...a little game of catch up??

WELL...

It's been quite awhile (forgot I had this blog!) so I'll try to update my life's activities in a reasonable amount of time and space. For the past 10 months I have had the honor and privilege of caring for my 5 year old Granddaughter, Maren... while this has been one of the biggest challenges I've ever had, by far one of the most wonderful and rewarding. Maren is an extremely beautiful, bright, special needs little girl who changes lives...I know.
Other highlights, I had an amazing post Christmas season with lots of family around...cousins Ryan, Andy and Auntie Bev came to stay in Utah, and we had a houseful of non-stop fun! My Mama came to visit, and Kristen, Brad, Dave, Sadie & Jordan and even a friend or two practically lived at the house when we weren't out or skiing. Lauren and Russell and kids visited lots to make it even more fun...really just a time that I think we all treasured, didn't want to end, and want to do again!
Brad moved to San Diego, lives on a boat in the Mission Bay area, works at a very posh, high priced hotel (Hotel Se'), bought a car and is literally working AND partying his A$$ off, having the time of his life! Of course, having my Mama living there was a good reason to visit, but adding BRAD to the San Diego picture, made it all too irresistible to NOT visit as often as I could! Any time with Brad is a good time... Kristen and I even took Maren on a road trip all the way from Utah to San Diego and she LOVED the ocean (no fear!) and was SO ecstatic to see and be reunited with her Uncle Brad again!

Currently, I'm in AZ, kinda back where I started and trying to rebuild my life, hopefully a little smarter, stronger & wiser... the next chapters are up to me, I hope, as I am trying to take charge of my life rather than it taking control of me!! I just had another birthday (undisclosed date/age) but am happy, pretty healthy and looking forward to good times ahead...

PS...This past 10+ months have been tough and I have a lot of people to be grateful for...I have an amazing family, my kids seem to always be there when I really need them. But one unsung heroin who has supported me in more ways than I can even convey, is my wonderful Mother...I honestly DO NOT know how I would have survived life for the past while without her! She is a truly gracious, loving, giving and supportive mother and friend to me...I love you, Mom!!

Other family and misc pics...












Sadie & Jordan visiting AZ


Lauren & Russell wedding


My ??? Birthday...


My most recent job...I did the makeup for six beautiful Korean ladies in my friend, Min's, bridal party in San Diego...a LOT of fun!!

Bedshaped (Cosi) by Vittorio

AMAZING Italian artist...a must listen, yes, even if it is classical...
Bedshaped (Cosi) by Vittorio

whazzzzzzz up??????

I feel pretty lucky these days!! I have had a great few months, crazy but great! I was able to make a quick trip to Utah in March (I hadn't been since Christmas!) and then two weeks ago Brad came out for a week and a half and then the day I took Brad to the airport, I picked up Kristen, who spent a nice long 3 day weekend with me...AWESOME!! It's been great spending time with them and both are seriously considering moving out here which would make this mama VERY happy!! Kristen found a home she really likes, and plenty of good work, but Dave wants to find something that would further his career rather than just a lateral move. Brad, just would like a change of pace and out of Utah for a while and really enjoyed his time out here... Sadie is just completing her final testing for her EMT licensing and Kasey just started a great new job with a lot of potential for a business phone/communications company. My cute little Maren is doing wonderful, in an awesome preschool and also great occupational and speech therapy classes...she is such a happy, outgoing and loving little girl! I so wish the miles did not keep us so far away!

Here are some updated pictures of everyone...