For the Love of Speed!

This was my wristband today. At the Buttonwillow Raceway Park. And it wasn't my entrance pass.....

We went to the Raceway as a gift to Diego for his 4th birthday. The kids had a fun time, but I think the adults had a better time......

Diego loves the movie, "Cars". He just recently found out that races were for real! He happened to see NASCAR on television and almost went in shock! He's thrilled that people do this for real!

Look real close and you can see Diego (and Sarah-Kate).

We were walking around, saw this car, and met its driver. He's the chaplain of the raceway. Says he has the fastest pulpit in the west!

He let Diego sit in his car. Fun!

Aaron Schwartzbart, the chaplain, and Gabe.

Sarah made us a wonderful picnic!

Then the real fun began! The wonderful chaplain offered us the opportunity to ride as passengers in a real race! Which is why I needed a wristband!

Gabe in a Mercedes.

Me in a beautiful black Corvette -- one of the fastest cars out there!

I told my driver that I had wanted to be a race car driver when I was about 16. I said but then I became sane. He laughed and said that he now has his insanity back and that is why he was out there!

The race lasted about 25 minutes and the track had lots of curves and hills. We got up to about 130 mph! Which seemed really fast on that type of track! And with cars all around you!

He said I was a great passenger and that I could ride with him anytime! He, of course, doesn't know that I felt naseous for the next several hours! LOL

A spontaneous adventure that actually would have made a great "bucket list" item! If I had one of those.

My White Shelf

I really like this shelf in the dining area. My dining room and family room is actually one big room. The family room part has a lot of black. Black furniture, black frames, black accessories. So this all white shelf stands apart. And I like looking at it.

Of course, right now it looks a little bit different than usual, though I'm not sure what "usual" is because I'm always changing things around. But, the white turkey platter is a seasonal addition. There's a silver platter peeking out from behind it which is usually the backdrop.

These little birds were a souvenier gift to my mother from my brother from his eighth grade Spanish class's trip to Mexico.

Both soup tureens were gifts from my aunt to my mother. But, they're also in "my" possession now! The double candle holder was a Christmas gift from my mother one year.

Two of the milk glass vases I found while yard sale-ing last weekend. They were marked 10 cents each, but I got them for free!

The fact that the seasonally-colored candles happen to exactly match the little rose from our yard is purely coincidental. But, that coincidence brings a smile to my face each time I look at them.

HELLO!

Okay, don’t anyone faint! I’m back! I have been gone so long that I will only be able to hit the highlights of my summer. Oh, I may post a few things here and there about it all, but since I don’t want to be overwhelmed (a feeling I absolutely hate!), I’m not promising anything.

I've missed being here. Can you believe that my husband has been missing me being here?

So, the biggest and best and most wonderful highlights of my summer have been the addition of THREE grandchildren! Current total: 15

Shallah Rianne was born on June 14th to Josh and Serena. A perfect little angel. Seriously, the best baby I’ve even known. I was blessed to be able to be in Colorado for her birth. I am now blessed because her family is living with us and I get to enjoy all seven of them every day!

Shallah on her birth day.

Your daddy will always protect you.

Joel and Sarah-Kate welcomed TWO new additions to their family in August. I can’t show you pictures yet because their adoption is not final, but just take my word for it that they are two of the most beautiful children you have ever seen! I love them as if I’ve known them always!

As I mentioned, Autumn brought my son and family to stay with us for a bit. Yes, they’ve come back from Colorado! Most likely they are not as comfortable as I am with them living in the next room. But the love and laughter of children is one of God’s best gifts. Serena has been making dinner every night……okay, stop right there. Have to stop and tell you that she is one great cook and a real trooper! I’m sure it is not easy living with your “in-laws”*, but she makes it easy on this side. Of course, I know that *I* am easy to live with (I hear that snicker), but if you remember, my parents and sister live here, too. Makes for some interesting dynamics, to say the least! I know it is just temporary, but I will miss them when they leave.

My house is decorated for fall (maybe some pictures will be in an upcoming post, if I can get the pictures to download to my new laptop) and I’m gearing up for Thanksgiving! Everyone will be here for Thanksgiving! I’m already looking forward to the joy!


*The use of quotation marks is correct. I just don’t consider her an in-law or myself as hers. It seems funny just to write it!

Cruise Portraits

Towel Art

Family Cruise, Day Four

While on board, you are surrounded by beautiful artistry. Gabe asked for a scoop of ice cream. This is what they gave him.




Poolside ice sculpture demonstration:




On our last cruise, we got hooked on going to the art classes and auctions. The auction itself is fun, but the learning is, too. I like it so much, I'm now wanting to take an art appreciation class here at home. Who knows? Maybe some day we'll be "real" art collectors. And, yes, we did buy something to add to Gabe's boxing memorabilia! Norton, not Ali, this time around.




From Italy, Captain Vito Garuccio:

A sampling of the crew and, of course, our cruise director, Jeff Brrronson!

Eating and talking -- what we all did best:

We were given a free cocktail party that evening before dinner. Our family is such a party family. Ha! Only a few drink, so everyone was bored from the get-go. But all posed nicely for the camera.

So, after leaving the party in one big fell swoop, we wandered into a lobby.

I think we are all into taking pictures. What do you think?

All the paparazzi out to get their pictures of Mama and Uncle Ernest!

The Elias Sandoval siblings in attendance.

The Ofelio Sandoval siblings in attendance.

The Jones girls

Miss Lillie's 71st birthday!

With our waitstaff.

Our nightlight.

Good night.

We leave in the morning.

Family Cruise, Day Three

Due to the Swine Flu scare, we were not allowed to get off the boat in Mexico, so we had an extra day at sea. Poor Cruise Director had to work fast to give us all more activities at the spur of the moment. Honestly, I don't think most people cared that we had to stay on the boat. Just gave us one more day to relax and play.

So, we spent more time on Wednesday doing more of this,


and this.



Dinner that night was fun. Our wait staff entertained us and our waitress even got Gabe to get up and dance!

After dinner, we laughed once more with Jerome. He was called on to do an extra show that night. From the ground floor, I spotted Mama and Janice up in the balcony. Look closely through the dark and you can see them.

After the big show, we made our way to a smaller (though still large) lounge for Karaoke once more. We had three in our party who just loved to sing!

Norma

Uncle Glen

and, of course, Miss Lillie.

Uncle Glen and Miss Lillie were chosen to sing in the Karaoke Talent Showcase that evening. I heard it was to be the top five, but there were just a few more.

Uncle Glen sang, "Green, Green, Grass of Home." He has a very good voice and I always enjoy hearing him sing.

Miss Lillie sang "Oh, Happy Day" of the Edwin Hawkins Singers fame -- of which she was a member. You know, that song was written in 1755, recorded by the Edwin Hawkins Singers in 1969, but still brought the house down that night. You could look around the room and know that everyone KNEW that it was the truth. She won, of course. And got her own 100% plastic gold ship on a stick trophy!

Well, by that time, it really should have been bedtime, but you can eat 24 hours a day on the ship, so we just had to go check out what was available. I mean, just to see. Weren't really hungry. But, look at these desserts! Sitting there looking so tempting at midnight! So, yes, we had a few bites.