What Matters

"May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."
-author unknown

Someone sent this quote to me in an email today and when you miss your family - simple words can take on new meaning.

I'm out of town working in Chicago and THIS....

DOES NOT COMPARE TO

THIS...................................

 AND THIS...........

I'm missing my boys. 

All of them.



Snow in Them 'Dar Hills

You don't see the vineyards dusted with snow very often around Sonoma County -

this can't be good for this year's grapes...

But, it was a great afternoon playing in the snow--just 25 minutes away from our house. 

The Doodle has never been to the snow before.

He Loved It!  And it gave him a real reason to wear gloves.

He played and ran and even threw snow balls at his dad and brother.

Jimmy and Jim went the day before and scouted out some cool places to go--

they went 4-wheeling whereas, I DID NOT.The Doodle and I opted out of any verticle adventures for obvious reasons but the main reason being I kept having visions of being featured in the Around the Empire and Obituary of the Press Democrat.

So we played it safe and had some snacks and got hailed on.

A nice holiday weekend and I'm sad that it's over and it's back to work.

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday to Jim! I won't tell  you how old he just turned.

But we had a nice, impromptu Birthday dinner party and all of his brothers came to visit.

Jim was beside himself and Jimmy had the best time hanging out with his uncles.

And the Doodle,well he loved the gravy and blowing out the Birthday Candles.

He thought everyone was singing that birthday song to him.

Hello

Hello cute boy in a green and navy sweater, you're such a good eater.

Hello sunshine, nice to see you again.

Hello car, sorry I haven't washed you since last October.

Hello overnight field trip with Jimmy.

Hello Grammy and Papa, glad to have you home.

Hello work, it's nice to feel caught up (for the moment).

Hello February, can't believe you're here already.

Hello clean house, it was nice while it lasted.

Hello weight gain, time for you to go.

Hello new Artful Life magazine, I can't wait for a free moment to read you.

Hello Dr. Sullivan and UCSF - time again for the Doodle's check up.

Hello new IEP--we need to get you scheduled.