Welcome AMGEN!

Welcome to a new week! Our weekend was full of fun even though we had to balance some a challenge...where to start?

Dave took ill. This is weird because 3 weeks ago I was dealing with something more than an upset stomach (but that description paints the picture), then last week Mason had his first bout with barf, and then Thursday it was Dave's turn. Turns out Dave got the official diagnosis of diverticulitis. Ironically, the meds they prescribed made him feel worse than the original symptoms that took him to the hospital. In any case, other than the Partak-Merry-Go-Round of belly issues, we managed to make the most of the beautiful weekend.

Friday evening Dave took Mason to his first Civil War re-enactment at Gibson Ranch in Sacramento. Mason had a ball and I can't help but think Dave must have been very proud to take Mason and introduce him to something that he loves so much. Mason had a blast! Now before you ask, I made sure Dave took the camera and even then, no picture! I was told pictures were taken and Dave could get them, but, well, you know how that goes.

Thank you Mike for carrying my huge prize to the car! It was fun.

That is Lance there at the front of the pack
(not really the front, that's just my excellent photography!).

Saturday, I had the day to myself and there was lots to do. I did the usual, ran to the bank, picked up some fresh produce from the farmers market, Spencer needed dog food, I had to go to the post office, and a few other stops before finally making it home. I made cookies for a project I'm working on and then through a series of phone calls it turned out that Mike and Lisa Leis ended up at the house for a sleep over. What fun! The three of us went to a fundraiser for Mason's school and made our way back to the house where the hot tub was waiting. Also waiting were Dave and Mason, finally home from their event.

Lisa and I had some fun with The Mad Housewife!

Oh, and the wine is excellent, too!

Sunday, Dave's meds were taking effect which really meant he was feeling worse than before so Lisa and I after a leisurely morning of coffee and conversation headed over to Confluence Kitchen and Market to watch the AMGEN bike race. We had a ball drinking mimosas, eating excellent food, and visiting with friends. Lance and his buddies zoomed by in the blink of an eye and before we knew it, the party was over.

Tomorrow we are all back to work and it sounds like Mother Nature is, too. Rain is on the way. I have to say, I love that Mother is working with us and making sure we have the sunshine for our weekends and the rain we need to fill our lakes during the week. Good job!

Have a great week, I know I will!

Happy Sunday and Monday!

Happy Mother's Day!

I'm traveling this week and will share all of the details with you when I get back. For today, let's give our mothers lots of love and attention.

Dave and Mason always make Mother's Day nice for me. They went to the farmer's market and bought me beautiful flowers and fresh cherries! Oh, it's that time of year again and I love the cherries

I hope you have a wonderful mother's day and if you don't still have your mom, find a lady that you love like a mom and call to tell her you're thinking about her!

Lots of love until next week!

What a weekend! Dave was out of town on Army business so Mason and I were left to our own devices!

On Saturday night we went to Ken and Dahlynn's annual Uno De Mayo party. The first Saturday in May, whatever it turns out to be is the X De Mayo party, so fun. There were plenty of kids so Mason had a ton of fun, and I got to visit with some of Dahlynn's friends that I only get to see once a year. We really had a nice time.

On Sunday, I moved my desk and office supplies from the downstairs studio up to the guest room. This is a big deal because as it was, I was working from the kitchen table and that meant that the kitchen/dining area was always cluttered. I kept trying to find a way to make it work for both and it simply was not working. Now, the guest room can still host our visitors, but it also works as my office. It was tough doing it by myself, but you all know me, when I put my mind to something, it happens. Today my back is wishing my mind wasn't so strong willed!

This week is very busy, I'm continuing to stay on top of my declutter project I did a year ago and I am sending out Mother's Day gift boxes. I have a few orders and those will have the finishing touches put on them today and be mailed out tomorrow. They include a hand decorated butterfly cookie, several varieties of Smoshpellows (homemade marshmallows), chocolate dipped Oreos, and some pretty candies. All wrapped in tissue and mailed - pretty hand written card included! I'll post pictures here as soon as I get them all put together.

Remember this as you go through your week (and your life!), always remember in your heart that you are far bigger than anything that can happen to you. I hope you all have a home run kind of week and even if you strike out, know that you will get another chance at bat. Happy Monday!

Rodeo Weekend!

It was rodeo weekend here in Auburn as the Wild West Stampeded rolled into town. As most of you know, four years ago before Mason was even two he decided he was going to ride bulls. As dutiful parents we advised him that he had to ride a sheep first however, he had to be four to be allowed to participate in the Mutton Bustin events. When he was four, we registered, dressed him up, and when it came time to actually ride the sheep Mason cried, "I want to watch the bulls from my seat. I don't want to ride the sheep!" Needless to say, I didn't make him ride. Last year he asked if he could ride and I said no. As the rodeo approached this year, Mason informed me that he was ready and really wanted to ride the sheep. I initially dismissed the conversation as big talk, but he persisted. The morning of the event, he was up at the break of day, dressed and ready to go. Dave and I still sleeping, Mason was standing by our bed and Dave told him, "Mason, if you don't ride the sheep, you don't have even a chance at winning the buckle and even if you do ride, you still might not get it." Mason's reply was, "Dad, I'm gonna ride that sheep. I'm older now, I'm gonna do it." Do it he did! This was my first moment as a mom that I was so proud! I've been proud of Mason before, but not like this, this was the first time Mason accomplished something I know he really wanted to do. I'm proud because he overcame his fear and followed through.

The rest of the weekend was equally wonderful. We barbecued with friends, got some work done around the house, and all-in-all, just thoroughly enjoyed a gorgeous weekend at home. Looks like Old Man Winter will be back this week and in true springtime form, it will be warm again this weekend. I hope you had a weekend as fun-filled as we did! Here's some food for thought this week if you have something you want to overcome.

"You can conquer almost any fear if you will only make up your mind to do so. For remember, fear doesn't exist anywhere except in the mind."
- Dale Carnegie

Work! Work! And More Work!

Happy Day!

The sun is shining but there is rain on the horizon. It's been a busy week and the weekend was equally full. Dave had drill this weekend so for him, it's been on continuous work week. It makes me chuckle as I write that because even though the week is broken up into different kinds of activities, it seems to me that the work never ends. If it's not Monday through Friday get-paid work, it's house work, school work, yard work, or ZBG work! Do you know what I mean?

Good news on the glove front, we placed our inventory order for the 2010/2011 season and even in this down economy, we are showing more than 100% growth! Last year we ordered a total of 900 pair of gloves. This year, 1950 pair! I'm very excited and hopeful that some of our other irons in the fire will turn that number over a few more times. See, you can make it happen if you just keep on making those calls, even when the answer is no (and can I just say, I don't don't take no for an answer very easily!), revisit the conversation with a different question! I know a couple of you out there are pursuing entreprenuerial endeavors, how's it going? Write back and tell me...John S? Dahlynn? Ernie?

Being that it's Monday and more rain and snow is on the way, get out and do something today to enjoy the sunshine and plan a good indoor activity for later this week. With this plan, you can be present enjoying this very moment and have something to look forward to!

Happy Monday!

Unsettled Times

I love springtime! It's this wonderful mix of rain, sunshine, snow, hail, fog, and wind. It's an incredible metaphor for our lives right now, all over the place!

I've been so busy juggling all my responsibilities that my days are blurring. I wake up in the morning and it takes me a moment to process what day it is and am I late. The good news is, I'm sleeping so deeply that I have to wonder what day it is and am I late! It's no secret that times are tough for all of us, but now more than ever it's important to make time to do something, anything that makes us happy. One of those things for me is writing and I know I'm getting overwhelmed when a Monday Motivator doesn't go out and I don't realize it. I know you are all over-busy because for the first time in more than ten years, not one of you asked me why you didn't get it! So I'm writing...the Monday Motivator, my Intentional Winning in Life blog, and as a Lifestyle expert on Amilya.com (you can see my current article here http://www.amilya.com/experts/bullies-and-respect/) What are you doing in these tough times that you love?

I firmly believe the old adage, that which doesn't kill me makes me stronger. I also know that as my dear friend Zelda says, "Tough times don't last but tough people do!" I don't know how much longer these tough times are going to linger, but as long as I have my family and all of you, I'll be just fine!

Happy Monday!

It's Too Late For An April Fool!

It's April 5th so there'll be no fool'n ya'll! What the heck? I don't know, I woke up feeling silly and this is what you get! Take it for what it's worth...go out this week and play, be silly, laugh, and have a ball! It's the best advice you'll get all week and you can tell 'em I gave it to you!