Sunday Thankfulness...Moments that made my heart happy

It has been a busy,fun week ! Nothing extraordinary but lots of smiles and so much to be thankful for!

*My husband cracks me up almost every single day! We laugh about so many stupid things in the course of a week, and I am so thankful for his humor and that he finds me funny?
This was a honest to God conversation in our kitchen this morning
Steve-Do we have any cinnamon? I hear it helps you lose fat"
Me -What are you going to do eat it plain? 
" No maybe put it on some toast"
Well we have cinnamon rolls do you want me to bake those? 
Sure that would be great      
nowonderwedontloseweight!
But it is those everyday silly moments with him that I smile and thank God for my perfect other half to make me whole!

*I also had the best day with my friend Abby! We went to see the Hunger Games! She said it was because of my recommendation that she read the books so she wanted us to see it together 
We liked it a lot! 
It seemed to bring the book to life in just the way I pictured it! They left some things out which is normal, but it sure left me wanting to see the next one! It is such a unique premise which is why I liked the book so much. I would give it 4 1/2 stars out of 5 . After the movie we went to lunch at CPK and chatted for hours. I love that I can be friends with my friends children who I have watched grow up since grade school
And now we talk like besties out for a afternoon, never minding our 25 year age difference!
I love you Abby and thank you for the fun afternoon  

*Saturday we celebrated our bunco buddy Kims 60th birthday! She invited all us girls to Ponte Winery for a wonderful lunch ! We sat out on the patio and had wine and wonderful conversations and the BEST DARN CAKE!  She is such a generous, kind hearted lady and I am so thankful to have had her friendship all these years!  I am hoping we are still all together when we celebrate our 80th! They are the friends who have become family .....  

Lastly~  Who wouldn't wake up happy every single day with this little guy is in your  life! 

He has brought so much joy to their family and to ours as well !
I seriously didn't know this kind of love was possible.....
It is like nothing else I have ever experienced 
Wishing you all a happy week, filled with love and giggles
And tiny little fingers that wrap around yours and melt your heart !

Chaddie

I have often asked for prayer for Chad because he is constantly off on some adventure
Costa Rica, Skiing in Mammoth { where he is now } or mountain climbing. He made it sound like he did a "little" climbing but because of Facebook I was able to see the pics.
Now you know why I ask for prayer.....

Yep that speck up there is Chad

Are any of these guys certified climbers?Nah

                          The kid knows no fear!

Maybe its best he kinda skims over the details , because I am wreck when I know what he is up to!
I also found some cute surf pics from Costa Rica on his page. This boy has such a passion for life and I enjoy seeing him live it fully!

So when you say your prayers...
Pray for Chad too!
For safety, caution, protection but mostly that he never loses his LOVE for life!
On  top of being so darn adventurous he's just the cutest,sweetest boy ever!
Last week he was with Beckham and he text me
" Thank you for caring for me when I was too young or asleep to remember"  
I melted....he is so thoughtful and always thinking about his momma
I don't know how I lucked out with such sweet, manly boys in my life! And I am thankful that Beckham will have such great role models!
But I'm already praying Beckham takes up chess and checkers for sport
YaYa can only handle so much 

Maternity Leave

I promise to be back soon and they wont all be posts about Beckham!
But for now I am busy with work, and visits with the new Carter family. I just got home from a couple days with the kids and I was in full  YaYa mode  { my family knows just what that means}
I did what YaYas do best....clean, make sure everyone has PLENTY to eat, and help  in every way possible!
But mostly I did a lot of this ...

I was able to go the Pediatrician with Ashlyn and Beckham and it was so fun to be there as he was weighed and checked  
He is just the sweetest little guy and I love every second with him in my arms
This weekend I am off to a birthday party, grocery shopping, church, laundry and getting my own house back in order 
But he will be in my every thought and dream

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend filled with love and joy!

So there's this boy...

And he has completely captivated my heart....
Our days have been filled with visits to the hospital and thankfully now to their home as Beckham came home on Monday.  He is hungry, happy and oh so darling
A few images from the last few days...

This one captures the deep love I have for  my daughter in law!

Papou & Beckhams hands

Proud Uncle Chad

Travis and Ashlyn are true parents at heart. They seem to be adjusting beautifully and adore their little guy . One of my favorite pics was of Travis holding Beckham. The second they unplugged all his tubes Travis took off his shirt and cuddled close skin to skin. Thankfully Ashlyns friend captured the sweet moment with her camera. I also love the one of Beckham staring straight into his mommas eyes. Ashlyn amazes me with her calm, patient demeanor realizing it will all just get easier. I was such a frantic first time mom and admire their calm so much.
These days are the sweetest and I am loving every text, picture, poop update and moment holding and helping in any way possible
I cherish my new role as YaYa  and Papou is quite smitten too!

Beckham Paul

We are smitten.......

We fell in love at first sight

And I will NEVER forget my son coming out of the room with tears of joy streaming down his face

Ashlyn is a rock star! No drugs and a fierce determination to stick to her birth plan

He is everything and more we could ever dream of  

It is beautiful seeing your baby with a baby....My heart is so full of joy and love it literally feels like it could burst


March First 12:56 pm 8 lbs 5 oz   19 1/2 inches long  

My cup runneth over

My mom used to always quote that scripture from Psalms 23 about her blessings and it sure came to mind this week with ALL of mine! I feel so undeserving of so much love and  support.  It seems like every day baby Carter and I get some fun surprise and you all know how much I LOVE surprises!
My sweet friend Marcia sent me the cutest long sleeve t shirt to wear to the hospital.

Picture doesn't do it justice, it is darling!!

She lives in Boston and to think of her going through all the trouble to have it made and shipping it  just  warms my heart. At least three times a week my heart says " why the heck is my friend so far away" I always had her right around the corner and  just assumed she always would be. But I know we will be neighbors again because God is sweet like that and He knows how much I miss her. 

I also met my moms group for our monthly dinner and when I walked in they were already seated and they had a big basket of goodies for YaYa Karen ~ They all wore blue shirts and surprised me with the sweetest gifts. Lots of books which I dream of reading to my sweet grandson.There was darling outfits,bibs and bath toys. I  feel so blessed that he will know such remarkable women and that they love him already like I do!   

We also got a darling high chair from our sweet neighbors across the street. They have three adorable kids and sent over their gently used chair for our guy!  I tell ya I feel like I am all set up and when the kids come they wont have to pack a thing! Such a blessing

From our dear friends in Seattle they sent such sweet home made booties and hats, and all kinds of sweet little gifts. We have known the Goulds forever and don't get to see them too often but how thoughtful of them to send a gift. It seems like yesterday they stopped by the house to meet Travis and we did the same with their sweet girls. I LOVE  having forever friends and love that they love our new sweet baby!

And Saturday I got to see my sweet Kaitlin! She was coming into town for a shower and stopped by for a visit at "home" She is the precious friend who lived with us for a sort time and forever cemented her place in our hearts as family! She knew my mom as YaYa and gets how overexcited I am to become a YaYa too. She not only brought over a sweet gift for the baby but beautiful flowers for me ! She is the sweetest girl and I loved our two hours of chatting and catching up!

Cutest card ever!! Saving it forever

Lastly I got  heartwarming cards from the darling kids on my block. They stop by often for a cookie or a treat from my candy jar. I keep it stocked just for them because they are such a ray of sunshine in my life. So they wrote me thank you notes that were absolutely precious! Such well mannered kids and they wanted me to know they love me.  Proof that even the smallest kindnesses can make your whole day .

So clearly you can see why I say  My cup runneth over!  So much love has poured out to our family and it has overflowed our hearts. Every kindness will always be remembered!
Wishing you all a week filled with love and blessings!
And I hope to be back with good news soon!   
Today is baby boy Carters due date 

"Boy" oh "boy" Are we excited!

It wont be long now and our sweet babe will be here!Ashlyn is making progress and today the Dr could feel his little head. We are sitting on our phones and jump every time I hear either of their ring tones. The excitement is truly overwhelming and I feel so much joy!
These are the people left in our baby poll so I thought I would do a quick update!
Please join my heart in prayer for a safe, quick, delivery

• Sandy                    Feb 19      7-13
• Travis                      Feb 23     8-5
• Lindsay                  Mar 7     7-1
• Ken                         Mar 1      7-3
• Chad                      Feb 1       7-7
• Mary                       Feb 25   6-0
• Kim                          Mar 6    7-3
• Jodi                         Feb 17   8-14
• Caren                     Feb 29  7-11
• Paul                         Feb 19  6-8
• Jared                      Mar 3  7-5
• Koby                       Feb 22 6-8
• Emily                       Feb 25 8-8
• Kimberly                Mar 3  8-0
• Nancy Little          Feb 24 7-11 
• Grandma Sarah   Feb 24 8-13  
• Alicia                      Feb 20  7-3 
• Amy M                   Feb 21   7-2  
• Grandpa D           Feb 29  8-2
• Chris H                  Feb 22  10-2
• Maria                      Mar 5    7-12 
• Barbie                    Feb 26  7-11

Much love....YaYa Karen~  

Today

Outside my Window…

It's pretty cold and overcast today... 

I am thinking…
About Whitney Houston~ What a sad life hers had become and how far she had gotten away from her church and faith. Her ex husband performed last night , the very night of her death and I couldn't help but grieve for their daughter. As a parent I cant imagine not being with my daughter in a time of such sorrow and justifying putting on a concert. His absence really shows how screwed up peoples lives can become. I will always remember her singing the National Anthem and Jesus loves me. Her voice was angelic and I pray she is in heaven now and at peace 
 

I am thankful for…
My church, my faith, my husband and friends who keep me in check. I am also thankful for updates from Kenny and Lindsay while they are on a missions trip to Cambodia! They have been gone a week and a half and I miss them so much! But I know God is using them mightily! 

From the kitchen…
Just made Pioneer Woman's oatmeal bars { delicious click here for the  recipe } and a quiche for dinner

I am wearing…
Still in my nicer church clothes but am changing fast into sweats to take the pup for a walk

I am reading…
Molokai, what a great story so far! My book club just finished " War Horse" and that was really good too

I am hoping…
For safe, fun travels for Chad! He leaves tonight for Costa Rica on his three week surf trip and my heart always worries. Just him, his backpack and his surf board. I would so appreciate your prayers for him

I am creating…
My thank you notes to my sweet friends and maybe a Valentine craft or two


I am hearing…
The sounds of the kids next door, my washing machine , and golf in the background on TV

Around the house…
I am washing sheets and working on my menu for Bunco at my house next week. I also am putting away our new "baby gifts"  and boy that's fun!!    

One of my favorite things…
My new "Clarsonic" I treated myself to this with my Nordstrom gift cards and I LOVE it! My skin feels so soft and clean 

Well that's what is going on in my corner of the world today!
How about you? I would LOVE to hear!        
Hope your day is filled with love and giggles!

Surprise!

My sweet friends threw me a "YaYa" shower! I thought I was meeting a friend for lunch at Panera and walked into this fun surprise! Trish had gathered my dear friends for a day of celebration!  
And baby Carter and I were the guests of honor
I cant remember ever being so caught off guard  and completely surprised! 
It was the BEST day!!  { I only wish I had known so I could have dressed up a bit more. I am a wreck and even more so after crying my eyes out! But the best thing about friends is that they love you just as you are}
I am still beaming with joy after spending such a lovely afternoon with such lovely ladies!

So thoughtful and generous to our baby boy on the way!
He was spoiled  rotten and now my house has so many.....
little,cozy,cute,yummy smelling, darling things

White cake with white frosting of course

I love you friends so much and we thank you from  the bottom of our hearts!
Your love and sweet friendship means the world to me and I am so thankful my grandson will hear the stories of such amazing women who loved him before he was born !

February Love

I love February!! 
It has always been one of my very favorite months. I will never forget my daddy driving up on Valentines day with a special treat just for me! He always remembered his favorite girl and I always beamed with love and pride knowing he thought of me and loved me so much 
I always loved watching the boys spill out all their cards on the floor feeling so loved with their paper bags overflowing with sweet sentiments from school friends
Showing our love to others is always a blessing and you gotta love a month who celebrates it
But this February is going to be the MOST special one yet because it's  the month we have been dreaming of
Our Grandson will be arriving ! 
Talk about LOVE!! 
Funny how much love is overflowing for this little guy and we have not yet gazed upon his sweet face. I can already feel his sweet fingers in mine and I pray for him every single day !
I LOVE seeing Travis and Ashlyn getting ready for his arrival. They have taken their classes, created the sweetest nursery  and prepared their hearts for this sweet little babe
God is so good and I thank Him so much for all the blessings he has given to our family.
So many things I love this February....
steve and my boys.ashlyn being the sweetest daughter I could dream of. great friends. the greeks.my sweet pup brody who is such a constant loyal companion. memories of amazing parents who loved us so perfectly.my sweet brothers and their amazing wives.music.good books that take me away.conversation hearts.diet orange crush.my home. random texts that say i love you.fireplaces and blankets.greek yogurt.laughing
And to you my readers, Thank you for loving my blog enough to stop by
Wishing you love over flowing this February!! 

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!!!

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!

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!

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