All That You Can't Leave Behind

Via Dell'AMORE

2011-08-20T13:49:00.000-07:00

We took a leisurely stroll on the Via Dell Amore in the Cinque Terra. It begins in Riomaggiore and ends in Monarola. This portion of the hike is easy, flat with very pretty vistas of the ocean. It is primarily on the coast and is paved. Italy takes very good care of their trails. A lot of effort when in to conserving the Cinque Terra Trail. It brought a lot of tourism into the area. My niece also took some pictures of this little hike. Candice is an artist/poet/photographer and her blog look like a magazine spread. Click here if you want to see it. It was such a wonderful celebration of love and devotion.

Some day I will go back with my love and bring a lock. <3

A view of the tunnel where lovers write love letters to each other on the walls.

A view from the pathway. Notice the cave in the distance. I want to explore that some day.

The love chair. We got some great shots of lovers sitting on this love throne.
Notice the locks on the bars. The bordered the entire pathway.

Here are five that I love: Robb, Dan, Nicole, Michael, and Candice. Notice that Candice has her eyes coverd not that she is peering ove the edge and seeing that Michael legs are hanging over a sheer drop to the ocean. She needs a daddy for her three beautiful kids.

Riomaggiore

2011-08-19T00:21:00.000-07:00

First sight after reaching the

Riomaggiore is the last of the Cinque Terre villages. It was one of my favorites. It is just as colorful and vibrant as the other villages, yet sits further away from the more touristy villages of Monterroso and Vernazza.

The buildings seem to mulitply, sprouting from on top of one another, stacked like legos. The streets were vibrant and full of boats. Not many spoke english as is the case the further you get from touristy areas.

We explored the streets, I spoke to a few people about rooms to stay when I was to return to hike the Cinque Terre. I got a few numbers to call back. In the end I wasn't able to get in a room in the Cinque Terre Villages but instead was able to stay in Porto Venere, a small medieval town built inside a Castle walls just south of Riomaggiore. I was very pleased with the hostel and my stay there.

It is from Riomaggiore that we took the Via Dell Amore, a hike from Riomaggiore to Monarola. It is a lovers walk and the walls in a tunnel are graffitied with Love letters and Locks are clinked all over chain that borders the pathway where lovers lock there love for eternity.

Candice captures the Dan and Nicole with the colorful background

Some Italians enjoying the afternoon.

She seems as intrigued about us as we are about her.

What a Chicagoan would say in Italy, Why don't you park your boat dere on da porch.

walking in to the town from the slip

Some of the colorful boats.

love those streets.

typical market

typical doorway

Love the color

another view of the streets.

the front of one of the apartments that were renting rooms. Love the geraniums. I don't get the dolls.

Vernazza

2011-08-14T23:22:00.000-07:00

mediterranean plant life.

love the color

all are represented. a little nap in the sun

i lucky to have such beautiful family. they are just as beautiful on the inside as well. Such good, good hearts.

The girls. Sweetest companions ever. I miss them

Love the boats at every dock

This captures the color of the city, kind of

handsome Robb

Gotcha! Candice my sweet niece and FAB photographer

another quaint Vernazza doorway

beautiful view of the town and the cove

This is as close as I will ever get to a mermaid

such a lucky girl am i to have such a great brother. My brother Scott and nephew Robb

a view of where we ate dinner that night from the hill

a view from the restaurant in the castle turret

Milano

2011-08-13T08:46:00.000-07:00

Milan was full of well dressed men and women walking around exquisite streets.

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele where you will find some of the finest shopping in world

La Scala The Opera House

Scooter and motor bikes align the streets. I wanna scooter!


The Castle

Just your average street in Milan

Just your average McDonalds. This was in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. It was on the corner across from Versace and Dulce Gabana. What? That is some expensive rent. I saw very few fast food restaurants in Italy and only Two McDonalds. Why oh why?

Milano

2011-08-13T00:29:00.000-07:00

In the square where spirituality and hedonism seem to mix quite well. The Duomo Milano sits right across from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and both edifices are quite marvelous.

The businessmen were dressed quite well in their linen suits riding their bicycles around the city.

For some reason I had this impression that because Milan was the a financial center in Italy it would be more modern than Florence and Siena, yet the buildings were very similar. The streets were crowded however with the hustle and bustle of business.

I found the people to be just as warm and inviting. I took these pictures with my phone so they are a bit blurry.

Monterroso

2011-06-29T12:33:00.000-07:00

After an hour train ride up north, we arrived in Monterroso. We were very excited to visit Cinque Terre as it was described as a quite little region void of tourist traffic and congestion. These little villages sit right on the Ligurian coast (aka the Italian Riviera) and are connected by a walking path/hike that has become quite popular over these past 5 - 7 years. The colorful villages are beautiful and while I felt that they were a little touristy, near the train station, they were very quaint once you step into the tiny streets.

Finally arrived

stairway in the station in Monterosso

Finally arrived in the Casa di Limon. It was a hike up cobble stone pathway. We were sweating and tired when we arrived but were treated to a glass of their lemon juice. It was PURa Limon. I think it took the enamel off of my teeth.

Robby just with Monterroso in the back ground

They had an annual lemon festival while we were there. We got another shot of their lemon juice the next day. Wow! Pura

Pisa

2011-06-29T12:07:00.000-07:00

We stopped off in Pisa on our way to Cinque Terra. Pisa is a pretty town made up primarily of college students and of course is famous for it's leaning tower. It was a lovely little city. Our cab driver was interesting to talk to. He made sure we knew that only Italians can be cab drivers in Italy and that a large part of Pisa's population was college students. He is a musician, he played the guitar, and a fan of the blues and jazz. He gave me a heads up on Ponte Venere, one of my favorite spots in Italy. From Pisa we took the train to Monterroso one of the five lands in the Cinque Terra.

Adrienne doesn't know her own strength

A little team work goes a long way.

Meet My Italian Boy Friend

2011-06-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

I have always loved the David. My heart is true, through and through to the David. I have a pen and ink sketch of him that I bought in an antique shop seventeen years ago. It is a PG13 sketch of his more modest side. but no matter the side, I have always been a fan of this amazing piece of art. Although I am not a major fan of Italian Renaissance painting, I am whole heartedly a fan of the sculpture and in particular this piece. He represents the perfect representation of man both physically and mentally. He is humble, yet determined. Although his foe is larger and stronger, he is not afraid to face him. He examines his opponent at a distance and is decided about fighting him. He is in a relaxed pose, yet the look in his eyes and the tension in his neck reveal that he understands the dangers he will face and yet he does not turn away, but faces his opponent with courage and hope. I love it. He represents power and humility, strength and cognition, determination and sensitivity. Who wouldn't love such a man.

Michael Angelo believed that when sculpting, the marble was brushed away to reveal what was hidden underneath. It wasn't what he was creating, but what was meant to be revealed within the marble itself. He was scrupulous about each piece of marble he would work with, choosing them himself. When visiting the Accademia Gallery, where the David and other sculptures are housed, we saw many of Michael Angelos sculptures that were unfinished and they were beautiful: you could see these perfect beings embedded, as if encased within the marble, waiting to be free. Having the opportunity to see the David was a highlight of the trip.

Bike Tour of Tuscany

2011-06-04T14:06:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday May 18 we embarked upon a bike tour of Tuscany. The entire route which involved a nice long incline to the hilltop town of Chiusdino ended up being just about 12 miles. I was pleased that my knee was able to endure the journey. The views were spectacular. I only hope you might be able to see a fraction of the majesty of those beautiful hillsides and valleys.

The troops minus Nicole who wasn't feeling well. The hilltop town in the distance

Robby stuck by me the entire time although he was in the best shape of all of us. He took care of his auntie. Robby filmed the entire vacation. I am filming him here so he can get some footage.

Candice taking a pic of me getting her on video

Dan the man!

Robby with his parents my brother Scott and sister Adie.

Italian body language says it all

the views

The troops at the top

How blessed am i to have such beautiful people in my life. Love you two.

A ride through the city streets. On the decent

Once back at the villa, we took a swim in the infinity pool. It felt like you were swimming in a lake in the forest. Robby's pose before he falls into the water.

The bike ride was spectacular. I got the itch to get back on my bike now that I am home again.

Hiking The Refugio Mennagio

2011-06-02T13:05:00.000-07:00

While in Lake Como, I wanted to go on hike and a bike ride. The bike ride was not a success because the bike that was rented to me had a broken seat and every time I would bare down on my seat to get up a hill the seat would slip up of down--very frustrating, so instead I took a short bike ride around Verena, took a nap and found a nice spot to sit and paint a very mediocre water color. Lily likes it however, so I will finish it up for her to put in her room. The hike on the other hand was wonderful. The forest in the mountains above Lake Como are full of life and sounds. There was nice tree coverage as well so when the sun was out it made for a comfortable hike. I was a bit concerned for my knee as the doctor said that I shouldn't hike on if for a few months, but I couldn't pass up the chance to see the Lake from the elevations above.

The hike began in Breglia. The adventure began before that however because trying to catch a bus in Italy is always and adventure.

My "walking "companion Pauline at the beginning of the trail. I loved all the vegetation.

The trail was marked well and easy to follow

Wild flowers were found through the entire trail

An old home found along the way

stony pathway

This part of the trail, higher up the mountain, reminded me of the our NEP at home.

A shot of Lake Como half way up the trail

Loved the moss on the trees. Plant life flouishes in Italy

Birch trees and aspen trees were along the path ways. I was surprised.

Wild strawberries along the way. Pauline was a bit scared to eat them fearing they were poisonous. I plopped them in my mouth. They were itty bitty berries however.

another shot of the farm house on the way back

My hiking/"walking" companion Pauline and I

I loved these little daisys that were found growing everywhere, especially between hard places reminding me that when stuck between a rock and hard place we can flourish.

Once home, unfortunately the hostel was closed so my plans of kayaking were thwarted, however soaking my feet in Lake Como and a rest by the lake was quite relaxing. Pauline stripped and took a dive, I was not quite so willing or free. . .

Pleased!

Orchestra Da Camera a Fiorentina in Museo di Orsanmichele

2011-05-30T05:38:00.000-07:00

One thing I really wanted to do while here in Italy was listen to some live music. While in Milan last Monday, I wanted to go to see La Scala, the famous opera house, and they had a concert going on: Herbie Hancock was playing Gershwin. I racked my brain trying to figure how I could go but had better sense and went back to Como De Lago instead. So when I found a concert in Florence, I purchased the ticket enthusiastically. I have been carrying a dress and heels to wear to such an event since I arrived, but because I changed from the stuffy monastery to the hip hostel, I missed my opportunity to dress up. Instead, I was traversing Florence with my luggage. Luckily I was wearing a skirt and nice shirt because the event was beautiful The performers were Flawless. Perfecto. I purchased their cd. The setting was gorgeous: high ribbed vaulted ceilings made of brick with buttresses, arches and gothic windows. The arts are deeply appreciated and thrive and Florence! The orchestra played Mozart and Dvorak. Spectacular! "La Dolce Vita!" as Adie says. It was a beautiful night.

For Richard

2011-05-30T04:18:00.000-07:00

There is nothing left to say about that :)

Firenze Again!

2011-05-29T06:02:00.000-07:00

But that is an enthusiastic "Again" Florence is beautiful and the people are wonderful. Despite the fact that I dislike where I am staying... A Monastario Delle Benedettine Di Santa Marta run by nuns, which I am embarrassed to say, kind of creeps me out. I feel like I am in Catholic school and have to watch my Ps and Qs. The nuns seem stern in their habits, and the fact that they bark at me telling me "Venga, VEN, VEN!" I follow promptly wanting to please. I just brings back all these old memories of being in Catholic School where I was afraid to get my knuckles rapped witha ruler, although I have never been in catholic school so don't know where those feelings are coming from. My feelings are a dichotomy actually, a cross between feeling like I am in the abbey in Sound of Music and they are just about to sing "How do we solve a problem like Maria" and those catholic school memories that are coming from who knows where. I would like to change my room/stay for a few reasons...first. the bed is like a sponge and feels like it is as old as the building which dates back to 1342--that in itself is reason enough to want to stay--pretty cool I say, but what building in Florence isn't dated back that far. Another disapproval that I have is that they advertised internet and when I got there--Nope, no wifi--Sorry. Well sorry would be okay if I didn't have to get my reservation # for my Uffizi tickets. So I have spent an hour roaming Florence looking for an internet spot. Luckily I found one next to that great little sandwich shop we ate w/ Freya. The food is good and I can sit for a bit before I go to the Uffizi. so while sitting here and eating my brushetta and drinking a coke, with ICE! he actually served it with ice, he knows hot to cater to americans, and listening to a man play the accordian, I say hello to you. There are free concerts here in Florence and I saw there is one tonight in a museum. This would make my trip complete: a classical concert set in a museo.

Ciao

5/27 Hiking Cinque Terre

2011-05-28T16:43:00.000-07:00

Today it was supposed to rain so after wandering the city of Porto Venere and seeing the beauty here, I decided to get my laundry done. I dressed up (because dressy clothes were the only ones that didn't need a good cleaning) and headed to the lavenderia or Laundry. It took me to a little town called La Grazie. La Grazie is on the water and is full of sail boats. After the sun was breaking through so I decided not to delay my hike and I left around 1 pm to La Spezia to get the train to Cornilia. I had already walked the last two towns on the Cinque Terre chain and wanted to hike the last three which are much more challenging. Michael, Robby and Dan took the hike when they were here last week and told me that it would be okay for my knee so off I went. It was beautiful. Rain was always a threat so I hustled through it because I didn't want to be on those rocky paths on the cliffs while it was raining. Lucky for me I made it but for a few sprinkles here and there. These photos were taken with my cell phone. I forgot the cords to my camera so I will post others later. For now this will do.

my view when I woke up this morning. The Beautiful city Porto Venere

La Grazia while I was doing my laundry

Corniglia of the Cinque Terre. The people terrace the hills and utilize them for farming. The path I took is traversed often by the farmers here.

Example of the rocky path

look carefully and you can see Corniglia to the right of my hat. forgive the photos there were taking with cell phone

One of the many beautiful views while walking the hike.

Mormon Tea on the trail here in Italy.

Coming over the hill to Monterroso

Path to Monterroso

Path continues through a grove of Olive trees

Garden along the path

Monterroso in the distance

Arrival on the beach

Pleased!

All cleaned up and ready to go out for a well deserved meal. I had a room to myself in this hostel with my own bathroom. Nice, Bought the scarf in Lake Como from a local scarf company. It was made locally like many italian products. Wish that was happening in our country-- for sure.

Working Backwards from today 5/28

2011-05-28T15:42:00.000-07:00

After spending two hours on the bus attempting to get to an outdoor market in Sarzana that was really last Thursday, I spent the day in Monterosso swimming and reading a book by the Ligurian Sea. Did I say I spent two hours on the bus? Did I say that there was no open market in Sarzana. There were very nice people however. I have met some interesting people on the bus but I will share that story another time. I was feeling rather confident about getting around so I thought I would venture off the beaten path today and check out what I hoped would be a flea market with goods made by the people here. Unfortunately that did not occur, however I was pleased with my ability to go somewhere without panic in my heart about communicating and getting lost. I have always found people to be very pleasing and wanting to help the best they can. Enjoy the pics

Florence 5/17

2011-05-27T16:06:00.000-07:00

To view the most beautiful picture by a professional photographer please view my neices blog. Her photos are beautiful. She is an artist. See http://www.mikecandi.blogspot.com/ for an artistic view of what we did on our trip. I can barely keep up with such little internet access. Missing home but enjoying all that there is to offer me, especially the gelato.

The Best Recipe for Pizza

2011-05-18T17:31:00.000-07:00

Dough _+ Marinara

Fresh Tomatos Basil Prosciutto salami

Olive Oil

Mozerella and Pecorino Cheese

Talented chefs

Beautiful Surroundings

Beautiful people

A Pizza Oven

A whole lota love

Thank you Scott and Adrienne, Michael and Candice, Nicole and Dan and my roommate/comp for the trip, Robby for making my birthday dinner so much fun. I loved the energy, enthusiasm, music, dance, competition that made that night so memorable. I so appreciate your generosity, love and the beautiful lives you live. E bella la vita! Grazi Mille! The photos were taken by Candice Stowell, Nicole Davis and myself.

Duomo

2011-05-18T15:35:00.000-07:00

Duomo stemming from domus dei = The House of God. In this case it is also the seat of the bishop. Another word for Duomo is cathedral meaning chair or in this case the chair of the Bishop.

Picture of Duomo above was by my neice Candice

Picture by Candice.

Saint Peter by Michael Angelo. He was commissioned to sculpt three others however his work was interrupted by a far more important work, that of the David! AWESOME! So he left Sienna for Florence, his home town to sculpt what is known as the most perfect representation of man in exhistence

The frescos in this room were created for the library within the cathedral. The books ended up being stored in Rome and so the library was never used and so the frescos within those walls are still bright and bold.

A bronze by Donatello

Italians of the middle ages had major case of Duomo envy. Siena had the largest Duomo at one time until the plans for Florence's Duomo were created and ground was broken. When Siena found out about Florence's plans, they broke ground to extend their duomo and then Florence reacted to Siena and extended their Duomo. Both cities were beat out by the Duomo in Rome Saint Peters. All the buildings were magnificent and still are.

Siena

2011-05-17T15:09:00.001-07:00

First stop on the trip was the city of Siena--an ancient city that was once one of the most powerful city states in Italy until the black death killed thirty thousand of it's fifty thousand residents in the 14th century, yet its city walls still stand as do the many homes, palaces and businesses which were created hundreds of years ago. The city is rich in pride and tradition.

One tradition that I found particularily fascinating is that the city is split up into 17 districts and loyalty to that districts surpasses even family. If one child is born in one district and another in a different district fist fights may erupt when it comes time for Il Palio-- a horse race held twice a year. Each district is represented by a horse that races around Il Campo (the city center) three times. The winners have definite bragging rights. During the week of Il Palio families are no longer families instead they are loyal only to their districts: best friends will not talk, husbands and wives separate, brothers will throw punches.

plaque representing a district

Il Palio

Il Campo

Look Lunch--Squab was on every menu in Florence and Siena. Squab is pigeon. I don't get it. Robby was the brave one and tried it out. I am very impressed. He said it tasted like chicken...

I had an incredible birthday dinner.
More on that tomorrow. Gotta hit the hay, it is 2:30 here. Ciao.

Morning Hike on the Property

2011-05-17T02:06:00.000-07:00

I took a morning walk on the property. Luckily we didn't see any wild boar that are suppposed to roam the property. Off to Florence.

Tuscany and Tre Querce

2011-05-15T15:57:00.000-07:00

Arrived safe and sound to our Tuscan "home away from home" Tre Querce I will go into more details later but for now just some picture of where we are staying and where I get to spend my 45 birthday. It is truly surreal and the trip of a lifetime. I have been so emotional today loving every bit of what I see and experience and yet missing my kids. More to come. Buena Sera!

Tre Querce--in the beautiful rolling hills of Tuscany where wild boar are supposed to roam the property. Praying i don't see one but if I do, I will have may camera ready for a picture before I sprint, brace and all.

Time Well Spent

2011-01-05T12:56:00.000-08:00

There are many things that I love about living in Souther California and one of them is the diversity of the landscape. We have the mountians, the deserts, the beaches and the central valley. Beautiful! One of my favorite times of the year is January. Why you ask? If you ask you probably live in the likes of Minnesota, Utah, Idaho, Illinois, or any other winter laden landscape. But here in Southern California, we have amazing skies in January. The rains bring those cumulous clouds with their depth and moodiness. January brings brilliant blue skies and green hillsides, January brings cooler temperatures but nothing a light sweater, scarf and boots won't fix.
January also brings snow in the mountains: beautiful white capped mountains that are only about 25 minutes from where I live. So if I get the urge, if I feel I miss the snow of my youth and want to treat my kids to a bit of the Frosty, i can head up to the mountains to experience it and then come back down the hill to green grass and flowers.
Yesterday our plans to hike the wilderness loop in Claremont were thwarted due to a closure of the park. I believe the heavy rains caused some problems along the trail. So wondering what to do instead we headed up to the local mountain. It was only about 15 min from where we were and so off we went.
We were surprised to see so much snow up on the mountain. The snow was very low. We were probably unprepared as we only had our work out clothes and sweatshirts on. We had just been stretched, and wringed, and limbered in a yoga class. however, we did at least have our trails shoes on. None the less, and probably foolishly, we began to hike up the Ice House Trail.
The trail was icy in some parts but mostly filled with packed snow. It was beautiful, tranquil and so worth cold hands and red noses as we continued up the trail a little over a mile. I love the quiet of the snow--the way the snow blankets the earth and caresses it. It reminds me of sleep.
The river that ran beside us with its icy blue waters added to the beauty. All in all, despite the fact that i was second guessing our decision in the beginning, and my friend Brynna joked that she never wanted to be one of "those" people that had it written in their obituary that they had died during a hike or excursion because they were unprepared... we ventured forth and had a wonderful time. btw these pics were taken by my little cell camera. so glad I had that to record our trip.

Kids

2010-12-23T09:06:00.000-08:00

Trunk or Treat and Halloween

2010-11-26T22:57:00.001-08:00

Here are the cast of Characters:

Willow as Guess Who. . . You guessed it Beetlejuice

Lily as a Pirate Princess

Emma as a Go Go Dancer

Owen as the ventriloquist dummy Slappy from Goose Bumps Night of the Living Dummy

Other Characters include

The Muppet Guitar Player in Animal's Rock Band

Madeline the French School Girl

Cleopatra.

Sir Owen the Lion Hearted

More Cute Pirates

"Dorothy" The Photographer. Gotcha

RAM Off the Wall

2010-11-21T22:08:00.000-08:00

"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures." ~Henry Ward Beecher

I love the arts and human expression of any kind. Sadly, however, over the past 7 years, education has stripped the arts out of it's curriculum. If we parents want our children educated in the arts, we better do it. Luckily,

human expression will never be squelched--we were born to create and as long as we are living humanity will make its mark.

This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend the opening of the Off The Wall sale and exhibit at the Riverside Art Museum (RAM). The museum offers it's walls to aspiring artists or anyone wanting to share their talents with the world. All you have to do is frame your piece so it can be hung and it can be shown and perhaps sold to those who appreciate

it. Prices are affordable for art enthusiasts ranging from $50 - $300. The RAM is a beautiful setting for the show. Once the old YMCA of Riverside it is Spanish Colonial Architecture and full of wrought iron and paned windows. It is just as enjoyable to be in the building as it is to view the art.

I have always liked Riverside for it beauty and for it's support of the arts. The Off the Wall show is an example of this.

My freind Lucile, a happily retired teacher, introduced the event to me at lunch. The happy event of Lucile's retirement opened the door for me to get a job at the high school in which I teach. Since working there, I've noticed that people who retire from my school don't actually leave. They come back to the site for sub jobs or just to visit for lunch. It gives you a good idea about the environment in which I work and the caliber of people who work there. So now that I work away my day in Rm 6, Lucile spends her days having lunch with friends at the Bridge Club, volunteering for charities: The Jr League that support women's causes and improving communities and The Riverside Art Museum. She is a grand lady for sure.

I got to the RAM early the day of the opening because I spied a small oil that I liked. It is a california landscape and have a passion for those and it was only $50. Lucile met me at the door and we waited for them to give out tickets that would designate the order in which you can enter at the opening of the show. I had heard that once those doors open, it is pandemonium. We met our good friend Doug and his son there as well, Doug is the art teacher at our school and a gifted artist, together we planned our method of attack: The show is in two rooms and four of our paintings were in one room and the other two were in another.

We had decided that Cody, who is six foot six inches would go for my painting since it is about 7 feet high on the wall, and I would go for his, since it is on the bottom half of the wall. Doug would go straight for Lucille's two paintings that were in the opposite room and his own favorite, an original illustration from a children's book which was created by one of his students. It was agreed that we would show good decorum and not knock anyone over in our attempts to retrieve our prized paintings. Getting there early and securing the first spot to enter just behind the sponsors of the exhibit allowed for a successful retrieval of all the paintings. Where was Lucile you ask? She was behind the table taking money and assisting the happy customers.

Some of my kids favorites: Lily loves the horse photograph. Will's favorite is actually very similar to the painting that Doug purchased for his son. Very similar painting in size and style. Owen was attracted to the color and the geometry of his abstract painting. Emma didn't seem to have a favorite, but isn't she beautiful? And in fact, aren't they all? Notice will giving the artwork from the Off the Wall Jr. a discerning look. Youth up to age 17 can submit work to be sold from $10 - $30 dollars. He admired some of the work and is confident that he will submit some of his work there next year.

My Snorkeling Buddy

2010-10-21T23:19:00.001-07:00

I absolutely love water. I love the outdoors but when water is a part of the equation, my joy seems to be intensified ten fold so naturally I gravitate to the ocean as that is the largest body of water in my area. There are, of course, other bodies of water near me, Lake Perris and Lake Elsinore, but I wouldn't want to swim in them. Heck the fishes don't even like swimming in them, enough said about that. So it is to the ocean I often go to find peace in a busy life and joy in recreation.

I hope to by like my mom. She was swimming in the ocean the summer before she passed away. She was always game for a swim and we all loved that she would join with us. Yes, that is they type of mother and grandmother that I desire to be.

These last summers I have been attempting to acquaint my kids to snorkeling in the ocean. I bought snorkel gear for them last year and they did a little diving w/ the masks and snorkeled in a pool, but were a little afraid to venture into the ocean's open water. It is a little scarey to see what is underneath those emerald waters, especially after "Shark Week" so not many were willing this year with the exception of Will.

Twice he has gone into the ocean with me to see the depths of the sea. This is one of those events. We took the kayak out in La Jolla Cove and he paddled like a little trooper out to the sea caves. He did awesome. It was so amazing to share that experience with him and brought me so much joy. He bravely ventured into the waters and was thrilled to see so many fish. He clung to my elbow as we swam together and explored the underwater structure and fish. I wasn't able to take many photos because unfortunately the water was cold and he got a chill, but it wet his apetite for more and better yet he had bragging right to the experience which makes his older sisters choke down their fears and want to go next time. Nothing like a little positive sibling pressure to get others involved.

I so love my Willow and feel grateful for that time spent with him. Way to go William the Brave Heart!

First Day of School

2010-10-03T21:34:00.001-07:00

I have been on hiatus from blogging for really no good reason, but I do have some photos that I would like to preserve because some day I will actually print up the blog for our family records. Although I have a number of summer photos I would like to share, I believe my first blog back will have to be about the first day of school.

Here are the kids on their first day of school They look relatively happy with the exception of Owen who was expressing silent protest. Notice the jackets. This is a reflection of what our summer and early fall was like--cool breeze.

Will and Owen with their dedicated teachers.

Will and Owen are trying their best to look happy at their desks on the first day of school. I guess you could say that they felt that summer ended way to early for them. By the time I was done getting the boys to their classes I swooped around to my fifth grader, Emma Pi. When I ventured in to take a picture of Emma at her desk, I noticed the unrecognizable look of "Don't you dare embarress me by coming in and taking my picture with my teacher all over her panic stricken face. I sent her a smile and a wave and when no one was looking blew her a kiss. I will have to go back with my camera and get a picture with her teacher.

Me looking stunned on the first day of school. This was my first week back to full time teaching. This is the deer in the headlights look, with which you're all familiar. Now that I have been working for nine weeks, I feel I can finally say that I don't feel stunned anymore. I feel very blessed to have a job and such wonderful kids who pitch in and help making the transition easier.

Vital to the Core

2010-07-28T23:30:00.000-07:00

"Anyone who imagines they can work alone winds up surrounded by nothing but rivals, without companions. The fact is, no one ascends alone." Lance Armstrong

In The Face of Adversity

2010-07-14T22:26:00.000-07:00

When Life's Challenges seem grueling--Live Strong
"Knowledge is power, community is strength and positive attitude is everything"
Lance Armstrong

The View From My Bathtub.

2010-06-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

I am wondering if I will ever have my bathroom to myself again.

My tub has looked like this since 1990.

I've decided that I don't mind it so much.

i HATE snails (and I never, ever say the word HATE)

2010-05-17T21:47:00.000-07:00

I know your looking at this picture of the snail to my left and thinking, oh how cute, look at those little antennaes and the cute graffiti on it's shell, you may even think that you want to have one for a pet. I know my kids do. My kids actually kind of like snails. In fact my kids have even had snail races on rainy days shouting and cheering their li'l snail champion on as they sluggishly slime their ways across our cement patio. But let me tell you. These little vandals of the animal kingdom are criminals. CRIMINALS! And they aren't as slow as you think they are. They are speedy and focused when it comes to destroying your garden.

Hey, I am a believer. I know that everything on this earth was made for a purpose. I know that God is wise and all knowing and I trust him, but boy am I confused when it comes to snails. I know there must be some reason for snails, besides being a French delicacy (ho, ho, hoooo zey like to eat the escargo), but for the life of me, I can't figure out what it is. They are slimy, creeper, over eaters. Really! they are major breakers of the seventh of the deadly sins -- Gluttony. I mean how many plants can one snail eat in the course of 8 hours? And don't give me that line that it's all greens of little calories so they can eat as much as they want. NO!! No way.

Its about time someone stand up and say enough is enough.

When I put a sweet, healthy dahlia in the ground one afternoon and wake up to nothing but the stems the next morning, I think it is okay to say that that snail over ate. These unwelcomed guests completely took advantage of my hospitality and I say it is about time they hit the road literally, hit it hard, with a crushing blow. I detest these varments so much that when I see one in my garden, I pick it up and hurl it over my house to the street. I don't have the guts to step on it... but I have no problem chucking it out to oblivion...really just over the fence into the street but to a snail that is like galaxy away... haven't you seen Bugs Life? In the past I have had a passive aversion to the snail. I turned my nose up at them, like the french would American french fries (which I love by the way) not giving them too much of my energy but not approving either, in my best french accent"oh escargo, I find you slimy and gross, I don't like you. Poo-poo to you." disliking but not with passion. But after I tucked my sweet dahlias in their beds and came out a couple of days later, to find them stripped down like a cadillac on the south side of Chicago, I have become impassioned, crazed even, like the french love their cheese but only opposite. I curse the snails that munch my plants like Agustus gloop loves chocolate. those snails congregate around my plants like Norm sits at the bar at Cheers sucking down beers. They leave nothing left-- eating my plants like Choncho loves chips. They are relentless, destructive and vandals of the highest order.

How do I get rid of them? There is that deadline poison. You basically poor black tar out of a spout around your plants and when the snail touches it they die. That is effective and kills on contact. But it doesn't get to the root of the problem and it's ugly. If you want to get rid of these pesky snails you need to invest in another snail called a descollate snail. These snails look the same as their cute cousins, but have a conical shell. They eat the eggs and young of the bigger plant eating snails. They are snail assassins and I love them like the french love their wine. oh la la. You can purchase them here. These snails cut down the snail population in my garden ten fold. After a year or so it was hard to find a snail in our yard and when we did they were of the descollate variety. So purchase your little descollate snail army and bounce those unwanted guests out of your garden. You'll be glad you did. I need some new recruits. I am calling in the reserves asap.

Lily Grace

2010-05-16T01:30:00.000-07:00

With a heart of gratitude I can honestly express my joy in knowing this beautiful young woman brings much honor to her family.
We are so proud of our Lily
her tender heart,
her kind way, her nurturing spirit,
her diligent work ethic,
her playful personality
Her competitive spirit
Her joyful disposition
Her goals for the future. Lily, we are very pleased with you and your choices. We know your good works and your good heart. We love you dear daughter, how honored we are to be your parents. Love you.

Hope

2010-04-21T23:19:00.000-07:00

"Craguns" Mn 2008

We can all use more rainbows

"NEP" November 2008

To get us through the storms of life

"Craguns" MN 2008

To purge our pain,

Minnesota July 2008

And dash our sorrows.

Craguns MN, July 2008

with life giving light.

"The Montage" at Laguna Beach Owen's 4th birthday 2008

So instead of chasing sunsets,

"The Hill" September 28th, 2010

through cloud choked skies of night,

Millikin February 27, 2010

hunker down and wait

La Jolla June 15th 2010

my dear ones

Mitchell's 19th birthday 2009

for dawn's blushing light

6:45 am January 22, 2010

Glory Be Spring

2010-03-29T23:23:00.000-07:00

We concluded our spring break with a day at Laguna Beach. It was an amazing day with temps int the high 70's and beautiful clear skies. My friend Kristine Woolf took some picks I would like to share.

I took some shots of my own:

The boys made a crab palace or a couple crabs they found

One of the many hermit crabs found

All the kids enjoyed playing Zim Zam

Will looked at each tide pool very closely, sometimes too close.

Meeting March

2010-03-21T23:08:00.001-07:00

March 21 is his birthday.

March, who was named after his birthday month;

March, who was born in a stable because they didn't have cars back then;

March, who became a jockey and rode with Shoemaker.

In the early morning of my son's baptism, when the clock struck 12, I found myself at Ralphs fetching ingredients for an additional entre I decided to add for the luncheon the following day. Shopping at Ralph's at midnight is peaceful. There you are, all alone, just you, the click of your heels on the cement tile floor, the supermarket music,the checker standing sleepy eyed behind his register. Of course although I went for just two items and decided against a cart, I noticed the sale items and so my arms were heavily loaded as I approached the check stand, and this was the first time I noticed him, March, a little elf of a man in a blue hooded sweatshirt standing around 4 foot tall. His hood covered his head to protect it from the scattering rain that had been evident through out the night. He was standing at the foot of the check stand chattering happily with the checker. I unloaded groceries from my arms and asked the checker where I could find Pepperoncinis. Both Checker and hooded box boy, turned to face me with smiles on their faces as the checker motioned with his finger and told me to head to aisle 14. As I left I thought first about this older gentleman working such late hours and pondered how tough things are for people who never seem to be able to retire anymore. Although he was old and working, I was impressed with his attitude. He seemed to be happy, and why wouldn't he I guess, he had a job and they are getting harder to find, I should know.

I returned with the peppers in hand to more chattering and smiles from the supermarket duo, I surveyed the groceries and realized I had forgotten the napkins, "Where can I find napkins?" again the checker turns to me smiling to instructs me to head down aisle 6. "Thanks." I say, As I turn to find the napkins I hear a voice say, "You don't look a day older than when I first met you!" I could tell it came from the hooded man with the hump. I found that statement interesting since this is the first time that I had ever met either of them.

Upon returning to the stand the checker motions to the little hooded man hunched over and says" He says that he helped you out about 6 months ago. He has met you before." I looked over and March was smiling at me. "Really?" I replied, I don't remember him helping me before."

"Yes, I helped you with your groceries, and you don't look a day older..." Oh stop with that one liner I thought. Sheesh! They both continued to chatter as I surveyed my groceries passing over the scanner and thinking of the things I still needed to get to done. As I was about to pay, March asks "May I help you out?"

"That's okay. I have it." I never accept help from the box boys and I wasn't going to make this old gentleman go out either.

"No," he replied, "I will help you out." He seemed harmless, although a bit confused. I looked over to the checker who said, "He likes to help all the customers out." I was able to discern that March did not actually work there, but hung out there to chat with the employees and help the customers.

"Alright," I state, "thank you very much." Hunched over, he began pushing my cart of which he was barely able to see above the handle bars. A little uncomfortable, I began to make conversation, "Wow you are up late tonight."

"Oh I never sleep," March says with enthusiasm.

"You don't?" I ask surprised

"Nope" March replied definitively. How can he function on no sleep? At this time I am thinking that March needs to earn some extra money and so decide that I will tip him for his effort. On the way to the car March begins talking about the rain. "I love the rain. It blesses this world, this amazing world and blankets it in green. It is beautiful. I love to be out in the rain." I nod in agreement.

"This is my van," I say smiling, "let me unlock it and then I can load."

"No let me get those for you," March says with a sincere desire to help out.

"Thank you," I say feeling a little awkward, and then March begins to express his love for Spring.

"I love Spring. I was born in the Spring, on the first day of Spring, March 21" and this is when he introduces his name to me, "March, my name is March. I was born in a horse stable because we did not have cars then, only horses, on March 21st I was named March for that reason." I nod my head interested. "I love Spring. It is a beautiful time of the year. It is full of beauty and color, and new growth. It is a time when the earth is reborn when new babies are born, it is God's greatest season, a celebration of all his creations." I am smiling as I listen to this little man bear testimony of the earth and Gods hand in creating it. He looks up at me with his dark eyes that twinkle with the little smile wrinkles. He waves his crooked hands into the air as he joyfully describes how spring is a season of love, how the birds are mating, all the animals are mating, all the bees are pollinating to make new, to regenerate, to bring to pass new life again. He states that he is Navajo, and that his people have reverence for the earth and all that it offers. As I listen to March. I feel an immense appreciation for him and the love that seems to exude from him as he shares his feelings with me while we stand out in a misty February night.

It is at this time that a car pulls up and unrolls the window. tilting my head to look in I notice that it is an older couple that was also roaming the aisles in Ralphs. The woman, who was driving, leans over and says, "Is everything okay?" She is looking at me. I understand that she is concerned for my safety and I shake my head yes, March leans toward the couple smiling and says, "Yes, Yes, things are well, we are well, and bless you that you are well, healthy and happy on this beautiful night. Drive home safely and God Bless You." The couple look to me again, they are smiling now , we then exchange waves of good bye and they leave.

March continued to share a bit of his life with me. How he was a jockey and rode with the likes of Shoemaker and how they looked exactly alike and they often confused the sports writers. He shared his love of riding and his passion for horses. Everything he shared was done with an expression of love and gratitude.

Because it was late, because I had to get home and still start this second entre and it was past twelve-thirty, because I really shouldn't be out at that late hour, I had to cut our conversation short. I felt badly because I could tell that March enjoyed the company and I enjoyed his stories. The groceries were in the trunk and I grabbed my wallet to give March a tip. March smiled and waved his crooked hand and said, "No, no, no. I did it because I wanted to help. Here, this is all I need," and he held out his hand to shake mine.

I reached out and shook his hand and said, "Thank you." reverently smiling.

"Your welcome, and God bless you." and with that he took the handle of my cart and began pushing it back to Ralphs. I slowly backed out and began heading home feeling joyful at the opportunity to meet March and to hear his testimony, his love for his Father in Heaven and his beautiful creations. I felt lifted by all the love he expressed. I will never forget him, that little elf of a man, hunched over in a hooded sweatshirt, who looked up at me with bushy eyebrows, dark eyes and smile wrinkles.

Ems Turns a Decade.

2010-03-18T13:12:00.000-07:00

My dear Emma turned 10. She is a sweet, endearing young lady. She is enthusiastic, expressive, loving, and kind.

She loves singing and drama; pot stickers and ice cream; tomatoes and cucumbers; lip gloss and reeses pieces minty gum and swimming. She dislikes cheese and yogart, itchy sweaters and chores.

She has great faith in prayer and in her Heavenly Father. She brings all of us great joy and brings much honor to her family by her good choices and her desire to do her best.

We are proud of her accomplishments, but mainly her good heart. We love you Emma.

Pinewood Derby!

2010-03-17T09:02:00.000-07:00

Will Takes Third in His First Attempt!

Will and Richard put The Bat Mobile together.

Will chose the design: The Bumper car.

Will sanded.

Will helped paint.

And Will handled the car the entire night.

Mother and Father watched from the sidelines and cheered.

We were pleased by the behavior of the boys who showed
sportsmanship throughout the night, cheering each other on after each race.

Here Will is checking in. It's a g0!

Will's Baptism February 20, 2010

2010-03-12T13:11:00.001-08:00

On a cool February day my boy chose to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He chose to follow the Savior, Jesus Christ, and be baptized. He made promises that day to follow the Savior's example and to love others. He promised to forgive and to turn to Heavenly Father and repent if he himself made a wrong choice. He is on his life's journey and this choice will bring him great hope and focus as he moves forward with faith and determination to choose the right for his own happiness and in so doing will bless the lives of others. I am so proud of him. I know it was the right choice as the spirit confirmed it to everyone there that day and no one can deny it.

What a joy it is to have William in our home. We are so proud of you.

The meeting was beautiful. The program was presented by family and each child in the family was able to participate. Owen shared the first article of faith regarding our basic beliefs in God the Eternal Father, His Son, Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost. William's Uncle Robert shared a talk on the blessings of choosing to be baptized and how it will and can affect your life. Thanks Robert. Emma then beautifully sang a solo "I Want To Be Baptized." Following that William was baptized by his father, Richard, and the witnesses were Tom Cooper and Scott Stowell. William was perfect: allowing his father to submerge him so that he might become clean and spiritually reborn. He rose with a beautiful smile. Following that Lily played the piano for the group, as William changed his clothes.

Afterwards, Lily shared the fourth article of faith and then Will's Aunt Linda shared a beautiful talk on the blessing of receiving the Holy Ghost. She discussed all aspects of the gift that William was about to receive. Thank you Linda. William was then reverently and humbly confirmed with the gift of the Holy Ghost by his father. William was sensitive to the spirit. He was calm and joyful. He took the time to hug each member of his family who stood in the circle to assist and support in confirming that sacred gift. I too felt a great feeling of joy in witnessing his humble gratitude for the presence of loved ones and for the spirit that was there that day.

After which Brother Scott Cadman, who was conducting, shared his testimony with William. We were grateful for his presence that day and for his testimony. It touched us all. Family and friends were invited to share. The first one up was Emma. Emma was very touched by the spirit and by the events of the day. With tears in her eyes she shared her love for her brother stating she was proud of him and then ran to him to hug him tightly. It was very sweet for William. He is such a tender heart. He hugged her back with just as much love and appreciation.

We were very grateful for the support of our dear friends who came to support us that day. The Merkleys headed out early that morning driving from Ventura to attend. The Slemboskis, Stewarts, and we felt the love and support of other friends and family members that weren't able to come but wanted to. Thank you our dear friends. You helped make this beautiful day so memorable.

Emma's Dream Comes True!

2010-03-12T00:59:00.000-08:00

From the moment that she could communicate, Emma began entertaining our family, friends and countless of imaginary audiences. She has a very vivid imagination and can propel herself into any scenario and make it come to life. Before she could walk and talk she pretended to have full length conversations with us in which she would wow us with her witty personality speaking gibberish all the while and then cracking up at her own jokes. We still enjoy her sense of humor and she entertains us daily with stories about school and life.
From the first time she saw the 4th grade show she has wanted to be "Becky" in "Gold Dust or Bust" a play about the California Gold Rush. Starting last year she set goal to achieve the part. She communicated to her teachers that she wanted the part and began memorizing the lines for the audition until she could recite them in her sleep.
Her teachers, who know Emma to be quiet and very reserved in the classroom, were supportive but felt the part would go to a far more outgoing student. She was prepared for the audition and to her teachers surprise, she came to life as the character Becky. She was voted by her peers to receive the part for the show.

Emma had the support of her grand father, The Big Guy, and her aunts and uncles and cousins here in California and Utah. Thanks so much to The Coopers for coming out to support her performance. Special thanks to Natalee who helped curl the ringlets in her hair.

Emma blew us all away with her energy, her personality and her expression. The play was a great success because of all the performances, but we are especially proud of Becky

By the time the play was over we all knew her lines. Emma standing with her dear friend Jayden who also got the part of Becky for the other class. They both worked together to study their lines. Emma was in heaven.

Sir William The Brave Heart

2010-02-13T12:44:00.001-08:00

This month my second born son will be getting baptized. I feel such gratitude for having the blessing of having him in my home.

I can't believe that 8 years have passed since you have joined our family. Smiling broadly from the very beginning.
You have always been such a tender heart and such a cuddle-bug, enjoying every moment in my arms and those of your father. I teach you to be strong of heart, and strong of mind. I teach you to choose the right, and to be honest. I teach you to be brave and obedient. I teach you that your Heavenly Father loves you with a perfect love and he will always be there for you. I teach you to trust in Him and your Savior. I teach you to be prayerful. I hope I show you these things too, and that you see that I believe. I do my boy...I Believe.

Be strong my Brave Heart. I love you.

Mom

An UGLY Makeover Competition

2010-02-06T15:40:00.000-08:00

So when the rains come down and shower sweetly upon our day and we are stuck inside, my kids really start getting creative. Today after the dance recital, after the pop star pretend play, after shaving with the shaving cream, my Emma decided that they should have an Ugly Makeover Competition. While vacuuming, Emma comes down with painted face, panting exuberantly, "Look mom we are having ugly makeovers."

Upon first sight, I was shocked and excited about it all at the same time, and of course, I said let me go and get my camera.

Each girl is allowed to makeover one of the others and it is up to you to decide who wins. The girls are excited and want your input. I will show a before and after shot of each girl and a shot with her make up artist. First up is Emma.
Emma Before:

Emma After:

Next up is Tay

Tay Before:

Tay After:

And now Lily

Lily Before:

Lily After:

One last look of all three before you make your choices:

Roller Skates

2010-01-20T00:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday it rained cats and dogs. The kids were home for the MLK holiday and what to do? What else? The roller rink. I've been there, blogged that as you might say so I didn't come prepared with my camera, but my friend Kristine did and took all these shots with her iphone (I gotta get me one of those some day) She is a mom, artist, photographer, friend who is very talented. If you want to see her work look here.

I roller skate. I do. I did when I was little: I had a few pair of white lace up skates with metal wheels. I would skate around the neighborhood until the wheels were dented and so worn they took the shape of an octagon. Good times. So when I enter the rink, I feel confident. I can slip those babies on and lace them up and up I go towards the rink and pray no one jets in front of me because as confident as I may look up on them, I really don't know how to stop. It takes a little while to get the hang of it, but give me a few laps around the rink and then I start to feel comfortable, like riding a bike but instead of two wheels you have eight.

Although I skated as a little girl, I didn't do it in a rink. I did go every now and then for a party or a special occasion, but not often like some have, so I didn't get into the whole roller disco thing as some did. I mean I love the music and the dancing, I am just not good at it, although I would like to be. You know what I am talking about, the funky tunes are playing on the PA system and skaters effortlessly glide and dance on the floor as if they hover over it. This is a little of what I am talking about:

Boy do I wish that I could skate like that...

I watch these funky phenoms skate around the rink and admire their grace and fluidity. I can't help but smile as they glide past me like water in a stream, rippling and rolling to the music, totally in their element. Do you know what I am talking about? I mean, appreciating something that someone does, a unique expression of themselves, a celebration really. I Love it. It totally made me happy, well that and the exercise. I need the exercise to deal with stresses of life. I am confident that in life, if we want to be truly happy, we need to find what out what we need to express. What gifts do we have to offer that are so uniquely ours. That is our journey, to find those and express them with love and all that good energy to bless the lives of those around us. We have to explore and experience and get ourselves out there because each of us is a unique gift one to another.

I guess my job as a mom is to provide as many opportunities for my kids to find that love,that gift that they need to express so that they might experience true joy. And to love them along the journey so that they might have the confidence to keep going even when they stumble and fall. Not an easy task, but so important.

Well if my kids didn't figure out if roller disco is their thing, they get another chance tonight because I am taking them with the free passes they got from last monday. Thats another thing a parent does--takes advantage of those freebies that are worthy of our time.

I happened upon this video that reminds me of my youth and the kind of skating that i did when I was young. enjoy.

Breaking News

2010-01-15T22:04:00.000-08:00

Major Pile Up at In n Out Burger Rancho Cucamonga!

Will approached me with this card and said, "Look, this is the biggest car crash in da ho woowld!" I like how because it happened at In n Out, everyone in the pileup still has a big smile on their face. Besides Disneyland In n Out is the happiest place on earth.

Polar Plunge

2009-12-30T00:24:00.001-08:00

This friday, New Years Day at noon, the Heaths are gonna take the plunge at Huntington Beach Pier. The Annual Polar Plunge has become a tradition in our family. The first member of the Polar Bear Club was Emma Grace and then she was followed by her sister Lily and brother Will last year. Will wasn't going to do it but in the last seconds stripped off his shirt and joined in just before the count down. This year lil O has decided to join the club. Any other takers?

Food Glorious Food

2009-12-26T17:51:00.000-08:00

BBQ Turkey--I likey!
Once you've had this turkey, you'll never go back to roasting again. Smoked Turkey in a 55 gallon drum is heaven on earth. I've never been a fan of turkey, I've tolerated for the holidays, Thanksgiving mainly, but the real celebration of the Thanksgiving meal was the gravy, I mean, that is what makes the meal right? But now when I have turkey, I will enjoy the meat itself.

Richard heard from a friend the technique of bbq the turkey in a 55 gallon drum and gave it a try. He is hooked.

Since the Mercedes is totaled, and we no longer need the recycled oil for fuel, he converted one of the drums into a bbq and tested it out for our Christmas dinner.

At the bottom of the drum he as a disk that comes from a tractor plow and in this disk he places the fuel--mesquite logs.

He basically hangs the turkey from a rebar a foot and a half above the coals and cooks it as seen below. Then he seals the top so that the smoke stays in the can and flavors the meat. The turkey takes about 2 hours or more, depending on the size, to cook. The meat was moist and flavorful. By far the best turkey meat I have ever eaten.

It was a hit with those that attended, namely Rob and Claire and their girls, my sister Pamela and Elder's Paxman and Fields. It was a great success. Thanks Richard for providing that awesome turkey! I'll never go back.

See the pic of Lily holding "Thomas" long for tom cat. Mitchell found this lil general in the fields behind his house. He is a favorite with the kids. I call him the general because he reminds me of Napolean. He is a little guy but has a big attitude.

Christmas Wishes Come True.

2009-12-25T11:44:00.000-08:00

Love this "WISH" garland that my nephew's wife Candice made for us. She is a writer, poet, artist and photographer. See her work here. This will be a treasured heirloom for my family. LOVE IT! Thanks Candice.

Here is Will opening one of his many starwars guys from Santa. Notice how fast his hands are moving. He couldn't get to them fast enough.

Wills bike, black mini rod by electra. Hot looking wheels.
Emma pies sweet ride. She is going to have to name this one. It has history and she will make history riding on it. Love this.
Lily is in heaven with her long board. She is growing up. My sweet, gracious Lily

Owen loves his space station. He spent most of the day playing with this play mobile set.

Here is Lily in action. Not fair for her to grow up so fast.
Will taking his bike for a spin. He will have to name his too. I will report their names later.

Emma on her three speed. She needs to get some more practice with the gears and the hand brakes. This bike is completely original including the tires!, built and sold in Chicago, another reason it is near and dear to my heart.
The gift that got the most attention today was the game cube that the kids got from their Uncle Scott and Auntie Adie. They all loved it and had a great time. Thanks!

Mitch will go out and get his eight track tomorrow. I will take some pics of him recording himself. Mitchell has been playing a lot of music lately with his friends in his garage. He has been hitting the drums and playing both the bass and the electric guitar. I can't wait to hear his recordings.

All in all I am grateful for the full Christmas that we enjoyed and for the gift of life, health, faith, friends and family. May these blessings continue and may we all have peace in our homes.

Time to Make Wishes Come True.

2009-12-24T23:15:00.001-08:00

Will at his second grade performance 12/10

I love this boy. He makes me smile. Why wouldn't he? Look at him? He has that grin and that playful look in his eyes, all the time, most especially when he was in trouble. When he was little and in trouble, I had to turn my head away when scolding him because he would look at me with that playful look trying to change my mood and often he was successful. That all changed however, when he tried it on his Kindergarten teacher and she looked him right back in the eye and said "That won't work with me Mr.!" Gotta love Ms. Putnam.

The other day, Will came up to me after playing Cranium for kids and he had in his hand this picture. "See mom, it said to draw a safe place," he said looking at me with a warm smile.

"Oh that's nice Will" I say, half looking because I was busy at the computer.

"See mom, it's you!" at once I looked down and saw the sweetest picture I have ever seen and one I will keep FOREVER. I mean who wouldn't, right. Because all I can think of are the times I got upset with him, or the times that I lost patience with him, and so feel such gratitude that he forgives me for those times and still finds me to be that safe place. I want to be that safe place.

Tonight while getting ready for Christmas, I found this letter that Will had written to Santa. We have known that he wants Star Wars guys for Christmas and are prepared with them, but when seeing the effort that he went into writing this letter, equipped with glitter, Christmas decorations, and examples cut out of ads, I feel very pleased that this boy will get his wish, and that all of them will get their wish. Will has been very enamored by Santa. Tonight when coming home from Scott and Adie's he asked his Auntie, "Aunt Pam, do you believe in Santa?" To which my faithful sister replied, "Well I believe in the real spirit if Christmas which is about our Lord and Savior Jesus, But the other guy, is okay too, although he came along later!"

To which Will replied, "Well, I believe! I believe! I heard him on my roof, so I know he is true!" We all agreed! Will has been a perfect listener, coming the first time I call, he has been a dependable worker, doing what I ask when I ask, he has been a thoughtful son, rubbing my back, extending love and kisses, and when ever I compliment him on his effort, or extend my gratitude, he replies, "I want to be good for Santa!" I remind him that it would be great if he were to continue this behavior throughout the year. Notice that Will wrote on Santa's letter in red, "your my hero!"

What did everyone want? Here are their wishes:

Mitch: 8 track recorder--yes remember those from the 70s? that's what he wants, he will have to search so he is getting money toward his recorder. (I was wrong. It's not the one from the 70's but it is an 8 track.)
Will with his Kindergarten teacher and now 2nd grade teacher, Ms. Putnam.

Lily: a long board skate board. She has been wanting one since camping at the beach. This baby is custom made from a guy in Claremont and has sand from San Clemente Beach on it. This year she will be able to take her own long board.

Emma: clothes and Lip gloss from Bath and Body Works. That's all that girl ever wants is lip gloss and more lip gloss, well she got it as well as a trip back to the 70s with a 1971 Schwinn Breeze bicycle in lemon yellow. Woah, she is a beauty. I Love her and so will Emma.

Will: got his Starwars guys but also got a black Electra mini Rod beach cruiser with flames and red wheels. Hot!

Owen: like his brother wants Star wars guys but also got the coolest playmobile spacestation set from the 90's. complete with hover crafts, moon transporter, robots and astronauts. Very Cool.

Yes wishes will come true! and all the gifts, with the exception of Lily's long board, are used which we think is pretty dang cool.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. all the way.

Merry Christmas.

Good times ahead!

Your Song

2009-12-21T09:53:00.001-08:00

I've taken a long break from my blog. A lot has been going on. Life keeps teaching me, I hope I am learning something.

All the while, I can't help but feel grateful for those who are in my life that bless me and my family. When it comes right down to it, it doesn't matter what we have, but who we have in our lives that really matters and I feel the people in my life are a gift. And I am blessed with very good friends and an awesome family.

I have always loved the song Your Song, but just found this version by Al Jarreau. For those who take me higher, higher than the sun, This is your song.

Plane Portraits

2009-08-21T22:09:00.000-07:00

Robby descended upon the roaring group reverently. We hugged, told him we loved him and he was off to be released from serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I knew we wouldn't be able to spend much time with him, but we all wanted to be there. So what to do in LA? I had a few ideas of what we could do and one of them is as follows.

I knew that if we came here:

a big grassy field right at the entrance to LAX

And if we ate here:

In n Out Burger is right across the street.

I knew we would be able to see this:

A picnic under landing planes: pretty awesome.

I knew the kids would like it but what I didn't know is that we would have so much fun doing this:
Plane Portraits--

After I saw that first plane fly over, I knew I needed a picture of my kids and a plane together. We practiced what to do and where to stand a few times before the next plane arrived. The kids scattered across the grassy area and I would yell, "the plane, the plane!" (no I was not imitating tatoo on Fantasy Island) and the kids would scream and run from all directions to get to their spots.
This was our first attempt:

Cute photo but ooppps missed

We continued to work at it. Some of us got there some of the time

Others showed up when they could

Here Lily is racing a plane. Looks like the plane is ahead by a nose.

Bam! the real deal. Notice that in each picture Owen is pretending he is falling
out of the plane in a parachute.

I thought I would try continual focus feature. Here is a series.

So if your at LAX with nothing to do, go to In n Out, Climb some trees

Play some tag,

and take some Plane Portraits. It was a guaranteed good time.

Missionary Portraits

2009-08-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

Remember the shoes?

Well here is the man!

You Can Tell By His Shoes

2009-08-20T23:30:00.000-07:00

We headed out to LAX to see my amazing nephew, Elder Stowell return home from serving an honorable mission in the Cebu Philippines. It was an emotional experience--both joyful and reverent. I will post more photos of Robby and his family when I get more from my sis in law. But for now, I feel that these two photos tell an important story.

You can tell by his shoes that this was a young man who gave his all-- every day out there tracting, meeting people, introducing them to the happiness and joy that can come through living the gospel and developing faith in Jesus Christ; every day out there digging holes, farming, trudging through mud to get to huts built upon marshy land; everyday out there loving families, leading wards, guiding people; everyday out there negotiating companionships, praying, studying , fasting; everyday out there teaching, testifying, blessing, ordaining. . . I love those shoes and the story that they tell. I love that he used them up to the end and that they finally brought him home safely to his mother and father. We are all very proud of you Robby

Southern California Livin'

2009-07-23T17:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my sister in law took the words right out of my mouth "You gotta love Southern California living!"

Yes!

I wholheartedly agree. I love living here. I am a native, born and raised here until 12, when my dad was transferred to Chicago, another amazing place to live by the way. But I came back as an adult, transferred again from Sacramento, only this time I was married with a child.

I had mixed emotions: excited for the chance to live by my family, my sister and brother and his family lived here, my parents had just relocated from Chicago, I loved the beach, In n Out Burger, the Hollywood Bowl, but I was frustrated with the lack of open land--the juxtaposition of city after city crammed together tight, like a jigsaw puzzle, no one knowing where one began and the other ended except for the dirty freeway sign or dusty marker on the road. I felt the "Storm Watches" on the news was, how can I put this lightly, pitiable. Please, it is sprinkling outside, and there is an anchorwoman (why do they mostly send woman out to do these stories) on the side of the freeway reporting on the great storm we are experiencing. Sorry my dear friends, southern California knows nothing about real weather. I was concerned about what southern Californians considered being the news, I am sorry but Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton are not that important to me but they seem to be in the headlines all the time as does any other celebrity and their troubles. I missed seeing open land, I wanted big back yards and small quaint houses, not big boxy houses and small back yards, I missed the feeling of small towns where you could find Mainstreet, I missed community news.

I too, like some friends I know, thought grass was greener on the other side, felt like life would be better lived else where and looked in the likes of Utah, where houses were cheaper, Montana where the skies were wider, Seattle, where the lands were were wetter, Minnesota, where the lakes are superior, No Ca, where the people are liberaler-er-er, Colorado where the forests were denser, but I have come to realize that I am a So Ca girl through and through. I belong here and will stay. Of course knowing that teachers can't really transfer from Ca or they lose there retirement helps aid the decision as well, but that is another matter entirely.

Regardless, I am happy here and happy to be here. I love that outdoor living is available all year long here. We BBQ in January-- one of my very favorite months of the year in So Ca. I love the ocean and the beaches, I love the cultural opportunities of Los Angeles--recently considered an up and coming art capital of the world--I can hear live music every day of the week if I choose, in multiple venues, I can enjoy the vast landscape that So Ca offers from the beach to the desert to the mountains and in the valleys. Oceans, streams lakes, water falls are all local and available to me, and finally the people, I love the people! All types of people from many different walks of life and many varieties of personalities, all with stories to tell and things to share. If you want a sample of the variety, one can go visit Venice Beach where, I was reminded by a young friend, "there are all kinds there" and yes there are.

One of my favorite activities which makes one think, "Nothing like Southern California Living!" is going to the ocean in the early afternoon, after sleeping in, after traffic, after lunch and staying until the sun slowly sinks her rosy self down and tucks herself into the ocean's vast rippling blanket and says goodnight. It is a glorious time of day, there is something magical about it especially near the water and even more pleasing if your in it. It brings me great joy. Yesterday was one such day.

Like Sands In The Hour Glass. . .

2009-07-16T23:30:00.000-07:00

Time keeps ticking away. It's official. I have reached middle age. I even looked up a definition of middle age: "the time between 40 and 60 is middle age." Yep that's me, middle aged. I kind of like it. I have been known to say, "I love my 40's!" In fact I just did it today. . .

"I love my forties!" I exclaimed to my younger friend who was antiquing with me today. No response.

"No really," I say trying to feel like I have to convice her. She is looking at me through the corner of her eye, skeptically, "Yea, My forties are great!" still no response. I continue, "You know when you reach your forties," she obviously hasn't reached her forties, "you have learned that you can't please everyone, it is just impossible, and so you don't feel the need to try any more."

"That's freeing."says my younger, wrinkle free friend with a smile, attempting to validate me,

"It is really! my forties are great, I love my forties." I say with enthusiasm like some type of missionary of the aged spreading the good news.

I call them "My Forties." They have their own title and they are mine. Not like when I was in my twenties or thirties. During those decades it was strictly year by year. You were either twenty-one or twenty-two. Then, you wanted to be older. Each year meant more maturity, more experience and at the time, that was good.

Then when I reached thirty, all of a sudden, I felt an ache and a pain in my back--Like over night--at twenty-nine I fall asleep feeling fine and dandy and then the morning I wake up thirty, and I am stiff and achey, but still it is year by year: thirty-two or thirty-three.

However, when forty comes, you claim the whole decade at once. It didn't matter that I was 40 or 41, I was in my forties. I claim the whole decade as my own and I take them all in and I love them. I love them because I realize all that I have been through to get me here. I cherish every lesson and every joyful experience. I try to celebrate every moment, and realize that it is perfect just as it is, the joys and the pains, the victories and the losses, the hurdles that have been crossed safely and those that weren't, causing me to fall on my face, and cry hot, steamy tears that sting my eyes. I'm not ashamed of being forty, I am proud of it. I feel that I have finally grown up, except that I haven't. I still love to play way to much, and I am still on an eternal vacation as a friend once said back when I was 25. I have aged, yes, but like a fine wine, or a great cheese. The years have refined me, taught me, made me more appreciative of life. So I celebrate "My Forties!" and look forward to embellishing them with great memories and experiences.

Sorry folks, since I am planning on being mobile til I am forced to move on. I decided to not give any energy to me needing the aqua chair. But I do plan on having a great decade in my 50s. For sure.

Kayak - ak - ak - ak - ak (Think Popeye)

2009-07-10T07:21:00.000-07:00

We bought a kayak for the fam! We found it on craig's list fully loaded: seats, paddles, vests for a great price. I couldn't pass it up. The guy we bought it from advertised two tandem kayaks for $950 but when we contacted him he had already sold one. Bummer! I am still looking for one for Rob and Claire.

The moment we put it down, Owen and Clara popped right in and were ready to launch.

Clara and Owen: kayakers in training.

Here I am giving Lily the here's what you do speech. She didn't need much training. She is a natural. Lily, Elyse and I were the first ones out there.

We met a family there who are avid kayakers. Shane and his wife Christine were a bit concerned for us so Shane helped us launch it for the first time.

We took the boys as well. They loved it. Owen was a little nervous but after a while he was helping me paddle and began to relax.
We took the kayak out again on the 4th of July. The water was very choppy that day! In fact we almost tipped over a few times. It made for an adventurous excursion. Here are the Three Graces all decked out and ready to go. They wanted to go together! I need to write a book about these three. They crack me up.

Ocean explorers for sure!

Here they are contemplating jumping in the water for a peek a boo. They were nervous. We had just seen a seal peek his head out of the water for a look at us. Very cool. But I know they were a little nervous about what else might be lurking in those waters.

I can't help but smile when I think about that day and the fun we are gonna have in the future.

Here is a shot of Avery my little swimming champ. She swam for a while in the open sea.

When we went on this little expedition, I saw that we were just a little ways away from Lil Corona. Next time I am gonna take the kayak over there so we can explore the structures in and around that little beach. We can't launch from there but we can kayak over there and I know it is beautiful.

Richard took the boys out for a little teaching expedition. On the 4th the you can fish without a license so he wanted to take advantage because his expired.

Here is Will practicing reeling one in positive thinking,I love that.

Again the water was very choppy and they were drifting south quickly. We need to get ourselves a little anchor. See Lily up ahead. She wanted to go out and help paddle. She loves it like her mama!

What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas.

2009-07-06T21:17:00.000-07:00

My friend Brenda is one of those friends that will always be there, no matter what! You know the type, You may not talk for over a year, but when you get together it is like you have never been apart, or the type that that calls you right when you need a call--She is the type and I love her. We planned a getaway to say good bye to my friend who is moving east. Whenever we get together we know we are going to have a great time and without exception it happened again.

Just after we arrive we take off. Let the fun times begin.

The first thing we had to do is head over to Old Navy because when I said, "Okay, we are leaving, get into the car, Owen, being the obedient boy that he is did just what I said but with out his shoes.

we couldn't help but take a picture with all the celebrities.

After Owen chose his flip flops, he liked the fatigue design with the skulls, what little boy wouldn't, we headed out to Las Vegas' best kept secret Kyklos Greek Cafe, a greek restaurant in the food court of the Sunset Mall. It was voted Best Greek restaurant in Las Vegas. It is a family owned shop managed by the three Kyklos brothers, Manny Moe and Jack, wait... I am confused.

Now that is gyro. It was huge I could only eat half.

After a meal that filled us to the gills we went roller skating. It was family night there and we could get a family of four in for $12. What a deal.

Lily did fine:

Until:

Lily is my mover, my groover, my dance extraordinaire and it wasn't long before she was out grooving on the dance floor on eight wheels. Emma and Brianna were a little more cautious, but still had a great time.

Brianna and Emma on the floor.

My Sunshine, Will, ooppppsss, I forgot that I am not supposed to call him that in public. He told me the other day, "Mom, remember, you can call me Sunshine here,in the house, but not outside, remember!, because I have to be tough!" so it is just our little secret that I called him Sunshine on my blog. Will and Owen got on their skates determined to do well. Once free skate started, we three went right to the center, timing our crossing of the river of people just right so as not to be knocked down roller derby style. Here are my boys all decked out with their skate gear.

My handsome boys.

Will spent a good 10 min in the circle practicing and then said to me, "all right, I am going out!" meaning he was venturing into the stream of people that circled the rink. There he goes.

Will the Thrill joining the skaters.

Owen, on the other hand, stayed in the circle all night. He was game for the skating, but, needed a lot of practice. He was up one minute, and down on the floor the next, but through out the whole night he had a smile on his face. When ever he would fall, I would say "What do you do when you fall Owen," and he would reply, "Get right back up!" I love that attitude. and he did get back up time. . .

after time

after time

But every time he had a smile on his little sweaty face. It was like 90 degrees in there. He had a ball. He never left the rink floor. For a time he didn't get off the floor saying that he wanted to work on his moves: half splits and such.

Brenda is a dancing queen herself and has always had the moves. She was getting down on the dance floor as well. I'll see if I can download the video on You tube, but for now here is a pic of Bren and the girls.

My Beautiful Friend Brenda

Oh there goes my Sunshine again!

It was right about now that Brenda started to feel a little queezy. The flu had struck. We went home and tucked everyone in. . .and by the next morning Brianna had it. We gathered our belongings and vamoosed out of there, hoping that what happened in Vegas stayed in Vegas. I am happy to report that all are in good health once again and we did escape the dreaded camp flu. We are hoping to head out to Vegas again before she ventures East, because we know that whenever we spend time with Auntie Brenda, it is going to be a blast.

"for whatever we lose (like a you or a me) it's always ourselves we find in the sea" ee cummings

2009-07-05T00:29:00.000-07:00

june 22, monday

on a lazy day,
the sun reached down her arms,
embraced us
and a breeze kissed our cheeks.

we meandered, slowly
to the water,
arriving
just as brother tide
returned to
cool off
sister shore.

playful
curious,
tender
children
explore
the beauties
of the sea,

until the sun
sat herself down
into its wondrous
depths

Solo Mio and a Trio!

2009-06-30T00:05:00.000-07:00

I went out kayaking with Daniel Woods, adventure photographer again. He offers an amazing exploration of San Diego's cove. If you are interested in seeing his site click here Daniel resides in San Diego so he knows a lot about the area and can help lead you as he photographs you on your kayak adventure.

This time I took my friends Brynna, Sherie and Kathy with me. We had an amazing day. Thanks to Daniel we can relive it again and again. Daniel not only photographs you underwater but he can also video tape your snorkel expedition.

A group of sea lions resting by the caves.

Brynna and Kathy entering "The Clam."
We saw a ton of garibaldi swimming around the cove
Sherie and I in the cave.
One of the sea kittens as Daniel likes to call them. These are leopard sharks. Very docile creatures swimming right off the coast of La Jolla.
Kathy and Brynna after we saw the sea kittens. See how close we are to the shore. Those leopard sharks are harmless.
A fish
An amazing shot by Daniel. How he got all four of them. . .amazing.
Daniel caught me practicing diving. I had to pop my ears to get deep. It's a little scarey!
Brynna and Kathy
Sherie and I
All of us outside of the cave
Kathy and Brynna in the cave. See me behind trying to capture Sherie.
There she is.
Afterwards, I wanted to keep snorkeling so Daniel took me to another spot, where I could swim around and explore. Daniel has so much fun swimming with you, he will photograph you as you explore but also find little creatures for you to see. I highly recommend Daniel Woods at beachshootsandiego.com

Looking UP! My O turns 5

2009-06-28T00:36:00.000-07:00

Tonight my Oboe got out of the shower and looked at the tag on his underwear and said, "Hey I am five now." I guess it is time for new shorts, as The Big Guy likes to call them because my boy is 5 now and he can't be wearing size 4.

This boy has been a joy from the moment he entered our home. He always has a smile on his face and feels that most things are AWESOME--his favorite word. He has a great deal of confidence and finds a tremendous amount of joy in all things around him.

He is a tender heart. He loves to be cuddled and hugged. He notices little things and comments on them He is known to say he likes the earrings I have on, the curtains in peoples house, a new outfit I might be wearing.

He is a cautious boy. He is nervous about trying new things/ This is comforting to me because I know he will always take precautions. I should be so cautious. On the other hand, Owens imaginary friend, Lil Jacob, is a daredevil and does amazing stunts. I find this interesting.

Owen is a natural athlete. He loves to play basket ball and baseball.

He is a thinker. Often he will draw a conclusion about something and say, "Yea I thinked about it in my head."

Owen wanted to see the movie UP for his birthday at the drive in. We invited our friends The Stewarts to come and share the experience with us.

Pizza for dinner and then chocolate cake with chocolate icing for dessert. Emma made the cake and did a great job. His brother Mitchell helped me decorate the cake.

For his birthday Owen got two Star Wars Lego sets. One ship with Annakin and R2 D2 and the ship has four robot droids. Very cool. He got a paddle game like the ol' Zim Zam I used to play when I was a kid, a new GI Joe and a Nerf dart gun and bubbles from the Stewarts. Of course Owen thinks all his gifts are Awesome.

The Tiki drive in was. . .loud, slightly uncomfortable, distracting and a ball. It is an experience unto itself and well worth it. We will be going again.

Dem Bones

2009-06-25T23:15:00.000-07:00

Little Explorers

Crash! the door flies open and the boys sprint in "Mom, mom, mom, guess what we found--bones. After dinner we are going to go back and get 'em."

"Yeah, I found dem, I just looked down and saw dem." Owen says confidently.

"You have a good eye don't you Bud!"

"Yea, and dey are AWESOME!"

"Really?" I say, "Bones? Your bringing them back here?" I am already squirming at the thought. This is one of those moments where I realize that my boys need so much more than I can offer, because I am sure, actually very confident, I would have talked them out of bringing those bones back to the house, but their dad, he was all game for it.

Will describing what the bones are.

"It's a whole body mom!" Will says with an attitude of authority.

"Yeah, wif little teef." Owen shares with a big grin. I see the excitement in both their eyes, the smiles on their faces and I can tell how happy they are, but all I can think of is yucky decomposing bacteria.

By now the girls are sauntering in. "Did you here about the bones that Owen found?" Lily says, she has wide eyes too, but no smile. "Yea it is the whole animal, you can see the spine and the head and the teeth and everything."

Our neighbor we affectionately call Little Austin

"Wow, did you find this at the church?"

"Yeah in da bushes! We are gonna go back and get it after dinner so we can find out what it is!"

"I think it is a bird that ate a mouse!" Will concludes.

"We know it is not a bird because it has fur." says their dad, he is smiling too. "But we can go get the bones and figure it out." It is a great mystery that needs to be discovered.

Now I am smiling because I am thrilled at the curious minds of my boys and because their dad is encouraging it. Oh yeah and that I can stay here, far from the bones and not have to be the one to collect them.

Before dinner we pray and Will offers:

"Dear Heavenly Fader, thank you for the bones of the bird."

"It's not a bird," Lily whispers,

"It's not a bird!" Owen declares,

"Thank you for the bones of the bird!" Will repeats.

"Thank you for the food and bless it," and then he closes the prayer.

"Don't you remember Will, it can't be a bird because it has fur!" Owen says with authority.

"Yes, Will birds have wings, mammals have fur, so it is probably not a bird." their dad teaches.

"Yeah it had all dat fur hangin' off da bones!" Owen persists

By now I am losing my appetite. "Can we not talk about the bones right now?"

Every one laughs because they see I'm loosing interest in my meal very quickly. We were having chicken.

"Did you see the head and all the teeth? All the teeth were still there!" Lily says again. She loves science and animals. She is into this as well. Emma thought they were cool too but could take them or leave them.Scary Skippy John Jones dinosaur bones faces

They brought the bones zipped up in a sweaty zip lock bag. "Look, look mom, look at the bones."

They were pretty cool, I will have to admit, "Wow, the teeth ARE all still apart of the skull." It looks like something you might find at a museum of natural history. "Remember those bones belong OUTside!" I say with authority.

My boys go out and place the bones on the table an begin classifying them. My little digger, explorers, with dirt in their fingernails, smears on their faces and messy hair. Perfect!

"Oh gross." Owen declares.
"What do yo see there Owen?"

"Sugar Bugs!"

By the way, the mystery animal was a possum. Go figure!

Runaway Bunny

2009-06-13T01:12:00.000-07:00

When Mitchell was little, his favorite book was Run Away Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown. I had that book memorized, which doesn't say much because it is pretty short, whether we were snuggled in bed, or as we would wheel around in the stroller, he would turn the pages and I would recite the story of a little bunny who wanted to run away from his mama. I remember not really liking the idea as a young mother. I remember questioning "why would that little bunny want to run away from his mom?" and I didn't want Mitchell to get any ideas. . . But now as a mother of a nineteen year old, now as a mother who has had some life experiences, I understand more completely.

This book is so relevant to my feelings for my little boy who is now a man. My sweet kind hearted boy, you have been a blessing in my life and I cherish every moment with you. I am grateful for the joys and the pains because they both have enriched my life greatly. No matter what you need Mitch, I will be there. I will be who you need me to be, I will go where you need me to go, I will do that which you need me to do, and I will not waver, I will not shrink or turn away, even when you do not want my help, I will be there, always and forever, I will be there for you, for you will always be my boy.

I love you.

"Once there was a little bunny who wanted to run away.

So he said to his mother, “I am running away.”

“If you run away,” said his mother,

“I will run after you.

For you are my little bunny.”

“If you run after me,” said the little bunny,

“I will become a fish in a trout stream and I will swim away from you.”

“If you become a fish in a trout stream,” said his mother,

“I will become a fisherman and I will fish for you.”

“If you become a fisherman,” said the little bunny,

“I will become a rock on the mountain, high above you.”

“If you become a rock on the mountain high above me,”

said his mother, “I will become a mountain climber,

and I will climb to where you are.”

“If you become a mountain climber,”said the little bunny,

“I will be a crocus in a hidden garden.”

“If you become a crocus in a hidden garden,”said his mother,

“I will be a gardener. And I will find you.”

“If you are a gardener and find me,” said the little bunny,

“I will be a bird and fly away from you.”

“If you become a bird and fly away from me,” said his mother,

“I will be a tree that you come home to.”

“If you become a tree,” said the little bunny,

“I will become a little sailboat, and I will sail away from you.”

“If you become a sailboat and sail away from me,”said his mother,

“I will become the wind and blow you where I want you to go.”

“If you become the wind and blow me,” said the little bunny,

“I will join a circus and fly away on a flying trapeze.”

“If you go flying on a flying trapeze,” said his mother,

“I will be a tightrope walker,and I will walk across the air to you.”

“If you become a tightrope walker and walk across the air,” said the bunny,

“I will become a little boy and run into a house.”

“If you become a little boy and run into a house,”said the mother bunny,

“I will become your mother and catch you in my arms and hug you.”

“Shucks,” said the bunny,

“I might just as well stay where I am and be your little bunny.”

And so he did.

“Have a carrot,” said the mother bunny."

Promoted

2009-06-09T23:59:00.001-07:00

Lily Grace promoted from elementary to middle school today and we couldn't be more proud of her. She has worked hard and had such a great attitude about school and it has all paid off.

Lily had to prepare a fifth grade reflections assignment which summed up what she learned from being at her elementary. She brainstormed many ideas and even started a few before abandoning them to something else. Finally she had an idea that she felt would best express how she feels about her education. She compared the human heart to her school. She wrote a poem and an essay about how the heart and her elementary are alike.

She worked very hard and her hard work paid off. Her paper was chosen above all the other students in her class to be read at her promotion ceremonies today. She read her paper in front of an auditorium full of her fellow students and their families. We were very surprised. Lily found out just before she walked with her class into the ceremony.

We are so proud of her and her desire to do her best and think things through.

Lily is such a delight. She always has a smile and is willing to help. She is thoughtful and considerate to her little brothers. She reaches out to others and shares all that she has with them. She is a beautiful light that brightens everyone's day. I am grateful to have her in my life.

I was watching Lily and as she approached the adults she looked them in the eye with a big smile, sharing all her joy, gratitude and love with them. We are so proud of you Lily. You are a beautiful young lady.

Good Night Moon. . .

2009-06-08T21:55:00.000-07:00

"In the great green room, there was a telephone and a red balloon
and a picture of a cow jumping over the moon."

I have decided

that the good night ritual

is more for me than for my kids.

Cozy, cozy,

night, night,

put away all the worries of the day,

read a book,

sing a song,

and what is most important

is right in front of you,

looking you in the eye.

Butterfly kisses

Two kisses and two hugs,

and nothing else to distract you.

I need more moments like this through out my day.

Ode To The Yidda Guy

2009-05-16T23:33:00.001-07:00

Today is my birthday! The sun is intense today. What I really want to do is go to the beach, but there is so much to do: chores, planting, play practice, chores, Will's game. All really good things, but what I really want to do is go to the beach today.

It is about 2:30 in the pm. I am heading over to Will's baseball game. He's gonna get a hit today I can feel it. On the way I think of my brother so I give him a call. He answers, "Hey, how are you, I was going to give you a call. How is it going?"

"All is good, but I was wondering if you would want to go to the beach for an evening swim."

"You know I was going to call you with that exact suggestion."

"Really?" I say, smiling! "Great, let's call back after our kids are done." You know I don't know if he really means it, or if he was just pacifying me and being supportive, but whatever the reason I know he loves me.

My baby brother was my first playmate,
my anchor,
my chess mate,
my competitor,
my project,
my sledding buddy,
my bouy,
my practical joker,
my first best friend.

later that day, I get a call from Rob, it is about 4:30. "What's going on?" He is tired, I can hear it in his voice. "I came home to get the girls ready and then fell on my bed." I know he would love to take a nap. He usually gets up at 4:30 in the morning to get to his job. He doesn't get much time to just rest.

"I am just waiting to find out who wants to go with me." I am referring to the beach. "Do you still want to go?"

"Oh yeah!" he says enthusiastically. "I got my wetsuit! Do you have yours? The girl are excited, We're going."
I don't know if he really wanted to. I know he would have enjoyed staying there in that incline position after watching games, and attending team parties, but he made me feel like he wanted to. He made me feel loved.

We meet up at the 91 and head further west. We talk as the girls giggle in the back. He tells me about Elyse's game, I tell about Will's. We talk about religion, faith, lessons of life, he listens to me. I feel loved.

As we approach the beach, the sun's warmth is stifled by the clouds. We get out of the car and head down to the beach. The girls run, we saunter talking all the while. There is no sun, but the rays that escape the bulk of the overcast sky, streak the horizon like yellow satin ribbons.

The girls strip their clothes and sprint to the water.

We set up, sit down and watch the girls romp and play and wave us into the water, "C'mon, the water isn't that cold!" they shout from the breaking waves.

"I don't know Rob, it looks pretty cold. What do you think?"

"I think you can do what you want but I am not going." This comment was expected. Rob is known to sit at the beach with a towel on his body or over his head. He doesn't like too much sun and despises the cold. I normally don't mind the cold, but today I am feeling a bit comfortable in my chair with my long sleeves on. The water looks clear and the girls are having fun, but then we spy little Clara who is standing 10 ft in from the edge shivering. She runs up to us and asks for a towel. "How is the water Clara?"

"Cold!"

"I don't know Rob, maybe 43 is the age that I say no to the cold and stay here in the chair where it is comfortable." There is always an age where one decides that they are too old to do something, anything. They just stop. I remember when my dad stopped body surfing with us. He must have been around 65. I would say it was about 10 years ago. My dad used to brag about being Papa Surf. He could ride the waves to the very end and his belly would scape against the sand. But one summer, he didn't swim with us anymore. Now matter how many times we asked him. It was sad, but we understood. My mom on the other hand, never stopped. She played in the surf in her 69th year, She played til the end

"No way, your going in the water for your birthday swim." my brother says playfully.

"Your not swimming!" I come back to him.

"That is me, not you. I know you! Your going to get in there, or I am going to throw you in there."

"No your not!", I say smiling

"Yes I am." he says, not smiling. Emma and Clara giggle.

The girls continue to beckon me from the the water. They charge the beach and come to the blanket for a chip and dip.

"Come in the water. It isn't that bad!" Lily says, but Lily swims now matter what. She is tough like I was, before I was 43.

"Girls go take Aunt Stacy in the water. She wants to go swimming." and I do. I really do but need some encouragement because of the conditions. "You take her with you, she wants to go."

With some encouragement, I strip off my long sleeves and march in a determined fashion towards the water. The girls march beside me escorting me to my gift to myself. The water was cold, breathtaking, and I don't mean beautiful, not at first, just cold. But then after a few minutes, the steel blue water began to warm my skin or hypothermia began to set in, what ever the reason I began to enjoy the swim. We jumped and laughed and rode in some waves and I was filled. I guess 43 wasn't the age I said no more! Thanks Rob, for being there for me and encouraging me and making my birthday memorable. You have always been there for me. I feel loved.

I Love You!

TMI

2009-05-12T23:13:00.000-07:00

Is it me, or are doctors starting to sound like those commercials that we see on TV for drugs that pharmaceutical companies peddle. You know the kind: A woman in her sixties is riding her bike with her grandson. She suffers from arthritis but when she started taking ________, she feels great. Now she can knit, play thumb wars, ride a horse, play the harp, garden, rock climb, but, then come the side effects: "if you take this you may suffer from dry mouth, phantom itching, dandruff, enlarged nostrils, club foot, excessive nose hair, scaly skin, an over bite, and on and on and on. Do you recognize the commercial?

While the music rolls on, the commercial nauseatingly spews rapid fire side effects, cataloging every possible scenario to protect the consumers health;), or more importantly the drug company from possible law suit. Come on people, we know what is going on, don't we. That is why we don't really listen to that part of the commercial anymore. They are right up there with the warnings we get on kids toys, "This Big Wheel is not to be ridden on the freeway or on any thoroughfares where traffic may be present." Really? Do we really need to be reminded of this? Can we not save the ink and lower the cost of the toy a penny or two? I find it funny, I think we all do, and a little sad at the same time, that money has to be wasted in product development and marketing to warn the general public of things that we know by our common sense, to be true. This is what we like to call TMI (Too Much Information.) We are inundated with information, whether it be in commercials, the internet, facebook, blogs and now the doctors office!

First let me set this up. My eldest is rapidly approaching his 19th birthday and in our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a young man has the option of choosing to go on a mission at age 19. In order to get this done he must do a series of tests, doctors visits, dental visits which include wisdom teeth extraction. He has been reticent about the latter. After a series of discussions in which Mitchell flatly refused getting it done, I came to find out that he had a friend who had his wisdom teeth extracted and suffered a great deal of pain. We calmed his fears and let him know that the pain was minimal and that he would be fine, and he was until. . .

Dr D., a fine looking doctor in his mid thirties, bursts into the room in his white coat, blonde hair and perfectly polished teeth. He shakes our hands vigorously and says, "Well, let's see what we have here. Your coming in for your wisdom teeth."

"Yes," Mitchell responds quietly

"Do you have any pain or discomfort?"

"No."

"All right, let's look at the x-rays." This is when he begins pointing to the x-ray and telling what he sees. He points to each quadrant of the x-ray showing the teeth that need to be extracted. "Oh I see your missing one on the lower left quadrant. That's good because the bottom can be more painful. What do we have here?" Dr. D. raises an eyebrow and shifts into higher gear. "This lesion, this substance, this form that we see here may be of some concern, or it could be just some phantom abstraction that shows up on the film, or it could be something, but you don't have any pain or discomfort? then it is nothing to worry about, what we would need to do is biopsy it and see if it is something, but it could be nothing, but I would watch it, don't worry about it."

This is where I speak up and say, "Huh?" only I do it in a more lady like manner, you know, like, "What is it your describing?" But really my brain and my emotional state is,"huh?"

Again he goes into what it could be, "a lesion, a cyst, a growth, it could be benign, could be normal, could be abnormal, could be normally abnormal bone structure, because your face is not parallel, If we were to cut your face in half, you would see that it is not parallel." Now Mitchell is looking at me and we are both going, "huh?"

"I wouldn't worry about it, but you may want to talk to your dentist and watch it and pay attention to see if you are getting any pain or discomfort."

Right about then I started to get some pain and discomfort.

After looking at older x-rays from Dr. Gray, and seeing the abnormality has not changed, he assured us it was probably nothing and that we should just watch it, not really be concerned, but pay attention to it. . . and on and on and on.

"Okay, lets take a look here," Dr. D. says as he pulls on his rubber gloves, snap, snap!! Dr. D. inspects Mitchell's mouth, assures me that he sees nothing out of the ordinary here, and then returns to the x-ray.

"So this is what I am going to do," I figured he would give a brief explanation, I was wrong, "I will chip away at the bone in order to get the tooth out. It is here that I will use my mallet and chisel." I look wide-eyed at Mitchell, who sits in the chair and seems unaffected. Phew!

I didn't know anything about a mallet and chisel when I got my wisdom teeth taken out back in 1984? Is this some new procedure? Is this some throw back to the dark ages of medicine? Is this for real? As Dr. D. continued to explain the process of extraction, I began to wonder if it was really necessary for my son to have his wisdom teeth taken out.

"You will be feeling a lot of pain. The pain stems from cutting away the bone to get the teeth extracted. There will be a lot of swelling."

"Yes, but the pain isn't that bad right? It doesn't last that long. . ."I reassure Mitchell.

"Well I like to tell the truth. I don't want you getting any false impressions. It will be painful." He is right about that, he does like to be truthful about EVERYTHING.

"Sometimes we may need to cut the tooth into two parts. This way we can take the tooth out with out chipping too much bone. It is the cutting into the bone that causes so much pain later on. We even cut the tooth into four pieces. We do what ever we need to do to get the job done." He was talking about my son's mouth like it was some destruction site

Dr D. continues informing us of possible problems that can occur during the procedure. "When entering into the lower quadrant, there is a nerve that runs down the jaw and this is what gives your chin and cheek feeling and your tongue the sense of taste. While making the incision to extract the tooth, this nerve can become severed. It can cause numbness for a few hours or permanently, so sometimes I will go in the inside of the jaw, but sometimes the nerve can be there too." I am left wondering if the only possible outcome is for my son to suffer permanent nerve damage.

All the while Dr. D. is smiling and affirming that yes these things are normal. " So do you have any questions for me?"

"No, no, no questions here. You've done an excellent job describing EVERY thing. I especially liked your description of the mallet and chisel," I say smiling, but really protesting.

Yes I protest! TMI

Maybe I am old fashioned, but I don't want to hear about all the tools and possible problem scenarios. Give me one of the old doctors who says "bring 'er in and let's get 'er done!" I have more confidence in them. I have no reason to think that this doctor is incompetent, he was referred to me by my orthodontist, who is exceptional, but all his attention to possible problems lends me an uneasy feeling.

In the end I reviewed what I KNEW about wisdom teeth extraction:

"Mitchell, what will happen is that you will come into the office with wisdom teeth, fall asleep, walk out with out them, and then take it easy for a couple of days as your mouth heals. You will have discomfort for a few days. Is this correct Dr. D?"

"Yes that is correct."

"Then when can we get him in here and get 'er done?"