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My Son – NaBloPoMo

Posted on November 7, 2015 Written by Tonya

My son.

I adore this boy.

He is the best parts of me.

Tender and sweet to his sister.

Thoughtful and generous with his time.

Endearing and sweet and loves doling out hugs.

Inquisitive and interested in the world around him.

He is the worst parts of me.

Obstinate and full of sass.

Impulsive, often speaking before thinking.

At the young age of six, he has already mastered the eye roll of a 15 year old girl.

Easily bored and doesn’t know how to relax.

His badgering is wearing, not to mention exhausting.

He’s learned how to tell white lies and loves to cheat at Chess.

I am beyond grateful for this child and the lessons he has taught and for the mirror he holds up for me to see.

My love for this child has no beginning and no end.

Look at him.

He’s perfect.

My son.

10 Things I Love About Trader Joe’s – NaBloPoMo

Posted on November 4, 2015 Written by Tonya

I like to complain about their produce, which goes bad way well before the expiration date and not just bad, but moldy, stinky, I-just-bought-this-two-days-ago-bad and how stupid busy it is no matter what time of the day or day of the week I go, but the price is always right and I very seldom buy a product I don’t enjoy.

Nevertheless, these are my Top 10 Things I Love About Trader Joe’s:

1. They have a beautiful and exotic flower selection ranging from orchids and succulents to sunflowers and start gazer lilies.

2. Potato medley. These are amazing… yellow, red and purple potatoes all in one bag!

3. Samples. The Trader Joe’s kitchen located way back in the far end of the store is always whipping up something new and delicious.

4. Inexpensive and really good wines perfect for on the way to the party hostess gifts or to enjoy with a bowl of popcorn by yourself while watching Scandal.

5. Mediterranean Humus Snack Pack. Seriously I eat one for lunch most days and they are a nice alternative to sandwiches for school lunches.

6. Yogurt pretzels. Delish!

7. Nourish All-In-One Facial Cleanser and Nourish Oil-Free Antioxidant Facial Moisturizer. Ever since my friend, Morgan of The Little Hen House (she doesn’t blog anymore and I can’t find her review) shared a review of these two products five years ago, I’ve been hooked. It’s light, gentle, nondrying and way less expensive than the stuff I used to use!

8. Jo-Jos. These are like Oreos, but better. Better because the ingredients don’t sound like a science experiment and because they come shaped like pumpkins in October and filled with peppermint and coated in chocolate and sprinkled with candy canes in December!

9. Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. These are bite sized pieces of heaven and never last very long in our house, as exhibited in this photo. There are only two left!

10. Cute stickers for the kids at checkout. These are free for the asking, change with the seasons and aren’t sticky stickers so they won’t leave residue all over your car.

Oh no! I just realized I didn’t cover all the convenient and yummy frozen foods this terrific store offers; polenta, chicken and veggie wonton soup, pizzas (three cheese, four cheese, minis) waffles, stirred fried veggie rolls, Mini Hold The Cone! Ice Cream Cones and the list goes on and on and on.

If you don’t have a TJ’s near you, I am truly sorry because you are missing out on some amazing products. But, I have good news! Did you know that Amazon sells 20 pages of Trader Joe’s products? How cool is that?

If you frequent Trader Joe’s as often as I do, what are your favorite products?

Fall Things: Old School Blogging – NaBloPoMo

Posted on November 3, 2015 Written by Tonya

With nearly 100 degree days, it hasn’t felt much like Fall in Southern California lately but it sure is fun to think about cooler temperatures, piles of red and gold leaves, holiday baking and my boots; oh how I miss my boots!!

This month Elaine of The Miss Elaine-ous Life and Nancy of Bacardi Mama have paired up to ask questions about this elusive season.

It’s too late to add new links, but I started this last week, or the week before so I wanted to share.

What is your favorite Halloween candy?
I’m not gonna lie, I love seeing candy corn hit the shelves, but I wouldn’t turn down a Twix, Snickers, Kit Kat or package of M&M’s.

What is one of the worst “treats” you ever received in your candy bag?
I don’t remember ever getting anything I wasn’t thrilled with except for maybe Tootsie rolls. Because yuck!

What was one of your favorite costumes you wore when you were a kid?
I’m a child of the 70’s so my mother used to make all my costumes. Those were the days. My favorite was Raggedy Ann and she had a matching costume!

How about your favorite costume as an adult?
My most memorable adult costumes have been; Jasmine from Disney’s Aladdin, a sock hop, Princess Leia and this year, a witch. My favorite was Princess Leia, which I wore as a child and again, last year. Lucas was Darth Vader and Lola (her first!) was Yoda.

Halloween 2014

What scares you most on Halloween? Spiders? Zombies? Axe murderers? Eyeballs in a jar… (or something else)?
Masks. Not to into them at all, paint yourself up with blood and gory makeup, but I need to see your face. Especially your eyes.

So then, what is your favorite scary movie?
I don’t like scary movies and can barely even watch American Horror Story, but I love classic suspense films like Rear Window and Rebecca, and more modern ones like Seven, The Usual Suspects, The Departed and Gone Baby Gone.

What is you favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal?
I could so easily make an argument for stuffing. Or mashed potatoes with gravy. Or the rolls, hot and buttery rolls. But I think it’s the main attraction that I look forward to the most, the turkey. And I love turkey sandwiches for days afterward. A little salt, a little pepper and butter. Yum!

What is your favorite piece of clothing or accessory to wear in the Fall?
Boots, sweaters, henleys, flannels, corduroy, scarves! Did I mention boots?

What is your favorite pie? If you do not like pie I will forgive you but then what is your favorite Fall dessert?
I’m not really a pie person (sorry, Elaine!) I’ve been told I make tasty pumpkin and pecan pies, which I do every holiday. Pumpkin because it would be sacrilegious not to and pecan for my sister. For me, I make chocolate. As in good old fashioned Jell-O pudding on the stove chocolate pudding pie. It makes for a great breakfast too!

Do you live where there are four seasons? If so, where is your favorite place to see the fall colors?
In California the seasons are subtle, and quick to change, but they do exist and are quite distinct. There is a Summer season and a Winter season. They aren’t what most people think of Summer or Winter, they just happen to occur at the same time. Spring and Fall are just the blending of one into the other.

What is your favorite fall tradition?
Taking photos of my children and dog in piles of leaves. I also enjoy participating in a Turkey Trot (5K walk or run) the morning of Thanksgiving, it’s a great way to start a day of gluttonous eating!

Italy – 2009

Is there anything else special about the Fall to you?
I just love the drop in temperatures, wearing cozy slippers, sipping hot cups of tea, visiting pumpkin patches, the crunch of fallen leaves under my feet, rosy cheeks and starting to think about Christmas.

Old School Blogging: The ABC’s Of Me

Posted on September 17, 2015 Written by Tonya

I’m linking up with my friends, Elaine of The Miss Elaine-ous Life and Andrea of About 100% for a little Old School Blogging and this month is the ABC’s of me, a questionnaire of sorts.

Come play along! Copy and paste the words in bold below, write your post and link up.

A- Age: 43 or…

Best. Quote. Ever.

B- Biggest Fear: Missing my children’s futures and having them both turn out like assholes.

C- Current Time: Nap time!

D- Drink you last had: Diet Coke

E- Easiest person to talk to: My 19 month old daughter.

F- Favorite Song: #41 by Dave Matthews Band

G- Grossest Memory: The time Lucas smeared poop on his bedroom wall. It was AWFUL. I wrote about it. Of course. (I’m Still In Shock, February, 2012)

H- Hometown: I was born in Amarillo, Texas but grew up overseas. Arizona was home for a long time and now, it’s wherever my children are.

I- In love with: My husband and children. And always in that order.

Two drifters off to see the world.
There’s such a lot of world to see.

J- Jealous Of: I wouldn’t mind being Beyoncé for a day.

K- Killed Someone? What the hell kind of question is that?

L- Longest Relationship: The one with myself.

M- Middle Name: Dawn

N- Number of Siblings: 1

O- One Wish: Ah. I wish more than anything that my parents were still alive.

P- Person who you last called: Lisa, my ray of sunshine friend.

Q- Question you’re always asked: Uppie?

R- Reason to smile: Topping the list today is Lucas’s latest family portrait:

Complete with disco ball (don’t ask!).

But I also love; a good sweat, starting a new book, my children’s laughter, finding time to write, sunflowers, smelling the sea, an iced Chai tea latte, date nights, fresh sheets, Christmas morning, Dateline, capturing the perfect photograph, green lights, a glass of Dreaming Tree Cab, spending time with my friends, my sister, Jimmy Fallon, the smell of rain, kindness, pizza, fast Internet connection, a good hair day, stop me anytime.

S- Song you last sang: Something annoying on KidzBop.

T- Time you woke up: 6:30

U- Underwear Color: I’m not wearing any. Shhh…

V- Vacation Destination: I’m dying to return to kiss under the Eiffel Tower again, but also look forward to seeing the Golden Gate Bridge, sipping a margarita on the beach in Cabo (hopefully next summer!!) and standing in the middle of Times Square sooner rather than later. (:

W- Worst Habit: Setting impossible expectations and being disappointed.

X- X-rays you’ve had: Mouth, leg, fingers and ankle. Nothing was ever broken.

Y- Your favorite food: Mexican… lime, cilantro, onion, jalapeno, avocado, chips, margaritas

Z- Zodiac Sign: Cancer, the crab. Explains so much.

Incidentally, I’ve done one of these before, ABC in June, 2013.

Your turn! Answer the questions, post them on your blog and then link up at Elaine’s or Andrea’s place (don’t forget to tag #OSBlog on Twitter when you share!)

Back To School

Posted on August 30, 2015 Written by Tonya

As I carefully cut price tags off shorts and hang collared shirts both one size bigger than last year, my mind is flooded with thoughts and my heart starts to ache.

I think about what a fun summer we’ve had and how I’d like a little more. A little more time with Lucas. Just Lucas.

I think about how much my boy has grown in the last three months and what an awesome child he is. He’s funny and smart, curious about everything, a great reader and super big brother.

I think about first grade and how on earth this happen so quickly. I think about all of his first days of school so far. There have been four. Starting in 2011, Lucas went to preschool two mornings a week, then three, followed by three full days a week, then four and then came Kindergarten.

I think of all that I hope this school year will be for my son.

It is his second year in what still feels like a new school to me. He, on the other hand, fits right in and I love how his eyes light up whenever he talks about it.

I hope first grade is kind to him. I hope he is kind too. To everyone!

I hope he does his best, makes new friends, learns a ton and knows that I’ll be thinking about him every day.

I run my fingers along the crisp new shirts as they hang side-by-side in the closet, no longer on baby hangers and I weep.

Nine Hours And I Want More!

Posted on August 11, 2015 Written by Tonya

Lucas was Lola’s age (18 months) the first time he visited Disneyland. We had just moved to Orange County and I blogged about it here: Week One.

A year and a half is the perfect age to go to Disneyland for the first time. Lola’s first trip was this past Saturday.

As a Disneyland enthusiast and former Annual Passport holder, I have been to the Happiest Place on Earth dozens of times but those first time visits are the best and there truly is nothing like experiencing Disneyland through the eyes of your child.

My sister and her boyfriend were with us for Lola’s inaugural visit and that was very special because it was Leah and I who took Lucas his first time.

Lola’s first trip to Disneyland – August 8, 2015

Our plan was to arrive between 3:00 and 4:00, go on as many toddler-friendly rides as we could, meet Mickey and Minnie if possible, have a treat, buy a personalized mouse ears hat and have Todd pick up Lola just in time for her to make her 7:30 bedtime. The rest of us would stay until closing time (midnight).

The summer months are not the ideal time to visit the park if you wish avoid heavy crowds plus, it was a Saturday, temperatures reaching 90+ degrees and this is the park’s 60th anniversary, so everyone and their mother were there! We had no idea what we were in for, but fortunately our plan worked great.

We were able to do all of the above and both children were the best. I’ve said it before; Lucas knows what a huge effort and expense it is to go to Disneyland that from the moment he hears a trip is planned and for every minute we are there, he is a perfect angel. Accommodating and WAY more patient than I am!

Lola spent more time out of her stroller than in it enjoying the freedom of running around yelling for Minnie. It was too cute! She was also very patient waiting to ride King Arthur’s Carrousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups and It’s A Small World. She was mesmerized by the rides, people, colors and music.

Lola’s second ride at Disneyland – Dumbo the Flying Elephant

I love how Lucas has graduated from Fantasyland to bigger kid rides. He went on the Indiana Jones Adventure and Star Tours this time, two firsts for him.

On this trip, for me the parades were the best part. They are truly breathtaking and always bring tears to my eyes. Each character and fairytale is gloriously represented and the lights and dancers are magical. I instantly become a jaw dropped kid again while watching the night sky light up.

I was saddened to see so many phones held high up in the air trying to capture what only the eyes can see. People were “filming” the action and talking to the person next to them. It made no sense. Especially when their phones were pointed up at the trees.

Disneyland opened July 17, 1955 and has been delighting children and adults alike for 60 years! It is a magical place that brings so much joy to all who visit. Sleeping Beauty’s castle is always a sight to behold, a welcome beacon that greets you as soon as you step foot on Main Street.

Sleeping Beauty’s Castle all lit up for Disneyland’s Diamond Celebration

There is so much to see and do at the park that the nine hours we spent were simply not enough. I already can’t wait to go back!!

The Parker Palm Springs

Posted on August 10, 2015 Written by Tonya

I fell in love on my birthday.

I can’t stop thinking about tbe weekend getaway my husband and I took.

It was perfect start to finish.

The only problem, as it often is with getaways, it was too short.

And now, I’m left pining for a hotel.

I had never heard of The Parker Palm Springs before our hairstylist recommended it to my husband as a potential candidate for a birthday staycation.

I’m so grateful she did.

The setting for a of short-lived reality series, Welcome to the Parker (2007), which I never saw or even heard of until I was on the property and my husband mentioned it.

In 1959, the Parker Palm Springs was originally a Holiday Inn of all things. In fact, it was California’s first Holiday Inn. In 1961, the property was purchased by Gene Autry for lodging his newly acquired baseball team, the California Angels, during Spring Training. Autry changed the name to Melody Ranch and added a second pool, tennis courts, a bar, and a couple of restaurants.

In 1994, Autry sold the resort to his hotel director, Rose Narva, who remodeled the site into a French-themed wonderland with the help of fashion-designer Hubert de Givenchy. Narva renamed the hotel Givenchy Hotel and Spa.

In 1998, the hotel was purchased by media mogul, Merv Griffin, who promptly renamed it Merv Griffin’s Resort Hotel and Givenchy Spa.

In 2002, Griffin sold the space to Epix Hotels and Resorts and it sat vacant until 2003 when it was purchased by hotelier Jack Parker. Parker hired designer Jonathan Adler to give the space a $27 million facelift. The property re-opened in 2004 as Le Parker Meridien, or Parker Palm Springs as it is better known.

Today, the Parker is like something out of a Lewis Carroll book, every pathway leading to a delightful surprise; pools, croquet and pétanque courts, bunny filled lawns where you can lounge in a hammock, tennis courts, a ping pong table, over-sized chess game, fire pits with seating for 10, restaurants (Norma’s and Mister Parker’s), and an outdoor café (The Lemonade Stand). You haven’t lived until you’ve had an über-cool Muddled Lemonade!

The 13-acre desert estate has 144-rooms and a 16,500-square-foot award-winning spa named the Palm Spring Yacht Club which has 21 treatment rooms.

The decor throughout is whimsical and fun, full of rich detail and lots of eye candy. Here are just a few photos I took:

I loved every moment of our two day stay at the Parker and can’t wait to return. I enjoyed spending a luxurious morning at the spa/yacht club and feeling like I was actually on a yacht. The binder of playlists allowing you to select the music you’d like to hear during your spa treatment is genius, but it was the night swimming; floating on my back in the middle of the pool, staring up at the desert sky, welcoming a new year of possibilities, that is the memory that I will hold close to my heart forever.

Next time I’d even consider bringing the children along.

On second thought…

Just in case you were wondering, all thoughts and research are my own. The Parker Palm Springs did not compensate me in any way, although I wouldn’t mind if they did.

Summer So Far

Posted on August 4, 2015 Written by Tonya

It has been almost two months since my last blog post. I was hoping to have a lot more free time this summer to dedicate to my writing and Letters For Lucas, but that wasn’t meant to be. Instead it has been a crazy busy couple of months filled with pick ups and drop offs, play dates, visits with family, beating the heat and very little down time. We’re making memories and having fun but it’s going by way too fast!

With what little ~~time spent without children~~ quiet time I do enjoy, I prefer to work out, take photographs and read.

I have stayed up way too late to read some awesome books so far this summer… Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch and The Good Girl by Mary Kubica. And I started Judy Blume’s In the Unlikely Event last night. I adored Blume as an adolescent and teenager and so far I’m not disappointed.

I turned 43 the end of June and my husband and I spent a magical weekend in Palm Springs. We stayed at The Parker and I have thought about it ever since. More to come on this…. Trust me when I say, this hotel deserves its very own blog post!

I took a six week photography class and while I may still be utterly confused by depth of field, exposure modes and apertures, I love getting to know my camera. This was my best shot. In my ever humble opinion.

June 25, 2015 – Orange Coast Community College, Horticulture Center

Shortly after I took this, I tried to photograph a lily and fell on the side of a pond and damaged my lens. It has been at the repair shop for 10 days. I also ruined my favorite pair of white capris and I did not get the shot.

A week ago, Lola turned 18 months old and I’m still in shock. She’s wild and silly and is enjoying testing her boundaries and giving us all a run for our money. She loves to go for walks around our neighborhood and sit at the bar stools around our kitchen island instead of in her high chair. She’ll eat anything her brother doesn’t and wants to play with whatever he is. Lola is awesome.

On Friday, Lucas completed his fifth and final week of camp and will be at home with me for the remainder of his summer. I’m looking forward to a looser schedule, lazy mornings and some fun afternoon outings. He goes back to school September 2. As challenging as it is to have two children home for the summer with such varied interests, not to mention abilities, I love spending time with my loves and I’ll be missing Lucas when he starts first grade (!) in the fall. Four short weeks from now.

Today is Todd and my eighth wedding anniversary. A bronze milestone. Whatever that means. I suppose bronze is stronger than iron and copper, symbols of earlier years of marriage. A union of two lives and the strength resulting from combining time with perseverance. I like that and I love him. I’m so lucky he picked me to share this life with.

Eight years and counting…

How is your summer so far?

This Boy

Posted on June 5, 2015 Written by Tonya

Oh, how I love this boy!

Photo by Tereza Harper, January 27, 2015

This boy who made me a mommy.

This boy who brings magic and joy to my life when I need it most.

This boy who is healthy and intelligent and creative and kind.

This boy who makes me act silly and come up with nonsensical song lyrics and dance around the kitchen.

This boy who knows exactly what to say to get me on the trampoline.

This boy who has me learning Skylanders characters and sharing the latest Star Wars movie previews and downloading games with names like Pixel Gun and Buddyman to our iPad.

This boy who costs me at least $20 more every time I take him with me to the supermarket.

This boy who I can’t say no to when it comes to books.

This boy who shares my love of dinning out and being pampered.

This boy who is sensitive and rambunctious, curious and insightful.

This boy who can push each and every single one of my hot buttons to the point where I am in tears and yet, I love him anyway.

This boy who I schedule play dates for, buy his favorite snacks, pay a dollar so he’ll run upstairs to check on his napping sister and can make me giggle until I almost pee in my pants.

This boy owns me.

This boy is gold.

Lucas, my sweet boy, you are awesome and being your mom makes me happier than anything else I have ever done, or will ever do in my lifetime.

I believe in you and know you will reach any goal you set your mind to. I am on your side, your cheerleader, and biggest fan. Always!

I can’t wait to see what six holds.

Happy Golden Birthday, fellow.

Deliriously Happy

Posted on June 4, 2015 Written by Tonya

Although my husband might disagree, it really doesn’t take a lot to make me happy.

My children, of course top my happy list, especially when they too are in good spirits, getting along and healthy. For months they have both been battling the icks. I have seen more snot and cleaned up more vomit lately than I ever care to.

My husband also makes me happy and I appreciate all the little (and big) things he does to keep our family safe, secure and on track. Going though life with your best friend is well, the best and I’m lucky that he loves me.

But here are 10 more things that are currently making me very happy (in no particular order):

1. My neighborhood. I love that I can walk a mile and a half or less and be at a grocery store, my favorite lunch spots, an office supply store, great boutiques, two different libraries, the bank, one of five parks and countless other great spots.

2. Netflix. Because how else could I have binged watched all three seasons of Scandal in 19 days?! The struggle is real, people! Season 4 is available June 13!!

3. Dave Matthews Band. Duh. 3 months until I see my favorite musician in concert again!

4. Sunny days. Not hot, just sunny. Warm. Preferably spent poolside. With a cocktail.

5. Exercise. No, really. I have to move daily. For my sanity and those around me.

6. Our new patio cover. It has basically given us a whole new room! It took a year and a half to build but it was worth the wait and it has already changed the way we live.

7. The perfect shot. I don’t really know anything about photography and all the photos I take are with my iPhone, but I know the second I get the perfect shot. I’m super excited to take a photography class this summer and learn all about my new Nikon d40, a gift from a dear friend.

8. Amazon Prime. Enough said.

9. Did I mention these two?

Mother’s Day, 2015

10. Writing. Purging, getting it out of my head, off my chest and on paper, so to speak. A completed blog post or piece of writing of any kind that I’m proud of makes me very, very happy!

What makes you happy?

This post was written for Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop, Prompt 2. List ten things that make you HAPPY.

My Son – NaBloPoMo

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