Category Archives: Uncategorized

I watched the sunrise this morning. It seemed faster than normal… usually the sun just creeps over the mountains, but today it seemed to shoot up in the blink of an eye.

We stopped at Starbucks before school. It’s the first full week for the big kids, and Pete starts preschool again on Wednesday. The kids are still giving their days 10/10, so I’m happy with that. Pete got to see his new classroom and met his teacher today. He didn’t want to take the tour, not wanting to leave my side, but changed his mind when it came to the playground. As we were pulling out of the driveway, we spotted Jack sitting at a picnic table having lunch. It’s a good thing he was wearing such a bright shirt, we were able to spot him right away. We rolled down the windows and waved to him.

Our renters that have lived in the loft above our office all summer packed up their things and drove back to Utah. As they drove off, it felt like the official end of summer. The last lingering summer thing is now done. Goodbye summer vacation- you sure were a fun one.

To recap summer. We kicked off my birthday weekend in Huntington and Newport Beach where we checked out Volkswagen shows and I lived out some OC fantasies. Pete got a balance bike there which he rode all summer long. From there we went to Pismo Beach, then Cayucos, then back to Pismo where we rented a two story house in Shell Beach for a full month. We could see the ocean from the living room and watched the 4th of July fireworks from the rooftop. We bought a pass to Mustang Water Park and went often. Ava had a week of surf camp, Jack did a coding camp, and Pete has a handful of swim lessons. I was hired to prep a house in Arroyo Grande to be an STR and finished in record time, making new friends and connections along the way. After coming home, we had a ton of work to do, so we mostly worked in the office while the kids played and swam in our pool. We went fishing at Shaver Lake and rented a pontoon boat, and then stayed in our tiny home cabin behind Ken’s Market. Ava and Jack went to Hartland Summer Camp for a week with our church. Adrian and I went to Vegas. I turned 35. Adrian turned 36. My mom turned 60. Pete turned 4. Now here we are, welcoming the new school year. The end and the beginning of a new season.

Our first weekend after being back at school was perfect. We kicked it off by attending a 30th surprise birthday bash for one of our church friends at the Johnson’s home. There was a big group of kids, and watching them hide while we waited to yell surprise may have been my favorite part. One had an Easter basket on her head. As soon as we yelled surprise, the kids bolted out the door to finally swim and have fun. There was a zip line which Pete was a huge fan of, and the guys played a couple rounds of wiffleball. As it got dark, the cafe lights strung across the yard turned on, and I took a moment to look around at everyone laughing, eating cake, and enjoying each other’s company. It was the ideal summer night, one you might see in a movie.

Saturday we all sat around like a bump on a log. Tired from the week, everyone laid low, watching movies and playing games. The kids surprised me by making croissants and jam for brunch. Later, Anthony and Danielle brought the kids over and we made tin foil dinners in the fire pit. I held baby Ellie until she fell asleep. Pete and Julianna dressed up as spider man and spider woman, and Jack had on his dinosaur onesie. The kids swam and played games. My mom and dad joined us pretty late, after my dad changed water, and we all talked and laughed until after 10. My family. I love them all so much.

We had good intentions of going to church on Sunday morning, but when we finally rolled out of bed it was after 9! Very weird for us, but apparently much needed, because we all woke up feeling fresh and renewed. Pete knocked on our door this morning and said “Mom, I need to hug you!”. Adrian and I sat in our cozy chairs by the front window and read our bibles and took care of some things. I’m on week three of my Bible study and loving it. Today’s reading was about rest, which was very fitting for this weekend’s slowness.

Once we got dressed, I headed out with the kids to pick the ripe veggies in the garden. We came out with a ton of hot peppers, some tomatoes, onions, and sweet corn. We washed and processed all the veggies, chopped the onions and corn to be used later, and made six batches of hot sauce! Then the boys went outside to play and Ava and I watched her favorite show and ate hersheys chocolate dipped in peanut butter.

Pete came in from outside holding a single hummingbird flower behind his back. He said “Sorry mommy! There are no flowers left!” Then with his sly smile he exclaimed “Just kidding!!” And handed me the flower. I added it to my vase in the kitchen window, already full of flowers from Pete.

Jack and Ava got some materials together and built a fire by themselves outside in the fire pit. After swimming and making lots of s’mores, it was time to come in for baths. The kids settled in with the dogs and watched their favorite shows until dozing off. We’re getting into a better routine of going to bed early to get ready for school. The big kids had already laid out their clothes, and though Jack put together bright red shorts with a neon yellow shirt, I’m going to let it ride because I’m just so proud of him for picking out clothes at all. Plus, he looks cute no matter what.

The kids had a great first day of school, they started with Chapel and had easy days, ending at 11:30 for an early release day. Pete and I picked them up, eagerly awaiting their report for the day. Ava’s day was a 10/10. She loves her teachers, even Jack’s 3rd grade teacher who moved up to teach 7th, with a reputation for being extra strict. Jack gave his day a 10/10 as well. He said he sat on the couch almost all day. He’s worried that his teacher doesn’t blink.

Pete wanted me to ask how his day at school went. Even though he spent the day with me in the office. So I obliged, and he said it was NOT a 10/10 because his friend pushed his arm. I told him he wasn’t even at school, how did his friend push his arm? He said he’s been at school for 30 days.

Later I was watching Pete swing on the swing outside. He saw me watching through the glass door and waved at me. Then he hopped off the swing and headed over to the garden, picking me a handful of hummingbird flowers. He brought them in and gave them to me with a big kiss, and reminded me to put them in water so they wouldn’t die.

Adrian and I met the inspector at the duplex we’re renovating in town. It’s a doozy for sure… which always make the best before and after pictures. It’s nice to know we’re helping out the neighborhood and creating housing for people. I’m excited to start designing it.

Coffee Wednesday again! I don’t even know how many cups of coffee I had today total, but it’s a lot. Gram and Jenny came over for some coffee and chit chat. Grammy said something about swingers and I laughed so hard tears filled my eyes. That’s the best kind of laugh. The coffee was pumpkin flavored, picked out by Jack last time we were at TJ Max.

After Jen and Grammy left, the kids and I jetted off to the zoo. We called it our last zoorah before school starts tomorrow. We listened to Oklin Bloodworth songs on the way there to hype us up. First, we saw the wolves, Ava’s favorite, then sprinted off to Africa where the dinosaur exhibit is. Pete loved all the dinosaurs, we stopped at each one to look at the name and make comparisons to the ones we’ve seen on TV. We saw elephants up close, lions, a cheetah, seal lions and harbor seals… Finally, we sat down for some popcorn and soda, and the kids got to pick out a special treat before heading home. Ava and Jack decided to pick out one larger item together- a stuffed cheetah which they named “light”, and Pete picked out a bag of plastic ocean creatures.

Before coming home, we stopped at Target where our blessings were evident. The kids picked out all they needed for school- plus extras to replenish throughout the year. We saw Aunt Karen and the girls there, and one of our employees and her son. I was surprised there weren’t more last minute people such as myself, scrambling to get in some school shopping in the 11th hour.

While at Target we bought Ava an electric razor, which we charged and used tonight, shaving her legs for the first time ever. Her hair is blonde, and she really didn’t need to shave her legs, but I guess it’s a junior high right of passage. She’s wearing a dress tomorrow and is really excited about her new legs.

We sorted through all the school supplies, packed backpacks, arranged first day outfits, the whole enchilada… all the while Pete, wearing little more than a dinosaur mask, was jumping off the couch backwards onto pillows. The plan is to leave by 7:15 to be there on time. This means I have to get up earlier than my new normal 7:30! Jesus help me.

Adrian and I met with some friends tonight because they had questions about an airbnb venture they’re embarking on. It was fun to hang out with them, and also fun to be the “expert” in the field. Adrian said the way I talk about it, everyone can tell I’m really passionate about it. I hope that translates to everything I do. It’s God shining through me, it’s the light He’s placed in my soul. Whatever I’m doing, it’s because of and for the glory of God. And because of that, it shows up as sunbeams shooting out of my face as I speak. I can’t help but to light up when I’m talking, because God has given me that fire.

Morning routine- coffee, Bible study, comfy chair. My hair was done from yesterday so I slapped on some makeup and headed out. Two listings went live today- what a good feeling. We have a competition to see who can call the most guests each day- so far I’m losing, but I love it because the competition is working and guests are actually being called. Just one more way teaching skills have transferred over to this life.

I did a walk through in Exeter and the adjacent property might be used as a wedding venue. I have a new idea for wedding venue management. Seems way easier than property management. When I have time to think about it, maybe it will happen.

I had the honor of writing an article for my friend Jenna today. It was about her family. I went off the interview she did for the magazine… there aren’t enough good things I can say about my friend. It was difficult to write, but I’m happy with the way it turned out. I’ve written a few articles for this magazine. I really enjoy it, but it’s stressful knowing others are critiquing my work. Speaking of which, our first content video went live today on social media. So far so good- I think. I don’t have any negative feedback that I know of.

This evening we headed to the school for the ribbon cutting of the new building and for back to school night. We met the kids’ teachers and toured their rooms. Jacks classroom has a full on sectional couch, which he’s very excited about. Ava has Jack’s teacher from last year. She’s strict but I bet she’ll be just what Ava needs. Each kid wrote their teacher a note. Ava’s note was thoughtful, spoke about Jesus’ blessings on the year, and how thankful she is for her teacher. Jack’s note said: “To teacher, thanks for joining us.” At the bottom he drew a couple stick figures. He’s never been a man of many words.

Then, we met up with Adrian at Dennys for some ice cream and vending machine fun. We didn’t win any stuffed animals, but the pizookie hit the spot! When we arrived home, we found that Chuy, the dog we’re pet sitting for my parents, was missing! It was all hands on deck looking for him, even our Airbnb guest was helping. Finally, he ran up! We think he was in the field across the street. He’s no longer allowed outside for long periods of time!!

Everyone is snuggled into their beds excited because we have plans to go to the zoo tomorrow. Our last hurrah before school starts.

Monday is one of my favorite days because mostly all our employees come in on Monday. We had a meeting about social media posts and a game plan for content. Adrian insists we use the good camera for all our content, so Patty and I dragged the tripod out to the tiny home and took some footage of me explaining what to figure out before purchasing an STR. It was rough. And very hot- we turned off the fan so the mic wouldn’t pick it up. We can only go up from here!

My dad had found a little one eared Chihuahua out in a field when he was farming a week or so ago. They’ve been keeping it at their house, but we get to babysit this weekend since they’ll be out of town. The kids are thrilled. They made him a bed in Ava’s room out of a cardboard box and old blanket.

This evening we went to a local music studio for a music lesson meet and greet. I dragged the big kids there, because I know they both love music and it’s something they’d be good at, but they were still reluctant. Man did the switch flip when we walked in. Jack spotted the hot chocolate bar from a mile away. There’s a library in the lobby. There’s a Lego museum in the back. Heaven? Ava picked the piano, and talked our meet-and-greeter’s ear off, answering questions he didn’t ask. Jack was excited and his quirky self, announcing his favorite color is green and he likes all music but doesn’t have a favorite song, and is only interested in playing the drums. His goal is to be better than his dad. Ava’s goal is to play the piano at family parties. There are certain spaces where I walk in and know, oh yeah, this is good. I felt that way with horse vaulting and Hanford Christian School. I felt that way on Jack’s last baseball team. It’s a God thing, for sure. I felt that way here. We start next Tuesday.

I drove the kids by our duplex to show them what we’ll be working on soon. Then we got some plain tacos from Taco Bell and went through the car wash before heading home right as the sun was setting. As I think back on the day, it just warms my heart to think about how blessed each moment is, and how the good outweighs the bad every single day. It’s easy to focus and dwell on the thorns in our butt, but then we’d miss the good stuff. I feel like I’ve missed a lot of good stuff this way…

Side note- I bought our family matching Hawaiian print swimsuits while we were in Vegas. It’s just as obnoxiously cute as it sounds. Pete calls them his Rainbow Sherberts.

Pete’s clothes- His Hawaiian swimsuit he calls his “rainbow sherberts”. His Adidas sandals are his “Shligger Shoes” He has favorite pajamas that he calls his “Yetis”. And his white blankie with yellow spots is his “Macaroni and Cheese”.

Another day of sleeping in and then going for a mile walk/jog along the beach. This time I remembered my headphones, but loved and soaked in the sound of the waves which I could hear over my music. It was sunny today, and the warm sun and salty air were perfect.

Before checking out of our hotel, I stopped in the lobby for hotel coffee and continental breakfast- just to get the full experience. The coffee was delish. I gave the kids thr granola bar and chocolate muffin which I’m pretty sure are both still in the back seat of the car. Pete said he loves “grittle bars”, so now I suppose we’ll call granola bars grittle bars.

The kids and I went for donuts, then ate them at moms beach house. Mom and Ava played rummy, then we headed out for a long walk. I was able to get quite a bit of work done- two walk-throughs- which I’ll write up tomorrow. When I met up with the kids and my mom, Jack and Ava were performing a ballet on the concrete wall between the boardwalk and the sand. Ava was the ballerina and Jack was the frog. He mainly said “croak” and stood there while she danced around him, with an occasional punch or kick if she got too close.

On the way home we stopped in Paso to round out our school shopping. The boys found backpacks and ava and I came to terms with the fact she doesn’t fit in kids clothes anymore. She picked out a bunch of XS Womens dresses and took them to the fitting room, and asked Jack to go be her judge. He did, and they came back with a first day of school winner.

Settling in at home has been such a warm feeling. I love my bed so much. I love my house. I love my people. Adrian showed me progress he’s made on an outdoor bathroom he’s building out of a sea train. When it’s finished it will go up to Shaver Lake. He also told me about a softball league the church is starting on Friday nights that he’s likely joining- I am so excited to go cheer him on! When we were newly married, I’d take baby Ava to go watch him play softball. I love being his cheerleader.

Tonight I gave free reign on the TV remotes and we watched a treasure hunting movie in our room while the kids watched a movie in the living room and Pete bounced around between both. The house smells like popcorn because that’s Jack’s specialty, especially on movie night.

Charlie, our old dog, is curled up on the floor on my side of the bed. He misses me when I’m out of town. Pip, the stray, is sleeping somewhere, probably with the kids or under Adrian’s jackets hung on the lower rung in his closet.

Thank you Jesus for this life. I look at real estate all the time a dream about a different life, one that involves ocean views or the vineyard estate from the original Parent Trap. But this is the life I love. And I’m so grateful for it.

This morning I woke up and went for a walk along the beach. I soaked in the salty air and just power walked along the ocean… I didn’t even put on shoes, I just walked straight from the hotel room down to the sand. I came across a dead seal, tons of whole clams, and a huge crab… I wonder why so much has washed ashore. The whole walk was one mile… it felt really good to start the day that way again. I realized I hadn’t walked/ran in the morning since I had CoVid at the beginning of the summer.

Pete hung out with my mom at my parents’ beach house while the big kids and I went school shopping. It ended up being an all day affair. We started in SLO and ended at the Pismo Outlets. It’s fun and funny to see their styles evolve. Ava is into the 90’s trend, while Jack is still all about comfort. His favorite outfit from today is a bright green sweatsuit and matching tee shirt. Ava-baby blue corduroy bell bottoms and a yellow semi-crop top. As cropped as it could be while still being appropriate for school.

We ended the day by taking the metal detector down to the beach. The sunset was beautiful. Even though we only found a few bottle caps, tent stakes, and six cents, we always have a great time anticipating the gold ring that’s surely just below the sand.

We have a hotel room with two queen beds- Ava and Pete are in one bed and Jack and I are in the other. Of the five TV channels we get, we’ve decided on sports each night, which is a little surprising because we’re not huge sports people. We watched beach volleyball last night and baseball tonight. Ava and Pete are on a team and Jack and I are on a team. So far we’re two for two.

Earlier when we were shopping, Jack was ready to leave. The cashier said, “You have to shop til you drop!” Jack replied, “More like shop til we go bankrupt!”

During dinner, Pete said, “Do you like pickles mom? That’s gross. I hate pickles.” It reminded me of a video of a Jack that I have where he asks if I like pickles. I said yes and he said “Ewwww! I hate pickles! But I like watermelon.” I found the video so we could all watch it. Pete said that he sounds just like Jack.

I slept in for the second time but still made my way out before the kids. The dogs had gotten into the trash overnight and I was really thankful that Adrian had cleaned it up before I got out of bed. My Bible study this morning was about forgiveness- Forgive others as God forgives us. I forgive the dogs for the mess and Adrian for his general Adrian antics.

I went to work this morning with a long to do list and strong coffee. I set up a new listing in Hanford, signed up for some new opportunities for the company, and collaborated with my team.

A sea train was delivered today. It’s a small one- 10 feet- and Adrian is working on converting it to a bathroom. It’s going to go to Shaver Lake to serve as the bathroom for the dome home we’re installing on a lot we co-own behind Ken’s Market.

Allie and the boys showed up to pet and feed the animals and came in to the office for a quick hello. She’s one of the nicest people I know- I’m really glad to have her as a friend, and it’s even cooler that her kids are my kids’ cousins. Something about a friend willing to show up without it being planned just makes my heart really happy.

Adrian heard about a duplex coming up for sale and jumped into action. That was yesterday. Today, we own a duplex. We went to check it out and assess how much rehab might be. It was F Street level gross, and we didn’t even get to go inside. There’s rotting food and Lord knows what else all over the yard. A tent is set up in the back where a homeless person is living. Trash, debris, glass, and bugs are all underfoot wherever you walk. I was recording and looked down to see little black bugs (I don’t think they were fleas, they looked more like ants) all over my legs. I ran to the front and brushed off my legs, but I have yucky itchy bites on both legs. Naturally I used this as an excuse to take a long luxurious bubble bath when I got home. I’m excited to see the transformation on this duplex, and what it will do for the neighborhood.

The kids and I packed our suitcases and drove over to the beach for a last hurrah before school starts next week. We’re going to do a little school shopping, maybe go to the water slides since we have a pass from earlier in the summer, and I’m going to visit some upcoming listings to take reference videos. We arrived at our hotel, The Edgewater, and found the one thing more exciting than the pool: a vending machine.

Earlier I had told the kids I stayed at Edgewater with my mom and dad when I was little, but I bet it’s different now. Jack said, “Yeah, I bet it has a TV now.” Excuse me sir, TVs were a thing when I was a kid! How old does he think I am?

My mom is here in Pismo, too. She’s staying at her house and came shopping and to dinner with us this evening. Pete, in his Peteness, somehow made it here without shoes on, so I bought him some slides at a tourist shop. We then walked to a playground where he promptly kicked them off full force, narrowly missing the forehead of an unsuspecting toddler in a stroller. This whole fiasco freaked out my mom more than it would’ve hurt the stroller kid. It was a good lesson in trusting Jesus, no doubt. Thank you Jesus that Pete didn’t hit that baby in the face with his flying shoe… ninja style. Amen.

I slept in a little later than normal, it’s so nice to have that luxury.

At 8am my mom met me here at the office and we jetted off to Shaver. I looked at two cabins Guest Equity is going to manage, then we met up with friends for some pizza before heading home. I’m so grateful that my mom comes with me on these excursions.

When I got home I realized Pete has a black eye! He must’ve got it last night, he ran into the bottom of the open car door and cried a little before forgetting about it. Honestly I’m just shocked this if his first one! He’s such a tough kid. And so funny. He asked me today, “Hey mom! What’s up with your face?” I didn’t answer.

I attended a Jr. High Orientation for Ava and then dropped by Cydne’s classroom afterward to see it. I just love this school. The kids are excited to go back.

Before bed, Pete was taking pictures of me. He loves to take photos on my phone. Directing my poses, he said “Be happy! Be sad! Be mad! Butt cheek!” For butt cheek I just squished my face together with my hands, which I guess is how my butt cheeks feel in my jeans.

Tomorrow if I get all my work done, I’m taking the kids to the beach for a little back to school shopping and a last hurrah at the water park since we bought season tickets.

The search continues for a Guest Equity property, but Adrian and I bid on a duplex in Tulare today, so we’ll see what happens with that. It’s exciting and I’m thankful for new projects.