Tagged again!!

This time I was tagged by Anayansi to tell 10 Random Things about myself..... so here we go - with totally random things.....
1.) I love taking pictures and putting them on the computer but I have years worth of pictures in boxes in no particular order. That is on my someday list to have them all in books!
2.) I would go back to school full time forever if I could. I love the academic environment.
3.) I am naive enough to think that my daughters' friends are my friends too!!!
4.) I forget how old I am when it comes to music. I like it all!! (Except for rap...)
5.) I love to read but never give it enough time.
6.) I have been known to cry at commercials.
7.) I have a reflex that I cry when I laugh too hard!
8.) Bread, pretzels and carrots(?) make me hiccup.
9.) When I am stressed or need to think things through I sweep my patio... it's therapy for me.
10.)I agree with Anayansi that a bad hotel is camping for me. I am not a camper!!! The last time I camped my kids were little.

So there you have it..... Nothing exciting. Just trivial things about me. Now I am tagging Ashley, Brooke, Brittany, Michelle, and Cami.

Cami's visit ends...

Cami left this morning to go back to Stockholm... I have a hard time convincing her that I truly am happy for her- but I am! I just miss her so much and wish I could be a part of her every day life. Kind of hard to do that with a 9 hour time difference along with 7,000 miles. But in the big scheme of things I know she is where she needs to be. She is following her heart and her passion. Her boyfriend is a wonderful man. She has learned the language and embraces the culture. I am proud of her and who she has become. So I look forward to the next chapter in her life!

For her last night here we stayed at Brooke's. It took the 2 of us together to deal with McKenzie and Brynn so that Brooke and Evan could get out for a short date! We divided and conquered- Cami pretty much took care of Brynn while I was busy building blocks, doing puzzles, reading books, and helping McKenzie take her bath! She is one busy girl!!! It was great fun.


Cami taking a turn at playing blocks with McKenzie while Brynn catnaps!

After taking Cami to the airport I made it back to Sacramento in time for church. My one day to regroup before work tomorrow and company tomorrow night- my sister and her family are coming!! But did I get things accomplished? NO....................... I was pretty tired after all the driving and visiting and playing. So after church I read most of the afternoon and even took a nap. I never take naps!!! But it sure felt wonderful!

On a different note- I feel the need to mention the passing of a great man.Dr. Randy Pausch died Friday. He was the professor that delivered "The Last Lecture". His book became a best seller. He is a true inspiration. You probably know who he was, but if not- he was a professor at Carnegie Mellon Univ. Click here to checkout his web site. He was very accomplished academically, in the business world and personally. He was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. His message was to live until we die. Be positive and appreciate every second that we have. Instead of dwelling on his impending death, he chose to embrace life. It is so easy to get caught up in our daily struggles. His message is one I will always keep in my heart.

Celebrating Monica's Wedding!

Cami is in town! So fun to see her and be able to spend time with her. She came from Stockholm to be in one of her best friends, Monica's, wedding. The wedding was last Saturday- it was a blast. Cami did a fabulous job being her Maid of Honor. They have been friends since they were 7 years old. So it was very special to see them as young women celebrating Monica's marriage. Monica was a beautiful bride!!! The weather was perfect for the outside wedding. The reception was inside the country club- great food, great music, great time!

Cami is here for another week. She is busy being Aunt Cami to Brynn and McKenzie! And I will spend more time with her next weekend before she heads back for the other side of the world.

Times have sure changed- we are such a mobile society now. Used to be families lived in the same town and even same neighborhood- all together. I can only imagine- cause it will never be that way for me!! There are pros and cons I guess. I love to travel and I am always doing that to see my kids..... I have gone places I would probably never go otherwise, When I am with them I appreciate them so much. I will never take my children for granted! I even look forward to my driving over to Menlo Park. I think my car could make the drive without me!!

Here are a few pictures of the wedding-


Cami and Monica before the wedding.


Cami as the Maid of Honor and the best man, the groom's dad


Congrats to Monica and Anthony!


What a cake!!!!


Cami and Monica at the recption


The bridesmaids

Enjoying my week off from work!

I love being in the Bay Area! I am at Brooke's being grandma in Menlo Park for the week.This town is so quaint and beautiful. When I am here (which is pretty often) I always am reminded how much I miss the Bay Area. So even though gas prices are ridiculous I will continue to make the drive! I took McKenzie to the pool yesterday and today. It was fun to pretend like I don't work and just fit right in with all the moms and grandmas with the little ones at the sports center's wading pool. McKenzie is getting braver and braver in the water! I couldn't resist adding the picture and video of her at the pool!






Kenzie playing in the garage.

Brynn is already 16 days old! She is gaining weight and doing well. She is fussy at night (like most newborns) so Brooke is really tired. But considering that she is dealing with a 2 year old and a newborn she is doing amazingly well. I am keeping Kenzie pretty occupied during the day. I'm able to help some with Brynn. She is so precious! McKenzie is great with her but definitely realizing she has competition!





I will enjoy this time I have with them then go back to work next week. Hmmmm--- maybe I will have to call in sick!

Happy 4th!

Anxious Gramma

There is so much going on around me... I am trying to not be anxious. But honestly I am not doing such a great job at that.

There are fires all over California making the air very unhealthy to breathe. My allergies are getting to me somewhat. It is making me claustrophobic! The sky has been pretty eerie. Today I saw some blue finally, but there is still a warning to stay inside. It is supposed to be unhealthy air for a few more days... the fires are still burning,


Check out the poor air quality!

Work is crazy-- I could work 15 hour days and still wouldn't be caught up. I guess that is job security, right??

Also- 3 different friends are dealing with health issues.... I want to help and be with them. I feel really torn.

OK- so now that I have whined and complained- I will stop and breathe (but only indoors!)- and be thankful for the blessings in my life.I am so excited about Brooke and Evan's new little one...I went back just for Saturday to see them. They are doing so well!!! It is obvious Brooke has the confidence of having done this before! I am looking forward to going there next weekend and staying for a week to help out when Evan has to go back to work.

Fun with the girls!


Brynn is 6 days old here!

I talked to Reagan and Jenna tonight. Ian had them this weekend on his own while Anayansi was out of town. They are so funny- they went to a birthday party at an upscale pet store... strange idea it seems but they had a blast. The owners of the store brought out different animals for the kids to touch and learn about. They saw a snake, a lizard, a parrot, some other animals and then they brought out 8 little puppies to run around and play with the kids. They had pictures taken awhile ago- thought I would share a great one of Reagan and Jenna.



I love being a Gramma!!!

Brynn!!!

I am a gramma again!! My 4th granddaughter, Brynn Elizabeth, arrived Sunday morning the 22nd!! She is so precious. Brooke wasn't due for 12 more days... so I thought I had time to go to a wedding in Coronado. Silly me.... I really should have known better since McKenzie came early too. But I was just hoping that this one wouldn't be even earlier. I had a great time at the wedding and got to see a lot of friends from high school. But later that night Brooke called me to tell me she thought she was in labor. I could tell by her voice that she was. I was so frustrated being down south and not able to drive right over. Evan's brother came over to their house to stay with McKenzie. I got on a 6:45 am flight to Sac and then drove to their house. I was there by 10:15 am. I got McKenzie from Boz and we went to the hospital to meet her new baby sister!! She is a tiny one- even smaller than Kenzie was- 6lbs.3oz. Brooke did so well- she was at the hospital under 2 hours. Her epidural wasn't given to her in time and didn't do anything to help!

Everyone is home now. Evan will be off work for 2 weeks. I am going back to work tomorrow and will come back when Evan goes to work. Their little family is beautiful! Kenzie is so cute with her baby sister. She constantly wants to kiss her, give her something or hold her! They thought McKenzie was a challenge. Welcome to the world of 2 children!! Once again the paradigm changes- and all for the better!