Dana Point

Headed down to Southern California last weekend to attend a conference for The Gold Refinery.  We stayed at a pretty nice hotel in Dana Point.  When I got there I asked if they could change my room to a King bed as my roommate bailed...(and stuck me with the bill) and not only did I get my King bed, but I got an upgrade to a room with a view.

The weather was PERFECT, and the convention was pretty fun! I got sick on Saturday and spent the day in bed, but it is hard to complain when you are spending a day in bed with an awesome view and nothing to do but rest!

The convention's goal of pumping everyone up, WORKED! So...who is ready to book their very own gold party! Let's get some money in your pocket so you can buy me yourself a very nice Valentine's present!

Sexy 60

Happy 60th birthday to my Dad!

We threw my dad his very first surprise party! My dad is...in a word...antisocial.  He is not fond of large groups of people. His tolerance for big, noisy, crazy crowds is almost non existent (which is ALL my extended family)!  When I told Keith about the party he asked me "Do you love your dad?"  My answer was , of course, yes! Keith response "Why on earth would you throw him a surprise party?"
The Answer: BECAUSE IT IS FUN AND HE IS 60! (and really it was my Mom's idea- hehe)

We pulled it off without a hitch.  He claimed to be annoyed at the fact we threw him a party. I think he secretly loved it!

Happy Birthday to ME!

This year's New Year/Birthday Pajama Party was a hit! (at least with me it was!)  I was wearing my new PJ's (Thanks Mom) and adorned some stylish braids.  I shared many New Years kisses with some VERY handsome boys!

I think this Colby... (It is hard to tell those twins apart)

My B man

And...I think this is Zachary? I kissed them both all night!

We ate some birthday Cake - Good Job Julie!! It was YUMMY!

Played a little Mexican Train...Good times!

Loved up on some of my peeps...

Happy Birthday to me!

Thanks everyone for a great day!

Hello 2011!

I have been thinking about writing this post for sometime now, I wanted to share something profound and have you close my blog window in awe of how deep and self aware I am.  Unfortunately, I have come to the conclusion that my deepness lies WAY down and I am not very good at expressing it in words.

I have been reading other blogs in hopes that they would inspire me to share something great. They HAVE inspired me! I have laughed and cried and nodded my head in agreement, so I have decided to share my one resolution.

LIVE IN THE MOMENT

I will enjoy what is happening as it comes my way.  I will try not to stress about what will come tomorrow. I will take in stride the hardships with my head held high knowing how much I am loved and how many people I am blessed to love. I will take more pictures to remember these great moments I am so lucky to be a part of. I will live in the moment.

To my people...I can't wait to make some great memories from 2011!

**In addition, there is this blog called Enjoying The Small Things. This is the blog that I read and finish in awe of a woman who can write exactly what she feels and a woman in which I would love to be like. If you have never read it, you should. (Thanks Melissa for the link - Even though I told you not to send me stuff that makes me cry.)  She is currently raising money for the National Down Syndrome Society in honor of her daughter, Nella's  first birthday. (clink the link on the top of her page) SHE IS AMAZING!)
http://www.kellehampton.com/2011/01/pay-it-forwardrock-oneder-fund.html

San Francisco City Lights

Every year for my Mom's birthday we take a family short. We find destination that is not too far away and we go for the night!  Over that last few years we have learned a few things:
1. The boys DO NOT like to shop.
2. Everyone in the same car is VERY BAD idea.
3. Keith should not be in charge of the directions.
4. And... my mom does NOT like to relax...she like to do 'THINGS'.

This year Dorothy had the bright idea to go to San Francisco as tourists.  We booked our rooms, booked our city lights tour in our vintage car and scoped out some yummy places to eat.
Unfortunately, it rained and rained and rained. Our hotel was right on Fisherman's wharf for the sole purpose of being able to walk to all the fun stuff the shore had in store. So, this turned into running in the rain to our destination.  When we arrived at our tour they had rescheduled for the next day, as it was raining to hard to see all the sights. The tour guide kindly offered to drive us to a GREAT Italian restaurant that he LOVES!  It was a quaint little hole in wall that was, of course, full because it sat like 10 people.  But, we assumed it was because it was worth the wait. WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  This place sucked! The whole group was so disappointed we vowed to speak of it again ( not really, I just added that for dramatic value). But really NEVER eat at La Osteria del Forno= GROSS.

We went on our freezing cold tour the next day, ate clam chowder and had a super fun time!
Another successful Family Short!

Thanksgiving

I know it is a little late...but really I LOVE Thanksgiving! This year was a BEST OF... We had new little Baby Bishop, it was a quiet, cuddly, low key day filled with lots of love and too much food!  I am so thankful for all my people- my cup runneth over!

The Spirit of MO HILL

Every year MH has their little Christmas parade/ tree lighting ceremony. (REALLY Little) It is a time for gathering, drinking warm beverages, freezing your extremeties, seeing acquaintances you wouldn't normally see and just sharing in the season. It is never really something you look forward to going to, but you are always glad you went.
And when your mom makes you roast for dinner it makes it even better! (Thanks MOM!)