Doheney Beach, Dana Point, CA!!!!

We had a wonderful camping vacation to Doheney Beach this past week. We were able to join a wonderful group from the boys hockey team and a bunch of their friends when they had a cancellation. Doheney takes reservations exactly 6 months in advance and books up for the year in about 2 minutes online. Therefore, to be offered a camping spot for a week is an opportunity you MUST TAKE!!!! So we did and they even had one more cancellation that our friends were able to take at the last minute. All in all, we had a wonderful and relaxing vacation!!

The pictures were all on my little old point and shoot so they are not great but it's all I have.

Mia playing in the hole Kevin made. Give the kids a hole in the sand and they are happy for hours!

Finley playing in the sand



Mia dancing on the shore-- she is so funny-- she is dancing, singing or tumbling CONSTANTLY!!!!

Owen surfing. Doheney is a surf beach so there were TONS of surfers everywhere!

Owen and his board-- by the way, you will notice very few pictures of the boys. They were off running wild with their friends the WHOLE time so it was rare I was able to get a picture of them.

Girls about to dig a hole

Sand--gotta love it

Playing with daddy

Such awesome legs- I only wish.....

Mia doing a cartwheel

About to do the splits

Love the smile :)

Love that smile-- so darn cute!!!!

That one too--- so cute!

Finley is a good sand digger

Relaxing on the beach

Throwing Cheese balls at the seagulls

Ummm.... Pole dancing?????

Some posed pics but still cute

Silly girls

Posers :)

My beautiful girls!!!

Sugar cones with rainbow sherbet...... awe...summer....

Mia is particularly a fan

Mia riding her scooter-- at the camp ground this activity is very popular

Finley on her big wheel--thing-- it's a razor brand and the back spins around-- its called 360 or something like that.

Riding the campground

One of the only pictures of Ethan from the weekend-- he is way too cool now-- ya right!!!

Eating with Jenna (our friends daughter)

And the boys- with Jack and Dane

Steve and Janine and Kev-- I was so happy-- not one picture of me the whole time--yipeee-- just what I want - a picture of me in a bathing suit-- NO WAY!!!!

We had a blast!!!!

Busy Summer and Happy 17 years!!

I'm really sorry for not blogging consistently but summer has got the best of me. We went to Les Miserables last Friday night and it was absolutely amazing and one of the best Val jeans I have ever seen. We got these things called HOTTIX and they are seats in the theater that are partially obstructed views. The HOTTIX go on sale on a certain date and they go fast. You literally have to get on the phone the second they go on sale and call many-- many -- many times in order to get 2 tickets (you only can get 2 tickets per call-- I had to get 7 tickets so I had to call 4 times which added up to hours on the phone and about 500 redials). The tickets are sold from the front of the orchestra to the back of the balcony depending on when you call. They cant tell you where your seats are at all and they are very strict-- they cant even say "oh you got orchestra". It is totally kept quiet until you get the tickets in the mail about a week later. The best part is, each HOTTIX is only $20 per ticket TOTAL- OUT THE DOOR!!!! AMAZING DEALS!!! Turns out, we had AMAZING seats. I must have been one of the first to get HOTTIX for our date because our seats were A1 and A2. My parents and Brad and Amy's were row 8 and 9 the last 2 seats in those rows and my sister had a box seat. All of our seats were phenomenal and I we had perfect views of everything. The best part is that Kev and I were front row!! We could look into the orchestra and literally got spat on! We could see EVERYTHING and being that close really draws you in! It was amazing and I am so thankful that we got those seats because it made the night even that more special-- for all of us!!!

Kevin and I are celebrating 17 years as a married couple tomorrow (July 2, 1994). We were just 22 year old kids but at that point we had already been together dating for 6 years- we were 16 years old when we started dating. Each year we do a quick trip to Las Vegas for our anniversary. We literally eat and sleep and relax and that we did. We spent 2 nights at the Venetian and ate amazing food and just got back this afternoon. It's about a 3 hour drive so Vegas is an easy get away for us and we just love our yearly trips. This was a great anniversary trip and I am so thankful we got away.

So, to my wonderful husband-- I cant tell you how much I love and appreciate you! You are an amazing man of God who I enjoy watching what God is doing daily in your life and in our families life. You lead our family in every way and most importantly-- spiritually. You are such a wonderful example to our boys of who they want to be when they grow up.

Your priorities are squared away and you know what matters. You love God, your family and give of yourself in every way to so many here and on the missions trips you take. I am so thankful for you and all you are.
You are my best friend and an inspiration to not only me but to many. I am told regularly how amazing you are and I agree wholeheartedly.



You are tender, loving, giving, and provide a perfect example of how the boys should treat their eventual spouses and what the girls should want in a spouse. I thank God for you all the time and I pray for you and the direction God is taking you daily. Happy anniversary my love!! I am so thankful for you and love you so very much!!!!!

Happy 17th Anniversary!!!!

Oh The Pure Palatable Joy!!!!!

Here are some hints about what I am doing tomorrow.



He was imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread.





He was forever changed by the grace shown by a single man..... ringing any bells???





He adopted a child from a worker who was died because she--- "Dreamed a Dream"--- any closer?





There was a young woman who was in love with a young man who felt "On My Own"-- come on-- this has to be giving it away.





But alas, this young man was in love with the young woman who the imprisoned- changed for good- man adopted. These young lovebirds had "A Heart Full of Love".





OK, OK, I will give it up!!!!





I am going to see my #1 favorite musical of all time





LES MISERABLES!!!!!!!!!






I cant wipe the smile off my face because in just 19 hours the curtain will be going up on my favorite musical at the Ahmnanson Theater in Los Angeles!!! I have literally seen it 10+ times. Kevin took me to see it when we were 17 as a surprise. One year during my college years, I saved up my $$ and got myself front row seats-- by myself because I could not afford a ticket for someone else- we were all poor- but it was the best birthday gift ever. Basically-- I LOVE LES MIS and know every word of the whole musical by heart and have sung every song hundreds of time-- just ask my parents- I would sing Les Mis 24/7 around the house to the point that they know all the music as well.





So you have the point that I am stoked!!! We are seeing the Saturday Matinee with my family- my parents, Brad and Amy and Cassie (Kev too) and then after the show we are going to our favorite restaurant in LA "Bodega Louis" which is a new amazing hot spot. Our favorite musical and favorite restaurant-- the makings of a perfect night without the kids-- oh yaaaaa!!!!!! I will let you know how it goes!!!

Dochwhiler Beach Los Angeles

First off let me thank Ashton from Princess Blog Designs for creating my new look. I love it and I needed a nice new look-- so thanks so much!!! She not only does a great job for next to nothing but she also is very special young lady who has 2 adopted siblings from China and soon one more-- Beautiful little Ainsley!!! Ashton is an advocate for special needs kids and just a great all around young lady. I am fortunate to know her!!!

As a quick post-school trip last week we headed to Dochwhiler beach in LA. It is at the end of the runway at LAX. Besides the noise of the planes (which you get use to), it is a fun place to do some beach camping and the best part is you literally camp on the beach-- which we love!!! We had friends who were going to be there the whole week- 7 days- so we decided to go for 3 of those days and had a great time. We would have stayed longer if Kevin didn't have to get home for a meeting but the little break was nice.

* By the way, I had bought a new point and shoot camera before this trip because it was waterproof-- it was horrible and the pictures are bad. I am returning that camera ASAP**

At the beach my kids are always entertained for hours by a very large hole. Kev always digs a massive hole and the kid go at it.

Owen working on the hole



They drill for oil off the coast of California the whole way up and down so here you can see the lovely oil rig in the background.

The kids loved the water and the boys not only boogie boarded but also surfed and both boys were able to get up and ride a wave.

Love this picture as Mia is in mid-jump

It was a bit cool (by our Southern California standard) and a bit windy as it is always at the beach.

All the kids attacking the hole

Finley is a bit tentative to go in the water but got her feet wet a few time

She sure did love the sand toys.

I didn't get a lot of pictures because I was so horrified by the quality of the new camera but that was about it. It was a fun trip.

Saying Goodbye

Saying goodbye is never easy but it makes it a lot easier to know that someday we will see our beloved grandfather in heaven and spend eternity with him in the presence of our Lord and Savior!


Cliff Hammer's earthly body was laid to rest on June 17, 2011 at Riverside National Cemetery. He was laid to rest with full Military Honors due to his years of service in the US Navy. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Thelma Hammer who just celebrated her 95th birthday. All family and some friends (although he outlived most of them) were there to pay their final respects and to support my grandma. It was my grandpa's request that my dad perform the ceremony and my dad did a great job. My sister Cassie did the eulogy and it too went well. It was amazing to recount his life in a few short paragraphs but I do hope my few paragraphs at my own funeral will be as jammed packed and full of love as my grandpa's.

Taking pictures with my grandma before the service began

I loved seeing the casket draped with the flag. My grandpa's military experience shaped him and it was a big part of who he was. The flag put a tear in most of our eyes.

Supporting my grandma-- My moms siblings- Aunt Debbie and Uncle Cliff (Cliff Jr.)

Pall Bearer's were Kevin, Ethan, Owen, My brother Brad, my nephew Christian, my cousin Terry and my cousin Katie's boyfriend (soon to be fiance) Eric. This was a great experience for the boys.

Playing Taps-- man was that hard to hold back the tears. So emotional!

Presenting the flag to my grandma. I was so impressed with the people from the military who participated in the ceremony. It was beautiful!

A final salute

Cassie giving the eulogy

My dad doing the service. The girls wanted to sit with my mom.

Passing out flowers to be laid on the casket

My grandma laying her rose on the casket for a final goodbye.

My mom taking Mia up to lay her rose

The girls with grandma

Again, being a part of the ceremony was so great for the boys. They were respectful and did a great job. They loved grandpa Hammer as he was a big part of their lives. They loved listening to his military stories-- we all did!!!

My grandma watching the Hurst close. It was very hard to watch grandma because she was aware of what was happening and knows grandpa is gone but is also dealing with her own memory problems (remember she is 95). She remembers most of us but struggles with just day to day. I know this was hard for her and you could tell she was grieving.

Ethan was such a man! He was supportive but also was very emotional. Out of all the great grandchildren, Ethan knew grandpa the best and was very touched by his passing and the ceremony. I love that Ethan is totally in touch with his emotions and is not afraid to show them. He was a big support to my mom as you can see in this picture.

Because Ethan was the oldest, he was allowed to go to the luncheon after at a restaurant by our house. The little kids had a babysitter at our house and they swam and ate pizza but my mom thought Ethan was able to handle being at the long luncheon-- and he did. We had a private room and we were able to laugh at the wonderful memories we all had. Ethan even shared a few. It was a great time with our family remembering the glue that held us together but also the one who shaped us all.

We love you so much Grandpa and we know we will see you again!!!

Too much sometimes

I'm typing on my phone since I'm sitting at the car dealership because my battery has died. Just got my car back from being fixed this past week from the robbery so I'm a bit irritated by this battery thing. Anyway I since I have an hour Plus to kill I thought I would update a bit.

Thanks to all who commented about my grandpa on facebook. My favorite grandpa who has been an important part of my life went home to be with Jesus on Thursday night at 9:50pm. He was 93 years old and was an amazing man.

Grandpa, Grandma and Mia in April-- literally only a few months ago!

Cliff hammer ( grandpa) was the best. I was an, ummmmmm.... Challenging strong willed kid. My other grandparents, God bless them, would get very annoyed with my strong personality but not grandpa hammer. He loved that part of my personality and we always clicked in every way. He is where I got my personality from. He was outgoing, friendly, driven, loyal and had a fierce independence - just like me. He also had a little decevious streak just like me. We clicked and were close. He use to call me a couple time a day which I loved. He was absolutely in love with my grandma and I think her going into the memory care unit where they lived contributed to his downward turn. Literally a little over a month ago he girls were at their adult community hunting eggs with grandpa. He was perfectly fine when he had to watch out for grandma but when she had to be put in memory care I think he gave up. My grandpa is now in heaven with so many of his friends and family and I'm sure they are having a huge welcome party. He was 93 and outlived most of his friends and family.

Grandpa with the girls in April

The hard part for grandpa to let go of was grandma. Grandma is a few days away from turning 95 and while her memory is in and out, her body is perfect. She literally could walk 3 miles a day. She is in better shape than I am and I think grandpa knowing he was leaving grandma kept him from letting go at the very end. I spent the whole day with him in Wednesday and all my siblings and cousins came to say goodbye that day. But grandpa was a strong man who was not about to give up too easy so he held on till Thursday night and upon reassurance that he would see grandma in heaven, he finally let go. The funeral is on Friday and I look forward to celebrating his life with all our family. He loved his family more than anything and we loved him more than anything. He was the most amazing grandpa who I will someday see again! I love and miss you grandpa.

Saying goodbye to Grandpa on Wednesday


Another update I want to do while sitting here is to update on Finley since I get asked all the time. So first neurosurgeon (ns) said she was tethered and needed surgery. He consulted with another ns since fin does not show any symptoms of being tethered and they decided we should wait for surgery because just because an MRI shows tethering it does not for sure mean she is tethered. So they decided to send her to the Spina Bifida clinic and let them get some baselines and see if the many specialists that see her think she is tethered and if we should wait for surgery. So last Friday we went to sb clinic and had our initial appointment with the sb clinic director. He would order tests and then about a month later we would return to clinic to see the other specialists. We met wit the director who has been in Spina Bifida for 20+ years. He was very knowledgeable and we really liked him. He was shocked how high functioning fin was and thought she might have not had any nerves involved at all and that is why she has no loss of function. He did not think she would need surgery as Henie not convinced she is tethered in the first place. He said all sb kids look tethered on an MRI and yes she has fat in her spinal column and she may be attached to it but she has pretty much no symptoms so she just may not be. Furthermore, he said 95% of sb kids have impaired bowel and bladder control and that he is surprised Finley has control of both. He says that just confirms the thought that more than likely Finley only had a lipomeningicyle and not a lipomylomeingicyle (that means he does not think the part that stuck out of her body had any nerves involved). Again, that would explain why she is so high functioning. So at this point we are going to have a bladder and kidney ultrasound and then meet with the sb team to see what they say.

We are pretty happy about this news and while there are still a lot of unknowns, things are looking really good for our little survivor. We pray she is one of those kids that defy the odds and so far every dr that has looked at her says she does not fit the typical profile and she may just be that kid that DOES defy the odds.

Finley's preschool certificate

Mia's preschool certificate



Officially we are all out for summer and since Kev is still recovering from his hip replacement he is off too. We are going to do lots of camping this summer and are taking a quick 2 night trip to the beach this Monday. We have a few trips planned but nothing major since money is always an issue. Anyway, sorry for the long nonpictue post but when I get home I'll try to add a few pictures of my grandpa.