Basketball, hiking and Reagan

ahhhh, it's been a few weeks since I've been able to post anything. School is keeping us very busy. Stephen has had multiple projects. Basketball has ended. Stephen continues to improve each season he plays.

The kids had a random day off from school. In our quest to hike new trails, we went hiking at Vazquez Rocks. It was a fairly easy hike. Colleen and I had our own separate adventure when we lost track of the rest of our group. Luckily, we had cell phones. Vinnie came to our rescue. My kids are crazy-no fear. Vinnie is at the top of the rock.......

Vinnie and I have been doing a weekly hike at Towsley Canyon. Next on our list is the Hollywood Sign hike. 

One of Stephen's project has been a report on Ronald Reagan. Writing is not one of Stephen's strong areas. I have to continually encourage (push) him to try. He did most of the work for this project on his own. I provided help and guidance as needed. Today is his big day-he has to give an oral speech in front of his class as Ronald Reagan. GO STEPHEN!! I'll update later on he did. 

end of the week

This was my last week before school starts. I am taking 11 units this term. Life is going to be crazy. I went to Disneyland with my 2nd mom and her friend. It was great hanging out with these crazy ladies. The lines were short so we were able to get on all of our favorite rides. We had a blast!!

Mitzi and I love going to the treasure stores (thrift shops) in Ventura. We were finally able to coordinate our schedules for a trip on Friday. Stephen needs a suit for his Ronald Reagan speech. I scored this at 2 different stores for under $15. I love finding a good deal. On our way home we stopped at an ice cream shop. Mcconnell's was an interesting experience. I definitely recommend checking it out if you are even in the area. The ice cream is all natural and oh so YUMMY!

hiking adventures

Today we went with friends to the Placerita Wildlife Center. They have all kinds of creatures. The boys especially enjoyed the snakes and spiders.

Then we decided to take the kids on a hike. I am enjoying these adventures and am thankful I have wonderful people to share them with. 

These kids are crazy. 

Success!! 

Goals

I am determined to make serious changes this year. I have increased exercise and am trying to make smarter food choices. I have also done something I have never done before (twice already)- hiked up a mountain. I love the terrain and even though I feel like I'm going to die walking up the inclines, it is exhilarating once finished. It also helps to have people with you that provide motivation. I'm looking forward to doing this hike twice this week. Here's a picture taken from our highest point:

My silly valentine

I found a cool app for my phone (picsart). I've been playing around with different pictures. Here's a recent one:

Future President

Hard to get back into a school routine when the kids have yet another day off. Today was King day. Stephen has a research project to do on Ronald Reagan so we visited the Reagan Library. What better way to get information than from the actual source. We gathered some interesting information that Stephen can hopefully incorporate into his report. I guess you are wondering about the title of this post... see below (I love this).....

Happy New Year

Another year gone. I am not sorry to see 2011 end. It was a year full of change. Changes... good or bad, life is full of them. As I get older, I find it is easier to just ride it out and see what awaits on the other side. Changes happen. We have no control over most of them.
We look forward to whatever changes 2012 brings. We have goals ( I refuse to call them resolutions) that hopefully will be life changing.
Changes in eating habits and exercise habits.
The biggest goal for me is to finish my courses and get my accounting certification.
There is no escaping change. Embrace it and realize that even negative changes can produce a positive outcome.
I hope 2012 brings you all the changes you desire and the perseverance to ride out those that you do not.