When God Closes Doors & Opens a Window, Mathew's Birthday Weekend

Life is never dull with our family, if you haven't noticed. We are always going somewhere, doing something, or occupied with an event. Well, with Mathew's 28th birthday came many change, memories and new experiences. Where do I begin?

Friday, I was off work. I had a dental appointment, of which I was not looking forward to. A small surface filling....no big deal, right? I was so nervous, it was a new dentist to me. I went, braved thru it and it wasn't so bad. The trouble only came when I realized they filled the wrong tooth. This is a true bummer, and in order to not be 'livid' at the dentist, I haven't called yet to inform them of this mishap.

By noon Will, Mat & I headed South. We stopped and picked up lunch, said good bye to grandma and were on our way. Everything was great. We were excited to get to my mom's at a descent hour and have some fun. However, about an hour outside of our destination, we hit major traffic. It was hardly fun, but we made it safely and soundly...and were very much ready for the wonderful Tacos my Vicky made. We ate, and jetted out the door for "Cruising Grand". Walking there is so nice after a yummy meal. We walked around and had a glass of Wine, then walked back. That night we really relaxed and had a great time.

Saturday we had to get some things for camping. Trader Joes & Smart and Final were our destinations of choice. Will was really good and we had a lot of fun. We packed up and headed off to Dixon Lake. Let's see....Lacey, Jason & Jonah Driggars along with Brian & Monica Fox joined us to celebrate. Burgers, Hot Dogs, Watermelon, Chips & Salsa, Grapes, Blueberries and Chocolate Cupcakes were on the menu. We had a blast....I think the kids had a great time on the playground too. We took the boys dow to feed the ducks too. "Quack Quack!," said William, numerous times. He would laugh hysterically everytime we tossed bread into the water.

After a late lunch, the Driggars and us went to set up camp. Little did we know the boys would be so happy to play in the dirt and self entertain. Will had never been camping. He thought the tent, dirt and cliffs were really neat. This was the first real camping trip Mat & I had had as well. With S'mores, cheese & crackers, a glass of wine and good company we had such a fantastic time.

Sunday morning we headed out early and had breakfast at McDonald's so the kiddos could play, oh and cause Lacey had a dream she had a Sausage Egg McMuffin and before she could enjoy it she woke up. Good times, great fun and lots of laughs occurred at McDonalds, and then continued on at their house. The boys played and played. It was so much fun just to relax and chat with good friends while our boys had fun too. After we said our good-byes, our family headed back to my mom's. Will took his nap and so did we. A Sunday afternoon nap is priceless. We headed to Mito & Kris's once we got ready. We had a lovely visit wih them, but way too short. Will enjoyed Huck, their big yellow lab. We both had plans at 6ish so we headed out. A stop at the gas station changed everything though. After Mathew pumped gas, his Taurus decided not to run. We added oil, tried to jump start it, and thought about how much money (over $1800) we had dropped into fixing his car, that he still owed money on. We took the rest of the evening to research cars, and decide what our game plan was. Unfortunately, we had to cancel dinner plans and be rescued in Rancho Bernardo. It was a real bummer. The evening turned out nicely, though. We enjoyed time with Vicky and watched "It's Complicated". The car hunt was going to be be 'on' first thing in the morning.

Monday came and we were ready to get what we wanted, and not take any crud from dealers. We had a very pleasant experience. We tried all the cars we were interested in and did a pros and cons list. It was Mathew's birthday so we went out to BJ's to celebrate with family. Afterwards, my mom took William home for a nap, we went to wait for the tow truck and started the financing process. After deciding to go with a Mazada, it was 8:05 pm by the time we left the dealership. On to picking up our boy and returning shoes to the mall, cause our boy has tall feet. Packed up, loaded up, shopped out and off to Lone Pine we went. We made it home around 1:30 am. Phew. What a weekend.

We both feel God really was telling us it was time to get a new car. We had been hit time after time with expenses with the old car, and we couldn't affort to keep doing that. There had to be a budget of funds that worked. Once we had made our purchase we felt confident that it was the right choice for us. God is so great and faithful. It was our first major purchase as a married couple, and certainly a joyful experience.

Our weekend and Multi-tasking

Another weekend by, and now another week almost gone. It just seems the older you get the faster time flies us by. This last weekend we drove down Friday evening to my mom's. We were actually able to make it there before they crashed out. Unfortunately, I am(was) fighting a terrible head cold, that my dear so decided to share with me. I drove large part of the way because Mat was super tired. It worked out though cause I was wide awake. The bad thing was I was supposed to work on school work. My head was so congested it made me car sick to focus on the computer. All in all it was a great drive and very quick.

Saturday, my nephew came to hang out with us all. My mom and I went and picked up Mathew's birthday present, and me a Starbucks drink, of course. We got the cooler packed up, lunches made and scooted off to Coronado. Little did we know it was going to be chilly and overcast at the beach. It all worked out though. We walked around and took a bike ride....shopped, got some chocolate, had a drink, and had a fantastic time. That night we played outside with the boys, had some Sangria and then said good-bye to Hunter. Afterwards we ate some dinner and then watched Dear John. We interrupted the slow movie for a relaxation break in the Jacuzzi. Ahhhh, so very lovely.

Sunday, we relaxed with getting up. Will slipped and bonked his head in the bathroom, and earned himself a trophy worthy bruise. We went to Kit Carson Park for about 2 hours. We visited with the Fox family (Brian & Monica), Kim Sidebottom,  Jacob (& his family) Teresa & Dallon, Grandma, Shana, & Denise. It was a lot of fun seeing so many people in such a short time.  Later we headed to Marissa, Ivan & Silas's home on our way back to Lone Pine. I think we could have stayed all day. We really enjoy spending time with them.

Monday was fine, going back to work and getting things done. I still am fighting a cold. Work was good and productive. Yesterday, Mathew went home very ill from work. We think it is the 24 hour flu. Today he stayed home with our boy. Its been tough with all of us being ill, one right after the other.

William has entered a new phase. He is so sweet, loving and peaceful. He loves to play with us on the floor. We are really enjoying him approaching is 18 month birthday.

This last weekend was so refreshing. The beach, a bike ride, Starbucks, Dutch Chocolate Wine, spa, the park, seeing good friends & visiting my cousin. Perfect.

WILLIAM said 'more please' this morning. He didnt just sign it. He SAID it. It melts our heart.

Started The Biggest Loser today. It is challenging and fun. William's doing well. We sing 'BRINGING HOME A BUMBLE BEE' everyday now. He really loves it.