For those of your not looped in on Hosking Family Planning 101 - this half of the Hosking family is baby-crazy and rearing to go; the other half of Hosking family is working really hard to push aside the sing-song voice in his head that keeps repeating "baby=end of life/fun/sleep/freedom/fishing for-ev-er."* Eventually these two halves will meet up and that little voice is going to be silence, but in the meantime I've been trying to absorb all I can from the mom's around me (and via blog - Jenn Avila, thank you - i think - for the blog the other day outlining your entire morning with London. That one was eye-opening; RJ's mantra lived in my own head for 2 days after that!)

Anyway, two fun things I learned this week:

1) When putting footsie pajamas on a 10 month old don't try to get them on feet first. Especially if this 10 month old is particularly wiggly and his mom has a video camera nearby. (I have a small inkling that video might pop up at some future shower)

2) Beware of squashing a 5 year olds dreams. Today I was returning from the Decker's Outlet with my girlfriend Raegan (awesome sale this weekend for you Ventura folk), her daughter Hannah, and her son Elijah (age 5.8). From the back seat, admist a steady stream of conversation and questions, Elijah informed me that he is dying to go to Disney World. Having visited Disney World myself, and knowing it isn't on his family's radar at the moment, I though I would encourage Elijah to wait to visit Disney Word until he's a bit older and can enjoy all the large rides, and in the meantime be content with his season pass to Disneyland. He took in what I had to say, thought on it a moment, and then with out even a pout he replied: "Why does everyone always have to ruin what I want to do." Deep sigh.

So, there you have it, I'm a dream crusher.



*In all seriousness, I am so blessed to have a husband who takes the responsibility of parenting seriously. I appreciate that he's taking his time making such a huge decision. If the prospect of being a father didn't scare him at all than he wouldn't be ready to be one.

Movies/Books

I haven't done this in awhile so the list has really added up. But I really want to keep track of my movies/books throughout the year; so here's a quick update.

Books
The Boleyn Inheritance - got the best
The Queen's Fool - awesome
The Virgin Queen - really good
Water for Elephants - must read

Movies
No Country for Old Men - too violent, but interesting symbolism and writing
Ratoutille - cute but Disney's done better
Into the Wild (half)- I like it although the kids bugs...we've had some debates about this one with Patagonia friends. I am going to finish it tonight
The Other Boleyn Girl - no good as a movie; there was too much info in that book (awesome book!) to try and make a 2 hour movies
The Kite Runner - see above answer
Becoming Jane - really liked it; love most things Jane Austen
Gone Baby Gone - the ending made this one a must see!

One thing I've noticed through the exercise is that I spend alot of time reading fiction and not some much time (none) reading books that could encourage and build my walk with the Lord. Therefore, I'm currently reading The Sacred Romance (I've read parts but never the entire thing) and I am really enjoying it!

Big News....!!!

And is isn't pregnancy!

We're in escrow! After years of talking, months and months of searching, and too many offers to count, RJ and I are finally in escrow on a little house in Ventura. It is a 30 day escrow and things are moving along really well. We are super-de-duper excited. We really feel as though this house was choosen specifically for us. Please pray that the next three weeks go smoothly.

And here are some pics for my mom who is 7 hours north in Grass Valley and dying to see the place! (Please keep in mind that we are buying the home from the original owner who got it in 1950. If you don't have an active imagination please don't look any further.)


Front of house. 3 bedroom, 1 bath, corner lot.




Kitchen. Original '50's stove and it's in great condition and still works great!


Love the wallpaper!


Dining Room/Living Room area. From the kitchen.


Living Room/Dining Room from the front door.


Master bedroom from the hallway door.


Master bedroom from the back of the room towards the hallway door.


Front bedroom/guest room (Mom, this is the furniture set we are keeping.)


This is the third bedroom from the hallway. It is almost two different rooms. The entire back wall is cabinets.


The cabinets in bedroom 3


Standing in front of those cabinets looking out.


Dining/Living room from bedroom 3.


Looking from the Dutch door in the living room to the backyard and the cute barn/work station.


I was hesitant to actually publish this photo, but here's the bathroom!