16 memories

I've really missed not going on our annual beach vacation this year. We just couldn't afford it and like many other families today the idea of spending any large sums of money right now is kind of scary. When my desires slip into my dreams at night I always ponder what they may be telling me. This has been happening a lot lately and I think my subconscious is saying, "We miss the Ocean!" I think the 'We' represents Body Soul & Spirit. So, I took a walk through beach vacation pictures memory lane and am sharing it here with you. This is the cement boat view from the house we used to rent in Aptos California...pure bliss.


The house wasn't fancy, but it was roomy and had plenty of extra bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Extremely necessary because we invite a variety of friends and family. Oh, and the Ocean was a clear stones throw from those 3 huge windows. n.i.c.e.


I missed getting absorbed in a great summer read. Wrapped up cosy and warm with the sound of the ocean drowning out people noise and creating an atmosphere of escape *sigh*


I loved the way the trampled sand looked at the end of a day full of planned activities. Everyone ate extra dinner, felt really tired and slept a little more deeply. This made me joyously happy.


And then there was the girls...that's our daughter Angela on the right with her best friend Tiffiny. The kids were allowed to bring a friend along and Tiffy joined us most every year. They were all about new bikini's, sun bathing and a lot of giggling. Oh and let's not forget about the munchies. They packed more in then the boys and were proud of it!


Every once in awhile they braved actually going into the ocean...sort of.


One summer our son Mark grew his hair long. Oh the ladies gave him plenty of double takes, which didn't make the now (ex)girlfriend very happy. (sorry about the tacky white out (ex)girlfriend glare) It's just that he looks so yummy here...I couldn't resist!


When it came to Ocean activities, Mark was no wimp. So many times I had to wince at the big waves he braved and once he was in, it was hard to get him out of the water. When he was little I called him "My Little Fishy Boy" ...but not anymore...well, sometimes *wink*


And don't you love burying someone in the sand! On this day, we drew sticks and our (long ago past student, who stayed in touch with us) Sopon pulled the shortest! He didn't look like he enjoyed this...who does? t.r.a.d.i.t.i.o.n.s die hard!


You can often find me in this position. Ahhh...the best naps ever!


Or, I go on shell finding journeys. I refuse to get up early to partake in this ritual, which means I end up with the shells that everyone else chose to leave behind. I don't mind, sleeping in is worth foregoing a few jewels to me.


After a brisk walk, I feel refreshed and ready for some dinner but I need a few hugs first. "Who wants a hug?!"


Most meals were eaten outside and cooking/cleaning duties were split up fairly. If this was my cooking night, We're probably having my famous spaghetti sauce and salad with a side of garlic bread. Desserts were plentiful to an extreme. (hello extra 5 pounds: )


We always tried to squeeze in a group photo. It's fun to look back and see the kids get older, who came that year and how content we all look.


Another cherished moment was walking down the almost deserted beach with someone you love. Holding hands and hubby always trying to slyly lure me closer to the tide. I squealed to his delight and he always finds me sand dollars on these walks. "symbols of love" he calls them *gush*


And lastly, the sunsets were always a miraculous painting in the sky. Oh the reds, purples, blues, orange and yellows. A little pink here and there and when it got really dark, we could see Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk all lit up, with the Ferris Wheel going round and round.Sleepy time...Goodnight...Angels on your pillow : )

Maybe you have a treasured vacation to share, I'd love to hear it : )

~favorites~

I chose some favorite pictures from my visit with my sister Denise. We both carry around our cameras, so there were plenty to choose from. Here are a few...


~arrival trip from the airport~

~peeking in on nap time~

~slowly waking up~

~mommy puts on shoes for outside~

~too many exciting things to find~

~uncle jj drawing with a stick~

~cedar finds the biggest stick ever!~

~stopping for a pose~

~contemplating a tractor ride~

~brave decision~

~farmer uncle jj and cedar~

~vrrrmmm~

~turning the wheels~

~marmie picking fruit & veggies~

~always, always...running~

50 years of love

These 2 parents are very loved......and we celebrated them today.


They have loved each other deeply......for 50 years!


My beautiful sister Denise is here......and she brought a little wood nymph.


Our handsome son Mark showed up......to join in on the party.


Hubby and Cedar have been really bonding......and he makes us all laugh so much!


Happy 50th Anniversary Mom and Daddy...


Your love is contagious......and has been a great example to all of us.


This hysterical picture was a reenactment of the faces my parents made when they woke up this morning and said, "We've been married for 50 years!"It is a classic moment of family humor. We made them a delicious meal, rented a comedic movie for the evenings entertainment and they are spending the night to soak up every minute of the event. Tomorrow we plan to continue celebrating and enjoy the preciousness of being with a toddler treasure.

I am so proud to be your daughter and thank you for 50 years of loving each other, loving us and being the best parents ever!

happenings...

I received this odd and funny email from my mom that simply said...
"It's time to change the sign, Yes?"
Sign? What is she talking about? Oh! My blog still has Angela's birthday sign posted...geez.
She just moved back to San Francisco and I'm taking my first deep breath and spent a couple of days setting things right around here. I haven't posted much for a few reasons. One, I haven't felt real well and Two, any good days have been spent keeping up with my daughter. Her 26 year old bod has endless energy and she likes to go go go. And Three, I've felt rather uneventful lately. So, I took a look around and thought I could indulge you with a few simple happenings.


What's Going On Right This Second:

Paying a couple of teenage boys to pull weeds and such. Doing all those things we dislike doing ourselves. Oh the memories of odd jobs I did during summer break to make a buck or two!


What's New...Literally:

My phone pooped out on me so I had to get a new one. Just when I started getting the hang of the blasted thing it breaks down on me. Now I'm back to being awkward, clumsy and spending way too much time getting to know my new phone. And the couch pillows are also new...love those colors : )

While shopping with the hubs (something quite rare) he came up to me (smiling) with this huge wooden picture and said, "I really like this!" And here it is. It's not enough to be surrounded by 20 acres of trees...we must also decorate the inside of our home with them too. Good choice honey : )


What I'm Reading Now:

I love a great mystery and this one delivers. Book 2 and 3 are already purchased and waiting...weeeeeee!



What I Collect:

Give me an old glass bottle and I'm happy. That's what I look for in antique shops. They hide in nooks and crannies and come in so many colors. I also buy unique new ones...this could go on forever, unfortunately.


What I Received From Thailand:

My daughter bought us matching bracelets and I will wear it until it falls off. (and then I get a wish? or something?) She also gave me a beautifully woven scarf and bag, oh and a silk wrap that I can't wait to use.

So that's my day and now I'm getting ready for some overnight company soon to arrive that I'm really excited about.

To Be Continued...

Yay! They are home safe, we celebrated Angela's 26th birthday yesterday with Jon and had a family party and now I get some alone mommy/daughter time with her.

i heart her so much