California Life - Some Kooky Stuff Going on in our Neck of the Woods

Below is not a great picture.........but Blake doesn't know how to use our camera, either.  (That statement's getting old, huh?")

Don't worry.  I'm about to launch into a tutorial program.  Hopefully we'll be better soon.  Like, in about 6 months.

So, what in the world is going on in Southern California? 

Glowing tides.  It's super cool.  A simple explanation:

By day, a red tide is unsightly and uninviting, with water the color of coffee. But at night, during this unusual phenomenon caused by a plankton bloom, the waves are a brilliant, almost neon blue. This wonderfully surreal scene has played out almost nightly along San Diego beaches for several weeks, luring spectators with cameras and video recorders.

*Courtesy of Pete Thomas, GrindTV.com.

The best of what Blake got:

It's fantastic to see in person.

A video taken from GrindTV.com.  This shows it in action......much better:

So, in the spirit of our recent oceanic find, we headed down to the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla. 

I wonder what her little 4 year old mind is thinking?

This aquarium is not world class by any means, but beautifully located on the cliffs overlooking La Jolla Shores.  Fantastic views and lots of hands on exhibits.

"Act like the shark is eating you, kids!"

((((((Parenting at its finest, people.)))))

This was cool.......look to the right where you see a mini beach set up......this shows the kids (and me) how the tide rolls in.

Back home for a lazy night.  I was in bed by 8:30pm after reading.

I know.  My night life is at an all time high.

On the agenda for this week:

*Pumpkin patch visit, hopefully.  Want to return to Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center. 

*Big project for Carter at school.  I volunteered last week to help outline a few dozen 5th graders on large butcher paper.  That wasn't awkward at all.  Now, they'll take those outlines and fill in anatomically correct organs and such.  Lord help us.

*Prep for Coco's visit.  11 days!  We can't wait.

*More fall projects and decorating. 

*Work on my 'bizness', Mommy's Little Secret.  I have changed the cost per hour to accommodate those projects I will work on at home.  Seemed unfair to incorporate fees associated with tasks that will have me driving all over town.  So, now, I'm charging $10 and hour for my time......plus expenses (baking supplies, gas, etc.)  I've mostly had interest in headers so far......that would put a header at around $10, if not a little less, fyi.

http://www.sandiegoassistant.blogspot.com/

Come check me out, folks!

That's about it for today.  Off to church with the kiddos.  Carter and Jack started CCD a few weeks ago.  Carter HATES it.  I reminded him that I did, too......it's a Catholic rite-of-passage........so he just needs to get over it.  If not, I'm going to start dragging him to mass before or after, which will result in blood shed and a possible revoking of our parish membership since there is no nursery or cry room for Jack and Lainey.

I LOVE the Catholic mass procession, but can absolutely see how it's super boring for kids.  So, for now, they'll suffer through CCD and receive their sacraments with a smile on their faces, damn it!

That sounded wrong.

Later!

Christmas Pageant Recap

I'm happy to report that our evening at the church did not end with any of the following:

*tears
*bloodshed
*cursing
*time outs
*screaming fits
*police involvement
*embarrassing moments
*our being asked to surrender our membership status

That being said, we hid in the cry room and stayed very low profile.

Don't judge, people. We're in survival mode with these two in tow:

It was a lovely evening, starting with our usual attempts at photos.

Smart Lainey sits down and keeps her distance from the boys. Wise beyond her years, this kid.

Our giggly punks.

Before the program, we took a look at the manger scene in front of the church. It's really beautiful.

Said by all 3 kids at one point:

"Where is baby Jesus?"

"He'll appear on Christmas, Jesus's birthday."

"No, Santa!"

"Well, Santa will arrive on Christmas Eve while you're asleep, but we celebrate Christmas to remember the coming of our savior, Jesus Christ."

"No, Santa!!!!!!!!!"

Note to self: Add perfect mass attendance on ever growing list of New Year's Resolutions.

Inside. Aunt Donna, there is the skirt you bought her suggesting it screamed, "Lainey" to you. I must agree.



While the School of Religion students met in their classrooms, we kept busy.

Today's train connection - tiles look like choo choo tracks. Didn't you know?

Lainey spent a lot of time running after Jack and away from us.

The water fountain was fascinating.

As was the rocker in the cry room.

Finally, Carter's turn. You can see him to the left in his shirt and tie.

The child on the far right read a small script and then they all sang an Advent song. It went beautifully......every grade participated......from Kindergarten kiddos to the 8th Grade Confirmation candidates. Very well put together and nicely timed.

Afterwards, we attended a cookie reception. I brought the Pay Day bars I listed on a recent entry and they were a big hit. Try them!


Notice that I'm actually in this last photo. More on that to come.....and a goal I hope we can all shoot for.

And, while we're making goals, I suggest you lock the beer up and hide the gifts should you live in this kid's neighborhood:

First Communion Mass

Several pictures from Carter's big day at church....

With friends before the ceremony.

Preparation in the church basement. Look at those girls' dresses! Little brides! I remember dressing up and wearing a veil....but guess they've become more elaborate since then. The sweetest thing was seeing a girl in a white dress and then a yellowing veil.....because you could tell she was wearing her mom's.

Blake took the kids outside mid-mass because they were getting antsy. One day, we're going to be able to sit through an entire church service. I just know it.

Deacon Bill and Carter.

Inside the church.



First Communion banners.....you can see Carter's mid-picture.....BCS.



Pictures outside afterwards.

First Communion Preparation

Such a big day tomorrow for our family....our oldest son's First Communion. For me, it was my most memorable sacrament as a child in the Catholic Church. Hoping Carter agrees.

A couple of weeks ago, Carter and I attended a church retreat where we prepared more for what awaits him tomorrow.

Here he is taking the communion wafer (not blessed by a priest, so only for practice). Before this, we acted out several bible verses, hence the teachers in costume.

Time for the wine....Carter was totally grossed out by it.

Deacon Bill talking to the children.

Another event.....Carter is being anointed by Jesus here (in the green and blue rugby shirt, naturally).

Working on his Communion banner.

Carter and Deacon Bill have such a special bond. We will miss him so much! When picking him up each Wednesday night after Religious Education, he would be outside chatting away with the Deacon. At first, my insecurities took over and I feared he had been disruptive in class or something of the sort. Turns out, Carter was congratulating him on a good sermon or a memorable lesson in class. The confidence of this child......praising the Deacon.....he amazes me!

And, another special one.....Mr. Sanchez, his classroom teacher.

Jack and Lainey painted a keepsake box for Carter a few days after our retreat. Here they are before the paint project got started....in their darling new aprons I bought from Polka Dot Dreams, a friend of mine's business. Such cute stuff and great prices. These darling aprons were only $13 a piece. Carter has one, too.





Carter will stash several items in here.....his watches and his rosary.....a St. Christopher and a lovely engraved First Communion necklace on its way from Caroline.

Mass is tomorrow at 2:00.....then we visit friends, Nick and Marisa, once more and pick up Batman, too. Then, on the road to KC!!!!!!