San Francisco: 10 year Anniversary

So Jacob and I decided to spend our 10 year anniversary in San Francisco.  We have been there...oh about 7 years ago with the Taysoms and little Aubrey.  We loved it then, and decided that this was the place. (And we got super cheap tickets and hotel...which also aided in our decision.) 
So here are TONS of vacation pics (I know...boring!) haha

Here is our humble little HOTEL.  It was called Casa Loma (we found it on YELP)...we founds lots of things on YELP for this trip.  Anyhow, it was a great little location just smack dab in the middle of everything.  It was small, but we were seriously NEVER there.

The first night we got there...we were off to AT&T Park to watch a baseball game.  It was such an amazing view.

I hardly even watch the game, I just loved looking at the ocean and the scenery.  My favorite part was we got there early and got to watch some professional SOFTBALL players having some sort of home run competition.  I LOVED it.  They were hitting softballs so far...clear into the water...and then some guys in kayaks would get them.

Here they are waiting for the balls!  Too funny.

This is my favorite picture from the trip.  I progressively let myself go throughout the trip.  I don't know how people do their hair in San Fran....really, I have NO clue.
Moving on...so the very next day we drove across the FAMOUS Golden Gate Bridge and headed to Muir Woods. 

This was a suggestion from Jake's parents and was probably my favorite part of our trip.  There were redwoods and wonderful hiking trails.  We ended up hiking for almost 3 hours.  I should have taken more pictures.

However, on our way to the scenic ocean view...we found ourselves very lost and couldn't even find the trail.  I am taking the blame on this one.  We finally got back on some trail, but missed the ocean view...

 

So after Muir woods...we headed back towards the airport to return the car we had rented.  We had stopped at Little Lucca's the previous day  (another Yelp suggestion) and we HAD to stop there again.  Seriously...hands down....best sandwich I have EVER had.  SOOOOOOO Good.  I want to open one here in Phoenix.  It was so good in fact, it almost ruined the rest of the food for us on our trip.   We kept comparing everything to this thing.  ahhhhhhh

Later that night we went to a movie.  Then we just had to go to The Cheesecake Factory on the 8th floor of Macy's overlooking Union Square (this was our favorite memory from our last trip to San Francisco.)  The view is breathtaking...and I could eat cheesecake every day.

The next morning we headed to China town with more food in mind.  Jake wanted to try some yummy pastries that he remembered from Hong Kong.  They have these yummy bread and are filled with various sweetness, like coconut cream or pineapple...even BBQ.  So we ate these and walked around a bit.

Then we headed to Golden Gate Park....Another Watkins suggestion.  We rented bikes for a couple of hours and biked all over.  This is over a 10,000 acre park...so we didn't even see half of it...but it was beautiful.

My favorite part was a little Shakespeare Garden.  It was just so quaint and cute.

Shakespeare Garden: Golden Gate Park

 I love San Francisco.  That morning we were eating hot yummy buns in China town, later enjoying a bike ride in a beautiful natural park....then that evening Fisherman's Wharf along the ocean.  It really is quite amazing how many things are here to see.

Alcatraz

Ghiradelli Square

We ended the evening walking around Fisherman's Wharf and enjoying the seaside and of course...a Ghiradelli brownie sundae.

The next day we were sore from excessive hiking and biking around and just wanted our last day to be unplanned.  We ended up going to Civic Center and eating "Off the Grid" which are these food trucks that travel all over San Fran and have tons of different cuisine.  We have seen these on the food network and if you can't tell our entire trip was focused on food.  So it just seemed to fit. 

Filipino Fare...yummy.
I had the Curry up Now....not pictured.  Yummy curry in a burrito.  Very good!

We decided to make the trek to go see the famous Lombard street.  It is a serious climb and then this crazy crooked street. 

Lombard Street.

So we ended our day watching ANOTHER movie.  I couldn't believe it.  Jake almost detests going to the movie...but in our first one there were technical difficulties so they gave us free tickets for another one...so we were almost forced to use them....haha.  I got to see THE HELP with my honey.  Love it!!!  Here is a picture of the escalator at The Westfield Plaza mall.  It was 8 stories and went all the way around.  Super cool.  By the way...the food was even great at the mall.  We had Thai food, but there was food from so many different nations....I love the food in San Fran.  Seriously I am so nervous to weigh myself and see what kind of damage was done. 

This picture was taken up by the crooked street.  It is of the Bay bridge.
We had a blast and I would love to do it again sometime.  We took the Muni or walked our entire trip.  I loved people watching and just feeling like we lived there.  I am glad that we didn't stay in a tourist saturated area.  Yes, we walked some CRAZY streets and definetly met some WACKOs and what not, but it was so much fun.  We ended up walking lots and laughing lots... I enjoyed being away from reality and the kids. But honestly the best part was coming home.....
to this.

 The kids got Ghiradelli chocolate, a shirt and Golden Gate Bridge paperweight....haha.  The hugs we got at the airport were priceless.  Nothing is better than this life.  I am so glad I married my honey 10 years ago and look forward to the future.  Thanks Jake for the trip and being my MAN!!!  Thanks for the beautiful life that we share. 

A little Facelift...

So today I was feeling a little bored with just the normal mundane chores...and I was feeling inspired by this...

and my new favorite website...www.pinterest.com.

Here you can see our humble looking curb appeal...

And at least now we have a punch of color. 

I am thrilled with the result.  Now I need a new front mat...and some flowers in pots.  ( I don't really like the wreath with it...it is a little too Easterish...so give me your suggestions on what you would paint the wreath?) 

Craft Night: Jewelery Holder

My friend Tina and I are a good little team.  She actually makes all of our GREAT ideas come to fruition.  We decided to have another craft night to make these beautiful jewelery holders.   I never would have gotten around to making it happen..but Tina set it all up and we had it at my house.  We had a great turnout and I am loving all of my new friends!
These are super easy to make.  You take a frame...cut out some chicken wire or I used a radiator cover.  Then attach fabric or paper to the back of the frame.   Then you can use s hooks to hang necklaces and your earrings hook right onto the wire. 

Here are just some of the frames that were done Thursday night.

Here is mine.  I LOVE it.  I wish it always showed that much red...but it doesn't in the room.

And there you have it!  I bought my frame, but if you get one cheap or have one already...the wire is minimal and I spent 2 dollars for the fabric.  Fun!  Fun! 

Thank goodness for friends

When we moved away from Maricopa I knew I would miss my friends more than anything else.  For sure I have too.  Thank goodness it really isn't too far away and once in a while we still get to see each other.  A few weeks ago I went out to Maricopa to let Aubrey have a much needed playdate with her old friends.  I got to have my own as well.  I would have taken more pics...but my battery died.  I got to see Foates, Fingers and Heidi Buckmister. 

Wendy Foate and myself.

Last weekend I Gina was in town so we made the trek to Cheesecake factory and I haven't lost the 2lbs I gained since.  haha.  I love these girls.  Molly isn't pictured and neither is Sarah Jones...but it was so wonderful to say hi and catch up again.

Crystal Redd in our ward threw an AWESOME luncheon to welcome back this school season.  I am absolutely LOVING our new ward and all the great people (especially women) that I am meeting.  Thanks for including me and making me LOVE our new home just as much as the one we left behind. 

Jeanne, Teri, Julie, Alice, Crystal, Christi

Thanks Tina for being the best visiting teacher ever and being my "movie friend."  We have already made so many memories...I don't ever want you to move.

and PS .....We did NOT plan on matching.  haha

Weston turns six!

So it is never quiet as fun to celebrate your birthday on a school day....at least that is what I thought.  Aubrey informed me that it is totally better.  Spencer and I visited our little birthday boy for lunch.  He got a Happy Meal and it was the envy of all the other first graders.  For only being the fourth day of school...Weston seemed pretty confident and comfortable with his friends.  I loved seeing him play with Spencer at recess and being so respectful of the teachers and staff.  My little guy is growing up.  I almost cried when I left he didn't seem to care much...but then stopped me and ran over and gave me a huge hug and kiss.  Love you Donny D!

Click on the photo and it will become bigger.

We celebrated some more that night at a family home evening with the Watkins'side.  We had WONDERFUL food and Weston had requested a "Sundae Cake" so it was chocolate, with chocolate fudge and whip cream and a cherry on top.  (heath bar for the rest of us.)  He got wii games, a hockey goal and an excessive amount of Beyblades.  In the picture above...we are playing a Beyblade battle...so much fun!  It is some weird chinese thingy or game...reminds me of Bakergons or pokemon or something.  He had a great day and Jake and I fell asleep laughing and remembering some of our favorite moments with this guy.  We love him so much!!!!

First Day of School: 2011

So the morning went off without a hitch.  There was no special breakfast like I had thought about...but of course not "planned."  But the kids were excited and there were NO tears this year...so I was happy about that.  Just as I left Weston in line waiting to go into class...he ran up to me and said, " Mom....I need a kiss."  I am so glad he still needs a kiss once in a while.  I sure do. 

I asked Aubrey to come pose for me and then Weston.  I am always happy to see their little personalities come shining though.  They are so different, but BOTH awesome!

haha

Here are some of their friends at school.  I am thrilled that they got to start out the year, with at least one friend.

The best part of all... is after a LONG day of waiting to see how it went...I was told "Totally awesome! and Loved it!!!" by the both of them.  Thank goodness for that. 

Sunday Best!

I really just felt like blogging tonight...no particular reason; just bored I guess. Today is Sunday and the kids looked so cute to me this morning I had them pose for a picture.  Of course...they jumped right up and posed...I have them well trained.  I really do LOVE my kids whether all dolled up or not.  I also love Sundays.  I always have loved them.  Part of it is the "Sunday Best" part...I like to get dressed up and have somewhere to go and socialize if you will.  With kids, it can sometimes be a struggle (with naps and whatnot), but we love to go to church as a family.  I love the Sunday dinner, the Spirit that I feel on Sundays.... all of it!  I really will always think of the Sabbath as the best day of the week.  (It FOR SURE beats MONDAY!) 
 

You can stop reading now if you would like...It is gonna get a little personal.  I feel like journal-ing if you will my thought/testimony about our church.  It kind of relates to these pictures.  I have been thinking a lot lately about perfection and how so many times I see my friends struggling to try and LOOK perfect... I look at my little family and how we dress them up and we go to church and we LOOK perfect...when we are far from it.  First things first.  I am NOT perfect and although we are striving to be better everyday...I am not expecting perfection.  Maybe I should be, maybe I am wrong about that...but I don't.  Now, I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Most of my friends are also of this faith..but many are not.  I love all my friends equally regardless of what they believe and I hope they know that.  I think they know that.  Know that friends....I love you...regardless. 

I love learning and talking with people of different faiths and love to hear their testimonies as well.  I always have, and I always will.

Recently I saw a poster while driving down the freeway that stated "Are you sick of being perfect?" or something to that affect ...and I noticed that the website had MORMON in the url.  I was very interested to find out that a new faith/church if you will has been started up and it is directly speaking to the LDS members and what we believe.  I went to the website to learn a little more and was disheartened to realize that once again...there is the misconception that we are NOT Christian or that we don't really believe in our Savior.  I understand how those who know nothing of Mormonism might think that...but to think that LDS people...still don't really know what we believe or feel a connection to Jesus ...made me sad. 

There was a video on the website teaching what they believe at this new church.  I was astounded...because SO much of what the speaker said is what we (MORMONS) believe.  The man in the video kept referring to how we think we HAVE to be perfect, but that Christ atoned for the imperfect. I kept thinking...duh...that is what I believe. I keep wondering how those of my faith somehow are not hearing or understanding that we believe in Jesus Christ and that he atoned for us...that we don't have to be perfect...that he loves all of us and atoned for ALL of us. This glad message...is being missed somehow.  I know it isn't being missed by everyone.  I know that many of my friends "get it."... but sadly..some don't.  I don't have the literary skills or the time or for thought to write all that is on my mind. I am probably offending people as I write this...I may just be confusing them...I don't know.   I just wanted to bear my testimony of Christ. 

I know that he is my Savior and He loves me (regardless of my actions.)  I know that feelings of "not enough", or depression or even guilt..don't come from Him. So many times it comes back to this thought of being perfect...which we are not.  I know we are taught to strive to be perfect and to continue to learn and grow in this life to be more Christlike...but being down on ourselves and hiding who we are, and trying to "look perfect" doesn't make sense to me.  I know I am guilty of it sometimes...but I really want to be real and to show those who know me...that it is ok to love ourselves even when we are not what we wish we were.

 I think.... that feelings of HOPE, LOVE and PEACE are the feelings I feel when I rely on my Savior to atone and help me through my trials and my life.  These are the words that I would use to describe what I know about our Church.  It teaches of Christ.  It teaches of HOPE, LOVE....Charity, forgiveness, compassion, unity...etc.

 I want my children to know their Savior.  I want them to pray to their Heavenly Father and know he listens and answers their prayers.  I know he does that for me. I have prayed since I can remember.  I have truly been "born of goodly parents" and I thank them for that.  They taught to trust in MY SAVIOR and to pray... I truly feel that Jesus Christ knows me and loves me and has walked with me throughout my life.   Something as simple as comforting me when I was 12 years old and lonely for a friend...my Savior did that...in fact, he still does this.
When I feel fat or ugly because I am breaking out all over my chin... it is Jesus Christ who sets the example of what really matters...and teaches me that this physical thing means nothing to HIM and I am worthy regardless. 
It is Jesus who I have relied on in my darkest times... and who has taught me how to live so I can have the brightest and most joyous times...  I love my Savior.  And for at least my children I want to say...I learned about him through our Church.  Through the Book of Mormon and the Bible...through going to Church regularly and reading and studying the Scriptures.  Through many a family home evening and discussion.... Through listening to the Prophet and the apostles.  Through prayer....so much of what I know...is through direct prayer.  It isn't what I was TAUGHT per say...but what I KNOW.  When you learn something through prayer...it is yours and NO ONE and nothing can take that from you....

 I want you (Aubrey, Weston...and Spencer) to search and to pray and to be heartfelt as you discover your testimonies...but tonight I pray that you will learn all that this Church has to offer you.  I pray that you will know you are CHRISTIANS (even if someone says you are not...) and your Dad and I not only believe, but we are trying to LIVE as Christians...everyday.  I love you kids...and I just don't want you to be confused in this world.  You don't have to be perfect to be loved my me or your Father.  Likewise you don't have to be PERFECT to be loved by your Heavenly Father or Jesus Christ... They love you and love you more perfectly than you can even imagine.  If you study and learn about them...study how Jesus lived and how he relates to our Father...you will never get lost in this crazy world.  You can have peace, joy, love and most of all direction on how to live.  I am still learning and growing and understanding...but of this I am sure....God loves us and wants us to be happy.  He love YOU and wants you to be HAPPY!!!!  Thanks for coming to Church today...thanks for being cute in your Sunday giggs...thanks for being in our ETERNAL FAMILY.  I pray that you will know how much I love you...  MOM

Now for anyone who actually read this...sorry if I offended.  Sorry if I taught false doctrine.  But I will not apologize for loving my Savior and testifying that he LIVES and that he is there for us all.