Okay Already!

So I'm back. And while I don't really have a good excuse, my sister told one person I've been in too deep a depression to blog, which very well could be true. But to admit that, I'd have to leave that comfortable place of misery and denial -- both of which come well equipped with lots of unhealthy tasty treats by which to treat my symptoms. All I can say is thank goodness I don't drink!

I will confess to being lower than my usual chipper sarcastic self. So low, in fact, even sarcasm escaped me. And far be it for me to post without my usual tongue in cheek reflection.

As usual, I'm posting under duress. From my sister. And my friend on facebook. And my sisters friend who called inquiring as to my whereabouts in blogland. You know who you are. Anyhoo -- where have I really been? (No really, in the kitchen, eating, crying, eating, complaining, eating, whining, eating, whimpering, eating, laughing at my crying, and well, sleeping. During the day. No, not really. Well, maybe once. Twice, max.)

What is the problem? I don't know. Even with all the stress and problems, my life isn't all that different. Just stressful. And I guess, well, that makes you hungry. And tired. And a little blue. And well, it just hasn't felt worthy of sharing. And they say misery loves company, but I'm quite sure they mean twinkies and bagels. Or mint milano's. Actually, neither. Fat Boys and Oreos. and sourdough toast. But I'm certain it didn't mean people.

But enough about my good friends. And my negative down turn. We are on an upswing, and well, who wouldn't be after the most recent vacation week I've just had. But really, we are desperately putting our best foot forward and pressing on. Because at the end of the day (or weeks, in my case), you really don't have a choice. And plus, the sun has shone it's warm face a few times, and I'll be darned if that doesn't make all the difference.

So having survived 5 months of a near-death economy, funerals, traveling, soccer try-outs (times two), many rainy, gray days, the onset of t-ball, and the eternal task of folding laundry...I am here to blog.

About my trip. About my family. About joy. Because all three of those things are exactly that. The only thing missing, sadly, was my husband, who because of the aforementioned, was unable to come. But I had parents who knew, intuitively, that THIS family would need a vacation 6 months ago, and we were invited to tag along to the 4 Seasons in Carlsbad. And tag along we did.

Heaven. A true slice of peaceful, restful, happy, calorie-free pie. Even the drive down in the car felt fun. The sun warming us as we drove through LA, welcoming us to the coast and the soothing waves of the ocean. There wasn't much excitement. I mean, we didn't do amusement parks, and we didn't run to museums, and we didn't shop til we dropped, and we didn't eat out a lot. But we did enjoy one another. We sat by the pool and swam every day. We went to the movies. We watched the Olympics. And I basked in the glow of my children's carefree playfulness. I watched my son turn from tadpole to waterbug -- swimming from here to there. We played sand volleyball. Well -- we attempted, anyway. And we laughed at ourselves til it hurt. And we read books, and lingered in bed in the mornings. We took in the beauty of what was around us. The amazing vegetation. We briefly visited with cousins. And renewed relationships. It was easy. And comfortable. And memorable.

And it made me so happy. And grateful. And even though it's over, I know how important it was. And I feel renewed. Stronger. Hopeful. Happier having been.

Here's hoping you're happy, too. Enjoy the scenery...I know we did!


Check out these grounds around the park!


Hayden playing his first game of croquet.


My girls are truly best friends. We did something right.

Grandpa Doug enjoying a nap in the warmth of the sun.

Drying off after HOURS of swimming.

Enjoying the LIVING ROOM of our Villa.

See -- that's a happy, relaxed girl there.

Enjoy lunch out at one of Doug's favorite Burger joints. Has a couple trains cruising around on a suspended track.

The happy hosts! Love you guys.

A rocky beach after all the storms...but they didn't seem to mind.

Beach Cuties.

Don't even need a bucket. Mother nature is good enough for everyone on this day. Hayden made a Hot Wheels track in the sand.

Sweet cousins...and Becca...who know how to work the 4 Seasons to the hilt...it didn't take 15 minutes for Becca to call and request child sized robes for all of her kids. We went the whole week without knowing that. And you all think I'm the high-maintenance princess?! Okay, I am, but some info needs to be passed along a little earlier!