Call Me Pollyana

New years+new camera= resolution.

2012-01-05T14:41:00.001-08:00

More blogging! I promise! What to be said? Update from the last year.

Coming soon. Even started a tumblr!

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Visits. Family. Becky let loose on the World.

2011-05-22T21:02:00.000-07:00

I recently spent a week touring the East coast with my amazing sis (like you can see it all in a week). Here are some images of what I did see.

Mr Softies Ice cream truck In NY. The businessmen flock like little kids in the summer time!

Sunset cruise in Cape Cod

Walking in the rain in Central Park

More pic of that to follow... can't find em on this computer...

Here are some more adventures...

Teaching Charlie to swim

quality time with family (notice everyone's phones)

Good times with friends

Steve and Charlie visiting me at work

Goin to the movies with the Bwoda

Kinda bugs me that the other pics aren't working, but I wanted to get some updates out there <3

It's been a while

2011-03-31T17:49:00.000-07:00

Sorry, but it has. This blog has filed a negligence complaint. Poor lil blog. Leave it to me to feel sorry for a piece of Internet. Anywho, as I sit and watch The Giants beat LA on opening day I will fill you in on what we've been up to (in pictures, cuz that's how I do).

This is our stinkin cute dog. She's about 5 months now. We thought she would be about as big as a normal German shepherd but she's about 30 lbs. SOk she's awesome.

We've had lots of vet visits for puppy shots. she is very good but gets nervous.

she likes riding in the Truck but only in the cab.

So I only got through the charlie update but...baseball is getting interesting. More to come soon <3

things I should mention

2011-01-31T10:16:00.001-08:00

We got a dog. Her name is Charlie. Steve got a job at Gallo winery.

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thanks

2010-11-20T22:43:00.001-08:00

Getting ready for thanksgiving. I made a thanksgiving wreath.

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timing

2010-11-20T22:42:00.001-08:00

Demeti Martin says "think about it". Things are shapping up. After 12 1/2 months of on and off work, Steve is going to have a full time job. As of now it is a temp trial period. We're so excited for what this might be! It does mean affording Christmas. It could also mean moving to fresno. Lord, let us be obedient to you above all else.

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the latest

2010-11-04T06:05:00.001-07:00

A few telephone pictures... Halloween. A pirate dog. Crafting of late.

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of baseball and blog titles.

2010-11-03T22:53:00.001-07:00

Over the last season, it has come to my attention that I do in fact still love baseball just as much as I did in my youth. Everything from the smell of the leather gloves, to re-learning how to calcuate batting averages (sorry, dad. I'll get it one of these days). It just so happens, I've spent the last 2 days being euphoric. Thank you SF. I never doubted you. After a 56 year drought (20+ of those years I've cheered for ya) the Giants have become world champs... while this is all exciting and lovely, I must admit this is not the main focus of my blog today. My outburst of sports related cheer will be swiftly followed by a bit of introspection. All this has brought about the shocking realization that I have not been living up to the reputation that the title of this blog suggests. I've not been being positive of late. I might even say I've been down right negative! sure, I have found myself being confident of a positive outcome to a ball game. I've been a faithful cheerer and supporter. But my 'real' life has been lacking zeal and passion. I have been building walls of protection rather than trusting the Lord. Expecting the worst instead of my usual hoping for the best. Honestly it is a difficult thing to realize that I am struggling in the one area where I've always been so confident. Being an optimist, for me, was always more than being positive. It is about faith, which is something that has come natural to me for as long as I can remember -Faith that God is real, that he is loving; Faith that I will be provided for; Faith that everything will be ok, in every situation. To my own surprise, I have just realized that my negative attitude is actually a lack of faith. Where do I go from here? Honestly, not sure. Just typed all that up on my phone (so that should explain the typos). Gonna spend some time seeking the Lord. Prayer and advise welcome.

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2010-10-22T10:51:00.003-07:00

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bo

2010-10-22T10:51:00.001-07:00

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bloggin on my intelligent phone

2010-09-21T18:27:00.001-07:00

so I learned today that I cn blog from my phone... adventures to follow.

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The Ketchup game.

2010-08-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

Catch up:

Here's a bit of what we've been up to in June

Stopped in at a family camp-out at Caswell State Park

Those in attendance:

Peter and Philip

Angela and Gina

Auntie Carmen

My <3

Uncle doug

Tuck

Steve decided to be daring

I was nervous

Papa Got the important stuff ready

Baba was radiant as usual

Mom too

The Boys

All the ladies

amazing corn!

Good times had by all

Steve made Fried Green tomatoes

And Cherry Pie. From Scratch.

I went on a ladies retreat to Sutter

With Gina and Liz

July soon to follow...

Oakdake Chocolate festival

2010-07-06T18:10:00.000-07:00

while back we went off to the Oakdale Chocolate festival. Here it is:

Woke up and Steve made me a veggie omelet and berry smoothie while-st I got ready. so yum

Met up with a few besties. Good times.

Ate lots of good eats. Alligator tastes like chicken.

Note to Self: Tube top = creepy picture.

Had amazing sangria.

Saw lots of lovely crafts. got inspired.

Love these peeps <3

And Now You Know the Rest of the Story...

2010-06-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

Sorry. I've been....busy. I was doin' some stuff....
Back to: More fun with Brian and Britney...

Breakfast. I got up early to fetch Starbucks and cinnamon rolls.

Britney made sausages and fruit. So yum.

Officer Brian joined us. If he didn't look like a creeper before...

Cut Britney's hair...

Things I love at the their house:

Their vintage stove <3

Their fresh herb garden.

So after the munching we took Salty to the lovely dog park.

Then, off to an indoor market.

We finished our lovely trip with Cali's finest cuisine. Mexican Food.

Miss you lovelies. See you again soon??

Fun With Fredricksons

2010-06-09T15:04:00.000-07:00

Steve' and Becky Took a trip to Napa to visit the Lovely Friends. Here is their adventure...

This was good times. Perfection.

We made super yummy dinner.

Well... Britney did.

Fresh Bread

Veggies

The boys got excited...

Steve

Bruce

Brian

Amazing squash

Wine

Jerry Was not able to join us.

Dinner was served.

yummy bread and butter. Parm.

Britney's yummy spinach mushroom squash

And Steve's Homemade cherry pie.

We watched a movie and had fresh stove top popcorn with peanut M&Ms.

A Rodgers family tradition.

Salty guarded faithfully against falling popcorn.

Let's not forget the homemade Mojitos.

And the guys ended the evening with a shot.

All in all... good times.

(Place Dylan and Katie HERE)

Family. Raw. Uncut.

2010-06-04T15:24:00.000-07:00

So Mother's Day was a while ago. Here's what we did:

On The Rocks - Bad Romance - 4/23/10

2010-05-08T23:39:00.000-07:00

some things are done well. this is one of them.

Life, or something like it

2010-04-26T21:35:00.000-07:00

I decided to update yall...

We're back from Mexico. Just had a meeting for upcoming events with the High School ministry we're serving in. Super exciting summer on the way!
My mom had minor surgery that went rather well.
My lil bro's wife is due in July. I'm frantically learning to make fun toys...
The truck still isn't running but, after many-a-trip to the DMV, it's registered and ours...
Steve's waiting to hear back from Gallo Winery about a job.
I'm training to be a shift supervisor at my work
We're loving ministry and community at our church.
That's all for now.

photos...

2010-04-16T23:27:00.000-07:00

here they are...

or check out...
my facebook

Within Your Power...to Act

2010-04-16T18:12:00.000-07:00

I love the way the Lord works.

Steve And I spent the week of Easter on a trip to Colonial Vicente Guerreo (South Baja Mexico)
I cannot presume to unload the entirety of our adventures in blog form, but I will take a que from others who have attempted to recap and throw it out there in a few sentences... and a ton of pictures...

2 caravans.
The Vans: 10 15-passenger vans full of eager students and staff.
The Trucks: 5 monsters pulling trailers with all our supplies.
I was in a truck and Steve was in a van.
The trucks are rad... that's all I'm sayin'.

A chance to go camping for the first time in a while... but instead staying in a room... honestly I was so relieved..

Hanging out with crazy roommates... and discovering the cubby...

Waking up at 4:30 to attend a sunrise service in Spanish. CRISTO VIVE!

Checking out our ministry opportunities and giving the Canon a chance to shoot for the first time in too long.

Being blessed by the awesome cook staff, leadership and students... I can't say enough about how amazing you all are!!!

Steve and I led a team called the Service Team. We were in charge of helping out wherever there was a need. It was a great faith building experience! Every day we would set out not knowing what was in store, asking God to use us. Every day He would bring a need that we would have just the skills, tools, hands etc. to accomplish!

There was an earthquake... yikes!

A home was built for a pastor and his family!

Kids were introduced to the gospel and many received Christ!

God challenged us all in so many ways.

I was changed. God re-broke my heart for the lost and for His kingdom. He renewed a passion in Steve and me to say "Here I am! Send Me"
He reminded us of our call to serve Him.

I am so excited to be back but it was soooooo hard to leave. I know God has a special plan for us...

Pictures to follow...

Your Mom goes to College...

2010-04-01T12:15:00.001-07:00

it's April Fool's and I can't think of a good prank... man...

We leave for mexico tomorrow... pictures and blogging adventures to follow.

Blessings to everyone. Have an amazing Easter. He is Risen!

Say!

2010-03-27T11:06:00.000-07:00

Work. I like it. Why can't ti be a career? Making coffee is so lovely. I'm one of those weirdos that actually enjoys customer service. I love my boss and my co-workers. They see me as sort of a mom, which isn't all that bad. Being 25 and working in food service. I really like it (is that lame?).
Steve is trying to get a job at Gallo Winery. It would be an answer to prayers for finances. If you think of it, pray for us!

We leave friday for Mexico with our HSM group. Super excited! Haven't been in 5 years. Can't wait to see how God will stretch and grow our students, and us for that matter.

I have been having thoughts and dreams about our beloved friends in So Cal (and the ones no longer there).
Sarah, Josh, Tater-Tots, Katie, Dylan, Ada, Britney, Brian, Jaime, Seth (even Moses, Saltey, and Jerry)!!! We Miss you SOOOO much!
I wanna knit in Higher Grounds (we miss you all there too)!
I wanna sing worship at IBC (yeah, miss you too)!
I wanna get $1 Tacos at Ariba's.
Mostly I want to be with you all again soon. Lord willing.

I'll leave you with a few pictures of us lately. Made some yummy salmon. and my beloved made homemade bread. good times.

Ministry is super amazing!

2010-03-07T11:04:00.000-08:00

I love that I get to hang out with a bunch of energy filled, Christ driven young ladies (or princesses, has they have recently discovered) and call it ministry! Thank you Lord for giving me a chance to be an example and to be filled and overflowing with love for these young ladies!
Movie night + tooooo much junk food + The Princess Bride + The Stephen game = Awesome!

i like this floor.

2010-02-28T10:17:00.001-08:00

Annie Jeane

2010-02-28T10:16:00.000-08:00

Last week a stray fame through the drive through at my work, I couldn't look at her poor starving self and not do anything... Normally I AM NOT the rescue type. Since we don't have a place to keep her we asked around and a good friend was looking for a new dog! She has a home now. They named her Annie (cuz she's an orphan) Jeane (my middle name, cuz I found her). Here she is:

Peterson

2010-02-22T10:22:00.000-08:00

While I don't personally love The Message paraphrase, I picked it up at random and was intrigued by Eugene Peterson's Description of a church. Thought I'd share:
"When Christian Believers gather in churches, everything that can go wrong sooner or later does. Outsiders, on observing this, conclude that there is nothing to the religion business except, perhaps, business-- and dishonest business at that. Insiders see it differently. Just as a hospital collects the sick under one roof and labels them as such, the church collects sinners. Many of the people outside the hospital are every bit as sick as the ones inside, but their illnesses are either undiagnosed or disguised. It's similar with sinners outside the church.
"so Christian churches are not, as a rule, model communities of good behavior. They are, rather, places where human misbehavior is brought out in the open, faced, and dealt with."

Thoughts? Comments?

good for me

2010-02-22T10:12:00.000-08:00

After finishing my devos this morning, I felt a prompting to read these two blogs. They have enouraged me so I thought I'd pass em on

A wonderful lady and friend:
http://justjoninjava.blogspot.com/2010/02/metaphor-for-monday.html

A wonderful lady and sister:
http://ameliaisrabbit.blogspot.com/2010/02/receivingbelieving.html

My Beloved did it!

2010-02-18T14:03:00.000-08:00

Steve did it! He finally started a food blog!
Check it out:
http://eatorstarve.blogspot.com/

Haiti

2010-02-18T13:53:00.000-08:00

So What happened in Haiti sucks. What's happening here because of it? So far, I've been impressed. People are helping. GO FIGURE! One of my old college classmates is leaving his job with Tom's Shoes for a while to go and help however he can, The DIY site that I love (threadbanger.com) is doing a craft drive and taking donations as well as sending a staff member, Owl City (mmm good music) is doing the text donations as well as Jimmy Fallon (<3 Ya), a coworker is sending clothes, My mom organized a group of home schoolers to work for a week at Gleaning s for the Hungry in Fresno Ca. They helped package dried food and make quilts as well as gather donations. So far the have sent out 2 semi truck containers full of food, med supplies, clothes, blankets etc. Our HS group prayed over the 3rd before they sent it out... I even saw a sign up at Panda Express accepting donations.
All this this to say... I am positively surprised by my community.

What have you done to make a difference? Tell me about it in a comment.
Need some help? Here are a few ideas:
- Gleanings for the Hungry: Gleanings.org click the "Haiti Needs Our Help" link
- Text OWL to 90999 to Donate to the Red Cross
- Help my Friend: http://www.soulrediculous.blogspot.com read about him and donate: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=276748891953
- Panda Express: http://www.pandaexpress.com/px/2010/HaitiRelief.aspx

- Thread Banger: threadbanger.com

Some other recent shots...

2010-02-07T11:20:00.000-08:00

And As I End the Refrain...

2010-02-05T18:34:00.000-08:00

Thrust home!

If you haven't read Cyrano DE Bergerac, that was lost on you. So sorry.

I have been feeling a desire to share my true feelings for...blogger.

Oh the age of Technology, How I am blessed to have you!

On many occasions, These personal, heart-felt and often raw "status updates" we all call blogs are my inspiration and motivation.

It is so nice to be able to check in on those I miss dearly and to get to read of new adventures and rants of my near/not-so-near and dears. Even those that I see and "chill" with on a regular basis tend to share with a special openness when they are cloaked in the safety of the written word.

To all those local, in the far reaches of the blustery mid-west, unnaturally sunny southern Cali, the gorgeous wine-soaked northern Cali and the far east (well NY is far): I love you and am so blessed to have your wise words. Blog on PLEASE! It is my entertainment and often my link to sanity.

My family doesn't do things normally...

2010-02-04T13:02:00.000-08:00

That being said, We waited til Jan 9th to do Christmas. Here are a few pictures of our adventures.

We took a trek up to Sutter Creek California. All 11 of us: (the dog is treated like a person, so he's included in the tally) 5 kids, 3 significant others- AKA newest "kids", and 2 parents.

Here's sutter:

Here's us:

The "kids" decided to go on a walk to the town.

Newlyweds are the Cuteness <3
We stopped for coffee. Not that great, but a nice place.
The ladies got Italian sodas

Faces of the men.

Thepete decided it was modeling time.

Jen joined in.

The self-titled "brotha's Steve"

My Lovely sis-in-law Amelia

my heart.

Thepete found a worm. Hasn't changed much in 20 years...

Married to a baker...

2010-01-30T11:30:00.000-08:00

Steve currently does not have a food blog (although we are trying to get him started on one) but has invented an amazing recipe. it took 3 tries to get it perfect. The first two... tasty...
#1 he set out to make a cookie... turned into a "mat" of muffinny goodness
#2 tried a "cupcake" version... looked like upside-down top hats. Yummy, but ugly.
#3. Perfect. Good, very good. Here it is:

Leftover Oatmeal Muffins

DRY:

-2 cups AP flour

-2 tsp Baking Powder

-1 tsp Baking Soda

-1 heavy pinch salt

-1 tsp spices (1/2 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg)

WET:

-1 stick of unsalted butter, melted

-1 cup cooked oatmeal (I used rolled oats cooked with 1 part oats, 1 part 2% milk, 1 part water)

-3/4 cup brown sugar

-1 egg

-1 egg yolk

-1 tsp vanilla extract

-2 cups “extras” (I used raisins. Nuts, chocolate chips, or whatever would work. Becky thinks Pecans and sub a little maple syrup for some of the brown sugar would be lovely.)

-Oven: 350°

-Sift all the dry stuff together. Use a food processor if you want to keep the mess to a minimum.

-Melt the butter. Make sure it’s only a little warmer than body temp and whisk in the egg and egg yolk. Add the vanilla and the brown sugar and whisk ‘till smooth. Stir in the extras.

-Pour the dry stuff into a bowl. Dump the wet stuff on top. Stir JUST TILL COMBINED. Let it stay lumpy. Portion into a greased muffin tin.

-Bake for 18-20 minutes or ‘till a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

-De-pan, cool, eat. Be happy. <3>

MAKES 12 MED MUFFINS

The finished product:

2009 a summary.

2010-01-21T15:41:00.001-08:00

Thought I'd do a brief photo summary of good ol' '09:

January

The Beach in San Diego With Friends

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

February

Ada's First Birthday

Update Picture for Family

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

March

Snow!

Visit from Fam

Disneyland with Liz

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

April

Epic trip to Black Mt

Easter Trip to Modesto

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

May

Goodbye to Dachtlers :(

Helly S

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

June

Farmer's Market in Redlands

Augies <3
Summer at Tahquitz

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

July

More Augies.

Steve's Birthday

The Epic trip to Nebraska

By Way of Nevada

And Utah

And Colorado (hi Sue!)

Groomsmen

Bridesmaids

Stephen and Amelia got Married :)

Then, Back to Modesto for a reception.

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

August

Liz Birthday...Disneyland Again!

Our 2nd Anniversary (the only pic I took!) Yummy dinner and a weekend getaway <3

Summer Staff Fun Trip to 6 Flags!

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

September

San Diego Wild Animal Park

Learning to Cook Vegan

Purchased the "new" truck

Super Yummy Dinner With The Tates and meeting Baby Miles

Trip to Knott's Berry Farm With Jaime and Seth!

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

October

Last days at Tahquitz: October Birthdays Party!

Last Looks Photo trip

Meeting Amy

No Pictures of the Move...

Concert in SF

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

November

Thanksgiving with Family...

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

December

Christmas With The Fam

Ask us about this sometime...

Steve's Dad and Granddad... See the resemblance?

Took Family Pictures for a group of 17. the day after Christmas...
Fun Times
.
-------------------------------
All in all, it's been a good year. <3

holiday. celebrate.

2010-01-20T14:53:00.000-08:00

...Or welcoming 2010 with style. Did I mention I love Friends? <3

Getting Ready.

Time for Party.

Heart These Ladies.

The Killer Bunnies Game was grand. I think The Tates need to play this one.

Getting Ready for the count down.

Happy NewYear!

Sparklers.<3

This was a good year.

the show

2009-12-21T14:16:00.001-08:00

a while ago...

2009-12-21T13:09:00.000-08:00

The Me.

We went to The City (San Fransisco) For a concert... some pics...

Driving the Altamont.

Waiting for the Bart.

Angela

David

Kristen

Steve <3 onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hHqgMmiCGHI/Sy_mAtkRI0I/AAAAAAAAAx0/1lj9lN_80aU/s1600-h/stephen_1.jpg">
The Me and Thepete
Thepete

Gina
Josh

Josh and G on the bart

Sunset from the bart.

Walking to the show from the station
The next blog will be the show...

did a photo shoot...

2009-12-17T14:33:00.000-08:00

took some senior pictures... what do ya think?

Took some artsy ones while I had a "willing model" lots of fun...

I feel the need to apologize to November...

2009-12-17T14:23:00.000-08:00

What to say? It's nothing personal, Nov, I just didn't make time to record your happenings...
here's a taste...

Bare with me, these pics are from the camera phone:

Went to see Wicked in San Fransisco with Liz

Went to my cousin's concert at a famous venue in SF called Slims... Here's a shot of me on the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)

Been working at 5am so get to see a lot of sun rises. pretty, when I am awake enough to catch them...

Went to Vietnamese food for the first time with my mom (her and my dad's favorite). Very yummy. and good tea too.

I guess I haven't even uploaded pictures lately. That's all I got for now.

<3

God is SOOOO good...

2009-11-14T14:10:00.000-08:00

I'm heading off to work (so exciting to say that!) but I wanted to let you all know of God's blessings to us of late.
The Rental company admitted their error and will be paying all damages. They also reimbursed us.

One of Steve's new coworkers is friends with the rental owners and got us a free trailer for this weekend!

My uncle offered to help Steve and they we're able to get the truck without any serious issues last night! He's home, safe and sleepin!

God has once again proven to us how big He is and how much He cares for even the littlest things in our lives. Blessing after Blessing... I'm too full!

a mention of good times and near widowdom...

2009-11-09T14:34:00.000-08:00

So apparently there were feelings hurt at the not mentioning of the AWESOME and SUPER GREAT time we had last month with our friends the Fredricksons. What was I thinking???

In Other news... Steve got a job! What a major praise! He started work today. He's working at a Kitchen appliance installation place. Today is his first day and he seems to be enjoying it.

I'm still at the coffee shop for now but am looking for something more substantial.

It is a blessing to have the worst of the financial worries over with.

This weekend I almost lost Steve. According to Him I'm over reacting, but I'll relay what happened and let you be the judge...

Steve rented a trailer to head down and pick up his truck (sorry to all those in Idy he didn't visit... nothing personal it was a long long 2 days).
His friend with a truck didn't get off work til 11:30pm on Fri so they left around 12:30am. Got in to Banning around 8am sat, checked out the truck situation and headed to Tahquitz to pick up the tools and boxes we managed to forget during the whirlwind move. They loaded up the truck and headed to a motel for a few hrs of sleep after a mere 29ish hours without any. 4 hrs of poor sleep later they headed out.
Immediately upon reaching 55mph on the freeway they were sure there was something wrong. No trailer breaks. it took a little work and a 180 on the I10 FREEWAY but they were able to stop the trailer from rolling and get the the shoulder. only 1 dent in the towing truck from the trailer swinging around and hitting the truck. Steve admits that if they hadn't slowed down it would've rolled and they would most likely not have made it.

around 4am they were able to get the truck towed to Barstow CA and headed home (slowly) with the empty broken trailer.

Before work this morning he went to the rental place to explain the problem with their trailer and see what they will do...
A claim was filed. who knows. Praise God they're safe.

SO yeah. good times.

October went as follows...

2009-11-02T22:45:00.000-08:00

-We Moved back to modesto...
-Started Lookin for work
-Started working with the High Schoolers at our church.
Awesome.
-Went to a David Crowder Concert with a friend.
Grand as well.
-Went to a local farmer's market
For the Idy friends fyi- very different from Redlands.

Started working at the ol' coffee shop again.

Like it.

Went to a costume party and steve and I were finally able to be the Fairly Odd Parents (pictures to follow).

Tate <3

2009-10-15T14:08:00.000-07:00

Two days before we waved goodbye to Idy we headed down to our favorite watering hole.

(Higher Grounds Coffee Shop)

"after hours" with some of the best people you'll ever meet. Here is the account.

Most of the photo credit for this event is due to ThePete and his Epic Paparazzi abilities.

Baby Miles was good as always. Especially when Sarah would sing "tiny Dancer".
Steve Actually Held him at one point but made it very clear that he only liked THESE kids. He doesn't want any... right...

I believe the star of the night was Jack's good mood. Pretty awesome.

 
He and Steve shared some rare moments...

Sniffing the tea.

chatting about philosophy.

A weird face hold out contest.

Our Drinks were brought to us by the beloved barista baby Dave. With Faithful assistant TJ.

Bowden and Lucy were of course well behaved and entertaining.

Some Random Peter Paparazzi shots...

 
Lucy's Story of the poor cold kitty... who needed a blanket... that she made out of a cup... that became a slide to celebrate her birthday...
needless to say I got lost after that.

Josh and Miles...

We'll miss this place

Later in the evening, the boys decided to seranade us with Disney songs.

Some Shots of the summer staff.

The "big Finish" of the evening was a group photo. Here are a few:

Whew! That was a hefty one! If you make it down here at the end, good for you.
I love these people and can't wait for my next chance to see them all again.
<3

Before...

2009-10-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

Getting the hair done tonight. Had to post a few before pics...

Birthdays and Going Away...

2009-10-14T22:09:00.000-07:00

Right before we left Tahquitz, we had a pizza/birthday/going away party. We played Taboo.
The Ladies owned.

 
All in all, good times were had. We'll miss these crazy folk. :)

More with the present...

2009-10-14T21:58:00.000-07:00

Before we left we got to know Amy. New Tahquitz meat. She was super nice. I tried not to, but... there was bonding.

We made her drink tea. While I messed with the new tripod.

For the Birthday, Steve took me down the hill for final pictures in a spot I always say "it would be fun to take pictures there".

I think sometimes Steve is better at the photography.

I'll miss the wild flowers and foliage.

I'll miss this place.

On leaving the "Hill People"...

2009-10-14T19:45:00.000-07:00

Been back for almost 5 days. Still no jobs. Longest Steve's ever been "out of work". Kinda weird. For those of you who read this, you know we bought a '65 Ford truck. Some of you may not know that it is stuck in Banning CA at a transmission shop.
Boooo.
Got a call from the guy today. Trans is a gonner. Means lots of money.
We're still in the unemployed bracket. with 20,000 others in our county. yuck.
God has been and IS faithful. And still blesses me with no stress.
Possible job for me at our Church! Be praying!
Our family has been amazing.

Steve and I search on for jobs non-stop since we got here.
He's at church tonight checking out the High School ministry.
The long day of job searchin' has me tuckered out so I sit at home trying to pretend I'm not getting sick. and blogging. <3

So It's a sad thought to think we left anyone behind. Here are a few pictures from our last adventures.
First Off: Dinner with the Tates. More to follow on this one, Still waitin' on the computer to be all set up. We finally got to meet baby Miles! Hurray for this :)
He is the cutest (just like the other perfect lil tater tots)

After a year, Steve and Jack the Fox finally bonded. According to Sarah, now his poor lil heart will be broken. snif.

Steve bought me a new tripod for my b day. It was actually a surprise and everything. Good job Steve <3 Here are a few shots from Tahquitz.

So there's a lil taste. Miss you all. So very much. I wanna go see Where the Wild Things Are!
<3

home

2009-10-13T10:40:00.000-07:00

A break in the never-ending blog about animals to say... We're back. In Modesto. What a blessing to be among family and friends! We do SO miss our Idy pals. You all ARE family. Sorry, You got attached, you're stuck with us now and forever. Pictures of Last days on the hill and new adventures since are to come soon. Got to get my computer set up to upload the pictures. Love you all!

More about the Animals.

2009-10-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

That got posted before I was done... here is more:

Here are the Elephants.

This is us. Behind us is Africa. sort of.

The landscape was beautiful.

This is Steve checking out the area.

This is me checking out Steve.

Steve Checking out me.

A sleeping Lioness.

A sleeping Lioness' Paw.

A sleeping Lion on his favorite ride.

A Serval and her "assistant".

A Caracal jumping 6 ft in the air.

Hydrating after a long hot walk.

My computer is angry but I'll finish someday.

Our second attempt at seeing the animals.

2009-09-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago Steve and I went back to San Diego's Wild Animal park to take another stab at seeing the animals. Our last adventure? We made it as far as the Gorillas (3 exibits in) and had to rush Steve to the hospital for a severe migraine. yuck.
This time we had much success!

We Found lots of pretty things to buy that were over priced.

And some that just weren't so pretty.

Steve Got to meet the Crown Victoria Pigeon from Africa.

The Local signage was quite hilarious.

We got to meet a new baby Elephant. Some of the Elephants in the exhibit had been rescued from a zoo in Switzerland that could not take care of them. If the WAP had not taken them in the other zoo's only option was to shoot em!

Findings...

2009-09-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

I found this lil guy by Steve's truck. I like him. I think I'll call him Mortymer. <3

Continuing with the updating.

2009-09-24T22:42:00.001-07:00

It has been brought to my attention that I haven't shown a lot of the latest Koch-tacular adventures. so sorry to be a downer. I realize that the joy and excitement my life-altering blog brings each one of you is something I shouldn't mess around with, so I will attempt to be more obedient with my frequent posting.

In all seriousness. I just might try.

To those of you still bothering to read this...

2009-09-20T22:27:00.001-07:00

I Love you all.
When I forget that there are people in the world who are loving, honest and excited about life, one of you crazies comments on my blog or sends me a text reminding me that there is an amazing God who gave me a purpose (maybe even a special purpose... The Jerk anyone?) and loves me very much more then I could even imagine.

So thanks.
<3

Steve got his truck

2009-09-17T18:03:00.000-07:00

and he loves it.
I like that it's teal, well of course I do <3

If you haven't heard...

2009-09-17T18:01:00.001-07:00

We're moving.
Back.
To modesto.
<3

New cooking ventures.

2009-09-10T17:01:00.000-07:00

Helping out in the Kitchen at Tahquitz has brought on some adventurous new experiments...

Vegan Food...

Vegan Oat Rolls

Vegan Banana Muffins

Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes

I did, in fact, make them all myself and they were quite yummy :)

The Koch's Epic Transventure

2009-07-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

So my Brother has been blissfully wed for 2 months now. Guess I should post a few pictures. Here are the beginnings of our biggest adventure yet...

Couldn't sleep, too excited. left at 5am.

Sunrise as we head down the mountain.

First stop for gas.

We left headed north.

To Nevada.

Probably the most gaudy building on the planet.

Gas station where Wall-E lived.

Tune in next time for more adventures... <3>

Farming the Market 2.0

2009-07-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

Took the gang back to the farmer's market. ThePete's first trip.

On the way, we stopped to get water from the fresh mountain stream only to discover it had been damned up due to a bacterial outbreak. bummer. Ah well, photo opp.

We stopped to pet the SPCA kitties and puppies.

While waiting for us, Peter unknowingly posed for a few model shots.

The fresh fruit and vegg was in high form. We enjoyed a few samples.

We took a little time to check out the band. They were actually quite good! Their singer was a crooner who looked more like he should be wrapping. weird surprise.

The vendors where well stocked with all sorts of nonsense. The food was wonderful (no surprise there).

Steve and I took turns taking pictures of a cool building.

Steve's

Mine

I love cotton candy... so did this little girl.

Of course, we stopped in at Augie's. Just can't get enough. David ordered some weird coffee version of a black and tan and promptly got it all over his face.

Steve got a drink that he called "the man drink". espresso over ice.

We got some candied pecans and peanuts.

And this crazy melon called an "Israeli melon". It smelled amazing. We spent a bit of tim making "smellin' the melon" jokes.

All in all, good times.

*****

Birthdays, BBQs and Broncos...

2009-07-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

So Steve turned 23 on the 1st. I know that was a while ago, but life is crazy. Here's the party action:

The friends/family came to help celebrate and fix up the bronco for the long haul out to Broken Bow.

There was much work and swearing and frustration... but they did get her goin!

We Made a Party...

The Food was lovely if I do say so myself...

Fun was had by all...

I heart the Fam <3

2009-07-01T16:48:00.000-07:00

So here are some fun times of late.

(mind you,

they're from my cell phone,

where the 2 MPs roam)

So someone out there knows me...

2009-06-27T11:51:00.000-07:00

SO, someone designed a shirt with me in mind. Rain. Teal and Dandelions. I bought it and made it my own. <3

Messing with Picasa

2009-06-23T14:59:00.000-07:00

So I'm messing with Picasa and, also I made this bag.

good times.

Be Jealous, Katie.

2009-06-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

SO we went to the amazing Redlands Farmer's Market and it was oh so lovely. We had plenty of time so Steve enjoyed a yam, and some candy-coated pecans.

Next we went shopping for Delightful Fresh fruit and veggies.

For Dinner, I got a Gyro. It was good as always and I got tatziki all over my pants as always. We sat on a bench and listened to a crooner sing cover songs of Van Morisson and Norah Jones. He was surprisingly good.

Next, we met up with the young lovers at our favorite southern Cali Coffee House: Augies.

Yummy beverages all around.

A good time was had by all.

Wanting to be at peace.

2009-06-17T16:14:00.000-07:00

I can't quite decide how I feel at this moment. I am happy for the rain. Speaking to far away friends via phone is both refreshing and a blunt reminder that they are just that. far away. I want them to be close. but. I am here. I sound all whiney and baby-like. It's true. I just want to know what I'm supposed to do. I want to know where God is leading. I want. I want. Um yeah. conundrum.

More Work

2009-06-16T10:47:00.001-07:00

Because I don't actually do useful things...