September, 2024

Just a little evidence of His existence...

Our girl was invited to watch the new Twisters movie for her friend's birthday and also to a sleepover for her cousin's birthday. She is loving softball and getting some pretty good hits in for being a newbie.

I made a concerted effort to dial back the iPad usage this month. It can be tempting to just give our kids devices, can't it? But as I dialed the usage back, Aug started saying "I'm bored" which was definitely a sign they have had it too much. Kids need to be bored in order to develop their creativity. Thankfully, before long, he was happily using his imagination to build a pretend campfire at Sissy's batting practice:

This month, we held Aug's 6th birthday party, a month after his birthday so that his class could be invited! We had a great turn-out. Did I tell you he's going by his middle name, Aug instead of Cha? Originally, that was my plan since Aug and Aut go together so well. But we started out by calling him Cha which really stuck...and he will always be my Cha, though I'm trying.

Our son picked the theme, which was "Army theme." Around that, we structured an epic water balloon and water gun fight. The kids absolutely had a blast, and his Dad really got into it! I love how good my husband is with children. He works so hard managing our household and all aspects of our finances, trips etc. He often doesn't go with us to places like Disneyland (because he doesn't like going, and also to save money on a pass) but when he get's into things like their parties or coaching a team, he's all in and it shows. He is such a good sport, and so fun with the kids.

I can't help but think he picked the theme because of my father's funeral earlier this year and the military honors/salute that he received. I thought it might be appropriate to place a photo of my father on the dessert table, but wanted to run this by Aug since it is his party. When I asked him if he wanted to photo of grandpa from his parachuting days on the dessert table, he said no. Understanding this and that the focus should be on him, since it's his birthday I understood, and was not going to push the issue. He then said "Because I don't want it to get messed up or dirty." Bless him. When I explained that it was safe because it was in a frame, he was excitedly all in. 

Group photo! Can you spot Nathan?

Here's a photo of my hubby, with Paige and Big Daddy!

The rest of this month was amazing, as we jumped back into the routine of school, flag football, softball and swim. Even though it was unseasonably warm, it began to feel like fall with these activities. Our girl got her braces off, we hosted a few swim dates with friends, hiked with my brother, had dinner at the Orange Mining Company, went to Disneyland a few times, and I saw Brett Michaels and Vince Neil with my best friend. 

Just look at your beautiful smile, Bean.

Goodbye, September. We'll see you again next year.

August, 2024

 The start of August found us at Legoland with our son's bestie and family. This was our first time at the waterpark and we loved it- especially the lazy river!

The next day, our Big Man turned 6! We celebrated with his bestie's family at Chuck-e-cheese and then at our community event, Hot August Nights. It was a good day. I am planning his big birthday bash for September, so that everyone in his class can be invited.

Today we celebrate Charles Augustus on his 6th birthday—our little miracle and rainbow baby, who we prayed endlessly for. He’s not just a source of endless joy and light in our lives, but also a remarkably good boy with a cautious nature and sweet sense of humor. Once, Grandpa/Glen visited and handed him a piece of chocolate. Instead of diving in right away, he came to find me to ask for permission first. His thoughtful approach and playful spirit make every day special. We’re so grateful for him and all the happiness he brings to our family. Happy birthday, Big Man!

This month, we dove head first into the new school year and sports! The kids are in kindergarten and 4th grade. He is returning to flag football. She is trying softball and on a swim team, with practice up to 4 times per week, but our aim is to make it to three per week.

Aut had a sleepover for her friend's 10th birthday and had a ton of fun teepeeing!

Cha decided to go by his middle name, August, with the start of kindergarten. He mentioned this in the spring of last year, but I wanted to make sure he really wanted to make the switch and would not change his mind the following week. Not to say he can't switch back at some point, but if he's making the change, it should be for the school year. Especially since his pottery barn backpack was customized!

The kids are very fortunate to have their closest friends in their class and loving the start of the new school year! I am, as well. As much as I love summer and our travels, it is always good to get back into a routine. 

A Decade Since Mom's Death

It’s been 10 years since I lost my best friend. A decade. In those early days, weeks, months, and years, it felt like it would never get easier. When I'm really missing her, I feel like it hasn’t. But there is one measure that shows me time has healed, if only a little bit: I miss Dad more.

Orange County Register, 2007

I had no idea when I wrote this blog post on the anniversary of her death last year that it would be my last anniversary of her death while Dad was still alive.

I thought that when I lost my father, it wouldn’t be as difficult. I thought that I would have a level of immunity built up due to the fact that I had already lost Mom. But I know that’s not true because now I miss him more. This fact shows me that time has eased the pain of her loss, as it will do, in time, with the pain of his loss. 

I often imagine what my life would be like with her in it. What the children’s lives would be like with her in it. How greatly their day-to-day living would be enhanced. I've imagined this so much that I can picture her mother-in-law cottage in our backyard with pink roses out front. Life would be perfect if I had her, or so I think. But if I had her now, I would still have the loss of her on the horizon. And no matter how much time we have, we always want more, don't we? 

Rather than lamenting her loss, I have to focus on what I am grateful for and how fortunate I am. For I know some people who did not have this amount of time with their mothers. Or he didn’t have a mother at all. Or worse yet, had an abusive, uncaring, or addicted Mom. I have to focus on the fact that before God called her home, He made sure that I had a new best friend on the way; I was six weeks pregnant with Autumn when she died. 

It's okay to allow ourselves to feel down for a bit, but we must remember that even in the worst situation, there is always something to be thankful for. I am thankful that she was, and is, my Mom. Of all the Moms in the world, I chose the very best.

July, 2024 - Croatia and Poland

As July started, our family trip to Oregon with my relatives from England was concluding. And what better way to end your trip to America than with a rodeo on the 3rd of July, complete with fireworks and Donald Trump hats? They flew home to the UK on the 4th.

The goodbyes were hard, especially for the kids. On the way to the airport, Aunt Anna gave them each a little gift. Inside the book I was reading, she left me a thank you card, and she also left one for my husband's family, which was so touching.

They left with me wishing that they lived here. Or, that we lived there. But like nearly every situation in our lives, we need to be thankful for what we do have and not always be looking for more. Plus, geographical distance does not dictate closeness or connection. Someone can live the next city over, and yet those few miles can feel like a million.

The day after they flew home to Heathrow, the children and I flew to Croatia. Hubby drove the dogs home and then met us on a connecting flight at the Vienna airport. The kids were amazingly well-behaved, having traveled for nearly 24 hours by the time we arrived in at our hotel in Dubrovnik. We had two rooms on the edge of the Old Town. The hotel was amazing, with a huge selection for breakfast every morning. I did my best to just have some fruit and not eat a ton just because it was included. I was hooked on their fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice!

Only 28 hours of travel time  Amazing views on the drive in! Kids have been amazing so far. It’s 8pm now (noon California time), and they have only slept 2-3 hours on the long flight and 2 hours in the lounge.

Okay, it’s official. Dubrovnik is by far my favorite city! Love the historic buildings dating from the 16th century combined with medieval architecture and a labyrinth of limestone-paved streets, all surrounded by the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Then, just when you think it can’t get any better, you throw in a super tame and cuddly cat around every corner! Oh, and did I mention that there are zero beggars, homeless, or people on drugs? You can get arrested here for wearing a t-shirt with a marijuana leaf on it here. A local said no one begs because if they’re panhandling, someone will offer them a job. Almost no unemployment. The government doesn’t encourage unemployment because they don’t give handouts unless absolutely needed due to a disability. Absolutely beautiful here and so safe.

July 7th - We all slept a solid 9 hours without waking up (thank goodness! I was worried kids would wake up during the night) until our alarm went off at 9:30am. Then, we had an amazing breakfast at our hotel with all kinds of juices and made to order a la cart items such as omelets and pancakes. Double espresso latte. After breakfast we explored the old town and found same tuxedo cat at the playground and named him Oreo. Continued to find cats. Booked kayak tour. Walked to public swimming part where people were jumping off cliffs. Back at hotel swam in pool and sauna. Then back and swam in the Baltic Sea. Dinner and autumn unknowingly tried salmon. Have you hear of hot yoga? Well we did hot mass. Extra points because none of us understood a word. Songs were beautiful though, and we used it as a time of reflection and conversation with God. Ice cream and bed early, at 930pm. I found a photo that Dad had sent to me through Google Photos a year ago that I had not seen. Dad sent this to me last year and wrote “time.” Didn’t see it until now. Love that his reflection is in the window. Sigh. Time… 

July 8th - Getting up early to meet a local photographer at 6:30am to take our photos seemed like quite a chore, but it was so worth it. Not only was it much cooler, but we were able to see the city before she woke up for the day, and before it was crowded. 

The cats of Dubrovnik are considered the city’s oldest citizens. The felines we see living in the old town are direct descendants of the cats introduced in the 14th century to help fight the bubonic plague by catching and killing the disease carrying rats responsible for spreading the disease.

Ocean kayaking was so much fun…for the first hour and a half. Then the last 30 min were brutal. I will be sore tomorrow. Went snorkeling at Betina Cave Beach.

Dubrovnik just moved into the #1 spot as my all-time favorite city! So much history, zero lawlessness or homeless, and a ton of CATS which are direct descendants of ones brought here in the 13th century to help fight the plague! What more could you want? Hmmmm …. Cooler weather. Thought I was going to pass out after walking the 6,000+ feet of city walls, at noon. We will be back!

July 9th

We walked the city walls today! Incredible views! The Walls of Dubrovnik (Croatian: Dubrovačke gradske zidine) are a series of defensive stone walls surrounding the city of Dubrovnik in southern Croatia. Ramparts were built in the outlying areas of the city, including the mountain slopes as part of a set of statues from 1272. The existing city walls were constructed mainly during the 13th–17th centuries. The walls run an uninterrupted course of approximately 1,940 metres (6,360 ft) in length, encircling most of the old city, and reach a maximum height of about 25 metres (82 ft).

It feels so much hotter than it actually is. We were all dripping in sweat afterwards and I felt faint/sick. Nathan wanted to get an earlier start but had to wake us up at 830! I told him we would be fine “it’s just walking.” Famous last words. Totally worth it though.

We had a private tour of the old city today and learned so much! We Saw Relics from the patron saint of Dubrovnik which means pieces of his bones. His skull was somewhere else, and you had to pay a nun to see it so we didn’t. Safe surrender- orphanage where womens could anonymously surrender their baby to nuns. There was a wooden wheel here where baby could be placed and then once turned, a nun could receive it on the inside of building. Going inside a prison cell. PRISON CELLS

Deprivation of liberty in the Dubrovnik Republic was initially used mainly to maintain custody of the accused pending trial.
Over time, imprisonment became a centrepiece of the penal system.
Diversity of social life, including criminal activities by some of society's members, is mirrored by the like diversity in possible prison terms that could be imposed, ranging from as little as a few days to many years. Considered to be a penalty more appropriate for commoners, imprisonment was applied evenly to men, women (even women in childbed) and adolescent children.
Prison conditions depended largely on the reasons for one's incarceration; with solitary confinement used on rare occasions, while others were held in chains or under special supervision, even though some prisoners were only locked up during the night. Generally, a number of convicts were imprisoned in the same cell and were permitted to communicate with one another, or the outside world, including their families and even their accomplices. Prisoners had to support themselves by their own funds or depend on the aid of their families, which resulted in a substantial difference in prison conditions that depended heavily on the convict's resources. For the poorest prisoners, the state provided modest support and took care of their health and spiritual needs.
Given the conditions that existed in Dubrovnik's prisons, life behind bars for most convicts was more tolerable than in isolated dungeons that existed elsewhere in Europe at the time.

Tried Bosnian food for dinner. I had a lukmira salad (cucumbers, spring onions,

greek yogurt) and HADZIJSKI CEVAP

(slow cooked beef, vegetables, kajmak).

July 10 - We visited Fort Lovrijenac and then went swimming there.

ST LAWRENCE'S FORTRESS (LOVRJENAC)

St Lawrence's Fortress is situated on a 37 metre-high rock to the west of the Old City. The symbol of Dubrovnik's survival and freedom, the Fortress defended the City from the sea and covered the western Pile Gate. Above the entrance to the Fortress is the famed inscription:

NON BENE PRO TOTO LIBERTAS VENDITUR AURO

(Freedom is not to be sold for all the world's gold).

The first official records mention the Fortress in 1301, although it is believed that its construction began much earlier.

We did laundry and some people watching along the main street in the old town before taking a nap. Resturant 360 - we had and view of the fireworks and gun salutes for the summer festival from the rooftop.

For only having one star, this place was pretty good! Booked out months in advance, we were very fortunate to get in due to a last minute cancellation. Best view in town for the fireworks from the summer festival!

Jul 11th - flew to Zagreb. Explored the area around our hotel, had Italian food and saw a robot lawnmower.

July 12 - Exploring the city of Zagreb. Successful shopping day! New bathing suit, purse, board shorts and sandals, newfor mom and dresses. Spent time at the hotel pool. The kids were so excited to find a bucket of super cold water that could be pulled with a cord, and then would automatically fill again.

July 13 - Wow is it hot here, and they don't actually have air conditioning! Stores will have AIR CONDITIONING written really large on their windows. When you step inside, it feels cooler for a few minutes, and then you realize: It's just slightly cooler than outside.

This was a low-key day with the Museum of Illusions and then Minions 4.

July 14 - We woke up to the news of an attempted assassination of Trump. This was our last full day in Zagreb. We found the old town, went shopping at H & M, visited a playground, and had a meat dinner.

July 15 - Karakow

Our home for the next week Nathan surprised us with the presidential suite… but all day, acted like he was worried hotel was going to be too small and was complaining about us having to all be in the same room. It worked….I was worried too! And we are right in the heart of old town.

July 16th - Dinner with a view! And Autumn’s first time trying perogies. She loved them! Chopin Resturant.

July 17th - We all slept 11 hours!

We were (intentionally) caught in an epic rainstorm at Wawel castle, complete with thunder and lightning!!!! Apartment of Pope John Paul II.

After the heatwave we had been experiencing, this rain was a welcome relief!

Our hotel was once a palace! Love waking up here! The kids are team playing a camping Roblox game, and so we were able to sleep a solid 9 hours + 2 more for a total of 11! Now off to breakfast…well, lunch and then to explore the castle, which, legend has it, used to be home to a real dragon (although Autumn is not buying it).

Splash pad at Pałac Sztuki w Krakowie / The Palace of Fine Arts in Kraków.

July 18th - Back to Wawel Castle for a tour. One amazing thing that we realized on this trip is that they are each other's best friends. , 

During the day we had a golf-cart tour and at sunset, we went on a horse-drawn carriage ride. We also walked to the mall.

It was very old-worldesq...until we were followed by an above-ground subway. An interesting blend of old and new.

The kids had a blast playing tag in the old town square after dinner.

Hide and seek. I remember when I didn't think my Dad could see me, as long as my eyes were covered and I couldn't see him. How I wish Dad was here. Still very regularly have the thought "I need to call and tell him..." before I quickly realize that I cannot.

July 19th - We spent hours in the Rynek Underground, a museum showing the subterranean route between several Medieval market stalls and other rooms located below the Market Square. Fun and interactive. It shows the excavated Middle Ages vendors' stalls, giving an idea of what life was like in Krakow nearly 1,000 years ago.

I went in search of jagodzianka, a delicious blueberry pastry.

We had dinner in the square while the kids played on a statue and with their light-up helicopter toys, and went back to the room for a movie night - Swiss Family Robinson.

July 20 - Aut and I went to a Pierogi making class. We took a cab there, but walked back to the hotel. On this walk, it struck me that I am thoroughly enjoying my time with her. While I miss our little Bean, it is amazing to be able to talk with her like a real person! This is where the idea of getting We also visited a cat café which is just as amazing as it sounds: a café, filled with cats!

July 21 - We did some souvenir shopping and then hubby and kids walked me to my hour-long massage appointment. On our way there, much to my hubby's dismay, we ducked into the BUNNY CAFE for a coffee and light snack. Well, just as the cat café was filled with cats, this one had...you guessed it- bunnies! They sold tickets for entrance to spend time with the bunnies, so we purchased our tickets for after my massage. My husband was thrilled and thoroughly enjoyed himself, as you can tell. In the evening, we went on a spooky stories walking tour.

We learned: The executioner’s knife hangs at the entrance to main market square to remind people not to steal. First offense, they would shave off your hair. Second offense, you could loose your nose or ear. Third offense? Your hand. After that…the gallows.

We also found out that legend states that the gargoyle faces all around town will come alive at midnight and if you make eye contact with them, you will turn to stone and become one. To this day, locals refrain from exiting the bars at midnight for this very reason. And remember that splash pad? It was built on the graveyard of an old church cemetery, where people were buried for hundreds of years, including alleged vampires.

July 22 - Time to head home! Again, in business class so we were able to rest and the kids enjoyed unlimited movies.

One of the best things about going on vacation? A newfound appreciation for coming home. Love hitting the trails with my girl Anna running off leash.

When we returned home, we were all a bit sad to see how much Honey grew! We had a pool day at our friends, and a co-worker of mine came to swim and catch up, as we started to mentally gear up for the new school year.