The beginning of forever

15 months

2012-02-07T22:43:00.001-08:00

Sawyer's big guy 15th month check up was today and here are his stats:
Weight: 27 pounds
Height: 34 1/2 inches
Head: I never pay attention. It's big, we get it.

He had a couple shots and only cried for a second. It was so much easier when I was able to nurse him during shots (I think I've talked about this before, I miss nursing if you haven't noticed) 27 pounds! My arms are getting pretty buff, lemme tell ya. Especially since he's not really a walker yet. I'll get to that...

Some fun stuff he's saying: Mama, dada, na, yeah, and possibly some form of "grandma" (you hear that, grandpa? Better get it together)

Some fun stuff he's doing:
He's not quiiiiite walking yet. He'll take a couple steps alone but he'd rather hold someones hand and walk around. But he's getting close folks, seriously. He loves playing peek-a-boo and thinks we can't see him when he covers his face (we can) and he loves Mary Poppins. He gives the DVD cover endless kisses. Mama? Not so much. Most of all he loves being outside.

Stuff we're working on: Feeding himself with a fork and walking. Come on already!

The end

Location:Home sweet home

We wish you a merry Christmas

2011-12-16T16:01:00.001-08:00

Growing up I would watch all the Christmas movies and envy the hollyfied houses. The garland cascading down the staircase, big luscious wreaths, stockings all hung by the chimney with care. I didn't know how Santa would find me in our little apartment, but he always did.

I thought that when you had a two story house that was it, you made it. You were rolling in the dough. As we looked for houses to buy I fell in love with some single stories but my heart still wanted a place to hang my garland. Now that I'm a professional when it comes to house buying I know that single stories are actually more expensive per square foot than two stories, and we are far from rolling in any kind of dough. But I have my staircase to hang my garland, and a fireplace to hang our stockings. And I am thrilled.

Here are some pictures of Sawyer and Santa that I'm sure you've all seen.

D-R-A-M-A!

2011-11-15T17:18:00.000-08:00

I'm a little nervous about writing this post because I know how controversial it's going to be.

But it's been weighing on my heart lately, so here I go.

Christmas time. When do you start celebrating?

Or should I say, when are you allowed to start celebrating?

After Thanksgiving? When Disneyland decorates? When Christmas music comes on the radio? Christmas in July? December 24th at the stroke of midnight? I just don't know why so many people care and are deeply disgusted when someone celebrates "too early"?

I've been seeing friends put pictures of their trees up lately and everyone screams "What the HECK?!?!?!?!?!?! IT'S NOT EVEN THANKSGIVING!!!!!!" I'll walk through the store and hum happily to the Christmas tunes and then some grinch exclaims "Christmas Music?? It's 90 degrees outside for petes sake!" Tonight I was going for a walk and listening to Christmas songs on my iphone and every time someone would pass me I would get a hot flash and turn it off. I was scared someone would scream at me "Um excuse me, but what exactly do you think you're doing you big jeark? I am the seasonal police and you are in violation of the holiday code." My next door neighbors put up their lights yesterday and I clapped my hands silently and whispered yaaay to myself. I don't dare tell anyone in fear they'll come rip them down. But why? Why am I not allowed to celebrate Christmas halfway through November? Why is that so upsetting? Can't I enjoy the birth of Jesus, stuff my face with peppermint chocolate, dress my baby in Rudolph slippers and track Santa online as early as I want? Why are people online saying "Would you look at this?? Christmas Trees!! In OCTOBER!!!"

If I put up my American flag in June do you think someone would come knocking, it's not even July yet you freak! Take it down! Are we scared Christmas Cheer is going to run out? Are we frightened we won't have enough holly jollies come December 25th? Im genuinely interested, you people who have strong opinions. Please explain.

Bragadotious

2011-11-09T15:47:00.001-08:00

We went in for Sawyers 1 year check up (and shots, ouch). Kevin is so lucky he works on dr days. It physically hurts me when poor Sawyer has to get shots, and this was the first time I didn't nurse him while he got them, so that was extra hard. But here are his award winning stats:
Height: 33.2 inches
Weight: 24.4 pounds
Head: Nun ya bidness. Let's just say they measured it 4 times.

His 1 year tricks are:
Saying mama, dada & nana (no)
Waving
Clapping
Kisses on occasion
He crawls and cruses along the furniture but isn't walking yet
He loves absolutely everyone he sees and we still haven't gone through any stranger anxiety. Seriously, if jack the ripper came to our door Sawyer would gladly go with him.

Oh the dr wants him to drink almond or soy milk because of some poo poo related issues. Has anyone gone through that?

All Hallows Eve Part Three

2011-10-19T23:19:00.001-07:00

Part 3 you say? Well what could be left? Oh there's lots left.

TV shows
Ghost Hunters I will always be in love with these guys. I've been watching them since they were working out of a trailer. Are they kinda sorta sell outs now? Sure, but still fun to watch. On SyFy

"Wait...did you hear that? Shhh...what was that?"

Paranormal Witness This new show on SyFy can creep me out at 1pm during nap time on a Wednesday afternoon. People recount their paranormal experiences along with a re-enactment and real footage (if there was any.) Super duper creepy.

Look at that! How creepy is that? Oh my gosh and what is that noise upstairs?? Definitely the last time I do this in the middle of the night.

The Haunted Who would have thought that Animal Planet could put out such a good paranormal
tv show? Sure all of the stories have a little something to do with animals but in my opinion this is the scariest show on tv.

Shows to miss: Extreme paranormal. Celebrity ghost stories. Ghost Hunters International. Bor-ring.

Kid shows to catch: Fridays throughout October on Disney are "Dress up Friday's." All of the Disney Jr shows are Halloween themed and so cute. Disney also has "Monstober" where the teen shows are holloween-ified too.

We watch a lot of Disney everything.

Books
Oh my gosh books? Seriously? Oh I'm serious. I just finished Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children and it was SO good. In fact when I host book club (oh I'm a great grandmother now, didn't you know?) this will be the book I choose.

Plus it's filled with odd pictures that the author collected from all over the Unite States. There's just so many reasons why this book was good.

The Sookie Stackhouse series. Now ladies and gents, this series is by no means for the faint of heart or those with very high morals. This is the book series that inspired "True Blood" so...there you go. There's like 50 books, or maybe 16, and they're impossible to put down. But some parts definitely make me blush. (I skip over the sexy parts! I do!!)

Right now I'm reading Holy Ghosts or How a (not so) good Catholic boy became a believer in things that go bump in the night. That's seriously the title, and when I tell people that I'm reading it I say the whole thing. It's a really, really good spooky non fiction book about ghosts that my dad got me for Christmas. Yeah that's just the kind of family I come from.

Thanks dad!!

Ok well that concludes my All Hallows Eve blog post trifecta. Hurry back, hurry back! And make sure to being your...death certificate.

All Hallows Eve part two

2011-10-17T23:13:00.001-07:00

Ok, you asked for it (not really) so here it is. More spooky suggestions for your October. Next we have:
Movies-
Poltergeist Carolaaaaane! Probably my favorite scary movie of all time. Spooky without all the CGI. The scene where all the kitchen chairs are stacked on top of each other? Forget about it!
Poltergeist 2 and 3, optional but definitely not necessary.

"They're heeere!"

Exorcism of Emily Rose You want to kick it up a notch? Maybe throw in some demonic possession? Add based on a true story? This movie is down right scary. The unnatural movements that come with being possessed by a demon gets to me every time. It gave me nightmares (the mark of a really good horror movie.) Even looking for a picture to put on here freaked me out.

A Haunting in Connecticut Oh you want something that you'll have to turn off multiple times? This movie is terrifying. And also based on a true story. I saw it in theaters and when I got home I was so scared I called the police to check through my house before I could go in. Long story. Actually not that long, that was pretty much it. Watch it, and make sure you have someone to cuddle with that night (so you don't have to call the police.)

I got scared looking up this picture too. Maybe I shouldn't write these posts at 11pm?

My favorite Halloween movie that I can't go through October without watching 4 times and quoting incessantly is Hocus Pocus. It's so fun and you can watch it with your beebee's.

"What do you call them Max? Yabbos? Max likes your yabbos...in fact, he loves them!"

Seriously folks I could go all day.

Some other friendly spooky movies that I like are Halloween Town and...well that's it I guess.

Some other not-so-friendly spooky movies I like are Signs, Dead Silence, and all the Nightmare on Elm Street's.

That's it for...WHAT'S THAT BEHIND YOU??

All Hallows Eve

2011-10-16T23:29:00.001-07:00

So as some of you know I like Halloween. In fact, I love it. I'm kind of a Halloween connoisseur, if you will. And I have some recommendations for you, since you didn't ask. I'll tell you some of my favorite hallo-weenie activities.

We'll start off with my favorite,

Haunted houses:
For 10 years (that's a decade!!) I went solely to Knotts Scary Farm- If you go early in October during their "preview nights" it's better; It's cheaper and there's less of a crowd. BUT there's also less monsters. Now, I give it a C- The crowds are rowdy, there's tons of mazes but they're not very good, and it's getting pretty pricey.

Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights-I went a couple years ago and LOVED it. I also went this year and had a great time. The mazes are so well done because, hello, it's a movie studio. The haunted tram ride (the Terror Tram) is a must. Wandering around a studio outside in the dark? Oh yes please. It's kind of far and pretty expensive but it's worth the money. I give it a B.

The Queen Mary-This was the first year I've gone to the Queen Mary's Dark Harbor. It was by far the best and scariest haunted attraction I've been to. They have you go through the mazes with only your group (in my case just Beka and Trista) and you walk through decrepit and most likely haunted old run down places in the ship. It's DARK and loud and there's dead crazy sailors around every corner. It's terrifying. The monsters talk to you, they touch you, they follow you and they most definitely earn the minimum wage they're making. Since they hold the line and only let a few people in at a time it's a long wait to go through a maze. The tickets are only $20-$25 so definitely splurge and get a front of the line pass (an extra $20.) You won't have to wait at all so you can get to peeing your pants faster. I give it an A+

Haunted first class pool

Zombie friend

Other haunted places to check out: Scandia. Castle Parks "Terror on the tracks" (I worked there! Screaming girl in the car? That was me!) Disneyland's Halloween time.

I have more to say but this is getting pretty long. Stay tuned!
Mwahahahahaha!

Hands full of good things

2011-10-03T21:38:00.001-07:00

So as I was coming home from the store I was thinking of the list of things I had to do the second I got home. What, you ask? Change Sawyer, put the groceries away, put S down for a nap, go to the bathroom, maybe drink some water so I don't absolutely die from thirst, eat 2 caramello bars. What did I do when I got home, you ask? Put all the cold stuff away while S played with a plastic bag that says "warning!!! Not a toy!!!!", took him off the stairs 800 times, changed his diaper, put up the curtains up in his room, put him down for a nap, put the rest of the groceries away. Did you notice what I didn't do? I hope you did because there will be a test at the end of this blog. No water, no potty, no caramello bar(s). I was a little overwhelmed, thinking about how life used to be before my little love. I could leave when I wanted to on a whim. Go get a manicure, pedicure AND my eyebrows waxed without looking at my watch once. In fact, what's a watch? It was just me me me. And Kevin. But this article totally reminded me of what it means to be a mom. To "run to the cross" and lay down my life to take care of another little life, and oh how it changed my perspective on everything. I'm a little obsessed with it too, if you haven't noticed. It's on FaceBook, twitter, and I've tattooed it to Sawyer's left arm so I'll always remember that I'm not a mom because it's convenient, I'm not a mom because I didn't have anything better to do, and I'm definitely not a mom because it's easy. I'm a mom because I was called to be a mom, and what a divine calling it is. I just need to be reminded, and often, that it really is wonderful to be so needed.
Read the article here

Pillar of Strength

2011-08-28T07:59:00.000-07:00

A week or so ago, a long, long time family friend was sure to let me know just how lucky I am to have Erin as my wife. That Sunday, Erin had taught Relief Society for her second time. The friend mentioned how Erin is a pillar of strength.

Since that day, we have often used that commonly and jovially throughout random conversations. Yet, this morning I dug a little deeper into the meaning of the phrase and have a stronger conviction of just how lucky of a guy I am.

The first search result for pillar of strength on the church website returns an audio recording about the history of Lucy Mack Smith (the mother of Joseph Smith). Through the recording, several life experiences between Lucy and Erin were quite similar. Each had mothers that were the spiritual leaders of their home. Family religious values of duty, faithfulness, and love were instilled by the mothers as their fathers were out earning to provide for their families. As both Lucy and Erin were converted into the Church, they developed a sincere relationship with the Savior that continually gave them strength as they experienced trials and tribulations. As we know, Lucy raised her children whom would later accomplish marvelous things. Erin, unwaveringly, has already begun raising our children with love and tenderness with a future of endless possibilities.

Day and day out, as a wife and as mother, she provides support to those around her. Upon returning home each evening, I approach the door knowing that on the other side is a place of peace, cleanliness, fun, and love. Though my efforts at work provide a monetary reward, Erin's everyday triumphs attract eternal blessings.

Each day, she helps me grows stronger as my love for her is greater than the last.

Hey guys, wanna come over?

2011-08-18T14:39:00.001-07:00

So most everyone knows now that our house fell out of escrow. A pipe broke and the house flooded. They weren't willing to really fix it so we had to cancel escrow and walk away.

But guess what! We're in escrow again! You'd think I'd learn my lesson and not share until we had those keys in our hands but nope. So here we go again.

It's a big, beautiful house in Yucaipa. Big spanish tiles thought, redone kitchen and bathrooms, a huge covered patio, pool and spa, fire pit and a huge side yard for RV parking but we'll grass it. Oh and a large peeping Tom dog next door.

Keep your fingers crossed!
Click to see!

Personal

2011-08-11T10:24:00.001-07:00

I'm not really one to go on sharing my feelings to the world, but something has been bouncing around in my head for a few days so I thought I'd jot it down.

I'll be honest, sometimes I get jealous of Kevin. He leaves every day to take on the world. He goes to school and work work works. Now he is working on putting together a new charting system for Loma Linda, could that be any more perfect for him? Nursing, but no bedside care+computers=love for Kevin (just a little basic math for you). He's in Wisconsin as we speak, talking to his co workers about computers and needles and HTML and Windows whatever-number-they're-on and iv's. I'm at home looking for new recipes and trying to get my grocery bill under $150. I just feel like they're all SO much smarter than me, that HE'S so much smarter than me. He has places to go and people to see. He goes there and has so much in common with everyone he works with, he comes home and I inform him that Sawyer has poop 4 times, 4! And that I need help putting the sheets on. Such a contrast. And I know he's grateful for every little thing I do, it's not about that. I just feel like it's not as important, and I am envious of all the people he talks to all day and their shared knowledge of something he loves.

But I look at my little Sawyer, and I think to myself that I made that. I grew him, like a pumpkin, in my tummy for 9 months (actually, 10, google it if you don't believe me). I'm the one who figures out what he likes to eat. I find out what scares him. I kiss boo boos. I'll teach him his animals, colors, numbers. To wave hi an bye, and to have manners. I'll teach him to love mama and daddy the same (but to always hug mama a little harder). You know what, most days that sounds pretty ok to me.

Ok and here's a picture.
We take eating pretty serious around these parts.

Returning to Normalcy

2011-07-23T07:53:00.000-07:00

I'm back with some good news. Yesterday, I worked my last night shift as a nurse and tomorrow begin a new job as a nurse informaticist (informal for now). We are all very excited for the new opportunity especially being home every night and every weekend. At first I will be traveling to Wisconsin for a couple of days at a time to go through training. Then, I will be a on a team designing a new Electronic Health Record system for all of Loma Linda's hospital network. The project is expected to last up to three years and can extend well beyond that in a more permanent position.

Of course, I am going to miss my co-workers on Acute Pediatrics as they have been by extra help through nursing school and as I transitioned into the nursing profession.

House Hunters

2011-07-13T23:26:00.000-07:00

Do you watch that show? Cause I surely do.

We've been in the market for a home for about 2 months now and we've looked at close to 50. Kevin spends more time talking to our realtor than to me. But that's ok because guess what?? One of our offers got accepted and we signed papers TODAY!!

And now, here's our own little version of House Hunters: Inland Empire Edition.

Did we go with...

The budget buster in our ideal location (Redlands)?

The affordable fixer upper in East Highland?

Or the spacious landscaped home on the outskirts of town?

We choose...

Are you excited...

Are you dying....

On the edge of your computer chair/sofa/bathtub (lazy)...

THE LANDSCAPED HOME ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF TOWN!! Aka, Yucaipa.

We love it and we are so, so excited! I know things can go wrong in a hot second when you're buying a house so keep your fingers and toes crossed.

Oh you want a tour? Well ok!

CLICK ME!

Baby Sawyer

2011-07-09T13:55:00.001-07:00

I was packing away yet another baby size when it finally hit me; my baby Sawyer will never be this tiny again. It didn't phase me when he outgrew all his other clothes. Newborn? What size is that? He would probably have fit into newborn clothes when he was about 7 months in my tummy. By the time I was packing up 0-3 I was just happy I was surviving. When I was packing up 3-6 I was just happy I was sleeping. But now that 6-9 are getting booted out of the drawers, my heart is sad.

Where's my cuddly baby that loves being held? Now he's a ball of energy that just wants to be let down. He's got places to go and cords to touch.

Sometimes he'll make a face that will remind me of our first few days together, and I actually really miss it.

Stop growing!!

Day 12. Sun flare

2011-07-03T19:32:00.001-07:00

I know, I know. You're all like we know Sawyer is cute but really? We don't need to see 800 pictures of him. Fine.

Here I am on my way to one of my very BFF's weddings, Mrs. Darlene Isom. I was her Matron of Honor, but if you ask her she'll say I was just a bridesmaid.
Check out that flare!

Another flare-ish picture. My favorite sister wives at Disneyland. Hey Sawyer, mind your own business.

I've tried to stop but I can't.

Photo challenge. Day million. Silhouette.

2011-07-02T22:38:00.001-07:00

Just so you know, I had no idea how to spell "silhouette." My phone is {sometimes} good at guessing what I'm trying to spell but this time it was like: Shoplifters? Shipyard? Shipmates? Aka my phone thinks I'm a pirate.

So I had a very lovely lunch with 2 very lovely ladies today at good old Martha Greenes. I dined with my fellow photo challenger, and decormate, Cori Shaw. And my other good friend Nicole, who is an amazing crafter. I'm always drooling over her stuff. I asked her for her secret, and the answer: her silhouette! {I'm super clever, right??} This thing is amazing!! I don't know even half of the things it can do but I know that I super want one. It's a printer that cuts pretty much whatever you want, like the Cricket, but you don't have to buy cartridges. Does anyone else have one? Anyone? Anyone?

Fancy! Oh I want one!

Blog switch?

2011-07-02T09:20:00.001-07:00

Blog switching. Looking into tumblr for quick and easy blog postings. It's more mobile friendly and the new upcoming blog platform. Just trying to figure out how to get tumblr to auto post to current blogger.

Any thoughts? Check out tumblr for iPhone and I think android. Much better layout.

Day something. Animals.

2011-07-01T16:01:00.001-07:00

Are people reading these? No. Do I care? I guess not. Now here's some animals!

Willow my black cat who my dad so generously adopted. Would you adopt this cat? And this is a typical day in the Hudson household: "So I went out and fed Willow this morning. I hadn't seen him in a few days but she was on the porch this morning." Is Willow a girl or a boy? Who knows.

And my Bella puppy. Long before teenagers around the world were fainting in masses over Twilight, I found a 3 week old puppy and named her Bella. Here she is with Elizabeth (who is forever sick and drinking orange juice. Seriously) Now Bella is living in a home where she's treated like a ~~vampire~~ princess. But I do miss her...a tiny bit.

Photo Challenge Defeat and Updates

2011-07-01T06:18:00.001-07:00

Erin is trying to keep up with her photo challenge and doing a pretty good job. She still mainly uses a popular iphone app to share photos, but I am trying to convince her to blog them too.

I have been putting a lot of effort into getting my nursing blog up and off the ground. Between the daily postings, learning the twit language, and some other efforts, I am currently negotiating a feature spot on a new and developing nursing education web site. More on that later.

Meanwhile, Sawyer has been growing up and we are not ready for a curiously mobile infant wondering around.

Last Tuesday, Gramps gave us some tickets to go see Les Miserables in LA. It was the best we've ever seen. Erin keeps humming tunes from the show around the house and sometimes I hear her in the shower.

Lastly, if haven't heard, we are house hunters. After looking at just about every standard sale in the Yucaipa and Redlands and East Highland area within our price range IN PERSON we have a very very competitive offer being considered on a house in Redlands. X (fingers crossed)

Day 8. Fresh fruit. Not as boring as it sounds

2011-06-22T22:48:00.001-07:00

And I'm back! At first I was like take a picture of fresh fruit? Bore-ring. But then I remembered Sawyer enjoyed a little watermelon the other day an now you can enjoy a little {more} Sawyer! Ya welcome.

Day 7. Sunset. Kind of

2011-06-16T21:17:00.001-07:00

When we spent a couple days at the beach we took a little walk with our elf baby. If you look to the left you can see the sunset in the background. Yes you can, I swear.

Look at this face!! Sawyers, not Kevin's. Don't look at his.

Day 6. A high angle , well ok!

2011-06-15T23:19:00.001-07:00

Hi! So Kevin and I went out house shopping today and by the end of it I was starving. He said he'd treat me to 5 guys since I was such a good sport! What does that mean? Who knows. Maybe because I went a whole day without sobbing/swearing/punching a hole in the wall. Yay! Yum!

Day 5. Books

2011-06-14T20:17:00.001-07:00

Now, I didn't take this picture. Nay. But I LOVE old stacked books. I love them with lamps on top of them. I love them with a tiny vase and tea roses on top of them. I love them squished between antique bookends.

Oh that? That's just a stack of of old books I would never read.

We've been looking for for a house (to BUY!!) and do you know what's even better than looking for a house? Daydreaming about how I'm going to decorate this house. I see mason jars, tea roses, distressed picture frames, a white kitchen and stack of books in my near future.

Oh and here's the book series I'm hooked on right now.
It's really.really.good

Day 4. And today it's...breakfast

2011-06-13T10:27:00.001-07:00

I prefer my breakfast in liquid form.

And I prefer my babies really, really cute.

Day 4. Clouds!

2011-06-12T21:24:00.001-07:00

The beautiful view from the beach house we stayed at for a few days.

Another picture I like from the trip. Sawyer and grandma.

And my sister wife Rebekah CLOUD (get it??) and Trista, but who cares.

Location:Clouds, duh

Day 3 and going strong. Hands! Riveting!

2011-06-11T22:24:00.001-07:00

It doesn't have to be my hands, right? Because I would much rather put a picture of my baby's hands. That are attached to his body. Ok I just wanted to put a picture of my baby so, any excuse really.

He's checking for speeders and any other law offenders.

Photos day 2. Don't bother reading, it's about shoes

2011-06-10T12:36:00.001-07:00

Shoes? Who cares?? Bare with me, two readers, the other photo days are better.

Moccasins! All day, everyday, rain or shine, I'm in moccasins. The lady in Oak Glen gives me a deal, buy one get the second half of soooo...

I could get these little (literally) beauties!

Photo challenge accepted

2011-06-09T13:00:00.001-07:00

I stole this little ditty from one Mrs. Cori Shaw and it looks like fun. Plus everyone (my sister and...well, that's all) has been clamoring for me to blog more. It's a screen shot, dumb, so as you can see I took it at 12:52pm and I had 93% of my battery left. How interesting. So here's my first picture!

Self portrait. I rarely take pictures with me in them any more since I had a baby alter my body. But here's me in my supa fresh do rag I'll be wearing with my team, the real housewives of the IE, at the mud run on Saturday!

Oh and I'm blogging from my PHONE! How crazy is that? Welcome to the future.

Beach Vacation Day 2

2011-05-15T00:09:00.000-07:00

Day 2 was a little longer than Day 1 partly due to Little Dude waking up a little earlier than normal. Soon after he woke up, we found that the whole house was uncharacteristically waking up early too. By 8 am, just about everyone was up and getting ready to chow down on some breakfast.

Gma made some yummy breakfast burritos. The secret for any good bburrito is to use tater tots. A MUST. After breakfast, just about everyone loaded up for a trip up the boardwalk on bikes, longboards, and kids in carriers. Gma and Little Dude stayed home to nap.

The rest of the day included kite flying, more bike riding, more eating food, more bike riding, longboard riding, finding ice cream, quick trip to the water, more longboard riding, roasting smores, and then some entertainment as the party goers came back in for the evening. Oh and Mom finally joined us this afternoon after her girls trip out was all wrapped up.

Sneak Peek at pics from the day

Beach Vacation Day -1

2011-05-13T22:13:00.001-07:00

While Erin went to girls night, I was supposed to stay and manage the fort. After a little bribing and intervention from grandma, I got permission to go to the beach a day early.

Getting loaded up and to your destination always takes almost a full day, even when you are just an hour away. I loaded up the truck and waited for additional loads from gma and Diane.

Then pops came home and started to load up for his overnighter. It was the SB Stake father and son, but Little dude is still too little for roughin it, especially in the forecasted cold weather. Besides.... Barren desert or on the sand beach house??

So my choice of route to the beach maybe wasn't the shortest or fastest, but I avoid the 91 like the plague. Instead I took the 210 to the 15 to the 10 to the 57 to the 5 to the 55 to Newport Beach. Total travel time was about 1:20 which wasn't bad for a Friday afternoon.

Unloading wasn't too bad with all the help. We got a two bedroom one bath right next to Newport Pier. It sleeps 8 but tonight we got 12 and tomorrow 13. Air mattresses and little walkways. Amen to having a baby gives automatic bedroom rights.

Last of all, let's not forget why we are here to celebrate AuntD's 30th bday. It just so happens that are downstairs neighbors are doing the same for someone else.

Quick Pics

2011-05-04T01:42:00.001-07:00

He can roll over and pivot 360 degrees by doing crunches. And he like to be up late as long as he gets attention. And he likes to rest his head on your cheek.

Little Stud

2011-04-19T23:15:00.000-07:00

Last week, I was working my second of three in a row, and Little Stud develops a pretty bad cough. I was looking forward to almost an entire week off from work, but instead I spent the next several nights pulling night shifts while letting mom try to get some sleep during the night. He was, and still is a little hoarse, but sounds cuter than ever with his muted cry.

Little stud got well enough to participate as the ring bearer in Erin's friend's wedding.

"What are you lookin at?"
"Don't even think 'bout touchin' my pacifier"

Little Stud + Papi

"Have you seen my teeth" AKA his new face he makes all the time

3 Generations off to General Priesthood

2011-04-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

To give mom some free time alone (and because she desperately needed a shower) Kevin took Sawyer to Priesthood on Saturday night. Sawyer did ok, but then needed to do laps around the church to be content... I guess he can wait the twelve years before he goes next time.

Opening Day/ Moving Day

2011-04-01T09:59:00.001-07:00

We started the weekend long move yesterday. While I was sleeping after working all night, Erin snuck out for lunch with her redlands people and dressed Sawyer up for the day. Since we aren't big baseball fans, he just has the cutest outfit on.

So long, Farewell...

2011-03-30T22:36:00.000-07:00

So tonight is our last night in Redlands, but I'm really excited to move. Except not really. Except it will be nice to spread out and have space. Except I might have cried at Disneyland, a place where you should never cry sad tears. Except Kevin's parents have worked SO hard on the house and it looks really, really wonderful. Except I wonder what Kevin would do if I chained myself to an orange tree.

And did you hear?? Sawyer A) Started solids (way earlier than expected) and B) Got his first tooth! (way earlier than expected) I was shocked when the doctor told me to start solids at only 4 1/2 months, but our boy has a big appetite and I'm just not well enough equipped to fill that tummy. That's the classiest way I can talk about my boobs. Starting solids and teething should never, ever go together. It's awful. Is he hungry? Is it his teeth? Is it the rice cereal? Should I feed more? Less? Squash? Sweet potatoes? Formula? Boobs? Tylenol! Gas drops! Oragel! It's HARD!

First Trip to the Movies

2011-03-28T03:02:00.001-07:00

Mom isn't such a fan of going to the movie theater, but recently the whole fam made a trip to go see Rango and have dinner afterwards. This was pretty much Sawyer's face during the whole movie that is was stuck for a while after... one guess as to who is holding him...

Catching Up with Sawyer

2011-03-10T16:55:00.001-08:00

We haven't been so great at posting photos on FaceBook or the blog of little dude growing up. So I will start posting some of our favorites of the little man. He is already practicing standing with help and won't stop growing.

Waaahhh

2011-02-22T16:58:00.000-08:00

So we are leaving Redlands at the end of next month and I am very sad about this. Around this time last year I was very sad about leaving Riverside (why does my husband keep torturing me? Jk) but this time I think I'm even more sad. No offense Riverside, but I got pretty attached to big Red and the people in it. Join me while I mope, will you?

Things I will miss:

My ward and all the wonderful girls there.

Monday night Bachelor(ette) parties. But I'm pretty sure I'll still go, and by pretty sure I mean positive. Wild horses couldn't keep me away.

One of my very best friends, Amy. She introduced me to all her friends when I had none close. Drank coke slurpees with me while we were pregnant, drank coke slurpees with me when only I was pregnant, drank coke slurpees with me when both of us we done being pregnant. Get the picture? Taught me all kinds of amazing crafty things. Helped me with Sawyer again, and again, and again. She let me know that Heavenly Father would let me cry if I needed it. I copy everything she does, if you couldn't tell. And her babies are Sawyer's best friends, they just don't know it. Why don't I just marry her? Because that's weird.

My Del Taco friends. And I just got over missing my Riverside Del Taco friends.

The meat guys at Stater Brothers. They know that when I order 2 pounds of ground beef I want it separated. That's service.

H&E thrift store.

Target right down the street. Kevin won't miss this I'm sure.

All the beautiful Victorian homes and all the beautiful trees.

This is the place where I met and fell madly in love with my little boy (who is currently crying in his crib. Shut UP Sawyer.)

Jingles and Number 2, the neighborhood cats. Buuut maybe we can get a bulldog (named Jeeves) when we get a house?? Yes? No? Yes? Maybe? Yes?

My favorite homeless people: The guy with a cat on a leash and the guy wearing a Veteran's hat. Is he really a Veteran? Who knows, but he's old and looks sweet.

The orange groves.

Downtown.

Things I will NOT miss, thank you for asking:

Out way too small apartment that felt HUGE when we moved in. How could such a semi tiny thing take up so. much. room.

The people upstairs and all elements of apartment living for that matter. It feels so, so, so good to say never again, apartments!!

Actually I think that's it.

I know I'm being dramatic since we're not moving very far away. But you know how it is when you quit a job and you swear you'll keep in touch but you don't? It's like that.

But big Red, I hope we keep in touch.

Christmas

2011-01-16T15:41:00.000-08:00

These were already leaked on FaceBook, so we are trying to catch up with. Christmas Day was a blast with only 4 house trips. Our first own family Christmas, then Durrs, then Woods, then Tristas. Home by 10:30.

Surprise Santa Visit on Aires Lane

2011-01-09T17:20:00.000-08:00

A few weeks before Christmas, my cousin Richelle convinced Santa Clause to make a surprise to visit to her house to surprise the kids. It was such a nice treat and he never broke character the entire evening.

Sawyer took just a seconds to warm up to Ol' St. Nick, but soon he found his beard that was nice and soft to tug on.

Sawyer and Santa, Christmas 2010

It's pretty weird but pretty cool

2011-01-05T23:51:00.000-08:00

I'm taking up some of my very valuable sleep time to share some thoughts on mommyhood. I'm 2 months in and I love it. I don't love every minute, especially when that minute is 3:42am, but overall it's pretty amazing.

When he cries after I put him down for the night I immediately get hysterical, even though it has never, ever taken us more than 2 visits to pop the pacifier back in his mouth to put him to sleep. Every single time I ask/whisper scream to Kevin "What if he doesn't go to sleep??!" but he always does. I just know with babies there's no guarantees.

I read a book that said night time should be quiet time for baby; it should be boring with the lights low and minimal eye contact so you don't stimulate them. So making him conduct to Boston Pops Christmas music at 2:30am is considered stimulating? You learn something new everyday.

When I told my dad he is now sleeping in his crib at night he asked me if I missed him. Not. Even. A. Little. I love walking into his nursery in the morning after a semi decent night sleep and seeing his little face.

Having this little guy has made me fall so in love with Kevin. He's an amazing dad and I don't know how he does everything. He's a daddy, a husband, a student and a full time nurse. I'm crazy about him.

I love friends with kids, it's so nice to vent or brag to other young hot moms. It's not so fun venting and bragging to my single friends. I'm sure they'll agree.

I love watching other people hold him, especially his Grandma/Grandpa/Aunt. They love him so much and has made me decide that living in California for a little while won't be that bad. They love him and I love having babysitters.

When I would tell people I wanted 4 kids everyone said "Oh just wait, it's hard work." Now that I know this I tell people I want 2 kids and everyone says "Oh just wait, it won't be this hard forever." Ok which is it? I think people just don't like agreeing with you.

I can silently walk around the house all day but when I walk into his room my breathing becomes labored and every bone in my body cracks.

When I put him down for a nap I'm not convinced he's asleep for the first 45 minutes, and just when I think it's safe to take a nap he wakes up. When I think it's safe to do the dishes or laundry he sleeps for 3 hours.

I've never been so tired in my entire life.

That's all for now, and I'm telling you, the second my head hits the pillow he'll decide it's time to eat.

Baby Sawyer Blessing

2011-01-02T10:21:00.000-08:00

Following in similar footsteps, Sawyer had his baby blessing in the same building that his father got his baby blessing. We decided to go back to 2nd Ward so family and friends could attend. It just so happened that Katie and Ryan Stouvenel were blessing Odin the same day. Also, the Rohms all had Christmas together this year so Durrs, Rohms, and Stewarts who once took up three or four rows now took up almost 2/3 of the entire chapel. Thanks to family and friends who could make it, we really appreciate your support.

Durr Family Christmas Letter

2011-01-01T13:30:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately the traditional Durr Family Christmas letter did not go out this year in the mail. However this will be attempt to satisfy the demand from the masses.

Dad spent the year working pretty hard. But to counter for that he got a Disneyland Annual pass and went a few times with Kevin and Erin and extended family. Over the summer he took the young men in his church to the Sequoias in Northern California. Somehow he always manages to bring them all back in one piece. That's probably why he always always works with the young men.

Mom spent the 3/4 of the year doing her thing. Work lots, then travel lots. I I can never keep track of exactly where she has been, but I think she had a two week trip in the Carribean somewhere for scuba diving and then some short excursions around the Southwest US for sights and sounds with amateur non-serious casual photography. She put in a request at work to transffered to the Cardiac Transplant team which would finally take her away from her stint as OR charge nurse. Also, she found a book of "50 places to visit before you die" so who knows where she will go next.

Diane is doing well working in the family business at Stater Bros. After requesting to work in one store, and not all, she was quickly promoted to "key carrier #5." For you non-stater's folk that's assistant assistant assistant assistant manager. She will get decent hours and because she's under the old contract, better pay too. That gives her time to hangout with her boyfriend.

Erin and I had a long year, but were recently blessed with a big baby boy in November. Everyone has been so supportive and we are grateful for family and friends. Erin finished her Preschool teaching license and since has become an excellent home maker. I finished school, started grad school, got a job, and had to stop going to the gym because all of the above. We moved to Redlands early in the year for more room and are already thinking about finding a place with more room soon.

Brian is fully committed to BYU Idaho. He was home for part of the summer and all of Fall. As usual he worked and played a lot. He manned up into a few serious relationships but each fizzled out (for the better we think). Towards the end of the year, he got really wrapped up in deal hunting and saved all of us lots of money with his "Overwhelming Offers." Just before going back to Idaho a week ago, he permanently moved out of the house. So he is fully committed to finishing out school at Idaho over the next two years.

That's US Durrs in a nutshell. Of course the highlight was adding a little one. Now Grandma W and Grandpa compete for chances to babysit. We are all thankful for many good times and the support during hard times during 2010. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas while looking forward to a Happy New Year.

Disneyland Trip #1

2010-12-22T23:37:00.000-08:00

I'm ready... Let's GOoooooooo

Grandpa held Sawyer all day...

Wait.... Where's my churro?

Can I drink the water on this ride?

So many lights and sounds! (Over stimulation)

You didn't share your corn dog with me :(

Suckers, I get to nap while waiting inline

1st trip done, 999999999 to go

First trip to church

2010-12-17T10:33:00.000-08:00

Growing up, Kevin's mom would take pics of the kids in front of the door on the way to church. Sawyer's 1st trip to church was a little rebellious without a white shirt and he slept all through sacrament like his daddy.

A month of Sawyer

2010-12-06T23:43:00.000-08:00

All taken with my cell phone, so much more handy than our big heifer camera.

Ready to go home.

I don't like the sun.

Sleeping with dad: Part one.

He sleeps everywhere, except where he's supposed to.

He hangs out with dad.

I put pants on him that are way too big.

We love the dollar spot. And snowmen.

Yawn.

This beds juuust right. I was doing the laundry...

Sleeping with Dad: Part 2.

Hi. I'm ready to go.

Sleeping with dad: Part 3.

Hangin' in tha bouncy.

Sleeping with dad: Part 3 1/2.

First time at church, dressed like a lumberjack.

Little smile.

Hanging out.

He's so much fun and I love being a mom...a crazy one who's constantly taking pictures on my phone. I'm sure the second baby will be neglected and I probably won't take a picture of them till about second grade.

Coming Soon

2010-11-29T22:32:00.000-08:00

We are still trying to centralize all the photos from cameras, cell phones, and spy satellites.....

Baby Sawyer's Story will be up soon... (mom needs a little more sleep first)

Pumpkin Patch '10

2010-10-24T16:16:00.000-07:00

We had been wanting to go for awhile, and it just so happened that the weather was perfect and baby isn't on his way yet. Got some kettle corn and hot apple cider. Didn't pick out a pumpkin though... none seemed to fit Erin's standards.

A few weeks to go

2010-10-14T22:44:00.000-07:00

This week our good friends Ryan and Katie had their baby boy Odin. That means that we are just a few weeks behind them. We got the nursery cleaned out and soon realized that the "boys" will have to share a closet until we find some more real estate. The nursery wouldn't be full without all the generous support we have received from family and friends of whom we would like to express our deepest gratitude.

Oh and did you hear?

2010-10-09T10:45:00.000-07:00

Kevin got 25 million on Buzz Lightyear. Tell your friends. I guess my 11 million isn't too shabby either. The Hoovers and Trista got pretty high scores too.

Yes I stopped the ride and yes it was stopped for an unusually long time. But it was still hard work.

36 weeks...and counting down

2010-10-08T22:49:00.000-07:00

Look baby love in my tummy, I've absolutely adored housing you but it's getting to be about that time. You've had a very warm welcome since the day I found out you were in there, but to be honest baby, you're starting to wear out your welcome. Ok FINE you can stay 40 weeks if you insist, but 38-39 weeks would be a lot better for me. I miss sushi. I want to sleep on my stomach again. I want to wear my wedding ring. I want to ride on the Tower of Terror and not have to stop 8 times to rest while walking to it. I'd like to be skinny again some day baby, even though at some point (in the very distant future) another baby will make me a walking whale again, I'd like to fit into my skinny jeans. It will be nice to not have the sense of smell of a vampire and I'm sure Kevin will love when these pregnancy hormones start to fade. But of course most of all I can't wait to meet you. I'm so looking forward to you bugging me outside of my body, because literally as I'm writing this it feels like you're trying to break my ribs. I can't wait to name you and dress you and hold you. Waking up to feed you sounds way better than waking up to go to the bathroom or get into a semi comfortable position. Again. And again. So what do you say, baby? Lets get this show on the road.

Back in the bucket

2010-09-15T23:10:00.001-07:00

Finally got back in the Go Kart with Dad, Brian, Eric, and Doug over at Fontana Speedway. It had been a few years since I have been able to get out on the outdoor track. I forgot how much fun it is. The more fun also means they are really fast, up to 60 mph or so. Erin came along and braved the heat and the smell of the County dump a few miles away. She was nervous and stressed that I would hurt myself.

At one point another racer cut me off in a turn. I had to just slam on the brakes to spin out and I closed my eyes waiting for impact. Luckily no impact with other driver or sidewall.

Hopefully, I can go out a little more. For $30 you can race for as long as you want. Pretty fun.... just so hard to type and use my forearms after hanging on...

Baby Prepping

2010-08-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

August is almost over. November is now just two months away. This past week, knocked two big things off BBD's list of things.

On Wednesday, it was WAY hot. Our adventure for the day needed to have really good air conditioning. My mom had suggested the JCPenny furniture outlet store in Rancho Cucamonga in our search for a recliner for BBD's nursery. They don't have everything you want, but just enough of a selection to find what you need for super cheap!

Erin and I tried out almost every recliner they had in the store (100+). No really, we were there for two hours and two or three bathroom trips for Erin. She was having a tough time making a decision, but finally narrowed it down to two.

The selection criteria (in order):

Looks good with the pillow we already have
Small
Has buttons
Looked nurseryish
Rocked and reclined
Comfortable

Eventually my mom showed up. She helped nudge Erin to make a final decision. Then, mom helped pay for the chair as an early baby gift. Now the chair has its assumed position-BUT YOU CANT SIT IN IT UNTIL THE BABY COMES.

Dad helped is get the other big purchase. Just can't say publicly what store we found it at ;) Hopefully I assemble it as good as it looks online. Of course, we are going to try and find similar baskets (in blue though).

We still have lots to do before feeling somewhat adequate before the little dude gets here. Coming up every Tuesday for the next four weeks.... Baby Prep classes.

Date Night... Disaster Avoided

2010-08-22T15:43:00.000-07:00

We have been doing much better about trying not to eat out as much so for Date Night Erin was finally glad to have an exception. She had been craving a salad from Chili's all day. At work, I went out to pickup Chili's for my co-workers. Immediately after ordering online, Erin texted me. An email notification popped up on m laptop and she was jealous.

Later, we got Chili's Curb Side To Go because I wanted Panera. At Panera, we start taking a few bites and Erin starts to pick at her salad, then throws down her fork and starts to tear up.

E: "I can't eat this. This is SO stupid."
K: "What's the matter?"
E: "It has Blue Cheese. I can't have blue cheese. Can we go back?"
K: "It's okay. Let's just get a salad here and put your chicken strips on it."
E: "They don't have ranch and bacon bits. I've been looking forward to this all day. This sucks."
.... A full cry and balling is getting geared up ...
K: "Hold on... Let me check"
.... A little later....
Panera Manager:"Garden Salad with Blue Cheese and Bacon Bits.?.. Just kidding with ranch."

Crisis avoided. Relatively good movie using our last free movie coupons to see Switch (though recommend as a good rental on a comfortable couch).

P.S. When seeing a movie in the theater... Try to show up ten minutes late to miss the previews. Previews these days show most of the good parts of the movie or too much of the plot....

It's that time of year again

2010-08-19T18:27:00.000-07:00

Kevin had the day off yesterday so we went to Target and registered. It was a lot of fun, mostly

because I enjoyed a large diet coke while we did it.

I'm barely showing, right?? No, this is immodest me registering just one precious year ago for our wedding. Registering for a wedding is so much easier than registering for a baby. When you're registering for your wedding you just register for cute stuff you want...and a brita, not things that are crucial for an infants survival. Plus I want everything to semi match. A farm bouncy with a blue pack n play? No thank you.

Then when we got home:

K: Can I watch my show?

Me: I don't know why you record this trash (Rookie Blues). And no.

K: Why not?

Me: Because I'm watching Teen Mom.

Baby Moon to San Diego

2010-08-08T08:51:00.000-07:00

Co-workers and friends all suggested that we take a little vacation somewhere before Erin gets to pregnant and I start work and school. So, we decided to spend a long weekend in San Diego. We both have been down there many times for specific events, but never really to just hang out and explore.

Erin's main reason for wanting to go was to check out the Mormon Battalion museum. About a year ago, they re-modeled they place to look more authentic. Before it looked like a LDS Bookstore converted into an art gallery. Now it is really cool and fun for the kids and adults too. A main mural inside, I think, is of Mormon Rocks out in Cajon Pass. We realized that next time we stay in San Diego, it will be much better to stay in a hotel in Old Town.

Another reason for the trip, Erin wanted to check out the Whaley House. The house has been in Old Town for a while and I will let Erin explain it's significance.

The third reason for going down to San Diego was for Michael and Joanna's wedding. Ryan and Katie Stouvenel spent the night in our hotel room the night before. We all went down to Balboa Park to walk around and hang out while Joanna took pictures. Lots of family and friends showed up for the event and we all had a good time, especially as the sealer was crackin jokes. We used to all gather together for a friend lunch afterwards but everyone had to head their own direction and many had to head back up for the sealing. So my Dad and Bro joined us for a trip to Hodads. Recommend the place except for on a Saturday during the summer. Took two hours to get food.

One night we checked out Seaport Village. Not kidding, this is what Erin found in the first store right off the parking lot. She really wanted the clock. Maybe for Christmas......

I have always been a fan of the water. Something very peaceful about it. Maybe it's time to add an annual sailing trip along with the annual Joshua Tree trip.... This might be a good time to announce that the 6th Annual Joshua Tree is postponed because of BBD.

Of all the times I have been to San Diego for sailing, soccer, and temple trips, I hadn't been to the Naval Museum since I was a young boy. Looks like this trip, this would be as close as I could get. Maybe next time. It's pretty cool to walk the deck of a carrier and walk through a submarine.

We started to realize that night life in downtown San Diego was pretty nice. Pretty clean environment and lots of things to do. Hopefully in the future, a conference or trip with allow us to visit again and stay in the Gas Lamp district so we can walk around and explore again.

All in all, we had a really nice trip. After 4 days, it was nice to get back home. Now, as Erin enters her third trimester, we are anticipating taking it easy through the rest of the year we get to enjoy the next greatest thing to happen in our lives.

You'll be the grandest fellow at the Suburban Parade

2010-07-26T10:16:00.000-07:00

Ok so last night around 1am Kevin's knees found their way over to my side of the bed, so I pushed them back.

K: What is your problem?!

E: Your knees were on my side.

K: It's because of the suburban parade.

E: What suburban parade?

K: The suburban parade...

K: I don't know why you're laughing it's really legit. (Awake Kevin never says legit.)

E: What is it?

K: Redlands hosts it ever year. People fix up their old suburbans and parade them.

K: You're shaking the bed. Go laugh somewhere else.

E: Ok, so the suburban parade is coming, but why did that make you put your knees on my side?

K: Because I was making room for it.

E: Kevin, do you know what you're talking about?

K: Yes.

E: What?

K: The suburban parade.

And that was it. I almost got out of bed to look up "Redlands Suburban Parade" but Kevin told me this morning he doesn't remember any of it. Thankfully I do.

Kevin Passed. Graduated. Hired. Enrolled.

2010-06-23T22:53:00.000-07:00

So, if you haven't been following Erin and I so far in 2010, you have missed out on a lot. But over the past month, I have passed a few milestones in the school/career department.

In late May, I took the NCLEX exam. In mid June I found out that I passed! Took some clearing up of paperwork, but finally got word that I passed. No more checking every morning to see I was a RN before my feet even hit the ground.

Then, also in mid June, Erin and my parents convinced me to walk at my commencement ceremony. I didn't want too at first, but once there, I was glad I was pushed into. All the years of work and effort seem to culminate with classmates and friends. Kind of cool.

Then just today, I was offered a position at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital. I currently work there as a secretary and will start full time as a RN at the end of July.

Oh, and let's not forget that it looks like I will be chasing another degree in the Fall. I am still teetering over pursuing a nursing education degree with clincal specialist in pediatrics or favoring the nurse informatics route.... Got most of the summer to decide....

In the meantime, I am grateful to all the friends and family that have shown support throughout the years. I couldn't have gotten this far without all the help around me.

Holding my Breath

2010-06-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

Since school got out at the end of March, I was studying for my nursing license exam through the end of May. It was nice to get out once in awhile aside from studying and working to have some fun. Of course with Ryan, that usually involves doing something fun. On a great afternoon, we went golfing down on Waterman.

Our wives joined us riding along and making comments. And, yes. I was wearing flip flops and Erin forgot to grab some shoes for me. We didn't really keep score, just played until our backs started to hurt and wives started to wine....

Frogs and snails and puppy dogs' tails...

2010-06-06T16:51:00.000-07:00

We're having a boy! They say that boys take up all your energy when you're pregnant, I believe it. At the end of the night, aka 8pm, I'm out.

Check out this racy photo.

Closeup of his face. He obviously looks like his dad.

That's all from lala land. Kevin's been wonderful. What a funny, handsome, loving husband he is.

-Kevin (juuust kidding. Maybe)

Long Day without any pictures

2010-05-08T23:04:00.000-07:00

by Kevin

Today, I started out while Erin was taking command of the entire bed still asleep. First thing up on the agenda was participating in a service project for my ward.

We were assigned to paint structures at a local park. As I rolled up at 8:30, to my surprise there were over 100 people already busy working away. I thought the event started at 8:00 "Mormon time" which meant people would be showing up around 8:30 too. I picked up a roller, and painted for about an hour. Meet a few people, but left early because of other things to do.

Next up, was attending an induction ceremony for The Nursing Honor Society, Sigma Theta Tau.

As an inductee you get to attend a fancy little lunch reception an Cast Aways restaurant in San Bernardino. Kind of a long luncheon, but hopefully it will help me network for future possibilities. A presenter at the event showed this interesting video.

After the luncheon, I had a little time to spare before going out to eat for Mother's Day/Mom's BDay. The Mexico is one of Mom's favorites....

Baby, made by Kevin and Erin

2010-05-05T22:27:00.000-07:00

That's right you heard it here first. Unless you already knew...then you heard it here second. I'm almost 14 weeks now and here are some 13 week pictures that I think are beyond wonderful, but I promise I won't be too annoying.

1st Easter

2010-04-24T21:52:00.000-07:00

Our first Easter Sunday together we surprised each other with baskets.

Erin hid whole basket, while I only hid her eggs. I couldn't remember

from the night before where I hid one and Erin couldn't find it either.

We tried to get over to the parents place as quick as we could which
meant we got there around eleven. We watched a little general
conference with Dad and had some waffles for lunch.

Then it was off to Grandmas for the family Easter thing. That was a
lot of fun though we were missing some people.

Easter came and went but everyday we are always grateful for the
Savior and His resurrection.

--- Kevin

Auto Trader

2010-04-20T00:45:00.000-07:00

After 5 years of trustworthy service, I was presented with an offer I couldn't refuse. So I have to say good bye to my 4runner (for now)....

Because traded for a 1999 Camry with ONLY 30,000 miles from a 95 y/o man.

Our next car purchase will be a 4Runner again... Hopefully a newer one around the time I finish grad school if not sooner ;) I knowToyota is going through a low period, but hopefully these deals last at least through the year.

Easter Sneak

2010-04-06T23:42:00.000-07:00

The wife claimed "dibs" on posting about Easter, so I am sneaking a post in.

We took a few pictures and had a good time with family. Hopefully she can find some time to get around to it once we try to do our "miracle 3 hour" move tomorrow morning.

I'd like to thank myself, of course, and all the little people...

2010-04-01T11:12:00.000-07:00

So i went to Ralphs the other day and this poor unfortunate soul asked if he could wash my windows. I only had a 10 on me so I politely declined (no!) and went about my business. My heart softened a little in the bread isle so I went back outside and gave him my $10. I showed him to my car and went back inside.

While pushing my cart around I felt pretty good. More than good...proud. Then I started to feel like Mother Teresa, I'm just so full of good deeds and cheer. I could have bought cute tights/del taco with that money, but no, I'm selfless. Not to mention humble. By the time I reached the checkout I was patting myself on the back and thinking up my acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize.

I sauntered out to my car and...my windows weren't washed! That bum took my money and ran.

And that is what you get for feeling like Mother Teresa.

Graduating Nursing School

2010-03-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, I finally made it through nursing school. The ceremony started off with some audiovisual problems, but the event was still a success. It was so hard for me to sit back and not to help out.

That's because I was a little more worried about a speech. I was asked to go for three minutes. I had prepared a single paragraph that I somehow stretched out into almost two minutes.

I got pinned by the teacher I had three times throughout the program. Luckily she liked my class and made things a little easier.

I was surprised with the department award of "Outstanding Leadership." I have to thank Erin for allowing me to lend some of my free time to extra-cirruclar nursing activities.

What's next? Graduate school in the Fall if I can get all my paperwork in on time. Oh yeah, also that test that just says if I can work as a licensed nurse.

Last Disney Trip for cousins

2010-03-10T21:58:00.000-08:00

My aunt Jamie took the cousins out for their last chance to use their passes before they expire. Really, it was her birthday trip. We had a good time and the park wasn't that crowded. We only waited about 40 minutes for Space Mountain. Not bad considering the last time was about 2.5 hours for Halloween.

We wanted to check out the Captain EO hype. Erin didn't even really like it. Tabitha said that her mom owes her twenty minutes of her life back. Jamie liked the throw back to 80s.

Erin doesn't like Toy Story. We always get the same score. Of course mine is higher than hers, but her face is priceless. She isn't impressed.

Becoming our favorite ride is snuggling up on the train to go around the park.

We turned around to take some shots of the Firework show as we were headed back to the car.

Though it was there last trip, it most certainly won't be ours. As long as they keep selling the corn dogs and Dole ice cream, we will be there.

1st Valentine's Day with a Mrs...

2010-02-26T16:14:00.000-08:00

The Mrs. and I waited to have Valentine's Day on Monday the 15th. I surprised her in the morning with a little note.....

After I got home from work, she made an amazing dinner with great mashed potatoes (her first attempt ever).

After dinner we exchanged gifts. We each agreed that we could do better in the future, but it's the thought that counts...

The American Dream and American Food

2010-02-16T23:49:00.000-08:00

For President's Day Holiday weekend, we went down to Disneyland on Friday. Erin wanted to see the aninamitronic Abraham Lincoln so we stopped by to see the little show. During the show, one of his speeches spoke about striving for the "American Dream". I wonder how different the American Dream was in Lincoln's time compared to what many think of today as an Entitled American Dream.

After walking through the park and just enjoying the day, we of course worked up an appetite for our new favorite dish at the theme park. It just so happens it may be the best deal.

Is the picture below a beloved American food product or a model representation of a human artery after eating that American food product?

Corn Dog and fries....umm soooo good.

It's really her favorite. I am still in debate over the Monte Cristo and the Corn Dog.

It was Dad's first trip to California Adventure. We waited 40 minutes for soarin and then 70 minutes for haunted mansion. Luckily he got a pass so we will take him again on a less crowded day. It was fun to see his reactions to the newer generation of Disney rides.

It's raining, it's pouring and Kevin is snoring

2010-01-20T18:30:00.000-08:00

So I went to get pizza for dinner (who cooks when it's raining? really) and find Kevin still asleep on the couch...but he's had a long day so he's allowed to still be asleep on the couch. Here's the sleepy conversation that followed:

K: Oh I see you and your diet coke.

E: I didn't get any diet coke...

K: I see you and your diet coke.

E: I didn't get any diet coke.

K: I saw you with diet coke, where did you hide it??

E: Kevin I didn't get any diet coke.

K: Leave me alone.

K: Shhhh I'm listening.

E: Listening to what?

K: I'm not watching Ghost Hunters anymore.

E: What are you talking about? (Of course I'm laughing at this point)

K: Leave me alone.

K: You're just happy you got your way.

E: How did I get my way?

K: Leave me alone.

And he's back sound asleep on the couch. More pizza and garlic sauce for me.

He still looks like this when he's sleeping.

Auld Lang Syne

2010-01-01T19:21:00.000-08:00

It's rare that you can ever say you know that the past year was the best year of your life (so far)...

But I definitely can. I hung out with, dated, danced, laughed, held hands, kissed, and fell in love with my best friend. You hear that everywhere, "I married my best friend", but i really did. He built me a yellow brick road, how could I not marry him??

We went on amazing dates both at home and out, and I solemnly swear we did not get in one argument throughout our whole dating relationship...after we got engaged we learned a healthy argument is ok every now and then.

Anyway, 2009 had a lot of many other amazing moments that made me smile, and here are a few ♥ Warning: Sap ahead. Remain seated please.

Learning how to make sushi.

Getting to be a bridesmaid in one of my best friends wedding, and also having an amazing batchelorette party too; custom DEL shirts included.

Darlene: Will you hurry up and get down here! The margarita's are getting cold.

Talking on the phone with my beautiful sister multiple times a day about all her insane pregnancy worries, then getting to be an aunt again to a sweet little pudgy girl. My little red headed nephew still has most of my heart though.

Leslie: But then I laughed really hard, do you think it hurt the baby?

Getting to go to the Temple and being surrounded by friends and family, by far one of (if not the most) amazing moments of my life.

Ghost hunting with Elizabeth.

Guitar hero with Trista.

My batchelorette party in Palm Springs and the photo album of it that I got for Christmas.

Trista: I wasn't sure what pictures to leave out...

Erin: There's pictures of me getting a lap dance from a stranger, which pictures did you decide to leave out??

Trista: The blurry ones.

Rebekah coming down three weekends in a row for my annoyingly long wedding festivities.

All the time I've got to be with my dad last year, I feel like I never really knew him before. He really is the most amazing man and I love all of his stories.

Getting along with my brother, now that I finally moved out...I guess he's not so bad.

Getting to see Phantom of the Opera, RENT, Grease, and The Grinch. Marry Poppins was in January so it didn't quite make the cut, but it was wonderful.

Sunday dinners...most of the time.

Finally getting somewhere in school.

Disneyland...every time.

Road trip to AZ. DEL, hot tub, candy, fruit snacks, pizza, hot tub, going to hooters, laying out, hot tub.

All of Kevin's random surprises. Flowers, red vines, dates, del taco. All of my favorite things.

Christmas Eve at Kevin's Grandmas, so fun to compare it to last Christmas Eve. Same place but I felt so awkward, like who is this girl??

Well now I'm family, boo ya.

Mission Inn lighting ceremony and Festival of Trees with my two dads and Kevin. My dad yelling "Light it up!!" right after the countdown.

Hearing my dad say it was on of the best Christmases this year after he kept saying he wasn't excited for Christmas at all.

I think that's it, highlights anyway. Now I'm so looking forward to 2010 and all the fun things it will bring :) Like Kevin graduating! And hopefully moving into a bigger apartment. Woo hoo!

I just love this awkward first picture.

Erin post! Read all about it!

2010-01-01T15:57:00.000-08:00

Like a spoiled wife, I've been complaining that Kevin never surprises me with dates anymore. Like a good husband, he surprised me with a date! We went down to Balboa to look at the boats from the light parade they do every year.

The island and boats off in the distance

Boardwalk

We didn't end up seeing any of the boats up close because they were all scattered but we walked around the island and looked in people's windows (which I liked better anyway)

SO Kevin looked at this house and said "wow look at how many of those plates they have! And there's more on the wall!" Then I told him it was actually a store (notice the sign)...That's him in the left corner amazed at the collection he thought these people had.

Really cute little cafe

A glitsy house

This house was one of the light competition winner. Anything that shoots snow out of a cannon has my vote. Plus it was timed to music, I just don't know if I'd like to be their neighbor.

This was another winner. It had an actual snowman (we're talking real snow), and that's Santa flying around the roof.

This won the "my personal favorite award". Their tree was covered in lights and birdhouses!

More birdhouses

One of the boats

This was on one of the boat docks. I want to live in it.

Our new home

Snowman house (I just looove snowmen)

More of the snowman house

Yum. This is where we ate. Shrimp: Delicious. Whatever I got: Not so good.

Ok this was near Kevin's grandma's house but it needed to be posted. They had about a million inflatable things. It was like one huge Christmas bounce house.

Looking at lights was so fun, we loved looking in people's windows and judging them :) Christmas lights and gossiping, just can't get any better than that.

A day and a night in LA

2010-01-01T13:19:00.000-08:00

This past Tuesday night, my dad treated Erin and I out to see the musical Mary Poppins. To make a day out of it, Erin and I wanted to go to the temple before hand. It was nice to have a morning off and we just hung out as we slowly got ready to go. Apparently we took too long to get ready because we left too late to make our original plan of the 2:30 session. Then traffic slowed us down and we got there at 3:15. The next session started at 3:30 but Erin didn't want to be rushed. So instead, we visited the distribution center and Walgreen's as we waited to hop into the 4:30 session. Well, as I was waiting for Erin, a temple worker told me that she forgot something she needed in the car. It turns out that we wouldn't do a session at all. Instead, Erin and I did sealings for her first time and I think she really liked it.

We got out a little later than we originally planned so we rushed on over to catch up with my dad, my aunt and cousin who already had food for us on the table at a California Pizza Kitchen THAT YOU CAN'T SEE FROM the street. Eventually we found it after doing a few circles in the middle of downtown and the only car on the road. Then we went and saw the play. IT WAS AMAZING! I won't give any spoilers because I have some friends that are planning to see it. Okay just little one, someone TAP DANCES ON THE CEILING. Pretty cool.

Then we had to rush home, making a pit stop for In N Out milk shakes of course, because I had to work the next morning....

Next up.... New Year's Eve at Disneyland

The Grinch

2009-12-26T21:48:00.000-08:00

It's a gift that gave just about all year from last Christmas. Th Grinch was the final play of our season tickets. Only this time, we were lucky enough to have friends tag along too!!!!

Getting Ready for Christmas

2009-12-26T21:43:00.000-08:00

It seemed like Christmas came before we could get completely ready for it and enjoy the holidays. I spent most the past two weeks working while Erin did A LOT of shopping, with permission of course. Somehow Trista started off Erin's theme of present's this year which oddly enough centered around The Wizard of Oz.

Trista got us our official first First Christmas ornament to go on our first Christmas tree. I wonder what it could be.

Christmas day would bring lots of gifts from family and Santa. Erin's favorite gift is probably a Wizard of Oz display piece she got. Mine favorite gift are the Men's Tall scrubs that actually fit right. Most of all we are more grateful for the gift the Christmas is really about......

Merry Christmas..... +1 day

Christmas Time

2009-12-23T21:22:00.000-08:00

After work last Friday night, Erin wanted to venture out for dinner and a walk around the Mission Inn. We always love the Inn around Christmas time as the seasons festivities are always a fun time.

Family Tradition

2009-12-04T21:46:00.000-08:00

Every year, Erin's family attend the lighting ceremony at the Mission Inn on the Friday after thanksgiving. This year my dad tagged along. This was my second year and it seemed like there was even more people this year than last.

I can't wait to try out some cookies and hot chocolate from this place. Hopefully they have a Nestle hot cocoa machine like Disneyland.

Disneyland for the Holidays 2009

2009-11-21T13:59:00.000-08:00

We again went to enjoy Disneyland this Friday night and found ourselves enjoying the evening. First we had a BIG late lunch at Chilis. Then we headed over to the park. It didn't seem like that many people were there based in the parking lot and that it has been the first time that we didn't see the electric sign saying "Disneyland is Busy" blinking.

We liked to reminisce how last year we tooka similar picture in front of this tree and we were just dating. Now being married, we are really happy for what this next holiday season will bring.

Erin found a butt warmer to sit on while we were waiting for the parade. She got tired of people running of her toes with strollers.... WAY TOO MANY TIMES!

For some reason there was a MASSIVE crowd funneling through just to get to the Small World line. Eventually we got on the ride and enjoyed the seasonal dolls singing the same song over and over and over.

Erin found a wanted sign to take pictures at and we tried SO many times to try and get the right angle.

Family Bday Party

2009-11-20T12:05:00.000-08:00

This year we have tried something new with family b-days. Instead having a monthly get together, usually at Grandma's house, the moms chose to have super quarterly bday parties. My mom was in charge this time and wanted everyone to have a little fun in the process. Last Sunday, she got a toy for us to play with as everyone got together at our house. If only it wasn't windy and cold we would have beaten each other up all day.

Erin is fighting a little out of her weight class.

But she doesn't give up.

It's called: "Marriage Counseling"

I have to let her wind up to get a good hit.

Brian turned 24 in October.

Eric will be turning 41 I think?????

Grandma turned a little older :)

Tabitha turned 14.

Zach doing Zach things.....

More "Marriage Counseling" for Richelle and Charlie

Young Women Sailing Trip

2009-11-20T12:04:00.000-08:00

For Veteran's Day, my dad asked my brother and I to help take some of the young women in his ward sailing. Bro and I always like going on sailiing adventures because people always think we know how to sail, when we really we just look over at Dad and see what he is doing and try to copy.

Teenagers these days have to play every song on your ipod without finishing one.

There wasn't much wind for most of the day. BUT we did get a few minutes of some good stuff and scared the girls and their leader on our boat. We were just chatting and then all of the sudden some good wind came along we weren't really expecting. We started to lean (roll) pretty good and the leader, she won't be named, almost jumped up from low side to high side. From then on we weren't allowed to lean (roll) as much, event though that's what you do....

A special treat was a large number of dolphins that came into the bay.

Of course, we had to get some food after skipping lunch to avoid people getting seasick. Chalk another trip, our third, for my brother and I at sailing. Not body hurt, lost at sea, and broken boat unlike trips in the past.

Dad's way of having fun: Getting Hurt

2009-11-15T11:15:00.000-08:00

Dad always likes to play around every once a while. A while ago it was 6,12,24 hour dirt bike races. Luckily they have eased up and now are getting into 12 hours of mountain bike racing in the hills of Temecula.

Dad came in after his second turn on the course. While he was out, it got dark. He didn't take a helmet light, only relying on a handlebar mounted light. Turns out he crashed five times but still had a blast. Oh and the bike is okay, we think.

Its hard for the old man to smile after five crashes and knowing that he probably has to see his doctor for his bruises.......

Luckily a daughter in law can always make him smile.

Turns out Dad wasn't the only one. Eric came in finishing the race and turns out he had a little crash too. Somehow his crash left his bike computer at the top of a hill. Luckily it was face up and on so he could see it.

We hung out for a little bit. Aunt Jamie made some delicious chili and Erin had a good time with her and Tabitha. It got REALLY cold so we bailed before the awards ceremony as the tribute band was "rocking out" to Sublime and Michael Jackson.

Joshua Tree #5

2009-11-10T14:52:00.000-08:00

This year marked the fifth annual Joshua Tree trip. Some of the people were the same as in years past with also some new ones. Can you tell what was different about the group this year compared to previous years?

As always, I don't set up tents. Erin and Katie managed to get the "beast" up by the time dinner was ready.

I forgot a few essentials this year so I had to improvise. The only question is, what use would tin foil have with a wooden spoon?

It actually worked pretty well except for the spoon was half ash by the time dinner was done.

Natalie was passed around quite a bit, but always would cry her way back to mom.

We were supposed to save some dinner for the second wave of the group. We couldn't hold back. Montreal Steak seasoning was just too good to resist.

I have tried horse shoes in the past, but this year we played ALL the time with rules that Ryan "made".

Tummy Time

A kangaroo mouse FREAKED out Katie. She was jumping from rock to rock like trying to avoid a tremor (Graboid for you enthusiasts).

I will probably get in trouble for this one :)

(Photo was deleted due to Kevin's a nerd)

Chelsea following after the example of her husband, Nathan, and coming to a camping trip with rolling luggage. She wouldn't roll it in the dirt though.

Our first camping expereince.

My bad. I told him I couldn't throw, but Ryan still wanted to play.

Natalie could never seem to get enough to munch on.

A Joshua Tree first and LAST.

There is something upside down in the picture. Do you see it?

The Loera's leaving a little before eveyone else. They have the "baby excuse"

All in all it was a good trip. Not as much climbing and hiking as in the past, but a very good time with all the friends that showed up.

ANOTHER tranisition...

2009-11-05T10:48:00.000-08:00

Okay... So I just discovered today that Wordpress.com has opened up its features and site to free users.

For those of you who blog out there, have you ever wanted to do more than blogger lets you without having to become a HTML (computer code) geek? Blogger and Google have a partnership that has several tools spread over across thier sites.

The answer is Wordpress.com. They have everything in one site and they are the leaders in intermediate to professional blogging. I will be transitioning over my blog over to them in the next several weeks and will let you know about the process for any one that is interested.

First thing is to go to wordpress.com and sign up. Takes less than two minutes. If you explore around a little you will find a blogger import tool. I found that the import isn't THAT great for formatting, but gets the whole job done.

For a preview of what I have so far go to http://durrfamily.wordpress.com

Let's go to Disneyland right now!!!

2009-10-29T15:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a surprise trip to Disneyland for Erin. I always enjoy surprising her and seeing her eyes light up when she is more than happy. We had a good time and there weren't that many people there. Hot Chocolate season at Dland is BACK!!!

Knotts Scary Farm aka Get surrounded by teenagers

2009-10-29T15:37:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we went to Knott's scary farm with friends. For some reason, Halloween Theme Parks are really, really popular. We had a good time though we felt like the oldest people in the park.

Ryan and I decided to go on the tower ride, whatever the name is. We didn't think we would be scared until we actually started going up and looked down at the ground disappear all the way at the top. Falling isn't the hard part, it's the waiting to fall while looking down. Lesson learned --> Dont' Look Down!

Of course we had to get some grub at 2:00 am in the morning. Infortuantely, IHOP was the closest thing around. Sure IHOP always sounds and looks good, but an hour later all you have is partially chewed pancake lumps and sugar in your stomach....

Seeing orange at Dland

2009-10-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

For the first three Fridays in October, we enjoyed the opportunities the season brings to attend pumpkin events and scary looking places. Two of those Fridays were spent at Disneyland. The first trip was to get our Just Married pins as it would be our first time returning to the park since the marrAge. The second trip was with Matt and Wendy. Both times were fun along with the masses of people. We waited almost 2.5 hours in line for Space Mountain. Kind of not really worth the wait, but I won't spoil the surprise while on the ride....

Days to Remember (9of10) Reception Photos

2009-10-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

My family put together a pretty amazing party/reception for us. If only we hadn't showed up 30 minutes late. Thanks to everyone who showed support and the gifts!!!

Days to Remember (2of10) WEDDING PHOTOS

2009-10-19T19:24:00.000-07:00

Wedding photos have been around for a week or so now. Stacey did such a great job. Her website is staceybishopphotography.com. If you go to her site and click on clients, we have more photos listed there. Password is erin.

I would add captions to the photos below, but some of them still make me speechless.... Enjoy

Days to Remember (6of10)

2009-10-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

I got so far behind that know I am trying to catch up. On Wednesday, we traveled up the coast for a picnic on a cliff and then went to Hearst Castle.

Days to Remember (7of10)

2009-10-04T21:33:00.000-07:00

Good news.... the pictures are in. Now we just have to get them uploaded and put up in an orderly fashion. In the meantime, here are the last of the Honeymoon pictures we will put up. They are from our last "full" day in Avila beach. Day 6 was mostly spent as Hearst Castle which provided for some cool pictures but you will have to check Facebook for some favorites.

Days to Remember (4of10)

2009-10-04T21:29:00.000-07:00

So if you haven't figured it out by now, we are trying to stall until we are able to get our wedding and reception pictures from the photographers. Here are the pics from Monday September 14, 2009

Picture from a trash can

Where is the food!!!

Days to Remember (1of10)

2009-10-01T12:50:00.000-07:00

The night before we got married, friends and family hung out in San Diego. Thanks to Audrey, we found a great hotel to hang out at and cook up ribs and play tennis, basketball, and enjoy the cool summer night.

Lazy for hire

2009-09-28T20:53:00.000-07:00

Since my good friend Lauren called me out via blog, I was thinking about all the jobs I've had laughed to myself. Now that Kevin is eternally trapped I can share now how job non committal I've been in the past. What can I say, I get around.

Marriott- Didn't make it past the training video, and this marks my first attempt and failure of keeping a job.

Rite-Aid ice cream scooper- Finally quit after taking so many days off, like talk like a pirate day. Mortgage company telemarketer- Not so bad when you're on the other end.

Marie Callenders hostess

Norms hostess

Hollywood Video- Didn't make it past training. They were going to give me 6 hours a week. Plus I'd be working at Hollywood Video...

Pest control dispatcher- Tons of RM's, hubba hubba.

Tanning salon- Old people sweat=about 2 months.

Movie theater concession stand- Quit after 1 day, I had a pretzel thrown at me. No thanks.

Lexus of Riverside- Fired! Broke my heart.

Castle Park monster- absolute best best job, I got to get all bloody and scream for hours every weekend.

Castle Park Big Top- NOT the best job, 1 day.

American Eagle- Worked there over Christmas, with the 40% discount no one got presents that year.

San Bernardino Mitsubishi- Aka San Berdu Mitsu.

Mortgage company telemarketer...again- Quit after 1 day. They made me ring a bell and press a "That was easy!" button. One person said they were interested, and I hung up on them because I didn't know where to go from there.

Hollister- Didn't make it past training.

Spaghetti Factory- About 2 weeks. I hated everything.

Coffee Depot- Didn't make it past training.

Nanny

9th Street Eatery server

Ihop server

Ruby's server- The dress was fun, gaining 20 pounds over a year was not.

Denny's server- Students/homeless don't tip well.

Receptionist, not sure for what exactly- 1 day, secretly texted all day.

RCC Art Department- Laid off! Darn California.

RCC pre-school teachers assistant. This is me now :) and I'm in looove.

That comes to a grand total of 26...I think that's all.

Days to Remember (8of10)

2009-09-27T21:35:00.000-07:00

Friday, September 18, 2009 would be the last official day of our honeymoon. Fortunately for us it would also the first bad weather day of our trip.

This is basically the only place in town to buy groceries and hot food to eat.

Avila Beach is SUCH A SMALL little beach town but was also our favorite place that we stayed on our trip. we definitely want to go back sometime.

The welcoming committee to Solvang.

A few days in and still the happiest couple in the world....

Of course we had to stop to get a quick snack to take on the road with us

Solvang was a nice place to stop by and see. It is a lot like Lake Arrowhead.

This Santa Claus lane must be where Santa keeps his beach house.

Once we got home, Erin wanted to got straight to check out what was going on.

When we finally got home, we entered into a different world.

Thanks to a few old bishopric friends and family.

CSUSB Furlough Days

2009-09-24T08:40:00.000-07:00

This school year, CSUSB has been asked by the state to hold furlough days in which school in suspended for that day. In addition each member of faculty will have three additional furlough days in which there won't be any class. For those of you who aren't good in math, there are only twenty class sessions each quarter. This cut wipes out 25% of class periods. Who knows that in the near future they might adjust unit credits because of the disruption of total class hours

I am all about getting days of from school. However, when a business cancels days of service shouldn't you get a pro-rated rebate for the day of no service. On the contrary they are raising prices. AND if teachers really cared about teaching students, they would teach anyway on the "furlough day." Teachers are paid salary and not "by the hour." Just my two cents.....

So instead I get to take my wife to Disneyland on two extra days each quarter this school year :)