Just a quick post

I haven't posted in a while because I've been studying for my licensing exams. I have great news to report - I passed my Series 6 exam! And I did it with a ridiculous head cold / sinus infection! I got an 88 on the exam, which is great considering quite a few of my answers were EDUCATED GUESSES!

Next week, I'll begin studying for my Series 63 exam which I will probably take in about a week. After that I have my Life Insurance exam, then I will start training to go into the branch! I'm so happy to be through the Series 6 - it is a VERY tough exam! Thanks to everyone for your support and prayers! And a special thanks to Nadia for letting me look over her materials for the Series 6!

Now for a relaxing weekend with no studying...think I may just stay in my PJ's all day :-)

Love and blessings to all!

A (belated) Happy New Year!

What happens when your Christmas tree dies two weeks before Christmas (despite every attempt to save it)? Well, you end up with needles in places you didn't think possible...like INSIDE the kitchen cabniets, and inside the dogs' water dish and food bowls! Despite the fact that our house smelled GREAT (can't beat that pine smell), we will probably look to get a fake tree next year (yeah, we're sad about that too)!




Because the tree was so big, the only way to get it out of the house was to cut it into sections to drag it through the kitchen and out the back doors. This only added to our needle problem!







Liam thought he would get some tree chewing in while he still had the chance. Vega watches and plots how to steal his branch so she can chew on it herself :-)

Yes, those are needles! It was like the bed of a forest! First we swept, then vaccumed the needles...took us about two hours to clean it all up (and, yes, we're still finding needles).

I'm so sure the waste management folks must be wondering what the heck we were thinking...hahaha!

.

.

.

.

For Christmas/Anniversary, Josh got me a fantastic new camera. Here are some of the shots I took in the first few days...I'm still trying to figure everything out on the camera, but I'm still amazed at the details this camera provides.

Such a pretty girl!

LOVE this picture of Liam...thinking of having it blown up to get framed.

Okay, so Garfunkle looks a little evil in this picture, but just look at the detail of that scowl!

Vega chewing on her belated Christmas bear...

And Liam making a move to get said Christmas bear!

.

.

.

.

For our anniversary (can you believe eight years already) and to celebrate the New Year, Josh and I went on a hot air balloon ride over Temecula Wine Country. We had such a wonderful time and we hope to make it a yearly ritual. I was nervous to go up initially, but once we were up in the air, it was wonderful, and I wasn't nervous at all. We even had a VERY rough landing (the basket ended up on its side due to strong winds as we were coming in), but even that doesn't worry me enough to not go again!

We started off the morning VERY early, arriving at La Cereza Winery at 6am...and 40 degree temperatures! As you can see, the moon was still up :)

Picture of the vineyards which I am sure are much more lush and green in the spring!

The church attached to the winery - I forgot to ask, but I'm assuming they have wedding events there.

All of us riders met at Hemingway's Courtyard for coffee and mimosas before heading out to the launch site.

Some of the paintings in Hemingway's Courtyard. LOVE the one above...it was my favorite!

Finally, the sun is up and you can see the beautiful landscape of the winery!

Josh trying to stay warm!

Dried grapes...raisins anyone?

.

.

.

.

We were then driven out to the launch site where we were able to see our balloon being inflated and prepped for launch.

Even though the sun was beginning to come up, the moon was still very clear in the sky. I was trying to be a little artsy with this photo :)

Some of the other balloons launching - there were probably 8-10 balloons out...it was a great day for ballooning!

Inflating the balloon...

Josh got to help out keeping the basket steady while the balloon was readied for launch

A look up into the inside of the balloon

And away we go!!!

So beautiful!

Lots of citrus orchards out in this area too! Wish I could have reached out and plucked off a fresh juicy orange!

Our pilot, Dan - he was great and tried everything he could to keep us upright in that landing!

I thought this balloon was so cute - looks like a strawberry!

Our shadow as we floated along high above the ground (went up to about 1,000 feet)

Big Bear - can't wait to go there to see some snow! And maybe learn how to snowboard if my old body can take it!

If you look at the center of this picture, you will see an eagle perched on one of the posts - you can click on the picture to make it larger.

High above the treetops - it was incredible!!!

We pray that each and every one of you have a very blessed New Year and that 2010 will be filled with laughter, love and overflowing joy!

.

.

.

.

Irish New Year Blessing:

May the new year bring

The warmth of home and hearth to you.

The cheer and goodwill of friends to you,

The hope of a childlike heart to you.

The joy of a thousand angels to you,

The love of the Son and God's peace to you.

Happy New Year!