Snapshot #977: Christmas Gift Baskets

December 18, 2013.  San Jose, California.  It has been a privilege to plan, assemble, and assist in the delivery of these Christmas Baskets.  It has helped to keep my mind reaching out to others at a time when I'd otherwise be tempted to focus inward.

Snapshot #976: Smelling Roses

December 17, 2013.  Sunnyvale, California.  Oft times I'm in a hurry, running here and there to get things done according to my agenda.  But Hazel shows me the birds in the parking lot.  She points out the horses in the pasture we just drove by.  She notices and smells the flowers in the isle at Costco.  She hears the songbirds in the park and stops to look for them.  Thank you Hazel, for these sweet little gifts.  

Snapshot #975: I Get To Be The One

December 16, 2013.  San Jose, California.  

I get to be the one who she calls Mommy.

I get to be the one to give her a name.

I get to be the one who teaches her about love.

I get to be the one who sees what she sees.

I get to be the one to kiss things better.

I get to be the one to answer her questions.

I get to be the one to sing her bedtime stories.

I get to be her security when she's scared.

I get to be the one to build her confidence.

 I get to be her mom.

Snapshot #974: Amazon Prime

December 14, 2013.  San Jose, California.  Boy am I thankful for Amazon prime.  Not only do I get a free 30-day trial, but I also get all my Christmas gifts delivered to our front door within two days for free...so I still have time to wrap them and get them sent back out again in time for Christmas.  Amazon prime, you are my magic elf this year.  

Snapshot #973: Space Planning

December 13, 2013.  San Jose, California.  I am grateful for my small network of clients that is slowly growing in the bay area.  I am currently in the midst of space planning a new corporate office for a start-up business that is expanding.  I thoroughly enjoy the creative and the problem-solving processes of space planning.

Snapshot #972: Post-Birthday Celebration

December 12, 2013.  San Jose, California.  My sweet husband bought me an ice cream cake on my birthday but we haven't had a chance to break into it, until tonight.

Snapshot #971: Oh Christmas Tree

December 11, 2013.  San Jose, California.  It's Hazel's first year to help us decorate the Christmas tree.  We have lots of nativities around the house and she is fascinated by the Mommy, the Daddy and the Baby.  I love the learning moments that we get together because of Christmas.

Snapshot #970: Terrible Twos

December 10, 2013.  San Jose, California.  It was not a good morning.  It was not a good night.  It was not a good yesterday.  Hazel has officially hit the terrible twos and I don't think I'm handling it very well.  It's 10:00 AM and already I just want to sit down and cry.  This morning's tantrum involved the violent rejection of putting on clothing...meanwhile our friends are patiently waiting for us.

Snapshot #969: Valparaiso Sings Again

December 9, 2013.  Palo Alto, California.  Dave sang last night with the Valparaiso singers at the Christmas Creche, an artistic celebration of the birth of the Christ child with more than 350 nativities from around the world.  The creche is a lovely local tradition.

Exploring San Francisco: Snapshot #968: SF Food Tours

December 7, 2013.  San Francisco, California.  For my birthday Dave drove me up to the City.  We went on a food tour of North Beach.  Yum!!!  There was WAY too much sugar and not enough real food on the tour...but it was enjoyable nonetheless.  They brought us to a cafe for hot chocolate, then a pastry shop, then a fudge shop, then a chocolate & caramels merchant, then (finally) some pasta and we ended the tour at Cine Citta with some pizza, italian style.  I just love San Francisco.  See my photo collage of our tour below:

Snapshot #967: Pull Along Turtles

December 6, 2013.  San Jose, California.  Hazel has adopted a family of three little turtles and takes them everywhere with her!  After she fell asleep last night I went into her room and moved them to the foot of her bed.  When she woke in the middle of the night she came and crawled into bed with us--with her family of turtles in tow :)

Before & After: Snapshot #966: Willis Road

December 5, 2013.  Scotts Valley, California.  Mine and Dave's first investment in flipping real estate went on the market today.  We partnered with Charity Rehabbers who did the bulk of the work but allowed us to tag along for the ride.  It's going to take a few more houses before I feel like I really know what I'm doing, but I'm excited to be heading down this road.   

Snapshot #965: Home Sweet Home

December 4, 2013.  San Jose, California.  It feels good to be home again.  I am thoroughly enjoying listening to good classical Christmas music all day long.  Hooray for internet radio.

Snapshot #964: Christmas Wreath

December 3, 2013.  San Jose, California.  My new Christmas wreath.  (Can you believe I fit that thing into my carry-on?!)

Snapshot #963: The Gift of Life

December 2, 2013.  Salt Lake City, Utah.  Last night we kicked off the Christmas season by walking through the lights at Temple Square.  I am humbled to the core when considering the gift of life that has been given.