Ahhh, the beauty!

Most of you probably know our good friends, David and Vasi (Taylor's PreSchool Director and her husband). Well, they went to Egypt over the Christmas and New Year holidays and wanted to share their stories. Wow, pretty amazing stories, to say the least!

One thing they missed was FOOD so we BBQ steaks at home and caught up last night. Ahhh, the beauty.

Brother David was in town to meet up with his college friends for dinner so he joined us! It was a special time so the tablecloth came out the candles were lit and we even used our SILVER for the very first time! Why NOT? I am a firm believer to USE IT, as often as we can! It is a set that has been in the Nash family for many years and we were honored to receive it from Dick's parents on our recent wedding anniversary! I think the meal even had a better flavor!! ;) Well, it WAS pretty special and it added a lot to the table. Ahhhh, the beauty.

Today, brother David wanted to go back to Union Square and get our opinion on some sports coats he was considering. We grabbed our Brooks Brothers gift card and a Crate and Barrel gift card and headed down. It was so nice, we had the windows rolled down and even had to put on the sunglasses!! Ahhhh, the beauty.

We actually found something at CB!!! We were given this gift card for our WEDDING 3 years ago and could never decide on anything. Today? A French Press coffee maker AND a coffee bean grinder! YIPPPEEE!! I tried to make 2 cups this afternoon and was somewhat successful. It is a 32 oz. maker so I don't think it does the smaller amounts very well. I will try again tomorrow morning for the larger amount.

Next stop, Brooks Brothers where I found 2 shirts - 50% off!! ChaChing! On the way around, we noticed many windows with ballet costumes. tutu's, slippers, and the like. Then I read the window....OHHHHH.......25th year celebration of the SF Ballet so everyone is partaking by having a special costume in their window!! Soooo adorable!! They were so ornate!

This was in the Brooks Brothers window

These were a few in the Saks window.

There were so many pretty outfits!! Ahhhh, the beauty! I could have taken pictures of ALL of the windows! But, I WAS with 2 brothers who were on a mission to go 'Men's shopping' so onward we went.

Brother David was successful buying 2 sports coats on sale, and bought lunch! It was a great afternoon, enjoying the day. Ahhh, the beauty.

Things floating around in my head.

1. So I was taking Gabby to her 'job' last week. I drove around for a little while trying to find a parking spot. FOUND ONE!! 2 Hour parking on the street!! SCORED!! So, I happily back my car in, double checked the small print on the parking sign, made sure that it was not a street cleaning day...All good.

We do our job and head back to the car, climb in, and I see something on the windshield....probably propaganda about SOMETHING....NOPE.... A TICKET!!!! Grrrr!!! I look, for NOT pointing my tires correctly on a hill that is more than a 3% grade. Ok, MAYBE this road was a 3.5% grade. WOW! I look at the cost..... $48.00!!! WHAT?

So, instead of paying $3.50 for the parking garage, I end up with a $48.00 ticket!! Yea, not to pleased about that!

Well, a lesson learned.

2. I've been having a 'stabbing' pain in my shoulder blade for awhile now. I finally went to the doctor and she thought Physical Therapy, along with two medications for pain, one to take at night and one during the day would be beneficial. Well, I am not the best patient. I don't like taking meds and I didn't want to go to the Therapy.

So, I tried the meds and they WORKED! Finally a good night's sleep! I take the medication only when it is so annoying I cannot stand it anymore but have found some relief!

The Therapy? Who has time for that and does it really work? What will they do that I cannot figure out myself? Ok, so I reconsidered and thought I'd give it a try. WOW! I went to one session and she gave me exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscle. I do them every day and have noticed improvement after 4 days! Impressed!

I will go to therapy one time a week for the next 3 weeks in hopes to learn how to strengthen this area.

After talking to her about HOW I injured it, I think I've come to realize that perhaps I increased my laps in the pool to quickly a few months ago. :-/

3. Always interesting to me when Nancy Pelosi attends our church on Sunday mornings....or are we attending hers? Well, whatever..... I mean, she IS second in command of our country, and here she sits, usually with her husband, at the Catholic Church. I am glad to see her, listening to the SAME sermon as I hear, partaking in the Holy Communion and prayers for our country. Her secret service men are outside with ear pieces tuned in and standing next to their dark blue SUV's, waiting to whisk her away when it is over.

4. We bought a book titled, "New York, Washington DC and the Mid-Atlantic TRIPS! 50 Themed Itineraries and 1131 Local Places to See." We are planning our summer vacation with Taylor and are really excited! I've NEVER been to any of these places so it is an education for me too since History was my least favorite subject and I did not pay that much attention. Dick went on a similar trip with his parents and brother the summer before 6th grade and it was memorable/good for him.

We'll be flying into Boston to start the trip. We have tickets to Fenway Park to watch the Arizona Diamondbacks vs Boston Red Sox the first evening! WOOP WOOP!! Yea, the cost of the baseball ticket was MORE THAN the cost of the flight into Boston!! Something is wrong with that! CRAZY!! The Yankee are not playing at home while we are there but I hope to get a tour of the park.

Well, just wanted to update my blogspot on these things that were floating around in my head.... I think I'll go for a swim now while Taylor and Dick work on homework.

New Year's!

Happy 2010!!!

And a happy start it was!! We were in Visalia with Taylor, Jane and Poopa. The DAY was spent watching The Three Stooges!! AMC had 24 hours of them! YAY!! (said sarcastically from Barbara of course - hahah) Well, we also made time in the afternoon to play TENNIS! We searched for an open court and found one at Mt. Whitney High School.

Taylor has had summer lessons in Tennis and of course Dick can play pretty good. Me? Well, I TRY!! I am just no good. Never been, more than likely never will. I would LOVE to be better, but was able to get a pain in my elbow after hitting it around for quite awhile and made the boys have something to talk about! hahaha.... We'll just say my 'technique needs work', according to Dickie. hhahahaha!!

Everyone made it to toast our Root Beer at midnight as Dick Clark - poor guy - counted it down for us. My family tradition is to bang pots and pans at midnight on the front porch so that is of course what we did. We banged and clanged and yelled, "Happy New Year!!!" Then, before the cops showed up, we ran back into the house! hahaha!! I don't think this quiet neighborhood was used to all of that racket!

We stayed around Visalia two more days then headed back home. As we were leaving, Jane decided Poopa wasn't getting any better with his back and developed a horrible cough. They ended up putting him in the hospital. He was diagnosed with, yup, you guessed it, Pneumonia! So, they started the antibiotics and he started feeling better. Then, they discovered a fracture in his spine!! They want to do surgery but Jane says not until their heart and regular doctor's return from vacation on Monday, January 11th.

Yes, keep those prayers coming for Bill and Jane. We talked to Bill on the phone and he seems to be hanging in there. Today is Friday and he has been in the hospital since Saturday, January 2nd - ONE WEEK tomorrow!

Other than that, our NEW YEAR has started out very well, no complaints. We continue to honor our Lord and thank him daily for all we are and all we have, for putting us together to share in this world and beyond. I wanted to try and start our days out earlier - by getting up by 6:30 instead of around 7:30 - 8 am, but it just has not happened yet.... hmmm, we are still considering it though.

We hope that you and yours are on to a good start for a new year also! If not, we pray that it turns around in a hurry!

Between Christmas and New Year's

The place to be? Central Coast!!

On Sunday, December 27, David & Morri, Jane & Bill, Dick, Taylor and I had 4 nights in a beautiful four bedroom home we rented in Cayucos. David drove Poopa and Jane in their car, Dick and Taylor drove in our car and Morri and I drove in her car with Gabby. We deposited Gabby at the Carlstrom's and continued on to meet up with the others.

First night was dinner at the Sea Shanty - of course - followed by an evening playing Dominoes! Much fun and excitement was had!! Since then, a TWO game minimum each day was played. We got HOOKED!! Even had Jane playing!!

The next morning Taylor, Dick and I went to Hearst Castle while Morri and David met up with Piper and saw a movie. Poopa hasn't been feeling well and had a horrible backache, causing him to sleep sitting in a chair for the past week!!

We've always done Tour #1 at the castle but decided to change it up and see Tour #2. I have to say, we all feel more educated now with both tours under our belts. The weather called for rain but not a drop came down! WHEW!

Taylor is such a trooper too. He really enjoys learning about new things and is such a good boy. It is a delight to travel with him.

We looooooove that pool!!!

Really is a treat to see!

The sunset for this night.

Each morning Dick and I were able to go on a nice 4 mile run. On Wednesday, we grabbed Taylor and had some basketball practice. We wanted to use the public tennis courts too but they were busy. I played against a wall while the boys practiced.

Doing the basics

"The encouragements"

Lunch at Mo's - pulled pork sandwich!!!

San Luis Obispo

Bubble Gum Alley!!

Those Cal Poly kids!!

It's a tradition!

Heavenly

On Thursday Taylor and I drove one car while Dick drove his parents home in their car. David and Morri left on Tuesday morning.

I have to say, this really was a nice vacation. Our house was very comfortable, the weather was perfect and it was very relaxing. Having the time to spend with Dick's parents with Taylor is very special and I know a memory that will last his lifetime. There were many laughs and quality time spent as a family.

Poopa has been complaining about his back hurting and has been doing a lot of sitting with a heating pad. It hurts him to lay down so he has even been sleeping in a chair! Poor guy! Much needed prayers for him. Better pray for Jane too for having to do everything - even MORE so than the usual - for him. She always says, "Growing old is not for the weak."

Next stop Visalia!

Christmas with Dick's Fam 12-25

The Nash tradition is the Christmas Breakfast. Jane sets the table with the china and silver. She serves an egg and chile casserole, curry peach, sausage and her famous biscuits.

Everyone has a 'popper', opens it and wears the crown during the ENTIRE meal! Next, everyone reads their corny joke that is in the popper. It is soooo funny to me because here you have such an elegant table, yet we are all in our slippers and 'relaxed' clothing - some even in p.j's! Having a conversation with someone with the paper crown on the head always gives me the giggles!! Pretty unique tradition, I love it!

For dinner, we went to brother David and sis-in-law Morri's house for a delicious Mexican dinner of tamales and tacos! Here we ALL are!

This is more like it!!! ahahaha!

Taylor's 'trademark' - chin up young man!!!

One of the gifts Taylor received was the Eiffel Tower!!! He had a fun time putting this together! I thought it turned out great!!! We were able to visit some friends while in town. The Hawkins family drove up from Porterville/Santa Barbara AND even from Hawaii!! Yes Janet, you DO look like the matriarch of the family!!! hahahah
Another blessed Christmas! We are so thankful each and every day to celebrate the birth of Jesus and will continue this celebration allll year long!!! Happy Birthday Jesus!!

Next stop......Cayucos!

Christmas with Barbara's Fam 12-24-09

We had a wonderful afternoon, yummy ham dinner, and gift exchange at my mom's. Love was in the air and we all enjoyed the time together.

Of course Kaelyn was the top entertainer of the day!

4 generations!

Sisters and a Mom

(I had a bad hair day and pulled it up)

Told you LOVE was in the air!!

Kaelyn LOVES Gabby.

Gabby can handle it for only so long.....

Amy lovin' Kaelyn!

Taylor called at 5 pm and asked to be picked up from his Grandparents - instead of 7 pm. We were delighted to have the extra time!

Not sure WHAT Kaelyn is doing with those kissy lips!!! hahahah

Taylor is CRAZY about his little niece!

We left around 8:30 pm and drove down to Visalia where Jane and Poopa were anxiously awaiting the arrival of their grandson!

One more time

Not sure if you recall the car accident that involved the son of an ENT physician in Merced, Ryne Spitzer. I've continued to read the father's heartfelt daily accounts of caring for his son who is in a semi-coma since February 2009 and the father's spiritual journey.

After reading today, I feel compelled once again to let you know how amazing, touching, God-loving, inspirational, and even heart wrenching at times this blog is to read. Especially at this time of the year, and knowing people in my life that are having a challenging time accepting God into their life, turning it all over to Him and living a life according to how God wants us to live.

I believe this blog will move you to witness the pure loyalty and trusting in our God. I cannot even begin to explain how Dr. Spitzer uses his words and lyrics expressing his relationship with God through it all.

Please, just read a few days worth. You have to become a 'member' of the site - by setting up a username and password - but I KNOW you will be moved, sometimes to tears, but in a most GLORIOUS way, observing God's love in ways that are REAL and written by a 'normal guy'.

Think it may be to 'heavy' for you? GOOD! That shows you are probably READY!

Thanks for reading and I will continue to pray for you.

Ryne Spitzer site

Christmas Time!

The tree is decorated.

The house is ready.

WE are ready!

The Gingerbread House is made!

The presents are bought, wrapped, shipped and a few already delivered!

The Christmas cards have been sent.

We've been enjoying Christmas music, daily!

The school Christmas program was enjoyed!

The beach house reservation for Christmas vacation in Cayucos are done.

We've RSVP'd to party with Malibu friends.

Now it is just waiting for it to all occur and celebrate Jesus' BIRTHDAY!!!

We look forward to celebrating on Christmas Eve with Amy, Andrew, Erika, Kaelyn at my mom's house. We'll pick Taylor up that evening, head down to Dick's parents. Taylor will be with us until January 3rd!

Wishing you all a VERY Merry Christmas and the HAPPIEST and HEALTHIEST New Year!

Thanksgiving!

I hate it when that happens!! I did not take any pictures of our trip!! What was I thinking? Ugghh!!!

We started out this year remembering LAST year and the HORRIBLE traffic jam out of San Francisco. So, this year, we left on Monday!! Very smart choice!! We drove to Merced and stayed the night at my parent's home, babysat Kaelyn again while Mom went to school and Dad worked. It was very nice. She did not sleep well the night before so she took a 2 hour nap!!! Meanwhile, I need to do SOMETHING, so I organized her dresser of clothes! Erika was pleased! :) We took the kids to dinner on Tuesday and headed down to Visalia on Wednesday morning. Jane and Bill took us to The Depot for dinner. I had Bossa fish! WOW! It was so buttery and soft, it actually reminded me of popcorn!! Was yummy!! It was a nice evening, telling stories of old.

Andrew, Erika and Kaelyn arrived at Dick's parents home on Thanksgiving morning. We loaded our car and we all drove down in ONE vehicle! Yup, baby games for the 4 hour car ride! I LOVED IT!!! This is what I got to look at!!! ;)

We checked into our hotel, and was at my sister Brenda's house by 4:00! Right on time! WHEW!!

We walked in to a spread of hors d'oeuvres that was unbelievable!! Sooo many choices!!! Everyone began to busy themselves with mashing the potatoes, making gravy, setting dishes on the table, baking the rolls, all of that last minute stuff! Then, the feast! Was very very good and everyone ate TOO much!!! We got a little silly in the evening, discovering all of the weird things we can all do with our tongues! Very entertaining!!! Guess you had to be there!! Thank you Brenda for hosting such a wonderful, thankful day!!!!

Andrew and Kaelyn on Thanksgiving Day!

This is all of us making our tongue do weird things in the reflection of the window. It wasn't until we were all done when we realized that the neighbors could see us and it would look like we were making faces at THEM!!! Wow! Memories! hahahahah - Just for the record, Amy gets full credit for taking this pic. I actually stole it from her blog - ssshhh, don't tell!

On Friday, Dick and I ran our 4 mile route and headed over to Brenda's for, you guessed....ROUND 2 Turkey Lunch!! hahaha...That plate looked just like the plate the day before!!! Then we headed over to Antonio's baseball game - travel team. Well, let's not talk about that.....it was not Antonio's best day OR the teams best day so some not so good baseball was going on....but he still looked GOOD!! Look at that extension!!

After the game, everyone met up at our favorite RED DEVIL PIZZA place. We love their pizza and go every time we are in town. Amy came over with Randy and Antonio's girlfriends was there too.

Dick and I took Kaelyn over to Brenda's house so she could be with Kaelyn and the rest of us could all kick up our heels at the HONKY TONK Country Bar where we all danced and honky tonked the night away!

Kaelyn was doing fine until she noticed no familiar face was present! Then, the crying began! Oh No!! Poor thing. She finally fell asleep and Dick and I came and picked her up around 11:00. We took her back to our hotel where she slept until her parents came knocking at the door at 2 a.m. They had a GREAT time and really appreciated the time together while Kaelyn was in good hands with her cousins and Auntie Brenda!

On Saturday, we ran our 4 mile route, packed up the car and headed over for yup, ROUND 3 Turkey leftovers!! YUM!! We visited with the Gonzales family until about 5:00 p.m. then made the trek back to Visalia where the kids got in their car and drove back to Merced.

Kaelyn hanging out with Gpa Dickie!!

On Sunday, we went to church with Dick's parents then met up with Galen and Wendy for breakfast. Good to see them, catch up, look at pictures from the Labor Day in November party and ate MORE good food!!! We spent the afternoon with Dick's brother David and wife Morri. I really like them and learn something every time we are together. Morri is the one that gives me my 'Good Books to Read' list. She can pick them!! Jane made a ham dinner and then we sat around the table sharing stories of our childhoods. Always fun to hear what Dickie was like as a child! It compares so much to how Taylor is, very weird!!

On Monday we received an email that Taylor had an unscheduled basketball practice that afternoon so we left Visalia by 10:15. A little earlier than we anticipated, but a blessing because traffic was ZERO!!! NICE! We made the 4 hour journey in 3 1/4!!!

Overall, a very enjoyable, fun-filled time with family and friends. We are thankful each and every day for all of our blessings, our cup continues to overflow!! We missed Taylor of course....it was his year with his mom....but he is always with us in spirit and we are grateful for that.