Dear Brooks,

What a month!  What started out as a little outing for a bike ride has turned into something that has taken over our thoughts and our days … triathlons.  About a year ago, I had considered having you try it out, but I just didn’t get around to it.  I’m so glad we followed through with it this time.

The month started with two races in one weekend.  You competed in the Carlsbad one mile run.  The pack of 8 year olds at the starting gate was impressive, but not nearly as impressive as it was when the race started.  I’ve never seen such a fast group of runners!  The group started out as if the run was a sprint instead of a mile.  After 7 short minutes, I had the biggest smile on my face as I saw you round the final corner toward the finish line.

The biggest downside to each of these races is the downtime between our early arrival and the start time, but the iPod helps to pass some of the time.

It’s been sooooo long since you’ve been the one to reach for my hand while we’re walking, but recently I find your little fingers slipping into mine whenever we’re out.  Every time it makes me smile and my heart soar!

Right after the race, we took off for San Dimas and the first in the series of the So. Cal. kids tri series.  Since you hadn’t had a chance to work on open water swimming, I signed you up for the duathlon … a 7 mile bike and a 2 mile run.

And just like that, you were back and ready to run!

This was my favorite picture from the race!  Everyone on the race route was cheering for the kids so when you came by with the giant smile, they cheered even louder!

Race day is finally over and it’s time to pack it up … until next time.

Nothing like a Sunday afternoon hanging out at Petco watching the Padres!  We caught this game during the opening home series.  You only lasted 5 innings and ate your way through the snack bar.

After the game, we went to open water swim practice.  I think it was one of the coldest days this spring … 58 degrees, wind and light rain.  You and Evan were such great sports and couldn’t wait to keep the tally going for how many fish you saw during each swim.

We caught a day at Disneyland with one of the nicest days of the month.  After a month of dreary overcast days, it was so nice to be out in the sun at the happiest place on earth.

We discovered the joy of the single rider line which cut our wait time to 10-20 minutes instead of 40-60.  It worked out perfectly on the Carsland ride when we got to race against one another.

I loved that you got to battle with my favorite bad guy!

So bummed I didn’t have my 35 mm lens on autotopia.  You were cracking me up as the crazy driver.

It’s been a while since I’ve had a simple portrait of you.  I love every single one of your freckles and those beautiful lashes.

Last weekend we spent a special afternoon doing a video session with Holly Christine.  I think day was easily one of our top 10 days.  I can’t wait to see the magic she makes with our video!

Twin day at school with your buddies!

Just another training day …

Love you to the moon and back!

xoxo

Mommy

Be sure to continue on with the incredibly talented Amy Grace | a beautiful life photo.

From the beginning …

What Responsibility Looks Like
What the Last Days of Summer Looks Like
What Almost 7 Looks Like
What Making Memories Looks Like
What December Traditions Looks Like
What The Magic Of First Grade Looks Like
What Being a Tourist in My Own City Looks Like
What Easter Looks Like
What Remembering Looks Like
What A Day At The Fair Looks Like
What Our Everyday Looks Like
What Love Looks Like
What Choosing Joy Looks Like
What Life Looks Like Now
What San Francisco Looks Like
What Hawaii Looks Like

We woke up at the crack of dawn for Brooks to race in the Carlsbad Jr. 1 mile race!  He was awesome!  He proudly sported his medal after the race!

After we missed an entire season of Padre games last year, I grabbed us tickets for 3 games this season.  We had fun watching the Padres take on the Rockies.  Well, I watched and Brooks snacked … nothing like ball park treats!!  Of course we went early to catch batting practice and Brooks even walked away with a ball courtesy of one of the players.

We’ve even made it to Disneyland for a gorgeous day of rides and even more treats!

I had a special session with a childhood friend’s family last weekend so I brought Brooks to meet her 6 kids!  Before we left, she snapped this one of us!  xoxo

Our weeks are now filled with extra training for Brooks’ new adventure … triathlons.  Last Sunday he had a bike/run training session along these gorgeous trails.  I brought my bike to help with the ride.  I love sharing this activity with Brooks and I’m so incredibly proud of how much dedication and passion he gives to this new sport.

Please take a moment to continue on with the circle by visiting Carey Pace.

For over a year now, even before I was diagnosed with lymphoma back in September, I’ve used this monthly post to update friends with my journey.   I had my last scan and blood draw in March and it all looked good for my visit with my oncologist.  The nodes had shrunk since the December scans, but they were still bigger than my first scan in September.  The fact that they were smaller was VERY good news for me.  In addition to that, I had a bone marrow biopsy in February to test if the cancer was also in my bones.  All along the Dr. assumed it was based on the fact that there are tumors all over my body.  But guess what?  It’s not in my bones… which means it’s stage 3 and not stage 4.  It was such a blessing to finally have some good news after all the bad visits.  The Dr. even went so far as to say I was glowing!  I bet he doesn’t get to say that too often.  I also have gained the 5 pounds he wanted me to gain to prepare my body for the chemo, but now that I don’t have to start chemo yet, I’m ready for that 5 pounds to be gone until I need them.   ;)

Not a day goes by that I don’t think of my diagnosis, but there is finally a quiet peace that has settled within me.  I feel so strong and healthy, it’s still hard to believe that I’m ill.

Last weekend my friend Susan’s husband was diagnosed with throat cancer.  (Susan is the wonderful woman who organized the trip to Hawaii for us.)  Everything came rushing back … the terror, the tears, the anger, the pain … as I knew another person I loved was experiencing all of this.  My heart broke for them.  He’s got the strength and power of his wonderful wife who is a force and is already doing so much to find the best course of treatment.  This is such an ugly diagnosis.  My love and prayers are sent to John and his whole family.  xoxo

Just Us Twelve Times

San Diego Family Photographer | Facebook

Dear Brooks,

As many of you know, some pretty amazing friends surprised us with a trip of a lifetime.  Once our trip was planned, it seemed like it would never be here.  We counted down the months, then the weeks, and finally the days.  It was so hard to be at school on Tuesday knowing that Auntie and Sky were driving down to SD that evening.  I couldn’t wait to spend 11 days in Oahu at the Aulani with you, Auntie and Sky.

I loved that you wanted to wear this shirt to Hawaii because you thought it would make Auntie happy to see you wearing it (since she gave it to you as a gift from her last trip).

After such a long flight, you and Sky were over the moon to see that our shuttle from the airport turned out to be a limo.  I loved the excited smile on your face during the entire drive.

I had to pinch myself many times … it was so hard to believe that we really got to call this gorgeous place home during our trip.  I love this picture of the resort’s lagoon from my phone taken the first night we were there.

I thought a little reminder of Valentine’s day while we were there.  I smiled every time I looked at this door.

It wasn’t until we had been there a week that I finally brought out my camera.  Here are just a few images showing off the gorgeous resort.  These first two are from our room … such an incredible view.

Each morning I would wake up before everyone else, grab my book and a cup of tea, and head down to the pool to grab chairs at our favorite spot.  You were in and out of the pool all day long, from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm … every single day!

The infinity pool was my favorite place to soak of the beauty of our lagoon.  I always headed straight for it every time after I was in the pool, lazy river or ocean.  So so dreamy!  I spent so much time gazing out in a search for whales … a bit bummed that I never saw any.

Every morning we would try to guess what color the pool wrist bands would be.  Sky and I loved keeping the whole collection on our wrists the entire vacation, while each day you and Auntie couldn’t wait to cut off the old one.

Fun at the lagoon!

Every day (and sometimes twice a day) at 11:00 you and Sky came by to grab the room charge card and take our orders for shaved ice.  I don’t think you tried anything other than root beer with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.  Every day I had the half orange and half strawberry with a scoop of vanilla.  The yummiest part of the day!

What’s a trip to a Disney resort without a Character breakfast?!  I think I was more excited about this than you were!  A visit with Mickey, Minnie and Goofy made for a very special meal.

We were both a little bummed that whenever we were out in the lagoon, we didn’t see much marine life, so we were happy to visit the reef at the resort.  You were an expert at snorkeling!

No surprise that another highlight for me were the pool parties!  Around 2:00 there would be different pool parties that involved more of our favorite characters.  Sky and I loved watching you join in on the fun, too!

We also had so much fun with the underwater camera in the lagoon.

When you woke up you would quietly grab the laptop and headphones to watch shows until Sky woke up.  It always made Auntie and I smile to listen to you belly laughing at your silly shows.  You two also spent time learning new tips and tricks for your favorite apps.

I busted out my camera only one other morning to try to grab a few pictures of us together and get some of Auntie and Sky.  We also brought some of Grampy’s ashes to scatter while we were there.

Grabbing the wrist bands before you two took off for the slides.

Of course you went straight for the jacuzzi after the slides.  This was always the first spot I’d look for you when I needed to find you.

Our last breakfast at our favorite spot …  you two enjoyed the most delicious hot chocolate as we overlooked the beach.

Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful vacation with me.  We really are so lucky to have so many people who pray for us and love us.

I hope the memories of this trip last a lifetime for you.

xoxo

Mommy

Be sure to continue on with the incredibly talented  Kate T. Parker | Atlanta Area Photography.

From the beginning …

What Responsibility Looks Like
What the Last Days of Summer Looks Like
What Almost 7 Looks Like
What Making Memories Looks Like
What December Traditions Looks Like
What The Magic Of First Grade Looks Like
What Being a Tourist in My Own City Looks Like
What Easter Looks Like
What Remembering Looks Like
What A Day At The Fair Looks Like
What Our Everyday Looks Like
What Love Looks Like
What Choosing Joy Looks Like
What Life Looks Like Now

Please take a moment to continue on with the circle by visiting Carey Pace | Kingsport TN lifestyle photographer.

Just Us Twelve Times

San Diego Family Photographer | Facebook

Dear Brooks,

Stunning views.  Belly laughs.  And delicious food.  That is only the beginning to describe our amazing weekend in San Francisco last month.  I loved how giddy with excitement you were to just be at the airport, however we both decided that the San Diego airport was an embarrassment compared to San Francisco’s airport.  You were so excited for our return flight, just so you could do a little shopping … the candy store was to be your first stop.

We stumbled upon Scala’s Bistro for lunch while we were waiting for our room to be ready.  You were thrilled with the sparkling lemonade and the best bread I think you’ve ever had.  This was just the first of many delicious meals during our stay.

Soon after we checked in, we raced back downstairs to wait for Wendy and Will.  The four of us took off for Pier 39 to see the sites like a true tourist.

When we had our fill of the Pier, we ended up at Golden Gate Park.  One look at this tree and both you and Will were happy boys.

This was our view from our private breakfast room at the Grand Hyatt.  We felt so spoiled by all the great food and the incredible view.

Our only plans for Sunday was a trip to the Academy of Sciences at Golden Gate Park.  I was so impressed with this place … wish we had one in San Diego.  So many incredible animals and exhibits.  These are only some of our favorites … I have so much more.

A morning and evening shot from our room.

Before we went in search of the cable cars, we came back to the room for a quick rest.  You weren’t all that into taking a nap (even though you only got 7 hours of sleep) so you thought bed jumping was much more fun.  In between jumping from bed to bed, you stopped every now and then to let me take a few pictures.

Off to the cable cars …

Before we took off for our biking adventure on Monday, we took a few more minutes taking advantage of the gorgeous light in our room.

Even though it had been countless years since I’d been on a bike, we decided we wanted to rent bikes and head across the Golden Gate.  It was one of the best days that we have ever had.  I promise once the chemo treatments are over, I’ll buy a bike for myself.

I LOVED watching you ride across the bridge with such joy and confidence.  Watching your jacket flap in the wind just made me smile.

Once across the bridge, we ended up in Salsalito at the height of herring season.  The coastline was buzzing with fishing boats and birds.  After lunch we hopped on the ferry which took us back across the bay to San Francisco.

Once we got back into the airport, you went straight to the candy store and grabbed a giant bag of sour candy … it didn’t even last to the start of the flight.

We are such great travel partners.  I couldn’t have asked for a better experience for both of us.  I hope you will look back on these images and remember the incredible time we had.

I love you to the moon and back!
xoxo

Mommy

Be sure to continue on with my dear friend with Amy Grace | a beautiful life photo.

From the beginning …

What Responsibility Looks Like
What the Last Days of Summer Looks Like
What Almost 7 Looks Like
What Making Memories Looks Like
What December Traditions Looks Like
What The Magic Of First Grade Looks Like
What Being a Tourist in My Own City Looks Like
What Easter Looks Like
What Remembering Looks Like
What A Day At The Fair Looks Like
What Our Everyday Looks Like
What Love Looks Like
What Choosing Joy Looks Like
What Life Looks Like Now

We took these in San Francisco a couple weeks ago in our hotel room at the Grand Hyatt.  My favorite part of the hotel was the view from our room on the 26th floor … stunning!  Brooks favorite part was having two beds in the room for jumping … back and forth … back and forth … back and forth.  As often as he could.  He was happy to stop for a quick picture in between jumps.

This trip left us with so many incredible memories, I’m thrilled to have these images to document some of the fun.

For the past year, I’ve used this post to update my journey which started out with the move to an organic plant based diet to dealing with follicular lymphoma.  It’s only been 4 months since I was diagnosed.  From the beginning, I thought I would have years before I needed to start chemo treatments, but as it turns out, I’ll be starting them toward the end of next month.  Even though that’s a scary thought, I’m ready for it … I think.  Thankfully my Dr. will let me take my trip to Hawaii before I start treatments … we are counting down the days!  But, when I get back, my life will change for 4 months as I deal with the loss of my hair, my appetite, my energy, and who knows what else.  According to my Dr., I should handle the treatments better than most because of my strength from yoga, health from my diet, and my age.  The biggest laugh of all was when he told me he wanted me to gain weight so I could have a cushion when treatments started.  And now, as I add foods (that I don’t want to eat) into my diet, I still can’t gain weight.  My body feels terrible eating what it hasn’t had in soooo long, yet the disease has progressed enough that I can’t gain weight even when I’m trying.  Who would have thought?!

Please continue on through the circle with Suzanne Carey, Hattiesburg, MS Photographer.

Just Us Twelve Times

San Diego Family Photographer | Facebook

Dear Brooks,

The month of December brings so much hope and wonder and excitement … I couldn’t wait to share this time with you.  One of our favorite traditions is our trip to Disneyland with Sky, Auntie and MomMom.  We were there on a perfect day … the on and off again light sprinkles kept the crowds away which meant no lines for our favorite rides.  We even had a chance to visit the new Cars Land and LOVED every bit of it.  A few other special first … first time riding the Monorail (we got to sit up front with the driver) and the first time to watch the fireworks show.  We figured out that 8 years old was a magical age for Disney because it meant that you were old enough to ride on any ride you wanted by yourself.  You could spin, flip, and fly to your hearts desire … and I got to watch the joy on your face as you rode the rides over and over and over.

While you were busy with the rides, I saved the perfect spot for us on the parade route.  Pretzels and hot chocolate were a yummy treat while enjoying the magic of the parade.

The hands down favorite part of the trip was the holiday firework show.  It’s been years since I’ve seen fireworks and I know for sure that no one does fireworks like Disney.  Simply spectacular!  I cried watching you watch the show.  And as soon as the show was over, it started to ‘snow’.  Pure Disney magic!

Our December traditions took a turn when you started basketball.  You are soooo much fun to watch.  You totally float down the court with happiness and a giant smile on your face.  Before the first game started, I panicked a little bit … there were 6 baskets around your court (from practice) and I didn’t think you knew which baskets you were supposed to take shots on.  You figured it out just fine.  We’re half way through the season and you haven’t scored yet, but that doesn’t get you down, you keep working and shooting.  I know you’ll get your first one soon.  Go Suns!

I love this image … the ref stopped the game to remind you that you had to dribble the ball down the court … not just run with it.  :)

My little manly man got his first mani/pedi and you thought it was awesome!  Your nails look great and you’ve stopped picking at them.  I promise we’ll keep it up as often as you want.  I love having the company.

After feeling bad about not keeping up with our usual holiday traditions, I offered to pile 5 of your friends in the car and head out for a crazy night of fun.  Our first stop was Starbucks for hot chocolate and cookies and then we were off to check out all the lights in the neighborhood.  I nearly peed my pants from laughing at you and the boys as we drove around.  I think the fact that no one wanted to be dropped off meant that it was a huge success!  I’m not sure if I’d be brave enough to do it again, but I’m glad you had so much fun.

These next two make my heart swoon.  Finally!  You’ve always been a reader, you just never liked to read.  For the last couple of years, I had to fight with you to get you to at least read your books from your teacher.  Now I love seeing you all snuggled up reading in the mornings before school … every morning … without me ever asking you to do it.  I think my favorite is when you stop to share something funny that you’ve read.

On the Friday before we went on break, I walked down the hall and found you taking such care to make sure your shirt for your class readers theater was just right.  Thank you for always bringing a smile to my face .

The sad new reality … an armed police officer at our campus every day.

My favorite little Grinch!  You did such a great job!  My class loved watching you in the performance … they all idolize you.   So much.  It’s the cutest thing.

On Christmas Eve you found a very special note from Elfie!  He let you know that for just a few minutes the magic would be lifted and you could give Elfie a real goodbye hug.  It was priceless watching you say your goodbyes.

Only one more thing to before we tucked you in … cookies and milk for Santa and carrots and special reindeer food for the reindeer.

This year your Christmas wish list was pretty simple … army men and tanks, bey blades, ninjago lego sets and root beer.  As always, Santa did not disappoint … I think the root beer and hot tamales were your two favorite things.

What’s December without our family bowling day!  You were a great little bowler with a couple strikes.

The best part of our trip to Santa Barbara was the opportunity to meet sweet 5 month old Annie.  She loves to chase and play and snuggle with you.  We took her for a walk and snapped a few images of the two of you.

Another addition to our Saturdays this month was the start of indoor soccer with your travel team.  You love the fast pace and quick action.  This weekend your team had a tough loss and it didn’t help that I pulled you out to sub … you were not very happy with me.

Cousin Sky came back to SD with us for the second week of vacation.  One afternoon we got to hang out with my friend, Amy Grace, and her two gorgeous kiddos.  You loved the opportunity to share our field with them.

We are now on the countdown to Hawaii!  Santa gave you this gear so you’re all set for some fun in the ocean, checking out all the cool tropical fish.  However, on Friday we had a little bump in the road toward our trip.  You are well aware that I have been diagnosed with lymphoma.  We’ve talked about it on and off for the last few months.  I figure you’ll ask the questions when you’re ready to hear more.  I think you’re doing OK with this, but about once a month you ask the really tough questions that I don’t have the answers for.  Just know that you are so loved.  On Friday I found out that the cancer has been growing and the Dr. doesn’t think we’ll be able to take our trip to Hawaii.  I will probably have to start treatments soon.  It was a super big shock to me because, as you know, I’m so healthy and strong right now.  We are lucky to be surrounded by so many beautiful friends who pray for us.  We are truly blessed.

Part way through the month during a trip to the orthodontist, it was decided that you needed to have your front two teeth pulled to prepare you for an expander retainer that you’ll get next week.  Your teeth have been so slow to come out, you’ve only lost 2 others, so we were both super excited to see the big gap in your smile!  So darling.

I love you to the moon and back!
xoxo

Mommy

Be sure to continue on with my dear friend with Amy Grace | A Beautiful Life Photo.

If you missed the beginning, you can catch up on…
What Responsibility Looks Like
What the Last Days of Summer Looks Like
What Almost 7 Looks Like
What Making Memories Looks Like
What December Traditions Looks Like
What The Magic Of First Grade Looks Like
What Being a Tourist in My Own City Looks Like
What Easter Looks Like
What Remembering Looks Like
What A Day At The Fair Looks Like
What Our Everyday Looks Like
What Love Looks Like
What Choosing Joy Looks Like

Please continue on through the circle with Suzanne Carey.

Just Us Twelve Times

San Diego Family Photographer | Facebook

Optimus Prime and the Garden Fairy …

And these next two are the before and after shots at the Color Run last weekend.  We had a blast!!

You can see more fun from the San Diego 5k Color Run on this post.

Sorry that the four of these aren’t much for creative posing, but I was just looking to grab a quick shot.  :)

Please continue on through the circle with Suzanne Carey.

Just Us Twelve Times

San Diego Family Photographer | Facebook

Dear Brooks,

Each day you teach me so much.  You are the reason I choose to live with grace and joy.  You are the one who brings smile and laughter into every day.   Thank you!

I just have one quick snap of your second grade performance with Mr. Lee.  You and  your classmates did a great job singing!

Every chance you get, before and after soccer, you love to shoot a few hoops.  It always cracks me up to see your ‘style’ as you shoot!  You are starting basketball this week and I hope you continue to love it and hopefully you still love the game.

You did a great job representing your team as team captain.  The season wraps up this next weekend and I couldn’t be more proud of you and your team.  Pretty impressive to finish your first season together as the runner up of your division.  You play with such a fierce passion!  Your speed and endurance is nearly unbeatable in defense.  Great job!

You always set such a good example of choosing joy.  Whenever I see you with your friends, you are all so happy.  I have no idea what you all are always laughing at and maybe I don’t want to know, but I love seeing you so happy.  Here you are with your buddies, just before the school Halloween parade.

And a few from your class party.

We couldn’t let the day end without a few pics with you and your best buddies.

After school, we went straight to our traditional Halloween party at Ms. Veronika’s house.  We’ve celebrated Halloween with this crew every year … love our friends!

To continue on with our busy week, we celebrated your 8th birthday with dinner out with your friends.  You three are SILLY!  So so SILLY!  You shared the Gangnam style video with them during dinner then the three of you decided to put on your own dance show … right in front of all the people at the Commons.  It was hysterical!

Your birthday weekend was wrapped up with the Color Run 5K.  Of course we were the early birds so we had great parking and had a chance to walk around and meet up with people before the run.  When we ended up on the front line of the start line, you decided that you wanted to run this on your own … I was just too slow for you.  At the start of the event, you were off like a shot!  You totally left me in the dust.  It was fun to cheer you on at the turn around point.  I cut out part of the race so I could run to the car and grab my camera to catch you come across the finish line.  You ended up being the 11th finisher overall.   It was an awesome experience to share with you!

Before …. (you thought it was so funny that I was wearing a tutu to run in … I agree, but when else do you get to wear a tutu … it was a first for me).

After …

Thanks for bringing so much joy into my life!

Love you!!

Mommy

Be sure to continue on with my dear friend with Sarah Cornish | My 4 Hens.

If you missed the beginning, you can catch up on…
What Responsibility Looks Like
What the Last Days of Summer Looks Like
What Almost 7 Looks Like
What Making Memories Looks Like
What December Traditions Looks Like
What The Magic Of First Grade Looks Like
What Being a Tourist in My Own City Looks Like
What Easter Looks Like
What Remembering Looks Like
What A Day At The Fair Looks Like
What Our Everyday Looks Like
What Love Looks Like

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