Jace & Joan!

I knew it was coming, but it is now official.

To Jace I ask, "Do you know what you are getting yourself into?"

To Joan I say, "The Downing clan goes way back with the Noble clan. It was written in the stars for our powers to join one day."

I'm so happy for them. Now let the planning begin!

Reminder To Self.

This year Thomas's birthday came and went. I avoided blogging or talking about it for several reasons.

One being that I'm almost out of pictures of him to post, and that brings me more sadness than I am ready for, so it's just easier to avoid.

Second reason is it seems as the years go by he is less and less remembered, and this year my girls asked what he looked like, and it hit me that they are losing the memories, as well. I tell myself that this is life and how the brain works, but as I struggle to hang on to his images in my mind I struggle at the same time to keep the tears at bay.

Third reason is that I have been feeling a little shorted lately. I am getting older. We have decided not to have anymore children, and because of this I guess I think/feel I was shorted one baby.

I know, I know he's in heaven waiting for me. I get that. That doesn't change the fact that he's not here and now. The human part of me struggles with these feelings. These silly mortal feelings. I know without a doubt this lifetime is just a drop in our eternal bucket of life. I know life goes on and on after this little, silly life. Now, if I can just convince this mere mortal/myself that there is a time and place for everything. There is a bigger plan than I am aware of. This too shall pass. It will all be worth it.

I guess I just had to write this post to remind myself.

Summer Quilt!

Sydney started a quilt just about a month ago and finished. Grandma Patty taught her the moves and away she went. I'm so proud of her summer accomplishment. Thank you, Grandma!

No Sparkles Here!

I just finished "The Passage." I don't generally do book reviews. I hesitate to recommend books because we all have different tastes, standards, and expectations. I am making an exception in this case.

"The Passage" is 800 pages of goodness. My sister's friend referred to it as "The Crack Book." This is accurate. I have accomplished next to nothing over the last seven days. Side Note: Why is it that when I finish a book I feel so accomplished then?

It's not my usual genre. It came highly recommended, so I took a leap of faith. I'm so glad I did.

Cronin writes very much like Stephen King, and that is a compliment coming from me. If you hear the word "vampire" associated with this book just ignore it. We call them "virals" or "jumps" in this book. They do not sparkle, fight werewolves, or drive fancy cars (not that I mind all that).



Complaints:
- "F" word
- Overuse of the "ascends" and "descends"
- Long
- Not long enough
- 1st in a series

Praises:
- Awesome
- Addictive
- Creative
- Familiar
- Unfamiliar

I am eagerly awaiting the next installment. Until then, all lights are on!

P.S. I love my Nook! Thank you, Bob. It makes reading so much more convenient. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing?

Summer of Sabra!

I swore I would celebrate all summer long my graduating from grad school. I went to Disneyland in June without children, and for July, I went with Katie to San Diego for four days. We'll have to see what August has in store, and isn't September still technically summer?

The parents were in Oceanside for their summer vacation along with Zac and Adriana. Aunt Carol was up there with my Dee, and Dee had her daughter and a friend. I was able to meet Joe, Dee's boyfriend, and I even caught a glimpse of Ralph. Bruce, Tess, and Heidi were up there, too. It was a Berryman miracle!

Kelly and Jaime live in Oceanside, so we were lucky to be able to spend time with them, too. I was terrible about taking pictures. I always had my camera, but I just kept taking pictures of Kelly's kids. I had tunnel vision when they were around. I'm so proud of my sister and what a wonderful mother she is to her three kids.

I had a great time, and I hope Katie did, as well. We missed Joan, but we talked about her plenty. Ha ha, Joan, just kidding!

Horse Camp '10!

Mallory went with Katie and I to pick up Sydney from camp.




This was Sydney's second year at horse camp, but this was my first time to get to go up and see her in action. Luckily, Katie had her camera because I couldn't find mine. Syd's horse is living in Flagstaff for the summer, so they were able to reconnect a little.

Special thanks to Aunt Joyce for taking Sydney again this year. I will have to get some pictures of Elena from Katie.

Birthday Girl!

Kibbee celebrated her 9th birthday on the 5th of July. It was quiet but sweet. She was excited to have Aunt Katie here for the big day.




For the 4th of July, we hung out at Tom and Patty's. Grandma Patty made birthday cupcakes for both Naomi and Mallory. The funny part is that the 4th is actually Patty's birthday.

The Graduate!

I kept meaning to post something about my sissy getting her master's. I kept meaning to get a picture from my mom, but it just isn't going to happen, so I stole this picture from Joan's blog.

I am so proud of my baby sister and all she has accomplished in only 23 years. She is now starting real life. I have already told her I don't like "working Joan."