This is our story

Turning 50

 

My 50th Birthday has come and it is one I have dreaded. Yes, I know the alternative and I am greatful. Yet I feel like I have gone from being a miscievious, carefree girl to suddenly the older women who was young and lovely. I notice now that Pat and I are not the youngest in the room. I try to make lemonade from lemons and face challenges head on with such grace, gratitude and humor. And just when I have my birthday epiphany. I realize I am loved and will have this wonderful family, hopefully for the next 50 years.

50 things about turning "50"

1. Ability to laugh at oneself

2. Grass is never greener on the other side.

3. It's smart not to be the victim

4. Understanding that money is not happiness

5. Loving is an act of giving, not receiving

6. Gratitude is the basis for a happy life

7. Know your strengths

8. Accept a compliment

9. Have at least one amazing travel experience

10. Have a treasured hobby

11. Have at least one great love of her life

12. You find it easier to take life less seriously

13. You have a greater appreciation of life

14. Your more at peace

15. You have a reason for telling the same stories 

16. Your wisdom

17. Your not afraid to have opinions

18. A ridiculously expensive handbag

19. You can be as grumpy as you wish 

20. You begin to feel settled in life

231 AARP kept track of your age for sometime

22. Your hair goes gray

23. You wake up early and watch the sunrise

24. You forgive yourself

25. You have a reason for loosing things

26. Fearlessness

27. Believe in a cause bigger than  oneself

28. Try to get 8 hours of sleep regulary

29. You really didn't have to put up with all the B.S.

30. All of the stuff dosen't matter

31. Beauty is not one size fits all

32. You have the ability to say "NO" without guilt

33. Have the courage to stand up for what you believe in

34. Learn what other people think of you is none of your business

35. Don't sweat the small stuff

36. Have the confiedience to take your own self to the movies

37. Have a no guilt day at home in her jammies

38. Regular scheduled Manicures and Pedicures

39. Owning a home dosen't tie you down-it gives you a place to eat and watch bad T.V.

40. Good parents take little credit for there children

41. Listen to people who disagree with-it means openng your mind to change

42. Genorosity is the most important thing in life

43. Has a child under 10 who adores her

44. A mate who accepts her unconditonally

45. A home that makes her smile as she walks through the door

46. A cool pair of glasses

47. Accepts help when she needs it

48 Money and Power don't make someone nice

49. It's not all about sex

50 Knows how to keep a secret.

SO WITH THAT BRING ON 50!!!!

 

Wordless Wednesday, Sandy Boy

The Coconut Experience

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Mother's Day

Yesterday was a special Mother's Day for me. Nothing fancy just thoughtful and lot's of love. Saturday Kaden asked Pat to take him to the market so he could make breakfast in bed for Momma. Pat told me he knew exactly what he wanted to serve and how he was going to do this. Sunday morning as we laid in bed I heard banging and bar stools moving. Pat told me to lay quietly and be patient Kaden had everything under control. Soon after I heard those sweet words "Momma Happy Mother's Day".

He was so proud and I was too just knowing he had done this without any help. I was served "Honey Bunches of Oats with Strawberries, and Orange on a plate with a bowl,a spoon and of course a Sponge Bob Mothers Day card". Pat told me he knew exactly what cereal he wanted to serve. I have never had "Honey Bunches of Oats" but that is the box he went for at the market.

I ate the cereal dry because he forgot the milk but I did not dare ruin his surprise. I told him it was the best breakfast ever. We had talked about the time Austin and Trevor made me Biscuits for Mother's Day and served them with jam and butter.

Mornings like this make all the hard work as being a mother can bring worth every second. I feel very blessed to have three very loving, big hearted boys in my life and my husband for making me the mother of these beautiful children. 

I hope your Mother's Day was as special as mine....

Easter

We spent the weekend in Newport Beach but headed home for Easter Sunday.  The weather was perfect and the company was just as nice. It was so wonderful to have a brunch at my Mom's with my In-Law's and my Sister's Family.

 Nothing fancy just a time to get together and visit with each other.

My niece is involved with a Volleyball Team and they do quite a bit of traveling and Mackenzie is deciding on which college she will be attending in the Fall. Life seems to get so busy as the kids get older and then they are off and on their own.

Trevor and the girls hid the eggs for Kaden to hunt...

Kaden made at least $20 dollars in change inside the eggs. Nonna's Egg hunt is one Kaden's dentist loves!!

Just a few more candid shots of the day... I think Neal (my Brother-in-Law) grabbed my camera. I love that he did that....love surprises!

I tried to take a family photo but Trevor would not have it. Austin was missing so it was not going to be a family photo. I think Trev just didn't want his photo taken. My older boys hate their photo taken. I took so many when they were younger they hate it now.

Happy Belated Easter everyone.....

Stuck in Dallas...

The kids went back to Kansas yesterday during the down pour....

Brittney text me in a panic that the plane had gone out to the runway turned around and they were sitting, waiting to take off. I told her "They were waiting for Tony Stewart to board the plane!" I tried to make light of the situation but I have to say I was worried just a smig.... It was so good to hear their voice when the plane had landed. Now the problem was their flight to Wichita had left. 

The Customer Service at American Airlines told them the next two flights the following day were full but they would do their best to get them back to school.

Thank you American Airlines for putting them up at the Marriott and bringing them back to school today. The first flight was full so they waited for the last flight today to Wichita. I was happy to hear they are on their way back now as I write this post.

It was a wonderful week but I have to say it went by way to fast....

Miss you kids already...

 

Racin Mama

In honor of the Auto Club Race tomorrow, I scrapped a memory I will never forget... 

In 1998 Austin was racing Quarter Midgets in Pomona and I was in charge of the tower.

It seems like such a long time ago. I helped run the tower for two years and it was not an easy job. I scored the cars as they went by determining who was 1st, 2nd and 3rd etc... If I made a mistake I heard about it. The handlers were the fathers of these racers and most of the time their ego got the most of them. I loved this sport and running the tower toughens me up. We made life long friends and I will never forget theses times.

Later Austin went on to Stock Cars at the age of 14 ...

This past year Irwindale Speedway decided to close it's doors. The sadness that came over our family is an understatement. We will never forget the good times, that we made at this venue.

In 1998 the boys decided it was my turn to get behind the wheel of a race car and let me drive a Stock Car at the California Speedway. To say I was nervous was an underplaying my emotions but I had to make my boys proud. When I got there I was the only women racing these cars so of course they fit the men to each car and I was given cushions and pillows to fit my seat. The first lap around I could not get the car in gear because my feet could barley hit the pedals to shift. They pulled me in and rearranged my seat and off I went. The power of the car as I drove was amazing and scary at the same time. My arms shook as I pulled my self down in the corners. The tower told me to take an extra lap and I knew I needed to fly. I drove the car at 130 mph and you could hear the car hit the rev limiter as I drove by. I will never forget how my boys greeted me with cheers and smiles. It is a day we will never forget....

This layout was done with my Studio Calico Story Hour....

I hope the rain does not postpone the race tomorrow. Enjoy your weekend my sweet family and friends.

Mixed Media Day

Played in my Art Journal today....

 I took a Class with Christy Tomlinson and Junelle Jacobsen called "The Art of Wild Abandonment". Making time has been a problem...When is it not? I have found that art journaling has been a wonderful way of me to express myself. No one has to see my work just a place for me to play. Fun Times....makes me feel like a kid again. Using my fingers to paint, cutting paper, and  drawing what ever comes to mind. Such a release....

Today I was hoping to share a photo of Kaden's Dad's day but I was not invited. Pat and Papoo surprised Kaden. He knew Daddy was coming but his Grandfather made his day. Just those little things that make him smile warms my heart. Kaden is such a luv!

Lately i've been contemplating going back to Substitute Teaching. Part of me knows it is time the other part knows the commitment and time it takes away from Kaden. The district that I use to teach is out on Spring Break so next week I will see if they want me back or not. A few days a week would be great for all of us. At least that's what I keep telling myself.

Wish me Luck and Have a Wonderful Evening!

Spring is Here!!!

I always know when Spring is here because my Calla Lily's come into bloom.... Where did Winter go did we even have a winter this year. At least California did not! I love Spring everything seems new and fresh. The weather today could not of been any better a Crisp Sunshine and Soft Spring breeze. Thanks to my new floors my house is clean top to bottom, which makes this girl smile.

Last Friday Austin and Brittney flew in from Kansas to visit for a week. We had a lovely dinner with her Mom, Dad and Brother. The next day Brittney had an appointment to get her hair colored red. She forgot to mention this to her family. Pat and I were the first she visited and we loved it. Austin and Trev had gone to Barber Ricks to get there hair cut too. Austin too loved her new look. Saturday night the Pat and the Big Boys with Brittney headed off to the concert at House of Blues. ...

 They had a great time. Kade and I shared Mickey "D's" with my Mom, watched movies and enjoyed our time together. It was a quiet weekend and I have to say the week is moving in the same direction. I love quiet time! Brittney's week has not been so quiet. Her Mom and Dad were not thrilled with her choice of hair color and she maybe changing the color once again. I just told her we loved her and no matter what color her hair is she is beautiful in our eyes. 

Just enjoying our week together. Kaden and Trevor are still in school no break yet! Thursday is Mass and donuts with Dad so I should have more to report later this week.

Once again Happy Spring.....

Here I Am...

I have been gone away for a while due to a good cause. We added new wood floors to our home and removed the carpet. Austin's asthma is so bad that the doctor advised us to remove the carpet. It was something that needed to be done anyway! The problem was going from room to room and finding a place to put furniture while each floor was done. We felt like we were hoarders and it wasn't pretty!

This was my kitchen!!! We ate out for two weeks and I could not wait to get things back in order so I could cook once again. I have been busy going through boxes and dumping. I have to say besides the flooring, tossing and rearranging is a good thing. You never know how much you accumulate until you do something like this or move. We never planned to be in this house as long as we have but here we are! The flooring is beautiful and the fresh painted rooms are refreshing.

Before the floor I was working on a project with Alissa Fast. This is the second year I have done this book called "29 Days of Love". throughout the month of February each day you scrap about something or someone you Love. 

If your still here thanks for stopping in and peaking....

Big Boy and Brittney fly in tomorrow night for Spring Break. I wish I could say it was going to be warm and beautiful but its not! The funny thing is it is suppose to be in the 80's in Kansas. Go Figure!!! I look forward to spending time with them and cooking for Austin. Saturday Night the kids have tickets to "Street Dogs" at the House of Blues with Pat. This non punk Mama will be home with Kaden. No Mosh Pit for this girl!

Have a wonderful day and thanks again for coming back!