We're Alive - A Quick Re-Cap

Dear Blogging World,

My deepest apologies for disappearing for almost a month. There's been way too much going on to keep up with you. Firstly, our construction is officially done - wohooo!! Our house looks fantastic, and I never want to have to do this again. It is well worth it, but quite the process, and has been a part time job for me this past year. Now I almost don't know quite what to do with myself! ;)

Sarah's 6th grade science project took up most of the past week or so. It turned out great and she aced it and may be going to county. Her topic was soil saturation. She has also added another ballet class and she now has 6 dance classes per week. It's hard to keep up with this girl! Ron has been gardening to his heart's content these past few weeks. He put up a fence, made a pond, made another raised bed, and planted seeds. I am a blessed woman! Justin's latest joy is digging holes in the yard with the mini shovel Ron bought him. Our yard is now the holiest yard in the county!

I recently joined a women's international justice group and LOVE it!! We meet monthly to discuss global justice issues. Last week we saw a film on Guatemala's history, and it also discussed a town in Guatemala which grows fair trade coffee as its industry. I get to host next month and can't wait to introduce my topic - more to come on that. I haven't gotten a lick of sewing done lately, (true confessions!), but now that things are mellowed out a bit I plan to get some major headway.

So, that's the month in a nut shell. I hope to be more regular with the posts now!

Here's a few pics of life the past month:

Front shot of our finished home sweet home.

Sarah out at the beach getting a sand sample.

Raised Bed #2 - broccoli and potatoes will grow in this one. Ron gets all of his soil for free now! He found a guy who gets rid of his regularly, wohoo!

Another one of Ron's free scores. A bath tub which he has made into a little pond with a sitting bench. The wood is redwood and he got it for free also from a foundation tear down.

The fence Ron made separating the front yard from the back yard. Now Justin can play safely in the back yard. The kitties have a door they can use to get through the yards too!

Simple Woman's Day Book

Outside my window...slow drizzle

I am thinking...I love it when the house is this quiet

I am thankful for...my beautifully restored house - from the transformed outside to the tiny details inside

I am wearing...jeans, t-shirt, warm cozy sweater, bare feet

I am remembering...the beautiful way my daughter danced in her ballet class last night

I am going...to have a restful weekend with no meetings, dinners, birthday parties, etc.

I am currently reading...Hmmm, need to work on that!

I am hoping...to see three good friends I've known for 4 years online but never met in person

On my mind...how to raise my kids to be independent, intelligent, loving, and creative

Noticing that...I'm not trying to change how people see me so much anymore

Pondering these words...Children are a blessing from the Lord

From the kitchen...lots of fresh veggies and amazing stir fry

Around the house..warm blankets, steaming tea cups, the kids' crayon art work

One of my favorite things~ brain storming design ideas for my etsy line

From my photo diary:

Say No To Road Kill

I rarely vent here on my blog. I feel it should be a happy place that others can come to, which is a good thing, right? It is, but lately I've been feeling the need to let some things out, to "let her rip" as they say. I see others letting loose on their blogs and honestly it feels good to see that I'm not the only one who faces difficulties, struggles, etc. in my life. Not that I'm happy about their struggles, I'm not, I just like to see that others who always seem to have their act together are human as well and have days that they wished they could hit the delete button on. So that's my little disclaimer - you've been warned! If you don't want to read a vent then please, by all means don't read further! It may get a bit chunky, but I promise I won't use any expletives or say anything that could get me arrested!!

So today I opened up my face book page and I see this quote a friend had posted: "In order to be walked on, you have to be lying down." - Brian Weir. This quote was like music to my ears - I really needed to read this today! For years I've been working on kicking the habit of playing the victim. I know quite well that I am responsible for my actions and that others are responsible for theirs, ya da ya da ya da. But, there are times when all of that training and work I've done to reprogram myself goes out the window and I feel like I'm on the ground becoming road kill yet again for the bullies in my life. The bullies - we all have them around. The people in our lives who don't respect us, who seem to try to push the buttons that make us go off, who cause us hurt and pain - and the hardest thing about it all is that they do NOT seem to care about how we feel!! They refuse to take responsibility for their actions and they lay the blame on us. It hurts, it's unfair, it's unjust.

Such a situation happened this week. A similar scenario has happened before with this person but on a much grander scale. For some reason this time I felt really sad when they decided to "go there" yet again. I was surprised I wasn't angry this time. I think all the anger has been beaten out of me honestly. I would have thought that they would have learned a lesson after the first round, that they would have become more respectful, that they would have learned from the past...oops, here I go again with the "they" thing. See, it's really not about them, it's about me. I tried to learn from the past. I agonized for days, weeks, months about what I could have done differently. How did we ever get to this place? What happened? But none of that matters either. I can't go back, I can't change the past. I can only deal with what I have in front of me and make the best of it. There is so much more I could say, the story is long, much too long for any blog post.

So here I am today mulling over the phrase and I ask myself, "Am I laying down...oh my Gosh - I am!!! Why am I laying down?" It's easier to lay down honestly. Getting up requires energy, strength and fortitude. In this situation it takes all of my energy to hoist myself back up from a horizontal position and pull myself up by my boot straps. Dang it's hard! But luckily I don't have to do it alone. God is there to help. But why isn't He making it easier? Why isn't He telling people to help me out here? Wouldn't that make more sense? It's part of the process, it's my journey and my road. I knew it wouldn't be easy, He told me that. He said He would be with me though, not make it all go away. But I want it to all go away!!! Perhaps He is trying to help it all go away but I'm not listening. I feel like I'm caught between a rock and a hard place and they don't care - the bullies that is. They...there I go again.

I follow a radical faith, a faith that makes no sense at times. A faith that calls people to give up their under wear if their clothes are stolen. (Seriously, it's in the Bible.) A faith that calls people to let someone hit them again; to make that second punch easy. This second round was different. I went out of my way to die to myself, to be a nice person even though I knew they wouldn't return the favor. I think that's why it hurts so bad...I really tried, why didn't they? There is a fine line between laying down and turning the other cheek. There really is. Laying down means giving up, giving in. Turning the other cheek is strategic. I'm still learning the fine line between the two. I thought I had it down, but I'm realizing I'm still a novice.

It's not about the fight and it's not about what they do. It's about me, period. All these emotions of anger, fear, doubt and anxiety that rear their ugly heads are here for a reason. They haven't died yet obviously; they're alive and well. People talk about karma coming back to people; call it what you will - justice has a way of winning in the end. Even when all the world seems blind to it the scales will tip eventually - it's just a matter of time. In the meantime I'm scraping myself off of the road and refusing to end up in a burger at the road kill cafe.

The Move Is On!

The day has finally arrived! We're officially in moving mode complete with the U-Haul. This weekend will be the big push and we plan to be in the new house in the next day or so. I won't have internet for a few days, so good bye for now! The next time I "see" you I will be in a whole new world. I can't wait to start blogging about life in our new house.

Today when we were over at the house, (cleaning floors, etc.) it finally hit me - we're home owners! As I walked from room to room looking at the new flooring and paint I realized how much I love our new place. It is perfect already even without any of our stuff cluttering each room. Ron said it sunk in with him when he mowed the lawn for the first time, then it really sunk in when he paid the mortgage! I think that's why I'm up at 12:30, the excitement is almost too much to bear. But, tomorrow is a long day so I better get off to bed. More to come on the other side!

The Fourth Big Change of The Year!

Well, it's officially official: WE'RE HOME OWNERS!! A while back I did a post titled "2008 - The Year of Change." I outlined three major changes we had experienced in 2008 and left one more to be announced. At the time we were still in escrow on the house that would become our future home. Now, after over 100 days in escrow, (I need to get the official count!), the day has finally come! On Friday the mortgage became officially ours, and today we will get the keys and have the title transferred into our names. The fact that we are home owners feels surreal, and I don't think it has truly "set in" yet. It seems like an eternity ago that we began house hunting, although it was only around a year ago. It has been an arduous process, painfully slow, and one that has tested our patience beyond what we thought we could bare. Thankfully we serve a God who is able to take us beyond ourselves and lift us up to heights we could not attain on our own strength.

I recently told a friend that buying this house was like a birth. From the start the whole process was uncertain and seemed impossible. The home was a foreclosure, which means it was bank owned. The bank is down south in the LA area, so communication was difficult from the start. The market, as we know, is a tough one right now, and dealing with banks is even more challenging. When we put our bid in on the house, (the one and only bid), the bank responded immediately with a yes. However, as time progressed further contact proved to move at a snail's pace. One time it took us nearly 4 weeks to hear back from the bank. Labor had slowed to a screeching halt and it looked like we were headed for a C-Section. Then, miraculously the bank replied with another yes and things kept progressing.

The biggest road block we ran into was the fact that we were using a FHA loan, which requires certain health and safety standards. (Also which by the way only requires 3.5% down.) Foreclosures, (or REO's), are "as is" sales, meaning the bank sells the house as is and won't do any repairs. When the bank initially accepted our proposal they failed to notice that we were doing an FHA loan. The problem for them was that now they were in contract with us and since there were no other offers on the house - we were their best bet! I firmly believe God didn't allow them to see that we were doing an FHA loan. This house was for us, and nothing was going to stop that inevitability. An FHA appraiser had to come out to the house and assess the property. She found several major issues that needed repair and which added up to thousands of dollars. Our hearts sank and we worried that there was no way the bank would agree to fix these repairs. Our mortgage broker even told us that it probably wouldn't happen. Things slowed down yet again, and the bank wasn't talking. We had no idea if they would honor their agreement to sell us the house, which would include doing the needed repairs. Our mortgage broker told us that "This is a game of cat and mouse. Whoever backs down first looses." I told him firmly that we weren't backing down anytime soon - he doesn't know us very well!!

Then miraculously the bank signed the paper work and approved all of the structural repairs: Foundation work, plumbing, electrical and some other miscellaneous work. The total came to twelve thousand dollars. Once again God had come through for us. He provided an amazing contractor for us, one who was willing to comply with the bank's budget and get the work done on time.

One of the most amazing things about this house is the rock bottom price. The bank who owns the house is from Southern California, so they are unaware that we have an insulated market here. They priced the house way below current market value, at $175K. So we got the house for a super low price, considering the fact that it is nearly 2000 square feet. It was actually appraised at about 50K above the selling price! Then with the repairs added we got the house even cheaper. Also, the bank paid for 10K in closing costs, so if you deduct the closing costs and repairs we actually bought the house for around 155K!!

Now the cosmetic repairs are taking place. We're painting walls, ripping out old carpet and making the house livable. We finally get to bring the baby home!! It's been a long process, but now that the house is ours I can say it has been completely worth it! God has given us an amazing gift. One which we can share with our friends and family for years to come.

We're Buying A House!

It's official people: We're buying a house!

I thought of waiting until escrow closes, but I can't wait any longer! We've been in escrow for over two months and thought we would be moved in by now, but eventually this house will be ours! We've been house hunting for a while, looking for the perfect house for our family. We finally found this one, a beautiful Victorian built in 1900. I love period homes and was elated to come across this one. It is everything we need in a house and is very roomy - it is 2000 square feet and has: 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a big kitchen and dining room, a living room, laundry room, and a very large yard for Ron to garden to his heart's content in. The greatest thing about the house is that we're getting it for a really good price, (a steal quite honestly), one that is affordable and won't stretch us financially.

We can't wait to get into the house and start painting and making it our own. I love interior decorating, so I will be in my element. It will be so wonderful to be able to do whatever we want with the painting, decorating, etc. One of the things I love so much about the house is that it is large enough for entertaining, which is one of the things Ron and I enjoy most. Another great feature is that one of the bed rooms is large and can serve as a sewing/art room for me as well as an office!! No more sewing in the kitchen; I think I'll be in heaven, as will Ron because he will no longer have to maneuver around me and my sewing apparatus when he cooks!

We are so grateful to God for providing this wonderful house for our family. We can't wait to move in - can you tell?! I'll keep updating the progress and will show the interior before and after process as we move along, so stay posted!

The Future Alexander Home

2008 - The Year Of Change

First of all, Happy New Year! It's hard to believe yet another year has passed us by, isn't it? In reflecting about 2008, I have to say the theme for us was change. I don't think any of us like change. I know I am very opposed to it to say the least! It's comfortable and easy when things stay constant and dependable. I think the older I get the more I want things to stay on an even keel! But, life changes, and we change with it. I had been feeling for the past few years that some big changes were coming for our family. God is good about preparing us for these things, thankfully! I had no idea how major those changes would be. I think if I had I wouldn't have handled it so well, so it was a mercy.

The first thing that changed in our lives was our church. We feel so blessed to have found a really amazing church. First of all, it's a wonderful family church, and the kids both love it, (especially Sarah.) Another thing we really love about it is that it challenges our faith on a deep level. I've always been the kind of person who wants to be challenged spiritually, and I get bored with my faith when there isn't a challenge going on. (Sometimes I think - "Why did I pray that God!" as the challenges are a bit more than I had expected!) Our church is very involved with justice issues and has a real heart to serve the poor. We have the same vision, so it has been a good fit for us. We have found new and wonderful friends at our church, and have been involved in ministry there. We look forward to seeing what God has for us there in the future!

The second big change in our lives was Ron's job. He had been working as a coffee shop manager. That job ended, but God opened up the most amazing job we could have imagined! He now works at a hospital as the material's supervisor. It is a perfect fit for him in every way and he looks forward to going to work every day. He loves the staff he works with, and they value his contributions to the company. The job also has excellent benefits, which we have never had and desperately needed. It is awesome how God has provided for us in an economic down turn - He is faithful!

The third big change that took place in 2008 was launching my children's clothing line - April Diane Designs. It was a leap of faith, and so far my clothes are selling and people like them! This has been a dream of mine for quite some time, so it is wonderful to see it happening. I'm looking forward to expanding the line this year, so stay posted!

The fourth big change is still in process, so when it comes about I will revise this post - but it's another big one! Since it started in 2008 it will be the third big transition in the year for us.

Amidst all of the changes I am grateful for one thing - that God doesn't change. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. This gives me strength and hope for the future. No matter what crazy changes occur in my life He is my rock and my anchor. I look forward to seeing what God does in our lives in 2009. After this year, the sky is the limit!

Mom's Night Out Cookie Exchange

Last night I went to our mommy's group cookie exchange and craft night. One of the moms (Liz) was nice enough to let us hang out at her quilt store - Scottie Dog Quilts. Some of us wrapped presents while others did sewing projects. I worked on the ballet slipper stockings we sell at Sarah's recitals. All of us brought cookies and got to load up our plates with a variety of yummy sweets at the end of the night, yum! Here are a few pics of the night:

Some of my favorite people in the whole wide world - Molly and Deanna, wrapping presents.

Lots of gabbing went on.

Yummy treats!

A Father's Sorrow

The other day I was at my pharmacy picking up a prescription. The line was long and I had been waiting for a while. I got to the counter and the lady asked me for my last name then checked to see if my prescription was there. Justin was with me and he kept sneaking away, investigating the store like kids do. I kept having to look every few seconds to make sure he hadn't darted down an isle out of my sight. "Justin, stay by mama please!" I kept repeating. "What was your last name again?" the lady asked. I told her and she looked again. "I'm sorry, we're really behind so it's going to be about an hour before it's done" she said. Justin and I headed off and as we rounded the corner to go down an isle a man standing with a teen aged boy stopped me: "What is your husband's last name?" he asked. It's common for people to ask about Ron in our town. He knows at least half of the town from working at the coffee shop so he knows a lot of people. I assumed he was asking about him most likely. I told him his name, expecting him to mention that he was a customer. "Oh, I was just asking because I lost my two sons in 1973, and they had your last name...." It took me a minute to figure out what he was trying to tell me, I think I probably looked a bit confused. He continued, "I was in choir at church when it happened. All of a sudden there were police cars everywhere, I didn't know what was going on. I had custody of them, and she took them. I've never been able to find them." At this point his eyes teared up. I could tell he was over come with emotion. "Oh, I'm so sorry", I said. "They were three and four years old at the time, so they would be 38 and 39 now." "My husband is 37 I said, so I can see why you asked." I said. "I've even hired a private investigator", he said, "but I've never been able to find them." "I hope you find them, " I said. "Oh I will, I will he said." "Yes, you seem determined, so I'm sure you will find them someday", I said. Justin darted down an isle again, and I said, "Justin, get back here!" The man asked what his name was and I told him. It turns out his sons names started with J's as well. As I walked away he said, "I hope I didn't catch you off guard." "No, it's okay," I said. Then I said, "I have a common last name, so I get asked about it a lot." "Yeah", he said, looking sad. Then I felt stupid for saying that because it must be even harder for him to find his sons with a common name, but most likely they had a name change I figured which would make it near impossible to find them.

After I left the store I suddenly felt so sad inside. I couldn't even imagine how a parent must feel when they lose a child like that. Even 35 years later the sorrow is still present, right at the surface. This man is so desperate to find his sons still that he is willing to stop a total stranger in a store and ask her who her husband is, in hopes that it could be his son...after 35 years. I wonder if he feels it was his fault somehow...maybe if he hadn't sung in the choir that day...maybe if he had done something different they would still be with him. The sorrow of that blame must be indescribable. It made me appreciate my kids all the more, realizing what an incredible blessing they are to me. I can't imagine them being gone, stolen, lost. I prayed for this man, that he would find his sons...that his sorrow would end.

Thirteen Years Of Wedded Bliss

Today is our thirteenth wedding anniversary! It's hard to believe it's been that long; time flies when you're having fun! So much has happened in the past 13 years, from having 2 kids to graduating from college...starting and running a successful coffee shop, to being youth pastors...and the list goes on! Here is a list of some of the many reasons I'm grateful to be married to Ron:

He loves God with all his heart.

He is a good provider and very hard worker.

He is an amazing and very involved father to our two kids.

He has a way of finding the good out of life and hanging on to it, no matter what.

He has deep character.

He is tenacious, has over come a lot in his life, and has made something of himself and that is no small feat! (i.e. he's my hero!)

He'll tell me the truth even when it hurts him, but he does it in love.

He is intelligent and innovative - some have called him a Renaissance man.

He brings change for the better wherever he goes.

He isn't a people pleaser - I love that.

He has a gift for making people feel special and unique.

He is genuine, you see what you get.

He loves me for who I am and doesn't try to change me.

He knows how to make me laugh, (and laugh, and laugh, and laugh...) and can get me out of my tree when needed.

He is good at helping me change, look at things differently, and be the best person I can be.

He encourages me to fulfill my dreams, and helps make them a reality.

He is willing to sacrifice for me, (for example he was willing to have another kid even though at first he felt one was fine...now he admits now that Justin has won his heart.)

He still finds ways to surprise me in unexpected ways.

He is a superb cook, (that's one of the reasons he stole my heart!)

He is a wonderful and talented gardener and brings beauty to our yard all seasons of the year.


Happy Anniversary Honey!! I LOVE YOU!! XOXO ~ April

Taken by Ron at Trinidad Beach

I Love This Man!!

Some of you may have read my post about the major appliance break down we had a while back...and the pioneer living...anyway, as of today all of the appliances are officially fixed! A repair guy came out and fixed the dryer a few weeks ago, to the tune of around $200, ugh. Then he diagnosed the dish washer with an electrical problem due to the cord which he couldn't fix. We didn't think it was the cord though since half of the cycle worked and then the rinse cycle didn't for some odd reason and the water didn't drain, (lovely.) Yesterday Ron got a new plug and installed it, and wala - it works!! I can't tell you how ecstatic I am to have both appliances working now! Plus the fact that I don't have to put out a few hundred more dollars to have the dish washer fixed, phew! I'm so happy to be married to a guy who can fix most anything, and who is willing to do it even if it's a pain! Thanks honey!

Where Do I Go From Here?

As I was writing the post "37 Things About This 37 Year Old" I began pondering about my life and I started thinking about the fact that I will be 40 in three years. Then I started asking myself, "Have I accomplished everything I had hoped to up until now in my life?" "Where do I go from here, what plans do God have for me now?" I think I'm beginning to understand the phrase mid life crisis! There are so many dreams I have accomplished from having kids to traveling the world and lots in between. But, there are also many dreams I have yet to see happen. I decided to set some short term goals for myself for the next 3 years. Basically, things I want to see happen before I'm 40. Here's the list:

1. Finish my art degree. (I'm half way there already.) I've had this dream since high school when I fell in love with art. I've dabbled in various mediums for years, but have decided to go with graphic design. There are several reasons for this: Firstly, I can do this career from home, so I can still be with the kids. Secondly, I can do work via the Internet so I can go out side of the area for jobs.

2. Buy a home. This is contingent on the economy of course, but with God all things are possible! I've always had a dream to buy a home, but it seems that as time goes on that desire gets stronger. I moved so much growing up and never really felt like I had a permanent home. I want my kids to have that security. I also want to have a home where people can come hang out and feel God's love.

3. Get my health up to speed. I've come a long way on this one, but I've got a ways to go. My pregnancy with Justin was a rough high risk one and it's taken me a while to fully recover health wise. I had a heart surgery this year to correct an arrhythmia I had suffered from since I was 13. It has changed my life in a great many ways for the better! I've been able to get my thyroid up to speed which has increased my quality of life so much. My health is better over all, but I'm not where I want to be yet. Someday I hope to write a book about my health journey, but that one is more than 3 years away!

4. Last but not least, and most importantly, realize what God has for me next and step into it. I've been feeling for a while that God has a new season coming for me. The past few years have been full of a lot of changes for us as a family with Ron going through school, graduating, starting a career, etc. These years have been a long season of waiting. I think I had been on the mountain top for so long spiritually that coming back down to the valley wasn't what I wanted or expected. After all, it's supposed to keep getting better and better, right? Anyway, I don't know exactly what God has in store, but I'm sensing it's going to be something that will challenge my faith, (in a good way), and take me into a new, fresh season.

37 Things About This 37 Year Old

I've lived 37 years on this earth as of today! I thought it would be fun to write 37 things I've done in my life thus far:

1. I was born in San Francisco on October 17, 1971

2. I moved about 12 times growing up and have lived in 4 states: California, Oregon, Colorado and Washington D.C.

3. I used to live only a few miles from Disney Land

4. I've been to the Grand Canyon when I was a teenager

5. I played the flute in school

6. I was a model for my uncle's paintings when I was a kid

7. I used to spend summers on my Grandparent's farm in Oregon

8. I met Jesus when I was 4

9. I went to an inner city performing arts high school and graduated in 1990

10. I've worked in church ministry off and on since I was 16

11. I've been to Mexico twice on mission's trips

12. I went to Kauai when I was in high school

13. I learned French in middle school and Spanish in college

14. I was a dance instructor in my 20's

15. I've led several dance troupes

16. I graduated from Bible School

17. I married Ron in 1995

18. I was a youth pastor

19. I graduated from College of the Redwoods with 2 Associate Degrees

20. Ron and I helped create and manage a coffee shop

21. I've had 2 kids, (Sarah in 1998 and Justin in 2006 without pain meds)

22. I have 3 babies in heaven

23. I’ve had an amniocentesis (with Sarah)

24. I had post partum depression

25. I've had 2 major surgeries

26. I've had and recovered from several chronic illnesses

27. I'm an artist and have recently become a mosaic artist

28. I've recently become a children's clothing designer

29. I've created and painted stage props for professional productions

30. I've been published in a local publication

31. I had a used on line book store

32. I've done professional alterations

33. I've made 6 quilts

34. I've done art shows locally

35. I've been to England and Scotland twice

36. I've been to Canada

37. I've lived 37 whole years!

What are the chances....

that my dryer, dish washer and kitchen sink would all become non functioning at the same time???

Add to this the fact that we don't have the funds to get them fixed for a few weeks....so I have laundry hanging all over the house and I'm bailing water out of the dish washer and kitchen sink every day....what are the chances?? It's starting to become humorous to be honest, and a bit ridiculous I have to admit. I keep thinking, now what else could break at any minute? Please, not the clothes washer God....or the cars! I know I'll look back and this will be really funny at some point in time, but at the moment I feel like I'm bailing water and putting clothes up to dry all day long. This morning I used the hair dryer to dry Sarah's pants for school, and no, I'm not kidding. So if you need some humor in your life you're welcome to come over and watch some pioneer living going on here, and I would be happy to have the company and moral support as well!

20 Things That Make Me Happy Lately

I've seen this done on other blogs, so I'm stealing the idea because I thought it was such a good one! Here goes:

20 things that make me happy lately:

1. Freshly folded laundry.

2. Justin's tiny little feet stretching first thing in the morning, ahhhh.

3. The fog rolling in late afternoon, and the pinkish reflection of the sun on it.

4. The fact that I actually de-cluttered my bedroom and can see the top of my dresser now!

5. Going to ballet class finally after ten years of saying I would.

6. Walk slowly live wildly blog (I have a link to it here - it's fabulous!)

7. Hearing Justin "saying his abc's" - a, b, dub, yyy, z!

8. Saturday afternoon family time when we all just hang out in the living room together. Some of us read, some (usually Ron), work on the lap top. Just being together even in silence is wonderful.

9. Hearing Sarah practice her flute.

10. Being almost done with all my kids clothing!

11. Walking around on the plaza, or driving by it early morning before any of the shops have opened up, it's so peaceful then.

12. My Grandma's antique lunch pail recipe box. (I'll post a pic of it sometime.)

13. The luscious smell of brownies baking.

14. Watching Justin and Ron cook together - "Jutin stir! Jutin stir."

15. The fact that Ron has his own phone line at work!

16. The smell of air dried laundry.

17. Watching people do things they thought they wouldn't be able to accomplish.

18. Knowing God loves me no matter what.

19. Peaceful mornings.

20. Dreaming for the future.

Ok, now let's see if anyone is reading my blog! ;) What makes you happy lately? (Any number of things you like.)

"I get by with a little help from my friends..."

So last week was one of those weeks....one of those hit rock bottom, end of your rope, I can't do this anymore!!! weeks. I was doing some serious naval gazing and feeling very sorry for myself. Just picture Eeyore on steroids. About the time I started to question the very existence of the universe, (ok, that's a bit dramatic, but you get the picture), an old friend called. She is what I call a comfort food friend. "April, I had a dream about you, I just felt like I needed to call you." I hadn't talked to her in three years. She is one of those friends who has been there for me no matter what. She's seen me during my highs and lows, when I was on the mountain top, and when I hit the valley. She's known me pre marriage and pre kids, in my most beautiful moments and in my ugliest...and she is still my friend. We can pick up where we left off even if it's been years. It felt so wonderful to hear her voice and to be able to share with her what was going on in my life. She didn't judge me; she just listened patiently and told me to call her any time I needed to, no matter what. This meant the world to me.

Then a few days later another good friend called, who I hadn't talked to in a year. He is another friend who has been there through hard times and good times. He was our family nurse, (well, he was our neighbor, but when Sarah was sick I'd call him over for a house call, just to make sure she was ok.) It felt good to know that he was thinking about us, and even stuck in city traffic he picked up the phone and called little 'ol us.

About four days later yet another old friend called! I hadn't talked to her in years as well. I've known her since I was about 12, and she is a wonderful person. She has had so many trials in her life, but she always finds a way to laugh in spite of it all.

Then I was also able to connect with some old school friends through face book of all places. People who's parents knew mine in high school before we were even thought of - cradle to grave friends. We teased one another, called each other those dreaded nick names, and promised to catch up over coffee when I go home for Christmas.

I still find it amazing that the God of the universe cares about me like this. Little old me living in a tiny town in Northern California, living an average life. Little old me complaining and whinning, feeling sorry for myself. None of my little problems are too small for Him to consider...and best of all He calls me a friend.

Back to Ballet

My old toe shoes hanging on Sarah's door.

Last night I took a ballet class for the first time in about ten years! I can't believe it's been that long...wow. I started taking ballet in high school and loved it. I went to a really good performing arts high school that had a good multi faceted dance program. I also did worship dance at my church, led a dance team, and took some folk dancing classes. In college I continued to take dance. In my early twenties I taught children's dance through a recreation center. I quit dancing around the time Sarah was born, (yeah, kids are a major life change), and I always promised myself I would do it again...soon. But, the timing just never seemed to be right. I couldn't find the right teacher, and life was busy with Ron going to school full time. I was a full time stay at home mom of course, and somehow dancing just didn't happen. People always encouraged me to dance saying things like, "You're such a beautiful dancer, when are you going to dance again?" "Soon!" I would say, of course.

I have to say I regret not going back sooner. My muscles had a rough time remembering what to do, (let alone doing it), and after the class I felt like my body had been through a meat grinder; it hurt let me tell you! But, I don't regret it a bit, it was totally worth the pain. My teacher is Sarah's dance teacher, and she was so kind to me. I'm really grateful she is letting me take the class. It is beginning ballet after all, but still I feel like I'm starting from scratch all over again. My brain knows what to do, but my body is....well, a bit behind. It's a good challenge for me though, great exercise, and most of all it's fun. I love dancing and always have. There's something amazing about expressing creativity through motion and movement. I'm always in awe of how God created our bodies to move.

A Morning Without Sarah

Today was Sarah's first day as a fifth grader, wait...did I just say fifth grader? It's hard to believe she's already in the fifth grade now! She woke up at 7 sharp and was dressed and ready to go by 7:10, mind you school doesn't start until 8:30. "Mom, I need to be there by 8:00 because that's when the doors open", she says emphatically. I acquiesced, how could I not? She's in a 5th/6th grade combo class, and most of her friends are in the 5th grade class. I seemed more worried about this than she did to be honest.

After I dropped her off I took Justin out for a special mother son date. We went to Wildberries and he got a frosted owl cookie and juice. I got a mango strawberry smoothie, so good. When his owl was gone he wanted another one, this time it was a rabbit. Then we headed home and drove past the school since he was saying, "sis, sis, sis?" I had to remind him where she was, that she was ok, and that she would be home later. He seemed at peace after that until a little later when he blurted out, "Sawah?" This is the best pronunciation of her name I have ever heard him say. It's usually "see, say, see see, or awa", or some other form of the name. I think he was really desperate to communicate that he missed her, poor guy.

We got home and I read his special books, we played, then had lunch. One of his latest favorite foods is salsa, don't ask me why! He loves to gulp it down no matter how hot or spicy. Today he took his chips out of the bowl and before he dipped them in the salsa he started counting them, "one, two, one, two, one...." It was SO adorable! I tried to add three into the repertoire, but to no avail. One, two sounds better I guess. We played a little more, then it was nap time. I was tired too, but couldn't settle down for a nap....too worried. All day I've been wondering if she's ok, if the 6th graders are being nice to her, if she misses her friends, etc. I bet when I pick her up she's going to say she had the best day ever.

Update: Sarah had a great first day at school. She loves her teachers and her class...so all that worry for nothing! I think Justin and I had a harder day than she did, but we're adjusting slowly.

Congratulations Honey! (This is the big news)

I'm bursting my buttons with pride over Ron's latest achievement at work. After only about three months in his position at the hospital he has been promoted! He is now the Materials Supervisor for Redwood Memorial Hospital. Way to go babe! He has been told by his bosses that his attitude has changed his department substantially for the better.


I am so proud that he has worked incredibly hard and accomplished so much in such a short period of time. It seems that whatever endeavor he undertakes he pours his heart and soul into, and he manages to make the best of any situation no matter how difficult. From graduating in hopes to become a teacher and not being able to find a teaching position locally, then starting a coffee shop from the ground up and managing it well for two years, to working in hospital management - whatever circumstances life throws at him he is determined to make the best of it. He has been told by people that he "encourages them to be a better person." I am so blessed to be married to such a man of integrity and character! Thanks so much for all of your hard work and dedication to our family Ron, we love you!

To celebrate this great occasion I baked Ron a carrot cake (his favorite kind of cake), and decorated it with our garden flowers. Sarah hand made him a cute congratulations card.

Back to Blogging

Hi Friends! After a long 9 month break I'm back to blogging! My break began when our computer hard drive got sick, then life got busy I quit blogging. Recently someone advised me to take the plunge and start again. I've missed blogging, and I'm glad to be back! Here is a quick re-cap of the highlights from the past 9 months, (starting recent and going back.)