Happy Halloween everyone! Hope you and your families all have a fun and safe Halloween this year.
This year Evelyn is dressing up as black cat and Greg some type of alien dude. We will go trick or treating but not sure where yet. Have a few ideas in mind.
For dinner I think I will cook up a pot of eyeballs and intestines drizzled with chunky blood and will serve it up with a side of severed fingers. EUW! Gross! Not really - spaghetti and meatballs with carrot sticks!
A friend of mine makes black and orange dinners on Halloween. Can't wait to hear what she is cooking up tonight.
Fires are close to containment. Could only find an article in the Local section of the paper today. Could smell a hint of smoke in the air this morning. But it is nice to have the windows open with the fresh air coming in the house now. But Santa Ana's are expected again this weekend. Let's pray for no fires!!
Have a fun day ;)
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Pumpkin seeds and Apple Pie
Now it's time to focus on Halloween as it is just days away!
After some heavy cleaning to get rid of the smoke dust, the kids carved their pumpkins and I roasted the pumpkin seeds. We have been doing this for years and I use my top secret recipe, which I will gladly share with you:
Soak seeds to clean and get off all the orange stringy stuff, let dry a bit, coat a cookie sheet with cooking spray, spread seeds evenly on the cookie sheet, coat with lots of salt, bake at 325 for 10 - 15 minutes until start to get a little brown, stir or flip and bake for another 10 - 15 minutes until crunchy. Let cool and then devour! That is actually my own recipe that I made up years ago, has been working so why look for something else.
We have an apple tree in the back yard that produces apples, sometimes. Most of the time the critters get them before we get any ripe apples. But this year, we had a lot! Evy and I picked the apples and prepared them to make an apple pie. Found the recipe in Better Homes and Gardens (go to www.bhg.com and under recipes look for mile high caramel apple pie) Took some time to make it, but the end result was simply delish! Yum-O!!
Things seem to be getting back to normal. Kids are back at school today, we can actually see the mountains from the kitchen window and there is only a slight hint of smoke smell in the air. I did take K on our early morning walk this morning and could see the stars and the moon. I could however, feel some smoke in my lungs. Practices are to resume today and all games for the weekend are on as previously planned, unless things change. So, back to another normal crazy week!
The fire is 65% contained and full containment is expected by Friday. It has moved East of us and there are still canyon homes in danger. We can still see the water dropping helicopters and planes flying around and media helicopters hovering near. I think some flight plan has changed as there are a lot of passenger jets flying over from the East to the West.
Time to get back to work. I have a lot of catching up to do from last week. Ugh. Have a super week everyone!
After some heavy cleaning to get rid of the smoke dust, the kids carved their pumpkins and I roasted the pumpkin seeds. We have been doing this for years and I use my top secret recipe, which I will gladly share with you:
Soak seeds to clean and get off all the orange stringy stuff, let dry a bit, coat a cookie sheet with cooking spray, spread seeds evenly on the cookie sheet, coat with lots of salt, bake at 325 for 10 - 15 minutes until start to get a little brown, stir or flip and bake for another 10 - 15 minutes until crunchy. Let cool and then devour! That is actually my own recipe that I made up years ago, has been working so why look for something else.
We have an apple tree in the back yard that produces apples, sometimes. Most of the time the critters get them before we get any ripe apples. But this year, we had a lot! Evy and I picked the apples and prepared them to make an apple pie. Found the recipe in Better Homes and Gardens (go to www.bhg.com and under recipes look for mile high caramel apple pie) Took some time to make it, but the end result was simply delish! Yum-O!!
Things seem to be getting back to normal. Kids are back at school today, we can actually see the mountains from the kitchen window and there is only a slight hint of smoke smell in the air. I did take K on our early morning walk this morning and could see the stars and the moon. I could however, feel some smoke in my lungs. Practices are to resume today and all games for the weekend are on as previously planned, unless things change. So, back to another normal crazy week!
The fire is 65% contained and full containment is expected by Friday. It has moved East of us and there are still canyon homes in danger. We can still see the water dropping helicopters and planes flying around and media helicopters hovering near. I think some flight plan has changed as there are a lot of passenger jets flying over from the East to the West.
Time to get back to work. I have a lot of catching up to do from last week. Ugh. Have a super week everyone!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Amazing!!
This morning seemed like a normal Saturday morning. By normal, I mean no smoke lingering in the air. The sky was overcast, but not smoky and it actually didn't really smell outside. Evelyn and I headed out to do some volunteer clean up. Well, I guess we didn't have all the facts right, a passed around email, and ended up not volunteering.
So, instead we drove around. We drove up El Toro road to Ridgeline ( as far as we could get). The street was blocked off by police cars and we could see many fire trucks at Cooks Corner. We turned left on Ridgeline and headed into Portola Hills. Thank you signs everywhere!! Was amazing to see. At the top of one ridge we had a very good view of where the fire had burned in the hills. And what was so amazing was to see all the houses that had not been touched. What an amazing job the fire crews did to keep the fires only burning the brush and not any homes in that area.
We wound our way back to Glenn Ranch Rd and could see where the fire had burned there (cross from Oakley). It still smells like smoke in that area and I am sure it will for quite awhile. Of course we had to hit Starbucks and waved at the fire trucks leaving the parking lot.
So, what were we to do on a day with no games or anything else to do???? Scrapbook Expo! My neighbor Julia emailed Friday night to see if I wanted to go so I jumped on that chance. So, Julia, Evelyn and myself headed to Ontario for the Scrapbook Expo. Greg went to his friend Aidan's to play.
The Expo was not super crowded and this one is smaller than Orange County. Evelyn did some make and takes : cute notebook and a very cute button bracelet. I had to do most of the work on the bracelet as it involved crocheting wire with a very fine crochet needle and very poor lighting. But it turned out cute. We got some good deals and I think I used pretty good will power and only bought things I know I could use and told myself I will use now, rather than years from now.
After dinner the kids and I hit the new Target. The layout is pretty much the same as Foothill Ranch. I like the outside of the store and the parking lot. Wonder what is going to go in the empty lot next door??? We bought some new games and just stuff. Can't leave Target without buying just stuff.
At home we played a competitive game of Disney Scene It. And who won??? Yep, that would be me, Diva Mom. Go Diva Mom It's your birthday ( Judy - not really!!) Pretty fun game.
Everyone is asleep except for me. Seems to be the case as I have turned into a night owl as I really can't go to sleep anyways. Going to watch some shows I have saved on the DVR. Very exciting night for me!!
I think this was the most normal day we have had all week. It was nice. And nice to be able to go back outside again. Cars are a mess!! I did do some cleaning yesterday and Tom did some today.
I know the fire is not fully contained yet and is moving to the East. I hope the little bit of rain we had today was helpful. We could only see a little glow behind the mountains last night. I don't see any tonight but I can see the outline of the mountains which means no smoke. It does smell outside again. But it usually does at night.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
So, instead we drove around. We drove up El Toro road to Ridgeline ( as far as we could get). The street was blocked off by police cars and we could see many fire trucks at Cooks Corner. We turned left on Ridgeline and headed into Portola Hills. Thank you signs everywhere!! Was amazing to see. At the top of one ridge we had a very good view of where the fire had burned in the hills. And what was so amazing was to see all the houses that had not been touched. What an amazing job the fire crews did to keep the fires only burning the brush and not any homes in that area.
We wound our way back to Glenn Ranch Rd and could see where the fire had burned there (cross from Oakley). It still smells like smoke in that area and I am sure it will for quite awhile. Of course we had to hit Starbucks and waved at the fire trucks leaving the parking lot.
So, what were we to do on a day with no games or anything else to do???? Scrapbook Expo! My neighbor Julia emailed Friday night to see if I wanted to go so I jumped on that chance. So, Julia, Evelyn and myself headed to Ontario for the Scrapbook Expo. Greg went to his friend Aidan's to play.
The Expo was not super crowded and this one is smaller than Orange County. Evelyn did some make and takes : cute notebook and a very cute button bracelet. I had to do most of the work on the bracelet as it involved crocheting wire with a very fine crochet needle and very poor lighting. But it turned out cute. We got some good deals and I think I used pretty good will power and only bought things I know I could use and told myself I will use now, rather than years from now.
After dinner the kids and I hit the new Target. The layout is pretty much the same as Foothill Ranch. I like the outside of the store and the parking lot. Wonder what is going to go in the empty lot next door??? We bought some new games and just stuff. Can't leave Target without buying just stuff.
At home we played a competitive game of Disney Scene It. And who won??? Yep, that would be me, Diva Mom. Go Diva Mom It's your birthday ( Judy - not really!!) Pretty fun game.
Everyone is asleep except for me. Seems to be the case as I have turned into a night owl as I really can't go to sleep anyways. Going to watch some shows I have saved on the DVR. Very exciting night for me!!
I think this was the most normal day we have had all week. It was nice. And nice to be able to go back outside again. Cars are a mess!! I did do some cleaning yesterday and Tom did some today.
I know the fire is not fully contained yet and is moving to the East. I hope the little bit of rain we had today was helpful. We could only see a little glow behind the mountains last night. I don't see any tonight but I can see the outline of the mountains which means no smoke. It does smell outside again. But it usually does at night.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Friday Fires
We can no longer see the hills burning, but the smoke and ash is still everywhere. I went outside this morning and got a good breath of the smoke. Ashes are all around too.
Good news for us is the fire is burning towards Riverside County. Bad news for those in Riverside County and other OC towns that way, like Anaheim Hills. Since the fire is burning into the Cleveland National Forest the California Department of Forestry is now involved too.
Good news for us is the fire is burning towards Riverside County. Bad news for those in Riverside County and other OC towns that way, like Anaheim Hills. Since the fire is burning into the Cleveland National Forest the California Department of Forestry is now involved too.
My neighbor sent these to me yesterday. I am not sure where the one on the left was taken from. The one on the right is overlooking Lake Mission Viejo and the hills behind it. And these are the hills we could see from our back yard. I did take pictures but it was hard to see.
This morning there are people out walking their dogs, walking them selves and I even saw someone jogging past my house. Still to smoky for me. The kids got some homework done and have already dashed to the neighbors house. Not sure what we will do this afternoon. No practice. I feel like going somewhere but don't want to drive too far and drive in the traffic. So, who knows. Probably will go to the new Target that opened up. I now have 4 Targets within 5 miles of me. Go figure! I wish it was a Costco. Oh well. Can't have it all. Yesterday afternoon we went to the movies and saw The Game Plan. Cute movie. And let me tell you, it was packed! We saw a few guys from Greg's football team there too. No other kids movies out now so maybe a movie marathon at home.
Hope everyone out there is staying safe and staying indoors.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Anothe smoky day
Today must be day 5? The days and nights drag by. I can't even begin to imagine what it is like for those living in the canyons or closer to it than I am. We are about 2 miles away from one of the hot spots which has already burned. And to consider the entire fire location, that seems far away. Today by far is the worst smoky day. This morning when I went ouside, I was in a bank of smoke and white ashes were everywhere. In some spots it looked like a light snow cover. I can not even see the hills from my house. The sun coming up over the hills was a bright orange, as was the moon last night. You can not stay outside very long without getting the effects of breathing in the smoke. My chest feels so congested.
Last night around 9:30 I heard helicopters, went out back and could see new flames on the hills.
Air strikes can not take place when it is dark. All the fire crews can do is to stand by homes to protect them from burning. At least today there is no wind here.
Now today I hear the fire is back to 30% contained. The coverage on the news is not as extensive and I don't really know much about the other fires.
Kids are enjoying the day off and were able to sleep in. All games have been cancelled for this weekend and will be re scheduled for another day. No practices for the rest of this week. I hope the school stays closed next week. The kids have been running back and forth from the neighbors with their shirts over their faces. Doing my best to keep them here or there with minimal time outside.
Here are some pictures I lifted from http://www.ocregister.com/ as well as some others blogs.
An eerie sunrise
to the right is one map of the fire area
on this big map ~ we live off Los Alisos wich is not named but the street to the right of El Toro. There is a road below the toll road (241) and we live near that. Right below the purple area is where the kids and I went the other night. It was not evacuated at that time. Going to the
left of the map at Bake and Portola is where our Target is and major stores are and where we were when they closed down Foothill Ranch on Monday.
This picture to the left "Thank You" says so much. No need to say anything else
Picture above is an ariel view from several days ago.
Last night around 9:30 I heard helicopters, went out back and could see new flames on the hills.
Air strikes can not take place when it is dark. All the fire crews can do is to stand by homes to protect them from burning. At least today there is no wind here.
Now today I hear the fire is back to 30% contained. The coverage on the news is not as extensive and I don't really know much about the other fires.
Kids are enjoying the day off and were able to sleep in. All games have been cancelled for this weekend and will be re scheduled for another day. No practices for the rest of this week. I hope the school stays closed next week. The kids have been running back and forth from the neighbors with their shirts over their faces. Doing my best to keep them here or there with minimal time outside.
Here are some pictures I lifted from http://www.ocregister.com/ as well as some others blogs.
An eerie sunrise
to the right is one map of the fire area
on this big map ~ we live off Los Alisos wich is not named but the street to the right of El Toro. There is a road below the toll road (241) and we live near that. Right below the purple area is where the kids and I went the other night. It was not evacuated at that time. Going to the
left of the map at Bake and Portola is where our Target is and major stores are and where we were when they closed down Foothill Ranch on Monday.This picture to the left "Thank You" says so much. No need to say anything else
Picture above is an ariel view from several days ago.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Update
Last I heard the Santiago fire is 50% contained. There is a reward out for any tips leading to the arrest of the arsonist who set this fire.
Today was the worst of all smoke wise. There was no getting away from it even with the house closed up and the air on. I could hear the helicopters all day long and from time to time would venture out back for a look at the mountains. I even saw some of the airplanes dropping fire retardant. I think this is the closest I have ever been to a fire of this size.
When I picked up the kids from school, the entire school were given masks to wear. About 1/2 of the kids were wearing them.
The air is just still very thick, there are white ashes all over the place. My car almost looks black and you should see my back yard! Even K gets them on her when she ventures out. The moom is orange through the smoke.
the kids school is closed tomorrow due to the unhealthy air. Also, back fires will be set near the Pendelton fire which will put even more smoke in the air. It is just surrounding our valley here.
I was so tired this afternoon that I plopped on the bed to watch the news and take a nap. Kaydee curled up next to me the entire time. I know she is spooked about what is going on as she does not want to leave my sight.
Practices have been cancelled too. The coach was looking for an indoor gym or place to try to get some practice in. Couldn't find anything available.
Kids went to the neighbors to play but it's time to bring them home for dinner and to settle in for the night. I am tired.
Tom should be home sometime tomorrow. What a shock he will have driving home through all this. First to fly over it, now to drive through it.
Take care everyone!
Today was the worst of all smoke wise. There was no getting away from it even with the house closed up and the air on. I could hear the helicopters all day long and from time to time would venture out back for a look at the mountains. I even saw some of the airplanes dropping fire retardant. I think this is the closest I have ever been to a fire of this size.
When I picked up the kids from school, the entire school were given masks to wear. About 1/2 of the kids were wearing them.
The air is just still very thick, there are white ashes all over the place. My car almost looks black and you should see my back yard! Even K gets them on her when she ventures out. The moom is orange through the smoke.
the kids school is closed tomorrow due to the unhealthy air. Also, back fires will be set near the Pendelton fire which will put even more smoke in the air. It is just surrounding our valley here.
I was so tired this afternoon that I plopped on the bed to watch the news and take a nap. Kaydee curled up next to me the entire time. I know she is spooked about what is going on as she does not want to leave my sight.
Practices have been cancelled too. The coach was looking for an indoor gym or place to try to get some practice in. Couldn't find anything available.
Kids went to the neighbors to play but it's time to bring them home for dinner and to settle in for the night. I am tired.
Tom should be home sometime tomorrow. What a shock he will have driving home through all this. First to fly over it, now to drive through it.
Take care everyone!
Not letting up
Woke up this morning to smoke and ashes and the hills still burning. The news helicopters showed up early too. I watched the news for about an hour and decided to send the kids to school. The fire seems to be burning through the canyon and away from the kids school. Although over by school we can see the smoke from the Camp Pendleton fires. The sun coming up through the smoke was very orange and eerie looking.
I have had my eyes glued to the news all morning long. I also read the Santiago fire is now 50% contained, which is great news as earlier it was reported to be 30% contained. There are fire crews from Shasta helping us out. And fire crews from all over OC and elsewhere.
I know there are many fires here and not just the Santiago fires. There are crews from all over at all of the fires, not just the local fire crews. At a time like this it is not the time to make judgements on the lack of crews or response times like I heard some mention of people complaining about on the news last night. But for the most part, people seem to be thankful for the work the fire crews are doing. I know I am! It is just amazing.
Last night I went out back around 1 am for the last time before going to bed. The hills were glowing orange and I could see the fires as well. The air was thick with smoke. I said good night to the fire fighters and said a prayer for their safety and the safety of everyone in the fire areas.
We know a few people who were evacuated and are now back home safely. I do feel better today as it seems the fires are moving away from the area of the kids school.
Thanks for all your kind emails.
I have had my eyes glued to the news all morning long. I also read the Santiago fire is now 50% contained, which is great news as earlier it was reported to be 30% contained. There are fire crews from Shasta helping us out. And fire crews from all over OC and elsewhere.
I know there are many fires here and not just the Santiago fires. There are crews from all over at all of the fires, not just the local fire crews. At a time like this it is not the time to make judgements on the lack of crews or response times like I heard some mention of people complaining about on the news last night. But for the most part, people seem to be thankful for the work the fire crews are doing. I know I am! It is just amazing.
Last night I went out back around 1 am for the last time before going to bed. The hills were glowing orange and I could see the fires as well. The air was thick with smoke. I said good night to the fire fighters and said a prayer for their safety and the safety of everyone in the fire areas.
We know a few people who were evacuated and are now back home safely. I do feel better today as it seems the fires are moving away from the area of the kids school.
Thanks for all your kind emails.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
And again
This evening the kids and I drove up Los Alisos past the toll road to check on the fires. We really didnt have to drive up there as we could see the hills burning from the street above us.
The air was not smoky around us so Greg and I were out front driving his remote control cars that we got at a garage sale when Traci told us about being able to see the fire from Los Alisos.
The kids wanted to check on the fire by Oakley, so we drove over there and were relieved the fire was out.
Please know that we are not getting in the way of any police, fire or any one else. Up Los Alisos, there were hundreds of people way out of harms way observing the fire. There was even a police car up there. People are just stopped everywhere looking at the fire. My reason for this is that I just need to know first hand where the fire is. And I am in no way taking myself or the kids where we could be in any danger.
On our way home, we could actually see the hills from our street. We had an even better view from our back yard. I called Janet next door and she came out to see. There is a clear shot of the hills and lots of fire. We can even see the glow of a fire from behind a ridge. My guess it is the fire near Cooks Corner. The smell of the smoke is even getting stronger tonight.
It's about 3 hours later now and the fire is still burning. I can still hear the helicpoters. I can see the fire from my bedroom window too so keep peeking out as well as going out back. The dog is really freaked out tonight. She won't leave me alone, and neither will the kids. Thankfully they are all asleep now. I am waiting for the news to come on so I can get an update.
I do have a bag packed and things ready just in case. Told the kids it's ok to be nervous (I am) and we do have places to go should we need to leave and we will have plenty of time to get things and go. I doubt that will happen. Although the fires are close, they are miles away and there is a lot to burn through before they could get here. But all the same, I am nervous and would rather be ready than not.
The air was not smoky around us so Greg and I were out front driving his remote control cars that we got at a garage sale when Traci told us about being able to see the fire from Los Alisos.
The kids wanted to check on the fire by Oakley, so we drove over there and were relieved the fire was out.
Please know that we are not getting in the way of any police, fire or any one else. Up Los Alisos, there were hundreds of people way out of harms way observing the fire. There was even a police car up there. People are just stopped everywhere looking at the fire. My reason for this is that I just need to know first hand where the fire is. And I am in no way taking myself or the kids where we could be in any danger.
On our way home, we could actually see the hills from our street. We had an even better view from our back yard. I called Janet next door and she came out to see. There is a clear shot of the hills and lots of fire. We can even see the glow of a fire from behind a ridge. My guess it is the fire near Cooks Corner. The smell of the smoke is even getting stronger tonight.
It's about 3 hours later now and the fire is still burning. I can still hear the helicpoters. I can see the fire from my bedroom window too so keep peeking out as well as going out back. The dog is really freaked out tonight. She won't leave me alone, and neither will the kids. Thankfully they are all asleep now. I am waiting for the news to come on so I can get an update.
I do have a bag packed and things ready just in case. Told the kids it's ok to be nervous (I am) and we do have places to go should we need to leave and we will have plenty of time to get things and go. I doubt that will happen. Although the fires are close, they are miles away and there is a lot to burn through before they could get here. But all the same, I am nervous and would rather be ready than not.
Fires
Another update on the fires.
Earlier today I could not see the hills through all the smoke. Now I can see the hills but can also see thick black smoke. It's weird, part of the sky is blue, part is thick smoke and no matter where you are , it's smoky and hard to breathe.
This afternoon the kids and I drove up Los Alisos towards the toll road. Couldn't see anything but brown smoke. The kids wanted to drive to Foothill Ranch, so we did. Boy is it still smoky over there! We could see where the fire came right to the edge of Foothill Ranch Elementary school and all the hills that had burned. On the way home, the kids wanted to drive by Oakley. So, we turned up Glenn Ranch Road and Greg shouted "There is the fire!!" Sure enough, fire on the hill cross the street from Oakley and the police had the road closed. We made a uey and came back home.
Greg's coach works at Oakley and he said there was voluntary evacuation and he was headed home.
All practices are off for tonight due to the weather. I would not have sent the kids anyways.
The wind picked up awhile ago and the smoke is starting to blow past our house again.
My friend Tara in Mission Viejo, peeked out her back balcony and could see fire burning in the hills above Rancho. She is worried about the canyon behind her house.
The kids are so bored being inside and keep asking to go outside. NO WAY! is what I say. The AQMD rates our air quality as hazardous. The girls are over here playing and have a huge fort in the family room. Greg and Harrison headed to Harry's house as they got bored here.
Here is a link I got from Traci with an updated map and information from google:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&om=1&msa=0&msid=107327873899641045650.00043d1de33aaa4eb6ffb&ll=33.719038,-117.704987&z=11&source=embed
Earlier today I could not see the hills through all the smoke. Now I can see the hills but can also see thick black smoke. It's weird, part of the sky is blue, part is thick smoke and no matter where you are , it's smoky and hard to breathe.
This afternoon the kids and I drove up Los Alisos towards the toll road. Couldn't see anything but brown smoke. The kids wanted to drive to Foothill Ranch, so we did. Boy is it still smoky over there! We could see where the fire came right to the edge of Foothill Ranch Elementary school and all the hills that had burned. On the way home, the kids wanted to drive by Oakley. So, we turned up Glenn Ranch Road and Greg shouted "There is the fire!!" Sure enough, fire on the hill cross the street from Oakley and the police had the road closed. We made a uey and came back home.
Greg's coach works at Oakley and he said there was voluntary evacuation and he was headed home.
All practices are off for tonight due to the weather. I would not have sent the kids anyways.
The wind picked up awhile ago and the smoke is starting to blow past our house again.
My friend Tara in Mission Viejo, peeked out her back balcony and could see fire burning in the hills above Rancho. She is worried about the canyon behind her house.
The kids are so bored being inside and keep asking to go outside. NO WAY! is what I say. The AQMD rates our air quality as hazardous. The girls are over here playing and have a huge fort in the family room. Greg and Harrison headed to Harry's house as they got bored here.
Here is a link I got from Traci with an updated map and information from google:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&om=1&msa=0&msid=107327873899641045650.00043d1de33aaa4eb6ffb&ll=33.719038,-117.704987&z=11&source=embed
And there are great updates at www.ocregister.com
I have not really been keeping track of the Malibu or San Diego fires. But did read there are 2 fires in Camp Pendleton.
Dinner is in the oven cooking and after we eat will turn on the evening news to get updated on the fires in other locations. There is a layer of dust all over the house. No use trying to dust as it will just be back again.Girls Night Out
So Friday night I had the best time with some other mom's from school. There were 10 of us in all. We went to La Maison Gourmet (http://www.lamaisongourmet.net/ ) for wine tasting. This shop is right on Lake Mission Viejo. We sat outback overlooking the lake.
We tasted 6 wines from Italy, France and Germany and had a nice cheese plate along with bread, patte, meats...... It was great and all for $30. I ended up buying 2 bottles of wine to bring home.
This shop is amazing and I want to get back there to get some more cheese and meats from their deli counter. Lot's of gift ideas as well.
When I got home I didn't feel like going to bed (even though I needed to be up early). I poured myself a glass of wine from a nice bottle I had found earlier at Trader Joes. I dug around as I also wanted some cheese, etc.... I found some cheese sticks in the fridge, the remaining trail mix from Henrys, and a bag of pistachio, fig and pumpkin seed mix from Trader Joes. So, with my wine, cheese stick, trail mix and nuts, I plopped myself down on the couch to finish off the evening and ended up sharing the cheese stick with the dog. Ended up falling asleep and waking up 2 hours later.
Well, hey, it was a great evening afterall. Good to get out with the girls and have a nice night out and a good nap on the couch. ! Can't wait for the next night out. And a big thank you and hug to Julie for organizing this night.
We tasted 6 wines from Italy, France and Germany and had a nice cheese plate along with bread, patte, meats...... It was great and all for $30. I ended up buying 2 bottles of wine to bring home.
This shop is amazing and I want to get back there to get some more cheese and meats from their deli counter. Lot's of gift ideas as well.
When I got home I didn't feel like going to bed (even though I needed to be up early). I poured myself a glass of wine from a nice bottle I had found earlier at Trader Joes. I dug around as I also wanted some cheese, etc.... I found some cheese sticks in the fridge, the remaining trail mix from Henrys, and a bag of pistachio, fig and pumpkin seed mix from Trader Joes. So, with my wine, cheese stick, trail mix and nuts, I plopped myself down on the couch to finish off the evening and ended up sharing the cheese stick with the dog. Ended up falling asleep and waking up 2 hours later.
Well, hey, it was a great evening afterall. Good to get out with the girls and have a nice night out and a good nap on the couch. ! Can't wait for the next night out. And a big thank you and hug to Julie for organizing this night.
Weekend update
Moving onto something other than the fires now.
Last weekend was a typical busy weekend for us.
We were up around 6 am Saturday as Greg had to be at the field at 6:45 for his 8 am game. They played the Huntington Beach Chargers. We didn't win this game but played a super game. It was one of those games where a few plays changed the outcome of the game. Our first TD was by DuBose. But this started with 2 great runs by Jardim and Rooker. Greg scored in the 2nd half and had an awesome run down the field for a TD. Greg hurt his leg at practice on Friday and it was really bothering him Saturday. He was limping but still played a great game.
here is the video link (Bears are in white, Greg #88)
http://web.mac.com/jfpd/iWeb/SVBears/Game8.html
Saturday afternoon I took a class at Timeless Treasures and made a calendar. Hmmm, just might be some Christmas gifts. My friend Judy also took the class. All I need to do now is to add pictures and I have a great little 2008 calendar.
Sunday morning we were again up before dawn. Tom and Greg were headed to Seattle for the Sea Hawks/Rams game. They left the house at 5:10 am to pick up some friends and drive to LAX for their flight. They got home about 1 am. bummer for them that their beloved Rams lost the game. Greg said he still had fun anyways. Their seats were 3rd row from the field!!
Evy and I had volunteered to sell raffle tickets for the schools Harvest Festival. So we were at church before 7 am to set up the table. We stayed until 10 am and then headed home to finish cleaning the house and for Evy to get ready for her soccer game.
It was so windy and dry on Sunday. Evelyn's team played another great game and won 3 - 2. They are destined for the play offs now! Evelyn got hit hard in the stomach in the first quarter and got the wind knocked out of her. She sat out the 2nd quarter but was in tip top shape to finish out the game. She had some tremendous saves and throw ins.
After the game Evy and I headed to the Irvine Spectrum for some girl time. Evy really wanted to go to Dave & Busters and had found some coupons for extra tokens. We loaded up the D&B card and hit the games. Got a lot of tickets and cashed them in for some fun prizes. We walked around the spectrum and had dinner at Red Robin. It was so windy at the spectrum and it was not very crowded. When we came outside after dinner, we could see this big thick black cloud. One man said it was a big rain cloud, and I said, no it's smoke, there is a brush fire. We walked around to the theater where we could see the hills. By this time it was getting dark and we could see the glow of the fire.
When we got home, turned on the news to find out what was happening and to warn Tom to be prepared to see flames when they were flying home over CA.
My best part about Sunday was when Evy said to me "I am having so much fun hanging out with you" I told her that I was having fun hanging out with her too :) And it was a great afternoon, actually an entire day.
Last weekend was a typical busy weekend for us.
We were up around 6 am Saturday as Greg had to be at the field at 6:45 for his 8 am game. They played the Huntington Beach Chargers. We didn't win this game but played a super game. It was one of those games where a few plays changed the outcome of the game. Our first TD was by DuBose. But this started with 2 great runs by Jardim and Rooker. Greg scored in the 2nd half and had an awesome run down the field for a TD. Greg hurt his leg at practice on Friday and it was really bothering him Saturday. He was limping but still played a great game.
here is the video link (Bears are in white, Greg #88)
http://web.mac.com/jfpd/iWeb/SVBears/Game8.html
Saturday afternoon I took a class at Timeless Treasures and made a calendar. Hmmm, just might be some Christmas gifts. My friend Judy also took the class. All I need to do now is to add pictures and I have a great little 2008 calendar.
Sunday morning we were again up before dawn. Tom and Greg were headed to Seattle for the Sea Hawks/Rams game. They left the house at 5:10 am to pick up some friends and drive to LAX for their flight. They got home about 1 am. bummer for them that their beloved Rams lost the game. Greg said he still had fun anyways. Their seats were 3rd row from the field!!
Evy and I had volunteered to sell raffle tickets for the schools Harvest Festival. So we were at church before 7 am to set up the table. We stayed until 10 am and then headed home to finish cleaning the house and for Evy to get ready for her soccer game.
It was so windy and dry on Sunday. Evelyn's team played another great game and won 3 - 2. They are destined for the play offs now! Evelyn got hit hard in the stomach in the first quarter and got the wind knocked out of her. She sat out the 2nd quarter but was in tip top shape to finish out the game. She had some tremendous saves and throw ins.
After the game Evy and I headed to the Irvine Spectrum for some girl time. Evy really wanted to go to Dave & Busters and had found some coupons for extra tokens. We loaded up the D&B card and hit the games. Got a lot of tickets and cashed them in for some fun prizes. We walked around the spectrum and had dinner at Red Robin. It was so windy at the spectrum and it was not very crowded. When we came outside after dinner, we could see this big thick black cloud. One man said it was a big rain cloud, and I said, no it's smoke, there is a brush fire. We walked around to the theater where we could see the hills. By this time it was getting dark and we could see the glow of the fire.
When we got home, turned on the news to find out what was happening and to warn Tom to be prepared to see flames when they were flying home over CA.
My best part about Sunday was when Evy said to me "I am having so much fun hanging out with you" I told her that I was having fun hanging out with her too :) And it was a great afternoon, actually an entire day.
Fires day 3
Tom called last night around 8 to say they had finally made it to Vegas and were all settled in. I could hear slots in the back ground. Tom will be home either Wednesday or Thursday, depending if they go to Utah to visit a customer. At least there are no fires out that way.
Still a lot of smoke here. Didn't seem to be too windy last night though, but I could smell the smoke all night long. It's not too windy this morning but can sure smell the smoke.
As soon as I woke up I turned on the tv to get an update about the Santiago fire. Didn't see anything on the tv. Internet is pretty good updating at http://www.ocregister.com/ . I opted to keep the kids home from school today just for my piece of mind and to keep them out of this smoke as much as possible. My eyes and throat are burning and I have an incredible headache. I did load the kids in the car and we drove up Los Alisos towards the toll road (about 2 miles). There is just smoke everywhere! Back home from our back yard we can see the smoke on the hills. No flames though (at least that we could see) The fire is moving East so should be moving past us today.
The sky towards San Diego is just a blanket of brown smoke.
Here is an update from http://www.ocregister.com/ :
The Orange County Sheriff's Department has begun to evacuate 63 boys from the Joplin Boys Ranch, a juvenile detention center in Trabuco Canyon. The boys are being sent to Juvenile Hall in Santa Ana. Firefighters are encouraging residents of 76 homes in Santiago Estates to evacuate as the Santiago Fire approaches. That evacuation is voluntary. - 7:40 a.m..
Laguna Beach has closed all public schools today. Saddleback Unified School District has also closed Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills elementary schools, and will not be operating buses in the Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills communities. - 7:32 a.m.
Firefighters have announced that 600 homes and about 2,000 in Silverado Canyon face an "immediate threat" from the wildfire. That community, as well as neighborhoods in nearby Modjeska and Williams Canyon, is being evacuated. - 7 a.m.
I don't like to be so gloomy, but for whatever reason this fire just has me worried. It's close, but not too close and it's moving away from us now.
California fires. Picture lifted from a friend (she found it on google)
Still a lot of smoke here. Didn't seem to be too windy last night though, but I could smell the smoke all night long. It's not too windy this morning but can sure smell the smoke.
As soon as I woke up I turned on the tv to get an update about the Santiago fire. Didn't see anything on the tv. Internet is pretty good updating at http://www.ocregister.com/ . I opted to keep the kids home from school today just for my piece of mind and to keep them out of this smoke as much as possible. My eyes and throat are burning and I have an incredible headache. I did load the kids in the car and we drove up Los Alisos towards the toll road (about 2 miles). There is just smoke everywhere! Back home from our back yard we can see the smoke on the hills. No flames though (at least that we could see) The fire is moving East so should be moving past us today.
The sky towards San Diego is just a blanket of brown smoke.
Here is an update from http://www.ocregister.com/ :
The Orange County Sheriff's Department has begun to evacuate 63 boys from the Joplin Boys Ranch, a juvenile detention center in Trabuco Canyon. The boys are being sent to Juvenile Hall in Santa Ana. Firefighters are encouraging residents of 76 homes in Santiago Estates to evacuate as the Santiago Fire approaches. That evacuation is voluntary. - 7:40 a.m..
Laguna Beach has closed all public schools today. Saddleback Unified School District has also closed Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills elementary schools, and will not be operating buses in the Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills communities. - 7:32 a.m.
Firefighters have announced that 600 homes and about 2,000 in Silverado Canyon face an "immediate threat" from the wildfire. That community, as well as neighborhoods in nearby Modjeska and Williams Canyon, is being evacuated. - 7 a.m.
I don't like to be so gloomy, but for whatever reason this fire just has me worried. It's close, but not too close and it's moving away from us now.
California fires. Picture lifted from a friend (she found it on google)
Monday, October 22, 2007
Fire update
Fires are still ablaze here. I have been watching the news all day and listening to the news on the internet.
Tom is on his way to Vegas for a paint show and is driving with some other people from work. They got stuck on the 215 from the Devore fire. Had to turn around and are headed to Vegas the long way via the 40. Last I spoke to him was around 3:30 and they were headed to Yucca Valley. No fires there.
The kids and I headed to Foothill Ranch this afternoon. 2 reasons. needed to go to Target and to see how the fire was progressing. Target was empty. There were a lot of people in the parking lot watching the hills. We drove through the center to hit Mervyn's but all the other stores in the center were closed, but Target.
As we were leaving the parking lot, several police cars buzzed by, directed us back through the parking lot and out on to Portola. Then they blocked off the intersection of Portala and Bake where we sat for whate seemed forever. Cars were coming down Bake from the homes. Then about 5 fire trucks and a water truck came down the hill, turning right on Portola towards Anton.
The smoke there was so thick with ashes blowing all over.
It's even smoky at our house and I told the kids to stay inside. At least it is not as windy as it was before. Kids and I are staying in for the rest of the day and I will just have to rely on the news for the fire updates rather than driving to get them myself.
If it's smoky like this tomorrow, probably keeping kids home from school. Behind their school is a big ravine. I am just a worrier and feel it's better to be safe.
Tom is on his way to Vegas for a paint show and is driving with some other people from work. They got stuck on the 215 from the Devore fire. Had to turn around and are headed to Vegas the long way via the 40. Last I spoke to him was around 3:30 and they were headed to Yucca Valley. No fires there.
The kids and I headed to Foothill Ranch this afternoon. 2 reasons. needed to go to Target and to see how the fire was progressing. Target was empty. There were a lot of people in the parking lot watching the hills. We drove through the center to hit Mervyn's but all the other stores in the center were closed, but Target.
As we were leaving the parking lot, several police cars buzzed by, directed us back through the parking lot and out on to Portola. Then they blocked off the intersection of Portala and Bake where we sat for whate seemed forever. Cars were coming down Bake from the homes. Then about 5 fire trucks and a water truck came down the hill, turning right on Portola towards Anton.
The smoke there was so thick with ashes blowing all over.
It's even smoky at our house and I told the kids to stay inside. At least it is not as windy as it was before. Kids and I are staying in for the rest of the day and I will just have to rely on the news for the fire updates rather than driving to get them myself.
If it's smoky like this tomorrow, probably keeping kids home from school. Behind their school is a big ravine. I am just a worrier and feel it's better to be safe.
Fires everywhere!
For those of you who read this blog and are not in CA, there are so many fires! The air in my area is smoky and brown.
The closest fire to us is the Santiago fire in Irvine and Foothill Ranch. It's about 4 miles from where we live. But we are safe here, not in a highly dry brush area. There is a lot for the fire to get through before it would get to us here.
I was up there around 11 am and could see the flames on the hills behind the shopping center. After listening to the news on the intenet, I was getting worried so I put the dog in the car and headed to Foothill Ranch again. There are a lot of people in the parking lot watching the fire. But the fire in the hills, that I could see, is out, just smoldering and a lot of smoke! There were also about 5 fire trucks from other cities lined up along one street ready. Thank you!!
The closest fire to us is the Santiago fire in Irvine and Foothill Ranch. It's about 4 miles from where we live. But we are safe here, not in a highly dry brush area. There is a lot for the fire to get through before it would get to us here.
I was up there around 11 am and could see the flames on the hills behind the shopping center. After listening to the news on the intenet, I was getting worried so I put the dog in the car and headed to Foothill Ranch again. There are a lot of people in the parking lot watching the fire. But the fire in the hills, that I could see, is out, just smoldering and a lot of smoke! There were also about 5 fire trucks from other cities lined up along one street ready. Thank you!!
I have 2 tv news channels on and listening to a news station on the internet. There is voluntary evacuation for some areas in Foothill Ranch. A local minimum security jail has been evacuated due to smoke. Fire fighters can not fight this fire from the air due to the wind, but they are doing their best from the ground. The kids school is even farther away from the fire and we were told the kids would stay inside today due to the high winds and the smoke.
Please say prayers for all the fire fighters and other safety personnell as well as the residents in the areas where the fires are!!
Friday, October 19, 2007
A little ME time!
Finally, a little me time so this post is going to be all about ME. Yep, ME! Tonight my friend Julie arranged a MNO (mom's night out). Yep. Going wine tasting at La Maison Gourmet on Lake Mission Viejo. About 12 of us moms from school are heading out for a night out. After that I hope to make it to an open house at another soccer mom's house.
Saturday afternoon I am taking a class at Timeless Treasures. It's a calendar class and I hope to get inspired to start making our Christmas gifts early this year, rather than starting in December. I will see how I am feeling and may take up a scrap night at Timeless on Saturday night. But it all depends.......
Have to be up early Saturday for an early morning football game. Then up early Sunday morning to be at church to sell raffle tickets for the schools harvest festival. So, no sleeping in at all this weekend.
Sunday Tom and Greg take off before the sun is up to fly to Washington to see the Rams play the Sea Hawks. They are going with 2 guys Tom works with and their sons. Will be a great father/son day. So that means Evy and I have Sunday to ourselves. She has a game at 1:45 but we still have plenty of time for a mom/daughter day. Evelyn has not made a decision about what she wants to do yet. I have some ideas.
Well, have a great Friday and a great weekend. Hope to see you at the games. :)
Saturday afternoon I am taking a class at Timeless Treasures. It's a calendar class and I hope to get inspired to start making our Christmas gifts early this year, rather than starting in December. I will see how I am feeling and may take up a scrap night at Timeless on Saturday night. But it all depends.......
Have to be up early Saturday for an early morning football game. Then up early Sunday morning to be at church to sell raffle tickets for the schools harvest festival. So, no sleeping in at all this weekend.
Sunday Tom and Greg take off before the sun is up to fly to Washington to see the Rams play the Sea Hawks. They are going with 2 guys Tom works with and their sons. Will be a great father/son day. So that means Evy and I have Sunday to ourselves. She has a game at 1:45 but we still have plenty of time for a mom/daughter day. Evelyn has not made a decision about what she wants to do yet. I have some ideas.
Well, have a great Friday and a great weekend. Hope to see you at the games. :)
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Fooball update
Bears played San Clemente Tritons on Saturday. Although we couldn't pull off the win, the guys still played a great game. TD's by DuBose and Murph (aka Greg). Greg was defense the first half and offense the second half. He had a new defense position and was going for the QB. Now, this guy was huge! Tallest one out there by far. Final score was Bears 12, Tritons 34.
Touch down Murph!!! Look at that lead!
After a score the guys always body slam each other. BAM! Here's another pic of Greg with the ball.
Only a few minutes left in the game, Bears are behind, Bears first down. I hear someone in the stands say "it's Murphy time!" Couldn't work any magic this game.
Greg was home sick Friday and at one time his temp reached 101.4. He was in bed most of the day but insisted on going to practice. He was not feeling 100% Saturday, but still played a good game. Greg was just so excited that Grandpa was here to see him play. He probably would have played even with a fever.
Jake and Nathan love hanging out with Evelyn and Greg and going to their games. Can't wait for the day we can go see Jake and Nathan playing ball. I was trying to capture Nathan making silly faces but just couldn't get a good shot of him. Well, there will be other days.
Here is the video link for the game highlights. Bears are in white, Greg is #88.
Soccer update
What a fun and busy weekend we had, but more on that later.
Evelyn's team won both their games this weekend. 2 - 1 each game! Whoo hoo!!! Kryptonite is on a roll!
Tom and Grandma Shirley covered Saturday's game as Greg had a football game.
But Sunday we had quite the cheering section for Evelyn. Grandpa Dale was visiting from Oregon so got to see the kids in action at their games. Eric and Chrissy and the boys were also at the game on Sunday. Sunday the girls played 1 player short and still won the game. The girls were tired the last half of the game but hung in their and gave it their all. They sure deserved the ice cream treat from the coach after the game.
I have a lot to write about from the past weekend when Grandpa was here. It was a busy and fun weekend.
Evelyn's team won both their games this weekend. 2 - 1 each game! Whoo hoo!!! Kryptonite is on a roll!
Tom and Grandma Shirley covered Saturday's game as Greg had a football game.
But Sunday we had quite the cheering section for Evelyn. Grandpa Dale was visiting from Oregon so got to see the kids in action at their games. Eric and Chrissy and the boys were also at the game on Sunday. Sunday the girls played 1 player short and still won the game. The girls were tired the last half of the game but hung in their and gave it their all. They sure deserved the ice cream treat from the coach after the game.
Girls in Action! (Evelyn with the ball and throwing in the ball)
Natan totally enjoying his push up from the ice cream truck.
I have a lot to write about from the past weekend when Grandpa was here. It was a busy and fun weekend.
Monday, October 15, 2007
game update
Had a very fun and very busy weekend with Grandpa here.
Evelyn's team won Saturday and Sunday. Evelyn played an awesome game both days too! She is starting to get a lot of power behind those kicks. Knew those long legs and big feet would be useful!
Greg's team did not win but still played a great game. Greg had 1 of the 2 TD's.
Now it's my favorite time of the day.........homework and cooking dinner............
Calgon take me away!!
Have a great week.
Oh, and please rain now!
Evelyn's team won Saturday and Sunday. Evelyn played an awesome game both days too! She is starting to get a lot of power behind those kicks. Knew those long legs and big feet would be useful!
Greg's team did not win but still played a great game. Greg had 1 of the 2 TD's.
Now it's my favorite time of the day.........homework and cooking dinner............
Calgon take me away!!
Have a great week.
Oh, and please rain now!
Friday, October 12, 2007
TGIF!!!
Whew! Made it through the week.
The kids have the state testing this week and Evelyn still has had homework! Go figure. But the kids got caught up on all their Kumon (tutoring) and Greg passed his unit test in math and has moved on. Evelyn should be taking one soon.
Tom and I celebrated our 14th anniversary Tuesday, and went out to dinner on
Wednesday. He has had a lot going on at work and working long days.
Greg has a game at 9:30 at El Toro HS on Saturday. Evelyn 9:00 at Curtis Park. Finally, a Saturday where we can sleep till 7 and not have to be up super early!
Evelyn also has a game on Sunday, 1:45 at Bebe park. Can sleep in again on Sunday! Wow! This is a first in a long time.
There are only 3 more football games and then a bowl game on Nov 3. Evelyn has 4 more soccer games and then playoffs. Both teams are going great!
What will we do when we don't have games or practices anymore? I don't know. will miss it, but will also enjoy some much needed free time! Get the house back in order, do some scrapping, dust off the bikes and hit some bike trails, and just hang out. Oh, I also told the kids we could paint their rooms (again) months ago, so this will go to the top of the list. Also looking forward to finishing up some projects around the house. Fun :)
We are all very excited too because Grandpa Dale (my dad) is coming this weekend from Oregon. It works out great because he can see Greg play on Saturday and Evelyn play on Sunday. We are all looking forward to his visit and excited to have him here.
Back to work for me. Have a safe and fun weekend. Hope to see you at the games too.
The kids have the state testing this week and Evelyn still has had homework! Go figure. But the kids got caught up on all their Kumon (tutoring) and Greg passed his unit test in math and has moved on. Evelyn should be taking one soon.
Tom and I celebrated our 14th anniversary Tuesday, and went out to dinner on
Wednesday. He has had a lot going on at work and working long days.
Greg has a game at 9:30 at El Toro HS on Saturday. Evelyn 9:00 at Curtis Park. Finally, a Saturday where we can sleep till 7 and not have to be up super early!
Evelyn also has a game on Sunday, 1:45 at Bebe park. Can sleep in again on Sunday! Wow! This is a first in a long time.
There are only 3 more football games and then a bowl game on Nov 3. Evelyn has 4 more soccer games and then playoffs. Both teams are going great!
What will we do when we don't have games or practices anymore? I don't know. will miss it, but will also enjoy some much needed free time! Get the house back in order, do some scrapping, dust off the bikes and hit some bike trails, and just hang out. Oh, I also told the kids we could paint their rooms (again) months ago, so this will go to the top of the list. Also looking forward to finishing up some projects around the house. Fun :)
We are all very excited too because Grandpa Dale (my dad) is coming this weekend from Oregon. It works out great because he can see Greg play on Saturday and Evelyn play on Sunday. We are all looking forward to his visit and excited to have him here.
Back to work for me. Have a safe and fun weekend. Hope to see you at the games too.
Monday, October 8, 2007
I need more time!!
Where does the time go? Why does that clock have to tick tock so fast during the day? Why can't I seem to get anything done? Why? Why? Why?
Ok, enough. Just have to vent. Time to cook dinner and deal with 2 very tired and cranky kids. Why???????????
Ok, enough. Just have to vent. Time to cook dinner and deal with 2 very tired and cranky kids. Why???????????
Family Reunion
For the last 52 years my mom's dad's side of the family has had a family reunion, known as the Vreeken Family Reunion. Each year a different family member is in charge of hosting the reunion.
A little background on the Vreeken family, what I know of it. The family started out in the Netherlands and comprised of 12 surviving sons and 2 daughters. My grandfather Casey (Cornelius) was the second youngest. The 2 oldest boys Dick and Martin, traveled to the United States, arriving at Ellis Island, and ventured to Utah to meet up with their sponsor family. They found work and saved to send over the rest of the family. I am not sure if the youngest son, I know him as Uncle Buff, was born in the Netherlands or the US.(most of the original siblings have their given name and a nick name) The rest of the family arrived in the US, through Ellis Island. They eventually settled in Watts, CA. The family only spoke Dutch and wore the traditional wooden shoes and attended reform school, as they spoke limited English. Now back then, Watts was not the Watts as we know it as today.
Flash forward many years, Uncle Buff is the oldest living of the original Vreeken family who came to the US. My mom's cousins are all grandparents, myself and the cousins near my age are parents, some newly grandparents. My kids and their cousins their ages all enjoy getting together just as much as I have enjoyed getting together with my cousins over the years. Now, rather than the parents hosting the reunions, it is us kids who do. So, my brother Eric and I are 3rd generation Vreekens, or maybe 4th. At one time we worked out what type of cousins we all were, 1st cousins, 3rd cousins once removed, etc... But it's just easier to say cousins because we are all one family. And you can imagine that with 14 children, all the grandchildren, etc.... that there are.
Ron is the family historian and brings the many photo albums and pictures to all the reunions. It's always fun to look through them each year. My kids even like to look through them and see all the old photos of relatives.
This year Franklin and Sheri were the hosts. We met at this great park in Yucca Valley (many many many years ago the family started moving out to Joshua Tree, 29 Palms and other areas in the desert) We had the traditional egg toss, which Greg and Eric won! We always do a bake good auction to raise money for the next reunion, have lunch and just hours and hours of chatting and catching up. After the reunion many of us headed to Ron and Candy's in Joshua Tree for the famous lentil soup and more time to chat and the traditional poker game.
John and Yun came from Florida again and Nick from Hawaii.
Next year's reunion is hosted by my cousin Skye and will also be in the desert. It seems to bounce around now between the desert, Atascadero area, the Valley and the OC, depending on who is in charge.
Unfortunately, we had to leave early as the kids had school and Tom and I had to work today. No holiday here :(
I did take my camera but there were so many other cameras too, that I tucked mine away and await for Candy, Sheri, John, Bear and whoever else to share their pictures with the rest of us. then I will share them here. I will also dig through my family history and try to find the link to a website that one cousin has made. It sure is an interesting family history.
A little background on the Vreeken family, what I know of it. The family started out in the Netherlands and comprised of 12 surviving sons and 2 daughters. My grandfather Casey (Cornelius) was the second youngest. The 2 oldest boys Dick and Martin, traveled to the United States, arriving at Ellis Island, and ventured to Utah to meet up with their sponsor family. They found work and saved to send over the rest of the family. I am not sure if the youngest son, I know him as Uncle Buff, was born in the Netherlands or the US.(most of the original siblings have their given name and a nick name) The rest of the family arrived in the US, through Ellis Island. They eventually settled in Watts, CA. The family only spoke Dutch and wore the traditional wooden shoes and attended reform school, as they spoke limited English. Now back then, Watts was not the Watts as we know it as today.
Flash forward many years, Uncle Buff is the oldest living of the original Vreeken family who came to the US. My mom's cousins are all grandparents, myself and the cousins near my age are parents, some newly grandparents. My kids and their cousins their ages all enjoy getting together just as much as I have enjoyed getting together with my cousins over the years. Now, rather than the parents hosting the reunions, it is us kids who do. So, my brother Eric and I are 3rd generation Vreekens, or maybe 4th. At one time we worked out what type of cousins we all were, 1st cousins, 3rd cousins once removed, etc... But it's just easier to say cousins because we are all one family. And you can imagine that with 14 children, all the grandchildren, etc.... that there are.
Ron is the family historian and brings the many photo albums and pictures to all the reunions. It's always fun to look through them each year. My kids even like to look through them and see all the old photos of relatives.
This year Franklin and Sheri were the hosts. We met at this great park in Yucca Valley (many many many years ago the family started moving out to Joshua Tree, 29 Palms and other areas in the desert) We had the traditional egg toss, which Greg and Eric won! We always do a bake good auction to raise money for the next reunion, have lunch and just hours and hours of chatting and catching up. After the reunion many of us headed to Ron and Candy's in Joshua Tree for the famous lentil soup and more time to chat and the traditional poker game.
John and Yun came from Florida again and Nick from Hawaii.
Next year's reunion is hosted by my cousin Skye and will also be in the desert. It seems to bounce around now between the desert, Atascadero area, the Valley and the OC, depending on who is in charge.
Unfortunately, we had to leave early as the kids had school and Tom and I had to work today. No holiday here :(
I did take my camera but there were so many other cameras too, that I tucked mine away and await for Candy, Sheri, John, Bear and whoever else to share their pictures with the rest of us. then I will share them here. I will also dig through my family history and try to find the link to a website that one cousin has made. It sure is an interesting family history.
Game update
This last week flew by so fast and the weekend even faster. It was another early Saturday morning for us and Tom and Greg were out of the house at 6:30 am for Greg's 8 am game. It was at El Toro HS but they still have to be there early for weigh in and warm ups. I let Evy sleep some more while I took K for her walk. Then it was time for me to wrangle sleeping not so beauty when she does not want to get up from her slumber and get her dressed for her soccer game and off to Greg's game.
Bears played the Garden Grove Bulldogs. Grrrrr! First half score, we were ahead 19 - 0. Greg was hit squad and defense. TD's by Colby and 2 by Gavin.
Final score was 38 - 6. Greg was offense the 2nd half. TD's were 2 Speedy Benevede aka Jordon and 2 Murph aka Greg.
We drew quite the crowd for a long overdue home game. And in our cheering section were Uncle Roger, Aunt Therese, Nicole, Miles, Sam, Al, Grandma and Grandpa Murphy, Eric, Chrissy, Nathan and Jake and Christy (she works with Tom) .
After the game Evy and I made the dash to Curtis park for her 10:30 game. Eric Chrissy, Nathan and Jake joined us at the game too :) Evy loves a crowd at her game too. And let me tell you, this girl is getting hotter each game she plays. Awesome kicks and stops and one awesome play at taking the ball up the field and super pass to the forwards. You go girl!! Kryptonite won 4 - 2.
It's great when both teams play so well and the kids have great games and a fun time playing too :) That's what counts the most.
Eric and Chrissy and the boys headed over to our place after the game for some lunch and just hanging out too. (Tom and Eric had a good nap in front of the football game on tv.)
Videos of Greg's games are below. Bears are in white and Greg is #88. Defense the first half, offense the 2nd half.
Videos compliments of coach Wolf:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeektmpeLxU 1st half link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU410naImvg 2nd half link
Photos and videos thanks to Joe Duffy:
http://web.mac.com/jfpd/iWeb/SVBears/Game6video.html
http://web.mac.com/jfpd/iWeb/SVBears/Game6photos.html
or download at:
http://homepage.mac.com/jfpd/SVBears/
Thanks for all your support!! Have a super week.
Bears played the Garden Grove Bulldogs. Grrrrr! First half score, we were ahead 19 - 0. Greg was hit squad and defense. TD's by Colby and 2 by Gavin.
Final score was 38 - 6. Greg was offense the 2nd half. TD's were 2 Speedy Benevede aka Jordon and 2 Murph aka Greg.
We drew quite the crowd for a long overdue home game. And in our cheering section were Uncle Roger, Aunt Therese, Nicole, Miles, Sam, Al, Grandma and Grandpa Murphy, Eric, Chrissy, Nathan and Jake and Christy (she works with Tom) .
After the game Evy and I made the dash to Curtis park for her 10:30 game. Eric Chrissy, Nathan and Jake joined us at the game too :) Evy loves a crowd at her game too. And let me tell you, this girl is getting hotter each game she plays. Awesome kicks and stops and one awesome play at taking the ball up the field and super pass to the forwards. You go girl!! Kryptonite won 4 - 2.
It's great when both teams play so well and the kids have great games and a fun time playing too :) That's what counts the most.
Eric and Chrissy and the boys headed over to our place after the game for some lunch and just hanging out too. (Tom and Eric had a good nap in front of the football game on tv.)
Videos of Greg's games are below. Bears are in white and Greg is #88. Defense the first half, offense the 2nd half.
Videos compliments of coach Wolf:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeektmpeLxU 1st half link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU410naImvg 2nd half link
Photos and videos thanks to Joe Duffy:
http://web.mac.com/jfpd/iWeb/SVBears/Game6video.html
http://web.mac.com/jfpd/iWeb/SVBears/Game6photos.html
or download at:
http://homepage.mac.com/jfpd/SVBears/
Thanks for all your support!! Have a super week.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
I love it!!
Finally. I got my hair cut. Tom and I were at a dinner auction at church the other week. I did bid on a lot of great baskets and ones that the entire family could enjoy. But I really wanted the one with the hair products and the coupon for the hair cut.
I did win the basket for the hair cut!! The bids on the other baskets were just getting too high. So finally I got a real haircut. It's still long (not ready to go short) and is an easy style for those many days when I am just running late or too lazy to do anything. I can also spend a little time or a lot of time for a stylish look :)
Just wanted to share.
Oh, the place is Illusions in the Gateway Center at Alicia and Jeronimo. Conveniently located across from Starbucks and a few steps from Angels Scrapbook Garden. Ask for Anne Marie :)
I did win the basket for the hair cut!! The bids on the other baskets were just getting too high. So finally I got a real haircut. It's still long (not ready to go short) and is an easy style for those many days when I am just running late or too lazy to do anything. I can also spend a little time or a lot of time for a stylish look :)
Just wanted to share.
Oh, the place is Illusions in the Gateway Center at Alicia and Jeronimo. Conveniently located across from Starbucks and a few steps from Angels Scrapbook Garden. Ask for Anne Marie :)
How's it going?
Pretty well. It's been a busy week and I am glad it is almost the weekend, although it will be another busy one.
My back and elbow are feeling much better after my crazy fall out of the car last week.
My right wrist and arm are another story. With this brace on I have to hold my arm at an awkward angel to type, so my upper back and shoulders are aching. Boy, I am just falling apart. But I have been doing good keeping my typing to a minimum. I am still getting used to this brace and taking it on and off a lot.
Greg's team had a great dinner fund raiser at practice yesterday. BBQ hamburgers and hot dogs :) Parents and siblings ate during practice. Poor guys had to wait till after practice. Greg wolfed down 2 hot dogs and 2 bags of cheetos. Hungry guy! The guys are all pumped up for the game this Saturday.
Games: Greg 8 am at El Toro HS (early but finally close to home!!)
Evelyn 10:30 at Curtis park (yeah!! we get to see both games)
Sunday we head out to Yucca Valley for our annual Vreeken Family Reunion. This is a tradition on my mom's fathers side of the family. With a family of immigrants from Holland, with something like 18 siblings, it became a yearly tradition and I believe this is the 53rd year.
Time is up, but I just wanted to check in. Thanks for all your comments and emails too :)
Oh, I have a hair cut this morning. Finally. Need a new look. And I have no idea what I am going to do yet.
Have a super day!!
My back and elbow are feeling much better after my crazy fall out of the car last week.
My right wrist and arm are another story. With this brace on I have to hold my arm at an awkward angel to type, so my upper back and shoulders are aching. Boy, I am just falling apart. But I have been doing good keeping my typing to a minimum. I am still getting used to this brace and taking it on and off a lot.
Greg's team had a great dinner fund raiser at practice yesterday. BBQ hamburgers and hot dogs :) Parents and siblings ate during practice. Poor guys had to wait till after practice. Greg wolfed down 2 hot dogs and 2 bags of cheetos. Hungry guy! The guys are all pumped up for the game this Saturday.
Games: Greg 8 am at El Toro HS (early but finally close to home!!)
Evelyn 10:30 at Curtis park (yeah!! we get to see both games)
Sunday we head out to Yucca Valley for our annual Vreeken Family Reunion. This is a tradition on my mom's fathers side of the family. With a family of immigrants from Holland, with something like 18 siblings, it became a yearly tradition and I believe this is the 53rd year.
Time is up, but I just wanted to check in. Thanks for all your comments and emails too :)
Oh, I have a hair cut this morning. Finally. Need a new look. And I have no idea what I am going to do yet.
Have a super day!!
Monday, October 1, 2007
What you have all been waiting for......
This is a long one, but please stay with me here, it's well worth the read :)
Saturday morning we were up bright and early, as usual, to get to Greg's game. Had to be in Montebello at 8:30 am which meant leaving here at 7:30. Tom had to go into work early for inventory, but the kids and I were out the door 7:35. Whew! Made it to Montebello with time to spare. Tom made it before half time.
Evelyn had a 1:30 game which meant she had to be at the field by 12:45, so Evy and I left Montebello at 11:30 (we hated to leave the game....more on that to follow) and made it right on time to the park (traffic on the 5 - what else is new).
Since Evelyn's team won, coach took them to ice cream after the game, then for us it was over to Chuck E Cheese to celebrate Greg's game (Greg's choice).
So, I know you are waiting for game highlights.
Let's go backwards here. Soccer first. Super game. It is amazing how quickly these girls have begun to play like a team. We have such great coaches and very supportive parents. The girls all played a A+ game today. We won 3 - 2!
Evelyn's team is wearing the white shirts and blue shorts Evelyn is #11. Evelyn had some awesome throw in's and was always right on the ball. Some pics of her going after the ball.
Greg's team started off slow today. They didn't score until the 4th quarter of the game. Greg played defense the first half of the game. Had some great tackles too. Greg is on the blue team (there is blue and gold) and also on the hit squad. So he wears a blue band on one wrist and a red one on the other. Easier for the coaches to keep track of the guys and for the guys to remember where they are supposed to be. Hit squad is the punting team and their job it to, yep, hit. They are also called in on defense when things are getting tight. Like in the last quarter of the game when your team is down 12 nothing. So, hit squad was called in the 4th quarter and Greg was playing both defense and offense. Bears wearing all blue, Greg is #88.
Huddle up before the game. Greg is #88 on the far left (above the coaches head)
Hit squad on the kick off. Greg is on the right, closest one.
Greg is playing offense here. He had a great run but slipped in the mud. Did this a few times as the field was a bit muddy.
Saturday morning we were up bright and early, as usual, to get to Greg's game. Had to be in Montebello at 8:30 am which meant leaving here at 7:30. Tom had to go into work early for inventory, but the kids and I were out the door 7:35. Whew! Made it to Montebello with time to spare. Tom made it before half time.
Evelyn had a 1:30 game which meant she had to be at the field by 12:45, so Evy and I left Montebello at 11:30 (we hated to leave the game....more on that to follow) and made it right on time to the park (traffic on the 5 - what else is new).
Since Evelyn's team won, coach took them to ice cream after the game, then for us it was over to Chuck E Cheese to celebrate Greg's game (Greg's choice).
So, I know you are waiting for game highlights.
Let's go backwards here. Soccer first. Super game. It is amazing how quickly these girls have begun to play like a team. We have such great coaches and very supportive parents. The girls all played a A+ game today. We won 3 - 2!
Evelyn's team is wearing the white shirts and blue shorts Evelyn is #11. Evelyn had some awesome throw in's and was always right on the ball. Some pics of her going after the ball.
Greg's team started off slow today. They didn't score until the 4th quarter of the game. Greg played defense the first half of the game. Had some great tackles too. Greg is on the blue team (there is blue and gold) and also on the hit squad. So he wears a blue band on one wrist and a red one on the other. Easier for the coaches to keep track of the guys and for the guys to remember where they are supposed to be. Hit squad is the punting team and their job it to, yep, hit. They are also called in on defense when things are getting tight. Like in the last quarter of the game when your team is down 12 nothing. So, hit squad was called in the 4th quarter and Greg was playing both defense and offense. Bears wearing all blue, Greg is #88.
Huddle up before the game. Greg is #88 on the far left (above the coaches head)
Hit squad on the kick off. Greg is on the right, closest one.
Greg is playing offense here. He had a great run but slipped in the mud. Did this a few times as the field was a bit muddy.It was just about time for Evy and I to hit the road. I didn't want to leave as the game was getting excited. About 5 minutes left in the game and what do you know.........touch down Murphy!!!! Whoo-hoo! The crowd was going wild and I was running down the bleachers following Greg into the end zone! Tom was at the top of the stands with Joe, the dad who video's the games.
Four minutes left in the game and Evy and I took off dashing to our car. Tom calls a bit later to let me know we scored . 2 touch downs now! Oh my, wish we didn't have to leave so soon! Then just a short time later, I get another call from Tom. We are on a roll again. Tom says, just stay on the line and I will give you a play by play. What had happened is that we did an onside kick and recovered the ball with about a minute left in the game!!!
Cell phone is on speaker as Tom is letting me know what is going on. He starts to give me a play by play and then all I hear is screaming and yelling, the crowd is going wild!!!! TOUCH DOWN!! Greg scored AGAIN! That's 3 in one game in the last 5 minutes of the game! WOW-ZA!! (is that a word?) I can not properly describe this touchdown, so you have to watch the video. But a lot of cutting, faking out and running like wind! Tom said Greg was so tired, he could not play the rest of the game, but there was less than a minute left in the game anyways.
Final score: Bears 19, Sharks 12.
When I saw Greg at Evelyn's game, poor guy looked totally exhausted. But he was so proud of himself. He told Grandma and Grandpa Murphy and Grandma Shirley (who came to Evelyn's game) "I scored 3 touch downs in my game today" and he said this very humbly too with a small little shy smile on his face.
This was just amazing and I sure wish I could have been there for the rest of the game. But got to enjoy it on video. I sure hope to get a dvd of this game. Janet wants to play it on there super cool new flat screen tv. Oh yeah! And thanks to Joe Duffy for making these great videos of the games. The link is right here. http://web.mac.com/jfpd/iWeb/SVBears/Game5.html with part of the email:
(My camera seems to be breathing its last breath. You'll notice an unfortunate degrading of the picture quality as the film video progresses. Interestingly, the camera's sensor seems to be having problems as the sun grows brighter during the game. It's watchable but is has a high-contrast look, with white and other light colors getting blown out.
Also, Greg's first touchdown was not recorded, but his extra point attempt after his first great run was. His last two touchdowns are on the film and as exciting as they were on Saturday. )
You can also hear Tom yelling on the video. If you can't open that link, try this one:http://homepage.mac.com/jfpd/SVBears/ where you can download the games.
It's difficult to replay the 4th quarter of the game in writing, but it sure was exciting and best to see it on the video. Very proud of my guy :) He always gives his 110% and then some in his games.
And I need to say, very proud of my Evelyn too. She is quite the soccer player this year. And you should see her riding a horse and around horses. Looks like a natural. I got to take her to riding lessons Friday night. She has her posting down, great posture, doing turns, stopping, backing..... Looks good. Before her lesson she has to groom the horse and get it all ready, which she can do herself, except for getting the saddle up and over the horse. After the lesson she has to take off the saddle, etc... and groom the horse again. Evelyns riding instructor and another gal from the stable are going to State finals in October. Evelyn wanted to stay and watch them practice so we stayed another hour watching Tori and MJ practice. Evelyn was just in heaven. Sitting on the fence on the side of the arena with a huge smile on her face the entire time. Evelyn loves interacting with the horses and can give me a little story about the horses she knows.
Here are some pics of my cowgirl riding Cody:
Thanks for hanging in there with this long post. It may be the only one for the week. My back is still sore and my right elbow and shoulder are sore. My wrist is sore from this typing and it has taken me awhile to do all this, but needed to do it. Thank you for your words of support for me and also your support for Evelyn and Greg. The next 2 games are at El Toro HS so stop on by if you can make it! Evelyn's games are at Curtis park and she loves having fans at her game too.
I leave you with this daily thought:
There is not telling how many miles you will have to run while chasing a dream.
— Anonymous
I was dreaming this morning and that is why I so overslept, again. Have a great week!
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