As I get older, I enjoy my parents more than ever. No one else will love me unconditionally like they do. Now that my dad caught the photography bug, we can enjoy taking pictures in interesting places. From a young age I always new he was an artist and has a creative mind. Its good to see both my mom and dad together and relaxed.

Being needed.

My son is brave. Always has been. He underwent a long surgery to correct his scoliosis and came out of it pretty unfazed and 2 inches taller. I took time off from work, prepared myself as best as I could. I knew that kids healed quickly, and that the surgery is pretty common but I honestly felt, for such a long time like I couldn't breathe until it was over. Sometimes I cant shut my mind off, as a result I don''t sleep, don't eat, and my thoughts become scattered. Thank god I had help.

I am so grateful for the nurses, his doctor, and my family for helping me to deal with the stress. What would I do without my parents and husband? Nick is walking, healing, doing just fine. It felt good to feel needed by him again. He may be 16 but he will always be my Nicolopogus.

Last day in San Clemente

I have an empty home in the desert waiting for me. Along with 115 degree heat and unrelenting sun. (the opposite of what I have had this past year.) I always loved cloudy skies, fog, the ocean, and sitting outside on the porch. I will miss all of those things. I will try to shift my focus on what I have, instead of what I am leaving behind. But for now, I am going to enjoy every moment today, just me, Tom and the doggies.

The best things in life are free

Taking a scenic walk through a park in Laguna is better than Disneyland in my opinion. Steveo got to test out his new shoes that he swears make him run faster and jump higher. We saw where a boy scout troop made a flag representing every country out of cement. I got to sit in the lavender garden with Tom, and at the top of the path is a labyrinth with an incredible view.

Gratitude, raindrops, cloudy skies, my camera, doggies, thoughts of my favorite people.

I am so grateful for so many things right now. I love all my people and animals. I love and adore my sons. Nick is getting so tall, he will probably be 6 ft soon. Steveo is an amazing boy with mass amounts of wisdom he shares with me on our long drives to the desert. I have friends that know me so well and have been through it all with me. I love my husband beyond words. I waited for him to come home from work today and realized how lucky I was. I sat on the porch waiting with Pearlie-Girlie and Nigel. We just sat in the rain and waited, perfectly content.

Casa Romantica

I have been wanting to see this house for a while. Since my parents were here for a visit, I thought this would be a good time. The house was bought by the city of San Clemente and restored to look like it did when it was first built in the 1920's (I think it was 1920's) This is my kind of sight seeing. I love old old buildings. The view of the ocean is the best part. Very peaceful place to visit. I will definitely be going back soon.

The Simple things bring me joy

Today after work I spent some time in Steveos world. It's cozy in there, especially when he plays Clair De Lune on the violin for me and Nigel. I am so proud. He can read music, and already knows 10 songs. Lately I want nothing more than to stay home and enjoy my surroundings. We move back in August and I am mentally preparing myself for another move and another adjustment and just savoring the moments here in this beautiful city we have called home for the last 6 months.

Foggy nights

I love the fog here at night. It reminds me of San Francisco, which happens to be one of my favorite cities to visit. My favorite place to go now is Dana Point, this one spot I go to is never crowded and I can just sit with my headphones on and people watch. Steveo misses the desert and is looking forward to the move back. All I can do is embrace the closeness the 3 of us have experienced since moving in and make the most of our remaining months here.

Enjoying the scenery

A couple of weeks ago we walked downtown with Bellula and of course I took my camera and snapped away. My favorite sighting was the Cherry Blossoms. I will always have a love of cherry blossoms, they were the theme of my wedding.