11 Years Ago-I Did It!

Many years ago I spotted the love of my life on the football field. He was coaching the other flag team. We became friends and the following year, my 6 year old son, Jullien, ended up on his flag team. The attraction was undeniable, we started dating but really didn't think it could go anywhere because we each had 3 kids and 6 kids was way too many!

Everywhere we went, people stared at us and our huge entourage of miniature people following behind us, pushing, shoving, yelling and fighting with each other. It was chaos...but it grew on us. The kids also grew closer and began to accept one another.

We tried to fight the enevitable, but two years later, we could no longer imagine a life without each other in it.

Anthony asked me to marry him, which I happily agreed to. We were married on December 31, 1999 on the Corona Del Mar Bluffs overlooking the ocean in Newport Beach, CA.


Through the past 11 years of ups and downs, stretching, growing, forgiving, trusting, overcoming and putting our faith in the Lord, our love has grown stronger.

Happy Anniversary to the Love of my life!


ya...I don't know, me being me...goofball!



our honeymoon in Santa Barbara, CA
patio at our Bed & Breakfast
(double click to view larger)

Last Minute Christmas

All the Grandkids on my Husbands side.

My Family-They're so grown up!

Me & Jullien (I'm standing on my toes to look taller)

My Hubby & His Sisters

Sister In Law Brigett & her kids

Sister in Law Erika & her kids

Stepdaughter Tashy & Niece Adrianna

Me & my Sister In Laws-I'm liking the Black & White

Anthony's Parents & ALL of us (except Josh-left for work)

Adrianna & my Sister in Law Vivian

Why does it always feel like the older you get the faster the time goes by? Christmas is almost here and I haven't even started shopping! We just barely took Christmas pictures, and got our tree last week, which is still not decorated.

Anthony's family came over to have me take Christmas pictures of everyone. We had it all planned to go down to our normal spot in Corona Del Mar, but Josh had to work and so everyone came over and we just took them at our house. Not the picture perfect area, but we made it work. Luckily my husband has our tropical back yard looking good.

It was quite a fiasco! We were pressed for time because the boys had a basketball game, someone left the door open and our husky got out, ran across a busy street, almost got hit twice. We were all chasing her down yelling and freaking out. We finally got her across the street in a shopping center and some guy started yelling at me to keep her on a leash! I've been working on my mouth so I actually kept my cool and didn't let him have it! PROGRESS...yay!

Every year I make the whole family go together to get the Christmas tree. This is always a big deal for me, I love traditions. They however don't look forward to it. I can't get just any tree, it has to be the perfect tree, a Noble at least 7-8 ft tall and perfectly shaped. This isn't easy to find and can take a few hours! LOL! The kids start getting frustrated with me after the first 30 minutes. Anthony usually has had enough after 15 min. Then it's total drama the whole time...and it happens like this every year...awwwwe traditions!

This year Anthony's kids couldn't make it...which I'm sure didn't upset them too much, but I missed them. I was happy that all three of my boys were able to go. My oldest son Josh even brought his girlfriend. It was different this year, the lot didn't have anything over 6ft., we found the perfect tree after Anthony & the boys lifted and turned them so I could carefully examine them. It only took three trees & 20 minutes...a new record! I wish it was taller though...I know, I know...I'm a freak!

As for shopping...which I can't stand doing under normal circumstance let alone in the holiday rush, I will be out Christmas Eve, this too seems to be a tradition for me. Not one I plan...just me procrastinating!