Fast Friend Friday . . . back at it !!!

Momma Bear

Need I say More. . . .

Love You Carol !!!!

I LOVE . . .

In no particular order. . .

My husband

My boy

My baby girl

my dogs

Neil Young music

feeling needed

mexican food

chocolate

funny stories

bbqs at friends

wearing PJ's all day

Cafe Rio

getting my toes done

my family - near and far

memories

busy vacations

sand between my toes

Grand Tetons National Park

crab

talking and sharing

not being ashamed

Pomogrante Mike's Hard Lemonade

watching my kids swim hard

proving a point

share with me your loves. . . .

Life is good . . .

I sit, and think, and smile, and a tear appears

I sit here tonight, after a very full day. I am watching the Olympics on TV, so wanting to move to Vancouver, but everytime I watch the Olympics, I want to move to where they are !!! I am so glad that Chicago didn't get the 2016 Summer Games. So my day and how it ended here. . . .

It started with a most wonderful walk with my dear friend Laura around Green Valley - - about 5 miles for 1 hour, 45 minutes while our kids were at swim practice. It was a beautiful day, and I could not have asked for better conversation. It was needed, it was therapeutic, it was enlightening, it was healing, it was . . . well, it just was. Thanks Laura.

Then I came home, and thought I was going to crash and nap, but I got the weird itch to wash my wonderful new car. . . she hadn't been washed in months due to the actual winter weather we are having. (Did I ever tell you how much I love weather, rain, snow, wind, etc. I love it all.) Anyways, my OCD kicked in right about the wash was done, and it wasn't going to be just a wash, it was leather seat conditioning, full vacuum, inside/outside windex, shampoo the carpets, and scrub the tires and rims. Then Tom came walking home from swimming at the new pool and said, hey why don't you help me with my truck !!! UGH. . . .

Then it was Costco. Because if I didn't go then, I knew if I sat down I would fall asleep and be done. So we - - and I say we because I just so dislike when Tom joins me . . . we spend atleast twice as much as I was planning. And this time we didn't disappoint !!! Gosh, I seriously need stock in Costco. . .you would already think we do !! Started with a cart, left with a flat bed. The checker dude was like - wow, you got all of this in one cart !! Yes, yes sir we did. . .do you think you can get it back in one cart - - no ma'am, no I can't, you need to go get a flat bed !! Oy Vie !!!

So now, with our load from "the world might end tomorrow", it was 1 hour of unloading, repackaging, vacuum packing, garbage loading, and trying to keep the dogs from eating my ribs !!! Then dinner, then finish unpacking, and now. . . . here I sit !!

Balancing the checking account - always depressing. . . doing the bills - next on the level of depressing . . . and my eyes turn to the TV. As the master of the house lies near, snoring loudly, the princess of the house is curled up next to me on the recliner, the "buff dude" as he likes to be called - hee, hee - is upstairs with his buddy Buddy and the other mutt Gunner is at my feet - - again, my eyes go to the TV.

The Olympics are on - - I cry. I remember watching the Olympics every year it was on with my family - whether summer or winter. I remember the agony of defeat on Wide World of Sports. I remember the Hamil Camel and my Dorothy haircut for the next 3 years !!! I watch. . . I watch and see the parents, I see how PROUD they are of their kids . . . I see the moms wiping tears, and then I see the dad wiping their tears !! My heart feels so much love for those parents. I see the 5000m ice skater RUN, LEAP over railings, CLIMB over cameras to get to this mom and dad not 2 seconds after he knew he won Gold !!! Wow, so much love, so much respect.

So on the eve before Valentine's day, I sit here with tears in my eyes. Someday, will I know how much my kids love me. Someday, will they be able to show me - - not publicly, but privately, when it is just us. Right now I am the mean one, I am the punish-er, I am disciplinarian, I am "the fun sucker !"

I said this on facebook the other day. . ."it is about my kids & only my kids, always has been, always will be . . . it is why I get up in the morning, it is why I breathe, it is why do and say the things I do !!! If anyone thinks there are other motives let me correct you now - - - IT IS ONLY ABOUT MY KIDS !!!!"

I love you kids. . . I love who you are . . . I love who you will become . . . and I WILL be there to see all the good, bad and ugly moments !!

Happy Valentine's Day Tom - - Thank you for planting these seeds, they are pretty cool !!!

Life is Good . . . .

The Results . . . and Cheering Section

NEVADA STATE HIGH POINT CHAMPION 11 - 12 BOYS

Yes, yes he is, yes he did !!

And the greatest part . . . Grandma Beach was here from her travels to see it all !! She was funny - - she stood front and center for each night finals - 2 hours of swimming - making sure she had front row for her boy !! She stood next to me when I lost my voice, when I lost my marbles, when I peed myself (sorry TMI), when I turned around so fast to jump for joy that I whacked a guy in the head that was behind me !!! Sammy was happy Grandma was there. . . .

And then . . guess what. . . Grandma and Papa Harley were there too !! They had a golf tournament that weekend and Grandma came three days and Papa saw two days !! Funny story, Sam never told me what his goals were for the State meet. We just talked about where I thought he should finish each race and Tom and I both said how proud we would be if he won 1 event, just 1, to say hey, I am State Champion in the 100 Fly, which we thought he would win. He was like, ok. Well at the meet, after his coach said that shitty thing to him. . . he looked at his Grandpa and said, I am gonna win it all !!! Grandpa was like, ok Sam (wink,,wink) you go for it. And no one was more proud of Sam than grandpa who said, that kid had a goal and he went for it !!!

And his best female friend - Alex - she got runner up high point for 11-12 girls and they were all smiles !!!

Great Job Abby !!! Great Job Sammy !!! This is something not everyone can say . . . You are the State Champion for 2009 !!!! Cheerish it and continue to work hard !!!

Love you Bud - - Love you sweet girl Abs !!!

Life is good . . . . .

State Meet part II . . . the Kids

The kids, that is what it is about isn't it !!!

Abby's program . . . 100 free, 200 free, 100 IM, 200 IM, 100 back, 50 fly and 100 fly !!! She finished the weekend with 4 best times and highest place was 8th !!! 10 & under kids only swim what is called Timed Finals . . . one shot and that is your place. Whereas 11 and over swim prelims and finals . . .two shots !!! Abby had been sick the week before state and wasn't here strongest, but was all smiles, liked how she swam and what she improved in and you know Abby she is just happy to be happy !!! Love her for that !!! Here she is heading back on the 200 IM.

Abby is going to be a distance swimmer. . . for as little as she is, she is strong. I think that is the advantage some of the kids have when they start swimming young, the distance events are easy for them because they work so hard during practice and are use to the distance. Abby still hasn't gotten that . . . I want to be good attitude. . . she has it on some races and WOW, you can really see what that looks like !! But she needs it all the time !! We love Abby for who she is and are so proud of her and what she has accomplished !! Go Abby . . . .

Now my knucklehead of knuckleheads Sam. Just to give you a little back ground . . he had been throw out of practice 6 times in November (State was in December), him and his coach were obviously not seeing eye to eye, and I wondered how he was gonna do !!! We all wondered !!

So with Sam, I can give you a race by race account, because I was so excited and focused on him. That doesn't mean I didn't watch Abby, but she isn't at the level yet where she is racing every race !! Sam - - each race was amazing and important to him in his own way . . . . here he is in the 100 IM breast - - you could see it in his body language . . . .

So 1st race, Thursday night - - 500 free, dropped 2 seconds and finished 2nd. In my mind, was suppose to finish second, 1st place lid is a distance swimmer. Good race, looked strong !! 2nd race Friday night - 200 free. . . came into finals seeded 2nd . . .dropped 4 seconds in time and finished 2nd (again kid got 1st same kid, distance swimmer). . . if you ever told me he was going to do a 2-00 in the 200 free, I would have never believed you . . . I was excited and proud. Guess his coach wasn't and said - - "see, that is how your weekends gonna go - you don't work hard in practice this is your result" !! WTF - Sam was pissed and long story, that was the last time Sam talked to his coach all weekend . . . 3rd race Friday night - - 50 fly - - my mind, Sam was to win this . . he is a butterfly kid and he didn't disappoint. . won it by .2 - very close race, too close !!! 4th race, Saturday night 100 IM - - this is a critical race for Sam and he hadn't outright won this race ever - - welp, there is always a first time - - he won . . by .2 . . . close race, great race !! 5th race, Saturday night 100 free - - this ended up being the race of the weekend (in Sam's mind too). Came in seeded 4th, but needed to do better. . . 2 boys from another team not really been looking good and the teammate who beat him in the 200 and 500 was a freestyler . . . race starts. . . 4 boys, going head to head after 25 yards, tied, and 50 yards they were all within .3 seconds, 75 yard the crowd is going crazy, 100 yard finish . . all board flashes 4 kids with 56's !! OMG, my kid did a 56 !! I am over the moon . . . I look around and I clapping and yelling, and I look at the teammate, he looks like he got hit by a truck. . . I look at the board again . . 56.3 56.4 56.5 56.6 - the two from another team 1 - 2, Sam 3rd, his teammate 4th, big swim !!! 6th race, Sunday night 200 IM - - he and his teammate, head to head again, the teammate went 3 seconds faster in prelims than Sam . . . this is the race I seriously almost lost it. . . I had no voice, I was SSOOOO nervous, I knew this was a big race !! And just a side note, Sam pretty much didn't see me all weekend, I was so busy doing the team stuff, that I really didn't have time for me to make him nervous !! So race starts, I am standing on the side of pool in viewing area, his new coach is behind me and sees how nervous I am. Through the 50 fly, the two boys are tied, I look at the coach, he says, its ok. . . next 50 back, they are TIED, coach says, he took it out 1 second faster than in prelims (it was the don't worry mom, its ok comment), then the 50 breast and they are TIED - I mean dead heat - coach says 1 sec faster than prelims. Who wants it more. . . who is gonna push themselves and want this race - - down to the last 10 yards and they are TIED . . . they come to the wall. . . Sam kicked it in, touched first by .2 !! OMG - - Sammy's first coaches husband was standing behind me also, and he said that was the best race he has seen in a long time - - if you knew him or the other coach, you would understand what a true compliment that was !! Sam is smilin' from ear to ear !!! 7th and final race 100 fly - - again, Sam is a flyer, he should have no problem in this race, but is he tired, is he gonna push. . . he wasn't and he did. . . he came close to breaking a minute (1.00.56) which is his season goal . . . . GREAT end to a GREAT weekend . . . .

Next up . . . the results and cheering section . . . . .

Life is good !!!!

Nevada State Swimming Championships

I first need to set the tone - -

Date: December 3 - 6th, 2009

Place: Las Vegas Muni Pool, Las Vegas

Who: Sammy, age 12 - - Abby, age 10
Team: Boulder City Henderson Heatwave Swim Team

Ok . . . so there is the information. . . what is missing is the SHEAR magnatitude of such an event !! It happens once a year, rotating every two years from Northern Nevada to Southern Nevada and back after 2 years. Our team hosts the event approximately every 5 years . . . and this was OUR year !!!

The first challenge was the brand new, state of the art swimming pool that all our planning and comfort level was based around - - DIDN'T OPEN ON TIME !! So about 4 months before the event, the City of Henderson told us this . . . small challenge !!! The team decided the only option was to rent another facility to town and host a large meet at an unfamiliar facility.

Also 750 swimmers, 60 coaches, and 25 officials were expected to attend this 4 day event. They were coming from as close as 2 miles away to as far as the other end of the State. The swimmers were as young as 6 years old and as old as 18 years old. Some just barely qualified for the meet and others, old pros !!! So, yes this was a meet that the kids had to qualify for. And to give you an idea . . our team has 350+ swimmers and only 175 were entered. So exciting for the kids, exciting for us who volunteer !!

Yes, I say volunteer - - because nope, we don't get paid to help. We don't get paid help foster the development of the kids, we don't get paid to hear and deal with the crap that people dish out because they think they are "entitled", and you know what, I don't think I would want to get paid. It is nice to give back, it is nice to see the smiles on the kids faces, it is nice to have an event run smoothly, comfortably, and with as little aggrevation as possible.

I had a tough job. . . I was the Fundraising Coordinator and also, Jack of all Trades. I choose to do what I did and had a few great partners in crime. I like talking to people, I like promoting swimming, I like see good things for the kids. My first goal was to have the best, most kick ass goody bags the kids have ever had !!! I think we did a pretty great job. . . Bag Tags (they are custom tags that go on the kids swim bags that had our logo, the meet logo and then we sponsored by two companies on the back), awesome water bottles, Sharkies organic fruit snacks, playing cards, a bottle of vitaminwater, Speedo keyrings, coupons for free food, for discount shopping, for local products and some small other items. The goal was to get everything donated or traded out . . . I think we succeeded . . . we only paid for printing of a puzzle book !!!

Then the next priority was securing donations to cover the cost of the meet and cover the cost of the exta "top notch" items we watned to present. We had each lane sponsored, we had custom lane mats, we had lane baskets, we had banners, we had decorations . . . again, I think we succeeded. We had to rent the facility and also rent a large circus tent outside for extra seating - - expenses that we did not budget for originally but now were thrown upon us !

Then came hospitality food and beverages for 60 coaches, 25 officials, and 10 volunteers who ate. This was probably the most challenging and had the most "favors" called in. But BOY WAS IT GOOD !!!! We had pasta one night, mexican for lunch, deli one day, and pasta and pizza the last !! I think the best day was the deli day where we had a baked potatoe bar - - with chili and all the topping !! YUMMY - - except that by the time I tried to eat - - the chili was gone !!! I was go bummed !!! But we covered most of the cost by trade outs and donations, and I think it was less than $500 in out of pocket for 4 days. . . yippie !!! I called two friends - - none swim family friends - - who delivered food and went shopping for me, words can't tell you how cool it was to have friends that support you !!!

Then there was a 50/50 raffle, 5 raffle baskets, meet programs . . . . ugh, can you tell it was a lot to handle. I truly NEVER knew how much work it was, never imagined the hours that would go into coordination, never really knew how bad the economy was until we tried to soliciate donations, never new how many opinions would be involved, how many feelings would get hurt, and how many people (other swim team parents) who think this stuff just all happens by itself . . . AMAZING !! But . . . what was also amazing was the effort about 20 people put in and how I will never forget this as long as I live !!!

Now, none of my responsibilites involved the timing system, the admin tables, the securing of officials, the coordination with So Cal Swim, parking, safety, security, the new printers and new computers, and sound system and rental tables and rental chairs and rental risers !!! The list was NEVER ending !!! But Gini had all this handled with ease and Kyle was by her side !!! Did I tell you the story of Batman, Robin and the Joker - - - ok, another time !! I learned one thing . . . I could never be a wedding planner - - I am way to anal, way to OCD and it would drive me crazy !!! Where would they park ?!?!?!?!?

But . . in all of this. . . did I tell you that my folks and Tom's mom were all in town over this time frame also !!!! And did I tell you the event was during month end close for work !!! And did I tell you my boy was struggling with practice and had been kicked out of the pool 6 times in 1 month !!! Yep, I lost 10 pounds in 3 weeks from stress alone. . . . . .

Next up . . . it is all about the kids !!!!

Life is good . . . . .

Well Hello February . . . .

Where did January go. . . yes I am here, yes I am alive, yes I am well !! Just checking in for a second !! I thought that keeping up a blog would be REALLY easy, like how hard is it to write down some words, share some photos, and brag about your kids - - - HELLO, McFly, harder than you think !!

I think I get overwhelmed with all the ideas I have in my head for "great" posts or "great" photos !!! I follow a blog that is beyond perfection - photos, stories, humor . . but she is a professional !!! I follow another blog that is amazing in all aspects. . but she has been doing it for almost 2 years !! I need to chill - - I am new at this, I need to take one step at a time, one post at a time, and remember that friends and family are seeing this and want to enjoy my kids - - - like I enjoy my kids !!!!

So stay turned. . . I am on my way again . . . I will recap the State Meet . . . I will recap the move to a new pool . . . I will recap Fast Friend Friday (my goal this week to get that one posted) . . . I will recap the coldest, wettest swim meet we have ever gone to all in the name of Abby . . . and I will recap the Junior Olympics which just occurred !!!

So thanks for visiting. . . I will update soon. . . I will NOT be overwhelmed and I will enjoy the ride !!

Life is Good . . . .

THIS WEEK IN REVIEW. . . . . a little test to start the year !!

I am an . . . . . .

and when it is . . . . . .

I am . . . . . . .

Yes, I am an accountant by trade - - technically I am a Controller becauase I am not a CPA and usually only CPA's are called accountants . . . so I am a Controller. And yes, one time a few years ago, a strange man on the phone honestly said . .. . "well, what woman isn't !" I had to laugh, but so so pissed later !!! Anywho. . . .

And it is month end, quarter end, year end close !! My least, absolutely, least favorite time of year. Never enough hours to look at everything, someone will most definately ask in March why we didn't book something in December, our auditors will MOST definately ask for proof of deliveries, proof of credits, proof of labor, proof, proof, proof. . .blah, blah, blah !!!!

And that makes me . . . . a crunchy stress ball !!!! I came home tonight, late, and just vented to Tom for like 30 minutes. He just looked at me and smiled, knowing that it is month end, year end, quarter end, etc. And I never, can't, ever take time off this time of year. . . but I figured in a few weeks I could take a day or two to take my kids to a swim meet in CA, but I got the . . . . analyst review is due to Australia by this date, and yuck, yuck, yuck !!!!

Did you ever read my earlier blog posts, where I profess my love for my job !!!

Right now, I want to be doing this . . . .

Life is good . . . .

Christmas. . . oh Merry Part Tres . . . the fun !!

So, referring back to yesterdays "the kids" post, the longboard was a huge hit !! This is a road by our house that I drove up and down no less than a handful of times toting my two "boys" and their boards !!! As you can see the big kid had as much fun as the other big kid !!! And big kid #1 form isn't half bad. . . . so here they go about 1/4 of the way down the road. . . it is a road to the water treatment plant that is never traveled but is very clean so great for longboarding !!!

Now, before all you mothers out there start giving me a hard time. . . on the third run, Sam INSISTED on taking off his helmet for the photo op because he didn't want to look stupid with a helmet on for all to see !! Love that word, stupid. . . how about ALIVE or NOT SCRAPED !!! Anywho. . . check out this sequence where the camera almost go the best of him. . . .

HOLD ON !!!!

"Wow Mom, did you see how close I was to eatin' it !!!" Um, yes Sam, I sure did !! Get your frickin' helmet on and continue with your fun !!!!

Helmet on. . . fun continued . . . beautiful view of the Las Vegas Valley below. It is amazing people think Vegas is a flat desert, but it really has some rolling hils and some mountains that surround us. . . hence, VALLEY !!!

Then day two of fun included a trip to Lee Canyon (Mt. Charleston) which you can see in the above picture on the right hand side. It is our small local ski resort and it has some neat areas of snow play. . . .

Here goes Abigail . . . .

Aren't I just the cutest little thing. . . . until my feet got cold and wet and I whined and I went to the truck and drank cocoa and ate donuts !!!! Oh wait, I wasn't talking about me now was I, sorry, I digressed. . . . Abby. . she was fine and had fun !! Sorry lost focus for a second !!

This is her buddy Alondra who she swims with and hangs out with on occassion. Her family consists of 2 older swimmer brothers so we get to visit with them lots and love it !!!
Here is Sam crashing with the oldest brother Andre !!! They doubled on a sled that barely held one !! Sam face planted but was all smiles and laughing !!! Good times !!!
Solo run for Sam, watch out for the T . . . R . . . E . . . EEEEEEEEE !!!
"Awe Mom, you worry too much !" Yes son, yes I do, and so does your coach !! I can't imagine that call . . . um coach, Sammy skipped practice today, sorry about that, but we wanted to have some family time bonding along with the Lelles', Grothe's, and Tucuyan's (all swim families), and he and Andre crashed and well, they were sledding and um, he broke his leg, arm, face . . . . . . UGH !! Sam, let me remind you that Junior Olympics are one month away !!! Where is your plastic bubble and when did I release you ?!??!?!?!

So moral of our Christmas 3 part story . . . . Live, Love, Laugh . . . what else is there to do !! You can't make everyone happy, you can't sit and pity ones self or ones situation, you have friends, you have life. . . . ENJOY IT WHILE YOU CAN !!!

Life is good. . . .

But very cold on this day . . . . . sorry, I digress again. . . .

Christmas . . . of Merry Part Two . . the morning

So Merry Christmas Part Two . . . this is the morning. . .the morning of the "score" as my kids like to call it !! It was much less of a score this year and I actually really liked that my kids understood that and were ok with that. They also understood that Grandma's, Papa's, Auntie's and Uncle's always send money, so if they didn't get exactly what they wanted. . . THEY COULD GO BUY IT THEMSELVES !!! Novel idea hu?

So here is Sam's stocking from Santa complete with new swim caps, swim googles, Speedo suit wash (every 12 year old boy asks Santa for that), swim gear bag, Speedo Fastskin (that was a hit, thanks Santa), and then of course the necessary bandaids, body wash, deodorant, socks, belt, and Halls Fruit Breezers !!! I think Santa was quite practical this year !! And of course, Sam's dog Buddy had his own stocking and Santa brought him his own bone this year !!!!! Too cute if I do say so myself !!!

Abigail'st stockign could have mirrored her brothers, but there was much more PINK !! Here highlights included BLUE and GREEN nailpolish (which was specifically on the list to Santa), a soup bowl for school, swim cap, swim googles, swim suit, swim google bungies, hair clips, bobbie pins, and then not to be outdone, we have the XO Soft Chip Clips (???), body wash, nail file, nail clippers, Campbell's soup container, Ricola's for good measure, and her favorite, a mini egg frying pan that Santa must have seen at Albertson's like she did every week !!! Gunner's stocking was equiped with his bone and he loved it !!

The tree and the stockings. . . . oh yeah, Dad's stocking had a huge bottle of VOX vodka, a new shirt, iTunes gift card, and chapstick. Mom's, it had cotton puffs . . . quote from Tom . . . "we have to do better with Santa on Mom's stocking next year!" Each year . . . it is the same quote and the scariest thing, I hear my dad saying the same thing in my head 30 years ago !!! Mom's do get the short end !!!
Sam has (of course) his new Speedo bag !! Does this Christmas, and the last 4 Christmas' have a theme !!! Speedo stock should go up just from the Sauerbrei's !!!

Sam's Papa Harley sent him the COOLEST long board skateboard and Sam LOVED it !!! I mean, that is an honest smile !!! It is one of a kind, as the wood changes with each board and it has a serial number to register online !! Check back tomorrow for long board photos !!!
Couldn't open it fast enough !!!

Abigail enjoyed a new pair of REAL Uggs from Grandma Harley. She thought those were pretty cool !!!! And check out the cute peace braclet that was in the box too. . . Abby has only taken it off for swim practice !!!

This was Abby's "aw ha" moment when she realized the 3 cardboard boxes stacked up on the side of the living room weren't trash, but her new desk !!!! It literally took her 30 minutes and then the tear started coming down her face and we had to tell her !!! It was #1 on her list to Santa . . . she was surprised !!!

And then mom's #1 score to Abby . . . a pair of clear, plastic Chuck Taylors (converse shoes). She got tons of colored socks and those are now her favorite shoes !! I love the expressions of amazement . . . she had no clue !!!

So that wrapped it up . . . . Tom enjoyed a new GPS for his truck (that he bought himself 3 weeks ago), he enjoyed a new MP3 for swimming (that he bought himself) and didn't like the Keurig I got him, so that went back !!!! And I keep the cash !!!!

I enjoyed a new iPod touch, which I bought myself and some accessories for it from Sam and some earrings from Abby !!!

It was a very nice, casual, relazing, quiet Christmas. Time to relax, reflect (just a little) and enjoy our family of 4 !!!

I hope this helps those family members who are away and still can be a part of our Christmas through some photos and a few words . . . but you know me, more words that photos !!! But, I wouldn't be me if it was any other way . . . . .

Life is Good. . . . .

Christmas. . . of Merry Part One . . . The Tree

Ho Ho Ho. . . to and fro . . . Ho Ho Ho. . . off we go . . . . or however that silly little song goes !!! Merry Christmas my friends and family !! Hope it all was peaceful, enjoyable, and everyone is now kickin' back saying, wow. . . that came upon us quick this year !!!

I am so behind in life, and have been for a few months, so I am going to do this post in 3 little sections !! Part One . . . . The Tree, Part Two . . . The Kids, Part Three. . . The Fun !!!! You know, how your mom always told you to break it up in little sections and it would be easier . . . welp, that is what I am going to try and do here !!! I have some new readers (hi Sharon and Karren, my sister-in-laws) . . . and I know they enjoy hearing about the kids !! And I promise to go back and recap the State Meet !! Those feelings are still very fresh in my mind, so I can't wait to share !!!

Anywho. . . back to Christmas and our tree. . . . here it goes. . .

Background on "our" tree. . . our tree is fake !! Oh, the shame !! When we first moved to Vegas in 1994, I told Tom we would always have a live tree . . . I never had a "fake" tree growing up and I would never have my kids have a fake tree !! Well, anyone and everyone who has lived or been to Vegas, knows how stinkin' dry it is . . . . so about 4 years ago, I bit the bullet and got this incredible tree !! The last two years have been kinda rough on the tree. . . more tips are falling off, more strands are dark and don't glo . . . but I do love my tree !!! So, here she is this year. . .

I must say, lookin' at her here, she is leanin' a little to the right. . . but then again, don't we all !! My tree isn't themed, or traditional, or organized (well a little), but the thing I truly LOVE about my tree is looking at each ornament and smiling !! Smiling because I think of the memory about the ornament, I think of who gave it to us, or where we bought it !! I think of the significance in that time in our life that this ornament was special !! I found myself this year, not putting ornaments on the tree that didn't give me that feeling. . . so our tree was a little "lite" this year . . . hence Abby's idea of putting the door hanger on the tree !!!

Each year I buy the kids one ornament that reminds me of what the did or are doing during the year. 2004 was a Cub Scout ornament for Sam and a gymnastics ornament for Abigail. 2006 were swimmers logo'd with BCH. 1998 (pre-Abby) is a teddy bear in a Radio Flyer red wagon, because Sam use to LOVE going for rides at pre-school in the red wagon. . . it was give him peace !!! And each year we, as a family, try to pick an ornament during our vacation. We have a bucket of sand from San Diego, a palm tree from Hawaii and a trout from Yellowstone to name a few. Even as I type this, I look over at the tree and smile. . . . . so here are some of my favorites, so favorite stories. . . .

A red, bell with green ribbon. . . what could be so simple for the holidays. I bought this a few years ago and have loved it every since.

This was my favorite for this year. . . don't know why, maybe my insides are just content . . . but JOY is what I felt this season. We got this one during an ornament exchange and it was perfect !! (And notice the man in the canoe to the lower left. . . that is Sam's ornament from 1999 which is half eaten from our previous dogs Dynamite and Boomer. Yes, I put half eaten ornaments on the tree. . . they still have meaning, in more ways than one !!)

This was a gift from my friend Shannon this year. . . I love family ornaments, I love that she gave this to my family this year !! Very special !!!

This one is just beautiful !! My friend Gail gave it to my family 3 years ago when I was coaching swimming for BCH. She is Jewish, which makes this very unique in my mind. I need to remember where she got it because they come in all styles and make great gifts !!!
Again, bought this one myself, but nothing says Christmas like Santa and jingle bells !!!

This is one of our families favorite places to ski each year . . . Alta, Utah. It is for the purest at heart as they don't allow snowboarders !!! The other side of this handpainted ornament shows the lifts and the face of the mountain. We love this place !!

K, sorry. . . first sad one. . . this is our first "child" Dynamite. Dynamite was our yellow lab (before Marley and Me made yellow labs cool) and Tom and I got him when we first moved in together after college in 1991. He was Tom's dog, Tom always wanted a yellow lab. He was a great dog, and he went EVERYWHERE with us. He showed Tom and I what kind of "parents" we were going to be as having a yellow lab, is about as adventurous as having a new baby !!! He was with us for 13 years, and each year when I hang this ornament, I show it to Tom, and the look in his eyes . . . we don't say a word, but we both know . . .


Ok - - sorry Tom for this one. . . Feliz Navidad !!! Have you met our neighbor Felix ?!?!?! He is the vain one with his name on the roof of his house. . . ok, so here is the story. . . and it is alot better in person when you see the tears in my eyes because I laugh so hard !! Tom and I were heading to his mom's around Christmas. Tom was finishing this last semester at Fresno State taking SPANISH. So we drive out of our neighborhood and Tom tooks at me, deadpan, and said "that guy is really vain." And I asked who. . . he said our neighbor. . . I looked at him and said, WTF are you taking about. He said, Felix. I asked, who the hell is Felix. Felix Navadotto. . .you know, they guy at the end of our street, he has his name in lights on his roof. I still am confused, so Tom turns around to go back down our street. . . . where I see our mexican neighbor, who has Feliz Navidad in lights on his roof !!! I about peed in my pants . . . Tom lost it at his point. . . we go to his mom's and I can't keep my mouth shut and tell everyone . . . we are all crying because we are laughing our arsts off !! Remember, he was taking SPANISH that semester !! Needless to say, no one in his family or mine have let him live it down and we now have about 10 Feliz Navidad ornaments on our tree !!!

Life is good. . . .

and sometime very funny even after 18 years !!!!

'Twas the Nite before Christmas . . . .

And the lights are strung, the tree is trimmed, there are cookies in the oven, the dogs (and their sister Roxy) are fast asleep on their beds, Tom took the the kids to get the last minute "mommy" gift for Christmas . . . . and I sit here. . . wishing I had more time, wishing I had more energy !!

There was so much I wanted to get done and didn't get done. . . but, I can't change that now. My house is decorated to a minimum, but my favorite things are out . . . my favorite garland is on the banister, favorite Santa's are on the TV stand, favorite ornaments are on the tree. I found a shirt, btw a really cool shirt, I forgot to send to my mom - gotta love that !! I balanced out the Christmas gifts to ensure we had "equality" with the kids !! I wrapped the two gifts Tom bought for himself before I had the opportunity to buy them for him . . . . gotta love that even more !! Wrapped the Keurig for Tom, with the 60 cup variety pack and individual filter . . . just in case he wants Folgers instead of some fancy coffee !! Abby will love it because it makes cocoa !!

No one is here this year at our home . . . folks are at my brothers (they were just here a few weeks ago), Tom's family is all at their homes, my friends - - one has moved, one is in Israel (hence the visiting Roxy), one is in Florida visiting Mickey, three are at their homes (they are locals) with their families, and others. . . . quietly doing what they do over the holidays. We are having the traditional Cheney Christmas Eve dinner of spaghetti and french bread . . . don't really know where that tradition came from, but my kids LOVE it !!

Making cookie for Santa right now. . . kinda cool that Abby still believes, or wants to believe !!! Looking at my Christmas flowers on my table that each year I buy for myself . . . Sam asked me why did I buy them, and I said. . . because they are beautiful and I love flowers !!!

I truly hope everyone has a blessed, happy, healthy Christmas !!! The holidays are smack upon us . . . they will go fast, just like life these days !!!

Life is good . . . .

Today . . . I am Sad (FFF version 3)

Fast Friend Friday, version 3 . . . to my friend Gini Herbst !!!

I shed a tear today because Gini and her family are moving today !! Today !! Friday, December 11th, 2009 !! Today . . . I do not say good-bye, because I will chat with her again, she will follow my blog, she will be on Facebook . . . . but, it is so long !! I won't be able to hug my friend, I won't be able to look her in the eye, directly in the eye and tell her that I LOVE YOU, that I AM HERE FOR YOU, that YOU ARE MY FRIEND !! Yes, she will know that forever, but looking someone in the eye, makes all the difference in the world !!!

So. . . . let me share some things about Gini . . . .

Batman, Robin and the Joker !!!
Woody, Bulleyes, and Jessie !!!
SpongeBob, Patrick and Squidward !!
These are my sidekicks . . . me, Gini and Kyle !! Me, Gini and Kyle have spent endless hours on the phone, on emails, in person, coordinating the largest project as of late . . . Nevada State Swimming Championships !! (and people, we are VERY tired here in this photo) People don't understand how we can work together, people don't understand OCD and Type A personalities, people don't see how many hours, pain and suffering we all endured, people don't see the toil it took both on ourselves, but also on our family !!! And I don't care that people don't get it . . . my friends got it, my friends understood, my friends stood by my side and helped, my friends didn't have to ask, they just did !!! These two sidekicks, or one leader and two sidekicks, or 3 leaders working together, we had each others backs - - and we always will !!!!! We all did what we did for THE KIDS !! No other reason ! We did our best, we supported each other, and we were a success !!! This is the most recent Gini, the one multi-tasking, having check lists, running around like crazy, wanting the best and only the best from those around her . . .
Gini, Type A and I love it !!!

See this Gini, Gini is a really funny lady !! Gini can laugh at herself !! I have written it before, "if you can't laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at !" Gini liked to laugh !! Whether it was just her spirit, or it was how she coped, she laughed !! She smiled !! She made me laugh and smile !!! Gini opened her home to everyone she met, she gave everyone the benefit of the doubt, she trusted all, and she loved sharing !!! Gini taught me and told me, over and over, laugh often !! And I think over the past 4 years, I have learned to laugh more, thank you Gini !! Thank you for making me be a tin-foil car, for making me smile, for making me laugh !!

Gini is also a kind soul !!! Gini protects children !! She watched out for MY KIDS !!! Here she is riding a silly ride at Disneyland with my Abby - who was scared to go on any rides (nothing like a little anxiety issues). Gini didn't make fun of Abby, she didn't say oh don't be scared . . what she did was hold her hand, she told her hey Abby, I will go on this ride with you, she made her feel comfortable, she made MY KID feel ok !!! She didn't have to do that, she could have rode Space Mtn another 10 times, but she stopped, saw a hurting/scared child, and she opened her heart !!! Gini does everything in life for kids . . . her kids, other kids, strangers kids !! She was PTA VP, she was BCH Swim Team VP, she fought for kids, for fair treatment for kids, whether her kids or not !! Now, her kids were always #1 - rightfully so - but those other kids around her, they were a close second !!!

This is Gini - - this is how I will remember her face !!! Gini LOVES her family, and the look on her face . . .that is what I will remember. Everyone is different in life . . .every friend is different. If we tried to make all friends the same, imagine how boring our life would be. Gini was the friend to me that she could be. . . I never asked for more, I never asked for less. I just asked her to be herself and not be afraid to be that person !!!

Gini . . . may our paths cross again, may you find peace and happiness with this move, may you enjoy being close to the ones that love you most - your family, may you never forget where you came from because it will help you not make the same mistakes again, may you remember that a friend gives what they can and asks for nothing else, may you remember that GARRIN LOVES TRISH (but only when his momma isn't in the room), may you share Conners intensity on the soccer field as you go through life, may you keep Hananh's smile close to your heart everyday, may you smile when you think of the silliness we all shared, may you laugh someday at all the craziness, may you remember Sammy as a 12 year old red-haired boy who you winked at and you smiled often to, may you remember Abby as a scared little girl who you made feel comfortable and understood that she so wants to be a big girl, may you remember the BBQ's, the party's, the swim meets, the travel, the trials, the tribulations . . . may you remember it all, look back and smile, and maybe even wink . . . . . . I will, and a small tear will come down my face . . .

I love you more than Jellyfish !!
Always your sidekick and damn proud to be !!

Life is Good . . . . but today, just a little sad . . . .

Fast Friend Friday - Version 2

GAIL SHIRE

I realized I get little wordy in my posts. . . so sorry !!! I will try to keep it short, but you know women, we have a tendency to carry on, and on, and on !!!

My friend Gail . . . where to start . . . I have know Gail for about 3 1/2 years now. We met on the pool deck where both our sets of kids are water logged each day !! We developed a friendship pretty quickly and have enjoyed pretty much the whole 3 1/2 years !! Gail pretty much tells it like it is and that is refreshing !!!! She MEANS no ill will towards anyone, yet sometimes her Jewish ways gets her into pickles . . . get it Gail, pickles !! She is a momma bear through and through but more than just fight for her kids, she spends HOURS worrying about, caring about, dreaming about her kids ! Trying to provide for her kids the best she knows how !!

Gail is not a single parent and has a devoted husband who is a wonderful father, however, his profession keeps him traveling many weeks a month, including weekends, so at times, she is like a single parent !!! Gail is a caring, sharing, open friend who would give you the shirt off her back if you asked her for it !!

Our families have been road trip partners to out of town swim meets, our husbands train, run, ride and swim together, our kids hang out, and even when not associated with swimming, we may take a day trip to Valley of Fire, or Red Rock for a hike !! Good people, Good family, GREAT friend !!!

We got to spend Thanksgiving at Gail's house this year, and this little story will tell you how comfortable I am with her. First, we were about 1 1/2 hours late - Sauerbrei time is what I call it !!! Then, I made 'fried pickles' as appetizers - - not so much traditional, but good none the less !! We had probably the most moist bird I have EVER eaten - thanks Scott for the deep fried masterpiece - - and the best all around dinner in years !!! Her brother and sister were there, AND she invited our dogs to come hang out with their sister (her dog) for the day !!! Extra brownie points on that one Gail !! But then, we all adjourn to the living room, and we are flippin' through all the ads for "Black Friday" and I proceed to curl up in a little ball and take a 1 hour nap in the middle of everything !!! That is when you know you are comfortable at a friends, when your friend makes you FEEL comfortable and welcome, and when you can say . . . Gail, you are my friend !!!

I love you, I stand by you, I am proud to say . . . YOU ARE A SIDEKICK and I am in good company !!!

Life is Good . . . .

For My Mom on Thanksgiving

THANKSGIVING - 2009

What Thanksgiving means to me. . .

Growing up in a non practicing religious family, Thanksgiving was our "BIG" holiday. Now, I didn't grow up with a big immediate family, I have my folks and my brother. But we have a large extended family, lots of aunts, uncles and cousins. Our extended family tried each year to get together on Turkey Day. Whether it was at Aunt Marcella's in Twain Harte, Cousin Marianne's in Pacifica, or Aunt Lovie & Uncle Dave's ( My Folks ) in Half Moon Bay, Oakhurst, Grass Valley, or Nipomo - - hey, why did my family move so much !! Another story for another day. . .

Over the years, the tradition has carried on, somethings the holiday gathers 25 people, other times 100 people. Depends on the year, the location, the economy, the illness (unfortunately), and other circumstances like births, marriages, divorces. And as my Aunts and other relatives are getting older, it is getting harder to travel. But overall, it is a great time for family to get together !!

This year, my cousin Rachel is getting married in Mexico next week, and lots of family are traveling to see her become Mrs. Serano. I unfortunately, will not be able to attend, as a small little event called the NV State Championship Swim Meet will be happening at the same time !!! But what that means is, no one in the family really wants to travel anywhere - or can afford to travel - because they are all traveling next week. . . . .

So the Dozier extended family is not gathering this year . . . I am sad !! Because in addition to that, the Sauerbrei's will not be traveling either. My good friend Gini, who I wrote about a few posts ago, asked awhile ago if it would be cool that a few friends got together and shared Thanksgiving and could be "thankful" for friends. I said You Betcha !!! See, she will be moving soon and we just wanted to share one more day laughing and smiling !!! A lot has happened since she asked that, and I think it is more important than ever that this day be filled with just that. . . love and laughter !!!!

But that brings me back to MY family. . . who I love so much !!! The ones that are going to be here after my friend leaves. Mom, thank you for understanding . . . thank you for sharing today. . . that you for driving over next week to see Michael Phelps and Dana Torres - - I mean Sammy and Abby - - swim in the State Meet . . . thank you for understand my brother's wife is, well my brothers wife . . . thank you for teaching me "Grandma Harley's Sage and Wild Rice Stuffing" so that I never feel far away on holidays and You Betcha I am making it today, even with a Jewish family (half won't have sausage) . . . thank you to my Dad, Ol' Slo Dave, who will be there today for my mom as she sheds a tear . . . please love her today more than usual . . . she has a big heart, sometimes just is afraid to show it . . . I am thankful my mom now has 4 crazy kittens that she can chase around all day and keep her mind occupied . . . THANK YOU MOM, for letting my have this one Turkey Day, with a friend, a fried who loves your daughter for who she is - - flaws and all, who loves your grandkids, who I entrust with your grandkids, who screams at the top of her lungs for your grandkids and is the first one to go up to your grandkids when they have had an awesome race and say "great swim" and wink a wink that only the kids understand - - Mom, I may never see this friend again, I may never talk to this friend again, but I will always love this friend, I will always cheerish this friend, and Mom, you taught me how to do that . . . THANK YOU !!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone - - - Love, Laughter and not too much pumpkin pie !!!

Life is Good . . . .