Sunday, June 14, 2009
A perfect match
There is nothing that can get between my Aar Bear and his Bear Bear. They love each other so much and it is one of the cutest matches I have ever seen. This weekend Aaron and I took Bear on a play date with his new friend Nico. Nico is also a Portuguese Water Dog, 6 months old, the lil guy of the Brennan's. (Aaron went to school with Thomas this last year at USC and he and his wife Kate got a portie a few months ago, they live near us and are great fun) We went with the Brennan's on Saturday to hike Runyon Canyon. Runyan Canyon is one of the most popular hiking/work out places I have ever been to. It just so happened that by the time we got there it was pretty misty which turned into a good light rain. But that did not stop the heards of people we saw. It was a gorgeous hike and I can't wait to go again on a sunny day to enjoy the amazing views at the top. Well so as you can imagine Bear was running around happy as could be and playing with Nico. When we were done with the hike he was a MESS. Dirty dirty dirty. So that meant a bath for our buddy buddy. I was lucky enough to snap a few pics of Aaron and his Bear taking a bath together. Aaron really has got to be one of the best dad's I know. He would do anything for his Bear, Bella and me...even if it means getting in a bath with a filthy dog and enjoying it!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Dreams and Realities
Have you ever stopped to day dream about what you want your life to be like? What you want to do when you grow up? Where you will live? What will your house look like? Will you marry, and if so what type of person do you see yourself marrying? How many kids do you dream about having? What do you dream that your kids will do? Will they run around happily playing? Will they grow up to have good lives? What will your neighborhood be like? etc. etc. etc. I am sure many of us have taken some time out of our days to think about similar thoughts. I am almost positive too that the thoughts we have all day dreamed about have been happy ones, with sunny days in the background, kids laughing, pretty neighborhoods, and fun times. I guess I just wanted to say keep dreaming these thoughts and enjoy your daydreams and hopefully reality one day too. You don't know how fortunate you are that your daydreams are like this, so happy and hopeful.
I guess you could say today was a rough one...a heavy day that's for sure. The kids I work with here in South Central are not your ordinary kids. While they have the ordinary kid problems and worries like if kids will like them, are they cute enough, and have homework that they don't like, they also have worries and problems that are so incredibly heavy. I know we all have heard about kids being raised in neighborhoods that are not like your daydreams, but honestly my heart breaks for the kiddos I work with here in LA when I realize what their neighborhoods are like and what their problems and worries are.
I had a kid today describe in full detail the shooting he witnessed over the weekend. A 16 year old male who is a tough kid, no softy. Has been raised to be tough, not cry, and to be pretty aggressive. He has been involved in gangs ever since he was under the age of 8. When I met with him today the young man I met with was like a young boy. Fearful for his life and his families lives. And this is not the first time he has felt this way. This is the 4th shooting he has been witness to, which may be an underestimate in all honesty. He recalled a time when he was under the age of 5 where kids on his street used to run around, play soccer and hang out on their front yards and street and sees the stark difference of today when people do not got out unless they have to go somewhere. No one plays on the streets anymore, at least not on his street. And his street is not the only street I hear about this. The majority of my kids say the same thing.
I could not help but be so proud of this young man I was meeting with today and meet with every Wednesday night. While he lives in such a terrifying world and has experienced so much we can't even understand he is thriving. He resembles resiliency to a T. He is making good choices and is going to be graduating from high school on time, not an easy task in South Central. Seriously did you ever worry that you would not graduate on time? That was never even a thought of mine. He is no longer gang involved and is working on being a positive male in the lives of his mother and sister. (of course his father is not around) I am so proud of him for all of his efforts.
I really just can't believe how lucky I am. I am so fortunate and I am certain many of you reading this are extremely fortunate as well. While I know we all have our challenges and our lives have not been roses we still have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful for the daydreams I have and the ability for my brain to have the dreams it has.
Everytime I meet with the kids I work with I lend my daydreams to them, through the hope, belief, and sincerity I offer to them. While I always stay realistic I never stop trying to lend out my optimism. I try hard to do this and know that the kids I am working with are borrowing my daydreams, I just pray that for them they could borrow them long enough to turn them into their reality. Dreams do come true is what we are brought up believing but my worry is that if they can't even dream it how will they get it to come true.
So if you happen to meet someone who you can tell is having a hard time dreaming, offer up your hope, your dream to them, let them borrow it for as long as they need to. Even though it is hard to see the positive end result when I am in the thick of it I know a change is gonna come, one day it will and that is what keeps me dreaming for those around me. All it takes is 1.
I guess you could say today was a rough one...a heavy day that's for sure. The kids I work with here in South Central are not your ordinary kids. While they have the ordinary kid problems and worries like if kids will like them, are they cute enough, and have homework that they don't like, they also have worries and problems that are so incredibly heavy. I know we all have heard about kids being raised in neighborhoods that are not like your daydreams, but honestly my heart breaks for the kiddos I work with here in LA when I realize what their neighborhoods are like and what their problems and worries are.
I had a kid today describe in full detail the shooting he witnessed over the weekend. A 16 year old male who is a tough kid, no softy. Has been raised to be tough, not cry, and to be pretty aggressive. He has been involved in gangs ever since he was under the age of 8. When I met with him today the young man I met with was like a young boy. Fearful for his life and his families lives. And this is not the first time he has felt this way. This is the 4th shooting he has been witness to, which may be an underestimate in all honesty. He recalled a time when he was under the age of 5 where kids on his street used to run around, play soccer and hang out on their front yards and street and sees the stark difference of today when people do not got out unless they have to go somewhere. No one plays on the streets anymore, at least not on his street. And his street is not the only street I hear about this. The majority of my kids say the same thing.
I could not help but be so proud of this young man I was meeting with today and meet with every Wednesday night. While he lives in such a terrifying world and has experienced so much we can't even understand he is thriving. He resembles resiliency to a T. He is making good choices and is going to be graduating from high school on time, not an easy task in South Central. Seriously did you ever worry that you would not graduate on time? That was never even a thought of mine. He is no longer gang involved and is working on being a positive male in the lives of his mother and sister. (of course his father is not around) I am so proud of him for all of his efforts.
I really just can't believe how lucky I am. I am so fortunate and I am certain many of you reading this are extremely fortunate as well. While I know we all have our challenges and our lives have not been roses we still have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful for the daydreams I have and the ability for my brain to have the dreams it has.
Everytime I meet with the kids I work with I lend my daydreams to them, through the hope, belief, and sincerity I offer to them. While I always stay realistic I never stop trying to lend out my optimism. I try hard to do this and know that the kids I am working with are borrowing my daydreams, I just pray that for them they could borrow them long enough to turn them into their reality. Dreams do come true is what we are brought up believing but my worry is that if they can't even dream it how will they get it to come true.
So if you happen to meet someone who you can tell is having a hard time dreaming, offer up your hope, your dream to them, let them borrow it for as long as they need to. Even though it is hard to see the positive end result when I am in the thick of it I know a change is gonna come, one day it will and that is what keeps me dreaming for those around me. All it takes is 1.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Where do I begin?
Where to start?
Big news is that we made the move from Laguna to LA. Last Friday and Saturday we had our friends and family help us out with the move and as a result of their help the move was a success. You might be wondering how we are liking the new digs. Well the answer is we are liking them lots. While our view from our bedroom is no longer the beach (I do miss that) the area is great. We live on the edge of Century City and Beverly Hills, actual city on our address is Los Angeles. The neighborhood reminds us of one of our favorite places, Sugarhouse. We take the dogs on at least one walk a day around such a cute neighborhood with adorable homes. I have heard so many people ask before "what will you do when you have kids, you don't want to raise your kids in LA do you?" Well my answer is of course I would. If you saw the area I am sure you would too. I think when people hear LA they have a totally different idea in mind. We are loving the neighborhood and have already found some excellent hole in the wall eateries (which if you know us know that that is of upmost importance to us). The area has charm what can I say. We really do love it. Oh and of course it is nice to see Jer often. We could walk to his house, no lie, it is probably better for us to walk than drive because of parking. He is just one block away from us so we have enjoyed being near him.
I am loving my new job. It is pretty wild and intense but it is great and I am enjoying being back at what I am so passionate about. The kids I work with are so great and I am impressed with their resiliency everyday. So many of them live in such difficult circumstances. Many can't even go outside to run around or take a break when upset due to their neighborhood being too dangerous and scary. 21 out of my 24 clients do not have a father involved in their life. Many live in a 1 bedroom house, trailor, or are renting 1 bedroom, which they share with at least 3 other people. Of course those are the censored issues they are dealing with. I know many do not want to hear about the uncensored aspects of their life. I love my job. I love seeing these kids every week and giving them 1 hour a week that they can look forward to.
We are looking forward to a vacation to SLC over the 4th of July. I am so excited to go fly fishing and be in the beautiful mountains of Utah. While I do love being near the beach I do miss the mountains a lot. Not the snow, but the mountains. They are so beautiful especially in the Spring and I have been craving to visit lately. It will be so great to go to Utah and spend time with my liam liam liam, lil georgie and of course their parents. Aaron and I have not been back to Utah together since we moved out here a year ago so it will be great to enjoy a place we love and miss and see our families.
I am thinking about starting the Bar Method work out this next week. Anybody tried it? I am excited to try something new and check what it is all about. The Bikram closest to my house I do not like as it is the big headquarters and it is not a nice studio. So I figured I will try the
Bar Method for awhile.
We saw the movie Up the other night. Yes on a weeknight, I do not remember the last time I saw a movie in the middle of the week. We saw it in 3-D. If you have not seen this movie yet, stop reading my post and go see it now. I loved it and thought it was brilliant.
This last week I also was reminded about how much I love my family and how important they are to me. I love how caring my family is. We are so willing to do whatever it takes to be there for each other and to help one another out and I love that about us. I am so thankful for a sis in law who is more like a sister to me and who makes such an effort to continue to have me be a part of my nephews life. There are few things that make me more happy than talking to Liam or hearing him sing. My brothers are fabulous and are so supportive, I really think I lucked out in life to have such awesome brothers. And my parents, where would I be in life without them. I love them so much and am truly grateful for all they do for our family. Did I mention they may be heading out here next weeked? I hope they do.
Stomach flu. What else do I need to say about that. Sucks. I had been feeling sick starting Wed of this last week. Not feeling like I want to eat and just feeling weird. Thought I was just stressed so I did not think too much of it. Then on Friday it hit me and I spent about 12 hours running to the bathroom and then finally deciding maybe I should just lay there. It had been 6 years since I threw up last and I gotta say I did not miss it. So here I am on a Saturday afternoon, was planning on going to Santa Monica to run the stairs, laying in bed. Luckily I got my two kiddos laying right next to me. Aaron is at traffic school, I don't know which is worse throwing up or sitting in traffic school.
Big news is that we made the move from Laguna to LA. Last Friday and Saturday we had our friends and family help us out with the move and as a result of their help the move was a success. You might be wondering how we are liking the new digs. Well the answer is we are liking them lots. While our view from our bedroom is no longer the beach (I do miss that) the area is great. We live on the edge of Century City and Beverly Hills, actual city on our address is Los Angeles. The neighborhood reminds us of one of our favorite places, Sugarhouse. We take the dogs on at least one walk a day around such a cute neighborhood with adorable homes. I have heard so many people ask before "what will you do when you have kids, you don't want to raise your kids in LA do you?" Well my answer is of course I would. If you saw the area I am sure you would too. I think when people hear LA they have a totally different idea in mind. We are loving the neighborhood and have already found some excellent hole in the wall eateries (which if you know us know that that is of upmost importance to us). The area has charm what can I say. We really do love it. Oh and of course it is nice to see Jer often. We could walk to his house, no lie, it is probably better for us to walk than drive because of parking. He is just one block away from us so we have enjoyed being near him.
I am loving my new job. It is pretty wild and intense but it is great and I am enjoying being back at what I am so passionate about. The kids I work with are so great and I am impressed with their resiliency everyday. So many of them live in such difficult circumstances. Many can't even go outside to run around or take a break when upset due to their neighborhood being too dangerous and scary. 21 out of my 24 clients do not have a father involved in their life. Many live in a 1 bedroom house, trailor, or are renting 1 bedroom, which they share with at least 3 other people. Of course those are the censored issues they are dealing with. I know many do not want to hear about the uncensored aspects of their life. I love my job. I love seeing these kids every week and giving them 1 hour a week that they can look forward to.
We are looking forward to a vacation to SLC over the 4th of July. I am so excited to go fly fishing and be in the beautiful mountains of Utah. While I do love being near the beach I do miss the mountains a lot. Not the snow, but the mountains. They are so beautiful especially in the Spring and I have been craving to visit lately. It will be so great to go to Utah and spend time with my liam liam liam, lil georgie and of course their parents. Aaron and I have not been back to Utah together since we moved out here a year ago so it will be great to enjoy a place we love and miss and see our families.
I am thinking about starting the Bar Method work out this next week. Anybody tried it? I am excited to try something new and check what it is all about. The Bikram closest to my house I do not like as it is the big headquarters and it is not a nice studio. So I figured I will try the
Bar Method for awhile.
We saw the movie Up the other night. Yes on a weeknight, I do not remember the last time I saw a movie in the middle of the week. We saw it in 3-D. If you have not seen this movie yet, stop reading my post and go see it now. I loved it and thought it was brilliant.
This last week I also was reminded about how much I love my family and how important they are to me. I love how caring my family is. We are so willing to do whatever it takes to be there for each other and to help one another out and I love that about us. I am so thankful for a sis in law who is more like a sister to me and who makes such an effort to continue to have me be a part of my nephews life. There are few things that make me more happy than talking to Liam or hearing him sing. My brothers are fabulous and are so supportive, I really think I lucked out in life to have such awesome brothers. And my parents, where would I be in life without them. I love them so much and am truly grateful for all they do for our family. Did I mention they may be heading out here next weeked? I hope they do.
Stomach flu. What else do I need to say about that. Sucks. I had been feeling sick starting Wed of this last week. Not feeling like I want to eat and just feeling weird. Thought I was just stressed so I did not think too much of it. Then on Friday it hit me and I spent about 12 hours running to the bathroom and then finally deciding maybe I should just lay there. It had been 6 years since I threw up last and I gotta say I did not miss it. So here I am on a Saturday afternoon, was planning on going to Santa Monica to run the stairs, laying in bed. Luckily I got my two kiddos laying right next to me. Aaron is at traffic school, I don't know which is worse throwing up or sitting in traffic school.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Way to go Aar
CONGRATULATIONS AIRBEAR, BUGGA, AARON
Friday was the BIG day. Aaron graduated from Grad School at USC.
The graduation ceremony was great with an excellent speaker.
I of course got emotional just thinking about how proud I am of Aaron and
reflecting on all that we together have accomplished together.
We are a great team!
When Aaron got accepted into USC I remember we kicked around the idea of my staying and working in Utah and him commuting to school...crazy to think I even considered that. We have had an amazing year together and it was so great being here to support Aaron for the last year.
I learned a lot this year about sacrificing and devotion. I am so thankful for all that I have learned and experienced since moving out here.
I learned a lot this year about sacrificing and devotion. I am so thankful for all that I have learned and experienced since moving out here.
Of course having our families here was great considering all the accomplishments we have achieved really could not have turned out the way they have without their help and support. We are incredibly blessed with amazing families.
CONGRATS Aar, I am so proud of you and am excited for our many adventures ahead.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Let the celebration begin
Congrats to Aar for finishing up Grad School!!! For the past couple of weeks Aaron has been pretty stressed and busy finishing up his finals and then his big comprehensive exam. On Monday his final comp was due. After many late nights, early mornings (studying until 5 a.m.), and an incredible amount of caffeine we headed to LA to turn his project in. We were planning on eating at one of our favorite places in LA called Kogi (Korean BBQ that is crazy amazing), however it was closed for the week. So we turned in the project, picked up his cap and gown and went to an Argentine market, that Aaron says is as authentic as they get, to celebrate. Villa Roma has got to be probably our favorite eats here down in Orange County.
Here is a pic of Aar Bear with his project in hand heading to turn it in.
Aaron and I had to get a pic with Tommy the Trojan while up on campus.
After Aaron finished school and I worked my last day at G Star we planned to have a few fun and relaxing days together before I start my new job. On Thursday we went on a favorite hike in Crystal Cove, where we once again saw another snake. Thankfully this time it was a Goffer snake and not a rattlesnake like two weeks ago.
On Friday we headed to the beach of course! It was sunny for the first little while and then some good old Laguna Fog rolled in. It was still a great day at the beach. We both took naps for a little bit, walked along the beach together and enjoyed listening to the crashing waves.
We went to Thousand Steps beach in Laguna, a favorite not only for working out but also for relaxing and playing.
These are the stairs I run a couple times a week. There are over 200 steps up. Kicks my butt.
Here is a pic of Aar Bear with his project in hand heading to turn it in.
Aaron and I had to get a pic with Tommy the Trojan while up on campus.After Aaron finished school and I worked my last day at G Star we planned to have a few fun and relaxing days together before I start my new job. On Thursday we went on a favorite hike in Crystal Cove, where we once again saw another snake. Thankfully this time it was a Goffer snake and not a rattlesnake like two weeks ago.
On Friday we headed to the beach of course! It was sunny for the first little while and then some good old Laguna Fog rolled in. It was still a great day at the beach. We both took naps for a little bit, walked along the beach together and enjoyed listening to the crashing waves.
We went to Thousand Steps beach in Laguna, a favorite not only for working out but also for relaxing and playing.
These are the stairs I run a couple times a week. There are over 200 steps up. Kicks my butt.Saturday was a super foggy day here. Instead of going to the beach for a sunny day we bundled up and went to the main beach area of Laguna and walked around the beaches. We then set up shop down in a little cove and just relaxed together for a bit. After we got some relaxation in we went to get one of my favorite treats EVER, and for that we went to Balboa Island. We tried the "Island Favorite" cinnamon rolls, they were not lying. But the real treat was my chocolate covered banana with what else but SPRINKLES!!! I ask for extra extra sprinkles, not really a surprise if you know me. I can't get enough of sprinkles (on top of frozen yogurt and my bananas, I have even though of buying a think of sprinkles to keep in the house to snack on).
When we got home from church on Sunday to my surprise JerBear had bought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers with the most thoughful card wishing me luck with my new job and expressing his appreciation for me for working at G Star this last year. Which really I should have been thanking him for letting me work there and being so helpful to me. I really do miss it already, the people I worked with were so great and became a part of my family.
We then took the kiddos to the park and played and played and played. They were in heaven. It was pretty great to watch Bear play fetch, but Bella even was going nuts and running around and chasing us.
We then decided to finish off our weekend having a picnic dinner at the Montage to watch the sunset. We picked up some Thai Food and set up at a lil picnic table overlooking the ocean. The Montage really has got to have some of the greatest views ever and has become a favorite place for us so we thought it would be a perfect place to unwind and get ready for a new week.
We had a fun filled weekend and it for sure filled my cup to help me make it through my first week at my new job...which is going great so far and I really feel like it is such an awesome fit for me (the commute not so much my favorite, but that is changing the last weekend of May when Aaron and I move to LA.) I have to thank my Airbear for so much help and support this week taking care of things around the house and just supporting me as I wake up early and am so exhausted when I get home. I really do have the bestest and I can't wait to officially CELEBRATE Aaron's graduation this weekend. Graduation is on Friday and some more celebrating will take place.
When we got home from church on Sunday to my surprise JerBear had bought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers with the most thoughful card wishing me luck with my new job and expressing his appreciation for me for working at G Star this last year. Which really I should have been thanking him for letting me work there and being so helpful to me. I really do miss it already, the people I worked with were so great and became a part of my family.
We then took the kiddos to the park and played and played and played. They were in heaven. It was pretty great to watch Bear play fetch, but Bella even was going nuts and running around and chasing us.
We then decided to finish off our weekend having a picnic dinner at the Montage to watch the sunset. We picked up some Thai Food and set up at a lil picnic table overlooking the ocean. The Montage really has got to have some of the greatest views ever and has become a favorite place for us so we thought it would be a perfect place to unwind and get ready for a new week.
We had a fun filled weekend and it for sure filled my cup to help me make it through my first week at my new job...which is going great so far and I really feel like it is such an awesome fit for me (the commute not so much my favorite, but that is changing the last weekend of May when Aaron and I move to LA.) I have to thank my Airbear for so much help and support this week taking care of things around the house and just supporting me as I wake up early and am so exhausted when I get home. I really do have the bestest and I can't wait to officially CELEBRATE Aaron's graduation this weekend. Graduation is on Friday and some more celebrating will take place.
Monday, May 4, 2009
lil Georgie's blessing
This past weekend I headed down to AZ for baby George's blessing. I don't even know to to put into words how great it is to hang out with my family all together. It was so awesome because KT, Matt, Liam and George stayed at my parents house for the weekend and it was so great to be able to spend a few days with them all together. The feeling of being at the house I grew up in with my family is just the best! Liam was so much fun to hang out with and it is crazy how cute he really is. He totally talks and talks and talks...is putting full sentences together and just communicating away. We played in the yard, watched the birds, looked for lizards and bunnies, went swimming in the pool, went to Vincent's market (the usual Steenblik Saturday morning activity), practiced reading, snuggled and of course I loved every minute of it. Oh and to make it even better the first thing Liam said to me was "Oh Krissy Krissy Krissy." That is a Liam and Krissy thing and every time I see him I just pray that he won't grow out of it and sure enough he hasn't yet.
The blessing was incredible and so sweet. It was so great to see my brother Matt with his lil family he and KT have started. I really am so impressed with what great parents they are and love that I have them to watch and learn from.
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