Thanksgiving

Pecan pie.....mmmmmmmmm

Pecan Pie, Sour Cream Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie

mmmmmmmmmmmm

Nana and Julianne

whipping cream

Caden

I love olives.

Nana putting the finishing touches on the fruit salad.

mmmmmmmmmmmm

Cole and Nana

Nana checking on the VERY IMPORTANT stuffing.

Julianne sneaking the whipped cream bowl....

mmmmmmmmmmmmm

Patty whipping 10 lbs. of mashed potatoes

mmmmmmmmmmmm

Chris and Ken carving the roasted turkey

(they had just finished carving the smoked turkey)

mmmmmmmmmmmmm

Patty and her boys

Paul cooking up his amazing side dish

Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta

mmmmmmmmmmmmm

Crissy's incredible broccoli casserole

mmmmmmmmmmmm

Feeding frenzy!

Cole began with a turkey leg ONLY. Ate that, and then went back in.

So much to choose from! Zach and Phil making their choices...

Nana's reaction after Patty said her kids needed ketchup.

Patty squeezing the ketchup onto her kids' plates. Eeeewww.

MY PLATE.

This is the wood chip Patty found in her smoked turkey.

She promptly accused Ken of trying to kill her.

Happy Crissy.

Zach and Julianne hanging out in Nana's backyard.

Chris and Carson having fun.

Grace and Julianne being cute.

Cole = The Man

Zach and Cole- Best Buddies

What a pair.

Cole and Carson

Calico Cat Carrot Cake!

Julianne's second decorative cake order...

This one was a lot more difficult than the first one.

Meow!

Thanksgiving Memories

I love Thanksgiving and this time of year always brings back fond memories of Grandma Hatherly and of course, my Dad. They were both amazing in the kitchen and also liked to ham it up and really make things fun. Tradition and tastes and smells go together... and I try to make this happen for my children as they grow up.

Grandma always set the table the night before Thanksgiving and we always used her fancy glasses. I loved that. We also always used the chairs from St. Anthony's parish hall that Auntie Pam would borrow every year. Pretty funny.

Grandma loved food! I think her favorite room in the house was the kitchen.

This was at Mike and DeDe's house.

I love that there's a can of Coke in this picture. One roasted bird, and one smoked.

Good times. Yum.

Grandma serving up her plate. And speaking of plates, that little plate hanging on the wall with the little boy's face pictured on it is hanging in my office at work now.

Love you, Grandma.

Emma's Birthday Brunch

Beautiful roses on the table for Emma's birthday brunch...

Emma and her friend Reed

Deidre with her daughter, and Emma's cousin, Aislinn

The birthday girl is 6!

Lisa and Emma

Emma with her cool gift from Aunt Kathy and Uncle Phil!

big hug!

what a great kid!

Aislinn and Emma- beautiful girls

Cole's Senior Portrait

I think this is the best picture Cole has ever taken.

We can't believe that he's a senior already. Wow- time has gone by so fast...

We're very proud of him.

Julianne's Bakery is in FULL SWING

Julianne's business is booming these days- teachers, friends - even our dentist! - has been ordering from Julianne's Bakery- which is great, since she is raising money to help pay for her trip next year to London!!!!!!! She will be marching with RCC's awesome band in two New Year's Day Parades along with many other exciting activities and events while she is there.

Decorative cakes are a new item for Julianne- and this one was ordered by Julianne's Literature teacher for her 2 year old's birthday party- it's a character from a Nickelodeon program for little ones called "Yo Gabba Gabba"

It turned out pretty good! The customer was very happy!

Patty the Baton Twirler

I've been thinking about the lack of baton twirlers lately- and found this picture of Patty - who was a CHAMPION BATON TWIRLER in her day!!!! She started twirling when she was really little - Grandma Shearer gave her a baton for her 6th birthday and she took to it pretty naturally- so Mom got her lessons.... the rest is history! She could even do it with 'em set on fire! AWESOME! She has marched in tons of parades and this is really what led her to being the drum major for Magnolia... See those trophies at her feet? She has like- 200 of those bad boys- she ran out room for them. Dad built shelves in her room and it was ridiculous- it looked like you were walking into a trophy case. Isn't she a cutie pie? It looks like she's about 11 in this picture.

Last football game for this year... fun halftime show and fun in the stands!

We almost won..... kinda

We had a great time hanging out with the Gutierrez family- both Joe and Kim used to work at the Press-Enterprise with Phil- and their son Sam is in the band with Julianne- and Heather came up from San Diego to visit too- she is an former Press-Enterprise employee and good friend too- it was like a mini-reunion!

One of Cole's best friends, Clay Gibbs! Sweet kid-

plays on Poly's Varsity Basketball Team-

Connie and Roger's son, Jordan- I've known him since he was a fetus :)

almost ready

Steph's solo- with a colorguard girl in the foreground :)

Julianne!

Moving off the field afterward

Phil with Heather and her two

awesome kids- Sarah and Jackson

band in the stands after halftime

Horn section goofing off and having fun

Augie

Joey, Julianne, Steph, Cody, Ivan and Augie

They have become really good friends

Cheering

Steph is the section leader

goofiness

Joey, Augie and Julianne

Go Poly!

Silly faces!

Augie and Ivan

Teenagers in action

My horn player- what a gal

Halloween 2009!

We had a super-fun day hanging out with the Williams Family and doing fun things around the house to get ready for a big night of Trick or Treating and parties!

Heaven, Selena, Larissa and Seven

There were treats ALL OVER our house

pretty front porch

I put Larissa in a pumpkin shell, and there I kept her very well!

Selena's self portrait!

Making Mummy Dogs for lunch

Mummy Dogs baking in the oven- YUM!

We used mustard or ketchup to paint on mummy faces. :)

Larissa loves to have Cole read to her. She always chooses the

little books that she can read too. She adores those books!

Seven decorating the lime tree

Julianne and Larissa decorated the lantana bushes. Creepy!

Heaven and I did the junipers in the front. Our house looked great!

Twyla and Julianne peeled potatoes and carrots for the three

pot roasts we made for dinner- Boy, did our house smell good!

Twyla!!!!!

Zach and Cole put up the cool orange and purple

lights to add to our outside decor. Thanks, guys!

Cole's costume! I bought him this hat in Honduras last time I was there.

Pretty cool!

Ready to party!

Selena and I modeling poolside. :)

Seven carved this pumpkin all by himself. He worked very hard on it.

Doesn't it look great????

Heaven carved this pumpkin all by himself. And, as you can see, it was a MONSTER. He had a lot of work to do here. He did a terrific job. Both boys were so excited that they were able to do such a "grown-up" job!!!!!

Pretty Princess

Seven dressed up as Michael Jackson. Part of his costume included

a dance performance to "Thriller" before Trick-or-Treating. This kid rocked it.

Check out the toes!

Can you tell he's shy? Yeah, right!

Zach and Cole ready to leave for their party.

Oh, wait- there's Zach!

Olive Oyl!

I love Julianne in this costume. Doesn't she look darling?????

She's even got the pose down.

Mommy and Daughter

Julianne and her friends

Julianne and Baby Eric

It was so much fun to be Wonder Woman!!!!

I really felt like I had super powers!!!

Pot roast dinner!!! SO GOOD!

Eric is ready to eat.

Happy Halloween everybody!

Mom's Birthday Party/Chris's Housewarming

Happy Birthday Mom!

Presents!

We gathered at Chris's new place so we could all check it out-

(very cool!) and gave him some little housewarming gifts too.

Mom loves candles

My baby sister

and her hubby Paul

Nana with her eldest and youngest grandchildren -

aren't they handsome?

Mom, Chris (Ken's son, in case you weren't sure :) and Julianne

Ken

Patty made Mom's birthday cake- yellow cake with lemon filling- tasty!

Three amigos

Mom and 2 of her daughters

I loves this picture of my kiddos

I love this picture too!

blowing out the candles

Me and my girl

Carson and Caden- 5 and 7- can you believe they're this old?????

Hanging Out With Silas

Stan and I met Amber, Philip and Silas for lunch

after touring 6 classrooms the other day.

I asked Silas to give his Mommy a kiss so I could take his picture.....

still working on it....

then he geared up for it - and I missed the shot!

After lunch Silas and Grandpa walked together to the car.

Good times.

Ghostwalk in Downtown Riverside

All of the shops on the Downtown Mall help set the mood for the annual Ghostwalk by decorating their windows with a Halloween theme...

Many volunteers come in costume to help add to the atmosphere of the evening. This man was a troll that only let certain people pass the bridge. (He was actually crowd control for the tours- what a clever idea!)

Funeral marches led somber marches up and down the mall....

Weird monsters on Segueways...

Julianne and I were excited to volunteer at this annual event held downtown for the California Riverside Ballet (that she used to dance with when she was little).

She helped guide families with little ones to the children's tour.

The Ticktockers that are also Poly band members wore their band uniforms - this is three of the four girls - Julianne, Tricia, Barbara Sackett (band mom extraordinaire and National Charity League Mom) and Leslie (her daughter)

The front of this year's t-shirt - they glow in the dark too!

Some of the National Charity League Moms and Daughters that were there to volunteer for that evening- there were more than this- this is just who I could grab for a quick group shot.

A bunch of kids were riding around on unicycles- very cool!

Julianne and Tricia- cutie pies

My friends from work came by for some fun and to watch our friend Lupe's 3 daughters dance in the Ballet Folklorico performance that evening. This is LuzAlicia with her granddaughter, Patty and her daughter, Bella (aka "Cleopatra").

Gustavo, LuzAlicia's husband, with their beautiful granddaughter, watching the dancers.

When I was a little girl, I wanted to dance with the Ballet Folklorico,

because I wanted a beautiful skirt like this.

My friends George and his wife, Lupe, (Lupe and I work together :)

The girls had little electric candles velcroed to their heads!

The effect was stunning! Beautiful!

National Charity League Father Daughter Event

Julianne took this photo last night at the Victoria Club where the annual National Charity League Father Daughter Event was held. This year it was a baseball theme and dads and daughters watched the Angels (get a beat down) on the big screen while enjoying hot dogs, salads and ice cream sundaes in plastic baseball caps. Good times!

Megan and Drew's Wedding!!!!

Cole and I are ready for a fun day and evening. Julianne's first band competition was on this same day, so she and Phil had to miss the wedding- everyone missed them!

Crissy was the first entertainment of the day- she was in the choir loft so she could shoot some pics- the prelude piece was a jazzy rendition of "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You" - so Crissy joined in. It was a riot.

The church was absolutely gorgeous- mostly mosaic... breathtaking.

Megan and Drew stating their vows...

Husband and wife!

Megan, the beautiful bride

Kelly- the best maid of honor EVER!!!!

beautiful flowers

hamming it up by the limo

such a beautiful gown

happy couple

Auntie Pam- Mother of the Bride

Michael (Megan's younger brother), Pam, Megan, Drew, and Megan's Dad, Bob

Megan with her parents

View of the Queen Mary from the hotel where we hung out between wedding and reception

another view of the harbor- foggy, clouds rolling in

Kayla and Grace

Grace and Crissy

Carson and Ken

Good friends

Cute boys in ties

My Aunt Tena

Kelly and Kyle

More Megan and Drew's Wedding!!!!

No one was happier about the open bar than this bunch.

Especially Caden.

Kathy=Midori Melon. Jeni= Cranberry and Vodka

Happy Girls.

Getting ready for a fun night!

Cindy, Kathy, Jeni and Crissy

Jeni and her Mom

Caden is thinking- yeah, the open bar is fun and all- but this is kinda boring.

Sisters

Sisters with Uncle Mike!!!!!

I love this picture!

Drew hitting the bar!

Aunt Patty with two of her cute nephews.

What a beautiful place for a reception!

Aunt Cindy and Cole

Crissy and her kiddos

Me and my boy

This place was perfect for the reception- gorgeous

Pictures of grandparents that are no longer with us- Grandma and Grandpa Hatherly.

pretty.....

cutting the cake...

Let's have dessert!

Cole helping Caden out- right before the boys went home with Nana and Ken :)

beautiful wedding cake

I love you Megan!

Okay, guys- time to party!

First dance......

I can't believe I didn't get a shot of Auntie Pam in the middle of the circle doin' Bust a Move-

it was PRICELESS.

Jeni and Kayla

Kelly dancing to BABY'S GOT BACK- OH YEAH

Uncle Paul shakin' his booty with his nieces -- woooo hooooo!

Shake it up baby now- Twist and Shout!!!!

"Why do all these people keep trying to make me dance?" asks Sam.

Aunt Kathy giving dancing lessons to her nieces.

Pay attention and learn from the master, girls :)

"Holy crap- Aunt Crissy is snuggling me," said Cole.

Cousins

Uncle Mike and Aunt DeDe

We got rid of our kids! And we have a

hotel room tonight! YES!

Aunt Tena and Cole

Kurt and his Mom

Grace and her Mom

Linda and Mike Mac

Crissy and Uncle Mike

Kelly and Kyle

Jeni and Sam

Donne and Ciera

Ciera and Sam

Reading With Preschoolers

This is Gabriel- who is learning how to speak

English in his preschool classroom.

His teacher is using little books to help him learn about the

reading process and HE LOVES IT. This is one motivated little kid.

When his reading lesson was over,

he wanted to read his book with me.

So we read it over and over and over and over again.

We both had a great deal of fun. What a smart little kid!

For Meals on Wheels

Julianne and I made 20 of these cute little pumpkin

decorations for Meals on Wheels today- we had fun doing it together...

Jason Mraz Concert at the Hollywood Bowl

Crissy, her two kids Sam and Grace and I saw a really fun concert at the Hollywood Bowl- Jason Mraz- fun, uplifting music- lots of positive messages- really great!

We had really good seats!

I zoomed in so it's fuzzy- but I thought it was cool that we could see

the Hollywood sign from our seats.

Sisters

Stage in daylight

Stage at dusk

Guess what he was?

I was absolutely determined to make Cole's costume for his first experience Trick or Treating. So, Mom and I went to the fabric store, not considering the fact that it could have been hotter than heck on that particular October 31st.... and bought FUR and sewed it up. Then I bought different colored ribbon and painstakingly sewed loop after loop around the hood to make a MANE. And even sewed on a long tail with loopy ribbons on the end. Then dressed him and painted on a little black nose and whiskers. And then every stinkin' house we went to told him what a cute little bear he was.

"He's a lion," said his Mom.

"Oh!" they said, "well, isn't he a darling, little lion."

"Yeah, whatever," said his Mom.

Trick or Treat.

A Night With the Riverside Philharmonic

Julianne and her friends Natalie and Katherine were ushers for the show on October 3-

it was a fun opportunity!

Mom and daughter ready for a fun time!

We got there early and they gave us an orientation and training.

It was cool to be there early because we got to see the musicians walking around and talking and tuning up and stuff....

The Riverside Municipal Auditorium is a beautiful venue.

This was Julianne's work space!

One day.... with a lot of work and a lot of passion....she has dreams of being on a stage with professional musicians....

She looks like she belongs here.

Natalie and Julianne having fun and goofing off

while waiting for the audience to arrive.

We decided that these chairs are extremely

beautiful, unique and very old. Antiques!

The audience is arriving!

May I help you find your seat?

The evening's guest conductor was lots

of fun to watch. We had a great time!

We've Got Spirit- Yes We Do!!!!

Cole was the "N" in "LIONS" at a recent football game against rival

school Poly (which is Julianne's school!) FUN!

Grandma Shearer's Peanut Butter Cookies

Have you noticed that I often post pictures of food or of us cooking? I guess it's because I have so many memories surrounding the good smells and good tastes of the wonderful cooking and baking that has always been a part of my life..... Grandma Shearer always made the BEST peanut butter cookies. Her house always smelled of either these cookies or that sweet, pungent smell of cooking onions and pepper. One time she and I made a batch of these cookies and I couldn't wait to eat my first one. When the first tray came out of the oven I took a warm cookie and bit into it and then quickly ran to the trash can and spit it out. I remember Grandma saying what's wrong? what's wrong? We had made the whole thing with salt and not sugar. I couldn't believe we had to throw all of them away. The thing is- can you believe we didn't sneak a taste of the cookie dough the whole time we were making them? There is no way I would wait until they were baked to take my first taste now!!!!!!!

Rocking Out and Cooking

Mmmmmmmm......

Cole and I made Hoisin Chicken with Stir-fried

vegetables and white rice for dinner tonight-

and rocked out to Sublime the whole time!

dancin' and stirrin'

pots and pans and spoons are also

percussion instruments- did you know that?

drummin' on the rice pot

music was loud!

I love cooking with Cole!

You'd be surprised at how loud this little thing can get!

A Raucous Night- Crissy's 40th Birthday Bash

A Dueling Piano Bar- "At My Place" in Corona- what an experience!

This is the inside of Patty's mouth.

Shelly

Patty and I attempting to take our own picture-

Attempt #1

Attempt #2

There we go.

Crissy and Megan

One of the guys....

This had something to do with Jeremiah had a bullfrog....

Patty paying the piano man for another song....

Four sisters- 2 were sober

a great deal of laughing occurred....

Patty, Cindy and Shelly

Patty, Cindy and Shelly again

Training in Tooele- fun in Salt Lake City

The Philip and Kathy self-portrait

Salt Lake City is beautiful! Lots of cool buildings-

we thought this one was especially intriguing

Beautiful!

We went into a little Scottish store where

Philip decided to become the Mad Hatter...

#1

#2

#3

the sky was incredibly blue and had big, white fluffy clouds- gorgeous!

We had a serious debate on whether or not

this hillside was landscaped- it looked like it to me!

Delicious mussels- so good!

Warm, marinated olives- YUM

I loved these sculptures- Mommy

Daddy

Stan on a quest for a really neat bookstore-

Sam Weller Books. We found it and spent time looking through

their rare book room- lots of fun!

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City

Happy 14th Birthday Julianne!

Rice Krispie treats from the Berry's

Presents from Christina

Good friends

Poly Proud Heritage Band & Colorguard

Poly's first home football game of the year!

Julianne had a blast playing in the stands- a lot of fun!

This is the theme of Poly's field show for this year- and this is the back of a parent's t-shirt :)

The game- Poly beat Ramona by a whole bunch - the score?

Not sure- I was there for the BAND!!!!

The Pit Crew bringing it on....

Julianne is one of these people- it was hard to find her- they move a lot- and fast!

They sounded good too!

My friend Lori and I had a great time together at the game- fun!

Playing the fight song!

Poly's mascot- The Bears

Phil hanging out on the bleachers- it was actually a packed house-

this was right at the end of the evening....

Cole has a goatee!

17 1/2 year old and lookin' like a MAN!

Already Thinking About Halloween!

We love Halloween at the Pitchford house! It's just a fun excuse to act silly and have a good time..... This is Cole in a costume that I rented for a work event one year.

Here comes the bear!!!!!!!

The Williams Family went to Disney's California Adventure for

Halloween one year and had a spooktacular time!

Julianne in her "Betty Boop" costume :)

Cole is a great pumpkin-picker-outer....

I try to dress up every year- I love to pass out candy and see

the kids' expressions when they see that I'm in costume. It's fun!

Julianne was a Puppet last year- good costume!

Malia as a cute Mad Hatter and Julianne as a girl from the 80's!

I loved dressing up as Dorothy!

Newman, the Hot Dog

Cole, the Gorilla Wearing Pajamas

Cole and his pal Daniel getting ready to carve pumpkins.

Julianne as an Egyptian Goddess

Darth Vader and a Fairy Princess- Cole was 5 1/2 and Julianne was 3.

My sweet little Pirate- what a cutie

A Couple Other First Days of School Pics

First day of school - Julianne - kindergarten - Cole, 3rd grade

First day of school - Cole, 9th grade -(his first day of high school!)

and Julianne, 6th grade

Julianne's First Day of High School

After making many lists, checking them twice,

and making all of the preparations -

the first day of high school finally arrived!

Making sure that all pens, pencils and millions of other

important items that must be carried around in a 9th grade

girl's backpack are in their proper place....

My girl in her black Chuck's..... ready to go!

Daddy's girl

okay- enough already....

She's ready! There she's goes.....

Grandma Hatherly's 24 Hour Slaw

This is for my friend Cindy, who I work with- and is pregnant with her first baby- CONGRATULATIONS CINDY AND SETH! The last time we had a luncheon at work, I brought this salad and Cindy fell in love with it and has asked me for the recipe roughly 12 times! My Grandma made this salad FOREVER and for all I know, she got this recipe from her Mom..... This one is a keeper, guys......

24 Hour Slaw

3/4 cup sugar

1 large head of cabbage, shredded

2 large onions, thinly sliced

Hot dressing (recipe to follow)

Stir sugar into shredded cabbage. Place half of cabbage in large bowl. Cover with all of the onion slices. Top with remaining cabbage. Pour BOILING Hot Dressing over slowly. DO NOT STIR. Cover and refrigerate at once. Chill 24 hours. Stir well before serving. You may want to strain out some of the dressing before serving. Makes 8-10 servings.

Hot Dressing

1 teaspoon each - celery seed, sugar, prepared mustard

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup vinegar

1 cup salad oil

Combine all ingredients except for salad oil in a saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil. Add oil, stirring, and return to a rolling boil. Pour over salad.

North Carolina Vacation #7

Here we are, back in the great state of North Carolina-

ready to have a great time with our family!

So, of course, we better get things started-

good thing Pop's got a lot of hot air!!!!

You, go Pop!!!!!!!!

Let it be known- this is how much Pop wants his

grandchildren to have a good time at the beach-

this wasn't easy, folks!!!!!!!!

Cole assisted in the endeavor- he wanted to use this boat, big time!!!!!

We were really looking forward to Calabash seafood- yum!

Madeline was very clear about her opinion about hushpuppies-

it was fine with us! We ate them all and then asked for more!!!!!!!

Waiting for our dinners

Nothing like fried seafood.....

Cole gives it a big thumbs up.....

Dessert was at the Calabash Creamery, where everyone

had to have their picture taken with the cow.....

Phil and the Cow

Joey and the Cow

Madeline and the Cow

Cole and the Cow

Julianne and the Cow

They had good stuff here..... thanks for the recommendation Sheri and Rob!

Getting ready to ride the ferry

Grandma waiting patiently

Julianne tossing the football around with Uncle Bill

Nathan snuggling (and drooling on) Cole

Jennie and Samantha

Nathan thinks Cole tastes good!

on the ferry with my boy

on the ferry - I think my bangs look good like that- what do you think?

a recreation of a pic taken on this ferry years ago-

pretty silly and funny

Grandma and Nathan on the ferry

Daddy and his little girl

feeding Weber bread to the seagulls...

...and unbelievably, no one was pooped on in the process!

Joey looking introspective and not at all looking

like he's going to lose his dinner over the side of the boat.....

Civil War Fort Fisher

Phil at Fort Fisher

I was watching these amazing crabs that were

digging into the sand and sticking their claws

out and clicking them- really cool

Phil at Fort Fisher

remnants of the Fort

Phil driving.....

sorry Grandma..... we couldn't resist!!!!!!!!!!!!

hee hee!!!!!

a rainbow after a shower

Two girls chasing the rainbow down to the beach!

A proud Mom and Aunt - Julianne and Madeline's summer reading- Huckleberry Finn and the Complete Sherlock Holmes - what amazing young women!!!!!!

North Carolina Vacation #6

Ah........ North Carolina beaches are relaxing, soothing and calming......

Warm, balmy breezes all day long.....

warm bath water......

Hi Pop!

Happy summertime beach toes!

I love NC beaches!!!!!

Our beach happened to have billions and I

mean BILLIONS of shells everywhere!

Kids who are used to the icy cold Pacific really, really

appreciate the warm Atlantic

is this a great photo, or what?????

Hi Jessica and Aunt Nettie!!!!!!

Whale Watcher #1

Whale Watcher #2

The Beach Bums!!!!!!!

Cool Cousins!!!!!!

Madeline, Jessica and Julianne

Marvelous Madeline!

Beach Babies!!!!

I don't know what I'd do without my girl....

Having fun on the boats

Hang loose!

Incoming!!!!!

Jessica and Samantha hanging out and taking it all in.....

You think I'm cute, don't you? Yep. I thought so!!!!!

Soakin' up the sun

Probably looks more comfortable than it actually is.....

The Pitchford Beach Camp

getting tired.....

of course there's no alcohol in this cup, sir.......

North Carolina Vacation #5

Our beach house in Ocean Isle, NC

The awesome chicken Cole made for dinner one night

The yummy dessert that Julianne made to go with dinner - heavenly......

Julianne after the beach....

Cole doing a quick MySpace check...

This was the top deck on the house....

a perfect place for enjoying the ocean breezes and reading.

Grandma peeling cucumbers and getting dinner ready :)

Pop made sure we had fruit to snack on every day....

There was even hammock to hang out in....

Madeline and Nathan enjoying a quiet moment....

Cole took this picture- I love it!

This was a good whale watching vantage point (wink, wink!)

The girls' bedroom

Hi Joey!

This was Pop and Grandma's room

This was the screened-in porch that stayed screened-in for 45 minutes due to the wind :)

it was still a great place to relax and play the guitar, right Joe?

Cole hanging out and listening to his cousin's music

The waterway

North Carolina Vacation #4

Joey and Samantha- she was cracking up!!!!!!!

Bill and Nathan waiting for the ferry

Julianne and her little cousin, Samantha

Mommy with her babes on the beach

Pop's got the magic touch

Madeline with her little bro

Nathan looks like he's saying, "Uh, what's this lady talking about?"

Uncle Phil is in love- again!

Cole loves his new cousins- big time!

Grandma with her littlest grandson- the other two are so big!!!!!!

North Carolina Vacation #3

...and speaking of stories..... Phil is famous for driving us around his old haunts in Fayetteville, Durham, and of course, Raleigh, where he attended NC State....

we get to drive past all the places where he used to live- "I lived here with so and so....."

"this is the place where I slept in the hallway...."

"this is where I lived with Matt Kelley....."

"this is where my buddies Goody and Joey lived- lots of good times here......"

( and this is just a sampling of the tour, folks....)

and then there is good 'ol Hillsborough Street- where we hear about all the times he ate there and drank there and went there- Phil has such great college memories and such great friends from that time in his life! He's a lucky guy!

One of Phil's friends from college, Greg Hatem, went on to become a very successful developer in the city of Raleigh. He owns several restaurants- and this is one of them- The Raleigh Times. Phil used to work for the now defunct newspaper and happened to write a feature article long ago on food that pictured his pal, Greg.

Here it is, framed and hanging in Greg's restaurant- pretty cool!

This is the famous Steak Jr. sandwich from Phil's favorite place to eat on earth- Char-Grill- located near NC State- and a required visit every time we are in Raleigh- YUM.

Once upon a time, a long time ago, Phil dunked on this goal- we even have a picture of it somewhere....... and then afterward, he would go have chocolate milk and little chocolate donuts- ask Scott Montgomery- he's a witness!

Here is Phil with one of his oldest and dearest friends- Fred Hindman- they have been friends for at least 30 years- oh the stories these two have when they get together!

My children are in awe of Fred! They love him!

And then there is the Durham Athletic Park..... I have memories here too! Now mind you- this is the OLD park that isn't used anymore-

the ORIGINAL, that was featured in the movie Bull Durham

When I lived in NC, we would come here a lot- it was fun, cheap and very American....

The field looks so small now. The Bulls moved to a much larger, much slicker stadium across town. After the movie, the team got a lot more popular and the city decided to rebuild a bigger and better stadium. It was actually needed before the movie came out. This is really no better than a high school stadium.

Love this place!

North Carolina Vacation #2

This is in Durham- where they used to make Lucky Strike cigarettes- now it is a business park and entertainment center- restaurants and stuff- the city did a nice job renovating what was an empty space for a good number of years- much better than tearing down what really is a historic part of the city....

Phil used to cover the city of Durham so he knows a lot of people here and a lot of its history....

Cole and Julianne love to hear stories about NC from their Dad......

it's a good thing, 'cause he'd tell'em anyway!!!!!

We met up with Matt Kelley- one of Phil's best friends (and former roommates- and one of Phil's groom's men from our wedding :) for lunch - it was great to catch up!

the love is still there!!!!!!!!

North Carolina Vacation #1

One thing you can always count on when you come to Pop and Grandma's house in the summertime is homegrown tomatoes on the windowsill....
The backyard is always so beautiful...

When did they get so big?????

Joey, Cole, Julianne and Madeline are teenagers!!!!!

We love our Grandma!

Joey is such a great guy!

Bill and Jennie are STILL newlyweds!

Julianne and Cole on the dreaded Cricket!

Cole is a wicked driver on this thing!

Julianne and Cole with Brody and Carson - Rob and Sheri's kids

(Phil went to high school with Rob and Sheri)

Phil, Sheri and Rob (outside of Dairy Queen)

Shorty!!!!

Blowing bubbles with Shorty (he likes to eat them!)

The front yardPhil and his friend Joe Lopez

Early North Carolina Memories

Mommy, Daddy and Cole in Pullen Park - Raleigh - 

about 16 1/2 years ago...

Sorry Grandma- I just had to post this- I've always loved this picture- 

you sure can tell you two are related!

This is Aunt Nettie with Joey when he was practically brand new :)

Aunt Nettie and Cole building with alphabet blocks

There is something about an open cupboard and pans

 all over the floor that just says- "HOME"

Happy Birthday Cindy!

I actually found a picture of you eating cake!  Hope you had a super great day.  

Know that we love you each and every day.

Remembering Ginny

We're getting ready to go to NC and it's making me remember times we had at the beach when Ginny was with us..... she passed away 5 years ago and she is missed every day....... This is Ginny with her son Joey.  We'll be hanging out with Joey, his sister Madeline, their Dad, Bill, his wife Jennie and their two new precious babies Nathan and Samantha!!!!!!!!!  We can't wait to meet them!  Grandma and Pop and Aunt Nettie -  we can't wait to see you too!

Patty by Grandma Hatherly

I found this scanned image yesterday when uploading pictures into iphoto...... Patty - if I find the actual sketch- I will frame it and give it to you....... Lots of love........

Getting Ready for our 20th Wedding Anniversary

This picture was taken in 1999 - during our 10th year of marriage.....

And this picture was taken by Phil's parents when I first met them, about a year before Phil and I were married..... This is on their doorstep in North Carolina.  I think we'll need to take another shot when we're there this summer- 

we'll be celebrating our 20th anniversary on July 29....

Get Off Your Ath and Do Some Math

Long summer afternoons, swimming, daydreaming, having fun.....  and GEOMETRY!

Cole has been enrolled in an online summer school Geometry class that Phil has been pretty much enrolled in too for the past few weeks-it will be 6 weeks altogether when they are done - whew!

The RUSD Virtual School is pretty neat- set up for different types 

of learners- Cole has really taken to it...

good times..... They have to log in and do problems every day- quizzes too- tests are at the school with the teacher- and there are face to face meetings with the teacher that Cole has to do as well.

In addition to Geometry, Cole has also taken a science course 

and a geography course this summer.  He's also playing Varsity Basketball Summer League and he works for his coaches taking the game admission money 

and helping to keep the gyms clean and stuff. 

 Busy boy!

This is Cole actually looking relaxed (math is done for the day- YEAH!!!!!)

Cole, Dad and Newman goofing around -  and happy- I love these moments

A boy and his dog

This kid has a great smile!!  He fills up my heart......

Happy Birthday Newman!

Well, his birthday is really on July 4....so I'm a little late.... He turned 11 this year- that's 77 to you and me!  He's a good ol' dog- full of unconditional love every day...... he really is a part of our family!

Bro and Sis- Hammin' It Up

They don't always get along....but they always love each other....

they really are beautiful, aren't they?

and this is when they got a hold of the camera.....

17 and almost a senior

almost 14 and almost a freshman

Happy Birthday Silas!

Fishy cupcakes!

Lotsa presents!

The Birthday Boy is 2!

Lots of friends and family came to the beach to celebrate!

Cole and Julianne on the beach house balcony.

Cole and his Mom...

This is Philip up to NO GOOD.

THIS IS ME after getting completely soaked with sandy ocean water with that damn super soaker thing - PHILIP!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy birthday to you!!!!!

Silas's blue frosting smile with his Mommy

A baseball pinata!!!!!

Silas collecting all of his pinata candy....

Silas about to open his cool present from me!  (An awesome art kit!)

Happy birthday, kiddo!

Another Fun Fourth of July!!!!

The Pitchford House saw another fun 4th of July party this past Saturday....

Sam graciously helped blow up pool toys while Grace and Julianne cheered him on....

Auntie Pam got her lungs into the act- since they weren't singing at Mass that evening :) - and thanks for bringing the yummiest potato salad EVER!!!!!!!

Cole- (aka "Master of the Ribs") getting ready to throw on some dry rub- 

oh yes- they were divine.....

Paul and Bubba- hot links, brats and all kinds of goodness- plus the good brew

Lisa and Jerry- good friends and bringers of the JELLO SHOTS

Beautiful Christina with her beautiful mommy, Lori- who won FIRST PRIZE  in the "Best Use of Fruit" Category with her AMAZING fruit tart - delicious and completely from scratch!

Steve and Phil eating peanuts and discussing their size- okay- THAT'S FUNNY!!!!!!!!

The Goar Family!

Genesis, Kelly and Kayla

Carson

Caden

Caden, Steven and Sam

getting ready to jump in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THIS IS ME AFTER CHRIS TOTALLY PUSHED 

ME INTO THE POOL CAUSING MY HEAD TO GO UNDER WATER.

Hanging out and having fun

May I introduce the Judges for the Baking Contest: Bubba, Paul and Ken- they had NO IDEA that the task ahead of them would be so tremendous- three categories - Best Use of Chocolate, Best Use of Fruit, Best Patriotic Theme.  They had to select 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention awards for each category.....

Just look at these entries....... Nachelle made these.....

These are made out of vanilla wafers and peppermint patties- Patty made these....

These are Nordi bars- one of Nachelle's specialities - so so good

Mom made this pie- isn't it gorgeous?????

The Judges were AFRAID to reveal their results- competition was fierce- for example- my sister- pictured above, did not write her name on the entry forms, but wrote "Champion Hale" and "Winner Hale" on hers..... This is her actually apologizing to her peanut butter bars for only getting 3rd place in the "Chocolate" category..... 

TIME FOR DESSERT

yum yum yum

Lori's First Prize Winning Fruit Tart- isn't it funny 

that her last name is "Berry"??????

Talent Show Time! - Cruz singing a Lightening McQueen 

song from the movie "Cars" - this kid rocked it!

He even got the crowd into it!

And then his big sister Gabriella got up and did the 

best Cha-Cha dance in the Inland Empire- You go girl!

Caden did the COOLEST magic trick- we were all AMAZED at

 how he got these two paper clips together just by using a dollar bill!  WOW!

Then Carson got up there and sang AND danced the song ZIP-A-DEE-DOO-DAH....

This child loves the stage!!!!!!!!  Good thing I had that wireless microphone!

Julianne and I rocked "If I Had a Hammer" and only messed up the 

words a couple of times due to excessive consumption of Jello Shots on my part.....

Sam played and sang a John Mayer song- I can't remember which one- Sam tell me the title and I'll put it in here- I could listen to this kid play the guitar all day!

The audience loved Sam's music- it was so beautiful...

Time for volleyball and fun on the grass....

Christina and Julianne

Julianne and Grace

Patty and Chris

Me and Newman- one of the best snugglers EVER

Julianne and Chris (who got into a ice cold water bottle fight earlier) 

- best friends- and her adopted Uncle

Waiting for fireworks to start- Popping Poppers!!!!!!!!

Teenagers on the roof!  They could see at least 3 big shows from there.....

Betsy, Bubba and Steven- we missed you April!!!!! - 

Watching the Mount Rubidoux fireworks show from our backyard.

Thanks for a wonderful day everyone!

Cole the Caterer

My boss hired Cole to cook a bunch - and I mean a BUNCH - of ribs for our Support Staff Orientation this past Monday.  He had to make enough to feed 20 people!!!!  This is Cole's friend Zach and his little brother Austin who are hanging out and lending moral support..... :)

He used a dry rub and cooked him over the grill real slow.

This is what they looked like when they first went on......

Not only did he cook 'em- but he delivered' em too - YUM!  Good job, Cole!!!!!!!!!!!