My view.

For everyone that is wondering what my house, my car and my view looks like... I have pictures!

First of all, I am in Northern California which means I am wearing long sleeves most of the time. And yes it is June!

The Mazda 6:

The view from the kitchen window at sunset:
A picture of the golden gate, thanks to iphone backgrounds:

My house: where the "fence/balcony" is my room. The double doors on the far right.

The side on the house, The living room side and hot tub on the bottom right:
The Garage and entry way, plus the honda that I drive the kids around in:
This is all for now. Pictures on inside to come! :)

Weak Loser.

Today at church I was told we are weak losers or should be. Christianity is not only a religion it's a way of life that is all about death. Depressed yet? I was at first and then began to realize how hopeful a dead weak looser is. Ironic? Maybe. Over the last 6 weeks or so, I have learned more about myself, becoming mother of worth, a daughter, a friend and striving to die to myself. I never thought my journey would ultimately lead me to a life in California, but I wouldn't change my decision for anything. I am writing again. Not only on a blog but for an online magazine that will launch August 15th (ish). I have also been able to inspire others to write and have their voices heard through words, and I have obtained a part time job as a photographers assistant. I love my life. There are days where Texas is greatly missed (especially my mom and dad). But other days, I have come to realize I have grown more in the past month than I had in the past year in Texas. I am striving everyday to die to myself and carry a cross. He didn't say it was easy. I can vouch- it's not. But, I wouldn't be the woman I am today without that wood cross. So as today is Father's day- I want to say how thankful for my dad. He has loved me provided for me and given me wisdom throughout my life. I am forever grateful for your heart and love for me. I am also in such thanks for my heavenly Father who has saved me by GRACE. So this day is for HIM too. It sounds weird to say that I want to be weak loser but I'd rather be weak of myself and a looser through the eyes of the wicked than self absorbed "winner". So thanks Dad(s) for helping me be a weak loser.

My Epiphany.

Today... Huh. Was an eventful day. First, I got up and was just in an odd mood. I ate breakfast, did my duties around the house like vacuuming and started laundry. Then went to San Rafael to eat lunch with Bekah, left our left over burritos on the top of a trash can for the homeless, and went to the California DMV. It was ridiculous. Their were so many people! It took me 45 mins to get to the front of the line to tell me to go stand in line... Weird? Yeah, well my 45 min line told me that I have to have a birth certificate or passport- even though I am holding my Texas drivers license in my hand which it states online that is enough. Go figure. So now my MOMMY is sending me my passport! (Go MOM!) So that I can become and official resident. The longest process ever. But in a couple of weeks I will be very happy to have this done.

I think came home... vented to my mom who was very sympathetic which I appreciate and then when to pick up the kids from school. I am loving my job even when they wine.

Things I am learning:

Takes things slow- enjoy each moment.

Being a mother is so impactful.

Having the ability to give the kids back- PRICELESS.

I am excited to be a mom.

I don't want to be one yet.

I love photography.

I love being creative/artsy

I love to cook

There are 4 food groups at every meal.

God is my best friend.

Church is important but different in Cali.

I only get one life, what kind of impact can I make?

Hanging out with Nora

Yesterday, I was sitting around listening to music with the lovely ms Nora, and we thought LET'S TAKE PICTURES! This is while we were making cupcakes for her class. So here is some of the fun we had:

We miss you April!!

We had a blast! Hope you liked them!

Happy Birthday Maeghan!

This blog is dedicated to my very good friend Maeghan Nichole Ghormley! It is her 21st Birthday today, and sadly I am not there to see her smile. :( So this is to be dedicated to her...

Today at church...

One thing for sure is that I'm not in Texas anymore. This is not the Bible Belt. Welcome to jeans and hawaiian t-shirts. I know it's California but please. And what happen to friendly people? No wonder no one in California wants to go to church. I felt like the iron plague. I spoke to two people. Those people I already knew and said hi to them first. The joy of church hoping.

I have come to figure out that going to church alone allows you to see the real church. Not through your friends eyes or anyone else's- just your own. Who will speak to you? Sit next to you? No one.

Church is supposed to be welcoming. A place to fellowship with other christians and to read and discovery the unique and divine word of God. And yet for some reason I felt far from that today. Last week I was in fear that I would feel that way. then I was surrounded by people who truly wanted to talk and invited me back, or wanted to give me the name of a church that I would love if this one didn't work. I also had a lady tell me my singing voice was beautiful and loved to hear me sing. I felt more "at home" there. Then this week I actually knew people who went to this church and was excited about going and then I had a worse time then ever. Who would have thought?!?

Discovery Science Museum

Moving to California has allowed me to slow down my life enough to be able to enjoy what I am doing. I took a job as a nanny working two days a week, hanging out with two twin four-year-old boys. They are adorable. I am learning a lot about motherhood and how important it is to train these kids to be well-mannered, and lovable handsome young men. It is a joy to be here - even when our dog Murphey decides to sit on them. I also work freelance editing for a online magazine being the Intern Coordinator for Distance Swimming. This job is ideal to have. I love helping others learn and to be passionate about writing. I get to choose my hours and can work from home.

I am learning that California is very far from the Bible belt. Church hoping here is not the same. I don't have 150 churches to choose from. I think I could do to a different church every week for a whole year in Texas if I wanted. Here: I have about 5 choices, but, makes the decision of where to go easier I guess! Going to number 4 tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Thursday was a very eventful day for the boys and me. We went to the Discovery Science Museum! YAY! Mind you this is no ordinary DSM. Is it located at the FOOT of the Golden Gate Bridge, and is nationally recognized Bay Area. It is a one-of-a-kind indoor/outdoor family museum that offers a full range of activities! It has an art room, a train room and outdoor play area with hiking trails and most recently have a NASA space attraction (this room changes every now and then but we enjoyed the new room!) Here are pictures from the NASA room!



Cole also decided we needed to go to the art room before we could go to the outside play area. So we did. And we made a King costume. Or let's just say I tried to make a King costume. And it was pretty cool, if I do say so myself. You can be the judge:

Do you see the sword!? We made holder that attached to his pants so he didn't have to carry it the whole time. His sash was made out of tape. I was trying to be creative. HE thought it was cool. So that is what that matters!

Luke, really didn't care much about the art room, but he made a GREEN beard for fun. I don't know where the idea came from but the ladies working in the Art room liked it!

This dancing pose is kinda cute too. He also played in the green monster that was in the art room.

After our escapade to the art room, we joined our friends on the playground for a snack. Cole was the king, of course.

Then we all traveled Home! YAY, What a fun trip!

Only in California...

Top ten things for California vs. Texas

1. Don't drive in the bike lane vs. What Bike lane?
2. Directions: Go up the hill and swerve a while and turn 40 times then you're there! vs. You'll see it about 5 miles away.
3. I see more Deer in California then I ever did in Texas.
4. Jeans at church is normal.
5. Going to church is not.
6. democrat vs Republican
7. Trust me- everything is bigger in Texas
8. Where's my sweatshirt? It's cold! Vs. I can't take anything else off it's so HOT!
9. The ocean is just to look at vs. Let's go to the LAKE!
10. What kind of soda would you like? vs What kinda of Coke you want?

That's all I got for now... more to come I'm sure.

Sister in Africa!

Hey ladies and Gents! If you haven't already started reading about my sister's adventures and journey's, please begin following now. She is an amazing godly woman following Christ through an amazing journey. Currently, she is taking a stroll through South Africa!

Take a look: http://aprilandsouthafrica.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!