Monterey, Woohoo.

We were talking about going to the Monterey Aquarium and spring break was coming up soon. I found a great deal at the Monterey Plaza Hotel and booked it. Last time, Spencer got to go with us there, but he wasn't into the Aquarium. Since Emmy is in town from college she stayed and watched Spence while Bri, Joseph,& Celia and I went to see the Aquarium . Buying tickets with the hotel we were able to go two days for the price of one. I was glad because there was so much to see. I loved the Jellyfish and the sea turtles and hammerhead sharks The aviary was fun too, and Celia liked all the hands on stations where she could press buttons.

We ate dinner at Bubba Gump's Shrimp Co. and had a seat right by the water. We love the grounds near the hotel and sat by the fire in the evening and had hot chocolate to warm us up. The kids love the room and slept well. The next day Brian, and Joseph enjoyed the hot tub on the roof with the ocean view and Celia and I played at the beach. I had a chance to relax up at the spa too.  We enjoyed the Aquarium a second time, ate at Johnny Rockets, and explored the historical parts of cannery row. We went on the 17 mile drive and it was gorgeous there. The wind brought endless waves and beautiful blues in color. We saw many seals and enjoyed the beach, views and road trip together. We will be back with the whole family soon. It was a wonderful short reprieve and vacation. We are so blessed.

Princess Party and Date Night

We are going to miss Janet as our Supervisor over the kids' tutoring. We have a lot of fun especially during Celia's sessions. We decided to make her last day here fun as well. We had a Princess party. Celia made her  a card, we took pictures, danced and played Go Noodle. We enjoyed a tea party with chocolate Strawberry Greek yogurt which was actually pretty yummy.  Each time we have  positive polite experience it is bettering Celia's social skills. How great is it to be social an have it be a positive teaching moment as well.
Brian and I had date night and Emmy ran the kids all over for me. I'm really going to miss her and her help with driving(amongst other things)when she returns back to school. Brian and I enjoyed going out for BBQ ribs at Dickies and visiting his folks after. We had great conversation and lost track of time. It is nice to see other's perspectives on life an religion, it keeps us thinking. I'm grateful for the improvement and learning that goes on each day and we strive to learn and grow. Ever changing, hopefully for the better.

My Valentines

February has been great. We've had a lot of family time and outings, fun celebrations, and treats. The Auction, Vacaville, KFC, Grandma's house.  I'm thankful for the beautiful weather, blossoming of Spring, and Emmy being home.

Blessing of little ones

The end of January was nice. We enjoyed rain and beautiful clouds. I went to a visiting teaching conference and ended up getting my own visit done. We paired up and I got the person I visit as a partner, and we went and visited sisters in the ward whom haven't been visited a while. We brought chocolate and a beautiful quote about our divine nature as women. Kymbra was so kind to me, I was moved by this. She let also let me take home the centerpiece from the activity and I took pictures of those roses. I ended up making large photo print of it for Emmy. I love how friendships and service seem to give blesses back. I'm in cub scouts for my calling and in Primary. I love those kids and my one webelo brought us over Krispy Kreme donuts one day just for being friendly. The family loved it and I was glad he is in our little Webelo group. Wednesday date night and also pack meeting sometimes.

I should want to go to pinewood derby, but I just don't. Brian and I decided to make a special Daddy Daughter and Mom date instead of carving a car for competition because now the girls have a chance to participate. With Celia we headed to the mall. Brian is such a good sport. We had steak for Celia there in the food court, which was actually very yummy. I can't believe what steak eaters our kids are.

We then headed to Build a Bear Workshop. Celia picked out a candy scented beautiful bear which she turned into Elsa from the movie, Frozen. I'm glad she was so happy and that we had a wonderful time together. Celia inspires us to be fun, youthful, and happy. She often asks me to come to the park, or have a play date, or to play imaginary with her. She wants to visit the river and the beach. She remembers and reminiscences of good times and it brings me back to those great times. I'm blessed to have the family that I do and each brings joy to my life in many ways.

There are hard things too. school has been challenging for my littlest and of course drama with funding for Spencer's tutoring. I've felt the blessings of the Lord on our behalf as I work for their welfare and pray for help. Spencer will have tutoring for a few more months which is a miracle for his age. Celia is getting more friends and help at school despite the opposition she faces.

I'm always trying to approaches and looking for revelation on behalf of our children and for new ways to organize and better myself. It is a full time job and it is a life's work I'm committed to.

The Onset of a Year.

The beginning of the year has been pretty good. We love the river and any water. Celia asks to go the the water all the time. The traffic was pretty bad on the way to the pocket so we stopped in Old Sacramento. We saw the town preparing for the New Year's Celebration. We went to a cute tiny little Subway and and fun together. Celia liked her Star Wars kids meal and Spence had fun sporting my hat. We had a great New Year's filled with games, candy, and Hors D'oeuvres. The Grandparents were over and we toasted with Martinelli's. My folks had a resolution for me to visit them every other day(no pressure) and help my Dad write his family history.

We try to do game night when we can, and family meals and it helps our relationships to grow stronger. I have felt supported through changes in my life with IHSS, being called to Jury Duty, and my calling in Webelos, and Primary at church( Emmy has been coming to class with me). We made marble track with Cooper for Webelos and I was able to do a photography gig for Laurie and her daughters. I took pictures and edited for her baptism invitation. It was stressful a little as the missionaries were coming over for dinner that night, but we did it and I loved the creative outlet.  I've gone shopping with my folks a lot lately too. Retail therapy sure is fun.:) Emmy and I went to lunch to Boudins( for their amazing butternut squash soup) with Alex Mccartney and we went boot shopping afterwards. There seems to be so much going on.

Emmy has been a great help with watching the kids. Brian and I even got to go to Ward Temple Night last night and went to Chili's after.We are going to miss her when she ships off again to BYUI in the Spring. We give her a hard time, but she really is an asset to this family. She is looking for a job so we work on that during the days. There is a lot of socializing going on this year so far with play dates, friends over, and many events we are invited to. Life is face paced, but I'm still trying to get yoga in when I can and of course make time for family scripture and prayer. These routines help shape our lives. We walked with the grandparents on Miners Ravine trail. It is neat to see how it changed from dry area to roaring river since we have been blessed with so much rain. Today, I walked at Dry Creek park with Laurie Jensen and the path was covered in water, we had to take the paved way. It was fine, but I feel so grateful for the times past to see the variety and goodness of it all.