Sunday, December 7, 2008

Mamma Mia





So we recovered from our June road trip with the girls and felt we were ready to venture off on another adventure not too far away...Vegas. Izzy & Audrey took the trek with us and we packed up for a mere 5 hour drive (which turned more into 8 hours when you have two little squirmies riding in the back seat). My dear friend Judy (aka Mrs. Nevada Intl) made arrangements for us to all see Mamma Mia and not only that, hooked us up with the most amazing suite ever at the Palazzo - the newest addition to the Venetian. Our room was absolutely spectacular...if any of you have experienced the Venetian, the rooms are actually suites with a step down living room area. Greg was in heaven with 3 flat screen t.v's (one in the bathroom too!)

Judy's daughter's graciously offered to babysit the girls while the 6 of us decked ourselves out for an evening out. Mamma Mia was super fun. Gotta love the music of ABBA. Afterwards we indulged in the best ice cream cake, compliments of Judy, at her house and had a good time catching up.

The next day, Greg and I took the girls to MGM to see the lions. "G" just loves lions so that was a complete hit not to mention all the lights and activity in and of itself.

On the ride home we stopped in a small town called Etiwanda - love this place, fabulous shopping and sooo cute. Anyway, they already had a Christmas village, tree and Santa's workshop so I figured this would be a great time to introduce G to Santa. My fun plan backfired as she literally ran out of Santa's workshop screaming
"No Santa, scary Santa, Bye Bye". I'm quite sure adults within the mile could hear her. I guess it would be rather strange to have your parents sit you on the lap of a complete stranger dressed in a big red suit with a huge white beard. Someday she'll appreciate it ;-)

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Day 15 -18 of Thanks

Day 15 - Fireplaces: We've finally been getting chilly enough weather to warrant putting a log in the fireplace. I absolutely love the fact our home has a fireplace and every year I await the time when we can start it up. I'm thankful for the coziness and warmth of our fireplace.

Day 16 - Babysitters: This year we've learned how grateful we are to have babysitters ;-) Actually, our babysitters our needed out of necessity so Greg and I can go to work and not so much for fun (meaning getting a sitter for a date night...at least we're not to that point yet) Greg took so much time off when the girls first arrived that he's playing catch up with work and since we both work the same evening shift it has been a blessing to have dear friends and family willing to watch the girls. A huge thank you to those of you who have helped us out tremendously this year!!!!

Day 18 - My wardrobe: If you've been around me lately you've probably heard me complain that I can't stand my current wardrobe and want to re haul the items I have. How blessed am I that I can even make a comment like that. During this time of reflection, I am reminding myself to be grateful for what I have. To so many others, they'd love my wardrobe {as a friend of mine reminded me}...so I am grateful for what I have and not what I "want".

Friday, November 28, 2008

Day 10 through 14 of Thanks

Ok ok, so I stink at keeping up on my blog, what can I say...so I'm compiling all my missed days so I can be up to speed for once on my "Day's of Thanksgiving" posts.

So here goes...the abridged version that is...

Day 10 - Fall leaves So unfortunately being in So. Cal we don't have the splendor of the leaf colors like other states. But, every now and again there are certain trees that understand the need to change color and allow us So Calians to experience the seasonal change.

Day 11 - Freebies - So those of you close to me know that I am a crazy couponer and always in search of the best bargain out there. Well, free seems to be the best I can do and I love that CVS, Walgreens, & Rite Aid are continuously throwing free things my way. I'm grateful for those extra freebie blessings.

Day 12 - Hand Me Downs Both my sister and my sister in law have blessed us with an abundance of the cutest clothes ever from their kids. I felt like a kid at Christmas going through one cute out fit after the next!!Thank you sis's for sharing the love!

Day 13-My new camera Yes, it's true, we've finally purchased a new camera. And thanks to my sis in law who hooked us up, we were able to get an even better one for a steal. I'm so excited to getting back to posting pics instead of having to do all this writing on my blog ;-) j/k

Day 14- Foster Family Agency - Koinonia I am so grateful for an agency like Koinonia that provides us with the support we need as foster parents. They have been a blessing to us this year with both sets of girls and have brought us the biggest blessing this year - our daughters.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Day 9 and 10 of thanks


9:Health
We made it this far {since all our other crazy episodes with the girls several months ago} with no colds, flus, fevers or any other type of sickness...up until last night. I realize how grateful I am for health when this morning I awoke dead tired after being woken up, oh, I don't know, 5 times last night, with crying, coughing, sneezing and runny noses {from both girls}.

10: I'm grateful for all my free Rite aid cold remedies from last month b/c they're sure coming in handy ;-)

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Day 8 of thanks

My BFF {he he} Traci. I happened to finally stop by her blog and again am reminded of what an amazing women she is. If you haven't already, check out her blog, Milk and Honey and you will be blessed by her insight. I'm trying to encourage her to write a devotional or just plain write anything at all b/c she's so dog gone talented but alas we'll just have to be content with her blog for now. Here's to an amazing woman that I am so proud and blessed and very very grateful to call friend.

Day 7 of thanks

So....I'm a bit behind - doesn't mean I'm any less grateful :-) just a little behind...perhaps I'm going to have to briefly "list" what I'm thankful for and leave it at that instead of trying to be profound {not that I'm all that great at being profound}.

Today, I'm grateful for the crazy weather we have here in So. Cal. It's the middle of Nov. and we're having record temperatures of 90 plus degrees. While most of us are grumbling that we'd really like to have some cooler weather so it "seems" like fall, I have to admit it sure beats dealing with blizzards and shoveling snow from driveways. Not that I've ever experienced either of those but I can just imagine. Here's to still be able to wear tank tops and shorts...don't be jealous.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Day 6 of thanks



My job
Greg was doing just a little bit of whining about having to go to work today...ok that actually happens just about everyday...and I find that I do the same thing. Most likely we're not alone in the fact that there is a bit o' grumbling before heading out to the workplace.

However, during one of our grumble sessions, Greg pointed out how incredibly blessed we are with our particular jobs. Our jobs have allowed us to be foster parents, to be home owners, to be able to vacation, to have time to pursue outside passions...and while we might complain about having to go to work we are both so grateful that God has blessed us with our jobs.

{The picture is of our missions team in Mexico last year. Greg (in the red shirt) and I were able to take a week off and help build a much needed bathroom - they previously had a hole in the ground with four walls around it - ah yes, an out house.}

There are a number of people at our church who are wrestling with trying to find jobs... and our church has been praying a season of work for our congregation. It convicted me to be ever so grateful for the work God has given Greg and me and the fact it has allowed us to do so much. So many others would be delighted to be heading out to jobs... period.

I am grateful for my job.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Day 5 of thanks


Homemade Baked goodies
So I know what you're thinking...what a random list of things you are thankful for. Obviously, this list isn't exhaustive and it is definitely not an order of the things I am most thankful for...it's just a time for me to reflect on whatever happens to pop into my mind at the moment.

And at this moment, I'm eating homemade scones.

Just about on a daily basis my mom bakes something. Literally. From muffins, to cookies, to todays fare - cherry scones. And my mom doesn't cheat a recipe. She does it the very old fashion way, from scratch. Even her frosting is always...from scratch. No store bought goodies from her home. And it made me think how I'm usually rushing from one thing to the next and only have time to "buy" the goodies for my family instead of baking them. On the rare occasion that I do bake I derive such pleasure from the aromas that fill my home to the smiles on the faces of those devouring the sweet treats.

I'm so grateful for a mother who delighted in putting the extra time and effort to make things for her family...and she continues to do so. What a blessing to have my mom just a few short blocks away so my kids {and me too} can still get the homemade goods {even if it's not necessarily me that baked em'}

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Day 4 of Thanks



Freedom
Today is a big day for Americans as we choose the next leader of our great nation. I am grateful that I live in a land of democracy that allows the people to govern. I am thankful for the freedom to worship as I choose, to have rights as a woman, the ability to turn dreams into realities.
The freedoms we have have been paid for with quite a sacrifice from the men and women who have served our country and to them I am forever grateful for their protection of our freedoms.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Day 3 of Thanks


Church
In reflecting back on today I am so blessed to be a part of a church family like I have at Light & Life Christian Fellowship- Halogen. Today at 11 Greg played bass for the very first time at our bilingual Spanish service "Norte". Here I walked into a service where I virtually didn't "know" anyone and by the time service started several different people were holding the baby and helping me with G. Later that evening Greg's sister came to the house to visit us and babysit the girls so Greg and I could sit together through service (a rarity for us since one of us is usually doing something during the service).
We are so blessed to have our church family. They have been an incredible support to us and I am so grateful to have an extended family I can go to for anything.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

30 days of Thanks


{As I was wandering others blogs I noticed a few people started what they called "The 30 days of thanks" post. I find that I often get so busy I tend to forget what I'm truly grateful for...so for the 30 days of Nov. I'm going to try to commit myself to blogging about what I'm grateful for (so I'm starting on day 2 but better late than never.}

Baby's Laughter
My husbands sitting on the couch practicing bass guitar {yes, he just picked the thing up and managed to figure out how to play in a day}. Sitting across from him is our littlest one {9 months old} and she's literally giggling with delight. I can't help but smile with every squeal I hear. It reminds me of the wonder of life through a little one's eyes and to allow myself to laugh with abandon and be more childlike.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Happy Halloween!


...from one cute fairy...

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Charthouse, Redondo Ca






So I finally had the time to upload pics from an old digital camera of mine from celebrating my birthday. Greg treated me all day long starting off with planning babysitters for the girls so he could take me first to get adjusted (everyone needs a little spine alignment now and then), massages, pedicures and a romantic dinner overlooking the ocean with my favorite food - Crab & Lobster. I've never been to the Charthouse in Redondo Beach... it was delicious food and the service was wonderful too. Greg requested a table looking out over the ocean. I forgot what it was like to have a whole day to myself ;-) Thanks honey for making the day so special for me!

Friday, October 24, 2008

Bounce houses and birthdays...



So my BFF {;-)} Traci threw the cutest "Construction" party ever for her 3 year old foster son. Check out her blog for great ideas and the cutest cake ever (he, he, I'm patting my own back Traci)...but seriously, it was an adorable party and as you can see even the adults got in on the fun of the bounce house...who says bouncies are just for kids???

It's been a long time...

so I have completely neglected my blog for several weeks and you might have thought I'd given it up entirely but alas, that is not the case. I guess when you don't have a camera (yes I'm still waiting to purchase one) there's not as much rush to hit the computer to show off the fun pics...a lot has taken place over the past several weeks...we had a birthday bash for G with our family and friends, I turned thirty something ;-)(34)...we went to court for the girls...that will be a whole post in and of itself but long story short the judge has extended reunification services for another 6 months so the saga continues, I went back to work for cotillion - but just on a very part time basis...about two nights a week. Greg's still working to the bone to catch up on lots of missed hours back when we first got the girls and he had to take off so much time...we now have a two year old and a soon to be 9 month old who has just learned she can take off - yes, she's crawling and hoisting herself up in her crib and on just about anything else she can pull herself up with...so there's a lot more but I'm tired and I felt just a twinge of guilt for being such a bad bloggy blogger....here's to getting a camera soon and back on the road to more posts.

Monday, September 8, 2008

The terribly terrific twos...

"G how old are you?"

Exuberantly yelled "T-W-O"!!!

And it only took two times singing the Birthday song for her to get it down pat. At night we can her her singing it to her self.

Oh to be two.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

6 months...


and counting. Aug 12th marked 6 months of having our two foster daughters with us. When I look back it seems not that long ago we received the call to pick up G from another foster home and her brand new baby sister C from the hospital.

It has certainly been quite a journey...here's a very brief {or not so brief} recap.

Two babies with no manuals. So we had a three week crasher course with our previous foster daughters, two toddlers. But we truly didn't expect that just four days later we'd have a 17 month old and a brand new baby. Most people get 9 months to prepare for one and we had 24 hours to prepare for two!

What an amazing group of friends and family we have. People blessed us with so many of our immediate needs from clothes, to cribs, to meals provided for two full weeks!!! Oh, how I understand the need for meals now - thank you Long Beach Grace Brethren, John and Alicia for facilitating that for us. We don't attend that church, we just have some wonderful friends that attend there and yet perfect strangers put out all that time and effort to bless us with meals.

Soon after the arrival of our bundles of joy, we started in on what my sister started coining "the plagues". It seemed that one thing after the next kept occurring. Mind you I was still working full time, traveling for Mrs. Int'l and trying to be a domestic goddess {note the word trying}. Praise God for Greg's flexible job and for the fact I have the most wonderful hubby in the world. Without going into too much detail he became mister mom for the first three months and had to go to battle with much of the following that occurred.

Overcoming Lice. Yep that's right folks. Not only did we become parents overnight but we also were immediately introduced to what I believe is one of the nastiest little {no pun intended} childhood bug. Little did we know the oldest was a card carrying member until two weeks after we had her and noticed the proverbial "itch". Praise God for NIX and RID and all the other products out there to defeat the little buggers. And now we know what the term "nit picking" is all about ;-)

Scabies. Oh yes, you've read correctly. Just as the Lice retreated the scabies crept in...we noticed these fabulous little buggies when putting on her shoes. Since I was already a freak about every thing being sanitized after the Lice incident we fortunately didn't have to worry about the spread of scabies and were able to treat that overnight.

Bronchitis, Upper Respiratory tract infections,RSV, Asthma & ear infections. Talk about just getting every childhood disease out of the way. At this point Greg and I felt we'd experienced more stuff than our counter parts with grown children. G got Bronchitis and an Upper Respiratory tract infection which of course spread it's way to every member of our family including the baby...which hers led to a case of RSV. Just when we were pulling a solid six hours of sleep a night with her we had to start waking her up for two different inhalers every four hours.

But even with all these unpleasantness's, I can honestly say, we have enjoyed every moment {ok maybe not when we found out about the lice} with these two precious ones. From G learing so many new words and pulling her hysterical facial expressions when she's excited about things to little C's every first. First smile, first coo, first time rolling over, first time sitting up, first solid food feeding, first haircut.

How humbling to think God gave us the responsibility to take care of his two little daughters even if it might only be for a short while...and to see all the things I've been able to experience with them that their family has missed out on sharing.

Which leads me to the end of reminiscing on our journey and looking forward to the future. I don't know what the future holds in regards to these two babies. I sometimes wish I could just get a glimpse from God to know if they'll be mine forever or if someday in the near future I'll be handing them back to their bio mom. I'm forever asked "won't that be tough?, how are you going to do that?" and I guess my only answer is "Yeah it will break my heart and I don't know how I'll do it". But that's just it...I won't be able to do it on my own but I do know that God is going to help us through whatever ends up playing out. I've entrusted my heart to him and I have to believe he loves me enough to protect my heart no matter what the outcome.

This Oct. will be a court preceding determining the next step in the future of our girls. Please be keeping our family in your prayers. How to pray? That God purely would protect them, no matter where they end up for life. Would we want them to be ours - yes. Do we want their family to get better and be whole again? - yes. I have to trust that God's will and his eternal perspective on things will be better than any will I could try and force on the issue... so for now {and hopefully always, although it's daily practice for me} I'm trusting Him!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Feliz Cumpleanos Senor 33.....

So, I'm a bit late on this post but he deserves a shout out for his birthday and that's my main man, Greg. Aug 9th he turned thirty three and I always let him know the instant he rolls over to wake up on his birth-day that, yes, we are the same age...even if it is only for a mere two months.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Hosting at the Kodak Theater

Sunday, Aug 10th I hosted the "Best New Talent" awards show at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. Originally, I was scheduled to emcee the California Int'l pageants but when Eddie (director of Ca pageants) found out that I had been asked to emcee this show on the same day as his pageants, he graciously found another emcee, Tanya Hutchinson (who just won "She's got the look") and former Mrs. Ca.

I co-hosted the show with Steven Hill, from Real World Las Vegas & host of "Say what Karoke". We had a lot of fun improving our way through a very tough show. Needless to say when you are dealing with a live awards show where there isn't a way to rehearse you can expect a fair share of improv.

Melis, the stylist for Cat Deeley, let me borrow a beautiful cobalt blue Grecian gown and my dear friend Crystal stayed with me backstage helping with makeup and hair.

I had never been in the Kodak theater before...I'd only seen it on American Idol so it was a great experience to be the Host on that stage and in such a beautiful theater. I'm waiting to get some pics from the show and will hopefully be able to post them in the next few days.

After the show I was approached by a company to do an infomercial in the next few weeks so stay tuned to see how that all goes!!

This is a picture from a previous year I hosted the show with "Soul Train" host,Dorian Gregory at the Century Plaza.

Good times, good friends






It's not often Greg and I get the whole day to play but this past week we had just that. My parents offered to watch the girls and Greg and I headed down to San Diego to hang out with my dear friend Judy and her husband Terry. I met Judy at Mrs. Int'l the year I competed, she was Mrs. Nevada, and long story short, she's a friend for life. She was a constant support throughout my year, sending me the cutest notes and goodies as well as a listening ear to hear about what's happening with our family through the foster care process.

So Judy and her husband had a wonderful opportunity to take a little vacay of their own in S.D. and there was no way I was going to miss an opportunity to see my friend live and in person.

We had a fabulous day doing nothing but relaxing on the deck of their condo over looking the ocean, walking the pier, watching the sea lions, and enjoying a yummy dinner at the Cheesecake factory.

I wish I could designate everyday to be a "friend" day and just have the opportunity to soak up each one of my friends. I realized how busy I tend to make myself and how important it is to slow down and enjoy those around you.

Friday, August 8, 2008

A Reason to Celebrate









Our friends Andy & Sandra celebrated their 10th year anniversary with friends and family this past weekend. The celebration began with their baptism in the freezing cold Pacific (ok maybe not freezing but definitely cold!) Then the party gathered at Deb & Larry's home (our pastor's right across from the beach) for the renewal of their vows. Sandra looked absolutely gorgeous (you wouldn't have known she was previously dunked in the ocean) and the vows were so sweet...who knew Andy was such a romantic ;-) The night was capped off with a variety of delectable sweets and fellowship. Congratulations to being a wonderful example of what marriage should be!! Here's to 10 x 10 more years!

Sunday, August 3, 2008

About that Bear...






So for those of you who somewhat follow my blog you might have remembered a post from our Yellowstone trip about Greg desiring desperately to see a bear, (ok i wanted to as well). Five days into our trip, no bear and then came the 6th day and with it a whole bunch o' bear. Come to think of it we saw all kinds of animals that day, moose, coyotes, wolves, rams, mountain goats, but the best were the bears. Eight to be exact. We literally saw just about every type you could which is truly unusual. Our first spotting was a black bear which literally looked like a spot it was so far away. The second however was the closest I have ever come, with exception of our fabulous San Diego zoo. The third and fourth were two brown bears right off the side of the road. The sixth and seventh were a mama bear and cub up the hill off to the side of the road...and the eighth was a grizzly running across an open field. It was so amazing to see these bears and with each sighting Greg and I dashed from the car to get our fill of pics and videos. Greg was a very happy boy needless to say. I guess all that praying for bears didn't go unheard.

Program Book Cover



The long awaited pictures I took back last Sept are finally a reality. The cover shot was kept a secret until pageant week...so here it is folks...thank you Clay Spann for making me look like a cover girl...and speaking of covers, Mary Richardson also put this cover shot on the second page of Supermodels Magazine. Fun stuff!!

And the winner is...




Congratulations to Laine Berry the new Mrs. International. She will champion Go Red for Women as her platform for the year. It has truly been a wonderful journey to hold the title of Mrs. International for the year but it was nice to relinquish it to a woman that I know will promote her platform passionately and use this year to make a difference. I know that might sound trite to those of you not familiar with pageants but I have to say that pageants have truly given me a voice piece to promote causes dear to my heart. I know that more awareness has been brought to Heart Gallery because of the opportunities I had as Mrs. International. So that all pressing question that I keep getting from people - are you going to do another one?? Let's just say my newest title that will be occupying me for hopefully the next 18 years is "Mommy" ;-)
Pictures: These are all the formers with the newly crowned Mrs. Int'l -Laine

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Prelim night at Mrs. Intl








I have a few other posts I want to add about my week at Mrs. Intl, however, I'm waiting for pics to be emailed to me. At some events it was nearly impossible for me to take pics so I'm relying on those who did to send them to me. So at some point they will be added. Fri night was Prelims where the ladies all compete on stage in fitness & evening gown. I made two debuts on stage, first to give a short recap of my year and finally to present the photogenic award. I've never been able to feel so relaxed at a pageant - normally I'm either performing or competing ;-) Greg and I had a private box to watch the show and I have to admit I was very glad to be on that side of the stage. Congratulations to Laine Berry, photogenic award winner.

Monday, July 28, 2008

WGN talk Radio, Chicago







This afternoon I was on the Steve Cochran show on WGN Radio. For those of you who haven't been to Chicago, the studio is right on the corner of The Tribune Tower, a Gothic building located on Michigan Avenue. WGN Radio (720 kHz) broadcasts from the building, with ground-level studios overlooking nearby Pioneer Court and Michigan Ave. As you can see from the pictures Greg and his parents came down to watch (and listen)- they actually have a speaker system that projects the show into the plaza so passer byers can hear it. When Dan, the interviewer found out that Greg was outside he insisted he come in and do the show with me. Reluctantly, Greg came in and we had a blast! They even put us on for two segments of the show talking about Go Red for women, Foster care and what it's been like for Greg being "Mr. International" :-)...of course the crown was tried on too.