April 25, 2009 - Long Time - No Post!

So...oldest brother told me last weekend that I hadn't updated my blog for a while...he was right! So...here it goes. Last weekend, as oldest bro put on his blog, was a wonderful family weekend celebrating Daddy's 89th b-day! What great man to honor. He has provided all of his children with wonderful morals and life! I am proud to be his baby. As part of the economy our nation is in, daughter was laid off...but it was a blessing in disguise. She has been spending lots of time in LB with boyfriend and working on the new home while looking for a new job. Most importantly...she is happy! What more can a mom ask for?? Son just finished his 12th weeks of the academy! Yes, still a proud mom, but now of a son who is 35 pounds lighter! It's not like he had a lot to lose, but he has dropped 2 pant sizes. He is doing fabulous! The work is HARD and the days are LONG, but he is doing great! Only 15 more weeks to go! The days will be getting longer as night class starts next week, but we know he can do it. He has a great attitude about getting through and learning everything he can while he's there. My new job since December holds many challenges that I have risen to. The learning curve is always straight up! Yesterday I spent the morning at a school wide assembly at the my old school. I MISS the energy of the kids - they are all so fabulous - and of the course the staff as well. It's hard to "give birth" to a great place and then walk away...but we do what we know we have to do. It will always be near and dear to my heart. Husband is working long hours...too long. But..he is on vacation this coming week and is so excited! He will be going to LB to help tear down a wall at boyfriend's new home. It's a great place - 10 acres - with no possibility of development happening around. So...daughter and I have signed up to do another 1/2 marathon the end of May...which means we have been getting our butts in gear! The dog is loving the walks and the chasing of squirrels at the park. Okay...all caught up for now...I satisfied my obligation to my big bro (ha, ha, ha!!).

Proud Momma

Tomorrow son starts the highway patrol academy. Today Dad, Mom and Son went to the orientation. It was amazing to see so many shaved heads! You could definitely tell the number of men going in. A total of 240 cadets, 17 of them being women - pretty cool! It was great for Mom and Dad to see that the academy is set up for Son to be successful and not fail. They repeated throughout the day how many different ways they support the cadets. During the presentation I was standing next to a young mom with a young baby boy, maybe 8 months old. I thought to myself...wasn't it just yesterday that Son was that little? How time flies. Mom and Dad are so incredibly proud of Son and his accomplishments. The next 27 weeks will be grueling for him and he will have days when he wants to say - I'm done, I'm coming home....but we know he won't! He is dedicated to this commitment and will make an excellent officer because he is such a good person.

So how can you not love this face! She actually thinks she is human!

Christmas Memories Made Today

The morning started with hash browns and coffee cake filling the air inside our home. After sharing our gifts we dug into the warm food. Then...the kids were off...son to LA to be with his girlfriend and daughter to Los Banos to be with her boyfriend. Husband and I went to see Marly and Me and couldn't wait to get home to love on Dakota - our own Marley! What a great movie - one that makes you realize that it's all about family and appreciating who and what we have in the love that we share. Our wish is that everyone's Christmas was full of memories and love for all.

Christmas Eve 2008

So the day is almost done and the annual Christmas Eve get together at the in-laws is over. Our tummies are full and our spirits high. Grandma fixed another amazing lasagna - as she has the last 29 years - that filled our tummies. Grandpa got the camera out and started the flashes going. Most importantly, we just enjoyed each others company.

Christmas Wishes

May the spirit of Christmas be with you and your families and loved ones as we celebrate together. Remember the loved ones that are no longer with us and the ones that are yet to come into our lives! Love you all.

Mommy

I remember the day vividly, December 19th. Derek and Linzie were very young, just 19th months and 34 months old. Daddy called and said that Mommy was in the hospital. We three sisters climbed in the car and headed out of the foggy valley and were off to the sunshine in Monterey. That is where Mommy and Daddy were because Mommy had to get out of the yucky fog that had enveloped the valley for so long. When we got to the hospital it was all decorated for Christmas. Outside Mommy's room was a large tree with Paddington Bear at the very top. That was so perfect because Mommy loved Paddington! We spent the next few days talking, shopping and most importantly - making more memories with Mommy. We stood around her bed, holding hands and singing Kum-bi-ya. It was so very peaceful. I remember sitting on the bed next to Mommy and her holding my hand. Little did I know that she would soon die. She gave so much of herself to us. I remember coming home from school and seeing her sitting on the couch reading Better Homes and Garden. I remember thinking to myself - is that all that she does?? Ha, ha, I know better now. She used to fix me french toast each morning - even on the day of my wedding. As she was sewing my wedding dress sitting in the exact same spot I am writing this she would say to me, "You're not married yet." I know that husband and I getting married so quickly after meeting scared her, but I know that she is looking down and sees that we have a wonderful life and two fantastic children. I miss her every day. That Christmas all five of us kids were together with Daddy as well as Auntie Marge. It was such a special Christmas.