One Down, One More To Go...

We're back from the city, just in time to wash clothes, say hello to our sweet dogs, and pack up again! Tomorrow we leave for Orange County to celebrate Christmas Swenson style...meaning lots of people, crazy kids, and yummy food in a packed house! Yippie! We're so excited! It's been forever since we've been down there. And we are so fortunate to be able to take the dogs with us too. I've also SO missed seeing baby Josiah (my youngest nephew) grow up into a toddler!

**A special congratulations to Wesley and Carolyn (Josiah's parents) as we just learned of baby number two due in July!** That makes grandbaby #12 for Mama Judy! Can't wait for more family time!

A Restful Christmas

I know. This is old, past due, etc. I've been avoiding the fact that I haven't blogged in so long, but William kindly uploaded some pictures so it makes posting easier. We had a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We spend both days with my parents since we leave on Wednesday for Orange County and the Swenson's Christmas celebration. We started a new Arterburn tradition of Cioppino seafood soup for Christmas Eve Dinner. We even got to wear fancy bibs that my mom and I found when we went shopping in the city! So fashionable!William and I hosted Christmas morning with coffee and Æbleskiver (Danish pancakes). We opened gifts then headed to the movies to see Benjamin Button. Dad was so disappointed that he couldn't start an another new Arterburn tradition: hiking the ridge-- it was cold, rainy, and not outdoor weather. Next came a much needed nap (Jess) and a trip to the dog park (William), then back to my parents for Christmas dinner. We had both been super exhuasted with the ending of school that it was so wonderful to have both days be so low key. This Christmas season just flew by both of us. My dad was again let down this year: we didn't decorate or get a tree. Maybe next year?!

The City

Hooray for a wonderful 1st year anniversary celebrated in San Francisco!! Our hotel was great, we would recommend it to anyone. Hotel Rex is a super quaint boutique hotel with lots of personality. We enjoyed Friday night live jazz the first night and every night we received a complementary glass of wine. And it was close to everything-- we walked everywhere.During our trip, we did the classic tourist spots: Alcatraz, the Wharf, Pier 39, Coit Tower, Phantom of the Opera Performance, Chinatown, Union & Fillmore St. Shops, Union Square, Embarcadaro/Ferry Building-- Sat. morning for the farmer's market. They were all great! We did hit a snag Sunday morning, when I went to print out our theater tickets. I realized that I bought them for the night before--Saturday! It was such an ordeal thereafter with lots of stress and worry (on my part). William was fabulous & even when the phone customer service was no help at all, he was totally calm. We were SO THANKFUL that we were given seats after we walked down to the theater and talked to someone in person. It all turned out great, but had such potential to be a disaster! Phew! :) Here we are, relieved to be given some grace by the box office.
We also tried to do some non-tourists things which now as I list them, may seem a bit random: post office, public library/Chinatown branch, goodwill, local leather/shoe service shop, Safeway, and hole-in-the-wall restaurants. The places we went to eat were all fabulous and definitely full of city people. :) I'm not sure how much we blended in-- especially with William's cowboy hat & boots.

It was also such a blessing to have so much free time together. And we both can't believe how fast the year has passed. It's so awesome to experience what just one year can do to our intimacy, connection, and understanding of one another. We can't wait to see what the future years will bring as we grow together! One mutual revelation: we're both still working on mastering the whole mind-reading thing. We figure a lot of our miscomunications would be solved by this simple skill. ;) Ha!!

Dear Santa

I had to write a memo for my computer class. This was the only thing that came to me. Enjoy.


Dear Santa,
I know you don't really exist but I needed something that I could write about, and this seemed far less personal than a real blog entry. I think that for this year I would like more time with my wife. That's my number one wish. Additionally I wish that people would stop killing other people, and that governments would get out of the way of people who wish to live free. If government could be more like my in-laws that would be great. They are very willing to be involved if and when we need them, and they are amicable to spending time together, but they are not willing to impose themselves upon my wife and I. My mom is much like that, and that is both helpful and beneficial to all involved. And if you could do something about the peace on earth issue, you know, the part about it lacking severely, that would be wonderful.
Sincerely,
William (you know which one)
P.S. I'm seriously considering leaving you some cookies. What's your favorite type?

Thanksgiving '08

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving Week! William and I went over to my parents on Weds afternoon to do a full-on cooking/baking session. It was so fun to have 4 people in the kitchen working together. I set the table with some decorations that we brought from my classroom and brought out the fine china. Thanksgiving was great too. William was in charge of the games and somehow we still had a "kid table" after all these years. :)

On Friday, we had a splendid day in the city with the rest of the bay area population. I can't wait to go back for our year anniversary-- we actually stopped into our hotel since it was so close to Union Square!! I love the city..and the shopping! Our men went with us so Mom and I were extremely tame. I only bought some tea! But a great place to people watch. This weekend was good. We went to our monthly game night at our friend's house and had a blast, went to church, and tried to walk off as much turkey gravy as possible!

Saturdate!

Today was finally a "slow-down" day where I finally felt like I was on vacation and a great day for lots of dates! First, I actually went running in the morning with Jojo then met up with my mom to have tea at English Rose, a lovely little place-- perfect for girlie outings. We walked around main street and the farmer's market afterward. Retro Martini was having a great sale and I got a really cute sailor dress more than half off. Then I watched my newly arrived Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants from Amazon as William caught up on some zzzzs (he started work at 2am). Such a joy to relax! In the evening, William had planned out a wonderful dinner in Berkeley (bordering Oakland) at Wood Tavern. It was such good food and wine. We drove to the Chabot Space and Science Center for their free viewing through telescopes. But the best part was the view! Wow! On Skyline Dr, we could see all these lights and the city far off in the distance with fog slowly rolling in. It was a sight to see. And for some reason, at all of these memorable events, I took no pictures!! So sad! But what a wonderful day it was! 
(picture from Wood Tavern)

My Parents' Lovely House

It's absolutely beautiful! Yes, Mom, we were careful when we got into your lovely precious pots!

Hip-Hop

It was so fabulous! I was..ok. :) They had been working on the routine for 2 previous sessions, but I was starting to get it. I just think I have to rein in my cheer bouncy-ness... hip-hoppers don't bounce... yo...They groove.

Keep Trying Something New

So I picked up sewing this summer and I'm content with the fact that I'll probably buy a machine next summer. It's kinda hard to pick up and put it down when I'm not very good at it. I still need more practice and mentorship. I'm ok with it being my summer outlet. Well I still felt like I'd like to try something new...something more exercise related since I need a better de-stresser than shopping (so says my husband) And I'm so not the dedicated gym member I once was in college. :)

So over our day off yesterday, I signed up to try a Hip Hop class through a Dublin dance studio. I've been wanting to try hip hop since the last season of SYTYCD and finally actually did something about it. Although it wasn't as easy as I thought. Most dance classes are for kids... since we are living in a family-oriented area. So I was so excited to find this studio that had a teen/adult class on Tuesday nights. We'll see how it goes next Tues! I really hope well because it'll be a fun outlet.. I miss my cheerleading days.. and dancing! But I don't think I'll be learning moves like those above... I'm so not flexible or strong anymore!! :(

Our Wedding Quilt

When my parents had the Grand Opening House party last month, William and I were bestowed the most memorable and precious gift: a quilt. My Granny had been making it for the past year! She has an incredible talent and we were so blessed by it. At our wedding, she was passing out ivory hearts for people to write notes, blessings, wisdom, etc on. She then quilted these all into a queen sized quilt for our "marriage" bed. :) What an honor to receive one of her quilts. Thank you, Granny. And see, Granny, still no babies, just like you made me promise... you can rest your tired and weary hands for now. Your next quilt tradition won't be for awhile.

Tag...I'm it :)

Tara tagged me!


1. What time did you get up this morning?
6:45..I wake up anywhere around 6:30-7

2. Diamonds or pearls?
Both, actually

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
Dark Knight..wow, we haven't been in awhile

4. What is your favorite TV show?
We don't have cable but my parents DVR So You Think You Can Dance and Project Runway for me :)

5. What do you usually have for breakfast?
Depends if my husband is around in the morning or not
Around: eggs, bacon, toast
Not: oatmeal, yogurt..something to go

6. What is your middle name?
Erin meaning Peace

7. What food do you dislike?
I don't think there is a food that I don't like...although we recently ate Vietnamese food and I wasn't too excited about it... give me Indian or Thai any day!

8. What is your favorite CD at moment?
The Magnificent Seven Series...Vitamin String Quartet..excellent music!!

9. What kind of car do you drive?
VW Cabrio

10. Favorite sandwich?
Anything with chicken, avocado, pesto on it..oh, and grilled

11. What characteristic do you despise?
Hard-heartedness

12. Favorite item of clothing?
Jeans, Sweaters

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?
I would love to go to Europe, Jerusalem, Australia, and New Zealand

14. Favorite brand of clothing?
Roxy, J. Crew, Gap, Norstorm..but all bought at Goodwill :)

15. Where would you retire to?
Somewhere in the woods/country

16. What was your most recent memorable birthday
None really come to mind...and sometimes I have a really hard time remembering how old I am... is that sad? maybe I should slow down a bit?

17. Favorite sport to watch?
None

18. Furthest place you are sending this?
I have no clue

19. Person you expect to send it back first?
Perhaps Jill or my mom

20. When is your birthday?
May 15

21. Are you a morning person or a night person?
Morning.. with coffee in hand..and early evening as the sun is setting person

22. What is your shoe size?
a solid 8

23. Pets?
Pancho (Villa) and Jojo

24. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us?
My husband is hopefully transfering to Cal State Hayward next quarter..exciting to be moving closer to the end of school! Other than that, I love my husband, but thats not new news :D

25. What did you want to be when you were little?
An actress

26. How are you today?
Pretty overwhelmed since report cards and conferences are just a few weeks away, but definitely excited for the coming holidays to relax with my husband

27. What is your favorite candy?
Sour patch kids, Hot Tamales

28. What is your favorite flower?
Sunflowers, Tiger Lilies.. anything bold, colorful, and fragrant

29. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to?
December 28th.. our 1 year anniversary!!

30. What is your favorite pastime?
Shopping...but I've gotten SO much better since we have no money to spend :(

31. What are you listening to right now?
My husband ranting about our mail being full of propaganda

32. What was the last thing you ate?
String cheese and an apple

33. Do you wish on stars?
No, but I love gazing up at them

34. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
a brown or dark auburn, earthy one

35. How is the weather right now
Cold and Dark...it's 68 degrees in my house.. I'm cold!

36. The first person you spoke to on the phone today?
William

37. Favorite soft drink?
Root Beer

38. Favorite restaurant?
Don't have one.

39. Real hair color?
I'm not sure...light brown, blondish...

40. What was your favorite toy as a child?
My Little Ponies, Poppels, Barbies

41. Summer or winter?
Both. But Fall the most.

42. Hugs or kisses?
Both.

43. Chocolate or Vanilla?
Chocolate

44. Coffee or tea?
Both, but coffee much more regularly

45. Do you want your friends to email you back?
Sure!

46. When was the last time you cried?
I'm not sure. I got teary-eyed on Sunday while watching family home videos with my grandpa in them. The last "cry-my-eyes out" was probably when I found out my dad had cancer (he's clear now)

47. What is under your bed?
Clear bins with my tank-tops, scarves,etc

48. What did you do last night?
Went to my parents for William's tutor session with Mom while my dad & I were lazy on the sofa.. avoided my grading and started reading "A Thousand Splendid Suns" (thanks Mom, great book!)

49. What are you afraid of?
irrational fears like someone breaking in, following me when I'm alone, crashing--stupid movies!; not doing a marvelous job at the various roles I do during my lifetime

50. Salty or sweet?
Both

51. How many keys on your key ring?
8

52. How many years at your current job?
3 years (I'm counting all that subbing)

53. Favorite day of the week?
Sunday..a whole day with my husband!

54. How many towns have you lived in?
6

55. Do you make friends easily?
I think so

56. How many people will you send this to?
Everyone who reads this post

57. How many will respond?
Who knows


I tag Mom, Jill, Megan, and Stef

Today's the Day!

Make your voice heard and VOTE! I hope people took the time to not only vote but also to learn about the issues, ask questions, and make commitments! My 5th graders all voted...did you?

Both my husband's and my ballots were cast today...

I guess I'm ready for the results...

Leave It To Teachers...

In 5th grade, we've been studying the electoral process as well as the information on voting, past presidents and past elections. Great stuff! So leave it to the 5th grade teachers to be Uncle Sam-- the classic personification of the U.S.--for our Halloween Parade-which conveniently enough also ties into our fall/Halloween poetry lessons on figurative language! (For those of you who forgot.. personification is giving a non-human thing, human-like qualities) Uncle Sam is especially known during WWII when a cartoonist created him, using him for military recruitment... we didn't get into to other political nuances. Remember, 5th graders get the basics! During our class party, I got rid of the facial hair & borrowed a student's cat ears. Slightly more comfortable! :)

Joy

My husband still woos me! I was delighted to find these on our coffee table upon coming home from school this week. Tiger Lilies are one of my favorite flowers because they smell amazing! They have already opened fully and are filling our downstairs will fragrant bliss!

A New Look

Inspired by the 1970s and the movie Tombstone.

Perhaps A New Interest?

Last week, we drove to Fremont to check out the City Beach. Our friends, Katie & Chad, invited us to go and we had a blast. William has gone with Chad before but this was my first time! I had only rock climbed before (briefly) at UCLA so this was really the first ever. I'm SO out of shape! I could only do 4 runs that day. William was a natural. I could definitely see us doing this again. It's a great workout & fun to re-unite with my inner child, the tree-climber.  It is a bit far, and without Chad as our equipment supplier, it could be expensive. We'll see... I'd do it again!

Chick Flicks

I'm at a stand-still. Since we don't have cable..or get any channels for that matter, our DVD collection has grown some. We'll pop a movie in while grading and doing homework. I really like them while William's at work and I'm catching up on grading... it means I can watch a "my kind" of movie. At this point, however, I've exhausted our small chick flick supply. So I'm looking for some suggestions. I need some quality yet simple-minded (can you have both?) chick flicks that I can pop in while doing something else. Here's our current list:

1. Pride & Prejudice

2. Legally Blonde

3. Never Been Kissed

4. P.S. I Love You (most recent addition)

5. Sweet Home Alabama

6. Devil Wears Prada ( a great fashion one!)

7. Enchanted

8. The Babysitters' Club 

What else is good to add?? 

Fall Carnival

The Annual V. Hills Fall Carnival has come and gone. Last year, Sarah and I manned the cotton candy machine...this year:

William took charge and was whipping out the blue sugary goodness for the kids. Sarah and I were his support team: handing him the white cones and pouring more sugar into the machine. The truly wonderful part of this whole process was the flying wisps of cotton candy. We were covered in it by the end of the night...William got the worst of it. I had it in my hair and eye lashes. Check out his beard!

We even ran into my family: Auntie Janice, Cousin Kendi, Phil, Brookee, and Adam! A family affair in P-town! 

Bring on the Fall!

These days of late have been deceptively delightful. The break-of-day briskness brings on afternoon bliss as the chill breeze blossoms into warmth that seeps into your whole being. Our morning coffee takes the edge off of the nippiness and welcomes us into a new day, inviting us into the beauty of forgiveness and faithfulness of God’s love. This solemn moment is too often broken by our haste in beginning the day. Thank you, Lord, for remaining faithful when we allow our faith to be swallowed by the hectic life we live. Forgive our over-inflation of our self-importance (me especially), and remind us of our limits and our reliance on you. And THANK YOU for this beautiful season where we get to see yet another side of your creativity and grace.

Homebound Fun

William & I have really enjoyed our last few weekends together (see previous post). It sure amazes me how much there is to do just around us. We went to the pumpkin patch, hiked with the dogs, cooked good food, enjoyed a play at the Amador Theater, carved our pumpkin, and basically delighted in a whole bunch of fun stuff! (which means, we haven't been all that responsible lately and can honestly say, we'd have to rush around cleaning up if we had guests!)

Our home-grown knife carving!Playing with our CUTE mutts! :)
Don't be fooled...he's not this innocent!
Great play we saw!

I survived

It was a fabulous week at Outdoor Ed in YMCA Camp Loma Mar. All of us had a great time: kids, and teachers included. :) It was gorgeous weather, a harvest moon and lots of great nature to see. We saw raccoons, banana slugs, deer, hermit crabs, seals, brown pelicans, etc. I didn't get as much grading done as I had hoped, but I did enjoy hanging out with my kids. Fun times! But it was SO great to be back with my husband this weekend. We enjoyed every minute re-connecting & catching up... and napping. I've been so exhausted. Another year down successfully! Whoo-hoo! And of course, there was always room for some silliness!

Jess Is Signing Off...

for now. I'm all packed up and heading out with 132 5th graders to the Santa Cruz Mountains for Outdoor Ed week! I'm excited to be outdoors for work, but sad to be leaving my hubby. I'll be taking pictures, hanging with kids, catching up with my fellow 5th grade teachers, hiking, and grading! Banana Slugs, here we come!

Great Weekend

We had a fabulous weekend! On Friday, William & I went my high school's homecoming game. I didn't really know anyone there. I did see 2 familiar faces, but they were parents of students that I know... not people I went to school with! Some kids were back visiting but they had just graduated in the past two years. We had a great time!

On Saturday, William worked a half day & I picked up Mama Judy from the airport. My parents held a Grand Opening Party for their new house. It was so great!! William's brother, Frank, his wife and kids came down from Woodleaf! Lots of people from our wedding were there so it was great fun. My granny made us a beautiful wedding quilt with written messages from our guests. When I get a working camera, I'll post some pictures of the quilt. It's gorgeous! 

Today, we just hung out with the family, walked around downtown P-town, ate, etc. I'm SO loving this weather. It's beautifully crisp, cool, and refreshing!! A fabulous weekend with lots of company. Just what I love!

Addition: We ended up going to the Pumpkin Patch on the way back to the airport! We'll see if have time to carve :)

Quite Premature, But Still Heart-Stirring

I fell upon a blog of someone I knew from high school youth group. Her Colorado family of three is going to be a family of four once they get their little baby girl from Ethiopia. They are adopting her and have waited over 18 weeks!! It's so exciting, although after reading their blog--it seems like such a roller-coaster journey. It is such an amazing story right in the middle of development! I was "lurking" around and found the adoption agency they were using. William and I have discuss adoption and we would love to at some point along our life together. So randomly, I searched through domestic adoptions through Gladney and just filled out a form to get more information. We know plenty of people who have adopted, and what a wild, unnerving journey it can be! It does scare me a little to think about raising a child that has completely and utterly different life experiences. They will come with an independent set of deep rooted issues. But what an amazing opportunity to love another. What a blessing from the Lord!! I think when the glossy romanticism is stripped away, it shines as a good, solid, and nourishing sacrifice. Just like marriage, something that won't be easy or comfortable, but amazingly delightful, satisfying, and overflowing with blessings along the way. A reward that is much delayed but hopefully experienced as they mature. 

I love how in her blog, Bre has already claimed this little girl as her own. She is Bre's child right here and now and she is her mother even though the little girl isn't in her arms. I want that kind of strong identity and conviction! What an encouragement to stand for truth and be solid in it!

So Well Put!

How Many Shoes Do You Have??

I'm officially taking a girl poll for my husband. I really don't like I have even close to the amount of shoes that MOST girls have. So I'd like to put my shoe count within context of other females! :) This all came about when I discovered this website. It's great! I ordered a few shoes from there, got free & quick shipping & I love them! I can't wait to wear them. Here are my new finds:

I didn't have any grey shoes for this season! So yes, maybe a few too many, but how many shoes do you really have?? Now, considering my last post, I will no longer be able to shop, really. But all of these were under $25 and I'll definitely wear them! :) William bought a gun this week and I bought some shoes. We pretty much even now, I think. To each, her/his own, right?! William says shopping is no longer my hobby. He's putting me on a very strict budget now. Man, I LOVE being married to a strong man...but sometimes, it's not as much fun when he pulls the plug! :D

P.S. Note to self: don't be sick at home with lots of time to online shop. Really bad combo!

And really, please leave a number...I'm curious to see where I stand in the girl-shoe world!

I'm Out of A Job

On Monday, Lane Kiffin was told not to come back to the Oakland Raiders. So I'm out of my nannying job for Sundays. I've been privileged enough to have a side job that is fun and gives us some extra spending money. It's been great because it's often just a week day, and some weekend time. The two Kiffin girls are so sweet & I love spending time with them. Who knows what their next step is now that their house is on the market, but my bulk Sunday time is now over. It's been great getting to know the family! We wish you the very best as you determine what's in store next!

Sick at Home

Today I decided to call a sub. Last night, over at my parents', I got this monster headache. I get them somewhat often during the school year from exhaustion, lack of sleep or caffeine, or from stress/tension. And it usually happens in the afternoon, right after school. Well I thought that this was another one and that I could sleep it off. Unfortunately, that's not what happened. I woke up to it this morning. It's all around my head and I couldn't really walk around or even bend down without the pounding. I don't think I've had a headache that's lasted this long and strong before. I definitely don't like it!! 

Two Excedrin and a glass of water later: I'm at home trying to rest and hopefully catching up on grading. Not really a fun time. I hope it goes away soon! The "So You Think You Can Dance" concert is tonight & there's NO way I'm missing that! Rest now, play later tonight. Fingers Crossed!

Smoothie!

William made a fabulous blended smoothie with no recipe (imagine that!) He invented the Chai Berry Smoothie. I dunno, maybe it's already been invented but it was SO good! Here's his unscientific recipe so you may have to tailor to taste since there was no measuring tools used. :)

Chai Berry Smoothie

1 Blender

4 oz half n' half*

1 cup 2% milk

2 medium size scoops vanilla ice cream* (can be substituted with yogurt)

1 & 1/2 of frozen mixed berries

1 full scoop of  vanilla Chai powder (Big Train Brand is the best..from Smart&Final)

Blend

Add handfuls of ice to create thickness

Serves two best with a dollop of whip cream and a straw

*I didn't say it was healthy, though :)

First Field Trip

The 5th graders went on their first field trip yesterday. We went to see the super-cool Chinese Acrobats at the Amador Theater. It was a fabulous & entertaining local performance. We've been studying the Olympics this month, so the Acrobats were our morning "Opening Ceremonies" and we have an Olympic competition in the afternoon. My mom was kind enough to let me borrow her camera since I still can't find my battery charger thingy. Not sure how I'll survive this year. You can tell I haven't been posted much since I don't have pictures. Hopefully that will change soon!

Fabulous Deal!

So in my previous "Autumn" post, I mentioned a few coats from jcrew I've been eyeing. And a few days ago, a teacher e-mailed me about their 15% off for teachers with an ID badge. I had no idea about this great deal until this week... probably a good thing. Anyway, I went to the mall on Thursday for some retail therapy after school.... I know.. I should get a better "de-stressing, relaxation habit".. but anyway...

 I wanted to try on the coat since online it had gone on sale..by alot. It was originally $275 & there was NO way I could qualify that to my hubby. So it was online for $199, but when I went into the store..they had it for 25% off that price. I was able to order it in-store from the catalog and they gave me the teacher discount too. Plus there was literally only ONE left in my size in the color I wanted. In addition, I had a $50 gift card from a birthday gift...so a $275 coat became an $88 coat in a matter of moments! VICTORY in the retail battle for great prices but great quality... unfortunately my hubby wasn't as thrilled since I still don't get a paycheck until late September. Grr...

My Parents' New Home

My grandparents' home is now my parents' but boy, did it get more than just a face-lift. We've been over there often now that they are settled. We enjoyed a Sunday BBQ and a William-Mom tutorial session while Dad-I watch Project Runway. Good times. It's in beautiful Castlewood and it's so peaceful. It's away from much of the hub-bub of the suburbs too, but still very close. Because it's situated right into the Pleasanton Ridge area, there are lots of wild creatures: vultures, squirrels, turkey, deer...etc. I'm sure lots of miniature creatures too for some of these animals to prey on. Well, the deer and turkey are quite a nuisance to the golfers and home owners. And today, my husband and father had some male-bonding time with these wild, unruly inhabitants. William brought his b-b guns over and they practiced their aim to "scare" these annoying turkey away from the backyard. I, not present at this event, but instead working hard in my classroom after school, only heard of their adventure and now desire to buy better equipment for next time. Shheeesh. 

Mama Judy

She's been in the hospital since Sunday night & I just spoke with her for the first time today. Thankfully, she sounds fabulous and seems to be doing much better. She's able to keep food down and her voice has life to it. She's had visitors and callers. We appreciate so much your prayers, notes, and e-mails. And we are happy to report that the plan is to get her home by Wednesday with some meds. What a big scare, but hopefully she's on the mend from here on out!

Mama Update

Judy has spiral meningitis. The hospital finally admitted her into the hospital after the second spinal tap late last night. I'm so thankful they were able to find out what it was, but what is was is NOT very good. Please pray for Mama Judy for this illness can be very dangerous. Thankfully it is the viral form which is less severe than the bacteria form. Treatment for the viral form is only directed at the symptoms, typically. Please pray! We are all very nervous and worried.

Please Pray...

My mom-in-law Judy Swenson is very sick. They, being the doctors, believe it to be some viral infection but they haven't been able to locate it in her body. They have completed many tests, including a recent CAT Scan and Spinal Tap. She's been under a great deal of stress lately emotionally, spiritually and physically so her immune system seemed to be down. Thankfully, some of William's siblings still live down in Orange County and have been able to get her to the E.R. We thought she was getting better early today, after going to the hospital yesterday to get re-hydrated--she was starting to eat, sleep, normalize, etc. But this evening, she couldn't stop vomiting and Ruth took her back to the E.R. The hospital wasn't allowing her to stay, but William finally got ahold of Judy's doctor who is hopefully working this out. Please pray for physician care immediately, that they are able to calm her body down, keep her hydrated, and get her the things she needs to get over this!! Lord, heal Mama!

Is It Friday yet?

This week is the first 5 school day week and boy, is it long. Last night, I was so tired... the kind of tired I feel on a Friday night. Much to my dismay, I realized it was only Wednesday night. William took a "nap" around 5pm, but ended up finish that around 6:45AM! We're both exhausted this week. We have forgotten how taxing schooling, work, etc can be. Summer was good. On Tuesday, I attempted my first jog with our dogs. They did well & were able to mostly keep up and trot in a straight line. We'll see if we keep this up...

Motown

William and I were so privileged last night to be invited to my parents' shindig. Castlewood was having a Motown night with dinner & live entertainment. It was a blast, although we were the youngest people there by far! My mom kept leaning over to check on us & our familiarity with songs. I knew almost all the songs and most of the lyrics. Although, I didn't know all the hand moves, like my mom did! She use to dance with her friends with the radio in the garage... and she wonders where I get that from!! The entertainment was fabulous. A traveling group that performs as if they were the artists of yester-year: The Temptations, The O.J.s, Marvin Gaye, Martha Reeves and the Vandelias, etc. We were so glad to get to dress up and go out again. It has been awhile. What a wonderful evening!! Plus it was the very first time we had been to Castlewood since our wedding, so we definitely enjoyed reliving parts of that. :) 

Autumn

I can't wait for the coming season. As I plopped into my scorching hot car after school today, I gave a mental scream, "When is it going to get CHILLY?!?!" I hate getting into my car at the end of the day--way too suffocatingly hot! Autumn is such a great season for many reasons. The changing of the leaves from green to orange, red, brown, and yellow hues.  And the smells are amazing: crisp, cool breezes; jack-o'-lanterns; spiced breads; pine trees dampened by the dew... and let's not forget about my all time favorite: Pumpkin Spiced Lattes!! So beautiful! I want to wear pants, long sleeves, coats, jackets, layers and the like. I have been eyeing this and that at j.crew for awhile now. I'm trying to figure out how I can work them into my closet without my dear husband noticing. :) I've got to do more nannying!! And with school full swing and the dogs--I-gasp!-- haven't had any time to go shopping. And blessing for my wallet, most assuredly. Both of us have really buckled down and seem quite focused on school and home. It's great for now, but I'm sure I'll be itching for an escape trip sometime soon! And I'm still working on our anniversary plans--nothing booked yet. What are your Autumn plans??

Labor Day Weekend

Moving our *new* furniture

Ruth & her ever-growing Shane!

Alyson trying out my glasses! :)

Included some laborious activities and some not so laborious. :) It was such a treat having the McFarlands (William's sister Ruth & lovely family) visiting Friday & Saturday. We so wished they could have stayed longer, but were so happy that they made a pit stop with us. Then we slept....A LOT. We've both been SO exhausted. I slept from about 1pm until 5:30 and William didn't get up until 7:30pm. It felt so good though! We finished our evening watching P.S. I Love You. Today, we played hooky from church (sorry, Jill!) to get our lives in order. We cleaned the house, moved in new furniture (thanks, parents!), did 6 loads of laundry & put them away... you get the point, I'm sure. We also walked the dogs too. And tomorrow is dedicated completely to school work for the both of us. It's great to have 3 days to get things back in order. Hopefully, the next holiday will be for vacationing!