Showering the Twins

GraceSLO Church is super-supportive of adoption, fostercare, etc. And many of the women involved with that threw a baby shower for the twins, and lots of the Foster/Regusci friends and family were invited as well. What a great event, and they were mostly definitely showered!

 

All the photos: http://JF2.com/120721/

A Random Photo

There they were on the counter in the bouncy things.

 

That's David on the left and Jonathan back right.

Red (lobster), White (plates), and Blue (berries)

With the younger set off at Lake Tahoe, it was a nice, quiet 4th of July dinner at the Compound with Bob and Sandy. Bob had come up with the genius idea of lobster, and there just happened to be four live ones left at Albertsons...

Photos: http://JF2.com/120704/

Plasma Cars

What is all that noise?!

Ah yes, plasma cars...

Photos: http://jf2.com/120629/

Wine Tasting in Southern North SLO County

Our first order of business for the day was Ancient Peaks Winery, a favorite of Bob and Sandy. After that, we had a list of about 8 wineries in the southern end of north SLO county from which to work. We actually made it to Ancient Peaks, Pozo Valley, Frolicking Frog, and Rotta (run by the Rotta family since 1908). Another great day of discoveries.

At left, the winemaker/goldsmith at Frolicking Frog pours their Jumpin' Jehosaphat blend. The cab and cab franc were quite tasty as well.

Photos: http://jf2.com/120617/

Father's Day Hot-Dog-a-Thon at Nipomo

But, of course, you'll only see photos of the kids. How does that happen? And we fathers certainly enjoyed the bonfire afterwards (not pictured).

Photos: http://jf2.com/120616/

Fawning Over the Railroad

Oh my gosh. All of a sudden Serafina and I saw a deer walking past our bedroom door. And right behind her, the fawn! They didn't seem very bothered by the two of us, who actually went out the door and stood on the patio watching them walk across the railroad, up onto the planter, then back down onto the railroad, behind the hot-tub, and back into the woods.

Trev's Birthday Dinner

The kitchen got its first real workout of any kind today. And it did really well other than the fact that we couldn't find stuff, didn't have "staple" ingredients around, etc. All we had to make a ceasar dressing was some really fine olive oil. So, we just baked some bread and dipped! It was the fruit pies, though, that made the kitchen sing. Or vice versa.

Photos: http://JF2.com/120610/

An Evening at the Children's Center

Just like you'd want a preschool Promotion and Acknowledgement program to be - short and sweet. The kids really were pretty cute, and the goodies at the reception were pretty sweet, too. Matteo and AJ go to this preschool, though neither was "graduating" tonight, and Serafina is an alumnus, so we all related to the festivities.

All the photos: http://www.worshipweekly.com/120608.html

The Devil Made Me Do It, Honey

The first "cooking" in the new kitchen was to make what?... Deviled eggs! Well, actually Robob got the honor of the first kitchen activity when he heated up some soup. But, if there's no camera there to catch it, did it really happen?

More photos: http://JF2.com/120608/

David Was There for the Deviled Eggs

You would never have known from the pictures posted during our "black out" period, but David was present during all the hubbub of using the new kitchen for the first time - deviled eggs! Here are the photos that are not in the original post:

 

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There he was, behind the counter all the time!

David Comes Home

David was released from the NICU just a few hours ago. Right straight home he came.

Photos: http://JF2.com/120606/

David and Jonathan in the NICU

While Matt, Tracy, and Lynn visited with great regularity, I got to the NICU but once while they were still there. These were the scary days; they were so fragile.

Home, Home with a Range

It's in! Too bad I missed the show getting it from the deck to its installation spot in the kitchen; that had to have been interesting. It's the red handles that make it, don't ya know! Lynn spent all evening reading the instructions. Lots of "Don'ts", she said. We're getting close...

The Big Guns

They brought out the big guns today to hoist the new kitchen appliances up onto the deck (and then on into the kitchen by hand and dolly). It was really too bad Matteo wasn't there to see it; he would have been beside himself.

All the photos: http://jf2.com/120531/

Wait, You Say It's Fun Learning Verses?

How do kids come to find memorizing hundreds of Bible verses fun? One word - Awana. And they grow in the faith in many other ways through this program as well. Tonight was awards night, followed by ice cream "and stuff"! There's no trouble getting the kids fired up to go to Awana, they fire themselves up. Some day we'll get some photos of drive-in movie night...

So, Who Wants a Kitty?...

The second litter is all grown up and ready to go...

They must have a fabulous sense of hearing.

The "Big Discovery" at the Festival

There's someone new to the central coast, just moved here a few months ago from Colorado. The exciting aspect - he's a children's story writer and illustrator. And those fortunate enough to stumble upon him near the Mason Street Bridge were lucky indeed. His illustrations literally jump out at you, begging to be explored. Lynn kept saying, "writing prompt, writing prompt, writing prompt..." And he'll visit schools and do creativity sessions by grade level! Yes, we bought one of every book he had, and would have bought one of every work of art, too, if money were no object. His name is Mark Ludy: http://MarkLudy.com

Like a Big Pizza Pie...

Our kitchen remodel guru invited us over Sunday afternoon for a "little BBQ" while the floor guy was stinking up the house with a finish coat. The "little BBQ" turned out to be quite the affair! Including make-your-own pizzas that the kids really enjoyed. You could almost hear Matteo singing Italian opera!...

Southwest Headquarters...

We're no longer home to just 9 souls, we're also now the Southwest Headquarters of Matt's new company. So a suitable office was in order. And while we were at it, Robob thought the breezeway (located right outside the office door) could use some furniture. Boy, he hit that nail on the head!

Photos: http://jf2.com/120526

If you're looking for a kitchen update: http://jf2.com/120523

What - Camels in the Village ?!

It's true! Or should I say it was true during the Strawberry Festival. As one of the kids pointed out, there were enough camels there to make a manger scene! (You know how many that is, right.)

Then, who would you expect to see riding a train?!...

First Birthday

Can you believe it, the twins are a year old!? And to celebrate, it's cake for the very first time! The dam has broken. Let the sugar flow begin! Oh, wait, sorry Jen, you say this doesn't mean they can have doughnuts all the time? Bummer.

Photos: http://jf2.com/120519/

Head over Heels

All four Regusci kids are now gymnasts, even AJ, at Performance Athletics (PA). They all love it, by the way. And all but AJ were part of a demo that PA did at SLO's Farmers Market (5/10/12). Enjoy...

All the photos: http://www.jamie-foster-photography.com/Other/120510-Performance-Athletics/

No Longer Virgin Ikeans

As we crested the stairs from the monstrous parking lot, there before us, rising from the mire of the mundane and ordinary, was our destination - Ikea. Yes, we journeyed unto Burbank where this mecca of home projects pulses to the comings and goings of countless people searching for meaning amongst the midnight blues and yellows. It was office furniture we sought, and we did find. Amen.

Sparking Interest

An interest in one of the kids can become an interest in others. AJ recognized that Serafina was playing "Jesus Loves Me" and started singing along... from across the room. So Mom brought him over to see just how Serafina was doing that. He doesn't often sit still and concentrate very long...

Planting Seeds

In faith, this land was given to Coastal Christian School about 30 years ago. And today, in faith, the school moves forward the dream of a new school by holding a day of prayer at the site. 30 years ago, the donation of this land to the school was in faith that some day students and teachers would come to this place to learn and pray, and that faith was rewarded today, at least in part, as students and teachers gathered on the spot to pray for continued progress. Classes came and went all day, as did parents, friends, and believers. I happened to be there when the first and second grades were there.

All the photos: http://jf2.com/120427/

It's Still There

From Serafina in the back seat... Mrs. Anderson's been everywhere. I wonder if she's seen the Leaning Tower of.... ("Pisa", I inject.) Yeah, Pisa. She's seen the Liberty Bell. It's in Philadelphia; has a big crack. ("In a museum?") Yeah, and the first flag is there, too, the star spangled banner. It's all full of holes and all torn up, but at least it's still there. ("It sure is, Pumpkin.")

Disney's Love of Trains

Matt and Jamie attended this evening's SLO Railroad Museum's fundraiser event at the Pacific Coast Railroad (Santa Margarita Ranch) that featured rides on the Disney coaches as well as a multi-media presentation by Michael Campbell, President of the Carolwood Pacific Historical Society. Michael spoke about the development of the Disney railroad and Walt's love for trains. Train rides were available both before and after the presentation on the historic former Santa Fe and Disneyland Railroad "Retlaw1" passenger cars that were built in the Disney Burbank Studios and operated at Disneyland from 1955 to the early 1970's.

All of Jamie's photos for this event are here:
https://www.jamie-foster-photography.com/Trains/120414-PCRR-Disney-Event/

Nipomo Greenhouse Tours

It's become something of a Foster Family and Compound tradition to visit the Central Coast Greenhouse Growers Association annual open house and tours. Including the twins and their parents! All the photos: http://jf2.com/120414/

Golden Gate Park et al

Karen sent Lynn and Jamie on a little getaway to San Francisco. And despite the threatening weather the entire trip, we managed to cram in just about as much as was humanly possible, including some outdoor adventures. On the way north we discovered yet another restaurant in Paso Robles, Estrella: fantastic Latin American cuisine.

We stayed at the Warwick Regis Hotel on Geary. Neat little place, like stepping back into another era. And their restaurant, La Scene Cafe was the perfect little spot for a before-the-theatre meal.

Here are the other spots we hit, most of them pictured at this JF2.com link. There are many photos on this page, so be patient: http://JF2.com/120412/

• American Conservatory Theater. We saw "Maple and Vine"
• Golden Gate Park
  • Conservatory of Flowers, including a Playland at the Beach model with G-scale trains
  • Academy of Sciences
  • Japanese Tea Garden
  • De Young Museum, with a Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit
• John's Grill
• NASA Ames Exploration Center
• Hahn Winery (Soledad)
• Studios on the Park (Paso Robles)
• Robert's Restaurant and Wine Bar - wow!

A Pier/Beach Field Trip Erupted

A field trip to the Pismo pier and beach erupted late in the afternoon. Oh my goodness, the kids burned more calories in those couple hours...

Photos: http://JF2.com/120408/

Easter Eggs Dispense Legos

Some of yesterday's Easter eggs carried Legos. Lots of Legos. So this afternoon, a lazy, Easter Sunday afternoon, the Lego projects began...

Easter Eggs a Day Early

Sometimes it works out best to call the Easter Bunny in a day early. Like this year! The kitchen situation made a big ol' fancy gig out of the question, but the sloppy joes, deviled eggs, and strawberry pie did the trick? Not to mention all the chocolate...

Photos: http://jf2.com/120407/

Easter Preparations

A little outing with a couple of the kids is always a treat, especially when Easter goodies are at stake. How about that "People of Walmart" photo?!

Kids and Kittens

It's a daily ritual now. The kids have to have some play time with the kittens at least once a day. And a kitten-friendly litter pan has been introduced, not to mention their expanded play area. Oh, by the way, kittens can crawl way back into wine bottle slots; Tracy looked like she was noodling trying to get them out!

Kitten Update

They're amazingly mobile now!...

Gone Fishin' (Again!)

These fishing excursions are amazing adventures. Not much involves fishing, really. I learned what an ember bundle was today as the first graders decided to try their hand at fire building. With sticks for matches.

Photos: http://jf2.com/120324/

On the 12th Day of Kittens

They look very, very cute!

Photos: http://jf2.com/120323/

Kitchens and Kittens: All Doing Well

The kitchen is in its second week of work, and it looks like it's just in time as the Compound population has grown. Grown by 6 kittens born last night. Mom and brood are doing well (once we got Hershey blocked off).

Always good to get pictures of where the pipes and wires go!



P.S. We've had about 20 people here for dinner the past two Monday evenings with the kitchen in this shape. Nuts, I know. It's amazing what can be done...

Kitchen Remodel: Days Zero and Two

The big kitchen remodel began March 1st. Pictured first at left is the kitchen as it looked the night before (Feb 29). By the end of the second work day, most of the kitchen was gone (second picture). Amazing! I think we should turn the area into a dance floor. More photos of Day Zero and Day Two are here: http://JF2.com/120304/

You may be wondering why we felt the need to remodel such a cool kitchen. Well, it was a good looking kitchen, but there were some definitely illogical things about it operationally. Like, only 2 burners for a family of nine, no way to open the fridge if there was someone cooking at those 2 ranges, cabinet space that was half useless as you couldn't get to the back without unloading the front, and lighting that looked really cool but didn't actually illuminate anything. There was a list of stuff like that...