joie de vivre

'a cheerful enjoyment of life'

Today is an anniversary, of sorts, for me.

In 1999 (gosh, that seems like a long time ago!) I was in an armed robbery.

The Good Lord sheltered me and protected me.

I am lucky, thankful, and blessed.

If I don't remember every day of the year, at least today I do remember to cherish this life.

Be life sweet, salty, spicy or cause me indigestion; I do cherish it and I will do my very best to enjoy it.

Don't Forget to be Awesome

I have been feeling sad lately - about a variety of things.

This brightened me up, more than just a little.

Love you Barney Stinson.

I Give Thanks for This Day

August 1st is by far, one of the better days of the entire year.

Why?

Because two of my very favorite people were born today.

The Good Lord knew exactly what the world needed, and blessed us with Q and Annie!

Each of them hold a significant place in my heart and I can't express how thankful I am for each of them.

Cheers, Mazel tov, Woot Woot, and an Ohhh Yeaahaaa (Little John style)!!

Happy Birthday to my Loves!!

Better L8 Than Never

We celebrated 8 years of marriage on the 26th.

I love my hubby.

Here are 8 great reasons why:

* he makes me laugh

* he is a wonderful father

* he creates silly songs to get our girls to do things...like brush their teeth, eat dinner...and the girls actually buy into to these crazy jingles

* he is patient, oh so very patient

* he is very content with the simplest of things

* he loves to be in the sunshine

* he still looks like a hottie in a baseball (okay, now it's softball) uniform

* he asks me every day: "have I told you that I love you today?" and my answer is always: "yes"

I Ruv Roo, Mr. Q

this is an old, old, old picture - but one of my favorites

My Graduate

Elsie graduated this past Friday.

She graduated from The Growing Tree where she has spent the last 5 years building self esteem, learning to share, learning that it's not okay to bite your friends (it's a seriously important life lesson), practicing her manors, making special connections with teachers and friends and figuring out that she has a strong love for learning that runs deep.

I am proud of Elsie.

I cried alligator tears beneath my aviators as I heard her teachers talk about how special she was to their class, The Blossoms.

They commended her on her thoughtfulness, her compassion and her killer puzzle-putting-together ability.

It seems so ironic that I cried, okay, let's be honest, I sobbed, the first day I left her there as a baby and started my journey as a 'working mom.' I remember feeling like the worst person in the world that day and seriously regretting every minute I was away...and then Friday, there I was crying again this time because I was so proud of all we have accomplished together...and a bit sad that this happy chapter of her life was coming to a close.

There is something very special, very much indescribable, and very genuine in how much this group of kids loves and cares for each other; after all, they have really known each other their entire lives. 

Claire, Mila (BFF), Oscar (future son-in-law), Elsie & Zane.

These kids love each other and I love them.

Congratulations Graduates!

Kindergarten here - we - cooommeee!!

1, 2, 200, 3 and...I'm IN!

One camping trip to the Rogue River.

This trip left me feeling like this:

Two books to report on:

1. Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom

Loved it.

Even though it is a pretty short read it took me a while to read it because it's loaded. It makes you think. I guess it takes me longer to think than I tought (ha!)

2. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Currently loving it.

It's like reading a book and talking to your BFF. She's a riot.

I'm pretty excited I can report on two books here. I can't remember the last time I actually started and finished and then started another book. It's a very big deal.

Two Hundred cookies:
Yep. I did it.

200 "perfect pair" cookies for a very sweet couple who got married two weeks ago.

Three weddings in three weeks:

Wedding numero uno - the camo and teal wedding.

Yes, camo.

It was truely one of a kind, even the cake had camo on it.

Wedding numero dos - the 'perfect pair' wedding.

The cookies were a huge success and the family photo-op isn't all that bad either...except I look like that Seasame Street song "which one of these things doesn't belong."

I should have nelt down too. 

Darn it! 



Wedding numero tres - at Willamette Valley Vineyards.

To say that this place was beautiful would be a serious understatement.
I love you Oregon Blossom...the best pink wine ever!

And, I'm In!

I finally, finally, finally am into Pinterest and I l.o.v.e. it.

I can see how it will be a total time-sucker.

Funny thing too, is that it's all over the blogs I follow right now.

I feel so trendy.



Whatcha Been Up To??

More like, what have we been up to?

It's been quite a while since the Wilson Girlzz bloggity blogged.

1st Up-To

Brynn's new bike

An Electra kids cruiser - just like her big sister's.

There's nothing more wonderful than surprising her and seeing her smile.

Even Elsie was super happy, now they can ride together - how cute are they?

2nd Up-To

Playing at Parks

It's been a record cold winter around here and we've had maybe just a handful of days with sun.

We hit up the parks as often as we can.

It might not be warm, but the fresh air feels fabulous!

3rd Up-To

Memorial Day Camping at Howard's Prarie

We packed up the trailer for the first time this year and headed  out with friends for Memorial Day camping.

We should know by now that the weather sucks in Oregon over Memorial Day.

In my best pirate voice:
"We froze oure blorddy arses off!"

A picture of Q (in his Clark Griswald hat) and Marley.

I'm inside the trailer. I am warm.

He is outside the trailer. He is freezing.

Sing this song, second verse same as the first.

Elsie and her new buddy Tim.

He successfully coaxed her out of the tin can we call home to teach her how to make S'mores.

He is now her best friend.

We'll be back soon!!