Out in the Desert with Grandma

This lovely desert mountain park is just 10 minutes drive from our house.

Ellie and her Grandma Beatrice from New Zealand

This is what the girls got to do while the geeky boys of the house went to Comicon.

This is as good of a picture as I got of Ellie. She ran everywhere.

We Did It !

"If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together... there is something you must always remember; you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart... I'll always be with you."
— A.A. Milne

For My Husband

"If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you."
— A.A. Milne

My husband has telecommuted three days a week since I was pregnant with Ellie. He was there for me when I had all day sickness the first trimester. He cooked, he cleaned, he shopped, he picked up and dropped off . In the third trimester I under went every test they could possibly give me. I ended up being at the hospital three to four times a week for stress tests. He was always there by my side. When she was born, he was there.
He got a job promotion just recently and won't be working from home now. I miss him already. He is my best friend and having him here has made those sweet moments I have experienced raising Ellie Beans even sweeter.

Forever Young

May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young

                                                                   ~Bob Dylan~

My son graduates from High School in just days. When I think about it; I get teary eyed. He was tiny like Ellie just a few years ago. I love you, my sweet son. I am so proud of you. So happy you are in my life. Now onto bigger and better things! College!

Ellie Found Our Stash of Chocolate

She took a bite of the baking chocolate and didn't even grimace. (Yes, she can open the pantry now).

Jungle Gym Kitchen

Who knew a play kitchen could couple as a baby jungle gym? 

Happy Mother's Day, Mom

This is how we were in 1969. This is how I remember my Mom growing up. She was thin, dark haired with bright blue eyes. Our life was a whirl wind of activity, always. We lived life to the fullest...on a shoe string. Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love and miss you. Come see us soon.

 

 

Flashback Friday: Mother's Day 2010

I can not believe she has grown so fast. It takes my breath away.

There!

So this morning when I was sitting at the computer checking my email; Ellie ran towards me pointing above my head saying, "there, there !"  I looked above my head to see what was so very exciting and saw a lovely white cobweb blowing in the breeze. I asked Ellie, "What is that?" and she said, "A kite."

Sometimes I get only an inkling of what is going on inside her little imagination. But when I do it makes me smile and remember how often I saw fairies everywhere. (Sometimes I still do) I even convinced my little brother a fairy lived in our box camera and she only came out when there was no one around to see her. Can't wait til Ellie discovers fairies. Hey, maybe she has...maybe cobwebs are really tiny, fairy kites.

  

Big Stick

"Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far."  ~Theodore Roosevelt~

Easter Tulips

My sweet husband brought these home to me yesterday. He knows I love fresh flowers. What girl doesn't?

Flashback Friday: Three Generations of Beautiful Baby Girls

Ellie 15 months old

Momma 2 years old

Grandma (on Daddy's side) 21 months old

Grandma (Momma's side) 2 years old


Flashback Friday       jen

Black and White Wednesday: Ellie Just Waking

 

Black and White Wednesday

Bed Head

 Ellie is 16 1/2 months old now. She is talking a lot. Sometimes we can understand her. When she falls down she says loudly, "I trip". When I ask her if she would like to do most anything with me, she replies, "Yeah Mom". When it is bath time she runs towards the bath and says, "a baff, a baff" again and again. She chases the kitties and kisses them when she catches them. She calls them titties. The titties are super good. No scratches yet. She will play in the cat boxes if given the chance. Which is just too gross. She is sleeping through the night consistently now. I am so relieved. She is so much fun. We love every minute with her. We love you baby girl!

Walking the Line for 50 Years and Counting

As sure as night is dark and day is light
I keep you on my mind both day and night
And happiness I've known proves that it's right
Because you're mine,
I walk the line 

~Johnny Cash~

                                            
                                                          This is for you Mom and Dad.

Flashback Friday: My Tree Hugging Son, New Zealand 2004

Philip attempting to hug a Norflk Pine, 11 years old, Bay of Islands, New Zealand. (I think he will grow up to be a Biologist. It really is his forte').

 

Same visit: Philip climbing an old Pohutukawa tree on Urupukapuka Island. (Say that fast 20 times). He loved NZ because he could go barefoot. We saw kids running to school without any shoes when we were visiting the Bay of Islands. That fascinated Philip. I think he still dreams of not having to wear shoes...ever. Oh, and climbing and hugging those awesome trees again. Don't tell him I told you cuz now he is way too cool to be climbing and hugging. He is a Senior, don't ya know.

Playing with Her Cousin (SOOC)

My Son

     I have so much technology in my pockets; my pants are falling down.

                                                      ~ Philip ~

Sleeping through Lunch

Flashback Friday: St. Heliers Beach, New Zealand

My baby boy at 3 yrs. old at St.Heliers Beach 1995

My husband about 2 yrs. old here at St.Heliers beach. 1966 (He grew up 5 minutes walk from this beach).