Krista's Wedding

Happy One Week Krista and Drew!
Here are some pictures...I still haven't been able to post my pics...but thank you Debbee, Emily, and Heather for yours. :)
The celebration started at the rehearsal...when you heard over and over about what wonderful people Drew and Krista were. And over and over...seriously, two of the best people you will ever meet. I told Drew that we have been praying for him for years and years....and God provided. The wedding was beautiful...we all wore fun and funky colored shoes (including the bride) and we had bright fun flowers, and the stage was set so perfectly with eclectic put together trees made by a sexy man I like to call B2. There was great food in the park and fun dancing with goofy hats and glasses. The Three Musketeers sang and danced to Richard Marx's "Right Here Waiting" and new friends were made while dancing to "Boom, Boom". Thank you Krista and Drew for falling in love and making this world a better place because of who you are and the love you share with others.
In no order at all...some of my favorite pictures of the day...

My Memory of Michael Jackson

Living in Southern California we see the traffic...we see the craziness...we see our dollars being spent on the circus that is surrounding the Memorial of Michael Jackson. Is it a little crazy?...yes...BUT as I read and listen I am a little saddened by our response. I have heard more bad jokes and whining about MJ and the bad press that follows him. Yes, I agree he was a little strange...all the surgeries, the trials, and the crazy names for his kids...Blanket, really? However, as a Christian I can't see why any of that matters. When I die....I pray, for my childrens sake, that you don't talk about how I got a divorce, how I had sex out of marriage and produced a child from that, I ask that you don't talk about how I was a liar, how I hurt people. If anything, I pray that you remember that I was one of God's children too. And so I will remember that MJ brought people together with this wonderful song....how he made a difference in people's life's, how he wrote songs that brought up real stuff, and that the same God that loves and died for me loves and died for MJ also.

Wedding!

Tomorrow is the big day....and I am sooo excited! It is a day I have been looking forward to since.. forever. One of my BFF's...1/3rd of the Three Musketeers is getting married! I have really been thinking about what she has been in my life...and I have realized that she is a HUGE part of why I am me. She is one of those people who helps you be a better person. I have made some pretty big mistakes and bad decisions but being around her or even listening to her wisdom I knew I could always come back...I knew that even through all of those bad choices she still loved me and through her I could see that God still loved me. It is true what they say....your best friends love you even when they know the real you. So I hope to have some amazing pictures next week of the wedding!

Reflections (Post title stolen from Gina)

1. My laptop has been wacky...our horrible cable/internet service stinks...so when my laptop is good and I have time our cable/internet goes out. TWC STINKS!
2. One week from today one of my bestest friends is getting married, this year we realized we have been friends for 25 yrs. Do you have one of those kinds of friends? I love it...all of our history and knowing that we will have a future. I am sooo excited to share in this part of her life as she marries the man of her dreams and I am excited to be gaining a new family member in him. We have waited for this day and I am going to go out and buy water proof makeup because we are criers.
3. Father's Day....was awesome. I was tired and cranky, didn't want to do anything but sleep. Went to an Angels game with the family and had a wonderful time. Thought about how lucky I am that I have two great Father's that love me very much. My heavenly father and earthly father...and I can look up to them both and know 100% that they both have my back and love me for me. And I also realized how blessed I am that my children have an amazing father in Brandon. Being a single Mom is tough...most good men don't want your baggage. Brandon willingly took my baggage...I gave him many opportunities to get out. But he took on my baggage and loves my kids more than I could ever dream of. Thank you Brandon.
4. Jon & Kate Plus 8...makes me sick. Tired of them, tired of people feeling sorry for her. Why is infidelity the "worser" thing? Um, last I looked she pretty much stripped the man of all his dignity. He said it himself..."I didn't choose to be a stay at home Dad, the decision was made for me." I understand both sides...she feels betrayed because supposedly he was with another women. However he just wants to feel loved and respected and since his wife doesn't seem to have much of either towrds him he is just saying "Amen, now I can try and gain some respect and feel loved again." Either way it stinks for the kids and I hope they totally pull the show off the air.
5. My teeth are much better. AMEN! But I am not done and now see why brushing and flossing is not enough...you should actually go to the dentist and have them clean your teeth also. I don't do this....I am stupid.
6. My children have been gone for a week now....I am excited for the freedom on being childless however realized I have packed way too much into the short time they are gone and am just as stressed and busy and saved no time to just rest and relax.
Ashley called me yesterday...and than we hung up...and than she called me again. She talks a lot...she could sit on the phone all day. Last night I started to really miss Ethan. I was reminiscing when it was just he and I. Wondering if any other 25 yr old women had a 2 yr old for a best friend....I would talk to him like he was my age...lol. Good thing Brandon came into the picture or the poor kid would still have to listen to me. :)
7. Deaths always come in threes....a little creepy. And how do we let someone get $400 Million in Debt when I can't get a measly home loan?
8. I can't think of anything else...I had more but my brain stopped...does yours do that. Just stop.

Great Friend, Great Cake

Our church is lucky enough to have a wonderful Woman's Minister....and I am blessed to call her a friend also. It is her birthday tomorrow so we got together on Monday for a little pre birthday fun. I was in charge of dessert. I had seen this cake in different blogs with different colors and many more layers. I had to try it. I love to bake...and try and decorate cakes. Usually Brandon has to take over because I am ruining it or it gets thrown away. I found my signature cake....Brandon still helped. But I am claiming this cake as mine! He gets everything else...this is my "happy, happy, fun cake." And Happy Birthday again AT, you are absolutely amazing!

A little deeper

Not that Angels games and Bridal Showers aren't deep.....but my brain is going a hundred miles a minute and I haven't trapped any of it in word lately. Not that I am any good at it because it is usually going too fast. :) Just finished a great book....Crazy Love by Francis Chan. And I have been challenged...in many ways. So I will be tackling one at a time. As of lately one of my biggest challenges has been....Why? Why did he forgive me? Why did he die for my sins? I know he loves me and having children I say I would do anything for them....but I still don't get it. In society we put sins on different levels and think..."he forgave that one but oh, this one is so much bigger." And I can not comprehend why sometimes. Guilt is such a big problem for me.....and I know it is just Satan digging as far as he can. I have read a few things that have made me think....not answering the questions, but gave me something more to think about. I read a blog...that had a quote from a book..."From Eternity to Here" by Frank Viola. I know NOTHING about this book or the author, just the phrase I read in someone's blog. It said....
You have a Lord who wishes to cherish you. Neither your fallen nature nor your sins are an obstacle for Him. He has dealt with them thoroughly, completely, and willingly by His death and resurrection.
So I read that and thought...ok, yeah, heard that before, I get it. But do I act like I got it, no. But I read something else....the difference between what I should should be doing and what I am doing. He is talking about Mary Magdalene...
“Indeed, Mary of Magdala is a study in undying love. I ask you: What provoked such unending devotion? It was simply this: Mary believed the Lord’s opinion of her. She took His opinion of herself rather than her own. In doing so, love was awakened within her own heart for Christ…
Mary believed the Lord's opinion of her. Do I believe the Lord's opinion of me....or do I get wrapped up in what society says about me, do I compare myself, do I listen to people's pointless opinions. Yep, I do all of those.
And I love this one....(thank you Amanda)....I think this is the way to live.

What other people think of you is none of your business!

Last Month in Review

It's been a busy one so I will just catch up through pictures.


Some Angels games and a little tailgating.


Ethan receiving his award for the OC Marathon.


Debbee T's birthday breakfast at the best breakfast spot in San Marino, Julienne's.

A Lovely Bridal Shower for one of my BFFs.

And we played a fabulous game....Love songs through the decades and we got to keep a C.D. of some great Love Songs.

So I listen to it at work...over..and over...and over again. My favorites right now.
I'll Have to Say I Love You in a Song by Jim Croce.
To Make You Feel My Love (Kris Allen,American Idol version)...although I love Garth.
The Book of Love by The Magnetic Fields....loving this one for some reason...and he words sort of crack me up.
Love is All Around by The Troggs.


Countdown...23 DAYS!

Triathlon #2, Event #5 of 2009

I know that I have lots to catch up on but I HAD to tell you about my Triathlon. It was at the same park as the last one and this one was sooooo much better.
First of all the swim was half of the last one so that helped.
Big debate before the race if we wear swimsuits or not. We wouldn't be in the water long so we shouldn't get too cold out there, but they keep the less talented swimmer more bouyant (I have no idea how to spell that word). Less transition time without the wetsuit. So I caved in and didn't wear a wetsuit. Get there and see that we are 2 out of maybe 5 women not in wetsuits, so panic set in a little bit. Especially when a seasoned triathlete came up to me in my two piece speedo outfit and said "Wow, you're hardcore." Followed with my nervous giggle. Brandon and Drew started in the heat before us.

Then it was our turn....

And remember the panic of my last swim....not so much. Thanks to Billy B. I did the backstroke the whole way. :) He told me that I would excert less energy and get further with the backstroke than with my backwards frog kick stroke..lol. And I did. Don't open this picture any bigger...not a pretty sight but I just wanted to show you that there were people behind me...I was not the last one out of the water. And I am not in a crazy panic like last one.

And here my partner in crime and I are leaving the transition together...I had to put this picture up. Remember how she forgot her helmet last time, well she remembered it this time. HOWEVER, (I love you Debbee) although she remembered her helmet she forgot to put it on the right way and wore it backwards the whole race. I'm in red and she is in pink. :)

I guess I will add a cool picture of Brandon, this was him finishing his bike section (great pic from our photographer Krista!)

Bike course...cake compared to the last one. I got a road bike and oh, what a difference it makes. I love me some mountain biking but the road bike goes a lot faster when you are on the road. But I won't lie...I still got passed a lot. So frustrating when (pardon me) very large people pass you with ease when you are working hard and say "Great job". Arrgghh...I'll catch them on the run. :)

And here is the whole crew finishing.




The run went well....I have learned that your legs are mush but only for the first mile so I pushed through that and once again, I did not get passed. Well, if you want to count the 13 yr old girl that sprinted past me at the end I guess you could count that. I actually ran with a little group of 12 adn 13 yr olds at the end and they pushed me to a hard finish. I was soo impressed by all the random people out there competing. Kids...I mean little kids out there. There was an athlete who was a double leg amputee, there was a young man (don't know the correct term) but he was in a wheel chair and could not talk or walk and he did it with a partner. Over sized people. It was just super impressive to participate in an event where there were so many different people and everyone is sooo friendly. I think because it is such a small field compared to the running only races. And I am very blessed to have a husband a group of friends who enjoy doing this so we can do it as a community.

WE DID IT!

And of course we had to get a group photo with the photographer and our little cheering crew. Thanks friends! Now on to train for another 5K PR.

Need Help

First of all, I still have not gotten my teeth taken care of. I want to complain about our insurance but I need to be greatful that I have access to dentists that can take care of this thing ....and I have money to pay for all of my million visits. I went in on Tue...my insurance wouldn't pay so no root canal. I went in yesterday...and my insurance would pay however they only have a specialist in one day a month who can do it and he will be back in about 2 or 3 weeks. Not happening, not going to make it until than. So I had an apt for this morning....just found out they won't take my insurance. The kind receptionist is on the hunt to find someone that can get me in today.....so I am PATIENTLY waiting.
In other news....the kids will be gone and so we are cleaning out the rooms. And I am talking "clean sweep"...out with the old and in with the new. Ashley is getting a new bed and needs a new "theme". Can't decide...and we are NOT asking her opinion. She likes everything anyways...one of those kids that jsut gets excited. I show her one thing and she is like "Oh, I love it..we could do this and that." And than moments later I show her another room and get the same response. So here are the 4 that I like...she is 7 and I am hoping that this can stick with her for a bit so which ones do you like?

Maybe?

Maybe tomorrow will be the day where I can start functioning again.....
these last three weeks have been a blur due to pain. I have realized that I am absolutely NO good when I am not 100%. I am getting a root canal today and I am THRILLED. And I truly mean that because I think in 24 hrs I will be able to fully function again. Can we get an amen! I am no good to anyone in this state. However I do have to share a few things that have happened in the last month or so.
I ran the Orange County Half Marathon....not enough preparation so I didn't PR but it was fun and beautiful and I did it. And than on Memorial Day (after a few nights of very little sleep) I ran a 5k. This one I had been preparing for...running and even doing a few sprint workouts and I totally PR'd. I was pretty excited...ran 22:47...which is abuot a min faster than my best one. Of course I Brandon had to go and outrun me with a 22:41....but remember, very little sleep, painful tooth...lol. And I still have the 4th of July 5k....that will be my comeback. :)
And lastly I got to participate in something new....took a new friend out from Colette's Home. It is a place for either abused or homeless woman to go and get some help...get a fresh start. I met with a young single Mom who was homeless before she got in touch with Colette's Home. We did lunch and a movie and it was great. I was asked to just mention it on our new blog for the Womans Ministry so go check it out. Let me tell you.....it is so ODD to hear yourself talk and than to watch yourself. First thing out of my mouth "Do I really talk like that, is that what I sound like?" And than I proceeded to make fun of myself and my head bobs..so go laugh at me too. And for those of you who haven't met me in real life...I don't believe that is really my voice, or bouncy attitude, but whatever...lol. :)
http://womenatfcc.blogspot.com/

I feel like I have been gone forever so I don't know how to catch up. I am tired and have been having teeth problems turned into face, jaw, and ear problems so I am not sleeping well. I'm a little bit cranky a lot so I will just send you to my children's blog site for now....they got their haircuts and I have before and afters.
Last night I went to the first of many wedding events for the summer....one of my best friends sister's, Sarah, who has been a great friend to me too. My biology partner back in high school....and so much more. It was one of the sweetest showers I have been too and it is neat to see how many people love Sarah....and how much Dean loves her. There was this adorable game where the bridesmaids asked Dean questions and Sarah had to guess how he would respond...than we would hear his answer. The last one was "How do you like to be romantic?"...and than wham, he was at the shower to read a sweet poem he wrote to her. You could see that he truly loves her the way a man should love a woman...it was just too sweet. Ok, so here is the kids blog.

http://bnsbruce.blogspot.com/

Mothers Day Poem to me...

Ethan brought home a poem for me for Mothers Day.

The important thing about my mom is that she loves me.
It is true that she in an accountant and has blond hair.
She is also funny and she is 32 years old.
My Mom drinks a lot of coffee, she is awesome, kind, cool, and fun too.
My Mom loves country music, goes on Facebook a lot, and is tall.
But the important thing about my Mom is that she loves me.

Even though I was hoping for something like "She is a Godly woman who loves people" it just shows that my son knows me. I am a coffee drinking fool who is on Facebook too much and makes my kids listen to country music....while being awesome and cool and fun!

Because He Lives

I think I am finally back!
My computer was out of commission...it got fixed...my camera was out...got fixed...our internet service was bad at our house...that, and it has been a busy month has left me behind. But Rick has motivated me to get on here. And hopefully this week I can catch up on this past month.
On Mother's Day our church choir sang in the Classic Service. We have different venues...Main Church, Video Cafe, Overdrive, and Classic. I haven't been to classic but knew they (choir) were going to be singing so I thought I would give it a shot. At first not realizing that it was Mother's Day I thought I would just go listen to them sing but than it made it even more special that I got to sit with my Mom on Mothers Day. In Classic you use a hymnal book, I don't think I have had to look up a song in at least 20 years..seriously. And the choir got up and sang...Because He Lives. Rick wrote a blog mentioning that he noticed I teared up and was wondering what I was thinking (first I have to call Rick out because I told my Mom and she said "What, I only look at Don, we are supposed to look at Don"...she is such a rule follower...lol) So I thought I would share. Honestly, I was just thinking of how beautiful it was...the choir sounded beautiful, the words were beautiful. Different things touch us and mine is music. I hadn't heard that song in forever...probably 20 yrs also...but it was beautiful and I remembered most of the words. When I really sit down and think about why that song brings tears to my eyes I really started thinking. 20 years ago I was a young, sweet, naive little girl. I knew God loved me back than, I knew Jesus came to love, heal, and forgive. And now, 20 years later I am not the young, sweet, and naive little girl. In fact I have made some ugly choices, some nasty sins....BUT the amazing thing is GOD IS STILL THE SAME GOD. He still loves, heals, and forgives. And to know that "Because He Lives, I can face tomorrow"...it felt good. And to hear such beautiful voices remind me of that was a blessing. So thank you Rick, Mom, Don...and the rest of the Choir.

Laptop Down!

My computer/laptop is still fine however my battery died this week....totally gone. So I have no laptop...I have access to my computer at work and Brandon "allows" me to use his when he is not using it. Which is funny because he is always using it. So this has been sort of a good process for me....slowly healing my addiction to Facebook and Blogging..lol. Brandon is on a bike ride right now so I thought I would try and catch up my blog.
This past week was Brandon's 29th birthday...starting his 30th year in life. And I said I would cook for him so I slaved away in the kitchen and I present to you....

My tomato/mozzarella salad! He's the better cook so nothing I can do is going to be better than what he makes so I keep it simple. :) But I enjoy celebrating every year I have with him. I was blessed when he came into my life....not many men would have taken the baggage but he accepted and embraced it and I don't thank him enough.
I have been reading two books that constantly challenge me...Crazy Love and ENOUGH. That last one is really challenging the way I live. I have realized that I do a good job of seeking and challenging myself....but it is no good if you don't follow through with the challenges...after the 1st day. :) So I am praying that I start to put things into practice that I learn. One thing I really need to fix is myself...I made myself sick to my stomach this week by eating too much candy. I don't understand how as an adult I can literally not control myself and I make myself sick from sugar. REALLY?? So once again I am going to try and refrain from too much sugar...I feel like I say this every few months BUT this time it really bummed me out and I realize how much it affects my energy and mood. Well....today will be a fun day in the park, meeting some new friends and Ethan's birthday party. Pictures will soon follow. :)

Happy Easter....belated.

He has Risen and what a beautiful day it was!
We decided to wake up early along with the rest of the "crew" that does this weekly and we volunteered to work the 8am service. We weren't as prepared and the Easter bunny got the baskets out in time but didn't get the eggs hidden. The alarm was set for 530 and Ashley came in and woke me up at 445...and she was the one I was worried about getting up early. I told her to go to sleep and she did...in Ethan's room after she woke him up. So I had to inform the kids I "forgot" to take the eggs out of the refrigerator last night so the Easter bunny was not able to hide the eggs. They were fine and said they would give me some time to go hide them....outside. So I hid them and we were out on our front lawn at 6 running around looking for eggs. I better our neighbors loved us...running around giggling looking for hidden eggs. So being up that early we made it to church at 740....perfect timing. I always enjoy seeing the little kids in their new outfits. Things I enjoyed most....1)At all 3 of the services in the Lightouse hearing Travis yell "Lets sing Jesus Loves Me".."Why, because he loves us and died for our sins!" 2)Watching the kids run out of the building screaming for hidden eggs. 3)Sitting around the dinner table laughing so hard I was crying.
Here are some pictures we got...LOVING the family picture and I am guessing you might see the outfits in a few more pictures when we get our "family photo" done.

And my laptop battery died so I have no laptop...AUGH...I had to sneak in on Brandon's computer to just post this (AND ONLY GOT ONE PICTURE UP)but hopefully I will be up and running soon or else..did I say AUGH!!!!