Awwww a weekend alone....

Bill and I love to get away when we can, alone, to unwind from the daily duties of work, (for him..lots and lots of work...) and soccer and cab driving for me...and the typical daily stuff....I yearn to getaway, but the house almost seems too quiet when the kids aren't there (ask Bill you'd probably get a different answer.-hehe). Yes, it's nice to enjoy a schedule free weekend, a lazy lounge by the pool with magazines, but the house is happier with kids, friends and family.... This is mine and Bill's favorite spot for a Margarita and the sunset, or coffee and a warm blankie. Within the next 3 months, you won't see this fire, but you will see the pool and the table in the pool with the umbrella. We seen our snow bird's off (people that rented the guest room for a couple of months) After understanding that concept better, I really enjoyed my weekend. Really sweet and peaceful.

Sunsets...one of our favorite things...

This is one of the last shots I took....We have been buying so many pictures for the house; we decided now is the time to get our shots, that we love, and where we love.... I wouldn't frame this, but it was really funny how these ducks are so hungry in the channel. Two months from now, they'll be over fed, and won't care to come near you....but they actually raided our chips, climbed on the boat, and called many more friends over to enjoy. This dude actually bit Bill's toe while he sat there too...

Bill and I have always enjoyed this one cove where we could cruise into, out of the wind, away from the crazy partiers, and just chill. Years ago we came across Donkeys, so we call it Donkey cove. As we were laying in the sun, we look over....and there was just one.

Cocktails and Cheeseburgers...We stayed in, bbq'd burgers with some friends, and had a peaceful night in jacuzzi. Then the wind picked up.......

Hardwork and determination....

Working, working, working....

The calm before the summer storm....

Kali and the Sand Castles...Seal Beach...

Kali would test Bill to the limit at places of this sort...we'd walk by an exhibit and she'd touch the sand with the tip of her finger....meanwhile he was trying to control the situation and teach her NOT to touch...and on this day...I remember the struggle, we'd walk by...she'd touch, he'd say something...she'd wait for him to look away...she'd touch....he look back...ugh..hahahaha. Just remembering makes me laugh so hard....I showed him the picture and he laughed remembering the test she put him through.. He was probably wondering what the heck did he get himself into. Now she has him wrapped around her soul. She was 4 and trying to test him...Funny.

Where'd the time go?

Kris and Kali would sit on the dock and catch...."sharks.." and all kinds of crazy fish. I found these pictures today...and it seems like yesterday...Really. Kris is 11 here. Kali 4

Congrats Dominic and Janine!

Newlyweds....... This is Janine. She's cute, fun and sweet, an amazing cook and makes my cousin so happy.... They compliment eachother...We were able to visit their new home, (very cozy and beautiful!) meanwhile Janine prepared an amazing dinner for our entire family....
Annette and Dominic....February 27, 2010

My Aunt Susie and my sister....

Enjoying a nice night together....

Family times...

Lovebirds.... Dominic adding more wood to the cozy fire...and his paparrazi cousin (Lisa) snapping shots..also pictured is my Aunt Annette "Nettie"- She's mama to Dom...

Auntie Nettie in the kitchen....serving her delicious Lemon Cake....(pictured also is Andrea..with her head turned...)

This is my actual GODFATHER....and it made me laugh to snap this shot because I was calling him The Godfather...it was just funny to me... Alex...love the hat..

Little Miss. Ava talking to the fish...

Beach Day with Big Bucks....2/28/10

Kali and I met Kris down at Huntington's Dog Beach...and Bucks is so excited, he can barely keep his attention on us, much less a ball or toy. He's very interested in what other dogs are doing... This day was beautiful and sunny but enormous WAVES! 10 ft swells rolling in. His new friend "Effie"- She was adorable and so so friendly. She chased him around and played in the hole and chased him some more. Super sweet little dog.

Kali's tunnel....

Kali made this tunnel for "Bucks" and was determined to get him through. We eventually persuaded him with string cheese....

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad 43 Years!

I spoke to my dad yesterday while waiting for Kali at the ortho; he told me how they celebrated their day. Sweet simple and peaceful. That sums of my parents. I also told him how excited I was that my first bulbs actually blossomed. These tulip bulbs came from my parents town. During my visit in October, we visited a flower farm. While leaving for work this morning...they caught my eye. Bulbs are actually very easy to grow, you plant em' in the fall, and with all the rain...BAM you have flowers in the spring!

Happy Valentines Day 2010

Kali and I were quite surprised when Dad showed up with roses for her this year....She felt so lucky...the funny part, she wanted to keep them in her room, and I wanted them in the living room to add to the Valentine spirit.. haha. The little things. Our flowers...

The power of the word "Mom"

A super sweet Valentines day....Dog beach and Jan's Health bar for some yummy sandwiches...and soup.

I love this boy....

Buckaroo's 1st Beach Day...Valentines Day 2010

Bucks is a small little guy, and Dog Beach in Huntington offers quite the variety of dog sizes. Some of the medium size dogs seem to be more aggressive, yet the larger ones were so sweet to him. Beautiful day on the beach...Here is a furry friend and they chased eachother for a little while. Kristopher Age- 20 1/2

Dad from the hilltop. Didn't want to climb down the rocks we found....

Bucks' big friend. Super sweet dog...chased him with smiles. So cute.

SOOOOOO TIRED!!!!!!

Supercross and THE TAILGATORS...2010

Our supercross tailgate party is a good time! The boys get there early to save the spot, meanwhile Bill, Kali and I arrive around 1..as the afternoon progresses this trailer and ez up fill with fun and good food and munchies. The fun memories we have.... The calm before the storm..in this picture.

Bill and I hosted with Carne Asada, beans, and mama's homemade salsa. Yum Yum....And of course I had to add my little Valentine touch to everything.... Cupcakes and sweets for the girls.

The track....

Pictured is Sean and Jami with Bill, Kali and Kris. Miss Kali in the stadium. We weren't freezing for once!

Brace Face...2/10/2010..Let the fun begin....

The time is here, teenage mode in full force. We live very close to this Orthodontist office, and we were extremely impressed with their hospitality, business ethics, and sweet nature to teenagers and parents. I love this place.. Super cute inside....They also receive "points" for each visit, some for wearing "their" team shirt to each visit, some for arriving early and on time, and of course some for keeping their hygene at it's finest. The rewards are cute...healthy gift cards, mall certificates..etc...Any referrals are like gold to this place, therefore anyone searching for an incredible Ortho...this is the one! I promise you'll be impressed. On this day she received the "Separators"- She's sore, but ready to get these things on...

"Big Bucks"

Kris always wanted a dog; same with Kali....unfortunately, we are on the go too much, and I wouldn't commit to the bond, or "responsibility"- The month after Kris moved out...he went and bought "Bucks"- He's a Merle Chihuahua and so ugly he's cute. He has theee biggest ears. He comes to the shop everyday. Bill isn't too fond of the idea, and Bucks has had some little accidents here and there, but brings such happiness to many. Especially me. I never thought a little dog would melt my heart like he does. I took this picture while Kris was heading to the bank and he just stared at me until they pulled away.

Asleep on my desk. I know, bad habit, but in this world, with today's stress...just petting him makes all my troubles seem far. I love you little Bucks. And Kris you are a good daddy to him.

Awwwww the memories...1990..Me at 20 years old..

On this day...I will never forget. Kristopher and I started Swimming lessons together. He loved loved loved it. I found this picture today, and it made me smile. It made me remember those precious years of cuddling with this adorable baby boy. Talk about time flying... In this picture I am his age now....My priorities were so different than his now. My world surrounded him. These days, he's worried about who's goin' ridin, what's happening tonight...and the next fun moment...I worried about keeping him safe and happy.....

Kristopher M. Stahl 08/17/89

Sweet Memories Kali at 8... before hormones moved in...

Our lunch runs over to Long Beach...those warm summer afternoons, when the ocean was good to us, the times were precious, and Kali was just so sweet, and always so helpful. She learned boating etiquette very young, and can still tie up a boat better than some of our friends. The long Idle in.... So proud to drive...

Forever and ever....

Forever grateful to someone who works so hard for us.....

Remember the important things......

Family is to be treasured, loyalty is paramount, and faith will guide you through all times. Yesterday in Haiti, hundreds of thousands of people lost their lives. It really makes you think of the important things in life. Spending quality time with your loved ones, and telling them often how great they are, and how loved they will always be.

Miss. Kali 13 1/2 years. HB - California. On a beautiful sunny day during Winter.

I feel like this on Monday mornings.....

This is Miss. Abbie. She is my oldest kitty and stays in my bed alllll day. When I was leaving, I said goodbye and this is what she did. Cute.