IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

AT THE HOFF HOUSEHOLD

I know, I know... your comments are welcome, but I've already heard it from family and friends. Yes, I got my tree out before some of the stores even put their Christmas out.

But, it's our first Family Tree... last year we just got a white/metallic small tree for Alexa and Brielyn.

On October 24th the family tree went up!!! Thank you Grandma Sue and Grandpa Hal for all of your help! I was so excited to see it up in the house, it's a 7 1/2 ft. pre- lit tree and I had just the perfect spot for it (since we don't have enough furniture yet to fill our house! LOL) The girls have been so good, they love to look at and they haven't destroyed it yet or knocked it down. Knock on Wood!

So.... WHAT DOES YOUR TREE LOOK LIKE THIS YEAR? or should I say WHAT WILL YOUR TREE LOOK LIKE THIS YEAR?

Things I'm Looking Forward To

Halloween to be over and Thanksgiving to start! - I'm not a big Halloween person. I don't mind letting my kids dress up (it's fun for kids and they look cute) but overall I think the decorations are ugly and it's just not one of my favorite holidays. Anyways, why do we need Halloween when we live next to MIMI and it's Halloween everyday? I'm going to start sending them over saying "Trick or Treat"

Reading the Devotional with my husband tonight- last night we played "Speed" afterwards and I won 3 out of 4 games... But, who's counting???

My Tastefully Simple Party this Saturday Night- I'm excited to have a Girls Night and just get a chance to eat, drink and socialize with lots of girls! If you want to join us, email or call it's at 6 PM and we'd love to have you.

Alexa to go to San Diego with Papa Dan on Saturday- My Dad's taking Alexa to Sea World again, this time just for the day but I know how much it means to each of them to bond like this. She's going to have a blast!

.

The Avocados on the tree to be ripe!- I LOVE GUACAMOLE and I love to eat it alone, on tacos, with chips, on a tortilla or bread... just about any way..... I may be big as the house when avocado season comes around.

WE'RE LOADED

With Tangerines that is!!!!

Yesterday I had to "thin" out the branches and take over a bucket full off to unload a few branches that were sagging way too low. It was actually really fun. Brie enjoyed eating tangerines before they were even off the tree! There's bite marks on a few hanging low! Alexa and Noah had a blast helping pick them off and eating them. Some are actually sweet but most are still a bit tart..... WE'LL HAVE TASTY, JUICY TANGERINES IN ABOUT ONE MORE MONTH!!

THE "NORM"

I found my husband and I caught in the "norm" feeling and a rut. Just trying to get through the long days; him working himself to death and me slaving myself over the house and kids til he got home; to have dinner together then put the kids to bed, go to sleep and do it all over again.... I was starting to feel disconnected but REALLY tired so I would just go to bed. No connection, no bonding between Chris and I .... we talked a bit but nothing really intimate or detail oriented.

HAVE YOU EVER FELT LIKE THAT?

So, we sat down and went to dinner together the other night.. it was amazing... then we had coffee together, something we NEVER do. We had the most connecting night. I told my husband to bring a notebook and pen. We mapped out what it would look like to find something every night to connect us with one another. He suggested playing a boardgame.. I offered the next day to go get a devotional at the Christian bookstore for us. I opened up to him, he opened up to me. There was no arguing, just pure truth and love.

Our marriage in the last few days feels so good. Nothing dramatic really happened we didn't need to change our personalities.. we just stepped back and looked at eachother.. made a few changes and it's FRESH again. We look forward to our every other Friday date night. This Friday it was Bowling, better yet COSMIC BOWLING. GOOD TIMES, GOOD TIMES. Last night we read our devotional and played speed Solitaire.

I write this because I love being honest and open on my blog and most importantly you all know that I love to share when something works for me or I believe in something.

I picked up a book by Dr. James Dobson and his wife called "NIGHT LIGHT" It's truly been a blessing to us. It was designed exactly for Chris and I's dilemma and LENDS TO US the perfect solution. It gives us about 10 minutes to sit and read together at night; at the end you answer one question and you would never believe that JUST ONE QUESTION can bring about so much conversation and depth and connection, it's AMAZING. It's blessed us and I encourage anyone seeking to bond together and feeling disconnected to pick up a copy.

WE GOT BOO'D

Thursday evening around 7:45 very rare but true; both girls were asleep in bed.... mind you.. that never happens Alexa's usually awake still.. Anyways to make a longer story a bit shorter

All of a sudden there is 2 loud, abrupt and forceful rings at the door then some rushing; a loud car door slam thereafter. Chris and I look at eachother with the " What the heck?" look. I thought it was the UPS man dropping off our personal checks we're waiting for. Our UPS driver comes late at night and always freaks me out with the random doorbell rings, slamming the package down and running to the truck to finish their route!

So when Chris came inside with a square Frankstein box and a note that read:

YOU HAVE BEEN BOO'D

The Phantom Ghost has come town

To leave the goodies you have found.

First, post this ghost where it can be seen

And leave it there till Halloween.

This will scare other visiting ghosts away

But if you want to "Boo" others, don't delay.

First, make a treat, a ghost and a note like this.

Deliver it to neighbors that might have been missed.

Don't let them see you, be sneaky, no doubt....

(And make sure they put their Boo'd Ghosts out!)

Deliver it at dark when there is no light...

Ring the doorbell, run and stay out of sight!!!!

Be cool and have fun and don't be seen!

Share the Spirit of Halloween!!

You could also just enjoy your treats.

You don't need to "Boo" another to deserve these sweets.

They're yours just because we think you are cool.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO OUR FAVORITE GHOUL.

I was surprised! But Chris heard a voice and saw the getaway car. Alexa was so thrilled the next morning to see the abundance of chocolates and candy we got. Our note and ghost is hung proudly on our door.

GUESS WHAT WE'RE DOING TONIGHT??

BEACH DAY!

We've been having a lot of fun this week. It was a beautiful day on Wednesday and it seemed like a great day for the beach....

So, we packed our lunch, a few chairs, sand toys, swim suits and towels and headed off to BOLSA CHICA! It was one of my favorite trips to the beach. The weather was amazing, the ocean was breathtaking and my kids were just loving the beach so much. That day I decided it would take A LOT to move away from Southern California. We just need to utilize the beach more often; my family and I take it for granted and we pay for it (the price of living here is ridiculous) .. why not use it?

I've made it a pact to not let this be my last trip with the girls to the beach... I'm hoping to get one day in this weekend. I'm praying for good weather on Saturday.

Wanna Join Us? We may not have many more days at the beach. SHOOT ME AN EMAIL, WE'D LOVE TO HAVE YOU!!!

PA'S PUM'KIN PATCH

Brie's Pumpkin Picture

All Aboard! Choo... chooo... chugga... chugga.... chugga... choo.... choo... Alexa got to sit in front and toot the horn; she was stoked!

The pony rides were great! Alexa got a black one with blue eyes!

Brie felt right at home and sat down in the petting zoo. She wanted to get down on their level.

Alexa was a doll feeding the goats... It made me want one! Chris says "NO!" She made some friends and she pet them and said they were so soft... she talked to them just like her dolls. It was sweet.

Precious Sisters

Brie was feeling free and loved to roam through the pumpkins...

Alexa picked her favorite one out of all... I don't even know how she saw this small one hidden in all those HUGE pumpkins

That's my Lexa in her carriage. Such the princess!

My Favorite Picture of the Day!!!

That's how they spell their name Pa's Pum'kin Patch!

Today, My Mom and I took the girls to Pa's Pum'kin Patch. It was a blast. I was so impressed by the lot. They had a lot of fun things to do for the girls, the weather was beautiful and it made for a nice afternoon. The pony rides, pink elephant ride, huge bounce house, train, petting zoo and lots of other attractions made for a fun filled day! Alexa had a great time in the Petting area and made friends with a lot of goats as she fed them. They had the biggest bounce house I've ever seen as well as HUGE pumpkins. I took a million and one pictures as well as my mom but I managed to post just a few. If you get a chance, stop on by to Pa's Pum'kin Patch in Long Beach off of PCH and Studebaker... It's guaranteed fun for the whole family.

A RANDOM TREAT

So, my neighbor next door offered me two tomatoes and as I walked out she had a bag by the door and said " I also have a whole bag of green tomatoes for fried green tomatoes!" Instantly I said "OOOOH, that sounds good" So she said "They're yours" She didn't hesitate she couldn't wait to get rid of them. When she mentioned fried green tomatoes memories rushed through my head of meals with my family. My mom used to make us fried green tomatoes and I loved them. They are something really different but yummy. A REAL FRIED TREAT!

I didn't waste any time.... Alexa helped me make a batter with flour, corn meal, salt, pepper and garlic salt. I coated them with eggs and dipped them in the batter; threw them in the deep fryer at 285degrees and WHAAAAAALLLLLLLA.

Something has happened to me since I've moved here, I'm starting to experiment with recipes and become more domesticated.... It's been really nice living in our new place. When I called my mom to ask a few questions about making fried green tomatoes I don't think she believed that her daughter Lynnae was really making something like this. Without anything being said, the curiosity in her voice and the "huh?" was enough.

Secondly, I have learned to appreciate bugs that normally would make me freak out but having fruit trees and a grape vineyard brings lots of creatures big and small... but it's a toss up you don't get one without the other. And, because I love having the fruit, I am learning to actually enjoy the beauty of japanese beetles, crickets, praying mantis, YOU NAME IT, I'VE SEEN IT. On the flip side, we see birds I've never seen as well as butterflies that are unreal. We have something eating our grapes at night keep posted to find out what it is.... it's some sort of mammal.... Chris and I have been out there with flashlights at night like dorks trying to see this thing. Anytime you walk by the vine at night you hear it wrestling above but it is not scared it stays!

Well, the green tomatoes came out pretty dang good... Next time I will use the Southern Recipe from my neighbor with a different batter.. I'll let you know how it goes.

I can't wait to see what else I can get myself into here at the new place... there's talk about me quilting; making grape jelly next year; (this year I took a pass and just ate them!) Pretty soon we'll have Tangerines, Avocados and Apricots. That should bring about new adventures in the kitchen!

THOSE DARN KIDS AT SCHOOL

I recently watched my sisters kids for her.... I will keep the name anonymous.. but couldn't resist sharing the story.

We are in the car and Alexa is telling her cousins that her Grandma bought her a Barney movie... when my nephew chimes in ... (SO SERIOUS AND INFORMATIVELY)

Nephew: OH!!, Aunty Lynnae, I heard a rumor about Barney

Me: Oh really, what is it?? (I'm thinking oh crap, I hope that he doesn't say the obvious rumor that went down years ago about "purple" Barney and him being a bit on the feminine side.. at this time I'm cringing in my seat...all the kids were in the car

Nephew: I really did hear something and I just heard it..

Me: Oh, it's like a hot off the press rumor????

Nephew: Yeah, I heard that Barney was put in jail for smuggling drugs in his tail!

Me: I was dying laughing and RELIEVED that he didn't say the "G" word in front of all the kids... I looked at Chris and said thank goodness. All the kids thought it was so cool!

Those silly kids at school! That's the latest and greatest rumor on the blacktop. I wish that was my only care and stress in the world. My other thought was.. Oh, I CAN sooooo wait til Alexa goes to school.

Grandma Anita from Wild, Wonderful, West Virginia

Chuck E Cheese Night!

Picture courtesy of http://www.massageenvy.com/ Check it out!!!

Yep, Grandma Anita came out to visit us for 11 days. Grandma is 70 years old, will be 71 on December 2nd. She was tickled pink to be able to stay with us at our home! Alexa had a blast, Ma Maw stayed with her on the trundle bed the whole time, so they bonded! She fit right into our daily routine. My Grandma was AMAZING with the kids and very involved..... she loved to feed them, snack with them and watch videos. I asked Grandma what she wanted to do every day and she always replied " I just want to spend time with my grandbabies. So.. that's what she did. We took a trip to the park one day, A night at Chuck E Cheeses, one day at Cerritos Mall, went to a few of my cousins Football games, church on Sunday and did A LOT of eating. We ate In N Out twice, they don't have those in W.V.

We spent lots of family time with my Dad, Uncle and his 2 sons and wife. It was beautiful to sit next to my grandmother in church and hear her sweet voice singing to our Father. It brought tears to my eyes. Grandma introduced us to a new game called "Blokus" (a great family game). She was a doll... it was supposedly her favorite game but as we played and asked her rules she said " Heck, I don't know, I'm trying to play a game I haven't played in months!" I replied " Grandma you've been raving about this since the day you got here and I thought it was your favorite game?" then I caught on....the next time we played she was losing again and said " Im not used to sitting on this side!" FYI: It's a square game table, it doesn't matter where you sit! Third time we played and she was losing she said "I need my glasses" This time I replied " Oh Grandma, you always have an excuse... go get your glasses and sit on your side :) In a fun, joking way... we all laughed A LOT. I learned a lot about my grandma having her out here. I felt honored to be able to cater to her a bit and take care of her, I saw it as a blessing. My grandma is an AMAZING mother that raised 4 boys on her own, has always been a wonderful grandmother and is the hottest Great Grandma I've ever seen. She can dance better than any 21 year old and I wish she would try out for dancing with the stars cuz she'd win (hands down)

After giving the kids a bath one morning I was lathering them with Lavender Lotion and I told Grandma they love to be massaged she said "I've never had a massage" I was stunned.... "Grandma are you sure?" She replied "Yes, I'm sure I've never had a massage!"

So, I was on a mission I looked up a place called Massage Envy its only $39 a massage for an introductory offer and got us an appointment for Saturday just her and I. Grandma felt so special and it was a fun bonding time for us... that morning I told her what to expect so she wouldn't be nervous the whole time and relax. As expected... SHE LOVED IT, and plans on signing up for their monthly club as soon as they finish the one in her hometown. MASSAGE ENVY is great and I would highly recommend it. Grandma Deserved It!!

SOME MEMORIES

Playing Blokus

Watching Barney *Grandma bought the girls their first Barney video, Grandma likes Barney more than any kid... she wanted to watch it everyday. She swears Barney saved a families life while they had a house fire (the kid told the parents where the fire was, he saw it on Barney????)

Drinking homemade Milkshakes almost every night

Cooking for my Grandma

Eating In N Out Double Double Animal Style

Going to Church together

Grandma falling asleep on the couch for about 3 hours min. everyday!

Late Night laughs with Grandma about girly things!

A Drive through Huntington Beach (great ocean view)

Many late nights hanging with family

Grandma with her dentures out - the best part is Chris' impressions of grandma with out dentures!

Grandma's Advice

Waking up with Grandma and going to bed with Grandma here... what a blessing

We Miss You Ma Maw Anita, we hope to see you soon... Until then, WE LOVE YOU and you Mean the World to Us. We'll never forget your trip to California.... XOXOXOXOXOX

DO YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEED A CAREGIVER?

EXPERIENCED CAREGIVER AVAILABLE

9 years experience in elderly care
Excellent references
Dependable
Flexible schedule
Reasonable Salary

I am a Christian woman with much experience in elderly care including dementia, frail elderly, grooming and personal care, aid in standing and walking (fall prevention), light housekeeping and cooking, running errands, companionship, mental recall, appropriate exercise, medications, doctor appointments, and more.

I am an honest, loving and easy going person and have an excellent driving record, reliable transportation with insurance with absolutely no criminal history.

Please contact me to discuss your needs or any questions you may have.

Pamela Bradford
pbradford@socal.rr.com
714 323-0643

SISTERS!

When the girls interact with eachother and love on eachother, it makes the WHOLE DAY worth it all! Here's Alexa feeding her baby sister yogurt. She said "Mom, her wants yogurt... so I scooted her closer and let her share!" HOW SWEET!

YOU DON'T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!

This is what I bought.....

.......And this is what I got!

Look at the label and picture carefully! That's definitely not what I got (see 2nd picture) Needless to say it went to waste considering the DICED tomatoes were toppings for tacos and burritos I made. I don't think tomato puree would go over well! :) I had to do a double take and evaluation when I first poured out the contents....

Too bad I'm not a swimmer anymore. Back in the days when I was in competitive swimming my hair would turn green in the summer and my mom would try anything... Yep, for some reason we were told to take a bath and wash my hair in Tomato Paste and I did it. YUCK!