Where did Thursday go?

I am finally home and sitting in my pj's and wondering where today went.  We hit the ground running (literally) early this morning and Cole and I just got home a half hour ago.

Cole had two auditions today...one was for a student film and one for a fishing commercial.  So, I decided I needed to go to my local thrift store (third time this week) and get him a fishing pole so he could practice casting.  Of course, when I visit said thrift store, I am the only person in there who is Caucasian who speaks southern English.  To say there is a language barrier is an understatement.  After asking several workers where their fishing poles were, I finally spoke to Paco (or Chico) and he directed me to the front of the store, behind the counter.  I arrived at the register which was jam lam packed with patrons and the girl directed me behind the counter and to the back corner.  Think of my surprise when instead of a fishing pole I found a prosthetic leg!  I know I have a very southern accent but does "fishing pole" and "prosthetic leg" sound the same to you?  I wanted to take a picture to post here but I was laughing too hard.  Needless to say, I didn't get the leg or a fishing pole.

Cole's first audition was at 3:00 and it was smack dab in the middle of downtown LA.  Good thing we left early...

We made the 3:00 appointment in plenty of time and then headed for our 5:00 audition in Santa Monica.  Same traffic; different part of town.  Someone was tired when we got done.

Both auditions went fine and if he gets a callback, we will hear by Sunday for both of them.

Spencer hung out at the apartment and finished school instead of going with us to Cole's auditions.  I love that he is so independent and can stay on his own.

We're tired but it has been a great day.  Hope you all have had a good day, too.

"You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me!  I sing for joy because of what You have done."

~Psalm 92:4

Orthopedic Devices & Another Goodbye

I had to go to CVS Pharmacy this morning before Cole and I ran to buy this....

Dang it, I am too young for this but obviously my 45-year-old knee doesn't think so.  The support felt really good and the "clicking" sound didn't seem as prominent.  We'll see.

We were busy today with "stuff"...phone calls to be returned, papers to grade & record, e-mails to answer, trying to figure out why my calendar on my I-phone would not sync to my computer...I need to upgrade my brain when I try to figure out this techy stuff by myself. Ugh.

Spencer is working so hard with his trainer, Anthony.  It is amazing to see the difference in not only his strength but also his range of motion.  I told Anthony he was an answer to a prayer because he is just what Spencer needed...

Now if I could only get him to come back to Arkansas with us to keep up the workouts. ;)

School was not as busy today so Cole got in some practice time...

I love to sit and listen to him play and sing.  Reminds me of his daddy.

We cooked dinner tonight for our friends, Susan and Grace, who are heading home to Texas tomorrow.  We will miss them.

Pork loin, ratatouille, au gratin potatoes, french bread and red velvet cake for dessert.  Tomorrow, I will be running to San Francisco and back to work it off!


We're all snuggled down in our pj's studying for tests tomorrow.  My mom sent me this picture and I just had to share it.  I hope you have all had a great day.

Amen.


"So now, come back to your God.  Act with love and justice, and always depend on Him."
~Hosea 12:6

Mother Nature needs to change her patch!

Whenever I am hot and I'm on a rampage to throw ceiling fans into high gear and turn the a/c to 50, Brad reminds me it might be time to change my estrogen patch.  Well, I think the same could be said for Mother Nature because yesterday was so nice and mild and today it was 97 degrees!  Jeez, what happened to fall?

I woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed at 5:30 a.m.  Really?  I tried my hardest to go back to sleep but to no avail.  So I sat in the kitchen, with the door closed, and finished a book I had been reading.  Unfortunately, the book was really funny and in order to keep from laughing out loud, I did a lot of snorting.  It wasn't too long before the boys were awake, too.

Cole and I took off on our run at 10:30.  Definitely too late for this heat so I did a lot of walking.  We will be starting much earlier tomorrow morning.

Spencer has worked ALL DAY on school work and studying for tests tomorrow.  He was outside for a total of five minutes and the rest of the time his nose was to the grindstone.  I am just so proud of him.

Cole had a coaching class tonight with a voiceover coach to prepare for his upcoming gig with Disney next week.  After that we headed to Whole Foods...you gotta love seeing a brand spanking new Ferrari in the Whole Foods parking lot.  Just a reminder we are in LA.

We came home and walked down to Michael's restaurant for dinner.  Cole ate like he hadn't eaten in three months.  I promise I feed him.

We're home and I'm ready for bed.  Of course, you know what time it is...you got it, 7:45 p.m.  Oh my.

Brad sent this picture tonight to let me know I have been replaced as VP of R.B. Ewing Builders.

At least my replacement is cute and cuddly!

I hope you all had a great Tuesday.

"And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it.  To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life - this is indeed a gift from God.  God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past."

~Ecclesiastes 5:19-20

Thrift Stores, Fall Soup and Terra Nova

Today was a gorgeous fall day.  Even the weather cooperated and the temps actually stayed in the upper 70's.

Cole and I headed out on our bikes this morning in search of a thrift store.  He has an audition on Friday and the "dress code" is slacks, messenger cap and suspenders.  We had everything except the suspenders so we went a-looking.  Cole found this and he was convinced he HAD to have it...

The helmet weighed more than he does!  The boy is crazy for anything that has to do with motorcycles.

So, I found these waders that are bright and reflective but have the suspenders attached.

Nice, huh?!  I spent a whole $1.00 and I'm going to use the reflective strips at the bottom of each leg and some two-sided tape to attach to my running shirt/jacket.  I'm sure we can find something inventive to do with what's left.

After our thrift store find, we rode bikes for an hour and then headed home to take Spencer to his work out.  We have increased his work out to three days a week and he is doing great.  He really enjoys the challenge.

For dinner, I made a huge pot of soup that I call Valerie's soup, because I got the recipe from her.  It was delish!  We were celebrating the last night for Lars and Hannah, who are heading home to Washington tomorrow.  We will miss you guys!

Lars was in LA to work on the visual effects for the new show Terra Nova.  After dinner and a game of Apples to Apples, everyone came to our apartment to watch the season premiere.  We had so much fun.


Now, it's late and we're off to bed.  I'm so glad we don't have anything planned early tomorrow.  I hope you all had a great Monday.


"My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever."
~Psalm 74:26

Busy Sunday

Today was busy as Cole and I headed east on a road trip to Claremont, California for his first student film.  We left LA at 10:00 a.m. and got home at 5:00 p.m.   Who knew that filming could take so long?

Cole was playing a bully in the soccer scene where he knees a kid...you can guess where.  He really enjoyed it, maybe a little too much!  They did the scene at least 20 times!

I guess five hours at the soccer field will translate into a three minute clip in the movie.  At least he had fun.

While he was playing soccer, I was, of course, making friends...

meet Alex!  Isn't he adorable?  Alex and I hung out during the filming.  At least I got to snuggle with someone!

Cole and I got home at 5:00 p.m. and sat outside and visited.  Now, I'm ready for bed and guess what time it is?  You got it, only 7:45 p.m.  Really, really, really am not liking the Pacific Time Zone.

Gotta get some sleep and get ready for a busy week.  Hope you all had a restful Sunday.  Love ya!

"May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus."

~Romans 15:5

My Boys Say the Funniest Things

Spencer has been on a roll today for keeping me laughing.  It started early this morning...


1.  "I see you're having your nectar from the gods." (coffee).
2.  "Don't tell me you don't know your Kings of Israel."
3.  "No, we don't need another girl in the house."
4.  "And God told Samuel to hang tight."


And Cole has been witty today, too.....
1.  "Hold on, let me get 911 on hold before you do that."
2.  "Hang tight, brethren, I got ya covered." (God talking to Moses)
3.   "If I wore these pants in Arkansas, I would be tracked down and shot." (Talking about mustard-colored skinny jeans)


The day started off early, too early for a Saturday, but it has been a great day.  We arrived at Katrina's, our Business Manager's house, at 9:00a.m. so Cole could work on his sides (script) for his audition with her son, Connor.  While they were rehearsing, I was making friends...

...with fluffy britches (ok, that's not his real name but I can't remember what it is!).  Katrina has five cats but he's the only one I could get a good picture of.  I think the others were scared to get too close for fear of being smooched.


Then, Cole and I headed downtown LA for his audition.  Oh how I hate driving downtown but it was particularly painful today because they had exits blocked off for a movie they were filming AND they are getting ready for Obama's arrival so there were several streets completely blocked.  Needless to say, by the time I missed our exit, got lost, got honked at and told I was "number 1", went to the wrong building and finally found the right building, I was really glad we left an hour and a half early because we made it to the audition with only10 minutes to spare.  After waiting for an hour (there were over 300 kids there to audition), Cole was in the audition for 30 seconds and then we were on our way home.  Whew.


Kari Shea was so sweet to pick up Spencer this morning and he went  to their house to watch the Razorback game.  Cole and I headed over there after the audition and just sat and relaxed.  It was nice.


Cole and I had dinner tonight with Coppelia and Freya while Spencer worked on his predictions for the Heisman award.  I am now snuggled down in my pjs and ready for bed.  The only bad part is that it's only 7:30.  I don't think I like Pacific Coast time.


Hope you all had a fantabulous Saturday.


"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort."
~2 Corinthians 1:3

Are you sure it's the first day of fall?

I understand after talking with my mom today that Little Rock is enjoying true fall weather.  LA, on the other hand, still thinks that it is summer because I sweated like a Razorback today when Cole and I rode to Target!  There was a nice breeze blowing which made it a little more bearable.

This boy can hoof-it on that scooter which is probably why I was sweating so much while trying to keep up with him.  We didn't really need anything at Target but Cole considers it good "training" for the Air Force if we walk, run, bike or scoot at least six miles every day. I'm just glad he doesn't make me carry a 60 pound pack on my back while I'm riding.

We got more information today about some of Cole's upcoming events...

1.  The Disney movie he will be doing voiceover for is called "The Odd Life of Timothy Green".  You can see the trailer on YouTube.  It stars Jennifer Garner but I'm sure Cole will not be interacting with any of the actors in the movie since they have probably finished shooting all of their scenes.  Still, this is an exciting opportunity for him.


2.  Cole has an audition tomorrow for a new pilot called "Zombies and Cheerleaders".  From everything I have read, it is a really funny pilot that is set in a high school.  Cole is auditioning for head zombie.

3.  The student film Cole will be filming on Sunday is called Night Dream Blues.  He will be an extra in the soccer scene.

4.  Cole has an audition next Friday for a short film called the "Grand Escape".  He is auditioning for the part of the younger version of the main character.  Again, nothing he will get paid for but he will receive credits (to be listed on his resume) and they will be showing the film at one of the film festivals in CA.

Lots of fun, fun, fun which is why we came out here.


We had our usual cookout tonight with our neighbors and, as usual, had tons of fun.  Coppelia made an amazing antipasto platter.

Yum.  I don't think I'm going to lose any weight while in LA.


The weather tonight turned out nice and cool with a beautiful sky.

All we were missing is Brad.


We ended the night with a heated battle of Apples to Apples.  Why do the boys feel they have to be so competitive?

So much fun.  We are really going to miss Hannah and Lars as this is their last weekend in LA before heading home to Washington.


Busy day and probably a busy weekend but all we can say is...


GO HOGS GO!!!!!!


"So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows."
~Matthew 10:31

Could You Live Without Your Phone?

This was the ironic question Cole asked me this morning as he, Spencer and I were playing cards (we don't usually take a "card" break at 10:00 a.m. but our apartment was being cleaned).  My response was that it would be an inconvenience but, yes, I could indeed live without my Iphone.  Not even five minutes later, my phone turned itself off and I could not get it to turn back on!  We tried everything but to no avail.  After a couple of hours, I drove to Glendale and went to the Apple store and they fixed it in less than five minutes.  Seems that sometimes your Iphone gets "tired" or "overheated" and the salesman just had to reboot it.  I know the feeling.  I'm happy to report that I did indeed survive without my phone but it's really not something I want to get use to...I know I'm spoiled.

We found out last night that Cole is going to be in a student film that is being filmed this weekend.  Part of it will be filmed in a park on Saturday and then on Sunday, we will take a road trip to Claremont, CA (about 45 minutes away) to film.  Student films are short films that are being produced by (usually) seniors at UCLA or USC who receive their final grade based on their work.  Just like with big budget films, there are good producers and not-so-good.  We are hoping this will be a good experience.

So, it's been a pretty quiet day for the most part.  The boys are studying for tests tomorrow and I'm thinking it's time for a glass of wine with a book by the pool.  I know, I know, I'm really spoiled!

Hope you all had a great day.

P.S.  If you got rain today, send it this way!  Hasn't rained in over three months and it's HOT!!!

"Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit.  All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better."

~Colossians 1:10

My Top Ten List

This morning started very early because I am sharing a 395 square foot apartment with a teenager who not only talks in his sleep, but carries on a complete conversation.  I woke up at 2:10 a.m. and I really did think Cole was talking with someone on the phone.  Of course, he never woke up and I never went back to sleep.

Around 11:00 a.m., Cole and I headed to Marshall's on our bikes, which is in the same parking lot as Target.  I think if I ride my bike six miles every day, surely my pants will start feeling looser. ;)

This is the sign I see every day when we are heading out....

It calls to me (or screams in my case!).  Too bad Brad doesn't feel the same.

Spencer aced his five-page Physical Science test and Cole aced his Anatomy test so all is well in the Ewing household.  Cole has gone to the park with some friends and Spencer is laying on the bed, trying to recover from his workout.  I am so proud of them both.

Ok, so here's my top 10 list of things I like about LA:

1.  They LOVE their animals!  I mean all animals, not just dogs and cats.  And you can forget about ever seeing a stray.  Unfortunately for me, I have yet to see one cat or dog without a tag or owner attached to him.

2.  The weather is perfect.  It's cool in the mornings (around 60 this morning) and warms during the day.  I like the days to be a little cooler than mid to upper 80's but I'll take 80's ANY DAY instead of 100+.

3.  This city is super clean.  I never see trash lying around, even in the low-income section of town (we got to see the alleys in the "hood" during Cole's photo shoot and even they were clean!).  

4.  They have fresh fruit and vegetables year round.  You can always find something fresh to eat at stands on the sidewalk or at the farmer's market and they always have good tomatoes.

5.  They sell wine at Target. ;)

6.  They offer a HUGE selection of restaurants.  Whether its Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, Italian...whatever (except for biscuits and gravy) you can find it here.

7.  Almost every restaurant has alfresco dining, which I love.  My friends in Little Rock give me a hard time because I love to sit outside no matter what the temperature is (my friends have even been known to wear their long johns and parkas on the nights we were meeting for dinner because they knew I would want to sit outside!).

8.  The plants and trees are gorgeous.  I would love to take one of every tree home with me to plant in our back yard.

9.  I HIGHLY recommend the Burbank Extended Stay (a/k/a Melrose Place).  We have met people that we will be friends with from now on and it has been one of the main reasons we have loved our stay.

10.  This one is funny.  People in Cali do not expect to hear a Southern drawl come out of my mouth and when they do, they don't necessarily understand what I have said.  Today at the grocery store, I was trying to step around a guy who backed into me.  He said, "Oh, sorry."  I said, "You're fine." which translates into "No problem."  He said, "Well, you're fine too!"  Really?  I was laughing so hard and I just shook my head and walked away.  I told the boys about it and Cole asked me if the guy was blind!  Haha.

One more thing before I close.  Kari Shea let me borrow the book "Heaven is For Real".  IT IS AWESOME!!!  I recommend it to everyone and I may even buy 20 copies and just randomly pass them out to people.

I also just finished reading Tim Tebow's book "Through My Eyes".  It was a wonderful, uplifting, encouraging book.  I loved it but he talked a little too much about football to suit me!

Hope you all have had a great day.

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

~James 1:2-4

Guess Who Got a Job?!

The sun was shining and the air was cool this morning so Cole and I headed to Target...me on our bike and him on his scooter.  It's 2.8 miles from our apartment so we got our exercise and also picked up a few necessities.

Still in awe of the view from Target's parking lot!

Of course, Cole had to take a quick dip in the pool before getting back to his school work...our neighbor Michelle took this awesome picture.

Hilarious.

The boys have worked SOOO hard on school.  Spencer is experiencing the brutality that is ninth grade but he is so dedicated.  He aced his Themes in Literature and Grammar test today and has a killer Physical Science test tomorrow.  Cole is LOVING Anatomy and hates Pre-Al but is doing great in all his classes.

D-E-T-E-R-M-I-N-E-D!

Our friends, Freya & Coppelia stopped by on their way to Freya's audition tonight...

Isn't she so cute?!  Good luck, Freya!

So, the news you have all been waiting for...Cole booked his first job!!!!  He has a voiceover job for Disney!  A voiceover is where you will hear his voice but not see him, like in an animated show.  The recording is scheduled for October 3rd.  We are all so excited and so proud of him.   I will pass along the details as we get them.

Tonight is pretty quiet.  Spencer is studying and listening to ESPN radio and Cole has gone with some friends to, dare I say it, Chuck-E-Cheese!  Auck!!!!  Better him than me.

Hope you all had a great day.

"So go ahead.  Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this!"

~Ecclesiastes 9:7

Monday Monday

The day started early with our trip to LAX.  Brad and I left at 4:50 a.m. and by all the traffic on the 101, you would have thought it was high noon!  This is one crazy city.

Brad made it home just fine and said all the animals were doing great. I ordered extra hugs and kisses to be given to them from me...I don't think they appreciated my gesture of love.

The boys and I have had a good day but it's been lonely.  We worked all morning on school (them on lessons and me on grading papers).  Spencer worked out with his trainer today and Cole and I went to the library to get books on soccer to prepare for an audition he has coming up.

I'm ready for bed and it's only 7:45 p.m.  Guess that's what those early mornings will do for you.

Hope you all had a great day.

"Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."

~1 Corinthians 13:7

Fun, Fun, Fun

This weekend has been so much fun, especially with Brad being in town.

Friday night, we had a cookout.  Everyone brought food and we sat around and ate and laughed and played two games of Apples to Apples.  I found the perfect wine glasses for Coppelia and I in preparation for Halloween....wine glasses with skull & crossbones!

Notice that we are also color coordinated with our glasses. ;)

Saturday morning, Cole had an acting class in Santa Monica which is about 45 minutes from our apartment.  After arriving at the studio we were informed that Cole was signed up for an adult class so we would have to reschedule for a child/minor class.  After 45 minutes to drive home, the boys decided to invite some friends and go to the movies.  Spencer checked movie schedule/times and we loaded up the kids and I dropped them off at the Burbank theater.  I was almost home when Cole called and said the movie was rated "R" instead of "PG13" (like Spencer thought) so could I please come and pick them up.   Then, this morning we headed to church for the 8:00 a.m. service only to realize when we arrived that the service didn't start until 8:30!  Brad said he is concerned about ALL of us and our inability to pay attention to the small details.  Guess it just wasn't our weekend for a smooth schedule but at least it was a good weekend.

Saturday night, we went over to the Shea's to watch the Razorback game.  Of course, we had a blast.

The weather was PERFECT so we all sat outside.

Kramer looks a little concerned like someone would if they were being held by the kissing bandit!

Super Ninja!

And his trusty sidekick!

We celebrated Logan and Olivia booking a commercial this week...for Oliva, it was her first booking!  Logan booked a commercial for Totino's Pizza Rolls and it will be filmed in Mexico!

Congratulations!

After church this morning, we decided to go to a Dodgers game and Coppelia decided to come with us, her very first American baseball game.

Lots of fun and the Dodgers won!

We have spent the evening getting ready for the coming week.  Brad's plane leaves at 7:10 a.m. tomorrow so he and I will be leaving the apartment around 4:45 a.m.  We hate to see him go and will be counting the weeks until he comes back.

The boys will be busy with school but you never know what kind of fun is lurking around the corner.

Hope you all had a great weekend.

"I know all the things you do.  I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance."

~Revelation 2:2

He's Here!!!!

Yesterday was so great because we got to pick up Brad from the airport!  His plane landed right on time at 11:00 a.m. and we all stuck to him like glue for the rest of the day.

Last night, we had an impromptu dinner for nine!  Kari Shea and her girls came over and took my boys down to the heated pool (at our "sister" apartments one block away) so we whipped up some grilled chicken, pasta and salad and everyone sat around the pool and ate dinner.  It was so much fun.

I was sleeping so good this morning when Brad's phone rang (I think it was 5:30 a.m. but 7:30 Little Rock time).  Ugh .  The boys worked on school work this morning and we've all taken it easy this afternoon.  We did all troop to the Ninety-Nine Cent Store.  It was our outing as a family!  You can find the strangest/most interesting things in that store.  For instance...

Strange.

Interesting.

(I got two for mine and Coppelia's wine glass!)

Just freaky.

The boys are already talking about going back next week for an inexpensive Halloween costume.  From all that we hear, Halloween is BIG here in the land of fruit & nuts so I'm sure it will be an eye-opening experience.

Tonight is our weekly cookout and Apples to Apples game around the pool.  We're so glad that Brad is here to share in it with us.

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend.

"I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done."

~Psalm 9:1

A Prayerful Heart

I was going to continue with my list of things I like about LA but instead, I am asking for a couple of prayer requests.

First, my mom had surgery on her arm yesterday.  It is hard for me to be so far away when my heart is with her.  Please pray for complete healing.

Also, Sonny Shinn, a friend of ours from Arkansas Baptist fell last weekend and after complications from surgery, he was placed in ICU and then, this morning, was put on a ventilator.  Any of you who knows Spencer's story knows what a critical and scary time this is for Sonny.  He and his family have been on my mind all day and I am praying for peace and complete healing.

It seems there are so many who are hurting, whether physically, mentally or spiritually.  I have to be careful not to take the world's problems on my shoulders but to stop and turn them over to God.  It's not always easy but necessary.

Thank you for taking the time to lift these family and friends up to the Lord.  

"Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment.  For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble.  You surround me with songs of victory."

~Psalm 32:6-7

I Miss the South

We have loved having the opportunity to spend time in LA to follow Cole's dream.  It is so special to see if anything comes to fruition for him in Hollywood, but we know if it doesn't then God has a different plan for him.

So, when I say I miss the South, I don't want you to think I've got my whine on...I would just like to point out a few observations I have had over the past three weeks.

1.  These people do not know how to make REAL biscuits and gravy.  Gigi, I can't wait to get home and have you make me my own pan of homemade biscuits & gravy!

2.  If you are walking, running, or biking and you say "Hi" to anyone you pass, expect to get a very surprised look or no response at all.  Or, you get a look that is a mixture of, "Did that crazy person just say something to me?  Is she going to rob me?"  No Southern charm here.

3.  I miss driving around and seeing people I know.

4.  I miss people being nice when you drive.

5.  If you are going somewhere, anywhere, you need to allow an hour or more to get there.  

6.  You cannot just "run" into the grocery store or Target and pick up something.  It takes forever to find a parking place and even longer to check out.

7.  People wear the skimpiest clothes.  It is embarrassing not only to me, but the boys as well.

8.  I miss how Southern people love the Lord.  Even though we may all have different degrees of our faith, we believe in God.  It's been my experience that it is very unusual to find someone who openly professes a love or even an interest in God.

Tomorrow I will tell you some of the things I love about LA.

We're counting down the hours until Brad arrives on Thursday.  We are so excited to see him...three weeks is too long!

"The Lord directs the steps of the godly.  He delights in every detail of their lives.  Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand."

~Psalm 37:23-24

CRaZy Day!

This is what I am doing right now...

Finally.

Today was busy to say the least.  I did get my quiet time this morning and a nice long walk.  I started out running but kept hearing a "click click click" sound and realized after a couple of blocks that it was my knee!  Yikes, not sure what that is from but I decided my three-mile run would turn into a three-mile walk.  

Cole had a session with his acting coach at noon to go over the sides (script) for his audition this afternoon.  After I got him home, I took Spencer to work out with his trainer.  Got home and rested for 10 minutes and then Cole and I were off to Disney.  We went to their offices, not their studios, and it was very nice and very understated. No glitz and no glam.  We waited about 30 minutes before he went back and he was there for maybe 5 minutes.  He said it went fine.  We may or may not here anything from them.

After we got home, Spencer and I studied for a couple of hours for a science quiz and an algebra test.  I just love how dedicated he is to learning it and making sure he gets it right. 

Now, the boys are outside visiting with their friends and playing cards and I am relaxing and watching HGTv!  Woohooo!!

Thank you for all your sweet e-mails and phone messages today.  We appreciate you all.

"I love the Lord, because He hears my voice and my supplications.  Because He has inclined His ear to me.  Therefore, I shall call upon Him as long as I live."

~Psalm 116:1-2

Fun Weekend

Wow, Sunday already and I haven't blogged since Friday morning.  

Friday was a typical school day.  Lots of tests, not very much homework, but lots of groaning from some certain 13 year old who thought he should be exempt from algebra because it was the start of the weekend.  Um, no.

Saturday morning came early because there were chainsaws going full steam at 7:00 a.m.  When I went to investigate, this is what I found across the street...

No, that man is not standing on top of the building, he's actually standing on the side of the tree.  Evidently tree trimmers in Cali don't mess with a cherry-pickers...they run up these trees like they are a superhero.  In addition to running up the tree, they have a chainsaw dangling from one side of their belt and a machete on the other side.

When they are finished, they zip down the line from five stories up.  It's the craziest thing I have ever seen.  Of course, I was standing out there in my pjs taking pictures so I'm sure I was the craziest thing they had ever seen!


I came back in to tell the boys to come and look but they were busy with the college and NFL football schedule for this weekend.

Clueless to all the excitement going on outside.


The weather for the past two days has been PERFECT.  Sixty something degrees in the morning and upper seventies to low eighties during the day.  Cole and I didn't go for our run until 10:00 and it was still cool.  


The Shea's graciously invited us over to watch the Hogs on their big screen tv (ok, they invited Spencer over to watch the game and invited me over to snack and visit with the girls;).  We had so much fun.  They have an orange tree in their yard and it has the BEST oranges I have ever tested!  Darrin is always great about getting a bagful for me to take home.

Fun, fun, fun.


We headed to the outdoor mall after the game and look what we saw sitting at an outside table at one of the restaurants...

Meet Simon!  Isn't he adorable?!  He was on a leash and just sat there pretty as you please and watched everyone walk by.  I WANTED HIM!  I was almost willing to wrestle his parents and grab him and make a run for it but Cole said I would lose.  I'm having a really hard time without an animal. :(


Church was wonderful this morning, especially with the tribute to 9/11.  A very emotional service but very beautiful.


I thought today was going to be a day of rest but I obviously forgot that none of us had one stitch of clothing that was clean, so the day was spent doing laundry.  Oh, which reminds me, I have clean clothes in the dryer.


Logan, Allie and Olivia came over to swim with Cole.  Since Spencer doesn't like the water and because the NFL season started today, we did not see hide nor hair of him.

Crazy kids.


We had our regular rousing game of Apples to Apples tonight.  Now it's time for me to work on school schedules for next week and get in the bed early.  Tomorrow is going to be busy.


Hope you all had a great weekend!


"The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever."
~Psalm 121:8

Whirlwind Thursday

Since the first part of the week seemed to crawl by, Thursday made up for it by being a whirlwind of a day.

We were busy most of the day yesterday with school.  The boys are knee-deep in their classes and I love how dedicated they are to getting it done and making sure it is done right.  I had to laugh because Spencer reminded Cole last night that instead of playing in the pool, he should be studying for his history test.  It's nice to have a back-up parent living with me. ;) 

We got an e-mail from our Business Manager yesterday letting us know that Cole has been called back next Monday to meet with the Director & Producer of the pilot he auditioned for last week!  And it's at Disney!  He is super excited and I am super grateful to Coppelia because she is the one that took Cole to the audition when I was at the hospital with Spencer.  We'll let you know how it goes.

I made a crockpot full of Red Beans & Rice last night and shared it with everyone while they were playing cards.  I usually join in the festivities but after helping Spencer study for his Science test and helping Cole study for his History test, I was ready for bed.  I put my pj's on, crawled in bed, turned on Food Network and was just getting ready to doze off when Brad called.  It was only 7:30!!!!  So glad I didn't go to bed then or else I would have been up at 3:00 a.m.  I think I made it until 8:30 and slept straight through the night.

When I was running this morning, I noticed how many different nationalities there are just in this small neighborhood we are in.  All my life I have lived in the South and most of that time was in Little Rock (except for 12 months in Hattiesburg and 18 months in Shreveport).  I have never lived in a big city and certainly never been exposed to so many different cultures so this has been a true eye-opening experience for me and the boys.  I definitely want to use this experience to teach them that even though we are all very different, we all have the same needs.  My devotional I read everyday is written by Ellen Miller and she really got me thinking when she wrote, "We all long to love deeply.  We all need to be loved unconditionally.  We all have been hurt badly.  We all wrestle with how to forgive completely."

My goal while I am in LA is to be attuned to the needs of those around me.  I may not agree with their religion or their political views, I may not approve of how they dress or how they talk, but I know that God has put me in this particular place at this particular time for a purpose; to show unconditional love.  I plan on bringing this plan home with me, too!

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

"This is real love - not that we have loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.  Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.  but if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love is brought to full expression in us."

~I John 4:10-12

I Can't Believe It's Only Wednesday

You would think that since Labor Day was Monday, I would not expect today to be Thursday.  But when I woke up this morning, I was convinced it was indeed Thursday.  Oh well.

This morning started off pretty rough because we could not get Spencer's computer to read his DVD for school.  I didn't lose my cool; I just moved on to Cole's computer which played the DVD but with no picture, only sound.  I held my tongue and moved on to my computer which played it perfectly.  After he started school, I went outside with my coffee and my Bible and spent a long time out there talking to God.  I am so blessed to start my day with a little quiet time and a thankful heart for God.

One thing I have noticed while being in LA is that it is giving the boys a chance to spread their wings.  Being in the city and living within an apartment complex offers many opportunities for the boys to interact and do things they would not ordinarily have a chance to do at home.  I love watching them take to this new experience with gusto.  I especially love watching Spencer try new things that he probably would not do at home.  I will admit that it is sometimes hard for me to sit back and just let them "do".  Of course, I want to help and fix everything.  But, while they are spreading their wings and learning to fly, I am learning to stay put and let them succeed and fail.  Definitely not easy.

After the hiccup first thing this morning, we got all the computers working great and the rest of the day was smooth sailing.  At about 3:00p.m., I decided to ride our bike to the grocery store to get some french bread.

As Brad says, "She's a beauty!"  Cole is friends with Louisa, who is from Romania.  Louisa left today to fly back to Romania so she gave us her bike!  Wasn't that sweet of her?  It is great and makes it so easy to get around.  Anyway, I decided to "run" up to the store today and as I was leaving, Spencer said, "Don't you think it's a little hot to be riding your bike to the store?  I know Miss Coppelia's phone number and I will call her if you can't make it back home."  Well, that really fired me up and I was gung ho on riding to the store...until I got there & saw the digital sign that said it was 100 degrees.  I pedaled a little slower coming home but I made it!

I cooked Grant's Special Mardi Gras Pasta tonight for dinner, one of those amazing recipes on AllRecipes.com.  I cooked enough for 10 people but we only had eight.  We sat around the pool and ate and talked and laughed....it was so much fun.

We found out today that Cole is one of two finalists chosen for the commercial he auditioned for last week!  They will make the final decision next week....we're keeping our fingers crossed.

Hope you all had a great day.

"For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."

~James 1:3-4

Mundane Tuesday

Today was spent trying to get back in the swing of things.  The boys picked back up with school and I washed clothes and bought groceries.  Even in LA the mundane jobs are still necessary.

It was hot today, as in 102 at 3:15 this afternoon.  Evidently the "extremely unusual" (meteorologist in LA) heat wave is sticking around the rest of this week.  So glad that our family in Arkansas are finally getting a break from the heat and are in the 70's & 80's but sure wish they hadn't sent it to us.

Cole is feeling a little better today and Spencer is still fine.  I'm ready to hit the sack & they still have energy.  Some things never change.

Love to you all.

"Nothing...will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus.

~Romans 8:39

Happy Labor Day

Sunday was a nice relaxing day and I am planning on the same for today.  We went to church with the Shea's and we loved the service as much as last week.  I think we have found our church while in LA.

We spent the rest of the day relaxing around the pool or, in Spencer's case, watching more football.  I did tear him away from the tv during halftime for the A & M game to get in the pool.  I was so glad he was outside or else he would have missed the beautiful rainbow...

We didn't get any rain but we got to enjoy God's beautiful promise.

Cole's allergies have kicked up big time and his head is completely stopped up while his eyes are so droopy they look like a basset hound.  I have loaded him up on allergy meds and he slept for 12 hours last night.  He always has these allergy attacks when we spend any time in a new environment.  I'm just praying we can keep Spencer and I well.

Spencer is going to work out with his trainer today.  We are so thankful he is feeling better and his blood sugar seems to have stabilized.

Today is more pool time for me.  I could totally get used to this....until tomorrow when we start back to school.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to take Labor Day off, especially our men and women in the Armed Forces.  If you see one of these amazing people who sacrifice so much for all of us, please make sure you thank them.

"Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.  They will soar high on wings like eagles.  They will run and not grow weary.  They will walk and not faint."

~Isaiah 40:31