Just because.......

Just had to share some photos of my baby with his baby......

I think we half raised Jonathan in Angel's stadium...

...and it looks like we have a new generation of sports fan !!!

Looks like daddies can multi task too. Let me just say that there is NO greater joy than to watch your children with their children. It never ceases to amaze me....it never stops being fun!!!!

Birthday wishes DO come true!!!!

I am always a bit shy about my birthday....but I sure wasn't quiet about my birthday wish this year!

It was ALL about IKEA.....so this past Saturday, Jim and I, and our neighbors too, all made the trek to where my birthday present was hiding in the warehouse.

The boys lifted the heavy boxes which would make my birthday wish come true.

My wish was that my sewing stash would stop looking like this ( all pulled out of the closet for THE transformation).....

To be placed orderly into my Expedit.....twenty four cubicles to hold all the fabric that I stash !!!!

Now it looks like this.....sorted by color and theme.....

....with bins opn top that hold my precuts just waiting for that moment of inspiration!!!!

But that wasn' t the only surprise. My students gifted me with the most wonderful "surprise" party.

The surprise happens each year (G) , but it still fills my heart to overflowing with gratitude for these wonderful ladies that come each Wednesday night.

Each week they inspire me with their projects and now even my Mom has joined our group. She wouldn't miss it for anything!!!!

I even have a furry student who knows to come for me for treats and goes to all the students for hugs.

I wish I had gotten a group shop...but THANK YOU girls from the bottom of my heart!!!!

You made my birthday SEW special, and SEW much fun!!!!

Playing Tourist.....

My sweet cousin Greet, and her adorable husband Marien, came from Holland to share in the joy of my Mom's birthday.

Greet remembers me as a child in Holland ( something about my red shoes or coat???? ), and I remember how our friendship grew as we both became pen-pals when we learned to write.

Over the years our relationship remained close....Greet was a bridesmaid when Jim and I married. We have shared joys and sorrows, and now we had a wonderful chance to spend time together again.

Our first meeting was at the Crystal Cathedral where we had the chance to worship together. I know my prayer was one of gratitude....for years of friendship and the time for us all to be together again.

We got to do lots of fun things....time at the beach.

A lovely birthday luncheon for Mom in La Jolla.

Greet and Marien found a cute surf shop...and the perfect gift for our newest Grandbaby!!!!

We had a chance to reenact a photo we took ten years ago at Swammi's.

There was a bit of wine tasting in Temecula.....

...where I also shared with Greet the joys of quilting at the Coop!!!!!

We had a memorable day in San Diego where we visited the Bob Hope monument...a MUST see for all who come to our beautiful city.

Greet and Marien reenacted a famous scene in our history...after all they were celebrating their 30th Wedding Anniversary!!!

We took a lovely sunset cruise on a paddleboat.....

What fun memories we shared.

The two weeks went much to quickly....here is Greet soaking up all the sun she could in San Clemente. Hopefully it will keep her warm and toasty when the Dutch winter comes.

Momma made a wonderful final breakfast...and then suitcases were closed and it was time to leave.

A lovely visit and we can't wait to see them again. Love to our favorite Bakker family....we miss you so much and look forward to seeing you in Holland!!!!!

To join together and celebrate.......

This past weekend was one to hold close to our hearts.....

The garden was at its prettiest.....

The food was prepared and enjoyed.....

The desserts were as pretty as they were yummy.....

Friends gathered to enjoy the day and each other.....

The boys provided lots of GUY help.....

Neighbors from the past came to join the celebration.....

Family came from near ( Orange County ) and far ( the Netherlands )....

The knitting girls came to add their smiles to a special day....

Little ones came to join the fun....

....and to put on pretty dresses and happy smiles.

Mom's to be practiced Mommy skills on bitty guests......

....and sweet girls shared the latest news about their growing families.

All of us with September birthdays gathered for a special photo.....

....but the day was ALL about Oma and her 88th birthday!!!!!

She got lots of presents, but I know the best part of her day was celebrating with all her family and having her greatgrandchildren there to make her joy complete.

I know we all enjoyed a very special day to honor a very special lady!!!! From the oldest to the youngest....it was a day we will never forget!!!!

Happy Birthday Momma.....

Today is my Momma's 88th Birthday!!!!

From my Mom, I have learned much. Because of her I have a love of gardening.

Because of her example, she has made me a better Mom and a better Oma.

She has a deep passion and love for all children.

She has deeply touched and added joy to the lives of all the women of our family.

....so this weekend begins a joyous celebration of the incredible woman that I have been blessed to have as my Mom. Let the fun begin!!!! I love you SOOOOO much. Happy Birthday my sweet Momma.