Dear Mom + Our MOST Exciting News Ever!!
Dear Mom,
From you, I've learned the value of a strong work ethic, tenacity, and the importance of leading with a warm smile. From you, I've learned the value of cultivating lifelong friendships and nurturing those friendships with love and care. From you, I've learned when to let things go that aren't important in the scheme of life and thatyou can never please everyone.
From you, I've learned to enjoy the indulgence of a Belgian chocolate, a fine pair of Italian leather shoes, freshly cut flowers, and a strong cup of coffee, with cream, in the morning. From you, I have seen the life-altering power of faith, generosity, living with integrity, having a signature perfume and 'keeping it classy'.
Dear Mom,
From you, I've learned the value of a strong work ethic, tenacity, and the importance of leading with a warm smile. From you, I've learned the value of cultivating lifelong friendships and nurturing those friendships with love and care. From you, I've learned when to let things go that aren't important in the scheme of life and thatyou can never please everyone.
From you, I've learned to enjoy the indulgence of a Belgian chocolate, a fine pair of Italian leather shoes, freshly cut flowers, and a strong cup of coffee, with cream, in the morning. From you, I have seen the life-altering power of faith, generosity, living with integrity, having a signature perfume and 'keeping it classy'.
From you, I learned of the mind-expanding benefits of travel, the essential nature of curiosity and that the devil is in the details. I've also learned the importance of feathering a comfortable nest and placing fresh-cut flowers bedside for family members and house guests. From you, I've learned the importance of celebrating, entertaining, and the fine art of throwing a party!!
From you, I've learned about courage. From moving to Hawaii at the young age of 19 to teach school, to taking out a rattlesnake, with a shovel, to protect us at our house in Loomis. WOW! I've learned about courage from you in that after your own losses you chose to adopt 2 baby girls, Heidi and me, and create a wonderful family life for all of us.
I learned more about grace and courage from your strength through dad's illness and passing, to embracing life and new love years later, with Hal.
From you, I'm learning to ask for what I need and WAIT for the response, rather than acquiesce away from what I deserve (remember that hotel scene in Paris?).
From you, I've learned to live life to the fullest each day, be grateful for all that we have and look towards an even brighter future ahead.
I'm looking forward to celebrating YOU with Heidi and the family this weekend. Can hardly wait!
Love you dearly, Heather
PS - I will never create a bouquet like you do, from flowers grown in your perfectly manicured garden, and I always love to see your colorful creations.
On another note, we will be celebrating Mother's Day this year with some exciting news to share.
There is something brewing in our family and it's a baby for Briana (my step-daughter) and her wonderful guy, Shawn. They gave us this sweet card, above, to announce their pregnancy. It was truly one of the most exciting moments in our lives for Scott and me. We are over the moon excited for these two. They will be amazing parents!
This will be the first grandchild for us, 'Grandpa Scott and Grandma Gigi'. Our family is growing and we couldn't be more excited!
To my dear birth mom, Marcia, recovering from surgery this week, under the care of my sister, Dorie, I'm sending hugs and special Mother's Day wishes for you both.
Not all of us who mother gave birth and life can be complicated. There are many ways to be family and to all who mother children, step-children, grandchildren and more, wishing you a Happy Mother's Day!
Date Night: Al Fresco Dinner At Home for Valentine's Day
It was an unusually warm Valentine’s Day this year. Scott had the brilliant idea of ordering in from the Chico gold standard, Bacio Catering, so that we could thoroughly enjoy our evening. Turns out this was the perfect way to enjoy a stress free date night and an al fresco dinner at home.
Date Night: Al Fresco Dinner
It's been a busy month around here and I'm in need of calming my spirit. I just discovered images of a date night at home from way back on Valentine's Day. Feels like I'm a bit behind the eight ball but I'm going to share this anyway.
The landscape outback looks far different than it does today, but the images made me smile. I hope they do for you too. A beautiful sunset, some delicious food, and a camera on a tripod can capture a mood.
This is a throwback post to February and a cozy evening spent hanging around the house.
It was an unusually warm Valentine's Day this year. Scott had the brilliant idea of ordering in from the Chico gold standard, Bacio Catering so that we could thoroughly enjoy our evening. Turns out this was the perfect way to enjoy a stress-free date night and an alfresco dinner at home.
The delicious menu (Thank you Amanda):
While Scott was putting the meal together, I had time to set the table, arrange the flowers, and sip some champagne.
Now, THIS is my idea of a fun night at home!
Watching the quality of light change -- from sunset to sundown to twilight -- is one of our favorite elements of living here with this view.
The city lights come alive on a clear night like this one. I had no idea placing the camera on a tri-pod would capture the candlelight this way. A moody soundtrack, fresh flowers, candles and twinkling lights help set the mood for date night around our house.
So does his face... :)
Whether it's a simple meal you cook together, your favorite Thai take-out boxes, or a special occasion meal like this one, a date night at home can be just as good (or better!) than going out on the town sometimes.
Do you have any favorite ideas for creating a memorable date night at home?
Creating a "Sunny Escape" for Our House Guests
Scott and I had the pleasure of hosting house guests for the long weekend. It was late summer and the weather was picture perfect for poolside lounging and some outdoor fun in Chico. My sister, Dorie, and her guy Michael, were up from Newport Beach for the weekend and I wanted to create a “sunny escape” for my special house guests. My first step is to prepare the guest room. Freshly washed linens, fluffy towels, candles and fresh flowers are a must. For this visit I added some lovely dark calla lilies to the mirrored bedside table.
Scott and I had the pleasure of hosting house guests for the long weekend. It was late summer and the weather was picture perfect for poolside lounging and some outdoor fun in Chico. My sister, Dorie, and her guy Michael, were up from Newport Beach for the weekend and I wanted to create a "sunny escape" for my special house guests. My first step is to prepare the guest room. Freshly washed linens, fluffy towels, candles and fresh flowers are a must. For this visit I added some lovely dark calla lilies to the mirrored bedside table.
I always like to have some snacks and beverages prepared for the arrival of the road trippers. In this platter I prepared a variety of imported cheeses, olives, marcona almonds with rosemary and veggies with dips. I especially like the gorgonzola-pecan and white bean hummus dips from Trader Joe's specialty market. I turn on a favorite playlist from Pandora--like "Chilled Cream" and "Bliss"--for setting a relaxed mood.
Dining al fresco is a must for warm summer evenings in northern California. I've learned to keep the menu simple: Scott grills steak or chicken and I add fresh salads. On this evening a baby greens with goat cheese/pine nuts salad, a watermelon/feta salad and grilled asparagus were on the menu. We topped it off with sorbet floating in limoncello.
Cheers to family and summer evenings together!
As much as we love time together with house guests, it's also good to give them a little time to relax. We always prepare the coffee pot the night before ready for the early risers or those who want to sleep in a bit. When we finally gather in the morning there is such a relaxed vibe to the conversation and catching up time.
Following a leisurely morning at home, it's good to mix it up, so we headed downtown to the Chico farmer's market for some fresh produce.
We ran into several long time friends, including a retired colleague of mine, Sally (right), who grows and sells her produce from Green Cedar Farm in Berry Creek. Here she is pictured with her intern from France. The apples were absolutely fantastic! Thank you Sally! xx
Beautiful blooms at the market.
We opted for lunch out at one of our favorite, healthy spots, Tea Bar and Fusion Cafe. Soon enough it was time to get home for some lounging by the pool.
Michael--getting his float on!
At one point Dorie grabbed her new fancy new camera and encouraged me to let her take some photos. As bloggers we know it is good to have some decent head shots, but it can be so awkward to have your photo taken. I feel like I am terrible at it--especially photos of me taken alone. With Dorie's design school background, and career as a fashion designer with St. John, she has participated in many fashion shoots over the years. I definitely trusted her to take good photos; it was me I worried about. When I say she took hundreds of photos, I'm not kidding. I still haven't looked through them all. As with any photo shoot there can be many awkward shots--and a few good ones. Either way, we had a ball and laughed a lot!
This is me, stepping out of my comfort zone....
I like the background and it seems to blend nicely with my straw-colored hair. ;)
Dorie has a thriving business in Orange County, Broadway Botanicals. She specializes in succulents, floral design and now residential landscapes. For more on her beautiful designs Broadway Botanicals. I'm always so inspired by her unique creations.
I hope this weekend was a sunny escape for Dorie and Michael. I know it was for us!
Have you entertained company recently?
What are your favorite tips for welcoming house guests?
Mother's Day Bouquets Made With Love
I always look forward to Mother’s Day weekend. I get to celebrate my favorite women, far and near, and there is usually a flower graced springtime brunch involved. Our tradition is that my family comes to our house in Chico for the day, and it’s such a treat to host.
Mother's Day Bouquets
I always look forward to Mother's Day weekend. I get to celebrate my favorite women, far and near, and there is usually a flower graced springtime brunch involved. Our tradition is that my family comes to our house in Chico for the day, and it's such a treat to host.
My mom, Jeri, is a flower arranger extraordinaire in my mind. Over the years she has collected several photographs of her creations. Recently she had the images printed on notecards, with high quality envelopes, and gave them to family and friends as gifts. What a perfect way to remember all those beautiful bouquets, and Mother's Day bouquets, made with love.
These notecards are a gift in and of themselves.
I've never mailed one, the collection is a keepsake for me.
It's been a rough week here. I spent the first two days grief counseling at a local high school, following a tragic lunchtime car accident where a 17-year-old basketball star died. His friend was life-flighted to UC Davis Medical Center and is in a medically induced coma. This kid was popular, yet kind to everyone, and a true leader. The heartbreak on campus is palpable with some dealing with loss this close for the first time and others being triggered with a multitude of previous traumas. As a lesson in forgiveness, the father of the student who died, met with the parents of the driver, to offer his comfort and forgiveness before it was even asked. I'm still so close to this story that I have tears rolling down my cheeks as I write this. Hug your children tightly and remind them to wear their seatbelts. The fine art of forgiveness is truly a life lesson.
In many ways we all do some mothering in our own right here and motherhood is a gift here. If your path to motherhood was/is difficult, as mine has been here I share your journey. If you are a stepmom, like I am, here, I know it's an entirely different form of mothering. For many of us, motherhood is a complicated journey, but a blessing here. If you, or someone you love, are needing a little dose of hope today or a smile here.
As we celebrate mother's day this year, let's remember those among us who are missing a mother, or a child, just now. To each of you, and especially a few of my dear friends who are feeling the loss this year, big hugs to you. Reach out in love today.
Happy Mother's Day to you!
My Mother's Wedding Video (Happy First Anniversary Jeri & Hal!)
My radiant Mom, Jeri, on her wedding day, with my beautiful sister, Heidi, and me last September.
There is nothing that makes a daughter happier than knowing her mother is enjoying life and love to the fullest. My mom, Jeri, and my new Step-father, Hal, have enjoyed an uncommonly rich romance, a heartfelt and memorable wedding celebration, and a European honeymoon in the last two years. It's safe to say, this daughter is extremely happy for these two, especially as they celebrate their first wedding anniversary.
This is the wedding video....it will make you cry happy tears!
Video credit to Jensen Films
For a peek at the wedding last year in A love story and a wedding,
the lucky in love story of how these two met in Love is just mean to be, and wedding planning in
A Sparkling Day Sneaks Up on You.
Happy Anniversary Mom and Hal!
We are blessed by welcoming this warm, wise, loving man, Hal, and his family, into our family.
Your love story is truly an inspiration for ageless love.
Scott and I could not be happier for you both and we love you dearly.
Cheers!
xx,
We're savoring the golden days of summer at my here!
New arrivals from Spain and Portugal!
Motherhood Day and Celebrating Us
Happy 'Motherhood' Day to all! If you have birthed a baby, adopted a baby, fallen in love and became an 'insta' stepparent, been a nurturing auntie, or stepped in as a grandparent to care for your grandchild, you are part of the motherhood in my book. Motherhood can encompass all kinds of nurturing and care. I see it everyday as a school psychologist. I am surrounded by an army of nurturing, caring teachers, clinicians, nurses, administrators and staff.
Happy 'Motherhood' Day to all! If you have birthed a baby, adopted a baby, fallen in love and became an 'insta' stepparent, been a nurturing auntie, or stepped in as a grandparent to care for your grandchild, you are part of the motherhood in my book. Motherhood can encompass all kinds of nurturing and care. I see it everyday as a school psychologist. I am surrounded by an army of nurturing, caring teachers, clinicians, nurses, administrators and staff.
Mom with the beautiful flower arrangement she created last Mother's Day
As I look towards celebrating my mother and sister on Mother's Day this Sunday I realize that this day is not without a mix of emotions. I think of the women around me, my mothers, sisters, sister-in-laws, aunties and friends who are beautiful moms and raising incredible, talented, responsible children. They are in the role of a lifetime and it warms my heart. For some of us the road to motherhood is quite complex. Like many of us, I am a stepmother who wanted to be a mother in my own right here but miscarriages ended that dream. I was thrilled to have experienced the joy of my stepfamily life coming full circle this last year here. I am an adopted daughter who has seen both the joy and pain experienced by two wonderful women surrounding the gift of adoption. It is a story that is deeply personal and yet one that I want to share when the time feels right. I always end up in tears in the card aisle a week before Mother's Day since it bring up a well of emotions. We will also be tipping a toast to Scott's dear mom, Margie, who is no longer with us. A day of celebration, merriment and a few tears.... isn't this often the bittersweet balance of life?? It is a joy to celebrate our unique journeys.
As I was contemplating a gift for my mom on Mother's Day I realized I could never truly top the gift we gave her on Mother's Day two years ago. began as a family portrait with a photo of mom, ended in a proposal and a wedding last fall. Seeing my mom happily married and enjoying life more than warms my heart on this Mother's Day weekend.
Happy Mother's Day to my mom, Jeri, and sister, Heidi, and all of us sharing motherhood this Sunday.
How are you celebrating motherhood this year?
xx,
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