Yummy!!! Is that a Dodger Dog I smell :)

We were lucky to get tickets to one of the last Dodger games of the season thanks to our wonderful friends The Parks who are always looking out for us. It is such great fun when we hang out and Stephen and I feel so blessed that we have met them...not just because they have the cutest baby ever :)

Well this was Stephen's first trip to Dodger Stadium so I was really excited for him to see it. Being there brought back such wonderful memories of my childhood when my Uncle Mike (who passed away over 10 years ago) used to take us to day games. We would sit in the outfield and have a picnic and enjoy the sunshine. Well, now the outfield has become something incredible and that is where our story begins.

Before heading into the game...we had arrived VERY early to avoid traffic we took some very cool pictures with the skyline of LA in the background since it was such a uncharacteristic clear day.


The beautiful LA skyline


Our friends Stacy and Scott Parks


Me and Stephen :)

We met our group around back and were met with a sign that I did not believe would be there until we arrived.



When we got inside we were greeted by all you can eat hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts and nachos and all you can drink soda and water. It was all for the cheap price of $35 although we only payed $25 since we were part of a group rate. I was so surpised how quickly the lines went, but they were prepared for the onslaught of people I would assume since this has been going on all year.

Our seats were great...I just love the old stadiums. Stephen loved it as well and immediately he began snapping away.







We settled in and were enjoying our Dodger Dogs...there is just something about those Farmer John hot dogs and they taste even better at the stadium.



Stacy was rockin' the Manny Ramirez dreads...she is so funny. Stephen is almost in the picture as welll, at least his nose is :)

It was a GREAT game... the Dodgers won and Manny hit one out :) Thanks again to the Parks for inviting us...you guys are the best!!

Some other funs pictures from the day...

The Change we REALLY need!!

I know all who read this blog may not agree with my "Wise" decision, but I hope in an attempt to better understand a friend that you will look deeper into your decision for President. Please do not get pulled into the "HYPE" and overlook what these candidates really stand for. Do the research...google the supposed "Bridge to nowhere" and what really happened. "Thanks, but no thanks" had some truth to it, because Palin was all for the bridge until the embarrassment of what the bridge was and the threat of Congress pulling out made her flip flop on her decision. I would also pray that everyone would take serious stock of how our country has changed for the worse over the past 8 years and then consider what ideology was in charge during the time and who voted with that person in charge 90% of the time.

I am seriously concerned for our nation's well being and as I listen to others talk and realize they are just following the crowd or "hype" I felt I couldn't sit quietly by...so again I am sorry if I offend anyone who reads this, BUT I am very proud of the decision I have made and hopeful for a new beginning for our country that will focus less on war and the elite and more on families, healthcare for all, education and advances in stem cell research. It is sickening to think that over 10 billion dollars a month is being spent on a war that NEVER should have happened. Let's stop living in fear and turn our focus on the millions of AMERICANS who are suffering without healthcare and living in poverty.

I hope you will all understand as I continue to write what I know to be truths on this blog...and I would recommend for everyone to watch "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart", along with some great laughs you will find out some truth from the media.

CONGRATULATIONS, STEPHEN!!!

I know that everyone is expecting a continuing description of our vacation, BUT something wonderful has happened....



My DEAR husband, Stephen has gotten a job as a teacher. Our prayers (and I know some of yours) have been answered!!! Stephen was offered a position at the school where he has been a "Computer Tech" for the last 3 1/2 years and where he performed his student teaching. The position is "Reading Resource Teacher" and he begins this Wednesday. He is very excited! The position is half-time which allows him the opportunity to sub in the afternoon as well as continue tutoring. Most importantly, he gets to begin his "BTSA" or induction program required by the state that will be paid for by his district...if he hadn't got a job after a few years, the expense is ours and it costs over $4000. Even more exciting, NOW we can begin trying to start our family.
I am so proud of Stephen and excited that he gets to stay at the school he loves with all his friends and collegues there. I know the children are very lucky to have him there and will be extremely excited to see that "Mr. Lineberry" aka "Mr. Steve" are still with them.

We will post pictures of the classroom soon.

Love to all :)

Stay-cation continued Day One

Whew, that was quite the long post about our morning at the Reagan Library (which by the way, doesn't have a library that we saw). After leaving the library, since we were already in Stephen's mission area, we decided to take a tour. First, we headed to one of the apartments he stayed in while living in Thousand Oaks...


Next, we headed to our favorite mexican restaurant...Lupe's. Stephen had taken me on a tour of his mission a couple of years ago while we were on our way to camp in Monterey.


After a yummy lunch, we headed out to see the Stake Center he went to while serving in Thousand Oaks as well as other sites...I am including some pictures from 05' of us on the hill above the Stake Center so everyone can see how beautiful this area is as well as how skinny I used to be before marrying Stephen ;)



We then headed out to Santa Rosa Valley on our way to Oxnard. Stephen decided to stop in and try to visit a family he was very close to during his mission, The Wutkee's!!! The parents actually drove up right after we had parked. It turned out that one of Stephen's best friends from Nashville married one of the Wutkee girls...so it was great for Stephen to hear about his old friend. I was so impressed with this family and was grateful for the hour or so that we got to spend with the parents. They even showed me a pic of Stephen at his friend's wedding way back in 97'...Wow! He was such a hottie even back then.


After leaving the Wutkee's we headed to Oxnard and after picking up some "Spudnuts", donuts made from potato flour that were quite yummy, we made it to the beach in time for sunset...Stephen is being silly as usual :)





We had a fun drive home along PCH down through Malibu and then off to bed!!!