear and joined
D on Atlantis. Atlantis is a big ol roller coaster that has a huge water drop as the first drop; she freaked out, but made it to the end (like she had a choice or something). We ventured over to Elmo's playland where the kids rode on some fun rides (mini grown up rides). We haven't gone in to that area this summer because there are characters walking around and Michael freaks out. I convinced him that they only come out at certain times and right then they weren't going to be there. Luckily, I was right. The kids rode up w/D in the Sky Tower ride and checked out all of San Diego - another first for them. Sea World night time is really cool. The "Shamu Rocks" night show was really pretty with all the lights and stuff. That show was the last thing we did then the fireworks came. We said "so long" to summer during the amazing fireworks and came home. So much for trying to get the kids back on early bedtime routines.

Today our friends Cleveland and Reagan are over for swimming and hanging out. Right now they are all playing Wii and laughing and talking all "cool". They grow up so fast.

The following verse has nothing to do with the above, but I like it and felt like sharing..we all need a little reminder once in a while. I know, I do.

Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

Praise & Thanks

An old friend of Darren and mine had a terrible family tragedy recently. His 15 year old son, Cooper, was drinking with friends and had way too much. Yes, I said 15!! The short of the story is that he threw up and then aspirated. Rushed to the hospital they did not know whether he would live or die. They put him in a forced coma to let his body heal and they waited to see if he would recover and if so how much brain damage he would have. This is where the praise and thanks be to our glorious God is. As of today, Cooper is out of the coma, off the machines and will be moved to a regular room sometime today or tomorrow. The doctors are astonished at his recovery. They thought the best case scenario would be that he would be in the hospital through September. They are talking about releasing him really soon. "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man" Psalm 118:8

WOW!!! Can you just scream?! God is AWESOME!! This is just another reminder that God is in control, not us.

I used this as a teaching moment with Kennedy. I shared Cooper's experience with drinking and also how God was there for him. Right after I told Kennedy how he is doing she immediately said "praise God".

Bunko Anyone??

I am so ready to get back into GIRLS NIGHTS OUT!! and I reminded myself how much I loved bunko nights. Would anyone like to start up a FUN & CRAZY bunko group or game nights? Do you have any FUN FRIENDS that would be interested in joining too?? If so, let me know! I want to get this going by October, if possible. BUNKO REQUIRES ZERO SKILL!! It can be taught to you in about 1 minute.

Come on Girlies!! Let's have GNO!!!

Burnt Out!

As much as I look forward to summertime and the lack of a routine, I am just plain burnt out! How about you? I am ready for school to start and routine to come back to our lives. I know that the first week I will be regretting the words I am saying, but that's how I feel at this moment.
Today we were suppose to go to the beach with friends, but we aren't going. Darren has baseball stuff to get organized and I have to find Kennedy school shoes. That's not an easy task here in Temecula with the limited shoe stores here. We've already hit the mall with no luck. She (we) are picky when it comes to shoes. Kenn has been wearing flip flops all summer so it's been easy.

I am trying to get into a new book "The Other Boleyn Girl", but I can't seem to get with it. Maybe once the kids go back to school. It's not like the Twilight series - couldn't put those books down.

Last night D and I went to a wedding held at The Aviara Resort in Carlsbad. This was the most beautiful event I have gone to. There wasn't a detail left undone. Portia (the bride) was an employee of Darren's a few years ago and loves him to pieces. She really made him (us) feel important. She seated us close, her Mom came up to our table right away and spoke to him so kindly, she left us a note that she wanted us to take home the beautiful centerpiece, etc...... He was hesitant to go because it had been a years since he had seen her. He didn't realize what an impression he made on her. He really groomed her to be the professional woman that she is today. That made him feel really good. He needed that reminder that he was/is an effective manager. We danced, feasted on filet mignon & lobster and ate yummy cake. What a great date night we had. My sister hung with the kids and spoiled them as usual; the mall, Ruby's and slushies with their new slushy maker (thanks Sis). You are the best!!!!!

I guess that I should get going... chat with you soon.

Fun with Friends in Palm Desert

We started off our trip at Knotts Soak City. The kids had a BLAST!! Michael was tall enough to go on just about everything and he took full advantage of that. The kids could not get enough of the gigantic water slides. I could not believe that Michael didn't wipe out on a couple of them; they were totally hairy!! I even freaked out (that's not saying much... I'm a whimp!) The wave pool was totally fun too! The kids LOVED it!! I wasn't able to take pictures because I was riding too. As usual, the Esmeralda was did not disappoint. We met up with Hoop, Lori and Lainey at the pool when we arrived and we hung out with them the rest of the time there. Pool play was the main event of the week. The kids only got out to eat a quick bite and it was back to the pool for more fun and games. Wednesday night was the "dive in" movie at the pool where "High School Musical" was showing. The kids had a blast night swimming while watching one of their favorite movies. Michael got out to dance at the end. It was so darn cute!!

This week is all about getting on a school timeline for bed, baths, etc. I am not looking forward to it. Also, last minute errands to get the kids ready for school.

Tonight Jenn, Amy, Kimi & I are going to Lori's for a jewelry party. I love "girls night out"!!!

Have a great day! God Bless!!

k

Outta Here!!

Well.. we are off to Palm Springs tomorrow morning for a few days. We are starting off the trip with a day at Knotts Soak City. The kids are soooo looking forward to it. Right now they are running around the house like banchi's (spelling?). After KSCity we are heading to The Esmeralda and packing it in for the next couple of days. We are meeting some friends there (Hoop, Lori and Lainey) so it should be fun for all. The kids are looking forward to the movies at the pool and all of the junk food that I am taking with us. I think that I can speak for Darren that we both are looking forward to The Esmeralda bloody Mary's poolside. If you haven't had one, you are missing out. No phones, no blackberry, no obligations... sounds like the best thing next to heaven. We sure need this trip.

I wish you all a great week. I'll miss reading your blogs.
K

Ready to get back to life

So last night I finished book 4 and I am ready to get back to life. I am sure that Darren misses me too because any free moment I was ready these crazy books and ignoring him.

Let's catch up...

A couple weeks ago Kennedy attended horse camp. It was an all day camp for a week. The kids were given a horse of their own to take care of and ride. Her horse was named Abel and Kennedy adored him. It was a last minute thing as we were on a waiting list. They called on Monday morning about 9am and said that someone didn't show up and would Kennedy like to join them. Without even thinking, I said "yes" we were on our way and Kennedy now has a love for horses more than before. She fed, clean up after them (not her favorite), groomed, rode and played fun horseback games. They taught the kids vaulting too. It is kinda like gymnastics/ballet via horseback. Kennedy actually stood up on a Clydesdale type horse as well as a few other poses. The last day was parent's day so that we could see what our children have been doing all week. It was great fun to watch her, so proud of herself and what she had learned. They handed out ribbons for the various contests they had and Kennedy recieved the first 1st place ribbon of the day!! It was for something called pole balling (or something like that). She received other ribbons, but nothing like that first one. That's all she wanted.

We also went to the beach - San Clemente. Nice beach, hadn't been there before. Darren joined us too. I love it when that happens.


Kennedy had drama camp this week. She was selected with about 8 other kids from her drama class at school to participate in this week long coaching class. She was all pumped up to go, but then she found out that she would have to stand up, alone (key word being alone) and deliver a monologue in front of the class. She was cool with the other skills that they were learning and practicing because they were always with another person (dialog). Fortunately, by the end of the week she did it without a problem in front of the class. This class is to teach/coach kids who want to be in film/commercials/tv. The teachers have been in the business for many years and have kids at Linfield. They also have an agency that will send the kids out on auditions (once they are trained/ready). They gave us a really good book that informs parents on the business with real life situations, making sure that we really want to get into this crazy business. I asked Kennedy if this is something that she really wants and she said "no". I am realived because besides the obvious reasons for not wanting you child in show business, it is a full time job for us parents and I am not a big fan of driving to LA. What I liked most about participating in drama is that she is learning valuable skills for her future, especially public speaking. I hope to continue in the Fall with the classes for just that reason.

Michael will be starting baseball next month and guess who is going to be his Manager/Coach.. yep.. D. He is a little nervous as he doesn't want to blow it and turn the kids off of baseball forever. They had a big meeting of all the team managers/coaches and he is up for the challenge (plus he was told that at 4 they are more into snacks then baseball). I of course, offered to get him all organized with the snack shack schedule, team phone book, pizza partys, etc. I may have scared him a little :)

Last night was fun. Our church had a big shin dig with jumpers and a screening of the new Veggie Tales movie. Fun Family Night! Darren tried to bail on us and play golf with his buddies, but came to his senses at the last minute and was there for the kids and me. Am I lucky or what?!

We are having friends over tonight for swimming and bbq ..Seth, Kolby and Kelsey (pictured w/out Seth). We have known them since we first moved here. Kennedy and Seth were in play group together. Mom & Dad are going out for their anniversary tonight. Sounds like fun to me!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY FAVORITE BROTHER, GREGOR!! I LOVE YOU!!
Have a great day.
K

Going Crazy!!

I am going nuts!! I finished book 3 last night of the vampire series and I am waiting (not so patiently, I might add) for Jenn to finish up the last book. She would have finished last night, but fell asleep. I get that, but I am so impatient that I almost threw down $17 to buy the new one. I had to get a grip on myself and wait for just a day for Jenn to finish (you better finish tonight girlfriend).

Kennedy started a drama workshop today. It goes all week and is by invitation only. There were only about a dozen kids there. The coach is from her school camp last school year. She invited Kennedy to participate feeling that she has good potential to be a tv/film actor. Today though, she was somewhat shy at the beginning of class and really didn't want to read her monologue in front of the class. She opened up later and really showed her stuff. Who knows what will come of these workshops, but my hope is to help her confidence in speaking in front of people, etc. It couldn't hurt, right?! Included in the literature the coach gave us was a copy of a book that broke down what it takes to be a film/tv actor with a big dose of reality. It sure doesn't sound like fun to me. I don't even know if this is what she really wants to do, but I'll do it as long as she wants to do it.

While Kennedy was at her workshop, Michael went over to his best pal, Reagan's house. They swam and played. He never wants to leave - they have so much fun together. Partners in crime!!

Our friend Lainey is coming over tomorrow for the whole day. She is 3 and a sweet angel. Michael is really excited about it. I'm off to clean up a bit before I go to bed.
It will be an early night as I don't have the 4th book.... I'm kinda sad about that.
Good Night.

OH!! It's my Mother-in-Laws B.day - HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRIS!! Hope you had a GREAT day!!

Darn you girls!!

I am less than 100 pages to the end of the second book and I can't stop!! Why did I listen to you girls and start on this vampire journey?? I had to take a break and shut the house up for the night, including my computer. It is a very intenst part... Bella and Alice are heading off to Italy to find Edward....poor Jacob! I guess that it will be another late night...

Rodda Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Rodda Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Family tree outline - Family websites

By 3 Strokes....

As mentioned before, Michael introduced Uncle Mark to his new obsession (Marks), the Wii, by creaming him on his big screen in front of us all. Well... UM bought his own and practiced and practiced and challenged our sweet little 4 year old to a re-match. It was held this past weekend. Michael, who has kinda lost interest in playing it (ok.. it's me... I want him to play outside) stood up to big ol (not old) Uncle Mark and while he put up a good match (in between leaving the room to get drinks of water and stop by the piano to play), he lost by 3 strokes. He did say "good game Uncle Mark".

I think what distracted him was meeting his cousin Jake. He is about to turn 4 and the two played all day together. Michael introduced Jake to Wii too and they played most of the day. While the boys were having fun, Kennedy played with baby Olivia. She is now 9 months old and pure joy! What a living doll she is with the most beautiful big eyes that have such sparkle in them. Her smile is contagious! Kennedy loves babies, especially baby girls like Olivia. She could have played with her all day long as if she were hers.

I'm Hooked!

Ok so you were all right.... I am now officially addicted to the Stephanie Meyer books!! Who would have thought that I would get into vampire books? Certainly NOT ME!!

I finished "Pride and Predjudice" yesterday morning and decided to give the vampire books a try because so many of you TOLD ME to. I popped over to Jenn's to grab book number one (thanks to Kimi making sure that I got a copy). I started reading it around 4pm and at close to 1am had to make myself go to sleep (with only about 40-50 pages to go). I prayed over and over last night to God to help me not have vampire dreams because I ended the reading last night at a really crazy part of the book. I woke up dying to read the rest and by 11:15am I was finished. This is a 500+ book!!

Today Kristin and the kids came over to play and swim (from 12-2) and I knew that I had to get the kids ready and leave by 2:35 to go to the dentist. I couldn't stop thinking about getting my hands on the second book. My favorite husband was so sweet.. he went to Target and picked me up "New Moon" just in time for me to leave for the dentist. I couldn't wait to get to the waiting room to sit and devour it. Of course today they decide to get us right back instead of making us wait a half hour after our scheduled time.

Good News - NO CAVITIES!!!! See kids why I save soda for special occassions??!!!

All is good now, the kids swam for an hour after we got home and I am reading feverishly. I'll keep you posted friends!!

If you haven't read these books - READ THEM!!!
Love,
K