First Bloom

I have pretty much what you could call a brown thumb. But, I love flowers -- tulips in particular. Well when Costco had a vase of bulbs anchored so that all I needed to do was add some water, I was intrigued. The fruits of my minimal efforts paid off today with this lovely bloom.

Luminaries Line our Lane

On Saturday afternoon, our homeowner's association supplied us and all the houses in our subdivision with bags and candles with the instruction to place and light the luminaries along our sidewalk by dusk on Christmas Eve. This is an annual holiday tradition for Moonlight Cove and one in which we enjoyed partaking (as did the number of drivers and passersby this evening).

Sick Day Photo Shoot

Emerson was sent home today for being sick. Despite the gastro-intestinal bug that bit him, he was surprisingly up for a quick change of clothes and some fun in the backyard.

Not so Happy Feet

My little piggies needed major attention today. They were haggard and chipping and just deserved some TLC. Off to a new pedi place (which I hearted mucho). The gal loved on my feet and scrubbed the callouses away, brushed on a beautiful, bright, berry lacquer, painted on some darling little flowers that had me saying, aloha and mahalo and it was just what Dr. Scholl's ordered.

Imagine my utter shock and dismay when I just looked down at my precious piggies (click pic to enlarge for full effect)...



I don't even recall the slightest of bumps, swipes or stubs.

Weekend Recap

It had all the components of a pretty perfect weekend:

*Saturday morning swim class and Master Emerson actually paid pretty close attention.
*Joining T for Centennial Days at UPS (click link for more) and Em got to sit in his first big rig.
*Early evening at the park with sand squishing between your toes, desert flowers lighting up under the emerging moon and a happy boy in our sight.
*Lunch and catch up with a good friend.
*Lazy reading on Sunday and finishing another book.
*Ending the week content, starting the next refreshed.

Holly Jolly Recap - Stand out moments from 12/25

1. This is the first year that our almost 3 year old is starting to get it. Although, he was more interested in eating the cookie remnants from Santa's visit than looking at the presents Santa left.

2. Wearing comfy jammy pants all day long.

3. Cinnamon Rolls.

4. Bigfoot Memoir, mistakenly wrapped for Emerson when it's clearly adult fare - Chuckle Chuckle.

5. Emerson taking more interest in T's Shiatsu chair pad than his own toys.

6. Patti LaBelle's divine mac and cheese recipe.

7. Walking through the neighborhood and taking some casual family shots with my new zoom lens.

8. A long afternoon nap (and the fact that all of us were able to take one).

9. Getting in some much wanted reading.

10. Talking to family we don't have the luxury of spending the day with and recapping our respective hooplah.

11. Tickle time.

12. Christmas night in the Southwest. High 60s and clear and, well, just see below for yourself...

Love Thursday

Love is birthday party balloons in an array of colors...

Love Thursday - Santa Style

This Thursday I celebrate the love that comes from the sponteneity of our children. Case in point...

Days Talking Up Going to See Santa: 5

Number of Questions Asked About Santa Prior to Seeing Him: 200+

Freaking out when actually meeting Santa and sporting a never before seen expression to the camera: PRICELESS



For more Love Thursday, visit Karen's Site.

Love Thursday

I have never considered myself a very religious or spirtual person. While I didn't grow up with consistent attendance to and attention of church, I have regularly thought about faith and what it means to me. What I have come to is faith is extremely personal and for me, centers around the goodness of people, the beauty in the world, that the human spirit is resilient and capable of more than we know and, ultimately, the idea that there is something greater than each of us. I am not quite sure what that greater thing is. I think that's part of my spiritual journey.

As I have gotten older, and specifically - more recently - I have developed an appreciation for crosses. For me, they are a representation of my informal belief system, my energy, my faith. This summer, I picked up a couple of them; a couple of ones that I connected with.

This week, I had the pleasure of getting together with a dear friend of mine, Alison, who took me out for a belated lunch. Always having a knack for getting just the right gift, Alison presented me with this beautiful cross. I was taken aback - at her thoughtfulness and at how beautiful it is. I immediately found the perfect place for it in my room.



This Thursday, I am celebrating faith and friendship. For more Love Thursday, visit Karen's Site.

Love Thursday - Thanksgiving Style

Love is...an embrace.



This photo was taken yesterday at Emerson's school Thanksgiving Lunch for families. It was a beautiful day (80 degrees!) and we got to dine outside on traditional Turkey day fixings. Emerson was most interested in the cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and playing with his friend Aidan.

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for so many things. All of the obvious ones, family and friends, a good job, my health (despite the Whooping Cough), but here are some others...

1. Music - I like having an ongoing soundtrack for my life. Music is celebratory, reflective and therapeutic.
2. Good books. I feel fortunate the the last several I have read have been really good.
3. That while there are many things I want, I truly have everything I need.
4. The patience I am continually embracing.
5. The silliness and wonderment of toddlerville.
6. The help, support, and humor that I get from so many.

For more Love Thursday, click here