Alex's Driving Lesson

Alex's Driving Lesson

We were patiently waiting at the church for my sister when Alex casually suggested she drive around the parking lot with me and Trenton in the car :0/ "Mom, I need the practice." she says. I remembered to take a deeeeep breath and agreed. I also took out my rebel to capture the moment in case we didn't make it. For some odd reason, Trenton began squealing with laughter when Alex put it in drive...laughter was not quite what I was feeling but what does Trent know???? We drove around and around and around and around...you get the picture. As our driving lesson came to an end she wanted to practice parking in a parking stall. Well, Joel's car was the only car in the parking lot...what luck! As we parked, I exhaled and Trenton started woo hooing again. Obviously, we made it!

Caleb and Chapel

Here are some of our LCA chapel pictures for today. Caleb did a great job...I was so proud of him. Let your light shine!

Cal Poly Pomona Rodeo

This afternoon we all went down to the Glen Helen Sheriffs Rodeo where Cal Poly Pomona was hosting a college rodeo. We had front row seats thanks to Alvin Cowen who was helping out in the shoots today. Alvin explained to us this was not a PRCA (pro rodeo) but a rodeo where college students compete on behalf of their agricultural departments. It was a very quiet family setting where the only drinks served were cokes and ice tea :0) We watched some pretty good riders, both male and female. Half way through the rodeo my battery died and I didn't have my replacement so I was only able to catch the first half. I must say one of my favorite parts of the rodeo is when they present the American flag. There is not a hat left on one's head, there is reverence and silence, everyone stands to attention, your patriotic pride sours, and once again you are thankful to be an American. I love the American flag and its beauty. And there is nothing quite like the site of a horse and cowboy in complete unison. I almost felt like I was in Texas for a minute :0) "There's a little cowboy in all of us, a little frontier - Louis L'Amour" Slide show to come...

LCA Activity Fair

The LCA Activity Fair is finally over! It seems for weeks Alex and Caleb are working on their projects. Obtaining information, cutting out letters, purchasing all kinds of stuff, printing off pictures, and writing a report...it is quite a process. This year Alexandria placed second in the High School Science division. Her project was on Down Syndrome. Carl Brown knew one of the young ladies (Karen Gaffney) Alexandria had highlighted in her project from Oregon....what a small world! Caleb took first in the Social Studies division with his project on Miniature Schnauzers. He even took Callie down for extra points :0) My niece Emilee (she's in the 1st grade) took fourth place in the Elementary Science division with her project on the human eye. Emilee and I went to Starbucks to celebrate her win.

Alex and Driving

Yay! Alex passed her permit test today. I cannot believe my baby is getting ready to drive. She has never been in a real hurry to drive and seemed to be taking her sweet time in obtaining her permit. Now Caleb on the other hand has the days counted maybe even up to the minute...who knows. Today opened a new chapter in our lives - teenage driver! There is so much to look forward to - higher rates on insurance, another car to put gas in, maintenance on a third vehicle, biting all my nails down when she drives off, and on goes the list. Alex is a very responsible young lady and I am certain she will be just fine BUT anyone that knows her knows she loves to do at least three or four things at one time...yikes! Just visualize Alex trying to drive and not wanting to read, look around, listen to music and listen to a story on tape all while carrying on a conversation. She is pretty amazing. She keeps telling me, "Mom, relax." So, relax I will.

Missing Dave, Debbie and Texas!

As I sit here missing some of my favorite people in the whole world, Dave and Debbie Story, I can't help but reminisce about Texas. We love Texas! I love the food, the hospitality, the people, the flag, the scenery, the cowboys, Texas longhorns, the Texas drawl, the food :0), La Madeline's, Bay Town Seafood, Pappadeaux's, Fredericksburg, Bay City, San Antonio, the Riverwalk, the Alamo, the history, the pride of Texas, Aunt Kacky and most of all our friends, Dave and Debbie!!!! Where else can you go and see the state flag everywhere. We have been visiting Texas for the past 12 years and every time I go, I can't wait to get back. Dave and Debbie live in a small town called Bay City about one hour from Houston. It seems the minute we hit the city border we instantly become relaxed. It is the hardest thing to explain. It is like time begins to move slower and life becomes a little less stressful. We will be driving to Texas again this summer and we are already looking forward to our time with the Story's and just being in Texas. Here are some pictures of last year's trip.

Disneyland

Last week, Alexandria and Caleb went to Disneyland with several of their friends. Living in southern California is great! Spur of the moment trips to Disneyland...what fun! Season passes...worth it!

College and Career Group

Sunday night, the College and Career group came over to our house for lots of food and fellowship. We had several new ones join the group and we were excited to see them come over. This is an awesome group of young people! This was Joe and Heather's last College and Career outing as they are getting married in April and will be promoted into the next care group - "THE IN GROUP" :0)

Pismo Beach

Going to Pismo Beach has got to be one of our favorite "mini" vacation spots to go to. This past year we went with the Brown's and the Flores' for three days to Pismo. We stayed at the world famous (ILC famous) Sea Gypsy Motel. This is definitely not the swankiest place to stay but when it comes to ocean views it is incredible. We hit all of our favorite places - Mo's BBQ (some of the best BBQ outside of Texas), Old Town Cinnamon Rolls (not Weight Watcher friendly) and Splash Cafe (I hate clam chowder but will eat it at Splash). We had a blast with our dear friends, the Brown's and the Flores'! Wish we were going this year :0( Alexandria was inspired to put together a scrapblog of last year's trip -

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Alexandria's Photo Session with B.Artistic Photography

In October, Sis. Laura Berrier was in the beginning stages of her new business venture - B.Artistic Photography. Alexandria offered to be Laura's first photo session. We all decided that the Mission Inn located in Riverside would be the perfect setting. I love the Mission Inn! We scheduled the appointment and were all ready for a fun photo shoot. The night before Alex's appointment, she became very sick with a bad cold. She coughed and sneezed all night. She had such a red nose...poor thing. Alex always up for anything decided not to postpone and got ready for her photo shoot. Poor Laura had to take several shots of the same pose due to Alex sneezing between shots. Alex was quite the trooper...as always! We loved all the pictures! Laura definitely has her mother's talent! Laura did a fabulous job!!!!!!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow