Hudson Happenings

The talk at the lunch table

2009-02-20T00:26:00.000-08:00

So over vacation I volunteered at Jahmia's school . On one occasion I stuck around for lunch. Well one of the teachers had asked the kids about President Obama and what they think of him as a president. Most of them (okay only my daughter and 2 of her playmates) said they knew who he was and love to say his name... in between bites of freshly steamed asparagus and organic cheese pizza. Well one rather smart and outspoken 5 year old announces, and I quote, "Yeah, I like Obama. But my Dad says his all-time favorite president is Lou Dobbs." Out of the mouths of babes...I could hardly contain my laughter/ astonishment! Kids that eat asparagus?! That's unbelievably cool! And a 5 year old knows who Lou Dobbs is?! That's incredible.

4th and final!

2009-02-20T00:06:00.000-08:00

We are now 2 weeks into my LAST semester the Nursing Program! I've been enjoying some numbers lately that mean something to me, like: 3 exams left, 1 paper to write, 8 more times we have to wear our white uniforms, 16 lectures left, and 10 trips left over the hill to VMC.

I'm so stoked that I'm almost an RN! Thank you friends and family that have seen Cole, Jahmia and I through this amazing journey with all of your prayers, support and love! I love you and am grateful for you!

Consciously absent minded

2009-02-19T23:12:00.000-08:00

Where did the month of January go?

I spent the majority of my vacation with family. (Family is a very broad and colorful term; a word that evokes such deep feelings of love and acceptance, in which we share beautiful memories. Yet, at the same time, that same word strikes unfamiliar cords causing a little bit of anxiety, nervousness and uncertainty.) For both the Taylor and Hudson sides, our ideas and thoughts of family grew. We were reunited with one side of the family after a ten plus years of separation and met for the first time four 2nd cousins on the other side! Both meetings went very well, filled with smiles, laughter, hugs and great conversations. We are so blessed to have them included in our lives.

Pictures to come soon...

WE LOVE CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-25T01:22:00.000-08:00

Silent night, holy night

All is calm, all is bright

Round yon Virgin

Mother and Child

Holy Infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!

Shepherds quake at the sight

Glories stream from heaven afar

Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!

Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night

Son of God, love's pure light

Radiant beams from Thy holy face

With the dawn of redeeming grace

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth " MERRY CHRISTMAS LOVED ONES! May today be filled with everything and everyone you love.

Good-bye and I love you Grandma

2008-12-14T13:38:00.000-08:00

Some of you had the honor of meeting my wonderful Grandma Carla. She had such a zest and zeal for life as evidenced by her constant smile and twinkle in her eyes. Grandma channeled that love of life into her swimming and dancing, her two biggest hobbies. Adorned with a swim cap and goggles, Grandma was all game to join us in the water for our surf wedding. This woman had so much patience with all the grand and great-grand kids. One of her claims-to-fame with us was that she taught all of us how to swim! Jahmia learned how to roll down a grassy hill, thanks to Great-Grandma Carla. As a little girl, she would take me to the convalescent homes where she worked as a movement therapist. What could be better than playing with balloons, parachutes and dancing! As a young adult, she allowed me to live with her while I transitioned from a move from OR to CA. She was fun. Because of her influence, love and encouragement, I choose to become a Nurse. Now 3/4 of the way done, I cannot believe she will not be there to see me graduate next June.

Life is not controlled by us. I'm shocked by her death. Yet happy that I was able to talk with her last Sunday (12/7). We talked about life and bringing each other up-to-date with what the current events. She was more than thrilled that the pool was open all winter this year. At 85 she swam almost daily! Every Sunday she attended the Friends Meeting House in Berkley, which she loved. I was able to thank her for all the times she took me to her work, to her dance classes, and for influencing me to become a Nurse. I got to hear her tell me how proud she was of me and how much she loved me. As we were saying our good-byes I told her that I loved her too, not knowing that it would be the last time. Saying good-bye and I love you, never felt so final before.

Conversations with Mia...

2008-12-07T22:21:00.000-08:00

::December 4, 2008::

Wanted to relay this tender conversation between Mia & I earlier this week. We were on the way to her school, listening to her praise music (a standard for our car!) and the following unfolds...

Jahmia says out of the blue, "I love Jesus!"
I pulled into the preschool driveway, turn off the car. SMILE & respond, "Oh that's wonderful! Jesus loves you too!"
J says, "Mommy, how do I get to heaven?"
I opened her side door and gave her a hug.
The only thing that comes to mind to say is, Romans 10:9 "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." So I tell her (knowing that God's word does not return void and also "faith [comes] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Rom 10:17).
J, "Thanks Mommy. Can I go now?" She runs to the door, opens it and yells back to me "Love you Mommy. Here's a big hug and big kiss!"

Wow! Hi-5 Jesus! That was all Him! I think I had a Mary moment. (see Luke 2:19)

It's begining to look like Christmas

2008-12-07T14:46:00.001-08:00

The Spirit of Christmas has filled our hearts and home this year. For the first time in 6 years, we got a Christmas tree! Every ornament has meaning. Carefully hung, every little ornament glimmered as the scent of noble fir filled our tiny apartment.

My Grandpa Cecil had always given us ornaments, as did Cole's Grandma James. Grandma Olga always gave crisp dollar bills. With all three of them gone, those ornaments have an extra special value to us. We are reminded of their best qualities and special quirks, of how they always brought a smile to our faces and gave us more love than humanly possible! We always looked forward to Grandma James' homemade fudge and talking about current events. Grandpa Cecil was our movie buff and DJ. He had a song for every occasion. I can still picture him closing his eyes, feeling the music and tapping out the drum rhythm with his hands and feet. Grandma Olga had an impeccable memory, so conversations with her were packed with details, love and care.

My Auntie K's favorite holiday is Christmas! She also has contributed GREATLY to my Christmas cache. (Thank you! It's getting good use this year!)

She gave me (years ago) a table cloth with Christmas bears in formal parade attire playing the drum and trumpet. Anyway, we used it as our tree skirt. It's just beautiful and again adds to the meaning of Christmas for us. Sharing and spending time with loved ones, whether that "loved one" is in our family or in someone else's.

John 3:16 says "For God so LOVED the world that He GAVE His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." God loves us, all of us. He gave us Jesus. Jesus gave us life. So our aim, for everyday really, is to first LOVE. Love our family, friends, neighbors, and yes- our enemies. Secondly, to GIVE. God gave us the gift that kept on giving... ...Merry Christmas!

Oh that face

2008-12-07T13:19:00.000-08:00

When someone asks Jahmia, "What do we celebrate at Christmas?" She responds, "Jesus' Birthday!" My heart is delighted to hear this. Then someone else asks her, "What do you want Santa to bring you for Christmas?" Jahmia looks at me, puzzled and says "I don't know."

About two weeks ago, Santa didn't exist to her. She really didn't know who he was. I must confess, it was my idea to introduce her to Santa. I met "Santa" one day at my clinical site. He works with the elderly at a local skilled facility. Gentle and sweet man he is. He told me that it takes him about nine months to grow and several whiting treatments to get Santa's white beard. For the last fifteen years he's be playing Santa for both public and private events.

Today, Jahmia met Santa. She also got to decorate a sugar cookie and got her face painted. Apparently she asked for a blue ball and a balloon. Who knew? On the way home she stated, "I had fun with Santa." (We did too!) Oh the face of one who has spent time with Santa...

How we spent our 6th Anniversary

2008-12-06T22:52:00.000-08:00

With school almost done, we decided to "check out" for a mini-vacation. Our destination, Costanoa. http://www.costanoa.com/site.php This place is magnificent! (Much thanks to our dear friends for providing this treat!! We love you and cannot wait to go there with you!)

Trying something new, we reserved a tent bungalow. Both beds had heated mattress pads. The comfort stations were more than just a restroom, they included: indoor hot showers, heated concrete floors, a 24 hour dry sauna and an outdoor fireplace! The weather was stupendous! Highs of 70's, lows of 40's. No fog and no wind! All of us went to sleep really early and subsequently, rose very early. I've attached our Sunday morning picts. After a gimongous, five dollar breakfast of pancakes and bacon, coffee and OJ, we embarked on the hiking trails with some new friends. Jahmia spotted a boy her age at breakfast and just had to say hi! Well, for the next five hours Henry and Jahmia were inseparable!

We really enjoyed ourselves and hope to return there soon with our new friends!

The 3's are upon us

2008-11-03T23:11:00.000-08:00

Jahmia turned 3 years old in September. As parents we couldn't be more proud of our little gem's achievements, stature, and cognitive abilities. She's a smart cookie with smarty attitude. Oh yes, our singing/ dancing, dress wearing, skateboard riding, "big" helper, has throw-down screaming tantrums. Oh brother...

These acts of defiance stretch us as parents, keep us on our knees in prayer- sometimes out of desperation. Well, I can now add humbled to that list. Check out the passage in 1 Corin. 1:26-31 with me.

"Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.

But God choose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God choose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

He choose the lowly things of this world and the despised things- and the things that are not- to nullify the things that are,

so that no one may boast before him.

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has became for us wisdom from God- that is , our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

A very dear, loving and graceful sista-in-Lord shared this verse with me after a very troublesome tantrum. Upon reading this verse, I was in instant confession with the Lord. I was taking credit for Jahmia's good and bad attributes. I had become proud and headstrong in my parenting. I learned that parenting is about Jesus, and what He has done for Jahmia, as well as, Cole and I. I learned that I need Jesus more than ever, in these tantrum times. I have been humbled by a 3 year old- Praise God!

7 weeks until the end of the semester

2008-11-03T22:33:00.000-08:00

Thanks be to our loving and gracious God, who is the giver of all good things! Since my last post 2 exams have passed, both of which I received a "B" grade. Thank you to all of you who prayed for me. 2 down, 2 remain and a paper due in 3 weeks. In total: 5 exams left before graduation!

After 9 intense weeks at WCH, my last week has arrived. I started with 2 clients per shift and HOURS of prep work to 3 clients per shift and no prep. During one of the weeks, I did an out-rotation in CCU and ED! Very fascinating. I do believe I have found my niche- CCU. Here is what I love about CCU- the teamwork amoung physicians, RN's and other interdisciplinary members, the 2-to-1 client to RN ratio, the acuity of the clients demands 100% of the RN's time, compassion, and mind, and all medical tools are readily available. Translation= it's challenging and thrilling to me. I would LOVE to preceptor here!

The last 5 weeks of my clinical rotation will be spent at: a skilled nursing facility, the Stroke Center (http://www.cabrillo.edu/academics/strokecenter/) , and Hospice. I'm looking forward to the change of pace...

Back to school

2008-09-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

8 months and counting! No I am not pregnant, but counting the months until the Nursing Program is over! I’m currently a Semester 3 Nursing Student at Cabrillo College. Clinical rotation at Watsonville Community Hospital. I worked at Dominican Hospital a few days a week during the summer and REALLY enjoyed it! The majority of the summer was spent: at the beach listening to concerts and building sandcastles with Mia, playing music together, riding kiddie rides at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, catching up with old friends, having tea parties, and praising the Lord! Even took a vacation to Ore/ Wa! Picts to come later... So much fun =)

Forgive me in advance friends and family as I check out of the online world for a few months. I really need to focus and get to studying! I will periodically post updates, praise reports and prayer requests. 1st test is Sept. 26. Please pray for my family too, for easement in the transition, grace and endurance! Love, hugs, and prayers- Tiffany

Mom's away so we can play...

2008-07-19T22:46:00.000-07:00

Cole and Jahmia had a marvelous day! Started out the day reading Dr. Seuss.
"Daddy? Can you please read this to me, I don't know the words."
"Sure Jahmia." Dad replies.
"I want to learn to read." Jahmia says snuggling into Dad for story time.

While I was hard at work today, Cole's BF Jesse (aka Uncle Jesse) calls him up and invites him to Laguna Seca Raceway for the Motorcycle Grand Prix! So off they went to the races...

Some of the activities she enjoyed sandwiched around her 2 hour nap on a hill under a shade tree were: trying on for size a 50cc Yamaha, Honda ATV, rode a bus, Uncle Jesse bought her chocolate, ate a cheeseburger and a milkshake with Daddy, and hearing phrases like, "Look Daddy I found a motorcycle just my size" and in regarding to racing "I want to do that!"

One of the last phrases out of Jahmia's mouth tonight was "Daddy, you're the best Daddy in the whole world!" Right she is.

A free moment...

2008-07-17T22:35:00.000-07:00

It's 2235, the little girl is FINALLY asleep, husband is back to sleep for the 2nd time today, and I'm still up washing laundry. This is my free moment to stand on my soap box and roar into black nothingness called cyber space. Ear phones plugged in listening to Pandora (http://www.pandora.com/ check it out- make our own station of cool music), Ben Harper Radio, trying to chill out. Craving exercise and water with lemon, an empty beach and swell. I miss surfing.

This past month, I've had the opportunity to sample what it feels like to be a WORKING (on payroll) mom. I love working at Dominican Hospital as a student RN (SN)~ full shifts, reports received and reports given, nursing and communication skills are improving and time management is still a struggle. (I know Dad your not surprised). For the first time (as a SN) a Doctor looked at me in the eyes, initated a firm handshake, smile and called me by name "Nice to meet you," He said. Here's the kicker- as he was leaving the floor he smiled again saying "Tiffany, have a great day!" Is it obvious that this has never happened to me before? The next day, another first. A client that I had cared for left flowers for ME! What?! The patient's note: "To the coolest nurse ever! Thanx!" It made my day. I'm thinking about framing it.

Downside of this work study- sheer exhaustion. Unlike any exhaustion I've felt before. I know that I'll get used to it. But it's a shock to the system. This reminds me of speed camp, spring training for soccer season. It was the week before daily doubles. Yeah, it was all about running your guts out WITHOUT the ball. Fun. =)

What else is going on around the house... revamped the bathroom floor. Goodbye linoleum, hello tile! And no more sweaky floor! Cole has worked his tale off around here, all the while working 55+ hours. No fun. He's hit a wall (not literally). He needs, we all need, a vacation. So in August, we are going to visit my family in Oregon. Yeah!! Looking forward to relaxing and floating down the Rogue River on a Durt Bag. We also plan on venturing further up north to visit some friends who recently moved from Capitola to the Hood River Area. We often ask Jahmia "Who lives in Oregon?" She replies, "Tugboat and Morgan and Christa. He loves me so much. Papa and Grams and Uncle Jon live there. 'member the tractor. I was so scared of it. 'member the cat and I picked it up?" This is Tugboat. At almost 3 years old, this Newfoundland is the coolest, most gentle dog. Truly man's best friend. Here is Uncle Jon and Mia with the cat in 2007.Cool girl.

Laundry is done, unfortunately it doesn't fold itself. bummer.

Post-Nap Conversations

2008-06-17T16:20:00.000-07:00

Cole was sitting at the computer this afternoon when Jahmia woke up from her nap. She was still groggy as she approached him and engaged in the following conversation.

"Hi Jahmia," Daddy says.
"Where's Benjamin?" Jahmia asks.
"He went home." Daddy replied.
"Where's the box?" Jahmia quickly added.
"Daddy didn't bring one home from work. I'm sorry."
"oh," Jahmia says followed by a short pause. "Do you have any money?"

When little conversations like this happen we are left astounded and amazed. We delight in them not because of her unbridled tongue, but for her tenacious memory and caring heart. For the past year and a half Cole has brought cardboard boxes home and then turns them into houses for Mia to play in. So the last one he brought home was more than 2 weeks ago. Since then she'd ask at various times if Daddy could bring one home, not for her but for Benjamin!

Regarding the money she asked for, Daddy often has change for her after he makes his run to L.A. or San Diego. She asks for his coins because she's saving it for the Boardwalk. (Smart girl!)

May in Review

2008-06-09T00:32:00.000-07:00

While I was at school, Jahmia spent time with one of her best buddies Benjamin and "Uncle" Jenna. They are both in that stage of imaginary play and are fully submerged in experiencing the here and now.

Ben and Mia under the snowball tree Pure excitement

Pure innocents

Jahmia and Daddy spent some quality time together at the Monterrey Bay Aquarium.

Pure happiness.

Above are a few snaps shots from school and our 2 clinical locations. We practiced starting IV's on each other, mine veins would not comply. Now at the end of 2nd semester we have our complete skills set and are off to participate in a work study program over the summer.

Mother's Day Celebrating SIX years together (May12, 2008)!

Penny and Cole

Another Mia Moment

2008-06-09T00:18:00.000-07:00

We are a very affectionate family (big surprise, I know). One of our goodbye's usually contains a blown kiss...

promptly caught with your right hand and "saved" in your heart. Oooh, I do love being a Mommy =)

Where's Jahmia???? It's too quiet...

2008-06-09T00:03:00.000-07:00

First, to all of you who are wondering... YES those are my heels (thank you Heather!)

I need look no further...
mademoiselle....
I'm soooo proud of you! You are beautiful!

I love having a little girl!

Grandma + Mia + M&M's + Thomas the Train =

2008-06-08T23:57:00.000-07:00

Cole and Tiffany's FIRST date night! Thank you Lord! Thank you Penny (my super mom-in-law) for spending pretty much all afternoon and evening with Jahmia. We were so happy that you gave us this time together, so precious! Oh yeah, my favorite part... Mia fell asleep to Grandma reading her a story that she read to Cole as a kid. Yep, she's still got the touch!

Oh this is the day...

2008-06-04T14:37:00.000-07:00

...that the Lord has made, I WILL rejoice and be glad in it! WHY? Because God is wonderful. He deserves it.

... secondly, I just finished Level II of the RN program! This semester's material was meatier and took a while to chew on. The clinical schedules hung in a precarious balance of am's vs. pm's, a lot of late nights and early mornings. Study groups rock! There were some days where I only saw Jahmia for a few hours! What an adjustment. To God be the glory, to Him I thank. To my husband, he carried me and our household through this last year, you are my HERO! Cole, I love you more today than I did yesterday. Thank you for believing in me and helping me achieve my dream. To Mia, you're a trooper and I love you. You make Mommy's heart sooooo happy =) You are my best-est baby girl and I look forward to being in your world again. Thank you family and my best girl friends for cheering me on and seeing us and praying us through this season. All my love and hugs to you... A REAL HUG is on its way...

Grandma's House

2008-05-07T10:57:00.000-07:00

Grandma Penny lives 25 minutes away and Jahmia LOVES going there. Here are a few reasons why... Jahmia likes to play catch with the neighbor's dogs, Yippy and Chewy.
This is Chewy.
The neighbor's also own sheep; Jahmia just fed them, check out that smile!
What would be Grandma's house without a rope swing!

The longest 5 weeks!

2008-05-07T10:17:00.000-07:00

Please forgive my absenteeism, but school had kicked into overdrive leaving all of us feeling spun out. Now with four exams and a paper behind me, I can now clean up from the aftermath. My husband and daughter are needing a lot of TLC, the house is yelling 'clean me!', sistas from church are calling 'haven't seen you in a while and we're praying for you', and the people at the gym don't recognize me. Yikes!

Here's the recap- A, B's and a C on the last exams. Clinical site changed from Watsonville to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center where my focus is pediatrics. Awesome. This summer I will be in a work study program at one of the 3 county hospitals. Awesome. Paid. Awesome. Learning to start IV's. scary.

Jahmia is pretty much potty trained, with the exception of night time. Awesome. She's speaking more Spanish and sign. Awesome. Her desire to pray for people increases everyday. Awesome. Memory versus are a weekly occurrence. Awesome. My mom-in-law Penny moved to town. Awesome. She is working at Beverly's. Awesome. Got the stimulus package, refunds still to come. Awesome. Received a nice scholarship for next semester. Awesome.

God loves you. Awesome. God loves me. Awesome. He made all of this possible. Awesome. Praise Him! Awesome is Jesus. Thank you Lord!

Jahmia 2 1/2 years old!

2008-03-03T01:57:00.000-08:00

This month we will be highlighting and honoring Jahmia as we celebrate her 1/2 birthday! Here are some pictures of half birthdays past...

March 23, 2008 was Jahmia's half birthday and more importantly it was Easter Sunday. So we celebrated with some of our neighbors. She has also become quite the little helper and very good at it, alas her career as a painter has been unveiled. Finally here she is in her true form, Jahmia the beach adventurer.

March 2008

March 2007

March 2006

March 2005

What happened to February?!

2008-03-03T01:33:00.000-08:00

Friday- Feb. 29, 2008 Marked the 1st time I'd been out SURFING since last summer! Waves at 2nd Jetty were waist-chest high, glassy and fun. Yeah me! Hopefully, surfing on Friday's will become a lot more regular, (as will my attendance at my new gym)!

3 weeks completed of my 2nd semester of the RN program at Cabrillo. I'm loving it! Fellow RN classmates are encouraging, supportive and determined. Instructors are great. Clinical is challenging yet rewarding. For 6 more weeks I'll be at Watsonville Community Hospital for Med/ Surg, then a 5 week rotation at Valley Medical Center for Ped's.

12 weeks into our kitchen remodel. Shelving, painting and lighting are all that are left. I'll post B&A's photos when it's complete.

Easter Break is 3 weeks away and we are going to OR. =)

Puddle Jump'em

2008-02-25T23:48:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to me! Thursday, February 21 was my 31st bday. It rained and rained that day. After spending 7 emotionally exhausting hours at clinical, in which I saw the continuum of life completed, this was how we celebrated =) P.S. Jahmia is solely responsible for her outfit.

Before the storm

2008-02-25T23:41:00.000-08:00

Jahmia's Grandpa Hudson and Grandma Carla came to visit us in early February. Here are a few pictures from that day.

January 31, 2008

2008-02-05T15:28:00.000-08:00

Cole has been on vacation this week. We finally got to spend some family time together. Much needed and long over due family time. So one of our adventures was a midweek trip to Sacramento to visit my sister-in-law and mother-in-law. Both love Jahmia so much and have gone through extensive changes to include Jahmia in every room of their homes. Here are a few pictures of that trip. =)

January 23, 2008

2008-02-05T15:08:00.000-08:00

We went to San Diego this last weekend with full intentions of visiting the San Diego Zoo.
The Zoo is a very special place for Jahmia. Her Dad took her there last summer and she couldn't stop talking about it........

"I saw camels and giraffes and elephants and monkeys! The monkeys were swinging in the trees!"

....... on and on she'd retell her zoo story. Very animated and very cute.

About 30 years have passed since I'd visited the SD Zoo. I was pretty excited.

However, this was NOT our time to visit the zoo. It was our time to visit Riverside Community Hospital though. On one of our stops, Jahmia fell. She fell backward, hit her head pretty hard on a wooden pallet. She was wearing her beanie so it absorbed all of the blood and some of the blunt force. We are praising God that she only received 2 staples. It could have been a lot worse.

So here is Jahmia's version of the story....

"I have an ouchy on the head. I fell on a wooden palleck and got 2 staples. I cried. Yah. The doctor take my ouchy away."

And now you have... the rest of the story.

January 16, 2008

2008-02-05T14:54:00.000-08:00

Well another vocabulary milestone this week.

Jahmia and Cole were waiting for me outside, as we were getting ready to run some errands.
No sooner had I walked through the threshold of the door and I hear our little Jahmia say to her Daddy.... "Com'on dude!"

Should I be proud?!

January 14, 2008

2008-02-05T14:46:00.000-08:00

"That's AWESOME!" exclaimed my Jahmia with glee as she blew bubbles.
Sounding a bit dumbfounded I muttered, "What?"
"That bubble is awesome Mommy!" she replied while smiling and hopping on the deck.
Wow, my 2 year old is saying 'awesome' correctly in a sentence.
I then affirmed her response by chanting the same line, "you're right Mia, that bubble is awesome!"

The Kitchen

2008-01-07T10:35:00.000-08:00

BEFORE THE DEMO....

Two layers of wallpaper, a day and a half of sanding wood, 3 days of plaster=

Next up, PRIMER!

Power Outage

2008-01-07T10:27:00.000-08:00

With the power out for 48 hours we found plenty of family time. The streets were quiet; there wasn't a steady hum of street lights or people walking about. Everyone stayed inside, huddled by the fireplace or gas heater. We read a lot of books and cooked the comfort foods. We were warm, dry and had full tummies. No complaints. I felt comforted by this house, as it was built in 1887 and with stood many storms. No real damage done, just need to replace a refrigerator full of food. I will praise God in the storm!

Fajitas and tamales

2007-12-26T14:26:00.000-08:00

Grandma Carla, Mia and Cousin Joe. Grandma is reading a bible story.

Cousin Joe with his Dad trying out the new "heely's" We had a fun time playing outside together!

First time riding her bike outside. Loving it as Daddy, Grandpa Hudson and Uncle Heather look on.

Grandpa Hudson giving Mia some pointers.

Mia and Grandpa Hudson laughing and tickling each other.

Saturday at the Hudson's we had such a yummy dinner. Grandma Carla made fajita's and tamales, Aunt Shannon made Spanish Rice and a nice green salad. We ate likes kings! For the first time, both sets of families were together. Merry Christmas Everyone!

Thanks Uncle Heather!

2007-12-26T13:10:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Christmas with Cole's Mom and Sister on Saturday before Christmas. What fun we had. Those gals really went the extra mile to make Christmas special. There was a12 foot tree, a Honey Baked Ham and fudge (James' Family recipe!) YUMMY!

Mia forgets titles often, so Auntie become Uncle. Everybody seems to be Uncle. Anyway, Uncle Heather helped make Christmas special for us...

Here is Mia on her 1st bicycle! A Schwinn!
Thanks Uncle Heather! Love you!

Jahmia now likes to have her fingernails and toenails painted. So Uncle Heather found her pretty pink nail polish for Mia. What a show this was. To dry the paint, Grandma sat her on the counter, Cole turned on the blow dryer and Uncle Heather touched up the paint. She was royally pampered! How loved she is!

Coversations with Mia

2007-11-20T22:55:00.000-08:00

I'd like to share with you a conversation that Jahmia and I had last week. I'll set the scene for you...

Found parking in front of the house and noticed that the kitchen window was open. So, while I'm gathering my things to take inside, I give a little whistle. (We Hudson's have a special whistle that is entirely unique to us, it's our identifying whistle.) Seconds later I hear Jahmia squeal for joy and shout"Mommy's home!" As I am making my way to the stairs, what do I see? Two smiles, beaming bright welcoming me home. Cole is holding Jahmia up so she can see me.

"How are you?" I cheerfully address my daughter.
Jahmia's response, "PEANUT BUTTER!"
A little surprised, wasn't quite what I was expecting, but I reply, "JELLY"
Still smiling, she blasts out, "JELLY BEAN!"
I think I let out a little chuckle, but inside I'm busting up! "SILLY BEAN!" I blurted out.

What's waiting for me at the top of the stairs? None other than my husband with a kiss and my bouncing "silly bean" with the biggest hug! I am sooooo blessed!

Brown Bear

2007-11-20T20:30:00.000-08:00

"Brown Bear, Brown Bear what do you see?"

"I see a Red Bird looking at me."

... as my nose follows the scent of fresh baked chocolate cupcakes, so mine ears to my daughter's jovial narration of her new favorite story.

Being careful not to disturb this precious moment, I wait eagerly to enter her space. Which should I do first: Congratulate and praise her for reading her first story or do I not interrupt her at all and let her finish?

My answer... get the camera!

Welcome to the Hudson Happenings

2007-10-20T21:51:00.000-07:00

Here we are in Capitola, enjoying the sea breezes and some quiet time. As our life rapidly changes everyday, we wanted to capture the essence of this moment and moments to come by sharing it with our family and friends. Welcome to the Hudson Happenings!

Today was family day; we spent it celebrating a birthday at Chuck E Cheese in Gilroy. Cole made dinner, I took a nap. Barely cracked the books today. Well that's not entirely true... I read 5 books to Jahmia before bed!

Kicking off the 8th week of the Nursing Program at Cabrillo College I have 2 exams and a clinical paper due. It's also my last week at Dominican ARU. Watsonville Labor and Delivery is next! Cole will be in L.A on Monday. He's relieved that the new guy is trained, so it should be a fairly mellow week for him.

Jahmia says to me as I'm leaving the house for school, "Mommy go to school be a nurse! I go to school and be a nurse." I scoop that baby up in my arms and give her a big kiss and a big hug! I tell her I love her and that she right about Mommy and that she can go to school too. Every inch of my being loves her so much! It's one of those moments that I will cherish in my heart forever. So we have started looking into preschools. One that interests us and she really resonates with is called the Learning Montessori Preschool. She's excited to the point of acting out the process of going to school: complete with the books, crayons, water bottle and backpack at the door, turning the knob saying "I go to school!" That's our girl, we're so proud!

The picture of her was taken on her birthday this year in our old apartment.