The Adventures of France & Deirdre

An Update

2010-07-26T19:31:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I hae been to my blog! I am so sorry...........we have been keeping busy with VBS, American Heritage Girls and other family things.

Flag ceremony for AHG.

Again......

Deirdre at VBS.

Saddle Ridge Ranch.......ourVBS theme.

Me and my shadow!

Concert at the Church

2010-05-02T19:26:00.000-07:00

Last night was a great worship concert at our church. The artists were Matt Maher, Phil Wickham and Leeland. It started at 7pm and went well after 10pm! Here are some of my pics!!

Here is a video clip........

T & T Girls Overnighter

2010-04-24T20:56:00.000-07:00

Last night was our Awana T & T Girls Overnighter at the church. Deirdre was finally well enough to go. I volunteered (bathroom runner......talk about no sleep during the night) and my mom also helped. There was lots for the girls to do, as you will see in the pictures I have posted.

Opening prayer.

Monkey.

The ice cream station!

Cheryl, Madison and Deirdre eating their ice cream.

That monkey followed me everywhere!

Spoon game......

Some of the decoration........

Killing time on a bathroom run!

Jenga!

Our Awana Commander, Bob Fischer, came by with his daughter Rebekah, to see how it was going.

Deirdre's group at the spoon game.

Or was it really poker??

Deirdre's group picture.

The concentration........

Love this pic!

Kareoke time!

Where we slept last night!

Uh oh! She sings.......haha!!

Deirdre and her buddy, Madison.

All the girls that were there for the night.........around 70 total!

Awana Grand Prix 2010

2010-04-17T21:44:00.000-07:00

Today was Deirdre's Awana Grand Prix at church. So, this year was a good year for Deirdre's car, Light of God, who placed 1st in 3 of her 4 heats! The last heat, she placed 2nd. While she was disappointed she didn't get a trophy, she was a pretty good sport this year!

Deirdre watches the races......

You can't see her car very well here, but it is the red one closest to us on the end.

Such a beautiful day out!! With our frinds, Dan and Tami Fanucchi.

Below is a short clip of one of the heats Deirdre placed 1st in.

Deirdre and Friend

2010-04-10T20:10:00.000-07:00

After so long of not having many kids being on our street, Deirdre now has a friend that lives right next door! Her name is Lillian, her brother is Jeremiah and they have a cute dog named Dottie. Here are a few pictures of them bike riding.

She is ready!!

Trying to turn around her bike.

Deirdre and her new buddy, Lillian.

This girl got up at 6am!

She has gotten so good at riding!

My 36th Birthday

2010-03-18T16:12:00.001-07:00

Well, St.Patricks' Day(also my 36th b-day) has come and gone. It has been the best so far! Last night, was Awana night, so that is where we spent my birthday. Carl also took me to lunch at The Carvery in Brentwood. Saturday is gonna be a day at Six Flags Magic Kingdom in Vallejo.........so more pics to come!!

Me and Dan spending time together on 3-15-10.

Us again!!

Deirdre let me paint her fingernails!

Me and my little (big) girl on my birthday...........St. Patrick's Day!

Deirdre being all cool at Awana.

Madison, Deirdre, Jessica and Cheryl.

Trying to eat my cake!!!

Us with the birthday cake that I made.

Oh What a Day!!

2010-03-13T21:15:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful day! So, we went to the park with Koda, Bella and Deirdre. Then I had fun taking pictures of Deirdre, just being the fun kid she is!! Hope you all enjoyed your Saturday too!!

I actually took this a few days ago.

My St. Patrick's Day/Birthday nails.

Deirdre being herself.

Gotta love that face!

Koda.......looking so deprived of love..........

Hey! There is that cute girl again!!

Some daisies at the park......one of my favorite flowers.

Bella........airborn!!

Koda at the park.

Koda and Bella going down the slide at the park.

Just call her "Flygirl"!

Koda was diving off the slide to come to me. Such a good boy!!

Trees are in bloom..........beautiful!

Mom, Deirdre and the dogs. Poor Roddy was at home.

Deirdre, Koda and Bella.

Had a great photo opp!!!

Me and my little girl...........

Chris and Kim's Baby Shower 3-7-10

2010-03-08T18:24:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was the baby shower for my cousin Chris and his wife Kim in Sacramento. Was a nice get together and was great to see everyone! Kim is due March 16th (the day before my birthday) ans she looked great!! Here are some pics fromthe shower.

Good stuff on the tables.........
Oh the gifts!
Daddy-to-be, Chris.
Cousin David and Uncle Brent.
David gets to be an uncle again!
Cousin Beth and cousin Kenny.
Mommy-to-be, Kim!

Chris and Kim Hewel.

Me and Beth.......will we ever take a normal photo??
Uncle Brent having his own fun!
Beth, Kim, Uncle Brent,Chris and David. The Hewels!
The cousins: Beth,Kim, Chris, Kenny, Me, David and Nick.

Deirdre's Class Field Trip on the Delta

2010-01-28T19:20:00.000-08:00

Well........today was Deirdre's class field trip on the Robert G. Brownlee vessel. Was a nice day, kids had a great time and no rain!! I was lucky enough to be a chaparone and of course had my camera in hand!!!

Deirdre and Jules.

Deirdre, Mercedes and Jules.

The Robert G. Brownlee.

Someone fishing off one of the piers.

Lining up........

The kids waitinng to board the vessel.

In the marina area.

Some of the kids.

Our guide, Erica.

Me and Deirdre.

Silly girl!

Ms. Mattson (Deirdre's teacher) and me.

Deirdre and Ms. Mattson.

On the stern of te vessel.

Make way...........

On the delta.

Pull!!!!!

Zac and Deirdre.

Joining the mud club.........don't ask!

Playing with the delta mud.

Deirdre found a clam in the mud.

Baby stripped bass.

Photo opp!

This was an odd looking fish!!

Me and my girl!

Plankton are you down there????

This is in our water.............gross!

Lesson in hydrology.

The end of a beautiful day...............

Deirdre Winter Concert

2010-01-26T21:14:00.000-08:00

Tonight was Deirdrre's Winter Band Concert at her school. Here are a few pictures and video clips that I took tonight. Mrs. Vela is her music teacher.

Mrs. Vela

Another of Mrs. Vela.

The evening program.

Deirdre and her flute.

She is playing so good!

Deirdre and Mrs. Vela.

Some of My Photos

2010-01-23T16:00:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to post some of the pictures I have been taking. Currently I am going to school online to get my Bachelors of Science in Photography. My goal is to become a photographer and have a business of my own.

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T23:12:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas all! This year was a different Christmas for all of us. Deirdre went with her dad this year. Dan is out on the road (in Utah). Carl and Jenny stayed at their home this year. So, as you can see.........it was different. We did go to Carl and Jenny's for dinner where we were also joined by Jenny's dad and her brothers. Dan will be home on December 30th, so Deirdre and I will be with him in Riverbank having our Christmas New Years Eve (which is also our 2 year anniversary). Here are the pictures I selected to blog (I took so many, it was hard to choose)!

Me and my baby girl!

Glad to have her back home!

Our tree..........

Even he dogs got a present!

Bebe made this adorable doll bed for Deirdre's baby dolls!

Mom looking at the photo album from Gammy.

My girl knows me too well!

Oh no! Look what Santa brought! What was he thinking??

I got 2 DVD's for my folks.

Dad and his new lounge pants.

What was I thinking?? Pokemon cards?

And what do we have here???????

A keyboard!

Carl's family tree.........

Emily and one of her rabbits.

Brother dear.......

Emily, mom and me.

Jenny's brother Norman, her dad Bob and Jenny.

In Carl's front yard.

Dinner..........was yummy!

She has never eaten a roll..........until now!

Emily and Goon-Goon (her grandfather.....Jenny's dad).

Silly girls..........

Uncle Allen (Jenny's other brother) and Deirdre.

Emily and Uncle Ken (Jenny's other brother too).

Had to make them do this for us!

Me and Jenny...............MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Heavenly Harmonies Christmas Program

2009-12-13T20:16:00.000-08:00

Today was Deirdre's Heavenly Harmonies Christmas program at all 4 services at our church. Which made for a VERY long day for all of us! Here are some pictures and video clips from today.

Deirdre and her buddy, Madison.

Heavenly Harmonies.

The young man in this picture is Grant........Deirdre and he are also buddies.

A prop from the church.

Another prop.......all part of the church choir Christmas program.

How did she get a hole in the knee on carpet?

Mary & Joseph.

Deirdre and the other scarf dancers.

The choir.

In the chairs are the choir directors.

Paige and friend.

Deirdre and Madison.

The two of then again.

Deirdre and Lindsey.

Why does she look so scared?? She did great!

Scarf dancers.......

Grant and his solo!!

My favorite of Deirdre and Madison!

Santa Vist

2009-12-10T20:38:00.001-08:00

Even though she is 11 years old.........I want to enjoy this as long as she wants to see Santa!

Today at the Antioch Mall..........

Some Snow in Our Area!

2009-12-07T21:16:00.000-08:00

Last night it was cold enough to bring some snow close to us! These are some pictures of Mt. Diablo and the Black Diamond Mines area dusted with snow. Very pretty for all of us to see here!

This is over by Contra Loma.

Same general area.

Me.........while mom was outside taking some pics with her camera!

This was taken over by our new Kaiser building...........

Same area.......

Just couldn't gelp the beauty!

Kinda over towards Contra Loma area again.

Closer pic of Mt. Diablo.

Is that beautiful or what?

More.........

The last one that I took!

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-26T17:58:00.000-08:00

Well Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Here are a few pictures from today...............Dan is home and I work Friday and Saturday. After I get off work Saturday night, Deirdre and I are going to Dan's. He leaves again Sunday and hopes to be home for Christmas. Look for more pictures after the weekend.

Our Thanksgiving picture!!

Koda was very tempted...........

Singing.......

Even Koda was waiting for Carl, Jenny and Emily.

The girls.

Yummy!!!!!

In Sepia setting on my camera.

Ready to eat............

Our tree turned out so pretty!

My tree topper from Kohl's................

First Day at Beth's, Disneyland & California Adventure!

2009-11-09T21:47:00.000-08:00

Well.......Sunday, November 8th, Deirdre and I flew down to my cousin Beth's inSouth O.C.! Deirdre did great on the plane and asked questions all the way there. And the questions continued even when Beth picked us up at the airport! Today, we did California Adventure and Disneyland. Had a great time! Tomorrow is the beach. Here are pics and a few vidoe clips!

Us on the plane.

The wing of the plane.

Deirdre playing her DS on the plane.

Riding a really cool bike that the boys have.

Matthew.

Two of their 3 dogs.

Super pretty lights in a place Beth and I had dinner called "The Canyon".

Playing with a wig.

Beth.......she may hate this pic!

Deirdre and Tyler.

A surprise in my bed!!

At California Advnture.

Deirdre took a really good picture of me!

Deirdre and Beth.........we were in line at Soaring in California Adventure.

In line for the Toy Story ride........that was very cool!

Cousins.........

Waiting for it to start moving........

The Toy Story army men.

My girl.

All the goodies!!

Love this picture.

She had a tough time getting this to move!

She had to stop and watch High School Musical. UGH!!

Disneyland.

Deirdre and Walt Disney statue and castle.

Finally some food!

Then she turned the camera on me!

Buzz Lightyear ride.........

The castle again.

Pirates of the Caribean.

They had some show going on here............

Having lots of fun!

A look from above.

On the Jungle Cruise.

With Mickey Mouse.

Me and Goofy.

Deirdre and Goofy.

Love the lights!!

Playing a game in California Adventure.

One of my favorite pictures taken today!

Deirdre and her Dumbo's.

Deirdre, Matthew & Tyler.

Tower of Terror.

Castle at night.

Haunted Mansion.

I got her face this time!

Pumpkins...........

Parade time!

Happy Halloween 2009

2009-10-31T22:46:00.000-07:00

Halloween has now come and gone. Deirdre decided to be Cleopatra this year........boy was she cute! As always, I love to decorate for my child and the kids in the neighborhood seem to like it too. We only went to the few houses of people that we have known forever, went to the church Harvest Carnival and then up to my grandparents and uncle's house. So, we had a fun and long night. Here are the pictures that I took and a few short video clips at the carnival.

Deirdre and our little ghost.

With the pumpkins.

All of my masterpieces!

So cute as Cleopatra!

Can you tell I love to carve pumpkins?

Deirdre's pumpkins.

My love pumpkin........tonight Dan is in Mazula, Montana.

Deirdre petting the spider on the web.

Getting ready to go trick-or-treating to just a few houses.

Love the lights.......

Rick and Debbie Deluna's little boy, Lucas.

Meet Lucy, she is one of my Sparks in Awana this year.

Chasing Deirdre through a maze!

A very happy girl.........

Deirdre and Madison's dad, Dan Fanucci.

Our friend, Judy Dawson!

Deirdre and Judy.

Pastor Dennis and Deirdre.

Waiting in line to play a game.

Deirdre's friend, Crystal and her mom, Astrid.

She looks a little unsure here.

Deirdre and Pastor Mark, our children's pastor.

Me and Bernadene! We have not seen each other since high school.......over 15 years ago!

Deirdre was just loving the games!

Deirdre's Class Halloween Party

2009-10-30T16:12:00.000-07:00

That time of the year where all the kids get to wear their costumes to school and get loaded up with sugar!! I took cookies to Deirdre's class and got a few pictures. Enjoy!!

Deirdre as Cleopatra.

Deirdre's teacher, Ms. Mattson.

Her large class room!

At her desk...........

Look at all the sugar!

Mrs. Vela as Mary Poppins.

What a perfect costume for her!

Path of An Accident

2009-10-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

About 1am last night we were awaken by the familiar sound of a car crash. For those who know our neighborhood.........this will look familiar to you. The car came off Highway 4, so follow the pictures..........

You can see the tire marks from the highway.

The car then crossed Cavallo road.

Took out the bus bench on the way...........

I do believe they left this behind!

Took out all the fencing here.........our street is on the right.

Went over this fence on Sunset Drive..........

Ending when they hit this silver car in the driveway of this home.

Awana Worship Time

2009-10-22T22:07:00.000-07:00

Here is a sample of our worship time in Awana. This is the Pumpkin Patch song and Trading My Sorrows. Our worhip leader is Mrs. Lita Curtis...........so enjoy the 2 video clips!!

Six Flags Birthday

2009-10-18T20:27:00.001-07:00

Okay! To celebrate Deirdre's 11th birthday, we all went to Six Flags Magic Kingdom on Saturday, the 17th. I took so many picstures and wish I could just post them all. So, here is a taste of how our day was..................FUN!!! We are now season pass holders through next year!

Deirdre and I infront of the bloody park fountain.

Ususally it is pretty and has a dolphin in the center.......but not for their Fright Fest time!

"I see dead people............"

Deirdre and a big bird!

Just loved the M&M's on the steps!

We had dinner at Johnny Rockets........yummy!

Denali the beautiful Bald Eagle.

I love the fall........

Berma the bat.

This witch was the highlight of this wildlife show!

The girls didn't know what to think!

Just cute.....

The girls wanted a picture with the witch.

Loving this one.

The girls watching the giraffe.

Baby camel. She wants some love!

The girls on a ride sure to make one sick!

The girls wanted to be in the "wet zone".............

This is their section getting wet........I am down there too, but I was safe!

Shouka saying hello to everyone.

Beautiful animal!

Mom, Jenny and Carl.

Me at the Dolphin show.

The girls in the "wet zone" again!

Love how they jump!

Can I have one?

In the Shark Exhibit.

Hanging from the ceiling was this...........

Deirdre could not quite reach the stingray to pet it.

Emily & Carl at the Spooky Sea Lion show.

Waiting for the show to start.

This guy was too funny for his costume!

Always a good show.

Love how the lights are at night at amusement parks.

Deirdre's dinosaur cake...........anyone as surprised as us at this one??

Blowing out the candles.

The gift she has been wanting!

And she is very happy...........haha!

Happy 11th Birthday Deirdre

2009-10-13T20:29:00.000-07:00

I now have a pre-teen, or as Deirdre calls herself...........a "tween"! Today was suppose to be a day to take her to her favorite place, The Olive Garden". But after a whole day of bad, rain and wind, she wanted to stay home and have me cook dinner. I made her a small cake and gave her a present to tide her over until Saturday (when we really celebrate). Pray that there is no rain on Saturday, as we should be going to Marine World (I will never call it by the new name)............thanks!

Me and my tween!

Tween and her silly cake.

She will have a better cake Saturday............

Ready to see what she got!

Mom picked up a comic book Bible in Florida.

Is there anything really in this bag??

This is what Dan and I got her...........Dinopets for Nintenfo DS.

And a little something from Grandpa Hewel and Grandma Liz!!

Are You Comfy Pups??

2009-10-10T20:08:00.000-07:00

While my mom is in Florida.........Deirdre and I have had some roommates! Now, don't they look like they have been abandoned by their mommy? I think so!

I do believe Roddy is very relaxed!

They didn't even given Deirdre leg room!

Bella took advantage of the bundled up blankets as a pillow.

And they lived happily ever after!

The End!!!

Dogs and a Happy Birthday!

2009-10-08T19:36:00.000-07:00

Okay, while my mom is in Florida and away from her precious babies (no, not me and Carl)...........I decided to put some pictures I took yesterday to help her with her withdrawls! And there is a special video clip at the end for Grandpa Hewel too.

Roddy & Bella showing Deirdre some love while she was sick!

Roddy wanting to "counter-surf".......nice try Boyfriend!

Me and Girlfriend (or Bella to everyone else).......she loves me!

Bella loves to give Deirdre special love!

Bella.......down in my house to get some love since mom abandoned her!

My Koda boy.......such a handsome dog!

Just love the face! This was after Bella giving her some love.........LOL!!

Opps........this should of been before the face pic..........

Bella trying to beat Roddy to the steps.........ladies first!

Happy Birthday Grandpa Hewel!!!

Oh October!

2009-10-06T17:21:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is! My Halloween lights and decor! I wanted to do more, but I think this will be just fine. Next need to get a few pumpkins........

My front window.......

He is so cute, isn't he??

Bushes by the front door.

I'll be a light in His pumpkin patch!

Well, October is now here! Here are a few random pictures..........will post more if I can get myself to do so! So, keep an eye out!

Deirdre doing some reading.........

Me and Yaffa! She left yesterday to go back to Israel. She will be back for Christmas. We had not seen her since Deirdre was a few years old.

The start of my Halloween decorating............light go on tonight! Look for more pictures!

A Little of This and A Little of That!

2009-09-29T16:24:00.000-07:00

Since I had no internet for a bit, I decided to post some pictures of the time I was offline! Just little things, silly things! Next posting will probably be Deirdre's birthday in a few weeks.

Deirdre's pretty nails about 2 weeks ago.........I now have a manicure buddy!

The color of my nails until Halloween.......then the tips will be orange.

Me, playing with my camera..........what else is new?

A goofy moment with Deirdre after she did some reading.

Bella and Deirdre...........Bella loves her little girl!

Playing her flute. She is getting quite good...........

Bella and Roddy laying on Deirdre..........she loved every minute of it!

Trucking in Troutdale, Oregon

2009-09-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

Dan is lucky to be in a much cooler and prettier area for now. He has been trucking in the Washington and Oregon area this time out. I found some pictures on the internet of the area he is in right now. The place is Troutdale, Oregon. We are looking forward to when Dan comes home again for a few days........we miss him very much!

Visitors to Troutdale, Oregon will find a small town atmosphere and an historic downtown with restaurants, two historic museums, and specialty shops. The outlet mall at Columbia Gorge Premium Outlets® also has a wide array of shops.
As the Gateway to the Columbia Gorge, Troutdale has very special advantages for year-round recreation. Using Troutdale as the ideal starting point for your Gorge experience, take Exit 17 and follow the signs to the Historic Columbia River Highway. Stop in at the Visitor Center at the Chamber of Commerce for information and continue on the highway along the Sandy River Canyon to such sights as Crown Point, where you can overlook the western end of the Gorge. As you drive, view over eleven waterfalls including the famous Multnomah Falls, then experience the scenic wonder of the Oneonta Gorge. Once past this point, you can continue on I-84 into the Gorge and its many famous sights, which include Bonneville Dam, Cascade Locks, and further east to Hood River and The Dalles. If you cross to the Washington side of the gorge at Cascade Locks, you can visit the Interpretive Center.
Fishing spots are abundant in and around Troutdale. The Sandy River is considered to be the top producing steelhead stream in the state of Oregon, with great runs of spring and fall salmon. Drift boat and raft trips are available. The Columbia River has the largest runs of salmon and steelhead of any river in the continental United States, with populations of walleye, bass, shad and sturgeon.
Picnicking along the Sandy River offers beautiful scenery, swimming and trails for hiking. State parks such as Lewis and Clark offer boat ramps to the Sandy River, as does Dabney State Park.
Boating is very popular in the area. From Troutdale you can access the Sandy River and the Columbia River at Lewis and Clark State Park, Sundial Marina and Chinook Landing on the Columbia River.
Hiking along the trails in the Columbia River Gorge begins along Broughton Bluff in Troutdale at Lewis and Clark State Park. From there you can drive along the Scenic Highway towards the waterfall area where there are several great hiking trails for a full day's worth of exercise.
Windsurfing is available within an hour's drive from Troutdale in Hood River. Considered to be the windsurfing capital of the world, the Columbia River Gorge offers conditions that make an exciting adventure for the windsurfing enthusiast.
Museums in Troutdale are rich in the history of the early settlers of the Northwest. Harlow House Museum, part of the city park system, is located in a home built in 1900 by Fred E. Harlow, son of Captain John Harlow, Troutdale's founder. The contents of the house include household goods from the Harlow and other pioneer families, as well as many items donated by residents of the Troutdale area. The Harlow House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Behind the Harlow House you can see historic ruts made by the wagon wheels of early settlers.
The Historical Society also hosts the Troutdale Rail Museum, located on the Historical Highway in downtown Troutdale. The structure was built in 1907, and was the shipping site of carloads of fresh vegetables. The depot was given to Troutdale by Union Pacific Railroad in 1976, and was moved from its original site on the north side of the tracks to its present location. Inside, you will find many railroad artifacts dating from the 1800's and early 1900's.
Since it's just a short distance from Portland, Troutdale is also a staging ground for all the amenities that Oregon's "big city" has to offer. For recreation, shopping or history, Troutdale has the experience of a lifetime.

Back to School!

2009-08-24T20:51:00.000-07:00

Well, never thought we would get to this so fast! Today was Deirdre's first day of the 5th grade. Seems like just yesterday I was taking her to preschool..........now she is in her last year of elemantry school. Then.........off to middle school!

She looks so grown up!

Mom! It is a bit chilly out here!

Okay kiddo.......wanna happy face before you go to school! Let's see if you are still smiling when I pick you up!

Strike a pose.........work it!

Out on the playground before school.

Deirdre and her teacher.

I do believe there are 31 kids in her class this year.

She was still smiling when I picked her up!

Kirkwood 2009 & My 100th Post!!

2009-08-08T23:28:00.000-07:00

Alrighty! This is going to be a large post! Not only is this my vacation post, but my 100th post! We went camping at Lake Kirkwoood August 3rd-8th. This year the girls caught their first fish with "Mom Flingee" from camp and both within 10 minutes of casting their poles in the lake. We also took a hike down to Vikingsholm Castle in Emerald Bay, which was lots of fun! However, we did experience quite a bit of COLD weather this year, which included hail. The girls played with two kids they met last year while we were camped and great timing that they were there again at the same time!! Here are some pics that I took. I did take ALOT more, but these are my favorites!

The Two Sentinels as seen from the lake.

Our home for the week.

My bed........before the kids totally messed it up with all their stuff on the floor.

Lake Kirkwood and the girls.

Senya, Emily and Deirdre.

The girls playing on the rocks.

My little girl at the lake.

Mom and Deirdre having lunch on the rocks in our campsite.

Armed with her watergun............she got in the lake!!

The girls in the little boats we have had for years!

Emily........she looks so cold!

Isn't he cute?

Bonfire on the lake at the wishboat ceremony at the Girl Scout camp..........see the video clip below!

OH NO!!! These clouds were not what we wanted to see.........

Me at the campsite........obviously against a big rock!

Me and Emily......before the girls caught their fish!

Emily and her first fish.

She didn't wanna get near it after all that!

Deirdre's first catch..........she didn't really know what to do next!

Mom Flingee and Deirdre with her fish.

Helping her make a good cast in the lake.

Trying for a second fish each......but it got real cold and we called it a day!

Deirdre didn't wanna get her dirty boots in the play tent...........

The start of the hike to Vikingsholm Castle............1 mile down and 1 mile back up!!

Deirdre, mom, Jenny and Carl..........on the way down to Vikingsholm Castle.

They made it down! The girls in front of Vikingsholm Castle.

My kid just cracks me up........here she is taking a picture of me taking her picture!

One of the paddleboats.

I think this little guy needs to work out a little more............

Maybe I should make this a postcard??

Me and Emily in front of Vikingsholm Castle.

Carl and Mom in the courtyard of Vikingsholm Castle.

The critters just loved my camera!

Carl, Jenny and Emily.

Mom and the girls.

Me and my big brother!

Mom and the chicken we BBQ'ed for dinner after our day at Vikingsholm Castle.

Relaxing in the campsite.

My favorite place............

The sun setting on the lake.

Carl skipping rocks with Emily.

Carl and his wife, Jenny.

Me and my shadow down at Vikingsholm Castle.

Good night girls! This was the last night at the campground........

Saved the best for last! This little guy thinks a battery just might be tasty! I hope he dropped it somewhere and really didn't try to eat this thing!!

Another Fun Day at Dan's

2009-08-01T22:09:00.000-07:00

Today Deirdre and I spent the day at Dan's. After today, I go on vacation Monday and he goes back on the road Monday. So, we wanted to get as much time in together as possible! Dan's daughter, Andra, and her boyfriend also were there. Deirdre had a blast with waterfights and just loads of fun! I can't wait to see my guy again in a few weeks when he is home........

Dan and I........now this one is better than the other one that I posted!

Deirdre, relaxing in Dan's pool!

Pretty flower in Dan's yard.

Hey, I know this handsome man!

A sneak shot...........

Hanging out together in the pool............I am loving it!

I had it first! Andra and her boyfriend.

Dan's daughter, Andra.

Good time to scratch your nose Bankie!

On the attack! Leave her alone!

Love this one.............Deirdre and Andra........too cute.

Oh young love.............LOL!!

Goggle time!

Visiting Dan and the Park

2009-07-29T21:22:00.000-07:00

Today I spend part of my day with my boyfriend, Dan, who was on the road for almost 7 weeks! This was the longest he has been out trucking! We just had fun visiting and being together. Now he really needs a haircut, but you can't tell in the pictures! When I got home, my mom, myself and Deirdre took Koda, Roddy and Bella to the park for some roaming and just some fun!

This is the better picture of Dan and I. Though I did step on his toes (that is why I love the look on his face here), this picture has both of us in it without our heads being cut off!

Better smiles, but this is better than the other few I did take!

My guy! Who really happens to need that haircut!! We were gonna do that today, but neither one of our cars now have air conditioning!

Bella, Koda and Roddy.

Miss Bella Rose

Deirdre and Bella.

Deirdre, Bella and Koda.

Bella and her girl.............

Day at Kirkwood

2009-07-23T19:22:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we took a drive up to Kirkwood to drop off our canoe and walk into the Girl Scout camp and say hi to some of our friends. We stopped in Ione where you can see the Preston Castle. This excited Deirdre because this was a place that was on Travel Channel's "Ghost Adventures". Then on to Lake Kirkwood, we walked into camp, played in the canoe and headed home. Our trip couldn't be really done without something happening! Mom's truck started to have problems, so by 9:30pm, we were calling Carl to come rescue us! We stayed the night at his house in Elk Grove and today, did what we had to in order to get mom's trucked towed back to Antioch. We are exhauseted! Here are the pictures I took...........

Me and Deirdre at the Preston Castle plaque.

The plaque.

Preston Castle.

Lake Kirkwood.........oh to be home!!

Lake Kirkwood and the Two Sentinels.

Deirdre and her hiking buddy.

Waiting or pouting..........I don't remember!

Deirdre wanted to go out on the trail for 11 days with the SuperPackers! She even got a map!

The beauty at Kirkwood.

Deirdre and Lady Bug. Now, Lady Bug was one of my Waterbugs about 18 years ago. I can't believe she is now a counsoler!

My attempt to get a picture of all 3 of us in the canoe.

Love this pic!

On the way out of the camp.

Always having to throw a few rocks in the lake.

Deirdre and Dr. Staar. This was Deirdre's pediatrician.

Comet & Lady Bug..........I can't believe how tall this girl is! I feel so little!

Silver Lake.

Me and my girl........I love this picture of us! With Silver Lake in the background.

Deirdre and Mom......at our "home away from home"!

On our way home.......I took this as we were coming down Hwy 88.

Fun With Papa and More Lizards!

2009-07-11T23:45:00.000-07:00

On some Saturdays, my dad likes taking Deirdre to Lowe's for their Kid's Workshop. Since the line was so long, they brought the project home to work on. This weeks project was a treasure chest. After they completed the treasure chest, they played a little pirate for us (please forgive me on these as my dad is quite the character)! Also, later today I also caught a very tiny lizard...........he is just a wee-one!!

Working hard!!

Who gave my kid a hammer? Oh wait........we did! She did get a tool box with real tools in it for Christmas a year or so ago.

The finished treasure chest.

I don't believe my dad actually did this................

I take that back! I do believe my dad is doing this!

Aren't pirates only suppose to have just one eye patch??

This is that cute baby lizard I caught today. Look at how tiny he is!

His GQ pose..........

Deirdre named him Speedy............of course I let him go after I took these pictures!!

Leaping Lizards!

2009-07-11T00:40:00.001-07:00

Alright........this is something I did not expect to see today! I was outside on the phone to Dan when I almost stepped on what I thought was a snake. Even thought this thing was dead! Now that I have seen this creature (believed to be living under my deck in my side yard), I am almost 100% sure it is an alligator lizard. I am also thankful my child didn't see it, cause I have a feeling she would of asked me to catch it and make it a part of our "family"!!

It didn't move for the longest time..........

So, I was able to get a few good pictures!

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T23:30:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th everyone! I was sick, but still managed to get Deirdre out to see the fireworks. So, we went up to my grandparents neighborhood for a good view. We did visit my grandparents, uncle and aunt, also my cousin Jillian's little ones.........Matt and Ana. My poor Dan is in El Paso, Texas until Monday morning and then off to Arkansas. So, of course he is being missed here! Got some great firework photos and video.

Uncle Dean's dog, Shelly.

Jillian's little boy, Matt.

Jillian's little girl, Ana.

Looks kinda cool!!

An exploding cotton ball??

Abstract.............

Pretty colors.......

My favorite!

Emily's 11th Birthday

2009-07-01T19:27:00.001-07:00

Our Miss Emily turned 11 last week. On Monday, June 29th we joined her family in Elk Grove to celebrate. There was some yummy pizza and some good cake. I can't believe she is almost a teenager..............OH MY GOSH!!!!

Emily's beach/summer theme.

At Laguna Pizza.

Look how good this is.............

The girls.

Identical cousins? LOL

Emily's dad.............my brother, Carl.

Birthday group pic.

Who gave him matches??

Emily's cake.......very colorful!

Have no idea what is going on here.

Blowing out the candles.

Emily showing Deirdre some love!

Bubbles............and the girls entertaining Beraj.

Are we really related??

Bubble insanity!

You can even see Deirdre's bubbles!

Birthday gang for the evening.

The mom's...........and Beraj!

Mother and Daughter Haircuts!

2009-06-27T21:23:00.000-07:00

Well, it is that time of the year.........summer! That means time for Deirdre to get her summer haircut! This was done on Thursday, June 25. Oh ya, I even got a real good trim too!

Before "the cut"!!

This is the other Dan in our lives.............our hair dresser, Dan Ochoa. We have gone to him for at least 15 years!

Ok! My kid got my camera...........

How come she is not this good for me when I wash her hair??

Sure.........she smiles now!

I am loving it already...........nice and short!

And she likes it too!

And this is the end result! Both very happy!

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T19:47:00.001-07:00

With the great- grandparents!

Dan with Deirdre, no he is not her dad, but he does spend lots of time with her!

Rick and Lucas.

Carl and Emily.

At Apple Hill...........I love this picture!

Greg and Matthew..........this is Greg's first Father's Day!

Eric and his new family..............

Me and my dad.............

A Happy Father's Day to everyone! For me this includes my dad, my grandfathers, my brother, my uncles and Dan! Also to all my friends who are fathers or stepfathers..........Greg, Rick and Eric. Today Dan is spending his Father's Day trucking and he is in Segovia, Texas. I was trying to find out about this odd little town he is in for the night. Here is what I have found............

SEGOVIA, TEXASKimble County, Texas Hill CountryOn I-1011 miles SE of JunctionPopulation: 25 (estimate)
Segovia Area Hotels - Book Here & SaveJunction Hotels

The old Post Office in SegoviaPhoto courtesy Erik Whetstone, August 2005More Texas Post Offices See Texas Ghost Towns
Photographer's NoteSegovia now appears to be mainly a truck stop and a few houses. The Post office building was the only older building I saw. - Erik Whetstone, March 18, 2006History in a Pecan ShellSegovia, was named after the city in Spain and began life in the early 1860s. The settlement was granted a post office in 1900 and the population has remained small throughout Segovia's history. There were only 10 people living there in the mid 1920s but as highways improved, the area started receiving more tourists and soon 25 people lived there catering to visiting campers and adventurers. With the arrival of the Great Depression the population went right back to ten. It increased to 20 after WWII, swelled to 63 in the mid-1960s, reached over 60 in 1966 and topped out at 101 from 1974 through the mid 1980s. The estimate in the early 90s was a mere 25.

I am sure there is more on this town. But this was pretty interesting!

Columbia State Park

2009-06-13T22:24:00.000-07:00

What a fun day we had today! We ventured to Columbia State Park for Gold Rush Days! The girls really enjoyed it and so did us adults.........lots of walking was done and panning for gold too! Of course I did take a few (okay........tons) of pictures. Would I go somewhere and not take pictures?? So, here you go........................

A fast picture before we roam the town!

Teahouse........this is the place Dan and I love! Last year we had lunch here.

The girls........yes they do get along!

A real stagecoach...........horses and all!

I think you know everyone in this picture..........

Emily and Deirdre in the saloon for lunch.

Deirdre took a picture of us in the saloon for lunch.

Me and my shadow..........I love my shadow!

And me and my other shadow.............yep! I love her too!

A pretty neat photo.

Deirdre and Emily playing a game from back in the day.

Our picture in front of a hearst!

The old school house........1/4 mile walk up a hill to get there.

At one of the desks.

My child in a dunce hat!

Carl's wife, Jenny, sitting at one of the kid's desks.

I took a picture of the schoolhouse in the "antique" setting...........came out real cool!

This flower caught my eye!

A beautiful bed and breakfast on the way to the old schoolhouse.

Deirdre found some real neat rocks to climb all over!

More flowers caught my eye!

Part of an old fireplace in the park.

Jenny, Emily and Carl.

Jenny and me.

The girls are ready to get rich!

Looks like a bunch of rocks to me...........LOL!!

Deirdre getting her one on one lesson to panning for gold.

Now Emily's turn.............

Okay, my brother and I had to give it a try!

School is out!! Swim time!!

2009-06-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

With today being Deirdre's last day as a 4th grader................summer has started!! So, the swimming season has begun. Here are pictures from today in our backyard! Note you will see our dogs and some roses I just couldn't help but take pictures of!

What is this? Neemo???

She looks so happy to be out of school!

She caught a fish!

She looks like a bug!!

My kid is so talented!

Bella.........aka...."Girlfriend"!

Roddy..........aka......"Boyfriend"!

Just me........

What a funny looking fish!

Cute pic of her and her fish.

My boy..........Koda!

I love this picture of my baby girl! She is growing up so fast!

Roses in the front of house.

Love the bright color the roses have!!

School Assembly and Meeting Penpal

2009-06-09T18:13:00.000-07:00

This morning was the final awards assembly for Deirdre's school. Deirdre was getting her AR Award, which was suppose to be the 50 point AR award. Instead it ended up only being 30 points and she was 2.25 points shy of the 50 point award. I am still so very proud of her cause I know she worked so hard to get her AR award!

Mr. Bolio (principal) speaking to the 4th graders.

Deirdre sitting with her classmates.

Deirdre with her AR award!

After the assembly, Deirdre's class went to Mountain Mike's Pizza to meet thier penpals that the kids have been writting with all year. Here are a few pictures of Deirdre with Naomi.

Deirdre and her penpal, Naomi.

Alyssa was also Naomi's penpal too!

Oakland A's vs. Seattle Mariners

2009-05-27T19:01:00.000-07:00

Today was Deirdre's class fieldtrip (along with all the other 4th graders) to the Oakland A's game in Oakland. It was hot, we had great seats (leftfield) and just had fun! I took alot of pictures (what a shock, right?)............so here you go! Oh ya, the A's totally LOST!!!! A's-1, Mariners-6!

Waiting to get in!

The line to get in!

That stupid foam finger she had to have................$10 later!

What great seats!

Yep, was loving it!

Brian, Deirdre and Me.

We were so glad we were not sitting here!!

Well, you caught me! YES..........I am wearing a baseball cap!

Cahill and Chavez.

Chavez warming up.

Cahill warming up.

A good play...........

Matt Holliday........#5.

The A's dug out.

Poor girl waited the whole game for a ball!

What a swing!

This is what happens when you forget the sunblock!

By the end of the game the score was very bad!!

Watching with alot of interest in the game!

Memorial Day in Elk Grove

2009-05-25T18:01:00.000-07:00

A few more pics that I added on!

Staying cool..............

Me and my brother!

What an arm!

I wanted an action photo Emily!

Always in motion! That's my girl!

Today we spent Memorial Day in Elk Grove. We went to visit my brother, his wife and daughter. Dan joined us too! So, we made a lunch (last night mom and I put it together).......fried chicken, potato salad and regular salad. Also had some chocolate chip cookies to snack on. The park near my brother's house was neat. It had a great area that was covered with several tables underneath and the play area was just awesome........even had a area with this huge water spout thing (kinda like at Six Flags Marine World) so people can get drentched! Then we went back to their house and visited...........I actually played Wii bowling!! Here are some of todays pictures..............

Okay, before we even got to leave town, we happened to get stuck on the street that got cut off for the motorcycle parade for Memorial Day (I am not sure what they really call it).

So, pretty spiffy hogs!!

This is the water spout thingy at the park in Elk Grove.

Deirdre on this rope deal...........she actually didn't care for it being too high off the ground!

Emily..........or shall I say Spider Woman????

Some pretty flowers I found..........

Have no idea what they are really doing here!

Dan and I..........yay!! He made it to Elk Grove.......tomorrow he goes back on the road after delivering his load in Elk Grove.

Carl and Mom..........what a funny looking dog my brother has!

My bad...........it is a rabbit!

And the rabbit made a new friend!

A little behind the ears Dan................LOL!!

The girls and Wii.........really........they just aren't doing anything at the moment!!

After all the trips to Carl's house, we finally see a train...............6 years later!

And every train has a caboose!

2009 Awana Potluck

2009-05-21T11:05:00.000-07:00

Last night was out Awana Potluck and leader awareds. Lots of good food and a fun time. I got my 4 year service pin and mom got her 6 year service pin. Deirdre wants to go on to earn the Timothy Award just like some of her friends did this year. So, until next year............

Deirdre had a full plate!

In each letter on the Thank You sign, is the name of each Awana leader!

This is the only okay picture you will see og me posted in this blog! LOL!!

Look at all the good food................YUMMY!!

Mom's goodie plate!

Some fun Awana quizing..........leaders vs. kids!

Recognizing the directors!

Commander Bob Fischer.........we love him!

Thanking him for all he does for our Awana club!

T & T Girls leaders...........mom is on the end.

Recognizing the Game leaders............and their Shoe Game!

Showing them some love! It was too funny..........you had to be there I guess!

The ladies behind the Children's Ministry..........

Urban Rescue & Future of Forestry Concert

2009-05-17T22:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight our church had an awesome concert with Future of Forestry and Urban Rescue (from San Diego). It was loud (of course) and absolutely wonderful! These are two very talented groups and they will definately make a name for themselves in the music ministry. God gave them talent and skill to put God's word out there for all ages with their music. Here are some pictures and video clips from the concert!

Urban Rescue...........

Urban Rescue again..........with that beautiful cross behind!

T.J. Hill.........Future of Forestry. He is from our church.

Jeremi, Deirdre and Julie.

The lead singer, Eric, for Future of Forestry.

Can't get enough of the cross!

The young lady in the center (sorry the pic is not that good), flew out from Texas to play the cello with the group. She is very good..........

Future of Forestry again.........

Deirdre getting an autograph. She really loved the music!

Deirdre with the lead singer, Eric, of Future of Forestry. I think I have a groupie on my hands!!

The first two clips are Urban Rescue and the others are Future of Forestry.

Awana Awards Night 2009

2009-05-13T21:53:00.000-07:00

At last..........tonight was our Awana Awards Night! So hard to believe the year is already over. Also hard to believe we have 400+ kids in our Awana Club! We had a wonderful evening with all ages.........Cubbies, Sparks and T & T! Here are the pictures from tonight.

I guess this was in case I forgot my name? LOL!!

Commander Bob and some T & T's.

The T & T's who received the Timothy Award this year.

Our adorable Cubbies! (not all are in the picture)

My girls........Dezirae, Juliana and Jasmine.

T & T Girls........

My mom giving the girls their awards.......Deirdre is in the green sweater.

Pastor Mark and Lita Curtis.

Pastor Mark...........our Children's Pastor.

The T & T Boy's..............

Heather and Lita.........Sparks peeps!

Pastor Mark had a few verses to share with the kids and their families.

Our Sparks!!!!!

I have been spotted! Wow those lights were bright!

Me giving my Sparks their awards.

Morgan and Deirdre. Deirdre has a goal to earn the Timothy Award, just like her friend Morgan!

Me and Deirdre.............I am so proud of my little girl!