Maybe I spoke too soon...

Whoa! What happened?

2009-01-05T05:37:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how old I'm getting! 2009?! Really?? Well, if I'm going to have to accept another year passing I might as well enjoy remembering some end of the year joys!!

Here are a few,

I'm so proud of Simon for finishing out the cross-country season with flying colors. Here he is before a race.

Addy has taken up guitar this year.

My Mom, Bro, niece Stacey and nephew Josh came for a visit over Thanksgiving. It was so fun! We had a great time at the zoo and I hope to always remember the night at my dining room table where we laughed so hard our stomachs hurt. Josh, 3 for $20!! No way!! That's the best deal I've ever heard!

Here's me pushing Grandma D in the "stroller"! Here's something I didn't really think about before hand...there sure are a lot of hills at the zoo!

My bro, Josh!! I think he's cool.

Here's Stacey holding Gwendolyn,

We also had our pictures taken for Christmas by a friend of mine, Doris. I love this one she captured of Simon... I will just let the picture speak for itself (please don't email me if you find this offensive. Just know that I know that some of you might and let that be enough).

And of course, Todd. This was a fun night! Thanks Todd and Sophia for having us over and thanks for being so awesome!

And of course Sophia, Simon and Sophia had a great time dancing to some of her favorite tunes one night. They were both so happy!! Adelen cannot be seen here because she was already off to bed.

Right now I'm wondering where all the parade pictures are and the pictures of Christmas and geesh, all the other fun stuff we got to do. I'm really going to have to work on capturing more of life on my old fashioned digital camera (but that's not a resolution for the new year, it's not even a goal, it's just a thought and I don't want to be held to it. It may happen and it may not, we'll see).

Meet me in St. Louis Louis...

2008-11-05T14:55:00.000-08:00

Meet me at the fair, don't tell me the lights are shining any place but there!! (Well, and in AZ.)
Ok, you may not know this song, but it means something to me.

We went to the fair this year and it was magical!! We got to go with Todd, with whom I am quite fond of and his beautiful daughter Sophia, with whom I am also quite fond of.

I wish we would have taken more pictures because I want to remember...

the smell of gas as we watched demolition derby (it was awesome!!)

the taste of the awesome funnel cake

the joy of watching my kids win a stuffed animal after successfully popping balloons with a dart

watching Sophia enjoy the music and taking in the lights

seeing the look on Addy's face as she traveled down the giant slide at break neck speed (thanks for holding onto her Todd!)

seeing the look on Todd's face as he traveled down the giant slide at break neck speed (thanks for holding onto him Addy).

seeing Todd's face as he watched the cars demolish one another.

seeing Simon's face as he watched cars crash into one another. I know he's dreaming of a day when he can be behind the wheel (scary!)

hearing Simon laugh on the kid roller coaster

believing that Sophia and I secretly picked the winning car, but just didn't tell anyone

knowing that each and everyone of us was having a great time

And my favorite, the ferris wheel, oh, wait Todd did capture this one!!!

Thanks Todd!!

*Tracie, I'll start saving up my money so we can go again next year!!!

Simon and Addy climbing the "bush" in the backyard

2008-10-04T14:53:00.000-07:00

They are so cute and I'm so in love with them.
I have enjoyed every moment of this day from the very beginning to this very moment this day has rocked the house!! It's been a gift.

The Bendy Straw, what's this world coming to!?

2008-10-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

I figured now would be as good a time as any to also mention the excellence of the bendy straw, otherwise known as the flexible straw or if you prefer the flexy straw.

Some might look at this and baulk at it's clever, impressiveness and to them I would say, "It's a sad world when we don't respect the convenience of a straw that bends towards our mouths, making less work for us."

If we're not careful to appreciate the little things such as fanny packs and bendy straws we might soon find ourselves in a world where no one remembers how to whistle, or grow their own food or hunt their own dinner or even throw a frisbee. I can't even remember the last time I saw a game of hopscotch! I think you'll agree, Yikes!!!

Fanny Packs, not for the faint of heart...

2008-10-02T19:45:00.000-07:00

And by that I mean, not for people who can't handle a little adventure, and by that I mean not for people who aren't totally sure of their coolness, and by that I mean Fanny packs are freakin' awesome!!

I tried to prove my point here by asking several people to pose for my blog wearing a fanny pack, but no one would. I think they're just being shy.

Here's a picture of the fanny pack that I'm courageously defending (not because I'm feeling a need to defend myself! Surely, people who wear fanny packs don't need defending. They let their sleek looks speak for themselves)...

As you can see it provides many different features for the avid hiker or those who enjoy long walks, like say, maybe through the mall. These features include and are pretty much limited to a water bottle holder, little pocket for keys or maybe your chap stick (a must!) and adjustable straps for just the right fit. Awesome! I know!!

If any of you ever want to borrow it, you may. Including you Nicole, but let me know soon because I'm sure there will be a waiting list.

Girls' "Weekend" 2008

2008-09-16T20:25:00.001-07:00

It's the annual Girls' Weekend Extravaganza!!! It's been 7 years in the running for me and 9 for Tracie and Michelle. Phew, that's a long time. We almost weren't able to pull it off this year. It had to look different for me, but we still did it, well, sort of. I cannot tell you what this entails because it is a secret, but it is a lot of fun and I hated to cut it short. Vanessa, it's not the same without you. We miss you and look forward to being together again!!

Here are some pictures from our hike. One in which Tracie led the way and Michelle and I complained most of the time.

here's why Michelle was complaining (in case you can't see it...there's a nasty blister on her toe), as for me, I have no blister, and no excuse

Michelle I can't help but think of homemade huckleberry pie when I look at this picture,

And Tracie, heaven help me, I can't help but think of you pretending to smoke and yelling "shut up" to the unsuspecting children in the other room (imaginary of course!)

and our traditional automatic picture taken in front of the cabin, four takes later...

I love girl's weekend!!!

breathing deeper now

2008-09-02T18:29:00.000-07:00

I knew exactly what the nurse was calling about today before she even spoke. Simon had found his way to nurse's office (without the wheelchair this time, for those of you who know that story) once again having trouble breathing. The nurse offered to call an ambulance, but I chose to take him to the ER myself. By the time we got there, he was breathing a little easier. The doc ran some tests and Si got a few drugs. Not entirely sure what's bringing it all on, but we're definitely going to stay on top of it.

Simon soon got bored with Nick Jr. and decided playing around on the computer was far more fun. He took some pictures of himself and it turned out to be a fun escape from not only the boredom he was experiencing, but the anxiety too.

Simon expressing his feelings about how this "thing" keeps getting in the way of his computer fun,

Simon before Prednisone

Simon after prednisone (we're only joking mom, he really is doing better),

This is crazy fun!!

2008-08-31T21:30:00.000-07:00

My sweet friend Shannon came over with her daughter Molly. It was so fun and I was able to talk Shannon into doing her version of the Lion King for the camera. For those of you who already know Shannon, you will not be surprised by this. For the rest of you, if you're not just a little bit uncomfortable by this then I would have to wonder why. I had to do some old school editing to get it on the blog, but I think the spirit of the song was able to be salvaged. I suggest that you push pause on the music and take a listen.

So, without further ado...

The Lion King

That's good stuff. Miranda if you happen to read this I think you should tell your little bro' he's been officially challenged!! Shannon, I love the look in your eyes! Such heart, such resolve to get the message out (whatever that message may be)! The more I watch it the harder I laugh.

We also did some goofing off with the photo booth. As you can see the kids love this and some of their pictures turned out hilarious (with a little scary mixed in).

A motley crew for sure!

Welcome Cutie!!

2008-08-26T20:05:00.001-07:00

Ok, it may seem like we have attachment issues, but really if you've read any previous blog entries you will understand that we just have, "we want it easier" issues. Anyway, Happy ended up getting sick and we decided that it would be more "loving" to send him back to the store so he could get the proper care. And...we left with a gerbil. Her name is Cutie. She's much much easier to clean up after and really really spunky. I hope she doesn't get too used to us!!

We also had another lost tooth! This time Simon accidentally swallowed it, oops! He's relieved and excited to find out that the tooth fairy will still come. We had a long talk about how the tooth would someday resurface (whether we see it or not). Addy was horrified that Simon swallowed his tooth and actually started crying, but immediately laughed when she found out how the tooth would show up again someday.

Simon's losing teeth and Addy's got a full head of hair! She loves to pretend that she has long hair and if I let her, she would wear this everywhere!!! Man, she's awesome!!!

Holding onto Summer

2008-08-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

We had an awesome summer! It's hard to say goodbye. Our theme song for this trip was, "Soak up the Sun" by Sheryl Crow and we did exactly that. In fact, my skin is still peeling and we've been back several weeks now. Here are some pictures. Thanks Miranda!

Simon learning to boogie board,

Sometimes I just have to force him

here's why,

Addy learned that people pee in the ocean (my apologies for those who didn't know this or might be offended that you're seeing pictures of a four year old who may or may not be peeing)

And of course Miranda, we love her and consider her a gift to our family.

It was definitely a trip to remember. After a couple long days playing hard at the beach we went to this restaurant on Coronado and afterwards saw fireworks on the bay. It was such a neat way to end the day.
Here's Miranda and Addy playing in the sand, some of which is still on my laundry room floor.

And of course, no vacation blog would be complete without a funny Miranda video, it may be short, but it's funny!!

happy shrimp= a lot of work=unhappy people

2008-08-16T08:18:00.000-07:00

why haven't I figured out that owning a pet, of any size or position in life, is going to be A LOT of work, oh, and money!! Today we cleaned out happy shrimps aquarium and well, it's over now but here are a few quotes from the event. We also (afterwards, of course) tried to capture images for you of how we looked before and after.

Before and during the cleaning:

Quotes:

Me, "We are taking this turtle back today if you (Simon) don't get in here and help me!"
Me, "Stop flinging the water vacuum around like that you're getting turtle crap everywhere!"
Me, "Why do we have to have a turtle?" this one imagine a really whinny voice...
Me, "Simon, this is your responsibility and you need to learn how to take care of Happy, he's yours!"

Simon, "I'm going to get salmonella! I need to go and take a shower right now!"
Simon, "I want to take him back and get a lizard."
Simon, "His tank is clean enough!"

By the way, during all this Addy is in the background saying, "Look at me! I can almost touch the ceiling when I stand on this chair! Mom, where do you want me to put this light bulb? Mom, come look how I rearranged my room!"

After:

Me, I really don't have words, at this point I'm just thinking...how much money did I spend on this thing? And, how long do I have to stick with it so that Si learns to be responsible?

Simon, "Isn't he so cute? Look how he loves his tank!" "I love Happy!"

We have managed to find our smiles again though! Another successful cleaning!! We get to do it all over again next week!

long lost footage

2008-08-13T16:38:00.000-07:00

These videos were found in the archives. I have posted them for your viewing pleasure! (not sure how to turn them, sorry about that)

happy shrimp and yummy monkey

2008-08-05T19:56:00.000-07:00

A lot has been going on in our household lately. We have two new members of our family. I am proud to announce that "happy shrimp" arrived, Mon. August 4th and "yummy monkey" (I'm not sure how this name came about), arrived Tues. August 5th.

We are so happy to include them in our family and our home is now their home.

Well, ok, we also have two more newbies around here. And in order to protect their safety, no names shall be given. However, I have included a picture of them.

Lastly, a tooth went missing and Simon survived the 1st day of second grade! Addy is excited to start preschool too!

do my little turn on "the catwalk"

2008-08-03T16:40:00.000-07:00

Just east of the AZ border, right inside NM there is a hiking trail I won't soon forget.

It's called, "the catwalk".

I have never stood underneath a waterfall or explored hidden places in ice cold water to find one of the most spectacular waterfalls I've ever seen, until "the catwalk". And as if that wasn't enough I can now honestly say that, "Creedence, I have indeed, seen the rain coming down on a sunny day", literally. A picture wouldn't have done it justice. But, here's one of the first waterfalls on the hike,

I went with some women who won't soon be forgotten either. They are adventurous and lovely and hard to keep up with. I really need to get in better shape! I wish I had pictures of the food to show you, not everyone enjoys reading about food, so, I'll keep it short. It was fantastic!!! Salad with a balsamic awesomeness, salmon and rice spinach salad with a mango dressing, steel cut oats with fresh berries, fresh cut meats from a local italian market and biscotti that was oh my gosh, but it's hard NOT to talk about!!!

Disneyland vs. The Beach

2008-07-29T18:37:00.000-07:00

Simon, Adelen, my friend Miranda and I had a vote to determine which was more fun, Disneyland or the beach and after two recent trips to CA. here are the results:

The Beach- 2
Disneyland-2

The following will give some clues as to who voted for what...

"Hi Beast!"

Miranda's Disneyland Dance

trying to find a motive

2008-07-27T19:59:00.000-07:00

I really am wondering why I'm doing this. I've thought and thought and have decided that I agree with whomever it was that said we don't do anything with pure motives. So, my motives are mixed.

Here's where I would like to start.
I found this quote about Johnny Cash and I love it. Yeah, this is a good place to start.

Honesty surpasses dignity. He was able to show his weaknesses and frailties and not lose his dignity. He was honest, and I believe that honesty has to surpass concern for your personal dignity. You have to expose yourself to be appreciated and respected. My father in lots of ways was like Job in the Bible. He prayed many times for his physical or spiritual pain to be removed. But he never cursed God because of those pains. He owned them.

Lessons from my Father, Johnny Carter Cash

And here's my son Simon's quote from the movie Racing Stripes:

Like my momma used to say, "You can put your boots in the oven, but that don't make 'em biscuits."