The Nippers

Happy Birthday, Kelley!

2011-12-29T13:07:00.000-08:00

June 2011

Sweet baby girl

Our baby girl turns 24 today! Can you believe it? Kelley is such a passionate, creative, loving young woman. She inspires me daily to be a better person in so many ways. You are a blessing to us, Kell-Bell!

Glorious Summertime

2011-08-11T10:46:00.001-07:00

One of the best parts about summer is the time I have with my girls. We have time to sit and have a complete conversation. Kelley and I have had more time together than Marie and I simply because she has had more free time. We've been able to spend time shopping at some of our favorite stores (JoAnn's, Target, and Sprouts) and planting as many flowering shrubs as we could find for our backyard! She has helped with D.C. and spent time with my parents and my neice, Shannon.

Still, Marie and I have managed to carve out time in her busy schedule for meaningful conversations, we've made a meal together and she has cooked for Ken and me (mmm, delicious salmon!). She turned me onto Covert Affairs, which is now one of my favorite TV shows. She has given me a facial at Massage Envy to start my school year off right--how sweet is that.

All in all, this has been a wonderful summer--from our trip to Cancun, to the time spent with the girls, little D.C., and my mom and dad. We have made some pretty terrific memories.

Little DC

2011-07-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

Little DC was so sick this month with pancreatitis and we nearly lost him. He had a fever for several days and didn't eat for over a week. Thankfully, Woodcrest Veterinary Clinic took amazing care of him. He spent his days there receiving fluids and antibiotics and then came home to sleep. He ended up having surgery in the middle of his care to look for some underlying cause. All the while, Kelley and I spent our nights with him downstairs (slumber party---I don't think so!) to help him in any way.

Today, he is back home full-time, eating and drinking and being his silly, playful self (as playful as any dog is at ten years of age!). We knew he was on the mend on his first day home when he sat staring at the back door, waiting for his "daddy" (Ken) to get home from work. It is so good to have our baby boy back!

Thank you, Kelley, for all your help with our little man. You were there through every step of his illness and recovery and you propped me up when I needed encouragement. You will make a wonderful nurse one day!

Honestly, who knew you could love a dog so much?

Unconditional Love vs. Works

2011-07-23T17:10:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking a lot about unconditional love these days. Joyce Meyer talks about how God loves us unconditionally in spite of our imperfect lives and quotes this verse: "But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us" -Romans 5:8 (amplified version). God doesn't love us because of our works; it doesn't matter how much we do or how much we give. We can't buy God's love. He loves us just because we are His creation! And He sent His Son to die for our sins, while we were yet sinners, BECAUSE He loves us. Now that is unconditional love. If we could learn to receive His love, our lives would be so much better.

So that has me thinking ... and I've come to the conclusion that I have not always shown unconditional love to our girls. Honestly, we have loved our girls more than we ever thought we could love anyone, but I wonder if we haven't always made that clear. Once they started school, good grades became so important. The journey wasn't important, just the final report. I think we set them up to think life is all about works and performance. It doesn't help that Ken and I tend to be perfectionsists and workaholics; we have modeled a "works" mentality. And me, in particular, am a bit of a people-pleaser. So now, I'm wondering how we could have communicated high expectations without twisting the message that somehow our love was based on performance. I TELL them that I love them each and every day but have I SHOWN them with my actions?

I want to remedy this situation, if at all possible. I want to communicate my love for our girls just because they are our children! I am beginning to be more intentional in spending time with them and really listening, showing that I am interested in what they have to say, making plans with them, and of course, giving them hugs and kisses. Our girls will be leaving home in the next year or two, so it's important to do this now, on purpose.

Happy Birthday, Marie!

2011-04-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

Our firstborn turns 25 years old today! I can't believe how time has passed so quickly. Marie was our "sweet pea," so cute and adorable. We loved those early years when both girls were toddling around the house. Now, Marie is a beautiful young woman who God continues to mold into the person He knows she is destined to be. We love you, Marie, and are so blessed by you!

(Marie and Brad off to spend the day at Disneyland.)

Hasta luego, Cabo!

2011-04-12T18:21:00.000-07:00

Ken and I went to Cabo San Lucas over Spring Break and had the most amazing time. The weather was a warm 86 degrees and the view from our hotel was gorgeous. We stayed at the Hilton Los Cabos and received the royal treatment. Bravely, we ventured to the Centro--the central marketplace in Cabo where you can find the marina offering glass-bottom boat rides, restaurants of all types, and a variety of upscale stores along with many little shops. Thanks to some helpful amigos, we figured out how to take the city bus there and back!

Our trip was so relaxing and peaceful that we hope to go back next year...

(This picture is the view from our favorite spot overlooking the infinity pool and the Sea of Cortez.)

I FINALLY have my own ride!

2011-03-06T13:54:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday, we rather spontaneously bought me a new car. Kelley and I have been sharing her Scion for over 2-1/2 years and lately, both girls have been taking turns delivering me to school and Ken has been picking my up. We've been saving for a down payment for the last few months and I've been working the after-school program to help make that happen. I wasn't sure how soon Ken would be ready, but when he is ready--that's it!

I wasn't sure what kind of car I wanted. I knew that I wanted a car that got good mileage and that if I couldn't get that convertible sportscar that I've always dreamed of, that my car needed to have a sunroof, an MP3 adapter, and Bluetooth for my phone. I got all of that in my cute little Toyota Corolla. For a working mom with two college kids still at home, it's perfect!

Thank You, God, for blessing me with my new ride!

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad

2011-01-08T21:25:00.000-08:00

Today is my parents' 56th wedding anniversary. Doug and Jody and Ken and I met them at PF Changs tonight to celebrate. My brothers and I are so blessed to have our parents still with us and living nearby. They have supported us and our families in every way through the years. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for showing us how to have a happy, long-lasting marriage. We love you!

Happy Birthday, Kelley!

2010-12-30T13:34:00.000-08:00

I can't believe another year has come and gone and our baby girl is 23! We are so proud of the young woman she has become. She knows herself better than anyone I know. That is an accomplishment at any age. I learn so much from her all the time and I am a better person for knowing her.

We had a pretty quiet birthday celebration yesterday. Kelley and Stephen spent the day together then we went to dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory and back home for vegan cupcakes. We all had a very nice time. Happy Birthday, Kell-Bell!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-22T12:34:00.000-08:00

This Christmas I began to shop early so I've been basically done for a few weeks now. Ken and I have been wrapping gifts as we purchased them. Today, Kelley and I canned blackberry jelly for family and friends. Tomorrow is baking day--we'll make some of our favorite Christmas cookies. Despite the rain, it's been good to be home. I love Christmas!

Thank You

2010-08-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for your prayers for my dad. He is now in a skilled nursing facility and making good progress. He is able to walk with the help of his physical therapists, is eating well, and is clear-headed. His doctors still don't know what brought this ailment on but we hope to find a specialist who can figure it out. He has had many of these episodes over the last year or so but this is the first time he landed in the hospital. We hope he will be coming home next week. Thank you all and thank You, Lord for answering our prayers in such a wonderful way.

Prayers for my Dad

2010-08-08T16:13:00.000-07:00

My dad is currently in the hospital suffering from some unknown illness. We know that his white blood cell count is sky-high, he is in a lot of pain and unable to move, and suffering from a cold on top of everything else. Please pray that his doctors can determine the cause of his illness and for healing. He is such a good and kind person and this is so hard on him and my mom. Thank you, Sue

Happy Graduation Day, Kelley!

2010-06-19T18:44:00.000-07:00

Today, our baby girl graduated from Cal State, San Bernardino with a BA (and high honors) in Anthropology. We are so proud of her! She has been focused and driven during her time in college--I admire that in her.

Kelley is not done yet, however. She has decided to pursue a BSN from Cal State, San Marcos so that she can go on to become a Lactation Educator. A friend told me that our 20s are a time when we are defining ourselves and I see both of our girls doing that--deciding what they want to do and then pursuing it. You go, Kelley!

Matt Maher - Hold Us Together

2010-06-18T12:39:00.000-07:00

This is absolutely my new favorite song--I love it!

Summer Vacation

2010-06-15T12:45:00.001-07:00

One of the things I love about being a teacher is summer vacations. Now, I have time to reflect on my year with my students--what worked? What would I do differently? And, I'll do a little planning for next year but first...

My To-Do List:

1. Take care of myself - eat healthy and exercise daily

2. Relax, read, lay in the sun, drink iced tea

3. Learn everything I can from Joyce Meyer--she is my new guru (thanks, Stella!)

4. Reorganize the office and the sitting area in our room

5. Finish planting the backyard

6. Organize my photos for scrapbooking then get back to it

Ahhh, I'm already off to a good start...

(Note: this is NOT my backyard--soon it will be so lush! This is from sunset.com)

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T19:05:00.000-07:00

I have had the most amazing Mother's Day. It actually started yesterday when Kelley and I took my mom out to lunch to a pretty little cafe in Fallbrook. We sat outside in a beautiful garden setting, eating delicious salads and talking for hours. Today, Kelley surprised me with the prettiest flower pot holder which she planted with succulents. Then tonight, the girls made an amazing dinner of bruschetta, green salad, and fruit salad. Marie even had little chocolate cupcakes for us to share. As the girls worked in the kitchen, I couldn't help but feel humbled as they pulled together this lovely meal for me. I feel loved and blessed! Thank you, Marie and Kelley, for a beautiful day!

Congratulations, Marie!

2009-12-28T18:51:00.000-08:00

Our firstborn graduated from CBU on December 18 with a BS degree in Biology. We are so proud of her and are constantly blown away with her extensive knowledge of science. She continues with her methods classes in January with the goal of becoming a high school science teacher. Here she is with her BFF, Brianna.

It's been awhile...

2009-11-16T17:44:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged in so long. Once school got back in session, I honestly found myself overwhelmed! Why did I think 3rd grade was going to be easy? Boy, was I wrong. Many students are extremely poor readers and then I took on after-school tutoring AND team leader. Talk about spreading myself too thin...

But, today was the last day of tutoring, conferences and report cards are this week and then we're off for Thanksgiving. Praise God for vacations!

I must say, however, that 3rd grade is wonderful because the children are so sweet! They help each other and are polite most of the time. I am enjoying the children and my job these days.

Countdown to our vacation...

2009-07-23T15:22:00.001-07:00

We finally received confirmation on our airline tickets so we're off to the eastern part of the U.S. very soon! We're flying into Atlanta on August 13 and will spend a day or two with my cousin and BFF, Lisa and her husband Bob, who we haven't seen in at least ten years. Then we're driving (we love road trips!) to West Virginia to visit Ken's brother, Scott and his wife Lucinda. We'll spend a day or two there then make a big loop to come back to Atlanta, driving through as many states as we can. We want to see as much as possible since we probably won't get back that way again very soon. We'll be flying home the day before I have to report back to school. The girls will be home taking good care of our little man, D.C. I can't wait!

P.S. - I've added a picture of me and Lisa from our visit. We enjoyed catching up and getting closer--it's been over 10 years since we've seen each other!

Mt. Rubidoux

2009-07-17T19:17:00.000-07:00

This summer has been extremely relaxing for me. I've spent the days gardening, reading, talking to my girls, occasionally scrapbooking and working to get healthier. Ken has been working on his health and fitness as well and is now accompanying me (and usually Kelley) up Mt. R on Saturday and Sunday mornings (we attend church on Saturday evenings). Of course, he is beginning to make it a competition from week to week: How many miles can we walk this weekend? How many times and how many ways can we go up and down the mountain? Well, not too many since my bladder doesn't hold out that long! (Oops--too much information.)

Is anybody out there?

2009-06-26T13:16:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I had the most unbelieveable day last Tuesday--I overslept because my stomach had been upset, remembered that I forgot to call in for jury duty and discovered that I had to appear in Corona at 10:00 a.m. Ok, not so bad but then I remembered that I had to get my TB test done ASAP or I wouldn't be receiving a paycheck from the district come the end of the month! Then, the worst...my phone died! So, I rushed to get ready, have the TB test done, zoom to Corona to find out that I would be included for a possible jury later that day. Thankfully, we were granted a two-hour lunch so I could come BACK to Riverside and have my phone replaced. The bottom line here is: I LOST ALL OF MY FRIENDS PHONE NUMBERS! Please, friends, text, email or call me and give me your phone numbers. I feel so lost and isolated! (BTW, my number is the same.)

I did end up on the jury and it turned out to be a very uplifting experience--for me, not for the defendant. We found him guilty on all counts but, I had my faith in humanity invigorated. Our jury consisted of twelve people from all walks of life, ages 18 to 65, and we had an amazingly positive experience working together--just one of the twists and turns in life.

Ok friends, start texting!

Free at Last!

2009-06-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

School's out--praise God! Ken took this picture yesterday as I left school...

I love my job as a teacher. However, we give and give and give to our students, not to mention the hoops we jump through for the district and the stress we feel as a program improvement school. We NEED summer vacation to recover, recuperate, and re-energize ourselves for the new school year.

Here's to a relaxing summer!

William Arthur Nipper

2009-05-24T17:10:00.000-07:00

Today, Ken's dad, William Arthur Nipper passed away. He was 84 years old. Bill had been in the hospital for a week after having fallen several times. The doctors thought he was having mini-strokes. Ken took several days off last week and spent each day with him in the hospital.

Bill was a World War II veteran and a former P.O.W. He would often tell the story about how his plane was shot down over Yugoslavia (he was a tail-gunner in a B-17) and the experience of being a P.O.W. He was proud to have been of service to his country and we were proud of him.

He will be missed.

Happy Birthday, Marie!

2009-05-23T19:04:00.000-07:00

Marie celebrated her 23rd birthday several weeks ago but life has gotten in the way of blogging! Her friends continued the celebration for over a week, which she thoroughly enjoyed. We went to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory with my parents and had a delicious, leisurely meal that was topped of with too much cheesecake. Happy birthday, Sweet Pea!

Changes

2009-05-03T18:35:00.000-07:00

Life is weird, but nice. My husband is going through a metamorphosis - but it's a good one. He used to spend his weekends on the couch, watching every sport or history channel program that came on. However, in the past three months, he has cleaned out and reorganized the garage, hanging cabinets and shelves, painting, and building workbenches. Today, he hung pictures of Reagan and Kramer, his two favorite people. Soon, we will be purchasing a TV and adding a cable box so he can watch sports WHILE he builds things--I'm not sure what kinds of things but hey, that's okay. I'm so proud of everything he has built and the time he has taken to do a great job. He says he wants to get our house to where we can really enjoy it and I'm all for that. Next project: the sitting area off our bedroom--I look forward to that one.

Wow, who would have known that Ken would one day turn into my dad!

Happy Birthday!

2009-02-21T13:31:00.000-08:00

Today is my 51st birthday and believe it or not, I'm ok with it. Last year, turning 50 and even the year approaching that birthday were tough for me. This year, I see it as a day to celebrate the things I enjoy in life so I'm stretching out the celebration: spending time with the girls and Ken today, Nascar on Sunday and a lazy day off from work on Monday! Ahhhh...

Taking stock as I hit another milestone, I can't help but feel extremely blessed by family, friends, work, home, health, and a Savior who loves me. Life IS good!

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

2009-01-08T17:23:00.000-08:00

My mom and dad are celebrating their 54th anniversary today. Below is the speech I gave at their 50th wedding anniversary party in 2005. Every word still holds true...

Mom and Dad
50th Anniversary
January 8, 2005

Tonight we are honoring my parents, Lois and Allen Brown, after fifty years of marriage. They have a marriage that has endured fifty years because they made their relationship their “number one” priority.

In the same manner, family was always the center of our activities when we were growing up. We spent time together. We laughed and cried together. Our family vacations were spent camping, water-skiing, and building great memories.

My mom and dad have also made our extended family and their friends a priority. They have always been available to lend a hand to every one of us in this room, whether we were working on home improvements, moving to a new home, celebrating weddings and babies, or mourning the loss of a loved one—my mom and dad have been there. They are two of the most generous, thoughtful, and dependable people I know.

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for showing us--your children, your grandchildren, and now your great-grandchildren--how to live with honesty, integrity, and love.

Matthew 6:19-21 says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Your treasure is in people, in relationships, but especially in your relationship. Your love for each other has been evident throughout the years and remains strong today. Congratulations on your first fifty years together—here’s to the next fifty!

Thoughts on 2009

2009-01-03T20:13:00.000-08:00

Every Saturday evening, we attend church at The Grove. God speaks through Pastor Tom in an amazing way. Tonight, we were asked what kind of people we would be if we knew we only had one year to live.

What would I stop doing? I'd stop wasting money on silly things, I'd stop being such a whiny grump, I'd stop working so much.

What would I start doing? I'd start spending more time with God, I'd demonstrate my love for Ken by giving him more of me, I'd spend more time with family and friends.

Dear God, I pray that...

I will spend time with You daily, reading Your word and in prayer. Grant me the courage to get involved at church.

I will love Ken more and work to make our marriage GREAT!

I will slow down and enjoy your creation: the world around me and the people around me.

Thank you, God, for new opportunities to change, grow, and mature.

Happy 21st Birthday, Kelley!

2008-12-29T21:23:00.000-08:00

Sisters...

Kelley is born on December 29, 1987

Twenty-one years ago today, a feisty little redhead entered our lives. The name Kelley means "warrior woman" and that is the perfect description for our baby girl. Kelley has always been a strong, independent individual. It is hard to believe that she is all grown up. How does that happen? It is a bittersweet day because, while both of our girls have grown up so quickly, we love the young women they have become. There is a certain satisfaction that comes with knowing the girls have a good head on their shoulders, they have definite goals and are working towards them, and they are good and decent human beings. Thank You, God, for blessing us with Marie and Kelley.

Keeping the tradition alive

2008-12-24T12:03:00.001-08:00

Kelley continues the tradition started by my Grandma Fox -- a Christmas tree coffee cake for Christmas morning. Thanks to my cousin Patricia for recording Grandma's recipe!

Homemade Christmas

2008-12-24T11:58:00.000-08:00

We started a tradition when the girls were little of making a Christmas ornament each year with their picture. These are some of our most treasured ornaments.

Our Family

2008-12-24T11:17:00.001-08:00

This was supposed to be our Christmas card but the girls weren't really happy with it. Maybe next year...taken at the Fox family reunion (my mom's family) during the summer -- we enjoyed catching up with our cousins.

Another Favorite

2008-12-06T20:52:00.001-08:00

Marie and Kelley were in my cousin Lisa's wedding back about thirteen years ago? Kelley was in second grade and Marie was in fourth grade. The wedding was in Northern California. It was so beautiful--as were the bride and our girls!

Four Generations

2008-12-06T20:47:00.001-08:00

This is one of my favorite photos! It includes four generations: my Grandma Fox, my mom, me, and Marie. This picture warms my heart... did you notice how young I look? How about that BIG eighties hair...I think I still have that going on.

Hughes Dinosaur Luncheon

2008-12-05T20:20:00.001-08:00

We recently got together with former co-workers from the days when we worked at Hughes Aircraft (I quit working at Hughes in 1990). It was great fun to see them all!

Our newly-remodeled back yard...

2008-12-05T20:08:00.000-08:00

This is our newly remodeled backyard. These days Ken and I love having coffee on the patio on weekend mornings or sitting out in the sun with D.C. We still don't have much landscaping but we are loving it!

D.C.

2008-12-05T20:00:00.000-08:00

This is D.C., our Yorkshire Terrier. He is a crazy little man who keeps us company now that our girls are busy with their own lives. He is 7-1/2 years old and beginning to show some wear from all of his impulsive behaviors--jumping on and off of anything, chasing lizards and birds, you name it--he chases it! But we love him dearly--heck, he sleeps in our bed!