One of the GREATEST weeks of my Life! Pt. 3

Sometimes, I really don't like it when someone tells me I can't do something.  This happened this week on February 2nd.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, we receive email updates for upcoming events at the Reagan Library & Museum.  One such update I received, was for the Centennial Concert being held at the Library on February 5th, 2011.  Again, this was an event that wasn't, supposedly, open to the General Public, but I received an email that had an rsvp on it.  I didn't click on it because I figured it was sold out.

At the Library on February 2nd, I was talking with a younger docent (younger meaning, she didn't have gray hair).  I mentioned that I had received an email about the concert.  Before I even had the words out of my mouth, she began shaking her head, "No," in a manner that to me spoke, "You can't go!"  Hmmm...Really?  But I got the email?  So while waiting for the lecture to begin, I checked my email (yes, I do love my new phone) and for the heck of it rsvp'd.  There was a waiting list, but I figured, it doesn't hurt to try.

At about 9:00pm on the evening of February 3rd, I got email notification that we were no longer on the wait list. WE WERE GOING TO THE CONCERT!!  The live concert featured many great bands, speakers, and political leaders.  Amazing, simply amazing!  I was feeling quite blessed!

While visiting the Library on the 4th, I once again ran into that young docent.  I exclaimed, "We got tickets to the concert!"  I think she was in shock.  She congratulated us and by her expression I could see she was just as surprised as I was.

So, on the afternoon of February 5th, after two basketball games and a baseball clinic, we headed out to Simi Valley once again.  This time the kids and I were accompanied by their Dad, my sweetheart.  This was his maiden voyage to the illustrious Reagan Library.  There was no disguising my anticipation and excitement for him to see one of my favorite destinations.

We arrived to the shuttle parking lot and rode the bus to the Library.  This is a good experience for homeschoolers- riding the bus.  It allows them to check that one off their curiosity list.

We arrived and were directed to get in line for the concert held in the Air Force One Pavilion.  The Pavilion was shining like I've never seen it shine before.  Beauty, absolute beauty.  We were given the "Gray" sticker.  It designates where you can sit.  We sat on the second floor, but I wanted to be closer.  I did some talking and found we could sit on the main floor.  I quickly did some more talking, secured five seats with a great view and we were on our way.

Sharing one of my loves with my LOVE

Under Air Force 1.  We sat in this section of chairs at the bottom of the photo.

At our first table, but we quickly moved after the kids ate a hot dog

So cute!

The Program for the Evening

Video Tribute

Video Tribute, Mrs. Reagan

The Stage

The evening began with a welcome from John Heubusch and a video tribute on The Life of Ronald Reagan.  Fred Thompson emceed the events of the night.

Fred Thompson

Fred Thompson

USC Marching Band

USC Marching Band

Drums, horns and marching from the USC Marching band followed.  Oh My!!  I think I want to take up the clarinet again, go to USC and learn to march.  I'm not a Trojan, but if I was I'd probably have fainted with excitement.  They were GREAT!  Goosebumps!

There were a number of remarks given by younger men and women who were part of the National Youth Leadership Committee.  They were bright, confident leaders.  This is an organization I need to find out more about.

Then came LONESTAR.  I remember listening to Lonestar just after our first son was born.  I think I nearly wore out the cd.  I remember painting a room yellow in a rental we were living in while we were building our first house.  I played AMAZED over and over and over again.  Still love that song and LOVE the LOVE that Ronnie and Nancy had.

Lonestar

Lonestar

Lonestar

Lonestar

Jerry West, famous L.A. Laker spoke about President Reagan. 

There were video tributes from Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush

President George H.W. Bush

President George W. Bush

Next up with Roger Williams.  When he walked on the stage, my little precious girlie whispered, "What's so special about him?"  He then sat down at the piano and proceeded to WOW us with his magnificent talent.  After the first song, I leaned over to her and whispered, "Do you now hear what's so special about him?"  She quickly grinned. 

One thing we didn't know was Roger Williams and Ronald Reagan both started out at the same radio station in Des Moines, Iowa.  Reagan called sporting events and Williams had a program playing piano.  I think that's very interesting.

Mr. Roger Williams

Mr. Roger Williams

Roger Williams played Our Love is Here to Stay to a video tribute to the loved shared between Ronald and Nancy Reagan.  I couldn't help but cry my eyes out.  They have such a beautiful love story!  He also played Impossible Dream.  He read some of the words to us and stated he felt those words told the story of Ronald Reagan better than any other.  The words are worth reflecting upon.

To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go
To right the unrightable
To love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star
This is my quest
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far
To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march into Hell
For a heavenly cause
And I know if I'll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest
And the world will be better for this
That one man, scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star

After Roger Williams we heard from Jeffrey Immelt.  My hub saw him earlier in the evening and knew immediately who he was.  I didn't know, but I don't follow business the way he does.  Following Jeffery Immelt we heard video tributes from Edwin Meese, Marlin Fitzwater, Aaron Schock, AND the Jonas Brothers.  Not sure how they got in that line-up, but my girlie was pretty excited to see them on the screens.

I wish I could tell you which Jonas was which, but I'll leave that to the more educated pop culture peeps in my life.

The next performer of the night had me in tears again.  She sang Someone Like You from Les Miserables, and I Dreamed a Dream from Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.  Beautiful voice!

Camp Rock's Ana Maria Perez de Tagle 

On the political forefront we saw many greats in the audience.  Among them were George Schulz.  I think I saw Jan Brewer.  Sam Donaldson was present.  Gov. Rick Perry spoke about President Reagan's Greatness.  I've often wondered if we should move to Texas.  I think many of my people are there.

Governor Rick Perry, TX

Gov. Rick Perry

Gov. Rick Perry

Next up was one of the Reagan's favorite bands...The Beach Boys!  What an energizing, fun-filled time!  Everyone loves the classic Beach Boys tunes, but how much better are they when you live in Southern California?  There were suited people in their 60's dancing, whooping it up when the Beach Boys hit the stage.  AND much to our surprise, a guest band member, John Stamos, was there to sing and play with them.  Our kids, who are allowed to watch Full House, were so excited to see Jesse in "real life!" 

Okay, maybe I went a little crazy with the Beach Boys pics, but I couldn't resist.  I remember seeing them when I was a kid at a local fair.  They were great then, they're great now!

We're coming to the end of the evening.  I'm so happy to report Peggy Noonan was able to be there!  She missed the lecture on Tuesday evening, but apparently was able to make it out for this special event.

Peggy Noonan.  If you haven't read When Character Was King, it's well worth the read.

Peggy Noonan

We were honored to have representatives from the USS Ronald Reagan present.  They spoke about his legacy and how he has impacted their lives.  There was also a video tribute from the Captain of the USS Ronald Reagan.  I'm forever grateful Ronald Reagan honored our military.  I'm sure he would have been so humbled and proud of the service of our many men and women around the globe.

Wrapping up the evening was a performance of America by the Los Robles Master Chorale followed up by the finale of God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood.  I was so completely awed and privileged to be present at this event.  My heart is full!

Lee Greenwood

Lee Greenwood

Here we are with Fred Thompson.  I wish the man who offered to take the pic would have turned the camera.  Oh well!

The End of a GREAT night!

Happy Birthday Mr. President!

One of the GREATEST weeks of my Life! Pt. 2

Being a "Member" has its benefits.  Since moving to California we've discovered the beauty, education, and wonder of Reagan Museum and Library.  Last fall, I decided we would benefit from an Annual Membership to this amazing Presidential Museum.  Actually, I REALLY wanted the awesome calendar that came with membership! 

Along with the calendar, we were alerted that we'd received email updates for upcoming events.  What I was surprised to receive was a VIP Admission to The Centennial Celebration Open House.  This was a special event not open to the general public.  At the event, we were able to honor Ronald Reagan, The President, and his Legacy.  The Museum Renovation was revealed, hors d'oeuvres and dinner were served.  A band played as we ate.  And we were blessed with one of the most beautiful sunsets imaginable.  And to top it off...we were blessed with a parking pass at the museum.  No shuttle or long walks for us.

The boys couldn't make the event due to baseball conflicts, but I soon realized this was a perfect Mom/Daughter date for my girlie. 

Special Girlie at a Special Event

Happy Birthday Mr. President!

Just Too Good to be Overlooked!

One of the GREATEST weeks of my Life!

To those who know me, there's no surprise that I'm a loyal Conservative and my HERO is RONALD REAGAN.  Today marks what would have been his 100th Birthday and as a tribute, The Ronald Reagan Museum and Library and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation have lined up incredible events celebrating our 40th President.

This past week, our kids and I attended a lecture/symposium at Reagan Library.  It was a partnership with the University of Southern California and moderated by Tom Brokaw.  Panelists included, Lou Cannon, Douglas Brinkley, Richard Reeves, and Pete Wilson.  Peggy Noonan was scheduled, but do to the onslaught of snow and ice in the midwest and east coast she couldn't attend.  I was so looking forward to seeing her!

The Reagan Foundation described the event as follows:

"As part of the Centennial Celebration, partnership events will be held with four Universities across the country. This series of events focus on different components of the President’s life, leadership and legacy and are intended to engage scholars, students and noted authorities. These events are free and open to the public. The first of these Academic Symposia is in partnership with the University of Southern California.

Panel Topics:
Ronald Reagan is credited with transforming political institutions and policy agendas, securing and supporting traditional elements of American life, and reawakening trust in government and a general sense of positivity and hopefulness. What role has biography played in shaping the Reagan legacy? How has the role of biography in the construction of presidential legacy changed over time/varied across presidents? "

This was an informative event and I think the kids even learned more about their momma's Favorite Contemporary President.

From Left to Right: Richard Reeves, Lou Cannon, Tom Brokaw, Pete Wilson, Douglas Brinkley



I grew up watching The Nightly News with Tom Brokaw.  He's celebrity in my world.



Sourdough Biscuits...The Results Are In

We made the biscuits as instructed.  If I were to do them again, we'd probably add a tad bit more salt.  They are good though, but better yet, I placed the leftovers biscuits in a gallon size bag and placed them in the freezer for later use.  When we want biscuits we pull them out of the freezer, place them on a cookie sheet and heat at 350 degrees until warm.  They are crispy and oh, so yummy!  The kids top them with butter and jam and they're a REAL treat!

Love the Sourdough

We go to Disneyland/California Adventure quite because my dad gifted us season passes for the second year in a row.  It's the gift that keeps on giving.  And each time we go, we head over to California Adventure's Fisherman's Wharf for our complimentary snacks...a free slice of sourdough bread from Boudin's Bakery and a Mission tortilla.  We listen to the history of sourdough starter and think about the 49er's who introduced the wonder to California.

I have a little girlie who LOVES her breads, especially sourdough.  We don't often buy it so the California Adventure is quite a treat. 

We've been studying pioneers, Westward Expansion, and The Mexican American War.  As a fun little treat, in honor of the California settlers, we are trying our hand at Sourdough Starter.  We actually got the recipe from a book about the Alaskan Gold Rush, but I figure they all must have shared the same information.

Today she mixed her starter.  She was so funny when I attempted to hand her a stainless spoon to stir her starter, she quickly corrected me and asked for a wooden spoon.  She said, "Mom, I think the wooden spoon is MUCH MORE PIONEERISH."

Our starter is now sitting on our kitchen counter.  It needs to sit there for about two days before we can tell if it's working.  We'll keep you posted.

Beginning...See the Cinnamon Swirl Bread, Oatmeal Bread and Chocolate Chip Cookies in the Background?  Could it be we're raising a little baker?

Doesn't she look so Pioneerish with her wooden spoon?

Love her little Dip-Level-Pour

Roll out & Cut out

This was on BIG ball of dough!

Sometimes we don't make the cutest biscuits, but they sure taste good!

Living on an Ant Hill

Caution...These photos can be very disturbing!  They disturb me GREATLY!!  We now realize we don't live in a house, we live on an ant hill.  We decided if you can't beat 'um, join 'um, so we invited our new neighbors over for dinner.  We served a Terro product that they're CRAZY about!!  I plated up the delish dinner on handy little cardboard plates provided by Terro.  Just about immediately our little neighbors called out to their friends that dinner was served.  Little did we know they had so many friends and cousins.  Oh my word!!!  We spent countless hours watching them devour the dinner.  I even had to fix up some more on many occasions.  We served dessert and that too was gobbled up.  We hope they share this recipe and meal with their Queen.  I hope she LOVES it!!

The Joy of Giving

Almost yearly my sweetheart signs up to "Adopt-a-Family" through his workplace.  It's always a big deal for us (especially him) to shop, wrap, and deliver to a family who is in need.  Here's how it works:  Nominated families are screened and then employees are given information about them that would assist in the buying process.  This year in my sweetheart's unit participants were grouped (about 4-5 people) and then they each donated money (whatever they chose to give).  The money was pooled and DH (Dear Hub) brought it home and we did the shopping.

Our family was a husband, wife, a daughter, age 7 and a little boy, age 3.  We tried to make the money stretch as far as we could.  I really enjoy the shopping part. Big Surprise?  The kids and I headed out to the mall and start looking for great sales of quality clothing.  We were able to buy an outfit (2 for the little girl) for each member, a couple toys for the kids, and a $100 grocery gift card for their family.  We were really happy with our purchases.

As the day got closer for delivery, life began to get a little crazy.  That always seems to happen when a blessing is on its way.  The day we were supposed to deliver I took the kids on a field trip to the Queen Mary.  While we were gone, Hub was at work and afterward he rushed home to wrap the gifts.  We met up at home.  I was at the point where I didn't really want to go.  Our house looked disasterous and needed SERIOUS cleaning, we were getting ready to head out of town for a soccer tournament, laundry needed to be done for that, etc.  The endless list of household responsibilites was hanging over my head, but we decided it was best to do the delivery as a family.

Here's a note my sweetheart sent out regarding our visit...

"To all-

I just wanted to give a little update for the family we adopted this year.
We finished all the shopping for the family and wrapped the gifts for delivery a week ago Friday. We were able to purchase shoes, some basic clothes and a couple toys for each of the kids. We then set aside a $100 gift card for food purchases for the holidays. With a little help from a translator, we contacted the family and confirmed the location and drop-off time.

We wrapped all the presents and loaded my whole family up in the car for the delivery. We arrived at their apartment a little before 3pm. We met Mom and daughter. The whole family lives in a small, older 1 bedroom apartment and all their furniture is salvaged from the demolition work her husband does for income. Mom spoke very good English and we stayed and spoke with her for over half an hour. She was a great host – she offered us bottled water while we were there and spent the entire day cleaning and getting ready for our arrival. Their daughter was very shy and quiet but near the end of our time was starting to talk and relax. Her mother was very proud of her little girl as she is one of the best students in her class.  Mom thanked us multiple times for our kindness. She confessed that the auto insurance was due this month (a vehicle her husband needs for work) and they had no idea how they were going to make this payment along with their other bills – let alone buy gifts for Christmas.

For my family it was a highlight of the Christmas spirit and season and your donation was very much appreciated by a family in real need.

Thanks again to all of you for participating."
 
Like he said, they lived in a SMALL (like 300 sq. ft. at the most) one bedroom apartment.  The parents and little boy slept in the one bedroom and the little seven year old girl slept on a futon in what was the living room.  On cold nights dad would sleep in the living room and little girl slept with mom so she wouldn't get cold.
 
Mom shared with us how they planned to celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe that night.  Mom had made rice and milk for ALL the guests who were coming that night.  She was really excited.  It reminded me of some of our experiences we had while we lived in the Azores when I was growing up.  I wanted to stay and celebrate with them, even though I don't know anything about the Virgin of Guadalupe.
 
Mom was supposed to pick up her son at 3:30 and twice her friend called to say, "Let's Go," but she just kept putting her off so she could sit and visit with us a bit longer.  After about a 1/2 hour visit we had to go and Mom needed to pick up her little guy.
 
In that 1/2 hour my heart was FILLED!  I wished we had more to give them.  The joy that we experienced on the ride home was inexplicable.  We were all filled!  It seemed like we were so much more appreciative than we were when we arrived.  We were not as bogged down by what wasn't done, but focused on what was right in our lives.  Somehow, our perspective was shifted ever so slightly and suddenly that we had hearts of thankfulness and gratitude that we didn't have when we walked into that little apartment.
 
I don't know if we'll see that little mom again.  I hope so.  God used her in a season of frantic, busy discontent and replaced it with gladness and joy.  Thank you!