Happy Easter to all of you who honor and celebrate this wonderful holiday!

In thinking about God’s love for us, I am reminded that his love for us is constant and ever present.  Through the different stages of darkness and light in my life, he was always there for me even when I didn’t remember to say “thank you.”  I am so lucky.  Today is such a celebration of God’s devine love, which I am honored to receive.  As I spend today with my family, I send my wishes to you all that you, too, are having a wonderful time with family and friends.

Looking back into yester-year, I remember when Easter was all about dying eggs, the Easter Egg Hunt, the baskets, the chocolate bunnies, and all of the amazingly fun experiences that I shared with my twins.  I would get up at 6am and hide all of the eggs in the front and back yards.  I remember one year, in particular, when the ravens who live in the palm trees of our neighborhood swooped in on my eggs, even though I thought they were hidden well, and ate them to pieces before the twins awoke to start the hunt.  The remnants of colored shells just laid everywhere!  Now that the girls have grown into teenagers, we no longer celebrate Easter in those ways.  Instead, we put all of our focus into church and celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Today, my focus is to remember that God loves me today as much as he did yesterday and as much as he will tomorrow, just as I am… imperfections and all.  That brings me so much joy.

For those of you with small children who still get to enjoy the simple pleasures of Easter Egg Hunt, cherish each moment.  They are gone before you know it!

And, for those of you who, like me, celebrate this religious holiday… God Bless You and Happy Easter!

Happy Sunday, Saloners!

What a busy weekend!  Yesterday, my daughter auditioned for the Academy of Performing Arts at the local high school.  Her twin was filming a school project and played the role of Juliet.  I actually got some great reading time in and watched Breaking Dawn Part 1 with the girls last night.  I still have yet to read the series.  I must be the last person on earth who hasn’t read the books.

In any event, work has been keeping me busy and I did a bit of “consulting” today for family friends.  I enjoyed coming home and writing my book review for Losing Clementine.  It was a book that was so relatable, poignant, and had dark humor undertones.  LOVED IT!  My review is posting on the 4th.

Not much in the mood for The Oscars (which are on right now).  But, everybody and their brother is Tweeting about how skinny Angelina Jolie’s arms look.  Can’t wait to catch the pictures of her. 

Off to order some Thai food for dinner and get ready for the what the upcoming week will have in store for me!

Have a great week and stay tuned for my review of Losing Clementine.

Kristina’s Favorites tagged me to participate in this meme. I don’t know that I can find 11 blogs to tag tonight, but I loved the idea of at least answering Kristina’s questions…  (after all, she thought of me)  So, if you are interested in participating, head on over to Kristina’s Favorites and join the fun.

1.  What are you making for dinner tonight? I didn’t make anything.   My eldest twin popped a frozen pizza in the oven.   

2.  What book (or books) are you reading right now? Losing Clementine (review coming on March 4)

3.  What was the last CD or song that you purchased? iTunes Kristina Perry

4.  When and why did you start blogging? I think 2008, maybe it was 2009.  Lisa M.  knows.

 5.  What’s your favorite TV show?   Too many to list.  Right now, The Bachelor, The Housewives of O.C., Shameless

6.  What is the one thing that you want, right this minute, if money and means aren’t an issue? A new roof, braces for Nicole, new flooring, a new car, a lift and a tummy tuck. 

7.  If you could travel back in time, what is the one place or event that you would aim to change? Try to assist in preventing the assasignation of Robert F. Kennedy. 

8.  What’s the ring tone on your cell phone? Standard iphone ring. 

9.  What is your worst habit? Well, I quit most of them.  I guess now fussing at my face.

10. What 2 blogs do you visit or read most often?  Bermuda Onion’s Weblog and Kristina’s Favorites

11. Do you have a bucket list? If so, what’s the first thing on it? If not, what would be the first thing on it? I do not have a bucket list, but want to put one together.  I definitely want to visit Greece one day.

Thanks, Kristina!

I’ve been going through changes at career-central.  As such, I’ve been under a pile of papers and emails.

No time to read.

My DVR was so filled up that I didn’t even know that Whitney Houston died until like 3 days after the fact.  At least I’m caught up on The Bachelor, Teen Mom 2, The Housewives of Beverly Hills, and Dog the Bounty Hunter.

The twins aren’t too pleased with me.

Still no dating life.

And, still in debt up to my eyeballs.

Where were my days of reading and writing and self-expression?

Maybe… just maybe… after I get caught up at work.

If you’re still out there and reading my blog… I AM ALIVE.

I have a book review which shall post on the 4th.

Love to all.

Send cookies.

If you enjoy such reality shows such as Pawn Stars, Storage Wars, or the like, you must tune in to Combat Cash tonight on The Discovery Channel at 10PM EST.   As described in Channel Guide Magazine, “Combat Cash follows Bob Chatt and Owen Thornton as they use their knowledge, experience and money to pursue rare military artifacts.  Also referred to militaria, these items include tanks, GI Joe figures, World War II flame throwers, Saddam Hussein propaganda banners and Vietnam war-era helicopters.”

I’ve seen a sneek preview of the show and it provides a balanced blend of historical facts and the good humor you would expect from reality television.  I mean, what kind of collector buys tanks and flame throwers?  Bob and Owen utilize their expertise to track down these wanted collectibles while Danielle Chatt manages the operations at their shop Vintage Productions.

For anybody who enjoys history, collectibles, or the military, this show is right up your alley, so tune in.

The Bachelor… January 2, 2012

Last night was the long-awaited return of The Bachelor, starring our Ashley-rejected suitor, Ben Flajnik. Not much differed from the prior seasons. Groups of gorgeous gals emerged from limos, with the exception of Lindzi C., who rode up on her horse to meet the man of her dreams. A little horse goes a long way as she gains the first impression rose.

The most endearing entrance was Brittney’s Grandma who emerged from the limo professing how she fell madly in love with Ben during the past season.  Brittney got some quality one-on-one time with Ben just because Grandma came along.  (Way to tug at the heart-strings, Brittney).  In actuality, it really did seem like Grandma was more excited about the show and the prospect of Ben than Brittney was. 

As sweet as this all was, nothing could be “sweeter” than the girl-love expressed by Monica to her crush Blakeley (would she be better suited as a potential lover on The Bachelorette?). 

As Monica cooed and cuddled up against her girl-crush, Blakeley, Jenna was in the midst of the beginning stages of her mental breakdown over Monica’s cruelty to her.  Honestly, it appears that the director staged it so that Ben would pick the trio to remain on for at least one more week to gain ratings.  Monica is an evil, potential lesbian.  Blakeley is oblivious to everything.  Jenna is a nut-case promoting her “over-analytical” blog.  In fact, she professes her job as being a “Blogger.”  She does it full-time and makes money at it with her neuroses?  It’s plain crazy if you ask me.  Nonetheless, Jenna is our emotional-break-down, in the bathroom, “this really isn’t like me” nutjob for at least another week.

The promos show that Ben will be spending a considerable amount of time with the professional model, Courtney, who will be called nearly every name in the book during the season including the “black widow.”  Later in the season, she apparently has enough gumption to get Ben to run naked into the surf and cause the women in the house to go crazy with grief.  Courtney appears to be set up as the one girl in the house that all others hate and she’s already made it clear that she is not in this contest to make friends.  Is it possible that this brunette makes it to the end as we were shown in the promos a long-haired brunette makes it to the helicopter at the end of the season?  She’s a physically pretty girl with a reported psued0-celebrity dating past.  It will be interesting to see how her personality shows through or if she is merely in this for the publicity (like Jake Palveka who is, by the way, now an actor who portrays the Forrester Family private jet pilot on the Bold & The Beautiful).  RealtySteve.com pegs her as the winner of the season (it will be interesting to find out).

 And, here’s to a great season of Monday Nights!

We are so blessed this year!  It is such a gift to have such wonderful friends and family in our lives… your impact on our lives this year means more to us than we can possibly say.  More importantly, God has shown his amazing grace to our family through some of our greatest challenges this year.  Like many Americans, we have faced struggles during this economic downturn, however we are so grateful for all of God’s wonderful blessings.  In 2011, I have been fortunate to be working for a dynamic and professional organization which keeps me challenged and quite busy.  I am grateful for the steady employment in a time when so many cannot find good jobs.   The twins have entered Huntington Beach High School and are learning the ropes of high school life.  With honors classes, learning to play guitar, church, and playing soccer, they lead a life with a full schedule.  As always, I am quite proud of their accomplishments.  Always addicted to their music, cell phones, and laptops, it’s a rarity to see them unplugged and just wanting to hang out with good ole’ Mom.  However, we were able to visit Big Bear on vacation this year and get in some good game playing and cooking time.  Living with teenagers is a new and, well, interesting experience!  As we look towards 2012, we are hopeful that we are able to continue to survive in today’s economy and pray that God bless you and your families with his amazing grace.