Disney Christmas 2008

So we had a blast in Disneyland. We stayed for three nights... it was great being so close to the park (at the Disneyland Hotel). Sullivan really loved it. She was generally pretty good, but had her moments of acting a bit spoiled. We did almost everything a little girl would want to do. It was kinda nice to get home to Molle and our own bed... but Disney puts on a great show at Christmas, wow! I recommend visiting during the Holidays if you haven't before!

I also have to say that my in-laws were amazing. Between Ryan's parents, his sister Ashley and the two of us, Sulli had PLENTY of attention. She was a busy little Princess! :) Speaking of princesses... we had lunch with Belle, Aurora, Snow White, Ariel and Cinderella! Sullivan was so funny... she had a serious face almost the whole time. She dressed as Princess Jasmine and was disappointed that she did not attend the lunch. The princesses told her that the "real" Jasmine was on a magic carpet ride with Aladdin. :) hee hee.

After all that walking, and eating out at fancy restaraunts, we were so tired each night! The trip was very memorable!

Merry Christmas...













She was really good when we went to visit Santa, but she was also very serious, as you can see. Sullivan can't wait to leave Santa "Cooookies and Mulk" on Christmas Eve. She also told him that wants a "prize" and that she likes "Bah-bies and Tandy". Hee hee! This will be such a fun Christmas!!

Giving Thanks

I am so thankful for my family. Ryan and Sullivan are the joy of my life. I am so thankful for our parents and our grandparents, and aunts and uncles... we are so blessed to have so many relatives close by. We can almost always find a babysitter! :) As I sit here and wrap Christmas gifts (you know, out with Thanksgiving and on with Christmas!), I realize how good we have it. As Americans we have so much freedom and security, and as Christians we have our faith that can be shouted from the rooftops if we want it to! I am personally so thankful for my marriage and my daughter, who is a miracle that I am reminded of each morning. Hopefully I can make this thankfulness last throughout the year, and not just when I feel all warm and fuzzy for the holiday season! :) Most of all, I am thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. It is only by His death that I can have an eternity in Heaven. It blows my mind that God could sacrifice his only child, for ME!?!?! As a parent, there is no WAY I could do that for anyone! God is good!

Ryan and I went to the Fresno State game last weekend. It was actually kinda fun. We had great seats... front row!
Sullivan and I had fun baking apple crisp while daddy was working late. She and I have new aprons which she is very excited about!
She is NOT really this happy about potty time. But I recently added some books and a sticker chart to our bathroom routine. So far, it's helping... a little!

Go CVC!

Ryan's team won again... against the undefeated Exeter team. Yikes! And I wasn't at the game. I opted to attend a student's play in Fresno that night and missed a great game. I was so bummed! So, Ryan is excited because his team got the 1st seed in playoffs. He gets a bye this week, and then plays either Selma or Arvin (at CVC), the day after Thanksgiving. We are enjoying the wins and are so proud of the boys! I just have such mixed emotions... I want nothing more than to have my hubby back, but I want his team to go all the way too! It's a tough spot to be in! :)

Another Win

Ryan's team won again. This time against Selma. I was so glad... not because Selma was Kingsburg's rival when I was in school, No, I could really care less about rivalries, but I was excited because Ryan's birthday was on Sunday. He wasn't sure if he would be up to doing anything on his birthday if they lost on Friday. Sooo, we ended up having dinner at Cattleman's with his folks and his sister, and then cake and ice cream at our house. It was fun. I love when our weekends go well and that often results from a win on Friday. So, yes, that's why I cheer at his games. For a sane and relaxing home life. Hee hee....

Halloween 2008

Sullivan dressed as Princess Jasmine and we had a fun time visiting with the grandmas and aunts. She got some candy, but I didn't let her eat it. Well, not all of it. We then spent the evening at Ryan's game in Dinuba. He won, so that was a great end to the evening.!

Fun Times

A Fun Time with Great Grandma "Ciggy" in Elk Grove. My mom and I also went over to the West Sacramento IKEA while we were up north.... soooo fun!
A Fun time with Karissa Bailie, our Pastor's daughter. Sullivan loves to hold hands with her "finds" who she also calls her "sissers".

A fun time with baby boy, Vaughn Henry Chomentowski. He's my good friend Jen (Gapen) Chomentowski's little guy! He is such a cutie!

We've had a good couple of months. BUT, now we're all sick and poor Sulli doesn't know what to think about it. She keeps saying, "My tummy huts mommy". Poor girl!

A strange night...

Last night I spent my time at Ryan's football game... not unlike any old Friday night. But, this night was strange because we were the visitors at Kingsburg, our Alma Mater. And... it was homecoming! Ewww!
But anyway, it was a tough game, and the Vikings got the win. A bummer for CVC. But as for us (my family, Ryan's family), it wasn't that hard cheering against our home town. I teased that CVC pays the bills, so that's where my loyalties are! Ha ha!
What I thought was pathetic on KHS's side was a big, bold poster that read "Crush the DUTCH". Now, for those of you who know about CVC, you know it IS a school that has a majority of students that come from Dutch families, who are mostly dairymen. BUT, the school is called Central Valley Christian, NOT Dutch Reformed School. Anyway, my problem with this is, what if CVC made a sign referring to KHS's majority of students? "Beat the Mexicans". Would that have been appropriate? Obviously not! I think the admin. did a poor job of proofing the posters this week and should not have allowed that soooo not P.C. poster to be put up. I am sure it was offensive to both the Dutch and non-Dutch (yes there are some) families at CVC. Am I wrong?

Football... week 7.... yeah!

So we are in week 7 of Ryan's football season. It's been good. His team is 5-1, having lost only to Bakersfield Christian (who has David Carr's little brother on their team!) It is getting more fun as Sulli has started to enjoy the weekly outing to Cavaliers Stadium. She yells, "Dat's my Daddy!", "Go Team!", and dances along with the cheerleaders routines! This coming week's game is in our backyard (practically). CVC plays Kingsburg (our Alma Mater). It will be nice to just walk down the alley to reach the game, but it will be weird sitting on the visitors side for the first time. I hope it can be a fun game!

As for last week's game, Sulli thoroughly enjoyed sitting with Mimi and sharing her lipstick as seen in the picture attached. She is always wanting to dress up and wear lipstick, but I don't own a single one (chap stick has to suffice), so being with Mimi is a treat. She loves getting into her purse and looking into her little mirror. Ha ha... all of this while daddy is out caching a football game and mommy's trying to understand what a "safety" is.

After the big win, Ryan was in a good mood and took us up to Shaver/Dinkey Creek for the day! It was a lot of fun except Ryan got stung by a yellow-jacket and we almost ran out of gas. Ha ha. What an adventure. We arrived home safely, and with sappy pine cones filling the back seat. Sulli thought they were cool. "Two Cone Mommy!"... "Loooook, more cone, Mommy" was all she kept saying. What a sweetheart!

Happy Fall!

I love this time of year. We have been enjoying the cool weather and fall colors. Sullivan loves having pumpkins all around, which she calls "Pums". She originally carried her baby "pum" around like a ball until I freaked out (imagining pumkin seeds and slime all over my house). She is full of energy and brings us so much joy! She has become increasingly aware of other's emotions and attitudes lately. Before seeing her great grandma Murray, "Moo Moo", the other day she said "Moo Moo happy see me!". And yesterday Aunt Ashley was on her way over for an evening walk and Sulli said, "Ash happy see me, all da time"... to which I responded, "Oh, does she smile and kiss you when she sees you?"... she said, "Yessss, and hug too!". She is (we are) so blessed to have so many people in her life that adore her. As a parent I can't imagine raising a child without that circle of support and love.
During our days together, Sullivan would watch Dora the Explorer for hours on end if I would let her (and sometimes I do... in desperation!), but other than that we enjoy trips to the store, walks or bike-rides to the park, visits with Nana and Baby Nana (My mom and grandma), playing in the backyard with Molle Gyrl, going on the Swings ("I Wanna Wee mommy!")... we have so much fun!
As for the Holidays... this will be a strange one. Without my Papa, it won't be the same. However, he would want nothing short of a wonderful holiday for all of us, especially the kids. So... in honor of him, I will make a conscience effort to enjoy the holiday season, focus on the reason it's here, and love, love, love my sweet girl and my hubby as much as I can!

Sprinklers and a Shower

Sullivan and daddy had a fun time playing in the sprinklers in our front yard! Ha ha! She was soaked in her clothes, but why not! It is so hot around here. She loved this special treat with her daddy!









I think Ryan started out just fixing a sprinkler or washing the dog and then he gave in! It was a photo opportunity I couldn't pass up!
Wendy, Cory, Jen, me and Katie at Cory's going away/baby shower get together. Aww... she'll be leaving to Australia soon and then having a baby in Decmeber! She's brave! We will all miss her very much. It was great to see the girls all together again.

WORK WORK WORK

So, I am back to work three days a week. The hardest part is being away from Sullivan and Ryan all day. Ryan is also back at football... all the time... so our little family is going through a big adjustment right now! When I leave in the morning Sullivan is so good, she says, "Bye Mommy, I stay Nana's... mama Bye bye, otay!?". Ahh, it's so cute and much better than last year, she would just cry and cry! When I get home she says, "Hieeeee Mommy!" (Usually). It's so great that she is well adjusted, but then we get home and try to think about dinner and bedtime and all that... Ugh... I am happy though. I get to be off for the next 5 days with Labor Day on Monday! I do really appreciate the opportunity I have to work only 3 days a week and be home with Sulli more than a traditional school would allow. God is blessing our family even though things seem to be so chaotic. We are well cared for! :)

These verses really encourage and remind me of God's perfect will and his provision. I trust that he has already determined what will come of my crazy little life and he knows best.

Matthew 6

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

Sullivan is now TWO years old... sob sob

We are so happy to have a happy and healthy 2 year old girl... but it's sad how fast the time goes by. She is so smart and fun, she smiles every morning and says, "Mommy!!" when she sees me! It makes me feel so good. She still isn't potty trained, or even close really, but we are trying our best. She got lots of fun things from friends and family and we are soooo grateful to have such a strong support group. SHe is loved and that feels really good.

Home from Alaska

Alaska was fun! Sullivan really enjoyed being the "princess" on the Princess Cruise Ship. We were on that ship for 10 nights... wow. It's nice to be home, but the vacation was great! The weather was pretty nice. Alaska, as I guessed, was cold, but comfortable. My favorite parts were visiting the Alaskan Husky Summer Camp and riding the Railroad up to the Yukon Territory out of Skagway. Victoria, B.C. was cute too! Cruising is a great way to travel!

Treasures

Colossians 3:1-4
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

It's easy to forget that this world is so temporary. I get so caught up the daily grind. This verse helps remind me of heaven and eternity. It also gives me hope because this world is so ugly and sin is so powerful.

I also love Matthew 6:21, (and all of Matthew 6 for that matter)

For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.

I thought a lot about this verse when my Papa passed away. He was a man of no great earthly wealth, but his heart belonged to Jesus and his life showed it. His treasures were stored up in heaven, not here on earth. I truly believe that he is in heaven enjoying the rich life with his creator. Those who pinch pennies or save up material things here on earth will not take them with them when they die. So I always ask myself, am I being a good stuard of what the Lord has given me, or am being worldly or materialistic? It's easy to be this way but people like my Papa encourage me to do better.

to the Coast...

Ryan surprised me with a trip to the coast! We are going to Morro Bay. I can't wait. Then we will turn around and go on our cruise soon after. It's been a long summer cooped up in K-town. It will be so nice to have some fresh ocean air in my face and watch Sulli play in the sand. We love Morro Bay for its relaxed tempo. It's supposed to be cool and cloudy over there... I'll welcome that after these 110 degree days we've been having here.

Sullivan 23 Months Old

Sulli my sweetheart!

Sullivan is growing up so fast. She will be two in less than a month. I can't believe it. She is talking our ears off! Here are some of the words she can say now...

Mommy, Daddy, Molle, Nana, Papa, Mimi, Moo Moo, Ash, Mac, Josh, Seth, Mille, Baby, Barbie, sit, please, thanks, yesssss, no, outside, in, swing, weeee, water, juice, milk, pancake, cupcake, cheese, candy, bowl, towel, pool, dress, hat, shoes, neck, teeth, brush, hot, bath, night night, rock, walk, push, hi, bye, back, choo choo, high, sun, dance, bounce, dark, light, eyes, mine, kitty, t.v., go, bye bye, stay, keys, trash, money, ice, more... and more and more...

WOW!

New Pictures of the Sweet Girl!

She's Almost 2!!!

Cruisin' to Alaska

I can't wait... We are going on a Phelan Family Cruise to Alaska soon! It will be so much fun. I can't wait for the Railroad Ride and other site seeing opportunities. It will be interesting to see how Sullivan behaves aboard the ship, and how the whole potty training thing goes(?). I am also excited to not have to cook or clean for 10 days! :) What a vacation! We are very blessed. Then it will back to reality... school/ work starts back up on the 11th of August... which IS Sullivan's birthday. So.... we're celebrating on the 9th. It's such a busy time of year!

Christian Soldiers

2 Tim. 2: 3-4
"You therefore must endure hardships as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. "

This world is not my home. Sometimes that's easy to forget!

Wedding

These are some more memories from Scott and Kristie Murray's Wedding. (Scott is Ryan's cousin.) Sullivan especially enjoyed the "Paw-Tee" that night! She loves to dance and play with the big girls!

VBS

This coming week is our Vacation Bible School for Grace Church of the Valley. I will be spending time with kids in the 10-12 age group. It will be so fun. The theme is the "Olympics" and my team is Britain. I am hoping that the kids will learn about the gospel and have some fun too!

I was so excited when Ryan came home and surprised me with a dinner date and tickets to the Brad Paisley concert the other night. I really like all sorts of music, but in particular country and Christian. The opening acts were great, and included Jewel who I really enjoyed (and saw in concert) back in high school. She even yodeled! Anyway, Brad's performance was really good and the concert was a lot of fun. I was hoping his cute little wife (from Father of the Bride) would make an appearance, but she didn't, at least while we were there. We left at about 10:45 PM and he wasn't done yet. I had to get home to my sleeping beauty Sullivan! My favorite songs that he sang were When I get Where I am Going and the one that talks about being So Much Cooler Online! It was a fun night.

Summer Time!

We are so happy to have summer here! Ryan is teaching summer school, and I am working on some curriculum stuff, but the alarm is not set as early and the gas bill won't be as high for the next couple of months! We are going on a cruise to Alaska later in the summer and maybe we'll shoot over to the coast a couple of times before schooltime rolls around again. Anyway, this is a much needed break. I will enjoy the challenge of potty-training Sullivan much more than driving in to Fresno 3 times a week and grading book work. YEAH!

2Timothy 2:22-26

"So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will."

This is REALLY hard for me. I tend to be rather quarrelsome. :(

GALATIANS 3:11

Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for "The Righteous shall live by faith."

most recent pics... since St. Patty's... Coast trip and around the house