The only thing Sophia asked for all day, was a set of ears. Do you think she likes 'em?
End of a perfect day. Neither of us could believe that Disney honored DisneyWorld tickets from 1990! What a special place. Thanks Nana & Papa for making this day possible.  

Los Angeles Science Center

  What to do in LA on a rainy Saturday?  How 'bout the Science Center? 

Seriously? Sophia can't believe that's what her tummy looks like inside! 

Sid the Science Kid taught us what a soundwave is--now we get to experience one. Thanks PBS!

California Dreaming

Sophia's newest friend, Mr. Maxime, Daddy's coworker from the Ukraine.  Mr. Max was far from his home and family and so Sophia made the time pass a little faster.  We had a great time getting to know him.
Daddy sneaks in a little quality time reading Strawberry Shortcake.
Doing 'school' at Borders in LA. 

Celebrity Sighting!

How would you act if you recognized someone from TV? Ever wonder? Me neither.  I've worked with sports figures, governors, US senators. I've even got a chummy picture with a former prez!  Today, I'll admit, I totally goobered it.  I know I'm in Los Angeles.  But today's the first day, I experienced  stereotypical LA. You know, actors or semi-anonymous writers, directors.  Everyone in sunglasses and tight jeans with expensive phones looking way to serious and bored at the same time. All aloof, intense attitude in very casual places like Starbucks! 

Anyway, visiting a very dear friend in Studio City (appropriately named, believe me.) I'd promised Sophia ice cream and couldn't find the gelato place Heidi'd recommended (traffic-- whole 'nother post.) With relief Sophia and I tumbled into a rather upscale Baskin Robbins (oxymoron?)  Sassy got a strawberry cone before dinner, she'd been so good in the afore mentioned traffic.  Immediately covered in pink ice-cream and loving every minute of life, a friendly voice called out about how cute she was.  

Honestly, the toddler gushing's getting a little old.  Simply b/c she knows full well they love her! It was nice at the beginning.  The first day her princess dress was such a big hit she put it on before the sun came up and I've had to pry her out of it.  Even without Nana around she knows she's got fans!  Now she oozes charm and I keep trying to crank back the attitude!  I thought it was just a hotel filled with business people?  But seriously, there aren't a lot of kids in LA, do they all live in Orange County? 

 As a mom you're always thrilled when someone spends a moment loving the being you've given your heart to and poured yourself  into. It's a shared moment of joy in cranky world.  This was just one of those moments.  Unfortunately, too distracted by change and sticky fingers I didn't really glance towards the warm voice.  When I did, he waved to a happy set of pig-tails and was gone.  I stood gaping. I think I managed a wilted I'm a big fan!  Only Sassy heard and she didn't care because well, she had ice cream. 

It was his warmth and genuineness that I recognized first, just like I'd seen on TV. (I'm learning people here don't talk to strangers.  And NEVER, warmly across the room) Admittedly, I've never seen JR Martinez on All My Children (I'd admit it, really I would!)  I thought about watching the soap, despite my mothers' opinion of them.  Especially when I caught a segment on THE VIEW about a war vet turned motivational speaker now playing a character on the show.  His humor, purpose and charisma really made an impression on me. Our family's a big supporter of all our Armed Service people.  But today Sophia and I have one more hero.  A soldier turned actor with heart and charm, who smiled at a little girl and made a mother's day. Thank you  JR Martinez.

Sophia's Newest Hero

Daddy's Hands

My Daddy's Hands

I came into the world,
And reached for your strong hands.
My tiny fingers knew you,
Before I could understand.

Your hands proudly held me,
And smoothed my newborn hair.
They'd grow to love to tickle,
And toss me in the air.

Your hands are the teachers,
That catch and throw a ball.
That steady my two-wheeler,
And soften each new fall.

Your hands are the guideposts,
That set and keep the rules.
Offer good advice and wisdom,
And cheer hard work in school.

Your hands are my anchor,
As I leave my childhood home.
Shake my hand and pat my back,
As I live life on my own.

One day I'll have a child,
And come to understand.
The power of the love,
Held in my Daddy's hands.

© 1998 Teri Harrison

Today in California

Couldn't resist this moment to share!  Talk about extremes! Have you seen the weather in Iowa today! As Nate and I were sitting by the pool last night (couldn't wait) I started to think I'd found a new cause in life! To raise awareness for people stuck in cold weather?  What do you think?  Well, it's a personal answer to prayer, God knew EXACTLY when I needed to get out of Dodge.  Thank you Lord!

Today in Iowa

Cedar Rapids Produces All New Record Low Temp
CEDAR RAPIDS - People living in Cedar Rapids can say the weather has shown them another first. 29 degrees below zero. That all-time record was reached at 7:51am Thursday Morning as daily record lows were broken in many eastern Iowa cities. The previous all-time record low for Cedar Rapids was 28 below zero last reached on January 12, 1974.

Wind Chills dipped to 50 degrees below zero in spots. More cold is forecasted before temperatures bounce back into the 20s and 30s above zero early next week.

I Like Your Polka- Dot Mommy

 No matter how old I get I still burn myself with my curling iron!  When I was a kid it was on my forehead, a few weeks ago it was on my face.  Yesterday, I tagged my shoulder.  Now typically this wouldn't necessitate a picture but of course Sophia had her own perspective and I had to share.  When she learned I had an owie she told me: 'It's not a burn mommy, you have a polka-dot!!' 

The Fate of the Free World

Are in the capable hands of these young men and women.  Joseph Ndjerareou aka ND has just been activated to Washington DC for the presidential inauguration.  We appreciate your prayers for all our family this month:  

 Nate and our family  in LA at TOA Technology

Joseph in Washington DC and for future employment.

Dana (my little brother)has at least two interviews this month.  

Mama Ndjerareou is traveling to Rwanda to meet up with Nate's father. 

For our family around the world and for our friends who are being affected by job loss we're grateful for your prayers

We're all smiles here!

Thursday Nate informed me he'd have to be in California for the rest of the month.  When we were first married we committed not be apart for longer than two weeks.  This was something we felt God place in our hearts and thankfully He has helped us keep our commitment.  So Sophia and I will be joining Daddy in LA tomorrow till the end of the month!   

Just in time too!  We've gotten about a foot of snow in the last few days and look to have temps as low as -20!!!  Nate informs me-- it's 80 in LA this week (THAT'S ALMOST A 100 DEGREE DIFFERENCE!)  

We could use your prayers though! Although it will be great to get sunshine, Nate's work is reaching a crucial deadline and so he's bringing his prayer team out to surround him!  You should hear Sophia pray! She's a little prayer warrior! 

I LIKE YOUR CALIFORNIA DADDY

My husband Nate admits he can't complain that he's going to California in the middle of an Iowan winter.  That doesn't mean it's easy on anyone let alone our daughter Sophia. We've become a recognizable face at our local airport.  So much so that when Nate and Sophia stood by the arrival gate waiting for my plane, the local staff teasingly questioned his presence!  We miss Nate but we like the perks (airline miles! California here I come!)  In the mean time, Sophia's learned to say, My daddy's in California. Until recently she thought daddy worked at the airport.   

Travel perks--lowers our grocery budget--Sophia and I can live on cearle, peanut butter, rice, chicken, veggies and popcorn.  Yeah that's about it.

We NEVER have to buy shampoo or soap again! You can't take more than three ounce bottles on the plane but you can LOTZ of three ounce bottles on the plane. 

Cedar Rapids Airport is insanely vigilant. Confiscating anything sharp or bigger than three ounces.  But recently it seemed they hit a new low when a sweet looking woman asked if we'd like a snow globe?  We were saying goodbye to daddy and a mother trying to take a Precious Moments Snow Globe home to her niece was told she needed to send it or throw it.  Sophia LOVES her snowglobe music box. Personally, I think if people starting hijacking planes with snowglobes?  Well then we have bigger things to worry about.