Yep, I caught something. I seriously doubt it's anything serious but with my asthma, it usually takes a bit to shake it. So, today, I stayed in my pjs and kicked it hard. It's the first time I've done this in a long time and it actually was much needed. Because laying on the couch watching tv isn't very creative, I thought I'd tell you about a great site that has really sparked some enthusiasm for me to achieve my goals for this year. The goals that I have aren't the typical goals. Some of them are just reminders to get into the habit of things that I don't often do. Here's a peek.... 1) Wash my face every night before going to bed. 2) Practice the piano every day. 3) Read 2 books a month. 4) Draw or paint three times a week. 5) Work on re-writes for children's book. 6) Make a new recipe once a week. 7) Volunteer. 8) Drink 4 cups or more, water each day. To make the goals even more fun, my twin has also set simple goals too. We are tracking each othe...

I had the pleasure of interviewing Christian recording artist, Crystal Lewis a few years ago. We talked about one of the many albums she has recorded. One of the songs spoke of a family that had lost someone so very close to them. She said one profound statement, "Words fail". In fact, in one of her songs, she talks about how when you're at loss for the words to say, just sing. I'm usually not at loss for words...at least, not often. But, today, I was. I had spent my Christmas with an outstanding couple. They had celebrated their 44 years of marriage together. They truly seemed like lovebirds. She completed him and he completed her. There was joy and laughter while in their presence. I thought to myself, "If only Boo and I make it to 44 years and still have such a love and trust and friendship...." Today, she told me that after 44 years, she was divorcing him. He had only been dishonest one time, 20 years ago, in their marriage and she let him know then that...

1) When Married Boo says that the chili she made and then gave me is HOT, it really IS hot. She thought that cayenne pepper was a good replacement for the chili powder the recipe called for. I swear my nasal passages are clear for the next 20 years. 2) If a kid puts his finger in his nose and Baby Boo copies him and puts her finger in her nose, I don't think that qualifies as imitation is flattery. 3) It is very hard for me to accept that my kids want to help me. I am stubborn and feel that it's my responsibility to take care of them and help them and not the other way around. I'm blessed that my kids and son in law included, have generous, giving spirits. 4) I am thoroughly irritated when I go to the grocery store and see people plucking grapes out of the package, opening up chips and cookies and leaving the wrappers behind. That is just SO WRONG!!! 5) There is a good time to go to the store and a bad time. I always choose the bad times, when there are 15 family members fr...

Christina and her family are graciously giving a dollar for every list of simple things in life shared. The money will go towards Doctors without Borders. It's a wonderful contribution to not only the people in Haiti but others who have medical needs but can't afford to seek the necessary care. Please go over to C hristina's blog and enter your blog name and do this!! You won't regret it. Simple Things in Life Smelling freshly washed clothes Listening to the wind howl outside and knowing that I'm warm and indoors. Bananas and peanut butter Being lost in Boo's gorgeous green eyes Holding hands to pray before we eat our meals Being completely healthy without any asthma attacks since I am without medical insurance. A glass of wine and one of my favorite chick flicks Doodling on paper Watching the orange glow of the sun going down Making my dad laugh when I say something funny Baby Boo's hand in my hand Watching Grey's Anatomy and calling my twin sister on...

Never thought Baby Boo would love to cook as much as she does. I'm beginning to think though, that she's already correlated the fact that with cooking comes eating and that is one thing that she LOVES to do! I couldn't resist when I discovered that she was headed into chocolate oblivion, grabbing the camera and filming her in action. Today was another one of those days but there is always a silver lining in everything, I think. I am now sporting new glasses which definitely take some getting used to but I think I'll be alright!

Do you ever have those days where at the end of it, you feel so drained that you just want to cry? There's no exact reason for the tears, it just feels like it's something you feel like doing. Call it whacked out hormones, too much Starbucks coffee, a full day with the 2 1/2 year old asking Why and What, or just the fact that it's the right thing to do, but now that the little adorable Baby Boo is sound asleep, I am wiping tears. Actually, what started it was hearing the song, this song. It brought back memories of when watching the Mickey Mouse Club invoked feelings of warm fuzzies and just pure happiness. My sis and I would wait until the song was over and we'd re-enact the show all over again. No, we couldn't tap dance, but we did try to glue soda caps on the bottoms on our shoes and give it a try. We envisioned being the next Mouseketeers and that too never happened but it was so much fun trying. It also brought back memories of TV Boo crying every single time t...

After having a full week of rain here in Southern California, I couldn't wait to get outdoors and see what nature was out there, waiting to be discovered. The snow capped mountains are gorgeous! The best part of living here in the desert is that it's really a desert oasis...palm trees mixed in with sand and really, very few cacti. So, the beauty exists all year round but it's not always easy to enjoy when it's scorching hot out. I spent my Saturday taking pictures and with my daughters and Son In Boo. What better way to spend the day, right? I did include pictures of the inari that I made earlier in the week. Were you creative today?