IRVINE FAMILY 2011

A Missed Thanksgiving

I am truly thankful for many things!

My husband, our children, chocolate(DARK)

The list could go on and on, but I don't have time to blog, facebook, or go hiking with my BFF, because of them!

Who are "THEM," you say?

Watch out "them" is everywhere!

"Them," is harden, crusted, slimey, gooey, stickey, smelly DISHES that are abundantly stacked into our sink EVERY WAKING MINUTE!

So here is to " THEM!"

Do think my tactics will work?

NO! It is worth a try.

30 miles of Solitude

A few months back I decided to do a " sprint triathlon."

Call me crazy.

There is a gorgeous canyon that I have been riding. As the weather has cooled and the leaves are turning the ride is so incredible, (incredibly hard and exhilarating!)

I know, I haven't been posting for a long time, not that anyone would notice. Any who, life is crazy busy with work, soccer, household duties ( moms chores ), and so forth. I have been enjoying life. Even more so when I get to go for a run, swim, or a long ride.

"Here's "to a moment of solitude! I hope you enjoy the ride....

The climb...

Slow winding grades full of brilliant colors, such as life.

Solid foundations peeking. Giving strength to endure.
















Peace

Each climb, reaching its peak, brings a long breath and a thirst- for life.

The rushing down hill turns tempting me, to feel the wind and the breath of life. ( Sometimes bugs too)



The down hill stretch, pumping me full of energy.

I can't explain the feeling... you'll have to experience it yourself.

Come ride with me.

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Music warms my heart and soul.

Several Sundays ago, as I was alone traveling to work, I heard this song on the radio. I felt the warmth and love of my Savior so immensely. A feeling that often gets lost in the busy lives we live.

When I am at church our lovely children are vying for my attention. It is extremely difficult to focus on the meeting or even the purpose why I am there. So every 7 weeks or so, I make it an appointment with the local religious radio station to boost my spirit as I head to work. A whole 15 minutes to myself. I turn up the volume and sing as loud as I please. Nobody is around to hear my mistakes or my off pitch voice. It is awesome.

I work at a hospital doing CT scans. I am constantly exposed to others with illness, cancer or acute trauma. I love my job and the opportunity it brings me to help and care for others. Yet it is also an environment that can often bring you down. So my date with the radio, is a great pick me up before a 10 hour day at work.

Many renditions of this song can be found on "YouTube." I searched for the one that touched me as it did that Sunday morning. Many of the prints displayed are among my favorites but the one I love the most is titled "Forgiven." Look for the print of the woman in a red dress kneeling at Christs knee.

I hope you'll take the time to listen. Maybe even alone, so you too can break out in song.

Christmas and New Years 2010

I carried my camera every where with me. Did I think to take any pictures?

No!

I do have some that I took at home Christmas morning but you'll have to wait until I load them up on the computer. Don't wait with bated breath, you might be waiting a long time.

So these few from my cell phone will have to do.

A little cuddle time while waiting to open presents at Grandma and Grandpa I's


Our baby Calvin's grave.
This is a quick snap shot from the cemetery on Christmas Eve.
Dark ,yet solemn.
Every year this is my most cherished moment of the season.
Our family gathering in remembrance of our son and brother.
Huddled together we have a quiet, simple prayer.
Jason ( dad, Father, husband) always offers the prayer.
My heart swells at this moment as we give thanks for all we have.
Our love is sent on to Calvin.
All here, on Christmas Eve, as we begin our celebration of Christ.
His life, gospel and the fullness of His atoning sacrifice for us all.
All that will bring a fullness to ours, when we are reunited with our son and brother
Calvin.

What is this you ask?

I'll call it "snow painting," with smoke bombs on New Years Day.

Milo had a blast!

What a great way to start of the new year with fire, smoke, and color.

It brought a smile to my face, watching the two youngest having fun in the cold crisp air of the first day of the new year.

With the chill of the winter season, who wouldn't want a cup of piping hot cocoa?

This is Lily's wonderful snowman she made at school.

I love it.

I love hot cocoa at night too...

It makes me all melty, warm inside.

( The spell check doesn't like my form of the word melt. Too bad.)

I am definitely going to hook up with this snowman.

I hope you do too!

I am no longer dreamin'......

...of a White Christmas!

We woke up to a 15 inch blanket of beautiful white snow!

Our poor ugly bush that blooms once a year.

Yesterday, before the snow got heavy I had decided that it actually looks pretty twice a year.

In the late spring when it blooms and when covered with a light fresh snow.

I am afraid that the evening snow is too much for it.

My hubby out shoveling for the 2nd time today!

After driving Tommy 3 blocks to school, it took 15 mins to do so, we discovered that they had cancelled it.

YEAH, snow day!

Milo was beyond excited that he got to have a " SNOW DAY!"

Which totally surprised me.

We always get snow. I think that they decided to just break early for the holiday.

So what do you do on a snow day?

You bundle up and play........

I didn't have to go to work until 1pm so why not.

First off, we built a huge snow fort.

It is imperiative to have one when having a snow ball fight.

Then onto a backyard sledding hill for Lil'.

I am so glad, that I took the time to play today.

I love you Milo and Lily!

Whilst playing in the yard we heard a huge crashing sound.

As we tuned towards the sound we witnessed a tree caving under the weight of the heavy wet snow.

A creek runs along our backyard. One of the trees on the creek bank fell into the the neighbors fence across the way.

We will be having a "White Christmas!"

Thanks to my moms prayers.

To leave or not too.......

Hurry, get the leaves off the lawn the snow is coming!

Just got to love me a BIG pile of leaves to play in and ......

...throw all over the place.

While the rest of the family rakes them back into the pile.

And don't forget, burying each other up to our necks with leaves.

Lil' insisted on buying hello kitty band aids so I gave in.

Here she is wearing one, with out even needing too.

There is no "owie," under that band aid.

Then there is this guy. Who doesn't want to play in the leaves.

He just simply wants to leave.....

No time for frolicking around.

NOTICE the Haircut... handsome young man!!!

Bring on the snow!

At least get it over with.

I need me some long sunny days.........