Oh the Bliss!

Mark and I did something we haven't done in, oh, 17 months... we spent the entire day together! We were invited to go with our friends to San Diego for music festival all day Sunday. My mom watched Ben in the morning and our friend Barbara watched him from 1:30 - 11:00pm! It's the longest I've gone without being with Ben, so there were a couple of times I found myself missing him. From lunch at a Mexican cantina, lounging at Starbucks, seeing X-Men, listening to a powerful speaker at the festival and seeing Mercy Me perform live, it was probably one of the best days in recent memory. Lolly and Josh are a fantastic couple and we really got along great with them. (It was the first time the husbands spent any time together, so you know how that can go.) Our sweet friends Nick and Lisa live down there and met up with us for lunch. We all laughed so hard my stomach and cheeks hurt! At the festival the father of Rachel Scott spoke. She's the girl who died professing her faith...

Short but sweet, today I am most thankful for... 1. Mark watching Ben for 4 hours today while I worked for 139. Ben, I'm sure, was in heaven. 2. laughing a lot with Ali while helping her out. 3. the rain I didn't even know we got until I saw my car. Kind of bummed I missed it, but I'm thankful for it none the less. 4. being able to do a small task for Mark that helps him out a lot. (taking mail to the post office.) 5. talking with Nonny for bit! I've missed her and Howie and I look forward to seeing them very soon. 6. finding sitters for Ben so Mark and I can go to San Diego for 12+ hours on Sunday. 7. Mark is an honest businessman and does what he says he's going to do when he says he's going to do it. Working in real estate means he has to depend on a lot of other people and Mark has never dropped the ball on a deal. Even though a lot of other people have dropped their ball. 8. Mark having his own office! 9. Ben's sweet hug and kiss when I walked in from b...

(I sort of feel like it's someone's birthday today and I'm forgetting it, so if it's you and I did forget, then I'm really sorry and happy birthday!) Today I am thankful for... 1. Getting to talk to both Darren and Pam on the phone for a while tonight! I miss them, it's been quite a few months since I've seen Pam and Luci, and that's quite a few too many. 2. Ben taking a good nap this afternoon even though he took a morning nap. Could have something to do with the fact that he woke up at 5:30 this morning!!! NO THANK YOU! 3. Marci opening her beautiful home to us MOPS ladies to swim and hang out. She has the most perfect pool for kids and adults I've ever seen. We had a blast! 4. Mark feeling totally better today! 5. eggs, because when all else fails Ben will always eat some eggs. Tonight all else failed. 6. Sweet Lauren coming down to hang out with me this afternoon. Such a faithful friend! It means so much that she's always willing to come to m...

Today I am thankful for... 1. (embarrassingly enough) American Idol being over so I stop this crazy addiction and mourn the loss of Chris in peace. A big cheer for Taylor, but come on, it was supposed to be Chris up there. 2. such an incredibly beautiful, HOT day! I think a warm WARM summer is looming... 3. a great time at the park with Lolly and her kids. And I'm thankful there was plenty of shade at the park for me and my white boy. 4. lunch at Lolly's house. She put out a great spread for us and the kids played in a huge bucket of water and just had a blast. We were able to talk and connect while the kids played together, which is such a treat. 5. a little snooze while Ben took a nap. 6. our A.C.!! First time we had to turn it on, just to cool the house down for a few minutes before the evening breeze came through, and it works perfectly! 7. Mark having tonight off!!! He says it's because he's worked a lot of overtime lately and he need the rest, but I believe he sec...

Today I am thankful for... 1. my new gym membership! 2. spending time with the Russell family this morning. I came at just the right time to sit down to breakfast, couldn't have planned it any better if I tried. I love that family and hope our move to MV doesn't hinder us spending time together. 3. spur of the moment lunch with Marie!!! Great girl, beautiful setting (the beach) it was so good to meet up with her. And Ben was pleasant too, it was perfect! 4. the absolutely GORGEOUS weather today!!! 5. Mark being home and resting after being up for 23 hours and only sleeping 4 hours before he was up again. Bless his heart, no really - it's going to give out if it doesn't get some blessings! 6. Ben sitting down on some floor pillows and patting the spot next to him for me to come and sit by him. So cute! 7. fun plans to see friends this week that I haven't spent time with in a long time, Joanna, Heather, Lolly and Lauren!! 8. Naked Juice, because its good and Mark LOVE...

Ez and Ben horsen' around, um, on a cow. One proud Papa! Some rather tart grapes! Riding high on Dad's shoulders. It boast a terrific view. The three lovely mommies, we miss Pam!!! (These are some pictures from our dinner yesterday. ) Little Daniel Abbott turned ONE today! How can this be? It feels like he was just born yesterday! He has one of the sweetest disposition I've ever seen. So happy and content. I hear he's walking and starting to talk now too? Wow, that boy is pure joy! Happy birthday Little D, I hope it was a wonderful one! Today I am thankful for... 1. Daniel Todd Abbott and is wonderful first year of life. I love that he has been such a delight for Amy and Todd, what a gift. 2. all the pictures my parents took yesterday. It looks like we're having a lot of fun, but really we're miserable with sadness because we miss Darren, Pam, Jesse and Luci. 3. getting to go to Target alone. 4. (I can't remember if I put this in the last one...) my rea...

What a GREAT day!! Today I am so thankful for... 1. running into the Graham family at church and having lunch with them there. They are a great family and Ben was very much entertained/smothered by their two kids. LOVE IT! 2. running into a true sight for sore eyes, and I'm stealing that line from her, Heather Russell and her beautiful family! It's been so long since we've seen them so it felt wonderful to hear about the family and catch up a bit. I look forward to having them over soon. 3. my sis-in-law Amy being pregnant with #3!!!!! I've known for a little while but just wanted to give her some time, but since she posted it on her blog today I just HAD to post it on mine! I'm so excited for her!!! She and Todd really have me and Mark beat. We better do something about that! (all in good time, dear friends, all in good time.) 4. staying on task today while Ben took a nap. I cleaned the whole house! That's big for me, I'm not so much a task tender. 5. my pa...

Today I am thankful for... 1. a free trip to The Little Gym with Ben this morning. He was not a fan at first, there were a lot of kids there, but after about 15 minutes he really warmed up to the gym activities. He excels in basketball, we need to get that boy a hoop! 2. this city, Mission Viejo, I love it. 3. a cute email from Amy reminding me that she loves me. I'm a needy sister-in-law and I've been missing her! 4. meeting up with Mark at church to eat and play with Ben for a couple of hours before he left for his night job. I'm also thankful that our church facilitates people hanging out and spending time together. It was so much better than going to a busy mall. Mariners is really neat. 5. Ben having a great attitude during our pit stop on the way home from church. He was so tired but I had to get milk so I risked it being a disaster and I was pleasantly surprised. By the time we got to the check out he had the cashier and entire line laughing due to a huge case of the...

Today I am thankful for... 1. catching up with Tina with all the going ons in Charlotte. Man, I really wish I was there with everybody! But, if I was there, I wouldn't have this to be thankful for... 2. our WAY fun day at D-land with Leslie and her two and Amanda & Sophia. It wasn't very crowded and the weather was perfect. We all had a blast and the kids did GREAT! 3. the hour and a half Ben and I had there by ourselves before the rest of the gang arrived. I've never been with just Ben before and it was more fun than I thought it was going to be. He has such a great time there, I'm still so thankful for the passes my parents gave us. 4. Ben taking a nap in his stroller enabling us to stay longer. This is probably the third time in his LIFE that he's done that. Good for him!! 5. I know I said "our new phones" yesterday, but I really love them. They have this feature where we put a little video monitor in Ben's room and we can watch it on our phone,...

What's the hold up? Well, my computer for one thing. It gets a really weak signal and makes it a rather frustrating experience posting everyday. And secondly, I'm a busy gal!! :) Here's proof... Mother's day was very nice and relaxing. Mark and Ben took me out to a nice dinner on the lake near our house, very sweet. Monday and Tuesday we spent the late afternoons and evenings at the Dimitri beach house in Newport. It is always a good time with Ali and Anthony! They love on Ben like no other, and they treat us pretty good too. Mark bbq'd some steaks on Tuesday night and I think they were the best steak I've ever had. And of course, where two or more are gathered... we played Settler's of Catan! Today I am so thankful for... 1. being a mother, I LOVE it! 2. the way our church made all the moms feel so loved and appreciated. 3. all the quality time with Mark these past three days. 4. the pictures of Jesse and Luci my parents took during their visit. Jesse is so...

It's Nonny's birthday!!! She's off with Howie on a cruise somewhere beautiful, so I"'m sure she's celebrating in style. But a big 'happy birthday' goes out to her!! Today I am thankful for... 1. Mark not having to go anywhere today before his night job; he was home all day! 2. Ben sleeping in until 8:06 this morning. I actually woke up before him because I was sure I had slept through his "come get me" cry. But no, there he was sleeping like a baby. 3. a nice walk to the park across the main street by our house. It's up hill, so it worked my calves out, first time in a coons age. 4. another really long afternoon nap for Ben. I think I'm going to like this no morning nap - really long afternoon nap gig. 5. cards in the mail for me! 6. another trip to the park with Sarah and her kids, then a visit to their house to keep the play-time rocking. 7. Mark's mighty prayers. 8. all the birds that live in the trees surrounding our house. The...

It's Nonny's birthday!!! She's off with Howie on a cruise somewhere beautiful, so I"'m sure she's celebrating in style. But a big 'happy birthday' goes out to her!! Today I am thankful for... 1. Mark not having to go anywhere today before his night job; he was home all day! 2. Ben sleeping in until 8:06 this morning. I actually woke up before him because I was sure I had slept through his "come get me" cry. But no, there he was sleeping like a baby. 3. a nice walk to the park across the main street by our house. It's up hill, so it worked my calves out, first time in a coons age. 4. another really long afternoon nap for Ben. I think I'm going to like this no morning nap - really long afternoon nap gig. 5. cards in the mail for me! 6. another trip to the park with Sarah and her kids, then a visit to their house to keep the play-time rocking. 7. Mark's mighty prayers. 8. all the birds that live in the trees surrounding our house. The...

Happy THIRD birthday Jesse Prince!! I'm a horrible Aunt and didn't call in time to wish him a happy birthday! I feel awful! I am happy though because I really like what we're giving him, but he has to wait until this weekend to get it from Nana and Papa Dan. I love Jesse so much and hope he had a wonderful birthday, I can't believe it's been three years already. Seems like just yesterday Darren, Pam and I were sitting in My Hero eatting a submarine sandwich and tossing around the idea that Pam could be pregnant. Now here he is, a big three year old! My, where does the time go? Today I am thankful for... 1. Tiny not being dead when I found him laying on his back after who knows how long because I've been gone all afternoon and night. I'm shocked, hopefully this isn't the beginning of the end for him. 2. a great last day of MOPS. I'm thankful for the sweet gifts I was given and the energy of my table, we're so chatty! 3. getting to see Lolly for a ...

Here it is after 11:00 PM and my computer decides to work for the first time today! So here I am to let it be known that I am truly thankful for a few things. Today I am thankful for... 1. Mark's enthusiasms about real estate. I love seeing him pumped up about something, it's really a fun thing for him. A lot of work, but fun. 2. Mark getting up with Ben this morning and spending time just with him. What a treat for them both. 3. my dad doing me a HUGE favor for me this afternoon. He stopped by to pick up a gift for Jesse because they're going up to San Fran this weekend. He was in my neck of the woods and I really appreciate him saving me a trip to either their house or UPS, which translates into saving money. Thanks Dad!! 4. finding a Henry's grocery store near by. It's like Trader Joe's, has better produce though. (TJ's one and only downfall.) 5. Ben taking a really long nap this afternoon. He's pretty much discontinued the morning nap, so it was nice...

Ben and Gavin looking at the giraffes at the LA Zoo. We have had such a fun couple few days!!! First a concert, then "Tay Tay"'s (Ben's name for Taylore) house THEN the zoo with Aunt Carrie, Gavin and Ez!!! We have a lot to be thankful for! Today (and over the last three days) I am so thankful for... 1. Mark having a safe fight to NC with his two buddies. 2. the Jana Alyra concert Ben and some friends all went. He was quite the dancer, he really had a blast. 3. Amber and her three boys inviting us over for dinner after. (Maybe it was a little bit out of pity because Ben was STARVING. He kept going up to kids with food and doing the sign language sign for 'more please', it was really sad.) 4. my sweet in-laws having a steak and potato dinner just about finished so when Ben and I arrived at nearly 9pm Sunday night, after Ben was put to bed, the three of us sat down to a delicious dinner. I am so spoiled! 5. Taylore's father-in-law not having a very seriou...

Here are a few fun pictures from the last two days with Gma here!! We wish she could've stayed longer. :( Today I am so thankful for... 1. breakfast at The Original Pankcake House (NOT to be confused with IHOP) Friday with Tina, Mark and Ben. 2. my time helping Ali out yesterday, running errands for her, and that Ben was having fun at home with Gma. 3. getting to see Aamon and Kristen for a little bit yesterday afternoon. Such a cool couple, how I wish they didn't live in Tulsa, it's just too far away! 4. getting one of the curtains completely made. Also, for Mark for hanging the curtain rod for me this morning. I'm really excited because I wouldn't really qualify myself as a "sewer" but I think I did a pretty good job, seeing as how I didn't use a pattern or anything. It makes me want to sew lots of things now. :) Watch out, sweaters for everybody for Christmas! 5. getting to run even more errands today while Ben stayed home with Gma. So great for all...

Today I am so thankful for... 1. having a really good time at MOPS this morning and getting to see Carrie and the boys for a little bit afterwards. I got to play with Gavin, Ben and JT (a little friend of Ben's) for a while and it was a lot of fun for me to chase them around and attempt to play basketball with those sweet boys. 2. ANOTHER girl from my MOPS table having her baby boy!! Only three more to go!! 3. Gma arriving for the weekend!! So fun for Ben to have her doting on him all the time and so fun for me because I am free to leave for hours if I want to - by myself. :) 4. my mom coming down to see Ben and hang out with me and Tina after he went to bed. I'm so thankful that my mom and mom-in-law enjoy each others company. Makes things fun. 5. being able to go to four different stores today because Ben was happily at home with Gma. Do you know the last time I was able to make it to four different stores with Ben? I don't know either. It was so great, I just took my swe...

Today I am thankful for... 1. having a husband. 2. having a day at home to do all the little things I somehow don't have time for. 3. the painters coming and almost finishing all the paint projects! 4. Ben playing so nicely by himself a lot today. He would just wander in and out of the playroom and back yard while I'll vacuumed and dusted and all that. He was so content. 5. call me sentimental, but I'm thankful for the Five for Fighting song "100 years". I was listening to it as I cleaned the kitchen and at the same time Ben was outside playing in his sand box. The words are so sweet, about how quickly time passes, I got teary eyed watching Ben and thinking how true the song is. 6. Melinda calling and inviting Ben and I out for a playdate, we couldn't make it (because the painters were here so we couldn't leave) but I was excited that she thought of us because we haven't really hung out outside of MOPS before. 7. Mark calling me tonight because it was...

Today I am so thankful for... 1. Mark getting up with Ben this morning so I could sleep in for another blessed hour. :) 2. My time at Casa Theresa, a house for women who are getting help in order to keep their unplanned babies. The girls are really cool, such a different world you know. I get cranky sometimes when I "need a break" but these girls are choosing life for their babies, and are doing it on their own. God has a special place for them in His heart, I think, and I'd like to show that to them. 3. Carrie and the boys coming over today! The first time they've been here since we moved in. It was so good to watch the boys play here, and then later at the park. They are too cute. And that Ez, what a doll! 4. Joe coming over tonight to sit here while Ben slept so that I could go to Casa Theresa. 5. a fun trip to Trader Joe's, man I love that place. 6. Keri's return to her blog after giving birth one week ago to her gorgeous baby boy. I LOVED her labor story,...

Somebody had a good time playing with his markers this afternoon, don't you think? Actually, that little pink design on his left ankle is not too bad, maybe we have a tattoo artist in the making? There are worse careers, I'm sure... :) Today I am so thankful for... 1. the three of us having French toast together for breakfast this morning. 2. Mark having a really successful day out and about. 3. the guys coming and cutting our doors so they don't wear out the carpet. 4. Ben enjoying our trip to Ikea today, man that place is cool. 5. fun in our backyard this afternoon, playing around the orange tree. 6. our friends calling us up and having dinner over here -all spur of the moment like. I like that we live 2 miles away from some pretty cool people, it makes spur of the moment dinners much more attainable. 7. for sure plans to go to Hawaii in September, who's with us?? 8. Ben's new "naughty step". Haven't used it yet, but it's just sitting there a wai...