There's No Place Like Home

“…and they were only $5.95!” I held my new shoes up like a prized trophy for my family to see, pointing out the original half torn, price tag from Nordstrom.


“Hold me.” The toddler reached up his arms then impatiently began to wrap himself in and between my legs. Apparently, no else in my family appreciates the thrill of a great bargain like I do.

I had scored at the local thrift store.  It was closed for a few months while they were remodeling. I knew we were probably going to be paying for that remodel with higher prices. With high hopes I went to check it out anyway.

Be still my beating heart. Shoes in every shape and color, rows upon rows of them, I reached out and began running my fingers delicately over the cutest pairs. They caught my eye immediately, a brand new looking pair of thick soled, classic, red flats with a petite red bow across the top. They fit snugly. These will be perfect for my upcoming trip to New York!

This casual California girl could make in the big city with these fabulous red shoes. I’d fit right in. I’d be fashionable and sophisticated. I’d be relaxed, raise my hand and taxis would rush to offer me their services. I’d walk and look like I knew where I was going, because, I was. I was going to New York!

I’d exited the subway too early. No worries. These red shoes could have been Dorothy’s ruby, red slippers. Like magic, they carried me for blocks and blocks and more blocks but who’s counting? Maybe it was the thrill of being in the Big Apple, maybe the exhaust fumes from all the taxis that never stopped, that left me a little light headed. Whatever it was, I deny the existence of red, tender spots forming on my feet, when we finally check in at our hotel.

We met up with friends, said our hellos and headed for the nearest pub. Everyone was energized and distracted by the excitement of traveling across the country, so I pointed out my great bargain to the girls. “Nice! Cute.” They ooohed and awed. They were duly impressed.

I was grateful when we collectively decided to stop for a shake at some “famous” shake shop. My feet were pinching and throbbing. I am in New York. No one gets blisters in New York! I was nearly hobbling as we headed back to the hotel, “Oh! Already? The night is still young!” I cringed with every step.

Large, swollen and stinging blisters raged angrily at me. My heels glared, “How could you?” We had been betrayed, for $5.95.

I pulled out my old, faithful flip-flops and looked forward to going home.

Why not?

I noticed online a bunch of mom's hosting back-to-school breakfasts & parties. Well, since we eat breakfast everyday, it never occurred to me to make a 'special' one for the first day of school. HOW could I have not thought of this myself!?!

So today I made an extra special breakfast just because. It's not officially the first day of school but hey, it's Monday! That counts right? I served parfaits in wine glasses (which I happen to have two sturdy plastic ones!) which worked perfectly. Replaced the table cloth (which was long over due) and set place mats.

 You know you want some!

Once I start back to school myself, next week, this may not be practical but I am going to make more of an effort to *fancy up* other meals. Meal times should not be taken for granted. Getting everyone involved in some way did add some peace to our morning, surprisingly. You think it's gonna make it more hectic. Actually, it seemed to calm everyone, each doing their part, to prepare a *nice* breakfast. Maybe that is key? I'm not sure but it worked. Birdy set the table, Sammyboy sliced the strawberries while Ern pulled out & rinsed the nicer dishes and I cooked the eggs & prepared the parfaits. I think the parfaits were the biggest hit of the morning.

Even the toddler used a 'good dish'--plastic of course! He really enjoyed breakfast too.

Back from New York

The Mr. & I spent the weekend in New York for an improv festival, marathon actually, that he (& many friends) were involved in. The weather was gorgeous....@ first. Not humid but mild and breezy, nights were warm. By Saturday night--it was pouring!

I can take it in stride but this born & raised Cali girl was obviously out of her element w/ all that 'wet stuff'. I'm used to it not raining until Dec or Jan and for only 5 min. While it all felt romantic initially, you know, being in NY w/ the Mr., walking through the rain...after slipping for the umpteenth time--I'd had enough. It went from cute to annoying as soon as I could not step down into the subway station due to inches of stagnant water @ the bottom of the stairs. (uh...I was wearing my flip-flops!)

We did see quite a few sights and did a lot of walking. We encountered large rats, emboldened by twilight, fighting. Seriously. That was a sight I'd never imagined seeing. We had a hilarious time w/ some friends trying to run across a ground level water fountain that randomly sprayed, w/o getting wet. The Mr. & his friend *failed*, much to our delight. We stayed up later than necessary taking in all the sights and sounds of the city.

My grandma is from Puerto Rico and moved to New York as a teen after she graduated high school and my dad was born there...and there are still family connections there. I was excited to be able to reconnect with a distant cousin I met when I was 14 and hadn't seen since we were both about 15 years old. We only spent a few short hours together but that was a real highlight of the trip.

We saw Times Square, purchased designer bag knock-offs in China Town, had lunch in Little Italy, searched for a geocache in Battery Park, rode the subway, took a taxi, walked through SoHo...all the stereo-typical things to do and see. We went to Ground Zero but it was fenced in so you couldn't really see it, the memorial isn't finished and neither are the two replacement buildings.

We watched improv and the Mr. performed two times....and received rave reviews. The flight was nearly unbearable--so boring--but I was able to finish a book I was reading. It was fun to hang out a bit more than usual w/ some of the Mr.'s friends. I did miss my kiddos but technology is a life saver. Thank goodness for *face-time*! Seriously. SO great to be able to call the kids & see them & have them see us, especially for K--I was worried a little since this was the first time we'd been away from him over night. Of course they all had a great weekend w/ their cousins, aunt & uncle. They had a big back yard sleep over w/ a barBq & games and lots of fun.

Every moment made it memorable...even when a woman on the subway began to scream at us not to take her picture and to get our cameras away from her--I have no idea WHY she thought we wanted to take her picture--we didn't. Or when the Mr. tried to hail a cab and a police officer got mad @ the cabbie and shooed him away, I guess he wasn't supposed to be stopping. The Mr. had us all cracking up on the subway when he decided to do the corniest sexy dance ever and swing around one of the poles. "Crazy Californians"! We got a sugar rush when we all got choc-dipped ice cream cones from an ice cream truck. I really enjoyed the time I spent sitting outside the hotel, alone on the patio, people watching and writing in my 'travel journal'. (oh! how sophisticated am I? haha!)

But there really is: NO place like Home.

Eaton Canyon

My brother and his family took this hike last weekend and knew we would love it so we planned another day that we could go. Friday was the day. We invited a few extra kiddos along, a friend from church and my niece. That was interesting. I did not realize how used to the outdoors and adventures my ktbunch is until I see other kiddos in action. They were troopers and even though they said the hike was *difficult*, reported they had a great time.

The weather was warm but nice. The trail was very rocky and most of the kids chose to walk it IN the water.  That took longer than staying on the trail but they felt more comfortable and safer being able to walk in the water. I think the creek had more of a steady incline rather than definitive rocky steps upward like the trail.

I was wearing old tennis shoes but didn't want to get them wet if I didn't have to, so the Mr., oldest and I stuck to the trail and crossing the creek on top of dry rocks and stones. There were a few occasional slips but no falls or wet shoes and feet for us. Carrying back packs full of snacks and some towels--there was some sweat but nothing major or too dehydrating.

Finally we made it to our destination.

Not only was the water fall pretty but refreshing.  Stepping in the water felt cool. Standing IN the actual water fall was almost weird. Not exactly like a cold shower, since the water falls at an inconsistent rate. Every single person that went in made a hilarious face from the shock and every female gave out some sort of laughing scream. The pool was shallow, only a few feet deep.

There were waves of day-camp kids. I thought it was neat that they were able to take this great hike and be outdoors but sad that they were with workers paid to be there with them. It felt a little crowded but not too bad.  My brother said it was worse when they went on a Saturday. I bet it was.  We want to go back again and hike to the crest. There are 3 waterfalls in this canyon and the second one, at least, flows into a pool deep enough to jump in to from the falls. That's on our next-hike-to-do-list.

On our way back, we came across a hiker with a head injury. Her and her friend were also on their way down. Her friend was hit with a rock on her back and a few seconds later she was hit in the head. This was not a rock that fell from the top but a rock that was thrown. We had seen and heard the day camp kids throwing rocks and being scolded for it earlier. My brother even had to tell one of the counselors about it. So we suspect and concluded it was one of them that had inadvertently hit her. The rock that hit her head caused a pretty big, bloody gash. When we arrived she had just been hit and was sitting down holding a bloody t-shirt on her head. A few seconds later she was passed out and trembling. We stayed near her to try and assist in anyway we could and reassure her & her friend. It didn't take but a few minutes for her to regain consciousness, her color to come back, eventually the gash to stop bleeding and sit up. She had blood on herself everywhere, even down to her shoes!

Her friend had called 911 and they instructed us not to move her.  The operator mentioned sending a helicopter too. Yikes! The Mr. was ready to carry her out. My sister-in-love and I were ready to use basic skills to close the gash if it had not stopped bleeding. (Which btw, for head wounds, you can tie the hairs on each side of the cut, together to hold it closed.)We waited for the emergency personnel to arrive and left.  On our way we passed 3 more emergency response teams and a news camera guy! The road we parked on was blocked off by numerous emergency vehicles; 3 fire trucks, 2 paramedics, national forest service, an ambulance and a news van! There was also an ambulance and paramedic inside the canyon at the top of the trail. I found a news video (@ the 10 second mark) that showed some footage of her getting suited up in a serious neck brace and being transported out of the canyon on a gurney.

Exciting for sure. It was another great day and I can't wait to go back and see the bigger falls. Birdy spent the rest of the afternoon swimming @ her cousin Alece's house and spent the night while Sammyboy went home w/ my brother to hang out w/ my nephews. The Mr. had a show later that night and my brother and his wife went with us to watch it. We laughed...a lot. What a great night! I was so tired when my head finally hit the pillow.

Beach Weather

For a few days this summer we actually made it to the beach. It started last Friday when the Mr. had his tennis tourney & we all stopped at the beach for a little while.

Monday Sammy had an audition in Malibu and well, who can go to "Malibu" and *not* go to the beach? Know what I'm saying? We weren't there very long but it was long enough to snap a few pix and stretch our legs then head back into traffic.

That was all it took for the ktbunch to get that beach fever. The next day we headed to Bay Shore which is a local bay. I love it cause the beach is short so it's easy to watch the kiddos. There are no waves, that doesn't excite the kiddos but it's perfect for the toddler. They can all float around and get wet enough with out me worrying they are going to get sucked into the sea.

It was also a great opportunity to use the water bombs I made. They worked great. The Mr. and I took a swim of our own, both days. WHAT a work out. I don't know *how* I used to swim that length before. I am so out of shape. But who's keeping track right? ;-) I did notice a fine film? of semi-green color on all my body hair after the swim...until I wiped it off. EEEwwwwweee? maybe. It's not a pool, what do you expect?

It felt great...once I talked myself into the water, which was cold. Of course, once you dive in, that's all it takes and you don't even notice. I couldn't convince myself of that the 2nd day though...when I finally did jump in--boy was it sure colder than the first day! Way colder. Whatever. Once you start moving it's fine...or so I told myself. 

These ended up being a few more great afternoons to add to our summer memories.

Kidnap & Rescue

Recently I heard about a show on the Discovery Channel that left me covered w/ chills. It's a show about the recovery of people that have been kidnapped. This particular episode was about a team that specifically recovers stolen children. Most of these helpless children are sold into a world of sexual slavery and child pornography. Very heart breaking to say the least. This man and his team go in where governments cannot venture. They're not business suited, political ambassadors, they are hard-core, seasoned and extensively trained veterans. They also do this for NO personal pay.They have tried simply buying the children back, lower risk, right? But the children are much more 'valuable' to their kidnappers to keep than ransom, these days. There is no other way but to go in using great force.

This particular episode reenacted two different rescue operations. One little girl was rescued and reunited w/ her family 18 months after she had been abducted. The operation involved traveling to a foreign country, obtaining black market weapons, a child sized bullet proof vest and a custom made, bullet proof, tube that was worn as a back pack, that the child was placed into and carried out of captivity, into freedom. Can you imagine?

Besides the heart break of such a situation, what especially moved me was that these men, who have nothing to gain & their very lives to lose, would risk everything for one little child. An entire team, of big brawny men, for one helpless little child. They recognize the value of even one small child, one small life, barely lived. When they arrived @ the compound, the child put her hands up toward them, to carry her. Somewhere in her heart, she just knew they were there to save her. They gave her a teddy bear and began to outfit her in a small child-sized bullet proof vest and eventually placed her in the safety of the tube, that one of them personally carried on his back.

Imagine you are that one child. You have lost all hope when suddenly not just one but a team of big men rush in just for you. I thought it was such a graphic picture of the value Christ sees in us. We are as helpless as these little children, unable to save ourselves. But God sees the value in each of us, to come out guns blazing, to risk *everything*, the life of his very son, to save us. He will persist to the very end to rescue us. For even *one*, to be saved from perishing, he risked it all. 

Jesus experienced betrayal (Judas), rejection (Peter) and persecution. These men have faced these issues themselves. One time they went in for a rescue, only to discover they had been set up and the children had already been moved before they got there. They have even lost comrades during these rescues. And yet....they continue in their mission of recovery. Another time they had one rescue target but upon arrival found many other children being held captive, they rescued them all, how could they not? 

I am amazed by these heroes. Such bravery, fueled not only by compassion but a sense of justice for what is good and right. One man on the show stated: he 'wished someone would have rescued him and done this for him when he was a child'. That's right! Many times we are mistreated and then tend to turn into the very thing we hate. This man made a choice to be a rescuer, rather than an abuser. We can all choose that. Truly honorable men!

Do you want to be rescued? Because there is one who has come to save, risking everything for YOU!

Romans 3:23-24 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.    

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

That's a wrap!

Last night the Mr. & I attended a 'wrap party'. A friend of his wrote & directed a web series that is about to premier and lots of improvisors/friends from the theater , including the Mr., were a part of it in someway. Even our middles and youngest are in it.  The party was held atop the roof of the Hollywood Tower.

 

It was so nice up there. There was an awesome view of the city & the Hollywood Hills. We were able to view the first episode of the web series and Birdy was in that one. She has grown so much in just a few short months since it was shot! I can hardly believe it.

We had a nice time and it was something different to do since the Mr. usually works on Saturday nights. The property is actually two separate apartment buildings. The other building is more modern and has a glamorous lobby right out of a magazine.

It features giant chairs in turquoise that dwarf me. I felt like I was in Alice in Wonderland in this thing. It was a great way to end the evening, top off the weekend and say goodbye to July.

Fun Filled Friday

Today was jam-packed full of family adventures. (which really is our daily life, some days more-so than others!) The Mr. had a tennis tournament in Laguna Niguel, which is a bit of a drive, so we had to get up *early*. (yes, 7:30 am IS early in our home). We figured since it was near the beach we'd have an opportunity to hang out for awhile and check out some views at least. We invited my brother and his family too. The more the merrier, right?

We were off and when we arrived, the Mr. went to check in and we had an hour to kill. We found a great little beach called Salt Creek Park with a nice paved trail, views of gorgeous homes and free parking. Score! We followed a bunch of stairs to get down to the beach and do you know what we realized on the way back up? A CABLE CAR! Yes, a cable car that could fit all of us and carry us up all those stairs, slower than we could walk. haha. How could we resist!?!

Of course we acted like we were going on a roller coaster ride...made everyone put all their hands up and shout whoooooo& wheeeee! K loved it. One time we all agreed to act like we HAD just gone on a thrilling roller coaster ride when we exited....yes we got a few funny looks. 

We cheered on (quietly, tennis is so proper!) the Mr. for his match but he was having a very 'off' day that included giant blisters on the bottom of his feet (OUCH!) and resulted in him losing. We returned to the beach after though.  The kids dug up sand crabs (shivers!) and unsuccessfully tried *not* to get very wet in the waves. ;-)

We grabbed lunch on the way home and arrived just in time to begin getting ready for the Mr.'s 20 YEAR class reunion. He helped organize it and was slated to be the MC for the night. I wasn't sure how it would be for me and wasn't exactly looking forward to it. I expected he'd be behind the microphone all night and I'd be at a table with a bunch of strangers. When we arrived, one of the organizers with the supplies was running late. I helped get the decorations up, favors set on the tables and everything situated in time and that easily broke the ice. They joked that next time, they'd have ME help plan the event instead of the Mr.

Everyone was nice and friendly and the Mr. didn't have to MC that much. We had a great time and it looked like everyone else did too. The funniest part was when they were giving out prizes and one of the prizes was for a dance off to dances from high school such as: the Cabbage Patch, the Robo Cop, the Running Man and the Smurf. I thought I was gonna die laughing so hard. It was a really fun night. I'm glad I didn't let my attitude and fear hold me back from supporting the Mr. and enjoying myself as well, otherwise I would have missed out on a great night.

Just another day of summer...

Today we took another bike ride, this time in my brother's direction.  Kurtis unexpectedly woke up a few times last night which resulted in a very tired momma this morning. We over slept and left the house much later than we planned. About 15 minutes into our ride, Sammyboy noticed one of his bike tires was getting flat-again! So he turned around w/ the Mr., who also had the baby on his bike, to switch bikes and then catch back up with us.

Birdy and I continued on and met up w/ my brother and his family about half way.  Since we had time to kill waiting for my guys to catch up with us, we took a little side trip to get some fruit and snacks. By the time we got back onto the river bed, the timing was perfect because my guys were there taking a water break.

We took the river bed again this time, a nearly 8.5 mile ride. Our destination was Wilderness park in Downey. We relaxed there and had a mini picnic while the kiddos fed ducks and fish and got stuck in trees they climbed.

It was pretty warm by then so we decided to head on over to my brother's house and try out their new trampoline. He lives really close to that park so it's kind of funny that they all rode to the river bed to meet us when they could have ridden about 10 min to the park from their house. 

We had so much fun on the trampoline. The kids, especially Sammyboy jumped so high. I did too. The Mr. was not interested in trying it out. Even K got in on the action.  He was a bit scared at first if anyone else moved the trampoline while he was on it...I guess cause he couldn't control it. If he was on it alone, he began to have fun and jump little toddler jumps. 

We have been having such a great summer. It's been really fun riding our bikes all over. Trying to keep them all in working order at the same time...has been a challenge. It seems every time we go out, one of the bikes has a flat tire. So frustrating. I think Sammyboy has gone through 3 or 4 inner tubes on his.ugh. Besides that though, we are so blessed to live in an area that gets such great weather nearly year round.

It sure beats sitting around in the house all day! Doesn't it? I have been tired some times with all the busyness and driving around but I can't complain that this summer has been boring, that's for sure. We have had a lot of enjoyable and memorable moments. I really love my life and the ability to treasure each moment. I *really* love getting out and being active, like when we ride bikes. Now one of these days, I'd like us to ride all the way to the beach!

Aren't these pix the best? The middles were really able to get some air weren't they? And that's me at the top. I wasn't about to miss out on the fun! What a work out too! whew!

Date night turned family night

The Mr. and I had planned to go to the movies by ourselves last night.  It was another screening with his film society membership except it was a movie we weren't particularly interested in seeing. Oldest has his own plans as well so it would have required us to make some sort of child-care arrangements.

Last minute we just decided to grab a pizza and head to the Drive-In. (yes, we watch a lot of movies!) It's more relaxing to be able to watch a movie from your own car, especially with a toddler. We park the car backwards and take out the back seat. The Mr. & I sit on the bench seat and the kiddos have all the open space in the car to lay down & watch the movie. (or jump & crawl around) We pile up the pillows and blankets and they usually go in their PJs. It's more of an *experience* than just going to the movies.

We saw Captain America and Transformers III. I *really* enjoyed Captain America. his character was an all around good guy.  He wanted to serve his country and was honest and brave. It was a romantically nostalgic movie, clean cut, nothing majorly objectionable like foul language, nudity or excessive violence. Unfortunately I can't say the same for T3. I was disappointed. From the opening screen shot between the new female lead's legs, I knew it was not going to go well. Optimus Prime's character is still noble and honorable and Sam Witwicky's character is amusing but it ends there. These movies are based on children's cartoons of the 80's. Why ruin it for kids with foul language, suggestive shots and and extra 30 unnecessary minutes? 

At least we had some fun family time together. That is another great thing about the drive-in, you don't disturb anyone else when your toddler talks & climbs all over throughout the whole thing! So it's not like we weren't relating during the movie. ;-)