We have moved..

again!
Evan and my brothers have gotten a pretty good workout since we have moved back to the mainland. We have been here for 20 months and lived in 4 different houses. Hopefully our latest will be the last until we make another move this summer when Evan graduates from Cal Baptist University and gets an amazing job somewhere in the United States.
Home #1

Apt #617

                         

Home #2

We stayed in Riverside with my cousin Chris & his wife Elizabeth, for a couple months while were were in limbo and Evan was in San Diego working.

Home # 3 Fairmount Blvd

Then we rented this cute little house that was perfect for our little family minus the large backyard with a grapefruit tree that dropped a million fruit a day and the yard was not cared for, basically dirt. We were here for a 4 months then the house sold and we had to move out. Good news about that was the owners had to buy us out because we had already signed a new lease. Bonus for us. I won't miss the carpet that stunk like dog from the last people that obviously didn't care for it like I did. I semi-nourished it back with all my shampooing and vacuuming.

Home #4

About a half a mile from our last place. Cute little yellow house built in 1915. Tab bit smaller/different layout, but cozy and smells good. Has an old school tub with a converted shower head. The yard is huge and full of grass and shrubery {the dogs love this}. We like it so far, despite the male cat that hangs around and poos in the yard.

family fun

Enjoying a Saturday with the Udas at Punjab Palace. My first time eating out to an Indian restaurant. Thanks for a great night.

Thanksgiving Day 2011

All the family dogs {minus Rock & Darla}

{love this-thx Jenn!}

 Family picture 2011 {missing J&C& kids; C&M& twins}

We had a great time this year. Tony & Michelle hosted this year. Good food made by everyone. Good laughs. Moving from room to room chatting about life and everything..playing games with the kiddos-breaking up the fighting/hitting kiddos. Its nice we can have family gatherings often. We enjoy being around each other's families. 

I give thanks..

I give thanks for all of the many tender mercies in my life.
I give thanks for the gospel of Jesus Christ. For a testimony that is ever growing. For a Father in Heaven so aware of Me and what I need and just when I need it. For my Savior, who sacrificed for me so that my pains and sorrows would be eased. So that I would have someone to carry me through trials.
I give thanks for the most amazing man in my life! I am so very grateful for my husband! He is my angel without wings. My hope when I get crazy. My best friend who tucks me into bed when I fall asleep on the couch. My better half. I am so proud of him a& all he has accomplished.I love you Evy.
I give thanks for family. We have such a good time together. We would do anything for one another.
I give thanks for my puppies, Sage & Jade. They have been the best furry kids anyone could ask for. They bring me joy {even when Jade pees on Grandma's carpet and I am embarrassed because I taught her better than that}.
I give thanks for a job I love.
I give thanks Evs is coming to a finish with his Master's program {4 months!}
I give thanks for having a very grateful heart this thanksgiving!

Funny

Setting: At the busy grocery store, on a community outing, with my autistic kiddo {age 7}, his mom, and two twin brothers.
Kid 1 (autistic): itching butt.
Me: Are you okay? Did you forget to wipe your bottom after going potty?
Kid 1: No. Itching butt.
About 10 minutes later.
Kid 1: {shouting} Mom, my butt itches! M-o-m...My..BUTT..ITCHES!
Kid's Mom: Did you wipe your bottom good?
Kid 1: No.
Kid's Mom: Okay. Well when we get home we will clean it.
Kid 2: Its ok if your bottom itches. When I get nervous I itch my butt.
Kid 1: okay.
Kid's Mom to Kid 2: Way to sympathize with him. That was nice of you.

This was my funny of the day! Seriously had me cracking up! I am pretty sure none of my siblings ever did that for me!

Something funny

My little jogger makes me smile!

The story behind this funny dog outfit:

Since Evan works with athletes he has made this observation that cross country runners are a "special breed"{so he says}. Our dog Sage is the smartest, fastest and most handsome dog, but lacks some common sense sometimes and social skills. We got him at 7 months old. I am not sure what the kids that had him did to him as a puppy, but because he acts awkward, Ev calls him my little cross country runner. I found this outfit at Big Lots and had to get it. Its hilarious!

MLS finals

Game day supporters from home. On the couch. With our scarves. In our Pj's.

 The Mr & the Mrs.

I love that we enjoy so many things together!

Both pups slept through the winning goal. 

2011 MLS Champions

Donovan & Beckham celebrate with a hug!

Beckham shouting for joy!

Crafts with sister

Last Tuesday I met up with Jenny and started some holiday crafts. We didn't finish and I had to get going home, so we met up yesterday at Mom's and ModPodged away. It was a fun little craft to get right, but all in all we had fun. Its nice to have a fun day with my sister. Glad we don't argue as much as we did when we were younger. Its nice to enjoy her talents, beauty and commentary. Love you Jenny!

Scary moment

Babe..

I got this text yesterday from Evs. This is a picture of our backyard. My heart was racing my hands were shaking. My doggies...I immediately called him. When he let the dogs out the gate was closed. He said he was sitting in the house and had this feeling the dogs should have come back inside by now. So he got up and saw the above. He said he grabbed our doggie whistle and ran outside without shoes. He was blowing their whistle and Jade came running back, then Sage. There was a party next door and I guess they really wanted to check it out. We have had people in and out of the yard all week doing some work for the landlord. Ev thinks the wind must have blown the gate open. Yesterday could have been a very terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. I am glad it wasn't. 

 Jade & Sage 

So glad they are safe and not lost in the rain.

Breaking Dawn Pt. 1

I thought this movie was awesome, despite the conflicting reviews. I was excited to see the last book put into a movie. I thought there were some risk-ay scenes but overall I felt like the movie kept my attention, was entertaining, and I laughed alot more in this one. My favorite movie of the series. What made it even better was good company. Love date nights!

The wives happy and excited for Breaking Dawn!

 The husbands overly dramatic & excited holding their tickets

 Being manly too!

 I love this guy. He makes me happy!

Something special

My Mom & I had a chance to attend the baptism of my best friend's{since childhood} children-

Elizabeth & Julian Saludes.

 Julian's Baptism

 Elizabeth's baptism

 My Mom & Julian

 Julian, Elizabeth & Tia

 Selina {best friend since childhood} & Me

 Saludes familia 2011

St. James Catholic church

I am glad we could be there to support their family on this special day!

So glad we are forever

{photo credit:BIGPhotography}

Musings

I decided to go on Craigslist.com and look for a rolling kitchen island for fairly cheap, but I knew to get a decent one I might have to spend more than $20. I found one. A nice one. The asking price was $120 obo(or best offer). Now, its just in my genes to negotiate. My family wheels and deals. So, I decided to email and offer $75. I get a response that says, "the lowest I will consider is $80". Now Evan would disagree, but I really don't think I am that frugal to do that to someone. I mean really, $5? The lowest the man "could consider" was only $5 more than what I offered. I didn;t dispute with him for the reason, it is $5! This whole encounter got me thinking. Why is the value of $5 so high in this case? I mean I know times are hard, but what is the real reason man selling the rolling island wouldn't take $75? Is it because he really needed an extra $5? Or is it because he wanted to have control of the situation? Is it pride? Something to think about. What is an extra $5 really about?