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!