Me + Cars = Bad News

So let's go back to a wonderful time in most teenager's lives: 16 years old.  

One of the best things about turning 16 is you get your license. I would say it's the most anticipated day for every teenager. I was SO excited to have my own car and finally be able to drive myself around. 

Then, all the sudden, the cops started to love me. (in a bad way)

It did not matter if the person next to me was going 10mph more than me, I was the one being pulled over, every. single. time.

To make a long story short and after a serious of unfortunate events, my family and friends literally thought I was the worst driver on the planet. But I still stand in my defense and say that I am and have always been a great driver, just always in the wrong place at the wrong time. :)

Luckily, it's been some time and my slate has been cleared, but then guess who decides to turn on me? My own car. We have been through so much and now she decides to stab me in the back...let me tell you I have never had anything in my life cause me such a headache. In the last 5 months alone it has broken down on me 5 times (twice on the freeway), 6 new parts installed (all costing way more than we could afford), and 2 flat tires. ALL in 5 months!? Wait, you think after all these new expensive parts the car would be working great right? WRONG! Still about to break down any second now..again. Granted I should've gotten a newer car a few years ago and been a little smarter, but this is seriously some kind of sick joke. I am truly at the point now that it's kind of comical. 

Good news is, we are finally on the market for a new ride and we are trading this piece of work in.

We will honestly probably get only $50 for it, but at this point, I'll take anything to get it off my hands.

Does this seriously happen to anyone else, or just me?

It also makes me wish I could live somewhere where cars weren't necessary and I could ride the subway everywhere. The thought of that life sounds luxurious to me right now.

Ok, I'm done.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Phew, now I feel better :)

PS. We have lived here in LA now for over a year and Jason has been hit 3 times. We got hit pretty bad on Saturday..a guy hit us from the back going 30mph and while we were completely stopped. We were mad at first but then started laughing because like I said, it's getting comical. This is truly some kind of joke. Ok, now I'm really done. 

Family Pics

As promised, here are some shots from our family pictures.

Such a beautiful day, with such a talented photographer.

There were tons more of my siblings & their families, but I'll leave that to them to post those:)

here are a few I love...

 This was right when we found out that K&P are prego with baby #2

I think my mom's face is my favorite.

 

 And what's a LeSueur photoshoot without a jumping picture?

We love those.

 So blessed to have these amazing ladies in my life. 

Not only are they so gorge, but they are my besties!

Just love them.

In other news, I just signed up for a city league soccer team & my first game is tonight! I'm kinda nervous, it's been almost 2 years since I've had cleats on my feet.

& hopefully everyone isn't super into it because I have a feeling I'm going to be a little rusty & that could get kind of awkward.

Life is Lovely

Life these days has been busy, yet enjoyable at the same time.

January has never been one of my favorite months, it's always cold and long.

But this year I have been pleasantly surprised.

We have been lucky enough to have 60-70 degree weather..some days even in the 80s, which has made this month much more bearable. 

A few (very random) snipets of life this month:

 Made this cute wreath, found here.

 My favorite 1 year old. I seriously die over this kid every day.

 Surfed with my sis.

 Magnification for lash Applications

 Went on a run in the neighborhood and was charmed by this pretty sidewalk.

 It feels like Spring to me, so I had to get myself some pretty flowers:)

January, you're not that bad. Just make sure your weather is this good every year.

Sneak Peak

Sneak Peak of LeSueur Family photoshoot

 {more to come}

Missing

I am missing a particular place today. 

A little place called Ecuador. 

Blows my mind that 3 years have passed by since I began my journey there.

 I miss the delicious pan (bread) we used to buy for 50 cents.

I miss waking up at the crack of dawn to drive to the orphanages.

 I miss the ninos hugs and kisses all day every day.

I miss walking into their 'cunas' every morning and seeing them jumping and giggling in their cribs so excited to see us and to get out and play.

I miss my sweet sweet baby Mateo.

I hope so much that he's found a home with loving parents.

 I miss the craziness of these 2 year olds. 

Never a dull moment.

I miss these amazing girls way too much.

I miss a lot about this awesome experience, but so grateful to have done it.

It was not easy, nor was it always fun, but it was 100% worth it.

2012 Theme

We do New Year's Resolutions.

But what we really focus on is our New Year's theme.

2011 was "We can do hard things."

This year, we decided will be:

I love a good quote and I love some good positive words of motivation.

2012, we are ready for you. 

Christmas Vacation thru iPhone pics

(because it is the only camera I own)

Are the holidays already over? 

The Christmas blues are already kicking in..BUT I can't help but get a little giddy thinking about this new year and what lies in store for us in 2012. But I'll write more on this later.

Now for a recap of our time at home with our families..be ready for a picture overload..

Christmas Eve we spent at the beach. We wanted to express our excitement, so naturally we did a jumping picture.

Jason's foot pop? Love it.

These Kimball men love a little competition

 I love these weird Whoville looking plants.

Christmas Jammies

Skyping with Elder Kimball

Six Flags with my fam! So fun :)

 We found out my sis Kate is pregnant with baby No. 2! 

we are SO excited for them!!

 Uncle Jason is my fav.

 Took some family pics with my side.

(more to come on this later too)

THANKS SANTA!!!!!!!!!!!! 

can't wait to put this baby to use.

Santa also gave us a Gift certificate for the works..Heaven.

 Pretty sunsets every night

Did some New Years Celebrating

 One of our favorite restaurants is called Thai Brothers.

Soo yummy. 

We went there last NYE & went again this year.

New Year's Eve tradition? Yes please.

I've had a cold ALL week, so we were struggling to stay awake till 12, but we did it.

Then went to bed at 12:01. Not regretting it one bit.

Jason's attempt to grow a beard..I'm obsessed with it.

Sad he has to shave it for work.

And lastly, we went to the spot where we made it official and got engaged exactly 2 years ago.

(Jan. 1, 2010)

This place will always be special to us.

Believe it or not after, after all these pics, I did not take enough.

I failed to capture some really good times, but those I will just have to remember.

Now onto 2012. 

So excited for new beginnings!!