Lately..........part 1

The month of May is always so crazy. With school testing, last minute field trips, school programs, dance recitals, parties, and plenty of soccer and baseball. Yes, it is busy and I do feel like we are running from one thing to the next, but I do love all of it! It is so fun to see how much your kids have learned in the past year and how much they love their friends and teachers. It is so rewarding to see them thriving and loving their environments.


First, Rex has been part of the Bonneville Bubs Ukulele band this year at school. They put on a little concert for the end of the year.




The Gallery stroll was another big hit too. Rex and Lucy were so very proud of all the great art they produced this year. It is always such a highlight. Unfortunately , Lucy was the only one dying to pose by her art. Here are a few of their pieces.



Rex's African mask



And, Fency the Pirate is back. When Rex was a little guy and was a pirate for Halloween he named himself,Fency....we don't know why. Molly had a pirate birthday party on Saturday and wanted to pull out Rex's old digs.

Happy Easter!

Once in a while.......

We have a nice warm day. It is few and far between this time of year where I live, but let me tell you when we have them we really enjoy them.

Lucy and her friend Maddie spending hours doing sidewalk art at the park.

A Weekend Away

My mom, Ali, and I all flew out to see my two sisters who live in the Bay Area for a little girl weekend. We stayed right in Union Square and hit all the great shopping, fun restaurants , and of course a trip to the spa. The weather could not have been more perfect, and I got to bond with my new little baby niece, Nellie, who spent the whole weekend with us ...she was such a happy, little trooper. We also drove out to Amby's place in Los Altos for a day and I was dying at her picturesque little town and neighborhood. I kind of couldn't stop raving. All those winding, very green, Old school California roads and perfectly kept yards. What a great place to live! I almost wanted to move there.



I always stress a bit and get pretty sad leaving Ryan and the kids home for my occasional getaway, but after I am gone, on the airplane reading my book or my latest BHG, sipping my drink it does feel so needed and I come home appreciating all of them so much. And since my sisters all live away I realize how much I miss them and need that sister time too. Thanks Mom for another great girl trip!

Lucy Speaks Up

The other day Molly and Rex and I were out playing soccer together. We had told Lucy to come out and play with us, but she never showed up. I sent Rex in to find her, and he came out and told us she wasn't interested. He said she was sitting at the desk working on something.

Later on I found several pieces of paper on the desk, all in order. It turns out I was holding the original manuscript of Lucy's first book. It was done completely in yellow highlighter, so it wasn't easy to read. I had her go back and trace the letters in something darker, to make it read easier. Here is Lucy Speaks Up.

Lucy Speaks Up

Lucy was a ballerina. She loved being one.

Lucy got bullied.

Lucy did not know what to do.

After dance, she went home.

And talked to my mom.

My mom said "Speak up."

So I did.

And it worked.

By Lucy. The End.

Lucy is such a fun, creative girl. It's always exciting to see what the new Lucy project is.

And by the way, we have made sure she's not having any trouble with bullying. She is way too good at speaking up.








(The below images are higher resolution, inserted here for later printing).

Happy 33 to Me!!

Lots has gone on since we last posted. The most important is, I had a birthday! And Ryan threw the surprise birthday party of a lifetime. He went all out! I don't think I have ever had a surprise birthday party, and this party definitely made up for that. I was totally surprised too. It was so fun. All my friends and family that I love so much were there. It was up at the super cool Jupiter bowl in Park City. Yummy food and private bowling lanes just for us. I am definitely not a big bowler (actually a horrible bowler), but it brought the perfect party atmosphere. Thanks Ryan! It was such a sweet thing to do. I loved all of it!

Since I didn't know about the party I didn't bring my camera. All of these very random shots are from Ryan's phone. Sorry for the poor quality. And for all of you "out of towners" (namely ALL of my sisters) we missed you!

These amazing doughnuts from "Beyond Glaze" downtown

Lucy's Family Home Evening Agenda

(Click to enlarge)

That last word in the list is "coocys"= cookies.