"Explorer Spirit…Servant Heart…"
Jan 13th, 2022 by leigharev2
It does not happen often, so when it does, it’s very exciting! Dealing with the roads is another matter, but we had no place to go, so we enjoyed the lovely blanket of white.
I took a walk with my friend, Michela, whose family visit from L.A., and rented a house nearby. We got to catch up on all the things and enjoyed our time together.
Jan 13th, 2022 by leigharev2
When we were a young couple, one of the things we enjoyed doing together was camping and hiking. Over the years, we kinds of got away from it. Being in Manzanita has helped spark this joy again. Here are some shots from a recent Short Sands hike…
Jan 13th, 2022 by leigharev2
We decided to go to Manzanita for a month over Christmas. The boys had a substantial winter break and we were able to go up for a month. Covid numbers are still sketchy so we decided to keep it just us and see family in smaller batches. Plus, the weather has been pretty ‘winter-y’, so keeping travel down made sense.
We had a hard time finding a Christmas tree and had made peace that we would not have one this year. On a related yet unrelated note, my friend Liann had told me to expect someone to drop something off at my house in a couple of days. She apparently has a friend who was visiting Manzanita over Christmas and had her bring a surprise to me! It was such a delight to learn that it was a handmade pinecone wreath that Liann and her children had collected and made! David purchased a gorgeous holiday bouquet. We placed it in the center of the wreath. Surrounded the wreath with lights and that became our ‘tree’ for the year!
The oatmeal t-shirts were envisioned by our little niece, ‘M’, and made by Uncle Paul. So fun!
Jan 13th, 2022 by leigharev2
I was talking to a friend recently who has younger children. She asked me if I missed certain stages when our kids were younger and if it was hard to have our kids as adults now. I can honestly say that, no, I do not miss any of the earlier stages. I loved going through them with my boys and I love the memories and moments we captured. But, I also love who they are, now. I enjoy my time with them, now, and I look forward to witnessing who they become in the future.
Alex is now 19, and what a treasure he is. He is kind, and funny, and seeks joy everywhere. He is easygoing and always up for an adventure. He is my foodie buddy, movie buddy, and can carry a conversation with pretty much anyone.
Alex is now a Freshman in our local community college. He made the President’s Honor Roll his first semester with a 3.81 and plans to pursue a Business degree, with a minor in Film.
Our family tradition is that the birthday person gets a special “whatever you want for breakfast” made by me, and then we go out for lunch or dinner later. This year, we were in Manzanita for his birthday. I forgot to bring our ‘Celebration’ plate, so I wrote ‘Celebrate Alex’ on the place in gel icing. Alex’s breakfast of choice: Oreo cereal, Pop-Tarts, Pizza Rolls, Sausage, and an energy drink. After that, we went to Seaside and watched the new Spiderman movie, then went to The Sea for linner. Cake later that evening at home. <3 Happy Birthday, beautiful boy-ee!!
Jan 13th, 2022 by leigharev2
A lovely evening with my sweet friends. We had dinner at my place, then we walked to a nearby neighborhood to see all the lights!
Dec 31st, 2021 by leigharev2
Lori and I met early for dinner at Bar 101, then headed up to Auburn for the Rend Collective concert. They taught us a few sayings from Northern Ireland and a nice chat before the concert started. It was a sweet night and it had been a long time sense we had connected.
Dec 31st, 2021 by leigharev2
Every year we carve out one full day to enjoy each other at Christmas time. This year, we stayed close to home. We met for lunch at Ramen 101. Moved next door to watch ‘Christmas with the Chosen‘. Then some shopping at The Fountains. Finished our day with a delicious dinner and gift exchange at Anatolian Table. All three of these women are completely unique individuals and when we all get together there’s a sense of becoming greater than our parts. The best kind of friendship. We love each other. Encourage each other. Challenge each other. Grow together. Have fun together. Grieve together. This is the ultimate gift.
Dec 31st, 2021 by leigharev2
Sole sis Melissa and I co-captained one of the aid stations for the 2021 California International Marathon! My awesome Bible study sisters rallied and help me make 60ish flannel scarves for the volunteers. It was an insane and intense day; but we rocked it out and decided to re-commit for 2022!
Dec 31st, 2021 by leigharev2
My precious Aunt and Uncle. I love them so much.
Dec 31st, 2021 by leigharev2
My friend Ginger hosted a table for the Women’s Dinner this year. She decorated the table so beautifully and it was overall a lovely evening. Catered dinner. Magnificent music by ‘America’s Got Talent’ artist Sharon Irving.
