Here We Go!

I have officially booked my ticket to New Zealand! I'm so excited that I could barely sleep last night. The countdown has begun, friends,

3 8 D A Y S !!

My dad has a little less time on his countdown clock than that as he will arrive a few days before Michael and I do.
I'm so freakin excited!
and yes, true to my mom's form, I have already started my packing list...but my dad seems to have one upped me on this because he actually packed his ENTIRE suitcase, plus all of his other miscellaneous, extraneous nonsense known as his second piece of luggage.
We are pretty much ready to jump on that plane right now.
My mom has taught us well.


"Those who say you cant take it with you, never saw a car packed for a vacation trip."

.......or our luggage.

hugs
xx

You Say It's Your Birthday....

Today, is my cousin Jennifer's birthday. I am lucky enough to have her not only as my blood relative, but also my best friend. She is also an amazing mother, devoted wife, loving sister and daughter, crazy niece and awesome cousin.
Growing up, we got in all kinds of trouble together...double trouble as my mom referred to us. Oooo weee! Okay, I'm lying...she called us bitches! hahaha! Always the truth teller.
Anyway, I feel very very lucky to have Jenna in my life....she completes me and she is the other half of my brain...if I'm thinking of something, chances are, she is too.
Tonight we are going to the casino for some yummy buffet eating and gambling...so please wish her a happy birthday, but also, please send out positive vibes for us so that we all win big at the slots! Woo-Whooo!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNIFER DENISE!


Shes on the installment plan now...Uncle Nick is hooking her up with a cane and next year she will be on the walker. Shes an old woman now, so be gentle with her when you see her.

hugs
xx

Aotearoa

Ahhh...so the countdown has begun, my friends...a little less than two months until we touch down in The Land of The Long White Cloud, aka my mom's favorite place, aka New Zealand, aka Magic Land. I am so thankful because, boy, do I need a break...it will be nice to be in the place of my dads birth, where we have tons of family and friends...I can't wait to dig my feet into the soil and feel the Earth.
It's definitely not going to be all fun and games and ticky touring...we have loads and loads of work to do on the new house...and I have officially become my dad's slave.
Until next time my friends....

Hugs
xx


That was the big effect Lord of the Rings had on me. It was discovering New Zealand. And even more precious were the people- not at all like the Australians.
Ian McKellan

Today marks five months since my mom's passing. Not a second goes by that I don't think of her, wish that she was here, feel her presence, laugh at ourselves and the nonsense we used to get into...

She is always on my mind and the forefront of everything that I say and I do. I always think...well how would my mom do this, or handle this or what would she say? I find myself almost channeling her in a way.
I got the greatest compliment from my cousin, Jenna the other day, she said " You remind me so much of Aunt Karan." It made my day.

I love you and miss you so much...more than yesterday and only half as much as tomorrow. My light for you will shine always.
xoxo forever.

When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. ~Kahlil Gibran

Strength and Hope

I want to keep this simple because I would rather you spend your time reading this:

www.helpjessicaandsofia.com

Its a blog/website written by Greg Norris , husband of a girl, now woman, that I grew up with. Jessica recently delivered a baby girl, Sofia Grace, in her fifth month of pregnancy. Please read their story and send out all of the love, strength, hope, million claps, prayers and all of that other good ju-ju that you guys are so good at, to this family...they could really use our support.

www.helpjessicaandsofia.com

“Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark.”

George Iles

The Boy With Sunshine In His Eyes

This little fella's name is Steven Marcus and I am almost certain that he was born with a pickle in one hand and a bag of Cheetos in the other.
Today he is turning 22 years old and I just cannot believe it. I remember him at this age like it was, well, not yesterday, but certainly not 20 years ago.
He was a pretty funny little baby and he has grown into a very funny little man...and happy. He is by far the happiest person in our family and he could quiet possibly be the happiest person I have ever known...and it shows in his eyes. They shine so brightly with love, wonder and pure happiness that you just cant help but feel what he radiates.
So, please join me in wishing him a very

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y !!

Ready. Set. Hike!

On Saturday, every one's favorite 8 year old, Kion, played his very first game of the football season...actually, his first football game, period. They were the darned cutest things you have ever seen...they even had little 8 year old cheerleaders! The Might Mite Otay Ranch Broncos played against the Eastlake something or others (oops! sorry little team, I haven't any idea what your team name was) and the game ended in a 6-6 tie. Good job little buddies!
Keep on chugging along defensive end #4!
We are so proud of you!
















“For me, winning isn't something that happens suddenly on the field when the whistle blows and the crowds roar. Winning is something that builds physically and mentally every day that you train and every night that you dream.” Emmitt Smith

You Say It's Your Birthday?

Hey friends...
Yesterday we went to Knott's Soak City in celebration of the big guys 8th birthday!
I can't believe 8 years has gone by so quickly...amazing.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KION!

we all know who loves you best...but i love you mostest.
xo

here are a few pictures from yesterday at the water park....you will notice that there are very few of the birthday boy...im not sure that he ever even got got out of the water once yesterday. we all really had a great time celebrating his birthday with him.













hugs
xx

PLeas'd look forward, pleas'd to look behind,
And count each birthday with a grateful mind. - Alexander Pope

Faith is what will sustain us.

Hi friends...
As we know, life presents great obstacles for us and I am in the place in life where I am trying with all of my might to rely on my strength, courage and faith to sustain me in whatever is thrown at me, because in the end, that is what will keep me holding fast.
I write this blog today with a heavy heart...
for those of you who may or may not know, my Grandfather, was diagnosed with prostate and bladder canser a little over three years ago.
We received word last night that his treatments are no longer working and the doctors are stopping any further treatment.
As I am struggling to wade through the grief of losing my mom, I am now preparing to say goodbye to my darling Grandfather, the man who gave my mom life.
So, please, I am asking you for your support once again in praying that he has a safe and painless flight home and that God continues to help guide me and family through these difficult times.
And though it may seem weird, I am finding great comfort in knowing that he will soon be safe at home with my momma.






please dont be offended when I say that I fucking hate canser.

Its a Sunshine Day

Hey everyone...I hope you all enjoyed your Fourth of Joo-Lie! We had a pretty good time...good food, Kiddie Pool swimmin, Beer Pong, family and a little MJ dance party in the kitchen.






I hope that you are all enjoying your summer...or winter...whatever the case may be.
I have been spending quite a bit of time at the beach lately and really enjoying it...its like a mini vacay. Although, I must say that last week my cousin Emily and I fried ourselves and she is still feeling a bit miserable from its effects.
And yes, for those who are wondering, we did use sunscreen and there was even an umbrella involved...but we were no match against the ferociously burning hot rays of the sun.

Alright my friends...I'm off to enjoy the rest of the gorgeous day!

hugs
xx

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken. ~James Dent