Big Bunny Meets Big Dog - An Easter Tale

This is one of my absolute favorite pictures in the world - nevermind that it's of one of my favorite people in the world, Kate. I adore this photo for so many reasons. It shows a connection - you can really see Kate and this dog bonding. It shows that Kate is fearless and that large 'bully' dogs aren't so mean. It shows the love between a little girl and dogs, and the love between dogs and kids. It tells a story. I imagine it goes something like this: Kate says, "hello friendly dog, you're the biggest dog I've ever seen!", Mastiff replies "why hello cute bunny, you're the biggest bunny I've ever seen!". They both excitedly shout, "LET'S BE FRIENDS!"

Here's to meeting new 'Springtime friends' and celebrating Easter with big cute bunnies and big friendly dogs.

HAPPY EASTER!

Holiday moves...who knew?

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Lights, Fireworks and American Idol

After our quiet Thanksgiving dinner, Mark and I decided to do down to the Plaza Lighting Ceremony. It's always very festive but this year it was particularly crowded because American Idol Winner, David Cook was there. I think everyone thought he was going to perform or something but he was only there to 'flip the switch' on the lights.

Anyway, we got there, found a place to park, got our hot chocolate and joined the masses to watch all kinds of stage acts. Entertaining and thankfully not too cold out. Then about 30 minutes into the program they (David Cook, brother and niece) turned the lights on in a very NYEve-esque countdown. Very cool to see the lights come on. Then there were fireworks and more entertainment.

Following the fireworks we decided to leave...that's were chaos ensued. I have never seen more driving dysfunction in all my life. It was a mess trying to get out of there. But after slightly raised tension levels we managed to get out of the traffic and safely home...thankful to have peace, quiet and relaxation again.

Some Things I am Thankful for...

May you all find time to reflect, relax and be thankful this holiday. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Babies, Birthdays and Cake...OH MY!

We had a great time in Laguna visiting family. Kate and William had a great 'pre-bday' or 'practice bday party' getting ready for their big day in Michigan on the 22nd. Kate will be two and William will be the big number one. It was really fun to see them and share their bday fun. It was also really great that Mark's parents came down to see us and meet my family.

Spending time with family was the best part of the weekend...and was much needed. Squeezing babies, sharing laughs with parents and siblings and just relaxing in the comfort of family made for a really nice weekend. I just wish we got to see each other more often. Until next time, we'll keep all the memories of the weekend close. To quote lil miss Kate, "Cheers!"

Roll cursor over photos to pause and see photo title...

It's That Time ...

Time to ring in a new year!

A toast...

Here's to the outgoing year, 2007...
May the good times live on in our memories,
and may we learn lessons from the troubling times
that will make us stronger and better than ever.

Here's to the new year, 2008...
May it bring more joy and success
And less grief and regret.

To our dreams...
May we never stop believing in them
And taking the actions that will make them a reality.

To our friends and loved ones...
May we take the time to let them know
How much it means to us
To have them in our lives.

Let us encourage more and criticize less,
Give more and need less.
And whenever we can,
Let us create harmony and peace.

To new beginnings...
Let us start fresh, right now,
To make this the very best year ever.

A very Happy New Year to all of us!

CHEERS!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...

It's snowing here and holiday decorations abound. It's cold, but so beautiful out. For a CA girl, who always had sunny Christmas holidays, snow at this time of year is a treat. It really makes things magical. Hope you're all enjoying this special time of year...and I hope you'll get to experience some sparkling white snow for Christmas! Cheers!

Christmas with Kate

Had a great weekend celebrating the holidays with my family...Dad, Carole, Craig, Kirsten, Carrie, Mikayla, Michelle, Brad, Kate, Will and Mark. We missed seeing Stacie, Brad and Nathan as well as my Aunt Wendy and family, who we usually get to see at the holidays. It's amazing we managed to get the crew together that we did! It was soooo wonderful to see everyone and spend time together.

BIG shout out to Michelle and Brad who allowed us to descend on their house and convert it to full blown holidays mode within 24 hours - tree, lights, fancy table, gifts - the whole nine yards. A great time was had by all...it was fun to help the Warezak's decorate and even more fun to kick-off the holidays together.

As you can see, Kate has had a 'preview' of Christmas morning. This is a photo of her after opening her gift from Mark and I (apropos given Mark is an expert/pro cyclist). It's a Red Rider scooter, which we call a pre-trike. It was a huge hit, especially after Michelle pointed out the bell! I actually caught her scooting around on it the next day in the living room when no one was looking! She just got on and started playing/riding around! We hope she'll have lots of fun on it and look forward to providing her with the upgraded trike when she can reach the pedals.

I can probably speak for everyone when I say that this weekend really made it feel like the holiday season. It was so nice to see everyone without the stress of the actual holiday too. I was really looking forward to spending time with the babies, but didn't realize how much fun it was to also just watch Craig, Dad, Kirsten et al spending time with the babies as well. Those babies are so loved, it's wonderful to see firsthand.

Here's to the next holiday (Easter? June 22? - yes it's a holiday!)...hopefully we'll get to do it again, and hopefully we'll get to see more family members.

Cheers to a great start to the holiday season!

Giving Thanks

It's that time of year...leaves are falling, winter chill reminds us to 'get cozy' in warm blankets and sweaters, to slow down and to reflect and give thanks.

I'm thankful for the love of family and friends, thankful for 3 furry animals that share my life and bring me joy daily, thankful for the comforts of home and thankful for good health and happiness.

As Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the hustle and bustle of 'the holiday season', I also like to take time to reflect on the year. It's been a GREAT year...so many beginnings, so many new experiences and a lot of wonderful memories...all cherished and very dear to my heart.

My holiday wish for all is that I hope you'll find time to slow down, watch some falling leaves (like Lil Louise above), snuggle up with loved ones on chilly nights and reflect on all the wonderful things in your life. We all have many reasons to be thankful.

Love to all...God bless & Happy Thanksgiving!

Celebrate Your Independence

The 4th is always a fun holiday...hang out, grill, sparklers, fireworks, parades. It's a great time to celebrate because freedom and the values of our forefathers are truly a gift. Hope you're able to get into the spirit like Buster & Athena!

We tried to celebrate outdoors until Mother Nature decided she wanted to have her own firework show by granting us a thunderstorm. What would a true Mid-West 4th of July be without a thunderstorm? I'm sure it will blow over and everyone will be out grilling again.

Happy 4th...rain or shine...