Picture Perfect Hike at Sweetwater Reservoir

Cheryl's parents joined the boys and I for a glorious hike just south of San Diego. We saw Mexican cowboys in their traditional clothes riding stallions. Caleb collected Ladybugs (Ladybirds UK version.) We ended up with great views of the reservoir as pictured.
We saw many beautiful wildflowers...San Diego at bloom!

Are these boys happy or sad?

Are these boys happy or sad that Mom has gone away on a Women's Church Retreat? Here are the two photos that I (Cheryl) received on her phone that night away....somehow the second seemes a bit contrived!! What do YOU think?? Any way about it, the photos made me LAUGH!!!

Some joyful moments

As I ready myself to get back into work mode after three glorious weeks of spring vacation(which is indeed, A process)I am reminded of my eight year old son's very wise words, "But Mommy, we still ARE having a great (vacation!)" How is that he, at eight, KNOWS, and his mom at (no comment!!), is still learning this art, of enjoying every moment before her? Which has brought me to recording these JOYFUL moments that surround me through out the day (so this "Mommy Brain" of mine doesn't forget them...):

**Caleb looking down at me from his loft bed, "Mommy, I got a job!"
"A job?"
"I got a job in the library. I need to be there at 8:30"
His face alit with a smile that could reach the moon!

**A boy's shining eyes in the back seat of my car, face aglow with a smile that covers his entire face as he looked at HIS friend NOAH. HIS friend Noah. Precious innocence and joy.

**Hiking up Cowles Mountain with Noah and our dog Sasha, enjoying this fleeting moment and then just TRYING to keep up on the way down...
Noah, racing ahead...
Me calling out, "Noah,I can't see you!"
Noah shouting back at me, "Mommy, THAT'S BECAUSE your eyes are on the ground!"
( He was right:) )

**Starbucks Cherry Mochas with Damian at the kitchen table. Connecting with him...even through a computer talk over finances. Candles alit (ALWAYS!)


Moments that touch my heart, help me live and grow!

Spring Break Fun!

The boys first 5K race!! They blew us away with their stamina, speed, and perservance.




Disneyland, San Diego Zoo, and Sea World Fun!

Caleb, Noah, and Sara with Grandma Falk

Singing in the Rain at the Zoo!

Glorious Day in Mission Trails

Even though this day occured just before Easter Sunday, it can not be forgotten...having just had a rainy day in San Diego, Mission Trails Regional Park couldn't have been more spectacular. Green grssses covering the mountainsides and streambeds filled with flowing water...what could be better than this?


Caleb always enjoys his tadpole hunts!


Damian and my dad deep in conversation (Sasha,our dog, not so much!)

Easter Egg Hunt!

Easter Fun didn't end with decorating the eggs! After church Easter Sunday, we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa Falk's house for a much-loved egg hunt! Caleb, Noah, and cousin Sara were in egg heaven.

Easter Egg Fun!

We started off decorating our Easter Eggs with our friends the Hardings: Natalie, Michaela, and Mom Monica. Two sets of eggs: "The Acceptable Ones" and the "Kid Ones"...with a whole lot of laughter!