A Milestone

10 years ago this month I made a decision that would change my life forever. I said "yes".

Yes to becoming a wife.
Yes to becoming a mother.
Yes to becoming a family.

Being a step-parent is not always an easy task. It's often painful and lonely in a dance of mixed emotions from all parties; non of us perfect, all of us trying to figure out the best way to maneuver through these new steps. But the rewards can be great and love always grows in a well-nurtured garden.

That day I said "yes", I already knew in my heart that I wanted to be there for Big Brother; I didn't want to live my life without him as much as I didn't want to live my life without the Guy I Dig. I loved this little boy and I wanted to see him through his life adventure, through graduation, marriage and his own family someday...

Yesterday I sat in the stands with his dad, his mom and close friends and watched this boy graduate from High School. Taking his first step into adulthood; and I felt the great joy of being a part of his life.

I am so proud of him.

Wasn't it only yesterday that I thought to myself, "I want to be there when he graduates"?


He was grafted into my heart long ago - how lucky I am to be a part of his life.

...And to be a part of his dad's life.

An amazing journey for us all.


But for Big Brother, as we let him go to take flight,

The journey is just beginning.


Thank you, Sean, for making me a better person.
I love you.

Wordless Wednesday - Driving the BugTheme Home

He did come home with a pet from that bug fair, did I mention that?

Meet Jonners.

[I haven't seen it in it's habitat lately...I hope it didn't... You know, d-i-e.

The Prom Date...

As requested, here is a picture of big Brother and his date.
('cause us girls know it's all about the dress.)

Lost Locke

Okay, not what I expected...

to see a United Airlines jet nestled in the trees & bushes of downtown Los Angeles.

Granted we were on our way to the Natural History Musuem right down the street; but when Harrison caught sight of that plane, oh boy -

"Mommy look! It's a plane - in the jungle! There's a plane in the jungle right there!"

Pause.

"Mommy, we found JOHN LOCKE!!"

[Yup, the cat is out of the bag, he has, on occasion, watched parts of Lost with us - usually before he is whisked off to bed or the channel is quickly turned.]


More Wordful Wednesday at Seven Clown Circus

Snack Anyone?

You asked for it, you got it. [granted this is not for those of you with squeamish stomachs]

What is Harrison's newest favorite snack?

Sauteed Bug Orzo Pasta.

[I won't say what the chef (in a fit of giddiness) compared the orzo pasta to; but you can probably make a guess - but don't. Really. Don't go there. Eeww.]


I tell you that Harrison was quite set on eating bugs and disappointed that he was not going to have the opportunity to try the tempura-battered tarantula legs. [no, I'm not kidding.] Apparently, we missed the show.

"Mmm!" he says, "These are yummy!"

He even tapped to the chef on the back to tell him how much he liked the bug orzo pasta.

He is so proud of himself. 

Better him then me, I'd say.  I'm not eating bugs.

And that's why I'll never win a million dollars from being in a reality show.

His Best shot at Getting a pet Tarantula

A whirlwind weekend filled with a military parade and exhibit and a trip to the annual bug fair at the Natural History Museum.

Yes, those are his hands....

Yes. That is a live tarantula.

And no, he did not bring one home to live with us.  [Yet.]

If you squirm at this, wait until you see what he had for a snack...

Happy Monday!

On Mothers Day...

I was treated to a private performance of my one of my favorite musicians.

And yes, there was an encore performance!

He Rocks!


More Wordless Wednesday here.

Happy Mother's Day!

To all our friends and family that are moms~

I'm under the weather but I get breakfast in bed, hand-picked flowers and steaks for dinner.

No compaints here.


Harrison wrote a special letter to Grandma that we scanned to post today. It's also folded and sealed in an envelope for mailing. (...on Monday)

We miss you!! Have a wonderful day!

He's Off to Prom...

No, not Harrison.

Big Brother.

The G.I.D. took him to pick up his date and drop them off at another friend's house. We didn't know until they got there that his friend's parents had invited all the parents over for refreshments [and picture time] before the teens left for the Prom. Dang! Harrison and I stayed home and I had even thought to myself, "bummer, I that can't get a shot of Big Brother and his date together..." Apparently, I could have!

Hopefully pictures will be emailed to us - when they are - I'll post them!

In the mean time, he had a lot of fun.

Photo Story Friday - all is well in the universe

Harrison got a haircut again! It's pretty short... The G.I.D. likes it though.

I got this canvus fabric on clearance, I love it. The color and print make me feel happy. So I wanted to try it out - and drain my camera battery for recharge at the same time. I pinned it the the chair rail got a chair and yelled for Harrison to help me.

"is everything okay?", he asks when I tell him I need his help. Oh yeah, I just want you to pose for me a moment.

He comes and plops down to model for me. No questions, no wining, no arguments. Cool.
I was only able to fire off five shots and the battery died. Just enough...

Enough to love this shot.

Some days it just all comes together - if only for a brief moment.
You can check out a couple more shots (including this one - and his goofy poses) straight from the camera here.


And see more photo stories by clicking below ...


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