Carolyn June West Harris

Tod's sweet mom passed away December 5, 2012.

 

Carolyn had many struggles in life, but she was a very kind hearted, sweet woman and very graciously welcomed my girls and I into her life. She was also very interested in and excited about the gospel.

I didn't get a chance to know her very well because she was confined to a hospital bed since before I met Tod. She was born in northern California (I *think*) and had a twin named Marilyn. She had a hard childhood and was raised by her grandmother much of the time. They converted to the LDS church some time in her youth. She met Tod's dad at a church singles dance. When Carolyn was pregnant with Tod, she was convinced he was a girl. She was going to name him Rachel. :) Well, it took nearly 40 years, but she finally got herself a daughter named Rachel!

According to Tod, she was a pretty good artist, which obviously influenced him. He says she loved to draw horses. She had multiple health problems throughout her life. I only knew her during her stay in a long term care facility. Here she is in her room. She was pretty cute.

(And I gotta say...that Tod is a handsome feller!)

 L to R: Rachel, Spencer (nephew), LaMont, Betty (Tod's sister), Tod, Carolyn.

Carolyn collected porcelain dolls. 

We traveled to Utah for the funeral services.  It was a good opportunity to catch up with many loved ones.

Tod's friend, Dillon and his girlfriend, Kelsie.

Jeff and Mary came to Utah for the funeral.

Darren & Randy were Tod's best friends in college.

LaMont and Tod in the funeral procession.

Isn't Tod's dad adorable? And quite handsome. And doesn't Tod bear a striking resemblance to him? Lucky me!

Rest in peace, sweet Carolyn! We love you!!

I Remember December

Lily took a ballet class in the fall and had a performance in December. It was her first ballet class and she was very good, although she didn't want to continue in it after the show. Her ballet bun was very good, too.

Tod and I went to Palm Springs to stay at our friend, Frenchy's place. 

This is Tofu, the dog.

I am not sure what's going on here, but it's quintessential Tod.

We also took a trip to Utah for the funeral of Tod's mother (next post).  We used some of the time there to catch up with other loved ones. 

 Ana with her very sweet friend, Alicia.

I spent some time gawking at Mt. Olympus. I can't believe it used to be in my back yard. 

Tod's friends from Disney organized a rendezvous. Tod sometimes forgets how much his buddies love him. I think this was a good reminder.

Dillon, Ryan, Tod, Lyle, Alan

And I got to see my Nat for a couple hours.

We stayed at my Dad & Kim's, so got some great visiting in with them.

Pizzaria Limone. Lemony pizza. Surprisingly delicious.

We saw the movie, Life of Pi. In the theater lobby was this poster for The Hobbit. Ana freaked out majorly because Martin Freeman is in it. She fan girls over him because he's also in Sherlock, which she has grown to love via her obsession with Doctor Who.

 SNOW!!!! I'm happy to only experience it once or twice a year...

Tod and my dad

Thankfulgiving

We love our annual Thanskgiving trip with our amigos, the Andersons and the Rojas. For 2012 it was in Carpenteria, near Santa Barbara. We stayed at a magnificent house. We could see the ocean from the front windows. I enjoyed many sunrises and sunsets there. 

This was the front yard.

Look close. That's my Tod sea gazing.

Tod, me, Tiffany, David.

Lili and Lily <3

Lots of room to run for these littles.

We had most of the food catered, but Tiff and I whipped up a few items.

The boys ADORE Ana. To the point of obnoxiousness. 

Sammy, Lili, Serena, Lily

The food was fantastic. The company spectacular. The location magnificent. Perfection.

The Lils.

The whole group. 

We spotted Nate Ruess at World Market. He's the singer from one of our favorite bands.

Tod, me, Dave, Tiff, Erin, Carlos

On the last day we went to Ventura, where Ana found this gem.

Then we saw a movie and said adieu. I really love this crowd. We have good chi.