My Birthday with My Family

On November 16th I was able to get 6 out of 7 family members to cooperate and go with me to get pictures taken. Steve and his friend Bethany took these. I love them! 

Thanksgiving 2013

This year we were able to gather the majority of our family at Traci's house for dinner. By my count we had 34 people there... give or take. We had a great time and were so thankful that Rowdy, Mandy and Robbie were able to fly out here from Indianapolis. Also, Having Missy there with a few of her chillins was a wonderful surprise. She had her apendix removed only 6 days earlier, we really didn't think she would make it. However, we were missing her husband Ryan beause he had just had shoulder surgery 3 days prior and was understandably not feeling up to it. My husband, Keith was missing he was at work. We were missing a few of the grandchildren as they had commitments with their other parents. They were missed and we hope they had a wonderful day.

Dad Mom & all the siblings... Pictured above BACK: Brenda Spencer, Dad (Reo Chatwin), Missy Pahl, Rowdy Chatwin, Barbara Bruner, Mom (Alta Chatwin), Traci Hulet. FRONT: Tammy Carlisle, Patty Martinez

I had to get a photo of me, the 49ers fan, with all the Cowboys fans. BACK: Devin Rios, Mike Rios, Mac Bruner, Levi Bruner. FRONT: Mick Bruner, Lindsay Bruner, Barbara Bruner, Tammy Carlisle, Kayla Bruner.

Kayla just couldn't leave well enough alone. She had to tackle me full force. Next time we are planning a Turkey bowl, so that Kayla can attack more than just me...

Dax and Jake Miner. Poor Dax was coming down with one nasty cold. He was so sad the whole day. Aside from his heart breaking sadness, we had a wonderful day together and are so greatful to have one another. I know how truly rare it is for families to stay close and be so connected. We truly are blessed.

Platform Bed - Lowe's Creative Ideas

Platform Bed - Lowe's Creative Ideas  Build a platform bed

One day when I am motivated I would like to build this frame for my bed. It is perfect for what I want and need.

Stephen Miner Photography

I have to brag about my sons talents. Steve is an excellent photographer with a natural ability to capture beauty in every day things and people. We went to San Francisco for a weekend, did some sight seeing and attended a 49ers game. Here are some photos that he took while we were there.  Please take the time to visit his web site

Stephen Miner Photography

And the "Painted Ladies"

And the highlight of our trip.... The San Francisco 49ers vs Arizona Cardinals Football game!

We had a great time and the 49ers WON!!!

Cardinals 20 - 49ERS 32

Love my 49ers!!!

Hawaii 2013

Hawaii 2013

This year Keith, Traci, Corry and I spent a week in Hawaii. Just the 4 of us. Corry hooked us up at the "rainbow hotel" aka Hilton Hawaiian Village for the first couple of nights in Oahu. Our room had a great view of the village, beach and ocean. This year we did something none of us had done before. We toured the USS Missouri. I think that was the highlight of our days on Oahu. The sacrifices made by our soldiers past and present always humbles. I am so greatful for the hero's who sacrificed to make keep our country safe.

This year on Maui we went to the top of Haleakala for sunrise. I always thought everyone exagerated about how cold it was up there. Afterall, how could it really be that cold in Hawaii? Guess what? at 10,000 feet it is just as cold there before sunrise as it is in the midst of our tallest mountains in the middle of winter. OUCH! Coats and winter clothing would have been nice. Good thing we thought to bring blankets from our condo. It truly was beautiful from atop the volcano. breathtaking.

NFL Playoffs Packers @ 49ers

January 13, 2013

Keith gave me tickets to the NFC Playoff game Greenbay Packers vs San Francisco 49ers! It was a Christmas gift coordinated through his network of connections. The tickets were left at will call by Steve Young, 1994 49ers Super Bowl Champion! It was so incredible receiving the tickets given to my by my all time favorite NFL player! Thanks Babe! It was surreal!

So, we made a weekend of it. The morning of the game we toured Alcatraz. I found it very depressing and couldn't wait to get off the island. Very eye opening. While on the island I kept finding flowers to take pictures of because the flowers were the only happy moments I could find.

We stayed that weekend at the Marriott in Burlingame. While we were there we ran into some people that I recognized but couldn't quite place where I knew them from. After a while, and a little observation.... Security everywhere, jumping all over us as we stopped to look for our room key, watching our every move, we realize that the Green Bay Packers were staying in our hotel with us.

The game that night was probably the most fun I have ever had at a football game. And I always have fun at football games. I love football! I love my 49ers. Collin Kaepernick was relatively new as the starting quarterback, having only started for half the year. (Since Alex Smith got a concussion. long story, mixed feelings.... roll my eyes, still love and always will love and stand by my 49ers.) Anyway Kaepernick was incredible to watch live! The way he can move, his speed, flexability, strength. He truly is an incredible athlete! Very fun kid to watch!