by laura beth

To help make ends meet, I typed up my resume' and filled out applications with the intent of getting some seasonal work within walking distance of grandma's house. My first choice was Michael's, the crafty wonderland, but I also applied at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, The Dollar Tree, Rite Aid, Bath and Body Works, and finally Claire's. I was very hesitant to get a job in the mall, but because it's mid-November, I knew that most places had already done their seasonal hiring. I needed whatever I could get. Claire's was my last stop on Friday afternoon, and as soon as I handed the manager my application and resume', she asked when I could come in for an interview. So Monday afternoon I interviewed and then proceeded to start my first two-hour shift. It's actually a fun job and the girls I work with (all at least 10 years younger than me with the exception of the manager) are sweet and fun. Being a crafty jewelry maker, I didn't expect to tempted by the cheap and trendy accessories surrounding me, but with a 50% discount, and an expectation to wear "flair", I have to admit I have purchased a few trinkets (and Christmas gifts).

by laura beth

Today Kenny and I escaped the heat and headed to Border's bookstore. I got a gift card for an early birthday gift, and Kenny had a gift card from last Christmas. Those, along with 2 coupons, bought us these books: Getting new books is always fun. Although, I was going to get Kenny The Stars for Christmas. Oh well. Thanks Elisa and Aaron & Christine!

Some of you may not be aware of the crazy fires going on here in Southern California. We are fairly close to the Orange County fires, but not nearly close enough to be in any kind of danger. We knew about the Montecito and Sylmar fires, but hadn't heard about the Anaheim/Yorba Linda area one. The morning it started I had planned to walk to the farmer's market. I walked outside and immediately took in smoke with each breath. I assumed it was drifting from Sylmar, as the sky was clear. The winds were crazy though and by the time I got back, the sky was all smoke. Then the ash started falling, covering everything, including the inside of the moho. I am more familiar with wildfires in Eastern Oregon where few, if any, structures are threatened. It was bizarre and sad to think that the ashes falling on my head could have been someone's photos, clothing, or furniture. So far there have been no reported deaths. Here are some sites to check out if you are interested in helping out victims of the fires:

american.redcross.org
unitedwaysocalfirefund.org
barackobama.com
goodwillsocal.org

On a happier note, we had went to yet another birthday party on Sunday. McKynzie turned 3 on November 13 and Madison is turning on 7 on December 2, which is also my birthday (she calls me Birthday Twin). They had a joint party at Pump It Up, which is a place full of giant inflatable bounce houses and obstacles courses. Aunt Debbie came from Texas and we all went to Grandmas afterward. It was a great day.

by kenny

by kenny

Our goal when we left Oregon was to make it to Buena Park in time for this multi-person birthday bash. Aaron, Brett, Chase, Nathan, and Laura. We had planned on taking a boat tour of the harbor, but canceled due to rain. Instead we met up at Lucille's, a family style BBQ restaurant, and ate way more than we should. Went to Chase and Carrie's house for presents than hung out at the local park. We were all playing "toss the ball around and see if you can catch it" game. Some neighbor kids decided to play and I threw it at one of them. He didn't catch it and the ball hit him pretty good in the face. He ran crying to his dad and his brother kept yelling over and over, "You did it on purpose!"


Then we played Halo, had Coldstone, and went home.

by kenny

We took a stroll along the beach at San Simeon State Park and picked up some rocks tumbled by the ocean. Laura uses them for crafty stuff. Then we headed towards to Santa Maria to meet up with Daniel and Joelene Wiggins. We had lunch at In-N-Out (yes!), but we never got a hold of them.

We left Santa Maria sad to have not met up with our friends and headed towards Ratface's. We were reminded we were back in California when we came upon traffic.

We arrived safely at Ratface's and spent the rest of the evening at my cousin Chase and his wife Carrie's house for their son, Caleb's 7th birthday.