Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the mom's out there. For Mother's Day my mom, and 2 sisters and I went wine tasting in Temecula. It was a fun afternoon. We went to two wineries where we tasted different wines and then looked at some of the other wineries for fun. I learned that my favorite wine is the sweet fruity kind. I'm not for the dry wines at all, never have been, never will be. Ruth and I like the sweet wines and Renae and mom like the dry ones. If you have never gotten to visit Temecula's wineries, I highly suggest it. They have 31 wineries and the all the ones we saw were beautiful. Anyway, it was a fun time to hang out with the girls since we don't all get together very often. Wine tasting on Mother's day has become a Tyndall (my maiden name) tradition. Anyone is welcome to join us next year in celebration of Mother's day. Tell me about your Mother's Day.

World's Largest Thermometer

Yes, Baker is home to the world's largest thermometer so I had to put a picture of it up. I guess every town has to have something unique. Baker is not only home to the largest thermometer but also the home to the Bun Boy resturant. Other than those two things nothing else lives in Baker. It's in the middle of the desert. Baker is where the world's greatest PD race begins every year. It goes approx. 120 miles to Las Vegas. PD's from all over the world come out each year to compete in the race. Each team has 20 people running. Depending on how fast the teams are the teams will start at different times during the day.

Alan's PD started in the last group since they are a pretty fast team. They started the race at 6pm on Saturday evening and finished around 9am Sunday morning. Alan ran his portion around 1:15 in the morning. It was super windy and cold. We went to watch and drop off people for legs 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and then headed back to the hotel. We didn't get back until 5am Sunday morning. We were tired and dusty from all the wind kicking up the dirt.

It was fun to see all the lights from the cars and vests in the desert in the middle of the night. Each runner had a follow vehicle to give them water, make sure that everything was okay and to protect them from getting hit by passing traffic. After all teams finished the race and recooped there was a huge awards reception Sunday evening. There were so many people there. They had all the scores and times posted for each team. Alan's team came 69th place out of over 200 teams. All the teams that got under 100th place got a commerative mug so Alan now has his first Baker to Vegas mug.

B to V

Here are two pictures of Alan getting ready to run his leg in the Baker to Vegas relay. His leg was 5.6 miles. His vest even lit up like a Christmas tree ( had blinking red lights) when he ran because it was in the middle of the night. More details on the race later.

Bike Ride

To offically start off my spring break, some friends, Megan and Kim, and I went on a long bike ride on the paseos around town. We rode for an hour and a half. The weather was perfect! It was warm but the clouds covered up the direct sun so it didn't beat down on us. It was a fun bike ride. At the end of our trip we treated ourselves to lunch at Stone Fire and then rode home. What a great day for a bike ride. If you live in Santa Clarita and haven't had the chance to bike ride the paseos I highly suggest it.

Adrenaline Rush

Nothing like a good adrenaline rush to wake you up in the morning! I got my fair share of it this morning. Let just say it was one of those mornings that you look back on it and it seems like it could only happen in your dreams. Speaking of dreams that's what I was doing all morning while I was supposed to be getting ready for work. Yes, you guessed it, I overslept. Not just a little where you can make up time and still get to work on time. I overslept like I had never overslept before. Here's how the story goes:

I went to bed like any other ordinary night, set my alarm clock, put my clothes out for the morning and made my lunch (I'm so thankful I did this ahead of time). I jumped into bed, read a little of my latest book and then set off for my usual night of slumber. Alan was working all night so I was able to enjoy the queen bed all to myself. In the morning I usually hear my alarm and press snooze a few times and then get up. I knew this pattern had been getting worse lately and was afraid that if I didn't change my morning habit I'd be regretting it soon. We'll the day has come and I now will be keeping my alarm clock across the room so I actually have to get out of bed to turn it off!

This morning I woke up to the sound of the trash truck outside taking the trash away. Before I opened my eyes, I though, "Huh, that's interesting the trash truck is here really early this morning." Then my consciousness hit me and I realized there is no way the trash truck would be here before 5:15, the time I had set my alarm for.

I fearfully opened my eyes hoping it would still be dark but instead the room was bright as can be. That's when the adrenaline began pumping. I thought, "Okay, it's probably just 6:30 and I can still make it to work on time if I rush. I took a glance at the clock and couldn't believe what I saw, so I took another look and then panic rushed in. The clock read 7:53! I was suppose to be at work at 7:30 and school starts at 8:00. It takes me about 25 minutes to get to work in the morning so there was no way I was going to remotely make it even close to 8:00.

I bolted out of bed and started dialing the school number. Of course I dialed the wrong number in my frantic and tried dialing again in which I then dialed the wrong extension so I dialed again. After 4 times of trying to make 1 phone call I got through to the office and told them I overslept and I'd try to make it in as fast as I could. On days like today I wish I didn't have a job where people are relying on me to be there at a certain time. Well, I took a fast shower and was out the door in 15-20 minutes and made it to work by 8:45.

Fortunately we have enough people on staff that someone was able to take over my class for me so the kids didn't miss a beat. However, my heart sure missed a few beats this morning and I felt like I spent the rest of the day trying to get them back. If you have a story you'd like to share about an adrenaline rush you have had, please share away, I'd love to hear them.

Morro bay

Morro Bay

This past weekend Alan and I were able to get away for a few days. It had been a while since we had gotten away and this past weekend worked out perfectly. Alan has 5 days off in a row and I have a student teacher who could cover my class without me having to write sub plans. We left for Morro Bay on Saturday and were welcomed with a beautiful sunset. This picture is just before sunset on Saturday.

We had a fancy dinner at the Inn Saturday evening at sunset. Alan was able to get this picture by our table at dinner.

On Sunday the 2 tall ships from Pirates of the Carribean came to the bay. People were able to go on the 2 ships and sail out to the ocean. While they are out in the ocean they actually have a battle. They really shoot the cannons at each other; but of course with no live ammo- just gun powder.

We didn't go on the tall ships because we had already booked a tour of the bay with sub-sea tours. It was cold on the tour and I was concerned I was going to catch a cold. Fortunately, I didn't catch a cold and was happy to warm up after the tour with some salt water taffy and hot chocolate. We saw seals, fish, birds and of course our favorite, sea otters. :)
Sunday afternoon we borrowed beach cruisers from the Inn we stayed at and went bike riding down some trails and roads by the golf course. I had a pink cruiser and Alan had a red cruiser. My chain kept slipping on the way back which made for an eventful trip back up the hill to the Inn.

On Monday we picked up some sandwiches at the store and stopped by the pier in Pismo. The weather was beautiful so we sat on the pier at one of the picnic tables and had a picnic. We said it was, "The perfect picnic on the pier in Pismo with pigeons, people and pickled sandwiches." Say that 5 times fast!

Over all, it was a fun trip up to Morro Bay.

Woodland House has Sold

Yay, the escrow on the Woodland House has closed so our fixer-upper project is done. We saw the house for all the four seasons- spring, summer, fall and winter. Today it snowed at the Woodland house so the new owners will be getting a taste of Pine Mountain in the winter.

Anyway, now we can say "been there down that" to flipping a house. We enjoyed fixing up the house and are glad we were able to accomplish this goal. Maybe we'll do it again if the market and right home comes up at the right time. So for all those people out there who have thought about doing a flip one day, I say, "Go, ahead, do it!" You'll learn a lot in the process where you can't learn by just reading a book. You only live once on earth so why not make the most of it, even if it means taking risks. The hardest part is actually taking the step to do it. Well for us it's on to the next project- goal.

Woodland house in the spring

More first grade cuteness

Today my student teacher joined our classroom. At the end of the day I let the kids have time to ask her questions to get to know her better. Of course since they are 6-7 years old they ask all the personal questions like, "how old are you?" and "do you have a boyfriend?" One student asked, "Have you been out of the country?" She replied, "yes" and said she had lived in Israel for four months and mentioned the people there speak a different language called Hebrew.

Then with all seriousness a kid asked in his sweet little voice, "When they talk do they sound like this- pea poy pea poy pea poy?" It was sooo cute. I couldn't help but laugh. The student started to laugh at how funny it came out and a couple of boys ended up rolling on the floor laughing. It was one of those cute moments in first grade. Thought I'd share the cuteness.

Gingerbread house

A few weeks ago, Jordan ( a student from last year), and her sister Jacquelyn came over and we made a gingerbread house and drank mint hot cocoa. The girls showed me their American girl dolls and told me all about them. They have added many new dolls to the collection since I was a little girl. They really liked playing with the lazer pointer to make Roxy (our cat) try to catch it. It's Roxy's favorite game. After we finished the house, I realized we forgot to decorate the front of the house- Oops!

Christmas with Jesus

OCEANSIDE ---- About 2,000 friends, family members and law enforcement officers came together Thursday to remember and celebrate the life of Oceanside police Officer Dan Bessant, who was fatally shot last week in the line of duty. Although there were tears, red eyes and sniffles during the emotional service, New Venture Christian Fellowship Church also was filled with laughter as friends and colleagues recalled Bessant's infectious sense of humor and wide-eyed smile. Law enforcement officers from as far away as Nevada created a sea of blue uniforms in the church. The officers and Bessant's friends from around North County filled every seat, lined the walls and gathered around the outside of the large church in southeastern Oceanside during the two-hour tribute to the slain officer. "He gave his life for the city he loved," Oceanside police Chief Frank McCoy told those inside the church. "Now we have to give our love and support to his family."The 25-year-old officer who left behind a wife and 2-month-old son was gunned down Dec. 20 while assisting another officer in a traffic stop in northeast Oceanside near the back gate to Camp Pendleton." San Diego Union Tribune

I knew Dan from church in High School. He got to spend Christmas with Jesus this year. Please pray for Dan's wife, 2 month- old- son and family. They have a hard road ahead of them and need prayer. He will truly be missed by the community, family and friends.

Turkey Trot

Alan and I went to Oceanside to be with my family for Thanksgiving this year. We started a new tradition of running the Turkey Trot, a 5K run, on Thanksgiving along with 2700 other people. Some people were dressed up in costumes and running. It was quite a humbling experience to have a big beer bottle or turkey run past me while strolling along their children - that's somewhat of an indication of how I did. :)

Actually, I did okay. I ran most of the way. I did have to walk a little bit after I choked on the water I grabbed from someone holding it out to me. I tried to drink and run and throw it in the trash can all at the same time. Let's just say I'm not coordinated enough to do that. So, if you are ever running a long run and water is handed to you- DONT take it unless you plan on walking. :)


Here is a picture of the whole family before the run

Alan and me after the run

The boys

The girls and Jack (Jack is posing like a little ladies man)

Children's Hunger Fund

Today, Alan and I along with several others from church went to the Children's Hunger Fund to put together food paks that are going to be shipped off to Peru. Bryan, our friend and neighbor, works for CHF and showed us his office there. We were able to meet some of his co-workers and get the true scoop on him at work. Between our group and several other church groups we were able to pack over 1400 food paks in 2 1/2 hours. They said it was a record. It was a lot of fun and went to a great cause.

Cute thought

Today my first graders and I were discussing resources from the different locations- oceans, woods, deserts, hills, etc. I told them that part of their pencils are made from trees and even their paper is made out of wood from trees.

One girl raised her hand and said, "Yah, I know because if you cut a tree in half you can scoop the paper out from inside." I told her it was a cute thought but no, that's not the way it works.

Anyway, thought I'd share the cuteness with you. Tomorrow is Halloween so maybe I can get a few unrecognizable pictures of our class to post. If anyone want to come and hear a great children's story, I'll be reading at Borders on Wednesday at 4:45 in the children's section.

Downtown LA

Downtown LA was so clear on Friday so I thought I'd take a picture and put something new on my blog.

Kim's wedding

One of my roommates from Master's, Kim Nelson (now Calloway) got married this past weekend. We went up to Merced for the wedding with our friends Mike and Julie. Julie and I were doing guest book and gifts for Kim and her new husband Andrew. It was hands down the most God-honoring wedding I have ever been too. They honored God in everything and really took time to thank everyone for coming to the wedding. It made me realize how much more I could be honoring God in what I do and how I let those God- honoring moments easily slip away. I am so blessed to have Kim as a friend and sister in Christ. Congratulations Kim and Andrew!!

Dancing with the Stars

"Well, if there's ever a night to throw your underwear at the TV, tomorrow's the night to do it."

What in the world does that mean? That's what the host, Tom Bergeron, said on "Dancing with the Stars" Tuesday night and I'm still laughing at it. What is meant by that saying? Did anyone else hear him say that? What an odd statement!

More pictures; blog below

Dan and Sean hanging around "the kitchen"

Yep, a poodle did the hike too!

Cam, Kim, Josh, Katy, Me, Alan

Getting ready to hike out

Me, Katy and Kim

Alan and the fish he caught!

Backpacking with Friends

Sorry it's been a while. A couple of times I tried uploading pictures but they wouldn't come up so I kept putting it off. I'll upload some more pictures of our trip when they decide to upload properly.

Labor Day weekend Alan and I went backpacking with some friends; the Clarks, the Coles, Kim & Cam and Josh & Katy. We backpacked about 6 miles in from the trail head to Hilton Lakes. It was about 12 miles total with about 30 pounds on our backs for the whole weekend. The trail head is just north of Bishop and south of Mammoth. It was high enough that there was still snow on the mountain in some spots. The weather was beautiful though. It was a great time to relax and hang out with friends. At night we made smores, drank hot chocolate and played some Catch Phrase. During the day we walked around the lake, fished, and even some of us bathed in the freezing cold lake.

Picture of Alan and me along the hike.

Making pancakes

Alan caught a fish that we were able to eat for dinner.

The guys worked hard to hang our food up at night so the bears wouldn't eat it. We realized that the bag was so low to the ground that it more likely would attract the bears than send them away. Fortuntely our food was still there in the morning.

Hilton Lake

Singular or Cingular

Recently I was tutoring a 6 year old boy and we were going over plural and singular words. I asked him if he has heard of the word "singular" before and what does it mean. He relied with, "Yep, it's a cell phone company!" Funny, that would of never happened 10 years ago. I've gotta keep up with the youthful mind of America. In fact while I was asking him the question I thought he'd say that only because who hasn't heard of Cingular today even if you've only lived for 6 years. I think Webster should add Cingular to the dictionary as a well advertised cell phone company because it is obviously more recognizable than the word singular.

The ending

I think I've made you wait long enough. I have to say I really enjoyed reading your endings to the story and wished we had thought of some of them to do. Some of them were quite sneaky like moving up a seat or pretending to get some popcorn ourselves.

Alrightly, so the couple is about to return and we don't know what to do. Well, we thought it would be rude to tell the lonely guy that his seat was taken. The last thing he probably wants is for us to acknowledge that he came to this movie by himself. So we waited it out to see what would happen.

The lights began to dim for previews when the couple started walking back in. I thought that possibly, just possibly the couple left for good and we could have gotten out of the confrontation. Nothing really that exciting happened. They looked at us and the lonely guy, we sheepishly shrugged, they shrugged and laughed and said, "Well, I guess we're the one's who left." They sat down in the row between the lonestar and us. The end.

Now as I write this: mom, me and the couple should have sat right down next to the lonestar just to make things even more uncomfortable. Can you imagine? Sitting in a theater all by yourself and the only other people in the theater come and sit down on both sides of you like it's packed full of people. Someone should try it! If you do, let me know what happens :)


Okay Meg, get some sleep, nighty- night :)