Tuesday, May 21, 2013

"My Person"

While watching the latest Grey's Anatomy Perfect Storm episode Christina says to McDreamy "She is going to be okay. She has to be. She is our person." 

This struck a huge chord in my heart. I sat and pondered what made it resonate so profoundly. Then I thought of how lucky I am because "my person" is actually "my people." I don't have a city but I definitely have a village. I am SO blessed!!! In every season of my life I have had the honor of meeting and keeping (at least) one true and kindred friend.

 In early junior high Alicia, the girl who lived kitty corner from me, became  a friend who helped me through the warring sea of prepubescent mean girls.
    Summer 98' two yrs. later

    15 years later...Reanna, Alicia, & Me

 In high school, Megan and I bonded through a theater class and a love of dance (even with two left feet). We have a mutual eclectic and disorganized style.
     Summer of 2000 two yrs. later

     Taken 10 years later Megan, Me (pregnant with Ryko), & John

In college during the insecurities of being far from home in a completely new culture Leann and I discovered a common love of four am, coffee, and goofiness (though I only speak of myself with this description). In addition, I must say I have Rachana, Amanda, Sandra, and Becca. All of whom I met in college and have been lasting friends.
    September-ish 2002 Cait, Maureen, Angie, Leann, & Me

    May 2006 Me, Cait, & Leann...Maureen is missing :(

After graduation I moved back home to AZ and found myself in the life stage of stay at home mama. It is a wonderful but sometimes isolating and lonely experience. Thankfully, I met Tiffany through a mom's group and re-connected with my estranged cousin Nicole.
    Taken 2 1/2 years later Me (pregnant with Ari) & Tiffany...we don't have many photos together that has to change :)

    Taken about 4 years after reconnecting Me & Nicole

The best part: I can even include my husband in this. We met in third grade and went to school together until the end of sixth grade. Then we lived on opposites sides of town. Yet we remained friends, even through MANY challenges. Luckily that friendship worked in our favor. 
    December 2000 8 yrs. after 3rd grade

    Taken 5 1/2 yrs. into marriage, 21 yrs. after 3rd grade!!!

Each friend has their own unique qualities and stories which bond us. Each one is treasured and thought of on a daily basis.   Each connection has been a life line at some point during trials and tribulations. Each one celebrates the happy times and mourns the sad ones with me. Even better...it is mutual, because I do the same for them! I intentionally left out my closest family members although they are absolutely in "my people" because I wanted to focus on the people who come into our lives by chance but stay by intention.

I am very curious how each of my readers would classify themselves. Are you the type of person who has "my person" or are you like me in having "my people?" Share your thoughts and stories  because I would love to read them. :)


Saturday, November 24, 2012

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Time sure has flown....

After a year hiatus I suppose it is time for me to get back on track! Now Ryko isn't just taking care of bears and baby dolls...he has moved onto his baby brother Ari. He is smitten as are the rest of us. Ari is proving to be a pretty cool kid so far. So, we've decided he can stay...we'll keep him. In all seriousness I was a little worried Ryko might want to send him back after having our undivided attention so long. But, alas, my son proved me wrong again. Instead of wanting to send him back Ryko constantly needs to know where his little brother is and what he is doing. It is sweet...to a point. ;)
But man aren't they a pair?!? Ari truly already loves Ryko. He follows him with his eyes and smiles the minute he hears big brother's voice. I can only imagine the trouble they will get in together...yikes! Since this is a belated introduction to our BIG lion let me show you many cute photos of him to fawn over.

































Monday, May 30, 2011

Weekly Wrap-Up May 22, 2011

Preface: This week was very full. I know there are far too many photos but I couldn't seem to narrow it down any more. Next week I start my new job and Ryko starts school at the same place. So pictures will slow down. 

Ryko has a new found love for money. He loves to get our change jars, dump them out, play with the money, and then put it away.
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He loves to take good care of his baby, especially cleaning her.
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She keeps him company during lunch.
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He loves his Tata Bear and being under blankets. Especially when he is still waking up. :)
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We spent a family night at the packaging plant "helping" dad work. :) It was a nice night.
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Ryko finds the craziest place to keep his baby. ;)
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He naps so beautifully!
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Ryko watches the tractor work on our backyard. The septic system is being replaced with city sewer. Hallelujah!
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Counting change again...
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Talking to Bumpa
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My garden is growing so beautifully. I love watching it change.
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My flowers still live and thrive. :)
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We took a family walk to the park. It melts my heart to see Ryko following his dada.
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Some AWESOME (in my opinion) sky shots I took on our walk with my new outdoor lens.
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Ryko climbs the slanted rock wall completely on his own. BIG boy!
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He gets only a little help from dad for the vertical wall.
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Swingin' Time!
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Happily watching our boy.
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Walking home...
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An attempt at some fun shots of the moon.
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Ryko wears earplugs to watch the tractor some more. He loves tractors.
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Balloons from Metro Tech. He loves balloons...points them out whenever he sees them. :)
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Ryko wearing dada's bling and hugging his bear.
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Playing with Simon while mama get her hair trimmed. Ryko is next!
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Multitasking as usual...
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Look into the depths of this brown eyed boy. :)
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He reads and then puts the book back in his backpack. LOVE!
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He reads my new plaque like a book. ;)
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Ryko is ready to rock the town of Globe but for now he is contained on the patio of our B&B room. :)
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The A-J Family arriving to celebrate a cousin's graduation.
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Ryko ruins The Indian Ruins.
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Devours cake like a maniac.
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The dancing begins...Ryko wants to rock out but the music is too loud.
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The itsy bitsy spider on Ryko's arm.
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The Avalos clan...
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Great Tios & Tia...Pilars of our family!
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Cousins
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Another generation of cousins
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Ryko is still full of energy the next morning. So we play in the Sanctuary at the B&B.
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And another generation of cousins...
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It was wonderful to see and spend time with so much of my dad's family this weekend. It was even greater that they finally had the opportunity to meet my husband and son for the first time. :)