Summer, you have gone too fast

Wasn't it just last August that we were finishing up our summer of 2011 and gearing up for the upcoming 2011-2012 school year? Well, here we are again. Same pool, same kids but this time we had the added treat of celebrating a birthday girl. A girl we don't get too see that much anymore because I'm sure it's like swimming with gators when you're surrounded by teenage boys. She's beautiful and lovely and I enjoy seeing her. I remember these kids when they were 5,6,7 and 8. That wee little girl was just a sparkle in her daddy's eye. They have grown together, laughed together and schooled together. Life is about to change for all of us and it is inevitable. Ready or not, here we go! These kids are sure to make a big splash in life. They won't just cause a little ripple on the world, no, they'll all do big things and I'm looking forward to it. I love this kid like my own and I hope that his future still includes us. This one is my own, there's no denying it. This one is growing up despite my desire for everything pink. They were pretending to be in Hawaii and they're doing a good job. I love them all and I'm so thankful I decided to join them for ice skating 10 years ago. It has made all the difference in the world. y

It's Done

She finally said yes! I have been asking her since she could walk if she wanted her ears pierced and she has always said no. Not even a pause to think about it, just always no. I always said that when she was ready we would get them pierced. I just didn't realize that it would take her this long to say yes. We were cleaning her room and she found an earring. She asked what it was and then I asked if she wanted her ears pierced. Expecting her to say no, she paused and said yes. We dropped everything and headed straight to the mall, picked out her earrings, and signed my life away. Then it was time to get in the chair. I could see the fear in her eyes and I had that moment of intense mommy guilt. The kind where you ask yourself what the heck am I doing? Why am I subjecting my young daughter to a sharp needle in each ear all in the name of beauty? Then the lady pierced the first ear and of course there were tears. I felt so bad but I also felt like there was no turning back. The other ear was done and I tried to console her but she was hesistant. Gone are the days where she wants or needs me to hold her to make her feel instantly better. I convinced her to let me hold her and of course I promised a treat as a distraction. Like frozen milk products can make up for a permanent hole in both ears. Yes, the mommy guilt persisted. Of course she was fine after a few minutes and I do love seeing her with earrings. I'm so glad this day has finally come and I am so glad it's over.

A Night to Remember

Prom. It started with an idea, well, a stolen idea, but a group of us went to a homeschool dance in Burlingame and knew we could do it for our homeschool group. We had a family dance because that's how homeschoolers role, family style. But when it came time to plan the Spring dance the idea came up that it be for teens only. Once we decided to go in that direction, the rest is history. As you can see from the pictures. A certain someone felt that it was very important to have a date and not just any date. He had an idea of what his prom should look like and he was not happy when it looked like it was going to all fall apart. But this girl, she was a sight for sore eyes. Simply stunning. To make it even more special, Sam and Sami came too. Marcus and Sami are 4 months apart and raised like brother and sister instead of just cousins. They've always had a special bond and we adore her boyfriend Sam. It's like having a twin of Marcus. Most of the time that's great. Most of the time. It was fun to watch these two. A perfect lady and a gentlemen. Both of my sons made me very proud that night. DJ B and MC Matt were in the house! These two make a great team. I never get tired of seeing these two together. It was definitely a night to remember and I am so thankful to belong to such a wonderful homeschool community. Great things happen when parents come togther to make something happen for their kids. These kids know that.

More Easter Fun

In the spirit of switching things up, I took the kids over to my mom's for a little while for Easter. She invited us for brunch, we had an earlier church service, so I agreed. I know she loves seeing her grandchildren, especially on a holiday. She made these adorable hats and I love them! I always need a ridiculous hat for when I go to tea and now I have one, we all have one!




For some reason this picture makes me happy. It's a big deal for me to spend a holiday with my mom, especially one of my favorite holidays. She did a good job though. She had food out and we could eat when we wanted, there were fun Easter gifts for the kids, and we went next door to her neighbors to see the baby squirrels that she rescued. I could kick myself for not taking a picture of them. Next time.

Oh, and since we went to the early service, there were less people that entered the raffle for the iPad 3. Yep, I won! Since I just bought one with my birthday money I gave it to Bryan. We are both in love, with each other and our iPads.

Easter Fun

This year we did things a little differently. Bill and Kathleen were on a cruise to Panama and when that set of grandparents is missing, things don't feel quite right. To make us feel better we thought we would switch it up. Kind of like a bunny laying an egg. I love that my brother-in-law still made sure to have dyed eggs even if his baby is 16 and wasn't home to do them.


So, to switch things up, we invited the Fishers and had tacos. No Easter ham for us this year.

This little sweetie is a joy to have around. She is always smiling and her and Breanna play together for hours.

Yes, I dressed my daughter like a 18th century little girl, you got a problem with that? I didn't think so. I know my days of foofy dresses may be numbered so I will do it while I can and I will go big!

This guy, he melts my heart with the way he treats my niece. Always kind, always respectful, and full of wisdom. My all time favorite thing he has said, "Sami, you smell like pretty." Oh.My.Heart.

We make all the big kids go out and hide eggs for the little kids. So we had five big kids and two little kids, but just because the boys are older doesn't mean I won't give this experience to Breanna. They didn't seem to mind too much. I think they had fun.

The found eggs. Such pretty colors.

And this is our happy little family. My dad, Justin (12) Bryan, me, Marcus (15) and Breanna (8). Everything I have ever dreamed of and more.

The Olivers. It doesn't seem like Easter without them and we love spending time with them. Their oldest daughter, Lauren, is engaged to a great guy and will be married in October. A wedding I have dreamed of since she was a little girl. Their middle daughter Lizzie, is away at college and spent Easter with her boyfriend's family. More on him later. And so, here they are with their youngest, Sami and her boyfriend Sam. I know, it's hilarious.

And the Fishers. We love this family so much. Whenever we're together we spend the majority of the time laughing. We were so lucky to spend the holiday with them.

Julianne and Christina-beautiful sisters.


My precious children. Justin always keeps us laughing and on our toes at the same time. He does it his way and I can't say that I blame him. He reminds me so much of me all the time. They all bless me daily and I am priviledged to be their mother.

And there you have it. Even though we switched things up this year, it was still a wonderful time with people that we love, celebrating a time that we love.

Hostel or Hostile

O.K. So I'll be completely honest. I had my reservations. I had images of what a hostel was supposed to look like, smell like and sound like. Yes, I imagined hippies sitting around smoking well, you know what I thought they would be smoking. I imagined a dirty little place with metal bunk beds and community bathrooms, kind of like camp but worse, way worse. I imagined people in green jump suits walking around making sure my lunch was organic, vegan and "waste free." Boy was I wrong. Once I finally found the place, settled down and had an attitude adjustment I was completely amazed by how wrong I was. The hostel we stayed in was an old army hospital building that's over a 100 years old. Right up my alley, even though I thought it was going to be super creepy at night. It wasn't. Our very kind, relaxed naturalist did an introduction meeting and told us we would be starting our hike and our first stop would be the visitor center. Great, let the hiking begin because everyone knows how much I looooooovee to hike. Well, lo and behold, this is the visitor center, an old church from the 40's with a steeple and an American flag waving proudly in the breeze. Yes, please. It wasn't even a hike either, more like a little walk.

We sat under this very "wicked" eucalyptus tree while he continued our discussion on nature. Yes, the naturalist referred to a tree as wicked. I thought that was outlawed, especially in Marin of all places. It's not native, therefore it's baaaaaaaaaddddd... Whatever. I don't think the Australians would call this tree wicked. I think it's beautiful. I have to say though, I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion we had. I always appreciate a balanced viewpoint.

The visitor center had wonderful exhibits that could be touched and explored. Oh, and it had coffee, hot, free coffee. How did they know? One of my favorite visitor centers so far.

Here's the front of that beautiful old church. This was my view as we discussed trees and the land we were about to explore. This area was used by the government as a base. A "blessing in disguise." Since the government owned the land it was easy to change hands to another department of the government to be used as a reserve, a protected area. Glad that happened.

Now, we would start our hike. I figured it would get bad now. Again, wrong. We came across this sign. I smiled. How would you avoid frogs on the road while in a car? Very thoughtful though.

Our sweet naturalist drew this map for us. It's where we're going and in what order. Absolutely love it!

We walked to a little area that is protected by brush and trees and the girls were given nets and frisbies and told to explore. They found bugs and all kinds of critters.

Oh, and that naturalist I keep referring to? His name is Eric and the girls loved him. He was so patient and kind and when each girl took her turn crying for one reason or another throughout the day, he would stop and offer to help. I was moved by his compassion and his desire to teach in a gentle way.

This was my favorite plant-the lizard head bush. You can see for yourself why it's called that. I like things that make sense.

Each girl had her turn to learn about a plant and then tell the other girls about it. A professor walk. Genius.

Learning was fun that day. Being together was fun that day. Being outdoors was fun that day.

We learned to listen to trees. You can hear the water rushing through the branches of this one. It's a very thirsty tree. You guessed it, the "wicked" tree. I loved it.

And what is this jewel that I see before me? A beach? Oh my. Absolutely beautiful view from the hilltop.

While the girls and other adults traveled on down to the beach, I had to stop and take it all in, with my camera of course.

My girl was excited to get to the beach, even if she was bundled up. Hey, it's a California beach in February. It's what you do.

Wait, what's that? A jellyfish? Are you sure you want to run barefoot on the beach now?

How could you not?

All I could do was stand there and take pictures it was so beautiful.

The girls had fun running from the waves. Hurry!

Although, once she saw the jellyfish she drew a circle around her feet and stood in that spot.

Again, more beauty.

This was the view on the way back. We didn't go back the way we came and I love that. I don't really enjoy hikes that take you back the way you came. I prefer loop hikes. Who am I kidding, I don't really like hikes but I liked this one.

There's our hostel in the back corner. What an amazing day. I was wrong on so many levels and for that I am so very thankful.

The entire experience was wonderful and I am so glad I had the opportunity to enjoy it. In our quest to teach our children new things, we are also allowed the opportunity to grow and learn as well. I did that on this trip.