Mom's 60th Birthday

Today was my mother's birthday.  She would've turned 60 years old today.  Wow...  That's crazy.  :)

My mom passed away on August 25th, 2005, almost 6 years ago, from Ovarian Cancer.  She was a wonderful wife, a perfect mother, and a beautiful woman.  She raised me and my two brothers to be strong, caring and loving gentlemen.

There isn't a day go by that I do not think of my mom.  Little Zoe Marcia is a constant reminder of how my mother raised me, and I strive to be just as good a parent as she was to my brothers and I.  I often think, as I'm changing yet another diaper, or down on my hands and knees cleaning up another lunch, or when I'm doing other mundane parental tasks, that my mother did this for 3 children!  If she could do it - so can I.

Death is a part of life.  And it's funny to be reminded of someone's death ... on their birthday.  I've said it before and I'll say it again (with tears in my eyes), "With time, it doesn't get any easier, but you do cry a little less".

A crazy connection, Stacey's mother, who is also a beautiful, strong and caring woman, turns 55 today!  Our mom's had the same birthday!!  Weird, huh?

Enjoy those around you.  Especially your parents.  Tell them you love them today, because you never know when they'll just randomly be gone.

Peace,
-marc

Zoe Turns 1, Dad Turns Old!

I know, I know.  I've been leaving you hanging.  Every single day you've been getting online to see something, a picture, a video, a simple sentence about Zoe's birthday - and I've been leaving you hanging.  I know, I feel the pressure.  So let me make it up to you by posting a cute video of us on the carousel.

Let me explain that Stacey did not hold back for this party.  It was Zoe's FIRST birthday party ever!  We had every excuse to make it as fun and elaborate as we wanted.  It was like our wedding all over again.  Weekends were filled with shopping ... which we won't get into - but I'll just say that it turned out BEAUTIFUL and everyone had a great time.  We had our awesome photographer, Emily Photo, photograph the day so I won't even bother you with the very few iPhone pics I took.  I will share the link as soon as we get it.  DON'T WORRY, OK!  I WILL SHARE THE PICS!  ;)

Um ... what else is new ... Zoe had her first year check up today, and all is well.  She's advanced, thanks to me.  ;)  JK LOL.  ;) 

Also, big congrats to the Winn family for their successful entrance to the cutest little boy I've seen since Jaxon, Elijah Michael Winn!  He's sooooooo cute.  Can't wait to meetchya little guy!

Alright - the laundry is folded, I gotta go pick Stacey up from work.  Anyone wanna donate a car?

Much love!

-marc

I'm Like My Family

A lot has happened since I last blogged.  June rolled around, I turned a whompin' 26, and my oldest brother Todd and his beautiful wife Jill celebrated a wedding anniversary.  Which one?  I couldn't tell you.  I could text him and ask ... then pretend like I knew all along ... but I think it's something like 9 years?  I'll text him now, and see if he replies by the time I'm done writing the blog, and I'll let you know if I'm correct.

It's 9:29 am, on a Friday, and Zoe and I have already been out and about.  In our sweats, no less.  We got coffee and a very exciting official City of Los Angeles Information Update Form.  I'll fill you in more on this as the months progress ... but it's exciting stuff! 

Brb...the babe's cryin'. 

...

Ok, and we're back.  The little monster is asleep in her swing, full and as content as ever.

More and more, as I get older, (haha) I find I'm just like my mom.  The amount of love that I have created, since Zoe has been born, has been incredible.  That love has over flowed and spilled over into Stacey and my relationship, making it the best thing that has ever happened to me.  I see this as my life has changed.  I am more selfless, I am responsible and attentive for the needs of my family, and I only want the best for those I love.  To know you are loved, as much as you love, if not more, is simply amazing.  So when Stacey and Zoe smile at me, when we are all hugging and playing, my life couldn't be better and I know this.

Other than the love stuff, life is good!  Stacey's working hard at her 9-5, and I'm crankin' away scheduling weddings right and left, shooting headshots, and working on the business of makin' business! 

Hope you all are well.

Peace,
-marc