Facing the last day of 2011

Today is gorgeous.  We are at the beach, which is my very favorite place to be.  It has been a good day, good weekend.  This is the absolute perfect day to hang up 2011 on. 

As far as the year goes, it hasn't been a bad year, just a very busy one.  I haven't had as much free time as I would have liked especially with 3 kids now in elementary school. I certainly haven't spent a moment on any of those personal goals I had put forth for myself 2 years ago when I started this blog.  I'm okay with that too, as I sense that time is coming soon.  I did choose instead to give all of myself to my kids' school.  It has been a good experience and there have been plenty of rewards; being with the kids, getting to know the staff better, seeing what is up and coming and getting the opportunity to meet and know more families in the community.  Next school year I will need to find more of a balance between home, family, myself and school just so those other areas aren't entirely neglected.  Which brings me back to the present.

Standing here today, watching my family in the surf.  Feeling the sun and wind's breeze, while the water laps at my feet.  Breathing it all in and taking a respite from the busy school year and the X-mas holidays. I'm feeling calm.  And I'm thinking that just maybe, 2012 is going to be a good year, a more balanced year.

3 Things I'm Grateful for:
1) This amazing place
2) Respite
3) New Beginnings

Crafting gifts

The boys have been weaving furiously for months now with no desire to stop that we decided to incorporate it into our teacher gift giving.  Here are the completed gifts, belt, christmas ornament, wreath pin and a bracelet.

Boy wonder is trying a smaller french knitter and crochet thread.   He is making a bracelet with beads for his second grade teacher.

Bubba has two teachers and made an orament for one and a belt with fringe beads for the other. 

I have no photo of Busy girl as she and I worked on her teacher's gift earlier.  She made a patterned wreath out of beads and had help with the bow and pin.

They each wrote nice messages in their cards and momma tucked in her own gift card of appreciation as well. :)

3 Things I'm grateful for:

1) Our wonderful, hardworking teachers

2) Children that love to craft

3) Spending time together

Happy 7th Birthday!!

Happy 7th Birthday to my dear Boy Wonder!!  We love you so very much.  Boy wonder requested an ice cream sundae party with his friends.  Activities include making boats to float in the creek, beading necklaces, belly skateboard races in the driveway, ping pong and general run through the yard yelling kind of fun.  Enjoy dear boy!

3 Things I'm grateful for:
1) My son
2) Having lots of family to help
3) An easy birthday party

Sausalito to San Francisco

Happy 35th Birthday to me!!! 
Today we went on a family excursion to Sausalito and took the ferry to San Francisco.  The weather was a little wet but the kids had a blast.  The boys especially loved the ferry and everyone was in awe of driving over the Golden Gate Bridge. 

I have to admit the ferry is a very fun way to travel.  I could definately get used to traveling more by boats myself. 

 

Sausalito iteself is a cute little town.  Must come back this way again and explore.

 

Here we are on the otherside.

We docked at Pier 39 in SF and hit the Hard Rock Cafe for a rockin birthday lunch.

 

3 Things I'm grateful for:

1) Birthdays

2) Fun adventures

3) Living near big cities like S. F.

Easter weekend beach side

The weather was a little gray this year but we did not let that dampen our fun.  All five of the littles participated in the coloring of eggs and the outdoor hunt.  We had a yummy breakfast brunch and enjoyed time on the beach and walks after dinner. 

It was a nice weekend and always so fun to see all the cousins together.

3 Things I'm grateful for:
1) Enjoying another Birthday
2) Homecooked meals by my mom
3) Time to be together
 

4th of July at the Beach

 Happy 4th of July!!!  It's a beautiful weekend at the beach in California.  We are enjoying the sun and sand, roasting a few marshmallows and looking foward to tonight's fireworks show.

 Hope your 4th is full of smiles, laughter and lots of relaxation.

 

3 Things I'm Grateful for:

1) Time off

2) Beautiful weekend weather

3) Freedom

Easter at the Beach

I love this photo...it makes me want to sing, "Here Comes the Sun".

Here is my most favorite place to go with my family.  Spending time with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, hubby and children at the beach for Easter has become our tradition.  I love looking at all the photos of the past years and seeing how big the children are all getting.  I'm so glad my children and my sister's children will have these memories of all of us together.

This also happens to be my birthday weekend.  Not a bad way to spend a birthday...with loved ones in the warm california sun.  Hope Easter is a good weekend for you too.

3 Things I'm grateful for:
1) Family time
2) Beautiful weather
3) A week off to enjoy

Happy Birthday Big Daddy!!

Happy Birthday to my dear hubby!!!  Thank you for being king of our castle!! We are so blessed.

3Things I'm thankful for:

1) My hubby

2) Chocolate cake

3) Family

Turning 2 years old

My little girl turned 2 years old today.  I'm still in shock.  How can she be 2 already?  It feels like she is growing up so much faster than I'm ready for her to.  On the positive side,  I can't believe how much she has grown this past year.  How much she has achieved in her short time with us.  We are all in awe of her.  She is so ahead of every milestone we had for her.  We are so excited for her and so happy she is here with us. She is just amazing!!  

3 Things I'm grateful for:
1) Being busy girl's mommy.
2) Being a part of her everyday and watching over.
3) That she is still little enough that I get to rock her to bed every night.