Roberta

Today is my big sister's birthday. She's 4 years older than me.

While we fought a lot growing up, I always looked up to her and wanted to be just like her. I would "borrow" her clothes and dress just like her. I thought I got away with it, but she always knew.

She looked out for me and protected me. She took care of me when I was sick. She made sure the bullies didn't pick on me. I remember one day in particular she had to tell her friend not to cuss around me.

She is my big sister and I love her very much. She is a great mom, wife, daughter and sister. I hope that I am to Josh what she is to Larry. I pray that I am to Audrey what she is to Daniel.

Happy birthday Roberta.

Responses to Comments

I'm not sure how many of you actually get comments e-mailed to you ... so I thought I'd reply in a new post.

Di said

Ooooo, I think I'm gonna get a Storm, too, when it's time.
It sounds like you had such a fun time!!
AAnd you are so lucky to get a good Lamaze teacher! I'm glad her thinking supports yours!!!

Unless you can get a discount or want 2, I'd wait until the price drops a little more.  I'm not sure if it's worth the full $200 they want.  But I really like it.  Especially if you want an iphone style phone but don't want AT&T.  

Catherine said

Wow, size 7 for a man's ring!

Yeah.  Small fingers now.  I'm at a 6, so he's only 1 size bigger than me.  And his is probably still a little big, but since he has bigger knuckles, he needed it bigger.  It's been sized 3 times now.

Stacy said,

We almost got Blackberrys last time we were due for new cell phones. We just couldn't swing the extra $30/month for the unlimited data plans.

Yeah, it can feel like a lot in teh beginning.  Actually, when I got my first smartphone a year ago it was $50 for unlimited data.  I backed down to the $25 for 10 GB in the summer.  Now $30 seems really cheap.  I think Verizon decided to lower their data plan price to match their competitors.  AT&T and T-Mobile and Sprint are significantly less.  

The best part was that we were paying extra for unlimited txting, but now we don't have to because they have that included in a price plan for the same price as we were paying before.  Every now and then ya just gotta look and see what price plans are and readjust if necessary.  I'm glad we did.

Sarah said

Love the great big band uniform grin. Nice colors. ;)

Sounds like I'll have no wants when it comes to dessert when I'm there. I'll have to find something just as impressive to make for you.

Isn't that a good uniform?  She LOVES the cowboy hat.  I showed her pictures of our band uniforms, and then the old one that Roberta wore her freshman year (did you ever see that one).  She said she liked the old one better.  And doesn't like the hats on ours.  But loved the drum major uniform with the GIANT plumes.

What do you make?  You are free to cook anything you want in our kitchen.  Tell me your favorite dessert and I'll make sure I know how to make it when you get here.  The perfect way to celebrate your weight loss and hard work to walk 60 miles!  ;)

Oakland prepares to remember 4 fallen officers

I'm not sure how much this is making national news, but it's all over our news.  Last week, a parolee was out on the run in Oakland and shot and killed 4 cops.  It's a VERY sad story.  3 of the officers died on the scene.  The fourth was able to be taken to the hospital and kept on life support long enough to keep his organs viable for transplant.  His organs saved four lives. 

Today is the funeral service for these four men.  The city of Oakland, and really teh whole bay area, will be effectively shut down while this happens.  Non-local cops are coming to patrol the streets during the activities, so that the grieving officers can attend the service and have a chance to grieve.  LAPD S.W.A.T is up here doing stuff, officers from Canada, etc.  It's really interesting to see how the community has come together in a time like this.

Flags have been at half-mast everywhere this week in honor of the fallen men.

Here's just one article on the subject.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jrT6-HbQxZhJKo8J0LQxoRc84rHQD9769VP80

Last Friday of March Happenings

It's starting to look like this is more of a bi-weekly posting, rather than weekly. I wish I could do it weekly, but I just get busy and forget on some Fridays. So, here goes ... two weeks of updates.

New/Noteworthy:
Josh really wanted a new phone. Verizon was having a pretty good deal, so we stopped in to see what they had for us. He was debating between teh Samsung Omnia and the Blackberry Storm. After playing with both and hearing what the saleslady had to say about them, he opted for the Storm. All Blackberries are Buy One Get One at Verizon right now, so we got two (with a 20% discount because we are VIP customers). Josh and I each have a new toy. We also learned that Verizon changed their pricing in their calling plans, so we were able to change the plan as well. It all worked out for us.

Interesting Activity:
Our town, Dublin, CA, has a pretty big St. Patrick's day festival --- go figure. We took part in that festival this year.

Josh ran in the Dublin Shamrock 5K fun run. He finished 11 (out of 112) in his age group and 80 (of 1000+) overall with a time of 22:11. He felt really good for his first race, and he looked good, from the 30 seconds we saw him run.

Kymberly marched in the St. Patrick's Day Parade. It was her first parade ever in marching band. It brought back many fond memories for me. There are times I really miss doing marching band. I'm glad there is someone I can share this part of my life with and cheer on. She had a blast. Her school (a middle school) is the highlight of the parade every year, according to the announcer (and mayor!). There were 3 or 4 different marching bands, and hers was by far teh best. We got some video of it, and a few photos on film. Unfortunately, our digital camera didn't have it's memory card the day of the parade, so we didn't get many photos on there. We got a couple of her getting ready.

Biggest Accomplishment:
I madea carrot cake last weekend. That was fun. I got to use the shredding attachment on the Kitchenaid Mixer for the first time. :) Josh LOVES carrot cake and said it was the best he's ever had.

Where we went:
We went lots of places.
Got Josh's ring sized ... again. It's a size 7! Time to stop losing weight honey!
Went to church.
Went to the Dublin St. Pats festival
I went to tutoring.

And last night Josh and I started Lamaze class. I'm the furthest along in the class, about the same age as everyone, maybe a tad younger. It was interesting. There were about 10 couples there.

The instructor is really funny and down to earth. So far it reaffirmed my reading and my thoughts/feelings/beliefs of what I want out of my delivery. I'm glad I'm taking the class.

Because I've done LOTS of reading this pregnancy, there wasn't a lot in this week's class that was new information. But it's good to get it again and again and again. I like to be overprepared for things anyway.

What I learned:
How to make a carrot cake.

I did learn, or at least re-solidify, the different positions/stations of labor. Good information to keep in my brain.

Weekend Plans:
It's going to be sunny, so we're going to do lots of yardwork, wash the cars, wash the stinky dog, and enjoy the sun.
We'll try not to spend any money.

Josh is playing softball for church; he has batting practice on Sunday, and then a game on Monday night.

I also plan on making another cake and this time trying out a fondant recipe.

Fun Photo:

 
A collage of Josh's 5K running.

Kymi in her marching band uniform for the parade!

Carrot Cake

Thankful Thursday - 3/26/09

I am thankful today for the credit card statement I received in the mail yesterday. It said the card has a $0 balance!!! :)

Critics Blast Obama's Scheduled Notre Dame Commencement Address

Nearly 65,000 people have signed an online petition protesting President Obama's scheduled commencement address at the University of Notre Dame, citing the president's views on abortion and stem cell research that "directly contradict" Roman Catholic teachings.

From this article.

I'm not adding any commentary on this, just thought it was interesting and worth reading no matter which side of the coin you are on.

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is mom's birthday. I wrote this about her a few years ago and it's worth repeating.

My mom is a very special woman. She makes everyone around her feel very special. Well, at least me anyway; I can't speak for everyone.

She made a big deal out of breakfast with her. She wouldn't make it, but we'd go out. I remember being in middle school when I had braces and after my orthodontist appointments we'd make a stop off at Le Peep for breakfast; or if we wanted to go shopping, we'd get a Cinnabon first for breakfast.

But I think my favorite was when we worked together. Every morning we'd stop at Latta's bagels and get a bagel and a coffee (or beverage of choice) for breakfast. I know she did this whether I was with her or not, but it just made me feel so special to be with her in the car and then getting breakfast. A very fond memory I have of one summer was not only getting breakfast, but also listening to Chuck Swindol during the drive. It just so happened that he was on during the 25 minutes we would drive to work. VERY COOL. We heard some great sermons that summer.

Thankful Thursday

I'm very thankful for the sunshine and warm weather we've had this week.

And I'm thankful for the little baby moving around inside me. She's been very strong lately, and she's moving the whole couch when she kicks if we're sitting still. It's so much fun to think about the human being developing inside of me and growing. I'm just in awe right now, thinking about it. It struck me at a whole new level this week.

Friday the 13th Happenings

It's been two weeks since I last posted a weekly happenings update. I had grand plans for last week's post, but work was so busy I just didn't get around to it. So I'll try to sum up 2 week's worth of happenings in this one post.

New/Noteworthy: I picked up two more tutoring students, which triples my student base. One of them is really challenging me in my math abilities. The other is really challenging me in my teaching ability. It's been good for me.

We went shopping to get Josh some new dress clothes for work. He's been wearing things that were just too big since he lost a bunch of weight.

Interesting Activity: Oh a few different things in the last two weeks.

AS a family, we went up to a regional park and went on a short hike. We took the dog and had fun snapping photos of the different tree formations and fun things we saw along the way. I tried to get artistic on some of my photos. There is one style of photo in particular that I think I'm starting to really get down. I need to branch out and try my hand at different styles of artsy photos now too. But first I need to look at lots of good photos and get ideas.

We also went to the membership class at church. That was really good for us. It gave us an idea of what the church is about and we are contemplating/praying about if God has us there for a long-term committment. We are both leaning in the "yes" direction.

Biggest Accomplishment: I made a fun yellow cake with white sugar cream frosting and piped lots of decorations on it. That was fun.

I also made Cannolis. Josh said they were tied with the best he's had.

Last night I tried my hand at a Red Velvet Cake. I didn't have the right size cake pans for it; the recipe called for 3 8" pans and I had 3 9" pans. I debated using 2 9" pans or 2 8" pans, ultimately I thought 3 9" pans was best. I didn't have enough frosting to cover the whole thing, and they were a little too shallow so they cracked and were very fragile when I took them out of the pans. Next time I'll probalby just do 2 9" pans. Then they'll be too deep, but I'll compensate by cooking longer at a lower temperature. I think Red Velvet is a very fragile cake to begin with. The cake was for a work potluck today. Cracking aside, I hear it tasted good. Three people said it was the best Red Velvet they'd ever had. I must thank Paula Dean for the recipe.

I think I'm getting a knack for this baking thing.

Where We Went: To church a couple times; on a hike; got our taxes done (that was NOT an interesting activity).

Also had a trip to the hospital this week. Long story short, I had what I think were minor Braxton-Hicks contractions that wouldn't go away. Better safe than sorry. I called the dr, no one was there to answer my question so the receoptionist suggested I go in. I went in and they hooked me up to monitors and everything was good. Just like the mechanic's, I didn't have any contractions while I was there. I've been taking it easy since then and trying to decrease my stress. However, since we got a tax bill, an answer on an audit-examination, and other things ... stress has been very high for me.

the baking has been really good for my stress. Even though it keeps me on my feet, it's been good for me to be able to bake.

What I learned: oh lessee here ... what did I learn. I learned lots of work related things that would bore my readers to tears.

I learned that the IRS is not friendly Wait ... I knew that already.

I learned how to add a (C) to my photos and a signature on them. I've had fun with that.

Weekend Plans: Kymberly is marching in the St. Patrick's day parade tomorrow.

Josh is running in the 5K Fun Run at the St. Patty's day celebration.

I would like to rest.

I'm NOT baking (except a coffee cake for breakfast).

Fun Photo:
Practicing my piping skills


My Canollis

Me, at 30 weeks.

Us at the regional Park.


(clicking on the photos will take you to the photo on my flickr page where you can see the rest from the various sets.)

And tomorrow is Pi day. So a happy 3.14 day to all of you!! ;)

bad day.....

I'm going crazy.

I hate the IRS. I hate taxes. I hate pushy people. I hate phone trees. I hate automated systems. I hate convencience fees. I hate interest.

And most of all, I hate money.

Thankful Thursday 3/12/09

I'm supposed to say something thankful today.

I'm having a hard time being thankful today. It's been one of those weeks where everything is going wrong.

So ... I'm thankful that I know there are people out there praying for me. If no one else, Gramma L prays for me every day. I know that because she prays for all of her grandchildren every day by name.

So thank you Gramma. Your prayers are needed today.

Thankful Thursday - 3/5/09

I am very thankful for the rain that we are getting, bringing our annual accumulation up to average. However, I'm also thankful for the time we get this weekend for some sunshine and the drying out of lake Roosa.

This photo was taken a few weeks ago. It's our backyard. This happens nearly every time it rains. This week it extended all the way to the fence. Poor dog even got rain in her kennel. :(

Sermon Reflection - 3/1/09

Sermon Series: The Jesus Life

Sermon Title: Renovation of the Heart

Text:
Luke 24:13-35

13And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14And they were talking with each other about all these things which had taken place. 15While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them. 16But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him.

17And He said to them, "What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?" And they stood still, looking sad.

18One of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, "Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?"

19And He said to them, "What things?" And they said to Him, "The things about Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people, 20and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to the sentence of death, and crucified Him. 21"But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, it is the third day since these things happened. 22"But also some women among us amazed us. When they were at the tomb early in the morning, 23and did not find His body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that He was alive. 24"Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just exactly as the women also had said; but Him they did not see."

25And He said to them, "O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26"Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?" 27Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.

28And they approached the village where they were going, and He acted as though He were going farther. 29But they urged Him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is getting toward evening, and the day is now nearly over." So He went in to stay with them. 30When He had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight. 32They said to one another, "Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?"

33And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found gathered together the eleven and those who were with them, 34saying, "The Lord has really risen and has appeared to Simon." 35They began to relate their experiences on the road and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.

Luke 11:33-36

33"No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it away in a cellar nor under a basket, but on the lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. 34"The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness. 35"Then watch out that the light in you is not darkness. 36"If therefore your whole body is full of light, with no dark part in it, it will be wholly illumined, as when the lamp illumines you with its rays."

Luke 6:43-35

43"For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit, nor, on the other hand, a bad tree which produces good fruit. 44"For each tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a briar bush. 45"The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.

Application:

If we are to truly live the Jesus Life, Jesus needs to take our entire lives, down to the foundation - heart. A true Jesus Life requires a full renovation of hte heart, which happens until Christ is fully formed.

We have to let Jesus go deeper. He never forces His way in, but rather enters only when invited. However, He will approach me first. I have to recognize Him, let Him in, and let Him renovate me.

On the road to Emmaus, Jesus communes with the travellers as Jesus, Lord & Savior, and their eyes were opened. Jeremiah 31:33 declares that God will write His law on our hearts. And one of many times states, "I will be their God, and they shall be my people."

Luke 11 and Luke 6 describe the inability to be both good and bad; to have both light and darkness. We have to let Jesus conform our heart to be fully light and let His light shine through us. This happens by letting the word challenge you and actively listening and reflecting on what Goad is saying.

Personal Reflection:

It's harder to walk day to day and not give my whole heart to God, then it is to just give everything to Him. It's harder to hide the darkness from the light than to just let the light eliminate the darkness.

If I let Go, let God, and give Him my whole heart, day-to-day things would just be easier and less stressful.

Key Verse:

The passage the best sums up the sermon is Luke 11:35-36.