Phillips Phamily Phive

8-24-11 1st day of school, Matt's 17 1/2 birthday

2011-08-25T21:17:00.000-07:00

Maddie helping Matt get ready for school!

1st day of school! Matt is a Senior at MBHS.

Maddie is starting Kindergarten at Family Partnership Montessori Charter school. She will go to school Mon-Thur at the center & then be home schooled on Fridays. She has a kindergarten orientation next Thurs 9-1-11 & then official teaching/center time starts on 9-6-11. Up until then we will be doing home school with packets from the teacher.

Here is Matt with his half birthday cake. He is now 17 1/2.

September 2010 happenings

2010-10-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

Maddie's Castle on her bedroom wall!

One of Maddie's favorite friends...Mallory Claassen!

Maddie telling Mal how to do it!

Mal's artwork of the 2 of them!

Thanks Mallory for coming over to play! Maddie is always asking when you are coming back over. :)

August 2010 second half of the month

2010-08-30T21:58:00.000-07:00

Matt's 16 1/2 birthday...

Visit with Juel...

Lindsay's 19 1/2 birthday...

Karen's birthday...

Baby Beach, Morro Bay...

1st day of school for Matt - Jr at MBHS...

1st day of preschool for Maddie

August 2010 first half of the month

2010-08-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

Fiji - Matt went on a 2 week mission trip to Fiji with Pastor Randy Ponder from our church, and 6 others, 4 of those friends from MBHS...

Maddie stacking peaches that we had picked from Auntie Julie's tree...

Karen & Maddie worked 2 days at Klife while the staff was gone on a retreat...

We participated in the 2nd annual Relay for Life 24 hour cancer walk at MBHS. Michael piped the opening lap, which was the survivors lap. Thom, my oldest brother, is a cancer survivor, at almost 4 years now. My other brother Greg, came over too.

Matt earned "Bottom of the basket" winner at Albertsons, which means he was really good at making sure there was nothing left in the bottom of the shopping carts when people are checking out...

Maddie's room re-do...before...

after. Still more to do as time & money allows...

My nephew Jeff, got married to his sweetheart, Jackie. Maddie was the flower girl & did a great job!

July 2010

2010-08-27T21:06:00.001-07:00

Highlights of July:

Backyard camp out, tent on the trampoline - Mater & Maddie!

4th of July...

Bucket Busters at Cayucos library, gave the audience a chance to play too...

Matt summer varsity basketball...

Drive in, Mommy & Maddie SLO...

Fiji team bonfire, Avila Beach...

Matt gets baptized by Pastor Randy Ponder

Maddie's swim teachers...

Lindsay moves out...

Maddie wants to travel with Mater to Fiji...

June 2010

2010-08-27T19:06:00.000-07:00

Highlights of June 2010:

Maddie's 4th birthday - Pizza at Me-N-Ed's in Santa Maria (Matt had a weekend basketball tourney there so we went out for pizza in between the games!)

Princess Maddie

Maddie & her Cars cake

Princess, er, I Mean Prince Matt

The triplets! 2 girls (Jasmine at the top - Maddie's kitty, Drogba in the middle - Matt's kitty) & 1 boy kitty (Lindsay's kitty - Luigi) They are about 8 weeks old here

Karen with the babies sleeping on her...bliss!

Matt's 1st job - Albertsons - courtesy clerk

Swim lessons, Cayucos pool

8-4-10 Peaches & Apples

2010-08-04T22:07:00.000-07:00

Peaches & Apples from Dennis & Julie...

Maddie making a tower of peaches...

Maddie slicing peaches...

1 peach cobbler for Grandpa Ream & 60 cups of peaches...

1 apple crisp ( & 24 cups of apples)...

Fun, busy day!

7-21-10 26th anniversary

2010-07-21T21:21:00.000-07:00

26 years ago today:

I said "I do"

He said "I do"

so we did!

Love you so much Mikey!

7-1-10 backyard camp out!

2010-07-01T21:20:00.000-07:00

Matt & Maddie are having a camp out in the backyard-tent on the trampoline! Not sure who is more excited: Matt or Maddie! lol She has quite the agenda for tonight-snacks, stories, games, movies...will any sleep be had? How long will they make it outside? What will swim lessons be like tomorrow?

6-5-10 First swim of the summer!

2010-06-05T20:56:00.000-07:00

Today was a beautiful sunshiny day. So what to do with it? Why, go to the pool, of course! We drove up to Hardie Pool in Cayucos where it was a gorgeous 82 degrees. Got Maddie signed up for upcoming swim lessons & then on to the toddler pool. Maddie had no fear of getting in the water, whatsoever! The hot question of the day, "is it time for swim lessons"? Unfortunately they don't start for several weeks yet.

We spent about 3 hours at the pool & by the end, we pretty much had the toddler pool to ourselves! Maddie is a little water bug. She had no problem making friends with every child in the pool. Looks like we could be spending A LOT of time there this summer!

5-25-10 My Family, by Maddie Phillips

2010-05-26T16:47:00.000-07:00

Here is Maddie's latest masterpiece...her family, plus 1!

Starting in the back row (left hand corner) is big brother, Mater, aka as Matt.

Next to him, is Ellie (Weers)

Then we go to the front row & have the artist herself, Maddie, big sis, Sissy, aka as Lindsay, Mommy (with Ellie on my head!) I love how tall I am-taller then Lindsay! The tallest is Daddy!

Great picture Maddie!

5-23-10 Maddie's First Face!

2010-05-23T21:21:00.000-07:00

Maddie drawing her first face!

Maddie & her "subject" Pastor Randy Ponder!

5-10-10 What Mommies Do Best parent participation

2010-05-10T21:50:00.000-07:00

Today we continued celebrating moms!

I had gone to see author Karen Kingsbury on Friday night & she had read her kids book, "Let Me Hold You Longer". I took my copy of it to class today & Teacher Julie played the CD of Karen reading this book. There were many teary eyes. If you haven't read it, please take the time to check it out soon. Its a story about trying to recognize and savor the "lasts". BUT make sure you have a stash of tissues near by! I still haven't been able to make it through without tears.

Teacher Julie reading a story...

Maddie with her basket of may flowers...

Maddie writing "10"...

brunch...french toast...

Maddie working on her tea etiquette. Notice the pinkie? Do you know how hard that is to get a 3 year old to stick up only her pinkie???

Thanks to Teacher Julie for another amazing day of class. We appreciate ALL the hard work you do each week to put this ALL together for us & the kids! Thank you! You're the bestest!
I was so bummed that we missed last week - The Tiny Seed! Complete with making dirt to eat with gummy worms poking out! Way too fun!!!

5-9-10 Mothers Day take 2!

2010-05-10T19:48:00.000-07:00

I'm re posting this poem as part of it was cut off! Sorry!

Before I was a Mom
I slept as late as I wanted and

never worried about how late I got into bed.

I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was a Mom
I cleaned my house each day.
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Spit on.
Chewed on.
Pottied on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom
I never held down a screaming child

so that doctors could do tests. Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want

to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces

when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my

life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.

Before I was a Mom
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart

outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a

hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother

and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me

feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every

10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love,

the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction

of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much love or

so much pain before I was a Mom.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
— Author unknown.

5-9-10 Mothers Day

2010-05-09T16:18:00.000-07:00

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

Here are 3 (0f the 4) apples of my eye...

Lindsay - 19

Matt - 16

Maddie - 3 1/2

(4th - Michael, taking the picture)

I came across this poem and thought it appropriate to share as we celebrate the remarkable women in our lives this Mother’s Day.

Before I was a Mom
I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed.
I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was a Mom
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Spit on.
Chewed on.
Pottied on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom
I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests. Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.

Before I was a Mom
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much love or so much pain before I was a Mom.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
— Author unknown.

5-7-10 GNO

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

GNO (girls night out), sponsored by The Parable (in celebration of their grand opening at their new location) & held at Mountain Brook Church.

Britt Nicole singing...

"Karen & her best friends" as told to me by Karen Kingsbury!

Stacey, Julie, Karen & Karen

Kelsey Russell, Karen Kingsbury's daughter, showing a picture of the new cover of Take 4 which comes out in June. Kelsey is on the cover!

Our group shot:

me, Karen Kingsbury, Kelsey Russell, Stacey & Julie

Karen Kingsbury had us laughing & crying with the stories of her life! What a gifted storyteller/comedian.

5-6-10 Toys

2010-05-07T13:24:00.000-07:00

Can you find the REAL animal???

4-26-10 Frog & Toad Parent Participation

2010-04-27T20:57:00.000-07:00

Frog & Toad were the themes today.

Stories, stamps, songs, snacks

Friendship fruit salad

& ants of a log

4-24-10 Morro Bay Kite Festival

2010-04-24T20:42:00.000-07:00

4th annual Morro Bay Kite Festival, down on the beach by the Rock. It was a beautiful day, started out with some fog, but cleared up & was gorgeous. There were hundreds of people out flying their kites.

The Chamber of Commerce had a booth where you could decorate your kite. Sissy helps Maddie decorate hers.

We met Jeff & Jackie down there...

Jackie & Jeff...

the girls flying their kite...

Now on to playing in the chilly water. Jackie, the ultimate beach girl, had no problem putting her toes in the cold water & playing with Maddie! Thanks Jackie! Jeff & I were a little more timid getting our feet wet.

4-19-10 Hummus & Pea Pesto Crostini-YUMMY

2010-04-21T20:19:00.000-07:00

Hummus

4 cups (2 ½ cans) garbanzos (chickpeas) drained, reserve the liquid

½ cup tahini

1/3 cup warm water (I used the garbanzo liquid)

1/3 cup olive oil

2-3 lemons, juiced

4 garlic cloves

1 ½ tsp salt

2 tsp cumin

Fresh ground pepper

Paprika

Combine garbanzos, tahini, warm water, olive oil & juice of 1 lemon; process until smooth & creamy. Add garlic, salt, cumin & pepper. If needs more liquid, add more water (garbanzo liquid). May want to add more lemon juice, if desired.

Sprinkle with paprika for garnish

Julie Ashworth, Parent Participation 4/10

Pea Pesto Crostini

1 pkg (10 oz) frozen peas, thawed

1 garlic clove

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp salt, plus more to taste

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

2/3 cup olive oil

8 (1/2-inch-thick) slices whole-grain baguette or ciabatta bread

8 cherry tomatoes, halved, or 1 small tomato diced

For pea pesto: pulse together in a food processor the peas, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt & pepper. With the machine running, slowly add 1/3 cup of the olive oil and continue to mix until well combined, 1-2 minutes. Season with more salt & pepper if needed.

For the crostini: brush both sides of the bread with the remaining olive oil and grill until golden, 1-2 minutes. Transfer the bread to a platter and spread 1-2 tablespoons pesto on each slice. Top each crostini with 2 tomato halves & serve

Julie Ashworth, Parent Participation 4/10

4-19-10 Earth Day Cookin & Bookin

2010-04-20T19:09:00.000-07:00

Painting the earth...

making sweet pea crostini! I HATE peas. But this was awesome! How can you go wrong with olive oil, Parmesan cheese & garlic?

delicious hummus!

4-17-10 Lindsay's belated Birthday dinner

2010-04-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

My girls!!! Love it!

Sharing noodles

Yummy Italian restaurant in Los Osos, CA

We finally had chance for at least 4 of us to go to dinner to celebrate Lindsay's 19th birthday, only 2 months later! haha

More noodle sharing

4-15-10 Beerocks & Buddies

2010-04-18T18:03:00.000-07:00

Today was cooking day. Lindsay's friend, Sam, wanted to learn how to make beerocks. She is getting married soon, & wants to learn some new recipes. We had a blast making them & I don't think we ever stopped talking!

Here's our ingredients:

Sam, is sampling the leftover potatoes (from the potato bread)

The busy chefs!

The finished product, yummy!

Of course, you need to have extra dough to make the meal complete & make ooey gooey cinnamon rolls!

Jamin' 4-11-10

2010-04-12T12:32:00.000-07:00

From here: Strawberry field

to here: finished product-- over 35 cups of strawberry freezer jam!

Can you say yum?! i think we're set for another year...maybe~!

4-2-10 Coloring Easter Eggs

2010-04-09T20:55:00.000-07:00

Maddie just loved coloring Easter eggs. We colored 2 dozen eggs & had a great time doing it.

3-31-10 Æbleskivers

2010-04-02T21:52:00.000-07:00

Æbleskiver (Danish meaning apple slices (singular:æbleskive)) are traditional Danish pancakes in a distinctive shape of a sphere. Somewhat similar in texture to American pancakes crossed with a popover, Æbleskiver are solid like a pancake but light and fluffy like a popover. The English language spelling is usuallyaebleskiver or ebleskiver. (wikipedia)

I haven't made them in a very long time. Mine did not come out as the perfect little round balls. I guess the city of Solvang doesn't need to worry about me butting in on their business! haha

3-29-10 Maddie the Easter Bunny!

2010-04-02T21:48:00.000-07:00

The cutest bunny you ever did see!

3-28-10 3 year gotcha day!

2010-04-02T21:25:00.000-07:00

3 years ago (3-27-07), Madeline Grace Meng Chan Phillips joined our family. What a blessing she is to the entire family! This year we went to Panda Express to celebrate.

This is Betsy, our little squirrel friend that ate noodles & broccoli!

3-26-10 Pirate Pitching

2010-04-02T21:15:00.000-07:00

After taking last season off, Matt is back playing baseball. He is on the JV team for Morro Bay High School. He mainly plays 3rd base. Today, he took the mound & pitched.

What a beautiful back drop!

3-22-10 Runaway Bunny - Parent Participation

2010-04-02T21:06:00.000-07:00

Teacher Julie reading Runaway Bunny

coloring eggs-too fun!

3-15 & 17 St Patrick's Day Parent Participation

2010-04-02T19:00:00.001-07:00

Teacher Julie reading... Maddie reading Mouse Paint...

making biscuits... making butter...

shaking butter...

leprechaun trap...

the visitors that came in the night & the tracks they left...

the pot of gold that was left at the end of the rainbow...

teacher Julie & miss Maddie... rainbow cupcakes...yummy!

3-17-10 St Patrick's Day

2010-04-02T18:53:00.000-07:00

Here are Mike & Jon Fugler at Klife during the partnership drive!

3-11-10 Kitchen TP Bowling

2010-03-20T20:56:00.000-07:00

What to do with empty oat containers & tp rolls?
Why kitchen tp bowling, of course!
Check out the form...

the body language..

the knock down - one way or another!

3-8-10 Celebrate Dr. Seuss Parent Particpation Class

2010-03-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

Teacher Julie & Maddie modeling the latest in Cat in the Hat wear!

Crafts & story time

Pink Yink Ink Drink

Green Eggs & Ham

3-7-10 More Smores!

2010-03-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

For our dessert for the high school Bible Study we brought out

The Smores Maker...

Maddie helping Mommy roast (burn) marshmallows!

The finished, yummy product...

oooey gooey goodness!

March 1 & 3, 2010 Parent Participation SLO Children's Museum

2010-03-12T21:55:00.000-08:00

San Luis Obispo Children's Museum. Our parent participation classes were there each day for the week. So we got to go twice! Monday's class was the BEST! There were maybe a total of 20 of us, moms & kids, in the entire place! Way cool to experience the museum that way. Wednesday was not so good. Way toooooo many parents & kids. In fact we left early, as Maddie was over stimulated with that many people in an enclosed area. But we had Monday & that was great!

Maddie loved the stage & dress up!

More dress up...

Our little chef...

2-14-10 Chinese New Year

2010-03-06T21:11:00.000-08:00

Xīn Nián Kuài Lè

新年快樂

Happy New Year

We celebrated the Chinese New Year with Ye Ye & Nai Nai Ream at The Golden Dragon Restaurant in Morro Bay. We love to go there & see Sophie & Kevin (the owners). Wish we could go there more often. One day soon, Maddie & I will possibly be going to Sophie's house to start learning more about the Chinese culture from Sophie's mom. What a treat that will be!

2-26-10 Smores!

2010-03-05T19:52:00.000-08:00

Lindsay & Jenny making smores!

The Smore!

Lindsay & Jenny enjoying their smores!

2-24-10 Matt's birthday cake!

2010-03-05T19:43:00.000-08:00

4 layer triple chocolate cake!

2-24-10 The Driving Test

2010-02-26T21:05:00.000-08:00

The driving test score sheet...

The newest Phillips' driver...

Some quick instructions ...

taking off on his own...

It Looked Like Spilt Milk Parent Participation 2-22-10

2010-02-26T20:44:00.000-08:00

Teacher Julie reads "It Looked Like Spilt Milk" with the help of Maddie:

smoothies & popcorn

It looks like...

Lindsays Birthday Cake

2010-02-25T19:12:00.001-08:00

Maddie's present to sissy...

always fits...

chocolate brownie ice cream cake! Yummmmmm

2-24-10 Matt turns sweet 16!

2010-02-23T21:53:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday dear Matt

Happy Birthday to you!

The big day is here...the day you have waited so long for...going for the drivers license!

You have become a handsome young man, too soon though!

We love you very much & are proud of you.

2-16-10 Happy Birthday Lindsay!

2010-02-15T20:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday dear Lindsay

Happy Birthday to you!

Lindsay turns 19!

You have grown into a beautiful young lady!

We are very proud of you & love you very much.

Cant wait to share some birthday cake with you.

Early Valentine's Day 2-12-10

2010-02-12T21:08:00.000-08:00

What do you do when all 3 kids are gone for the day??? Why, go out for an early kid-free Valentine's lunch, of course! So off we went to one of our favorite places to go, Jaffa Cafe in SLO. It is such a treat to eat there! Lamb schawarma, pita & hummus, & for dessert, a piece of baklava! What a wonderful, delicious meal.

Thank you to my valentine of 25 years+ for your love through thick & thin, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish 'till death do us part. I love you Honey!

2-11-10 Our Little Rocker

2010-02-11T21:29:00.000-08:00

Maddie LOVES to play on daddy's base guitar.

She was even singing as she was playing!

Update:

I guess I really shouldn't blog when I'm tired!

This should have been "bass" not "base" & to top it off, the guitar is not daddy's bass guitar- this is Matt's 6 string electric guitar! BUT, she WAS singing as she was playing. I know I got that right.

1-25-10 Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs Parent Participation

2010-01-26T20:47:00.000-08:00

Maddie painting clouds...

Stories of the day...

Teacher Julie reading stories...

Craft-making a weather paper...

Singing a song about the weather...

Making orange juice...

Meatballs & boats made of bread to leave the town of Chewandswallow.

Jan 2010 Rewards!

2010-01-17T20:30:00.000-08:00

Potty training! Puts fear in my heart just to think about it.

1st attempt many months ago-14 pairs of panties in one day!

Ok, so maybe she just wasn't quite ready.

Now its time to try again.

We started on Monday, Jan 4th. Only 4 pairs of panties. Huge improvement over previous attempt. Next day, no accidents! wohoo! Wednesday, she goes to YeYe & Nai Nai Ream's house & has 1 accident. Not bad for first time being away from home & potty training. Doing great! We are now 14 days out & have not had an accident since then! Way to go Maddie!

Since she was doing so great, we decided she needed a reward. So, tying the haircut treat in with potty training treat, we went to Toys R Us where she picked out a doll house. Since we got home & got it out of the box, she has been inseparable. She LOVES it!

Way to go Maddie, we are so proud of you!

1-17-10 BIG Change for Maddie!

2010-01-17T19:54:00.000-08:00

Now you see it..

snip...

Whipper Snippers- a wonderful kids haircutting place in the mall in Santa Maria! How fun...sitting in an airplane & watching Cars while you get your haircut!

Tadaaaaaaa!

I LOVE my new hair!

Wow! I think she went from 3 1/2 one moment, to about 6!

December varsity basketball-pre season 2009

2010-01-16T16:55:00.000-08:00

Dressed for game day!

Our #1 player! Matt

YeYe Phillips, Maddie, YeYe Ream!

The youngest MBHS cheerleader!

12-12-09 Madeline - 3 1/2 Birthday!

2010-01-14T21:25:00.000-08:00

Happy 3 1/2 birthday Maddie! Notice the candles- 3 & 1/2 off one!

1-11-10 Snow Day Parent Participation

2010-01-14T19:20:00.000-08:00

Teacher Julie read a story about snow. Then she passed out a baggie with an ice cube in it for the kids to watch & see what happens when they hold the ice cube in their warm little hands...

Now it's time to make real whipped cream! Mmmmmmm...

Snow Man soup-aka as hot cocoa...

making Snow flake tortillas with cream cheese...

Maddie loved helping teacher Julie "build" a snowman...and Karen got to play!

Laughter!

2010-01-10T21:32:00.000-08:00

Need a laugh? Try this:
Call Nestle Crunch customer service @ 1-800-295-0051.

Don't chose English or Spanish, just wait.

Then choose option 4. Have fun!

(This was my facebook status too!)

2009-12-24T21:59:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Hand-fed Kitty! 12-2-09

2009-12-09T20:16:00.000-08:00

Maddie to Spencer:

"Look at me!"

"If you eat all your dinner, you can have dessert!"

"Good boy!"

Apple Picking Time 12-2-09

2009-12-09T20:05:00.000-08:00

My friend, Jan & her husband HA, invited us to pick apples at their place. As you can tell by the look on her face! she loved it! Lots more yummy apples! Thanks Jan & Ha!

Paper Chase 3AM 12-1-09

2009-12-01T13:43:00.000-08:00

On our newspaper delivery route, we make several stops along O’Connor Way – a narrow country road in rural San Luis Obispo. We usually make those stops around 3:00 a.m., and while the road is almost always deserted, we occasionally see some rather unsavory characters and vehicles at roadside. We’ve been told that O’Connor Way is a popular spot for drug deals because it’s so remote, so we’re always a little nervous making that drive – even more so this morning, as the light of the full moon was diffused by thick fog. Got the picture?

Our drive was uneventful until Michael pulled into a driveway and dropped off a newspaper. Backing out onto the roadway, we noticed a car coming toward us and decided to let it pass. But instead of passing, the driver slowed down and pulled up immediately behind us, obviously intending to block us in. A wave of panic shot through us, and because the driveway was wide, Michael managed to crank the steering wheel and pull out behind the mystery car.

As we sped away (as fast as the fog would allow, anyway) we noticed that the other car had quickly spun around and was now pursuing us. He was rapidly gaining on us, flashing his high beams repeatedly, and we quickly concluded that he thought we were his drug connection and was angry that we were ditching the deal!

Fearing for our safety, we gave up on any notion of continuing with our newspaper deliveries, and focused instead on escaping the lunatic who was chasing us down. When we turned right onto Foothill, so did he. When we turned right again on Los Osos Valley Road, so did he, racing up on us and making it clear he wanted us to pull over. I suggested we call the Sheriff’s Office, but Michael wanted to make it clear to the guy that we were just delivering newspapers (instead of heroin) and that he was chasing the wrong people. So we pulled over at one of our scheduled stops and Michael waved the newspaper to show our intentions to the driver behind us. This seemed only to make the fellow more aggressive, as he followed us even more closely when we pulled back onto the road.

Enough was enough! I whipped out my cell phone and dialed the Sheriff’s Office while Michael stayed just ahead of our pursuer. When I told the dispatcher about our ordeal – how we had been aggressively followed starting on O’Connor Way and were unable to shake the attacker as we sped down Los Osos Valley Road – she got very excited. Not because of the chase…but because she was on the other line TALKING TO THE DRIVER BEHIND US!

As it turns out, our “attacker” was actually a law enforcement officer driving an unmarked County vehicle. He and his fellow officers were on high alert because an inmate from the nearby prison had escaped and was thought to be near O’Connor Way. The dispatcher advised us to pull over, which we did, and soon we were enjoying a good, long laugh with the officer over the whole thing. He was very sympathetic, and understood exactly why we had reacted the way we did. He just happened to be speaking with the Sheriff’s Office when I called, and the dispatcher quickly put the story together.

Will we pull over for the next crazed driver that chases us down? I hope we never find out!

11-16-09 Parent Participation Thanksgiving Feast

2009-11-30T16:26:00.000-08:00

Maddie's hand print turkey!

Teacher Julie reading a story.

Maddie's feast!

Notice her favorite thing? Peppermint patties!

11-11-09 Rugby game at Cal Poly

2009-11-30T15:57:00.000-08:00

Our nephew, Keith, who plays rugby for Fresno State, invited us to watch him play at Cal Poly. This was the first time any of us had been to a rugby game. (STILL don't understand the game!) It was a very chilly night. Maddie enjoyed using her "binoculars"-I think she was just checking out all "the boys"! ha ha

Unfortunately, Fresno lost. But we can now say we have been to a rugby game!

Nanaw

2009-11-09T20:34:00.001-08:00

Marnette Annie Waddle Rose

Ma, Mother, Nanaw, Sugar (our Grandmother!)
2/16/1916 - 10/5/2009

Nanaw finally got her final wish-

On 10/5/2009 about 2:30am, she passed peacefully from this world into the arms of our Heavenly Father. For the past several years, that has all she has been wanting to do.

On 10/10/2009, we all gathered to celebrate Nanaw's life in Fresno, CA. it was great to see family we haven't seen in years & to meet new spouses & their children.

There were tears but also the laughter at the joy Nanaw brought into our lives. We all have so many wonderful memories of her & it was neat to hear how she all touched us & helped to mold us who we are today. The incredible example that she set for us as a Christian...some big shoes to fill.

I love you Nanaw & miss you.

Thank you for the unconditional love you gave me.

Thank you for helping me with my love of baking.

Thank you for taking the time to do crafts with me.

Thank you for playing Aggravation, Flinch & Pit with us as much as we could ever want to!

And thank you for your amazing hot fudge recipe! :)

Finally Home by L.E. Singer

When engulfed by the terror of the tempestuous sea,

Unknown waves before you roll;

At the end of doubt and peril is eternity,

Though fear and conflict seize your soul.

But just think of stepping on shore-And finding it Heaven!

Of touching a hand-And finding it God's!

Of breathing new air-And finding it celestial!

Of waking up in glory-And finding it home!

When surrounded by the blackness of the darkest night,

O how lonely death can be;

At the end of this long tunnel is a shining light,

For death is swallowed up in victory!

But just think of stepping on shore-And finding it Heaven!

Of touching a hand-And finding it God's!

Of breathing new air-And finding it celestial!

Of waking up in glory-And finding it home!

PawPaw & Nanaw 25th wedding anniversary

Paul Rose, Nanaw & Freddie Ream

Michael playing Amazing Grace on the bagpipes

Paul Rose, Mike Rose

Greg Ream, Gary Ream

Karen Phillips, Darlene Ream

Most of the Rose/Ream Family. Some of the families had to leave early because of the very long drive back home, with little kids.

Rose Hills Cemetery, Whittier, CA

Nanaw & Lindsay, Nanaw & Matt

The birthday kids-Feb 16, Lindsay, Nanaw & Darren Ream

Nanaw & Karen in the LA Times!

Our last visit with Nanaw...I am SO grateful that God allowed us the chance to go see her one last time. She had not been doing well, but God blessed us with a wonderful visit with her.

I love you Nanaw! Until we meet again in Heaven...

Possum's Harvest Moon Parent Participation 11-09-09

2009-11-09T15:42:00.001-08:00

Today's theme: Possum's Harvest Moon

musical dancing soiree...

horn of plenty...

horn of plenty snack...

harvest moon craft...

leaf book, with leaf rubbings...

Another job well done teacher Julie! You are an amazing woman! Thanks for all you do!

Snow Storm Part 2 11-6-09

2009-11-06T21:22:00.001-08:00

Finishing up the cookies we started yesterday!

5 pound bag of flour - $2.50

playing in the kitchen - priceless!

Freak Snow Storm, Morro Bay, CA 11-5-09

2009-11-05T18:17:00.000-08:00

I'm thinking about throwing flour. How much trouble will I get in?

Awww, who cares? It's worth it! Snow storm in Morro Bay!

Look at the snow on my hands! Watch out sissy!

Mom, you sure this is ok? Are you feeling ok?

All tuckered out after playing in the snow!

Maddie & I were in the process of making cookies, when the snow started falling! We had a pretty good time, with quite the sprinkling of snow in the kitchen! We were really supposed to be cleaning the house, but who wants to do that when you can throw flour & make a mess instead?!

The Little Red Hen parent participation 11-2-09

2009-11-05T16:49:00.000-08:00

The theme for this week's cookin & bookin class, was "The Little Red Hen". (we were so happy to be able to go again-we had missed the last 2 weeks because of the entire family having the [probable per Dr. Bravo], swine flu (H1N1)

This is teacher Julie showing the kids how to measure out ingredients to make bread in the bread machine.

Fireman Maddie taking a look as the bread is cooking & the finished product!

Teacher Julie reading "The Little Red Hen"

Maddie playing in cornmeal & water (cornmeal mush)...

Recipe for "chicken feed"...

Maddie & her little red hen...

Jacob & Maddie making butter...

The finished products...homemade bread, butter & chicken feed! Yummmmmy! Thanks Teacher Julie.

Halloween 10-31-09

2009-11-05T16:18:00.001-08:00

Here is Tinker Miss Bell! Maddie couldn't wait to get her costume on & start flapping her wings!

Here are the Belle's: Tinker bell & Belle from Beauty & the Beast.

Here is Maddie knocking on the door at YeYe & Nai Nai Phillips house. It didn't take her long to get the hang of what to do: knock, say trick or treat & get candy! She did need to learn some of the finer points of trick or treating though-she was a little impatient when she knocked or rang the door bell & it took the people a few minutes to get there. If they weren't fast enough, she yelled, "Come on & open the door"! or "Look, the door is opening"! But she always remembered to say thank you!

A rare, but coveted kiss from Maddie to Nai Nai Ream!

Look at all the yummy stuff I got!

It was nice to have Lindsay & Juliette go trick or treating around the neighborhood with us. After that, we made a trip over to see YeYe & Nai Nai Ream, Auntie Kathy Claassen & family & then the Griley's, where Matt was for a party.

To the Pumpkin Patch...Finally! 10-26-09

2009-10-27T15:40:00.001-07:00

After a bout with the entire family being sick for over a week with the flu (swine?) & missing 2 trips to the pumpkin patch with our parent participation class, we finally got to go! Yeah! It was different this year...the first time Lindsay & Matt didn't want to go!
This is our favorite place to go for pumpkins!

Mandatory hay kicking contest!

The bounce test...

And the winner is...

Now to carry our treasure(s) to the car...

Our cute littlest pumpkin!

When are we going to the pumpkin patch?

2009-10-15T21:36:00.000-07:00

When are we going to the pumpkin patch?

When are we going to the pumpkin patch? When are we going to the pumpkin patch? When are we going to the pumpkin patch? When are we going to the pumpkin patch? When are we going to the pumpkin patch? When are we going to the pumpkin patch? When are we going to the pumpkin patch?

Madeline must ask this same question 100 times a day! So we made a count down to when we go to the pumpkin patch (& we actually go twice with her class & then we will go once as a family), and then to Halloween. So now when she asks me, I tell her to go count how many little pumpkins until you get to the first big pumpkin & that is how many days until we can go. I think it may have helped....she only asked 99 times today!

"Where the Wild Things Are" Part 2 10-12-09

2009-10-15T19:00:00.000-07:00

Here is our little wild thing!

Let the wild rumpus begin!!!

Maddie in Max's boat

"Where the Wild Things Are" Part 1, 10-5-09

2009-10-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

Today's Cookin & Bookin Class was all about the book " Where the Wild Things Are". This is week 1 of 2. Teacher Julie, (amazing lady that she is!), read the story to us...
.
Then the kids got busy getting some projects done: painting Max's boat...

making crowns & Max masks...

and making a yummy snack...sailboats!

It was a lot of fun! Next week...the wild rumpus!

Cubbies Part 2! 10-1-09 The Vest!

2009-10-01T20:40:00.001-07:00

The coveted Cubbies vest!!!! Does Maddie look proud or what? She kept looking at herself in the mirror when she got home-too cute! She was also very excited about making her cubbie puppet.

Newest Cubbie! 9-24-09

2009-10-01T18:19:00.000-07:00

Maddie started Cubbies last week! It has been a loooong time since we have had a Cubbie! She was pretty squirrely for story time, hope she does better next time! Mr. Dave held her in his lap & she did great then. Mrs. Holden was great with all those little bodies-very patient as she tries to tell them a story with the flannel board & doing a craft with them. Commander Sam loved playing with all the kids. She was down on the floor with them!

Maddie had a really good time. On the way home, she said she wants to go to Cubbies again!

Michael's turn next to take her!

Pepper's Field trip & over-nighter! 9-23-09

2009-10-01T15:32:00.000-07:00

So you're thinking, Pepper's field trip & over-nighter, who really cares? No big deal. Every one has over-nighters. Well, Pepper is our 13 year old cat. Cats don't usually go on field trips or over-nighters, but he did! Pepper has this thing for getting into our cars if the doors or trunk are left open. A few years ago he went on a little ride down to Subway when we got sandwiches. We heard this meowing from the trunk. You would think he learned. But no. Then a few weeks ago, we were leaving at 1am to go get the newspapers & as we were backing up, again, we heard some meowing. He had spent the night in the trunk! Ok, again, you would think he learned! But still, no.

Well, last week, Maddie and I were hurriedly getting ready to go to our class we take together, getting the trunk loaded with the snacks (that it was our turn to bring) & heading off to school.

We have a fun time at school, come home & go about our day & evening. As Michael & I were leaving to get the papers (at 1am), I look on the couch to see if Pepper is there. (It's kind of hard to see a black cat on a dark brown couch in the middle of the night with no lights on.) But I tried & couldn't find him. Hmmm, unlike him to stay out all night. He likes to sleep on the couch. Off we go to do our paper routes.

When we got back home, about 4 am for this part of the route, it dawns on me, that we haven't really seen Pepper since the day before & I start wondering if just maybe Pepper had gotten into the trunk when Maddie & I went to school. So when we got up that morning, Maddie & I drove down to the school & got out of the car. I started calling Pepper over & over. After a little, I heard a faint meow!!! I couldn't believe it. I called again & went towards the meow. There are these really pokey looking bushes all around & kind of down a hill & I'm thinking, oh great, he's hurt & how am I going to get him? But pretty soon he came up the hill & out of the bushes! I was shocked! The poor kitty had stayed the night there, waiting for us to come back to get him! He was totally fine, although pretty hungry. He sat in my lap for most of the car ride home & stuck pretty close to us & home that day & evening! He is our little miracle kitty!

Does Pepper stay out of cars now? Heck NO!!! But now we make sure & check before we leave.

Apple Day - parent participation 9-28-09

2009-09-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

Maddie & Mommy had to stay home from class today because of having the sniffles. Teacher Julie gave us all the things that were going to be made in class today, so we tried to re-create class at home. Here is Maddie coloring her apple book and working on her Johnny Appleseed puppet.

.Then we read the story "The Little Red House With No Doors and No Windows and A Star Inside"! Can you guess what the little red house is? Here is a hint from Maddie:

Then to complete our apple theme, we made applesauce. Yummy!

2nd time's a charm!! 9-23-09

2009-09-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Lindsay! She now has her drivers license! (And we have hardly seen her since!) After some misfortune at the SLO DMV last month, (it seemed like they intentionally tricked her), Lindsay took her test in Paso Robles. That office was much nicer, friendlier & not nearly as busy. She passed with flying colors. Way to go Lindsay!

"If You Give A Mouse A Cookie" 9-21-09

2009-09-21T20:49:00.000-07:00

Today at our Cookin' & Bookin' class our theme was "If you give a mouse a cookie" book.

We read the story several different ways, including the kids each contributing different items to the story, like a cookie, a carton of milk, a straw etc. (You probably need to know the story for this to make sense! But trust me, it was cute, that is, once they understood how to put their items in at the right time!)

We also read "If You Give A Pig A Pancake" & that is where our cookin part came in.

The kids made & ate pancakes! Yummmy!!!

They also made little mouse masks & the book they made was "Animal Colors".

Teacher Julie even gave them homework!!!! haha It's a paper that has all the different things the mouse finds to do in the book, so the kids can retell the story. Very cute, teacher Julie!

Next week: Johnny Appleseed!

9-14-09 1st day of "school" for Maddie

2009-09-14T20:33:00.001-07:00

Today was a day that Maddie has waited for since June...Parent Participation classes started again today. She loves to go these classes. Whenever we drove anywhere near the school, she would invariably ask to go to school to play with her friends. She got her wish today. Here is our traditional "first day of school" pose! You can see how excited she was to go!

Here is teacher Julie, one of our favorites!

We added another class this semester: Cookin & Bookin. We will be reading stories & cooking something that goes along with the story. Today the kids made chicken & rice soup. (Very easy recipe-chicken broth, canned cooked chicken & minute rice) I thought it was very yummy! Maddie wasn't too thrilled about it-true to the Phillips children-she is not super good at trying new things! haha She did have to eat a few bites before I would let her go outside & play.
The kids also made their first book today "Things I Like to Eat" by Maddie She got to cut pictures out of her favorite foods & glue them on to the pages. She picked noodles, pizza & strawberries! She was very proud of her book & even shared it in front of the class today.
Next weeks' book, "If you Give A Moose a Muffin", "If you Give a Mouse a Cookie" and "If you Give a Pig a Pancake" and we will be making pancakes.
On Wednesday, we go to our regular parent participation class for 3-4 year olds. We hope to make as many as possible, hopefully all of them! (We are praying that this old Mommy's stamina will hold up, as we just added another paper route to our mornings & now we both are gone until about 5:30-6:30 each morning. Nap times have become a currant event for this mommy again!)

The beach! 9-4-09

2009-09-04T21:35:00.000-07:00

A beautiful evening in Morro Bay. Matt & his buddy Edward, were surfing, so Maddie & Karen enjoyed playing at the beach too. Maddie chased the seagulls & knocked over my castles!

She also got to spend some time with "the boys" as she calls them.

The tired surfers...

heading home! What fun we had! Thank you God for a beautiful place that you have allowed us to live!

Half, last & first!

2009-08-29T00:05:00.000-07:00

8-24-09
Matt's 15 1/2 birthday! Half a cake & a driving permit!

8-26-09
Traditional last day of summer outing! Each year, since Lindsay started kindergarten, the last day of summer brought about a fun day. When the kids were little, going to the beach for a picnic was enough excitement. Then as they got bigger, they wanted to do more. For at least the last several years, the kids, along with a friend each, & myself would go to Santa Maria to Weinerschnitzel, Boomers & then the mall for cookies. This year was a little different: Lindsay had already started college & Maddie went to YeYe & Nai-Nai Ream's house. Matt's buddy, Edward, had had his wisdom teeth taken out 2 days prior, so he could not eat hot dogs. We got to try a new place, Panera Bread. Boy was that delicious! They have wonderful soups and sandwiches. Yummy!
From there, we went to Boomers, where we played 3 rounds of miniature golf, the boys climbed the rock wall & played arcade games & we also took at least 10 rides on the go karts! That was a lot of fun! What a tradition! I wonder if Maddie will enjoy doing this to in the years to come?

8-27-09
1st day of school
Matt is a sophomore at Morro Bay High School

Sweet Treats: half-birthdays & birthdays!

2009-08-19T19:59:00.000-07:00

This is Lindsay's 18 1/2 birthday cake. Couldn't get her to pose with it though!

This is Karen's "birthday cake"! It is our own new creation called a "Brookie".

It is a chocolate chip cookie baked inside a brownie. Then to make it a sundae, you add a scoop of vanilla ice cream smothered in Nanaw's home made hot fudge sauce! Yummmmmy chocolaty goodness! It's worth turning another year older for this! haha

Cast Away Day! 8-13-09

2009-08-13T22:06:00.000-07:00

Before after

Today was the big day...the cast came off! Woohoo! Matt was so excited for today to get here. He has been waiting for 5 weeks to get the cast off his left arm/wrist. Per Dr. Devine, the wrist is not completely healed yet. He should still restrict his activities...no playing in any basketball games until Sept 1st. Then the "world is his oyster". If he should fall before it is completely healed, it will break & it will be a worse break. He is to just do strengthening exercises now. He is stiff now from being casted for 5 weeks. Here are a few pictures from getting his cast taken off today.

8-11-09 Trip to Fresno

2009-08-12T21:35:00.000-07:00

The kids & I took a day trip to Fresno & back. It is only about a 3 hour drive each way & we were blest not to have too much traffic or road construction delays! Maddie was a great little traveler for us. The car did great too. The air conditioning is amazing! I think at one point we saw that it was 108 degrees.

We had lunch at Wienerschnitzel, the kids choice! :) It was yummy, of course!

Then we went over to see my grandma, Nanaw. She is 94. She lives in the California Armenian Home in the skilled nursing side. This "home" is so beautifully landscaped. Picnic areas, lots of huge trees, grassy area, flowers & fountains. Really beautiful.

Nanaw did not know that we were coming, so we totally surprised her when we walked in. She was out in the hallway, in her wheelchair, looking quite pretty. She had just had her hair done & she looked very nice. I was quite impressed that she recognized me. Sometimes she has a hard time remembering who each of us are & our names. She was in a wonderful mood & seemed to be pain free. (My folks had been there the day before & had gone with her for a 2nd opinion regarding the ulcerations on her leg. The doctor wants to amputate her leg, because there in no circulation getting to her foot. If they don't operate, her foot will become gangrenous & it will eventually kill her with the infection. She has been in an incredible amount of pain & gets morphine twice a day. When my folks were there, she was in a terrible amount of pain. Was very tough on my folks, especially my mom. So we really didn't know what to expect when we got there to see her. I was really worried about how the kids would be, if when we got there, she was crying in pain. But thank you God, she was doing great!) She has been wanting to die for many years. She is ready to meet Jesus face to face. So for her, there is no decision. She made it a long time ago. She is ready to meet Jesus. So they are just going to try to keep her as comfortable as possible.

It was really good to see her. It was a short visit, but quite possibly, the last one. We don't know how much longer she will be with us. I am really glad we went & the kids went also. Here are a few pictures of our day with Nanaw! She fell in love with Maddie, what a surprise!

After our visit, before we got in the car for the long ride home, we played in the fountain. It was only 108 degrees, so it wasn't too bad & the water felt oh so good to splash on each other. After that we went to pick up sandwiches from one of my favorite places, Full O Bull. They have the best cheese steak sandwiches! yummy. Then it was the 3 hour drive home. I was so ready to go to bed when we got home! Lindsay & Maddie slept for about the last 30 mins or so, so bedtime was sooooo late for Maddie! She just wasn't tired after her nap in the car.

8-5-09 Play day, finally!

2009-08-05T22:12:00.000-07:00

Maddie & her buddie Eli, finally get a chance to play together at the park!

You never could tell that Simon, this sweet little baby boy, has spent the last month in the hospital! Thank God, he is finally home & doing well!!

July 27, 2009 Stylin'

2009-08-04T22:15:00.000-07:00

Here I am, modeling our brand new car, 2009 Nissan Altima! We traded in our Chevy Tahoe, for a car that will get around twice the gas mileage, had 8 miles on it & costs us about the same! Actually, will probably cost us less because we won't be using as much gas! It has been so fun driving this car. But I must be careful to watch my speed-it just goes sooooo smoothly. Most definitely must use cruise control! Added benefit? Free car washes!

7-25-09 25th wedding anniversary party

2009-08-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from our 25th wedding anniversary party. Thank you to the kids, with the help of both sets of our parents, for putting it all together.Maddie couldn't wait for cake, so she got to enjoy 1 of NaiNai's cupcakes!

Lindsay modeling my wedding dress!
Who knows what I was saying!!!

7-23-09 One "Tow-riffic "morning

2009-08-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

Look what happens when you taking Matt driving! haha Michael had taken Matt driving the night before over at the high school. When they had finished their lesson and changing drivers, the car would not start again. So the next day Maddie & I went to wait for the tow truck. She enjoyed watching it load the car up. She kept calling the tow truck, Mater, from the movie Cars. (To add to the fun, there was a Coast Guard helicopter hovering over the beach just past the high school. If you know the movie Cars, there is a part towards the end where Mater, the tow truck, flies over in a helicopter!!! You can imagine the excitement for Maddie!!)

7-21-09 25th anniversary

2009-08-03T21:42:00.000-07:00

We went for a quick, but yummy dinner up to Cambria to Main Street Grill. They have such a yummy steak cobb salad! mmmm Lindsay was working, so Matt babysat Maddie for us. After a quick dinner it was off to church for a VBS meeting.

Happy anniversary honey! Here's to at least another 25 years! I love you!

Ouch!!! July 7, 2009

2009-08-03T21:03:00.000-07:00

Matt has an owie! He was playing basketball at Cuesta with the MBHS boys summer basketball team and stumbled over another player. (He had started in this game & it was less then 5 minutes into the game.) When he landed, he landed on his wrist. We saw him get up holding his wrist, but he was at the far end of the court, so we couldn't really see his wrist, yet. But as he came walking up to us, we knew something was wrong. We got some ice on it, but he wanted to stay until half time! What a trooper! But you could see he was hurting as he was watching the game-his feet & legs kept moving! At halftime, I went to give him some advil. But when I looked at him, I told him we were going to the ER. Now! No argument from him. We dropped Michael & Maddie off at home & off we went to the ER. Matt even wanted me to bring the camera! We were in & out of the ER within an hour! Complete with a partial cast & some pain pills!

The only one allowed to sign his cast...Maddie!

4th of July! Making ice cream

2009-08-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

here is daddy & Maddie making good ole fashioned homemade ice cream...

mmmmm yummy! This is how we spent our 4th of July. Lindsay was with friends in Cayucos & Matt was out of town at one of his basketball tournaments, so it was just the 3 of us. We barbecued tri-tip & had cheesy potatoes. Morro Bay was scheduled to have a "laser light show" which sounded incredibly lame (and it truly lived up to being beyond horribly lame). Glad we just watched it on TV. We watched a really neat fireworks show from Washington DC. Lindsay sent us a little video from her phone of the fireworks in Cayucos-we enjoyed watching those too! So we had a very relaxing 4th of July, at home.

You Crack Me Up!

2009-07-29T21:53:00.000-07:00

A special moment at the park with Daddy! Do you think she loves her Daddy??? The smile says it all!

CARS! CARS! CARS!

2009-07-29T21:47:00.000-07:00

Can a girl have too much Cars stuff??? Thank you Auntie Dawn for my Cars chair & cup. Now I can get real comfy watching my favorite movie in my favorite chair with my favorite cup! What a great birthday gift!

Princess Bed 6-23-09

2009-07-29T21:40:00.000-07:00

This in my new big girl bed! I love to bring my toys to play on it.

After a long day of play, here I am, sound asleep, dreaming of princessess!

Drive In Movie 6-20-09

2009-07-29T21:23:00.000-07:00

Dinner at the movies:Enjoying the movie Up.

After watching the double feature, we decided to just wait in town for the newspapers. Maddie stayed awake the ENTIRE time!!! Our papers weren't ready until after 2 am & she was still going!

Summer Varsity Basketball 2009

2009-07-26T17:29:00.000-07:00

Matt & several of his buddies that he has played basketball with for the past 3 or 4 years, played varsity basketball for 6 weekend tournaments. They traveled to Santa Maria, Arroyo Grande (twice), UC Santa Barbara, Westmont & Carpinteria. They are a very young varsity team & played against some guys that in Michael's words, "have been celebrating Fathers day for several years!" They did win some games. It kept Matt busy for awhile!

Maddie turns 3!

2009-07-26T17:16:00.000-07:00

Maddie turns 3! June 12 was her big day. She LOVES the movie Cars, so we had a Cars cake with party hats & plates! She still plays with the hats (& it is almost 7 weeks later!)

She is also getting into Princesses. Here are just a few of the pictures from her special day!

Morro Bay High School Class of 2009!

2009-07-26T16:58:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Lindsay on graduation from Morro Bay High School on June 11, 2009! It was a beautiful summer evening for an outdoor grad ceremony. You never know here-it could be cold, foggy & windy, raining or just plain gorgeous! God blessed us with perfect weather. :)

Lindsay was absolutely beaming, as she should be. After a nice fairly quick ceremony, it was find her, snap a few pictures, & then she had to run to catch the bus to go to Disneyland for Grad night. She didn't even get to come back to the house to eat some cake, so we enjoyed it for her! Ok, I did save her some!

Way to go Lindsay! We are so proud of you.

Catching Up!

2009-07-26T16:50:00.000-07:00

WOW! Where have the last 2 months gone?! Time has certainly flown around here. Here it is the end of July already. School starts next month!

Here are some things that have been happening: graduation, birthday's, father's day, basketball tourneys, broken bones, er visits, new jobs, parties, anniversaries, missing kitty, and that's just to name a few! :) let's see how many posts I can get put up on the blog today before nap time (for Maddie that is, not me!) is over. So here is the first one! haha

Fire Trucks!

2009-05-31T16:56:00.000-07:00

Here is Maddie meeting Ivan Ulz, the author of "Fire Truck" - one of her favorite songs! It is a huge hit with the toddler set at Parent Participation. You should see those little faces light up when this song comes on. It is so cute to see them all doing the motions: driving the fire truck, putting on their hat, coat & boots, sliding down the poll, shooting the hose & eating!

Phillips Phamily Phive

8-24-11 1st day of school, Matt's 17 1/2 birthday

September 2010 happenings

August 2010 second half of the month

August 2010 first half of the month

July 2010

June 2010

8-4-10 Peaches & Apples

7-21-10 26th anniversary

7-1-10 backyard camp out!

6-5-10 First swim of the summer!

5-25-10 My Family, by Maddie Phillips

5-23-10 Maddie's First Face!

5-10-10 What Mommies Do Best parent participation

5-9-10 Mothers Day take 2!

5-9-10 Mothers Day

5-7-10 GNO

5-6-10 Toys

4-26-10 Frog & Toad Parent Participation

4-24-10 Morro Bay Kite Festival

4-19-10 Hummus & Pea Pesto Crostini-YUMMY

4-19-10 Earth Day Cookin & Bookin

4-17-10 Lindsay's belated Birthday dinner

4-15-10 Beerocks & Buddies

Jamin' 4-11-10

4-2-10 Coloring Easter Eggs

3-31-10 Æbleskivers

3-29-10 Maddie the Easter Bunny!

3-28-10 3 year gotcha day!

3-26-10 Pirate Pitching

3-22-10 Runaway Bunny - Parent Participation

3-15 & 17 St Patrick's Day Parent Participation

3-17-10 St Patrick's Day

3-11-10 Kitchen TP Bowling

3-8-10 Celebrate Dr. Seuss Parent Particpation Class

3-7-10 More Smores!

March 1 & 3, 2010 Parent Participation SLO Children's Museum

2-14-10 Chinese New Year

2-26-10 Smores!

2-24-10 Matt's birthday cake!

2-24-10 The Driving Test

It Looked Like Spilt Milk Parent Participation 2-22-10

Lindsays Birthday Cake

2-24-10 Matt turns sweet 16!

2-16-10 Happy Birthday Lindsay!

Early Valentine's Day 2-12-10

2-11-10 Our Little Rocker

1-25-10 Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs Parent Participation

Jan 2010 Rewards!

1-17-10 BIG Change for Maddie!

December varsity basketball-pre season 2009

12-12-09 Madeline - 3 1/2 Birthday!

1-11-10 Snow Day Parent Participation

Laughter!

Need a laugh? Try this:Call Nestle Crunch customer service @ 1-800-295-0051.

Don't chose English or Spanish, just wait.

Then choose option 4. Have fun!

Hand-fed Kitty! 12-2-09

Apple Picking Time 12-2-09

Paper Chase 3AM 12-1-09

11-16-09 Parent Participation Thanksgiving Feast

11-11-09 Rugby game at Cal Poly

Nanaw

Possum's Harvest Moon Parent Participation 11-09-09

Snow Storm Part 2 11-6-09

Freak Snow Storm, Morro Bay, CA 11-5-09

The Little Red Hen parent participation 11-2-09

Halloween 10-31-09

To the Pumpkin Patch...Finally! 10-26-09

When are we going to the pumpkin patch?

"Where the Wild Things Are" Part 2 10-12-09

"Where the Wild Things Are" Part 1, 10-5-09

Cubbies Part 2! 10-1-09 The Vest!

Newest Cubbie! 9-24-09

Pepper's Field trip & over-nighter! 9-23-09

Apple Day - parent participation 9-28-09

2nd time's a charm!! 9-23-09

"If You Give A Mouse A Cookie" 9-21-09

9-14-09 1st day of "school" for Maddie

The beach! 9-4-09

Need a laugh? Try this:
Call Nestle Crunch customer service @ 1-800-295-0051.