"Star Sightings At Disneyland"

We have been going to Disneyland quite a bit lately since having our Season Passes. During our visits we have been lucky enough to have a couple of star sightings! First, we saw two contestants from American Idol (they are stars to us if they have been on T.V.) We have also met Jennette McCurdy who plays "Sam" on Disney's icarly. They all have been really sweet have nice enough to take pictures with us. I just can't help it, we love famous people!

"Valentine's Cruise"

Things to be Remembered from the Cruise: We had a blast, we watched sunsets, we laughed a lot, we ate a lot, we did not work out one bit, we took long naps, we played Phase 10, we saw the blow hole "La Bufadora", we ate shrimp tacos, we "People Watched", we drank Pina Colada Smoothies, we read and we had lots of alone time!

Things to be Forgotten from the Cruise: We ate too much, cruise fries, my purse and camera got stolen, Rob forgetting his passport and birth certificate, we did not work out one bit and the three extra pounds I brought home with me!

We can't wait till the next Cruise!

"Hail To The Chief, Again!"

It's Madison's turn this time!  She followed in her brother's footsteps and ran for student body President of the whole school.  We even used one of R.J.'s old slogans, "Don't be a Raisin, Vote

for Madison Hazen".  And it worked again, she won the election!  We are unbelievably proud of her.  For those of you who know Madison, know she is our "reserved" child.  But, she doesn't shy away from a challenge and is determined to accomplish the goals she has set.  When she gave her speech in front of the school and I saw a different Madison.  She was very confident, poised,

 outgoing!  We are really looking forward to seeing more of this "New" Maddie.  I am sure she's going to get a lot of practice when she leads the entire school in the flag salute every Friday morning.   Way to go Madame President!

"The LOVE Boat"

This is how Rob says "Happy Valentine's Day!!!"  We leave today, no kids (even though I will miss them), no worries, no obligations.  Just a whole lot of Fun, Food & Relaxation!  

"Music to My Ears"

Call me crazy but, I love when my house is filled with the loud,  melodious sounds of my kids practicing piano.  It may not be perfect and there are always mistakes but, I love it anyways.  All three of them have officially been taking piano lessons for one month now.   I am proud to hear the notes they play are actually turning into songs.  It has always been a dream of mine to have each of my kids be able to play hymns in church.  I felt that dream slipping away and panicked, R.J. and Madison were missing their window of opportunity.  And if I didn't start them now, Payton would be in the same boat.  R.J. is doing great, learning the trumpet has given him an advantage.  He's quickly going through his practice book.  Madison loves everything about the piano.  She's the only one I don't have to remind to practice!  And Payton, she is an eager student, catching on quickly and enjoys her "Note Speller" homework.  I just can't wait for the day to come when I can her those hymns filling my house!

"A Sunny Saturday Afternoon in January"

We have been having some glorious sunny weather here in San Diego. It is the norm here but, not usually in the middle of January. Usually it starts warming up again in late March. But, believe me we weren't complaining.For the first 

time in a long time

 we finally had a

 Saturday that had absolutely nothing marked on the Calendar! A free day to sleep in and to be at nothing on time. We took advantage of the day and the sun and had some quality family time. We 

decided to go hiking and have lunch at the top of a Peak 

that over looked the city and had a great view 

of the 

beach. It's times like these where I am reminded just how great our life is, we just have to slow down sometimes to enjoy the little moments! A free Saturday with nothing on the calendar is my kind of Heaven on Earth.