California Driver

When Brian and I first moved out here he read about the requirements for registering a car, etc. when you move to CA. i.e. you have 3 days to get your car registered, you have 10 days to get a CA Driver's license....blah blah blah. Every time we tried to book an appointment with the DMV to get a new license the appointment would be 3-4 weeks out. 10 days, huh? Since 2 kids have joined our family since moving here, it hasn't been a priority...until now.
My UT DL expires this month. So I went online to book an appointment...Jan 6 was the earliest they said was available. We're leaving for UT for Christmas soon, so my time line became even tighter. So yesterday morning as I'm thinking about things I HAVE to get done before we head for UT, I got an adrenaline surge to go to the DMV. And, before I could talk myself out of it, I packed up the two kids, 2 strollers, library books, toys, snacks, and lunch and headed to the DMV. I usually count on my kids being angels where ever we go...because, frankly, they usually are. What I continually forget is that even they have a time-limit for good behavior.
The first 2 hours there everyone was calm, happy, quiet and content. The last 1/2 hour was much the opposite. Let me recreate the scene.
We had just 'taken a break' while we went outside for fresh air and so I could feed AJ lunch. I thought this would buy me just enough time for me to take me test. The stroller I brought was too big to fit down the aisle of desks to go to a corner, so I had to stay up front. First thing to go wrong is AJ is done sitting in her stroller. I had to hold her while she bounced on my knee and played to game 'grab mom's pencil' the whole time. Ethan got ants in his pants and couldn't sit still either. He wandered down one aisle of desks touching all the desks (MOST were empty) I watched him and allowed it to happen until he wanted to climb over the chair to the next aisle (where there were many more people) I didn't want to risk having my test 'torn up' and getting 'kicked out' by getting out of my seat so I tried to give him the most evil eye I could...warning him he'd better get back in his seat before I.... 'before you what?' seemed to be his response. I even tried to enunciate my counting to three so he would know I was serious about something...but I'm sure he know I wasn't serious about 'leaving'. Instead of coming to me, he just stared back at me and counted with me, in his own quiet voice. (I was screaming and laughing in my head while I tried to stare him down and hoarsely whispered "Get...back...here!)
Snacks....snacks are magic.
Snacks were invented by angels. I whipped out AJ's puffy snack bites and had both of them chopping happily on them while I finished the test. (I had to hurry...I didn't think I had enough to last very long). But I still had to read each question at least 4 times, trying to focus on that and the kids...oh...and the snacks that just spilled all over the floor. One lady did quietly stand up and move as far away as she could get: the opposite corner. Thank you lady for not giving me the evil eye. Finally finished I handed my test in and about chuckled out loud when the lady asked me to take a seat until my name was called. I swear it felt like eternity.

Natalie Earl??

Good news...

I only missed one (got my alcoholic beverage questions correct!..whew! there were TWO!)

a new license is issued

Last thing...I did mouth a "sorry!" to the lady that had to move. She was done and waiting for her test score too. When did I say it? Oh, immediately after the lady at the front desk complimented me on my 'well-behaved' children. I could only manage an 'mmm-hmmm' in response to that compliment.

Done.

oh my gosh get me outta here!

I told Brian...when he goes to get a new license, he's taking both kids with him too! :)

I love my kids!

Ethan and AJ visit Santa Claus

Earlier in November I took the kids to the mall to browse the Christmas items and Santa was there. I took them for a visit and their reactions were ones that I anticipated...anxiety, fear, tears...the works. I took a picture anyway so I could have at least one photo in case we didn't run into Santa again this year.
But what do you know...all of the talk I've been giving Ethan, with help from some movies and songs such as, "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" when we found Santa at the mall again this past Saturday...we took another turn at it. This time Ethan needed to tell Santa what he wanted...A New Lightening McQueen and tools. AJ still didn't appreciate this warm, fuzzy, fellow. However, I was very pleased that Ethan (though not making eye contact, and looking away each time he finishes talking to Santa) has made some fabulous progress warming up to a man who will shower him with gifts, even if he wouldn't smile for the camera or act overly excited.

Thanksgiving weekend in Monterey, CA

Gramma Earl with 9 of her grandkids

Hooray! Thanksgiving in Monterey, CA with cousins we haven't seen for 2 years..and meeting new ones (Joshua & Annie Jane). Brian and I opted to drive the coast up north rather than freeway so we started our journey at 6:18AM. It's funny we fooled ourselves into thinking the kids would fall asleep quickly after getting into the car. But one thing I won't be reporting is how terrible the drive was. THE KIDS WERE WONDERFUL! We could not have been happier because of that. Especially since we were on the road for a little over 11 hours, stops included.
2 hours of that was the gorgeous drive through Downtown LA...we saw the top four sites in LA: The back of the car in front of us, the hood of the car in back of us, and the cars on either side of us. Brian didn't realize his 'customized google map' took us through the heart of LA, at rush hour time. Ah well...we went slow enough that we could identify Space Mountain at Disneyland, the Hollywood sign on the mountain, and exit signs for our future 'official tourist trip to LA'. (I actually got excited to walk the famous LA streets one day)
Getting north of LA was a chore, but the rest of the drive was pretty smooth, with winding roads following the ocean shore. We stopped in Pismo Beach for lunch. Cute little resort town, would be a fun vacation spot for beach lovers. I thought it was great there was a swing set in the sand.

Our next big stop was the William Randolph Hearst Castle. According to my 'perfect' plan, we'd tour the grounds for 2 hours giving our kids a good break, and a chance to see an estate that might be equivalent in size to the castles and palaces in Europe/Russia. Alas, we didn't make 'reservations' in advance and therefore we were denied entrance because the entire day was sold out. Poor ladies at the counter, I tried not to show my disgust too much. I was seriously bummed and MAD (WHO can know for sure what time you'll arrive somewhere traveling with 2 kidlets, with LA traffic?...dumb NON-REFUNDABLE reservations!) Got an outside glimpse of it, though. No worries...we'll drive the coast again...just for fun...next time we want to see what's 6 hours north of home.

William Randolph Hearst castle, top of hill. It sports 165 bedrooms, and 127 acres of gardens

On a MUCH happier note, we did arrive at Sam & Jen's house at 5:ooPM. The other cousins were just coming home from the Monterey Aquarium. Annie Jane was outnumbered 8-1.
Here are some fun pictures from our trip. Thanks to Sam & Jen for fitting 4 extra families in their house that weekend!

Breakfast time at the Shearer's . . .powdered sugar French toast.

Uncle Will 'casting' his kelp line.

Old Fisherman's Warf

Old Fisherman's Warf

We are truly thankful to be apart of such a wonderful family, who shower one another with kind words, good food, and always...love. We sure missed having Greg & Julie and their wonderful kids with us!

Sneaking a treat and tearing paper

Tonight Ethan was DYING for a treat. He didn't get much of a lunch, so he was starving...but dinner was only 1/2 hour away, so I said "NO!" every time he begged for one. Well, he rummaged at something on the counter and said, "Mmm..Ethan got a treat!" I turned around and said, "Oh yeah? What did you find?" Knowing full well what options were on the counter..an onion, red potato or scallions. He pointed to the onion....he had 'snuck' some of the skin, and mmmmm...that had satisfied the 'treat' craving. I wonder if he'll ever do that again.


The other thing I wonder is if I just leave a pile of 'recycle' papers on the floor if AJ will stop going for the books on the bookshelf. Tear away girl! Tear away!

From the makers of Johnny Jumpers

Johnny jumpers are the most amazing thing on the planet. Especially when the kids learn how to REALLY swing ;) Here's just a small example of how Annie Jane loves this contraption. I will be sad when I have to put it away....hopefully not too soon

Pak-rat

In spite of my acknowledgment that I KNOW I'm a pak-rat...I have to say that I'm terribly pleased that my parents support this habit of mine. We ventured out to Bates Nut Farm and Mission San Luis Rey when they came for a visit, and not only did I find MY pamphlets of those places...buried under a week's worth of junk mail, I found theirs as well. Yes, I have 3 copies of the same information from both places. Maybe I'll mail it to them and say..."thanks! but my husband is making me give them back!"

Oceanside Pier

After visiting the Mission, we cruised a little into Oceanside to run a couple of errands while waiting for Brian to sneak away from work. We picked him up and drove to the coast (the coast is like a magnet with an ever increasing force when visitors come) and walked the Oceanside Pier to watch the sunset. About halfway across we met up with a pelican. I got a little too close and he nearly nipped my nose off. But I still managed to get a good picture of him before he sought safety on the roof of a kiosk. Check out his 'fingernail-looking' beak.

Dad caught this picture, with the sunset in the background.

Mom and Dad & Kids at the beginning of the pier.

Looking back to the Oceanside/Carlsbad coastline

Mission San Luis Rey

I hope that Catholics venture out to the Mormon temples just like my little family of Mormons ventured out to view an incredibly old historical Catholic Mission. You can learn a lot about how Christian we all can be!
Brushing up on my 'summarizing skills' here's a brief history of the mission.
Founded in 1798 the mission was named after St. Louis IX, King of France, who lived during the 13th Century. Between the years 1798-1832 when Father Antonio Peyri was put in charge of the mission the mission became home to approx 3000 Indians. The mission was self-sustaining, in that it cared for over 50,000 head of livestock, cultivated grapes, oranges, olives, wheat and corn (just to name a few of the crops). By 1830 the mission was the largest building in California. It was the largest of the 21 missions built and became know as "The King of the Missions."
When Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, the law of secularization was passed. Each mission was given 10 years to complete their religious instructions to the Indians. By 1833 'sticky secular hands' gained control and the mission was not given to the Indians as the law required.
From 1847-1857 the mission was used as an operational base by US soliders. "Notable figures that served at the mission include General Stephen W. Kearny, Kit Carson and the Battalion of Mormon volunteers, who served at the mission for 6 weeks." In 1850 California became a state of the union and the Catholic church petitioned the US Government for the return of the missions. Abraham Lincoln complied this petition in 1865. Unfortunately, it lay abandoned after the military left it until 1892.

Restoration begun in 1892 under the direction of Fr. Joseph Jeremias O'Keefe. Repairs to the church, rebuilding the permanent living quarters, rebuilding the quandrangle, uncovering the soldiers barracks, and conserving the paintings and sculptures in the museum is a continual process.

Mission Cemetery

Courtyard: Largest Yucca plant we've ever seen

I'm so glad we went to see it. There was also a Pepper-Tree brought from Peru. The history of the self-sustaining attributes I just envisioned it was it's very own city. Absolutely incredible...and I admit it piqued my interest when they mentioned that the Mormon Battalion had been placed here after they arrived to San Diego.

A Super Surprise visit from Grandma and Grandpa Hale

We usually are able to Skype my parents on Sunday evenings. This Sunday, however, my parents were supposed to be in Cancun Mexico. I had read an email Saturday night stating that their flights had been canceled due to Hurricane Ida. I had wondered what they were going to do with their time-off. Surely they wouldn't just go back to work! When we skyped them tonight we asked about their canceled trip and plans, and they asked what our week looked like. The only thing on our calendar (truly) was feeding the missionaries on Tuesday. Saying that, I asked, "Why? Are you guys heading this way?" "We're thinking about it!" was their reply.

Music to my ears!

This is going to be a fabulous week!

Annie Jane is 8 months

Oh our sweet little girl is getting closer and closer to being 1 year old. She is now 8.5 months, butterflying across the floor (no army crawl...it's the butterfly stroke) and finally realizes that she can 'look' for us if we're not in the same room. Although she 'tires' easy from her strokes (at least that is what she makes us believe.) She is captivated by Ethan's every move (Brian and I both have asked Ethan to 'leave the room' when she's eating...or to play right next to us so she'll keep looking forward) She pouts like he does, screams with glee like he does and almost laughs like he does. She absolutely adores him. And he absolutely adores her. So do we. She is such a joy. Her eyes continue to shine bright blue. I love it, they are so pretty.
Annie Jane just confirmed yesterday that she really can drink out of a bottle, if necessary. I had a primary activity down at the San Diego Temple, and was gone for about 2 feedings worth. Brian fixed her an 8 oz bottle and she downed it like it was second nature. Before yesterday, we've been working with her for about 2 months...bottles and sippy cups, trying to get her to catch on, but all she would do is take little sips or gnaw on it. This is a very good progress, and so convenient now that she's older. Annie Jane Earl, I love you!
Here are some pictures I took to capture that '8 month' moment.

Pumpkin Patches

Our own cute pumpkin bumpkins!

On our way home from the Train Festival, Brian took a new road in Fallbrook that led us past a Pumpkin Patch. Yay! A field full of pumpkins...we chose 2 to carve and Ethan chose his very special one too. It was a perfect way to end our Saturday fun.

Train Station Fun

This past weekend we took a family trip to Poway (50 minutes South) for their 13th annual 'Train Song Festival". It is Brian and my 6th year anniversary...and though this was an event that focused on kids, I knew we'd have fun. We needed somewhere 'free' to play. Ethan is so in love with trains, and the event offered a trip on a 1907 Baldwin Steam Engine around the perimeter of the park. We bought tickets (Golden tickets like on "Polar Express") and rode in the very last car of the train. We witnessed a "train-robbery" ...which upset Ethan, but when we were all 'saved' by the sheriff, he was good to go again!

In the last car of the train, we got the best view...hind sight is 20/20, right?
"We couldn't see where next we'd be... just where we'd traveled last!"

The whole park seemed to be a 'train depot' theme, and there was a Templars building that had a sign that said it served as Poway's first High school. Inside was a room filled with Electric Train Tracks, and model buildings. Ethan was fascinated to watch those model trains go round and through tunnels, etc. In front of the building was a sculpture of a pioneer woman waving a welcome to the passengers arriving at the station. It seemed this park was very dedicated to preserving the 'pioneer' spirit. We loved it!
We ate our packed lunch in the park, behind a stage where we could listen to performers sing all sorts of train songs. There were some great climbing oak trees, and Ethan got a little taste of that 'boy-kind-of-fun'

It was here I decided what he would be for Halloween: a train conductor. He had the white shirt, overalls and neckerchief...his outfit was complete once we bought the hat (see picture below). I am loving these years when 'goblins' 'ghosts' and 'monsters' are not a part of his vocabulary, especially in his land of make believe.

Ethan, Annie Jane & Mom in front of the Templars Building

Annie Jane

AJ is crawling now! It is so, so fun to watch her go from place to place. I guess I shouldn't say 'crawling' . . . it's more like a dolphin swim. She raises herself up on her hands, pulls her knees underneath her and leaps forward, catching herself on her belly! When she does get on her knees, she rocks back and forth a lot. I've tried several times to upload a video of this little butterfly stroke, but it won't take. Bummer!

Big move coming!

I never thought I would be so excited about moving...and dreading every minute of it. Brian and I have finally found a place where we feel will give our kids the 'adventure' little kids need...picking up rocks, running in grass, watching the fire in the fireplace at Christmas time. We found a home to rent in Fallbrook, CA. It's about 25 miles north of where we live now, and the scenery is much quieter. I've attached some pictures so I can always remember my excitement when I found this listing and just happened to driveby when the Landlord was there wrapping up some cleaning chores. I brought Brian back that same night for a tour and 2 weeks later (although it feels like it's been a month) we were approved. The whole process was like a grueling job interview.
What do we get...
rose bushes
lime trees
garden
3 bedrooms
2-car garage
dead end street
and enough room to grow while we're there.
Now it's time to do some de-junking. 3 years of accumulation must be weeded through. That part...I am NOT looking forward to. I'm also not looking forward to
friends that are now 40 minutes away!
the beach that is now 50 minutes away
a release in my YW calling
It's the first time I have ever put 'family first' that has a result that seems to 'uproot' everything else in my life that is good and constant. It's exhilaratingly depressing. The Lord has answered our prayers, but I look forward to His strength to help me adjust to new surroundings (again)

love the green blinds? . . me too!

fireplace in family room

view of backyard from patio doors

A Sunscreen lesson

I mentioned last week we spent the Saturday with some friends (Lamoreaux family) swimming in their neighborhood pool. Today, Brian Lamoreaux gave a great analogy I wanted to remember. (And since I was at the pool too, it made it personal) While at the pool, Carrie and I probably reapplied Sunscreen 2-3 times. We both would ask our husbands if they wanted to reapply but they both said "No! We're fine." I guess Brian L. got pretty burned and Carrie told him, "I don't want to hear any complaining...you should've reapplied". During Sunday school the class discussion opened up with a question about why we thought those early apostles and witnesses to the Book of Mormon left the church. Brian quipped his experience about the sunscreen and then tied it together with the fact that even though he's read the Book of Mormon before and has gone to the temple before, he needs to constantly 'Reapply' those practices in his own life, lest he rely only on that 'first layer' to protect him from harm and temptation.
As witty as Brian L is sometimes, his analogies certainly hold some weight to them!

Fourth of July Weekend

Wow! What a fun weekend we've had! Brian's plant closes for Maintenance on the 4th of July holiday, so we've been playing since Friday morning! We ventured out to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for the San Diego County Fair. I say 'county' fair because that's what it's called, but it is gynormous. It's the 5th largest fair in the country! I thought it was a silly idea that they sell 'Season Passes', but now I'm thinking that maybe next year we'll go with that because there is so so much to do, see, and eat! The first thing we saw when we arrived was the 'antique car' races. AJ needed to eat, so we parked it in the stands and watched as Grandmas and Grandpas raced against each other in their cars. They'd start at opposite ends of the tracks, standing in front of their car, where they gave the car a start. Then they had to run around the car twice before jumping in and driving to the opposite side of the track. They'd then have to turn the car off, get out and repeat. Whoever made it to their beginning places first, won. It was hilarious! Putt..putt..putt..went the cars! Too fun!

We walked through the animal exhibits, showing Ethan cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, and rabbits, etc. He walked through a petting/feeding zoo...not petting/feeding anything until he saw the baby ducklings. Unfortunately, those were the only things they weren't allowed to touch. He was super close to tears with disappointment. He would cup his hands together to make a little place for the ducklings and say, "Hold it" It was cute and tender to see.

By then it was time to eat, and scramble off to the Monster Truck Rally (I had never been before and Brian was totally cool with doing whatever I wanted that day..since the fair is my gig) We watched 2 separate races of probably 5 'mini' trucks each. First, with contestants between the ages of 8-12, and the second were ages 12-16 (?) I think. So fun...so daring! All I have to say is ...I hope they slow down on the real roads when they get their license (s.c.a.r.y!). It was crazy! Throughout those races we had plugged Ethan & AJ's ears pretty tight. But when the real monster trucks came out, I didn't feel we could plug them tight enough. Ethan started crying because Brian was accidentally squeezing a little too hard. And I'm sure AJ's heart was beating way too fast. I couldn't tell though because my own body was thumping. Needless to say, we left after the 2nd truck. I was too worried about our kids' eardrums and heart rates to enjoy it any further. I'm sure people thought we were crazy to have even tried. We probably were.

Lucky for us (although I did feel guilt at the time) and unlucky for Ethan we walked straight through the section with all of the rides. Ethan doesn't know what he missed (that will change in years to come, I know!) But his favorite things of all were the two school buses on display. We got to climb up the stairs, sit on the seats and look out the windows. It was "Ethan heaven"

Moving on, we walked through the grounds and went to the photography exhibit, woodworking exhibit -'take my breath away' amazing- art, gems & rocks, and flowers exhibits.

And don't forget the infamous "Funnel Cake" fair food

It was definitely a day I wished my family was here. We are all fair-lovers, and I thought how much fun they would've had here. I especially thought of Erika (woodworking), and Laura (her green thumb and love for flowers). Next year maybe I can convince them to come for the fair :) We were overwhelmed by the enormity of it all...just thinking about payroll is enough to make you dizzy! We left around 5PM and headed to a park near our home for a picnic dinner. I knew we'd had a successful day when Ethan had his meltdown. :)
Saturday was much more relaxing, but still so much fun! We BBQ'd and swam with friends and their kids. This was Ethan's first time in a pool this summer (I had been nervous to take both him and AJ to the pool by myself). It was a blast. Brian and I especially enjoy this couple and their 'down to earth' approach to life. There have been a couple of comments between Brian and I about how they are 'golden'...so good! That night we walked to Bradley Park and watched fireworks. I emphasize 'walked' because my memories of Firework watching always involved a fight for parking spaces, long waits in the car when it was all over, and trying to get out of gridlock. I was super excited to walk! The fireworks started at 9PM sharp, and we were home by 10:00PM. Ethan plugged his ears for a good portion of it (we tried to prepare him beforehand, but plugged ears were still necessary) and AJ just watched with wide eyes (and plugged ears). The weather was crisp, the marine layer kept its distance for us, and the fireworks burst above our heads. I will always choose fireworks above my head over watching from a distance.

I taught our YW lesson today too (yes, it's part of the weekend fun!) All of the girls were great at participating, and of course, I didn't finish (never do)...but it's okay! Especially when the girls are talking! love to hear what they have to say!
Monday we are heading off to the Wild Animal Park. It is Brian's company summer party. It will be a nice conclusion to a fun 4-day-weekend. Almost like a mini stay-cation like everyone is promoting.
San Marcos next year, anyone?