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Friday, January 27, 2012

A dreamy overnight stay!

Last weekend Steve and I had a wonderful get away before I started back to work. I only work three days a week but it still sometimes makes it hard to get away so off we went for a night in PARADISE
I know what you are thinking...
Karen always over exaggerates
And yes, sometimes I do,
But not this time!
This is where we stayed!!
Pelican Hill



It was ahhhmazing !
We had a fire place in our room, our own patio and a beautiful tub that I took a long swim soak in. 
In the morning we went to a fun breakfast place called Rose Cafe and hiked along the beach at Crystal Cove 
The property has the most amazing olive trees and outside our door was a darling lemon tree!  Of course we asked for a late check out to soak up every minute of this beautiful resort
It truly was a once in a lifetime treat 
And it was given to us by our generous, thoughtful kids Travis and Ashlyn! They could have used the getaway themselves because the baby is due in just a month, but they wanted us to enjoy it. They know we love hotels and they had stayed there for a work event and  wanted us to have the experience too !
Who does that for their parents??
Our kids do....
What a wonderful treat ! We felt like royalty pulling in with the Bentleys and Porches. And we will always remember laying in bed with the fire on, wearing luxurious robes, eating frozen yogurt and feeling like a Prince and Princess!   
We thank you guys from the bottom of our hearts!!!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Random moments that all lead to joy!

We have had so much going on in our little family this year, but I am determined to focus on all the wonderful blessings and joy around us. I still believe that gratitude changes everything!  

God shows me His love and faithfulness more in times of rain than I can ever see in the sunshine

So I am welcoming this storm knowing at the end there will be a huge rainbow and we will be changed for the better!

A few joys that were mine this week....




Ashlyn had another baby shower put on by her sweet partner at Carter and Cook and her dear friend Lacey! You can only imagine how beautiful it all was when you have a event planner involved. I am hoping for better pictures soon but I did capture a couple with my camera. It was a "Woodland" theme just like the babies nursery will be. Ashlyn is beautiful inside and out and so are her family and friends....





Soooo sweet!

I also had the BEST day at the Animal Park!  I feel like I have been off work for so  long and didn't have enough "play" days! So off I went to the San Diego Safari Park
It was majestic..



There is something so amazing about seeing animals in the wild and I sat for almost an hour just watching the Gorillas with their new baby . The  were wrestling and cuddling and it brought so much joy to my heart. I also rode the safari tram and the guide said something that struck my heart so strongly! She said " if you look you will see the baby rhino surrounded by the others. It is their nature to all gather around someone who is weak, sick, or young and protect it until it is strong again " 

We have much to learn as people don't we?

I hope I remember to surround people when they need care and love them until they are strong again
It was a fabulous way to spend the day !

I ended the day with a little visit with Ashlyn and saw the progress on the darling nursery she is putting together. Then off to Hodad's with Chad.  Diners, Drive in and Dives did a segment on this place and they were spot on when they said it is the  
BEST BURGER EVER!

It happens to be in Ocean Beach and we love to meet there. After dinner we stopped in a drug store to get Chad cold medicine and I turned around and he was gone? So I asked where he went and he said " to help that man in the wheelchair get his cough drops"

I tell you this boy does not miss a beat when it comes to helping someone out!

It literally is his first instinct. I tried to tell Steve about how sweet he is but I just cried.
I have the best time when I am with my family and always come home feeling thankful beyond measure!

Lastly my favorite quote this week is from Max Lucado

"Focus less on the tangled threads and more on the hand of the weaver"

I LOVE that! And even though our life sometimes feels like a tangled mess, He will make it beautiful in time   
Wishing you love, joy and giggles!

Friday, January 13, 2012

Are you a "Pinner"

Because I sure am....

I  have fallen in love with Pinterest! 

It is a virtual bulletin board where you can keep all your ideas in one easy to find spot.

I have boards with my wish list, yummy things to cook, favorite books, and of course my Ya Ya board
I have had more fun trying  peoples favorite recipes {three which I tried this week} and collecting quotes and decorating ideas. When you click on the image it takes you to the link with the recipe or shopping info.  What a fun way to shop for gifts and see the things the people in your life love !!
If you haven't jumped on board I would encourage you to do so
And be sure to let me know when you do! We can be friends and share our good ideas.

You can find my page here.   
Wishing you a happy day filled with moments of thankfulness and joy!
                                       Happy Pinning!

Sunday, January 8, 2012

B.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l.

A wonderful time in life captured by an amazing photographer!
I know I'm bias but I think they are the sweetest parents to be and these photos seem to capture the peace and joy they have as they enter this new chapter of their lives



I am such a proud YaYa ! And am counting down the days until I can meet this little guy