Halloween Fun!

Josh at our annual pumpkin carving party!
Most of our pumpkin masterpieces on display!
Maya Mouse playing on the couch!
Jack as Jengo Fett, Star Wars Bounty Hunter
Jengo Jack, Coral, Maya, Spider Ryan and Ninja Gannon all ready to do some serious trick or treating!

In between kids being sick, we've managed to have a little bit of Halloween fun! Coming up...Maya's 1st Birthday! Let's hope no one is sick this weekend for the festivities!

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!

Thursdays with Grandpa

Russell + Debbie

Love in the early days...this was taken in a suite at the Oakland A's ballpark on retro day. Hence the blue A's hat! The whole crew (family & friends) took BART to the game and enjoyed the view from the luxury suite that Christy was able to finagle for us!

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

My Grandpa Frank was born September 23, 1910 and passed away in December 2001 while I was pregnant with Jack. Grandpa's mind was sharp until the end, it is just that his body gave out. I think about him all the time and have told Jack countless stories. Today, after breakfast at Pancake Circus with Grammy, Hal, Jack and Maya - we set out to visit Grandpa and Grandma and introduce them to Maya! My grandparents gave me so much growing up...memories, experiences...lots of fun times and I want to make sure I give the same to my children. I only wish Jack and Maya could have met you in person. Hal was lucky to meet you when he was an infant. I love you gramps!

At the Park

Jack and Maya enjoy the park on these mild weather days! Jack starts Kindergarten at 11:40 am and so we've been playing at the local park and then walking the short distance to school. Maya loves to watch Jack go down the slide. Notice how Jack's hair stands up on end when he goes down the slide - it is hilarious!

Family Fun

These are some pictures taken from last weekend with all the cousins and friends at various get togethers. As you can see, we all had so much fun!

A few pictures from Hal's Party

Hal & friends enjoy waffles, playtime and the pinata!

Happy 6th Birthday Hallie!

Today, my nephew Hal is 6 years old! I remember when he was born like it was yesterday. I was pregnant and afraid because I was having a boy and didn't know anything about them. September 11th had just happened and I was scared about everything in the world and generally anxious all the time. Then, sweet little Hal was born and I learned that boys aren't scary and I got excited to have my own. And now here we are 6 years later and Jack and Hal are best buds/cousins who've spent almost every day together since Jack was born. The boys are night and day to each other but are as close as any twins could ever be. I gave up news watching to get over my anxiety about the state of the world and decided way back then to focus on the little ones in our family and to learn through their eyes. Tomorrow we celebrate Hal's birthday in his backyard with games, a pinata and his absolute favorite food in the whole world - WAFFLES!!!! I'll post a picture tomorrow, but in the meantime, here are a few goodies of Hal!

More memories

The first picture was taken probably 25 years ago - my Dad, me, uncle Chuck and Michael. We went on a week-long camping trip, fishing and riding the 3-wheeler at each campground. We went during summer and hit both temperature extremes. I remember my surprise at seeing the snow at Alpine Lake! The second pic is uncle Chuck. Somewhere, there are pics of all us doing jumps and silly stuff on the 3-wheeler. The last picture features my grandpa Frank on the left and my dad on the right. A regular holiday poker game. I miss you, grandpa!

Looking Back...

I'm transferring data from my old laptop and went through some of my archived pictures. Enjoy! The first pic is of Jack and Daphne in the backyard. Next is Hal and Jack with baby Ryan (almost 4 now!) in their floaties! Next is Jack and Dada swimming and finally, we have Jack tentative about shaking the hand of Smokey and Hal ready to make his acquaintence!

Happy Birthday, Russell!

My dear hubby is another year older and aging like a fine wine! Here is a cute pic taken over the weekend with Dada, Jack and Maya!

Miss Maya Papaya

These were taken by my dear friend Lindsay...she rocks! (Outfit courtesy of Auntie Christine)