Ian prepares for Winter Olympics 2014 snowboarding event!

(Boarded up window courtesy of our new basketball hoop in driveway.)

We do AMAZING things when we're united!

Do you want to look like this when an emergency happens cause you're not prepared??!! ... and have mom give you THAT look?
No way, so this is the first in a series of monthly posts to take our families from wanting to be prepared to being totally ready.

We've all heard the counsel to have a 72 hr kit and food storage for our families... and you know it's nagging you but you don't know where to start. Here's what you do.... AND I MEAN DO IT!

I'm going to follow up with every family each month to see that you've gotten the item of the month (or in this case ... that you've gotten your 72 hr kit completed). Since it can seem a little overwhelming here's where we're going to start..

You can purchase a 72 hr kit for a family of 4 by going here
a 72 hr for a family of 4 is ON SALE FOR $108.95 (it was $195.00)...it even has a cell phone charger!

Or follow the suggested list below and put the 72 hr kit together yourself.
You will also want to have a backpack with a change of clothes for every member of the family...including shoes. Don't forget to pop some fun things in there to help entertain you. It's great to include coloring books or something for little children too. Remember during an emergency anything that is distracting will help and comfort you.

Our deadline to have our 72 hr kits is by FEB 28th, 2009.
Love you guys!

72 hr Kit
(4) ER Food Bars - U.S. Coast Guard approved. 3 day supply for 4 people, 5 Year Shelf-life.
(12) Water Boxes w/ Straws - U.S. Coast Guard approved. 3 day supply for 4 people, 5 Year Shelf-life.
(4) Thermal Blankets - Designed by NASA to retain body heat! Lightweight and compact. Fits in your pocket!
(4) Ponchos with Hoods - Don't be caught out in the rain without shelter. One size fits all.
(1) Tube Tent - Comes with rope and instructions. A quick and effective shelter.
(1) Solar / Hand-Crank Powered Light, Radio, & Cell Phone Charger
(50) Water Purification Tablets - To purify unsanitary water. One tablet purifies one liter of water.
(12) Sanitation/Toilet Bags - Maintains sanitary conditions! Use with container as portable toilet.
(1) Package Toilet Chemicals - Maintains sanitary conditions! Use with container as portable toilet.
(1) Snap-on Toilet Seat (optional) - Use with container as portable toilet. Maintains sanitary conditions.
(3) Lightsticks - 12 hours of bright green light at the snap of a finger! 4 year shelf life formula.
(1) Lightsticks -12 hour Super Bright Yellow 6” Lightstick
(5) Emergency Candles - Each candle lasts 5 hours! Provides light and warmth.
(1) Box Waterproof Matches - 50 matches; light after getting wet! Unique non-toxic formula.
(1) 52-piece First Aid Kit - Comprehensive first aid kit in plastic case. Compact and easy to use.
(4) Tissue Packs - Help maintain sanitary conditions. Multi task sheets.
(1) Safety Whistle - Blow loud for immediate rescue attention! Comes with lanyard.
(4) Dust Masks - Prevents dust and germ inhalation. Reduces risk of inhaling toxins.
(1) Pair Vinyl Gloves (in 1st aid kit) - Protects hands from infection. Maintains sanitary conditions.
(1) Pair Work Gloves - Heavy duty with leather palm. Perfect for any work situation.
(1) Roll of Duct Tape - Great for various applications! A must for any kit.
(1) Plastic Sheeting - Shelter-in-place for protection from contaminants. Easy to follow instructions.
(1) Gas Shut-off Wrench - Protect your home from gas explosions. A truly lifesaving tool.
(1) Nylon Cord - 50 feet of heavy duty nylon rope. Perfect for any number of uses.
(1) Multi-function Swiss Army Knife - 5 function folding knife. A must for any survival kit.
(1) Can Opener - Easy to use GI style can opener. Small and effective.
(4) Out-of-state Contact Cards - Keep track of loved ones with these! Effective and easy to use.
(1) Survival Guide - Complete guide to surviving any disaster! Comprehensive and easy to read.
(1) Packaged in 5 Gallon Air Tight Container - Easy to carry!

Turkey trotting...

Join Us for our Annual Turkey Bowl
&
1st Annual Turkey Trot

Thanksgiving Day
Thursday, November 27th
Berhinger Park
16044 Alicante Rd.
La Mirada

Start Times:
8:00 am Turkey Bowl
8:15 am – 1K walk/run
8:30 am – 5K walk/run
9:30 am – Yoga Stretch class
(bring a towel)

Rain or shine...
we'll be out there having a great time!
Come join us... and bring the family

just a few things i love and ... maybe a great opportunity

i LOVE our photo from last christmas... i'd reuse it this year but Lanie would look like she's in a reverse growing mode... we're hoping for a sweet photo op with this incredible photographer Jay... you can see him here
he's looking for families to shoot in the OC/San Diego area check out his site if you're interested
i was cracking up one day as we were playing in the girls room... Abby was singing and definitely looks like a lounge singer here...
this is my fav photo of us
We love it at liberty park where Lanie loves to play in the puppet show catepillar



gotta love those legs... Lanie walks around on her tip toes all the time now

Declan's Adventure

Declan decided he wanted to climb the Alps (our backyard play set). As part of his adventure he jumped off the mountain barely escaping a monster ( Ian who was trying to get him down). Alas, the story did not turn out as planned as he jumped to the ground and landed on his hands more and broke both bones in one arm near the wrist. Lucky for him, he is young and handsome and his arm should repair in a month. So look out those who try to fight him... he now has a hard left hook!

"It All Started With A Kiss"

The family reunion was great... A HUGE thanks goes out to the Montejano family for hosting the event with 41 of us there ....we missed you Michael, Trisha & Monica

There were so many great momments.... who can forget Tommy's ear to ear smile after he was baptized..... we had a lot of sneak water attacks at the fort... fun times in the relays during the Powers olympics... and what a great bunch of volleyball players.. dedicated to precise court measurements and all.. i think the best part was the 2nd annual gong show.... i knew there was hidden talent in this family...and who knew Steve looked good in red... thanks to everyone for making time to unite this crazy family....

This slide show is just a teaser....the real deal will be coming to you in the near future.... we took a ton!!! of pictures. Okay,,, i took a ton of pics ... = )

Love you all!
CeCe

Sydney & Declan are in their first summer of swim classes. They love the popsicle day every 2 weeks. In a few more summers they will join Ian & Mia on the swim team. Both Ian & Mia have made huge strides this year and have won many first & second place titles at their swim meets.