Britney Spears (I hate to even devote blog space to her, but this must be said) has infiltrated our lives. I haven't quite figured out how she's doing it, but I know she MUST be watching us, listening to our conversations, digging through our trash. Saturday night a good friend broke the news to me. If Britney's child is a boy, they're naming him London. If it's a girl, Addison, and they'll call her Addie. WHAT? Dost my ears deceiveth me? I had always heard she wanted the name Preston (for a boy). Now, Gabe and I have chosen our children's names very carefully. My goal was for our children to have unique but beautiful names (you will not find a Pilot Inspektor or Audio Science on our list of possible names, though I have to admit I think Apple is a cute name). But, the point is UNIQUE. Not an every day name. While I was pregnant with our first, we narrowed down our names. London for a boy and Adelaide for a girl (we didn't find out the sex while I was pregnant). It was a boy, and we bestowed upon him the name London. But we adored the name Adelaide and knew if we had a girl, that would be her name. Some time after our son was born we learned that Slash (yes Slash, the guitarist from Guns N Roses) had a son, not much older than ours, named London. Stink. So then, fast forward a year. I am pregnant with a girl. No discussion needed. We will call her Adelaide. 3 months after Adelaide was born, an actress (one Rachel Griffiths) has a girl. My Aunt breaks the news to me. "Some actress just had a girl and named her Adelaide." WHAT? You have GOT TO BE kidding me.
And here we are to present day. I am waiting not very patiently to discover the name of Britney & Kevin's son. The funny (not funny ha-ha funny, but funny they seriously are listening in on us scary funny) thing is, the latest I read was the names they picked out if it was a boy were Sean Preston or London Preston. Here's that funny thing.... Gabe and I had just decided we really liked Sean for our next girl (that happens to be my brother's name and I have just always liked that name for a girl). Now tell me CONVINCINGLY that the famous of this world don't listen in on us commoners' daily lives. They are everywhere and they are watching us. Just waiting to steal our children's names and take them as their own. Curse you celebrities. Curse you all.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Where happiness abounds
Friday night we returned from a 4 day trip to Disneyland. Disneyland.. The happiest place on earth despite the screaming kids. There is an awful lot of crying at the happiest place on earth. I think someone's lying.
We spent 2 days driving and 2 days at the park. It was our first family vacation ever. And Gabe and I haven't been on a trip since before London was born. This was well overdue. We know London most likely won't remember this trip and Adelaide definitely won't remember this trip, but we needed a FAMILY friendly vacation. Disneyland is what we came up with. It was great. Gabe and I haven't been to Disneyland since before we were married (over 5 years ago!). A lot has changed. They have since added California Adventure, Downtown Disney, and some new rides in Disneyland. London LOVED Disneyland. A few days before we left we started talking to him about Disneyland and all the magical wonder that he was going to experience. When we arrived at the hotel, I went inside to check in. I came back to the car and London yelled "WE'RE HERE!!!!". That ignited the Disneyland excitement.
We went to the park the next morning. Standing in line to get inside the gate I got goose bumps. There IS something magical about Disneyland. I seriously felt like I was 5 years old on Christmas morning, knowing I was about to unwrap the greatest present ever to exist. I almost couldn't contain the excitement. We got through the gates, to the first photo-op place.. And that's when the crying ensued. Well, after we got London out of the stroller to take his picture; when we tried to put him back in the stroller. That was the first of MANY crying fits.. I don't think he got the memo about Disneyland being the happiest place on earth. He has much to learn.
But seriously folks, we had a great time. London got to see his first fireworks display. He absolutely loved it. He watched Fantasmic on Dadda's shoulders. A couple parts scared him, but overall he was enthralled. A few rides scared him: Pinnochio, and because of that, Small World (the first half of the ride he spent looking down. Halfway through he finally allowed himself to look up and highly enjoyed the rest of the ride), Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland.. A few rides he liked the most: Autopia, the merry-go-round, Dumbo. At California Adventure we visited Bug's Land, got to see some BIG Tonka trucks (which he loves). He got to meet JoJo, Stanley, Goofy, Flick and Flick's chick (I can't remember her name). He got to see some princesses (all the rage with the girls, but London has no clue who they are) and Mickey walk by. We were in a store, Mickey walked through, I yelled (very, very excitedly) "LONDON, THERE'S MICKEY!!!" As he whipped his head around to see, so did the rest of the store.. I was a little louder than I had intended to be. And apparently crazy by the looks on people's faces. The highlight of the trip for London (right up there with the fireworks) was the Playhouse Disney show. He got to see IN PERSON characters that had up till then only existed in his TV. That was the most thrilling 20 minutes of his life. I have never seen him enjoy anything else as much. That was awesome.
It was amazing to introduce our son to the awe that is Disneyland. We can't wait for next year!
(I'll post pictures by this weekend. And if you're wondering where Adelaide was this whole time, wonder no more. She was in her stroller pretty much the whole trip. She was one of the few kids not crying. She gets the whole "happiest place" thing.)
We spent 2 days driving and 2 days at the park. It was our first family vacation ever. And Gabe and I haven't been on a trip since before London was born. This was well overdue. We know London most likely won't remember this trip and Adelaide definitely won't remember this trip, but we needed a FAMILY friendly vacation. Disneyland is what we came up with. It was great. Gabe and I haven't been to Disneyland since before we were married (over 5 years ago!). A lot has changed. They have since added California Adventure, Downtown Disney, and some new rides in Disneyland. London LOVED Disneyland. A few days before we left we started talking to him about Disneyland and all the magical wonder that he was going to experience. When we arrived at the hotel, I went inside to check in. I came back to the car and London yelled "WE'RE HERE!!!!". That ignited the Disneyland excitement.
We went to the park the next morning. Standing in line to get inside the gate I got goose bumps. There IS something magical about Disneyland. I seriously felt like I was 5 years old on Christmas morning, knowing I was about to unwrap the greatest present ever to exist. I almost couldn't contain the excitement. We got through the gates, to the first photo-op place.. And that's when the crying ensued. Well, after we got London out of the stroller to take his picture; when we tried to put him back in the stroller. That was the first of MANY crying fits.. I don't think he got the memo about Disneyland being the happiest place on earth. He has much to learn.
But seriously folks, we had a great time. London got to see his first fireworks display. He absolutely loved it. He watched Fantasmic on Dadda's shoulders. A couple parts scared him, but overall he was enthralled. A few rides scared him: Pinnochio, and because of that, Small World (the first half of the ride he spent looking down. Halfway through he finally allowed himself to look up and highly enjoyed the rest of the ride), Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland.. A few rides he liked the most: Autopia, the merry-go-round, Dumbo. At California Adventure we visited Bug's Land, got to see some BIG Tonka trucks (which he loves). He got to meet JoJo, Stanley, Goofy, Flick and Flick's chick (I can't remember her name). He got to see some princesses (all the rage with the girls, but London has no clue who they are) and Mickey walk by. We were in a store, Mickey walked through, I yelled (very, very excitedly) "LONDON, THERE'S MICKEY!!!" As he whipped his head around to see, so did the rest of the store.. I was a little louder than I had intended to be. And apparently crazy by the looks on people's faces. The highlight of the trip for London (right up there with the fireworks) was the Playhouse Disney show. He got to see IN PERSON characters that had up till then only existed in his TV. That was the most thrilling 20 minutes of his life. I have never seen him enjoy anything else as much. That was awesome.
It was amazing to introduce our son to the awe that is Disneyland. We can't wait for next year!
(I'll post pictures by this weekend. And if you're wondering where Adelaide was this whole time, wonder no more. She was in her stroller pretty much the whole trip. She was one of the few kids not crying. She gets the whole "happiest place" thing.)
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Never got to say goodbye
We received the message none of us wanted to get. Kurt Mathews passed away at 9am this morning. A gloom has been cast over our hearts. We mourn with our friends at the passing of their husband and dad.
Now as we continue with our day of various errands and family gatherings, our hearts, thoughts and prayers are fixed on the Mathews family as they endure this horrible, life altering time.
Kurt has gone before us. His family has said goodbye to his time on earth. But there is hope. This is not the final goodbye.
Kurt Mathews is survived by his wife, daughter and son. And a church family who will miss him dearly.
Now as we continue with our day of various errands and family gatherings, our hearts, thoughts and prayers are fixed on the Mathews family as they endure this horrible, life altering time.
Kurt has gone before us. His family has said goodbye to his time on earth. But there is hope. This is not the final goodbye.
Kurt Mathews is survived by his wife, daughter and son. And a church family who will miss him dearly.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Sadness
One of our good friend's dad (who we also know pretty well), is at this moment, dying of cancer. He was diagnosed just one month ago with lung cancer. At the time he was diagnosed the cancer had already spread to his liver and bones. Since starting treatment, one month ago, masses behind his eye and ear have also been discovered. He has been hospitalized since this weekend. He just recently lost the mobility in his right arm. The family was just informed there is nothing else that can medically be done. Now they just have to stay by his side and prepare for his passing. I can barely type those words without crying. We have seen a family crushed. A man, a physically fit, healthy man in his 50s, brought to his end by cancer. A wife, losing her best friend, her love, her life. A son, watching his father fight for his life, now taking care of his mother and sister, having to be the man of the house. A daughter, no doubt daddy's little girl, having to see her strong, hero dad, being defeated by his greatest enemy. This is devastation to the fullest. My heart is so heavy for this family. We are grieving with them.
The man that lies dying of this horrible disease, joyful, for he knows God is in control. The family that lies in ruin can rejoice. This is not the end for them. Praise God for that hope! And as a church family, we will mourn the passing of this man, but we will rejoice and praise God knowing He is the creator and sustainer of life. God is in control and is calling home one of his own.
The man that lies dying of this horrible disease, joyful, for he knows God is in control. The family that lies in ruin can rejoice. This is not the end for them. Praise God for that hope! And as a church family, we will mourn the passing of this man, but we will rejoice and praise God knowing He is the creator and sustainer of life. God is in control and is calling home one of his own.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Some kind of wonderful
Okay.. So let me put everyone's mind at ease. I AM NOT PREGNANT. I mean really, I'm not that crazy. Though, hopefully within the next 6 months I'll be announcing that kind of news. So be patient. But please, no triplets.
So the big news is I AM OFFICIALLY GOING TO BE A STAY AT HOME MAMA. That's right. Gabe got a job (day job) at our church (office manager type thing). We found out Wednesday and when he told me, I could barely contain myself. If I were a dog, I would've peed myself. I gave my 2 weeks notice on Friday. I was anxious about that. You must understand, I actually really like my job. I get to go hang out with 2 really good friends for 7.5 hours a day. The work is tolerable and I spend a good amount of time shootin' the breeze with my co-workers. I was also a little apprehensive about telling my boss.. She's not your average boss. She rocks the boss world big time. She and her husband have broken bread with our family a number of times and we try to get together for poker games often. I mean, come on people, WE'VE GAMBLED TOGETHER. That is some serious bonding. I was so nervous the professional dealings would put a strain on that personal friendship. I just didn't want her to feel like I was abandoning her. AND OH MY GOSH. Continuing in her cool bossness, in a totally geniune "I'm so happy for you" attitude, the first words out of her mouth were "I'm so happy for you. I know this is what you wanted". That situation couldn't have gone better. And so a super big SHOUT OUT to Trixie. You are the coolest boss EVER. And I will miss being bossed by you. And to my partner in crime, a phatty shout out to you. A shout out so big it comes complete with a ghetto-slammed pick up truck with phatty tires and dub spinners (and the guy driving has a peg leg). You have helped make this past year of work so bearable. I have never had a better co-worker. And I certainly have never laughed so much at work. I'm sorry to leave you alone with the Czech and Fonzeki. Ahuh, ahuh.. Ahuh, ahuh, ahuh. :) And I'm sorry you found out about me leaving the way you did. You deserved to hear it from me. Yea you did. Now granted, you both have two more weeks to work with me, but I just wanted to take this opportunity to show the love. Because even though the co-worker thing stops, the friend thing keeps going. So you definitely won't be rid of me.
So PRAISE GOD for providing that job for Gabe. We have been working towards me being a stay at home mom since we found out I was pregnant with London.. So now, after 3 years, it is finally happening. And it feels a little strange. I've never quit a job without having another job lined up (not counting being layed off and having to move in with my parents). So my first inclination is to be all wigged out and wonder how we're going to survive with me not working, what with 2 little mouths to feed and 2 little butts to diaper. But then, the skies open and I am quieted with the fact that God has provided enough income for us. Gabe, my wonderful, amazing husband, is going to work 2 jobs. TWO jobs people. That's two. One. Two whole jobs so I can stay at home with the kids. And we're not talking for 5 months while I'm on maternity leave. This is an indefinite amount of time thing. Man alive God is good! I don't think I can proclaim that enough. Hey, speaking of which, did you hear the one about God being good? Can you tell I'm really, really thankful for what God has just done in our lives? Are you sick of hearing me say God so much? Because none of this would've happened had it not been for HIS awesomeness and provision (see, I didn't say God in that sentence). So two more weeks of work. And Gabe starts his job tomorrow. And then, to celebrate all that God has done, we are going to Disneyland. No, really. We've had this trip planned for months now and it couldn't be happening at a better time. (Must be a God thing). Because the very next week after my last day of work, we're going to Disneyland. Our first family vacation. London is definitely going to pee himself. He has no idea the magical magic that is waiting for him. Gabe and I haven't been to Disneyland since we've been married, and we haven't been on a vacation since London happened. So this will be a great trip. And did I mention when we get back from that trip I won't have to leave my babies to go to work? I get to STAY HOME and work for 2 of the best bosses that ever lived (under the age of 30).. Poop, tears and all.
So the big news is I AM OFFICIALLY GOING TO BE A STAY AT HOME MAMA. That's right. Gabe got a job (day job) at our church (office manager type thing). We found out Wednesday and when he told me, I could barely contain myself. If I were a dog, I would've peed myself. I gave my 2 weeks notice on Friday. I was anxious about that. You must understand, I actually really like my job. I get to go hang out with 2 really good friends for 7.5 hours a day. The work is tolerable and I spend a good amount of time shootin' the breeze with my co-workers. I was also a little apprehensive about telling my boss.. She's not your average boss. She rocks the boss world big time. She and her husband have broken bread with our family a number of times and we try to get together for poker games often. I mean, come on people, WE'VE GAMBLED TOGETHER. That is some serious bonding. I was so nervous the professional dealings would put a strain on that personal friendship. I just didn't want her to feel like I was abandoning her. AND OH MY GOSH. Continuing in her cool bossness, in a totally geniune "I'm so happy for you" attitude, the first words out of her mouth were "I'm so happy for you. I know this is what you wanted". That situation couldn't have gone better. And so a super big SHOUT OUT to Trixie. You are the coolest boss EVER. And I will miss being bossed by you. And to my partner in crime, a phatty shout out to you. A shout out so big it comes complete with a ghetto-slammed pick up truck with phatty tires and dub spinners (and the guy driving has a peg leg). You have helped make this past year of work so bearable. I have never had a better co-worker. And I certainly have never laughed so much at work. I'm sorry to leave you alone with the Czech and Fonzeki. Ahuh, ahuh.. Ahuh, ahuh, ahuh. :) And I'm sorry you found out about me leaving the way you did. You deserved to hear it from me. Yea you did. Now granted, you both have two more weeks to work with me, but I just wanted to take this opportunity to show the love. Because even though the co-worker thing stops, the friend thing keeps going. So you definitely won't be rid of me.
So PRAISE GOD for providing that job for Gabe. We have been working towards me being a stay at home mom since we found out I was pregnant with London.. So now, after 3 years, it is finally happening. And it feels a little strange. I've never quit a job without having another job lined up (not counting being layed off and having to move in with my parents). So my first inclination is to be all wigged out and wonder how we're going to survive with me not working, what with 2 little mouths to feed and 2 little butts to diaper. But then, the skies open and I am quieted with the fact that God has provided enough income for us. Gabe, my wonderful, amazing husband, is going to work 2 jobs. TWO jobs people. That's two. One. Two whole jobs so I can stay at home with the kids. And we're not talking for 5 months while I'm on maternity leave. This is an indefinite amount of time thing. Man alive God is good! I don't think I can proclaim that enough. Hey, speaking of which, did you hear the one about God being good? Can you tell I'm really, really thankful for what God has just done in our lives? Are you sick of hearing me say God so much? Because none of this would've happened had it not been for HIS awesomeness and provision (see, I didn't say God in that sentence). So two more weeks of work. And Gabe starts his job tomorrow. And then, to celebrate all that God has done, we are going to Disneyland. No, really. We've had this trip planned for months now and it couldn't be happening at a better time. (Must be a God thing). Because the very next week after my last day of work, we're going to Disneyland. Our first family vacation. London is definitely going to pee himself. He has no idea the magical magic that is waiting for him. Gabe and I haven't been to Disneyland since we've been married, and we haven't been on a vacation since London happened. So this will be a great trip. And did I mention when we get back from that trip I won't have to leave my babies to go to work? I get to STAY HOME and work for 2 of the best bosses that ever lived (under the age of 30).. Poop, tears and all.
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