Monday, May 26, 2008

I love these kids....

Tomorrow I'm off to my sister's place to watch these three for a few nights while my sister and her husband head to SoCal on a business trip.  I can't wait to spend time hanging out and spoiling (but, not too much....don't worry Jennie!) my nieces and nephew!!  I'll post some pictures when I get home.  



Thursday, May 22, 2008

Fire in the Santa Cruz Mountains

Please be praying for the families who are being evacuated from their homes in the Santa Cruz Mountains.  It is extremely windy out today which makes it even more difficult to contain the fire.  

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Decisions, decisions....

Lately I have been getting the itch to teach my own preschool class again.  Right now I am an aide and a substitute so I work with all the kids and I don't have to plan for any of the activities.  I miss the monthly lesson planning, coming up with new, fun projects and messy experiments to do and having a bond with "my kids".  There were times though that were difficult, but overall I really miss it.  So, do I start looking for a teaching position and give a year commitment or do I stay where I am?  We'll see what happens.  I have called 2 preschools to see if they are hiring and they both said to come by and get an application (though I don't think they have any openings at this time.)  Oh, I miss my little munchkins and can't wait to see them (and all of my fabulous former co-workers) at graduation!!

Happy Tuesday all.

The sounds of Santa Cruz

Here are some video clips from bands that we have seen playing in downtown Santa Cruz.  You just never know what kind of music you'll hear when you're there!!   


I'm not exactly sure what genre this band would be considered, but I like it.  Any ideas??


Kuzanga Marimba of Santa Cruz with Move Hoops (they had light-up hula hoops!)

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Wonderful weekend with my sister

Josh and I had the pleasure of my sister's company over the weekend.  It was such a fun and relaxing time for all of us.  Josh and I are slowly trying to entice my family to move closer to us (not exactly fair since we're the ones that moved away, but oh well!)  We had a full weekend of...eating sushi, watching various downtown musicians in Santa Cruz, going to the beach, seeing Iron Man, dinner and drinks at Kianti's, thrift store shopping, looking at the adoptable cats at Petco (poor Josh couldn't get me out of there fast enough), and just enjoying each others company!  Come back soon.  I miss you already Jennie!!

Me and Jennie on the pier in Aptos...
we both got sunburns =-(

With my hubby in Aptos

Josh and Jennie by the creepy cement boat

Out to dinner at Kianti's
(where we bring anyone 
and everyone who visits us!)

Me with my yummy drink

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Recent Happenings

It's been a busy, guest filled few weeks.  Here's what we have been up to:

The beach in Santa Cruz with my dad

Lunch with my mom and dad in Capitola

Me and Julie with the surfer statue in Santa Cruz

Me and Julie by the boardwalk waiting for 
the men to get the car!

Josh is SO EXCITED about our date night!

A little better....

Oh, come on Josh!  How about a nice picture??

Julie's graduation party!  Congrats Jules!!

Fun times in Seattle

The beach with Joey and Emma

Emma and I at Pike Place Market

Joey!

The Thompson Family

Joey and Emma

Enjoying a sunny day

I had an amazing time with Travis, Emma, and Joey!  Thank you so much for your hospitality!

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Randomness

I haven't posted in a while because I was going to wait until I uploaded (is that the correct term??) my pictures from the camera to the computer.  However, seeing as how I still have not found that cord-device-thingy I will simply post without pictures.  I had a GREAT trip to Seattle!  I loved all the talks I had with Emma (they meant so much to me Emma!  I am so glad we are able to stay in touch despite the distance and our different stages in life!)  Joey was adorable and it was great to finally see Trav and Emma as parents.  Too cute!

Here's what's been on my mind:

*I have really enjoy watching Home Improvement again (thank you Netflix)!  It was funny when I was a kid, but now that I'm married I see a different side of the humor.  Tim, Al, Jill, Randy....how you make me laugh (Brad and Mark....not so much.)

*The longer I live in Santa Cruz, the less I find odd about the people here.  For instance, today I saw some girl riding her bike.  She had this short mohawk that was bright yellow and pink and instead of thinking "Oh my gosh!  That girl has a mohawk!!"  I found myself thinking, "Wow, interesting colors."  This place is growing on me....not that I'm going to get a mohawk anytime soon.

*I love the way the air smells up here!  The redwoods just smell so pretty!  (Remember how it smelled at Mt. Hermon in the summer Jennie?)

*I have four loads of laundry just waiting to be folded....yuck.

*While I was tying this little boys shoe today I caught him telling me he loved me.  When I said, "What was that?"  He said, "Nothing....." and quickly walked away.  How cute is that??

*We went to one of the best surfing spots in Santa Cruz over the weekend with my dad (my mom came up later that day) and it was gorgeous!!  The waves, the flowers all around, the beautiful lighthouse...I think that's when I really started to like this place!  Yay!  It's finally starting to feel like home.  =-) 

Friday, May 2, 2008

Happy Birthday Caitlyn!

Happy birthday to you!  Happy Birthday to you!  Happy 
birthday dear Caitlyn!  Happy birthday to you!
Happy Birthday Caitlyn!  I hope you have a wonderful day.  I love you and miss you.  I wish I could take you out to Starbucks today so we could get our special treats and read books together.  Can't wait to see you on Sunday!  Love,  Aunt Stephanie

Here are some fun pictures I found of us since you were born:
(they were in order, but got messed up...oops!)

Fun in Monterey

Funny faces

Out to dinner

When you were born 
(I was SO EXCITED to meet you!)

Aunt Stephanie's room at Grandma and Papa's:
You liked looking at yourself in the mirror!

My pretty flower girl

Holding my hand =-)

I Love You Caitlyn!