Officially LA Tourists

On Memorial Day weekend, my parents came down to Pasadena for some quality time with us. Not only did we give them quality time, but we all decided it was time to play "tourist" for the first real time since we've moved here.
They arrived on Saturday afternoon, and we whisked them straight from the airport up to the Griffith Park Observatory (which you've seen posted on this blog before, however, it was their first time). In the far distance, looms the Hollywood Sign.After spending a good deal of time taking in the fascinating information that is given, we headed home for dinner, coldstone ice cream and a movie. Perfect combination. :)
On Sunday, we were out the door at 9:00am, ready to be star-struck in Hollywood. The only let-down of the day was the fact that there were indeed no famous people to be seen...I guess they were all in church, unlike some of us.

We did run into this star... We walked along Hollywood's Stars of Fame, saw the famous theaters, bought some yummy chocolate as a pick-me-up treat, and even put our hands in the very place as some very famous stars (well, everyone except Brant, who was against playing along with my request for his picture).Here we are in the middle of the plaza of the Kodak Theater -very impressive.In front of one of several entrances into the Kodak Theater - for those who do not know, this is where the Academy Awards take place. That's pretty touristy!After Hollywood, we drove up Mulholland Drive to take in some pretty spectacular views. Because we were definite LA tourists for the day, we stopped at In-N-Out for lunch, which hit the spot. The rest of the day, we drove through Beverly Hills, down The Sunset Strip, up Rodeo Drive and skirted by Bel Air. We ended at Marina Del Ray, where Maddie thoroughly enjoyed playing at the playground for a bit, before we took a nice stroll by some pretty impressive yachts. We spent another nice evening at home with dinner and a movie. But before bedtime, Maddie and Grandpa were caught red-handed...Are we going to get in trouble for this, Grandpa?Okay, I'll do it if you do it!
Monday found us heading over to Anaheim, where we played all day at California Adventures. My mom has never been to this park, and my dad has only been once, about 10 years ago. So often when we have visitors, we head over to Disneyland, so it was unique and refreshing to be able to spend a day over at this park. When we arrived, we lucked out and happened upon a soft opening of the new Little Mermaid ride, which wasn't supposed to open for another week. It was great fun for me, as we rode through and I sang every last lyric. :) We rode many thrill seeking rides, lost (some) of our voices screaming, ate great food and enjoyed the warmth of the sunshine all day long. Mom and Dad, about to get soaked on the Grizzly River Run!That's right - Dad and I are the only ones with our hands in the air. My poor mom is sitting next to me holding on for dear life, with no idea what's about to happen. :)
My unbelievable parents. I love you both so much!A ride on the zephyr!Followed by a ride on the swings. Whew! Lots of spinning!The other big highlight for the day was watching World of Color, which was even better than the last 2 times we have seen it (how is this even possible? I don't know, but it was awesome!). Maybe its because we had caramel corn.Thank you, Mom and Dad for making another trip down here to spend time with us. It was unforgettable and so very special. We love you!

Cousin Adalie's Special Visit

Several weeks ago, okay, more like a month ago, Brant's parents and our niece, Adalie, came down to Pasadena for a very special visit. It was a real treat to have them all here, and to have Adalie join us for a fun-filled, action packed weekend! Maddie had such a blast with her big cousin, and we all thoroughly enjoyed having her super sweet, fun-loving company around. Come back anytime you want to, Adalie!!

On Saturday, the day they arrived, we drove out to Santa Monica, where we enjoyed a picnic lunch on the beach and a chance to explore the pier. It was a fun time!It may be California, but its still the Pacific Ocean!So sweet!We walked to the end of Route 66, with a stop at the carousel, a new hat for Adalie, and milkshakes for all. What a great afternoon!
On Sunday, we took an important and magical trip to Disneyland. Adalie has been to Disneyland, but not since she was 4 months old, so this was a big deal. Although the picture isn't the best, we kept our priorities straight and started the day off right...meeting Mickey Mouse! Mickey gave Adalie a well-deserved mouse embrace.Adalie, with her first pair of mouse ears...and me, with mine. :) Adalie was my Space Mountain ride buddy. We went twice, including one time when we sprinted across the park at 10:30pm, just to get in line for one last ride! Thanks for the awesome memories, Adalie! Let's go again!We happened to be at the park on the same day as all of our neighbors. We all rode Autopia together and took a picture for memorabilia sake. Grandma and Grandpa, with Adalie. Thank you for the special day, for all of us!Monday was a day of rest for most everyone. Brant had class, and I had to go to work - fun times. Tuesday, prior to flying home, a trip to the L.A. Zoo was in order. I, of course, was at work again, but everyone else had a wonderful time!
Maddie really likes ice-cream now...that's my girl!! Thanks for such a special visit, Dale, Martha and Adalie! Come back to play with us again, soon!!

A visit from Grandma, and another announcement

My mom came down to Pasadena over 1 month ago (I know, I'm behind!), to be with me and Maddie while Brant was away. Where was he, you ask? Brant was given the wonderful opportunity to fly back to Princeton for a conference, where several of his current classmates were presenting papers. Fuller funded this little getaway (even better), and Brant had an enriching time, meeting new people, attending the conference and reconnecting with old friends and professors from our time in Princeton last year.

My mom's visit couldn't have come at a better time. There is no better way to announce this than to just come out with it (plus, I think 100% of my readers already know our news)...I am pregnant, and we are expecting baby #2!!! Wahoo! Our blessed arrival is anticipated to arrive around November 29th, and we couldn't be more happy. Truly! We are thrilled. I also couldn't be more morning sick. And this is a big reason why my mom's visit was timed perfectly.

We had her scheduled to visit prior to us knowing we were pregnant, and about 1 week before she came, my morning sickness hit with a vengeance. My mom flew down here and saved the day (well, several days!). I didn't have to plan a single meal, cook a single meal, give Maddie her baths, or put her to bed. I had to work for 2 of the days she was in town , and she kept Maddie with her each day to give me a break. My mom even went grocery shopping for me! Simply astounding, isn't she?! We didn't have any grand plans during her stay, so we watched a couple of movies, talked, visited the park, that sort of thing. We did manage to go out on one adventure away from home...a trip to the beach!

These are the only pictures I took from her visit, but trust me, it was a special, meaningful time. Thanks for coming to be with us, Mom!

Palm Springs

I could tell you that the past 1 1/2 months has been filled with weekend getaways, visitors, trips across the country and lots of working overtime (for me), and I could ask for your sympathy for my absence. Needless to say, the blog has definitely taken a backseat, and whether or not you forgive me for this long silence, I hope you will change your mind as you read about all that we've been up to - its exhausting just typing it out! In fact, I am going to be doing several entries in a row, just to get each of our "happenings" down in individual posts, so stay tuned!

Spring is in full force down here, in sunny Southern California, but, dare I say, when is it really not? I know I might have just lost 98% of my faithful readers with that comment. :) In the beginning of the April, we took a trip to Palm Springs, to visit some friends who were in town. We had a fantastic time, soaking in sunshine by the poolside of the house we were staying at. It was very refreshing to get away (less than 2 hours from our house), and hang out with our dear friends, Glendon and Kaytee. Maddie had a blast playing in the pool, never sure if she wanted to get in or get out, constantly keeping us on our toes and she would walk right up to the pool edge.

Commenting on the golf strokes of the golfers passing by.Walking around the pool grounds, making sure everything is in order.And, we're back in!So happy!!Our wonderful friends and fabulous hosts, Glendon and Kaytee!We had such a great time in Palm Springs!

Sarah and Ellie's special visit!

Last weekend, we had the joy of having my sister, Sarah, and our niece, 2 1/2 year-old, Ellie, come down to Pasadena for a long weekend. We had such a wonderful time together. They arrived on Thursday night, and by Friday morning, you guessed it, we were off to Disneyland! We had a terrific day, filled with so many magical memories, particularly watching Maddie and Ellie having WAY too much fun together! They are only 9 months apart, making them a perfect duo in all circumstances. The entire weekend was filled with giggling, squealing and smiling toddler girls running around. It was absolutely wonderful watching them together. Saturday, we had a leisure morning, with a walk to Starbucks and a trip to the park. In the afternoon, Sarah wowed us by making her gourmet cupcakes (which were ridiculously delicious), while the girls played around the house. We went to bed at a decent hour because on Sunday, we had a date with a Mouse. That's right. Minnie Mouse. We headed back to Disneyland for round 2 of magical fun! It was nice to have the day in between to rest up a bit. I don't think we left the park until 10:30 (with two toddlers) - as I said, we had way too much fun this weekend! Monday was another low key day, which included a brief drive-by tour of Fuller and Pasadena, lots of naps and two trips to the park! Sarah and Ellie left Tuesday morning, before I went to work, just as the warm front was making its way back into Southern California (yes, we had clouds and rain while Sarah was in town...bummer!). We had such a great time together and are so happy they are coming back in June for another visit (and 2 more trips to Disneyland!!).


Maddie, excited to watch the Disney Junior Live! show.Ellie is just as excited, if not probably more so.Ellie and Maddie love each other so much!
Himes crew on Casey Jr.Special story-time before all three girls took a nap.Fun play time! Can you hear the happiness exploding in this room?!Round 2!Who's anxious to see Minnie Mouse?..So sweet. 3 Minnies.
I'd honestly have a similar look on my face if Minnie Mouse was doing this to me. :) We rode the carousel many times this weekend - one of all our favorites. I love my sister, especially because she shares my enthusiastic love for Disneyland.Getting ready to watch the fireworks! Maddie was about done.
Ellie, however...was just getting started!Well, let's just say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. (I think my sister is going to kill me for posting this picture, but I just thought it was too great.)We love you, Sarah and Ellie! Thanks for a memorable visit!!

I AM a teacher.

I wake up every morning to the sound of my alarm. I shower, get dressed, put on make-up, do my hair, and eat breakfast, all before 7:30am. I walk into a little girl's room to find her jumping in her crib, chattering away, greeting the new day with a smile. I am swift, but take great care in dressing this little beauty and creating a pony-tail that cascades down the top of her head like a palm tree. We kiss our favorite man good-bye for the day, and are out the door.

I have conversations with this little girl, as we drive our 12 minute commute to our destination for the day. Sometimes we are silent, other times we fill the car with singing and laughing. It is a joyous part of our day, as the morning sunshine beats down upon my sunglasses, warming my soul.

We arrive promptly at 8am, greeted by a bubbly, smiling, cheerful little boy. 10 months old, and he already has 2 girlfriends! Our morning proceeds, where I find myself observing these two precious babes. Their minds are curious, like sponges, ready to soak in as much information as they possibly can. The request for music to come over the CD player is instant, and we sing and play along to kids' tunes all morning long. Most tunes are familiar and produce actions, such as clapping hands, stomping feet, or dancing away. While the music continues to play, I begin to read some books. There are words that are repetitive, words that are new. There are letters that are sung, and numbers counted too. New colors, sounds, textures and sights introduce themselves every minute. I continue to take in these two growing minds before me, absorbing everything that surrounds them, and it hits me on the side of the head. I am their teacher.

Eventually, the little knight takes a nap, while the sweet princess enjoys a snack, practicing what it means to have good table manners, all the while trying desperately to be successful with a spoon. She looks at me and asks for help, while begging for independence and to do-it-herself. I must guide her and let her test her wings, as she learns this important life skill. I am her teacher.

We pack up the stroller and make it outside for our daily walk to the park. Once we arrive, several other children are in the middle of playing, and I must let my little girl find her way amongst the fun and games. She must learn how to step in and play with other children, appropriately waiting her turn to use the swing, a slide or the stairs. Although a challenge, she must learn how to share as well as not to copy other kids who are throwing bark chips. I must guide her and demonstrate for her how to socially engage with others, even if they are not reciprocating. I am her teacher.

Our afternoons give way to more play time, dancing, singing, reading books, coloring, stacking blocks, building forts. Imaginations and creativity are welcome here. We eat our lunch, continuing to practice our table manners. Even with tired bodies ready to take naps, it is not acceptable for food to be thrown on the floor or shouting to take place. We use our words, and we say "please" and "thank you." I must show the little boy and the little girl how to appropriately engage with other members at the table. I am their teacher...

I seem to have forgotten that a teaching degree is only required for teaching in a government owned school building. I am a licensed school teacher, yes. But I am not needed in the public school system for now. I am needed here, in Pasadena, to be the most important teacher of them all. I am called to be teaching two little babes how to grow. I am called to be teaching them how to become worthy citizens of the community. I am called to be teaching them how to interact with others. I am called to be teaching them how to count and how to talk. I am called to foster and nurture their love for learning, knowledge and life.

I AM a teacher, and I'm pretty darn proud of my job.

Mumbo jumbo in my head...with some pictures

I've been doing an awful lot of reflecting lately. Reflecting on my family, reflecting on my job, reflecting on our future, you know, the usual. Sometimes I just can't seem to grasp a solid hold onto anything for longer than a few moments, before I'm consumed with thoughts about something else. Its a whole lot of mumbo jumbo, if you ask me!

I suppose I'll start with my first point, reflecting on my family. Brant has just completed another quarter at Fuller and is on Spring Break. He always works so hard, putting endless amounts of time and thoughtful energy into his seminars. I'm so proud of him. He has been actively applying for scholarships for the coming academic year, and has even taken on a new TA position at Fuller, which will start up next week. He continues to get together with fellow students and professors, including a meeting he had with Fuller's President, just last week! In other words, Brant continues to thrive.

While Brant is thriving, I find myself floundering (only sometimes). I've said it before and I'll say it again, I am in a "season" right now. The "season" has its countless blessings. I am able to have a full time job in such a tough economy, while spending each hour of that job with my sweet daughter. But I do not always know how I am thriving. Day to day, I can look back and see that I have a very strict routine, and I do not purposely plan it this way - it is just what comes of having a job like mine, when I am not in my home environment where variety takes place (i.e., cooking, cleaning, running errands, etc.). The one problem with having a routine everyday, is that it becomes monotonous. I refuse to turn this blog entry into a woe-is-me post, because I am not in a woe-is-me state. But I cannot deny more often than not, that I fall into the frame of thinking that what I do (although A LOT), really isn't propelling me forward. Does that make sense? I miss the stimulation of the classroom. I miss the interaction with 45 other co-workers, along with students of various ages and charms. And, truth be told, its not like I want to be back in that scenario right now. But sometimes, I wonder how long I can really "handle" being in the job I am today. The pay is right, the family is great, I'm with Maddie all day long, the stress is significantly low...why mess with a good thing, right? I have no intentions of making any drastic changes. This job is a huge blessing and is certainly where our family needs me the most.

And speaking of the most important member of the family, I don't want to leave out Miss Maddie. She only continues to delight us, with her vocal chords, her spunky personality and her contagious smile. Maddie certainly knows how to test her boundaries (and cross over them), allowing us to test out our various "methods" (ha!) of discipline. Its definitely more of a trial and error technique for us at the moment, but we are figuring it out. At the end of the day, all 3 of us are filled with smiles and love for one another (and relief that Maddie is going to sleep for the night, and we have several hours of peace!). We couldn't have hand picked a better little girl - she is the greatest!

And so I will close this post with a few "paparazzi shots" I took of Miss Mae last week. :) And finally, a picture of Maddie in her new house, reading books with Daddy! :)