The Tracys

Resurrection Sunday

2010-04-11T19:19:00.001-07:00

He is Risen!! Our church worship service was awesome...what an amazing truth to celebrate...that Christ conquered death and rose from the grave so that sinners might be saved!

My dear friend and "twin" Holly Miller

I love seeing the little girls in their Easter dresses!

Cute picture with two of the Miller boys, Peyton and Pryce

Here comes Daddy!

Lunch at her new table

We ended the day relaxing at the Shacks, enjoying sweet fellowship and lots of outdoor activity. Emma is great with the little girls, pictured above playing in Mariah's room.

Easter Party

2010-04-11T19:05:00.001-07:00

Family and friends joined us the day before Easter to celebrate Katelyn's birthday. We had an egg hunt for the kids and enjoyed playing in the backyard. It was also a chance to celebrate my nephew birthdays...Happy Birthday David and Thomas!

My Dad :)

Uncle Matt getting a smile from his niece

Jonas' brother Mark with little Nathan and his mom, Jen

The Millers arrive :)

Katie likes her new set of wheel...David giving her a push

Happy 2nd Birthday Katelyn!

2010-04-07T13:04:00.000-07:00

Thank you for celebrating Katie's birthday on the 28th with us Berbaums and Pleasnicks! Thank you God for blessing us with such a precious little girl to love and teach about You. She fills our home with laughter, hugs, and countless other joys.

Uncle Trey and Katelyn

2010-04-07T12:54:00.000-07:00

Uncle Trey is pretty smitten by his little niece. He always calls her "precious" and gives her lots of attention, which Katelyn just eats up. A day or so after his last visit, where he's pictured below reading to her, a funny thing happened. I happened to call her 'precious' when she came up to me for a hug. She looked up and said this sentence, quite clearly, "That's what Trey says!" For a girl who's just starting to talk in sentences, that was quite a mouthful! It was very sweet...

Showing her the ropes at Sea World...

Sea World with the Jassos

2010-04-07T12:41:00.001-07:00

What a fun and special day! Our nephew, Thomas, was down for spring break and we were also finally able to meet Ryan, our new nephew! He is nine, has lots of energy, is adorable and won all of our hearts.

The boys all piled on Trey...Caleb is loving that his cousins are just as rambunctious as he is!

Ryan hamming is up...he is such a character!

Isn't this cute of the cousins?

Nice shirt Alaina...you are one of my heroes. I am so proud watching you with your boys!

Jonas joined us later, after work, and as soon as he confirmed with Ryan that he would indeed be joining him on the Atlantis ride, they were fast friends. Ryan was holding his hand within a couple minutes of meeting. So so sweet!

Softball

2010-04-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

This is Emma's first time playing softball. She's on the Hot Shots team with very nice teammates and supportive coaches. We're proud of her perseverance in a sport that is definitely out of her comfort zone...Emma's a good slugger and is making progress:)

I think she has the most fun eating sunflower seeds and chanting with her teammates in the dugout!

Mystery Night 2010

2010-04-05T23:03:00.001-07:00

Mystery Night is planned by our church every year to draw the unchurched friends of those in our youth group. Leaders are stationed around Murrieta in crazy costumes (see below!). Students, assigned to a vehicle, race around trying to hunt us down with the help of clues, each group trying to be the first one back to the starting place. Once everyone returns, the evening ends with a clear gospel presentation. Over 200 students attended this year!

Jonas and I were Nacho Libre and Sister Encarnacion...and boy did Jonas get in character! It was quite impressive. At each stop, students have to do whatever task they're given before receiving their points and moving on to the next one. Jonas had them flapping and running to demonstrate their "eagle powers"...after munching on the "Lord's chips" to provide them with the proper "nutrients". Finally, he led them in the ballad Nacho composed with Encarnacion in mind...his forbidden love. I just got to stand back and be entertained while Jonas did all the work.

The act was a hit and I was quite impressed with his singing!! How could Encarnacion resist such a great guy, stretchy pants and all???!

Caleb and Peyton Miller as "Ramses"...I think Caleb ran the circuit with Jonas each time a group came through. Oh, and did I mention there were 50 groups???!!! Yes, Nacho was one tired and sore luchador the following day.

Big Bear Getaway

2010-04-05T22:48:00.001-07:00

One of the benefits of living in Southern Cal is that you can enjoy the beach, the desert and the mountains in one weekend. However, until now, we've never taken advantage of that fact! Our Spring Break vacation was a Friday night in Newport Beach, then bike riding in PERFECT sunny weather along the shore. Sunday found us up in Big Bear Mtn. where the snow had been so great this year due to our rainy winter. Unfortunately, we missed the good powder. It was pretty slushy by the time we got there. But it was fun just hanging out together!

Mother ~ Son Bowling Date

2010-04-05T22:39:00.000-07:00

Well, after the fabulous Father/Daughter dance, the school had to offer a special outing for Moms and their boys right? Smart to go with bowling vs. a ball. Caleb and I had a fun afternoon and even managed to get a few strikes...with the help of the rails of course! Yes, I am a lousy bowler!!

I hate to admit this fact, especially with in-laws who are totally into the sport!

Almost two and too cute!

2010-04-05T22:29:00.000-07:00

Love the hands in the pockets...

Katie is sooo much fun! She is really talking more and keeps us all entertained. Oh why must the terrible twos have to come??!

Winter fun...

2010-04-05T22:21:00.000-07:00

Children's Museum

2010-04-05T22:07:00.000-07:00

The Children's Discovery Museum in Rancho Mirage is the BEST place to spend a rainy day with kids! And we certainly had lots of those to choose from this year! We try to go here every winter and have a blast every time.

A girl after my own heart...just find a scenic window seat and settle in with a good book...

Father ~ Daughter Dance

2010-04-05T21:25:00.000-07:00

This was such a memorable night put on at the Innovation Centre, where Emma attends school. She is now willing to put up with the "curling and primping" which is fun to do in preparation for a "ball". Do you recognize the dress Meg?

Wow, these two look so alike! I'm always surprised when people comment that Emma resembles me because my family and I often refer to her as "Jonette" :)

I love these pictures...what can be more special for a young girl than a fancy night of dancing with her daddy?
Emma and Lauren having a blast together...we are so grateful that these two are able to go to the same school.

Jeff Snow pictured in the center :)

Valentine's Day

2010-04-05T21:13:00.000-07:00

Jonas and I celebrated at Gerard's French Bistro in Riverside. We have been there for our six month "dating" anniversary (!), at least one wedding anniversary and now Valentine's...I think there are new people running it each time but it's always cozy and romantic! Wish I had pics from past visits...

The kids enjoying all the inventory after their school parties!

Monster Jam

2010-03-01T16:42:00.000-08:00

Jonas took Caleb to San Diego to watch the Monster Trucks race. Caleb is a big fan of "Grave Digger"& "Iron Man", to name a couple. They had a blast!

Visit with Montgomery Family

2010-02-05T19:10:00.000-08:00

Our good friends of many years, Nathan and Laura Montgomery, visited CA in January from their hometown of Iron River, Michigan. Nathan has recently been accepted as a full-time missionary for Friends of Israel and their hope is to relocate back to their native CA to minister in the L.A. region.

Nathan is a gifted electrician and we always have a few projects for him when they make their annual trek to So Cal. If he knew what we had in store for him this year, however, I think they would have made an excuse not to visit the Tracy casa!! See below...

First, here are the kiddoes enjoying the heated spa...the older boys actually went in the freezing pool water, since after all, they are from Michigan and have a whole different temp. range!

My lovely friend, Laura...nice smile Katelyn

Okay, so here are Nathan and Jonas, about to attempt an insane lighting project. They used an extension ladder to ratchet up an 18' sport court light, which had to be inserted into the base. So this super top-heavy light was lifted by these crazy men, under cover of darkness, about 20' or so, with Jonas on a ladder trying to line it up with the base. My job was to stand back and shout if the light started to lean or fall over...hitting the men and Laura who were lifting it up. Nerve-wracking!!!

Thank you Nathan & Laura for everything!!

Happy New Year's 2010!

2010-02-05T16:54:00.000-08:00

My brother's family came down for New Year's weekend and it was a blast hanging out with them, as always! Jonas and Matt always manage to fit in every possible sport within whatever time frame they have. Kari and I finally got to escape to the mall for a few hours for some rare shopping time together.

My niece, Megan, playing with Miss Katelyn

Caleb and his beloved cousin, David

Katelyn decided to apply a little lip color for the occasion...

Once again, the karaoke machine provides lots of entertainment...

Christmas Day

2010-01-31T20:43:00.000-08:00

After opening gifts at our house, we piled in the car and headed to Corona to continue the festivities with the Pendletons and Jassos!

Here's a noteworthy picture of my Dad and Uncle Ronnie...their many surfing adventures are described in the Surf Story my Dad wrote and distributed this Christmas. He and Uncle Ronnie were part of the pioneering generation of surfers in California...and they're still surfing!

I found these two (above) in the garage...Katelyn thinking she's going somewhere and Megan (12), wishing she could take her for a spin!!

Oh boy, I am loving all these presents!!

Christmas Eve

2010-01-21T13:42:00.000-08:00

We began the day by having the kids each open a new Christmas book...

Then, the Tracy family arrives and it's time for gifts, food and fun!

We ended the night singing away on the Karaoke machine. Courtney (above) is a gifted singer and showed us how it's supposed to be done! Katie stole the show with her dance moves...

More Holiday Memories

2010-01-21T13:11:00.001-08:00

Baking cookies with friends...

Could my smile be any bigger, jeez! Probably Beth's fault...her dry sense of humor makes me laugh so hard...
Tracy is a kid magnet!

These are from the night we decorated our tree...

And these are from the "Breakfast with Santa" we went to for the first time thru Parks & Rec...Katie loved it!

Finally, this is the night of the kids' Christmas performances through school. Caleb's kinder class sang "Must Be Santa" and Emma's third grade class performed to "Jingle Bell Rock". I choreographed the 3rd grade dance (with lots of help from Joey Snow), which was such a blast.
Thank you everyone who came to watch the show!!
Katie waving to Santa at the Breakfast...

Night Out with our Little Men

2010-01-21T13:06:00.001-08:00

Some of Holly's extended family were involved with a Christmas show in El Cajon, so we took the younger boys to see it. What a great experience...I was totally impressed. Here we are with our handsome escorts...I look at these pictures and just want to freeze time!!

Christmas Baby Shower

2010-01-21T12:55:00.000-08:00

The Pleasnicks have been blessed with their second daughter, Elizabeth Anne (Izzy). She was due on Dec. 25th but (thankfully for Beth's sake), arrived a bit early! These are pictures from the intimate shower I hosted with the help of her Discipleship group friends. Everyone was told to dress comfy and we kept it very simple...cinnamon rolls & coffee. I love that Beth is a no-fuss type of gal:)...and who wants to get dolled up anyway when you are 9 months pregnant!

Congratulations Pleasnick family!!

Advent Celebration

2010-01-19T14:05:00.000-08:00

We had such a great time with the Miller family, celebrating Advent on many of the Sunday evenings leading up to Christmas. Tony and Holly know how to pack in a ton of memorable holiday activities, let me tell ya! We decorated Gingerbread houses, read Advent devotionals with the kids, went to holiday musicals, and joined them for their annual trip to sing carols at a home for seniors.

My very simple Advent wreath & candles
Holly and the boys with a Gingerbread house still intact...for now
Hate to rub it in, but ours lasted all month Holly!
Holly lamenting the roof cave-in...
Jonas and Tony working on something...TC HW??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyMCyIfK4hk

I saved the best for last...you've got to check out this footage of Caleb and Parker singing Sunday School songs for their teacher, Mrs. Mueller

Field Trips

2010-01-14T22:27:00.000-08:00

Emma was required to take three field trips this fall on her homeschool days, which was a fun assignment to accomplish.

First, I took her to a concert at the Master's College, where Dave Wood's daughter was singing as part of her Music degree (she has an amazing voice). Below we're pictured with Lisa Wood and her daughter Abigail...we visited them in Idaho over the summer. Very special to see them again in CA!

Next, we spent an afternoon at the Temecula Children's Museum nearby...and had the place all to ourselves.

Finally, we took advantage of our Sea World passes and visited Alaina at work, taking care of the otters in their exhibit. How many kids get to go behind the scenes at Sea World?! It is sooo cool when your aunt is an Animal Care specialist!!

Thanksgiving

2010-01-14T21:57:00.000-08:00

Vintage photo! I love this picture from Emma's kindergarten year...this was from their Thanksgiving feast.
Emma hosted a tea party with friends from church after we read "An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving" by Louisa May Alcott. The apple cobbler on the right (above) is an original recipe from her estate in Concord. A film based on the story came out this year and we enjoyed watching it as a family...a fun new tradition!

Thanksgiving Day was very warm and we enjoyed sharing it with Jonas' parents and brother, as well as the Pleasnick family. Beth, I need to get a copy of the pictures you took!

Soccer

2010-01-14T21:44:00.000-08:00

Caleb had a blast playing on the Mint Chips through MVSL this fall. It was so rewarding to watch him enjoying soccer and giving it his best effort. Thanks to our family for coming out to many of the games to cheer him on!

Caleb loses first tooth

2010-01-14T21:41:00.000-08:00

Just so happened that on the same day Caleb lost it, his buddy, Logan, ran up from his house while we were eating dinner, to show us his first missing tooth as well. I had to grab my camera, so cute!

Halloween

2010-01-14T21:24:00.000-08:00

You've already seen this picture on our Christmas Card...I wonder how many people thought this was my real hair?!
Caleb and his buddy Cole, at the school Harvest festival
Jamie & Jake came out on Halloween to take pics

Kelsey & Katelyn all dressed up for trick-or-treating
I love seeing everyone dressed up!
This was one of the cutest things to watch...Jonas taking his

little girl trick-or-treating...she quickly figured out just what to do!
Abigail Pleasnick with John...so sweet

Bates Nut Farm

2010-01-14T21:17:00.000-08:00

Caleb's kindergarten class had a field trip here in October, so Katelyn and I joined them for the day, picking out our family pumpkins to decorate with.

First Day of School

2009-09-01T13:53:00.000-07:00

We've been looking forward to this for a couple of weeks now. I'm so thankful our kids are excited to go back to school:). I know I am ready!!

Emma returns to Innovation Centre for third grade. 3-8th graders are on a block schedule with three class per day plus homeroom. She is doing great so far and keeps her assignments organized with a planner. I'm impressed...most high school students I've taught can't manage to do that!

Caleb is in the pm kindergarten class at Innovation Centre as well. He's one of the older kids in class, but we're glad we waited until this year to start. I enjoy having time with Caleb in the morning to read and get homework done.

Road Trip to Idaho

2009-09-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

We took our first "road trip" with the kids (minus Katelyn), to Eagle, Idaho. Our friends, Dave & Lisa Wood, live in Idaho and we had wanted to spend more time with them after meeting in Maui.

The kids actually did great in the car, considering it's about 14 hours each way.

Lunch in St. George, Ut

Swimming with Daddy in Las Vegas

The Wood casa

Abigail Wood...she is such a sweetie. It was a joy to get to know Abigail as well as her big sister, Debbie, who was home from college for the summer.

Swimming in the river at Eagle Island Park

Jonas enjoyed bouncing the kids as high as they could go on the trampoline!

We spent another day at a nearby waterpark...it was so much less crowded than those here in Ca!

It was such a blessing to spend time with the Woods! They are experts when it comes to hospitality. I am so thankful that we were able to make this trip happen.

Dance Recital

2009-09-01T12:49:00.000-07:00

Jonas & Emma performed in the June recital with Temecula Dance Co. Emma had a jazz routine with girls her age as well as the Father/Daughter dance, which is the highlight of the night. She and Jonas practiced weekly for about three months...it will be a memory to treasure. I was so proud of them both!

Just a couple hours before the recital, our friend and photographer, Tracy Dodson, took these shots below. I think she captured them perfectly!

Thank you Shannon for doing Emma's hair and "stage" makeup!

Katelyn

2009-09-01T12:43:00.001-07:00

Here's a few pics of Katie from this summer...

First time wearing two ponytails

She loves riding in this truck at Grandma's

Enjoying a peach from Costco...I only buy peaches from there now, I never get good ones at the regular grocery stores!

First thing she looks for in the bath is a washcloth to suck on...yuck!

Party for Kelsey

2009-06-30T12:50:00.001-07:00

Kelsey McElroy celebrated her first birthday at the park last weekend. It was a fun time with church family...thanks Mark and Kari!

Eli and Karsten were so cute...

Waiting patiently for pancakes!

Mark works with Jonas in San Diego...we've been blessed to get to know he and Kari, and of course, adorable Kelsey

Thank you for coming to my party Katelyn...can you please let go now?!

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-30T12:31:00.000-07:00

The kids and I detailed Jonas' Honda Civic for Father's Day this year. It was sooo dirty! His car serves as his inventory storage for work and there is rarely time to organize it, let alone give it a good scrub. I was so proud of Emma and Caleb...they worked hard.

Jonas, you are the best! Thank you for being a loving, fun, and God-fearing Daddy to our three precious kiddoes. We love you soooo much....

More from San Elijo

2009-06-30T09:52:00.000-07:00

Our second week at San Elijo was a blast. Katelyn did super when we shared a site with the Millers (thanks to all the extra pairs of eyes to watch her) and the barricade we set up. However, we decided to let her get out of the dirt and return to the "Four Seasons" with Grandma Nancy during round two. Several more families were camping this week...the Emards and their daughters' families, the Lees, Holly's parents, etc.

Our good friends, Nathan and Laura Montgomery, brought their four kids down for the first day. The rest of the week we shared our site with my brother and his family. We all ended up coming back to our house a night early...ready to be done with tent camping, train sirens, etc.!
In this first pic, Nathan and Jonas are playing with all the boys and you can see Emma and Avalon Montgomery in the water.

Captain Jack's first trip to San Elijo

Parker and Caleb catching a few waves

Laura and I have been close friends since high school youth group days. She and Nathan are waiting to be placed in full time ministry by Friends of Israel...it's quite possible they'll be sent to CA from the east coast, where they've lived for several years. We like that idea! We've really missed you guys...

Now for the camping adventure. As Jonas and Nathan prepared to leave for a dinner run, our CRV indicated problems under the hood. The Millers had told us how the camp squirrels get up into cars and chew hoses, etc. Well, turns out a squirrel exploded in our engine! Its remnants drew a crowd of children while "MacGyver" Nathan fixed our car, elbow-deep in squirrel guts with limited tools. God is good...Nathan is an amazing electrician by trade and definitely the person you want by your side when such troubles occur. It was really gross, but totally typical for us!!

Footage of the guys playing football

Snacking sisters

2009-06-25T14:47:00.000-07:00

The girls were both eating apples (Katie grabbed one off the table), and Emma told me to quickly take a picture. So glad I did!

Time in the Word

2009-06-25T14:43:00.000-07:00

Beth, I think Abby has been encouraging Katelyn. I found her looking through our new copy of the Jesus Storybook Bible the other day (a favorite of Abby's...see Pleasnick blog). So glad they are sharpening one another at such a tender age.

Huntington Library

2009-06-25T14:24:00.000-07:00

In between camping trips, Michelle and Jenna West joined Emma and I for a day of "beauty and culture" in San Marino at the Huntington Library. This is definitely one of my favorite places. The grounds are so lush and colorful...love the Rose, Japanese and Shakespeare Gardens. I was eager for Emma to browse the art museums and start learning to appreciate what she saw. The girls were cracking me up with their headphones as they listened to the recordings about the various pieces. When I saw her eagerly taking Jenna over to neat, large painting, I thought "Mission accomplished!" Turns out she was wanting Jenna to listen to the "cool" music playing in the background of the narration! Ah yes, reality check!!

The Huntington has added many hands-on displays which makes it fun for kids...really liked how they did the new Children's Garden

So English! You can sit inside on benches and pretend to have a spot of tea...

Yes, I'm afraid Michelle and I allowed the girls to climb trees...didn't you love to as a kid? I know I did! How many neat, twisted old trees do we have in Murrieta??

So nice to have a day enjoying my oldest daughter...thank you for holding down the fort Jonas

Emma enjoyed taking pictures of the flower gardens...they turned out very well I thought

Petting the fish in the Japanese garden ponds...

Thank you again for joining us West ladies...that was such a fun day! Next time, Michelle, we'll make sure to carve out time to drive through the beautiful neighborhoods surrounding the library.

First Night of Camping

2009-06-25T14:09:00.001-07:00

Hmmm...doesn't look much like camping does it? These were taken at a Round Table near San Elijo State Beach where we camped with the Miller family early in June. It was our first night and neither Holly or I wanted to cook on site after setting up camp all afternoon. Besides, the Lakers were playing one of their final games ...the one that went into overtime. I'll write more about the actual camping part when I download my pics! Millers, we had such a great time with you guys!

Katelyn just wanted to hang out in the arcade with Mrs. Miller all night:)

Class of 2009

2009-06-04T14:06:00.000-07:00

The afternoon preschool class has officially graduated! If anyone is looking for the BEST preschool around, talk to me about Jodi Helm's Christian preschool. Sienna watched the girls for me so I was able to enjoy the festivities with Caleb. It was a special morning and I'm so proud of you Caleb! You are ready for kindergarten!

Caleb and & Gracie sharing a few words during the ceremony

The terrific trio: Ms. Angela, Ms. Eleni and Mrs. Helms
You each go above and beyond and we are sooo grateful for all the time, love and energy you invested in our little guy!

Can I just hold onto this age a bit longer?

Happy 8th Birthday Emma!

2009-05-30T18:24:00.000-07:00

This picture captures our 8-year-old perfectly. Emma has such a heart for animals. She takes good care of Jack and has also become a tremendous help in our home this past year. Her laugh is contagious and she reminds me of her daddy with her quick wit and knack for finding the humor in most situations. We are so proud of our fun, loving and tender-hearted girl!

Thank you for celebrating Emma's birthday with us Dani!

Last day of 2nd grade

2009-05-30T18:19:00.001-07:00

It's hard to see, but Emma is receiving an award from her teacher, Ms. Amy. Each student was given one to highlight a special quality or accomplishment recognized during the school year.

Hooray, Emma gets to go to the same school next year...the first time in her brief career as a student!! We love the Innovation Centre:).

Memorial Day

2009-05-30T17:42:00.000-07:00

Jonas was eager to catch up on home projects since being newly relieved of his study load, so that's what we both did most of the day. I packed a picnic dinner and we all headed to Harveston Lake that evening...Jack included. John, Beth and Abby Pleasnick were already there at the playground so we had the added pleasure of their company!

Wow, two babies looking at the camera at the same time!

American Girl Store

2009-05-30T17:26:00.000-07:00

Emma and Lauren have been wanting to visit the American Girl store in LA for months. We finally made the drive so Emma could do her birthday shopping. It turned out to be well worth the effort. We ate at the Farmer's Market but next time I'd splurge and dine at the charming cafe located inside the store.

The girls in front of the "Nicki" case holding their Nicki dolls, with newly pierced ears (the dolls that is).

We invited Grandma Jo Anne to join us since she introduced Emma to American Girl dolls with her gift of "Samantha" when Emma was five.

Thank you Daddy!

Training Center Graduation

2009-05-30T17:04:00.000-07:00

Congratulations "Year One" Graduates! Way to hang in there...

I'm so proud of your hard work, Jonas, and desire to study and know God's Word. I've already seen Him bless your faithfulness throughout this past year.

Jonas' weekly study group

Jonas thought the napkin would add a nice touch to the picture. You always make me laugh babe! The Training Center depends on a network of good friends who support and encourage you, such as those pictured here. We appreciate each of you!

American Idol Finale

2009-05-30T16:57:00.000-07:00

Yes, we have been faithful American Idol watchers this season. It was the one night Jonas and I made a point to sit down and relax together during the Training Center busyness. We let the kids stay up and watch part of the finale...what a great show! Of course, they had to entertain us in the family room...oh well, we didn't want to actually hear the performances did we?

Preschool Gymnastics

2009-05-30T16:51:00.000-07:00

Caleb gets to take a gymnastics class through preschool once a month and he LOVES it. Today, they graduated and received a ribbon. Pretty exciting stuff.

Here he is with his class. Obviously, the ribbon was a hit.

Caleb and Graceyn Lee

Gracie's the daughter of our friends, Shane and Madie. She is a sweetie and I know Caleb has really enjoyed seeing her at school each week. They were born one day apart at the same hospital!

Funny story: I was driving them home from school last week on a day they were working on a Father's Day surprise. Gracie was telling Caleb about Shane's job as a CHP and asked him what his dad did. Here's the gist of Caleb's answer: "He's a doctor or something. When people have a hole in their head he fixes it. He helps people when they break their leg."

I have to laugh because Jonas has the kind of job that is hard for adults to truly understand, let alone kids!!

Visit to Santa Clarita

2009-05-30T16:41:00.000-07:00

We all have been missing my brother and his family since they moved to Santa Clarita a few months ago...it's not often we get to visit. My Mother's Day wish was to see them and so that was my gift! Emma and Caleb got to sleepover with their cousins while Jonas and I stayed at a nearby hotel after a fun day at the pool. We visited their new church the next morning and just had such a fun weekend. Thank you Jonas!! And thank you Emma for the loving notes you wrote me...I am so blessed!!

Mother's Day Tea at Preschool

2009-05-30T16:35:00.001-07:00

My "Caleb flower" pot sits on my bathroom counter now. Don't you just love the darling crafts kids make as presents?

Jodi Helms is Caleb's amazing preschool teacher

My little man and I...thank you for my lovely paper corsage!

Katie's First Steps

2009-05-30T16:01:00.000-07:00

Katelyn took her first steps at my parents while we were gone on our trip (nice timing huh?!). Oh well, at least Grandma captured them on her camera...

Katelyn at the Four Seasons Corona

2009-05-30T15:50:00.000-07:00

While Jonas and I were at the Maui Four Seasons, Katie stayed at my parents home in Corona...what I refer to as the "Four Seasons " for babies. Mom had fun spoiling her with the warm washcloth clean-up after meals, perfectly prepared and heated meals, and oodles of love and attention.

Look at these sweet pictures Grandma Nancy took...isn't her smile too precious?

And who did she want when Grandma brought her home?...Daddy! She kept wanting him to hold her. Very cute. But I was getting a little impatient:).

Adventures in Encinitas

2009-05-18T22:52:00.001-07:00

There is a great park just up from Moonlight Beach on Encinitas Blvd. where Jonas was able to join us after work, the same day as our field trip. A boy had brought his pet bird and let us hold it for a long time. The bird was such a crack up!

This was quite a day for us in Encinitas...when we were still on Moonlight Beach, a stranded sea lion was just down the shore a ways. Since my sister, Alaina, is an Animal Care Specialist at Sea World, and has assisted with many a beach rescue, I gave her a call. Unfortunately, it was her day off, but otherwise she may have been the one to come up and get the sea lion back to the rehab area of Sea World. I've been back there with the kids...it's a section of the park that the "general" population doesn't get to see so I always think I'm big stuff when we're back there. As Jane Austen would say, it's most agreeable having such "connections". But I digress...

Anyway, another pair from Sea World came and after seeing what they have to do to lasso up one of these creatures, I definitely would pay money to see my sister do it...Alaina said it was an adult female who was pregnant. The baby didn't make it, which is sad but typical, however, the mother is recovering.

The best part of the "field trip" turned out to be everything that happened after we left the butterfly place!!

Moonlight Beach

2009-05-18T22:44:00.000-07:00

The K-2nd graders ate pizza here after the butterfly exhibit before heading home, but we stayed at Moonlight for the rest of the afternoon. Here is Emma with her dear friend, Lauren, who is a 1st grader at the Innovation Centre.

Mr. Muscles just minutes before colliding with another boy on the playground. Caleb had the largest goose egg on his forehead afterwards...poor guy, I felt so bad for him. He was running around the beach an hour later though :).

This was our "pre-summer" day Tracy...it was a perfectly warm, sunny day and it really was the summer kick-off for us. Joey Snow joined us with her boys, since Jakob is now at the Innovation Centre as well (yeah!), and my mom kindly watched Katelyn for the day so we could enjoy ourselves in Encinitas.

I love this place...We've camped at nearby San Elijo beach every summer since I was about 11 and it's just the classic Southern Calif. surf town. I'll definitely be bringing the kids back to Moonlight Beach this summer.

Butterfly Field Trip

2009-05-18T22:37:00.001-07:00

Emma's wonderful teacher, Ms. Amy, and classmates at the Monarch Butterfly Program near Encinitas.

The kids used watermelon slices to attract the butterflies...

From here we headed down the street to Moonlight Beach...

Katelyn & Dani

2009-05-03T22:14:00.000-07:00

This picture is just so sweet, I wanted to post it. Dani shares Emma's love for animals and is a natural with babies. I'm glad you liked the spaghetti Dani:)!

Paws to Read

2009-05-03T21:58:00.000-07:00

This is a program through the library where kids can read to therapy dogs. I signed Emma up because she loves reading aloud and she loves dogs. So for 15 minutes on Saturday she read to Jeffrey...a very large, black poodle, while I attempted to keep Katelyn occupied so she wouldn't be a distraction in the room. My cell phone is always a sure bet~I think she called my dad a couple times and hung up him. Sorry Grandpa!

Caleb the Bike Master

2009-05-03T19:54:00.001-07:00

After months and months of practicing with Caleb, encouraging him not to be afraid, and wondering just when he would start enjoying it, Caleb is now a bike rider!

Caleb was so excited to show us that he could handle the ride down this hill in our neighborhood. I'm holding Katelyn, who is fussing, while trying to keep the camera on Caleb! Jonas and I were laughing about his near wipe-out. He doesn't even flinch, but that could have been bad!

Wild Animal Park

2009-05-03T19:50:00.001-07:00

Emma's class went on a field trip to the Wild Animal Park and we hung out with Joey and Jakob Snow for the short time that we stayed. Thank you for your help Joey!

Maui Getaway

2009-05-03T19:19:00.000-07:00

Jonas was awarded a week long vacation for two to Maui in April through his company. We had such a great time getting to know other couples, being pampered and doing fun activities. The weather could have been warmer and sunnier, but hey, I'm not complaining!

I thought we'd get plastic leis when we arrived and was surprised by the real flowers on the ones they gave us! It was royal treatment from then on...

Dave and Lisa Woods (center) and JR and Rachel Gates (right) love the Lord and were such a blessing to spend time talking and hanging out with. We're making plans to visit the Woods in Idaho this summer and I sure would like to experience Alaska, someday, where the Gates call home.

Every night I got to go on a dinner date with my hot hubby...no cooking for seven days was the highlight!

Don't be fooled...I was pretty freaked out for most of the dive. Breathing underwater took some getting used to!

The ocean views from the courses we golfed on were incredible.

As much as we loved getting away for rest and refreshment, it is always great to be back home!

Kentucky Dinner

2009-04-06T15:14:00.000-07:00

I watched a movie where parents did a fun safari dinner in their living room and was inspired to pick one night a week where we do a themed dinner...Emma can help me prepare since she wants to cook and we'll learn about other cultures and places around the world in the process. Since she just completed a report on Kentucky, it was decided that our first attempt would be a "Kentucky Dinner". To a backdrop of bluegrass music, we ate a fried chicken dinner and Emma read us facts about the state. Did you know that Abraham Lincoln was born there and you can still see the log cabin where he was raised? It was really fun and she has requested that we do a Wyoming dinner next (her class is studying the 50 states right now so I think we'll be staying in the U.S. for awhile). Why Kentucky and Wyoming? Because they are big horse states of course!

Katelyn

2009-04-06T13:42:00.001-07:00

Our little one-year-old is ready to walk, but hasn't started quite yet. Check out our "walker" chair below...

Emma and Bria

2009-04-06T13:21:00.000-07:00

Emma had her Spring vacation from school last week and was able to have several friends over on different days. Mostly, the girls would keep busy playing in Emma's room or with Captain Jack. They are each sweet young ladies...what a blessing. Bria is a girl after my own heart...she got Emma back into her old princess dress-up gowns and accessories and got her dancing. After some heavy make-up application (Bria brought her own and was so sweet to come down and ask permission) they were soon scooting around the backyard in their finery. I was a little sentimental seeing Emma dressed up as a princess because I know those days are soon coming to an end. Then, it was time to dress in a more modern ensemble (see below) and dance to the Top 40 countdown we found on the T.V. Paula, did Bria learn those moves from you?:)

Katelyn's Birthday Party

2009-03-30T15:17:00.000-07:00

We had a small family party to celebrate Katie's birthday after church. Thankfully she had a long afternoon nap and was able to enjoy the festivities.

Shannon was such a help in the kitchen...thank you frosting lady! Clearly, the chocolate cupcakes were a hit with the birthday girl.

Riley, Lauren and Emma ready for the hike...

We ended up at the Santa Rosa Plateau for a short walk since it was getting late and quite chilly. I couldn't resist placing Katie in a meadow of spring wildflowers. She didn't seem to mind a bit!

Katelyn Elizabeth, we love you so much and are so thankful that the Lord added you to our family. You fill our home with joy and smiles every day!

Happy 1st Birthday Katelyn Elizabeth!

2009-03-30T13:24:00.001-07:00

Katie was rather sleepy on her birthday...March 28th. Here she is, content with her pink bear, ready to go have dinner at the Stead's.

Legoland field trip

2009-03-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

The Baileys and I took the kids to Legoland a couple weeks ago. Jonas, we missed you but Eric and Shannon were super helpful...thanks again you two, it was fun!

Saturday Golfing

2009-03-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

The following weekend, we went to the SCEGA golf course to enjoy the afternoon sunshine...

Returning to the scene of the crime...yes, the pond above is where the kids and their cart ended up about a year ago. This time, Mom was there to supervise!!

Caleb has a natural golf swing like his daddy...

An afternoon with the Hurleys

2009-03-30T12:14:00.000-07:00

Jonas was given the amazing opportunity to minister with Shannon Hurley in Uganda last year when I was pregnant with Katelyn. Shannon, his wife, Danielle, and their children are in the U.S. for a short while before returning to Africa. I was so blessed to meet the family that was such a blessing to Jonas. We stopped for some White Lime yogurt before flying kites at Harveston Park.

Their adopted daughter, Emma, and I discovered we have the same enthusiasm for Jane Austen, Anne of Green Gables, etc.

Emma and Elisa trying to keep the kite in the air.

Caleb with the Hurley boys, Ethan and Evan.

I can see why Jonas and Shannon get along so well!

Our little cruiser at 11 months

2009-03-10T13:12:00.000-07:00

It's just a matter of time before she's walking!

March Wedding

2009-03-09T15:23:00.000-07:00

Our friends, Bethany Lengyel and Darron Roberts, were married last weekend on a beautiful estate in La Cresta. I loved the mature oak trees, stonework and country atmosphere. The ceremony was God-honoring and we're excited about what He will do through their marriage for His glory.
Emma counted down the days until the wedding...it was fun for Jonas and I to have special time just with her.

The happy couple...

Emma's friend, Emma Snow, was the darling flower girl

I love these shots of Emma dancing with her daddy...

Party at the Pendletons

2009-03-03T12:57:00.000-08:00

Happy 10th Birthday David...we love you!

My brother, Matt, cracking up during cards.

Happy Birthday to you too!

My niece and nephew during the egg run

Jonas and Caleb trying to win the egg toss

Emma was only interested in eating the hard-boiled eggs

Katelyn with Megan and Dylan...she turned 11 months today!!

Katelyn & friends

2009-02-25T15:17:00.001-08:00

It's been fun to see Katie playing with her friends this week. First, Kelsey McElroy was over...
Katelyn kept giving her hugs...

Then she and Abby Pleasnick visited the following day while Beth and I enjoyed a birthday lunch:).

Bridal Shower for Bethany

2009-02-16T22:47:00.000-08:00

It was so nice to open our home for the first "event" we've hosted since moving last June. Friends and family contributed to make it very special...many coming a long ways to attend. I didn't take any pictures during the shower, unfortunately, so I just snapped a shot later of a few fun remnants. Congratulations Bethany!!

Our busy 10 month old

2009-02-16T22:41:00.001-08:00

Katie is definitely in the cruising stage. She gets around on all fours pretty fast these days...even up the stairs. Time to get a gate!
A kiss from Jack...I hate to think of how many she gets of these when I'm not there to shoo him away.

Watching yet more rain fall outside...

Loves to get into the CD drawer

Awards dinner

2009-02-16T22:30:00.001-08:00

A special awards dinner was held in La Jolla last month for the Smith & Nephew sales territory that Jonas works for. It was a very fun time with new and old friends. We are so blessed to be a part of this team!

Jane Austen Ball

2009-02-16T22:04:00.001-08:00

Somehow I've managed to get Jonas to the annual Jane Austen ball in Pasadena several years in a row. It's a fun tradition we share with my parents, my sister and her husband.
Look at all the pretty gowns...

In a couple years I hope to start bringing Emma...this girl pictured above couldn't be much older. She was so cute to watch during the dancing.

Alaina and I always have fun taking pictures of corny sister poses at the ball

Another good sport...way to win big points Trey!

Thought I'd give you a glimpse of the action...

Katelyn at 9 months

2009-01-25T22:14:00.001-08:00

Once again, Tracy Dodson, our amazing photographer and friend, has captured Katie perfectly...especially the one where my little "Daddy's girl" is snuggling up against his scrubs and munching on his Blackberry...her favorite toy. The serious pictures are from before Jonas got home...the smiles came after!

Big Bear Family Trip

2009-01-25T22:03:00.001-08:00

We got away one night with the older kids up the mountains to Northwoods Resort in Big Bear. What a fun trip! Other than Emma slipping by the pool and cutting her eyelid (which has healed quite nicely), we had a blast sledding and playing in the snow/melted ice.

Hiking on New Year's Day

2009-01-25T21:55:00.001-08:00

The weather was beautiful on January 1st...actually, most of January has been warm, which I love. We took the kids to nearby Santa Rosa Plateau for an afternoon hike.

We braved ferocious mountain lions

...climbed lots of rocks

...and left saying we need to come here more often!

Happy New Year's 2009

2009-01-25T21:49:00.000-08:00

My sister, Alaina, and her husband Trey joined us to celebrate New Year's Eve. We entertained the kids (and each other) with karaoke...we had gotten a singing machine for the kids on Christmas. After they were in bed we watched one of Trey's favorite movies, Tombstone. I had never seen it...

Holiday Visitors

2009-01-25T21:40:00.000-08:00

My Aunt Sandy, Aunt Ruthie, and cousin Jenna (9) visited in December. It was such a treat to see them and for Emma to catch up with her kindred spirit. They had a wonderful time touring the American Girl doll store at The Grove in L.A. Great pictures Mom!

Christmas Day 2008

2009-01-25T21:18:00.000-08:00

Our first Christmas morning in this home...

Katelyn's first Christmas!

Traditional Pendleton gathering at my parents' in Corona...

Thomas with some serious artillery...look at the concentration on his face!

Emma and Meg receive matching shirts each year

Great Grammy passed on collectible dolls to the girls...

I love this picture of Grammy and the boys!

Caleb and David

Christmas Eve

2009-01-25T20:58:00.001-08:00

Emma was thrilled to get the American Girl Concession Stand from Grandma and Poppa.

Aunt Sandy is terrified of spiders and was relieved to learn that Mr. Hairy (see previous post of our former houseguest/pet) was released to join his family for Christmas. Caleb had fun teasing her with the remote-controlled spider he got.

It was so fun to host Christmas Eve with the Tracy family in our new home...it was a cold, stormy day and everyone enjoyed hot soup for dinner. We ended the evening at a service just down the street at a quaint Methodist chapel...it so reminded me of the Christmas Eve services I grew up attending at First Baptist of Corona. Definitely a new Tracy family tradition.

Katelyn

2009-01-25T20:55:00.001-08:00

Showing off her bottom teeth

Starting to pull herself up...

Look, no hands!

School Christmas Programs & Parties

2009-01-25T20:47:00.000-08:00

School holiday programs just make Christmas extra special. It is so fun seeing our kids participate in these now that they're older!
Emma singing with her 2nd grade class...she's in the center of the picture

Caleb as a wise man in the preschool Living Nativity

Gingerbread Houses

2009-01-25T20:43:00.000-08:00

A Tracy family tradition inspired by our friends, the Pleasnicks, is to decorate gingerbread houses with another family each Christmas. Now, unlike John and Beth who make home made gingerbread, we use the Costco kits! This year Jonas and I invited a sweet family over who live in our neighborhood. Deborah's house turned out way better than mine...the roof caved in and the kids and I are hoping for better luck next year.

Winter sunset

2009-01-25T20:38:00.001-08:00

Our backyard faces a neat view of the country~an old, weathered barn, tall trees that are home to countless birds, and distant green hills. I've always been a country girl at heart and look forward to what I'll see each day. This sunset in December was especially stunning.

Snow falls at Rosecrest

2009-01-25T20:16:00.001-08:00

The kids had Lauren and Cole Bailey over for a sleepover early in December. Heavy frost covered the lawns in the morning. I woke up to four kids tearing downstairs shouting, "It snowed!", pulling on jackets and running outside to experience "snow" in Rosecrest, our small neighborhood. I love how Jack is pointing his nose towards the house in hopes that someone will bring him in out of the cold!!

Thanksgiving Day at the Pendletons

2008-11-28T09:23:00.000-08:00

No family gathering is complete without the men playing Scrabble

I am thankful for my amazing husband!

My sister-in-law, Kari, the Samurai...great job on those potatoes!

Katelyn's first Thanksgiving...

The "turkey crew" with hands buttered up, ready to rub down the bird

Photo shoot with my sweetie on the cute front porch

Found David and Caleb climbing a tree in the backyard...

Katelyn with her doting cousins, Meg and David

Katie dressed up in the same outfit Emma wore on her first Thanksgiving

Katelyn has become Daddy's girl #2 these past couple weeks

Uncle Trey is quite smitten with his little niece...

Katelyn is 8 months old!

2008-11-28T09:11:00.000-08:00

The next milestone for Katie will be climbing...time to put a gate on our stairs!

Backyard fun

2008-11-19T23:46:00.000-08:00

Before our neighbors moved in, Jonas would let the kids ride their quads in the backyard. Helps keeps the weeds down and it is just plain fun! Here's a clip from the summer...

Katelyn activities

2008-11-19T23:28:00.000-08:00

When she's not driving around to the other kids' schools or various activities, Katelyn enjoys her jumper and playpen. We get such a kick out of watching her bounce like crazy...

Tennis lessons

2008-11-19T23:05:00.000-08:00

The week after soccer ended, with its schedule of two practices and a Sat. game, we decided to enroll Emma in dance, swimming and tennis, while Caleb takes on karate and tennis lessons. Best not to slow down while you're still geared up, right? Katelyn's extra-curricular activity is staring out the back window while constantly cruising around in her car seat. Poor thing, at least we got her a new cushy one this week, since she spends half her day in it.

Here's a couple clips of the kids at their first tennis lesson...Emma thinks she's done after week one--she prefers private lessons with Daddy. Caleb plans to continue, though, and is off to a good start.

Soccer finale

2008-11-19T22:58:00.000-08:00

The Firecrackers have finished their season with honor. Caleb decided, the last game of the season mind you, that he truly does enjoy soccer and wants to do it next year. Hmm, would have been nice if he had desired to play during the season, but that's okay buddy. Glad you finished with a smile. Coach Carolyn, you're awesome...thank you for your patience and encouragement!

Ready for church

2008-11-19T22:49:00.000-08:00

Wow, how often do we have it together enough to snap a few pics before church in the morning? The fact that I actually did on this particular day is blog worthy. And yes, I think we were still on time!

Happy Halloween

2008-11-01T18:55:00.001-07:00

From Emma's school party to trick-or-treating around the quaint neighborhood we go to each year, this was such a fun Halloween...Katelyn's first and the first at our new home. Thank you for joining us Grandpa and Grandma Nancy, Grandma Jo Anne and the Bailey family :).

Katelyn resting during the school costume parade

Emma and her new teacher, Mrs. Cook

Sharing treats during the class party

Icky hands!

Jonas and I wore shirts the kids decorated for us, Emma is Tinkerbell's friend, Silvermist Fairy, Caleb is Logan "Wolverine" from X-Men...minus the claws and mask

Katie's onesie reads "This is my costume"

Grandma Jo Anne came in costume

Katelyn at 7 months

2008-11-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

Katie has been army crawling for several weeks...her newest skill is squealing (quite loud).

Parents' 40th Anniversary

2008-10-28T13:22:00.000-07:00

My parents invited all the "kids" to join them in Newport Beach to celebrate their 40th Anniversary. We enjoyed appetizers at their hotel before heading over to the harbor for a dinner cruise. My dad had a slideshow of pictures chronicling their lives before and after marriage which was fun to watch. He also presented a new wedding ring setting to Mom which is beautiful. Congratulations Dad and Mom and thank you for your faithfulness and commitment to each other! We had such a great time...

San Diego Zoo

2008-10-19T22:35:00.001-07:00

Caleb, Katie and I joined friends for a day at the zoo in October. Our family had last been there just before Katie's birth, so I enjoyed walking all around this time and not having to worry about going into pre-term labor!

Thanks again for, Jill and Tracy, for inviting us!

Fall Photo Shoot

2008-10-19T22:17:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite time of year, so I asked Tracy to also take shots of the kids dressed for the season. Emma is pictured with her American Girl doll, Nicki, Caleb is going to be Wolverine from the X-Men for Halloween, and Katie is our adorable little pumpkin.

Thank you Tracy for a wonderful experience (and if you can say that after a two hour shoot with three kids on a hot day, you know you're in the hands of a gifted photographer!).