Simple Christmas Party

My family is from Oregon and hubby's are from California and Arizona, so we really miss them at Christmas. Most years we have family that is able to come stay with us. I enjoy that so much. Especially with my sister and her girls. It is like we are all the same person; we laugh at, respond to, and say the same things. It is amazing how that occurs since we are not around each other very often.
My husband's sister lives here,so we were able to have her, her husband and 2 boys over for a light dinner and White Elephant gift exchange a couple days before Christmas. They brought Anny and Penny, the mini-dachshund cousins, to enjoy the festivities with us. Christmas day, however , was spent with our 4 kids that are still at home. Very quiet, comparatively speaking...

Daughter Update

Daughter,Danielle, ended up having surgery last night for her ectopic pregnancy. Things went well with no complications. She gets to go home today. We still aren't sure if they will be able to fly out for Thanksgiving. If she is physically able, I hope they can come out so we can love on them and help them.

Bittersweet & Prayer Request

Today, my 4 remaining children at home, pitched in together to clean, clean, clean, paint, decorate and make cozy for Thanksgiving. The oldest daughter, her husband and precious grandson are coming home from San Diego. We all love and miss them so much and we adore the little guy. It is so hard to live so far away.

We just learned that oldest daughter went into the hospital with an ectopic pregnancy and we are all so very sad. We know there was nothing that could be done but it is still so sad. We are waiting to hear if she needs surgery. We don't know if they will be able to fly out after all.

I would sure appreciate your prayers.

Happy Birthday My Precious

How did I become old enough to have a 27 year old today?

My heart felt like it would explode with

uncontainable love. I have loved seeing her grow into the beautiful woman, daughter, sister, wife and

mommy that she is. I keep seeing her as a baby in my grandson. The same looks, expressions and movements.

And this creation is the type of thing that I wake up to on the rare occassion that I get to visit her in her home, hundreds of miles away.

Happy birthday my first born! I love you with all my heart!

Pink Saturday~Wild Animal Park Pink

It's one of my favorite days: Pink Saturday! The pinks I have brought to the party are from my recent trip to visit my daughter and grandson in San Diego. My 2 sons came with me and we had such a great, memory-making time together. My first picture isn't pink but is pure sweetness; my oldest son and grandson adoring each other. Baby Philip rubs Uncle Adrian's wiskers ands says over and over in his baby boy voice "kitty", "kitty".

My daughter took me over to a lady's house where she sells shabby chic items that she makes. I bought this mirror with pink roses, and a couple of framed pictures with just-my-style floral prints.

The seller picks up frames of all kinds, as long as they are cheap, at garage sales and thrift stores. She makes these rose appliques in molds, from, I believe a plaster substance. She said it was her own secret formula. Then she paints it all white, or pink or green or blue, in an imperfect/shabby way. The decals are decoupaged as well.

I just love these and am going to try my hand at making my own.
The cupcakes are handmade lavender sachets created from vintage chenille, and embellished with buttons, pearls and/or sequins. To die for!

We decided to go to the Wild Animal Park in Encinitas. It is an extention of the San Diego Zoo, but,pretty low key, smaller and so peaceful. I pretty much took a million pictures of all kinds of creatures, but, these are the pink ones. Most of the other animals are grey, brown and tan so that they can blend into their surroundings and hide from preditors. So no hippo, meerkat or monkey pictures. For Pink Saturday, what else but PINK FLAMINGOS.

Mexican Food and Horchata

Have you ever had Horchata? This drink is served everywhere out here and is on tap at fast food restaurants. It is as common as ice tea and my children love it. It is made of rice and cinnamon, sugar too and is served on ice. It is tasty but I am a Diet Coke addict, myself.

My daughter's husband is stationed the Navy at Coronado Island. And they live about 3 miles from the Mexican border. Obviously there is a heavy influence of Mexican cuisine and how lucky I am! Every direction you look there is fresh Mexican cafes and restaurants. When I travel, I like to experience the local culture and food; no McDonald's, Taco Bells or Chili's. I can eat there at home in Colorado, any time. A van was making a delivery of fruity drinks to the Rolondo's Burrito Bar at which we were chowing down.

I especially love the liberal use of fresh avocado; either in slices, cubes, or made into guacamole. The green chile is out of this world! Rolled tacos are always on the menu. Often I see them at 5 for 2.00.

Swirl of Lovins

I have really been missing my loves. Monica and Lilly are a week in to their 2 week visit with their older sister, Danielle, who lives in Southern California due to her husband being stationed in the Navy. Their son Philip just has his first birthday. Her hubby was out to sea when Philip decided to meet us 5 weeks early, but, myself and Philip's Aunties were there. We all love him so very much and I am in awe of my girls, the great relationships they have with each other and Philip.

It makes me wonder what we used to do. We are perfectly content to watch Philip's every breath, lip smack, eye blink. Every slight move creates a swirl of lovins; a smothering of kisses.

Danielle is such an amazing Mommy who is so tuned into her first born.

Aunt Monica is the tallest and lifts Philip the highest into the sky!

"Who loves baby? Mommy does!"

"Yes, Mommy is watching you!

This is the life!

Did you find a piece of sea glass for Grandma?

Great memories...

4th of July

Happy 4th of July, y'all!!! This is the best day ever as my grandson turns a year old today. My daughter Danielle and her son, Philip, are flying in from San Diego for a very quick weekend celebration. Danielle's husband, Tom, is in the Navy and is out to sea for about 3 months. Thank you, Tom, for serving our country!