It's That Time Again

Every four years we have the privilege to vote in this country. Think about it- there are many places in the world where people aren't given this freedom. Not too long ago in THIS country, not everyone was even allowed to do it. We have come a long way.

If I am honest, I hate politics. People are just not nice when it comes to politics. Whether you are Republican, Democrat, conservative or liberal- people don't play fair in the game of politics. That's the part I don't like. People fight over it, it breaks relationships, and brings out the worst in people.

Rodney King said it best, "Can't we all just get along?"

That said, Dan and I participated in our right to vote. We are absentee voter people. We like sitting at home with all of our stuff. This year we had the ipads out so we could look up different issues. We tend not to vote on party lines, but for the issues at hand. Dan knows a lot more about what is going on then I do, but he is kind to help me out when I get confused.

So, the ballots were mailed in and now we wait and see. I hope you do your part too!!

Nathan:: A Dream Come True

Ever since Nathan did Mathobotix a few years back, he has wanted a Lego Mindstorms set. If he had continued with Mathobotix he would have needed his own set, but he did not continue. The set is $300- not cheap. We have wanted him to save his own money for it and he slowly has. Our kids sometimes want something and then they forget. Well, Nathan has consistently and persistently asked to get the Mindstorms set. He has asked grandparents, parents (heck, anyone) to get him this set.

After asking AGAIN on Wednesday night, Dan and I talked about it and decided we should let him get it. After all, we hadn't bought him anything for his 9th birthday and he had a lot saved in his bank account. So, on Thursday (after homework was completed) we took Nathan back to Mathobotix (which happens to sell the set- instead of waiting for it to be shipped to us) and we purchased the set. We then took Nathan to the bank and withdrew the money from his account. This was one happy boy!

 Nathan with $$ in hand

 Do I have enough?

 Daddy's new toy?

"Hand over the money & I will give you the set"

 The exchange is made

 "All mine- ha ha ha ha"

 "I'm Rich!"

As soon as Nathan took possession of his Mindstorms set, he was busy building & programming. Who knows if we will ever see him outside of this room again!

Date With Pickle

Today I had the privilege of a date with my favorite three year old- Elise (aka Pickle). Pickle started preschool recently and I have wanted to pick her up, have lunch with her and play for a bit before taking her home. Today was the day and it was PERFECT. Of course, she kept telling me it was a "play date" NOT a date- my bad!! Also, there was a lot of pressure to have a good time. She kept telling me, "I hope we are going to have fun". Well, I think Pickle had a fun day and so did I!! 

After picking her up at school at 11:30, we headed to UCI to have a picnic lunch with Dan in the Arboretum. It was a sunny day, but not too hot- perfect!! After lunch we headed to Sweet Shade park where we played for an hour and half. After this we headed to get Jason at school and then took Pickle home.

All in all, it was a wonderful day with my sweet little friend- I hope for more of them in the future!

Happy 9th Birthday Nathan!

Nine years ago we were blessed by the birth of Nathan James Crout on September 29, 2003. Wow, the last 9 years have flown by and have been filled with much laughter (some tears) and adventure for all of us.  Nathan, you are my gift from God- a true answer to prayer!! I love you with all my heart and count myself truly blessed to be called your mom!!

 Dan & little Nathan

 The joys of a newborn!

Snapshots of Nathan's first year!

Nine years later we are celebrating at Angelo's & Vinci's- 

Nathan's pickfor a night out on the town! 9/27/12

Due to a chemo treatment the day before, Nathan's birthday is a low key event (sorry buddy, I will make it up next year for your 10th). The boys spend the day at Emerald Bay with Grammy and then bring cupcakes home so we can sing "Happy Birthday" on his actual day!!

 We love you sweet boy- I can't believe we are in your last year before you enter the land of double digits!! Cheers~~

Sweet Faces

While I lay on the couch and rest after my last treatment (4 out of 6) I get to look across at two of my favorite creatures- my sweet husband and my precious dog. They spend a lot of time with me when I am feeling tired and sick. I love their support and presence during this somewhat difficult journey I find myself on. Love you two!!

Don't Worry Be Happy!

A little background on the shirt! I was at my mom's last month for a girl's night and my mom's neighbors and her friends saw me without my hair. One of the friends said she was a breast cancer survivor and was wearing a tank top just like this (only bright pink). She said she would like to send me one too. It arrived a few days ago and I am wearing it proudly!

The shirt has a story behind it. A teen who was fighting cancer had a shirt with the saying and wore it to all his treatments- it was his motto through the battle. He eventually lost it, but in his honor a foundation was started DontWorryBeHappyFoundation.org So, I am wearing my shirt- to remind myself that I need to be happy in all of my circumstances and that worrying isn't going to help. 

Back To School 2012

We found out last night who the boys had for their teachers and Nathan even had a visit from his (she was visiting our next door neighbor). We went to bed excited about what the new year would bring and prayed for the teachers. Outfits were laid out, lunches were made in the fridge, backpacks were filled with supplies and hung on chairs. . . . we were ready!

We woke up raring to go this morning. The boys came down dressed and looking good! They had waffles for breakfast and then it was time to hit the road (not before taking first day pictures). A twist to things- it started raining (a hot, humid rain). We walked to school with umbrellas and eventually the rain stopped.

Jason went off with some friends to his class and I took Nathan to his 4th grade class which starts at 8am now. He was happy to see many of his friends are in the same class as him. After he was squared away, I went back to see Jason off to 2nd grade. He barely had time to say goodbye as he was busy chatting with his buds. Many of his friends are in his class, but those who aren't can be seen at recess and lunch! I am just so thankful that both boys have good friends that they look forward to seeing each day!

Lord, you have them in your hands. They are with the teachers YOU want them to have and I know that they will have a good year because you are with them EVERY step of the way- Amen!

 Nathan- 4th Grade

 Jason- 2nd Grade

The Dynamic Duo

 Rainy Day Walk

 Buddies at school!