etcetera. whatever.

Todd got me some Over the Rhine blend as a Christmas gift. It came today in the mail after being roasted fresh only 2 days ago! The aroma reached me before I even opened the package.... Delicious. Todd and I enjoyed a cup together. I thought you might enjoy a little cup of Over the Rhine. (It comes in waves) Here's one of our favorite songs, one that reminds me of a night we laid on a beach in Ohio on the edge of a great lake, watching the sky and dreaming of our future.

Etcetera Whatever
words and music: Detweiler
recording: Good Dog Bad Dog

We don't need a lot of money.
We'll be sleeping on the beach,
keeping oceans within reach.(Whatever private oceans we can conjure up for free.)

I will stumble there with you
and you'll be laughing close with me, trying not to make a scene
etcetera. Whatever. I guess all I really mean

is we're gonna be alright.Yeah, we're gonna be alright.
You can close your eyes tonight,'cause we're gonna be alright.

So come on now,
I can almost see
that place on a distant shore.
And courage is a weapon we must use
to find some life you can't refuse.

We don't need a lot of money.
We'll be sleeping on the beach,
keeping oceans within reach.(Whatever private oceans we can conjure up for free.)

I will stumble there with you
and you'll be laughing close with me, trying not to make a scene
etcetera. Whatever. I guess all I really mean

is we're gonna be alright.Yeah, we're gonna be alright.
You can close your eyes tonight,'cause we're gonna be alright.

All that I can see is your eyes.
Close your eyes.
Close your eyes.

a simple thing

OK, it is fun to get stuff too. In the last blog, I wrote that getting always leaves you wanting more. Which made me think. And then the very next day, I was completely blessed by someone. And it was so touching. I'd been looking up cameras. I was thinking about getting a nice high-end digital. Not quite a DSLR, maybe a couple steps down. And then the very next thing I know, my sweet and amazing sister offers to send me hers. She has a DSLR, she says. She has another, she says. So she offers to send her nice camera I had so much fun using in NYC. Isn't that generous? She is.

And something else. Tonight some people invited us over for dinner. It is a simple gesture. Just dinner. And today I spoke with her. What should I bring? Nothing. We have the bread, the salad. Even the cheesecake. And I was blessed even more. I know the effort, the prep, the cleaning and cooking it takes to have people over. And she, well they- are getting ready for....us. Little us. All that for us. I know it is simple, but it means a lot to me. It is an honor, really.

So, we are blessed to receive, too. To give and to receive. I guess we need a little of both.

the jdc...

On Christmas Eve, I joined some others from our church at the Juvenile Detention Center. The church-goers had all given- cards and money for 100 kids locked up for Christmas (and the staff) to have a treat on Christmas Eve. So off to McDonald's we went to organize 100 some value meals and deliver them the the JDC, unit by unit.

Our church gave- over 800 dollars. McDonald's on Fesler made meals- over 100. (Other MD's said no way) And some bad kids received an act of kindness and love- maybe the one that made a difference. In every meal, each giver wrote a message of hope to these delinquents. Someone loves you.

Now, I must admit, I was not looking forward to going. Todd was supposed to do it, but then had to be somewhere else. And I knew the girls would rather spend some quality time with Dad instead of yet another day with just me. So I elected to go, I made myself say 'yes'. And of course, I was glad I did.

As I found the soda, handed it off, someone else found the meal. Ketchup, Sweet and Sour or BBQ. Don't forget the straw. The guards yelled. We were startled. It was like a jail.

And it warmed my heart. It wasn't that the kids reacted thankfully. They were happy in a mischievous sort of way. It was just that we gave. 'Tis better to give, they say. And I know it is true. Getting always leaves you wanting more. Giving touches something much deeper. It was just some McDonald's to some troubled kids. But Jesus did say we honor Him when we give to the least of these.

So I was thankful for the people who thought up this idea. For Todd who made me go. And the girls were also blessed because they got to hear all about it. They wanted to go and help too. Giving inspires giving. Kindness inspires kindness. What an amazing gift that is!

a merry Christmas

Abigail's new bike- and she is SO good at riding it!
Bella's scooter! (and new clothes)
Emma at the Christmas Eve Service!
Ab and her tiger!! (I think this was taken after Bella tried to STEAL stripey!!!) ;)

We are so tired!! The girls woke us up this morning and we have all been playing non-stop since then! Right now, Todd is practically passed out watching Pirates of the Caribbean and I got up only to wish you all a Merry Christmas one last time for 2006! While I'm here, I may as well write a little more!!

The girls loved the gifts you guys sent. They loved the stuffed animals from Reid and Jasmine. They already have names and pajamas and have been fed all 3 meals, plus snacks. The tiger is called Stripey and the giraffe is call Cry-stal (emphasis on the stol). And even after the air hockey table for Bella and the bike for Ab, somehow the stuffed animals still made a place on the favorite gift list. Along with the puppy that gives wet kisses and the bop bags!

This morning they were so happy opening all their gifts. Abigail has such a sweet joy every time she opened each thing- shouting whatever it was and sometimes adding to our happiness by saying "What I always wanted!" She was adorable!! And Emma. She was SO cute. We got her a red wagon and as she was opening it and saw the picture on the box, she started saying "oh, oh, oh!" and covering her mouth with her hands. She was SO excited. She had a lot of fun- more than I thought she would have. And Bella. She is the old pro by now. She had a great time, too. And of course we had chorizo and eggs for breakfast, by Todd- and we went to the beach for our annual Christmas walk. When we got home we watched Holly Hobbie Christmas for the LAST time of the season!! And I made some ham and fixings for dinner. Now we are EXHAUSTED! A long day of play. I think it'll be another one tomorrow! We still have many things to try out and a LOT of leftovers! I decided it could be Christmas for a couple more days! :) Hope it was merry for all of you- love you!!

the night before christmas eve

Oh, the Saturday before Christmas! Yes, we did some shopping. The girls and I went out while Todd went golfing. We got our last minute stuff done and had a nice time despite the craziness. The girls are ready for Christmas DAY to be here! We got another package in the mail today from Uncle Reid and Aunt Jasmine. And stuff from Aunt Leah. They are SO ready to open all these tempting packages under our tree!

We drove up to Nipomo to look at the locally famous "Candy Cane Lane". A whole neighborhood of houses decorated up for Christmas. We parked and walked the blocks. Our favorite was the house with the giant manger scene. The girls walked up electric lit path these neighbors had made in their yard to where the plastic baby Jesus laid. It was really cute. They stood there for at least a minute, just staring down at that little decoration that symbolizes who the entire season is celebrating.

And now Todd is off doing his last minute shopping while the girls are already dreaming of sugar plums at 7:00 at night. This season is fun and crazy and tiring for three sweet sisters. We have a busy day tomorrow. Christmas Eve. Hope all is well for all of you- and I am still hoping for a cold front to move in and bring you a white Christmas!! Love.

Christmas Break!

Tonight we went to the mall. The mall is Santa Maria is nothing compared to those in Akron - maybe more like the one in Defiance :) . And Santa was there. Of course the girls didn't even give him the time of day. They told us that he is just a guy dressed up like Santa! So no picture with him! They got each other some little gifts, I took Abigail and Todd took Bell. Abigail got Bell some little treats and then when we were half way across the mall I looke down and she didn't have the bag anymore! She had left it in the bookstore. (at least she remembered where!) But we had to walk all the way back to get. Luckily it was still right where she'd left it!! Phew! Nothing much more is going on here. The girls have been watching a lot of Christmas movies, doing some Christmas crafts (we made snow globes yesterday! so fun!), and coloring in their Christmas coloring books. And of course spending time with friends!! We miss you guys, our family and friends far away, so much at this time of year! Still hoping for snow for you! (David, you could send us all some from Colorado Springs!!) love.

christmastime is here

We watched the Santa Clause 2 this morning,
Someone came over with armfuls of gifts,
We made some Christmas cookies with friends.
And tonight's a party!
It's pretty much Christmas!

ew gross...well, it's not that bad when...

Abigail got sick last night! Poor little thing! She got the stomach flu. She came down with the bucket and told us she'd gotten sick. I know, ew, right? But seriously, we didn't give her the bucket the night before. She just found it on her own in the middle of the night, and used it. Nothing for us to clean up. She is such a little independent sweetie. She is a trooper, my smart 3 year old. And praise the Lord, really, because our tummies aren't totally better so cleaning up after her would not have been fun (I mean, even in health who wants to do that?!)

But she had to miss her little Christmas program today. She was going to be a sheep. It was alright, I don't think she even realized it. Bella did make it, dressed up like a shepherd. I forgot my camera, so no pics! (Can you believe it?)

Ab is feeling better now, and even while I type they are playing duck duck goose. Yeah, just the two of them. :)

Shopping, when?

So, the girls pretty much had to fend for themselves yesterday, as Todd and I both came down with the stomach flu. It has been going around, and it finally hit our house. Todd and I almost instantaniously got it Thursday night. It was no fun. So Isabella got the kids dressed and breakfast and pretty much took care of them on Friday! Today we were all better, must have been a 24 hr bug. Hopefully the kids don't get it- they seem fine so far.

Well, today we got to ring the bell for the Salvation Army. We did it last year for an hour, and this year we signed up again for another hour. It was really fun for the first half an hour, the girls were so sweet in their blue Salvation Amry aprons and Santa hats ringing the bell. They were trying to hand out candy canes to everyone who walked by. (Ab got a little sad when people refused her, I had to explain that they might've just had too much candy today and didn't want to get a belly ache) And even the 2nd half was fun, as Bella and Ab were circling the Wal-Mart enterance ringing the bell and trying to jump on the people walking out. Amazingly, people actually thought they were cute and I think the Salvation Army made out pretty well. We could hardly fit anymore dollars in by the end. It was fun. I like that this is one of their memories of Christmas and that whenever they see the bell ringers, they'll remembering being one. It's pretty neat, actually.

And shopping, when? We planned on Wednesday night while the kids were at AWANA and then Friday while the kids were at Church for Life for Kid's night out. Well, Wednedday night we decided to go and have dinner together instead- and Friday, well...we were still icky. But, no worries, we will get out in the crazies this week! :)

Hope you're all done shopping and I hope a cold front hits!!! You guys need some snow!

Dear Family,
I hope you guys are all doing well and are trapsing through snowy paths and shoveling drives. That sounds like fun. Seriously :) Well, Todd might feel differently...especially at a job like this. Can you imagine having to clear the storage unit's aisles? That would definately be a mess!

But we are getting ready for Christmas here. We took the girls out to look at lights the other night and even stopped for hot chocolate! We saw some exciting houses while we sang with the muppets- FIVE GOLD RINGS! Even Emma joined in!

Something else so sweet and amazing. Isabella got for her birthday a 'learn to knit' kit. When she opened it, I thought it'd be sitting around the house for at least another year or two. But she wanted to open it and give it a shot. And yep, you guessed it, she learned how to knit. She can totally do it! I was amazed. We were sitting together on the sofa and she was knitting and I was watching, helping when needed. I was so impressed! Then she wanted the purse (yes, it is a purse!) to be finished. I told her it would probably take at least amonth or so to finish, but doing the project would be the fun part and spending time together and hanging out with each other as we do it. She was just quiet. Later, her and I went to the store and as I was hurrying down the row, Isabella said to me: "Mom, you don't need to hurry. We can just have a good time being together." It was true and she was right! We had nowhere else to be, nothing else we needed to do- so we just slowed down and had a good time shopping together. Yesterday she made "buckeyes" (peanut butter chocolate coated candies for you non-ohioans). She made them mostly by herself! I said- well, if she can knit, she can almost do anything! ;) It is the new phrase running through my head if she says something (like cleaning!) is too hard! If you can knit, you can do it. Ha!

Snow Angels

Today we got some Christmas presents off in the mail to all you Ohio folks. Should be getting to you all next week sometime. It really starts to feel like Christmas when the cards and packages start coming. I loved it most the first year we were here in CA. We felt so far away and it was like a little taste of home each time we opened up a new surprise. Today we got a few Christmas cards in the mail from far off friends. It is so fun and heartwarming to find out what is going on with people who have been important in our life. It is amazing, actually. I love it! Today I also got a little Christmas treat from my sweet sister in NYC. She sent me two new Christmas CDs (Sis, you are awesome! How did you know I was just thinking I needed some new xmas music?). Sarah Mclachlan's Wintersong and Over the Rhine's Snow Angels. I haven't listened to Wintersong yet, I am too in love with OTR- I had to study the jacket, read all the lyrics, read all the notes. And finally put the CD in. The piano, the voices. So beautiful. Their music captures something...some old taste of things lost. I can't describe it exactly, but that when I listen it stirs my soul. You should hear it! Thanks, sis!!

She's 6

Saturday was Belle's 6th birthday. She had a great day. She invited a couple of friends and had some fun with Chuck E. Cheese! They had a blast- played games, danced with Chuck E, won prizes. Then the girls came over for a slumber party! They stayed up way too late playing Polly Pockets and growling through fake teeth (thanks to the party pack from CC's). She got rid of her booster seat for good- she was pretty excited about that! And she is getting so big, growing up fast! She lost her first tooth tonight. That is another story for another day!

She loved all the gifts that were sent. She's been wearing the pink skirt for two days in a row, Grammy. And they play dress up non-stop with their new "sister" Princess Belle. Grandma & Grandpa- Bella Dancerella Popstar Dance Party! Bella has been acting like a rockstar for the past couple days anyway, so now she has a headset! Todd & the girls were watching the instructional video and doing some 'sweet moves'- which I caught on tape. It was hilarious! He is such a great Dad! It did resemble Napoleon Dynamite, though :)

We are pretty much exhausted. The party at Chuck E Cheese was so chaotic. Emma is so sneaky that the moment I put her down, she disappered! Her favorite thing to do was to walk down the skeeball alley and sit in the divider. Goof. She almost got left behind- for real!

Abigail's been sick, but it didn't stop her from having a great time and helping Bella celebrate her big day. She is a sweety pie.

Tonight Isabella went out and spent her b-day money. She bought a barbie doll ballerina, and one for her sis. Isn't that sweet? She is so excited to give it to her in the morning. She even wrapped it. She then put it on Ab's bed next to her, gave her a kiss and whispered 'this is for you to open in the morning, good night'. Beauty!! I love these crazy girls!

love ya!

ho ho ho!

Today Emma learned some new words: Ho Ho Ho! She was saying it all through the store and entertaining her sisters all the while!

the naughty rabbit

It's me and Emma the Grace. She has been so michevious lately. She is into EVERYthing. I have never child-proofed any drawers or door handles before but I am thinking that it might be good for my sanity with her. She opens all the drawers and takes out ALL the contents. She wanders around the house leaving trails of her found treasures. We started singing her this song we learned in school...."Old Mr Rabbit you have a naughty habit of jumping in my garden and eating all my cabbage." Only we change it around for Emma. And her new nickname is "Naughty Rabbit". Abigail runs around calling her that all day! It is pretty funny, actually. And she has started doing this thing where she says "Mama" but in different inflections to mean different things. Like, if she wants someone to come where she is she shreaks "MAma". Or if she wants a bite of whatever your eating, she'll say "ma ma ma". It is cute. And she does say "SIT DOWN" and "See it?". She is funny. She laughs now if I say no. So fun. She is sweet, though and loves to give kisses and snuggle up with her blankie to go night-night. She loves her friend Elliot and whenever she sees him she claps and sometimes does a little dance. It is cute. And she loves her pink converse sneakers. They are I think 2 sizes too big, but she brings them to me all the time and won't give up till they are on her feet. It's funny too, because the other shoes she always tries to pull off. Strange! She still does the eyebrow nod when she likes something. She nods yes and her little eyebrows move up and down too. And she is waving all the time now and saying "bye bye" and "hi"- such an achievment! This Christmas is going to be fun. If we can get past the taking all the ornaments off the tree and stealing all the candy canes! :)

That's all for now,

love.

all better

Oh yeah, so our internet connection is fixed now. The superhero was here ALL day long and even has to come back tomorrow. But we are up and running, PRAISE THE LORD!!

it's in every one of us

Well, we are all decorated here. I know you all already knew that, seeing as we have been all decorated since the day after Thanksgiving! Well, the day after the day after Thanksgiving. We got our tree, a Douglas Fir this year, from OSH. Oh, for you easterners....Orchard Supply Hardware. 30 bucks for a 7-8 ft Douglas Fir! Yay, we're all happy!!

See my Christmas Village? It is so cute! All the kids at our home group love to watch the train and the ice skaters and all the little people. It is so fun and magical. I love that about children. And there is something about Christmas that brings out the child in all of us.

So, when the girls are eating candy canes every day wanting Christmas to come so they can open their presents. Abigail said "Mom, I don't want anything for Christmas, just presents" Funny, Ab. I think she meant she didn't want to pick out her own gifts...we had been asking her what she might want. She is a sweety. Emma likes to grab candy canes and eat them, sneaky kid. She has been really funny lately with that kind of thing.

Isabella is ready for her Birthday. She is having 2 friends spend the night. It should be pretty exciting! Todd is excited to play skee ball with her at Chuck E Cheese's! I will definately fill you guys in on that. She's turning 6, can you believe? So crazy.

That's all for now...

love.

oh, the internet....

We have been having trouble with our Internet for the past week. It is really amazing how much we actually use it in our everyday. School is the big one. Isabella goes to school on the Internet. Not to mention recipes, news, weather and the "I just wanted to know" google search. And of course, communication. I feel so isolated without my message boards, blogspots, emails. And it's been a week. We call it vacation for Bella. No school due to.....connectivity issues. Well, it has been a good break. For us. Todd on the other hand has spent 2 solid days of frustration dealing with Dell. Then Verizon. Then Dell. Then Verizon. Then Dell and Verizon in a conference call. Still to no avail. The router will not connect. Is it the IP address? Is it because we are set to static? We have no idea. And apparently no one else does either. So for now we will check our email after hours and remain in vacation mode until Computer Man comes to the rescue....someday.