Authentic Food

I am looking forward to many things on our impending Mexican vacation. Things like snorkeling, spending uninterrupted time with my husband and reading a good book on the beach. Ryan, on the other hand, has other things in mind. Things that include menu items from hole in the wall restaurants. (as well as snorkeling and spending time with his fabulous wife, of course!) He's all about getting real Mexican food while we are in Cabo.

We laugh at how menu items offered to us do not fall into the category of 'authentic'. Like a deep dish pizza in an Italian restaurant. Or a gordita from Taco Bell. So when I saw this video it quickly became our favorite! I wonder if we will overhear any Americans asking for guacamolito sauce while in Cabo???

The Cure

I took my in-between-stores self shopping yesterday and found a store that fit just right.

Banana Republic!

It's gets better. It was not only a Banana Republic (which does not carry pants or shorts with elastic waistbands or have a Misses section), it was a Banana Republic outlet store!

Can't beat stylish clothes that fit at outlet prices. Actually, I take that back.....the only thing better than an outlet store is a sale at an outlet store!

I am one happy girl. Oh wait, I'm not a 'girl'....but I'm not a 'misses' either! Sweet!

In Between Sizes

What is it about going on a trip that makes a woman decide that she needs new clothes? I'm going over what my wardrobe will allow me to pack and it makes me want to get just a few more things. Maybe a t-shirt or two, and a pair of shorts or capris. That's all, not much.

However, I have a delima. Where do I shop??? Now that I am in my thirties and have had 3 children, I feel like I'm in limbo as to where to buy clothes.

I can't really buy things from the juniors section - too tight, short or revealing, and overall not my style.

And the Misses section is, um, too 'old'ish for me. I'm not ready for cotton knit printed tops or blouses. Am I even old enough to wear a blouse?

Then where can I shop? I am feeling like my time at Old Navy may be over. Pants labeled 'skinny fit' aren't something that will flatter me. And 'low rise' is just plain scary to think about. Then there is the 'boyfriend Tee', of which I don't relate either!

This reminds me when I was about 10 or 11 and I found myself between the Girls section and Juniors. Girls was too little girlish but Juniors was still a bit too old for me.

*sigh* I think I am struggling with my Momhood again. There's got to be a way to be a mom and still stylish! Maybe I should stick with solid colored T-shirts and jean capris.

Destination: Outta Here!

Ryan and I made our decision a few months ago as to where we would go with our flyer miles.

Cabo San Lucas!!!

The week after next is when we are going. We will take off next Friday night and drive up to Modesto, where we will say 'hi' to family as we slow down and drop off the kids before heading to San Francisco to catch our flight. We can't wait!!!

In preparations for our trip we each got a snorkel set with fins. I remember on our honeymoon to Maui (13 years ago this week!) we rented snorkel gear for the week. It was fun to have the gear in our car so we could use it anytime we wanted during that our time there. This time we figure we'd spend about the same amount in renting it than it would to just buy it here and take it with us, so that is what we have done.

In other preparations, Ryan has been brushing up on his Spanish with a coworker. He's pretty good about picking up languages and I think he'll do fine for us when we go. Maybe I should do some of my own brushing up. I took some Spanish in high school, it can't be so hard, right? Maybe this video will help me out since I've already done the first semester!

It's That Time Again

Yes, it's time to celebrate another year. Another year has past and the number has been updated.

Isabel is 4!!!

Sweet Issy woke up to balloons all over the floor and now declares that she is (rightly) 4! We will go to the park with friends to celebrate her big day. There will be a bunch of kids running around, getting wet in the interactive fountains and eating lots of cupcakes. It's going to be a great day!

Happy Birthday Isabel!!!

I'm still having a hard time believing that my baby is 4. But if 4 means a completely potty trained little girl, then I'll take it! *big grin*

Super Sunday

I know that today is Wednesday but I can't seem to forget my fabulous Sunday afternoon. And you know what, I don't want to either! This is why....

After church, my good Michigan-turned-SoCal friend and I were going to have some girl time. The previous weekend our husbands took the liberty to see the new Transformer movie, so we were going to see a chick flick. We were. Until my friend threw out the suggestion of going boogie boarding instead!

Oh. My. Did we have fun!!! We were at the beach for a good 3 hours and enjoying our kid-free status. The waves weren't too bad either. *wink wink*

Ahhhh.......I could use a good Super Sunday about, oh, once a week!

**our kids will have VBS in a few weeks, guess how my friend and I will spend our free time that week??

Once again

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. ~ Philippians 4:12-13

Do you know what the definition of being contented is? Yes, I know what it means, but I thought I'd look it up just the same...

satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else.

I have a confession to make. I struggle with being content. There are times that I think I have it licked, only to have it rear it's ugly head and become an unitchable itch. You know, one of those deep-down-can't-get-to type of itches? Yeah, that's what being content is like for me at times. And this is one of those times.

The first big struggle with contentedness came when I was first married and living in a teeny apartment. I could not wait to move out and into a nicer place. Other aspects of my life were not what I had envisioned them to be and in my mind things would be better if we could just move to a better place. But in the Lord's wisdom and grace, we did not move. Instead, I had to learn that being content was a choice. It was not something that could be bought, or rented or moved. Rather, it was a conscience decision that I was going to have to accept where I was and be ok with it. It also came down to a matter of trust. Trust in the Lord and that He had me there for a reason and remember that his plans for me are for my good.

That was my first adulthood struggle with contentedness and choosing to be happy with where the Lord had me. I've had other bouts with it since, some easier to accept than others. And today I find myself in that well worn spot once again, struggling to accept where I am instead of where I'd like to be.

Just as before, I need to put my trust and focus in the Lord. From where I am now, I can see that the thing I want is just beyond my reach. It's almost there and I can just about put my fingertips on it, but I can't. And this is where I must make my choice....do I spend my strength and emotions on something I can't quite get? or, do I give it to the Lord and trust him with it? Trust Him to take care of it, which could mean it remains out of reach or even worse out of sight? Can I do that again, trust Him with my dreams and hopes? I believe I can. For just as Paul said in the above verse....I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

And once again I place myself in His capable hands, and along with my future and hopes, my heart.

Cause for Celebration

This summer marks our 3rd anniversary of being in our Southern California location. Much has happened, and things we had anticipated have not. These few years have been a mixed bag. For starters, we thought that we would be in the rental house for only one year then buy. But then the bottom fell out of the housing market and we find ourselves still here, in our lovely rental. Who knows, maybe this is the year that ushers us into homeownership again.

Also, for three years we have be sort of on the lonely side, seeking friends, and have yet to find a good 'couple' friend. When we moved from Michigan we left behind some really great friendships, and as we have found a good church to be a part of, it's still been difficult to find a married couple in the same stage of life that Ryan and I both connect with. However, the Lord is quite resourceful and in His way of working and moving has brought some friends from Michigan to us! Last month one of our really good friends moved out here and are now within a few miles of where we are. Get this....in Michigan, we lived 5.9 miles from this couple and now we are 5.6 miles! How amazing is that?!

So yesterday as we celebrated our country's independence, we gathered with good friends and rejoiced together in all the Lord has given us......a country we can freely worship our Lord, gainful employment that provides for our needs, and renewed friendship. Our God is so good!

Caleb and his good buddy watching the firework show from our backyard

Just An Observation

If you go to the beach with friends....

and in your party is included a little girl who has been having potty issues.....

when those worlds collide.....

that is where sand poop is found.

I Never Want To Hear The Word Poop Again!

There is a reason why I have not shouted from the rooftops my joy of being done with potty training.

There is also a reason why my cup of ice cream has an extra scoop tonight.

And those reasons are one in the same - I'm not done dealing with potty training issues!

Today could aptly be named "Deanne's terrible, horrible, rotten, no-good, day". But really it began yesterday.....or did it??...

Tuesday was the second day of swim lessons for all my kids. I have been looking forward to this summer and the swimming lessons because it is the first year that Isabel would join in on the swimming lesson fun. Well, she could have joined in last year, after she turned 3, but it would have required some hard-core potty training on my part (and hers too) as swim diapers are strictly prohibited. I spared myself (and Isabel) the torture of such rigors and waited for this year to begin the lessons. However, she managed to throw a wrench into my well-laid plans. And yesterday the entire pool was cleared out because someone's little angel pooped in the pool. Not only was the entire pool cleared out and lessons canceled for the rest of the day, but the lessons for the first half of the next day were canceled as well.

Now, I was not completely convinced that it was my sweet little baby who was the responsible party. But when I talked to her about it, she flat out said it was her. Still, I held out hope that it wasn't her. She must have been too sensitive to the situation and that is why she was so forth coming. Of that I was convinced.

But then she had another 'accident' that night.

Then again today when we were at our community pool.

And again after we got home from Mae and Caleb's swim lessons (I omit Isabel from the lessons because we pulled her from the class for the summer - let's not mention it anymore, I'm in mourning).

So, if anyone wonders why I have not yet jumped in exultation over having diapers and the like behind me, please note - I. Am. Not. Done.

I've known for quite a while now that Isabel possesses mass quantities of cuteness. And I've always wondered if there was a reason for it. As if her being so stinkin' cute (no pun intended) would someday save her life. I believe that time has come.