Thank you Matt... For protecting our Country..See you when you get back!

My son has had the same group of friends, all through High School...They are all very close. As the years have passed, most are in school, others working..and figuring out "what next" Matt comes from a family of Marines. He knew he wanted to serve when he got the chance. A few months back he started his residency at Los Alamitos base, preparing for his departure. As much as I have my views of the War, and it's contents, I support him. I was sad when I heard he was leaving. I guess I'm just worried about him. I have some cute pictures of them riding...their group of riding friends, and the chicks that stick by them...haha. Thank you Matt. May you have a safe journey, and know your friends and friends mama's are waiting for your return. Good Luck Matt! See you when you get back......

The 2nd BEST Title to 1st! We are SILVER!

The girls gave it all they could...the families did too. Talk about the jitters. All we've been through, all the girls have walked across...came down to a fight for first. El Segundo took 2-1 over us. Parents had celebration goods, champagne for parents, and sparkling cider for the girls, but our celebration meant our transition from Bronze to Silver. Lots of tears, a moment of sadness..and months and months of training to get us here. Here is Coach Dax giving his "Thanks" or "Suggestions" to the Refs of this game. The one on the left was terrible. But we'll leave it at that. Hint: Handballs are really considered fouls in the game of Soccer. Good Job United! Tears, friendships..and love...TEAM UNITED! That was it....

McKenna, Hailey, Hannah, Jasmine, Kali #13 and Miss. Alexa...Don't be sad!

As the polite girls do in our town...Cheers and raise a glass to hardwork!

Look at Kali in the backround. ugh. Tough ride home.

This is it! 11/15/09 Come on girls! YOU CAN DO IT!

We are in first place, we've come a loooooonnnng way. The girls have worked incredibly hard, dedicated many hours, suffered minor aches and injuries....coaching "lesson talks"- bench sitting, traveling around to various places...in the heat...in the cold. This is it. Today we have to win. In order to sit on the top and roll into Silver. You can do it girls. You are amazing. So proud of you Kali. You have given everything, worked hard, and played harder. Happy Birthday Miss. Savannah! What a party! Soccer girls cleaned up.....

Fundraisers, Parties...and Friends...

Soccer teams come and go...friends come and go. But this team is unique. This recipe blends so well. The families, the girls, the siblings...all have a bond that is amazing. We are the only team in our bracket without any "cards"- Which ultimately reveal, respect, honor and.... more respect. Here is a fundraiser breakfast that was put together by Maria. Alex, Van, Dax, Tim, Tony and Mary...to name a few....

My friend Mary. Super fun party for Savannah....

My friend Kyoko. A blast blast blast.....party! Good job Kyoko and Mark. Super cute parents, and hosts'-

Thanksgiving and the London Bridge Swim!

The day after Thanksgiving..Lake Havasu hosts' a swim across the channel. Brave swimmers, young and old partake. The swim starts on this side, with a race to the other. The first person gets $100.00; a picture on the front page of the Havasu Newspaper, and the honor of lighting the bridge and surrounding Christmas lights for the holiday season. The water is freezing, the crowds are huge, and the adrenaline is powerful. Last year Derek competed with over 100 people, the bridge is lined with folks, music and crowds cheering. He took 5th. But this year, he's on a mission. He has a plan, and we are so excited for him. The cute part, is you can park your boat, in the channel, and have a little fire in the sand...I make leftover turkey sandwiches, we have wine, and the kids have hot chocolate. Super cute, super fun, and it's cold. Such a change from the 110'- Good luck Derek! The sunsets from our home are fabulous. One of my favorite things....Sunsets in the winter. Our entire family will gather nightly to toast goodnight to Mr. Sun.

Mr. Jacuzzi gets used more than ever during this time of year.

The firepit becomes our closest friend too.

And another year is coming to a close. How lucky we are to be alive, healthy and together with friends and family.

Happy Birthday Tori "14"

Every year my sister generates a pretty big party. Tori almost came to this world on Halloween, but managed to arrive on November 1st 1995. Her parties usually consist of costumes, super fun games, good food and lots of kids and people. This year, my sister simplified things, and I can't express in words how intimate, cozy and sweet the night was. She made an awesome dinner...homemade cake...and we sat outside and ate by candlelight. Isn't that what life was about when we were kids. Simple and homemade. Good job Tina- Here is Tori with her cousins Ivie and Kali... Lovin the love. Here is the Birthday Girl. Finally 14.....

Candlelit dinner. Enchiladas..a super yummy salad and really good rice made by her Aunt Tonya.

Her cake. Made by Mom. Her cousins Ivie and Levi.

Fall Sunsets on PCH...

It's this time of year...the water is great...the sunsets are amazing...and you can see the island like it's a skip away. Bill and I just dropped Kali off with the girls and as we're heading over the bridges...this is what we see. It's 5 o'clock somewhere....Margarita time.

Friends and Halloween Fun....2009

The Friday before Halloween Kali had some fun with her buddies...McKenzie and Madison. This day at school was dress up, so the girls did Tie-dye. Practice night and Gregg showed up with Dairy Queen for the girls, and walked across the field with this super funny outfit on. Now that's TEAM SPIRIT! GO UNITED!