Happy Halloween

Here are some photos of Emily and Nate enjoying their second Hallow's Eve.


We stayed in our neighborhood, which glows with not only the smiles of all the children but also with neon light sticks, necklaces, and bangles. Along with the neon necklaces that I strapped onto our kids, I had red blinking lights attached to the back wings of my fairy and bumble bee so not to loose sight during the mobs at the doors.



In our neighborhood, everyone comes out, and because of the beautiful weather this year, stays out with camp chairs, chili cook-offs, portable wood-burning fire-pits, the works. It really is a lot of fun, activity, and a lot of tiny tots!

Thanks mom and dad for coming over and enjoying the time with us and topping it off with a wonderful meal together.

October Activities

Goin' on a Fairy Hunt.
We were given tickets to "A Fairy Hunt" in Franklin Canyon (out past Woodland Hills). It was beautiful weather and the best part of all was the glitter and dress-up! Good thing mom bought this costume for her--we got more than one use out of it! We took Mrs Sathre (my friend Janine) and her two little ones, Kylie (3 1/2) and Cameron (2).




Pickin' Out Pumpkins.




Carving Pumpkins.
We are like pumpkins. God picks us out, picks us up, washes us clean, opens us up, pulls out the muck, scrapes us clean, carves a new smile, and puts His light in us for the whole world to see.

Italy. Rome, Florence, & Venice

Off we go!

I am finally able to sit and write a piece (lengthy) on our wonderful trip to Italy. We are forever grateful to Jeff's parents for allowing us this opportunity not only financially but also, along with my folks, by loving our children while we were away. Everyone survived.

So many loving friends and family have asked "How was Italy?" it stirs my heart with so many feelings and then I respond, "Oh, Italy was the cherry on the cake to my time away with Jeff." (I just re-read that, sappy, but oh so true.) Yes, I know you really don't want to hear all about Jeff and me (well, some of you do), so I will save those memories for the few of us, and indulge the rest of you in some Italian details.

OK, here they are, great in number, but this is, in essence, our "diary" save the personals...

We arrived in Rome on Wednesday night after 16 hrs of travel. After standing at the luggage turn-style for an hour, hoping my bag was "coming any minute now" little did I know that it would not be coming for another 36 hrs. So, heads down, we worked our way (with Jeff's bags in tow) to find a gentleman holding a clipboard reading, "BERNARDS". We then had a 30 min ride in a nice Mercedes to our hotel, on the way coming inches from hitting a lady on a motor scooter (she merged into our traffic lane very swiftly from another street). The only people seemingly affected by this scene were the tourists in the back seat! YIKES! The driver proceeds to grumble under his breath that there are over 5 million scooters in Rome alone. Hummm?

Once we arrived at our hotel we were greeted with happy helpful people and GREAT accommodations. Yes, it's true, the room & bath were about the size of our kitchen! The hotel's continental breakfast was superb; cold cheeses, salami, ham, juice, fruit, cereal (with warm boxed milk), toast, muffins, yogurt, and perfect coffee and cappuccinos!! Yummy.


The Pantheon



The Colosseum

In Rome we saw the Pantheon (a perfect dome 141 Ft. by 141 Ft. with bronze entry doors weighing 20 tons each), The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Nero's Golden House (This was one of my favorites. Built in 64 AD, after Nero watched Rome burn, it was filled in by his successor in 104 AD to leave no remembrance of its previous wicked ruler). We also saw Piazza Navona (Fountain of Four Rivers and the Fountain of Neptune), St. Peter's Basilica, The Vatican and Gardens. We admired the Vatican Gardens from an aerial view atop Michelangelo's Dome. Yes, we scaled the 443 Ft. climb to get there--over 550 steps--what a work out, but well worth it.


"The Key to the City" Atop the Dome at St. Peter's

We also saw the Sistine Chapel which is famous for Michelangelo's work from 1508-1512, including his Last Judgment in 1535. Yes, and still more, The Spanish Steps & Trevi Fountain. One of these days in Rome we walked for nearly 9 hrs. the second for more than 6 1/2 hrs!

Saturday AM, off to the train station and moving on to Florence (45 min ride). Once there we walked to our hotel situated on the busiest street in Florence (no exaggeration), Via Nazionale to find that this indeed was not going to be the 4-star it boasted of and in fact assured us of. That's a whole other story...

Bye-bye, Rome (sniff). Hello, Florence.

In Florence the weather was wet and cool, but we did see some great history. Saturday night we settled into the hotel (after I re-cleaned the floor) then walked to see Michelangelo's David. David is housed inside Accademia Gallery along with his unfinished work of Slaves (WOW!). Here is a brief history that I found interesting. [It was completed in 1504, Michelangelo was just 29 yrs old. This statue started out as a 16 Ft. column of white Carrara marble that had been quarried for another sculpture's commission and then abandoned after it was deemed "unworkable."] David stands in stark masculine perfection atop a 6 1/2-Ft. marble stand inside a room built exclusively for its display in 1873.
We then walked across town to a restaurant that was recommended to us (Thanks, Mike & Katie!). Sunday was wet and gloomy, we just "saw" but did not tour, The Duomo (463 spiraling steps to the top), Santa Maria Novella, Giotto's Bell Tower, The Uffizi Gallery (3 hr queue), and walked across the Ponte Vecchio (the only surviving bridge of Hitler's 1944 retreating troops).


Ponte Vecchio

Monday we rented a car and drove out of town down into Siena and then up the Chianti Road and over to San Gimignano. We walked through San Gimignano and I could not describe the beauty and oddness of this place. I felt as though we were inside a gigantic castle without a roof (AMAZING!). We missed Pisa (next time, hee hee).


San Gimignano

Tuesday we shopped, rested a bit while it rained, and watched Gladiator (I'll never look at that movie the same again). On our last day there, Jeff purchased a beautiful 3/4 length brown leather jacket for me, thanks love. Oh, it's delicious!

Wednesday AM we were back at the train station, more than ready to leave our shady accommodations in Florence.

After our seemingly quick trip north-east (2 1/2 hrs) we arrive in Venice: La Serenissima (the Serene Republic). Good-bye Florence, Hello Venice!


On the Grande Canal

We exit the train and after a 3 min walk trough the station, we look out into a world too different for me to describe. Lord Byron describes it as "a fairy city of the heart." It is extraordinary, magical, romantic, and worth every minute possible. It shouldn't exist and yet it does. Venice was at the crossroads of the Byzantine and Roman worlds for centuries. It is a city that seems almost too exquisite to be genuine!

We hopped onto a private water taxi (Beautiful in itself. I felt "special") and we wound our way down the entire Grande Canal, a sight to see. The driver dropped us at the end of the canal and pointed our way to the hotel. We headed down narrow calli (streets) & campi (squares) to see our 'light at the end of a tunnel' (literally). Thank you Jesus! The Ca'dei Conti Hotel had its own private bridge lined with flowers that ended inside the hotel lobby. We were happily greeted by a handsome young man in a tailored pin-striped suit who welcomed us. All I could think to say is, "Now, this is what I'm talkin' 'bout."


The Ca`dei Conti Hotel

We were elated, I was giggly.

We settled ourselves and went out to explore...St. Mark's Square & Basilica, Ponte di Rialto (main crossing bridge with shops) and topped off our stay with an authentic gondola ride. Our last nights in Italy we were given a recommendations for our dinner by our hotel. Thanks, hotel guy! Both were extraordinary and so worth the trip in itself.


Gondola Ride



We packed and left Friday morning (sniff, sniff). Can we take the hotel? No.
Sadly, back on a private taxi waiting at the door of the hotel (My glass slipper is about to fall off).

We arrived home Friday night, safely and healthy, after 36 hrs of "travel" and I am now a firm believer in 'jet lag' (I thought it was a mental thing). By Monday night I felt like things were falling back into place, though Jeff had a week of waking up at 3:30 AM.

When we went to pick up our girl and guy at mom and dad's, it was bitter-sweet (all you moms know what I am talking about). But alas, Nathan was no longer crawling and Emily was speaking so clearly. She ran to me, wrapped her body around mine and said, "I missed you so much!" and Nathan was overtaken with joy running back and forth between Jeff and I; we just sat on the floor and let the kids fall all over us. What a very sweet homecoming it was. Thanks again, mom & dad for your love.


Happy, healthy children wearing gifts from dad

Now it is fall and the middle of October. We are looking forward to the holidays and keeping in touch with all our friends and family.

Hope you have enjoyed a glimpse into our 10 days in Italy. Happy 10th to us! Already anticipating the next decade with the love of my earthly life. oxox

Happy 3rd Birthday, Emily!

Announcing the Princess of the Party!


She's 3! Well, almost. We celebrated yesterday (her DOB is 9/27) because Jeff and I leave for Italy on her birthday and return on 10/6 to resume our lives...Also, I will be gone Thurs.-Sun. for a MOPS convention in Texas. Yikes!

In the mean time, here are some pics of the fun things Emily received for her birthday. Too much! But greatly appreciated.
Hugs to all that came, we had a WONDERFUL time.

Thanks for the bike Mommy & Daddy!


Emily, Julia, Justin, Max, Kylie, & Cameron

Miscellaneous Pictures...Enjoy!

Hey mom, look! No hand!


Emily enjoys playing in daddy's camping tent


Emily trying out roller-skating!


Oh man, mom's watching, I can't push all these fun buttons!


Emily enjoying her fun friends, Cameron & Kylie


Emily and her friend, Hailey


Emily & Nathan on the swing-set

Nathan...walking? Well, sometimes.

He has enjoyed crawling for almost 8 mos now (and still prefers it) but he IS walking when he wants to. I have to say, taking one or two steps does not do it for me. I have waited to "announce" this mile stone until he could walk across a room; and he can...when he decides to. So, here are some pictures of Nathan doing one of his favorite things (pushing the walker & being outside) and one of him WALKING.

"Thou whom my soul loveth"

Song of Solomon 1:7

My morning read, Morning & Evening by, Charles Spurgeon
It is wonderful to be able to say of the Lord Jesus--"Thou whom my soul loveth." Many can only say they hope they love Him; they trust they love Him; but only a poor and shallow experience can be content to stay here. No one should give any rest to his spirit until he feels quite sure about this vitally important matter. We should not be satisfied with a superficial hope that Jesus loves us and with a bare trust that we love Him. The old saints spoke positively and plainly. Paul said, "I know whom I believed" (2 Tim. 1:12). "I know that my Redeemer liveth," said Job. Get positive knowledge of your love for Jesus. True love for Christ is the Holy Spirit's work in every case. He is the cause of it. Why do we love Jesus? Because He first loved us and gave Himself for us. We have life through His death. We have peace through His blood. Though He was rich, for our sakes He became poor. Why do we love Jesus? Because of the excellency of His person. We are filled with a sense of His beauty! His greatness, goodness, and loveliness combine to enthrall the soul until it is so overcome with love that it exclaims, "Yea, He is altogether lovely!!" This is a blessed love--a love which binds the heart with chains softer than silk and firmer than stone!

I drawled Bambi

A few weeks ago, as I was preparing breakfast, Emily was sitting on the couch with her Doodle Pro. After a few minutes of peaceful silence, she let's out with enough volume to wake the neighbors, "Bambi!, I drawled Bambi!" I walked over to her and to my utmost surprise, this is what I saw...


"Bambi"
by Emily Bernards

(though I would have said, Rudolph)

More on our Brown Widows...

I know that this may give you the heebie-jeebies but this is what is happening in our lives this week, besides all the other "stuff" like gearing up for MOPS, BSF, and concluding my "Excellent Wife study." Isn't this the point of blogging?? Well my point anyway. So, read on, if you choose.
Monday we had the exterminator come out and spray (because of our recent find on the patio). As he was spraying the garage, I went to the side yard to move some toys out of his way. I went to move Emily’s Cozy Coupe (plastic car you sit in and move like The Flintstone’s) I saw a very large spider that had spun a web right in the middle of the car! At closer inspection I discovered that it was the ‘twin’ to the previously captured brown widow, i.e. "Creepy Crawly".
I turned the car over so to swipe the web and spider and declare victory--as fast as it could it crawled up into the steering wheel shaft area where it was nearly impossible to get to.
OK, now it’s war!
I grabbed a toy broom, and some RAID! and I attempted, once again, to attack. Yes, I got the better of him. I would not be defeated.
I then moved on to Emily's picnic table, saw a few small wisps of web, and behold--5 more! I thought, this is ridiculous, we are being taken over! Mayday mayday! But first, I must take pictures of my findings....
I went to the exterminator and told him of my discovery, and though he was polite enough to stand and listen to me, when I was finished and still gazing at the spiders I had defeated, he asked, "Can you hear your kids if they are crying?" I thought, "What! Aren’t you listening! There are brown widows in, out, and on my children's play toys! What do crying children have to do with this?" I reiterated my concerns about the spiders and showed him my findings and he took me a bit more serious. Though I do believe he wanted me to go inside and leave him to his job.
So, for now, I have come to be quite comfortable with swiping webs and smashing or spraying spiders. I took Emily outside and pointed out some important rules about being aware of spiders and webs and she has developed a keen eye for even the smallest of webs (a strand of hair)!

P.S. We have not had anything appear in the garage or house, so please pray it stays that way.

True & Faithful

"Mothers, look after your daughters, keep them near you, keep their confidence — that they may be true and faithful."
Elmina S. Taylor

15 1/2 month old Nathan...

Wow, it's not yet noon and Nathan has made many new strides today! It is exciting that we are seeing some progress in his life other than TEETHING!!
To begin, I have been trying to teach Nathan to crawl down the stairs after he climbs up (he has been crawling up the stairs for about a month and a half). This morning we were all up stairs and Nathan lay on his tummy and spun his legs around to start down the stairs, and then slid/crawled down the entire staircase by himself! Yeah! He was so proud of himself that he immediately crawled up stairs and then down 3 more times! Now, I am extra excited because it seems as though he is taking his own sweet time to accomplish things like this, signing, walking, talking...(but not teething--have I mentioned that?)
THEN, I was sitting with Nathan at the breakfast table and he signed to me with his hands, "More please".
Hallelujah, anything to cut back on the whining/yelling, "Mama Mama Mama Mama!!" to get my attention.

Creepy Crawly

From pictures of our precious little ones to this guy lurking on our patio...

Mom was able to identify this spider as a Brown Widow Spider which is common in FL and TX. Not sure how it made it into our yard. Needless to say, we will be getting sprayed Monday.
http://centralpets.com/php/PrintFriendly.php?AnimalNumber=4385

Emily & Nathan

June 2005

She took Initiative

After spending some time with a dear friend, I took some tidbits of wisdom back home with me (as I often do b/c she is a great example to me). She spoke of teaching her children some new words and ways of implementing & simplifying those words into there young lives. I thought it was a great idea.
I often forget, even though I am reminded almost daily, that children have a great capacity to learn. Emily has 2 dozen songs tucked away in her little 3 yr. brain and most of them are hymns, praise, and Gaither Vocal Band songs! She has a memory beyond what I think is possible and her awareness of things around her is mind-boggling.
OK, the point is, the same afternoon that I returned home from my precious time with Jess, I tested the waters of teaching the word, "initiative" to Emily. She came in from out side, sat, removed her shoes, and walked them to the shoe basket at the front of the house (without being asked). So, I added to my usual, "Good job, Emily, for being responsible..." the words "...and taking initiative!" She looked up at me, realizing I had said something different, and she says, "What you say?" I replied, "You are taking an initiative when you take your shoes off without being asked--great job!" As a reward, I then gave her a chocolate covered raisin.
A few days later, she does the same thing, comes in from outside and removes her shoes and places them in the basket. She comes running over to me and squeals, "I took initiative! Can I have a chocolate raisin?"
And of course, she got 3 chocolate raisins and a big laughing hug from mom.

Shaver Lake 2005

Whew! We made it. Can't hardly believe I have been going up to Shaver for 12 yrs now. It is a great place and I am so thankful that it has become a part of a family tradition that we will always have. Usually we travel with my brother and his family for a long weekend (Wed-Sun)and then again with Jeff's family. This year, due to Bub already taking time off for his June Lake trip, it worked out to be a one timer for this summer. Though, I am looking forward to next year and our kids being older and more interactive with one another.
I was hoping that Nathan would be walking by the time we went, but alas, no. He crawled and ate dirt and rocks instead. Jeff's parents and family were really patient with him (and me) and all our STUFF! It is hard to whittle down when you have a young babe all that you think he needs...music, blanket, toys, pac 'n play, shade, pacifier, milk, food, ... you all know! Saturday we all stayed in from all the sun that we soaked up on the previous 2 days. The weather was beautiful!
My parents gave Jeff and I a portable DVD player and I can;t even tell you how fun and helpful that was to use!! Now, you may assume that I meant for the kids...No, for me. I watched a movie on the way up, on the way home, and a few during naps over the weekend. I was a happier passenger to sit that long (I really struggle with patience). We even made it home Sunday in a record 3 hrs. and 23 mins.!! Yes, we set our timer. Emily & Nate did great.
Thanks mom and dad for keeping up this great tradition. We love you.

Postings I am just getting to...

OK, I am adding postings for the month of July, starting with 4th 'O July at Jeff's parents, swim lessons, then we'll be current with our recent trip to Shaver Lake. I am post dating them so that they will appear to be "in order of date" and will not be at the top of the page, so scroll down and take a read ... Yes, I'm weird like that.
See "Row-Row Kick-Kick" and "4th 'O July America"

The Classic Comb-Over

I was cleaning up and going through some past picture files on my computer and came across this picture. This was in April, just a few short weeks before we cut Nate's hair for his first birthday (May). What were we thinking waiting so long?

Happy 10th Anniversary! (to us)

Yes, it was, thank you very much!

On Monday, I thought, "Shoot! I probably should not assume Jeff has something in the works for our anniversary, I better get on the ball!" I came up with a very special plan that included dinner and a night together (w/o children). I made plans with my mom and dad to take Emily and Nathan for Friday night. Well, I was so excited that I had pulled something together that I had to finally share my plan with Jeff a few days later. After I told him that I had made dinner plans and that we would have the house to ourselves, he looked a bit blank in the face. I asked him what was up and he proceeded to tell me that he also called my folks Monday and asked if they would watch the kiddies for us so he could take me away. OH! I was more than happy to cancel my mere dinner reservations for a night that Jeff had planned (he's so much better at planning fun things than I am). So, then I couldn't stand not knowing!! I had a mothering melt down Wednesday afternoon, that he let the surprise out in hopes that it would lift my spirits and give me something to look forward to...and it did!
To start the day off right (Friday, our anniversary) I dropped the kids off, spent some time with a good friend. At 2 PM I got a call from Jeff saying he has left work early and would be home shortly. During that call I was standing in a specialty shop buying Jeff his gift from me, so I raced home, packed our bag and off we went, back to our honeymoon hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel & Spa. When we pulled into the valet, they were expecting us. "Welcome, Mr & Mrs Bernards." When we checked in we were again greeted with, "Welcome back Mr & Mrs Bernards, Happy Anniversary. Our gift to you is a Club Lounge Pass. This includes 5 food and beverage presentations throughout the day. Breakfast, Mid-day snack, Afternoon Tea, Hors d' oeuves, and Chocolates & Cordials. OK. Let me just say, that this was a full blown extravagant experience. Unbelievable! We were just doors away from the lounge and the only food we paid for in our 36 hr stay was dinner that night. We were also presented with, after settling in, a chilled bottle of champagne and a beautifully decorated (w/ chocolate) "Happy Anniversary" place of chocolate dipped strawberries. Nice.
Dinner at The Dining Room, was amazing with all of it's courses! The Dining Room was listed as one of the "Top 10 restaurants in the Nation" by Gourmet Magazine. Saturday continued to be "amazing" and if you personally want to hear more, I will be happy to tell you more.
So, thank you Jeff for an incredible treat. Thanks to mom and dad for loving our children while we were away (even when they were pee-ing on your floor, and spreading fever germs around). Love and hugs.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

The Excellent Wife...

A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

Proverbs 31:10-12

OK. Like I mentioned in a previous post, I am reading through, The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace. Wow.

My friend and I meet at our home every Wednesday afternoon while our precious gifts are napping. During this time we chat about the chapters that we read during the week and attempt to soothe one another's wounded hearts from the conviction that we bore. This week we agreed to write out 6 verses and post them around our house where we would see them and meditate on them. Kelli has eagerly accomplished her task and sent me the verses she picked out the same afternoon! These verses & questions are a foretaste of what TEW is all about (so far)...Thanks, Kelli.

"If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above,where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life, is revealed,then you will also be revealed with Him in Glory." Colossians 3:1-4

What is your heart set on? What is REALLY important to you? What is sucking up all your time? Seek after God with the same energy you are currently expending on idolatrous desires!

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important as yourself, do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4

Be alert of sinful pride and anxiety as an indicator that your motive is not righteous. As soon as you aware you are sinning, confess it to God. Take the time and effort to think a God-honoring thought in place of your idolatrous thought.

"Delight yourself in the Lord and HE will give you the desires of your heart." Ps. 37:4

"Search me O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts, and see if there be any hurtful way in me and lead me in an everlasting way." Psalm 139:23-24

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Do you have a quiet confidence that God will work all things for good?

Are you studying and growing in God's word daily?

Do you have a calming affect on your family?

What I have my heart set on will make all the difference in the world in my fulfillment and my joy. Is it Christ?

Row-Row Kick-Kick!

Emily ended 2004 swim lessons well, being only 22 mos. of age. This year was so fun seeing her progress as a swimmer (34 mos.). She confidently dove off of the diving board, swam in "the deep end", and picked up rings around the steps! It was a good teaching tool (again) that she needs to "obey, even when you do not want to" and "remember to say, 'thank you' when someone helps you" (and teaches you). I look forward to the day that she completes these polite tasks on her own. Even I need nudging every once in a while. :-)

Picking up rings


Jumping off the diving board


Swiming on her own, great job, Emily!


July 2004

4th 'O July America!

Enjoying some water balloons at Uncle Mike & Aunt Katie's--thanks Eric!


Nathan has fun in the water too!


Emily ready to partake in the food & festivities-but first mom says I need to say "cheese"