What's growing today

"It's a beautiful morning day, mom!"

The compost is growing some sort of squash

Zinnias are coming along

My Mother's Day garden is in full swing!

We had our first yellow squash last night in a tofu Alfredo pasta dish... Yum!

Sunflowers reaching high

The hollyhocks are just breathtaking

My basil lover

Sneakily snacking from a different patch. We planted the basil all around so he could search for it:).

I love how beans reach and climb for anything! The purple beans are using the hollyhock stalk as their pole. Owen and I fully utilized the cooler morning and arabelle's nap this morning. I've been leaving my phone in the house or in a different room, maybe missing out on some photos with the kids but taking more mental photos. 

This morning was an exception, it was fun to take photos today versus the rule of it nearby a lot if the time. Using a little less technology daily means giving up some instant gratification of communication and socializing but I had some room to trim:). 

I kissed James Taylor last night

My adopted sister and I were on a mission to see James last night. I've seen him 8 times in the last 10 years, and 6 times with her.  Venues- Shoreline, The Greek, Orpheum, Arco Arena, Tahoe, Wente Vineyards, Red Rocks Colorado, and Concord Pavillion. We are TOTAL groupies. We were celebrating her 30th birthday. We cruised down to walnut creek to have a slow dinner and be close to the venue as the concert started at 7. 

We had a relaxing slow dinner talking about technology, prioritizing our families, and ignoring our phones more. Great chat, food, and company. We were so into our moment we lost track of time and my parking space was going to expire in 5 minutes. We left the street, needing to pump (breastfeeding mamas here!), at 6pm. We had 9 miles to travel. It was bumper to bumper. 

Bumper to bumper. 

We are ALWAYS the early ones, and the LAST ones to leave. Literally, the last ones. In Denver we may or may not have been creepily stalking the backstage area to see if he would come out. Our little rental car was easy to find as it was the only one left in the parking lot. DORKS!

So... We had to resign to the fact that we were going to be late. We found a CVS that thankfully had a plug- in for us. We took care of business and crept our way to the venue. We parked at 720. Show started at 7. Top speed of travel was 30mph to get there. CRUD!!! We grabbed our stuff and started walking.

And walking.

Have you been to Concord Pavillion? It is a sweet venue, but the walk from the parking lot was almost a mile. No joke. The last 200 yards was a sizeable hill that my quads can remember today.

 This is us... Late faces...Tired walkers... Wanting to be in our seats 20 minutes ago!

 Got to our seats about 740 after the walk and potty pit stop.

Sighs of relief. We have arrived!

He was playing some new songs mixed in with the old this tour. Guess you can't play the same songs for 40 years when you sell out every show? I remember the first time I saw him I was pulling out paper and writing down the songs. I dug out my JT scrapbook today and found my lists-- did it another show too!! He played 24 songs that first show. Wow. Jac has certain songs that are ranked higher for her and I have my songs. We both heard some top contenders. 

It is such a heightened sense of awareness to be in such a massive venue with so many devoted fans who are generally peaceful, diverse, and calm people. Before we knew it it was intermission, which he jokes that they just go behind stage for 20 minutes and watch the clock tick. He's a goof.

I glanced down at the stage and saw he was starting to sign things. This is nothing new for him, as he is quite an entertainer, and sweet to the fans. He has signed 4 items of mine in my "few" times of seeing him. I told Jac we needed to get down there. We had decent seats but we were very far from the stage. Not one security person gave us an odd look as we booked it up to the stage, displaying odd agility skills darting between this fan and that fan. All of the sudden we were very close to the stage. We gracefully climbed over folded chairs, laughing it off as others gave us second glances. "It's okay, I've been smushed against his stage before" was my response. This is what it's like being a hard core fan. You do weird things. In public. Without regret.

 We were close.

 And got closer.

 And then..... This happened. SERIOUSLY!!!!!!!!

 Blurry pics happened as I was alternating between utter shock and taking pictures and also wanting to take in the time and moment. He was sitting down on the stage with his legs hanging off. Jac was literally up against his right leg and I was in between his legs in a totally normal not weird way, ha!!!!

 Jac's hand! Keep in mind there are 50 people behind/on/around us mushing us together like noodles you don't rinse and they stick together. That was us. Noodle smush. Against the stage. And James.
I told Jac to go up first since it was her birthday and get a signature. This crowd was about 60:40 female: male. It wasn't as crazy of crowds as I'd been in before. I wasn't sure if she was going to get a signature, let alone all that happened. I have waived my ticket a few feet away from him in the past, in crowds 100% women and I didn't stand a chance. Something was in our favor last night.

This is about 90% of what happened. I was enjoying every minute not trying to stress about documenting it all and just being there!

Jac was very calm and quiet. This girl has a gift in question asking and she was the quietest I have ever seen her. So here goes Chels! More like the nervous blabbering idiot..

Chels "I have a son who has had 3 heart surgeries and we sing...... (WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE SONG??? Why are you forgetting this you sing it every night!) You Can Close Your Eyes every night." [Talk about a wordy sentence!]

Jac "You have a 3 year old fan"

James "How is he doing?'

Chels "He's doing great"

Something happened here and there is no other way of describing it but he leaned down and I kissed his cheek and he kissed mine. TOTALLY HAPPENED!! IN SHOCK!!

Chels "Thank you for still touring. You must have sung these songs hundreds of times"

James "I think I've sang Carolina over 500 times"

Chels "You could probably sing in your sleep?" [really wise words coming out of my mouth]

James .".. something about dreaming about songs.."

and then...

Jac  "Can I sit on the stage with you?" 

James" Sure, can you get up here?"
She hopped up!

 Um... Then I needed to be up on stage too sitting next to him too. I was holding my phone and my purse was buried underneath the people noodle ness that was happening. I leaned on the stage with my left arm and tried with all my might but my body wasn't really moving. So James just lifted me up and a sweet fan hoisted me the last little push. And there we were. Taking selfies with James. Who lifted me up onto stage next to him. After kissing my cheek. WHAT!

 He is a busy man. He had 3-4 shirts on his lap, cds being waved in front of him, signing tickets, phone cases, you name it. We just hung out and enjoyed the surreal times with him. He was cool with it. I even passed him a few tickets of people further out in the noodle mess since I had the hookup. HA! I think he needs us as his entourage at all shows.

 SHOCK!

 GOING TO CRY! TRYING to keep it together.... nerves!!! Excitement! SITTING NEXT TO JAMES!

 See the people swarm?

Here is Jac getting up from sitting next to James. 

Then we just returned to our seats. And pinched ourselves the rest of the show. 

Do you have a bucket list? This was ON IT! It was so so so amazing, can't even describe it. I was a little overcome with nerves afterwards and actually had to sit down. 

We enjoyed the rest of the show in a giddy state. His brother even came onstage during How Sweet It Is, because as James said "If you have a brother, you might as well use him!" He was just as dorky as James, gyrating around the stage and sharing his musical talent as well. 

James had 3-4 encore songs, and then he was done for the night. It was THE BEST! We are still on a high as you can tell from my long post. I'm pretty sure I'll remember this but I wanted to document it in detail. 

Last night was AWESOME beyond words! Thanks husbands for supporting our crazy obsession with a 66 year old man who tugs on our heartstrings so. I know I can speak for Jac when I say that his songs speak to our souls. It's as real as that. 

James Quotes

The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time

Certain things in life are more important than the usual crap that everyone strives for

We all have to face pain, and pain makes us grow

I don't think anyone really says anything new

I am myself for a living. I don't animate a character

If you think my music is sentimental and self-absorbed I agree with you

From memory... songs last night... country road, steamroller, mexico, handy man, how sweet it is, sweet baby james, your smiling face, fire and rain, shower the people, up on the roof, Carolina in my mind, you've got a friend, ... more new ones.

Yes we have both thought of what we should have said or did. Truth is it was amazing and perfect and soul feeding. If you think I'm crazy, turn on a James song and listen to it quietly by yourself. You will agree he's quite awesome.  And if not, I will recommend another song:).

Institute of Functional Medicine Conference

About 6 months ago my employer strongly suggested I attend the annual IFM conference coming to SF in May. We knew things were possibly coming up for Owen but we decided to plan on it anyway. Thankfully it worked out timing wise with surgery, but it was quite a dance to coordinate childcare for 3 days as Chris's stretch was 2 out of the 3 days.

Also, Jim's was planned for the middle of the 3 days of the conference and I was not going to miss that event. So I went to 2 of the conference days and got to honor Jim and support my family as well.

The conference was FANTASTIC! I need to fulfill 75 continuing education hours every 5 years (6 years the first cycle). The thing is, education is expensive, ranging from 10$ per hour to 30$ per hour. So I was able to get 18 ed hours for this awesome event.

I don't really know how to describe the 2 days but it was a series of talks from well known authors, scientists, doctors, food-scientist, big name real food supporters and food-polititans. Michael Pollan,
Dr. Fuhrman, Dr. Hyman, and Dr. Bland were some of the headliners.

Here are some fun links if you want to know more about functional medicine/the presenters:
What is Functional Medicine?
Dr. Hyman- War against sugar
 Dr. Cordain- who started the paleo way of eating
Dr. Fuhrman- promoting mostly vegetables
Michael Pollan- food purist/activist/author/writer by trade

Although each presenter reportedly was not seeking financial gain, they are all authors on some level, most having at least one book. Also gotta say that Dr. Cordain (Paleo) looked the least healthy, and probably Fuhrman looked the healthiest. Just sayin'.

I haven't been around so many healthy looking people in a long time. In a room of 1200 professionals, there was not one obese person. If there was I didn't see them. I was straining to find anyone even overweight. There was so much detail presented, very in depth chemistry to a goofy cooking demonstration. It really goes to show how big of a role lifestyle plays in one's health & weight.

The other great aspect of the conference was networking with the small but powerful group of "Foothill Functionalists" as we are called. It was so refreshing to work together, ask each other questions about practice, and just get to know each other.

I'm refreshed and renewed, and I love my field. I'm so grateful to have picked a career that I am passionate about. I even saw the RD I job shadowed with 10 years ago on Monday, and was able to thank her. Blessed.

Also, a shoutout to the coordinators of care of my little people! Chris, Court, Paul, Janet, & Lois helped make my "getaway" possible. Last Thursday was my longest day away from Arabelle, I left for SF around 4am, and returned at 930.

Uncle Jim

Uncle Jim will be missed. I'm sure I'll get some more good details about his life today, but he was quite a man. I've loved chatting with him through the years, he always had something to talk about. He was interested in his lineage, Irish culture, traveling, military, and native american culture.

He held himself with great poise and could wear a hat well.

This photo had to have been in Vietnam or training. What an interesting time to be in the service, when soldiers weren't regarded as they are now. He will be missed.

Getting out and about a bit

I had an afternoon solo to celebrate char's baby boy Caleb. Our bodies look like one dark blob together here as we were wearing the same color. Who needs mimosas when there is champagne around? Props to marsh for watching the kids for some solo time.

We had a day escape (from chores!) up to Bowens house last week. Owen has a total blast there as I think they have more toys than we do, from when Bryce and Austin were little. 

Kim sent me upstairs for a power nap, and they enjoyed the yard & sunshine. I will pretty much never turn down the opportunity to sleep unless I just had a lil dose of caffeine. Btw I stopped drinking coffee... Sad face.. More on that later.

Owen searched for Martin, there at, whose real name is Derek. He was yelling Martin where are you, come out where ever you are. Cracking us up. Not sure when he heard the name Martin even.

I topped ara off when i woke up and she passed out in my arms. I attempted the transfer to the blanket and succeeded! Then I took about 50 photos to document she took a Blanket nap on a gorgeous day. 

For about 20 mins:). Then the grass persuaded her to play.

So much love!

We met the Heusers for a lil walk and farmers market jaunt last weekend too. Owen loved their dogs and onyx was a great sport letting O walk him. 

Owen has been going out to public yet not super kid populated places. We are easing our way back into the germ zone. Behind the cafe in coloma is a field with picnic tables and a fire pit. After breakfast with Kim & Austin we stuck around for another hour.

I fed Arabelle and O just had a great old time with his cars, dirt, and the sound of the river in the background.

Quinoa, gogi berry breakfast cereal and coffee for a special treat.

Owen even tried a few bites of his pre-jellied toast. He usually gags at the sight of some gooey thing but he picked it up and had some nibbles. 

We had another river walk and morning with laurel. We had Been trying to see each other for a year every time she came into town. This time it just worked out and we sat by the slowly rising river as Owen fished with his bare hands... He was busy fishing for quite a while!

Memorial Day we met up at the aubins and ara swam for the first time. Did I mention that that weekend Chris was gone on a dudes trip for 4 days/ 3 nights? He had a great time out in the desert, a good break from all the baby bliss here. 

Uncle Brian and Elise reviewing her novel she wrote. 

These few weeks have been demanding on both of us with prepping for Chris's trip, then him being gone, then me prepping for a trip to sf for a conference, and Chris's uncle passing away. Today is the service to honor uncle Jim.

Garden beauty

Artichokes, snap peas, and beans are growing. The chokes are so tasty and even ara enjoys them. She knew just what to do and her two little teeth were just fit for the job!

The hollyhocks are my favorite bloomer until the zinnias start opening. 

Some days I don't get a garden recharge. And I can tell... A little grumpy, a little feisty... I'm pretty sure that the garden is my church. Sometimes the bedtime routine lasts until dark and I prefer to enjoy the dirt with some light on it. 

But on most days O & A are out there with me, digging, eating random small bits of dirt and safe edibles, and enjoying the peace on our lil patch of heaven.

Great check up

Owen had a cardio follow up today. Here's the short version:

Echo went well, the fenestration is still open. Hopefully this will close within a few months. Otherwise we will go back for a cath to close it in a year. Heart function and the Fontan look great.

Sis playing with his medical bracelets 

His oxygen sats were 91, which is quite an improvement from upper 70's-low 80's. 

EKG looked good. His re-piping & anatomy is prone to electrical abnormalities, which is a bummer, but hopefully we can skate by for awhile without meds/pacemaker.

Sternal incision healing well, whew!

Weight back up to pre-op weight of 34#, 40 inches tall, skinny boy!

The Riv reviewed limitations/risks, etc. Good news and the usual ugh news too. The good news is he isn't on any physical restrictions! Not too sure about football but other than that other sports are a go! Also not too sure about how Owen will handle elevation but should be okay. 

The risks with the Fontan circulation were reviewed and they aren't fun so hopefully we don't see any of them: liver problems, ascites, plastic bronchitis, stroke, electrical abnormalities, etc. 

Meds were reduced!! O has been taking his daily aspirin, lasix twice a day, and aldactone once per day by mouth. We had to change the name of aldactone to spirolalalala (a spin off of it's generic name) as Owen loathes the taste of it. New schedule is: 1 baby aspirin daily, 1 dose of lasix daily! Soooo exciting! I'm getting rid of the giant Tupperware of meds we used when first home from the hospital. 

We were all exhausted after our hours spent at kaiser, we left at 730 and got home at 1145. Chris went straight to work, hopefully with some caffeine on board. (Ara woke 4ish times last night. I've stopped counting most nights). 

We all crashed out, kids sleeping and me too!!! Hallelujah! 

We had a beautiful home afternoon racing cars, swinging, playing outside. 

I noticed Owen was itching his chest and took his shirt off and he had a crazy rash. It's his classic response to tape/anything medical. Dang! I took pix, uploaded to computer, emailed doc, and texted Chris. In the meantime, gave him a bath, gave benedryl, and hydrocortisone cream. 

O just fell asleep (8:45) after singing bad to the bone really loudly for 45 minutes. Guess the bene backfired a bit. 

Literally (right now) Ara is making quiet stirring noises. It's so crazy how these kids suck at sleeping. Now louder noises. It's almost humorous. Almost! 

I'm headed to bed (I think!) in a few. Been getting in bed at 9ish these days, delayed exhaustion setting in from multiple night wakings.

Riv has a helmet he has his patients sign. This was really fun for Owen.

We will have another echo/EKG appt in 2-3 months. O is doing so well we are ao thankful. We count our blessings each day and we are enjoyed this special time with little ones that moves all too fast.