Life is Belleza

The 4th

noreply@blogger.com (Darcy) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 02:34:00 +0000

We had a great time visiting with Christian's family for the 4th. I am only going to write for a moment, but want to add more about all that we did. Adrienne's boyfriend and his mom and sis flew out from England to meet the fam. What a shocker we were. We LOVED them! We were able to celebrate Lolo's 84th birthday, visit old high school friends of Christian's, meet new friends, eat, drink and be merry...and be so, so tired.
We visited the beach, were in a parade, sandcastle contest, roasted a pig, had a five piece band, jumpy house, played, watched fireworks, visited loved ones and more.....here are a few pics.border="0" />

We are now home and are on detox from our trip in the heat and the smoky skies. We left the beach and cool weather to hotness. Yuckie!
The 4th.....always different every year, but we are glad to have had such a great time. It just seems that every year it just keeps getting better.
We are awaiting the arrival of our niece any day or in the next two weeks..Dev's third. Ok, Dev....you win!

Peanuts and cracker jacks....

noreply@blogger.com (Darcy) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:18:00 +0000

Here are some pics of the two games that we went to: the A's and the Dodger games.

Like I said in an earlier blog...one was in the luxury suite and one was not.

Can you guess which experience was more restful????

Jaylee Rae

noreply@blogger.com (Darcy) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 05:20:00 +0000

Here are a few newborn shots that I was able to take of Jaylee when I visited. It was fun to get to capture her at just five weeks. I wish that I was more of an avid photographer when my children were so, so tiny. You just forget, don't you?? But, I am looking at it as a chance to share my talents and wonderful software with camera to bless others. I hope that I am asked to take more pictures of Miss J. in the future. We will be able to see her again...oh yeah, and her parents in July for a Welcome to the WORLD party. That will be fun.

I just loved seeing her, holding her, making plans of watching Strawberry Shortcake with her...and painting toenails.....I know, I know....not until she's older. It was also so sweet to watch my boys just want to help out and love her so much.

Another niece is on the way we hope that she holds out until July. She will be Kylee. So we will have Jaylee and Kylee. Cute, but confusing huh?????Sweet blessings who are already so loved and adored. So fun to buy pink and do girly stuff....don't get me wrong, I love doing worms, farts, burps, potty talk, etc. with my kids.

We love you Jaylee!!!!!

Ohhhhh...potty training and more....

noreply@blogger.com (Darcy) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 05:05:00 +0000

Well...like always it takes me a long while to get things on my blog. And, it has been so long that my summary seems quite small.

It has been a few weeks, but Christian was out of town

and so the boys and I went to my hometown to visit with Nonni and Papa and my sister, new niece and my bro in law. We went to the Dodger game, which was quite interesting with the kids. mom said, they keep looking at the field and it's the same thing. Oh yeahhhh...it was way hot and their first major league game was an A's game in the luxury suite with friends where they could run around...should've done it the other way.

We played in the water, visited old high school roommates, loved on our favorite niece, and visited my grandmother for a one day trip to San Luis. My mom rented a minivan because with Jaylee, yes seven pound Jaylee, she tipped the scales and we couldn't fit into a reg. car.

I also started potty training Mr. Caleb last Wednesday. I thought that I'd try it since he kept pulling his diaper down to pee. Well....we are officially one week into it and he has had an accident a day except for today! I am so proud of him. Tyler has been a real encouragement to Caleb.

We are enjoying the warm 80 degree weather, but can't play outside too much because of the wildfires. Sooooo....we are relishing in being in the house...Yippee!

Tomorrow we are off to our friend Maddie's 5 year old party.

Napa Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Darcy) — Wed, 28 May 2008 03:18:00 +0000

Last weekend, which feels like a year or so ago, Christian and I were able to sneak away for a much needed husband and wife trip. Not a mom and dad trip. We were blessed to be able to visit beautiful Napa. Christian loves to tell the story that when we got there, we ate a wonderful lunch at an Italian cafe with the wind blowing in the windows.....sipping a glass of Cakebread wine....we then went to the hotel.
WELLLLLLLLLLLLLL......no, I slept for three hours! He sat and worked in the hotel room and watched the only 2 Law and Orders that he had already seen out of the probably 300 episodes. Needless to say, the wineries were already closed and so I was then wide awake for our date on this little covered scooter-type thing to a dinner in downtown Napa.

On a side note....Tyler is almost done with swimming...here is a shot of him and his bro....It is just amazing how a few lessons and a child who is ready to swim can do! He can already swim across the pool by himself! He is not water safe, but we are so proud of him and his accomplishments.
I am finishing up my first year with Horizon. I enjoyed the challenges of working with a family. the job was a true blessing to our home. Christian is doing well in his job with Allergan still. He is currently at a dinner with some doctors and so I have a moment to sit and blog.
I feel like I never really write anything of much worth. Oh, my husband is HOT!

Caleb and the camera

noreply@blogger.com (Darcy) — Thu, 01 May 2008 03:45:00 +0000

I haven't blogged in so long. Whenever I have a moment, I seem to just want to go, BLAH and do nothing. I did however manage to get a book read, Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers. She is a Christian author. I am not a reader, you could say, but this book I LOVED!!!! I strongly recommend it. I got some others from her from the local library.

Well, let's just say that Mr. Caleb is not a fan of the camera. So, I was very lucky to have even gotten these simple shots of him.
My sister is getting induced tonight in Las Vegas. Jaylee Rae will be the baby girls' name and my new niece!

We are all staying busy around here. Christian's dad is healing well and we are so pleased that he is doing as well as he is.
I have been working out! Yes, I know quite a shocker. Christian has been encouraging me and helping me with a work out routine. No, you will not be seeing me in a bikini or in a muscle competition, but it makes me feel so healthy and gets me out...no one would know about that, huh?
All is well with our fam. A former student, my second year of teaching, who was a quad at toddlerhood due to an accident, died on Monday. I got the news and was truly saddened. I am unable to go to the funeral because I will be out of town. Just makes you think and be so thankful.

Easter Performance

noreply@blogger.com (Darcy) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 03:21:00 +0000

Tonight Tyler had his Easter performance with pre-school. I had a to capture him all gussied up....for a boy. It's probably like prom. Pick out pants and a shirt, brush teeth, and do hair. Oh, for prom you need all of the other stuff too! He did so well. Here's also a picture of his sweet brother, who turned two on Saturday at Disneyland.
Disneyland was great. Each year that the kids turn another year, their "stamina" to do the Disneyland all day increases. We had a fabulous time with Christian's family. The weather was great until Saturday night when we got a few sprinkles. None the less, we all slept for 3 or 4 hours on Sunday and got back into the swing of things as the week progressed.

We will be spending next weekend with Christian's fam again as our Lola and Nikki have their birthdays. We are going to put together the boys, Black Pearl kite and go kiting at the beach. Is kiting a word? I guess I should have said kite flying.
Work is keeping me busy as I received some new students. It has a been a blessing to our family. The grandma's have offered to help with Tyler and Caleb next year so that I can hopefully increase my student load to the maximum of 15.

My sister in law, Michelle will have welcomed their third child, a girl this time due in July and she will be rather busy...I can only guess.
Well....our internet is being lame...pics to come!

The love of photography

noreply@blogger.com (Darcy) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 04:30:00 +0000

I spent a few days at my inlaws while Christian was out of town. I am enjoying learning more and more of the technical sides of photography from Christian's dad. We just love taking pictures of our favorite models.
So..if we happen to get together...don't be shocked if there are pics of your kids on my blog!

Dear Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Darcy) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 04:27:00 +0000

On a recent trip to visit family, we had the chance to have a long time awaiting visit with Carson, Olivia and Michelle. It was a beautiful day at the park where the kids got "reacquainted." I had to take some pictures of Michelle's beautiful children with such sweet hearts.
Tyler and Caleb enjoyed spending time with them as well as I.

Where have you been?

noreply@blogger.com (Darcy) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:13:00 +0000

OK....so I basically dropped off the face of the earth. Life got crazy and I am finding yet a moment to put pictures on at least. So.....I will write more when I have a chance.
We are still fighting the cold from three weeks ago...yippee!
All is well...me miss our loved ones.
Christian is traveling a bunch and I get to stay home with the kiddos.

A beautiful fall day....

noreply@blogger.com (Darcy) — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 04:31:00 +0000

Christian has been gone for several days. I have been trying to fill my days now that Caleb is down to one nap that is around lunch time and so that leaves the rest of my day. He used to take two and so it broke up my day much later and Tyler took a "rest" in the afternoon too. The weather has been a bit chilly, but today is was just sixty degrees. The boys enjoyed playing in the leaves from the beautiful tree that is in our front yard.
Christian is supposed to run a marathon on Sunday despite his bum knee. We'll see...

Mr. C

noreply@blogger.com (Darcy) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 00:38:00 +0000

I can rarely get this little guy to look into the lens and take a pic...it's been into his face too often....I loved this shot and wanted to share...here's also a shot of us on a very sunny day....bad for photos at the beach.

Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Darcy) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 19:40:00 +0000

Here are a few pics....we were the plug and socket. Yes, original. Tyler was a pirate...I think like every other four year old boy in America and Caleb was a monkey. We spent the night with our buddies from Lincoln. We trick or treated and then went home. A few days earlier, we had a party in Lincoln also. The boys loved dressing up! We could even wash off Tyler's mustache until the next day!
I had a days training for work and now I am just waiting for my first students to be assigned to me. I am praying that it happens soon.
Christian is running a half marathon this weekend and so we are going to S.C. to hang out with family.

Fall.....

noreply@blogger.com (Darcy) — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:15:00 +0000

Here are some new pics...I have yet to get pics from Ty's party....they are a coming! We have been enjoying the beautiful weather and beautiful fall foliage around here.
For those of you that don't know....I accepted a supervising teaching postion....that is totally from the Lord and will begin in November. I will be supervising home schooled students from K-12 grades. My friend works there and got me the interview. They normally only hire those with masters. She told me 10 or more times not to feel bad if I don't get it, but it'd probably be because of the degree. The Lord knew and I was their number one choice out of 20 candidates!
I will be able to have a schedule that I can make and still really stay home. Nana has offered and my mom has offered to help. I have enlisted my brother and sister to help when needed. Thanks for all of your prayer and support. I am excited about this opportunity!
My ten year college reunion is in November...it is just so amazing how time flies by so quickly.

Josiah is home.

noreply@blogger.com (Darcy) — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 16:46:00 +0000

For those of you who know Mike and Kait.......Josiah is home and is nursing well. Kaitlin will update her blog with details. He also had his procedure for his UTI's and all were clear. Praise be to God!

Da boys

noreply@blogger.com (Darcy) — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 04:38:00 +0000

Well...life has continued to prove interesting. Christian and I got a much needed getaway for two nights for my birthday. Nana watched the kids....it was awesome!

For those of you who have heard about Josiah, he is now off of oxygen and is nursing. God is the great Healer!
Ty's birthday is on Sunday and we are having a party on Saturday.
All is well here....just wanted to send a few pics.

Here they are...

noreply@blogger.com (Darcy) — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 21:18:00 +0000

I couldn't find where I put my pics....I found them. I am applying for a .20 FTE teaching position with a district in our town. It is only one day a week. It is kindergarten! I am actually really excited about the possibility. I am asking for prayer that if it's the Lord's will that this works out. I am praying that it is, but I want it to be by His power and plan, not ours.
I have been reminded that through every storm, God is just waiting with His hand stretched out for you to grab a hold of to weather it with him. Praise be to God! For HE is truly in control and I so many times forget it.
I am so thankful for my Christian friends and family who I can continually go to for prayer, encouragement and thanksgiving.

Zoom.....

noreply@blogger.com (Darcy) — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:20:00 +0000

OK....so here is post number two....my first one I did wrong and so this one will be brief.
Tyler is loving preschool. Every morning he wakes up and wants to go. He likes to tell me of the injustices that ail him every day. Caleb is a second born....talking like crazy, counting a number or two, sing four letter of the alphabet.
Here are a few pics of the fun we've had lately.
I am so proud of my husband. He has been working so hard in his job and has really been working out....he is preparing for a half marathon in November!

noreply@blogger.com (Darcy) — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 21:43:00 +0000

I just did some new pics of my boys.....Caleb will NOT look at the camera...he is at the age where an action shot usually works better. Enjoy!

We just woke up, Mom....

noreply@blogger.com (Darcy) — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 21:36:00 +0000

The two boys just woke up from naps....they were in the wake up trance...Caleb enjoys doing anything that Tyler does! Exhibit A.....

Preschool here we come!

noreply@blogger.com (Darcy) — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 21:31:00 +0000

Tyler started preschool last week at Calvary Chapel. His number one buddy, Aria is in his class as well as the "other Caleb" from down the street. He tells me every day that I can drop him off! It is just so hard to believe that he is already out on his own, making his own decisions at age 3!
This is where, we as parents need to trust in the Lord to protect our children and be a witness at home.

Josiah

noreply@blogger.com (Darcy) — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 22:52:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of taking some pics of little five month old Josiah.....doesn't he look like dad?

It's been an interesting summer.....

noreply@blogger.com (Darcy) — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 21:16:00 +0000

Ahhhhh....the 4th of July with friends....fun, water, drinks...food....what could anyone ask for?
Ohhh....how fun! A zip line.....what else could make this day any better????? CRASH!
Ohh....soccer camp......Tyler had to have only sprung his wrist.....he is really gentle with it.....
OHHHHHH.....a buckle fracture! A cast!!!! For four weeks......here goes the summer......
Bass Lake vacation with Liden side...tried to keep the water out....we truly tried.....
I was photographer of our VBS with church.....took pics of every child, did a slide show and more!

Yes, I have not blogged in two months! I guess life just got too hectic and I just got too tired and let my bloggin' go.....So, there are so many holes in our summer. WE have spent a lot of time with family and friends. We just got back from a visit with my parents and to Disneyland. I am awaiting some more pictures from Poppy.
And, through all of my busyness, I do remember that God's grace is enough for me! Thank goodness that HE is in control not me!

Sweet Graeson.....

noreply@blogger.com (Darcy) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 04:08:00 +0000

I had the privilege of taking a picture of little G. I had to put it on the blog....isn't he a cutie???

Camping.....you don't get dirty, do you???

noreply@blogger.com (Darcy) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 03:54:00 +0000

We just spent the weekend with two of our dear family friends. They have kids the same ages...or almost as ours! We just drove about 15 minutes from our home. We spent a very busy weekend getting dirty, eating smores, taking a boat ride to a "private beach", playing in the lake, staying away from the "hot" fire, pushing dirt trucks around, tiring out the parentals and more!
We feel so blessed to have met such great friends up here. We do miss our long timers a lot! We are going camping in three weeks with my fam....we are crazy...the kids are always so beat by Saturday afternoon.
Oh well....keeps life interesting!
This weekend my parents and Christian's parents are coming up!!!!! We are very excited!
Christian has been working on the backyard...I will send pics when I can!