January 16, 2011 - Un' Amica Stretta

I am completely obsessed with Italy...and I adore almost everything Italian. The decor of my house even has a certain Italian look. I have never been to Italy, but it is definitely on my "bucket list". Several years ago, I found a photography workshop by a well-known photographer that was being held in...you guessed it....Tuscany. I was dying to go, but since it would have been a major interruption in my real life (the life I truly love with all my heart and soul), I had to put it on hold. However, I still have the advertisement on my refrigerator just to remind myself that at some point in the future, Mark can go to Italy and fish and I will go and take pictures of the incredible villas and of him fishing.
This past Christmas, "P" gave me a book that I had heard of called "Eat, Pray, Love." Now, being completely honest I probably wouldn't have bought this book for myself but I loved the fact that she thought about me and thought I would enjoy it so I happily began reading it. ("P" is one of the sweetest, most thoughtful girls on the planet!) As soon as I began to read, I became enthralled. Yes, the story-line was captivating, but I also loved that this woman shares my love of Italy and I find myself living somewhat vicariously through her as she discovers Italy.
One of the things that I am enjoying the most is the Italian phrases sprinkled throughout the book - I find them absolutely stunningly beautiful. The other day, I learned that "un' amica stretta" means "a close friend". "Stretta" means tight - like tight clothing. So, a close friend, in Italian, is one that you can wear tightly, snug against your skin. This just spoke to my soul because isn't that the perfect description of real friends?
So, here's to you, my "un' amica strettas"...I am ever so grateful for your presence in my life.
Ciao!

December 31, 2010-The End Of The Year....

To be honest, I can't decide if I'm happy to see this year go or not. There have been some wonderful, amazing, life-changing moments that have taken place during 2010...moments I have waited for and looked forward to my whole life.


If I am being completely honest, there are also some portions of this year that have felt like "the perfect storm". As much as I have been sad, uncomfortable and downright discouraged during these times, I am grateful for the love and support of wonderful family members, friends and loved ones who have paddled along side me and even at times told me to "stop it"! You have helped me keep my chin up and I will forever be grateful. I am also grateful for the comfort and companionship of my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ; I have learned to rely on them more and when I didn't think I had any strength left, I have known that I was being supported by my Father In Heaven and Savior, Jesus Christ. I've learned to look to them for help and guidance.
This has definitely been a year of learning - and in many ways, it's not over yet. But here's to 2010 - thanks for all the amazing ups and downs and to 2011 I say "welcome"!

Dear Taylor....

Dear Taylor...
In our house you are a heroine - which I don't mind at all, because you seem to be a teenager with substance and a good head on her shoulders. Coming from a mom, that's saying a lot.
I also enjoy, and dare I even say 'admire', how you seem to be able to take your irritation out by writing hit songs about the offenders. I think I have some material for you - in fact, maybe enough for a new hit album.
Call me if you're interested....

December 8, 2010- A Few Of My Favorite Things....

*I love hearing "P" sing - it doesn't matter if she sings in a choir, duet or solo...she's got an amazing voice and I love hearing her sing. Her CAHS choir concert last week was really good. *I have a soft spot for high school sports. We went to the VHS game against Mira Mesa for the CIF finals. It was fun, fun, fun and cold, cold, cold! Okay, cold by California standards. I wore a turtle-neck, jacket, scarf, gloves, hat and pea-coat. I may have overreacted to the cool evening a little bit. *The other day I was with "P" and "B"; they reminded me about a time several years ago when two of my sisters from Utah mysteriously showed up at my door one night. This has to be one of my all-time favorite memories. *For FHE the other day, we did a crazy video for "R"; I remember when we did the same thing for "S" when he was in the mission field. For some reason, these silly videos always put a smile on my face. Of course, if I mysteriously find it on you-tube someday, it won't seem quite so funny. *"P" got me hooked on "Gilmore Girls". I wish it was still on tv - Rory and Loralie bear a strong resemblance to "B", "P" and me. I don't know what that says about us.... *Notto imply that my life is all about tv similarities, myall-time favorite sitcom "Modern Family" always puts a smile on my face. Can't wait to see you tonight, Claire and Phil. Who needs real friends? haha.... *"P" got her driving permit. I remember what an exciting time that was...I'm excited for her. However, I definitely wish I bought stock in Tylenol PM. Being the parent of a teenager driver isn't easy. *"B" announced that she's going to follow in "R's" footsteps and is going to try out for the school basketball team. HOW FUN IS THAT!! I love it!! *14 days until "S" and "E" come and stay for Christmas...I can't wait. *17 days until we get to hear the voice of our beautiful Argentinian missionary...can't wait for that either.

You're 50! You Are 50!!

Yesterday I hit the big 5-0. I've been ready for this milestone for sometime, so it really didn't feel like the big deal that it is to some people. If I'm being completely honest, I'm not a big fan of all the birthday hoopla...I love other people's birthdays, but I'd just rather have mine be much more low-key. And this year it really ended up being a fun day. I'm going to give a little recap, but I'm going to start backwards at the end of the day...
Just as Mark was coming to bed, he said, "I hope it's been a good birthday." I assured him that it had been absolutely wonderful. Then he said, "You're 50. YOU ARE 50! YOU ARE 50 YEARS OLD!!" He then went on to remind me that he married me when I was only 22 and that we had been together more years than we had been apart. By the time he finished, I couldn't sleep - I am actually 50!
I thought the day was going to be perfect - the Lakers were even going to win their game against Denver in my honor. Okay, that might have been a stretch. However, somewhere in the 3rd quarter they lost control and the Nuggets stole my birthday win away from them. Bummer.
During the game I got a cute call from "S" and "E" wishing me a happy birthday. I adore them...and it was a fun diversion since by that time I could tell the Lakers were blowing my birthday win.
I'm going to publically acknowledge that I'm not a big fan of FB (if you don't know what that is, email me) HOWEVER, last night "P" wrote a birthday message on my wall that I'll probably love forever. You're a pretty amazing teenager if you don't mind telling the world via FB how much you love your mom.
I love my birthday for a variety of reasons - one being the date - 11/11. It just seems lucky...and next year it will be 11/11/11! I've got to have some type of amazing party or something for that. Another reason I love it is because here sunny CA, we actually honor our veterans and so that day is a holiday...unlike other states which shall remain nameless but rhyme with Btah. Since the girls had the day off of school, the four of us had lunch together and then to truly ring in my 50th I had dessert - which I almost never do and afterwards wished I didn't. We did a little birthday shopping together and had a great time being together. I remember a few years ago - the first year Sean was home from his mission and before Ryan had left for school; we all spent the day together and I can't even tell you how much I love those times.
First thing in the morning I got a couple of texts - one from "B" who had spent the night at a friends. She had set an alarm so that even though she was up late, she could wake up early and text me a happy birthday. How sweet is that. I also got a sweet text from "S" who wished me a happy day also. When I picked up the girls, they jumped into the car all chanting "Happy Birthday."
Now, how can you top that day? 50 is off to a pretty good start.

A Day Of Giggles....

When I woke up this morning I was immediately sad because my #1 favorite sitcom wasn't going to be on tonight. I LOVE this show; it's the perfect thing to get me over hump day. The other day, "P" told one of my friends that Mark and I were just like Phil and Claire...hummmm. I've thought that myself a time or two.
As depressed as I was over the fact that I was going to actually have to come up with a Plan B for tonight, there were a couple of things that happened today that almost made me laugh right out loud.
I was in WalMart and this little boy was walking with his mother, who was obviously very preoccupied. He was rattling off some little story and she wasn't paying a bit of attention. Out of nowhere, this little kid says to his preoccupied mom, "Look what I can do." Preoccupied Mom says: "I don't have time to look. Can you just tell me about it." Little boy: "I am licking my armpit." Preoccupied mom looks stunned, stops and says, "Ewww...don't do that, it's gross." She may have thought it was gross, but I thought it was hilarious. I miss those little kid moments which brings me to my next laugh....
Last time "S" and "E" were visiting, "S" who always delights in getting a reaction out of me informs me what when he and "E" have kids he's thinking seriously about naming his first boy Odom. Yes, that's right - as in Lamar. Why not just put a "kick me" sign on little Odom's back. He also told me that he liked the girl's name Skye. I felt myself flinch when he said it, but I don't think I actually said anything. Good thing I have some time to practice my poker face.
Who would have thought that a day without Modern Family could still be funny....

Fall Is In The Air...

You'd never know it by our glorious California weather, but fall is here! I love, love, love the fall!! It usually brings with it a certain crispness in the air along with my favorite holiday - Thanksgiving!! The thought of fall also brings to mind things like Halloween, football games, dances, fun times with friends, new opportunities...and even a birthday of the greatest guy I know (happy birthday, babes) - all of which we've experienced. Here is just a small sampling of all the fun.