Antelope Valley Family YMCA

I tell all of my mom friends who want to take on more either in work force or with philanthropy "If you always make your decisions based on what is best for your family, you will be blessed." I have been a living example of that since my daughter Hayley was born. I have been offered fabulous jobs, projects or assignments that at the time didn't fit into my families lifestyle. I remember my ego being hurt that I could not do what I was born to do, but I put my family first. My family is what I was born to do.   I always thought as my kids got older, I would have more time to spread my wings. What I have discovered as my kids have gotten older, not only do I have less freedom, but they need me around even more. After 17 years with 24 hour Fitness, and slowly taking on more as my kids got older, I realized I needed to be in one place where they knew they could find me. I left 24, took a leap of faith and joined the YMCA. God has blessed me. I can pick up my high school son from school, bring him with me to work out, never miss a football game or a moment where he may need me on a dime. (I traveled a huge radius with 24 hour) I think the best part for me is when Hayley just stops by my office to chat about her day, randomly. I didn't have that before because I may have been in Bakersfield when she needed me.

If you plan your career around your family and doing what you love, you will find joy....even if the money is less.

Holy cow....what a year!!

From Hayley's graduation, to Hayden's journey into Friday night lights.....I have to say I am the luckiest girl in the world. Life's not perfect...but Gods plan for my life is. After 17 years with 24hour Fitness...I took a leap of faith to join the new YMCA in my home town. Instead of traveling to eleven different clubs, I drive to one fabulous green facility and to a group of people who really value their employees and relationships in the community.
Although my mom has been in the hospital twice and is fighting for her life, our family remains close and strong and funny as ever.
Who knows what the heck 2010 will bring us. I do know this, if it full on sucks....we will find a way to laugh at it!!!

There is nothing like my family......

On our best behavior for mom and dad.

But a few hours earlier.....

The whole crew Zip lining in Honduras. Please do not make me do it again. I have checked it off my list of things to do.

AUNT OF THE YEAR!!!!

Nancy and Hayley high above NYC enjoying a perfect view from the top of the empire state building.
I know you thought that was me.....that's why I clarified.



When flying home from NYC, Nancy offered her first class seat to Hayley in honor of her 17th birthday. What a great aunt, huh?? Well it gets better. Hayley boards first and sends us a text...."when you see who I am sitting next to, you may want your seat back." How can this be???? Nancy flies 10,000 miles a year and only gets fat, bald and drunk men in the seat next to her. Hmmmmm, what can she be talking about??


uhh......yeah, meet Hayley's seat mate across the entire country.
http://tlc.discovery.com/fansites/tradingspaces/meet-the-crew/brandon-russell.html


The HOT new contractor of TLC's "trading Spaces" Brandon Russell. Ty Pennington, who??? He was absolutely adorable and so sweet to Hayley. Nancy stayed in the back of the plane with me, while Hayley enjoyed hot towels and a gourmet meal. On the other hand, our American Airline flight had on board trivia, so you know the "sista sista" team kicked some AA butt. You would have thought there was a cash prize for the winner....did I mention that was us?

Barb and Hayley hit NYC Fashion week....

Oh let's chat...shall we? Just because you are a designer does not mean you have taste, let me put that out there right off the bat. Please, if you don't mind....design clothes for women that do not need to be built like a hanger!! We all do not have shoulders 5 feet wider than our hips. Clothes you crazies design don't hang on us unless we buy the 5 sizes too big and then, we look like a cow. For crying out loud, work with me here....
Hayley and I had a great time in NYC, attended the US open and shopped like professionals. I know it's cheesy, but I LOVE NY!!!!!!

Sad day....

It's the day you dread the minute you make the decision to bring them home and love them.....the day you have to put your dog down. Samantha, our 11 year old golden retriever that has been central in my families life died on Thursday. She had cancer and could no longer stand up. She was the greatest, sweetest and most loving dog EVER to live on earth. No offense to other dog owners out there.

We put the "D" in DIVA

Both of us nailed it the first try....naturals. We get it from my daddy. Too much fun!! It fills the snow boarding void, though in Cali, you need wetsuits. BIG TIME!! I need my friend Chalene to design wet suits you look good in, because there is not one available. Thanks to my sister Nancy who introduced us to SURF DIVAS. We are now proud card carrying members. All scuba trips MUST incorporate surfing. I love my life.