Ryan turned 18!!!!!!

It's so unimaginably hard for me to believe that my youngest is now 18.  Especially when I see these pictures of his 4th birthday that seem like just a second ago.  A blink of an eye!  And back then I couldn't even imagine what an AMAZING man he would become!  So tall (like 6'3" at least), so handsome, so intelligent and independent.  He seems way older than his age.  I think he seemed 25 when he was 5!! haha  He has always known what he wanted and never settled for anything less.  He has always been generous and had a big heart, and has ALWAYS made us laugh.  When he was little he was mischevious, and now he is just plain hilarious.  Truly a sense of humor like no other.  I love when I see "Ryan is typing" on the family snaps.  You know you are in for a good laugh!   

Here is his birthday at Disney when he was four.  

See what I mean about being independent?  What four year old cuts their own birthday cake? haha

This year his day started with this! haha

We started the day seeing a movie

And then we went to eat Korean BBQ!  

Ended the night with a fire in the firepit, some margaritas and chocolate cake

Happy Birthday Ryan!  So proud of you!  As the saying goes, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life."

Succulent Cafe

Went out for a coffee date with Danny to my new favorite coffee shop!  Love the outdoor, casual atmosphere filled with multi-colored succulents and water fountain.  A great place to sip on your favorite coffee!

Having coffee with this face is always a highlight of my day.

Avocado toast - YUM

Artichokes and Life

As we were eating dinner tonight I looked over at Danny's plate and realized something about him.  He LIVES his life in an orderly manner.  Everything he does!  Even how he stacks his discarded artichoke petals!!!  So then I looked at my plate and thought "yep - this explains it all." haha

Danny's plate

My plate. 

Flowers

My mother celebrated her 80th birthday last week!  Had a blast making her this money cake containing $80.  Though it looked nothing like the Pinterest version...

Never dreamed I would walk down the street and see this sign everywhere on the sidewalks in a place where I live. Can you see the faint imprint of a duck and next to it "I live downstairs?"  

Lovin it.

Maria made this for Hannah to help her organize her flowers.  She uses it for pending orders and it comes in so handy!  

Snuck into Hannah's studio and took a picture of her latest wedding bouquet.  So dreamy and flowy...

March 2018 Highlights

So March was a fun month!  St. Patricks Day, Maria's birthday, Jacob had a trip to Mexico, Hannah's business is booming, Ryan's business is exploding, Jacob is excelling at the University of Arizona both academically and in the Air Force, Danny is actively pursuing and researching houses to flip by visiting open houses, Matt's business is also hugely multiplying (I hardly see him!) and my life is kind of in a daily rut, but Danny booked a house in England for June 2019, and I now have the trip of a lifetime to look forward to and plan for!   (whoa that was one long sentence! haha)

Jacob in Guadalajara, Mexico at a stop along the Tequila Train!

Matt looking fit and trim and happy in the back yard!  He fits CA so well.

Danny and Hannah and I took a day to explore DISNEYLAND!!  Loved it!!

No words.

Celebrated Maria's birthday with a dessert smorgasbord!

Best. Idea. Ever.  LOL

Hannah developing new ways to improve packaging and presentation of her GORGEOUS wedding bouquets

Matt and Maria celebrated FIVE years together this month!

Jacob looking sharp in his Air Force dress blues!  He is doing so well and thriving back in the ROTC program and at University of Arizona!  

Throwing this one in just cuz I love it so much.  Titled "First Day in Heaven." 

Can't wait for that day.

Ryan bought Indy a new, luxurious, huge bed to lounge on.  He LOVES it! Dogs are having a "coffee break!" haha

Jacob and Ashley celebrated TWO years together this month also!! 

Jacob has been working out like a mad man to prepare for field training this summer.  It shows!  Look at those arms!! haha

February 2018 Highlights

The man that led the charge!! (to San Diego that is...) haha

This is the view about a mile from our house

Love that you can just grab coffee and sit on these benches and see the ocean.  Don't do it often, but ya can! haha

This space seems perfectly carved out for Hannah to have a floral shop, as opposed to in her bedroom.

I finally accepted that my years of homeschooling are over and I gave away 25 years of books.  I can tell you that this was a VERY hard and emotional thing for me.  Still struggling that the best time of my life, a time with purpose, is over forever.  

By God's grace I have to find a new and fulfilling purpose!

One of the best things about Carlsbad.  Fresh picked. Daily. For 6 months or more of the year. 

Danny, Hannah and I took a trip to Prescott this month too!  Relaxing and fun.

Date with Danny!

The one time we lit a fire in the rental.  Hardly gets cold enough to do so!