A perfect day for a WEDDING!!

Today at 3 pm Andrew and Erika were married!!

It was short notice - so if you are reading this and saying, "What? Why didn't they let me know?" Well, we were told last night! Yes, they wanted to move on with their lives for 2009. We met at the Merced County building. Erika looked very pretty with a black and white dress and Andrew looked hansome. The vows were exchanged. After the 'speaker' finished, Dick added, "Under God". It was simple, sweet and to the point - very fitting for Andrew and how he likes to live his life. In the end, they are married, happy and ready to start a new year, with their new baby and their new life as husband and wife.
We took some pictures then went over to Applebee's for dinner. The newlyweds were going to go home, have a few friends over and ring in the new year!

Saying their vows

Placing of the rings

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Pirtle Parents of the Newlyweds

Happiness

We could not be happier with Erika as our newest member of our family. She is a very nice fit and we feel very blessed. Andrew got REALLY lucky with her - and we think she is too! ;)


BLOG UPDATE: I forgot my power cord at the hotel in Pismo - reason for no blog updates. I will post Christmas stuff in the next few days....right now, just wanted to place the MOST EXCITING news right away.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Gabby wanted to say Merry Christmas!

We had a little photo shoot last night...thought I'd share!

The Christmas Season is HERE!

Dick's parents arrived last week - yup, they drove themselves up from Visalia to SF! Hope I can do the same when I am 88 years old!! Our tree was chosen at the Nursery right around the corner. Dick and I carried it home! Everyone decorated it, then listened to Christmas music....

and admired the outcome!

On Saturday, we made dinner for everyone, including David and Vasi before departing to The Nutcracker - by the San Francisco Ballet!! The dinner actually turned out to be pretty tasty.

The Ballet was magical and beautiful - as always. I LOVE the music!! WOW! This picture below was taken inside right inside the doors of the theatre.

For Christians, the 'reason for the season' is so BIG and wonderful - it makes this time of the year very special.

What sparked the poll on this page?

The Little Angel on the Top of the Christmas Tree!

One particular Christmas season a long time ago, Santa was getting ready for his annual trip but there were problems everywhere. Four of his elves got sick, and the trainee elves did not produce the toys as fast as the regular ones so Santa was beginning to feel the pressure of being behind schedule. Then Mrs. Claus told Santa that her Mom was coming to visit; this stressed Santa even more.

When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two had jumped the fence and were out at heaven knows where.

More stress.

Then when he began to load the sleigh one of the boards cracked and the toy bag fell to the ground and scattered the toys. So, frustrated, Santa went into the house for a cup of coffee and a shot of whiskey.

When he went to the cupboard, he discovered that the elves had hid the liquor and there was nothing to drink. In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the coffeepot and it broke into hundreds of little pieces all over the kitchen floor.

He went to get the broom and found that mice had eaten the straw it was made of.

Just then the doorbell rang and Santa cussed on his way to the door. He opened the door and there was a little angel with a great big Christmas tree. The angel said, very cheerfully, "Merry Christmas Santa. Isn't it just a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Isn't it just a lovely tree? Where would you like me to stick it?

Thus began the tradition of the little angel on top of the tree.

Author Unknown

This email was sent from Wendy........I began to wonder....what people placed on top of their trees! Looks like the angels have it!! Thank you to all who participated. Very interesting. Thanks again!!

Kaelyn meets Great Grandparents

My parents live in Michigan 4-5 months of the year. They left right before Kaelyn was born this past August. Since Winter has arrived in Michigan, they came back to Merced and just arrived yesterday from their 9 day drive. They came over for dinner last night and met Kaelyn for the first time!

Great Grandmother

Great Grandfather

I thnk it was love at first sight!

Theylook GREAT for the title of 'Great Grandparents' eh? I can only HOPE for the same!! This is NOT their first 'great' either! Andrew enjoyed showing his Grandparents his prize and joy - and Erika too!! They met the 'ill Erika' before they left. So, this was actually their first time of really meeting Erika too! We all enjoyed an evening of homemade Tamales (from Malibu employee), followed by a homemade carrot cake (from ME!) and lots of love and laughter.

The GGParents left to finally climb into THEIR OWN BED and Andrew and I had a tournament of Pool! It was 1 - 1 so a tie breaker was a must. Well, THIS TIME, Andrew won the tournament...but, I'll give him a run again, NEXT TIME! ;)

It Arrived!

David Nash outgrew the Pool table he and his family enjoyed for the past 11 years. We were not in the market for one, but thought it would be a fun addition. The Merced house has a large enough living room, so we had it delivered and setup yesterday.

This was a new experience for me so I had to record it. Did you know SLATE is under the felt? I din't. This is a Rebco table - manufactured by Bob Bebb with his two hands in Clovis, CA.

This is Bob the builder!

There are three pieces of slate. Bob is sealing them with some glue.

It is a beautiful peice of furniture made from Cherry and Curly Maple wood. Gabby likes it too!

Nice fit in the living room!

Dick and I played the first game last night. He knocked the 8 ball in so I officially won.....but, we continued to play and he beat me by ONE! I like to play. Andrew, Erika and Kaelyn will come over tonight for dinner, yup, it'll be used.

My favorite 'pool story' is when I was in San Diego, down on Mission Beach. I challenged a guy in a game. The winner could ask the looser to do anything they wanted.....I took the risk...... lucky, I WON!! What did I ask him to do?

We walked outside of the bar and I told him that the next person that walked by, he had to tell them, "This hot chick just beat me in a game of pool!"

Gosh that felt GREAT!! ...... and still continues.....something I will never forget!

Cuz one is pretty and one is cute

Just wanted to share these beautiful roses that were given to me - just because - from my hubby. They reminded me of my wedding bouquet - and they smell good too! Yea, another fine trait that he has....

They are probably bad for a garden, but I think they are cute!! (I'll remove them next week.)

One of our favorites!

ESTRADA'S Mexican Restaurant in Daly City

Many years ago, there was a family owned Estradas in Visalia that Dick's family would frequent. They are most famous for their SIZZLING SALAD! There is a branch of this restaurant about 30 minutes from our house in SF. After the basketball game, we met David and Vasi for dinner. We always get the sizzling salad which is on a corn tortilla, then a layer of beans, then, a layer of either shredded beef or chicken (we get the beef) then, mounds of lettuce, a little salsa, and then at the table, they pour a vinegar dressing on top of the hot plate and it SIZZLES!! mmmmm...my mouth is watering!!

Yea, we each get our own and eat the ENTIRE plate. The margaritas are good too!

David decided to get something different and really enjoyed it. I thought it was different enough to take a picture of....the shell had beef and onions with a gravy! Cannot recall the name of the dish....

Afterwards, we all went to see BOLT in 3D!!! It was GREAT and we all enjoyed it. I think I enjoyed the 3D better. Have you seen it yet? You gotta!!! ;)

Merced Bears comin' to town!

Brad Reed brought his 8 Varsity Basketball girls to SF for a tournament. Instead of fundraising for a hotel, they crashed in at the Nashes and the Thathiah's for the night. They arrived Friday at our home in time to walk over to Amici's Pizza for dinner. The girls LOVED the pizza. All agreed it was the BEST they ever had! For dessert, we stopped in Tuttimelon and enjoyed a Gelato - again the BEST they ever had. I think food just tastes better in SF! :) Four of the girls stayed with the David and Vasi along with Coach Reed and 4 of them stayed at our house. We stayed up for about an hour talking with the girls, getting to know them, sharing basketball stories and playing with Gabby. Needless to say, Gabby enjoyed the evening!

On Saturday morning, after feeding them donuts, cinammon rolls, juice and fruit we went on a run while they got ready. Coach Reed picked them up and took them to Fisherman's Wharf until GAME TIME!

Dick and I went to the 3:00 pm game and enjoyed watching them play! It was fun to see them in action. Dick really enjoys basketball and was coaching up in the stands! The best part?

WINNING!! :) Bears: 65 Bulldogs: 47

And the TROPHY!!

No, not really....the BEST part was helping out the team with their food and accomodations. You can tell Brad really enjoys coaching so that was fun to watch. The girls were very appreciative, kind and respectful. Really, all teenagers want (well, everyone does, but ESPECIALLY teenagers) just want people to listen to them, be interested in their thoughts, ideas and dreams, and to respect them as individuals. It was a treat to share with them and we hope we can make it an annual event - as long as Brad is coaching! The basketball season officially begins this next week! GO BEARS!!

p.s. the trophy was for second place in the tournament. All of the other schools in the tournament were from San Francisco area. Merced traveled the farthest.

Malibu's Christmas Luncheon

As you can guess, people are not buying as many boats with the down turn....so, how can a company afford a party when having to lay off its employees = NO Christmas party for Malibu this year.

But, the Women's Bible Study group decided to host a Christmas luncheon for the plant with ham and turkey that was given as a gift from one of the vendors. Anna did all of the shopping of rolls, meat, sandwich fixings, beans, chips and desserts. We showed up on Tuesday morning, unloaded, set the tables, decorate with poinsettas, crank up the Christmas music. We served everyone a nice lunch and in return, we asked for them to donate a canned good to the County Food Bank. We were able to gather quite a bit!

Serving

The hangar looked pretty festive!

Anna and I delivered the leftover food to the Men's Rescue Mission and to the Food Bank. A busy busy day but it always feels good to lend a helping hand.

Visalia's holiday season will kick off with Candy Cane Lane Parade

JAMES WARD • Best Bets • November 29, 2008

Monday's 63rd annual Visalia Candy Cane Lane Parade, downtown Visalia's annual holiday event, will feature Grand Marshals Bill and Jane Nash leading more than 100 floats, bands, decorated cars and Santa Claus.
It runs from 7-9:30 p.m. down Main Street from Santa Fe through Conyer streets in downtown Visalia.


Guess where we'll be tomorrow night? (IF this fog ever lifts!! - uugghh!!)

UPDATE:
The fog would never lift so we did not travel down to Visalia. But, while watching the ABC News, we heard on Sunday at some point they will be playing an hour of the parade! Maybe Bill and Jane will be on television!
Bill and Jane called when they arrived back home and said they enjoyed the parade. It was not as cold as they expected either! Good times were had - we'll have to tape it on Sunday! ;)

Go grab your coat and wallet!!

Look up when the next showing is!! A MUST SEE Movie......BOLT!!!

Walt Disney did a good one here!! It is absolutely adorable!! We took Taylor and really enjoyed it.

All dog lovers: Bring a kleenex!!

Getting to know Auntie!

Today we went over to Andrew's. Amy was supposed to take a roll of film on her 35mm Minolta but had issues with the Light Meter. Instead, Taylor took some with his new camera.

The Introduction

Kaelyn says, "I think I like you."

Kaelyn says, "Yup, I DO like you!" And Amy says, "I love you too!"

"Continue to talk to me Auntie, and I will try to answer!"

"I am happy!"

The Day After

We had breakfast with Dave, Janet and Mitch Hawkins - did we need to eat MORE? They are doing well and continue to pray for their son - Blake (and his wife Megan) who is doing his 15 month service in Iraq with 9 months to go.
We visited with Edna - long time neighbor across the street - and wished her a Happy 96th Birthday!! Can you believe it? I've never met anyone older than that! She lives alone - has a caretaker some days - and is doing GREAT!!

Taylor took this picture in front of her house: I kind of like it! :)

We departed Visalia and headed to Merced where we cooked a GREAT Ham dinner and all of the fixings with the kids. We played the Wii and enjoyed the evening. I LOVE this kind of week!! Getting to hang with ALL of the kids is such a GIFT!! Taylor appreciates family and laughs at all of the fooling around that Amy and Andrew come up with. Yes, we feel very fortunate. Coming up on 2 years of marriage next month and there is not a day that passes where we do not Thank God for all of His blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving!

To Grandmother's house we go! We all caravanned down to Visalia - Amy, Andrew, Erika and Kaelyn in one car - Dick, Taylor and I in another. After a brief visit at Dick's parents home, we all headed to The Depot.

David, Morri, Lindsay and Jeff met us at the restaurant and enjoyed a wonderful dinner hosted by Dick's parents. Piper was there in spirit - she was spending the weekend with her boyfriends family in southern California. Jane had the table decorated especially for us with fall leaves, branches and persimmons brought from her garden. It was a beautiful setting and everyone felt her special touch really made the table festive and warm. I have to admit, I've never had a Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant and was unsure on how I felt about this. Thankfully, I realized, it is not about the surroundings, as much as it is just being with the ones you love. Everyone chose thier meal - with the majority having the Turkey dinner that was GREAT! Everything was tasty and we enjoyed the afternoon.

Me and Amy

Taylor and Amy

Jeff and Lindsay

After dinner, the kids went back to Merced and Dick, Taylor and I stayed the night in Visalia.

We hope you all ate too much :) and enjoyed the time with your family and friends.

I FOUND IT!

I've been meaning to take a minute and locate the Nordstrom Rack in SF. We see it off of the highway, and have driven by when going to Costco, but we've never stopped in!! So, on Wednesday morning, Erika, Andrew, Kaelyn and I drove over and checked it out! I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! I bought a Cashmere sweater dress and Erika bought a few nice items too.

Then, we started the WORST drive of our lives!!! We picked Taylor up from school at 12:30, had lunch, played some Wii, and packed up to head to Merced for the night. WOW!!! A normal drive is 2 hours 15 minutes. Guess how long it took on this EVE of Thanksgiving? 4 hours and 45 minutes!!! UUUGGGHHH!!! Andrew was NOT feeling this!! But, we all FINALLY made it safe and sound eventually!! Andrew said at one point, they were going a little stir crazy and started holding hands and dancing in the car to pass the time.

One thing for sure, this family of three love each other so much, have a fun time, laugh and enjoy each day. It does a mama's heart good to see her children smiling and full of love. I am thankful.

Tuesday in SF!

Let's get a Boudin clam chowder bread bowl!!!

No, we did not make Erika, Andrew and Kaelyn walk down to Pier 39 like we did Taylor! haha...

But, first stop - Montessori PreSchool to visit with Ms. Vasi!! We took a quick tour, played with a few babies that were awake from their nap, talked with Taylor's former teachers and got some hugs from Ms. Vasi before departing.

Neither Andrew or Erika had ever been down LOMBARD Street!! So, we did the dipsy doodle curvy drive and headed over to Pier 39.

They were starting to decorate!

Happiness is..... a Boudin Bowl - eating the leftovers!

The little restaurant (the little brown hut - in the lower left) that we'll go to one of these days. You take a little boat out to it and they have two sittings a night.

Yea, lots of clouds, but still makes a good picture.

Gotta see the sea lions!

We walked all around the Wharf area while Kaelyn slept in the stroller. When we got home, Andrew and Erika had dinner at our favorite restaurant - Parma - walked around Chestnut, checked out a popular bar and ended up at Johnny Rockets to top off their night with some chilly cheese fries!! We loved Kaelyn the entire 4 hours they were out!! :-)

Erika's update

Her Health Insurance Company told her they would not pay for the monthly checkup at UC Davis anymore - Gotta love it - but WOULD at UCSF – BETTER! Since Malibu was closed this past week, she made the appointment for Monday when Andrew was off. I drove up with them from Merced to the 3:00 pm appointment. That place is MASSIVE!! We were sent to the Neurology Department. Let me tell you, if you need a humbling experience, just sit here for a few hours. It was very sad to watch so many people with such debilitating problems. After TWO short hours of sitting in the waiting room with Kaelyn - they finally arrived with GOOD news!! The doctor is going to work with another doctor in Fresno for her future appointments - making that trip a little easier on them. He was pleased with her recovery. They will schedule an MRI on the thymus and decide if they want to remove it. It is a fairly simple procedure and once removed, Erika will not have to take medicine anymore - she is currently taking 20 mg of prednisone and mestinon – both with side effects.
We arrived at the house about the same time Dick did. We had dinner at Barney’s and called it a night.

p.s. Our Thymus is a ductless, butterfly-shaped gland lying at the base of the neck, formed mostly of lymphatic tissue and aiding in the production of T cells of the immune system: after puberty, the lymphatic tissue gradually degenerates.

A Boy and his Dog

We were watching a movie and this is what happened.....

Gabby climbs onto Taylor's lap - looks at me with sleepy eyes. (Taylor blinked)
Gabby resting, almost asleep.

Zonked out.

Snuggled in - a boy and his dog.

WHO DOES THAT?

I've been meaning to blog about this for awhile and today seemed like the right day.

I've been working for the Montessori Preschool Mon - Wed in Merced on projects that can be done on my laptop. On Thurs - Fri I go to the school in SF and work from about 8 am - 1 pm.

Around noon, Vasi says, "We need to break for lunch!" so we go to the cafe close by and she insists on buying lunch. Everyother Friday, she and her husband schedule themselves for a massage with their masseuse they've had for many years. But, often her husband David cannot keep the appointment so he gives the appointment to ME!! I gladly accept!! It is a wonderful 1 hour massage! I leave her a good tip! :)

On one Friday imparticular, they invited us over for a traditional Indian homemade lamb curry dinner that would make ANY restaurant JEALOUS!! I am serious!! They can cook!!

So, after giving me lunch, a massage AND dinner, you begin to wonder, WHO DOES THAT?

How did I get so lucky?

The list goes on and on what these lovely people give and we are so blessed to have them in our lives. We treasure their friendship, love and dedication.

Yup, tomorrow is a massage day!!! Ahhhh, just what I need!!

Here is a photo of us with David and Vasi celebrating David's 50th Birthday!!

I just feel the need....

to share what was given to me last week at my Tuesday morning Bible Study....Dick, Taylor and I read this list today and I enjoyed it AGAIN....Along with each sentence, there is a verse in the Bible that points you to these words. If you'd like to know the verse, just let me know, I'll give you the answer....for now, I will just post the verses. I hope you enjoy these words of praise to God and find comfort in these words as we did. Thanks!!

He helps us.
He is good.
He gives us truth.
For the beauty of creation.
He has made our bodies wonderfully
He heals us.
He provides everything we need.
We are His people.
His works toward us are wonderful.
The Lord is compassionate toward us.
He is our God.
He made the day and the night.
He gives us breath.
He gives us food.
He never breaks His promises.
He sent Jesus.
He makes all things beautiful.
He plans for our future.
His mercies are new each day.
He guides us.
He forgives us.
He hears us.
He gives us abundant life.
He promises to remove sorrow and replace it with joy.
We will spend eternity with Him.
He places us in our family.
He loves us with an everlasting love.
He conquered sin and death for us.
He gives us peace.
He is always with us.
He comforts us.
He gives us hope.
He gives us His Word.
Our church.
He makes us more like Him.
He gives us rain.
He fills us with His Spirit.
He completes what He begins in us.
We're not alone in hard times.

Taylor’s First Visit to Alcatraz

Can you believe it? He’s never been!
Dick and I agreed, the next nice day in SF, we need to go to Alcatraz - before they move that Rock!! (Huh Mr. Artis?)

Well, the day arrived! It was a beautiful Saturday – no wind and only sunshine!
We decided to walk from our house to Pier 39 and have a bowl of our favorite Boudin Clam Chowder before departing on the 12:45 ferry to Alcatraz.

At Pier 39 they were already decorating the Christmas tree! There were sooooo many people! We enjoyed our lunch and made our way to Pier 33 for the ferry ride. Taylor was pretty excited and made the trek – 2.3 miles so far – without a problem.

Included in the price of admission now is the audio tour. So, we put the headphones on and were off! I really enjoy the audio tour. It gives a great understanding of the life and times on The Rock! Of course Taylor took lots of pictures with his new camera too.

The view of SF on THE ROCK! (Told you, not a cloud!!)

Our first stop on The Rock was at the far end (instead of doing the 'switchbacks' right away, walk straight ahead) to the laundry facility. I never saw this before.

I was surprised at how much deteriation has occurred even since I was here last....This is a view of one of the escapees cells.

We took the 3:05 ferry and made the trek back home. We walked over to Blockbusters and rented ‘Escape From Alcatraz’ with Clint Eastwood. We made a yummy dinner of Chicken Cordon Bleu and watched the movie. There were a few cuss words, Clint’s bare buttocks :-0 and some intense moments – rated PG – but we all enjoyed it. Makes you wonder if they ever made it ashore!

I am glad we were able to get a full day of fresh air – we walked a total of 5 miles! It was great!!

Now, it is Sunday. Dick and I ran while Taylor rode his bike to the end of Crissy Field and back - another 5 miles. Another beautiful day and lots of fresh air! So much to be thankful for!