Lauren got a palate expander put in today. She has four teeth coming in sideways, one tooth that started coming in and then stopped because it had nowhere to go and an under-bite. The expander is the first of many pieces of metal that will result in a lovely, straight smile. Lauren did great today and I am super proud. Hope is enjoying her speech class. When we tell her it is time for bed, she now hollers, “Boo! (food) Ba! (Bath) Pay! (Play)!” Anything to get out of going night-night!

NY Grandma and I joined a gym and have exercised two days in a row. My goal is not skinny-minnie but to be able to fit into my jeans! NY Grandpa is grilling burgers and bell peppers for dinner tonight. This might be news to you, NY Grandpa…hope you are OK with that! I think you will be happy. They are bleu cheese burgers and cheddar/bacon burgers. (They will not support the goal of fitting into my jeans.)

My neighbor and I are going to split a box of farm produce each week. We’ve got swiss chard in the fridge right now. What do I do with swiss chard? Maybe something like this?

A former terrorist is speaking at our church. At some point in Tass Saada’s life he accepted Jesus and everything changed. I am so looking forward to hearing his testimony.

Now that we are registered to vote in California, who are we going to vote for? I wish Andy Stanley would run for president.

Canon just released several new lenses including: 24-70 f/2.8L II. Can someone please send $2300 right away? Paypal will be just fine!

I need either caffeine or a nap.

I never, ever, ever shop at TJ Maxx. That store bothers me because I can never find a thing. It’s out-of-order or something. But, I popped into one this week and found two sofa throws. Now, we are warm and toasty when watching our favorite shows (i.e. American Idol).

The trees are budding in February.

That’s all. Have a great day!

Perfect for a sunny day
and for the glare of snow;
Perfect when their light-weight
and stay up on your nose.

Perfect for protection
from harmful UV rays;
Perfect to look cool in,
no verbal statement made!

Perfect for adding confidence
no matter what the case;
Perfect accessory to impress,
adding character to each face!

Amy Millis

Sunglasses are 100% necessary in southern California. We don’t leave the house without them! And Hope likes to wear them indoors too. She’s been known to eat lunch and take a nap with them on.

The train was a hit!

Since today is the last day of January, we’ve got to sneak these in to start our beach blog series off on the right foot.

Our California girls…

Hope spent all her time playing in the sand. Let’s just say the water was like ice and there was no way on earth she was going in!

Parasurfing. Quite amazing to watch.

Dave got a polarizer for Christmas that really helps capture the blue skies.

NY Grandma soaking up the sun.

NY Grandpa at his finest.

Hope, you are our bundle of joy. Happy, happy 2nd birthday.

Love, Dad, Mom and Lauren

“You can be angry at what time you didn’t get with her, or you can be grateful for the time you had with her.”

That’s TOUGH.

But so, so, so true.

Sometimes I think Dave and I had it easier. Meaning we had such a long time to figure out how we were going to deal with Carmen dying. I think about people who suddenly, unexpectedly lose a child or a spouse. Or have a child kidnapped and never found. Or have a child who endures extreme pain for years and years. Carmen was unaware and unresponsive, a blessing to her. I don’t know…I just think that there are worse things. I suppose that’s helpful to me. Tay Sachs was BAD but it could have been worse. Yes, that is helpful.

I am grateful for the time we had with her but I do wish that we could have had a longer time of happy, healthy Carmen in this life. We really only had a few months, from 6 to 10 months, before Tay Sachs started taking over.

Death, dying and losing family and friends is easier to think about in the context of eternity. It’s easier to be grateful for a short time on earth when Heaven is waiting and eternity is a very, very, very long time.

Carmen, photo taken by Rashmi Pappu

You can read his updates here.

Thanks!

Let’s see…

Art class for Lauren. Prime and paint a coffee table. Baby proof the rest of the house. Come up with meal plan for next week. Naps? Laundry. IKEA-run for an organizer system for NY Grandma and Grandpa, who are staying with us for the rest of the winter. Pay bills. Pickup NY Grandpa from the airport. Oh…and remember in the midst of it all to practice patience, grace and love.

Lauren, you have a very handsome date and Dave, you have a beautiful one!