And We're Off!

Friends, if I've seemed absent recently, it's because I have been. My parents are in town and we've been having the best time. Our days leave us with only enough energy to play a rousing game of dominos in the evening. And even then things get pretty spirited.

Much as I enjoy blogging, with my family is where I'll always choose to be. So while things have been quiet around here, I can assure you it has all been in the name of fun,



fun,



fun,



fun,



fun.

Today we are up earlier than usual for an extra day of excitement. As an early 12th birthday gift to Eldest, my parents are taking us to Universal Studios for the entire day. The children can hardly stand it, and though we're not quite awake, we are all ready to go!

Have a lovely Wednesday everyone~I'll be back soon with a few fun & very pretty posts.

Being Surpassed

Eldest is a great little mathematician (and overall student), loves and participates in sports, and has had fantastic life experiences I never imagined for her. This makes me happy to say that she's surpassed me in several regards.



As of yesterday there was almost one more to add to the list.



Now that we're pretty much the same height, it won't be long until I'm looking up at her!

Nothing makes a mother happier than seeing their child grow healthily and happily. The area doesn't really matter, just that their child is flourishing is what counts.

Why don't we spend today celebrating all things blossoming then? Flowers, relationships, careers, families, children~celebrate & enjoy! This Monday is for you.

Next Monday, however, will be a long-awaited return to "Meet Me Monday". I'll see you then!

Fun, Fun, Fun

She's only been here a day and a half, but we've been having the best time with my Mother and busy as little bees!



The red beans were prepared right away,



and shopping trips were made! We found an Easter dress and others that were just for fun.



We made a trip to Pinkberry where the salted caramel left us weak in the knees,



and one to Home Goods where we found a gorgeous jute/chenille rug for our living room. It was a belated birthday gift from my parents for which our feet are very thankful!



And while we do love getting spoiled, it's the company that's made us happiest. We cannot stop laughing and smiling. My mother kind of has that affect on people.



Her presence has been the best gift possible~and it will only be better once Daddy arrives at the end of the week!

These visits remind me of how nice it would be if we lived closer to home; how wonderful it would be to see our families whenever we wanted. But what they say about distance and the heart is completely true. There is a level of appreciation and greater excitement that comes with each visit. We cherish each day together and there's anticipation for what could be in the future.

And it's there that I'll see you next. A lovely Wednesday all~we're off to play!

To LAX We go!

Friends, I am beyond excited. I'm about to settle into my car with the scallywag and head out to pick up my Mother! You know her better as this fabulous lady.



Just say a little prayer for us, would you? LAX isn't at all convenient to our home. It's going to be a horrendous drive into L.A.. From what I understand, early morning rush hour traffic is a monster. Taking into consideration how much time we may be in the car, I have no idea how my little boy is going to do. Thank goodness for his iPad, trains, and bagels slathered with cream cheese. But what's really keeping our spirits up is seeing my amazing Mother and getting to spend the next two weeks with she and my Daddy.

And people say Monday's are such a bear! As of today I think they're actually kind of lovely.

Happy Monday to you all! I hope y'all find something worth celebrating.

One Year Later

One year ago today, while living in Tokyo, Japan, my family experienced the 9.0 earthquake that shifted the Earth on its axis. While we were certainly firghtened by what had transpired, it was nothing compared to the fear, devastation, and loss experienced by those in the Miyagi prefecture. It was with amazement that we watched the country pull itself together with dignity and care. The people helped one another, shouldered one another's burdens, & were each other's strength in the darkest of hours. And we felt priveledged to see such awesome displays of human dignity and compassion.



We left pieces of our hearts in Japan, and spend today remembering March 11, 2011, carrying forever the memories of that time, and praying for a nation that is continuing to rebuild.

The Guest Room...

...is coming together!



After painting some very dated bedside tables, discovering new life in a few old prints, purchasing new lamps, and finding inspiration for the entire room re-do in some lovely pillows from Home Goods, Mother and Daddy will rest in style and utmost comfort when they arrive next week!



We're still hunting for drawer pulls and bedskirt fabric and, oh, yes, a headboard. (I'm dreaming of an upholstered one in a marigold color. We'll see if dreams come true!) But in spite of what isn't there, we're tickled to bits at how nicely the guest room has come together~and how easily.

Now Monday, hurry up and get here! I want to hug my parents.

Our Little Star

We were thrilled when we learned our little scallywag was chosen as "Star of the Week" at school. He certainly does shine brightly and light up our lives!

Congratulations to our sweet boy for all of his progress this year! We're forver thankful for the laughter he brings, the joy he fills our hearts with, and the love we carry for him each and every day. We even love his sleep rumpled, grouchy self.



Well done, little one. We are very proud of you!

(I would also like to add a special congratulations to Eldest on bringing home straight A's for the second trimester! You are such a wonderfully bright and beautiful girl.)