Home Sweet Home....

My mother and father-in-law lived in this humble home for 46 amazing years. It's a treasure trove of memories. Wonderful. Sweet. Memories. My husband, his older brother and sister were each born and raised in this home on Garden Grove Avenue in Tarzana. It's also the very place where their darling Grandma Rose spent her final days on earth. Several grandchildren have joined the Bluemel Family and filled this home with their laughter and joy. I know my 3 children created some very fond memories in this home over the years. From celebrating their birthdays~ To hiding inside the GINORMOUS orange tree in the backyard. And eating blackberries straight off the blackberry bush. Finding cups filled with gold on St. Patty's Day And on Easter collecting colorful Easter eggs that had been dropped all over the yard by the Easter Bunny himself. Or how about my little Miss Katie helping her Nana cook our Thanksgiving Feast each year since she was 18 months old. It has been fun watching how much Katie has grown-- just by looking at photos of her sitting on the kitchen counter right next to her Nana baking pies, making homemade rolls, and all the fixings that make Thanksgiving such a favorite holiday. All the grandchildren treasure the evening walks they went on with their Nana around the neighborhood. To visit the "spooky bridge" and water fountain. There were many basketball games played on the driveway. Except, since Little Miss Megan was too small to join in an energetic game of basketball, she would go find her Gramps~ and he would willingly put on her favorite movie, Rudolf. Time and time again. Rudolf was played year 'round in the Bluemel home. The children had countless fun sleepovers at Nana & Gramps' house. They watched movies together. Read books and played games. Art was created. Blocks were stacked. And dominoes stretched from one end of the house to the other. And most importantly, everyone laughed together... often. We always had a good time when we visited. And we always looked forward to our weekend visits to the Valley. Because it was a home filled with love. Each person that entered the Bluemel Home on Garden Grove Avenue always felt welcome, cared for, and loved. Regardless if they were "family" or not. Nana & Gramps opened their home to many. The memories made in the Bluemel Home in Tarzana will last a lifetime. And we will forever miss this place we called "HOME" for so long. Today as I sit here writing this, my mother and father-in-law are unpacking boxes, organizing shelves, and setting up rooms. They're making a new home for themselves in a little town in Ohio, outside of Columbus. A new chapter in their lives has been opened. And an exciting adventure awaits them. Thankfully we live in an era of technology. Which will help us to stay close~despite the distance that separates us physically. We will blog. Facebook. Skype. Text. And talk on the phone~ A LOT! What would we do without these marvelous modern marvels? I guess we'd go back to sending postcards. handwritten letters. And photos through snail mail. This is just so much easier.

Sweet Buddy Dog....

This here is Buddy.

He's our 2 year old pure-bred German Shepherd.

Buddy is our protector.

He loves to play and run around at the park.

He loves playing catch with his favorite ball.

We are always amazed at just how fast he is

and what cool tricks he can do!

He is great at bringing us comfort when we are feeling down.

He enjoys laying around the house and hanging out with the family.

I never had a dog growing up. I always wanted one. Just like every other kid. Instead, my family had an adorable rabbit~named Lucky.

I loved Lucky.

She lived an unusually LONG life.

18 years to be exact. Pretty incredible, huh?!?

A couple years ago, Gary surprised our family with a sweet little fluffy white bunny. We named her Daisy. Unfortunately, before we brought Daisy home, we didn't do enough "bunny research".

So we had no idea that rabbits were such temperamental animals

{Okay, we should have known}.

Here's the bottom line...

Rabbits can't handle extreme heat since they are not good at regulating their body temperature.

I hate confessing this,

but Daisy ended up living a very short life.

The HOT Southern California summer heat did her in.

I figured since I had an outdoor rabbit growing up

and since she lived well beyond the norm~all rabbits would have the same Luck--just as my pet rabbit, Lucky did!

However, my thought process...

that rabbits are a piece of cake to care for, was wrong.

Horribly. Horribly wrong. So sorry Daisy. May you rest in peace.

Maybe we shouldn't buy pets from the store spontaneously anymore.

Lesson learned.

Shortly after Daisy's death, we went back to the pet store to find a new friend. A Daisy replacement, if you will.

While there looking around, I whispered into Gary's ear, "it'd probably be easier to care for a dog!"

We left the pet store that day empty handed.

The following weekend, we adopted Buddy.

He became a very welcome addition to our family one warm summer Sunday afternoon in July 2008.

Since adopting Buddy,

he has been to Boot Camp and is a very well-trained canine.

But, don't get me wrong!

He still has puppy/teenager type tendencies.

Regardless, we love him to pieces and enjoy having him around.

Buddy is truly a HUGE part of our family.

He completes us.

I will admit, before having Buddy, I was not much of a dog person.

I'm happy to say, I am now!

And I still love cute, fluffy bunnies.

I wonder if Buddy

would be able to handle having a Bunny around as a pet???

Hmmmm...??

That could be...

interesting.

A pure-bred German Shepherd and a little, fluffy bunny.

Running and hopping around together.

Cuddling together.

It could be quite cute.

Buddy is actually a very gentle dog.

And I think he'd be happy having a new

friend.

Sweet Summer Ending

Summer went by way too fast. We had tons of fun though.

And we spent as much time together as we possibly could.

What all did we do?

We went to bed late.

And slept in every day.

Visited many museums.

Watched magnificent movies.

Played with our favorite friends.

Made s'mores. And other delicious treats.

Swam like fish.

Watched entertaining shows at our local library.

We went to the zoo.

Rode wild rides at theme parks.

Spent precious time with family.

Stayed in hotels.

Watched stunning sunsets at the beach.

For our last hurrah,

we spent a week in San Francisco together as a family~which was priceless.

The kids were taken back by the massive bridges.

The sparkling ocean.

And especially by the fog which rolled in each night like dry ice flowing over a cauldron.

During our stay in San Francisco, it was quite cold for summer!

But a very welcome change from the scorching

Southern California heat we managed to escape.

We took many photos on our trip. I especially adore this snapshot of our family. A darling senior couple was nice enough to stop while they were taking a bike ride along the boardwalk and asked us if we wanted our picture taken. We handed our camera right over to them and it turned out perfect.

I love it. Everyone is actually looking at the camera, smiling and Megan is not sticking out her tongue~which is what she's usually doing. The girl is rarely serious for the camera. In fact, anytime one comes out and is pointed at Megan, it seems to be her "I'm going to be silly" cue. And I'm talking full-on, outta control silliness! Don't get me wrong, I love it. It's what makes us smile every single day. But sometimes it's nice to capture a family photo tongue free. And crazy silly free.

I love my family and love that we spent such a memorable summer together making fun memories. It was one of our best summers ever. There was never a dull moment. I don't think I ever heard the words "Mom, we're bored". Which had been my goal before summer ever started. Mission accomplished.

I can't wait for Summer 2011!

Until then it's...

Back to school.

Homework. Soccer. Piano.

And all the wonderful holidays I adore.

Sweet Fossil Finds....

On a recent trip to the mall,

I came across the Fossil Jewelry line at Macy's.

I had no idea Fossil made such adorable accessories!

However, I did know they made nice leather purses.

I've had a few in my time.

I couldn't help myself and ended up buying a silver bracelet,

which goes with absolutely everything.

So, I just might wear it everyday.

But, after looking at their website,

I don't think this is going to be the only

piece I ever buy. Or wear.

I love it all.

Here are some of my favorites~

Such cute little delicate charms.

Beautiful Butterflies.

Fabulously feminine.

Organic. Earthy.

Fossil also has a whole line of charming charms.

Like the "a little luck" one featured above.

Charm bracelets are fun!

I've had a couple of those too in my time.

Accessories always add that finishing touch.

And the finishing touches are what it's all about in fashion.

I think.

I'm no fashionista.

I just like jewelry.

Earrings. Bracelets. Necklaces.

Fossil jewelry was truly a sweet find.

I'm so happy I found it.

Aren't you?

Sweet Summery Flowers

I love flowers.

And planting flowers in my garden.

Their bright colors

put a smile on my face.

I'm feeling the need,

the urge,

to plant more.

I've come to the conclusion that my yard

could use a bit more color.

But these beauties...

I absolutely adore.

They get a lot of tender loving care.

Because I think if they died,

I would feel sad.

Sad that my little piece of heaven,

serenity

is gone.

And for that reason,

there will always be flowers in my garden.

Ideally,

I'd love to create an oasis.

A place where we can retreat to

and relax from our busy lives.

Colorful flowers make me

feel cheerful. Calm.

Happy.

And when I gaze at them

through my kitchen window

I smile.

Sweet Summer Merriment! Part I

Summer has officially been in session

ONE month!

Yikes!!!

That only leaves us

SIX MORE

weeks of summer.

I know. I know.

That's actually

a lot of time.

But so much to do.

So little time.

The last FOUR weeks

have been an absolute

BLAST!!

What exactly have we done?

Are you ready for this???

It's simply too much to share

all at once!!

Soooo...

I'm going to break it up.

Into parts.

Part I

Sweet Summer Merriment

Bluemel Family Style!!

We kicked our Bluemel Family Summer Vacation

off with a sweet trip

to the San Diego State Fair!

It was a full, fun day.

In fact,

I don't think we left

until it was almost midnight.

Because we made sure we did everything.

We rode many rides.

Watched a few shows~

Like The Purina Dog Challenge.

And cute little pigs racing around a track.

We paid a visit to all the Animals...

Rastafarian Sheep

And Huge Cows...

The girls went on a few pony rides...

And we got a sneak peak at a

six-foot pony.

I mean stallion.

We played games and won prizes.

Ate lots of delicious...

Fair Food.

Because you know.

You haven't been to the fair

unless you've eaten

fair food.

Yummy.

Bad for your heart.

And waistline kinds of foods.

But once a year,

I think it's okay.

to indulge.

It's all about the experience.

Right?

And wearing the kids out....

Eric, Megan & Katie LOVED

the San Diego State Fair.

It was truly a beautiful day.

A fantastically fun day.

And a perfect start to our

Summer.

Cherishing Sweet Life

If there is one thing in life

I truly cherish,

I'd have to say that it is my

family.

And especially each one of my

sweet CHILDREN.

I cherish the time we spend together.

The fun & playful times.

The special times.

The quiet times.

And I have found that

you can never dish out too many kisses.

Or give too many hugs.

And even better,

you can never get too many kisses.

Or get too many hugs.

Plenty of

hugs,

kisses

and

"I love you's"

are exchanged

everyday in our home.

With Eric

I always request

an

"Eric HUG"

daily.

Which are so sweet.

And never in short

supply.

Above Eric's bed is the quote,

"I Love You to the Moon and Back"

Which is true.

With Megan

I must hear these words,

"I love you mum mum"

countless times each day.

Along with dozens of

hugs and kisses which she shares

not only with me,

but with just about

everyone.

Katie-Kate

is my cuddle bug.

She and I cuddle together.

And kiss noses.

She leaves me love notes.

Which are

hanging from magnets

All over my fridge.

My favorite one reads,

"I wuv mom"!

Love notes are

left in lunches.

On beds.

Doors.

Sent as texts.

And stuck on bathroom

mirrors.

There certainly is an abundance

of love in our home.

And affection.

And for that, I am deeply

Grateful.

This past holiday weekend,

I learned of a childhood

friend's almost 10 year old boy

and pride and joy,

passing away in a tragic

boating accident.

{Read about this amazing family here: Harris Beach Bums}

This incident has

reminded me to

never take my loved

ones

for granted.

And the special

moments we share together.

I truly cherish the hugs.

The kisses.

The fun times.

The quiet times.

The love notes.

The "I love you's".

so much more now.

And most importantly,

I've been reminded

of how vital it is

to keep the one's you

love close around

you.

And when you

do, you will

forever

cherish

those sweet, tender moments

you share together~

Forever....and ever.