My friend Barbara

Oh, almost 20 years ago, I met my dear friend Barbara (Levin) White. You see, the office manager at CSAC told me that she hired Barbara to be my friend. Well, Bev was right because Barbara and I forged a really close friendship and did everything together until she moved back to Ramona years ago. We've still maintained our friendship over the years, although we don't get to see each other as often as we'd like. In 2004, Barbara and Bill lost their home to the wildfires in Ramona and Barbara's mom Carol lost her home as well. Well, now the fires are ravaging the area again and although at this writing, Barbara's home still stands, everything around it is burned, including their well their house has sustained some damage. These pictures were taken in 2005 when we went for a visit, right after Barbara's house was re-built. I hate that she is going through this again so soon. It isn't fair. Love you, Barbara!

Maya's Blessing

Well, I can't get the video to load via blogger, so I'll load it to u-tube!

Day of Respect

Today is "Day of Respect" at my son's school. This is the 7th year of this important event that brings people from all walks of life to the school to teach the children about diversity, different jobs, exposes them to people and things from all walks of life. It also was the dedication of their International Peace Rose Garden, one of only of few in the world. There was a blessing by some Native Americans, led by a woman from Mexico and I was so moved by her blessing of the new rose garden, that when the ceremony ended, I talked to her and introduced her to Maya and she gave Maya a blessing. It was so moving that I'm still all teary-eyed and emotional about it. I want Maya to notive her history as a Mayan Indian. I'm including a short video of the blessing and also some pictures of the day, including a 1940's Army helicopter that landed at the school and the kids got to get inside and try it out. Police and fire were there, a librarian, a woman with dogs, a man with a parrot and more. They traveled around to each classroom talking about life and respect and everything under the sun.

Watching Like a Hawk

Maya and I were driving in the grocery store parking lot yesterday when we saw this Swainson's Hawk perched on the stop sign. It was amazing to see him up close and personal. My mom posted the frontal view picture on her West Sacramento photo of the day web site if you want to take a look, I have a link posted on the right side of this page.

Squeaky Clean

I gave Maya a bath in the kitchen sink the other night and she loved it! So much has changed since we brought her home in late July. She is now cruising the furniture and can pull herself up into a standing position against almost anything. I'm pretty confident I'll be winning the walking bet I have with Russ! I bet she'll be walking on her by Christmas. She is a determined and curious little chica and we are having the best time with her.

Cousins

Maya met her cousins Jordan and Matthew for the first time!

Weekend Fun

Last weekend, we enjoyed a picnic up in Plymouth. This picture was taken at Young's Vineyard. Hal, Maya, Jack, Ryan and their friend Aidan!
Silly boys! Aidan's family joined us for a fun picnic!
Michael kisses the monkey!
Maya lets aunt Joanie give her a bottle and a nap! This is not an easy task!
Maya crawls around and get nosy. First stop, Tina's purse!

Johnson Visit

Dada, with Maya and "Hey Yo!"

We drove up to Carson City on Sunday for a quick visit with grandpa Jake and 2 of his older brothers who are on a road trip around the states. Great uncle Sid is on the left and uncle Maury is the middle and that is Maya with grandpa Jake!