Saturday, February 27, 2010
















Last weekend, we met Nana and Papa for breakfast. Look how fantastic these two look at 90 and 85--pretty amazing if you ask me. It is so special to see the children with their great-grandparents. We are off to Colorado tomorrow to meet my new niece, Veda and then spend some time in Steamboat. Tomorrow is Dane's 2nd birthday and Thursday is Darin's 37th--we will be doing lots of celebrating in Colorado--cheers to my two favorite males!!!!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

While on the treadmill this morning, I saw a woman finishing up her workout. She was thin and wearing a scarf over her bald head(clearly undergoing chemotherapy). I had two extremely strong emotions at that moment. . . .at first I wanted to cry and then I felt STRONG. I thought of the strength it must take for her to walk into the gym and find the courage to keep working out her body while the chemo drugs were breaking it down. I thought of the strength I saw in my mother while sick with cancer and how she never complained. I thought of the strength I see in my good friend and neighbor, Theresa. . . . and how she went through chemo for breast cancer when she had a new baby. She, too, never complained and always displayed great strength, positivity and courage. I suddenly felt inspired and stronger. . . .picking-up my pace and realizing that I, too, am strong and blessed to have my health. We all know women like this who conquer all even when they are down. . . .always remaining positive and keeping their heads-up. I feel inspired by these women and by my wonderful friends who are always there, supporting and encouraging. Cheers to you, ladies--thanks for being part of my daily inspiration!






From the snow to the sand. Here are some pictures of a recent visit to the beach before sunset--one of our favorite things to do. I love how Ellery is so doting to Dane(even when he is a complete pest). I still can't believe our great fortune to live in such a beautiful place.

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

How cute is Darin?





















































First of all, my sister had her baby girl last Wednesday--her name is Veda Bea Cromer and she weighed in at 7 pounds, 6 ounces. Muezetta and baby are both doing great after a QUICK delivery(about an hour of labor). I do not have any pictures yet, but we are going there in a few weeks.
We made it home from Mammoth yesterday and had a great trip. The snow was INSANE--about 2-3 feet of fresh powder during our visit. For those of you who are skiers, you know that this is ideal for the hard-core skier (my husband). For small children who are used to sunshine and sand(Dane and Ellery), this was a bit difficult to get used to. Ellery took a private lesson with two friends on Friday and enjoyed it once she was forced to give it a try. Both Dane and Ellery cried, complained, whined, and basically lost all sense of control the first 30 minutes in the snow. They wanted NO part of it. They hated the clothes, the boots, the altitude, and the snow falling down on their faces. Ellery eventually got used to it and enjoyed her lesson with her friends. On the last day, she finally went up the chair lift with Darin and had the BEST time. We had to force her on the lift, but as soon as it started to move she was giggling and happy. Dane had a few moments of joy in the snow, as long it was not actually snowing(he hated the snow in his face). Overall a fun trip for all and it ended with the Saints winning the Super Bowl--yeah!

Wednesday, February 03, 2010


This picture was taken in Steamboat last year.




Tomorrow morning we're off to Mammoth for a few days of skiing and snow fun. This will be our first trip there and our first "long" road trip with Dane(keep in mind this is a 7 hour trek). We are going to get Ellery on skis again and attempt to put our little man on ski's for the first time. These California kids don't get the chance to see snow often and we're excited for the adventure. Wish us luck!!!