List of 99

What a great list… the things I've done are in bold.

1. Started your own blog 

2. Slept under the stars

Huntington Lake.  It’s the best.

3. Played in a band 

Mt. Whitney High School – Pioneer Pride.

4. Visited Hawaii 

Church bell choir tour.  I’d love to go back someday.  With my hubby.

5. Watched a meteor shower 

See #2.

6. Given more than you can afford to charity 

7. Been to Disneyland/World 

8. Climbed a mountain 

9. Held a praying mantis 

10. Sang a solo 

11. Bungee jumped 

12. Visited Paris 

13. Watched a lightning storm

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch 

Playing guitar, but it’s actually quite easy.

15. Adopted a child 

Maybe some day.

16. Had food poisoning 

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty 

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France 

20. Slept on an overnight train 

Not planned, but Jeff and I were in Berlin one night and had to be in Frankfurt the next morning for our flight back to the US.  That was one fun, crazy night.

21. Had a pillow fight 

22. Hitch hiked 

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort 

25. Held a lamb 

26. Gone skinny dipping 

27. Run a Marathon 

Hopefully in 2009!

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice 

No goldola but the Vaparettos (public transportation) in Venice were awesome!

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset 

31. Hit a home run 

32. Been on a cruise 

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person 

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors 

35. Seen an Amish community 

36. Taught yourself a new language 

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied 

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing 

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David 

41. Sung karaoke 

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt 

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant 

44. Visited Africa 

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight 

46. Been transported in an ambulance 

47. Had your portrait painted 

48. Gone deep sea fishing 

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person 

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris 

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling 

52. Kissed in the rain 

53. Played in the mud 

54. Gone to a drive-in theater 

55. Been in a movie 

56. Visited the Great Wall of China 

57. Started a business 

58. Taken a martial arts class 

59. Visited Russia 

60. Served at a soup kitchen 

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies 

62. Gone whale watching 

63. Got flowers for no reason 

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma 

I donate for the free snacks!

65. Gone sky diving 

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp 

67. Bounced a check 

68. Flown in a helicopter 

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten caviar 

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job 

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London 

77. Broken a bone 

Only stitches. 

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle 

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person 

80. Published a book 

81. Visited the Vatican 

82. Bought a brand new car

1995 Honda Accord at my college graduation.  Jeff still drives it every day to work. I can’t believe it’s almost 14 years old now.

83. Walked in Jerusalem 

84. Had your picture in the newspaper 

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating 

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life 

90. Sat on a jury 

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club 

93. Lost a loved one 

94. Had a baby 

All 3 of them are true blessings from God.

95. Seen the Alamo in person 

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake 

97. Been involved in a law suit 

98. Owned a cell phone 

99. Been stung by a bee

Resolutions

2008 has almost come to a close.  I figure it's time for a little 'new years resolution' post.  I love the new year - it's a great time to start fresh, try something new, or try something again.  I think it's great to make resolutions, but I also think that it's okay to break them.  Just give it a shot I say.    

Let's review.  Last year's resolution:

2008:  Journal on a weekly basis.  I'm gonna say I achieved this one.  I started two "journals" in 2008:  a personal/private MS Word document that I type,  and this public blog.  I've been more faithful to this blog than to my personal journal, but that's okay.  At least I've started a habit of writing and getting pictures out to family and friends, and recording our families' activities.  I'm hoping to find a way to print out my blog for a hard copy some day, but that's still off in the future a ways.   Blogs are so great - everyone should start one!

2009 - Drumroll please... I've decided... to run... a marathon.  There.  I said it.  There's no turning back now.  I may not get through the whole thing, but I'll sure try.  San Diego Rock-n-Roll Marathon, all 26.2 miles on Sunday, May 31, 2009.  My brother James signed up yesterday, so now it's my turn.  It's going to take a ton of time, lots of training, and sore muscles.  Lord willing I'll survive and maybe even cross the finish line.  I've been reading a lot of Hal Higdon books recently, and I'm considering signing on with a local Team-in-Traning group (my girlfriends Trish and Becky rave about TnT).  I think I'll need all the motivation I can get.  

What's your 2009 resolution (if you make one)?

Maiden Voyage

My dad (aka "Grandad" to our kids) bought a used boat recently, a Harbor 20.  He and my mom got to take the first sail on it today.  It's an awesome, slick boat.  My family has been sailing ever since I was born.  We used to sail a catamaran (a Sol Cat) on Huntington Lake, CA.  My grandpa has a home in Balboa/Newport Beach and Harbor 20s are very poplular here in the bay.  The boat can sit up to 8 adults, and it's in great shape.  I don't know who's more excited:  My dad or my husband.  It's a real toss-up.  My grandpa is also a sailor, so between my grandpa, dad and Jeff, this will be one well-used and much-loved boat.  After my folks took the "Maiden Voyage," we all (kids included) enjoyed a nice sail on the bay... heaven.

Mom and Dad on their first sail.  

Jeff took this photo from the Balboa Ferry, mid-bay.

2 very happy people.

Z and I, sharing a Sprite.

Dad and Jeff head out to check out what the boat can really do.  

(Not a namby-pamby sissy ride like the one with grandkids and women.)

A little scary at times (the come-abouts with loud flapping sails), but the kids loved it overall.

Merry-Day-after-Christmas

Can I just say over and over again, I love Christmas?  My parents were with us for the celebration.  We enjoyed Christmas Eve service at church (I sang with the choir), then had chili and cornbread for dinner, followed by a birthday cake celebration for Jesus.  

Some of our Christmas Day festivities included stockings (some new ones made this year by mom), See's chocolates (a family tradition), grilled kabobs (love our southern CA weather), a little rain, a new bike for S, an aircraft carrier toy for J, wrapping paper for Z (simple pleasures). Happy birthday Jesus!  We hope everyone had a great Christmas.

Opening presents, one at a time (in theory).

Thomas is no longer a lone engine:  he's pulling 2 coaches (Annie and Clarabelle).

Can you have enough red shoes?  

S and Grandmom out for a (wet) ride.

Handmade puzzles.  

Julian Snow

We celebrated the arrival of winter (and inexpensive gas prices) today by driving up to find some snow.  Our last time in the snow was in Colorado, so it was fun for the kids to experience California snow for the first time.  We had a lot of rain this week, so the higher elevations got quite a bit of snow.  We were going to visit Palomar Mountain, but we learned that the roads were closed.  So we headed up to Julian, CA, about an hour drive from our home.  Our friends recently introduced us to Julian Pies, so it was fun to visit the town for the first time.  Such a quaint place.  We'll definitely be back.  

The snow was awesome.  We built 3 snowmen, and the third one was definitely an art piece created only by Jeff.  

Hope we'll be warm enough.

Jeff's snow art:  "3 Snowmen under a Snowball"

Z's first time in the snow.

Picnic in the snow.  Hot chocolate and PBJs never tasted so good.

Can you say "troublemaker?"

Seasonal Garlands

Winter is officially upon us today, although depending on where you live, perhaps you thought winter arrived 2 months ago.  This is such a special time of the year as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior!  Our postal and e-mail boxes have been full of Christmas greetings... it's wonderful!  

It's been a challenging year for our country, as well as for individuals.  We've felt the uncertainty and the crunch.  More than ever, now is the time to cling whole-heartedly to a God who is in control and is always faithful.  We put our trust in Him.  

Merry CHRISTmas!

===================

The Jeff Garland Family presents…  

Christmas 2008 Numbers

2 

Bottom teeth lost by S in November.

3 

Weeks with his arm in a cast after J fell off his bike. 

4.6 

Visits per week to the YMCA for exercise and child watch. 

6 

Days S has spent in her Kindergarten classroom.  The rest of her education has been at home. 

10.3 

Miles Wendi runs per week training for the San Diego Rock-n-Roll Marathon.  Pray for her.

15 

Months when Z switched to bipedal self propulsion (walking). 

40 

Year anniversary celebration for Jeff’s folks was held in August. 

50 

Cents to play Skeeball at the Balboa Fun Zone (May vacation).  Wendi whines, “It used to be a dime.”

2106 

Mile family road trip from Oceanside, CA to Denver, CO and back in August.

---------------

Christmas 2008 Verbatim

“Mommy, I’m sick.  You know what helps me feel better?  Watching TV.”  S age 5.

“I need a little privacy.”  S is adjusting to life with little brothers, only thirteen years to go. 

“Mommy, we make a good team.”  J as Wendi puts his socks and shoes on his feet.  While he holds still. 

“Remember when I was a kid?”  J age 3.

“Tomorrow, we can eat dessert first, and dinner second.” J after failing to clean his plate and missing out on dessert. 

“I inhale that.” S, referring to grilled salmon, spaghetti, and pear slices. 

“Adults don’t have time outs.  I want to be an adult.” J age 3.

“Here, take this.”  J mimicking Wendi, and handing out an imaginary “chill pill.” 

“What’s going on?”  S to Wendi at church after Jeff took both boys to the potty unexpectedly, and he asked S to “tell Mom what’s going on.”

“Where’s J’s cactus?”  S asking about J’s cast.

“Dr. Smith, you were late!”  J to his pediatrician after a long wait in the exam room.  We rent him out to say the things you only wish you could. 

Warm Christmas wishes to you and yours…

We send out our "Seasonal Garlands" family updates 4 times per year.  If you'd like to be on our e-list, just let us know.

Wild Berry Sauce

Wendi's tip of the day:  

On a last-minute whim, do not put a jar of berry sauce into a package of Christmas gifts.  Going to your in-laws.

It might leak.  Or break.

I totally forgot I put the jar in there.  

It leaked.  The package arrived dripping purple.  That was so dumb of me.  I don't know the full extent of the damage, but it sounds like some things might be salvagable.  I'm so sorry, Fred and Louise.

I owe you an unbroken jar of berry sauce.  I'll put it in a ziploc bag next time.  

Maybe I'll just hand deliver it.    

Do you have a blog?

Never thought I'd hear this question, but it made my day!!!

Today as we showed our passes at the Escondido Children's Museum, the gal looked at me and said, "Do you have a blog?"  I was taken aback.  I've never been asked this question by a complete stranger before.  "Yes, I do."  This is weird.  She goes on.  "Oh I really like it!  I loved the photo when you stacked the paper towels into a huge tower!"  Wow.  So she actually did read it!  

My blog is not amazing.  I'm not a writer, photographer, artistic guru... nothing.  I read dozens of blogs with people who are incredible... they write with ease and intrigue.  They take amazing photos and create super cute crafts.  

I have one official "follower" (Blogger feature on main page): Angela, who has a great blog about her family and other fun stuff.  Other than my family, who get my posts force-fed via email (so they don't really count because I don't give them a choice in the first place), I figured maybe 3 other people (Kim, Kristen and Tricia) read my blog.    So maybe 3 people.  Maybe.

But then I met my new friend Erin today.  There must be a name for this kind of person in the blogosphere:  someone you've never met in person, but they read your blog.  It's actually sorta bizarre and fun to meet someone who knows waaaaay more about you than you even know about them.  

Apparently, the Escondido Children's Museum uses a Google Notifier that lets them know when their name is put on the Internet.  The staff look at these links, and that's how Erin happened upon my blog.  

To sum up, today was a huge "blog boost" for me.  Thanks, Erin, for taking time to peruse my blog, and I hope you come back sometime soon.  (This post mentioning the ECM might be another trigger.)  And, like I mentioned, you need to start your own blog... I'll gladly visit.  

Happy Birthday

Today I celebrate birthdays for 2 very dear friends.

One is my sister-in-law, Lauren.  Lauren is such a great wife to my brother, and an amazing mom to my two sweet little nieces.  Here she is at halloween this year.  What a trooper.  Happy Birthday Lauren!

The other is my dear friend Susan Fisk.  The photo below isn't Susan.  But Susan decorated this princess birthday cake for her sweet daughter.  Isn't it amazing?  We used to live in the same neighborhood, so Susan and I would give each other "mom's day outs" on a regular basis.  Our kids got along splendidly and we just trusted each other with anything and everything. Our kids went to the Fisk house the night Z was born... such special memories.  We went swimming at the neighborhood pool all summer long.  We no longer live close, and have each moved, and though the miles now separate us, she's been so faithful to keep up the phone calls.  Happy Birthday Susan!

Sweet Sweater

S's grandparents gave her this sweater when she was 2 years old. It's been well used at Christmas time over the years.  This will be the last year, as it will be officially too small in 2009.  

2005 - 2 years old

2008 - 5 years old

Christmas Party

Jeff's work had a Christmas party this weekend... a great excuse to get our Christmas outfits on for some pictures.  I've done something I've wanted to do for a long time:  put bells on Z's shoes.  (I'm such an annoying mom sometimes.)  Now he jingles as he toddles around... so cute! 

Murray Playdate

We had the Murray kids over for a playdate recently.  Such sweet kids!

Rhymes with Jack in the Box

Sunday morning waffles.

Trike riding in the garage.  Z can't get enough.  S is such a good big sister.

Red couch.  Every night.  Always faithful.  

My little towel bundles.

Advent calendars.  Best $0.99 ever spent (at Trader Joes).  The kids love that we let them have chocolate every morning.  Boy they're gonna be bummed come Dec. 26.

Eggs-periment

Our current Kindergarten unit includes the topic of "Oceans."  We did an experiment this week to see if a hard-boiled egg would float or sink in salt water and in fresh water... so what do you think?

Answer:  the egg will float in salt water.  

After the test, we tasted the water... yuk.

To celebrate our unit on oceans, we headed to Seaworld.  It was wonderful, a warm sunny day and hardly anyone in the park.  The rays were especially frisky.

The Beluga whales are my favorite.