Maui

 Gerald and I were able to attend this years Polaris trip and it just so happened to be at one of our favorite places...The Grand Wailea on Maui.  We've been a few times before so it felt a little like coming "home" when we stepped foot on the resort.  It's really an amazing place... weather was delightful, food was scrumptious, sun was healing and relaxing was needed! I think the highlight for both Gerald and I would have been the day we chose to do a little exploring on our own with Troy and Sarah. The day started out at the Surfing Goat Dairy and ended with a hike to Twin Falls.  As you can see in these photo's, Gerald was completely in his element and me?...well, I'm always happy to be outdoors enjoying whatever scenery I'm surrounded by! 

Grateful & Thankful

We hosted Thanksgiving again and it was a beautiful day as every Thanksgiving has been since moving to the Desert.  I always feel so overwhelmed with gratitude the whole week of Thanksgiving.  With all the preparation that goes into hosting 40 friends and family for dinner, I find myself reflecting on everything in my life I am thankful for and how each Thanksgiving through the years has its only special memories.  One memory that is the same every year is our "Thankful Circle".  I look forward to holding hands in a large circle while everyone is given a chance to share their thankful thoughts which always ends in prayer.  

Lots of good memories this year...another great football game...Karen Berthelson made table runners that were full of random family pictures (everyone loved searching them over while laughing and reminiscing about fun memories).  Most memorable would have to be the Spa that was constructed the day after Thanksgiving by Devin and Harrison.  The challenge was to build a fully functional spa in 45 min. or less and they were successful...so successful they took it to another level with Gerald's help the next day! The material checklist was as follows and the pictures tell the story best of all!

1. Water trough for cows

2. Camp fire with plenty of wood to keep it stoked

3. !/2 sawed off metal barrel to hold water

4. Pool hose for siphoning hot water 

After more thought this is what was constructed on day 2...

So good to have Devin home...We have missed his crazy hair brained ideas that always seem to work!

Savannah goes undefeated in the Brea Water Polo Tournament last weekend! This firecracker played her little heart out while having tons of fun in the process. I think after many years of being a supportive fan in the stands to all her older brothers events, she's just happy to be the one competing and she could quite possibly be the most competitive out of all! 

LQHS defeats PDHS

Another year of beating our Rival School Palm Desert High!  Way to go Blackhawks!!!

Natalie and Olivia cheer on the Blackhawks!

It was a Happy Halloween

One cute Pirate with just a bit of attitude! The highlight of our Halloween Evening was going to Chipotle in costume for $2 burritos.

Things Overlooked Everyday

I've been transferring all our VHS and 8MM family video's to DVD.  I've had them running the past couple of weeks while I'm at home doing other things but have caught myself getting lost in old memories and getting stuck in front of the TV!  Just can't help it...you really do forget some of the sweet, tender, and hilarious memories as the years fly by.  While watching these memories, I was amazed at what I was able to pick out from the recordings.  The voices and bodies not found in front of the camera were also telling their own story. Let me explain...

Most mothers are often found behind the camera recording a special event. We get so focused on what in is front of us it's very easy to tune out everything else that transpires while being the videographer.  While watching our family on DVD not only am I reliving each special recorded event, I have been given a second chance to live the moments that were tuned out while my face was behind the camcorder! Little faces popping right in front of the camera lens wanting a little of the spotlight are no longer annoying but sweet and innocent and little voices behind the camera pleading to go to the park instead of watching the soccer game only melts my heart.  Makes me wonder what I am over looking each day while the camera is not rolling.  am I listening when they are talking? Am I looking when they say watch? Am I taking advantage of each day they are with me? If I have to ask...the answer is probably not!

Parents Weekend

We had a fabulous weekend with Devin in October. He has not wasted a minute finding his place in San Luis Obispo.  Has great roommates, auditioned and made the school choir as a tenor, was hired part time at a local Starbucks, has joined the "Crops Club" who evidently BBQ's tri-tip when they have their club meetings and is learning all the tricks to getting anything for free like most college students do.  We were able to hear him sing with his choir in an evening performance and they also sang "The Nation Anthem" at the football game. Devin continues to do what he does best and that is live in the moment and make the most of it...He loves college!