Hey, "Bud"dy!

Is it true your taste buds change every 7 years? If so, mine are slow.

I had a peanut butter & jelly sandwich (pb&j) every day for lunch in the 3rd grade. Guess I got so sick of them I didn't have another one 'til last summer. Nasty. Now, I can't get enough of them. Creamy, chunky, jam, jelly, preserves, white or wheat. Doesn't matter. I want one.

Never liked guacamole before. LOVE it now. Still don't care much for the regular ol' avacado though. Spice one up & put it on a salty chip & I'm there!

Lights Out!

Last night our whole block lost electricity for over an hour. It's a good thing we'd already planned on barbecuing. MMMM...tritip! Not knowing how long we'd be without power we settled in for a great evening. We lit the grill, lit a bunch of candles on our patio, ate tortilla chips with guacamole, some frozen veggies (good thing our stove is gas) & our tritip steaks. After that we played Scrabble. Just like camping, drunk neighbors & all! After dinner & shortly into the game the lights came back on. The whole neighborhood cheered. Kaisara & I just looked at each other. He got up, went through the house & turned all the lights off & we continued our game. What a great night. Sure beats the evening of laundry we had planned.

Happy Birthday!

The birthday greeting is for DeAnna. Happy Birthday! May this year bring tons of joy & excitement for you!

DeAnna was my first cutter at South Coast Repertory. We built alot a neat things together. She's great!

I went to mail your card but can't find your new address. Keep a look out!

It's a Blur But Here's My Weekend

Saturday I had to go to work. I left at noon to go home & set up for Sew What. Sew What ended at 4. I hopped in the shower, because...dang!... then Kaisara & I headed to his gig at Diedrich's in Brea. First we needed to stop at Crate & Barrel to get Karen Ford's bridal shower gift. It'll be snug, but we can make it! We're 10 miles down the road & I hear "Uh, oh..." Yep, Kaisara forgot the drum so we had to turn around, go back home, get the drum & head straight to Brea 'cause there's no time for bridal shower gift shopping now, Mister! We get to Diedrich's, help set up, I know that Karen is registered at Macy's so I hop on Diedrich's free wireless internet on Kaisara's computer that I had him grab when getting the drum & hooray, there's a Macy's at Brea Mall not 3 miles down the road. See ya' boys!

After the gig, we go to Daryl's place to unload the sound stuff & to meet his new kitties. Sooooo cute! (get to see 'em again on Saturday!). We head back out, grab a bite to go from Jack In the Box & get to Chris & Ashley's to hang out with them & Justin & Brendon. We get there, Brendon already left, so did Justin 'cause he was only there to hang with Brendon (thanks Justin!). So they boys played Mario cart for a bit & we ended at home at 1am.

Sunday is church at 11am. Sorry, Kaisara. I know you gotta be there by 9 to practice but that's just not happening for me. See you at 11! Church gets out so I head to the parking lot & am copying my recipe on the card provided for the bridal shower. I kiss my man goodbye, head to the shower, make it on time & everything. I even remembered to bring the gift! The shower was lovely. Though it was outside (the invite mentioned nothing of that sort). There I was in a t-shirt, skirt & moccasins with no jacket, socks or parka to speak of. Yikes! While driving home I had the heater cranked & I couldn't get warm. I went home, put on some sweats, dove under the covers for an hour & still couldn't warm up. Finally got warm & watched the season finale of Extreme Makeover Home Edition. That one was tough, but I only teared up once. In an attempt to postpone going to work Monday morning, we then watched another movie borrowed from Daryl, Shop Girl. Didn't care for it.

Prom Dress: Accomplished

Here's a picture of Alexis in her prom dress. Doesn't she look beautiful? I finished the dress Friday & dropped it off at her place. Prom was Saturday. Nothing like the last minute. I'm pleased with how it turned out. It's a gorgeous color on her & please, who doesn't look good wrapped in silk charmeuse? I think she was pleased with the results as well. She's going to school in New York next year & plans on wearing it dancing. That's right, my work will be cutting a rug in the Big Apple. I'm practically famous already.

The Goings On

I realized I haven't really written about life lately. I'm not up to putting it down in sentence & paragraph form so here's a list:

Went to Charlie & Beth's wedding last Saturday
Going to Dan & Laurie's this Saturday
Got a new nephew on Monday
Trying to finish Alexis' prom dress
Cried at work again today (o.k., it was more like sobbing. last time was bawling)
My house is a wreck
Had salad for dinner chased by peanut butter & jelly
Actually remembered to get dog food today
Having lunch with my fam for Mothers' Day on Sunday
Going to baby Emma's dedication at WCC on Sunday. Total miracle baby!
I miss my friends
I'm sad my Bible Study is over 'til September
Borrowed seasons 1 & 2 of "Scrubs" from Daryl. Great show. Disk 1 of season 2 is missing though
Need a haircut like nobody's business

Gotta get back to the prom dress. Bye for now!

Can't Wait

I'm REALLY looking forward to X Men III. I can't wait. It's gonna be AWESOME! Even got Regal Cinema tickets at Costco today for it. Yeah!!!!! Btw: could Hugh Jackman have nicer shoulders & arms? I think not! 2 1/2 weeks to go.

Betcha' Didn't Get One of These Today!

I got a brand new nephew today! Here's his picture at 4 hours old. Cutie, huh? Savelio (saw-vay-leo). 8lbs, 6oz, 21". Mom & baby are both doing great.

Here's my count: Neices: 3, Nephews: 6, Godson: 1. Two of my neices are Kaisara's brother, Tony's girls, Kayla & Tiana, the other is Cat's oldest, Annabelle. Two of my nephews are Tony's, Iese (yes-say) & Iosua (yo-sue-a), two are Kaisara's sister, Luanei's, boys, Saimasina (sigh-ma-seen-a) & Iosia (yo-see-a), one is Cat's youngest, Alexander & now this new little one, belongs to Kaisara's sister, Urusla's. My Godson, Elijah is our friends Geoff & Melissa's boy.

Am I a lucky girl or what?!

100 Things

My friend Brendon did this a long time ago and I liked the idea. I thought it to be a good introspective exercise. "I'm gonna do that someday", I told myself. He's since done it two more times & Melissa did it last year. So did Crista. The hard part is not coming up with things that aren't really about you, ie: my dad's a Harley-Davidson mechanic. So, here's my list about me:

1. My middle name is Jeanette
2. I’ve been with Kaisara for over ½ of my lifetime
3. I’ve broken 4 bones, dislocated 3 joints, severed a tendon, had 1 concussion & almost choked to death too many times to count
4. My faith has been my own since Spring, 1988
5. I love to laugh & make others laugh
6. Depending on the time of day I’m between 5’8” & 5’9”
7. I’m a homeowner
8. It took me 7 years to get my Bachelors degree
9. I like my fingernails
10. I’m good at crafts but don’t like to keep them

11. I changed the spelling of my nickname from Kate to Cate
12. I’m rarely doing just one thing at a time
13. I won a horse show year-end championship for English Equitation
14. I took clarinet lessons for 2 years & piano for 5
15. I don’t like chocolate cake or chocolate ice cream
16. Aside from being born, I‘ve never spent the night in a hospital
17. I have a fear of being alone when I’m old
18. For over a year now I’ve wanted to die my hair purple but haven’t because my clothes wouldn’t match
19. Beautiful strangers intimidate me
20. Flowers for no reason get you way more points than flowers for an occasion

21. I’m a good seamstress
22. I have a phobia of diving headfirst
23. Though I’m only 31, I’ve been receiving newsletters from the AARP for years
24. I can’t get interested in politics but I do vote
25. I’ve been to the Grand Canyon
26. My sister’s & my nickname for each other evolved from the dog’s nickname
27. I don’t drink alcohol. I think it tastes like poison
28. I own 5 sewing machines
29. I volunteered in the library in junior high so I wouldn’t have to sit by myself at lunch
30. I like to go camping but always love coming home

31. I think I struggle with depression
32. I have 2 nieces & 4 nephews, not counting the 2 babies due this year
33. I know how to change the oil & tires on a car
34. If someone is whispering, I think it’s about me & never good
35. I was next in line for the rope swing on which my sister broke her back
36. My first car was a 1989 Jeep Wrangler. Still have it
37. I never moved before I got married
38. I’ve been to the southern hemisphere
39. My shoe size is 10
40. I love gum, chewing or bubble

41. I wish my relationship with the Lord was stronger. That’s my fault, not His
42. Only 3 people in the world are allowed to call me Cathy. No, you’re not one of them
43. I’ve seen Counting Crows 3 times in concert
44. I despise rudeness
45. Getting a hug for no reason makes me melt
46. I like to play Cribbage
47. I don’t have a competitive bone in my body, other than against myself
48. I like disco
49. I have a good smile
50. Silk gowns, dresses & skirts, but the chonnies gotta be cotton

51. I’ve gotten two driving tickets
52. I miss my far away friends
53. Annie, at the Pantages was the first professional live theatre performance I saw
54. The sound of Kaisara driving up makes me smile every time
55. I’m an overeater
56. As a kid, I wanted my name to be Stephanie, so that was my name when playing pretend
57. My highest bowling score is 90-something
58. I grew 3 inches over summer break one year. It hurt
59. I miss the sound of the coo-coo clock in my parents living room
60. I walk really fast, even when I’m not trying

61. I organize my CD’s alphabetically & my sewing patterns numerically
62. I bake a mean cheesecake
63. I weaned myself onto eating fish. I love it now
64. In 7th grade some lady told me I looked just like Barbara Streisand
65. I’ve never had anyone really close to me die
66. I love shoes & purses
67. I don’t consider myself creative though most people would argrue
68. Dishes are my least favorite household chore
69. I only own 1 pair of jeans
70. I can’t play poker or chess

71. I like scrapbooking
72. I almost always cry when the mom’s light the candles representing their kids at a wedding
73. I never had a grandpa
74. I don’t remember a lot of things my sister does from our childhood
75. I don’t see scary or violent movies. They haunt me for years, even during the day
76. I watch about 2 hours of television a week
77. I like the smell of dog feet when they’ve been laying around, relaxing
78. Pralines & Cream and Mint Chip are my favorite ice cream flavors
79. I have Pat Cramer’s recipe for Heart Attack Surprise. If you’ve never had it, you haven’t lived
80. I don’t like video games because I don’t want to be bad at them

81. I’m several months behind in my magazine reading
82. I blush easily
83. I’ve only romantically kissed 1 person. Countless times, but only 1 man...I’ll be right back…okay
84. I had to wear a white robe with an enormous blue bow under my chin for children’s choir at church
85. I have a beautiful commute to work 8 months of the year
86. Cheetos on tuna is my favorite sandwich
87. I have my mom’s hands
88. I’ve gone to 5 schools. Green & yellow were the colors for 3 of them
89. I love taking ballet classes
90. I sang Lollipop with 2 friends in my junior high’s talent show

91. I have 2 yellow dogs, both of which have far too much fur
92. I like wearing Kaisara’s t-shirts after he’s worn them
93. I started sewing my senior year of high school
94. I was tested at typing 92 words a minute perfectly
95. I wanted to own a koala bear farm when I grew up
96. I have no idea where I’ll be professionally in 5 years
97. I wish I spoke up for my beliefs & myself more
98. I am loved by many people
99. I think I’m funny
100. I am blessed beyond measure

Anyone still there?...Beular…Anyone?...Beular?

A Self Realization

I noticed today that I'm very much intimidated by beautiful people that I don't know. That's so stupid! Where did that come from?

Feeling Yucky

I think I'm fighting something. Man! I don't wanna get sick. I hate it. On top of the being sick part, I can't take anything for it. I'm alergic. All I can do is suck on a Cold-eeze. This stinks! I'm achy & my head feels funny. Not quite a head ache or a stuffy sinus but not normal either.

Simple yet Addictive

Check this out. It's high-larious. Music option A is my favorite followed closely by option F. Enjoy!

The Magic of Safety Pins

Here's what I came up with for my group photo for work. I didn't want to be in all blace. Dee, the director, wanted some jewel tones amonst the group so I thought this would work. The dress is from Ursula's wedding & the fabric I was given for free last year & I had it in a bin. The ties are sewn but the drape is all safety pinned since I didn't have time to sew it.

Too bad it didn't show up in the picture. They had me sitting behind a table. Oh well. Maybe I'll sew it for real & keep it for my next formal emergency.

Another Baby Quilt

Today was Ursula's baby shower. She makes me sick. She totally gorgeous even at 8 1/2 months pregnant. I hate her. o.k., not really.

Here's a picture of the baby quilt I made for the baby (he hasn't a name yet). As I was leaving I told her I hope she liked the quilt. She responded with, "I love it! I love everything you've made for me." Isn't that sweet?! Melted my heart.

I'm So Good I Scare Myself

Here we are, an hour and a half from my last post. I, along with my muse, have solved my fashion crisis. Minimal effort, great impact, zero dollars. I'll post a picture when I get one. Now I've got to figure out the cigarette holder idea. Hmmmmm...

It's here...Finally!

I'm really glad it's Friday. We worked last Saturday & lots of hours this week. I've got 11.5 hours OT for this week. Paycheck will be nice.

Lots planned for this weekend. Kaisara & I are helping Daryl move tomorrow. Church on Sunday then an afternoon baby shower for Kaisara's baby sister, Ursula. Before then I've got to finish my gift. I better make this a short post :-)

Amongst the weekend plans & by Monday morning I've got to come up with a swanky outfit for out program picture at work. We're gonna be in the bar area of Rouge, a French restaurant in Fashion Island. We're supposed to be Frenchy, stylish, glitsy, glamoury. Yeah, that's me to the tee right? If I had the time I could make something so cool everyone would be jealous. If I had the body & the money I could go buy something. I'm not really sure what I'm gonna do. It's a bummer that everyone there is dreading the photo shoot. Come on people! We're dressing up (if I find something that is) & having our picture taken in cool location. That could be totally fun if you were into it! Jeesh! Depending on what I come up with to wear, I wanna find a REALLY long cigarette holder like the one Audrey Hepburn carries in the party scene of Breakfast at Tiffanys. Such a great movie! If only I had her neck & arms.

Here's where I'm am right now

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

ROMANS 7:15-25 (New International Version)

Crap! Belated Again!

Happy Birthday to my PhD earner, marathon training, super cooker/baker, excellent wood chopper friend, Geoff! Sorry I'm late, but I hope you had a great day with your fam. Love you!

Maybe I'm Just Advanced For My Age

I HATE it when people whisper to someone else in front of me. I find it incredibly rude & childish. I'm sorry, I learned that that is considered rude in Kindergarten, maybe even earlier. You'd think that grown, menopausal, women would know better. Just go in the other room & talk about whatever it is you don't want me to know about. Heck, I'll even leave the room if you'd actually acknowledge my presence by some other way than whispering!

I Quit (...again)

Since I quite my useless patterning class I figured I was on a roll. Why not keep going? Okay, not really but I did cancel my gym membership. I just wasn't using it. There's a suprise! I really liked the gym, it's swanky & beautiful. They've got a ton of classes & tons of weights & machines. Yep, still quit. It was crazy expensive & my work schedule changes so much I could never attend a class with any regularity & I HATE weights. The only thing there I was using was the treadmill. I figured, "Hey, the sidewalk's free!" So I quit. This is the 4th gym membership that I've cancelled in my life. Obviously not any trimmer because of it. IDIOT!!!

Finished & Gone

This is a picture of a baby quilt I made. The pattern of the blocks is called "Ohio Star" (there's a shout-out for Crista!). Usually when I make a baby quilt it's for someone in particular & I've got to rush to finish it in time. Because of the rush, the quilts tend to be "charming". Last September I decided to start this quilt with no recipient in mind because I really wanted to take my time to make it nice. Whenever I finished it, however long that may have been, was fine. I figured the next baby in my life after completing it would be the one that it was meant for. I finished the quilt & a few days later was my friend Stacia's baby shower. There ya' go! It was meant to be Joseph Austin Jagich's quilt all along. I hope he likes it!

Up-Side of Blogging

Since starting this whole blog thing, I believe I've become more observant. Of my life and others'. Not that I'm constantly looking at my daily life for something to post about, but, maybe in a small way that's true. I believe that to be a positive thing.

I find myself really looking at me, my life, my surroundings rather than just getting to the end of the day. I can tell you that today I was silly, quiet, a little blue, content and ponderous (yes, all today). I can tell you that the hills going through Laguna Canyon are finally getting green & looked great next to the stormy yet sunny sky. I can tell you I LOVE my Bible study & my teacher. What an impact the study & Marci have made on my life. I can tell you I had Kashi cereal for breakfast, a nasty frozen thing for lunch & McDonald's for dinner. I can tell you that my friend got accepted to a writing MFA program & that I missed my friends at Sewing Circle desperately last night. It's not that ANY of this matters to ANY of you, but it's my life and I'm glad I'm noticing it more. Whether it's due to a blog or not I'm not sure, but, this silly thing hasn't hurt I guess.

Super Swank

Here a picture of My Dana. Oh, there's no type-o there, she's "my Dana". Has been for years. This is a picture of her in the dress I made for her work's Oscar Night themed fundraising gala. I was her core group leader when she was in high school & she wanted me to make her prom dress. Her mom said no & that was that. Now, years later, she needed a super swank dress & we got to colaborate. I'm please with how it turned out.

Popcorn & Snowflakes

As I was stuffing my face with microwave popcorn today, I realized something. Popped corn kernels are like snowflakes. Each one is unique. Cool. They're are very different. Good thing I'm an equal opportunity popcorn eater.

Does anyone else do this or is it just me? When starting to eat popcorn, I take one or two kernels. Then it's a few. Next is a small handful. Soon I find myself cramming as much as I can into my oral cavity. What's with that? Why does that happen? Everytime. Weird.

Can Peanut Butter Make Your Teeth Hot?

As if you all didn't already know it, Kaisara is a strange (but wonderful) person. I was excited to find reduced fat chunky peanut butter at the store so I bought some. I've only ever seen the reduced fat in creamy, so, I'm in once I found the chunky. I showed Kaisara my proud purchase & he proceeds to tell me he prefers creamy. Okay, no sweat. He didn't throw a fit at the chunky, he just prefers creamy. I'm the same but the other way around. But then he preceeds to tell me WHY he prefers creamy. "Chunky makes my teeth hot." WHAAAAAT!?!?!?!

I Quit

I've decided to quit my "ultra-lame lack of actual patterning class". I've been struggling about it for a while now. Okay, really since about the first half hour of the first class meeting. I'm just not learning. I've been trying to stick it out & not quit. Maybe she'll actually start teaching next time, or next time, or next time. I hate being a quitter. I hate teachers that don't teach even more.

I also didn't want to just throw away the $108 I paid for the class. Mom & Kaisara hit home today though. If I've already thrown away 108 big-ones why throw away my time on top of that? "Cut your losses."

DARN IT! Wasn't supposed to be like this. I was supposed to come out of that stupid class a patterning genius!

Another Birthday Greeting

Happy Birthday Ryan! I'm positive Ryan doesn't read my blog but I'm wishing him well on his day anyhow. And if he is by chance reading, hope your birthday was happy!

Ryan has never ridden a go-cart before. I'm not sure if being from South Africa has anything to do with that. Are there go-carts in South Africa? Hmmm... I'll have to ask him. Anyway, I'm hoping he's coming to the show on Friday cause we're suppose to race.

Belated but Sincere

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELANIE!!! You are a delightful woman of the Lord. He smiles when he looks at you. May your year be filled with laughter & joy! Happy Birthday!

Great Tunes to Race By

All of my loyal readers (all two of you) are invited to go to Boomers in Irvine this Friday. It is their monthly "Family Fun and Fellowship Nights". Four Stories, aka The Daryl Smith Band, aka the band Kaisara plays in, is playing two sets. Check out this site for more information. They got the gig through our friend Charlie, who's band is also playing a couple sets.

Rumor has it that if you don't want to involve yourself in any of the activities there's no charge to get in. But if you do want to play mini-golf, race go-karts, etc., there's a charge. Please note that if you print out the page I linked you save $2 at the door. Even more of noting is the unlimited go-kart racing. Yeah, the music will be great but I'm going for the go-karts!

Cloud Peeping

Did anyone else in Southern California notice the AMAZING clouds this weekend? They were gorgeous! I had to be up & about at o-dark-hundred to drop Kaisara & Dana off at Daryl's Saturday morning. On the way home, the sun was starting to rise.

Let's all just stop right there for a moment & recognize that I was up, awake & functing enough to operate a vehicle before the sun was up. But I digress...

Anyway, as I was driving back home, & let's face it, back to bed, I could see the faintest outline of the clouds. That was so cool. It makes perfect sense, but I guess it never occurred to me that clouds are in the sky when it's dark. It was a very cool thing to see while driving southeast. The faintest outline of storm clouds getting more & more defined as the minutes went by.

On Sunday afternoon I headed back up to Daryl's to pick up my little muscians. The sky was so bright blue & the clouds huge and puffy. I was captivated by them. So beautiful. I've never been big on staring at clouds for shapes but yesterday shapes were just staring at me. First I saw a whale, then a turkey, next a teddy bear doing the backstroke then two teddy bears holding hands on their bellies. Like when parachuters are free falling before pulling their chutes open, laying on their bellies & grasping each others' hands. By the time I was finished looking at that one I noticed my turkey had changed. Gone forever. It was there just long enough for me to notice it & thank my Creator for the beauty of clouds.

On the way home I pointed out a hawk's head to Kaisara. What a great little thing to add to a regular ol' weekend!

Okie-Dokie, Ukiyo-e

We've started fittings on a huge piece this week. It's an Ukiyo-e. There are 20 kids in the piece total. That's 20 little ones (the oldest is in 8th grade) to get dressed, in make-up & in the set, out of the set, out of costume & out of make-up at once. At first, when they're all strangers it's not so bad. It gets hard by the end of summer when they've all become buddies. I better break out my riot gear.

Happy Birthday, Friend!

Today is Cat's birthday. The big 3-0. She's handling it well. I guess it doesn't hurt that we, her friends & family gave her a killer day on Saturday.

I picked her up to go to tea at The Huntington but not before secretly dropping Kaisara off at the Starbucks down the road. While Cat & I were en route to Pasadena, Kaisara's picked up by Cat's friend Shera to go to the house to start decorating for the party with Randy, Cat's hubby.

While getting on the freeway Cat & I are SNOWED upon! Yes, IT SNOWED IN FONTANA!!! That's just freakish. We had a lovely tea at the Huntington (though, I'm totally bummed I did have to rush it due to the other planned events). I handed Cat her "mission" (she's a huge "Alias" fan) that Dani planned & wrote, & sent her to the restroom with her disguise. She comes out & the host of the tea room hands her a HUGE Gerber daisy with her first clue of her mission.

So we drove all over downtown Pasadena picking up clues & running into friends all the while people are arriving at her house for the party. We get to the house & she's in total shock to see her home filled with family, friends, & co-workers. She screamed/cried for minutes. It was AWESOME!

Cat, I hope you enjoyed your day. In the words of my sister, "You've gotta be someone pretty special to have people from 3 different states come to your birthday party!"

I love you friend!

I Blame Melissa

Yep! It's her fault. She's the one who introduced me to the stuff. Oh she acted innocently enough. Years back on a camping trip, she acted sweet, offering to share one of her favorite snacks. "Sure, I'll try some" I said. She knew what she was doing. I'm totally addicted now. And now Costco has joined Melissa's scheme. They had a giant bag of it & of course I bought it. Now I'm trying to make it last through the weekend. Doubt I'll succeed. I've eaten so much of the addictive stuff I've got a canker sore on my tongue. Dang it!

Just don't try Veggie Booty. It tastes like grass.

Tea for Two

My beloved Cat is turning a milestone birthday on Monday. To celebrate with her, I'm taking her to The Huntington for tea. She and Dani treated me to tea there to celebrate my 30th birthday a 1 1/2 years ago. It was lovely. Each person gets their own pot of tea so you each can have your own flavor. Fresh baked scones & jam served at your table & the tea sandwiches, fruit & desserts are all on a buffet in the center of the room. SOOOOO delicious.

When we were there last, the gardens were closing so we only were able to walk around a little. I hear that it's supposed to rain on Saturday so we still may not see much.

Dani will be missed since she moved up to "silly ole' Washington". We three have celebrated our birthdays together for the last couple years. They're so great. They love me. I love them. Nice when that works out, huh? Dani's was the last birthday celebrated together. I guess that's appropriate since she's the one who moved away (stupid Washington). Guess Cat & I will just have to eat her share!

I'm really looking forward to Saturday. I've been bragging to my coworkers about it for a couple weeks now. I don't get to see Cat nearly enough & a good tea never hurts a milestone birthday. See you soon friend!

P.S.: Cat this is the most recent picture I have of the both of us & it's 2 years old. Something must be done.

Goodbye for Now

We got a call late last night that Kaisara's grandma died. We knew that it would be soon. We were all over at Kaisara's parents' house on Sunday & his Dad called her. She couldn't talk but Auntie Filoi turned the speaker phone on so she got to hear all of us,individually, tell her we love her. I'm glad we got to do that. I know it blessed her.

I'm sad for my father-in-law because I know he's hurting. But at the same time I'm so excited for Grandma. She has a brand new body, she doesn't hurt & she's in the presence of her King. Awesome.

I Like Me A VanGogh!

"The Sower" is the second of three VanGogh's we're doing at work this year. I love them. All of his paintings seem to have movement. Even his still lifes (or would it "lives"). We started working on the last one, "First Steps", this week. I'll be sorry to be done with them. They provide challenge but aren't mind bending to build. We do have some beautiful pieces left to build though. I can't believe we're already into March. Yikes!

Small, Medium & Large

Kaisara went to a computer seminar thingy for work today. It was free, breakfast & lunch were provided & he got to go on the clock for work. So he went. He didn't know this until last night but there would be a drawing for a free Ipod Nano at this thingy. Yep, he won it. One of three given away. Now we've got 3 sizes of Ipod technology. Small-my shuffle. Medium-his new Nano. Large-his full size Ipod. Man are we geeked out or what?!

I can deal with this

You Are Kermit

Hi, ho! Lovable and friendly, you get along well with everyone you know. You're a big thinker, and sometimes you over think life's problems. Don't worry - everyone know's it's not easy being green. Just remember, time's fun when you're having flies!

The Muppet Personality Test

African Violet-Take 2

So it took me over two years but I finally did it. I killed the African Violet Amy, my boss at SCR, gave me for Christmas 2004. I'm really rather pleased with myself that it lasted as long as it did. I give all the credit to the self watering pot I put it in after almost killing it a half dozen times. But early last week I decided it needed more light so I put it on the patio. Then came the unseasonably 85+ weather, I forgot about it & that's that.

Pictured here is my new little violet. Perhaps she'd do better with a name. The last one was a boy but never got a name. Maybe he got sick of being nameless. Gotta think on a name for my new one. No her name ISN'T Violet, Rose or Hyacinth, all far too obvious. She looks sorta like an Alice. Hmmmm...I found her at the 99 cent store so I'm not holding my breath on her to much.

Typical!

I'm taking a patterning class. Our first project is for a knit garment. So for our PATTERN DRAFTING class we've got to first design a knit garment, then pattern it & then build it. After designing my piece (why am I designing in a patterning class?) she decides it's got to be something cute & flashy to put in the school's fashion show (why am I, a student enrolled in a pattern drafting class, building stuff for your stupid fashion show? ) So now I've got to make some changes to my design as it wasn't a whole outfit (she never said it had to be 'til after the fact). AND after looking through my bins & bins & bins of fabric...I don't have any knits!!!!! I'M GOING TO HAVE TO BUY SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!! ARRRGGGGGHHHHH!

Good Eats

Man I love food! Darn it! Kaisara & I tried a couple new restaurants this week. Avila's El Ranchito. Tasty! It's a little Mexican food place (ok, so that was obvious) that's not far from out house. We've driven by it tons of times & always comment that it looks like a place we'd like to try. Not a big franchise or chain but not a scary hole in the wall. Walking up to the place we couldn't really tell where the entrance was. After being seated, we couldn't tell if we were in an enclosed patio or part of the actual building. So it was a little bizarre. The food was great, the servers were friendly & the whole joint was super clean. They had all this stuff all over the place, knick-knacks, house plants, dried blow fish, etc. We didn't see a speck of dust on any of it.

Yesterday we had a realtor flyer on our porch. "I can sell your house, blah, blah, blah..." But wait, what's this? I flyer from a new pizza joint with news of a free small cheese pizza? Count us in! After taking a kickboxing class we went for our free pizza (great timing, I know.) The flyer was signed by "Allan" so when a friendly guy welcomes us to his empty restaurant, we ask, & yes, he's Allan. We gave him our flyer & also ordered a spinach salad to split (hey man, we're working out!) The salad was great, the home made dressing was great & the pizza was awesome. He came out & chatted with us & bit. We chatted about New York (he's from Brooklyn). No wonder his pizza's so good. Looks like we got a new pizza place!

It's a beaut!

So we started fittings on this piece at work, "The Marriage License" by the amazing Norman Rockwell. I just love his stuff. They're so real & full of character. The hardest part about this piece for Mary & I has been, amazingly enough, the woman's shoes. You'd think light colored round-toe pumps with a slim heel would be everywhere. Nope. We've been all over cyberspace & tons of stores. We finally settled on a shoe from Target. What gets me is that a month from now, those stupid shoes are gonna be everywhere. Oh well.

We've also been working on three Ragini prints. Here is an example of a Ragini. I don't much care for them but they're giving me practice at what Pageant calls "skirt bags". (I know you miss them already don't you Marcy?)

This week I start a patterning class at Santa Ana College. I'm looking forward to having some official patterning instruction under my belt. I'm not, however, looking forward to homework. Hey! maybe I'll be so good I'll finish all of my work in class! Here's hoping!

Happy Birthday Brendon!

So today is my friend, Brendon's birthday. Welcome to 31 my friend! It's not so bad.

I've known Brendon now for at least 10 years now. We served as High School Youth Group Staff at Woodbridge together. He & Kaisara were the worship leaders there for years. He was one of Kaisara's four groomsmen at our wedding. It's lovely to be able to look back at your life & see a constant & steady friendship with someone you don't necessarily spends loads of time with. Thanks Brendon & I hope your day is a happy one!

By the way, this photo is of Brendon playing charades at Dana's birthday beach bonfire. Yes, it's true, I witnessed Brendon playing charades. He did well too!

And in the morning, I'm making waffles!

So for a while now Kaisara's been wanting waffles. Of course when you go to a restaurant, they only serve waffles of the Belgium variety & that's not what he's been jonesen for. Nothing against Belgium but he's wanting WAFFLES!

So a couple weeks ago I surprised him & bought a waffle iron. We've used it twice now. I've forgotten how tasty those things are. Like pancakes but a little crispy & airy. Delicious! That little donkey really knew what he was taking about.

Aloha Marcy!

Yesterday was Marcy's last day at Pageant. As the costume director there for 20 years, she was my boss. She's been saving to move to the big island of Hawaii for years now & this is her year. She flies out Monday morning. All of us went to her favorite restaurant, San Shi Go.

She's given me tons of fabric, books, 2 dress forms & a few little broaches. Nice huh? Now I've got to find room for it all.

I've given her this blog address & know she's already stopped by to take a look. Hopefully she'll drop in now & then to stay in touch. I know we'll see her in a few weeks though as her mom has been diagnosed with cancer. Bummer :-(

See you soon Marcy & ALOHA! I'll keep praying for you & your mom.

When In Rome...

Four jobs you've had in your life: retail (Gap Kids & Rand McNally), Secretary/Receptionist (there's almost 9 years of my life), theatrical costumer. I know that's only 3 but that's all I got. Sorry.

Four movies you could watch over and over: A&E's Pride & Predjudice, Fight Club, Moulin Rouge & Star Wars, A New Hope. How's that for variety?!

Four places you've lived: house in Santa Ana, CA, an apartment in Tustin, CA, another an apartment in Tustin, & our condo in Lake Forest, CA

Four TV shows you love(d) to watch: Wonder Woman when I was little, All Creatures Great & Small when I was a little older, In Living Color in high school, Alias most recently (seasons 1 & 2 on DVD)

Four places you've been on vacation: Grand Canyon (north rim), Big Sur (3 times), New York City (twice), Auckland, New Zealand (though it wasn't really a "vacation")

Four websites you visit daily: My email, & my friends' blogs.

Four of your favorite foods: Cereal, Pizza, Pasta, & nachos.

Four places you'd rather be: Vacationing with Kaisara, Sewing Circle, on an all expenses paid shopping spree for my home or working on my scrapbook with my sister.

Spaghetti Brains

I've decided to take a brake from multi-tasking (or as is often the case for me, multi-multi-tasking). I made the unsettling realization this weekend that I'm incapable of not doing it. I'm all jumbled up. While at work, I'm doing my task, talking to someone about another task, listening to the other conversations in the room, and thinking of about 4 different other things. Seriously. That can't be healthy. I was in church this weekend, singing a worship song I love. Yep, didn't get through verse one with out half a dozen different thoughts or scenarios going through my head. Prayer, sermon, movie watching, eating breakfast. Same thing. I going to try to do one thing & one thing only at a time to see if that helps me focus.

LOVED IT!

So Daryl let me borrow "Batman Begins". AWESOME! I wanted to watch it again before it was even half over. Tonight may be my chance. Thanks Daryl!

Great Way to End the Week

So I had a 3:30 fitting today on a costume that I didn't cut ("Artist on the Road to Tarascon" by Van Gogh.). That's always a little scary since you don't know what the cutter had in mind. So in the guy comes, very nice, a first year volunteer. The costume doesn't fit wonderfully but they rarely do here. I ask Mary for some advice, we work together on making it the best we can right then. We go up to the set fitting. Imagine daunting music here. The master carpenter, the director, me & Mary & the artists are all there (more daunting music). But no! What's this I hear? Birds chirping, harps lilting in the background? Everyone there had input, questions & suggestions. Could be totally daunting but no. There were no chips on shoulders, there was no two edged silence, there were no attitudes. Just a group of people trying to do their job to turn out the best possible product as a team. Who'da thunk!

What a great was to end was at times a hellish week. Thank you for your prayers, they were truly felt. Praise you Jesus!

First Piece of the Season

So here's the first piece that I'm working on this season for the Pageant. I LOVE it. It's call El Jaleo. It was painted by John Singer Sargent with oil in 1880 and is 8' x 11.5'. Ours will be even larger. He also painted Mr. and Mrs. I.N. Phelps-Stokes, a painting which I also really, really like. Mom & I saw it in the Met when we were there in September 2004. It's huge. I think pretty close to life-size.

The costumes in El Jaleo are totally boring to build (Pageant style), but I love the painting. Can't you just hear it? I can hear the instruments playing, the song being sung, & the sound of the dancer's shoes on the wooden floor. I can hear the people who are watching whispering comments to each other. I can hear other musicians tuning their instruments for their piece to perform for the onlookers. I can hear hands clapping, drinks being enjoyed & a good time being had by all. I can hear the dancer breathing, I can hear the fringe on her shawl brushing against her skirt. Anyway, I love this painting. I'm glad I get to build it.

Day 3

So today was my 3rd full day at work & I've already cried. Luckily I was able to suck it up 'til I got home. Not sure what to do. Please pray for me.

Guess what I got last night?

Yep! A godson.

Back in December Kaisara & I were chatting about a how I've been wanting to go to a new restaurant called Original Mike's. (Well it's not new now but when I started wanting to go it was.) So Kaisara comes up with, out of the blue, we'll go on January 14th. "What's January 14th?", I ask. "Why, do you have something planned?", he asks back. No I didn't, but it was just sorta random of him to pull January 14th outta his hat to go to this restaurant. Didn't think anything of it. Then 2 weeks ago he starts saying not to make plans for what was last night. Didn't occur to me it was the same random date that he came up with a month ago. He won't tell me anything for a few days 'til I finally got him to cough up that we're going to Original Mike's & that others would be with us. Cool. So on our way to the restaurant we get off of the freeway. Oh! Got it! Jen & Greg are going with us. Cool! We walk up to their door, I look in the window while knocking & who is on their couch...MELISSA! We go in the house & who is on my sister's lap...Elijah!

We haven't seen Geoff & Melissa since Chris & Ashley's wedding a year & 1/2 ago & we've never met their beautiful son. So it all comes out that Geoff, Melissa, Greg & Kaisara have been plotting this little surprise since November. My sister & I? Completely in the dark. Those dirty rats!

So we chat for a while & then head out to the restaurant. Geoff unfortunately wasn't there as he was at a super duper magnet training course for his work. Yes, that's right, my friend Geoff is Doctor Geoff to you! While at dinner Melissa asked us, on her & Geoff's behalf, if the four of us, Jen, Greg, Kaisara & I would be Elijah's godparents. After asking what that meant to them, we very happily accepted & we all feel honored. Thank you Geoff & Melissa for the honor & the responsibility. I will do my very best to be a good godmother.

Please feel free to look at my online photo albums for pictures of my beautiful godson & of our great surprise evening.

Never Get A Husky

See that matching puppy laying in front of Lucky? Yeah, that's not a puppy. That's his shedding fur!! ARGH! I brushed him for as long as he could stand it & the stupid fur showed no signs of diminishing. The fur in the pile pictured does not include the insane amounts that are now blowing around the house, what's is now covering me from head to foot, or what I ingested during the de-furring process. I try to take another go at it tonight. Maybe Lucky's puppy needs a friend.

Happy Birthday Melissa!

I haven't seen you in ages & miss you lots. I heard a song with a cowbell in it & thought of you! I miss our camping trips and you skunking Jen & me in Cribbage. By the way everyone, she can count cards! Her grandma taught her. That's a cool skill. I think if you've got it, you should be able to use it. Anyway, Melissa, I hope your birthday was wonderful. Consider yourself hugged. Love ya!

My top photos of 2005

With Grandma in New Zealand in November

Our niece, Tiana, too tired for dessert.

At Dana's birthday bonfire in September.

Brand new nephew in July. Iosua Lee Esera

At Ursula & Andrew's wedding in June. We're hot huh?!

On a hike at Anza Berrego in April

No witty title coming to mind

So today was a good day. Long but good. Earlier this week I finally got around to making a haircut appointment. Tim actually had an opening for today so I don't need to tell you how cute I am right now. My hair appointment was at 7:30, that's AM people. It's o.k....Be shocked & amazed. I was awake before 7 on a Saturday. I'm never even awake before 7 during the week.

So from my hair appointment I went into work (looking cute of course!). I usually don't have to go into work but our show's 1st audience is tomorrow so Amy asked if I'd be willing to go in for a few hours to do some notes. Since I couldn't work Monday due to the holiday & don't get paid for holidays, I jumped at the hours. So I worked at SCR from 9-1 all the while looking cute with my new hair cut & got a fair amount of work done. Yeah me!

From work I stopped by Marci & Denny's house for the open house party they were having for Mark, Alissa & Emma. Praise JESUS Emma is doing so great. A whole 7 pounds now. At almost 6 months old she's smaller than a lot of newborns. She's amazing. Anyway, I was at the party for almost a 2 hours. Ate some tasty food, got caught up with a few people & had a great time.

From the Ford's I went home, announced to Kaisara (after, of course, he noticed my cute hair cut) that I was taking a nap. Did I mention that I was up before 7AM? I got in bed he gave me a kiss on the forehead (I love that) & I was OUT for over an hour. I would have slept longer but I asked Kaisara to wake me up. I LOVE naps. Naps are so great!

I got up, freshened my cute hair & left for casting call at the Pageant. Casting call's fun. I get to see a lot of my peeps from the summer & ever so briefly touch base with them. I'm not sure how many people I measured tonight. Lots. I love my job. I get to put my arms around handsome guys (chest measurement yah' know) & no one can say a word.

So hear I am now finally getting around to letting you all know what's up with me. So there you go. I'm good. (did I mention my cute haircut?)

What a 3 days!

So here's my 2006 so far: Found out yeserday that my dear friends Debbi & Eric had their first baby! Yeah! Jakob Robert Dean. I'm so happy for them!

Next, found out this morning that my sister-in-law's boyfriend's father died. He's been quite ill with cancer and we knew that he'd be passing soon, but, wow, that was soon. The service is Thursday evening & I'm glad Kaisara & I can go to support Aipolo.

This evening we got a call informing us that Kaisara's Aunt Filoi's 6 month old baby died. We've no other details than they took him to the hospital & he died. They live in Western Samoa so getting details is sorta sketchy.

Now we're told that Baldi, a family member of Kaisara's mom probably won't live to the weekend. Man! What 3 days can bring you!

Please pray for Kaisara's family as they are dealing with these deaths as well as his Dad's 2 good friends several months ago & the coming passing of Grandma.

"The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." Even when it hurts.

The Waters' Edge

For the past few months I've been attending "The River", a church plant within a church at Lake Hills Community Church in Laguna Hills. This coming Sunday, January 8th, is The River's official kick-off. If any of you are looking for a congregation to worship with or are interested in where I've been attending, please come! There will be lots of new people so you won't feel like the only newbie. I'd love to see you there!

Happy New Year

So the new year has brought me a sick hubby. Kaisara is putting the blame on Melanie since she was coming down with something at Diedrich's on Friday (but her hair looked great)& at Dana's party on Saturday. I hope he's better soon & selfishly & more importantly, I hope I don't get it. I went out & got him orange juice & day-quil. Hope that kills it quick.

Happy New Year everyone!

All Wrapped Up...or not

So I'm done. Christmas shopping is done. I've only 2 more stocking stuffers to wrap. Yeah!!! I think this may be a record. Of course the last few years we've drawn names with Kaisara's family so that has cut the shopping down dramatically. Uh-oh...while typing this I realized... though we buy savings bonds for our nieces & nephew we usually get them a tiny something too, candy or the like. We haven't got "candy or the like yet"!! CRAP!!!! Back out I go!

Family is for Fun

So Monday was spent at Disneyland & California Adventure with Kaisara, Mom, Dad, Jen, & Greg. We had such a great time! To start the day off right was all 6 of us getting in for free. I referred a coworker of mine to Kaisara's brother for a good deal on tires so as a "thank you", her hubby signed 3 of us in. My sister has a client that as a "thank you" had a friend of hers sign 3 of us in. There ya' go! Sweet!

None of us had been to California Adventure before. Kaisara, Dad & I got in before the rest (their contact was late) so dad & I forged ahead to do a little "product research". You know, for the common good of the people :-) We found California Screamin' to be a GREAT roller coaster & promptly went on it again with the rest of the group. So fast, so smooth, & very entertaining. We all also really enjoyed Soaring over California. What a neat thing! Poor Greg has no sense of smell so he couldn't enjoy the added feature of the smell-o-vision.

The Haunted Mansion, Nightmare Before Christmas style was the thing that got us there in the first place. Jen's been wanting to see it ever since they started doing it. It was great. I can't believe how much they change it. No wonder they close it & start setting it up in September.

We had such a great day. We ended it with candy, cookies, hot tea & coffee while watching the AWESOME fireworks show. Feel free to check out a few pictures from our day in my photo album.

The day was "practically perfect in everyway!"

My man, the husband of a costumer

So not unlike many other mornings, I didn't see Kaisara before he left for work in the morning. He gets home at about 6:30 last night & almost immediately I notice something about the t-shirt he was wearing. I ask him, "Kaisara, have you been wearing your shirt like that all day?" He says, "Yeah why?" & looks at it. I reply, "IT'S INSIDE-OUT!!" Wait, it gets better...So we leave for bible study & I'm telling my sister the story & look over at my man, the husband of a costumer, and notice it's still inside-out! He didn't even change it! We cracked up! So he SOOOO aloha sometimes! What a weirdo. I love him to pieces!

Just Life

So I'm off of work for a week and a half. I start back at SCR next Thursday. This is a horrid time of year to not be working due to the lack of paycheck but it's a great time of year to be off of work to take care of life.

Seen a few movies: "Just Friends" (liked it), "Star Wars Episode III" (liked it alot more than I thought I would. very exciting), "Swingers" (very slow), "War of the Worlds" (liked it better than I thought I would), "Be Cool" (didn't like it, again), "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory" (liked it). Still gotta see "Batman Begins" (by the way Daryl, can I borrow yours?)

Finally got started on the Christmas shopping. Can't disclose anything here. It might ruin a suprise or two. I've still no idea what to get Kaisara. Feel free to check out my wish list.

I've gone to the gym twice. Can't even cough my abs are so sore. Gotta keep going though. I hate it there. Is there any physical activity that is interesting that doesn't make you hate yourself & want to leave crying?

Have to make some HUGE banners for church. I'm a little unmotivated on this though. They've changed things a bit & now they're not sure where they want them to hang but they know they want them. What if I spend all this time on them & they get scrapped. That'd suck.

Helping my mom with computer stuff for the things she's gotta do for her lawyer. I'm glad I can help but am terrified of making a mistake. We've got an appointment this afternoon.

Worked on my scrapbook twice in one week. Got up to this past summer. I'm not as far behind as I thought. Never mind the trillion NZ pictures that are daunting me.

So that's what's going on with me while not working. Tons to do.

In pure Melissa fashion I'll close with a quote from my favorite Christmas movie:

Clark: Oh, I was just smelling - smiling. I was just blouse - browsing. I, uh, heh heh. Well, I guess it just wouldn't... Oh hee hee, it wouldn't be the Christmas shopping season if the stores were any less hooter than they - HOTTER than they are. Whew. It is warm in here, isn't it?
Mary: You have your coat on.
Clark: Yes, oh do I? Yeah, it is a bit nipply out. I mean nippy.
Chevy Chase in "Christmas Vacation"

Up & Running

After much trial, I've finally got our pictures from New Zealand here for you to take a look if you'd like. On the side bar is a new section called "Take a Look". That's where they are & any other photos I feel like sharing will be. Feel free to check in & comment on those too!

Prepare yourself, it's a long post

Sorry it's been so long to post. You get off of a plane & hit the ground running don't you? As I said before (at least I think I did) Kaisara & I had a really neat time in New Zealand. As soon as my little computer Nazi helps me set up a photo album on line I'll post more pictures. Meanwhile, here's a breakdown of our week in NZ:

Monday: Arrived at Auckland airport at 8:00am their time. Auntie Vaisola picked us up & dropped us of at Auntie Siva's house. There we hung out most of the day seeing Grandma, meeting family never met before & basically just recouping from the 12 1/2 hour flight. (BTW: Air New Zealand is awesome! The people are super helpful, the food's great & their blanket & pillows are soft). After figuring out we all wouldn't be able to stay at Auntie's house we started hunting for a hotel. After calling around for prices, we decided on a place in the city for about $175 US. We pulled up & soon found out The Langham Hotel was ranked with 5 stars. SWEET!!!! They had the world's best shower head. Our doorman, Ross, was great. After settling in we headed back to Auntie's house for the evening Loku (short family worship service consisting of a hymn, a long prayer, another hymn). Even though it's all done in a language I can't understand, I love the Loku. Every time a sit through one, I tear up. Many of their hymns use the same tune as us so I just sing along in English.

Tuesday: Started the day with an AWESOME buffet at our hotel. Then walked down Queens Street (sort of like State St. in Santa Barbara. Shops, restaurants, repeat). Got a couple of neat things including a jade Maori hook for our awesome dog/house sitter Crista. We walked all the way to the water's edge & then back up (seriously steep hill) back to our hotel. We then headed back to Auntie's house for more family time & yes another Loku.

Wednesday: Kaisara's mom, sister & her 2 boys met us at the hotel for our second breakfast buffet. Kaisara & I tried Vegemite. NAAAAASTY! We've decided it tastes a lot like how we imagine used motor oil mixed with road tar would taste. His cousin told us this summer that it was "a beautiful flavor". Man, what would ugly taste like?! We then took our hotel's shuttle to the water front hopped onto a ferry for Devonport. We only walked up & down the main street as Kaisara's mom's back has been giving her trouble so she couldn't go far. I did buy some beautiful New Zealand wool yarn there though. As I'm just learning to knit I'm not sure what it'll become. After getting back to our hotel we had to check out. SIGH. It was just too far from the family. We had to get a place closer. Not that we planned this but, a little advice, never go from a 5 star hotel to a Best Western. It's just plain depressing. The Best Western was clean & quiet but come on, it's no 5 star joint. Auntie Vaisola picked us up from our new pad (SIGH) & took us to her house. Her ladies fellowship group from church was having a prayer meeting there for Grandma. About 15 ladies there signing hymns, the pastor giving a short message & lengthy prayer (these people mean business when they pray. None of our short & sweet stuff). Auntie Vaisola had me be a part of the Sua (kinda like a gift exchange ceremony). Everyone laughed at the quiet white girl not sure of what she was doing (yes, I'm known as quiet in some circles). I felt it an honor to be included in their cultural tradition & was quite overwhelmed by the whole thing.

Thursday: We reserved the whole day to be with the family. I taught Kaisara's mom to play solitaire, taught one of the Auntie's to knit. She was better at it than me. After declining a ride to the park, Kaisara's sister & her boys & I walked there. It was across the street & down a block. They were shocked we didn't want a lift there. Funny. They also offered to drive us to the corner market. I don't even think it was 100 yards. I thought we southern Californian's drove everywhere. Anyway, I had fun with Luanei & her boys playing on the monkey bars, slides & swings. Back to the house for dinner & Loku.

Friday: We took a tour to the Shire. We stopped at several places along the way bout our destination was definately the jewel. SO BEAUTIFUL. So green it hurts your eyes. 17 of the original 20 something Hobbit holes are left. The set is on a working sheep farm & as it was spring there were lots of lambs around. They are so cute. Sheep everywhere. The farm was 30,000 acres, an average size for a sheep farm & had about 12,000 sheep on it. Anyway, we saw the Hobbit holes, the party tree & lake, the tree where Gandolf sets off fire works from his cart for the kids, & the sites of several other moments of the movie that took place in or near the Shire. Back to Auntie's house for dinner & Loku.

Saturday: We went to the flea market. I got a purse (of course), a picture frame, a few necklaces, earrings for my sister, a sheep for my mom (she collects them), Kaisara got a t-shirt & the most bizarre looking corn dog you've ever seen. Uncle Fred then took us site seeing. He took us to their equivalent of Crystal Cove or Newport Coast. Tony, Kaisara's brother noticed there wasn't a Samoan anywhere. Which is odd because there are more Samoan's in New Zealand than there are in Samoa. We then went to an aquarium with an underwater tunnel to look at shark, stingray & fish up close. Super cool. He then took us to Sky Tower. It's sorta like The Stratosphere. A hotel with a big giant needle. The observation deck is 64 floors up & part of the floor is glass so you're standing on what seems nothing between you & the concrete, which is a long way down. We bought a couple souvenirs & then headed to the top of a dormant volcano which had cattle grazing in it. Then over to 1 tree hill, which as of 4 years ago doesn't have a tree. They had to cut it down for some reason. Gorgeous views though. Very cold & windy up there. Uncle Fred & Auntie Vaisola then took the entire family out to dinner. There were 24 of us. That had to be scary for the restaurant. A group of 24 Samoans at an all you can eat buffet. Wow!

Sunday: We went to church. A little of it was in English so that was a nice surprise. Kaisara's cousin & aunt are on the worship team & Uncle Fred gave the "notices". We then went to Auntie Vaisola & Uncle Fred's house to hang out & say goodbye. Grandma had to leave to go rest before it was time for us to head to the airport. She told me that she knew she'd see me again. I told her that I knew she would too. Just think, the next time Kaisara & I will see her will be in Glory. She'll have a brand new body & we'll be able to talk with her without any language barrier. That'll be cool.

Home Sweet Home

Well we're back. Sorry for the lack of updates while we were gone. Access to the internet is not so easy in New Zealand. We are so glad we went, we are so glad to be home & we have so much laundry to do. More to follow soon. Thanks for all of your prayers.

Real Quick

Almost outta time for being online. we're here safe. grandma's good. here's a picture of us with her. we even got her to smile for a photo. almost unheard of. more to post later.

"Hi, my name is Tootsie Lickinhump"

The following in excerpted from a children's book, "Captain Underpants And the Perilous Plot Professor Poopypants" by Dave Pilkey, in which the evil Professor forces everyone to assume new names...

1. Use the third letter of your first name to determine your new first name:

a = snickle
b = doombah
c = goober
d = cheesey
e = crusty
f = greasy
g = dumbo
h = farcus
i =dorky
j = doofus
k = funky
l = boobie
m = sleezy
n = sloppy
o = fluffy
p = stinky
q = slimy
r = dorfus
s = snooty
t = tootsie
u = dipsy
v = sneezy
w = liver
x = skippy
y = dinky
z = zippy

2. Use the second letter of your last name to determine the first half of your new last name:

a = dippin
b = feather
c = batty
d = burger
e = chicken
f = barffy
g = lizard
h =waffle
i = farkle
j = monkey
k = flippin
l = fricken
m = bubble
n = rhino
o = potty
p = hamster
q = buckle
r = gizzard
s = lickin
t = snickle
u = chuckle
v = pickle
w = hubble
x = dingle
y = gorilla
z = girdle

3. Use the third letter of your last name to determine the second half of your new last name:

a = butt
b = boob
c = face
d = nose
e = hump
f = breath
g =pants
h = shorts
i = lips
j = honker
k = head
l = tush
m = chunks
n = dunkin
o = brains
p = biscuits
q = toes
r = doodle
s = fanny
t = sniffer
u = sprinkles
v = frack
w = squirt
x = humperdinck
y = hiney
z = juice

Thus, for example, Abraham Lincoln's new name would be Dorfus Lipsdunkin.

Comment & let me know what your new name is!