Pondering and Other Things

I am seriously considering writing a review on the book I'm reading right now. I am on a reading binge at the moment and I can't be too picky about what comes my way (free is free, baby!). The book is titled Dark Tort. That's right - it combines both lawyers AND cooking. Two of my favorite things! Well, I honestly don't have anything against lawyers (Hi Sara!) but I... um.. there is a reason I'm not one. Mostly legalese just confuses me.

So... yeah. Anyway. Liam is much improved. He has actually allowed us to sleep uninterrupted for 2 nights now!

My sister and her family were out most of the day yesterday so all 3 families (-2 dads and 1 Grandma) went to the dollar theater to see National Treasure: Book of Secrets (again! in the same week! most people wouldn't enjoy that - but the kids* were thrilled.). After that my brother-in-law and I took about 9 kids back to the house while my sisters enjoyed the goodness that is Trader Joe's for a while. We all (-1 dad) then met up at the bestest new food place that we have discovered upon our return to the Food Promised Land California, Pick Up Stix! (If you live nearby one and haven't tried it out - just go! Seriously.) A good time was had by all and I think most everyone was stuffed - even the more picky of eaters were happy.

*I once again must disclose that Liam was less than impressed with the movie. With the exception of the Disney Short that the movie started with. Although in all honesty he wasn't really that impressed with that either. He just wanted to be free. Free to be himself. Free to roam the theater. (If you were at that 12:50 showing - I'm totally sorry) There were cousins to visit with. There was an Aunt who's (2/3 Diet) Coke needed to be shared. There was his mother's Jr. Mints to steal. Don't worry about his mom though, she's not bitter.

The best part...

Our family made the short trek to Family "A"s house this weekend. We went with them to church Saturday night at High Desert Church. Pastor Tom was amazing and they did a song that I hadn't ever heard - but loved. When I find it I'll share it with you all. It's been a few years since I've had the opportunity to visit - and it has only gotten better. (I have to admit though, that we really missed Grace.)

My sister and her family attend the Saturday night service - so our Easter morning was pretty laid back - even the Easter Bunny was slow on delivery. Jon smoked tri-tip and it was delicious! I know - not that big of a surprise. He has definitely developed a new passion for smoking stuff. (That sounds so bad upon re-reading. I'm totally leaving it though.) I can't really complain though, since I will most assuredly benefit.

We had the prerequisite Easter egg hunt in the back yard. We had a number system in place considering we had 7 kids hunting. Liam was supposed to be looking for eggs with a smiley face on them. Emphasis on supposed. He pretty much snagged any egg he could find. Uncle "A" had his job cut out for him trying to help Liam head in the right direction.

The kids had a great day and we enjoyed being with our family. My niece, A-3, prayed for our Easter lunch. After thanking God for a number of things and saying Amen with a flourish her daddy reminded her Jesus had risen. She said "Jesus has risen - that's the best part".

That truly is the best part.

Mark 16:1-8
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"

But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "

Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. (NIV)

We Have Arrived!

We survived the trip. Saw the Painted Desert. Saw the Grand Canyon. We've eaten Del Taco, Nico's, Carl's Jr. (not that Hardee's stuff), Boston Market... Ahh. I think the waistband of my jeans are going to start feeling a little snug. Just wait 'til I get to In N Out and Panda Express and... well, you all get the picture.

The kids are loving being around their cousins. It was so awesome to watch Lach and his cousin J. immediately click and be inseparable until the "A" set of cousins left. Laren is loving being in a house with a bunch of little girls. I am just loving getting to see my nieces and nephews. My sisters are as awesome as ever.

The kids are also tired and worn out. Liam got sick when we hit Lancaster. He's been having breathing treatments about every 2 hours.

Combine tired grumpy 3 year old with albuterol and you are having fun!

I'll keep in touch as homeschooling, family, etc. allows.

Looks like love

So. Have I mentioned how much I love my husband? We had an awesome weekend. Our friends took the boys and Grandpa & Grandma took Laren for Friday night. We went to dinner at Hananoki and had dessert at the O.C. For me that's perfect because 1) you cannot go wrong with steak and shrimp and 2) I love the O.C. because it's comfortable. That sounds a little weird, but I am all about what is familiar and known. Followed by going home to a quiet house. *I also got to sleep in - so YAY!*

Jon was also home for the entire weekend. That doesn't happen very often and it was great to just have him around. Sunday we all went to church and had family over for lunch. *Jon made white bean chicken chili and oh my gosh I love that stuff! My husband is an excellent cook. * We also took a drive down to Christmas on the Cumberland to look at the lights.

Maybe it comes from being an old married couple, but that is my idea of an excellent anniversary celebration.