The Cure/Time, Part 2.

 

 

 Nothing marks time passing like seeing your children grow and watching the sunset. Hands down my favorite moments in Mendocino were spent doing just that.

The Cure, Part 1.

Tim threw his back out a few days before my surgery and so it was serendipitous we had planned to go on holiday with my brother's little family to our favorite spot to R&R- Mendocino/Fort Bragg. Bandaged and broken we loaded up the Botting Bus and headed for the coast. 

 Sunrise, first morning. The Little Girls had no idea we were staying on the ocean. Literally on the ocean. The bluff/backyard of the property we rented was maybe 20 feet off the deck then shear cliff to the sea. The sparkling water and waves were quite a distraction.

 Jenny and Jack, Jared in the background.

 Looking for whales.

 Relaxing on the deck.

 These dominoes kept Ivy busy all morning.

 Train time.

A Jack on the Rocks.

 The Goo. The light is so magical at the ocean.

 From the deck of our house.

Playing Flower Princess on our bluff.

Sigh.

My surgery went well. The last two days have been rough with swelling, pain and general discomfort from the pressure of the packing in my sinuses. I was counting down the minutes until the next pain pill or frozen compress or Popsicle. It could have been much worse if it weren't for Tim caring for me, The Little Girls loving on me and The Goo being so mellow throughout. Special thanks to Jenny, Deeds, Dad and Sylvia for taking care of my babies while I was resting and Lissa, Jenny and Merry for the food. Thank Dr. Rice and staff for your tender care.

Hello, Goodbye.

 Dad and Sylvia hosted us at The Ranch for Thanksgiving this year, we had a lovely feast and visit. In a word it was RELAXING, as all Thanksgivings should be. 

 My brother-in-law John made this um, AMAZING pumpkin-orange cheescake with chocolate crust and salted caramel. I mean really? Just look at it! At this point it doesn't matter what it tastes like (though it was every bit delicious as it was gorgeous), the presentation was mouthwatering. Recipe here.

 My turkey (I am quite proud): Maple-glazed with hazelnut apple stuffing. Recipe here.

 We spent the weekend with Tim's parents, again RELAXING! They take such good care of us, spending time with them is like a big long warm hug. They took the girls to Gibson Ranch to feed the ducks and geese. So much fun!

Today I am saying goodbye to this nose. 

This collapsed deviated septum creating swollen tissue and chronic sinusitis-nose. I have had this surgery twice before so I know what I am in for, I am nervous about the recovery process in general but with three kids to take care of while healing? My stomach is in knots.

Ho Hum.

So...I'm a little bored with this blog. Can you tell? I just cannot get excited about/inspired by it. It's okay if you are bored with it too (frankly I'm surprised you are still hanging with me, you dedicated reader you). I used to dream up these posts first thing in the morning while I was running and sometimes I still do, but the moment I step inside the house I'm pulled in three different directions when the only direction I should be headed is to the shower. Yesterday afternoon I had prepared a lovely little daydream of a post while I was running but truth be told I peed my pants (just a little, three babies will do that to you and besides it's only been four months since The Goo was born...this is too much explaining and far too much information) during mile 1 and had to rush straight to the shower, then feed The Goo, then make dinner for my family...by the time I was available to post, I wasn't interested. Someday soon I'll revisit that daydream and share it with you. 

Here's the lastest in photos.

 Art Parliment crazy mess.

Jackson turned 2.

 Savannah's soccer trophy and end of season party.

Kindergarten Pumpkin Pie Feast.

Colby, Savannah and Maira.

The Last Few Days.

 This is how The Goo gets around most of the time.

 This is the abscess that caused us much dental drama. It is the sad result of two fractured front teeth from a slip on wet slate at last years Webbing.

 This is Savannah's new smile. She loves it but keeps her old tooth nearby in a tiny treasure chest.

This is the sad result of a purse in chaos. NObody should live like this.

 This is a 4 month-old Goo.

Goo=Happiness. He is such a sweet baby.

 This is Grady's face when he hears his mama call his name.

The Little Boys.

Jackson was over the other day, we spent the afternoon picking the last of Grandpa Dan's tomato harvest and

 riding the tractor and Big Wheels. It is endearing to see Ivy and Jack pal around while Savannah is away at school. Jack is talking so much now, he kept reminding me to go to the "big yellow...bus" to pick up "Savaaaah".

 Hudson turned 2, we were lucky enough to spend an afternoon celebrating with his family.

Huddy without the cake...

 A happy Huddy with cake.

 Hudson and Jackson's Grammie is "Sharon The Great". She remembered a story Tim once told her about how he used to pretend shave with his dad when he was little. So she found this for Tim and Grady.

Is there anything sweeter? Thank you Sharon!

You can find it here.

Oh and in case you are interested in finding the birthday cake hat I use for The Little Girls, 

you can find it here.