Gilstrap Morning Blend

WTH!

2011-02-02T17:20:00.000-08:00

Seriously, today Wyatt is a terror.

How many times is he going to complain about how yucky the dog food tastes...but he keeps getting into it.

He pulled the DVDs off the shelf for the 500th time.

He managed to de-key the 'Z' key on my computer keyboard.

He wiped his Spagetti-O'd fingers all over the wall and then his hair...

He peed on his comforter.

He figured out the un-lock on the sliding door and runs outside whenever he feels like it now.

He is now swinging the frames on his wall whilst confined to his crib for driving Mommy nuts while she is trying to make dinner before Daddy gets home...

No rest for the parent of an 18 month old. Sheesh. Where's the Calgon? Heck, where's the weekend
get-a-way?

Sending Sweet Valentines

2011-01-30T20:07:00.000-08:00

Boogety

2010-11-01T21:11:00.000-07:00

Wild Weekend. Started off with the Hall-OWEN-y Party. Let me just say there is absolutely NO difference between a party of fifteen 8-12 year olds or teenagers. They may just be drinking root beer and juice boxes instead of raiding the parents liquor cabinet. The drama and mayhem is all the same. Trunk or treat is the LAMEST excuse for an activity I can think of, but for some reason kids really like it. And Halloween itself was extremely anti-climactic this year despite all of my preps, but I have learned from the experience...

1) Start making pumpkins in the summer, when rain won't interrupt drying or painting efforts.
2) At least one child will always change their mind about their costume days before the actual event.
3) Don't make your husband dress up because he will inevitably complain about being "too hot".
4) Cook dinner early on Halloween night so you aren't handing out treats with floured, messy hands.
5) Friends or family make it more fun.

All in all, it was good fun. Wyatt seemed to enjoy it the most. He was a trooper, continuously wielding his magic wand and submitting willingly to eyeliner glasses. Happy Halloween!

Who Needs a $15 Yo-Yo Anyway??

2010-09-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

Owen came home retelling the tale of an assembly at school. As the visitor told the story of NED walking the dog, and visiting the Eiffel Tower, and eating spaghetti; he performed tricks that corresponded to each vignette. The kids were awed at the things you could do with a yo-yo.

The visitor was actually a motivational speaker. His aim was to motivate the children to "Never give up", "Encourage others" and "Do your best". Owen came home motivated to buy a yo-yo. Who could blame him, really? This NED guy was inspiring. He could do cool things. Maybe the N.E.D. actually stands for:

Never give up on asking your parents for a yo-yo.
Encourage others to buy a yo-yo.
Do your best to get your parents to buy you the yo-yo.

You may be shocked to learn that the motivational speaker actually...SELLS YO-YOs...after his performance. So, Owen drooled as he watched peers buy the Ned-yo ($6.50), the Boomerang ($10) and the Cosmic Spin ($15). And upon his return from school, the first words out of his mouth as he rushed through the front door: "I NEED $15. If I don't get $15, I won't be able to get the best yo-yo EVER and I only have like, 5 more days until the school won't sell them anymore!"

Wow. This is desperation now, not motivation.

My first thought? "Sheesh, $15 bucks? Don't you have 5 yo-yos hidden under a pile of dirty socks somewhere? I've just given $40 to your school this week already."

However maybe I could use this...

My response? "$15 bucks is quite a lot of money... and I am not going to just fork it over because you WANT something RIGHT now. How about I will let you earn it over the weekend? If you are really wanting this yo-yo, and then you can show me how much by putting in a little effort for it."

I'm sure he went to bed thinking about all the yo-yo tricks he so desperately wanted to do. But that now seemed impossible because of the heavy chore burden I was about to enforce upon him.

Okay, I probably shouldn't use 'enforce', but if you don't have first hand experience with it: 10year old + chores = exasperation.

However, I was pleasantly surprised... Owen worked with gusto and determination I have not seen before. When reminded of the things he had agreed to work on, he gladly did them - even re-did them when they were not quite passable as having been complete. This must really be some yo-yo.

So today, as I hand over the envelope with the $15 check, I don't feel like I'm getting totally ripped off by some elementary yo-yo scam. My son learned a good lesson in earning rewards and I have clean bathtubs and streak free mirrored closet doors. Very win-win.

Does Anyone Need a New Dog?

2010-09-20T09:21:00.000-07:00

Yeah. I have a really great one...she just needs more attention.

Lady Killers

2010-09-16T15:36:00.000-07:00

Things That Go Bump in the Night

2010-09-13T10:40:00.000-07:00

Oh, yes. My FAVORITE time of year. I can feel the magic that is coming. The smell of fall, black trash bags, and hot glue in the air... Now, I have been perusing Halloween costume sites for weeks, however last night I became far more interested in how to decorate the entry to our plain and boring mission style condo front for this years All Hallows after some site browsing at my fave, Grandin Road. My late night web haunts have led me to come across some serious Halloween fanatics that turn their decorating endeavors into year-long projects! I have to say these are some pretty awesome dads. I am quite certain that my newest obsession is going to be paper mache jack o' lanterns. Check 'em out: SpookyBlue & Andersonville Graveyard & Stolloween.

Drawing for a Purpose

2010-09-07T23:17:00.000-07:00

Miss Audrey's Pink Scrumptious Sprinkle

Hello, family. It's me, the self-proclaimed belated birthday wisher. I have a new mission. At one time I had made a New Year resolution to send birthday cards out to all my immediate/extend-O relatives. Needless to say, I have fallen short of that goal time and again. So today I have made an addendum to my original resolution.

I have decided that I need to find something to do with all this hidden talent wasting away inside of my person. And all of you need to know how much we really do think of you and love you each day, especially on your day-of-days. My artistic hand is wobbly and cobwebbed, needing practice and exercise. For this reason, I propose that I will illustrate a card for each of you, in celebration of you. Should I have missed your special day, consider the card an 'un-birthday' birthday wish. If your day is yet to come, look for our love in the mail.

Ebay Schmeebay

2010-09-07T22:22:00.000-07:00

I am slow, yes. I have newly ventured out from my Amazon comfort zone to try out eBay... and I'm not so sure I like it. I don't know if I can handle the disappointment that is certain to follow being outbid on an item I have my heart set on!

Take this delightful cookie jar, for example. I loved it...hoped it to be centerpiece for my Halloween table this year. I sat at the computer watching the hours tick to minutes as the auction came to its close, reveling in the slight bidding war I was sharing with one other cookie jar hopeful. Even upping my maximum bid seconds before the digital gavel slammed...and what! What?? With literally 15 seconds to spare, some unknown bidder swipes in and steals from me my already favorite newest Halloween decoration ever.

It's heartbreak, I tell you. I wanted to cry. Weep out loud like I had just lost something dear and treasured! This is madness for sure. But alas, you may find me perusing the collectibles listed on this wretched site another day.

So for now, farewell sweet Harry jar. I will keep and eye out for you in the future. And perhaps someday, this dream that I wish (of you adorning my dining table in Octobers to come) will come true.

Birthday Numba One!

2010-09-07T20:21:00.000-07:00

First of all, babies are a BIG deal. And this kiddo was no exception. His daddy and I waited for what seemed like forever for him to decide on coming. From the first surreal moments of seeing those two pink lines on a test and the nine months that follow, down to those last few days of walking and waiting and wanting to be done... and yet, knowing that THAT is only just the beginning.

It's a cliche that never gets old - "they grow up so fast". It rings true in the hearts of all mothers. Wanting to keep them small forever, and yet marveling at every first accomplishment that graduates them forward into toddler-hood. Little milestones that might pass in a fleeting second. I have been careful to not miss much.

I have decided that first birthdays are for mamas. A crowning moment of the past year that has changed your life for the better. A day to recall all the little treasured moments that brought you and this little one to this particular day. A bittersweet reminder that all of those times are now in the past and can only live in pictures and memories. A celebration of all the tears, pains, triumphs, smiles and sleepless nights that have ensured your baby's survival of infancy. This is what a first birthday is.

That ... and photo ops. Here are some of the best from my Celebration of Wyatt Day.
We so love you, our bubba. Happy Birthday (July 29).

Alright Already...sheesh

2010-08-26T21:34:00.000-07:00

Okay...okay. The T. Gilstraps are back on the grid. After another glorious move and resettlement, I can allow myself a few moments a week to post and share the 'haps' in our neck of the woods, with all you fine people. [Applause all around...thank you, thank you.]

Love

2009-12-13T02:19:00.000-08:00

I might be somewhat biased, but I think these are the two best looking fellas out there.

Like anywhere.
Ever.

Sorry. :)

Big Baby

2009-11-20T12:05:00.000-08:00

Funny thing about this kid - he was obviously ready for solid foods since he was guiding the spoon to his mouth by grabbing my hand and would yell at me when I would go to scoop more from the bowl...I couldnt get it into his mouth fast enough. Honestly, I'm thrilled.

(Even though he's getting too big.)

Tasty Lil' Morsel

2009-09-15T01:16:00.000-07:00

Isn't he just delicious? I could just eat him up - even in those little old man pants. Wyatt @ 6 wks. Check out those monkey toes.

Chunka Munka

2009-08-27T21:57:00.001-07:00

9 1/2 lbs. and 22 in. @ 4 weeks.

(and that's my arm, not my boob)

2 weeks...

2009-08-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

We are in LOVE. It isn't right how fast this kid is growing.

Why can't they stay little longer?

Introducing...

2009-08-02T22:02:00.000-07:00

He's here!

Wyatt McCrory Gilstrap

was born Wednesday night, July 29 at 10:13pm.

7 lbs. 21 in.

After a short 3 1/2 hour labor (which really began after the Dr. broke my water). We came home Friday afternoon and are loving every second of this new little one. Wyatt has been a dream - almost in a very surreal way. We can't believe he's actually here AND that he's so mellow and easy going. We'll post more info and pics soon!!

WHOA!

2009-07-14T20:16:00.000-07:00

Does anyone SEE that baby counter over there????!
(it's not moving FAST ENOUGH.)

Um...Super Yum

2009-06-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

For all my girls out there...just sharing the love.

Being nine months pregnant and sweltering hot is not much fun, but this gave me a little burst of energy... giddy like a dang school girl.

Pretty pathetic.

Amongst the Birds and Bees

2009-06-09T16:10:00.000-07:00

Whoa, mama. Nice c'ankles.

I just wanted to share a few photos from the beautiful baby shower that Lilian and Niki did. It was so relaxing and enjoyable (for me anyway - especially since they wouldn't let me do a THING for it). I know that they both (including their tired husbands), did so much to make it special. I'm so blessed to have such wonderful friends and thank you to everyone who came. Your cards are in the mail!!

Yes, it says "Welcome Mother Sucker". Ne'er truer words.

The paper birds and lanterns adorn.

Pretty flowers and drinks.

Pretty Gaea (whom I have nannied for 6 years) and the gifts.

The biggest gift - our new crib! Thank you!!

Our New Adventure (aka: Saddest Day Ever)

2009-06-09T14:26:00.000-07:00

I've moved plenty of times, and even moved from places I've lived in for much longer periods of time, but this was probably the hardest of them all. I didn't want to do it - I didn't want to go. (I'm teary and snotty even now, remembering that day.) We loved Pasadena. We loved this house. We love our friends we made here. (Forgive the awful picture, but I had just said a teary goodbye to our sweetest friends ever, the Moore's - and mom wanted a pic of us in front of the house before we got into cars to leave. As you can see, I wasn't even in the mood to get dressed that day.)

(The other thing that broke my heart, was seeing this: my poor truck being towed back to Sacramento, after it's made so many trips back and forth. It's final trip back... and $600 later, still broke. So sad to me.)

Of course, we will be back, but it won't be the same. Thank you Mike & Lilian for all of your help, sweat, and love. Thank you Niki for saving Owen from boredom and lending us Max. Thank you Sam for driving down to rescue us in our last few days. Thank you Mom & Dad Spohn for breaking your backs and doing all the things that you didn't have to do - but did because you love us. Thank you Mom & Dad Gilstrap for giving us these memories.

On to the next adventure...

Fat Feet...and dry skin...lovely

2009-05-04T22:32:00.001-07:00

Just sharing for the enjoyment and disgust of all...

Falling Apart!

2009-05-03T17:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, so Owen and I got back to Pasadena just Thursday night. I woke up Friday to the sprinklers coming on (which I usually do because they are loud) only to hear instead of the usual spitting spray, a river flowing. It was dark still and all I could see was a large puddle - so I turned off the sprinklers and went back to sleep. When I went out later to see what was up, I noticed that there were several spots on the grass that were totally dying from no water...what?? The sprinkler head was laying across the hole with it's top completely missing. It also looked like it hadn't been mowed in that area for at least a week. Could the gardeners have broken it? Then I noticed that two of the sprayers that connect to the dripline out front in the flower bed were broken on the tops and sending fountains shooting into the air. Yesterday I decided since I was home alone, I would scrub the bathroom and then treat myself to a nice bath. A few candles...soft music...lovely. EXCEPT, the hot water would not shut off! It maintained a steady and noisy stream of water flowing the whole time. NOT very relaxing. Not to mention it has been running all night because my wimpy muscles cannot manage to turn the water main off in front of the house! (drip trickle tinkle $$$$$$$....)
Most of these little issues would not be a huge deal and could very easily be taken care of in an afternoon - IF TOM WERE HERE! But he's not...I'm here by myself, with a basketball in my belly, waddling around. Packing up boxes that I cannot move from one place to another. Not able to move the heavy furniture around that I need too...not able to get up into the attic to store the boxes of stuff we will be leaving behind until we have a place to put them. I have about 4 doors and jams that need to be painted along with the fireplace mantel, several window sills, kitchen cabinet doors, a garage to pack, an entire house to scrub, a backyard to keep alive and and a livingroom in desperate need of an overhaul all in the next three weeks. I'm officially feeling helpless and overwhelmed. I really wanted everything to be fabulous for Tom's parents to come home too...but I don't think I can do it by myself. With Tom being gone, we are about 8 months behind in the projects we had hoped to complete. Guess it will just look the way it always has and our time here was wasted. I really wish I could be doing more.

Guess I'll have to hire this guy.

Newest Baby Pic

2009-05-03T00:19:00.001-07:00

Pretty darn cute.

Change

2009-05-02T23:47:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted for a long while...mostly due to our changing scenery. Tom has been working out of town in the North Bay Area for eight months now. During that time, we have seen him only about every 2-3 weeks or so. In order to keep my sanity - and probably his also - we have spent a lot of time recently up in Lincoln with my parents so that we could see each other on weekends. (A two hour drive is a lot easier than 8). Since Tom's parents will be returning to Pasadena in early June, we are planning to go and stay with my folks for the summer, have a baby, save some much needed money, and regroup as a family. It all sounds like a smart plan. Not the ideal sure, but upon our last return back to Pasadena...I have been really sad. Not that I don't wish everyday to be close to my darling husband and have a mama close by to help out with a new baby, but because I have truly come to love this place. I love the city, I love our ward, I love this house, I dearly love each of our amazingly wonderful friends that have brightened our stay here, helped us make unforgettable memories and made this place our HOME. Lincoln is teaming with family, cousins, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers...even old friends from high school. But starting over, especially in a temporary area will probably make it hard for us to make good connections with new friends. I know I should be optimisitic and have a little faith that it will be fine... But moving stinks. No doubt about that. I'm gonna miss you, Lili.

BLUE!!! (updated version)

2009-03-05T13:48:00.000-08:00

(for those of you who cannot figure this photo out, its a view from the bum up...the white lines to the right are pelvic 'bones' and tip of spine...the fuzzy top of the pic is a leg...and above the words "It's a BOY!" is a distinct 'boy' part, the other leg is not fully visible in this pic but part of a hand is peeking at the bottom of the photo...and I know, if it's not your own ultrasound, you would never figure it out.)

Attention please! Here ye, here ye! Big news! It's a Gilstrap BOY!!

Boy! A boy! A boy!

Girls are drama anyway, right?...Owen can't wait to have his little skate crew...The beginnings of a baseball team...Skateboards...Firetrucks...Hotwheels...Manly men...and I still get to be the princess. (Guess those adorable little dresses will have to stay at the store for now...)

We are so THRILLED with the surprise of this news - everyone (including us) was so sure we would be saying girl. Little Wyatt, we can't wait to meet you!

(this is a 4D image of Wyatt...you can see his little face in the middle area of the pic...kind of a profile view.)

Peek-A-Boo...I See You!

2009-01-12T17:45:00.000-08:00

It's real! There's a baby in there. And I was right on! July 31st is the day we are counting down to. That's a head with eyes and nose and hands on each side, a tummy and even a little foot pushing up toward the camera! And seriously, what a little wiggle worm. This kid was all OVER the place, which made it hard to get a very good heartbeat consistantly - but I heard it! Strong little bitty! So we're so excited, everything is going great and I am feeling so much better lately. Yea baby!!

My Own Piece of Mind

2008-12-05T14:31:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm really OCD about this. But this is what I have decided: That stupid nurse was wrong. If she says 6 weeks, she's off - because I have been counting weeks on a calendar for about an hour. Tom was in Santa Rosa for nearly two weeks during the month of October, it HAD to be after that. That would be only 5 weeks this past Wednesday. I think things are fine. 'Cause I swear the sick I feel isn't lying...it's only getting worse.

Baby G Update

2008-12-05T11:48:00.000-08:00

So Tuesday I went in for my first Dr. appointment and came back more frustrated than ecstatic. The nurse did a vaginal ultrasound and flip flopped her estimate between 5 and 6 weeks along, until she settled on 6. Her attitude changed from welcoming and friendly at first meet to reserved and distant upon doing the ultrasound. She said the u/s showed a gestational sac and yolk sac, but no fetal pole which she says she should be seeing. She ordered up a bunch of blood work and I went in again Thursday for follow up blood work on HCG hormone level counts, but I still have no idea what the outcome is. I was scheduled to attend a new patient orientation class (you know, for all the low-class poor girls who get knocked up so easily) and they pulled me from the group, since my pregnancy wasn't viably confirmed yet. I've been a freakin' researching fool the last couple of days, and my hope is quickly fading. Trying to remain hopeful, but the limbo of the next week or two is nearly going to make me crazy. The morning sickness just hit on Tuesday...that has to say something right? I just want to think that that lady guessed wrong and it's still early. Because she could be! I have NO idea when this thing happened - all I know is that for the past couple of weeks we have been nothing but excited with the prospect of a new bitty around here and how dare she replace that with these nasty feelings of woe.

Welcome to the Jungle

2008-11-24T17:49:00.000-08:00

(Halloween Back Peddling...)

I'm so lame for not sharing this with you all sooner, but Axl Rose totally lives with us!! Look! It's him! ...Okay, so it's just Owen. But doesn't he rock the 80's hairband G n' R look? This was a last minute decision the day before Halloween after O decided that his bank robber face mask and sweatshirt were far too HOT for the 80+ degree weather we were having. So we set out to the thrift store on a mission. Thank goodnes for Wal-Mart though, I tell ya. When we got home he dressed up as we put all of the treasures together to see if it was good. Next thing I knew he was struttin' his walk, flippin' his do and saying things like, "If anyone needs me, I'll be in my trailor", in between singing his made up words to Sweet Child O' Mine. I could be mistaken, but I think I've created a monster.

Two Pink Lines

2008-11-21T11:11:00.000-08:00

Love is a many splendid thing. Heartburn is not so much - though I will gladly pay the price. Estimated arrival time is Summer 2009. Details to follow as they become available...

A More Excellent Hope

2008-10-28T01:17:00.000-07:00

This place has been on my mind unceasingly as of late. Everyday I feel an urgency that this is where I need to be, to partake of the blessings that only can come from ordinances performed within these walls. I recall the hope this building has emitted just from its outside in times of great unease in my life, and can only hope of the strength that radiates within. I long to be part of something greater and bring more purpose to my tiny life. And have my family be the forever it deserves to be.

The Haunted Mill

2008-10-28T00:34:00.000-07:00

Beware! The goblins and gouls were out in droves Saturday at The Old Mill. Complete with a spooky walk through the haunted forest where ghosties and grab-me-gotchas lurked, the little ones bravely volunteered to get their hands into the witch's potions and payed visit to the dungeon laboratory full of tasty (and not so tasty) concoctions. Take a look at these bewitching beauties...the belles of the evening...and creators of all things spooktacular. We'll do it all again on Friday!

Watch Out for Prop 8 Thieves!!!!

2008-10-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

Are you serious?? This morning Tom noticed that our Yes on Prop 8 yard sign was gone! I can only assume that it was pilfered by the opposition...but seriously?? A SIGN? I thought that it was my right under the freedom of speech act that I can have any opinion I choose - and so is that right given to anyone else (namely those who do not feel as I do on certain issues). But stealing is still STEALING - and that is like THE most cardinal rule of all - one of the major 10 if I am not mistaken. I really want to go and pick up like 20 signs and stick them all over my front yard now. If anyone knows where I can get my hands on these apparently hot items...let me know. To all of my 'Yes' supporter friends: chain your signs to something sturdy and beware the egg throwers!!

Spooky Love...

2008-10-13T14:55:00.000-07:00

MmmuUuaaaahh-ah-ahh-ahhhh... Halloween is HERE! I LOVE Love LOVE this spooky time of year. I wish they would start selling Halloween decorations 4 months early like they do Christmas. In fact forget those silly Santa bangles and bells...I'll take creepy gotcha's and gouls over that junk any day. Halloween is awesome. I love having a day a year to completely become something that you are not. Fascinating that around the end of September we begin to seek ghostly moaning objects and scary skeletons to hang outside and scare our friendly neighbor kids - and it's completely okay! What could be better.

I haven't crawled up into the attic to get my freaky frivolous finds down yet, but here are some of the decorations we do have up. The Dollar store is great for cheap treasures. And bless the Michael's 50% off coupons!

I'm so excited to be in a real HOUSE for the holiday. For the past 7 years, in Santa Monica, we have not had any trick-or-treaters. Hidden amongst apartment buildings that neighbor upper class treating streets - no one knew we were there. But this year...hehe..we will get to go all out in our efforts. I hope we get kids...

Stop by if you are in the neighborhood on Friday the 31st! We'll have cider and soup!

Twilight Movie Countdown

2008-09-26T17:29:00.001-07:00

Twilight Movie Countdowngreat free widgetsWidgetbox

When did 41 become OLD?

2008-08-15T23:09:00.000-07:00

If I hear another mention that Dara Torres is the OLDEST Olympic Athlete, I'm going to puke. The commentators cannot mention her name or introduce her without saying, 'She's 41, she's 41, she's old, she's old." Man, I think if she could hear them in real time, she would leap off that starting block, swim her dang race, and leap out of the pool in a single bound to give those talkie jockeys a swift dolphin kick where it really counts. Sure, I agree that the woman is amazing, but can she just be amazing without being OLD? I'm sure she doesn't FEEL old, she hangs out with kiddos twice her age. Now...it might be different if she was 42. That's old. Go golden, Dara. Ya old fart.

Someone blow that baby dust on ME already...

2008-08-01T02:38:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or did I totally get left out the latest super-wave of little souls being sent down from above? I'm sure everyone has noticed that there have been hundreds of growing bellies walking around among us. It's become very easy for a girl to feel left out! I'm starting to feel like the nerdy girl in high school who only desires that pair of really expensive jeans so that she can fit in with the cool crowd. Only in this case it's 'genes' not jeans... Lame, I know. But finally being married after long hiatus, my ever aging interior, and with 9 years now separating potential siblings...I'm freakin' ready already! I KNOW good things come to those who wait...but at the risk of sounding too Veruca Salt-ish...I have to say, "I want one NOW". I'm drinking the same water everyone else seems too be; especially at church - I'm living at that water fountain. I must not be doing well enough with what I've got. Maybe it's not in my cards. Or maybe I've become too sensitive about it and someone is trying to teach me a lesson in patience. All I know is whatever the reason is...right now it makes me a little bit sad. I'm thrilled for my dear friends and family with bitty babes and bellies. They are all very special and I hope they don't mind if I live vicariously through their excitement. I know if it ever happens for us, they will thrilled for us as well...but not nearly as much as me.

Have you seen one of these??

2008-07-10T15:24:00.000-07:00

Okay. I'm not supposed to tell anyone how sweet and adorable my husband is (for the sake of his manly ego) but I LOVE HIM! Our anniversary day was shaping up to be nothing short of ordinary, which was a huge disappointment to me since I had it in my head that it should be some sort of monumental celebration, but he surprised me. I got over thinking I needed some huge spectacular event and was looking forward to spending the evening together - just he and I. Something easy, something chill - dinner and movie. We had a great time. Owen was spending the night with Jonathen Moore being crazy, and so we had no curfew... I didn't get dressed up (we wore flip-flops) and made it a relaxing night. It felt like it had been forever since we had a date! When we got home, he pulled out a gift (not that kind...you dirty minded people) and I was totally surprised! Now between us, I can never tell what kind of a gift Tom will get. Since money is usually tight, it's likely to be something practical that I have been meaning to get and just haven't, like pink spatulas or an egg timer. But I have to say that over this year he has been pretty good - for Mother's Day he surprised me with two sets of nesting end tables that I had fallen in love with - and this is what he got for our anniversary!! It's the coolest little camcorder! I've been looking at them since before Christmas and with everything that's out there, I just thought the innovation of it's simplicity was SO cool! It was the last thing I expected. What a great guy to be so sneaky and for giving me little moments of surprise. I know gifts are not to be tokens of our affections for one another and it is not the actual gift itself that is so precious. I find great happiness in just the thought of his wanting to give something that seems out of reach or impossible at the time. Thinking of something that I would never expect and then giving me the world with all of his heart. He's so cute.

1st Anniversary Come & Gone...

2008-07-10T13:58:00.000-07:00

But what a year! They say the first year of marriage is the 'adjustment' year. Ain't that the truth. I'm sure it's hard for Tommy to wake up to a wild haired, make-up-less, hairy legged creature instead of the princess of his dreams. Disobedient dogs, disobedient kids, working, not working, moving in, moving out, moving in again. Money (yea!), not money (usually). Where'd my waist go? I dunno - where's yours?? It seems this is just the adjustment of life! It's never ending. There are always challenges. There are always disappointments. There is always something reminding us of 'the bigger picture' that keeps us striving to overcome those trials of today. I've found that moving forward is what makes all the difference. Looking back only keeps us at the end of line. We learn, we grow, and we have great joy. I love my life. I LOVE my husband. I love our little family and everything that gets thrown our way. And I know every little trial we face is HF's way of making sure we're paying attention...because he's just trying to keep us on the right track.

2470 Updates! New Pics...

2008-06-25T15:59:00.000-07:00

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I've found my HAPPY!

2008-06-21T13:37:00.000-07:00

Ohhh, man! Who'd have thought that having someone else come to scrub my shower twice a month would make me feel as if all the world were in perfect, peaceful harmony? I'm telling you, for the cost of a pedicure or haircut...it's SO worth it.

After cleaning someone else's house day in and day out, having someone help ME for once is more than worth my sanity and better than a day at the spa. Though I know such frivolities may only last but a fleeting moment, I am willing to endure the inevitable heartbreak when it comes.

If I had a spiral notebook, I would doodle 'I love Star & Vanessa' on it encircled in hearts unending.

Out on a Limb

2008-06-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

"Mom! I can see the bees flying to our flowers in the backyard. They're here! Come see!"

''...Okay, okay...", I say. I'm frantic reading a article online about what to do when your pooch eats a rodent. Five minutes later I feel the stare of small eyes.

"What? What do you need?"

"I just want you to come see the bees."

My heart melts in an instant and I succumb. "Alright. Show me."

"You can see them flying from the back door, look - in the sun - all over! Look how many! They're here!"

I can't help but love the innocence and admire his excitement. This little boy who loves to watch the honeybees float amongst the lavender bushes and feels like he is saving them all by providing them with attracting flowers and wearing his Keep the Hive Alive t-shirt - is right.

They're here.

They aren't casually flitting through the morning sun over the roses or the jasmine...they're swarming throughout the entire backyard. And it's only our yard, like an invisible barrier was placed around all the neighboring yards. Apparently someone let it leak that the Gilstraps were sympathetic to the honeybees plight.

Next time I go telling y'all to plant honeybee friendly plants in your yards, do so with great caution. You may well end up with a happy hive of new neighbors to welcome home.

Luckily the bees settled, though they still remain, perched on an outreaching limb of the Ash tree nearly 3 stories up.

Pray for no wind.

Dainty Vicious

2008-06-05T07:36:00.000-07:00

Frankie finally caught that squirrel she's been treeing for months. I think she's decided it wasn't worth it. Do they make doggie laxitives? Gross. Grossgrossgross. Blecch.

Kode Needs a New Home!!!

2008-05-17T18:21:00.000-07:00

If anyone is looking for a funny dog or knows someone who is please check out this guy!
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/pet/697399169.html

Owen Comment of the Day

2008-05-12T21:20:00.000-07:00

Last night as it was growing later, Owen's silliness was becoming deliberately goofy and Toms says to Owen:

"You really need to hang out more often with your Aunt Marvia. You two have a lot in common."

Owen: "I bet I could beat her at most common things."

So there you go. A challenge, Marvia. :)

Beautiful Mother's Day

2008-05-12T21:03:00.000-07:00

Our Sunday afternoon was spent with the Moore's sharing a lovely dinner making new friends. Lilian and I made a trip downtown to the Flower Market on Saturday and found some fun flowers for the 'Wedding Urns'. We decided shopping for flowers was far too much fun to only do once in awhile and I think it will be a treat for ourselves at least every other month or so. I thought I would share some pics (especially for Mom) of the arrangements I did. They turned out pretty nice, if I do say so myself...

Owen Comment of the Day

2008-05-06T21:36:00.000-07:00

This morning as we were getting started, Tom and I were in a snuggled embrace and Tom says to a nearby Owen, "I kinda like her".

Owen: "No. You love her. That's why you married her, duh."

Tom: "I do love her...(whispers) even more than my guns."

Owen: "Well that's just wrong".

The Work in Progress at 2470

2008-05-06T21:25:00.000-07:00

Here's some of the things going on at 2470. Most of these aren't new, and I will get some good ones of the kitchen and laundry up soon! Check back!

Owen's Crusade

2008-05-06T19:33:00.000-07:00

Colony Collapse Disorder - Save the Diasppearing Bees

Did you know that every third bite of food we eat depends on bees for pollination? You might not have given much thought to the role honeybees play in our ecosystem. But fact is, 30% of the fruit- and vegetable-producing plants we rely on to feed our families need honeybee pollination to thrive. ...

My 8 year old son, Owen, has found a cause. He is determined to help people realize how important bees are to our world. He wants to spread the messege so that other children and adults can do their part in helping to save these little heros.

"If the bees disappeared off of the globe then man would only have four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man." - Albert Einstien

Do your part and visit these helpful sites: http://www.helpthehoneybees.com/ where Haagen-Dazs ice cream is leading a campaign to fund research on CCD. They have a new ice cream flavor that will generate proceeds for research and you can download screensavers, order cool t-shirts, and learn about planting bee attracting gardens.

http://www.burtsbees.com/ will send a free packet of wildflowers for you to plant to attract native bees to your own little corner of the world. They also have a great little video clip that tells a bit about CCD and if you can get past the narrator with the lisp..it's cute.

By saving the bees, we save a lot more than the bees.

Be involved. For The Greater Good.

Moving, Marriage or Metabolism?

2008-05-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

Whatever the excuse or reason, lately I'm feeling a little more Botticelli than Top Model. So what, I've got curves, right? WRONG...why does my 30 something self still think I should have that 20 year old body? How come I can't look in the mirror and recognize myself for the woman that I am - a wife, a mother, a teacher. Someone who has seen the bottom and continues to strive for the top? This is my psycho-physio struggle, trying to love me during all stages of 'me'...yet never seeming to be satisfied.