Tehachapi Time

A little over a week ago, Scott & I drove down with the kids to visit Scott's parents for a few days. We were lucky enough to have Mark & Joy (Scott's brother & his wife) visiting at the same time. While in Scott's hometown, Will had a great time digging in the dirt, chasing birds, playing with the water hose, & "helping" Grandpa, Uncle Mark, & Scott in the yard. Ruby spent most of the time indoors playing with toys (her favorites were the cars that Will wouldn't let her play with when he was around), rolling around, eating, & sleeping. We had a great visit! It always feels so good to spend time with Scott's family, & we're always grateful when Will & Ruby can spend more time with their grandparents.

fifty two on fridays | week eighteen

“Our faces will become works of art that our grandchildren will treasure."
- Adriana Trigiani

WEEK 18 - OPPOSITES

It's amazing to look at a family tree, to start at the roots & see all those who came before you, to join with your husband & nurture & strengthen your family until branches spring out with your own posterity. I know the love I have for my children, a love that is more full of joy, frustration, & tenderness than I could ever have imagined. Becoming a parent gave me a glimpse of what my parents feel for me, though it's hard to imagine anyone having as much love for another being as I have for my children. If so, how could the world contain all that love without bursting? Then to see the joy of grandparents & grandchildren together. I imagine the love grows beyond anything I can comprehend at this point. To see the generations moving forward, united by our commonality, our blood, our love. It's miraculous, & nothing makes me happier. It is, after all, what life is all about.

Continue the circle by visiting Sarah at Sarah Jo Foodography.

Monterey Girls' Trip

About two weeks ago, Ruby & I went down to Monterey to gather with some amazing women - my mother, sisters, grandmother, aunts, & a handful of cousins. These women are beautiful, strong & spirited. They are full of life & love. Our purpose for gathering was to create a family cookbook, something that has been discussed for years, but never put into motion until now (& let me tell you, it is going to be good). While spending these few days with them, I realized what an incredible legacy I am a part of, that my own daughter is a part of. I am grateful for this righteous group of women & to have them as such wonderful examples. I am truly blessed.

Day 1: my favorite place for breakfast, First Awakenings.

Day 2: typing recipes into the cookbook

took a walk down to the beach

Day 3: went to church & then spent time at the pier looking at starfish & seaguls

ate dinner at El Torito - the food was delicious.

one last walk on the beach

What a roadtrip to Tehachapi looks like

This last week, we braved a fairly long roadtrip down to Tehachapi. While looking through some photography blogs earlier in the week, I was inspired by a project that many of them were participating in: "What _________ looks like." I decided to give it a try & document our roadtrip down to visit Scott's hometown. As it turns out, these ended up being my favorite pictures that I took of the entire trip. It was such a fun project to work on!

We started out with a stop to McDonald's to get Will a "cheese-booger," in other words, a cheeseburger with nothing on it but a bun & cheese - no condiments, & definitely no meat. This kid is seriously the pickiest eater ever!

After a couple of hours of being on the road, we hit a traffic jam. It took us about an hour to drive 7 miles. Thank goodness the kids were asleep, or it would have been Hell.

Every time we drive down Highway 99 or Highway 5, we always pass a bunch of stinky cows. If you don't turn the air on recycle, you will pass out &/or gag for a good 5 minutes. The stench is disgusting.

The sky & landscape were beautiful as we drove past (minus the cows). The vineyards looked like they were glowing in the sun. I just couldn't get over how pretty they were.

After driving about five hours, Ruby finally woke up & wanted a snack. By this point, we were 30 minutes from our destination, so we made it a quick stop & then hurried on our way. 

It's always such a peaceful & relaxing feeling to arrive in Tehachapi. It's so secluded from everything else, & we have many fond memories of the place. We had a dream roadtrip, apart from the earlier traffic jam, & continued to have a wonderful stay with Scott's family throughout the Thanksgiving holiday.

Ruby's baby blessing

Over this last weekend, we had a full house with all the family & friends who came to support us for Ruby's baby blessing.

Allyssa-Rae & Ruby - - - Scott & me

the men having lunch together

Aunt Marilynn made some beautiful beanies for Will & Ruby.

Allyssa-Rae & Kayla - - - me with my sweet little girl after her blessing

my brother Rich with Ruby - - - my sister Susan bedazzled Ruby's blessing shoes before sending the gown & acsessories to us. Ruby also received a pretty little bracelet from my mom.

all the wonderful men in Ruby's life (with the exception of a couple who had to leave early)

my dad, Dennis, Brad, Mark

Steven, Scott & the babe, Dwight, Rich

relaxing with my baby while my big boy runs around with his friends & cousins