Girl's Night Out!

My beautiful girls!

Heather, Brenda, Kathy, Tracy, Cindy, Sandee, Me & Andria

Cindy & I got to celebrate our birthdays together at DaVinci's and it was so much fun!
Tracy, Me & My little Sis, Heather
Me & Kathy

Dodi, Cindy, Brenda & Kathy

Our Son, David - The Ironman!

We are so proud of David (even though I think he's a little crazy). He has run his third Ironman, setting personal records in all events. For those of you who don't know what an Ironman entails, here it is: A 2.4 Mile Swim, a 112 Mile Bike and then A FULL MARATHON 26.2 Mile Run. David placed 624th out of 2065 finishing participants! Pretty Dang Good! Like I said, we are proud of him. Dave has always been goal orientated and has always succeded at making that goal. His wonderful wife and girl's are are a huge part of his success too as they support him in his dedication and commitment to training.

A Fun Night at the Fair!

Alex and I had a fun time at the State Fair with the Zakaib Family (minus Jane). I LOVE the fair! We played a lot of the games and won a few stuffed animals, ate greasy fair food and went on one CRAZY ride! IT WAS SO FUN!

Burn Day!

THis tight down the street from my house. A regular occurrence in the late summer here in Stayton. The farmers are burning the left over straw after harvesting the grass seed. It's over in just a few minutes but it's exciting to watch!

My Poem...

My wonderful son wrote this poem for me for my birthday.

Dear Mom,

My Mothers eyes are as hypnotically beautiful as the ocean under the moon on a cloudless night.

My Mothers hands are as loving and caring as a mama bear.

My Mothers smile will light up a room like the moon illuminates the night.

My Mothers laugh will make anyone smile or giggle who hears it because it sends out a good vibe of joy and happiness.

My Mothers hair is as gorgeous as a garden of stargazers in bloom.

Love,
Alex

Ruby Tuesday

For Ruby Tuesday I chose one of my favorite Georgia O'Keeffe paintings, Red Canna.

If you want to participate in Ruby Tuesday, post a picture(s) of anything red and click here.

The Cook Islands

Joe and Syren have made it to the Cook Islands! Never heard of them? Don't know where they are? Here's a little map for you....it's just another beautiful tropical paradise.

Check out their money! Is that cool or what??!!!

Joe and I actually have been there before, back in 1993. It is still one of my most favorite trips we have ever gone on. The island is so small (20 miles around) and the people are SO friendly. It's was so authentic. I hope it hasn't changed too much....I always wish I could have made it back there (yes, I am a bit envious Joe is there without me).

Look how young we are!

My Wonderful Trainer!

This is Steve Chen, my personal trainer (or is it torturer?). He's been my trainer since 2003. If I didn't train with him two times a week I'm not sure what shape I'd be in (a scary thought)! Unfortunately, I'm one of his worst clients these days as I don't do a thing he tells me to do! If I did, I'd have a rockin' bod like I did back in the day. But, we all know how much I like my wine these days so don't blame Steve, he tries, he really does.....

I need a ranch hand....

OK, so Joe is gone and that means I have to take care of the ranch....I've got this nasty Tansy growing all over the place and I need to kill it!

I don't suppose any of my dear friends know how to hook up this sprayerto this tractor?????

Yeah, probably not, huh? I guess I'll just have to place that add for a ranch hand ;-)

What's in a Wordle?

Click on the image too see my Wordle made from my blog and to make your own!

Living Will....

Cindy sent this to me as she knew how much I would appreciate it...especially since I am sitting at the computer drinking wine!
MY LIVING WILL... Last night, my friend and I were sitting in the living room and I said to her, "I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine and fluids from a bottle. If that ever happens, just pull the plug." She got up, unplugged the computer, and threw out my wine. She's such a bitch.....

Beautiful Sunsets From Bora Bora

These pics were taken by Ryan on board Syren...magnificent!

A trip to Bora Bora would not be complete without a drink at Bloddy Mary's!

School Shopping...

Alex is not one to shop. I practically had to drag him to the outlet mall to get some new clothes for school. If I had to look at the 3 grungy t-shirts he constantly wears again, I was going to scream! So they were having some awesome sales (10 bucks for a t-shirt and 25 for jeans! why can't I find those kinds of deals?) and he got into the swing of shopping and ended up with some cool stuff. Here he is showing off his loot! One item he wanted that I refused to purchase: men's cologne. I'm not ready for that!

Mia Turns 3!

I can't believe Mia is already 3 years old! She is just the sweetest little thing. She's very much into her babies and playing with her dollhouse. I got her this minivan with the "Loving Family" and I don't think she put it down for the two days we were there.
Alex and I had a fun time with the girls, David & Kelli this weekend. I just LOVE being Nana. It brings back so many memories of when Alex was little but at the same time I cherish being a part of Olivia and Mia's memories (going to Nana and Papa Joe's house, reading stories, making gingerbread houses, playing games).

Alex played endless games of Hide & Seek and he nearly toppled the swing set! He's getting WAY too big too!

Olivia showing her "skills"!

But look what Uncle Alex can do!

Summer Fun!

Alex, Charlie & Jack having fun!Jack & Larry take a turn.

I enjoyed playing with Laura's baby boys!

The Awesome Jack!
Oh, soooooo close!

Laura, Landon & Lach (he did not like that life vest!)

"Lead Foot" Brenda as I like to call her! :-)
My buddy, Larry.
We took our first Mambo ride together!

I just love Summer...the hot sun, cool water and tubing on the lake! My wonderful Ya Ya Sistah, Brenda invited us up to Detroit Lake to play on her ski boat. Laura and her four boys were able to join us too so we had a boat full of boys! We had SOOOO much fun on the lake! It was a perfect day. The Mombo is a blast! I went on it for the first time, and although my neck muscles are not quite recovered, I really enjoyed it. Alex and Larry tried wakeboarding...not as easy as Jack made it seem! They gave it all their efforts but still need some more practice...maybe next time! We've all decided that we need to have our own boats; it's just too much fun! Thanks, Brenda for the wonderful day!

A Visit From Good Friends!

Alex and I got to enjoy the company of Rod, Charlotte, Kari and Morgan for a couple days. We met this wonderful family down in Puerto Vallarta. Being cruisers, we all bonded quickly (along with Dennis & Linda on S/V Rapture). They were such a big help to Joe when he was down there getting ready to "jump the puddle". They are from way, way up north in beautiful British Columbia but now live on their boat in P.V. It was our pleasure to have them take a break from their road trip (B.C. to P.V.!) and for me to get to show them my house and little town of Stayton. I look forward to being able to get down and see them in Puerto Vallarta again soon!

Syren in the South Pacific

Syren at anchor in Huahine.

Ryan, Helene & Joe
Love the color of the water - Tahaa!

Tahaa

Gorgeous!
I guess Syren is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?

Huahine

I finally got some pictures from the crew on Syren. Ryan and Helene are with Joe sailing the south seas. It is beautiful there....I must admit I'm a little envious now!

A Camo Belt for Alex!

Alex is doing so well in Taekwondo! He now as acheived the rank of Camo Belt. He gets taller and stronger every day; now almost 4 inches taller than his mom! He'll be as tall as Joe before we know it.

Oh How I Love First Wednesday!

Since the first Wednesday of each month is when we Ya Ya's get together it is my favorite day of the month. We just have so much fun together! I love my girls!

Surprisingly, I was one of the winners (along with Kathy)!Oh, so sad, for the losers! Better luck next time, Jamie, Brenda, Laura and Cindy...

p.s. Thanks to Laura for the photos (I stole them from her blog!)