What?!? It's already February!?!

Time flies. Sulli is getting huge. We are always running a hundred miles and hour it seems. Life is full and always an adventure! Our little family is enjoying our new jacuzzi. A special time for the 3 of us. We usually follow our soak with air popped popcorn and fresh squeezed orange juice -- and a Fam-uh-leee Movie, as Sulli says. Evenings together are the best times of the day. Looking forward to a weekend trip to the coast at the end of this month. A Valentine's/Anniversary trip with Sulli and the in-laws! Can't wait. We're coming up on 8 years of marriage. Crazy, eh? Like I said, time flies. :)

Summer Wrap Up

So, I haven't had a chance to post in a really long time.

Summer was nice, we remodeled our kitchen, went to a few Dodger games, went to the coast, went on a Mexican Cruise, and Sullivan finally became a big girl (potty trained... fully... kind of). School is back in session, so I am having my normal bouts of blues due to lack of time with Sulli and Football consuming Ryan's schedule. However, this year has been a bit less stressful as Ryan has taken the ASSISTANT coaching position in Dinuba. So.... he doesn't have the weight of the world on his shoulders anymore, which results in a happier home for the Phelans!

Sullivan began attending Sonshine (Shun-Shine) Learning Center after Labor Day. She has done very well... no tears yet. She goes M-W-F for 3 hours each time. It's soooo good for her. She has only been playing with boys so far, so hopefully that's not a bad thing. And thanks to my Aunt Dodi and Sullivan's recent 3RD BIRTHDAY, she is stocked up on cute little school clothes. It's fun to dress her and send her off... although I only get to do it on Friday's when I am off work.

Ryan and I recently attended my 10 Year Class Reunion. It was fun, but kind of a let down after all the anticipation and work on the committee. I enjoyed seeing classmates that have moved away and grown up. It was kinda weird, and I think Ryan is glad to have it behind us. :)

Besides that, our lives have just been busy with work, church, family time and football. Go Emperors... or at least "Go Daddy's Team" as Sulli would say (pink pom-poms in hand). Things haven't been all rosy however... a recent trial for our family has been my Grandpa (Dad's dad) Jim's cancer. He was diagnosed and they started chemo & radiation right away, with a not-so-encouraging prognosis. We are praying for recovery, but more importantly we are praying for his salvation. As a non-believer, he is unsure of where he will spend eternity. He has also been pretty resistant to discussing the Gospel in the past. My prayer is that the Lord would provide an opportunity for a friend or family member to share the precious gift of God's grace with him, and that the spirit would guide his heart! :) I am hopeful that the Lord is working here!

Almost 3 Years old!!!

VBS

Vacation Bible School was great! I helped with the older kids and Sullivan was in the "preschool" group. She really got into it. She is still singing the theme song and talking about the crafts. She would often see me crossing the campus and say, "I'll see you in the boat (the sanctuary was decorated like a boat) yater (later) Mommy". I think she'll do fine in preschool... IF potty training continues to go well.
Now we're really enjoying our summer . Ryan get's up really early to run, when he gets home I head out... meanwhile Sulli is still sleeping. Then, when I get back Ryan goes to teach summer school at KHS... he usually rides his bike since it's so close. Sulli and I then take our time getting ready... enjoying bowls of cereal together and maybe a bike ride or walk. Most of the day is concentrated on potty training which is going MUCH better.
We are looking forward to a family wedding this weekend... which will be preceded by a Dodger Game for us and 18 other friends/family members. Ryan's cousin got us a Luxury Box all to ourselves. So cool!! Sulli can't come but family will watch her. It'll be a fun weekend!

the Phelan's have been busy!

So we went to Hume...

and we ran in a race...

and we saw old, far-away friends...

and we celebrated mommies...

Now summer is here! We've been swimming, and playing "baseball" with Sulli (and her Dora ball and bat!). Football spring practice has started, which means our evenings are a bit crazy, but it's been great so far at DINUBA!! :) Ryan is really happy with his job change.

Easter Blessings!

We recently returned from San Diego for Spring Break. Ryan's folks rented a condo for the week, in Imperial Beach. We chose to take our dogs with us, and it wasn't that bad, but they do add a lot of work. The long drive down there was the hardest part. We enjoyed the waves crashing right outside our windows the whole week. Wow! I would LOVE to live at the ocean... but probably not in Imperial Beach. :) We could see Tijuana just across an estuary... a little wierd huh!? But overall, it was a great vacation! Thanks Mark and Kathy!!!

We had Easter lunch at our house this year! It was nice, but Sulli is sick, so that was a bummer. She's also being a total two year old lately... it's been rough! Spending time with family was nice, and we had some great food. Going back to work (after a week off... enjoying the beach in San Diego with the inlaws) will be hard, to say the least. However... I think I do NEED to get out of the house! :) I am looking forward to the New Kids on the Block concert this week... I am going with my two childhood girlfriends who shared the NKOTB obsession. It should be nice! (Ryan surprised me for Valentine's Day with tickets!).

VEGAS BABY!