and my sugar addicted mind realized last night that a very good smore could be made under the broiler in the kitchen. All day I thought about making another batch of smores that Brian and I could selfishly enjoy sin hijos. Brian decided that our treat should be documented, so please enjoy a look at these lovelies:

I figured that dessert was going to be the sweetest treat of the night, but I was wrong. Our Night blooming Cereus opened tonight. We spent quite a bit of time admiring the flowers and their gorgeous perfume. The blossoms only last one night, so it is kind of a shame to be here at the computer. Once I post this photo I’m headed outside to get one last look. Sweet dreams!

I learned a lot about cake making with this baby. Only time will tell if I try a three layer cake again. I certainly will need a stand mixer if I do it again.

Here’s a picture Brian snapped yesterday (“her last day as a one year old” I told everyone we encountered). Isn’t she lovely? Do you also hear the Stevie Wonder song in your mind right now?

Here she is on her 1st birthday:

And here she is when she was just born:

I baked a pink three-layer cake for Laurel’s birthday dinner. It is a tower of strawberry/cream cheese insanity. I’ll make sure to share some photos on here later!

Kim rides 3 days a week at this lovely north county farm. Oscar and Laurel were very comfortable on and around the horses. Lucky for them, Kim had arranged for rides on a sweet old pony named April. Kim kept offering rides anytime they want. Don’t be surprised if we put our house up for sale and move closer to April!

I am still working on my 7 minute mile. Just this morning I tried for an official record of my run, but for a second time made it in 7 minutes, 20 seconds. I can do the 7 minute mile on the treadmill, but on a track I am clearly struggling. I am determined to make it happen on a track and will be proud to share my news here as soon as I meet this goal.

Catalina is darling! It was my first trip there. Followers of the list may remember that kayaking around the island is something I’m wanting to do. We actually had intentions to rent some kayaks, the only problem was the fact that the boat rental place was right next to this beachside bar and we were both reading such good books and it felt really good in the sun that day and well we certainly plan on going back to Catalina and well you know it just didn’t happen. No regrets, whatsoever about that one.

Oscar sent us to Catalina with a pirates treasue map. We used it to find the cocktails on the beach!

Golf carts were a lot less strenuous than kayaks.

Go here to make your donation. I’ll be making my 7 minute mile effort pretty soon and will update The Full Catastrophe with my result. I know this run will be a bit easier with your support.

You can also support Rolling Readers by joining Brian and me at the “Artists and Authors” event on Friday May 15th. This event at The New Children’s Museum will feature local authors and artists, great food and wine, live music and an appearance from Fox 5 Mornings News anchor Arthel Neville. Cost is $60 per person and tickets can be purchased here.

Easter Sunday was pretty much the same weatherwise. I went to the effort this year of buying Easter clothes for the kids, something I have never done before. Having a daughter and the opportunity to buy pretty dresses is very satisfying. When Brian heard that I had Easter clothes in mind he started to worry that I was going to make him dress up, too. He was off the hook this year, but next year I’m thinking that matching bow-ties for the boys will be just the ticket!

My mom and dad are holding my grandma’s hand in this photo. Sunday, March 29th was a day that we honored each of them. It was my parents’ 40th wedding anniversary and it was also the last day of my grandma’s life. She suffered a major stroke last week and our family came to her bedside to tell her one last time what she meant to all of us. It was a joyful and emotional celebration of her beautiful life. Alice Mae Priest was 82 years old.

My parents have spent the first 40 years of marriage working on their careers as educators and coaches, getting us three girls to become self-reliant, and entrenching themselves in the Murphys community. They are now reaping the rewards of the many years of hard work with my mom’s retirement and my dad’s semiretirement from teaching, grandkids, and the establishment of “The Spice Tin”. It is my mom’s dream to run a spice shop in Murphys and my dad is partnering with her 100% in making it a reality. What a beautiful tribute to their life together The Spice Tin is already. I’m so proud of their loving and supportive relationship. The Spice Tin has a blog. Add it to your RSS feed.

Finally, The Full Catastrophe has just celebrated its 1st birthday. My intention for this site is to document milestones in my family’s life. I love comments and feedback from readers, so please don’t be shy. The strange thing about keeping this blog is that the people who read it really keep me going. It is also very therapeutic to just sit and write every now & then. While I don’t have tons of energy for regular posts lately, I do feel proud of what I’ve done so far and more ideas of what to share in the future. In fact, I’m getting ready to try a 7 minute mile on the record. I better not hurt myself!