Hidden beauty in Chico!

Hello everyone!

In spirit of Earth Day yesterday, Sophia and I went to the bamboo forest here In Chico. I have known about it for some time but have never been. The weather was finally nice enough to go. Much to my surprise it was much more than just a bamboo forest. There was a gorgeous creek, lush greenery and many colorful flowers and great photo opportunities to snap some spring photos of Sophia!

The best part was how absolutely peaceful it was...a little escape from reality! Sophia loved all the flowers and we will definitely be back! Here is a little glimpse.....









Much love,

The ups and downs in life...wrapped up in a song

Today the sun is shining and my baby girl is talking (or trying to), yet there is emptiness in my heart. Last night I was reminded of the depth of relationships, and one in particular that I hold incredibly close to my heart. The future is unknown at this point and while the the future becomes suddenly frightening, I begin to grasp for strength through the only way I know how...my thoughts and music.

I will share with you my anthem, during these past few weeks that have been incredibly rough. It gets me through the day and gives me some serene kind of clarity. Enjoy!


HELLO WORLD by Lady Antebellum

Traffic crawls, cell phone calls
Talk radio screams at me through my tinted window I see
A little girl, rust red minivan, she’s got chocolate on her face
Got little hands and she waves at me
Yeah, she smiles at me


Well, hello world
How you been
Good to see you, my old friend
Sometimes I feel cold as steel
Broken like I’m never gonna heal
And I see a light, a little hope in a little girl
Hello world


Every day I drive by a little white church
It’s got these little white crosses
Like angels in the yard
Maybe I should stop on in, say a prayer
Maybe talk to God like he is there
Oh, I know he’s there
Yeah, I know he’s there


Well hello world
How you been
Good to see you, my old friend
Sometimes I feel as cold as steel
And broken like I’m never gonna heal
And I see a light, a little grace, a little faith unfurls
Well hello world


Sometimes I forget what living’s for
And I hear my life through my front door
And I breathe it in
Oh, I’m home again
And I see my wife
Little boy and little girl
Hello world
Hello world


Well the empty disappears
I remember why I’m here
Just surrender and believe
I fall down on my knees
Well hello world
Hello world
Hello world

Live...love...laugh

Hello all....

Shannon came into town Thursday for the weekend and we had so much fun! It was her first time meeting Sophia and she quickly fell in love with our little beauty. I worked for a few hours Friday and after we had a girls day with manis and pedis, followed by a spontaneous decision for an early dinner @ 5th Street Steakhouse...yes...on Good Friday! After we ordered our steaks, we all had to sit back and laugh to ourselves, especially that the place was packed with meat lovers!
I worked Saturday and Shannon and Chris hung out with Sophia. Daddy watched college b-ball at Chad's and I got some one on one time with Sophia. That night we decided to go out.

Now going out with Shannon was a normal thing 2 years ago. After having a baby though, everything has changed. Not only do I not go out, my sense of self has apparently changed too. While getting ready, she told me my outfit of choice was too "business like." I almost died laughing because I knew she was right. So after a change of clothes and a self esteem image boost, we were off. LaSalles it was for a fun night. We shortly realized we were...yes...old! We only knew the bartenders and our good friend Jared who was overly delighted to see us. After many drinks (and shots), next was the Banshee, a stop at Jacks for a "tuna melt!" we arrived home at 4:30 am.


After 3 hours of sleep, I was up and at em' for Easter egg hunting and brunch. After making the strongest pot of expresso possible for Shan and I, we quickly managed to somehow get dressed, apply makeup and get Sophia dressed. Canyon Oaks, here we come! We arrived in jeans, without a second though but Christopher didn't seem to inform us of the no jeans policy in the country club. After being seated in the corner of the bar area, away from our friends feeling 2 inches tall, I made the executive decision to go home and change. We brought Christopher back some khakis, and settled in to a lovely brunch. Water never tasted so good and although my eyes were puffy and red from a night filled of fun, we took some great family shots over looking the green.



We came home, they went through the Easter baskets...



...and I began the task of making Easter dinner. Suddenly going out was becoming more and more of a death sentence.

In the end, the cola basted ham (thanks Paula Deen) and scalloped potatoes were great. I had luckily made the carrot cake cheesecake in advance on Saturday evening, which was a blessing in disguise. Nonetheless, our Easter weekend went out with a bang! Our friends Neal, Krista and their daughter Tatum came over for the feast. I bought a bottle of Mumm's Cuvee M which was thoroughly enjoyed (especially by the men...lol).

After they left, we popped in The Hangover which was completely appropriate given the physical and mental state of Shan and I and finally fell asleep at 1 am after Sophia.

Lots of living, lots of laughs and of course lots of love for Sophia's first Easter!!!

Much love,