I apologize for being MIA in the blog world. Looking over the last couple of blogs-it's starting to become a "quarterly" blog :)
In addition to just being plain busy with activities and travel, those are only excuses as to why this blog has not been updated in a timely fashion. Truthfully, after reading some friends blogs, and "friends of friends" blogs I realize how truly talented some people are with the written word...and in comparision, I dont' feel like one of them :) But then I decided I am not trying to write eloquent novels about my faith or any other agenda except to let friends and family (who may interested), know what's happening in our lives and share some photos of my cute kids too.
In early June, Scott had a training in South Lake Taho,e so the whole family travelled with him. We were staying at a hotel right on Lake Tahoe and I'd had high hopes of spending the days on the beach with the kids. The location of the room was perfect for this-however, the weather was not. It was in the 40's and even snowed while we were there! Of course that did not stop the kids from playing on the beach and eventually there will be some photos in the Shutterfly album to attest to that.
I attended a local homeschool conference upon our return from Tahoe. It was very informative and encouraging.
We had our annual Fort Bragg Abalone Dive Camp trip the week before Father's Day. At our abalone dinner night we had a total of 30 people! This year the weather was perfect-no rain or fog but it was a bit windy. The other challenge for us was that the campsites for our group were spread far apart and it was not conducive for the kids to travel back & forth by themselves safely to Mema's camp or their friends campsites. We may remedy that next year by travelling in May instead of June. You will see photos in our shutterfly album from this adventure as well hopefully in the near future.
In July, we took the kids to the Folsom Rodeo. Other than it being hot, the kids had a great time. And though she will probably be too big next year-Leah has decided she wants to try the "mutton busting" :) We had an early 4th of July celebration at Uncle Guy's house and celebrated Forrest's 18th birthday a couple of weeks early.
I had a heart catheterization on July 6 that was a bit challenging for me. I originally thought it was because I was getting older and perhaps my body's tolerance for pain wasn't up to par anymore. However, when I was able to remove the dressing 24 hours later-I realized that the location for the cath site was 1 inch above the location where it should have been placed. Ugh. No wonder why it was much more painful than any other cath I've had to date.
A couple weeks later, we headed with Scott to Chico for another training. The kids and I spent our days at Bidwell Park, at a roller skating rink, at Chico Mall, and at Max's Miracle ranch in Biggs, CA. The family that owns this place was very friendly and showed us their ranch. Max is a 7 year old boy who has a heart defect-the same one Scott & Nolan have. His family started Max's Miracle Ranch as a retreat for families with children with all types of pyhsical challenges. You can find out more information on their websites: http://www.maxsmiracleranch.net/ or http://maxsmiracles.wetpaint.com/.
The kids had a great time visiting and playing with the Williams children. Nolan and Max became best-buds and Nolan followed Max around the ranch for most of our visit. Leah enjoyed playing with the youngest three Williams' girls and all attempted to put on a "play" on the makeshift stage-albeit it was a bit disorganized with each of the girls and Max doing their own thing :) While visiting the ranch, we also were able to feed the miniature horses, ride the train (twice) pick plums and thornless blackberries, visit the chapel and visit with the Williams family. What a wonderul thing this family has and is sharing with others!
The week after Chico, Scott and I travelled to Redwood Shores & Costa Mesa for more training. While Scott was busy training, I was busy putting together my lesson plans for the year. The kids stayed home for "Camp Me-ma" and she had many activities planned for the kids for the week we were gone. On the way home from Costa Mesa, Scott dropped me off in Modesto for a homeschool conference as I gear up for Leah's 1st grade year.
I apologize for no updated photos in the Shutterfly album. I'm having an issue with photos disappearing on me-so until I figure out the problem, I won't be up to upload the photos. I don't want to take a chance and lose all my photos. But I've added a few from some trips on the side bar.
That's all for now.
Spring is Here!
Well, I think Spring has arrived because I hear it will snow on the dogwood today or tomorrow. Though last week when my sister and family were here for a visit, the spring weather was in full bloom as were her families allergies. The kids had a great time playing with their cousins and aunt and uncle and we were lucky that the weather was so beautiful so we could enjoy the sunshine. They of course enjoyed it too, coming from the cold Chicago weather.
We started off the month of March with a business trip to Vallejo. Leah & I tagged along and had a some quality "girl time" while Dad was working. We also met up with some fellow homeschool friends and toured the Jelly Belly Factory for a "school" field trip.
The following week, the kids and I stayed home while Scott went on another business trip. We got caught up on school work and household organization, and lots of laundry-as most of the month of March was cold and wet here. Which also left it VERY muddy-hence-lots of dirty clothes :)
Scott and Leah attended a Father/Daughter breakfast at our church and had a great morning together. Scott had 1 more travel week in March down in Southern California. The kids and I stayed home again this week and Leah got caught up with her Awana verses and we went to the library to stock up on books to read during another very wet week here in Rescue.
We ended the month of March and began the month of April with our visitors from Chicago. We were hoping to take delivery on our two new steer while they were here, but as luck would have it, they did not arrive until Wed. night and the cousins left Tuesday morning. The new steer names are Delgado & Poppie from the kids latest favorite movie-Beverly Hills Chihuahua.
That's about it for now. Nothing too exciting to report. Just wanted to check in & post some new pictures for everyone. Once again, to see more photos, please visit our shutterfly site. The link is on the sidebar.
Happy Spring & Easter everyone.
We started off the month of March with a business trip to Vallejo. Leah & I tagged along and had a some quality "girl time" while Dad was working. We also met up with some fellow homeschool friends and toured the Jelly Belly Factory for a "school" field trip.
The following week, the kids and I stayed home while Scott went on another business trip. We got caught up on school work and household organization, and lots of laundry-as most of the month of March was cold and wet here. Which also left it VERY muddy-hence-lots of dirty clothes :)
Scott and Leah attended a Father/Daughter breakfast at our church and had a great morning together. Scott had 1 more travel week in March down in Southern California. The kids and I stayed home again this week and Leah got caught up with her Awana verses and we went to the library to stock up on books to read during another very wet week here in Rescue.
We ended the month of March and began the month of April with our visitors from Chicago. We were hoping to take delivery on our two new steer while they were here, but as luck would have it, they did not arrive until Wed. night and the cousins left Tuesday morning. The new steer names are Delgado & Poppie from the kids latest favorite movie-Beverly Hills Chihuahua.
That's about it for now. Nothing too exciting to report. Just wanted to check in & post some new pictures for everyone. Once again, to see more photos, please visit our shutterfly site. The link is on the sidebar.
Happy Spring & Easter everyone.
Happy Valentine's Day!
We hope everyone has had a great start to 2011! This year we chose to not send out our annual Valentine's Photo due to conserving time & money. You can view our ENTIRE Valentine Photo Shoot at our Shutterfly photo site (see side-bar for link). If you choose to view this, you can see why it's been difficult to find "THE ONE" photo to use. I can certainly appreciate those child photographers that get the most precious pictures. It's hard work! You can also see additional photos taken from our trips described below.
January started off with a boom! We were travelling quite a bit and were home for only half of the month. We left our happy home one Sunday after church, for Fresno and then to Bakersfield for some training Scott provided. While Scott was busy working, the kids and I toured local museums, parks, and other facilities to keep them entertained for the day. We also took the kids to a couple of movies in the evening and had our first experience with a pizza/amusement park restuarant. I'm not sure who had more fun there, Scott or the kids!
After Bakersfield, we headed down to Pasadena for a few days. Scott's college buddy was getting married Sunday evening. We spent Saturday visiting the La Brea Tar Pits, and Sunday before the wedding at a local park. Scott had unfortunately come down with a nasty cold after his training-so he wasn't feeling up to par to do a whole lot, but we knew we couldn't keep the kids cooped up in a hotel room. We attended Warren & Karla's wedding Sunday eve, and then headed home Monday morning.
We were home long enough to do laundry, visit with the grandparents, and pack again to head back down to Ventura the following Monday where Scott had another training. The kids and I visited Mission San Buenaventura, toured the town of Ventura, a local park, and relaxed at the beach during the days, while Scott and team worked. Poor Scott never once made it to the beach with us :(
We headed back to Rescue Friday, and it took us awhile to get use to the cooler weather back home after our 75-80 degree weather in Ventura.
We will be home for the duration of February. Scott's only training this month was local-Placerville. March is another story with all 3 trainings scheduled for out of town. So we are preparing for another crazy month.
I am still working on my time management skills. With Scott incorporating his business, it has created another dimension to my workload with trying to figure out payroll. We will officially both be "employees" of the corporation. For those that haven't done so, you can check out to see what Scott is doing at http://www.thorneonyourside.com/. Mainly he's been providing the "QSD/QSP" trainings along with his cousin Peter's company-BT Consulting. This has been our main source of income since September and so far God has provided for our needs. We have been blessed in these hard economic times where so many others are struggling just to put food on the table, or keep their homes.
Speaking of blessings, Scott and I attended a marriage conference at our church last weekend. I think we both went away with some great insight, but more importantly, feeling as though we were doing pretty good-all things considered- in our marriage. The last few years we've had laid upon us some challenges with Nolan's birth & health issues, as well as Scott's lay-off from Centex/Pulte Homes. But with each of these obstacles has come opportunities; and we feel very fortunate that instead of these distancing us from each other, they have drawn us closer together.
So as many of you celebrate Valentine's with your loved one's, I will be celebrating with mine my 38th year here on earth! I can hardly believe I am 2 years away from 40! And unlike most people I know, I am not dreading the progression of age, but am in awe of it, as I surpass each year beyond my "expectancy" ~ whatever that is :)
Happy Heart Day and remember to take care of your own heart physically & emotionally because (usually) it's the only one you've got!
Love,
Jill, Scott, Leah & Nolan
January started off with a boom! We were travelling quite a bit and were home for only half of the month. We left our happy home one Sunday after church, for Fresno and then to Bakersfield for some training Scott provided. While Scott was busy working, the kids and I toured local museums, parks, and other facilities to keep them entertained for the day. We also took the kids to a couple of movies in the evening and had our first experience with a pizza/amusement park restuarant. I'm not sure who had more fun there, Scott or the kids!
After Bakersfield, we headed down to Pasadena for a few days. Scott's college buddy was getting married Sunday evening. We spent Saturday visiting the La Brea Tar Pits, and Sunday before the wedding at a local park. Scott had unfortunately come down with a nasty cold after his training-so he wasn't feeling up to par to do a whole lot, but we knew we couldn't keep the kids cooped up in a hotel room. We attended Warren & Karla's wedding Sunday eve, and then headed home Monday morning.
We were home long enough to do laundry, visit with the grandparents, and pack again to head back down to Ventura the following Monday where Scott had another training. The kids and I visited Mission San Buenaventura, toured the town of Ventura, a local park, and relaxed at the beach during the days, while Scott and team worked. Poor Scott never once made it to the beach with us :(
We headed back to Rescue Friday, and it took us awhile to get use to the cooler weather back home after our 75-80 degree weather in Ventura.
We will be home for the duration of February. Scott's only training this month was local-Placerville. March is another story with all 3 trainings scheduled for out of town. So we are preparing for another crazy month.
I am still working on my time management skills. With Scott incorporating his business, it has created another dimension to my workload with trying to figure out payroll. We will officially both be "employees" of the corporation. For those that haven't done so, you can check out to see what Scott is doing at http://www.thorneonyourside.com/. Mainly he's been providing the "QSD/QSP" trainings along with his cousin Peter's company-BT Consulting. This has been our main source of income since September and so far God has provided for our needs. We have been blessed in these hard economic times where so many others are struggling just to put food on the table, or keep their homes.
Speaking of blessings, Scott and I attended a marriage conference at our church last weekend. I think we both went away with some great insight, but more importantly, feeling as though we were doing pretty good-all things considered- in our marriage. The last few years we've had laid upon us some challenges with Nolan's birth & health issues, as well as Scott's lay-off from Centex/Pulte Homes. But with each of these obstacles has come opportunities; and we feel very fortunate that instead of these distancing us from each other, they have drawn us closer together.
So as many of you celebrate Valentine's with your loved one's, I will be celebrating with mine my 38th year here on earth! I can hardly believe I am 2 years away from 40! And unlike most people I know, I am not dreading the progression of age, but am in awe of it, as I surpass each year beyond my "expectancy" ~ whatever that is :)
Happy Heart Day and remember to take care of your own heart physically & emotionally because (usually) it's the only one you've got!
Love,
Jill, Scott, Leah & Nolan
Happy New Year!
So if I had one word to describe all of our holiday festivities this year it would be...RELAXING! Amazing huh? But it really was.
We had our annual Begg family party at my aunt's house the Sunday before Christmas, a potluck, so I only had to make one dish. Then over the course of the next four days, we as a family made some homemade gifts for our friends and family.
We attended church service Christmas Eve and they had added a 2:30 service which was perfect, as it gave us time to get home and prepare some of our dishes for our annual Mexican Christmas Eve dinner at Uncle Gene & Aunt Joan's house. We did stay a little late at their place, so the kiddos didn't get to bed quite as early as I would have liked. But Santa was able to complete his task and get to bed before midnight!
Everyone was up by 6:30 am (I think I'll be putting "telling time" high on my school to-do list this year). Santa had filled the stockings, and both Nolan and Leah recieved a gift from him. (Mom & Dad were not too sure about Nolan...we thought he might get coal this year) Both kids were pleased with what Santa had brought and we had a leisurely gift-opening morning. With no where to be until noon, we had time to eat breakfast, get the house back in order and play with our new toys before we headed to Mema's & Grandpa's for our Thorne gift exchange.
The gift exchange here was a little more frenzied than mom would like. I don't exactly know who gave the kids what in som cases...and it was hard keeping an eye on what each Nolan & Leah received, as everyone in the room was opening gifts at the same time. But both kids did well thanking people for what they received. (Thank you cards will hopefully go out in the next week or so).
After the gifts, the kids played with their new toys/games and then we headed home for a couple of hours to play some new Wii games we had received. We then returned again to Mema's for dinner (I didn't know what to do with myself for the 2 hours the kids were playing-as Chris prepared the entire Christmas dinner this year.)
Then on Sunday, we got up and did it all over again at my mom's house. Our menu for that dinner was lasagna, salad & bread. I baked a few loaves of homemade bread that morning and we headed to Somerset for the day. This gift exchange was less hectic as each family handed their gifts out to the kids seperately. Which you would think would help me out...but I'm not sure I paid too much attention to Nolan opening his gifts :( I did however take lots of pictures...so hopefully those will refresh my poor memory. For the rest of the day we visited, the kids played, we ate some food and then ate some more, and toward the end of the day, I even had time to play a game of Scrabble with my mom and Aunt Susan. It was lovely :)
Now...it's back to the daily grind and I am now tasked with trying to figure out how to do the financials for an S-Corporation, as Scott has filed to incorporate his business. With that comes learning how to do payroll (which could be a good thing for me, since I'll now receive a salary). Of course the downside is that there still has to be money coming in to pay our employees, ie: Scott & myself, so we'll have to wait and see how this all pans out. Stay tuned...
Though I started a long list of goals for this New Year...it basically boils down to this:
Fine tune my time management skills so I can get done what NEEDS to get done for my sanity and still have time to "Just Be" with Scott and the kids. Wish me luck.
Happy New Year to all of our friends & family and may 2011 be your best year yet!
We had our annual Begg family party at my aunt's house the Sunday before Christmas, a potluck, so I only had to make one dish. Then over the course of the next four days, we as a family made some homemade gifts for our friends and family.
We attended church service Christmas Eve and they had added a 2:30 service which was perfect, as it gave us time to get home and prepare some of our dishes for our annual Mexican Christmas Eve dinner at Uncle Gene & Aunt Joan's house. We did stay a little late at their place, so the kiddos didn't get to bed quite as early as I would have liked. But Santa was able to complete his task and get to bed before midnight!
Everyone was up by 6:30 am (I think I'll be putting "telling time" high on my school to-do list this year). Santa had filled the stockings, and both Nolan and Leah recieved a gift from him. (Mom & Dad were not too sure about Nolan...we thought he might get coal this year) Both kids were pleased with what Santa had brought and we had a leisurely gift-opening morning. With no where to be until noon, we had time to eat breakfast, get the house back in order and play with our new toys before we headed to Mema's & Grandpa's for our Thorne gift exchange.
The gift exchange here was a little more frenzied than mom would like. I don't exactly know who gave the kids what in som cases...and it was hard keeping an eye on what each Nolan & Leah received, as everyone in the room was opening gifts at the same time. But both kids did well thanking people for what they received. (Thank you cards will hopefully go out in the next week or so).
After the gifts, the kids played with their new toys/games and then we headed home for a couple of hours to play some new Wii games we had received. We then returned again to Mema's for dinner (I didn't know what to do with myself for the 2 hours the kids were playing-as Chris prepared the entire Christmas dinner this year.)
Then on Sunday, we got up and did it all over again at my mom's house. Our menu for that dinner was lasagna, salad & bread. I baked a few loaves of homemade bread that morning and we headed to Somerset for the day. This gift exchange was less hectic as each family handed their gifts out to the kids seperately. Which you would think would help me out...but I'm not sure I paid too much attention to Nolan opening his gifts :( I did however take lots of pictures...so hopefully those will refresh my poor memory. For the rest of the day we visited, the kids played, we ate some food and then ate some more, and toward the end of the day, I even had time to play a game of Scrabble with my mom and Aunt Susan. It was lovely :)
Now...it's back to the daily grind and I am now tasked with trying to figure out how to do the financials for an S-Corporation, as Scott has filed to incorporate his business. With that comes learning how to do payroll (which could be a good thing for me, since I'll now receive a salary). Of course the downside is that there still has to be money coming in to pay our employees, ie: Scott & myself, so we'll have to wait and see how this all pans out. Stay tuned...
Though I started a long list of goals for this New Year...it basically boils down to this:
Fine tune my time management skills so I can get done what NEEDS to get done for my sanity and still have time to "Just Be" with Scott and the kids. Wish me luck.
Happy New Year to all of our friends & family and may 2011 be your best year yet!
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