Martens Times

Greer sleeping

2009-07-03T23:44:00.000-07:00

Greer cannot stay in one spot in her crib.
This is a pretty typical position for sleeping.
It is so funny checking up on her and she is
crammed in the corner, and huddled up on her knees.

Greer and the balloon

2009-07-03T23:41:00.001-07:00

Just thought this was cute. She looks like she is in awe.

Catching Up 1

2009-07-03T23:11:00.000-07:00

Serious catch up time!!! Neglecting the blog is easy, too easy. Facebook definitely is a culprit!
Well, needless to say, here are some more Greer milestones that we wanted to share....

First taste of cereal.

Pulling herself up.

Starting to crawl.

First Easter, decorating eggs with the Martens'

First ride to the beach in her jogging stroller.

Catching Up 2

2009-07-03T22:54:00.000-07:00

First ponytail

First jolly jumper

Standing all by herself

First big earthquake :o

First Memorial Day BBQ

Greer Talking

2008-12-13T23:18:00.000-08:00

Tummy Time

2008-12-13T23:09:00.000-08:00

Yay!

2008-12-03T23:14:00.000-08:00

Greer and the Bumbo chair

2008-12-03T23:06:00.000-08:00

Here's Greer's first try in her Bumbo chair.
She did great for the first little while,
and then it got hard staying up so long.
She is starting to be strong, but the
endurance isn't quite there yet!

3 Month Old!

2008-12-03T22:26:00.001-08:00

This post is late, but here is a celebration of our
3 month old and a late Birthday party for
Mommy at Black Angus.

Monday Night Football

2008-10-13T21:42:00.001-07:00

I think Daddy wants this to be a tradition...

Smiling

2008-10-13T17:04:00.001-07:00

Greer loves to smile when you sing to her.
Here we were singing Sunday School songs.
Mommy had fun too ;)

Greer and the Bears

2008-10-10T17:39:00.000-07:00

Look Grandpa and Grandma, I can move the bears!

Ray's Waffle House

2008-09-22T21:39:00.001-07:00

Since Mom and Dad have been here, we have gone down
the list of breakfasts. We have had crepes, french toast,
hashbrowns and eggs and tonight was waffles, bacon
and strawberries with white sauce and whipped cream.
Now we need to have omlettes and pancakes and we have
gone through the breakfast menu...

Grandpa's waffles put her to sleep....
or is it the paci?

Viking Fan?

2008-09-08T19:44:00.000-07:00

Somebody help me!! I need Vikings clothes that fit!

First Trip to the Beach

2008-09-02T12:50:00.000-07:00

On Labor Day, we decided to go out for breakfast
(The Original Pancake House - Yum!)
and then go for a walk on the beach.
She was a little grouchy, but she may
have been hungry and tired.
Oh, the life of a newborn...

First Bath

2008-09-01T00:14:00.000-07:00

Time for Greer's first "real" bath since her umbilical cord
fell off and also time to try out her nifty new bathtub.
She seemed ok with the water, no crying, but
maybe just got a little cold.
We can't out do Elinor's bath in the sink, but just thought
I would post these pics, since they were similar.

Gotta love the cute bear bath towel!

(And the cute baby in it!)

Greer's room

2008-08-17T03:51:00.000-07:00

We decided on a "theme" , which is dots and
Hoops and YoYo.
Thanks to Tash for the second idea.

My new chair, I am sure it will be well used.

Alvin put together some pictures from the
Hoops and YoYo website and printed
them out and framed them. I think
they turned out very nice.

Here is her changing area, with another
Hoops and YoYo picture.

Madison Greer Martens

2008-08-17T03:40:00.000-07:00

Mommy and Daddy had a little bit of a hard time giving
me a name. After talking it over for many months and then
waiting till the last minute, they decided on my name the day
we left the hospital.
Madison is a pretty name (for a pretty girl)
that they chose together, and Greer is a name that Mommy
heard once, thought it was a good name,
and told Daddy, and he liked it also.
It was the one name that stuck and they both agreed on.
And after all that work, they decide to use my
middle name as my first name! So, officially,
my name is Greer Martens.
They say it is hard to name a baby... go figure!

Home from the hospital

2008-08-17T03:21:00.001-07:00

Here I come!

Since I am a newborn, I love to sleep.
Here I am (well, not sleeping here yet) in my basket.

And I sometimes like to sleep on a pillow.

And it also is good to sleep with Mommy sometimes.

Baby Girl Martens is here!

2008-08-17T03:08:00.000-07:00

Wow, that was hard work! Time to sleep, Mommy looks exhausted!!

I like to make funny poses while I sleep.

Getting ready to go home from the hospital.

First ride in my new car seat.

All snug in the car. And here we go, all ready to see my new home!

Time to go have a baby!

2008-08-17T02:58:00.000-07:00

Leaving to go get induced at the hospital.

Waiting for the induction to work, can you tell there still is a smile on my face?
There was not one a few hours later!

Last belly picture

2008-08-16T22:21:00.000-07:00

All right, time to have a baby! Can you tell it is time to go to the hospital when your pants do not stay up anymore, since your belly keeps pushing them down? At this point, we were not sure if the baby was coming naturally or was getting some help... This picture was two days before we went to the hospital. But, Alvin wanted one more belly picture, with the crib for some reason.

New Apartment in Torrance

2008-06-19T21:07:00.000-07:00

Sunset Belly

2008-06-19T20:49:00.001-07:00

Not sure why, but Alvin wanted me to pose for a belly picture in the sunset. Well, he just said now that he took it since we were moving away from the beach.

For all those who want belly pics, this is about all you are going to get. This was taken May18th and my belly is already a lot bigger. I just don't feel people really need to see my big belly......

So, right now, around 33 to 34 weeks - about a month and a bit to go. Unless the doctors tell me otherwise. Not sure if I am ready, but I guess I don't have much of a choice. Looking forward to meeting the person that loves to kick and move and is starting to infringe on my rib cage space.

A Sailor's Kiss

2008-03-20T19:07:00.000-07:00

I noticed this statue from the deck of the USS Midway.
I told Alvin to take a picture of it since I thought it was neat.
But, I did not notice the couple trying to pose like the statue
by the statue until going through the picture later.

The gymnast baby

2008-03-16T20:46:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest baby picture taken 9 days ago at our hospital.
The ultrasound tech noted the baby was very active, and I also
have been noticing a lot of movement in the last few weeks.
When you are a first time Mom, it's kind of weird and cool
at the same time to feel that bumping inside of you.
Makes you look forward (positive and negative) to having
feet in your ribs and being kicked from the inside.

USS Midway

2008-03-16T18:17:00.001-07:00

The main reason we headed to San Diego
(sorry the posts are backwards) was to see
the USS Midway. It was interesting, but a
lot of walking and many narrow and steep
walkways and stairs.

Enjoying a "snack" at the restaurant at the
cafeteria on the back of the ship.

Enlisted officers sleeping quarters.

The "anchor room" where they hoisted in
the chains for the anchor. It was large
enough to hold meetings and church for the
sailors and air force officers.

Executive Officer's office - his spacious bedroom
and bathroom was behind his office.

Flight deck on the ship.

Point Loma

2008-03-16T18:05:00.000-07:00

At the end of February we decided to make a trip to San Diego
and take in some sights we have not seen before.
Well, Charlene has seen Point Loma, but Alvin and
his Dad and brother had never seen it before.

Here is the view from the viewing area.
Looking towards downtown San Diego and
you can also see Coronado Island from here.

The Point Loma lighthouse.

The Cabrillo Monument.

Palm Springs.....

2008-03-16T18:01:00.000-07:00

Martens week at Palm Springs

2008-03-16T17:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to the Martens men!

Taking a lunch break before going back to the pool.

Lunch by the pool.

Enjoying the pool. The hot tub is attached in the background.

The Martens Visitors to California

2008-03-16T17:39:00.000-07:00

Posing at the Hollywood Sign.

Chad enjoying Uncle Alv's headphones.

Cailey and Jenessa looking REAL excited
(and exhausted) after 2 days at Disneyland.

Not a Peanut anymore....

2008-02-05T20:51:00.000-08:00

Boy they grow up quickly don't they?
Here is the latest pic - already bigger than a peach!
This picture of our little surprise is courtesy of the nice
technicians at UCLA Medical Center.

California Visitor

2008-02-05T19:28:00.001-08:00

Howard taking pictures of downtown San Diego.

Hotel Del Coronado

Having fun eating Mexican food in TJ.

Howard having MUCH too much fun in TJ.
Mmmm, margaritas!

Howard made some new friends.

Doerksen Family Christmas and New Years 2007

2008-02-05T19:23:00.000-08:00

Fun times around the Doerksen family table at Christmas and New Year's in Destin, FL. It was interesting spending a week in Florida seeing some new East coast sights. It was also good meeting our new niece for the first time and spending more time with other nieces and nephews. Fun times going shopping, eating seafood (except for me, sigh) and braving the freezing weather. Thanks for finding the house Cory and Tash and thanks for "funding the fun" Dad!

Martens Christmas 2007

2008-02-05T19:05:00.000-08:00

Fun times around the Marten's family Christmas table. Christmas was different this year without Mom, but we survived and had a good time with each other and also remembering all the good times we had with her there. She would be proud of us that we were able to have all three girls in the kitchen (and Dad) and we all got the meal on the table together.

Peanut Martens

2007-12-24T14:35:00.000-08:00

San Francisco Weekend - Part 3

2007-12-16T22:17:00.000-08:00

Monster Park - view from our seats.
Ugh! Not the best, but we survived.

Hey, look! It's the King! I did not notice he was on the field
until Alvin zoomed in on the picture later.

Hey, look! It's Adrian Peterson!

Final score of the game. Woo hoo!
Funny, though - look how empty the seats were already.
You could tell the 49rs fans were not too impressed,
they started leaving quite early when they realized
it was hopeless. But boy, it sure helped us get out of the
game that must faster later!

This one is for you Cory and Tash!
And this was our first attempt.

San Francisco Weekend - Part 2

2007-12-16T21:58:00.001-08:00

I noticed this spider web at the Japanese Tea Gardens -
it was interesting to me, since it was hardly broken and the sun
was shining through it. After we noticed it, a few other
photographers (much more professional than we were)
were taking pictures of it also.

Our fab-u-lous rental car (FORD) - nothing else to say.
Except we were soooo happy to find our car after our time at
Golden Gate Park! That park is so huge and we were so lost (sigh)...

The view of Alcatraz from Fort Point.

Another view of the Golden Gate Bridge closer to sunset, driving west.

The Golden Gate Bridge view from Fort Point/Crissy Field.

San Francisco Weekend

2007-12-16T21:13:00.000-08:00

Good bye LAX!

Taking the train to our rental car at the airport.

"Tall" bridge at the Japanese Tea Gardens - Golden Gate Park.

Japanese Pagoda in the Japanese Tea Garden - Golden Gate Park.
The bonsai trees were so beautiful, it was hard to capture them
on film, plus we were there the wrong time of year and the
shadows were too long on the pictures (that is what Alvin told me).

Watching the ducks at the duck pond, next to the Botanical
Gardens - Golden Gate Park. Brr, it was soooo cold!

Happy (American) Thanksgiving!

2007-12-16T18:46:00.000-08:00

This (American) Thanksgiving, we went to Uncle Cal and Aunt Kae's to
celebrate it with them. Aunt Kae always likes to set a nice table...

And Uncle Cal always likes to be in control of the bird.....

Looks delicious, Uncle Cal!

Aunt Kae visiting with Alvin's cousin, Matt Brouwer -
post Thanksgiving festivities.

Happy Columbus Day! Er, no, Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

2007-11-24T23:18:00.001-08:00

This year, I had Columbus Day off of work, which happens to coincide with Canadian Thanksgiving. So, since I had the day off, I felt ambitious enough to make a turkey dinner. I even had pumpkin in the freezer and was able to make pumpkin pie. We enjoyed our early taste of Thanksgiving (the American one) and enjoy keeping the tradition when we can.

Summer Visitors

2007-11-24T22:37:00.000-08:00

This summer we had visitors. It was a blast, seeing all the sights and sounds of LA (and San Diego). Some things Alvin and I have seen, some we had not. Most everyone reading this blog was on the trip, so they knew what we all did that week. But I picked one picture I thought summed up the entire trip. See in the background there is blue sky, a palm tree (or trees) and we are sitting under an umbrella relaxing.

But look very closely.... on the table there is coffee.

Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against coffee. But I cannot remember ever stopping for coffee so many times in my life. Between Starbucks, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Peets and Catalina Coffee company, we definately lined Juan Valdez' pockets. I think we did miss a few shops such as It's a Grind, Tanners Coffee, Coffee Cartel..... You get the picture.

Nonetheless, we had fun and our house was lonely without people sleeping in our guest bedroom and our living room. Come back soon, we'll do coffee.

14 year Anniversary Celebration

2007-10-14T16:00:00.001-07:00

This year Alvin and I decided to drive down to the OC to celebrate our 14th anniversary. We drove down to the Huntington Beach pier, walked along the beach and watched the "surfers". Then we had some Coldstone ice cream and then went out to a local dinner theater in Tustin to watch Joseph.

It was interesting seeing the production. It was a small, local cast, but nonetheless they did a good job with dancing in confined spaces and creating props that were affordable, but effective. We both knew very little about the show prior to seeing it, so we did not go in with huge expectations. I enjoyed the music and how the score is "cleverly" put together and intertwined with the story. But as Alvin said, if someone who does not know the biblical story about Joseph goes to see this musical, they would be lost. I think it would be good to see this musical on a bigger scale someday. Alvin was not very impressed with the second half of the play and thought it was gimmicky. I must admit, portraying Pharoah as Elvis was a little over the top!

We love you Mom and miss you!

2007-10-14T15:57:00.001-07:00

Belmont Shores (part of Long Beach)

2007-06-03T22:58:00.000-07:00

This afternoon we decided to venture out of the South Bay area and hit a part

of Long Beach we have heard of before, but never have gone to see.

We spent some time walking down 2nd street, going to the beach and then driving through downtown Long Beach and then down Pine

avenue (downtown). It's a nice drive through Long Beach.

Here is the beach at Belmont Shores. It is a more affluent area of Long Beach.

When you go there, you would think you were in Hermosa Beach or

Manhattan Beach. Very nice beach houses, close to the beach with nice restaurants and shops on 2nd St. The beach has nice fine sand and is very wide. Also on the beach, we discovered something we had never seen before....

Alvin, what are those kites doing on the beach? They are everywhere!

Hey, look! They are surfing with kites. Weird.

Never seen that before.

Here is a kite surfer harnessed into her "kite" and on her surfboard.

These pictures are all taken off the net. Sorry. Alvin forgot his camera (again!)

There is our post for the weekend, sorry the pictures are not personalized....

New post, New post, New Post!

2007-05-30T21:34:00.001-07:00

I call this one... ipod video

Happy Cinco de Mayo all!

2007-05-05T23:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Cinco de Mayo (5th of May).

Don't worry, we celebrated in your honor and ate Mexican food for all of you. Mmmm, chimichangas, enchiladas, tacos and spicy (ouch) salsa! Yum!

On Friday we attended the theatuh.

2007-05-05T22:45:00.000-07:00

This Friday we attended the touring production of Twelve Angry Men at the Ahmanson Theater in Downtown LA. The production was well done, a very intense show overall. The entire play ran about 1 1/2 hours. Very short for theater, there was no intermission, which is unusual.

The plot is a good psychological drama, Alvin said he had to watch the movie in University for social psychology class; regarding influence of opinions and actions on others. If you have not seen the movie, rent it, we both recommend it! (it is a B+W) The story line may be in the '50s, but it still is a good look into humans and how they think and influence each other.

It was also interesting going to a production with these two actors, seeing John Boy in a play and not playing some psychotic character in a cheesy TV movie and having George Wendt walk in a room and no one shouts "Norm!". They both did a good job, sounds like they both are enjoying more theater roles now as opposed to TV.

Nothing to Post

2007-05-03T23:16:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to update the blog. Nothing to post here. We haven't taken any pictures recently, how sad.... Maybe I will have some inspiration soon. Anyone have any ideas?

Palm Springs Weekend

2007-02-25T10:50:00.000-08:00

Bacon, eggs and hashbrown breakfast by the pool.

Last weekend we were able to spend the entire weekend at
the Tuscany Manor Resort in Palm Springs with Mom and Dad D
before they headed home to Canada. We had a good time in the
sun, the weather was great for sitting by the pool.
We also took in some fine dining and even went back to the place
where we went last year and had the giant cream puff
(Manhattan of the Desert). This year we decided to purchase
the giant eclair. It was also huge and delicious, but this time
we did not take a picture of it, sorry.

Point Fermin Park in San Pedro

2007-02-24T16:00:00.000-08:00

Posin' in Point Fermin park.

The Point Fermin Lighthouse.

The coastline view from the park.

Sea Lion on beach in San Pedro

2007-02-24T15:58:00.000-08:00

Redondo Beach Super Bowl 10K Race

2007-02-24T15:44:00.000-08:00

Tash, we are so proud of you for doing your run.
I know I could never do it. I can't even get myself
up in the morning to walk on the treadmill.....

These people got up on Superbowl Sunday before 6 AM
and ran around in circles (10K) for about 3 hours.
Alvin took these pictures out our living room window,
They woke us up before 7 AM, they were loud!

Hunters - Read the sign (ha ha)

2007-02-24T15:41:00.000-08:00

Click on the picture to read the joke....

Trip to Tijuana

2007-02-24T15:27:00.000-08:00

Posing by a friendly statue.

Yay, clean restrooms!
There are a shortage of those in Tijuana,
but does that make us want to buy things
from your store?

Our cab that took us to downtown.

Look at everyone trying to get in to Mexico...

Chad and Uncle Alvin

2007-02-24T15:24:00.000-08:00

Uncle Alv and Chad watching home movies on the tube.

Chad and the computer

2007-02-24T15:17:00.000-08:00

Chad is starting his education for using computers a little early....
(Actually, he was watching "Finding Nemo")

Chad

2007-02-24T15:07:00.000-08:00

The newest member of the Martens family enjoys his dinner.
Yum!

Christmas with the Doerksens

2007-02-24T14:57:00.000-08:00

Christmas is so fun at Grandma and Grandpa's...
Why do we look so bored?

The Messiah at the Crystal Cathedral

2006-12-14T21:47:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago Alvin and I and a friend from work decided to go see the free production of The Messiah at the Crystal Cathedral. We arrived at the church about a half hour before the production, and the church already had no room. We stood for about an hour in the back of the packed church, until they decided to set up chairs for the extra people. The church did a great job with the production, they had a church orchestra and choir. They also said the production was going to be aired on PBS, not sure when. The most interesting part of the night was the fact that there were so many people turned away, they said they were not prepared for the amount of people who showed up. It was crazy to be at a church production and see people locked out of the church because there was no room.

The Messiah Choir with the background of the set from "The Glory of Christmas"

Bad cell phone picture of the reflection of the Crystal Cathedral Christmas Tree.

Another bad cell phone picture of the Christmas Tree at the Crystal Cathedral

Hope Chapel Children's Church Fun

2006-11-26T13:00:00.000-08:00

Here's my playdough artwork, a snowman and a Christmas tree.

Timmy decided he wanted to pose with my artwork. It was fun making snowmen with the California kids, after I made one, they all thought they would try their hands at it also. But some of them thought it would be more fun destroying my artwork. Sigh.

Football at Monster Park

2006-11-13T20:25:00.000-08:00

Monster Park in the parking lot.

View from our seats.

Of course the Vikings lost the game. Boy they sucked! Oh, well. It was a nice day to be at a game and we had great weather. Just got hassled a little during and after the game because we were so close to so many 49rs fans. Also noticed the price of food was insane here compared to Minnesota games. $7.50 for beer, $5.00 for a coke, etc. Highway robbery!

But the one highlight for Alvin was that Joe Montana was there and he reinacted "The Catch" with Dwight Clark that happened in 1981. Joe M. is one of Alvin's favorite football players of all time, so that was a little nostalgic for him.

The House of Nanking - Chinatown in San Francisco

2006-11-13T20:10:00.000-08:00

I attempted to do some research about different things to do in San Fran before we left. One place name that kept popping up is this Chinese restaurant in Chinatown - The House of Nanking. After going to Alcatraz and spending some time at Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, we walked to Ghirardelli Square (bought some chocolate - yum!) and hopped on a cable car to Chinatown.

The funny thing about this restaurant is that everyone gives it rave reviews, but it does not look like anything special on the outside or the inside. But when you first get there, it is the only local restaurant with a line outside and very busy inside. They sit you down on Ikea patio chairs, give you menus in sheet protectors and serve you with Ikea plastic cups and chipped plates. We thought the service kind of sucked, mostly because there were at least three tables that got their food before we got ours and we felt forgotten. But, the food was amazing! Crispy beef with green beans, chow mein with those amazing soba noodles. Yummy! I want to go back..... The only down side was no fortune cookies.

San Francisco city views

2006-11-13T20:03:00.000-08:00

San Francisco view from Alcatraz (after the fog lifted)

The Golden Gate Bridge view from Alcatraz.

Inside Alcatraz

2006-11-13T19:56:00.000-08:00

Typical cell.

The "Hole" - or one of them.....

Cell block "D" - Solitary Confinement.

Alcatraz

2006-11-13T19:51:00.000-08:00

Looking up at the rock from the view the guards and their families had.

Going to Alcatraz on the boat.

Leaving Alcatraz on the Boat.

Top Gun Sunday

2006-10-16T21:00:00.000-07:00

Blue Angels

Marines Ground Maneuvers

Double Paratrooper

Jet Truck

Alvin and I decided to venture this weekend to the home of Top Gun to check out the MCAS Miramar Air Show. We had a good time, but we mostly spent time in the grandstands watching the air show. The tactical demonstrations were very cool and some of the aircraft were amazing to see in action. The show was about 6 hours long, which was continuous shows. They had the stealth, several hornets, the harrier, a psychotic man on a bi-plane, etc. We have some video to show, but I have not figured out if there is some way to post video on the blog.

BTW, yes, Cory and Tash. We know the Blue Angels are from Pensacola.

Charlene

A new picture of our new car - In real life....

2006-10-02T20:58:00.000-07:00

We took a picture this weekend of our new car while we were away. So we thought we would share it with the family. Now we will stop posting pictures of things that we buy, because everyone will soon start to think that we are shallow and only talk about and care about things that we buy or want to buy. Actually Alvin says we have to stop posting pictures of things that we buy because now we do not have any more money. This is so true.

Charlene

Pirate Names - Just watched Pirates of the Carribean!

2006-09-24T13:12:00.000-07:00

My pirate name is:

Red Charity Read

Passion is a big part of your life, which makes sense for a pirate. Even through many pirates have a reputation for not being the brightest souls on earth, you defy the sterotypes. You've got taste and education. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

Another new Purchase - This time it's for our Anniversary/Valentines Day!

2006-09-23T21:48:00.000-07:00

Alvin promised to purchase a ring for me as a present last Valentines Day.

So, this weekend, we decided to head to downtown LA, to visit the Jewlery District and see what they had to offer.

The LA Jewlery District looks like the slums (with some blocks looking like you are in Mexico), with rows of jewlers stores along the street, tall buildings with offices full of diamond importers and booths with so many different types of jewlery it makes you overwhelmed. It definately was information (or bling) overload.

So, after looking at a several different types of eternity bands, and knowing what I wanted before we went there, a nice man named Jay gave us a good deal (we hope) and helped us narrow down our choices.

I know some guys do not appreciate the jewlery thing, but it was fun to find a ring that was so pretty and actually fits me, since I wear size 4 1/2. I wanted to reset my engagement ring in White Gold, but the salesman offered to dip my rings in Rhodium plating (white gold) to change the color of my wedding rings. So, I also got to get the white gold update I have wanted for some time.

I guess the deal is now Alvin will be able to get Direct TV so he can get NFL Sunday ticket. Sheesh, the deals girls have to make in order to get a present.....

Ok, Ok! We bought a car already, all right?

2006-09-06T22:12:00.000-07:00

Here is the interior of our new vehicle. Notice there is no one in it, the pictures are from the Honda website...

The car has already been on the road, since we made a trip to San Diego this weekend. We had planned to go for awhile and decided to visit Sea World, Seaport Village, Ikea, The Container Store, etc. We had a good time and enjoyed the air conditioning, since it was hot outside. Hope to see some of our family out here soon, so we can all enjoy the "luxury" so new to us like four doors, a place to store luggage and a sun roof.

Charlene

New Car Shoppping!!!!!!!!

2006-08-28T22:24:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! We are semi-seriously shopping for a new vehicle. It is SO time for the tired, old college car to go! No air, only two doors as well as a long list of nonexistent car features are getting really old fast.

So, what does everyone think of this one? We may (stress the MAY) be the proud new owners of a 2006 Honda CR-V SE by this weekend, if no one or other thing convinces us otherwise. We think it is smart looking; I love the leather interior and the fact it actually has air conditioning.

Charlene

More LA Zoo Animals

2006-07-26T08:01:00.000-07:00

The lone elephant, supposedly one other elephant died

recently. The animal rights people were all over that one.

The chimpanzees were hilarious and obnoxious.

The zoo even had bleachers to watch them in their "penthouse"

The hippos were the only ones who figured

out how to really stay cool.

Hot Times at the LA Zoo

2006-07-25T23:41:00.000-07:00

We had a great afternoon at the zoo, but boy was it hot!!

The animals were not complaining, and we were surprised how many

people were there especially because of the weather.

New View from New Digs

2006-07-25T23:32:00.000-07:00

I think I can see the ocean from our living room....

Really? Yes.... Uh..... Nope, don't think so!

Alvin has a favorite palm tree across the street, but of course it is not in this picture...

New Digs

2006-07-25T23:17:00.000-07:00

We've Moved!

2006-05-14T23:52:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

We've moved again from Manitoba (Street this time!) and now are living in Redondo Beach. We are even closer to the beach, closer to work and now are close to a pier. We are currently living in a sea of boxes and do not see the end yet! Hopefully we will have some pictures to show soon!

Charlene

Now that's a cream puff!

2006-04-09T00:46:00.000-07:00

We picked up this beauty at the "Manhattan in the Desert" restaurant in Palm Springs when we were there two weekends ago. We thought it resembled a large hamburger (or as Alvin called it: a whipped cream hamburger) and could not resist trying one (or taking a picture of it).

MMMMM, this is good!

Hey Alvin! Betcha can't take just one bite!

BTW, it was good, but there was way too much whipped cream... Alvin did not agree, can't you tell...

Enjoy!

Charlene

Hey Peeps! (Mmmmm marshmallows)

2006-02-13T22:23:00.000-08:00

Posting a new pic of Alvin and I. We decided to get a pose done at the mall (it was free, can't you tell...) not that great, but it will have to do for now.

Hope to hear from more people soon...

Charlene

Christmas Lights in Griffith Park

2006-01-14T13:52:00.000-08:00

Sorry some of the pictures are blurry, but we wanted to share the light display Alvin and I went to see before Christmas this year.

"Hollywood Elves" (making a movie)

We liked the yellow Dodge Neon in front of us so much, we had to take a picture of it (since we followed it for so long). We waited in line on the freeway and in the park for up to two hours!

Had to throw that one in, it was the finale.

Elves at the Griffith Park Observatory.

We thought the light tunnels were really cool at night. There were two of them in the display.

That is all the pictures for now. We took some more which did not turn out (surfers, the LA Kings, deer grazing in the field, etc.) because they were blurry or pictures did not do them justice.

Charlene

Season's Greetings and Happy New Year!

2006-01-01T23:20:00.000-08:00

Hi there everyone! Just wanted to post really quick, just to wish everyone a happy new year. Hope everyone had a great Christmas and enjoyed their time with family and friends. And I will post pictures, I promise!

Charlene

Hello all, thanks for your support!

2005-12-14T23:48:00.000-08:00

Hey, good start guys! Just thought I would post a new thought for the day. It is late now, I may ramble... Sorry about the pictures, I will post I promise! The weekend seems to work out better for me. Those kids just keep me tied up at work, I stay there WAY too late.

Anyways, for those who are reading and don't know, we will not be going to Canada for Christmas. No snow for us this year, the only snow we will see are in the mountains near Palm Springs. (Sigh! No, oops, yay? Not sure what to say...) The entire Martens clan will be here on the 23rd; parents, siblings, neices and nephews. We will have a whirlwind week and a half of soaking in sun, Disneyland, Sea World, Legoland, and maybe some other exciting sights in Los Angeles/San Diego area. Maybe more pictures to post from that visit also.

Hopefully my (not very exciting) blog will entice more people to visit. And, yes Howard, we can get tickets for the Rose Bowl game; hope you are willing to shell out one grand just to see the game. Parking seems to be going for at the least - $60. It all seems a little steep, I think we will settle to watch it on TV for now. We didn't even bother to try getting tickets for the USC/ UCLA game, tickets were a little steep there also.

Time to bid everyone adieu, hasta manana, guten nauben?, etc, etc.

Charlene (and Alvin)

Yay! Lets keep in touch!

2005-12-05T23:48:00.000-08:00

Hey, I know it's not face to face, but I thought..... Why not? This seems to be "all the rage" right now. So I thought: Lets start our own blog. That way we can post pictures, talk about "news", etc. Hope it will be fun. Let me know what you think.

TTFN!
Charlene (Alvin's watching the news)