Grandparent visit, Birthday, Pumpkin Carving!!

Lots to catch up on.

My parents came for a visit last weekend.  It was great to see them (and Puppy) and spend time with them.  There was really no down time while they were here.  They came in Thursday and we spent the day at Legoland on Friday, Saturday was Dylan's b-day party, and Sunday we went to church and then to Julian, and Monday it was back to the airport.  

We had a great time at Legoland.  It is the perfect place to go for those with kiddos in elementary school or younger.  The park was filled with young families 

and grandparents.  It was great.  Dylan had a fun time.  He rode his first roller coaster!! I hope to go back when Jaydon is a bit older.

Dylan celebrated his birthday with a Motocross party.  He had a few boys from his class come over to help celebrate.  His favorite gifts that day were his TX longhorn jersey, R/C motocross bike, and his tons of dollars from Blake and Nissy.  His creative uncle and aunt taped $20 together and Dylan thinks he is rolling in the dough.  :)  Grammy made the coolest cake with some direction, of course, from Dylan.  It was so fun for me to have the little boys over and watch them interact together.  We played games and had pizza and cake.  We missed having so many of our loved ones here to help us celebrate, but thank you all for your gifts and sweet birthday wishes.

After church Sunday, we went to Julian, CA.  It is known for its apples.  For the next couple of months it has an apple festival on the weekends.  It is a cute, quaint town.  It was really busy, but still so fun to experience.  We had apple pie and bought a couple of carmel apples.  It was so fun watching Jaydon eat the carmel apple.

The time came quickly to say goodbye to my parents, as it always does.  We hope to see them again soon.

Yesterday, we took Dylan out to Lake Elsinore to ride his bike.  He started on his Honda, but thankfully, it got a flat and he had to get on his KTM to continue riding.  He went from a bit timid on the bike, to having more confidence and wanting to ride the KTM.  We just need to make a point to get him more seat time.  He is too good and enjoys it to much, not too.  

We (really Garth) carved our pumpkins last night.  He is so creative.  One is just a traditional jack-o-lantern, but the other Dylan wanted to be a FOX pumpkin.  So, daddy came though and we now have a FOX pumpkin.  Too cool!!  I even roasted the pumpkin seeds.  Yummy!

I think that gets you caught up on our lives.  There are so many little details like - I got a haircut for the first time in 5 months, we had sushi last night, and someone had the nerve to take my McCain/Palin sign (don't get me started on that one!).

Well, thats it for now.  We are still missing our family and dear friends, but know we are adjusting and doing well.  Blessings to you all.

Pumpkin Patch

Dishwasher Uses

There have been many times I have wanted to sit down and blog about something, but I just couldn't get myself to sit down and do it!!!  So because of that I will give you a snapshot of what you have missed because of my laziness.

1.  I am now a coffee drinker.  I know - I can't believe it either.  I like those iced coffees. Especially the iced vanilla coffee from McDonald's of all places.  I have started making a version of them at the house to save Garth's hard earned $.  I also enjoy mochas.  We even bought an espresso maker, so we could make them ourselves.  If it ever gets below 90 degrees around here, I think I will enjoy using it.

2.  I enjoy a good walk or jog.  I used to hate working out.  Something about our coach dropping us off 2 miles from the school and then driving behind us telling us to pick it up - that just steals the joy.  Now I get joy in a good 2-3 mile walk or jog.  Maybe it has something to do with my health.  I don't know how long I have to be active, so I may as well enjoy it now.  I also think I am a better wife and mom because I take a few minutes out of the day to do something for myself.

3.  I can't believe the nature of our dinner conversations now.  I never thought I would be at a point in my life where I was truly concerned with a presidential election and the state of the economy.  I obviously have always wanted the best for the country and the economy, but I never imagined that I would be discussing the topics of the day.  On that note - we have a McCain/Palin sign in our yard.  I'm really not that type of in your face, let everyone know what I think person, but I just feel this election is too important.  Unless things change, it appears Obama is the winner, but I am at peace (I never said I liked it or wouldn't do my share of complaining) because of the following:

Psalm 2:10-12

Now then, you kings, act wisely!

Be warned, you rulers of the earth!

Serve the Lord with reverent fear,

and rejoice with trembling.

Submit to God's royal son, or he will become angry, 

and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities-

for his anger flares up in an instant.

But what joy for all who take refuge in him!

The words to cling to are - But what joy for all who take refuge in him!  No matter what happens in this old world, we are called to cling to him - Jesus Christ!

Enough of the catch up blogging.  There were many other topics and thoughts, but I will save those for another day.

My real reason for this post is how the uses of your dishwasher change when you have a toddler.  Today my dishwasher has been a dishwasher, a zoo for a giraffe, a landing strip for an airplane and a race track for a car.  Oh the joys!!!  These pics show the dishwasher play and Jaydon using a tape recorder as a camera to take a pic of me.  Cheese, Mom!!

 

Mission Accomplished

We went camping this weekend!!

I know it is hard to believe, so I will give you a few moments to digest that little bit of information.

Times up!!!  

Saturday we traveled about 45 minutes to La Jolla Indian Campground.  It was so neat to drive such a short distance, but feel like we were in a different part of the country.  We went with a couple who live on our street - Eryn and Josh.  We arrived around 11:30 am and got everything set up.  Our campsite was right on the river.  Everything looked so cute set up in the trees with the river flowing behind it.  The boys loved playing in the water, and it was refreshing to listen to it go by.  After a bite of lunch, we rented a couple of tubes and Dylan had a blast tubing 

down the river.  Jaydon enjoyed throwing rocks and sticks in the "wa-wa".  For the rest of the afternoon we sat around and talked and Dylan rode his bike and played with Eryn.  Thankfully Jaydon got in a nap.  As evening approached we lit up Josh's  gas grill and our camp stove and had steak and mac-n-cheese for dinner.  It was very tasty, except these little bugs were attracted to our light and they kept falling in our food.  So, we just ate very quickly and I'm sure got a little extra protein.  As it began to get dark, we realized the showers just up from us had no lights, so we decided we could rough it for one night and passed on showers.  We were all filthy, especially the boys.  Dirty faces and dirty feet.  (They got a quick baby wipe bath.)

Finally, the part of the trip everyone was looking forward too.  The campfire.  We broke out the glow sticks.  Glow sticks are a favorite of Dylan's.  They work out great though because we can totally see where he is in the dark when he is playing with them.  We roasted a few marshmallows and had some s'mores, of course.  Dylan and Jaydon began fading, so we put out the fire and got everyone tucked in for a good nights sleep.

WRONG!!  Dylan and Jaydon were out all night, which was great.  They were snug in our cold weather sleeping bags.  We thought the sound of the flowing river would be good white noise, but it turned out to be a bit too loud.  I had to get up twice to pee.  (Its the pits being a woman sometimes.)  The worst part though was that I could not get warm.  I had on long sleeves and flannel pants with a sheet and a blanket, but I was freezing.  My feet were freezing and I could not get warm.  Finally I decided I would put Garth's lounge pants on too.  That didn't help much.  Then I thought I would try to steal Garth's body heat by snuggling, but that didn't help much either and for some reason he wasn't too excited about my freezing feet on his warm body. :)  

Finally morning arrived (about 7:00 am).  Garth cooked us up some bacon and I fixed some eggs.  That was the end of the trip.  We got everything broke down and packed up and made the short drive home.

After unloading everything, starting laundry (had to wash the blankie, for sure), and washing so

me dishes - everyone headed for the showers!!!  AAAHHHHH!!!  Nice hot showers.  Clean bodies, hair, and teeth.  This is the life!!!

Camping was a blast, even with the filth and sleeplessness.  We hope to go again soon, maybe even for two nights!!  Enjoy the pictures.

Well......

It has been a while since I last blogged, so I thought I should get something down before I get harassed.  

Not too much exciting new to report with the Aldrich family.  All the boys have been dealing with croup.  Dylan got it last week and then Jaydon and Garth both had it over the weekend.  We were hoping to go on our first camping trip, but obviously that was postponed due to sick boys.  Hopefully, we can go this weekend.  It should be interesting since the most camping I have done is in an RV. And I consider roughing it if my dad doesn't turn the heater on in the RV.  I'm sure I can brave the elements for a couple of days.  Besides Dylan is so excited about the thought of camping.  I will definitely post pictures and details later if we get the chance to go.

Garth is well.  His only complaint really right now is his commute to and from work.  He has to get up at least by 5 am every morning and then it takes him about an hour to get home in the evening.  He doesn't like it, but we appreciate him making the sacrifice so we can live here in Temecula and allow Dylan to go to one of the best schools.  Thanks, honey.

Dylan is still adjusting to school.  This week he is Student of the Week.  He gets to be line leader, take up attendance, etc.  Mon. and Tues. were no cry days, but today I left him with a few tears.  I was hoping things were better.  He has made a new friend named Louie.  That has to help things a bit.   He still loves riding his bike, skateboard, and scooter.  He has found a new love for drawing and coloring.  It is really neat to watch it develop.  It has been too hot to ride MX, but hopefully we will return to that soon.  We love watching him ride.  

Jaydon is two now.  I took him for his 2 year check up and he was 31 lbs. and 35 1/2 in.  He is still a big boy - in the 80%.  He enjoys playing with his toys and going to the park.  He really likes to read books.  He will bring me a book and say "Iwanttoread".  He will run in the other room and sit down and we enjoy some book time.  He is also becoming a parrot.  He repeats alot that is said.  For instance, this morning he was watching Dora the Explorer and at the end they sing "We did it."  He chimed right in singing and dancing.  He also loves watching Sesame Street.  We love Elmo.  It is so fun watching him grow and develop.  It needs to be though, because it has to make up for the times he can be just a nasty 2 year old.  :)

Well that is all I have to report for now.  The weather is beginning to cool off now.  You almost need a jacket most evenings, but the days are still nice, sunny, and warm.   On that note, I do want to mention my pals in Corpus.  IKE is headed their way and they are getting ready to evacuate at I type.  We are praying for them and their safety.  You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Till next time.....

I was on my walk to pick up Dylan from school and for some odd reason I began thinking about the pine cones I was passing.  You see part of the landscaping around where we live is lined with some sort of pine tree.  I've seen lots of pine cones in my life time, but today I became curious of how a pine cone was formed.  I pondered on that for a few moments and then my thought process moved me to another thought.  I began looking at the tall, green trees and brightly colored flowers.  This took me to how trees, plants, flowers, etc. get their start.

As seeds.  They all start out as tiny, ugly seeds.  But with time, sunshine, water, and proper care they grow into creations for us to enjoy.  (I know you know where this is going, but let me speak my peace so I can retire to the bed.)  As for us (humans), we don't normally think of growing leading to beauty, we just think of wrinkles, more love handles, and less hair.    However, in our spiritual walk, we could say that we start out as seeds.  We recognize we need Christ as our Saviour and become that seed ready to be nurtured and grow.  Most things in nature become more attractive as they grow.  I think this is how God looks at us.  He loves us and enjoys us, however, I believe He does more so when we grow and mature in Him.  We become a beautiful, landscaped walkway with colorful aromatic flowers for Him to walk along and enjoy for His pleasure.    In the Bible He calls us His bride for goodness sakes.  There is not a more beautiful picture than a bride on her wedding day.  So without getting too deep, I'll leave it at that.  I believe I have been called to grow.  He has called all His children to grow in Him.  So, I will resign to allow my Gardener to pick and snip (with as much joy as I can possibly muster up) and I will GROW along the way.  I can't wait for Jesus to walk along and take a sniff and pick me from His garden because I bring Him pure pleasure.  I hope you will prayerfully do the same and He can arrange us in a beautiful boquet for His enjoyment.  

By the way, I also found out how pine cones grow.  If you don't know, give it a read.  Just another indication of just how great God is!!!

Rambling thoughts

Jaydon is having lunch.  A hotdog and some fruit (today is pineapple) constitute a yummy lunch for him lots of days.  Don't judge me too harshly.  He's enjoying it.  Besides why cook up a bunch of stuff when its just me and him at lunchtime?  Enough about that.

Today I actually got to drop Dylan off at school with NO tears.  Yep, none.  Yesterday was really tough.  He got himself so worked up that the school nurse called and said she had him in her office.  Are you kidding me???  Needless to say that is where he stayed until he calmed down and back to class he went.  His teacher Mrs. Moore had lunch with him (even shared her Reese's PB cup) and played on the playground with him.  She has to be a buddy for life now.  She sacrificed a Reese's.   So I'm sure those events of yesterday and lots of prayer from me and those who have known about the situation led to a calm morning.  Hopefully the rest of the day followed suit and he can have a great 2nd week of 1st grade.

We walk to school every morning.  I really enjoy it.  When Dylan isn't crying it gives us a chance to talk a bit before he gets to school.  After school we are able to recap the day before homework or TV or whatever he gets into when he gets home.  The weather is also great. It cools off at night, so the mornings are so pleasant.  Everything is green and landscaped beautifully and every direction you look, you can see mountains.  (Not Rocky Mountains, but plenty mountains for a TX girl).  Anyways, in the morning after I drop Dylan off I have been trying to find me a route to walk to get a bit of exercise before returning home.  (Garth bought me the coolest stroller.  Anyone with little ones needs it.)  So yesterday, I tried a new route but decided it wasn't long enough.  Today I got ambitious and went a different way.  It kicked my rear and I wasn't even running.  It is very hilly here so about the time you get confident a hill rears its ugly head.  Nevertheless, I think I will attempt it again tomorrow.  

We have found a great church - Calvary Chapel Bible Fellowship.  It is set in the wine country of Temecula.  The backdrop of the stage is windows so often I find myself watching the butterflies or humming birds fly among the foliage.  The pastor is a wonderful teacher.  He teaches verse by verse.  I thought I wouldn't like it or get much out of it at first, but I have to say I was wrong.  I am learning so much and really enjoy grasping a better understanding if God's Word, the Bible. Besides really why would it be boring, it is the LIVING Word of God.  I am really praying that I will grow in the Lord during this time in Cali.  It has really been on my heart the last little while to learn to die to me and be open to Him.  Yuck!!  But, I do want that to be my heart's DESIRE.  So, I will continue to pray about that subject and watch the Lord work.  Got off on a tangent - sorry.   The Women's Bible study starts back up in October and I am looking forward to attending it.  Hopefully that will be a way to get better plugged in and meet people.

My sister called me last night to let me know they had booked flights to come visit us.  They are coming the end of September.  I am so excited.  It is also humbling to know they are willing to spend the money and take the time to come and see us.  I know the boys will really enjoy the visit.  They love their Blake and Nissy 0r as Jaydon calls them Gay or Gake and Issy.  How could they not -- they are great and we love them dearly.  

Well that's all the rambling I have for now.  It is a great outlet to speak my mind when I don't have anyone here to speak it to or want to bore Garth with my nonsense ramblings. 

Thanks for listening.  We love and miss you all.