Christine's Page

Fall schedule for Sam & Zack

2011-10-24T06:44:00.000-07:00

The boys are both sophomores this year and their school schedule is really busy. They are enrolled through a charter school called Ocean Grove which gives us money to spend on classes and sends us a teacher who goes over their work every month. They attend most classes with other homeschoolers, although Math and Spanish are done privately through a tutuor. I worked hard this year to outsource a credentialed teacher whom Ocean Grove would accept as a vendor to do the Biology wet lab which meets four hours at a time for 5 sessions (Brooke, Sam and Zack's cousin, attends this as well). We will have completed the whole year of Biology Lab by January 1st!!!! We anticipate that at least Zack will be attending some West Valley classes next year, and possibly Sam.

Here's what our weekly schedule:
Monday - World Literature 9-10:30, World History 10:45-12:15
Tuesday - Geometry with grandpa Headley :)
Wednesday - Essays 9-10:30, World History 10:45-12:15
Thursday -Geometry, Biology lab 12:30-4:30 or Biology lecture on non-lab days from 9-10:30 weekly
Friday - Spanish I (Sam), Spanish II (Zack)

I am very proud of the hard work they are doing. Because they are enrolled in smaller classes than a public high school, there is time to cover more material in most classes and I have found that Ocean Grove expects more work from them. They also get the added benefit of additional help because the class size is at most 12 people.
Keep up the good work, Sam and Zack!

First day of kindergarten!

2011-08-30T13:36:00.000-07:00

Reading one more story before it's time for mom to leave ;)

The dog that no one wanted...

2011-08-10T15:42:00.000-07:00

This is Bodie, a 10 year old yellow lab, one of Star's friends in the neighborhood.

Almost one month ago, a neighbor couple, Ginny and Phil asked us to watch Bodie while they went away for the weekend while they went kayaking. The dogs got along great and Bodie is very well behaved - great manners! Two weeks ago, Ginny emailed JP unbeknownst to me asking him if he would consider taking Bodie because she just didn't want a dog. Apparently four years ago, she started taking care of Bodie, who was originally her neighbor's pet. While they were going through a messy divorce with kids, Bodie got the short end of the stick according to Ginny. She took him out of compassion and no one seemed to notice. She told us, however, that she never really wanted a dog and has been complaining about the hair, smell, poop cleanup, etc.

It gave me warm fuzzies all over when JP and the kids agreed that we wanted to keep Bodie. He's a wonderful addition to our family.

Hooray for cousins!

2011-07-16T23:04:00.000-07:00

Nicki and I spent an afternoon last week with some of her cousins, Maddie, Nate and Izzy. We went to the park, had lunch and did water balloons with grandma and grandpa. It was a fabulous fun filled day! So happy that Nicki has cousins close to her age in the area that she is growing up with. She loves all of them so much.

Hooray for us!

Hooray for cousins!

While the girls were playing, they came down laughing about their own little secret. Are you able to tell from this picture?

They switched shoes :)

Dalai Lama's 18 rules to live by

2011-06-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

The Dalai Lama’s 18 Rules For Living

At the start of the new millennium the Dalai Lama apparently issued eighteen rules for living. Since word travels slowly in the digital age these have only just reached me. Here they are.

Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
Follow the three Rs:
1. Respect for self
2. Respect for others
3. Responsibility for all your actions.
Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
Spend some time alone every day.
Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
Live a good, honourable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.
A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.
Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.
Be gentle with the earth.
Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

Thanks, Dad!

2011-06-19T15:51:00.000-07:00

It's Father's Day today. When I think about my father, it brings a smile to my face, a lump in my throat, and water to my eyes. I often feel asleep in bed listening to the wonderful piano pieces he played. When I was little he took me to the park and spun me around 'till I was dizzy. He threw a million pitches to me so I could practice softball, although I wasn't very good, he never told me that! My father taught me that people were important; more important than things. That when someone is talking to you, you respect them by looking them in the eye and responding. Dad and his mother always had hugs and smiles for me. I never felt like I was a bother or that I wasn't important.
Happy Father's Day, Dad, Love you!

My Wish for You...

2011-06-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

Today was my youngest's fifth birthday. We celebrated with a "fancy nancy" birthday party done at home with all the whistles and bells I could possibly do. It was two days of magic for me. Note that I have note included pictures in this because that would color your perceptions. I don't want to remember the theme I had, or the games, or the decor, although it was all lovely. What I will want to remember most are the people who helped me decorate the house - my husband and sons, my parents who purchased a "fancy" cake and brought balloons and the way it made me feel. The moms who watched their daughters celebrate with their friend; the smiles on their faces. The love I felt as I witnessed it all. Today my in laws spoiled my daughter and husband (and sons, too!) while having them over to celebrate again. Grandma Vicki made special foods that she knew Nicki would like to eat and served her in a fancy manner; decorations abundant as well! And I could feel the love as thick and tangible as a cozy robe wrapped around me to keep out the cold. There are some magical moments in my life which are precious and rare to me. They alter my thinking by affecting my viewpoints of other people, ideas, and beliefs.

If I could have one wish it would be that you have these moments and realize them when they happen.

The FREEdom of free

2011-05-31T11:23:00.000-07:00

FREE has become my new favorite word. My daughter was entertained today by coloring pages off the internet today which were free (minus the cost of printer ink), we plan on going bowling later this week for free, the boy's technical training this fall through a high school program is completely free, the snack I made for Nicki's graduation today was free (oranges from my parent's yard), the world history class some mom's and I are setting up for this fall will be free to any who want to attend, and the beautiful hand me down clothes (that don't look like hand me downs) - thank you, Monica! Here's a small list of places to visit for free this summer:

Always FREE

Cantor Arts Center
(Sanford Campus, near the main quad. 650-723-4177)

Cable Car Museum
(San Francisco, 415-474-1887)

Chinese Culture Center Gallery
(750 Kearny St, 3rd Floor San Francisco, 415-986-1822)

Edward Peterman Museum of Railroad History
(1005 Railroad Ave, Santa Clara; Tues & Sat only)

Intel Museum
(Intel headquarter, Santa Clara; Great for school age kids)

Monarch Grove Sanctuary
(Ridge Rd, near the lighthouse, Pacific Grove; Oct through Feb only)

Maritime Museum of Monterey
(Across from Fisherman's Wharf in downtown Monterey; 831-372-2608)

Museum of American Heritage
(351 Homer Ave, Palo Alto, 650-321-1004, Science, Innovation and Handicraft; Great for 10-yrs up)

Museum of Children's Art (Gallery Only)
(538 Ninth Street, Suite 210, Oakland, 510-465-8770)

NASA Exploration Center
(Moffet Field; Great for school age kids)

Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
(1451 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650-329-2111, $3 donation suggested; Great for young children.)

Randall Museum
(199 Museum Way, San Francisco, 415-554-9600)

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
(701 W. Cliff Dr. Santa Cruz; 831-420-6289)

Saratoga History Museum
(20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road. Saratoga; 408.867.4311)

The Lace Museum
(Sunnyvale, 408-730-4695 )

Triton Museum of Art
(1505 Warburton Ave., Santa Clara)

FREE First 2-day Weekend

"Museums on Us" by Bank of America Any Card from Bank of America gives you free general admission to over 70 museums nationwide. List of museums in the bay area:

FREE First Thursday

Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive
(Berkeley. Regular admission: $5-$8; UCB affiliate & Children under 12 free)

FREE First Firday

San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles
( Regular admission: $6.5-$8; Children under 12 free)

FREE First Sunday

Asian Art Museum
(San Francisco. Regular admission: $7 - $12; Children under 12 free)

Coyote Point Museum
(San Mateo. Regular admission $3-$7. Parking $5; Great for young children)

FREE Second Sunday

The Tech Museum of Innovation (Not include IMAX)
(San Jose. Sponsored by the ScholarShare College Savings Plan, California's Offical 529 plan and Fidelity Investments)

Oakland Museum of California
(Oakland. Regular admission:$5 - $8. Currently under renovation, will re-open in May 2010)

FREE First Tuesday

Cartoon Art Museum
(San Francisco. Regular admission:$2 - $6)

De Young Museum
(Golden gate Park. Regular admission: $6 - $10. 12 and under: FREE)

SF MOMA
(San Francisco. Regular admission: $7 - $12.5; kids 12 and under: FREE)

Conservatory of Flowers
(Golden gate park. Regular admission: $1.5 - $5)

Legion of Honor
(San Francisco. Regular admission: $6-$10; kids 12 and under FREE)

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
(San Francisco. Regular admission: $3-$7. Limited Kids Program. Muppets Music Moments in Dec for ages 4 and up)

FREE First Wednesday

Bay Area Discovery Museum
(Sausalito. Regular admission $8 - $10)

Exploratorium
(San Francisco. Regular admission $9-$14. Great place to learn science.)

San Francisco Zoo -- free for SF residents

FREE Third Wednesdays

California Academy of Sciences
(Golden Gate Park. Regular admission $14.95 - $24.95, 6 and under FREE

the road less travelled...

2011-05-26T10:37:00.000-07:00

My youngest is about to start kindergarten. She is excited and happy go lucky about it. She has all these dreams in her head about meeting all kinds of friends and learning. I paste a smile on my face and am excited too because her's is contagious!
Rewind back 10 years to my youngest son's experience in kindergarten. He was the same happy go lucky, innocent, could take on the world, blond haired blue eyed boy. Through the years at school, he became less happy go lucky and more fearful. Afraid of failing, as he did every day (at least in his eyes). He compared his experience with his peers, what he could do vs. what they could vs. what he SHOULD be able to do. It's called a benchmark and it's a way to rate people. By third grade, I would pick him up from school and he would cry to me almost daily that he couldn't write well, that he asked his teacher for help (because that was the rule) yet she couldn't help him. His spelling tests would come home with zero or one correct out of twenty. Of course, when I asked teachers, administrators about this the response was: we don't care about spelling...he's just not trying hard enough, if you would just smile and be positive with him everything will work out (did this imply I wasn't smiling or being positive?!) Based on my older son's IEP meetings, the sentiment I received was this: "We're doing the best we can with what we have. Your sons will need additional help from someone other than us." I even had moms at school tell me that I needed to go to Sylvan Learning Center or pay for this exercise or this tutoring. I pulled both my boys after that year. One had given up trying to keep up with what the class was doing, yet he had a "work in progress" folder which he could work on whenever he needed to, and the other didn't believe he could do anything and so stopped trying as well, despite his "gifted" identification through the district and his high test scores. In my distress all that year while doing research, I read an interesting book titled: "How Children Learn" by John Holt. The idea that children are born 'wanting' to learn. That we don't have to carrot a baby to try to walk or talk or progress. Yes, I thought, this is true! I had heard these parenting philosophies that called for "trusting the child to tell you what he/she needs". Could I really do that?! Was that really ok? What if they asked for something I knew wasn't good for them? Answer: don't give it to them, possibly? Ok. So if I trust my child(ren) to tell me what they need, what is my job? Answer: a facilitator, one who helps facilitate success in their child by making it possible for them to have the tools they need to go down the path they want to go.
So far so good! Sam has grown from writing one paragraph to a six paragraph theme about international foods. Zack choose to return to high school this year as a freshman and now wants to try another way, even though ALL his teachers added to his report card: "a pleasure to have in my class", he was recommended by his math teacher for a special program called AVID, which helps lower achieving kids to go straight to the UC system from high school and is rewarded based solely on their desire and evidence shown to succeed.
Should he be given this kind of freedom?! To leave this school and attend another public charter school? One thing I do know for certain is that I haven't been able to force anyone to do anything.
I take away privileges, but it usually backfires in the end, eroding trust and instilling fear. I give rewards, but that just fosters greed.

Resources abound...

2011-05-24T18:11:00.000-07:00

Today Sam, Zack, Nicki and I traveled to a nearby park to meet up with a local homeschooling group. There were all ages of children there from birth to eighteen. Today was their craft fair. All the items for sale were hand made; there were Happy Potter wands, rock monsters, cookies, popsicles, knitted items, and on and on. I watched as the parents stood by and watched their children sell their goods made without interference or assistance. The boys took a neighbor friend and got a pick up game of baseball going on the field and others joined in. Nicki met a "friend" that stayed and played with her several hours 'till we had to go home. I talked with a mom who has had a co-op going for three years studying Latin, Literature and History. I was hoping the boys could join in on their history group for the fall.
They live within our school district boundaries; very close to our home. It always amazes me how many resources are out there.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T15:18:00.000-07:00

At church today, our bishop gave us a wooden heart box along with a piece of chocolate and a story.
Several years ago, the bishop had a group of boys come to his wood shop to craft a wooden heart box to give to their moms on mother's day. Since Bishop Karren's profession is cabinet maker, he was able to point out every flaw in their efforts. He described their end products as rough edged, knotty, and very unfinished looking. Some of them had been banged up from being dropped on the floor. His son's craft was no better. Yet each mother who got a heart box from their son, looked past the imperfections and cherished her gift and each son's effort.
He compared this to motherhood. We wish we could be better, more patient, more understanding, better prepared, and on and on. We feel unfinished and see our imperfections in our parenting efforts, but Heavenly Father loves us just the same. He knows how hard we try and what our wishes are for our children. And loves us just the same. Our efforts are good enough for Him and our Father knows we are trying. Thanks, Bishop for the priceless keepsake; the lesson will stay with me forever.

Nicki's day at preschool

2011-04-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, April 26th, the firefighters came to Nicki's preschool to share what their job is and important safety tips with the kids. We learned that in a fire, we should get down low and get outside. We also learned the difference between tools and toys. Matches and fire lighting instruments are tools, NOT toys and only grown ups get to use them. I thought they were very effective teachers and taught to the children's levels of understanding.

It was sharing day for Nicki. She choose her magnetic ballerina toy to share with her class.

Reading corner with some of her friends

Confessions of a Tiger Mom...the western side, that is

2011-04-25T10:11:00.000-07:00

In China the tiger is the king of the beasts. He takes on much the same symbolism as the lion in western cultures. He represents royalty, power, courage, ferocity, strength, wrath, cruelty, treachery, and authority. The wild tiger uses these attributes in a frightening and beastly way, while the tamed tiger uses the appropriate traits in a manner which benefits humankind.
In spite of all its ferocity, medieval bestiaries made the tiger the symbol of a mother's love. Europeans were informed that, when chased by a female tiger, they had only to drop a mirror in the tigress' path. Mistaking her own reflection for a tiger cub, the pouncing animal would forget her prey and try to nurse it. Because of its superior ability to see in the dark, Buddhists consider the tiger a symbol of spiritual illumination. - from the NKJV Bible

So I just finished reviewing "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mom" on goodreads. I called the author, Amy Chua, a narcissist. But now I'm realizing why she called herself a "tiger mom" and how I have more in common with her than I thought. I see now that the label she gave herself indicates self knowledge.

What does she have in common with me? My parenting style is definitely the 'western way' as she makes fun of all throughout the book. But it's also a 24/7 commitment for me. I don't sip wine while going to yoga, or vacation to mud city spas for the weekend. And just like Amy, I am passionately hopeful and willing to do whatever it takes to help my children know they can succeed and do it!

A single friend of mine who is dear to my heart recently tole me she really wanted to be a mom.
Here is two things I know for certain about parenthood:
   1. There will be guilt felt about what you didn't do, should have done differently.

         2. You'll be in a situation with your child, at least momentarily, where you won't know what to do or say.
         3. Being a parent is like holding a mirror in front of your face.

Don't Judge!

2011-04-21T14:44:00.000-07:00

Today we went on a tour of Whole Foods that a homeschooling mom set up and offered to the yahoo email list we belong to. There was a good group of about 25 moms with their children there. A young boy around Nicki's age was particularly vigilant about being "first" in line and answering questions, even interrupting our tour guide in a rather loud voice. His mother kept correcting, grabbing, shushing, etc. but this boy was oblivious and repeated these behaviors over and over again. The mother seemed embarrassed by her young son and kept apologizing for him. She finally shared with me that he was on the autistic spectrum, something I know about from personal experience, and that people don't believe her. My heart went out to her in her perceived isolation and worrying. She shared that she waits in the parking lot of her son's preschool after drop off so she could help them manage his behaviors when they call. Apparently he has hit teachers, grandparents, etc. and as a result, cannot be left with others so mom can have respite time. I thought of another mother whom I love who has a similar situation with her child.
I am posting parents helping parents (php) site on my recommended sites in Jane's honor.

"Mom, tell me a story..."

2011-04-19T13:28:00.000-07:00

My youngest is 10 years younger than her next oldest sibling so she is like an only child sometimes. I grew up in the same circumstances (and so did my mother!), so I understand what it's like to be alone. The good thing about this is that I get to enjoy the time I have while she is little without worrying too much about other little ones running around. Many times when we are driving places Nicki will ask me to tell her a "story" about when I was a little girl. I have used this opportunity to turn it into family history time. I know I loved and craved hearing about my parent's lives when they were younger and what it was like for them. I can tell Nick feels the same way by the smile on her face while I am telling her my stories. It makes me contented to think she may pass them on to her children as well.

This warms my heart...

2011-03-20T22:38:00.000-07:00

My youngest and my oldest playing together.

Skills of a nurse; advocacy

2011-03-08T08:18:00.000-08:00

My profession is nursing. I have none to very little experience performing this role in the health care setting. I have actually completed two schools of nursing: De Anza, and San Jose State University. What drew me into this field of work was the idea that I would be able to study the body, it's functions and malfunctions along with all current medical knowledge available to increase wellness in the individual. An added plus to this was taking on the role of the advocate. An advocate is a person who speaks in defense or support of another; someone who can't speak for themselves for whatever reason. I learned this skill early because of my oldest son, Sam. He was born with a foot deformity which the doctors supposed happened in utero. After months of watching, I noticed there differences in Sam's attempts to stand and walk. Because I was persistent, x-rays were performed and the diagnosis was changed. I learned a valuable lesson then: doctors regularly make mistake, or more importantly, medical science is based on exclussions, observations and percentages.

I have found that I tend to gravitate to those who don't have a voice or who aren't heard well. Some examples...I took on my fellow nursing students during clinical discussions when I was advocating for a young addicted patient I had in a psyche hospital who needed just a few more interventions. Yesterday I intervened for a six year old who couldn't get her older brother to stop pestering her, even with the help of their exhausted babysitter, through respectful redirection.

In order to effectively step in for someone, you need to see both sides; or at least more than one. A tricky concept, especially when emotions are involved. Sometimes we can only see what we've been taught to see. Sometimes, we can't pick a side for fear that we will be wrong, punished, or embarrassed socially.

Below is the young woman/old lady to illustrate my point.

In the health care setting, a nurse is expected to speak in behalf of the patient and promote wellness. Even if the physician has ordered the wrong medicine, or even the wrong dose - it is the nurse who loses their license should an injury occur. Remember Stanley Milgram and his obedience to authority study? Subjects were randomly chosen to administer electric shock to "learners" who were really actors. They never actually received electric shock, but cried out in pain acting like they did. Sixty-five percent of the volunteers administered the lethal 450 volt shock, because they were told by people in white coats to do so! People most vulnerable include the elderly, the young child, the disabled person, or anyone who does not have the knowledge base needed to understand their medical case.

Nicki LOVES her cousins

2011-03-03T09:52:00.000-08:00

Nicki is always asking for her cousins to come play. Sometimes, she pretends to talk to them on her play phone :) Aunt Debbi, Maddie, Izzy and Jer came over one Saturday for lunch and play.

Jer's got some musical talent

the bigger the mess the more the fun!

circle of friendship

Neighborhood antics

2011-02-27T22:44:00.000-08:00

We have the best neighbors ev ar! Neil, across the street often gets his matchbox cars and track set out (from his 1970's childhood) and turns our part of the neighborhood into a race track. Today Sam, Nicki and Zack couldn't stay away.

The Course

have to have loops and curves!

Sam, the engineer

Headley family fun day

2011-02-27T22:32:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, Aunt Kory came for a fun visit to Steve and Vicki's. We enjoyed our day playing together. Here are some pictures of the cousins riding bicycles.

No training wheels with Daddy

Abigail zooming by

Cousin Julia

Abigal, Julia and Alex

Nicki so sad to leave her cousins

About a friend...

2011-02-26T09:11:00.000-08:00

About a month ago I learned through mutual friends on facebook that a good friend I had known for over a year and had become close with was asking for help with a situation she was in: Her daughter was asking to play with friend she had made, but she didn't want to get together with the mom because dealing with her was "exhausting" and their relationship was "unhealthy" for her (the mom).
My background part of the story is that I've known this person for a year, met her through a mom's group and had become close friends (or so I thought). We'd gone to the beach many times. We were both adventurous and loved to explore new places with our girls. They played together well, we told each other our deepest, darkest secrets, got together almost weekly during the summer, etc. I started to wonder about my friend after not hearing from her for several weeks after the holidays and left messages and emails. Finally, two months later, I received an email response saying she still wasn't up for getting together, yet she appeared to be getting together with other mutual friends of ours. After thinking about some recent responses she had given me and knowing her absence and lately lack of response were clear, I realized she was speaking of me :( I wanted to help her with her said dilemma by easing ourselves out of this friendship that was not working for her so I apologized for not getting the hint. I told her I loved getting to know her this past year and wished her well. The next time I saw her at our daughters' preschool was difficult for me and I pasted a smile on my face but she wouldn't even look at me.

Nicki keeps asking to get together with her daughter, and I've tried to explain that they've moved on, but she talks to her on her imaginary phone and pretends that she is playing with her quite often. I don't know how to feel about this and it is so touching to see my daughter be so attached and loyal. She hopes her friend will come back and play someday.
I realize that the illusion I had about our friendship was truly that and that I wasn't able to provide this person with what she needed/wanted, but I still miss her and the fun times we had. I have several friends I've known since they were in grade school and we still do mom's night outs - I guess the test of time is more telling than anything about a relationship.

The Pleasant Mile

People come into our lives
And walk with us a mile.
Then because of circumstance,
They only stay a while.
They serve a need within our day
That moves so quickly by.
Then are gone beyond our reach.
We often wonder why.
God only knows the reason
That we meet and share a smile.
Why people come into our lives
And walk with us a mile.
- unknown

Here's my favorite poem about the definition of friendhship:

A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words. - unknown

Zack's happenings

2011-02-17T15:56:00.000-08:00

Zack has been busy being a freshman at Prospect High School this year along with waking up for early morning seminary. His classes include: Algebra, English, PE, Spanish I, Digital and graphic design, Life management. Zack's digital and graphics design teacher felt he was so talented that she selected him along with a few other students to be a part of a special program she obtained funding for to work on video game design. In addition, he works hard staying after school several days a week to get extra tutoring from teachers on math concepts he doesn't understand without parental pushing :)
Keep up the good work, Zack!

Sam's happenings

2011-02-17T15:41:00.000-08:00

Sam has been busy this year doing a charter school curriculum which includes: math, english, PE, computer skills, consumer life skills. Plus, we do a weekly kitchen science class from and open MIT course that I found online and he is doing some building projects with grandpa kullick. Last week Sam gave a talk in sacrament meeting which he composed, typed and gave all on his own with no help from us. He delivered a very well though out, organized speech - so proud of you, Sam! :)


Making challah bread


K'nex roller coaster with grandpa K

Day of Love

2011-02-13T20:30:00.000-08:00

February 14th, Valentine's Day is my birthday. In honor of my 43rd birthday tomorrow, I wanted to come up with 43 things I love. Here's my list:

1. my husband
2. my children
3. my parents
4. my brothers and their wives
5. my in-laws
6. my friends
7. music - all kinds
8. smiles - on anyone
9. laughter (especially from my family)
10. Jesus Christ
11. Heavenly Father
12. horses
13. labrador retrievers
14. a good book
15. a clean kitchen
16. a clean house
17. good talks with friends
18. movies that make me laugh
19. movies that make me cry
20. salads
21. indian food
22. pinkberry frozen yogurt
23. kind strangers
24. my neighbors
25. people who are accepting and kind of those with different beliefs and ways of doing things
26. musicals
27. the ballet
28. dancing
29. happy people
30. living in a free country
31. random acts of kindness
32. watching my children succeed
33. watching my children gain independence
34. sitting by a warm fire
35. things that are free
36. window shopping
37. long walks with my dog and friends
38. the beach
39. watching my daughter soak up the beach :)
40. getting my teeth cleaned at the dentist
41. getting my hair done
42. being pampered
43. being loved

What/who do you love?

Preschool Happenings

2011-01-29T23:30:00.000-08:00

Nicki has been loving her preschool at Campbell Community Center. The group is called "kinder kids" and they are definitely getting ready for kindergarten. Nicki loves Miss Courtney and Miss Vanessa her teachers and all her friends in class. I get to work in the classroom once every couple of months. Here's some highlights from my work day.


Four mommy friends tending to their babies


Stick bug on her fingers - not at all scared of bugs!

The Power of One

2011-01-19T21:11:00.000-08:00

I made a new goal that I would start walking 30 minutes every day. (I'm starting out small for now)
As I was walking this morning I passed a a young twenty something boy who gave me a huge smile and said, "You're doing a great job! Good for you, for doing such a great job!" and he turned and walked away. I smiled and nodded a quick, stunned "thank you". So this person I didn't even know and would probably never see again had a positive effect on my day. It made me think. What would life be like if we all made a decision to be cheerful and supportive to every person we met? We can all make a difference in people's lives, even if it's just a smile or some encouraging words. Whenever I remember I have a choice about how I act and what I say I think about a quote I love from Stephen Covey's book "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" which says: Be a light, not a judge; Be a model, not a critic.

"Family...isn't it about time?"

2010-12-08T11:00:00.000-08:00

Way back in the 70's our church had an ad on tv with a short family situational story and this caption at the end. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints, I believe that families can be together forever. During this time of year, we spend more time with our families and think about them more as we give gifts to them. A family in our neighborhood had their house burn down completely but they all escaped unharmed. Retaining some or any possessions would such a weak second best if a family member was lost. I had a conversation with a good friend the other day who lost her mother ten years ago to cancer. Words failed to convey her feelings of loss as we both sat there and cried.
This post is really for her - love you <3!

My fam: Nicki, John Paul, Christine, Zack, Sam


The Kullicks: Steve, Cary, Sheila, Sam, Grandpa Kullick, JP, Grandma Kullick, Zack, Christine, Nicki


I LOVE this picture - The original Headley siblings: Jordan, Joel, Jacob, Korynne, Jared, Josh, John Paul, Cyndi

Our Preschool Today

2010-11-29T20:46:00.000-08:00

I wondered if I could set up my own simple preschool after having Nicki bomb out of a co-op preschool we tried when she was 3. What we together set up this year as parents has totally exceeded my expectations!!! The best part about OUR co-op preschool is that everyone gets to participate, and we all make decisions about what happens during our day. I am truly lucky to have found 6 other moms who are so talented. Here is what we did today for the letter 'I' for craft/science: Ice sculpting! A salt water solution was put into squirt bottles to squirt on blocks of ice to break it down and make fun designs.

Here is Nicki's "igloo", which also begins with the letter "i".

"The Perfect Heart" a story reposted from Paulo Coelho's blog

2010-11-16T14:53:00.000-08:00

When I read this story, I knew this was what I had been looking for lately to help me get over those people I have come across that I have felt haven't 'reciprocated' friendships/love in my life.

A young man was standing in the middle of the town proclaiming that he had the most beautiful heart in the whole valley. A large crowd gathered and they all admired his heart for it was perfect. There was not a mark or a flaw in it.

But an old man appeared at the front of the crowd and said,
“Your heart is not nearly as beautiful as mine.”

The crowd and the young man looked at the old man’s heart. It was beating strongly but full of scars. It had places where pieces had been removed and other pieces put in … but they didn’t fit quite right and there were several jagged edges. The young man looked at the old man’s heart and laughed.
“You must be joking,” he said. “Compare your heart with mine … mine is perfect and yours is a mess of scars and tears.”

” “Yes,” said the old man, “Yours is perfect looking … but I would never trade with you. You see, every scar represents a person to whom I have given my love….. I tear out a piece of my heart and give it to them … and often they give me a piece of their heart which fits into the empty place in my heart but because the pieces aren’t exact, I have some rough edges.
“ Sometimes I have given pieces of my heart away … and the other person hasn’t returned a piece of his heart to me. These are the empty gouges … giving love is taking a chance. Although these gouges are painful, they stay open, reminding me of the love I have for these people too … and I hope someday they may return and fill the space I have waiting. So now do you see what true beauty is?”

The young man stood silently with tears running down his cheeks. He walked up to the old man, reached into his perfect young and beautiful heart, and ripped a piece out. He offered it to the old man.
The old man took his offering, placed it in his heart and then took a piece from his old scarred heart and placed it in the wound in the young man’s heart.
It fit …. but not perfectly, as there were some jagged edges.
The young man looked at his heart, not perfect anymore but more beautiful than ever, since love from the old man’s heart flowed into his.

"Lazy"

2010-11-10T09:33:00.000-08:00

I've heard this title used sooo often on kids and people and here's my opinion on it; if YOU are using it to describe yourself - feel free! If, however, you are using it to describe someone else, you are really judging someone else. Who are you to judge someone else?!!!! How can you know for sure that you are right? Like, is there a "laziness test"? or are you venting because you want someone to do something they aren't?
If you get this above concept, CONGRATULATIONS!!
If you didn't, please consider the ideas below. I found these suggestions online from a parent frustrated with their child(ren).

1. RULE OUT HEALTH PROBLEMS

While some kids are intrinsically more active than others, most kids are not naturally lazy. If your child seems to be tired and unmotivated, this could be for a couple of reasons. As children grow, their bodies need to rest more than usual. If your child is having a new onset of seeming laziness, give it a little time and let his body grow. Once his body catches up, he should be back to normal. If you suspect any medical problems causing laziness, have your child evaluated by a pediatrician to rule out any physical problems.

2. SHORT TERM GOALS AND REWARDS

Don’t criticize your child, but help her find ways to succeed. With my son, money is not an incentive, so we make up a sticker chart every week. If he gets his homework done and keeps his bed made, we go on a “date”. Since we have other children, this is usually something as simple as a walk without the other kids, or a trip to the store for a piece of candy. Find the thing that will drive your children to succeed, and then work it into part of their lives as a goal. Stickers are sufficient for smaller children, and the older they get, make sure to keep rewards something you can follow through on.

3. PRAISE

Even if your child doesn’t master every goal you have set, lavish him with praise for the things he did well. Point out how his personal effort equates to achievement. Praise your child with words that point out their effort being the cause of meeting the goals. This will help them recognize their part in success.

4. KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

As a parent, you set the tone for your child’s education and lifestyle choices. If you perceive school as fun and useful, it’s likely your kids will follow suit. If they see you criticizing, however, it’s going to help them justify actions that are negative towards the school.

5. TIME MANAGEMENT

This one has been a real struggle for my son, who is oblivious to time and deadlines. He is so quiet, that often I don’t realize that he isn’t doing what I asked. We have formed a chart with what he needs to be doing at certain times in the day, and I must follow through with helping him accomplish it. This is absolutely essential for survival in the real world, so make sure you find ways to help your kids overcome laziness and manage their time.

6. ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILDREN’S INTERESTS

For a child who would never read and always lazy, I was amazed to discover this little boy interested in trains who had memorized the entire train schedule such as Arrival and departure times, names of the stations, different kinds of cars and a host of other information. If you can find your child’s niche and feed it, learning will become incidental. This is sometimes more difficult in a classroom setting, but communicate your child’s interest to his teachers so they can coax performance out of your child as well.

7. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Whether you choose this as part of the rewards/short term goals or not, it is up to you, but sometimes your child will flourish if they are allowed an outlet to express their creativity. You must motivate your child with creative ways to find their passion. That talent is just waiting to come out. Get them in group or personal activities that make them happy, and just like us adults; when we are happy, all areas of our life improve.

8. ADJUST YOUR EXPECTATIONS

If you are having a hard time accepting your children’s seeming lack of motivation, learn to embrace it. There are some children who are just artsy, poetic dreamers, and they can bring joy into your lives in ways you never would have thought up. Spend extra time learning and motivating your kids, because they will be the ones who come home at the holidays every year, and knowing their passions will bring joy to you and them for your entire lives. Once you learn and accept that there are some kids who won’t be motivated as how you feel they should be, you are free to enjoy them.

Headley family pumpkin carving

2010-10-30T09:41:00.000-07:00

Last night the grandma and grandpa Headley, Jared and Beth and family, Jake and Debbi and family and Joel and Laura and family came over to carve pumpkins and share some soup with us. We had so much fun! Here's some highlights:

Hard at work! Laura, you get the most creative designs award :)

Grandma was so patient with Nicki helping her to carve her own pumpkin...except maybe 'degutting' and a few other things.

Smiling faces

Nicki goes bangs

2010-10-30T09:09:00.000-07:00

Last week Nicole asked me if she could have "bumps". JP and I were both dumbfounded by this request. She kept saying she wanted a hair cut and needed to get a bump like her cousin. "Oh!" I said, "You want bangs!" "Yes!" Nicki replied. Even though JP was worried it wouldn't look good, she persisted in asking for this so off to great clips we went. Nick was so excited to be like her cousins who have "bumps" too!

Here she is putting her head waaaay back for a shampoo. "It tickles, mommy!" (giggle, giggle)

Holding so still during this process. Note the serious face throughout!

All done! Look at that smile :)

To my children...

2010-10-21T02:43:00.000-07:00

Sam is my oldest. Sam has always been so patient with me and my learning curve on how to be a mom. When he was little, his father and I had to make some tough medical decisions about the bone structure in his feet. It was also apparent that Sam would have other challenges in life as well. Despite all this adversity, I never have heard a complaint from him. He has a "can do" attitude about anything. Anyone that has ever worked with Sam marvels about his great attitude. I know that whatever Sam undertakes in life, he will give 150%. You are my hero, Sam!

Zack is my middle kid; growing at a gigantic rate right now - literally. Zack has many talents. One of them is his sensitivity to others and their motives. This has proven to be both helpful and a curse for him. Zack is intelligent as well as wise, a good combination. One of the things I admire about Zack the most is that he tries so hard to be a peacemaker in our family. He is able to understand more than one person's viewpoint and not take sides. He sees the big picture really well. You inspire me to do better, Zack.

Nicki is my baby ( not really, she's 4!). Here she is with Jeremiah, her youngest cousin. Nicki is very attached to her family and her extended family. She talks about them often. She considers her cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents her world. When she asks if we can go somewhere she hopes her cousins will be there also, or that we will stop and grandma and grandpa's house. Nicki just loves and admires us all. My wish for her is that she can keep this feeling alive all throughout her grownup life. Nicki has reminded me what I know about love - always given; never taken.

Got Meetup?!

2010-06-07T23:37:00.000-07:00

I'm not big on advertising unless I really believe in something. I have found a global networking site that fits that description for me called Meetup.com. I stumbled upon it quite by accident through a friend in MOMS club who was talking about it. So, I checked it out. Found a few groups based on ideas that I really connect with and now have started my own group called "Preschool fun!" (are you suprised?!) Our first meetup activity is a park day thursday, and I'm really looking forward to it.
With just your zip code and preferred travel mileage you too can have a blast "meet'ing up with others like you! :)

Good Luck Teresa and Rachel! We will miss you :)

2010-05-08T00:08:00.000-07:00

My brother's daughters, Teresa and Rachel, who are twins left early Thursday morning to the United Kingdom to serve 18 month missions for our church. Teresa was called to serve in Edinborough, Scotland and Rachel is serving in Machester, England. We wish them well and are excited for the many opportunities awaiting them there.

Just hangin at the Hulme's tonight...

2010-05-08T00:02:00.000-07:00

Tonight we were invited over to Mike and Beth Hulme's house for volleyball and games. When we got there, people were playing casual volleys, mostly with kids and talking and having a good time. They had 2 month old chicks from Easter that the kids really enjoyed playing with and some bikes and ride around toys. The thing that made it most fun was nothing was planned or regimented about tonight. Just 8 or 9 families hanging around talking, laughing and having a good time. The boys most enjoyed the chickens - Sam was laughing non-stop at them! It's obvious to me that all 3 of my children are animal lovers.

The Dastardly Doctor Deveraux performances 3/31, 4/1, 4/2

2010-04-13T17:58:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of this year, they announced a stake youth play tryouts at our church. I told the boys I really wanted them to do this ( I knew they wouldn't do this on their own, so I gave them a big shove :)

They went to tryouts very nervously and found that everyone who wanted a part could be in it. So, because they didn't want a big part, they were given a small chorus and dancing part as orderlies in this medical mellodrama. For many months, they attended practices on wednesday nights and saturday mornings. They were tiring of practicing by March but could see the end in sight!

Here is a picture of the whole cast! Zack is hiding in the back and Sam is the orderly on the right, 2nd row. It was very entertaining and funny and we are grateful for their friends and family who came and supported them.

Easter bunny

2010-04-06T17:39:00.000-07:00

Nicki spent an afternoon at the park with our west San Jose moms club hunting easter eggs. One of the moms painted their faces and we made hat bunny ears.

I needed this today and I'm passing it along,,,:)

2010-03-10T08:44:00.000-08:00

A Best Friend

2010-02-16T10:38:00.000-08:00

This is why I got a dog. I read through all the literature about how you should be ready and how you should pick the right animal, yada, yada, yada. But this is why I got one. Dogs aren't like people: they don't hold grudges, or play games, they don't withhold love because you didn't do or say what they wanted. Really - they don't have expectations for you to fail at. They just love you ALL the time, unconditionally :)

Star likes to chew. All dogs do, especially puppies (yes, she is still a puppy until that magical age between 1 and 2 yrs old when she somehow loses that puppy image). I feel totally comfortable letting Nicki play with Star, even unattended.

She is a great addition to our family and I'm so glad I made that decision last Spring to bring her home.

Love Quotes

2010-02-01T01:49:00.000-08:00

It is officially February! The month of love. I LOVE that I was born on Valentine's Day :)
Here are some love quotes I collected...

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you…John 13:34

If ye love me, keep my commandments. John 14:15

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear…. 1 John 4:18

“The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.”

“It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love that is put into them that matters.” Mother Teresa

Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.
Franklin P. Jones

If you have it [Love], you don't need to have anything else, and if you don't have it, it doesn't matter much what else you have.
Sir James M. Barrie

Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence.
Henry Louis Mencken

Agency

2010-01-26T08:31:00.000-08:00

Ok, so another deep one :) A couple of days ago, I was overwhelmed for over a day by someone who insisted that I "didn't like them" and that the behaviors, gestures, words, etc. I had said to, or done around them was proof. She further explained that 'other' women in our circle had expressed to her that I had been or said "unkind" things to them also. This created the proof about my character and how she could feel justified in feeling this way. My attempts to apologize and explain the situations she was speaking of were either argued away or blown off. And I realized that I had done this myself. There are people in my life who, I have believed, don't like me. Whether or not they do, is inconsequential. When I interact with them, this thought affects almost every interaction because I choose to look at them through my own tainted glasses. Yes, I do know it IS a choice I make. I was reminded of this today by a quote by Elder David Bednar sent on an email group. It is a topic that is central to what my church is focusing on this month: agency.
Here it is, more eloquently put:

"When we believe or say we have been offended, we usually mean we feel
insulted, mistreated, snubbed, or disrespected. And certainly clumsy,
embarrassing, unprincipled, and mean-spirited things do occur in our
interactions with other people that would allow us to take offense. However,
it ultimately is impossible for another person to offend you or to offend
me. Indeed, believing that another person offended us is fundamentally
false. To be offended is a choice we make; it is not a condition inflicted
or imposed upon us by someone or something else.

In the grand division of all of God's creations, there are things to act and
things to be acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:13–14). As sons and daughters of our
Heavenly Father, we have been blessed with the gift of moral agency, the
capacity for independent action and choice. Endowed with agency, you and I
are agents, and we primarily are to act and not just be acted upon. To
believe that someone or something can make us feel offended, angry, hurt, or
bitter diminishes our moral agency and transforms us into objects to be
acted upon. As agents, however, you and I have the power to act and to
choose how we will respond to an offensive or hurtful situation."

(“And Nothing Shall Offend Them,” Ensign, Nov 2006, 89–92)

mentos and soda chemistry experiment

2009-12-17T15:56:00.000-08:00

O Christmas Tree!

2009-12-16T21:15:00.000-08:00

Every year we go to a Christmas tree farm in search of the perfect tree. This year Nicki found one right away and it was nearly flawless! Good thing too, because we had about an hour to get the tree and get back and get ready for a book fair fundraiser I was doing for Nicki's preschool. The fundraiser was not successful for the tree hunting was. Here's this year's pick.

Don't cha just love this face?....

2009-12-16T20:54:00.000-08:00

One thing I discovered early on about Nicole is that she LOVES chocolate. Since it's really never been my favorite, I have struggled to understand her obsession over it. Three things I know about Nicki and her chocolate: 1) It changes her from a grump to a happy kid in a matter of seconds :)

2) What I think is enough NEVER is...

3) There are certain chocolates which are substandard, like dark flavor.

My little chocoholic is at it again....this time 'painting' it all over herself.

Kullick Family Thanksgiving 09

2009-11-27T09:27:00.000-08:00

We are so lucky to live close by both families, the Headleys and Kullicks. We usually try to go to both dinners or celebrations which makes for really full tummies and a lot of excitement but a really long day for the kids. This year we went to the Kullicks, next year the Headleys! Here's some highlights:

Sam, JP and Nicki waiting on the couch

Renee and Cary are so fast on the cleanup and dishes, it's usually done before you can blink :)

From left to right: Steve, Teresa, Ericka, Rachel, Ed, Steven Jr. and Audrey - smiling after an awesome meal!

Ericka and Steven Jr. the newly engaged - Congratulations!

What a lovely ring!

After dinner, we took a little walk and ended up at my old elementary school, Faria. Cary, Renee, Teresa, Rachel, Erick, Steven Jr. and Nicki got into an intense game of hopscotch. I had forgotten the rules, but was reminded after watching them play a bit.

You start by throwing your marker in the first square and then jump across, skipping your marked square until you return when you pick it up. In order to finish the game, you have to reach every square. Here's Renee's marker in the farthest square.

The ensuing celebration

We found a square with numbers inside it not in order and tried to figure out what kind of game it was...if Grandpa Headley had been there, he could have made up an interesting math game, I'm sure :)

Cousins

2009-11-25T16:01:00.000-08:00

Nicki is always talking about her cousins. It's the highlight of her day when she gets to play with them. Last night we went to celebrate Grandpa Headley's birthday with him. We brought him pies. The girls had a fabulous time dressing up as princesses and took many pictures of themselves (most of them are blurry).
I am so grateful that my children have cousins living close by so they can get to know them.

Izzy, Maddie and Nicki

About choices

2009-11-17T12:24:00.001-08:00

I grew up in a quiet atmosphere where the idea presented to me was to do things that didn't cause waves, to just be quiet and consider other's feelings and how my actions affected others; how I "should" be. It took me until my late twenties to question this way of being and to realize I had lots of resentments about it. To get rid of them, all I needed to do was stop worrying about others and make my own choices.

Now that I am a parent, I am doing it again. Only as a parent. I have been knocking myself out trying to sign my children up for things, displaying things on blogs and facebook to make them look more ...(fill in the blank).

Why?!!

Because I feel some sort of pressure to do things right? or whatever else I "should" be doing? In my opinion that's a weak excuse,(also a way to blame someone or something else). Although I have been told numerous times from various people that they don't agree with my choices and some of those people mean a great deal to me and I want their approval, these are MY choices to make. Doesn't it sound like a simple concept? I am just recognizing it now. There will ALWAYS be someone who doesn't agree with me. As long as I am considering feedback and responses from those in my immediate family with whom my decisions will affect, that's really all that matters, right?
I am in control of my destiny (well, as much as I can control). I can question why I do things. If I don't find a good reason, I can act, I can make a choice:)

JP's locks of love are all gone!

2009-11-03T23:13:00.000-08:00

Before (only 2 1/2 years of time)

Sittin' in the chair

It took two of them to cut it all

Ahhhh, the finished product :) Isn't he a handsome devil?

Halloween friends at preschool

2009-11-03T23:08:00.000-08:00

Ballet Class

2009-10-28T21:16:00.000-07:00

Nicki absolutely LOVES her ballet class. They actually spend half of the class dancing tap and the other half doing ballet.

In Search of a petting zoo pumpkin patch...

2009-10-28T18:34:00.000-07:00

Debbi, Maddie, Izzy, Nicki and I went looking for a petting zoo at a pumpkin patch on a weekday. This one on Snell Avenue has had rabbits in the past so we went to check it out. However, because of the wind and cold, the rabbits could not come out and play :(
So....we rode the train and played in the hay mazes instead.

Izzy and Nicki on the pumpkins

Maddie, Izzy, and Nicki loved the train

Three little girls sitting in a row

Family Pumpkin carving

2009-10-28T18:29:00.001-07:00

Dad is having so much fun...he's about to throw pumpkin guts at me :0

Zack really enjoys the insides too

The wonderment of carving the pumpkin

Dig, dig and more dig

Smack Birthday party 09

2009-10-24T21:50:00.000-07:00

The boys's birthdays are September 25th and October 17th. They end up having combined parties often because they are close in age, close in birth dates and invite the same friends. We call it "Smack" because Sam + Zack = Smack :)
Sam wanted everyone to make your own medieval weapon and Zack wanted an all out air soft war...are you seeing a theme, here? :) Those in attendance were: Jacob and Isaac Aronen, Jacob McGraw, Alex and Andrew Black. They all got along fabulously, for such warring themes. I really enjoy the people my boys choose as friends. :)

Smiling Alex :)

Here is our "keg" of root beer...Zack couldn't get enough

See...

Nicole, Jacob McGraw's sister, graciously stayed and watched Nicki for me so I could attend to the party.

Sam's cake choice on top: edible arrangements of fruit and Zack's choice below: BR cookies and cream ice cream cake

Sam wanted to make medieval weapons out of pvc pipe, styrofoam and duct tape. Here is the result.

And more...

No Fear

2009-10-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

Today at the pumpkin patch after walking through the haunted house a couple of times, Nicki asked me to meet her on the other side outside the house. She wanted to walk through alone. So independent lately -- I love it! Here she is leaving me in the dust :)

Field trip to Uesugi Farms pumpkin patch

2009-10-16T00:45:00.001-07:00

Maui and disneyland back to back

2009-10-11T20:48:00.001-07:00

Nicki's preschool

2009-10-11T20:41:00.001-07:00

Fairyland with cousins

2009-06-03T01:40:00.000-07:00

Princess potty party from "How to Potty Train Your Child in One Day"

2009-06-03T01:38:00.000-07:00

Our New Puppy: Star

2009-05-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

MY NEW MAID!

2009-01-04T18:06:00.000-08:00

So we stayed home from church today because we are getting over colds and Nicki decided to do a little cleaning up!

Princess Nicki

2008-12-10T12:16:00.000-08:00

Nicki is quite into being a 'ballerina' (her version: twirl around in a dress). Here she is with her tiara; note my title for her! The shoes are a riot! (got them at gymboree on sale for like $2.00!) Oh, the drama!

What's goin on with us...

2008-12-10T12:08:00.000-08:00

Sam and Zack have been taking tennis lessons for several months now and getting quite good at it. One mother who was watching them noted on how they have improved since the last time she saw them. I am relieved to know they have found a sport that they like. It's an extra bonus that they can play it together. Here they are playing their version of "street tennis"!

The fam

2008-12-01T20:11:00.000-08:00

October HFWD (Headley Family Work Day)

2008-11-11T19:16:00.000-08:00

Nate, Maddie, Nicki and Izzy

Beth and Nate on the tramp

Alex wields a sword (see how much fun we have at HFWD?)

Monterey Bay Aquarium

2008-11-11T19:07:00.000-08:00

Nicki and Maddie

Debbi, Izzy, Nicki and Maddie at the "pet pool"

Pumpkin Patch Fun

2008-11-11T15:55:00.000-08:00

Headley grandkids in the bunny hutch

Sam, Nicki and Zack

Debbi, Beth, Laura and Christine (some Headley daughter in laws)

More bunny hutch fun

My Wonderful Kids

2008-11-11T15:48:00.001-08:00