A Christmas surprise

We have been travelling for Christmas this year. Our entire family flew to the mid-west on December 11th to spend time with both of our families----the Sturgills and Beards. I have so many pictures that it would overwhelm my blog.

However, I do have one special surprise. I was looking forward to having a white Christmas. When we got to Wisconsin, it was unseasonably warm (warm in WI is when it is more than 30 degrees). While I was happy to not have to endure the cold, I was disappointed that we had absolutely no snow. Brooke has never played in snow, so I wanted her to get her first experience.

We went down to Rockford, IL for a family gathering, and when we woke up one morning, it had snowed overnight. We were surprised, and I was ecstatic. The snow did not last the whole day, but it gave us a morning of fun!

We then headed to southern Indiana, and again, there was no snow. The picture of Andrew below illustrates the unusual weather. But, again, one morning, we woke up to snow falling. It was nice to see it actually coming down. Again, it only lasted one day, but gave us plenty of time to enjoy. My mom had people praying that her California grandchildren would get snow for Christmas. Several of them told me that the weathermen were not expecting this snow. Truly, a miracle from God for this California crew!

We got enough snow to make snow cream---YUM!!!!

Fall Pictures

As the week of Thanksgiving approaches, I am starting to anticipate our trip to the mid-west. We will be leaving for 4 weeks for Christmas! We are going to be seeing family and friends in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Tennessee. We are all looking forward to the snow. It is the first time in my life I really wanted Wisconsin and Indiana to get TONS of snow!!!!!!

So, I realize that I needed to post some of our fall pictures. I love fall! It starts to cool down in Southern CA, and the crisp ocean air is refreshing.

The first pictures were from when my parents visited in October.

A friend from college contacted me that she was visiting the area. It was great to get together for dinner with her and her husband. Liesa (Woywoda) Guenther and I were great friends in our first year of college, but it was great to re-connect in person.


The kids had Thanksgiving chapel yesterday. Andrew's class was doing some recitations, and they were asked to dress up like either Pilgrims or Indians. Andrew took it upon himself to create a Pilgrim outfit (this is one of my least favorite things to do---costumes), and I was pretty impressed with his results. Of course, Wesley thought he looked more like a black leprechaun, but he was the hit of his class.

Brooke gets baptized

Yesterday was an exciting day for the youngest member of our household! A couple of weeks ago, when I learned that we would be having a baptism service on October 2nd, I asked Brooke if she was ready to be baptized. She had attended the last class for kids on baptism, and she had completed a workbook on it, and we had talked about it with her. However, fear was the main reason that she gave for postponing this event.

When I asked her, she initially stated, "I don't know. I think I will be very afraid." I told her that sometimes it is scary to do the right thing, but I wanted her to consider doing it, and I let her think about it. She came back to me a few moments later, with a very brave face, and she told me that she had decided that she should get baptized now.

After she was done yesterday, I told her how glad I was to see her get baptized, and how proud I was of her for doing the right thing even if it was scary. She said, "It really wasn't so scary. I am proud of me too.......Well, not too proud :)"

I am thankful for her testimony in front of our church and even more in front of her classmates and friends each day.

First Birthday

I remember each of my kid's first birthdays, vividly. They did not do too much with opening presents, but they sure loved to dig into their cake. Well, we had another first birthday this past week. It was our puppy's first birthday. He had much the same reaction.

Yes, we celebrated our dog's birthday. We do not know his exact date of birth, but we did some speculating and calculating and have decided upon September 15th. We were very excited.....he was unaware. I know what you may be thinking, but hey, there does not have to be much reason for us to have cupcakes and a bit of a party!!!!

The kids suggested using peanut butter for frosting; yes, Buddy LOVES peanut butter! He licked the entire top of the cupcake before devouring the rest of it!


Wesley wrapped his present in newspaper, but Buddy was not interested in the present. He wanted more cupcake. We opened it, and he eventually ran off with the orange bone, a squeaky orange bone.

I think in the picture above he is still licking peanut butter off of his face. Happy Birthday, Buddy! We are happy to have you in our home.

Beginning of another year of school

They are getting older, as we all know happens, but I am most readily reminded of this each year when I send them off to their first day of a new grade of school. It especially surprised me that my youngest is in third grade. I am thankful for the great Christian school that they are able to attend. They all have good friends and amazing teachers with a strong academic program. Wesley is in 7th grade; Andrew now entering 5th grade (last year of elementary); and as I said before, Brooke is going into 3rd grade.


Though starting school was a big part of their month, I think the biggest hi-light occurred this week. The Cowboys do their pre-season training in our town, and Gary recently learned that the New Orleans Saints would also be doing some of their pre-season training in our city. Wesley's favorite player is Drew Brees, so we were quite excited to tell them about it. Gary took them on Thursday, but they could not get any signatures. Yesterday, I took them after to school to get bracelets that let them in for autographs, and Gary took them back after practice. When I came home Friday night (I had my own girl's night out!), they were ecstatic about their signatures. Andrew got Drew Brees to sign his football jersey, and Wesley caught one of the player's gloves that he threw out to the audience during practice. The pictures below are some of my favorites, but Gary has enough to make a whole album :)

In the two above, the head is Wesley's head. He is getting autographs from Chase Daniel and Drew Brees. "GO SAINTS!" (That is Wesley's call).

Griffith Observatory

It is so often true that a person can live in a place but never do the "tourist attractions." While we live near one of the biggest tourist places in America, we do rarely visit these places. I have been wanting to go to the Griffith Observatory for awhile, so we ended our summer times with a visit. It was a cloudy day, but it gave a beautiful view of LA, and the clearest view I have ever seen of the notorious Hollywood sign. Yes, most of the people who were visiting were speaking foreign languages. We enjoyed our visit, and better yet, did not have to drive far to get home :)

Wesley's last year as a kid......

July 21st was Wesley's birthday. When he woke up yesterday, I told him, "Happy Birthday!", and I informed him that he was entering his last year as an official kid. After this, he will be a teen or an adult. He just smirked :)

Gary and I had been scheming to try to keep a surprise from the kids. We bought mountain bikes for Wesley and Gary. We gave Wesley his bike for his birthday. We also re-did Wesley's old bike and wanted to let Andrew use that for riding. They have plans of riding through many of the mountain trails that they hiked last summer.

We also spent some of the day at one of Wesley's favorite spots: Sky High Sports. We had been there earlier in the summer, but we wanted to revisit. Wesley and Andrew dominated the dodge ball pit!


Nothing like a big jump into a pit of foam!!! Sounds like fun no matter how old you are :)


Here is to Wesley and a great 12th year! We love you, bud!

Mid-summer check up

Wow....the summer is flying by, particularly since we do not have that long of a summer at our house. However, I have been bad at posting pictures, so I want to do a mid-summer catch up to share some of our pictures and events.

One thing that has been particularly fun for me was the fact that I, for the first time, have one of my children as one of my students in a college class. Yes, Wesley is only 11, but he was able to take my pre-algebra class for the summer. He has done amazing! Since he is tall and big for his age, he does not look totally out of place. He also has a friend joining him. Now, they want to take Elementary Algebra with me in the fall. I think that might conflict with their normal school schedule, though. He is off to an early start at getting college credits, but I really love his ambition! He has enjoyed having me as a professor, too :)

Over the weekend of the 4th of July, we took a get away to Orange County. It was quick, but it was an adventure! I do a calendar for the kids each summer, so they have activities to look forward to, and I have events planned out (which helps avoid the last minute "what are we doing today, mom?"). Enjoy the pictures!



Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

Indoor Go-Kart Racing





Irvine Spectrum---we all rode on the ferris wheel

Wesley at Univerasal Studios Citywalk

Each of the kids got balloons---they were the coolest ever! Andrew got a
spider. Wesley got Buzz Lightyear, and Brooke got a monkey in a banana tree.

Sunset at Balboa Island

One important thing for me each summer is to get a good challenging Bible book. I do Bible studies with my small group through out the year, and I really miss that in the summer. Our Sunday morning group started a study with John Ortberg---"The Me you were meant to be". I ordered the book and started reading it this week. The following paragraph really challenged me, and I wanted to share it with you. I hope you are finding ways to be spiritually challenged this summer. From the book, "Me: the me I want to be....becoming God's best version of you"

"God designed you to be you. When your life is over, He will not ask you why you weren't Moses or David or Esther or Daniel. If you don't pursue your own life, He will ask why you weren't you. God designed us to delight in our actual lives. When I am growing toward the me I want to be, I am being freed from the me I pretend to be. I am no longer trying to convince people I am important while secretly fearing I am not.

Only God knows your full potential, and He is guiding you toward that best version of yourself all the time. He has many tools and is never in a hurry. That can be frustrating for us, but even in our frustration, God is at work to produce patience in us. He never gets discouraged by how long it takes, and He delights every time you grow. Only God can see the best version of you, and He is more concerned with you reaching your full potential than you are!"

Welcome summer!

Wesley tossing one at the Dodge Ball Pit

Brooke's hair raising experience in the trampolines


Andrew jumping into the foam pit

To kick off our summer, I took the kids to one of the new places to play: Sky High Sports. Wesley had been there on a couple of occasions, but Brooke and Andrew were eager to try it out. We had a blast! I realized that my kids are pretty flexible and aerodynamic :) Another good advantage: it is alot of exercise to jump around that much. I think that they will sleep well tonight!

Hopefully, I will get many pictures posted this summer. I have been somewhat negligent in posting, but I will get back to it. (That's for you, Mom S and Mom B!)

A Birthday Celebration

This week included my 40th birthday. I want to thank all of the friends who sent me greetings on facebook; it was so fun to read through your messages.

One of my favorite parts of this 40th birthday celebration was when I received a package from my mother which included 40 cards from family and friends. Some made me cry; others made me laugh; and some made me feel old :) Thanks so much. It was extra special to hear from so many people that I have had the privilege of crossing paths with at some time in my 40 years.

I thank God for the many people who have taught me so much about life.

All of the 40 cards inspired me to write the following list. 40 things that I have learned about life (in no particular order):

1. Everyone needs to have a favorite pair of jeans.

2. If I do not enjoy the exercise, I will eventually stop doing it. I love to walk. I now have a habit of walking 3 mornings a week, and it's a great way to start the day.

3. Distance is just an easy excuse for not keeping in touch. It is not a legitimate one.

4. God made family, and extended family is a necessary part of life. I would not trade the Rehfeldt/Sturgill clan for anything!

5. If nothing else in your day is going well, you can always get a grande mocha frappucino. It is always good!

6. Love the job you have (or else start looking for another one). I love what I do, and the fact that I get paid for it is just a necessary benefit.

7. I love to sing! I don't do it in the shower (normally), but I do sing everywhere else.

8. Kids should not be a distraction. They are one of the most important things in a parent's life. I should not be annoyed by them (even though it is nice to use the restroom in peace occasionally).

9. Everyone on earth has a place that is their paradise. I am glad I found mine (southern CA) before I got too old to enjoy it.

10. I need to keep blogging, even if I think that no one is reading it.

11. Dog's truly are a man's best friend. They are loyal and easy to please.

12. Living with diabetes gives me a great perspective on our amazing bodies, and my dependence upon God for each moment.

13. Nothing in life has taught me to be unselfish and patient like marriage.

even if the connection is not current.

15. I really only need to care about God's opinion of me.

16. I sleep much better than the average person. I have slept through earthquakes, thunderstorms, children crying, and dogs barking.

17. Bible study is much better than Bible reading.

18. I lose my keys way too much.

19. People really do like to see a smile or a simple word of encouragement.

20. I have learned to love coupons. Clipping them is like clipping money.

21. Every believer needs a supportive church family.

22. It is good idea to carry a cell phone at all times. It is even more helpful to turn it on!

23. Bath n Body works is the best store in any mall.

24. I am pretty sure that my taste buds are Mexican.

25. Algebra is not useful in most lives, but as a math teacher, it is good to see the way that the processes teach a person to be logical and analytical.

26. It is not necessary to know how things work. It is just good to know how to use them (computers, for example).

27. 40 may be a good time to start coloring my hair.

28. Everyone should take a trip to Europe some time in their life. I am glad I did!

29. When I am reacting, it is better to just keep my mouth shut.

30. When the traffic light says, "Photo enforced," it is best to stop, even at a yellow light.

31. Do not judge a person based on appearance.

32. No matter how hard a circumstance in my life may be, I know that God is always good, and I will be better (maybe not today, but it will happen).

33. Watching television is the best way for me to relax. It is the only thing that gives my mind a break.

34. Sunsets are much better than sunrises.

35. If I have not worn an item of clothing in a couple months, I should probably just throw it out.

36. If I am serious about losing some weight, I am going to have to get used to being hungry.

37. Pedicures are worth every cent!

38. Anyone can get a book published.

39. Starburst jelly beans are the world's best candy.

40. It does not matter how old you are; what matters is how old you act!

So, which one do you like the best???