Sisters Are Forever

These are mine... Cathy and Ann.  We share a special bond between us... a shared past and many experiences that molded our personalities.  We understand one another like no one else can and share secrets and thoughts that we choose to keep amongst ourselves.  Although we do have the occasional conflict, we always work together to get through it because we realize we're there for each other for life!  My sisters and I understand the importance of our bond and cherish the memories we share and always look forward to making new ones.  I love that our kids are close and love the sense of family they share.  Just the mere existence of my sisters is comforting and our availability to one another is what matters most.  Side by side or miles apart, we are sisters connected by the heart.

My BFF's Birthday

Dear Diary,
From my family members to some of my closest friends, March is filled with special birthdays.  My best friend Sherry turned 44.  We all came out to shower her with love on her birthday.  We had a fabulous dinner on the rooftop of Petit Ermitage and stayed into the wee hours of the night gabbing and catching up on each others lives.  Love hanging out with my girlfriends of many years and spending much needed quality time together.  Happy Birthday and love you to the moon and back Sher Bear!

Angie, Michelle, Sherry, Missy, Debbie and Me

Deb and I

Sherry and Heather

Mini Donuts

These mini donuts are super delicious, so cute and way less calories than a big donut!
Ingredients:
½ cup granulated sugar
Zest of 1 lemon
1¼ cups flour, sifted
1¼ tsp. baking powder
¾ tsp. salt
½ cup buttermilk
1 egg, lightly beaten
1½ tbsp. butter, melted
½ teaspoon of vanilla
Preparation:
Heat oven to 425 degrees F.
In a small bowl combine sugar and lemon zest until the sugar is moistened.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in sugar mixture.
Add buttermilk, egg, butter, and vanilla and stir until just combined.
Add batter to a piping bag and fill each donut cup approximately one-half full.
Bake 4–6 minutes or until the top of the donuts spring back when touched.
Let cool in pan for 4–5 minutes before removing. Finish the donuts with glaze, sprinkles, or cinnamon sugar.

Cinderella

Dear Diary,
What a fun Sunday!  Ginny and I took the girls to see Roger + Hammerstein's Cinderella at the Ahmanson Theatre.  This production of Cinderella was modern and very entertaining.  The costumes were stunning and the quick change action from rags to riches left us all thinking "how'd they do that?"  You have to see it to believe it!  The music was so beautiful, the girls and I were singing along with the cast.  We had a great afternoon!  Following the show, we met Gene, Jeff and Van at Il Fornaio in Manhattan Beach for a delish dinner. 

Sweet Gigi Turns 9

Dear Diary,
Gigi had her 9th birthday last weekend!  She planned her birthday to a T!  We started the morning with presents and cinnamon rolls.  Then we went to Church, picked up friends Allie and Luciana and drove over the bridge to Belmont Shores.  We strolled 2nd street and stopped for frozen yogurt and matching t-shirts and necklaces.  For dinner, we met the rest of the gang at Domenico's for a fun Italian dinner.  We caught the beautiful pink sunset on the drive back over the bridge.  It was a beautiful day!  Gigi's smile says it all... she's such a ball of sunshine!  Gigi is a happy girl.  She wakes up each day with a smile.  She is so loving and affectionate with me.  We have a special connection that runs deep and I love her girly ways and silly quirks.  She loves her sisters and brother and always tries to do the right thing.  We are lucky to have such a special girl and hope she has an incredible 9th year!

 Her favorite gift!

 With her Irish twin Jessie

 Giant Cookie!

 Dad and Van

 Jojo and Mom

 Ginny and Gene

Jessie, Josette, Gigi, Luciana and Allie

My Oldest Daughter Turns 12

Dear Diary,
We had a beautiful day celebrating Josette's birthday.  She woke up early to open her presents before school.  At school she was surprised to find her locker decorated and festive.  The girls and I joined her after school for lunch with her girlfriends then we all headed to the Red Onion for her birthday dinner.  The day was filled with joy and she was thrilled to be with her family and friends.  Josette is many things... she is kind, sweet and caring.  She is very smart and talented.  She loves to dance, surf and craft.  She always does her best and puts 100% into everything she does.  We are very proud of her and amazed how well she handles herself.  We love you to the moon and back and hope this year is the best ever!

 With her friends Kylie, Bailey, Bella and Kate

 Brother Van and Alligator Sam

Sweet sisters, Jessie and Gigi

8 Candles

Dear Diary,
Last week we celebrated Jessie Joy turning 8!  It was a fun filled day from start to finish.  She woke up bright eyed and ready to go.  She opened her gifts with family and off to school they went.  I picked up everyone a little early for a birthday lunch along the water at Ruby's.  Then friends and sisters, Mia and Ava came over for play and dinner at Buca.  Ginny, Gene, Grandma, Bruce and Grams also joined us for a big Italian feast and visit.  Jessie was thrilled!  She had her family and friends by her side, special treats and gifts, a new bike and yummy birthday cake.  We love our little black haired beauty, she is so sweet and funny.  Jessie is charming and loving and a very nurturing caretaker.  She is also independent and smart.  We love our Jessie Joy and wish her joy and happiness all year long!

Dad surprised us at Ruby's

Testing her new bike

Grams, Grandma and Bruce

Gene and Ginny

Van, Jessie, Jojo, Mia, Gigi and Ava

10 Rules To Live By

1.   Family comes first.

2.   Thank you goes a long way.

3.   You must be a good friend to have one.

4.   Happiness looks great at every age.

5.   Water is your friend.

6.    Love can heal all things.

7.    Kisses make everything better.

8.    A smile is contagious.

9.    Pray.

10.  Have someone to count on.