Photo Update

Hello Friends....It's so much easier to do a photo blog sometimes, isn't it? Here's what we've been up to in April & May.

Santa Monica Farmer's Market


Parents'/Fundraiser Banquet

Our youth painted the mural on the wall, much of which you can't see, but it was pretty amazing:

Laguna Beach, for Kange's Birthday
Candlemaking! Even the boys had fun!

Our very 'posed' photo. Haha!


Finally tried french macarons @ Paulettemacarons.com. My lovely sister brought me a whole box, & they were even yummier than I imagined....thanks for the tip, Judy!
Young Adult retreat @ Big Bear.

Some attempted fishing:

Some grilled:

Then we all hiked up here:

To see this view of Lake Arrowhead:

Our cozy cabin

Bo & Andy's baby shower

The baby room for Christian Thomas

And last but not least, some organic Pecan Pie Muffins I made the other day. They are a little piece of Thanksgiving!

Currently Reading

Work is harder than I expected. But what did I expect? It's a tough crowd. I hope smoother sailing's ahead.

I picked up Jhumpa Lahiri's new book Unaccustomed Earth from Costco the other day. I can't help but expect great things based on its cover. Isn't it pretty?

Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho....

It's off to work I go!

So I found a job 2 weeks ago. It's at a residential facility for teenage boys who have all come out of Juvee & violated parole. I'll be one of the dorm therapists, with 6 boys to my charge. It's just been training for now, but here are some of my thoughts:

1) Boys will be boys will be boys. After 3 full days of "assault training" you're brainwashed a little into thinking the kids are dangerous & violent criminals. Yesterday I finally met some of the kids, & they are some of the funniest kids I've ever met. I had to stifle my laughter during Group session, & I hear this is a common occurance.

2) Grad school does not prepare you for the real world. This is true for many professions, no? The #1 skill needed isn't necessarily knowledge or compassion, but communication. Specifically, assertiveness in communication, especially at this job.

3) It's a job I can sink my teeth into. It's only the first week, but I like it, I really like it. There are so many different tasks, & every day is different from the last. The best part of the job is the kids. "No one ever quits because of the kids" is what I hear.

I've been warned this job is going to be frustrating, challenging, & stressful.

I can't wait.

Visitors

We've been enjoying the company of friends & family recently. It's been fun! (Joey's sister, Jen was also here for a day but there are no pictures!)

JJ & Kaylee from Michigan

Happy Dohl Kaylee!!

My cousin Matt

He found a fantastic job & is moving to LA in a few weeks! I'm excited to have family nearby, & a new church member too. hehe

Son & the kids

We spent the day @ LA Zoo.

The cuteness that is my niece:

Newport Beach

There's nothing like mild March weather...




finding a great job...


and living up the last of your vacation days w/your hubby.

Baby Shower--oh, what fun!

Pictures from the festivities! The food was out-of-this-world, the desserts spectacular, & the decorations adorable. What a great time throwing my first shower...



See the yummy cupcakes? Son made 'em AND the cut-out shapes herself.




Jess brought homemade favors that were scrumptious.

But by far my favorite moment of the evening:

Casey clinging on to me for solace after a good cry