My 'Pal'

Warm Water, Warmer Red Rocks, 'Forgotten Canyons',An Abundance of Sea Shells (don't ask me how they got there)
Very NICE friends to save us when 'Family First' (my Dad's boat, his pride and joy)
became Family Last and broke down on Day ONE (that's right)!
Thank Heavens for NICE friends who have a
NICE boat and were NICE enough to say they actually enjoyed hanging out with us
and completely saved our trip!

The feeling of warm sand squishing between our toes

Time spent with the Greats

A beach all to ourselves.........

These are just a few things I love about my good friend, Pal.

At the young age of 2, I made a life long 'PAL'. Traveling down south to a warm and beautiful lake has become a expected tradition my entire life. We didn't make it down every year, but we went enough to develop a close friendship with this magical place in the dessert. She has taught me much on the subject of beauty, discovery and family bonding. It was on her 'glassy' early morning water that I first learned to water ski, behind my Grandfather's boat: 'Paul's Ark'. My earliest memories in the extreme sport of tubing happened as a young girl skidding across her warm waves and holding on for dear life. Dusk boat rides into Pal's beautiful canyons opened conversations with my brothers and husband that I still think about today. Luckily, my family was the first to introduce my true love, Kelly, to our friend, and he in turn became very fond. So fond that is, that he did indeed make 'Studs of Pal', a dvd complete with pictures and video from 9 years spent on the lake. We enjoyed his digital masterpiece on the first night of our trip, laughing at how much we've aged and how much longer men's swimming trunks are these days.
Now, 29 years later, she still lives up to her reputation. Lizzy, became a little braver on the tube and hiked a mountain without breaking a sweat. Rosie didn't let the cooler than usual weather and water stop her from enjoying the lake's spoils. Max, oh Max, he enjoyed being next to his Dad, while wanting to do everything everyone was doing......at once. He, like usual was hard to keep up with, and is still asking to return. I love spending time with my family, especially my parents who want so much for their children to remain close and continue a family tradition. Pal's peacefulness and tranquility fuel me. She, like a best friend, never disappoints, and I think always looks forward to my next visit.

Part 2- Ballet & Me

Enrolling your child in a dance class can be tricky. Just like choosing a pre-school, dance educational philosophies must be thought about and decided upon. Finding the perfect mix of quality and fun instruction- (meet Ms. Karame) can be difficult. Hoping your children make friends within their class can be worrisome. Wanting a classy dance recital that uses age appropriate costumes and music can be hard to find. And lastly, having all of these things and enjoying the company of the other Mother's seems like a tall, almost impossible order to fill. But, somehow I was able to have it all this last year.

Elizabeth and Rosie's ballet school became my Wednesday afternoon Home. I looked forward to going each week and often wondered how the 2 hours passed so quickly. Both the girls and I made new friends, of the close friend variety. Advice was given, recipes shared, support offered and bonds created. When news of the School closing came, tears flowed freely as we discussed how much we loved our little Ballet School; how much we loved each other and how we had taken it all for granted. Now, after a successful June recital, we pledged to stay together, once strangers, now a cohesive ballet family. We have found a new place; we will make it our new home.

My girls enjoy dancing for different reasons it seems. Lizzy, naturally graceful, cried after her recital because she would never be able to perform her dance again. Rosie, a bubbly people-person, cried herself to sleep because she wasn't going to be in “Ms. Karame's class ever, ever, ever again”. As for me, I'm mourning a loss of yet another element in my life changing, and at the same time, doing my best to enjoy the journey along the way.

Sands Through an Hourglass, part 1-

PART 1-

"Rosie, do you know what you would you like to be when you grow up?"

"Yes!", "What?"

"A FANCY LADY!!"

"Like Sands Through an Hour Glass,
So are the Days of our Life"

(Who didn't watch Days in their teens?)

I must confess, the days of my life have been pretty sweet over the past 9 months of school. How did they go so fast? We celebrated with Rosie as she and her preschool classmates entertained us with song and poem at her preschool promotion. Rosie knew every song, preformed every move with incredible stage presence. We were so proud of our little Rose. She enjoyed it and I could tell really loved her classmates and her dear teachers. She will now advance to another year of preschool, but will it be the same?

Both Rosie and Lizzy attended Ms. Lorie's preschool. The same preschool my younger siblings went to, in my home town. I love Ms. Lorie's curriculum and educational philosophies. Rosie attended preschool with my two good friends' children, promising to marry one...."DABE" (Gabe). Seems perfect. I spent those Tuesday and Thursday afternoons spending time with my close friends. Sometimes the park, sometimes the mall, sometimes McDonald's, many times Target. We shared a year together. I cherished those days. I looked forward to those times with just Max. What a different boy he was as a 'singleton'. I learned so much about my son, I learned so much about myself.

Now, Rosie will go to a new preschool near our home, for the convenience of her Mother. I look forward to carpooling with my favorite carpool buddy. But, I can't help but wonder if I'm making the right call. I love Ms. Lorie and Mr. Avery (her father). I love Rosie's friends, which are my friends' children. I'm sure the new preschool will be fine, but will it ever be great?

Cami expressed the feelings of remebering the moment so beautifully in a poem written for my birthday. I don't normally share this sort of thing, but it seems to be the perfect ending for this post and so, I shall:

REMEMBER WHEN

“Remember when” That’s what we will say,

That is what we say

We eat salads
The sun on your face

The freckles on your nose

The “theme” for the day.

Your eyes like chocolate

From one mother to another

A gift only given in a space

Created, nurtured

By the power to relate

A space forever occupied

You with your perfect-ness

I forgive you for that

Me Not so much.

You forgive me for that

We apply sun-block

We wipe noses

Lizzy and Monet

With their missing teeth

Gabe and Rosie

With their hidden kisses

Max with his Trains

Tea with her thighs

“Remember when” we’ll say“Remember when”

My Cup Runneth Over

My Dear and Faithful Blogg Readers,

I apologize for my lack of posting as of late. I have been busy. Busy filling my pail. Busy drinking in life's goodness and blessings. I promise to return after one more trip to the well. I plan on bringing buckets and buckets of happiness to share and remember. Stay Tuned!

Passing The Torch

Recently Kelly and I had the privilege of attending my younger brother Benjamin's law school graduation. I was and am so proud of my brother for this major accomplishment. The desire to practice law runs deep in his veins as his Uncle, Grandfather and Great-father precede him in the career of attorney.

Ben, the curly haired middle child, was quiet and at times, lost in the crowd of 4 boys. He has always been kind hearted, intelligent and sometimes mischievous. But, because of his sweetness and boyish charm he was rarely in the hot seat. My earliest memories of Ben were of him standing in his crib calling for Ra Ra, his older Sister Sarah. I would come and scoop him up and play with him, cherishing the fact that he called for me over my Mother, and that I (5 years his senior) could comfort him. From those early days I have grown use to Ben calling for me, confiding in me and sharing his life with me. I feel privileged. I admire Ben. I love being his older Sister.
Now, his supportive wife Amy and their darling son Owen have worked together in accomplishing the task at hand: Forth Generation Law School Graduate. I know my Grandfather is so pleased. He looks forward to sharing an office with Ben, imparting his Grandson with wisdom about Law and maybe more importantly, Life. Congratulations Ben and Amy!

7 Wonders

Lizzy kicked off her birthday festvities with some glow-in-the-dark bowling.




She was excited about her new bike, which took her hours to pick out.


My Grandfather Paul and Lizzy have always enjoyed a special bond.

It's a wonder to me that I have been a mother for 7 years. Elizabeth turned seven last week and we joyfully celebrated her birthday. Not knowing what to expect, I remember pondering on the thought of being a mother during the days before her birth. Happily I smile to myself and give thanks to Heaven for sending us our close to perfect oldest child.

Lizzy was born in California. My dear mother flew in for nearly 3 weeks to help with her first grandchild. She came a few days before my due date to assist with last minute preparations. In fact, we spent my early labor walking the mall, getting some last minute essentials (at Baby Gap of course). I had no appetite at dinner that night and became somewhat discouraged. I was having mild contractions off and on during the day but they didn't seem to be leading anywhere. After a warm bath, my wise mother told me to go to bed. I asked if she would be going to bed too and she informed me that she knew I was going to have the baby that night, so she would just stay up and wait for me. Well, she was right! Not soon after I fell asleep I was awaken by what child birth really feels like. My mom was right there, all knowing, and together the three of us drove to the hospital to meet our Elizabeth only 6 hours later.

We hadn't picked out a name for our daughter before she was born. Kelly had always loved the name Elizabeth (a family name) and I agreed that it was and still is arguably the most feminine, beautiful name for a little girl, girl, teenager and lady. It seemed to suit her instantly. Diane is my mother's name and both Kelly and I felt overwhelmingly that this should be her middle name. As we have gotten to know Lizzy more and more, we see why she was named after my mother. They are one in the same! The nick-name "Lizzy" came naturally after the name choice of Elizabeth as it has always been a favorite of mine. Our Lizzy has grown into her name quite nicely. Her femininity, grace, poise, sweetness, politeness and sensitivity pairs well with the name Elizabeth. Her curiosity, creativity and humor make her our "Lizzy D".

I marvel and wonder at the joy motherhood has brought me. Thank you Elizabeth for 7 wonder-filled years as our first born. We are so proud of you, we want so much for you, we learn so much from you, we love our darling Lizzy.

Yay for May!

Two of my favorite things in life are to (1) preform a kind gesture, or (2) to receive one from someone else. On May Day, we were the recipients, and it was so grand. A favorite friend of Lizzy's along with her loving grandmother surprised us with these:

A B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L bouquet of spring blossoms picked from a very well-nurtured yard. They came bundled in a cheery home-made vase (of sorts) and delivered to our door, with a note welcoming the long awaited month of MAY. I love May, as it is the month of my birth, I feel particularly fond of one of the most lovely months of the year. The girls proudly placed the bouquet in their room. Now, the aroma of spring blossoms fill the entire 2nd floor of our home, and their kindness to us fills a sometimes empty pail to the brim.

Happy May Day!