Where have I been for 2 1/2 months?

I know ya'll think I fell off the face of the planet, lol. Somewhere between blogging and living, I got caught up in the living and less blogging.... The last 2 1/2 months have been a whirlwind of adventure, activities and traveling. Instead of giving you every nitty, gritty detail and trying to "catch up" on posts, I am going to share images of all the time I have not been here posting so that you "see" what we've been up too! I'll share the images in a few posts as there are a LOT! We've been busy, you may have to go to the next page to view all the posts and images.

Remember to leave me comments, I love to hear from you! Know that I check your blogs as well and will be catching up on my comments postings too very soon. :-)

August 10, 2008

Emerald Bay on Catalina Island Camp send-off to work on more Eagle required merit badges!!

Granny Shirl teaching the kids the mastery of sidewalk chalk!

Gorgeous New England Methodist Church in Groton, VT - I LOVE this image.

A little family storyboard!

My beautiful babe - she loved all the "nature", lol! On the west coast we've got lots of palm trees but not much in the way of "nature" as she called it!!!

Having fun at the maple syrup manufacturer in St. Johnsbury, VT

The poh-zers!

West Danville, VT across from Hastings General Store, which houses the post office, the news paper and is the local merchatile.
One of the many covered bridges in New England. This one happens to be a foot bridge that I used to cross over when I was a little girl to get to the school bus to go to school in my 2 room school house, yes, you read that correctly!! This bridge spans over Joe's Pond right near the dam and is that same pond I also learned how to swim in as a young girl.

More of August.... I told you we were busy!

Xander learning the art of making the perfect blackberry scone that is not too dry and is perfectly blended from Aunt Amanda. They were the most delicious scones I have ever eaten!

A New Hampshire day in the life of....

I am the fire king!

Our last day in New Hampshire, boo hoo!

Xander has decided that he is going to spend every summer in New England, working, playing, hiking and rock climbing! Aunt Amanda and Granny Shirl, keep the beds made, you might get some company next year..... Our trip to New England was an amazing experience for the kids and one that will stay with them for a lifetime.

Aunt Amanda's beautiful property - over 10 acres!

So you think you've had a bad day...
It was funny when I was hanging laundry out to dry that the kids were amazed I even knew how to do that or why you'd ever want to do that.

The longest covered bridge in the world.

Milk Weed - it was amazingly soft and was commonly used to stuff pillows and beds back in "the day".
Yummmmm, I want my 10,oooth blackberry pleeeez!

First Day of School 9/2/08

Brownie Troop 2048 will you please come to order?

Yes, I am a little nutty as you might already know but do you really know??? I decided that since Xander was knee deep in Boy Scouts and I had always been there for him that I should do the same for my daughter so I started a brand new Brownie Troop. TWENTY ONE girls is what I have and it is amazing! EACH and EVERY parent is actively involved and we set it up like a corporation so that provided I did it right, it should run on it's own fairly smoothly. So far, with 3 meetings under our belt, 3 community service projects and a field trip coming up, we are running like a charm! I wouldn't change a thing. Here are a few images from their first meeting.

Be A Hero Be A Donor - Marrow Drive in Mission Viejo

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Tustin Tiller Days - UnderAged Thinking performs!

Xander and his bandmates - UnderAged Thinking performs at Tustin Tiller Days which is essentially a town festival and carnival. They performed on the Community Stage and did an amazing job! We are so proud of them.

Top row:

Sabrina (age 10) -vocals and Griffin (age 11) - bass player

Bottom row:

Xander (age 13) - rhythm guitar, Noah (age 12) - drums, Rafael (age 12) - lead guitar

The groupies!!

VW Bus Club - Sept Gathering

We had over 13 members show up for our first meeting at the new location. Thanks Ciarmuid for opening Molly Bloom's Irish Restaurant and Pub for our club gathering. The food and service was fantastic.

Here are some images that are part of my Stock Photos that I have been selling.

My favorite image of the day. People thought I was a little crazy laying down in the parking lot to hopefully capture the shot I had in my head. I just love the safari windows on the the old buses! I wish we had them on ours, someday...

Destined for greatness....

Have you ever met someone who was just destined for greatness and no matter what they did they always came out on top? My darling son is one of those people. I know we are all proud of our children and I am no different than any other mom out there however Xander is just a truly great kid with such a beautiful soul. Somewhere deep inside of him is an old soul, he reminds me so much of Arnie that it is scary at times. I feel like he is up in heaven holding his hand and guiding him along the path that he may have taken had he still been alive. He has accomplished so much in his short life and I know that he is only going to continue to grow and become stronger each year. He is compassionate, kind, generous, thoughtful, witty, funny no make that hysterical - he gets that from his dad, smart, determined, green - he is a tree hugger at heart, and so many other adjectives.

On the day that he was born, I was terrified that I wouldn't know what to do or that I would not make a good mother for this child but somehow we have always managed the ups and downs. Life hasn't always been perfect or rosy but it has always been good. I learn something new from him each day. Why am I going on about him? Because today is his 13th birthday and I am proud to know him and to call him my son and my friend. We are embarking on a new journey today as we enter those dreaded teenage years however I think together we will make it through to the other side and if we don't well then all that college money can be used for a good therapist I guess, :-)!

At 3 months old

Happy birthday my darling son, someday when I grow up I want to be just like you! Thank you for teaching me to live life, have fun and to be a good person. I love you with all that I am!

First Grade 9th Birthday in the Bahamas

Surfing San Onofre 2007

Rockin' out with his band - UnderAged Thinking
Joshua Tree 2008

Rock Climbing - Joshua Tree 2008

Love always,
Mom