Back in July.

We were lucky enough to visit with a few friends when we were in Temecula last.  A few we didn't snap photos with everyone but these are a couple highlights.  My in-laws are the hospitable hosts I know.  We always bombard their home with lots of foot traffic and they welcome everyone, at any hour.  It really feels like home to see our friends and family there.

These two have been friends sine they were in the womb.

Playing with cousins, friends and the dog.

With the Arciagas our Hypnobabies (forever) friends. 

Playing stickers with Auntie Gina. 

Gina & I have been friends since we were Chloe's age.

Slow moving.

We're back from a beautiful week in northern Idaho.  The view from our room couldn't have been prettier and we had some great company with us.  I've got more photos to download and edit to a viewable amount.  I take so many photos.  I guess it's these little snapshots that remind me how beautiful the moments of these fleeting days are.  When I recall the day in these snapshots my heart feels so grateful.

Kevin and I came back from our travels under the weather.  So since then we've been slow moving this week.  We've been eating simple, low-prep meals, napping, enjoying monsoon rains and playing indoors.  And of course watching the Olympics online (we don't have television...gasp).  We can't get enough of the swimming.  I've always wondered what it felt like to be so dedicated to a goal like being an Olympian.  Or what it would feel like to have that kind of muscle definition, for that matter.  I am totally a crier when they present medals.  What a thrill and honor. 

So mellow and all here's a little glimpse of our week.
Hope you are having a good one.

And a huge thank you, for all the sweet uplifting comments and suggestions on my last post.  I'm looking for ways to recharge and refresh.  Thankfully my wonderful husband is providing me lots of down time lately.  This new chapter of my life takes some navigating.  It's like learning tightrope walking without a manual.  The emotions that come with loss catch me of guard at times.  Your kind words, encouragement are such a blessing.  I'm feelin' the love.   

Hello out there.

It looks like a tornado or the Clonado may have blown through our house this week.  But really it's just business as usual.  Packing and repacking suitcases, with lots of laundry in between.  We leave tomorrow for Coeur d' Alene, Idaho.  We've never been but from what I hear it is a breathtaking spot surrounded by dozens of lakes.  Lush land, blue water and perfect summer weather.  I'm feeling giddy!  Now, just gotta get those suitcases packed.  

I have a question for you mom's out there.  Being a mama is always what I've envisioned for my life and I love it.  But how do you pour your heart and energy into these little lives everyday and not feel depleted sometimes?  Energetically, that is.  I looking for ways to rework and simplify to feel more vital.  Is there a trick I'm missing?  Oh, I have so many questions I wish I had asked my mom.  But, I'll save those thoughts for another day.  What do you do to fill your cup so you can continue to give as a mother and wife?  And to yourself. 

Today I had moment of reflection (after stepping on the scale, yuck!) I've realized I've got to make some changes.  Not just for vanity but for health.  Step one, vacation- relax away stress.  Step two- get moving.  Step three-pull out my art supplies.  I can't remember the last time I worked on anything of my own.

One more thing, our little bloom is nearly 22 months.  How did that happen?  Everyone tells you, but you don't believe it until it happens.  She is growing so fast.  She is talking a lot and putting short sentences together.  She is really proficient at her color recognition.  I didn't really realize I was teaching her them.  I just try to describe everything to her.  Hue is important to this artsy mama.  She is showing us how strong-willed she is daily and is full of sweet snuggles.  I can tell this little love is gonna keep us on our toes.    

Life here in the desert can feel lonely, thank you for reading and being apart of our lives, even while we are away.  If you have a moment, let me know, how do you make time for yourself?  What fills you up?

Tired mama or not,  just look at her, she is pure magic.

We hit the skies tomorrow.  Have a beautiful week!

On July 3rd, 2012 my sweet Mama would have turned 60 years old.  We gathered together that day to remember her beauty, her life and to say goodbye.  I'm sure I'll be saying goodbye for a while still. 

In the warm summer sunshine on her birthday we let her ashes drift with the wind high in the hilltops of her hometown.  It was a sacred time I will always remember.  Always filled with the scent of lavender, roses, tears.

As I gazed at those same hills a few days later, I could feel her smile upon me through the granite rocks, sage and scratchy brush landscape.

Lately.

In no particular order.  We've been roadtripping, crafting, eating popcorn non-stop, enjoying anything on ice, cozying up for movies, grocery shopping and errand running.  We had a hotel night stay during a yucky construction pipe leak-there we jumped on the bed, ate some tasty "zoup" and went to bed at 8pm.  We've rearranged furniture, added a new plant to our home and one new office chair found on at Anthro (on super duper sale). 

We've still got a few months left of really hot summer.  We are hanging in there.  Some days staying indoors all day gets us down.  For those of you who live in cold climates, I don't know how you do it.  I get stir crazy so quickly.  But then I think of how lucky we are.  Air conditioning, cold showers, swimming pools, ice, we have all the modern conveniences that make summer in the desert comfortable.  So I'm trying to hush my distaste for 115 degrees.  (wink) 

Any fellow desert dwellers have tips for making it through summer with ease?

5 years.

A few weeks back on June 24th we celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. It's a day we hold near and dear and a commitment that we cherish.

We always take time to celebrate the special moments. We celebrated a couple times in fact. A dinner out at Barrio Cafe in Phoenix (thanks to Kevin's Aunt Sheryl for babysitting) and later with a nights stay at Temecula Creek Inn, where we were married (thank you Grandma & Grandpa Locklin).

My love brings so much joy to my life and his calm manner keeps me grounded. We've been inseparable since January of 1999 when we first met. Yep, we're High School Sweethearts. I love everything cheesy about that.

I love you Kevin!

Grab your Kleenex. This will warm your heart.