A TEENAGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As Rebekah turns 13 next week, I carefully planned a surprise birthday extravaganza for her. She had no idea. Her cousins showed up this afternoon, to Rebekah's surprise. I explained to Rebekah, Kristine, Naya and Nyssa that we were going to embark on a birthday adventure in honor of Rebekah's coming of age... as a teenager.

First we headed over to the nail salon where all four girls had manicures. Then we made our way over to a local second hand shop. The girls were instructed to each find one blue item to wear, in honor of Rebekah's birthday (blue is her favorite color). They rummaged around, tried some things on and had a great time. Then it was off to dinner - Indian food of course. At dinner, Rebekah opened her birthday presents. She was very happy.

After everyone had eaten more than their fill it was time for the next activity... a scavenger hunt. We went to Target, yes on black Friday - with the crowds and commotion. The girls wore their blue accessories and were split into two teams. Each team was given a list of 13 things Rebekah would like... and the first team to fill their cart and make it back to the meeting spot would be the winner!

These girls ran, yelled, rode up and down the escalator, almost ran people over, laughed and tossed things into their carts. They had an absolute blast. Rebekah and Nyssa finished first by only a minute or so. And Aunt Jen and I were exhausted!

It was time for ice cream at the Hagen Daz in the mall then upstairs to the movie theater where the girls watched Twilight! Then we all went back to our house where the girls watched a scary movie and had a sleep over. It was a successful and enjoyable 13th birthday celebration.


My beautiful daughter, my sweet baby is almost 13. Where have the years gone? She is the miracle in my life - the tender mercy that God sent to me so that even when nothing makes sense, or the burden is too great to carry, I go on - I strive to be better and to do more than just survive... I am her Mother, the greatest role I have ever had... and for this I am the woman I should be - standing for what is right, holding to the principle, believing in truth and firmly rooted in faith... I would give my life for her. Happy Birthday my sweet Rebekah.

Thanksgiving

We had the fortune of spending Thanksgiving with my parents, which meant a bountiful feast. Rebekah and Kristine were with us, while the two younger children spent the holiday with their Dad. We missed them very much... But with Jen and family, Grandpa and Grandma, and us it was still a fun and wild dinner with countless dishes and lots of laughter.

Then the girls and I headed home to prepare for dessert. Both families had been invited to our place to sample some of the eight delicacies I made and share their own favorites. We had about 40 people in all and even managed to include three missionaries. Everyone indulged in the delights of the holiday and it was an evening well spent.

And since Rebekah turns 13 next week, we all sang to her and watched her blow out her birthday candles while there. She even managed to open her presents later.

We concluded the holiday activities by heading over to the Gill's house for games and a dessert delivery. We were surrounded by family and friends the entire day and felt grateful for such wonderful connections in our lives.

Fun Fun Fun

We had the pleasure of going kayaking with Terry and Zac last week on Lake Almaden. Ramsey and Mom had a blast. The weather was cool and gray but not cold - with dozens of geese and other wild birds on the water or in the air. It was brilliant. A bit of nature and bonding... it was a incredibly peaceful and memorable morning.

And Ramsey was finally convinced to wear his first tie to church! He looked so handsome that we even attempted a family photo, with the camera set on the hood of the car. It was such fun!

Let the Marathon Of Traditions Begin

We love tradition... and this time of year the marathon of traditions begins! And we are the family that has the energy and determination to do it all!!! LOL

We went to the Mall and wrote Santa letters - at Macy's. (Bring stamps - they donate a $1 to the Make A Wish Foundation, for every postcard mailed while there!) Then we ventured out into the larger shopping area and found that Santa was already set up to welcome children - and since it is so early in the season, there wasn't a line! And Mom was sooo excited - she acted like she was 5. She sat on Santa's lap! And then took photos of the kiddos with Santa. We wandered through the mall, spending most of our free time playing in the Disney Store and the children picked out presents for one another. Then we enjoyed lunch and some music shopping before heading home. The only one not dead on their feet was Mom! But a lovely time was had by all.

(Writing letters to Santa - Mom asked for Mr Right - LOL j/k)

(Above - kids and Santa Below - a photo of the photo of Mom sitting on Santa's lap, and the kids)

(Playing in the Disney Store)

Thanksgiving Feast

Ramsey's preschool held their Thanksgiving Feast last week and it was darling. They dressed in costumes they had made, sang songs and then joined their families to partake of the 'feast.' Kristine and Isabella had an early day and were able to join us. It was so wonderful - and his robust performance of the Itsy Bitsty Spider made Mom cry!

November and Texas

Another trip to Texas! The five of us spent four days in Dallas and had an amazing time. We saw the Frodshams (stayed and played with them), the Rebers, Ryan Thompson and his lovely wife Kerri, as well as a few other friends. I got to hang out with my good friend, Dana and the children and I managed to have our Christmas photo taken while there (thanks again Brenda)! We saw Sydney as one of the leads in her newest play, watched a football championship in freezing conditions, cheered for Kennedy at a volleyball championship, made trips to Starbucks, ate out and did a bit of shopping. AND we went to the new James Bond movie! We even managed to debate politics with Joe and some friends. It was a delightful trip and we love and appreciate the Frodsham's and all they do for us!!!


Isabella, Davis and Ramsey jumping in the leaf pile that they had spent two hours working on!

The construciton of the leafy giant!

Enlisting help from others with 'brute strength' was also part of the plan!

Kristine and Kennedy talked non-stop. They were so happy to be reunited and to have time together. They even worked on Kennedy's school art project together!


Tate (who won his Football championship) was very good with Ramsey and lots of fun to hang out with!

Rebekah with Sydney on her right and Kennedy on her left. All of the girls spent time talking, laughing, hanging out and enjoying their time together! But as is often the case, it came to a close all too soon and we headed back to California. But not without a brilliant rendition of 'Defying Gravity.' Thank you girls - that was amazing.

Earlier this month:

Having attended the Egyptian exhibit at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum frequently with Opa (located in San Jose), I could not pass up an opportunity to take my own children there. The facility and its pieces have expanded and improved. My children were awe struck and I was in heaven, feeding them wonderful details about life in an ancient land across the world. I was particularly delighted to discuss Hammurabi's code, Cuneiform and Mesopotamia with them, when we entered that section of the building. (A college student followed us through the museum taking copious notes as I talked to my children - it was hilarious!) Rebekah was a bit sensative to the fact that most of the mummies (people as well as animals) did in fact still have a dead body inside - Ramsey was fine until he saw one with the teeth exposed! That, he thought, was a bit frightening. Kristine and Isabella had lots of questions which of course, delighted me. It was a splendid adventure.

Also, I got to take a group (including the missionaries) up to the Oakland temple! Our trip was to enjoy Angela Johnson's exhibit: Rejoicing in Christ. Her bronze sculptures were beautiful - her depiction of Chirst walking on water was amazing and I was moved... In all, it was a beauitful day and the scenes from the temple (of the Bay) were lovely.

And let's not forget: My cousin Beth got married this month and part of the bachlorette party included a dance class in these five inch stiltetos! It was wonderfully fun and crazy and sexy...

And the best start to November was, Ramsey won his first coloring contest! It was done at the gym and he received a poster and prize bag for his creativity! He was sooo proud of his accomplishment and carried the goodies around for two days... Well done.

HISTORY WAS MADE TODAY

The first African American was elected to the White House today: Barack Obama. And we were part of this moment: Incredible.

...the rest of Samhein weekend and the start of November.

We were up early and off to Kristine's Roller Hockey game. She plays on the Oilers and they have had a great season. She is number 3 - and usually plays defense as she is so much taller than the other kids her age. Her skating has really improved and she loves the sport. I am so proud of her!

I AM A HOCKEY MOM.

Then we picked Rebekah up from her Rainbow meeting and headed over the hill to Santa Cruz. We met with Michelle Gillette, an old friend from college I hadn't seen in years. We had a blast - the rain was crazy going over the mountain but once we got there the kids and I enjoyed the bowling, laughing and french fries!

Me, Michelle and Naoki. It was so nice to reconnect and play - and she's hasn't aged! Not fair ;)


We headed over to Grandma's house Monday night to celebrate Noah's 5th birthday. We gave him track for his Thomas the Train (when did these boys get so big?).

(Jen and Noah)

(Monty - the man!)

(Isabella and our friend Katie - her mom and I have known eachother since I was 5.)

(Rebekah, Naya and Ramsey)

(Nyssa, Kristine and Rowan)

(Grandma and Aunt Joyce - wish the other two sisters could joing them - then all the Guldenschuh girls would be together!)

(Grandpa - my Dad!)

(Noah - the birthday boy!)