Beckerman and the Vegas boys

After almost a full week of fun with his Las Vegas boys, Beckerman was tuckered out. They played tug-of-war, chased each other, jumped up and down, wrestled, threw toys and tennis balls, went for walks and picnics, took trips to the park, watched fireworks, laughed and giggled, dropped plenty of treats for Beckerman to enjoy, and then fell asleep each night, only to awaken the next morning ready for more adventure. It's safe to say that Becks is attached to his Vegas buddies since he tried to sneak into the van as they were getting ready to leave. He loved being around boys and can't wait for their next visit. Thanks Jackie Chan, Owie-O, and Graham-mar time for including Beckerman in all the fun. We all loved having you here. 

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California love!

California has a special place in my heart. I served in the California Roseville mission (north of Sacramento to the Oregon/California border) 1,000 years ago, and although impartial to the redwood trees and NoCal feel, I have grown to love SoCal as well. 

My parents know of my love for Cali and knew I needed a respite/a getaway/a reset. They booked a 5 day trip for my mom and I without my knowledge. It was what I needed and I am truly humbled and grateful for their love, patience, and understanding. 

You see, I'm not easy to love right now; but, they continue to support me and haven't given up on me. My life has made some unexpected terms and I'm blindly grasping for every ounce of hope I can find. I'd be lost without them . . . a

statement I can make both literally and figuratively. Thank you, mom and dad, for all you have done and continue to do for me. And mom, thank you for wrapping your arms around my prickly exterior this last week. I will always need you: 

"She makes broken look beautiful and strong look invincible. She walks with the Universe on her shoulders and makes it look like a pair of wings." -Ariana Dancu

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Happy Birthday Beckerman!

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This is my brave ...

I came across a quote recently that speaks volumes. I realized that I have to include the bad (or difficult) parts of me in addition to the good. If not, I'm cheating my true self. The interpretation, of course, is different for all of us, but I think it is safe to say that our flaws and failures are just as much a part of us as our good attributes and achievements. I don't know if it is acceptance, a swallowing of pride, or a recognition of growth. I just know I can't demand the warmth of the sun without acknowledging my shadow: "You never realize how much of your background is sewn into the lining of your clothes." -Tom Wolfe 

I am in love with the power words hold. 

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Tuesdays with my boy. And yes, I bought him a purple cow with a squeaky hot pink udder!

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A year ago . . .

A year ago today, we let go of Mia. I have so many things I want to say, but the quote over the picture of Mia and the one in this post do a good job of summing up a lot of what I'm feeling. I'd be lying if I said this last year has been easy; It has been a bit rough but I'm trying to find and focus on the good. I'm trying to move forward. "Sometimes we make the mistake of equating the depth of our love with the depth of our pain in grief. Folks can convince themselves that if they let go of the grief, they are forgetting and dishonoring the memory of their animal pal and the relationship they had. Our animals are not asking that – they are asking us to move forward, as they have" (Roper, Janet. "The Anniversary Reaction: Grieving Your Pet,." Web log post. janetroper.com. N.p., 24 Apr. 2014. Web. 9 July 2017.) I miss you Mia . . . . to the 🌙 and back! from Instagram

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