A Golfing Week and Sunday Morning Coffee

This past weekend was one for the memory books as my husband Dave and our three sons—Andrew, Michael, and Matt—played in the Annual Cravens Golf Tournament at the beautiful San Gabriel Country Club.

For our family, this tournament has become a beloved tradition filled with friendly competition, lots of laughs, and the best kind of quality time. Thanks for joining me for Sunday Morning Coffee. This is a place to share, learn, explain, dream, and have fun.

Four men in blue blazers and light pants stand on a golf course, smiling and holding drinks on a sunny day.

Season 5 Volume 20

Collage with a cozy interior featuring a dining area, kitchen, and coffee-themed text: "Sunday Morning Coffee.

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About Me

A Weekend to Remember: The Cravens Golf Tournament and Family Time at Home

Two golfers in light blue shirts and khaki pants stand on a green near a caddie, with trees and a building in the background on a sunny day. — Teammates Michael and Andrew

The Cravens is a prestigious member-guest tournament that brings together golfers from all over. It’s known for its competitive spirit and festive atmosphere. Over the years, it’s grown into a social highlight of the season, with a multi-day format that includes a flighted round-robin culminating in a final championship round. This year, the energy was as high as ever, and our family was thrilled to be part of it.

Three people stand on a golf course; one holds a golf bag, another has a golf glove, and the third holds a club, with trees and greenery in the background. — Teammates Matt and Dave

In preparation for their visit, I spent the past few months preparing our home for spring and a full house. I power-washed the front and back patios and all of our 20-year-old teak furniture, which looks brand new now!

A two-story white house with black shutters, a brown roof, and a central front door is framed by green grass, shrubs, and trees under a clear blue sky. — BEFORE

A white two-story house with dark shutters, a steep roof, and a brick chimney, viewed from the front with a straight walkway leading to the entrance. — BEFORE

I also added fresh cushions to the back patio seating, giving everything a bright, refreshed look just in time for long evenings outside.

Wooden patio chairs surround a brick fire pit beside a swimming pool in a lush backyard with green lawn and trees.

Wooden outdoor furniture is arranged around a brick fire pit on a brick patio next to a swimming pool, with greenery in the background.

And, in a fit of spring-cleaning motivation, I reorganized our entire third floor—a task I’d been putting off for far too long.

A craft room with organized shelves of supplies, a table, chairs, a mannequin, a computer monitor, and a rack of colorful ribbons.

A spacious attic room with a beige sofa, coffee table, workstations, shelves, and craft supplies, featuring hardwood floors and natural light from a large window.

The week kicked off on Wednesday night with a dinner party for 13 guests. Eight of Andrew’s longtime friends from Marin Country Club joined us, and I served a full spread: grilled tri-tip, shrimp, pork ribs, twice-baked potatoes, cashew salad, and for dessert, not one, but two types of mud pie—one with coffee chip ice cream and the other with a peanut butter chocolate twist. It was a casual evening full of great food and even better company, and it set the tone perfectly for the tournament days ahead.

Six men sit around a wooden dining table eating dinner, with plates of food, drinks, and a flower centerpiece in the middle. Evening light filters through large windows in the background.

The Cravens officially began on Thursday, with Dave and Matt teaming up and Michael partnering with Andrew. Both twosomes played incredibly well and advanced to the next round—an exciting milestone for everyone. Even more exciting? Dave and Matt qualified for the Championship bracket, which meant the competition ramped up even more over the weekend.

Andrew and Michael advanced to the semi-finals this morning, so we have more golf to watch. It’s very exciting.

While the guys were out on the course, Ellie and I had a blast watching and cheering them on. The weather was perfect, the course was in great shape, and there’s something so special about watching your family compete side by side with smiles and just a hint of playful trash talk.

As the tournament continues, we’re soaking up every minute—grateful for these moments of tradition, teamwork, and togetherness. Whether they take home a trophy or not, this Cravens weekend is already a win in my book.

Electric Pressure Washer

Stack of colorful, fabric-covered cushions labeled "CUSTOM" and "MADE IN US," perfect for your next pool party, with a swatch panel displaying various vibrant fabric color options on the left.

Royal Shade Custom Size Bench Cushion, 3 inches

Stack of colorful fabric-covered cushions on a wooden table with a color swatch chart on the side—perfect for your next pool party. Text on cushions reads: Custom Sizes/Colors, Made in US, Fast Delivery.

Royal Shade Custom Size Bench Cushion 4 Inches

A coiled Pocket Hose Copper Bullet garden hose with a copper nozzle and black spray head, shown alongside its packaging box.

Pocket Hose Copper Bullet Expandable Garden Hose

Outdoor Club Chairs Set of 2

A neutral-colored woven rug is placed on a tiled patio, with a rattan sofa, wooden coffee table, and potted plants arranged around it—perfect for relaxing after tending your spring kitchen garden.

nuLOOM 10′ x 12′ Outdoor Area Rug

My Latest Project

A garden bed with various flowering plants and mulch runs alongside a house with white siding and black shutters, next to glass French doors.

We finished the landscaping in front of our home, and I love it. As it grows, it will resemble a cottage garden.

A white-paneled house features blue shutters, a glass door, potted plants, a small landscaped garden bed, and a brick walkway in sunlight.

We removed the overgrown camellia bushes, which were 8 feet tall and gnarly. Now, we have so much more light in the dining and living rooms, and what a difference!

I may sometimes use affiliate links on this blog, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.

A black, fluted, plastic urn planter with a wide rim and a decorative base. — Classic Traditional Plastic Urn Planter

Premium Organic Potting Natural Soil

A pair of brown gardening gloves, one showing the palm side and the other the back, with adjustable wrist straps and "HANDLANDY GARDENING" printed on the back—perfect for Mother's Day gifts on Amazon.

Women Safety Work Gloves

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My Biggest Challenge This Week

A craft room with organized shelves of supplies, a computer monitor, a desk covered with a floral cloth, storage carts, and artificial flowers in the corner.

I took on more than I should have to redo our home with a spring refresh. I redid the backyard and patios, the front of the house, the entire third floor, and the living room.

(In case you are wondering about the fabric on the chair, it’s a vintage piece protecting the slipcover from our cat Kelly.)

I am so tired that I am taking a break from any more house projects.

It’s time to relax and enjoy. And rest my very sore lower back.

Wooden outdoor benches and tables with light cushions are arranged by a swimming pool in a backyard, surrounded by green trees and sunlight.

Looks like I might be sitting on my new cushions and reading out here all week!

Absolutely nothing. Taking some time to rest!

A waffle on a white plate is topped with syrup and butter. A fork and knife are beside the plate, and a bowl of mixed berries is in the background.

The Best Waffle Recipe

A plate of daisy-shaped cookies sits on a marble surface surrounded by candles, daisies, lemon slices, eggs, and decorative items.

Happy Happy Nester made Elegant Flower Cookies!

Gardening tools and supplies, including shears, gloves, twine, scissors, and various green plants, arranged on a wooden surface.

7 Places to Find Free Gardening Supplies This Summer

A woman sits on the floor with a young boy, both looking at a tablet, while a young girl watches from the sofa in a bright living room with a plant.

The Best Disney+ Shows to Stream with Your Kids

A white bowl filled with fresh blueberries.

I am unsure if I can agree with this post, Why I’ll Never Ever Buy Fresh Blueberries Again.

Watkins Clear Vanilla Flavor

A green and tan utility apron with multiple pockets, holding two wooden-handled tools and three pens, displayed against a white background—an ideal pick for Mother's Day Gifts on Amazon.

unisex adult gardening aprons

Copper Measuring Cups and Spoons

And what a week it was!

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