Thanksgiving 2010

I often ask myself at Thanksgiving...What am I really thankful for...here a few of the things:

• My health...and my childrens health and safety
• A wonderful man who gives me more than monetary can afford. He shows me a strong sense of love, security and patience. He's taught me that no matter what we have eachother. And to be strong for one another. And that we are.
• My kids love me like nothing else in this world. And tell me often.
• My parents for raising me to be a good girl. To be a good mom. My dad for teaching me to appreciate nature and respect all animals. Big or small.
• My grandmother who taught me to always be a lady and look your best. Or at least try. haha.
• The material things I have that make me more comfortable in every way.
• I am very Thankful for my Family and my friends.

I had this pumpkin on my porch all of October. I brought it up to Havasu, hallowed it out..and Kali filled it with flowers. We put it outside for dinner seating. However it was arctic freezing outside. Windy and beyond cold. Lows were 38 degrees. No outside seating for us this year!

Our little feast. And we ate it all. No leftovers for Turkey Sandwiches on white with avocado the next day....! Maybe next year.....

What makes my Thanksgiving gatherings sweet...

Every year after Bill's done carving the turkey the kids take the carcaus to this river bed along side our homes. One Thanksgiving evening we sat out by the fire, and heard the Coyote's come along down their path to the lake and when they found this surprise you could hear them howling with happiness. Our little gift to them.

I've always loved to gather friends and family together. This year Bill's family came up. My last hosting was for my family. I missed my family this year. It's funny how every family has their own little traditions. Whether it's the way the turkey is done, or the stuffing...(my cousins is amazing) or the way my Aunts helps carve the finishing touches of the turkey...Although preparing a big meal for everyone can be a little stressful...(because I like cute little touches to everything..detail detail detail!) I try to remember why we are there. And really the little details don't matter as much as knowing everyone made it there safely. To think we all live 350 miles away...we gather, we have fun...we eat, drink and enjoy the company of others. Especially the kids. Pictured is Mitchell and Ava...Kali and Riki. They were teaching Mitchell the song "The wheels on the bus go round and round"- Our kitchen...while everyone enjoyed their meal.

Lance, Shirley, Derek and Bill.

I have to say I heard from several people this night that my gravy, stuffing and green beans were absolutely amazing. I do make my gravy from scratch (Thank you Mom) and it felt darn good to hear that. When you are a perfectionist like myself, the more perfect things turn out, the better. Especially when your elders, inlaws, and pro cookers are staring over the counter as you finish up the final touches. No pressure at all! haha. But it feels so good to be complimented on something you fret. It makes it all worth it times ten.

Pictured above, from left to right.. Gaylord, Jordan, Larry and Art.

Freezing wind, Fox's, Food, Fun, Family and Friends...

Fox's is a bar on the river in Parker. It's a floating dock. Fun place to people watch, get a good strong bloody mary...laugh with friends...laugh at maybe new friends..and just enjoy the view. Kali was being a good trooper. She never really wanted to go back, simply because she said last year it felt funny not having our traditional dinner at home, and sitting at this place felt wierd. That's why we had our own dinner the night before at home. Just for little Miss. Kali. There were a few boats that did make passes. That's my favorite part. A fast boat, good drinks, fun times with friends...Good times-

That's Russell on the dock....helping this boat if needed....

Bingo and Karoake is the hit of the place to keep warm, have fun...and enjoy time with the little ones too. For me, I'm not the bingo type, Kali loved it. Actually all the kids loved it, and Grandma loved it so much, and just in the company of friends and kids makes her day.

Derek's mom won $200.00 on bingo! That's our friend Kylene. She's a super cool girl, and loves that we drive over to hang at Fox's too!

Jaymee and Gaylord. Enjoying the money wallpapered Fox's. Drinks and more drinks! Ohh and that's Manny in the background.

Sean and friends....

Miss. Kali staying warm. Or being used as a jacket depot.

Grandma Shirley....looking over at Gaylord. hmmm wonder what she's thinking....

Because he was doing this... And the music was so loud, we couldn't hear what anyone was saying anyways....hahaha. Maybe he was saying "get me a drink"- or...."who watered this one down"-

Vicki and Joni-

Mr. Fatal Bill and Derek.

Derek Slayton 18 years.

The London Bridge Polar Swim 2010

Every year on the friday after Thanksgiving it's a tradition in Havasu to challenge the waters and race from one side to the other. Whoever wins gets to turn the lights on the bridge and surrounding stores...with music, they win money and their picture is on the front page of the paper. Well this was our nephew Derek's 3rd year at giving it a shot for 1st place. The weather was exceptionally cold this year. His brother Devin came out this year to give it a shot...here they are on stage. Derek actually took 4th. Devin was 6th. Pretty impressed for Devin to come out and challenge something so gnarly. Some 40 year old dude (who looked like he was on steriods..j/k won 1st). Whatev! haha Here is Jordan, Devin and Derek. Derek heard from his girlfriend that rubbing vaseline on you before a very cold race helps rid the chill. That's why they look extra shiny. Good job guys! That was amazing....

Just shortly before the race...the anticipation was crazy. There was a little platform out there this year for anyone too cold to make it. That platform was full. It was super duper cold this year.

All lined up and ready...they actually line the entire dock side...so when they jump it's a crazy free for all. You see them start, then sort out, the good swimmers, the kids, the charity swimmers, etc. This year, kind of like Dereks first year, he veered to one side and then corrected it. That correction cost him a quicker time. So we've decided to let him tell us whether he wants to do it again...Either way...he knows, his Auntie Lisa and Uncle Bill will do whatever....

After the race...all the lights on for the holidays....

Before we left to the race. We make a sign every year. Devin decided kind of last minute that he wanted to race. That's why his sign is a little smaller. Couldn't find one that big in town.

Although they are guys...it's still nice to see their signs, held up high on the bridge representing what we're there to be. Support. (And I think they really do like it )

Kali, Ava and Riki. We build our little traditional fire in the channel. This year the water was way up and it was funny to be so close to the wall. But still a warm fire is always a great way to start up that exciting night.

Devin and Joni. Joni and Russell (Derek and Devin's parents) normally plan other things for Thanksgiving but we've had Derek for the last few years doing this little traditional race. This year they drove over from Parker, (the river) to watch the race and hang with friends.

Derek, Kali, Riki and Devin. Going over a few things before the race.

It's so strange to be in the channel by the fire when a few months ago we were sitting in the boat, searching for shade...cold drinks and sunblock.

San Fran, Bucks and Bikes...Thanksgiving 2010

Kris has just launched a new website called "Livebrokeriderich.com" His latest passion is selling bikes online. He gets them, fixes them up, and turns them. It's all part of his plan to buy his first house. He's saving like a mad man right now (and doing pretty darn well!). He's been consolidating his toys, selling things he doesn't use, (dirt bikes), and being very frugal. I pray he finds what he likes, I pray he loves what he does. Life is short, money is important, houses are important...but happiness is the key to our heart. It really is. "Seagull fly" as one of my favorite songs sings...My little Bucks boy here...swapped pictures on accident. So here he is first... San Fran, Bucks and Bikes. Kris' holiday 2010

WWW. LIVEBROKERIDERICH.COM

Spreading the word in San Fran...one of the biggest bike riding cities... for "Fixie's"

Holiday in San Francisco Thanksgiving 2010

The cutest part of this picture, to me...Since Kris has been in my tummy I kept a journal. I wrote a little book to him. I have journaled so many things to him. For him, with him...watching him grow. Now that he's 21, I try to keep little things that will mean something to his wife, his kids...The part that is super cute to me, is now he journals his life through pictures, through stories (on Facebook- lol). When he was little everyone laughed at how many things I kept, how many little milestones I caught. (yes I was a wierdo..I have his first bandaid, his first babyfood jar label...haha) If you can keep it near, and organized....I don't think a child will ever miss a moment a parent captures. They simply won't. Why not remind them. The area he visited was especially important for his new bike website, while passing folks to pass the word. Spreading the word as they say....Look at little Bucks in his backpack. He loves going for rides. He loves just being with Kris. No matter what they're doing.

Wheelie boy. Look how clear San Francisco is. That's pretty neat.

Wheelie boy and Bucks in the background checking everything out. Kris told me Bucks was really afraid of the water below. Don't know why, when he's on the dock with us, he's a little dare devil. Maybe he knows he's super far from home, and if he falls in there....that's it. haha

Kris said the riding trails and people were really cool. Everything is plush, and everyone was kind. I hope he holds happy memories there....hmm Clam Chowder on Thanksgiving...hey..whatever works.

Love to live your life.....

And so they toured the city...inside and out...traveling the streets, on bikes. Although it was a holiday weekend, there was plenty of space to park, ride, play with Bucks, and chill.

As he strolled into the city...He was sending me pictures while I was hosting a dinner for family and friends in Havasu and it melted my heart to know he was so far from us. I missed him so much. As a parent I wonder when (or if you ever do) get over the feeling of wanting your kids with you for the holidays..Especially boys. Friends are really important to Kris. I have to say...I love his friends, so I'm glad they do these fun things...I'm so proud of him to have the independant nature to go. To go where his desire told him to. His stories are great, his pictures are amazing. Here are just a few of what he seen. And you know Kris, he met girls, and new friends....He actually met some girls from Australia, they were so sweet and kind. They had dinner at The Warf, enjoyed Clam Chowder...And just like that...they were gone....

A view from one bridge looking over at The Golden Gate Bridge.....November 24th.2010 -This was the first picture I get, waking up Wednesday morning...from Kris..."I miss you, and in San Francisco!"

Don't blink.....

Kali is now 14 1/2. I came across these pictures over the weekend, and they made me smile. Funny to look back at how sweet it was...dressing her, every bow to match, every outfit...slathering her with lotion, bundling her up on cold winter nights to watch boats go bye...simple and sweet. oh and that little thumb in her mouth (would drive Bill nuts!) Time simply does fly by....at the time when their little you don't really think so, but when you look back, each birthday, each holiday..comes and goes pretty fast..and before you know it...they're in high school.

She's showing us she's "5" The next day was her birthday party at the bay....

Hi-Ho Cherry-O's. Her favorite favorite game. Now it's up in the closet. Waiting to be played by her kids someday. By then, I bet everything will be digital. Hope not.

Los Alamitos High School FROSH/SOPH 2010-2011

We had our "get-to-know" eachother party at The Okino Home. Most of the girls already know eachother from school and camp but it was nice to mingle and get to know the other parents. We met Coach Katie...(I was introduced and gave a little tid-bit about myself and what I will do for our team) we had a wonderful potluck dinner of pasta's, salads, and of course wine and yummy deserts. At our little fun table from left to right, Hy-Mark-Kyoko-Me-Lori and Bill

After Kali made the team I received a phone call...asking to jump on board to help Represent the Frosh/Soph girls. Well I said "Sure"! Of course most of you that know me, I like to add cute little things on anything I'm asked to help with. Just as a Team mom would, I will help these girls through this season. I will assist their coach with anything needed "behind the scenes"- I made these cute stars for each bag prior to our Kick-off meeting where parents only come and attend a meeting, pick up their daughters bags, pay their dues..etc. Bill offered to help Mama, so I figured this was another quick way to help his eyes as each parent approached. And boy did it ever! As I say....it's the little things....
Can you see Lil Bucks (Kris' dog) hiding in the bags...?

Our United Soccer Memory that will last forever.....

Kali started playing club in 2007...she made friends with all the girls very fast. Each season, we learned, she learned, she improved...she became stronger, tougher, and better. I made some very good friends, friends that I will hold close forever. When you join different sports, and clubs, normally you meet people, your daughter or son meet different people, and it kind of evolves into something quick...and just that. A sport. But we were different, what we had was different. We ALL went through so much together. We watched our daughters grow into teenagers, from braces, to girl stuff, to little boyfriends, than onto dances...We sat out in the freezing cold, endured 100 degree days during games...walked together, drank wine together....We were United. Here was a group of us moms and dads, that got along so well..Our club changed quickly in the last few months. Once girls approach High School and begin to play for their school, there are regulations, and changes that occur. We have decided to part ways with our Club, but will remain close and friends for years to come. Kali had some amazing coaches, mentors, and friends that will hold a special place in her soccer memories and skill forever....Here is her retired United/Viking Club #13. Our last weekend playing together... so sad!!

Coach David Moo, remaining positive, supportive, while saying "Good-bye".

Kali with both coaches. "Alex and David" And of course Miss. Kaitlyn and Kali.....

FOREVER UNITED...FOREVER FRIENDS....