I just realized the weekend is almost over and I’ve been remiss in posting to the blog. Whoops! It’s been a busy weekend. Yesterday was Chris’s (actually, from a grammar standpoint, I’m pretty sure it’s Chris’) company picnic. Between trying to get Jamisen’s nap moved around and actually going to the picnic, it took up much of the day. Look at him below; can you believe he’s gotten so big?!

No complaints here though because Grandma and Grandpa Renoud (Chris’ parents – or, is it Chris’s parents?) were there and Grandpa Renoud was amazing with baby Jamisen. He followed Jamisen’s random wanderings and was a total eagle eye. Sorry that I don’t have any photos of them together yet (hopefully tomorrow) but rest assured, all the boys were cute. [Read more…]

Before I get into the details and photos from our fun, sunny weekend, a big shout out to my friend (and Bramble Berry customer) Jennifer Togher for her amazing accomplishments and recognition from Nike. Jennifer introduced herself to me at a Soap Guild Convention seven years ago. She had quite a short ‘n’ sassy hair cut. But, it wasn’t for fashion. In 2004, Jennifer was diagnosed with leukemia. In 2006, she finished her first marathon.

After receiving her diagnosis, Jennifer vowed that her illness would not define her. She started her journey with daily walks to her mailbox. She worked up to walking a block, then a mile, then another mile. The next year, she crossed the finish line at the Nike Women’s Marathon, bolstered by the strength of 20,000 other runners. Jennifer is training to run four half marathons this year. She keeps running to prove that greatness defies the odds. Go Jennifer! We are all so proud of you (!!!).

After seeing that ad and having a proud-happy teary-eyed moment (Go Jennifer!), we left Jamisen at home with awesome sister-in-law Cheriss to have another happy teary moment.

Long time readers will remember Kyle, my little friend that died of cancer three years ago. His Mom, Christin, got remarried this weekend. We were delighted to be a part of a beautiful ceremony and witness the commitment this fantastic couple has for each other and their blended family. The entire setting was so amazing (lights, paper lanterns, fresh flowers everywhere, white tables and many cute touches) that when I showed up to the lawn wedding, I said, “This looks just like a Pinterest wedding!” [Read more…]

 Color is joy.  – Ernst Haas

Ice cream is joy. -Baby Jamisen

“Joy is contagious. Commit to being a carrier!”

-Kevin Harney [Read more…]

Try and fail, but don’t fail to try.

-Stephen Kaggwa

When we are present in each moment, the past gently rolls up
behind us and the future slowly unravels before us.
– Rev Richard Levy

Grandma and Grandpa Faiola came up to visit this weekend. We did our traditional early morning hike both days. Grandpa really loved packing Jamisen for almost 2 miles up the trail. Grandpa proved to be quite a warrior, with nary a complaint over the 25-pound-weight on his shoulders.

Jamisen was delighted to use his newfound walking abilities (7 days and counting since he started walking!) on the beach. He looks like he’s running but he’s mostly just tottering to find his balance:

[Read more…]

The grass is not, in fact, always greener on the other side of the fence. No, not at all. Fences have nothing to do with it. The grass is greenest where it is watered. When crossing over fences, carry water with you and tend the grass wherever you may be. — Robert Fulghum