A Cup of Life

Splash! Water Park

Sat, 02 Sep 2006 14:58:57 GMT

Well, let me tell you this... In the easy-to-use category, Windows Live Spaces beats just about everything else out there. Yes, it's a fact. I spent a couple of hours on Googlepages uploading these same images (well just some of them, since it was a colossal pain). WLS has taken care of everything in a matter of about 15 minutes -- AND it turned the images right side up automatically. I'm impressed.

A Child Runs Through It

Fri, 17 Mar 2006 04:16:56 GMT

There's just something special about a room with a baby in it -- especially when that baby is learning to walk! Carson's FIRST BIRTHDAY was March 14. He is walking very well now... that means that Nana has to get a little faster to keep up with him. I also need to "clear the decks" before he comes to visit. It's funny how many things he shouldn't have that now have a magnetic pull to him when he's near! ;-)

In any event, I came across this little bit, attributed to Pablo Casals:

"Each second we live in a new and unique moment of the universe,
a moment that never was before and will never be again. And what do
we teach our children in school? We teach them that two and two make
four, and that Paris is the capital of France. When will we also teach
them what they are? You should say to each of them, 'Do you know what
you are? You are unique. In all the world there is no other child
exactly like you. In the millions of years that have passed, there has
never been a child like you. And look at your body -- what a wonder it
is! Your legs, your arms, your cunning fingers, the way you move!
You may be a Shakespear, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the
capacity for anything. Yes, you are a marvel.'"

Oh, I second that. The heart overflows when a child runs through it.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Tue, 14 Feb 2006 15:01:43 GMT

Carson is ELEVEN months old today! I don't kow whether I'm having so much fun, or just getting too old, but ma-a-a-a-n! is time flying!

Carson took his first unassisted steps last week, and can stand on his own if he's not thinking about holding on to something. He's starting to become a "discriminating eater," much to his mother's frustration. He loves his bath. He is pretty much potty trained for #2 -- I know that's TMI, but I wanted to record it for later... like when he's 13, or 20... evil Nana! ;-)

brrreeeport ... okay, I'll play, too.

Tue, 14 Feb 2006 14:38:49 GMT

brrreeeport

Scobleizer is testing a theory for blog searches: http://scobleizer.wordpress.com/2006/02/13/the-brrreeeport-report/. brrreeeport is the word... brrreeeport brrreeeport brrreeeport brrreeeport brrreeeport brrreeeport brrreeeport brrreeeport

So far, Google has found 72 - it was 63 only about 5 minutes ago. What's the score now? http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?hl=en&q=brrreeeport&btnG=Search+Blogs

Guess Who's 10 Months Old Today?

Sun, 15 Jan 2006 04:03:07 GMT

It is surprising, amazing, and just a little weird how quickly time flies. Especially in this digital age where everything appears, is outdated, updated, and outdated again... I find a certain dissatisfaction with the digital . . . its perfection . . . its ability to be manipulated not only for good, but also for a good deal of mischief. . .

I dunno. When I look back at things, I can hardly remember all the hundreds (thousands??) of digital photos I've taken -- and some lost -- but it hurts to think that perhaps my grandchildren will have nothing but DVD's full of digits. I have recently turned my free moments into quilt study, and hope to begin churning out something with a little longer life expectancy. I guess I'll take some (digital) pictures of them and post them as I complete them. ;-)

Anyway. . . I'm thinking that there's only ONE thing that matters in this life, and it isn't this life. It is life beyond this life with our Heavenly Dad -- the One who knows every fiber of my Grandsons' little bodies as well as He knows mine . . . as well as he knew my great-great-great-great-(you get it)-grandparents. The One who, in spite of who I know myself to be, loves me as if I were the only one to love. That's pretty incredible. I am blessed at this realization. And to think -- we will be face to face with Him. Astonishing.

So -- What can happen in 10 months? Well, Mr. Carson has SIX teeth, and is now crawling on hands and knees, with the occasional army crawl. He pulls himself up to stand whenever he wants to, and is sure to be walking in the next few weeks. You can see it when he stands there, that walking is what is really on his mind. He is very determined, and I know it won't be long. He calls us by names now, Mama, Dada, Nana, and Papa, and will look for the one if you ask him, "Where is (______)?" He plays the no-no game, shaking his head and laughing. He nearly always insists on feeding himself -- something he's learning to get better at, but has perfected getting Cheerios into his mouth. He plays patty-cake, and wants everyone else to do it, too. He knows the ASL sign for "more," and does it to ask for more. He also knows and responds to the ASL sign for "eat," but doesn't do it yet.

Oh, one more thing Carson has mastered: crocodile tears on demand! I guess some things never change. *wink*

Carson, meet Santa

Sun, 04 Dec 2005 16:06:15 GMT

Kayti took her curly-haired babe to see Santa this week. He was having a wonderful day, encased in his little sling-pouch, watching the Christmas shoppers and all the holiday lights. He even enjoyed cooing at Santa's set while he waited in line briefly before getting his picture taken.

When it was his turn, Carson even sat on Santa's lap, still taking in all the holiday sights -- it was, after all, his first venture into Christmas-World. However, after allowing Carson time to see Santa fully, his mama called his name, in order to pose properly for a photo. At that time, Carson realized that he was with a stranger, and his beloved mommy was... sniff, sniff... over THERE! WAAAAAA!

PRICELESS!

Over the river and through the woods...

Tue, 15 Nov 2005 05:26:13 GMT

It's hard to believe that November is here -- now half gone! Carson is 8 months old today. Many new things for him have begun this past month:

Army Crawl -- he's a quick little guy!
First tooth (his lower right front)
Getting up on hands and knees
Eating new foods -- pears, squash, chicken, apples, blueberries, avocado.

Carson has no shortage of folks looking after him. His mama and daddy are the most proud parents, of course, and a blessing to see. God has blessed us. We are thankful.

7 Months Old & Cute As A Bug!

Sat, 15 Oct 2005 03:19:32 GMT

Carson is 7 months old today! He has managed to learn to scoot backwards, roll sideways to get anything he wants, and shimmy forward a little, but usually that's more trouble than it's worth. He usually uses the first two methods to get where he wants. Carson is just learning to get up on hands and knees, and has actually rocked briefly.

He said a new sound today -- BABA -- not associated with anything we are aware of, but still a new sound. He has been working up to this for a few weeks with a B sound kind of like a raspberry, but blended with lots of air and vocals added. Today it was really a B! :-)

Our first real, actual, rainy rain is due this evening. The clouds started blowing in around supper time, looking very dark and able to pour out many raindrops! :-p We are actually looking forward to the rain. Our new home is so cozy, and well-insulated. We have had doors and windows opened every day since we got here in mid-September. The cold-weather test is just around the corner, and we'll have to close them. It will soon be baking season! I'll bet we'll still be warm and cozy! :-)

October is here!

Sat, 08 Oct 2005 17:54:59 GMT

The first week of October is behind us now. Thanksgiving is right around the corner! This week, we enjoyed the turning leaves as they floated down to the ground -- a small stop before being scooped up by Papa's new lawn vacuum/mulcher, then on to the compost pile! We're going to have quite a bit of compost ready for our hungry plants in the spring.

Carson is now eating two meals a day. He gets oatmeal cereal for breakfast, then carrots and rice cereal for dinner. His mommy is ready to add another food today. What will it be? :-P After his supper, Carson plays while the big folks eat. Then he gets scooped up for a nice warm bubble bath -- FUN!

Grant spent the day with me yesterday. His daddy brought him in the morning. We built with Lego blocks for about an hour. Then we went outside to pick some flowers. Grant put on some of Nana's long rose gloves so the thorns wouldn't get him. They worked great. Grant held the basket so the flowers wouldn't fall. We had a wonderful day!

Today I went with Jason, Natalie, Grant, Kayti, Chris, and Carson to one of the local grower's pumpkin patch, to find a good jack-o-lantern. We found quite a few. In addition to the pumpkins, they had several photo spots, some goats and sheep to pet, kettle corn to sample, and lots of very inexpensive produce to buy. The weather was picture perfect, as you can see, cool enough for a little jacket, but the sun came out, and it was very pleasant!

Makin' BISS-its

Sat, 24 Sep 2005 17:39:10 GMT

My Grandson, Grant, came for a visit yesterday. We had made a nice Friday meal in the crock pot -- pot roast, potatoes and carrots. Grant helped me make some bisquits. Natalie told me it was his first baking experience -- what fun! He climbed up on the little step stool, and proceeded to help. We had a great time! As you can tell from the pictures, it's true that I do all my cooking with my eyes closed! hehehe!

Order Carson's 5-mo. pictures

Thu, 25 Aug 2005 13:43:46 GMT

If you like Carson's 5-month pictures, you can order them from JC Penny. Here's the instructions they sent:

To get started, click below and enter your Customer Name (kayti joy):
https://www.smilesbywire.com/home.asp?AC=LTP25701011032JCP

You can order a variety of sizes, with or without special effects.

These pictures will be available until early November.

We're moving to Eugene, OR!

Fri, 05 Aug 2005 16:51:32 GMT

We're moving! How exciting! The hustle and bustle of CA is pretty wearing, and we're ready for a little slower pace. Also, I hope to have more time to play with my artsy stuff and music! http://www.jnlcom.com/_comm/imageseugeneor/index.html

Okay -- I got this link in my email today. It is without a doubt the strangest and most disturbing thing I've ever seen. Click on the girl and move her around... I won't say more. Just look:

http://www.izpitera.ru/lj/tetka.swf

What's in a Birthdate?

Sun, 05 Jun 2005 01:54:07 GMT

Got this link off my son's site, had a little time on my hands... This is freaky. I put a link at the bottom so you can try it, too!

Your Birthdate: July 12

Being born on the 12th day of the month (3 energy) is likely to add a good bit of vitality to your life.

The energy of 3 allows you bounce back rapidly from setbacks, physical or mental.
There is a restlessness in your nature, but you seem to be able to portray an easygoing, sometimes "couldn't care less" attitude.

You have a natural ability to express yourself in public, and you always make a very good impression.
Good with words, you excel in writing, speaking, and possibly singing.
You are energetic and always a good conversationalist.

You have a keen imagination, but you tend to scatter your energies and become involved with too may superficial matters.
Your mind is practical and rational despite this tendency to jump about.

You are affectionate and loving - but very sensitive. You are subject to rapid ups and downs.http://www.blogthings.com/whatdoesyourbirthdatemeanquiz/

Dominique's Graduation & Commissioning

Fri, 03 Jun 2005 01:25:42 GMT

My nephew graduated from USD this weekend. He has worked long and hard for his Business Administration degree, and I am just so proud of him! And Summa Cum Laude! What an achievement!

It was also great to see my sister (his mum), another newphew, two neices, and -- for the first time -- my eldest neice's three children and husband! Beautiful children and a wonderful husband -- a fortunate girl, indeed!

What a great time we had together while Dominique was getting himself ready for the ceremony! Afterwards, we went to Dave & Buster's for dinner and some recreation time! woohoo!

Memorial Day, Monday, was the Commissioning. It was a beautiful day in San Diego, on the bay. It was a tremendous ceremony, with plenty of photo-ops. We all were there, as well as Dominique's dad, stepmother and sister (they were also at the graduation, but in a different part of the arena).

I am uploading many of the pictures we took over the weekend. This site compresses them pretty hard, so if you want the better resolution version sent to you, just let me know which ones you want, and I'll be happy to email them to you... or, just enjoy them online!

Order Carson's Pictures

Sun, 15 May 2005 01:13:53 GMT

For his 2-month-old photos, you may visit the Sears photo site and choose from a number of professionally-printed photos, in many sizes -- all from the comfort of your home! Here are the instructions:

To register and view your portraits:

1. Visit http://www.searsphotos.com and click the Create New Account
button.

2. Enter your name, email address and create an account password.

3. Enter this Session ID: 41678a103076134 and this Password: F36M74ZJG
in the corresponding Session Information fields.

4. Click Join to load your portraits into your account.

IMPORTANT: These portraits must be added to your searsphotos.com
account within 60 days of the date of this email. If the images are not
claimed during this time, they will no longer be available for viewing and
sharing online!

For 1-month-old photos, here is the information:

Enter this Session ID: 41678b102787104 and this Password: VZ83X3CFP
in the corresponding Session Information fields.

EN-JOY!

January leaves us...

Tue, 01 Feb 2005 04:30:46 GMT

...One day closer to Spring! If the rest of the year moves along at this pace, I don't see any sense in taking down the Christmas lights... It's funny how life goes by, minute by minute, day by day. If you don't pay attention, soon a day is gone, then a week -- pretty soon the whole year. Not that I will mind winter being gone, though... hehehe... Maybe I'll just switch a few winter days for a few more balmy days later in the year, huh? ;-)

You can see how Carson has grown just this month. He has only about 8 more weeks till his birthday! You can see he's bulking up for the big game! I know his mama and daddy are just itchin' for him to come out and play!

Rainy Days & Mondays

Mon, 10 Jan 2005 14:13:33 GMT

Wow! what a storm! We had a huge downpour of rain last night, with over 3" of rain in about 4 hours, according to this morning's news. It was a little unnerving when we noticed that the rain puddling up by our back door was tinged with mud from the hillside above us. We don't usually get much run-off, just rain puddles on the concrete.

I woke up several times last night, and decided to check the water level. Around 2am, there was about a 1" deep flow going down the walkway outside my bedroom -- yep, it was shore a-comin' down. We are okay, and should have a little respite this morning, then the tail end of the storm should pass through tonight or tomorrow.

Keep an eye on the country east of us in the coming week. It seems like the weather intensifies as it gets there... and if it was like this here... well, let's pray in advance for them. Today's our first school day after Christmas, so you can add that to your prayer list, too. ;-)

It IS The Lilttle Things

Fri, 07 Jan 2005 14:06:22 GMT

As we await the birth of my daughter's first child, my second grandchild, I remember how instrumental my own mother was to my peace of mind. I hope I have been able to lend the support I received.

So many changes happen during that time, it's so comforting to have someone show you the way. Elisa Morgan, president of MOPS International (Mothers Of Pre-Schoolers), offered the following insight into a toddler's view of the world. Even though this is a little bit tongue-in-cheek, there's a lot of truth in there!

TODDLER'S CREED
    If I want it, it's mine.
If I gave it to you and change my
      mind later, it's mine.
   If I can take it away from you,
         it's mine.
    If I had it a little while ago,
         it's mine.
If it's mine, it will never belong to
   you or anyone else, no matter what.
If we are building something together,
     all the pieces are mine.
     If it looks just like mine,
         It is mine.

The Real Meaning of Value

Thu, 06 Jan 2005 14:24:38 GMT

Sometimes I wonder what's going on in our country. As a nation, over 80% of us profess Christianity, yet we let ourselves be run over by those who won't even utter in public the names God, Jesus, or Christ unless they are cursing. It is appalling. What do we value?

I just heard this morning of an upcoming movie where we can "get into the mind of a pedophile," according to the newscaster. Well, guess what? I don't want in his mind. I don't want to become desensitised to my disgust. I want to continue to be repulsed by the mere idea. We get this new opportunity from the same people who trashed The Passion Of Christ.

Why is it okay to delve into a filthy, slimy, pit for a thrill -- and *not* okay to praise our Creator? I would say I'm confused, but I'm not. The enemy of our souls knows how to kill us. He knows how to lure us off the path of everlasting life. He knows how to fill our minds with thoughts, and our lives with actions, that will cause our destruction. The strange thing is, it's a long and lingering road to eternal death, travelled by degrees. Some people are so desensitized that they don't even realize they're on it.

Yet we have a choice. I say, "Choose Life." I pray the Lord will open our eyes, our hearts, our minds to the One who loves our souls. Take a stand for the one who placed so much value on us that He accepted the blame for everything, great and small, that would separate us from Him. He valued us so much that He came in human form, and allowed Himself to be murdered in a most gruesome way. He values us so much that we can never repay our debt. Now, that's value.

The Rainy Season

Wed, 05 Jan 2005 13:34:05 GMT

It has been raining for three days, but today is supposed to lighten up some today, before really hitting us for a few more days. I'm always amazed that people complain about the rain in this drought-stricken area. I mean, really -- it's free water for your lawn and pool -- talk about looking a gift horse in the mouth! ;-)

I sit here with my morning coffee and think how lucky I am to live here where it rains instead of snowing. I am so grateful that I don't have to spend my early morning shoveling a long driveway to free my car before I can go to work ... Been there, done that for sure! More than that, I am fortunate enough to have a garage, attached to my house, and an operational car is in it for me to use whenever I want. I even have a job, so I can afford to drive and maintain it!

I think it's raining Showers of Blessing!

Photo Album: Joyful Family Christmas '07

Sat, 24 Nov 2007 21:34:54 GMT

Joyful Family Christmas '07

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JoyFamilyChristmas07

JoyFamilyChristmas08

JoyFamilyChristmas09

Photo Album: Kaden's 5-mo. pictures - 11/07

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 14:16:13 GMT

Kaden's 5-mo. pictures - 11/07

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071116-KADEN-03

071116-KADEN-01

Photo Album: Kaden - 2 months old

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:51:14 GMT

Kaden - 2 months old

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More Photos...

Photo Album: Uncle Ralph & Auntie Boo visit!

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 03:47:56 GMT

Uncle Ralph & Auntie Boo visit!

66-years-later

66-years-later-2

Auntie-Patti-Uncle

Carson's camera

Cheese!

Cheese

Gma'Cilla and Kaden

Gma'Cilla and Kaden2

Gma'Cilla with the boys

Gma'Cilla with the boys2

More Photos...

Photo Album: Trip to Lone Pine Farm

Sat, 21 Jul 2007 17:40:53 GMT

Trip to Lone Pine Farm

Quarters! Need more quarters!

Hoisting food to the high platform

Kayti and Carson feed the goats I

Kayti and Carson feed the goats II

Kayti and Carson feed the goats III

Kayti and Carson feed the goats IV

Kayti feeds goats without Carson :)

Grant & Carson feed the goats

Grant petting the goats

Kayti and Carson feed the goats V

More Photos...

Photo Album: Grandma 'Cilla's House!

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 14:18:45 GMT

Grandma 'Cilla's House!

Grandma, meet Kaden

Peek-a-boo! I see you in the mirror!

Carson snaps a shot of Papa Jerry

Carson takes a picture of Grandma 'Cilla

Bye bye, Papa Jerry! Have a good day at Bandon Dunes!

Taller ... smaller

Hi, Darling Ones!

Hi, Lucious Lips!

Hi, Precious!

Mind if I burp now?

More Photos...

Photo Album: First Days of Summer 07

Sat, 23 Jun 2007 22:13:06 GMT

First Days of Summer 07

I may be the smallest, but I'm still #1!

The start of a respectably-double baby chin

Lullaby and goodnight

You're gettin' on my last nerve!

...And that's the truth!

ALRIGHT, ALREADY -- CHEEZE!

Sleepy eyes

The itsy-bitsy spider walked up the water spout...

Down came the rain and washed the spider out...

...and the itsy-bitsy spider walked up the spout again! YAY!

More Photos...

Photo Album: Carson & Kaden 6/18/07

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 23:51:37 GMT

Carson & Kaden 6/18/07

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More Photos...

Photo Album: Kaden Joy-ns the Family!

Wed, 13 Jun 2007 16:33:20 GMT

Kaden Joy-ns the Family!

The "Last Stand"

I Heart Kaden

Hooked up to the fetal monitor

Birthing Balls Rock!

Kaden and Kayti

Happy Mommy & Kaden

More Joy in the Family

Cheese!

A full head of dark, straight hair

7 lbs., 3.2 oz.

More Photos...

Photo Album: Carson's 2!

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 20:44:52 GMT

Carson's 2!

Our 2-year-old!

What a cutie!

Big Boy!

Go Ducks!

Truck-boy!

Building -- a favorite!

So Tall!

Photo Album: Kayti's Shower 050225

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 17:06:02 GMT

Kayti's Shower 050225

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0502 030shower

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More Photos...

Photo Album: Baby Goes Home

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 05:34:17 GMT

Baby Goes Home

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More Photos...

Photo Album: Our New Home!

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 04:40:53 GMT

Our New Home!

front yard

front of house

Picket fence!

Front yard landscape

Front yard

Front Corner

front corner

Side gate

Side Yard

Dining Room with French Doors

More Photos...

Photo Album: Dominique's Graduation

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 11:35:42 GMT

Dominique's Graduation

Untitled Photo

More Photos...

A Cup of Life

Splash! Water Park

A Child Runs Through It

Happy Valentine's Day!

brrreeeport ... okay, I'll play, too.

Guess Who's 10 Months Old Today?

Carson, meet Santa

Over the river and through the woods...

7 Months Old & Cute As A Bug!

October is here!

Makin' BISS-its

Order Carson's 5-mo. pictures

We're moving to Eugene, OR!

What's in a Birthdate?

Dominique's Graduation & Commissioning

Order Carson's Pictures

January leaves us...

Rainy Days & Mondays

It *IS* The Lilttle Things

The Real Meaning of Value

The Rainy Season

Photo Album: Joyful Family Christmas '07

Photo Album: Kaden's 5-mo. pictures - 11/07

Photo Album: Kaden - 2 months old

Photo Album: Uncle Ralph & Auntie Boo visit!

Photo Album: Trip to Lone Pine Farm

Photo Album: Grandma 'Cilla's House!

Photo Album: First Days of Summer 07

Photo Album: Carson & Kaden 6/18/07

Photo Album: Kaden Joy-ns the Family!

Photo Album: Carson's 2!

Photo Album: Kayti's Shower 050225

Photo Album: Baby Goes Home

Photo Album: Our New Home!

Photo Album: Dominique's Graduation

It IS The Lilttle Things