Leisurely Drives and Lovely Distractions...

 
For Christmas, my hubby gave me a camera. It is a Canon Power Shot SX10IS and I absolutely love it. The only problem is that it has more settings than I will probably ever conquer! I have been practicing and experimenting every chance I get and still feel like I am barely skimming the surface of what this camera will do.

Yesterday afternoon Steve and I took a lazy Sunday drive and I grabbed my camera as we were heading out the door...just in case any photo ops should arise. It still amazes me that although we live in the middle of the city, within about a five minute drive, we can encounter such beautiful rural sights:

For some reason that I don't even understand, I have an affinity for lone trees...

and also a soft spot for old crooked fences...
as well as black and white photos!

But even I know some things just have to be seen in color!

Many of the pictures I took yesterday are blurry and I haven't yet discovered what I am doing wrong, but I am still learning and having a great time in the process. Kyle is usually my "go to" guy with photography questions, but alas, he has been distracted lately, so I will continue to read the manual and attempt to learn on my own!

Kyle and his sweet "distraction", Holly.

By the way, Sam also has a "distraction" these days, but I don't have a picture of her ...yet!

 

From our Family to Yours...

 

May God bless you with a Merry Christmas and keep blessing you all through the New Year!

Two Down, None to Go...

 
I am now the proud mom of two college graduates! Sam graduated from CSUS with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Not only did he graduate, he graduated Magna Cum Laude! He worked so hard and we couldn't be more proud!

Sam and I had many discussions over whether or not he would attend the commencement ceremony Friday evening. I wanted him to go and he kept refusing. Basically I ended up playing the ultimate "Mom" card called "guilt" and he eventually gave in and agreed to attend.

After it was over, he had to admit that he was really glad he attended and he actually had a good time with his friends.

Sunday afternoon we had a pizza party to celebrate with friends and family. The pizza was so good it was gone before I could get a picture, but at least I got one of the pretty cake!

Although the party was really for Sam, Steve and I were celebrating too...for after 8 years of sending kids through college we are done! Ahhhhhhhh, maybe now we can actually save for that RV we have been dreaming about for so long. Or maybe we should do the kitchen remodel. Or perhaps take a real vacation. Hmmmmm...

By the way, is anyone interested in hiring a good mechanical engineer? I just happen to know one that is looking for a job!

We wish you all...

 

A very Happy Thanksgiving Day!

May you gobble 'til you wobble!

The Final Blast...

 
After many months of planning and hard work, today was the big test for Sam and his senior project group.

Everything is set up and ready for countdown!

The engine fired successfully, but not perfectly...the nozzle cracked. Sam called the test 85% successful. I call it a HUGE success for students building their first rocket! The best part...everyone made it back safely and there were no injuries! Way to go CSUS engineers! You made us proud!

Just Because...

 

Nothing makes a girl feel more special than receiving flowers from her favorite fella...just because!

Thank you, Honey, for the beautiful roses. You're the best!

Science Experiment???

 
What happens when an unopened can of soda is left in the freezer overnight?

When I opened my freezer door early one morning a few weeks ago, this is what I found. Since Kyle was home visiting, I couldn't automatically assume Sam was to blame, so I waited until they got up so I could question each of them. They have both always loved doing hands on science experiments, but I thought to myself, "this is too much!"

Sam was the first to get up and wander into the kitchen. I asked, "Are you the genius responsible for the mess in my freezer?"

By the confused look on his face I already knew he wasn't the culprit. He responded, "What mess?"

I opened the freezer door and he peeked inside and said, "Nope, it wasn't me, but that is really cool!" Then with a sly grin on his face he chuckled and said, "Must have been Kyle."

Finally Kyle got up and made his way into the kitchen. Of course, I already knew he was the guilty party, but I still had to ask, "Are you the genius responsible for the mess in my freezer?"

His face immediately registered that he knew exactly what I was talking about. He stammered, "Um, maybe... let me take a look". I opened the freezer door and he peeked inside and said, "Wow, I put that soda in there last night to chill it and then forgot about it. I'm sorry. I will clean it up, but first let me get my camera and take a picture because that is really cool!"

I said, "Fine, but I have an idea...next time why don't you do this at your house and mess up your freezer instead of mine?"

To which he smiled and replied, "It wouldn't be the first time!"