Memorial Day Weekend

We started our Memorial Day Weekend with an open schedule. Our top priorities for the three day weekend were rest and relaxation..........taking it easy was our motto. As you can see by the photo below, we were faithful to our motto. (Hammock courtesy of Grandma Cher) It was actually a Mother's Day gift for me, but Finn quickly took it over and to be honest.....it fits Finn much better. At one point, I turned around to look at him and he had pulled the hammock completely around himself, hidden from view, he looked like a plant pod hanging between the palms.

Monday morning was cousin time. Kara brought Chloe and Devon brought Tiago. Dad also popped in for a little bit. The highlight of the visit was Finn and Tiago in the Fire Rescue Jeep.

Fire Rescue Jeep - Courtesy of Santa Claus, Christmas 2008. Needless to say it was a hit, at least once a day he takes it for a spin around the culd-de-sac. It has a tank of water on the side that you can pump to create a water hose to put out fires, spray bugs, water plants.....spray yourself (finn's fav).

This was Tiago's first time in the Jeep with Finn. Finn made sure to give Tiago a ride to remember. Instinctively, Tiago knew to hold on with both hands.

Away they go

You can see Tiago's hair blowing back, they were going around 15mph in this photo.

Finn loved having a passenger.

Check out the Video!!!!

Skinny Cow vs Skinny Dad

Have you ever had a Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwich? I love them, they come in many different varieties. Chocolate, Vanilla, Mint, Mocha...the list is long. My personal favorite is Mint, extremely refreshing without all the sugar and fat. They don't seem to last long in our house, so when only a few remain in the package I hide them behind the frozen strawberries. (Does Todd read my blog? Uh Oh, secret out)

I never thought I would find something better than a Skinny Cow, but I have! No need to ask, I will tell you what is better than a Skinny Cow, a Skinny Dad!!! See for yourself.

I am so very proud of him and his progress. He hired a personal trainer that he meets with multiple times a week, he changed his diet by altering portion size and chosing heathier foods. He can often be found walking the Oceanside Harbor or the Carlsbad Boardwalk. This past wekend he was even able to purchase clothing from a regular retail outlet instead of having to visit the local Big & Tall shop.

He truly in an inspiration to me, and has proven that it can be done. It is never too late for a heathier, skinnier life............

Dinner at the Beach on a Tuesday

As my work day was coming to an end, Todd called with the suggestion of dinner on the beach. My answer was "Yes" of course!! He has the best ideas, wouldn't you agree? We had plenty of food at home to put together a quick beach feast. Todd prepared the sandwiches, I prepared the Tuna Spinach Salad (I have had a Spinach craving lately, must be low on Iron)............we loaded the beach bag with towels, food, beverages and off we went.

The decision, with all the beaches at our disposal, which one did we chose? Well, Todd's current job has him working on Camp Pendleton, to us this means.........access to their fabulous beaches.

Del Mar Beach at Camp Pendleton

Love our Canvas Tote
Thanks Allie & Rob....used often!!

One of the many things I love about military beaches is that they are set up for families. By this I mean, plenty of tables, clean bathrooms, showers and play structures set up strategically on the beach. (It was the same at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina)

Happy they are!!!

Finn playing with the tide, he didn't stay dry long.

Footprints in the Sand
Finn's little ones next to Todd's size 14

Weather was perfect, only a few local surfers and athletic marines running by.....was almost like the beach was our own. May Gray stayed away for a spectacular sunset......my wish is that you all could have been with us to enjoy, Dinner at the Beach on a Tuesday.

PACKED LUNCHES

I do try, somtimes it is extremely hard getting everyone dressed, teeth brushed, hair combed, lunches packed and out the door on time......key word here, ON TIME!!!

I always say I am going to prepare the night before, but it almost never happens. Every so often, when the stars align with the moon, I pack my lunch, it will last for a few weeks and then I fall off the wagon.

Having the proper lunch container does improve my packed lunch performance. Here it comes, another recommendation.......the container you see in the photo is my favorite to date. Easy to clean, utensils attached, perfectly divided sections. It is made by Braml, an Israeli company and can be purchased at Bed, Bath & Beyond.

On the menu today, Spinach Salad with homemade wheat croutons (impressed?), turkey meatloaf and potato/cauliflower medly. How can I forget how much better my food tastes compared to store bought?!?!?!?

So for today and hopefully tomorrow I have my packed lunch for a heathier, less expensive lunch!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh

When I woke up this Saturday morning to no obligations, I felt like Sadie (yellow lab) in this photo. I stretched, breathed deeply and jumped out of bed to coffee and Finn. We let Todd sleep in a little bit longer.

The work/school week is over. My week was full of birthdays, doctor visits, food poisoning, longer work days, meetings, it felt endless. Would it end?

It did, today is Saturday. A day with my son and husband, to do whatever we feel like doing. This doesn't happen very often, so enjoy it we will!

Happy Weekend to all of you,

may you find time to do whatever your heart desires,

if even for an hour.

Birthday Boy in the House, May 12th!!!

We celebrated Todd's birthday on Sunday, what better day for a birthday than on Mother's Day.

Violet made Todd's favorite, Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese frosting. It looks like it will be Finn's favorite as well.

Violet's Carrot Cake

Todd blowing out the candles.

Finn enjoying every bite

Can you even call it a party unless you have "Army" Party Masks?!?!?!

I also want to extend birthday wishes to the following people:

Caley, Caleb, and Brent

(all my cousins)

May is a busy month for us, Erik's birthday was also in May, the 28th. Finn believe's Uncle Erick lives above our house on a star. So on the 28th, we will sing Happy Birthday to Uncle Erik's star.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!!

to ....

Grandmothers, Mothers, Mothers to be.

I am blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful mothers and grandmothers. I have watched and learned from you all. Thanks for always being there to guide my way.

It took me a few years longer than I expected to become a mother, it was so worth the wait. Don't give up hope for all of you waiting for your time at motherhood, it will happen.

My Mother and Grandmother

My Sister Devon and Her Son Tiago

My Sister Kara and her Daughter Chloe

My Sister in Law Allie with her son Teddy, pregnant with Brie

My Dear Friend Mary and her Children, Will & Maddie

My Sister-in-Law Angie and her Daughter Kayla

My Sister-In-Law Angie and her Daugher Kirra

Pearl Gifford, Todd's Grandmother, Violet's Mother

My Husband and his Mother Violet

Finn and his Mother (me)

My Sister Devon, My Mother and My Grandmother

Grandmother and Grandaughter Kirra

I wish I had photo's of all the mothers in my life......please know you are in my thoughts on this special day. Motherhood has truly been the greatest journey of my life.

I must give Finn his due, he makes motherhood a delight!!!

SAFETY FIRST

At first glance you might think eyeglasses, but if you look real close you will see they are "old fashioned" safety glasses. Don't ask me where Todd got these, they have been on his work bench in the garage for years.....and finally they have been put to good use.

A proud mother I was, to see my toddler using safety equipment while digging in the dirt. But alas, the novelty wore off and it wasn't long before the safety goggles were off, caution thrown to the side as he shoveled and dug his way to China. It was nice while it lasted.....reminded me a little bit of our challenges with keeping hats on.

VICTORY 50:1

Where were you when, I have heard this phrase many times about many different moments in history, I am sure you have heard the same.

Where were you when JFK was shot?

Where were you when man walked on the moon?

Where were you when the first plane hit the World Trade Center?

And now..............

Where were you when "Mine that Bird" took victory 50:1 at the Kentucky Derby?

Mine That Bird

We were at Grandma Edna's, winding down after Caley's birthday party.......Dad and Todd called us into the Family room to watch the opening at Churchill Downs. We sang along to "My Old Kentucky Home" and then watched as they prepared the horses and riders for the first race of the day. I had Finn on my lap and was explaining how they were setting up the horses to run, run, run once the gates opened!!!! I was excited and nervous at the same time. Almost like watching one of my brothers football games, too scared to watch.

And then..............they're off!! It doesn't hit me until they reach the last 3/4 turn around the track, I can hear their hoofs thundering on the turf, the excitement roaring to life in the stands. I get goose bumps, my heart starts beating rapidly, I start yelling, cheering them on, Finn following my lead. (Off the record, we were cheering for Flying Private) and then you see 8 pulling forward.........it was truly spectacular. Everything you want to see in a horse race, the under dog coming from the back........RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then to find out, this horse was purchased for $9,500.00 as a yearling.....odds 50 to 1.

To this I say..............

Del Mar Horse Racing Season
July 22nd
"Where the Turf meets the Surf"

Mom you are so going this year!!

BON VOYAGE GUS

The day has arrived to say goodbye to Gus (Pappa)......he is off to Hawaii to reconnect with his Research Ship. He will be gone for two months, returning to us in July. This leg of the project will take him South along the coast of Mexico/Central America and back up to Victoria, B.C., Canada.

Joides Resolution

Finn and I met Pappa and Grandma Violet at the airport this morning to say one last goodbye. It also gives Finn a better realization of where his Pappa goes during his time away. He physically gets to see him fly, fly away. This time I think we all wanted to jump on board and head off to Hawaii. Aloha sounds much better than goodbye anyway.

Finn in front of our newly remodeled Airport

Finn helping Pappa with his bags

No wonder Gus's excess baggage fee was $250.00,
Finn get off the scale!!!!

The final Goodbye fastly approaching

The Airplane, which will take him to his connecting flight at LAX

Maybe one day Finn will get to go........just not yet.

HORSE SHOES ANYONE?

Sunday evening we got together one last time before Gus leaves, he is preparing to leave Monday morning to catch up with his Research/Drilling Vessel in Hawaii.

It was a night of horse shoes, sirloin burgers and the tail end of the "Amazing Race". I can't wait to see the finale next Sunday night. Do you watch it? Who are you rallying for? Go Margie & Luke!!!

Horse shoes anyone?

Game ON

Kirra and Todd are very serious competitors!

and we are off with a good throw by Gus.............

Kirra, the horseshoe is not a necklace........

Todd - mid swing

Todd's Ringer

I had no idea he was good at horse shoes,

hidden talents even after 18 years of marriage, amazing!!!

Kayla - watch out for the neighbors......


Kirra trying to get a Ringer

After an exhausting round of Horse Shoes, off to dinner for homemade Sirloin Burgers and Salad. The burgers were awesome, it was the perfect way to end the weekend. Thanks for dinner Violet.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALEY - 5

Caley turned 5...... Caley is Finn's cousin (daughter of Caleb and Patty). Her birthday party was held at AirTime in Spring Valley on Saturday. Finn has been waiting all week. We would look at the invitiation every day and the question was always "is Caley's party today?"

The Most Incredible Birthday Cake Ever

(even had Peanut Butter cream filling)

Mom and Todd

(love this picture of them,

you can tell Todd loves his mother in law, he is leaning)

Birthday Girl (Caley)

Daredevil Devon

Todd and Finn couldn't get enough

The Gigantic Slide

Finn and Tiago

(Tiago loved the jumpee's)

Love this Action Shot

A few of the Jumpee's.....it was a great place to have a children's party.

Thanks Patty and Caleb, Todd loved it as much as Finn!

Side Note: You won't even believe it, we showed up at the party, I pulled out my camera ready to take awesome photo's and what did I find???? A flashing low battery warning.....my worst nightmare. I was able to take one photo before....kerplunk!!! I borrowed my mother's Sony camera at the last minute. Thanks Mother!!! If not for her, I wouldn't even have these photos.