US

Bad Boy

2012-01-11T10:14:00.000-08:00

Biggest drug cartel in the world....but he's kinda hot.

My girls

2012-01-05T08:42:00.000-08:00

Lauren is the most unique person, I swear. She is such a funny duck. Anyone who doesn't know this kid is missing out.

Background: my Aunt sent Lauren a book from England when she was about 2. It is called The Gruffalo and is an adorable story. She later sent The Gruffalo's Child - also cute. Well, Lauren doesn't feel that way. Ever since I can remember, Lauren has had nightmares about that damn thing. She is not scared of anything else - she's seen Harry Potter and the like, but the Gruffalo reached back in there and won't let go.

This morning:

L:"Next time, can I get a bedroom with no closet, if that's possible"
Me:"Sure"
L:"Yeah, cause even if it's open just a crack...I don't like it"
Me:"Why don't you close it?"
L: Getting kind of embarrassed: "Oh, I don't know, I feel like he'll like, get mad at me or something...I don't know"
I just want to hug her to death
Me:"Alright, well I'll remember to close it every night, and I think we should get a little lock on the outside if that would make you feel better"
L:"Yes! It would. Ok"

I figure my fears are no more rational than hers. If only mine could be quelled by a lock on my closet!

In other news - her crazy sister, Em, looked me square in the eye today and said:

"I used to be a flying Elephant."

I have no doubt that she is telling the truth.

2012

2011-12-29T07:59:00.000-08:00

I just recieved a text from my friend - "You is kind, you is smart, you is important". If you haven't seen The Help - you won't get it, but I'm cracking up because I asked her to send me that text every day. Positive affirmations work! I'm working on being more positive, on getting out of my funk and feeling better about myself. This year, I am determined to become a less "broken", more whole person. I have every reason to be successful - good job(s), great friends, loving family - including my amazing ex-husband. There is no reason for me to feel dragged down, insecure or incomplete. I want to enjoy 2012, not just get through it like I did 2011. Survival mode is necessary sometimes - but it's not very fun.

So - resolutions....hmmm...

Stop being self concious about any part of my body. God, it's such an old person thing to say, but I really am kinda obsessed with it. I just have to accept what I have because it ain't getting any better! haha

Spend QUALITY time with my kids. I spend lots of time with them, but I'm mostly just ordering them through thier day - "Get dressed, brush teeth, pack your backpacks" etc, etc. I'm going to make sure at least some of our time together is spent enjoying our life, not just trying to manage it.

No dating. Really. It's hard for me to make that resolution becuase I like companionship and I like boys. HOWEVER, now is the time for me to focus on myself and my kids.

Less substance abuse - more vitamins, working out and facials.

Be more open.

Give 100% to my tasks.

Manage my finances more effectively. Savings.

Be a better daughter.

Limit phone and web use

Find something I really enjoy and make time to do it.

10 seems like a lot, but I'm counting on dropping a few, so I want to at least accomplish one or two.

Good luck to me...and you in 2012

Best Dad Ever

2011-10-18T11:07:00.001-07:00

Lucky girls!

Ain't Life Grand?

2011-10-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I know, it's dramatic, but I am. I won't have one - I will just teeter on the edge until I get through it. I don't have the luxury of actually having one and am amazed by those who do. When I hear - "Oh, she just got overwhelmed and wouldn't get out of bed" I think to myself "Who can do that? Who can give into that desire to pull the covers over their head and let everyone else take care of things?"

My mom relayed to me last night that my Aunt had spent 10 hours in jail (long story, my Aunt did nothing wrong, it was just a weird thing). My mom says "Isn't that horrible!?" My response: "No. It sounds wonderful." Yes, I would love to be arrested and put in a cell for up to 4 days where no one could call me, email me or text me anything. Where I could just zone out, sleep, and move when someone told me to. Where all responsibility was taken out of my hands and I could do nothing.

I am currently trying to hold down 4 jobs, take care of my kids and have some semblance of an actual life. It's not going so well. I was sending emails at 3am again last night. Yes, yes, it is my doing - I chose to have 4 jobs, I chose to have kids etc. I know it will all come together and everything will be fine. Right now - I'm just freaking out a little.

Jeff and I? Oh, that's another story. One I might tell for the good of society and to get it all aired and open, but not right now. Life is tough, man. Life is a struggle.

That's the only point of the first part of this post. To vent, complain, wallow. Again, sometimes if I just write it down - it seems more simple and less overwhelming. I have been given opportunities - amazing opportunities, and I am grateful for them....sometimes I just wish they didn't come with such high expectations.

IN OTHER NEWS!!!!

It's Emma Linden Hall's birthday. That's right. My little baby is 5 years old and I really can't believe it. She was up at 6am this morning demanding (with excitement) her birthday breakfast and presents from her sister. We will have cake and pressies tonight and a trip to Lagoon with her BFF on Sunday. My, doesn't time fly? That little smiling baby is now a happy, bright, loving, hilarious kid. A full blown kid. Emma is non stop action - always happy - always asking and learning (right now she is reading and writing constantly) - loves her sister and her school. She is nothing but fun and I truly mean it when I tell her I am the luckiest mom in the world. I love getting to know her and seeing what kind of person she is becoming.

Happy Birthday, lil Em. You are a star.

Fude

2011-09-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I give myself such a hearty pat on the back whenever I make something yummy and nutritious for my kids, which is pretty often.
I thought I would give you the chance to appreciate my talent by posting about it on my blog.

Running Late Breakfast:

Mini Pancakes (these can be made from batter you prepared the night before, or you can use frozen if you're too lazy)
Raspberries - washed
Honey - warmed in the micro
Powdered Sugar - just a dash.

Pancakes....berries on top...drizzle with honey and dust with powdered sugar. Serve with milk - soy, rice, almond whatever.

Uncle Weremy Barnaby Super

2011-08-02T15:04:00.000-07:00

No, this isn't him - this is his Minime

This is his STUNNING wife and their beautiful girls

Stack o kids at Camp Cousin

Here he is - my bro

Where to begin - um...my brother is basically the greatest person on earth. He loves his wife and adores his children. He works hard, but is more fun than anyone I know. He's smart and hilarious - he is generous and forgiving - he is honest and upfront. He would never try to impress anyone - but everyone is impressed by that. I have never in my whole life met anyone who did not think my brother was awesome. He takes care of my mom even though he is busy with his own family. He is the reason I turned out ok - I'm not sure if he even realized that, but I hope so. Without my brother - I would not be the person I am today.

I bring this all up because not only is he more to me than I can ever write here - he is also my kids'hero. I don't say that lightly. He really is. For the past two years, he has asked me to let my girls spend over a week at his house in Arizona so that he can take them places, play with them, read to them and build their bond. All made possible by his amazing wife (of course he married a beautiful, smart, loving, kind, funny, silly and overall amazing woman). When they come home - it's all they talk about and they just beam. I have no idea why they knicknamed him Uncle Weremy Barnaby Super - but as soon as they said it, I realized he had to have a name like that - Uncle Jeremy just doesn't cover what he is to Lauren and Emma.

I think about how lucky my girls are to have such amazing examples of men in their lives. My brother is there for them - he loves them like they are his own children and they know that. I hope that they will be close to him their whole lives because they will be better off for it.

Love you, Bro.

Hall Family Anthem Summer 2011

2011-07-13T09:19:00.001-07:00

This One...

2011-07-12T08:29:00.001-07:00

ALWAYS has some sort of accessory. Sunglasses, jewlery, headbands, etc. Is almost always smiling. Loves her Miche and her sister.

Says things like this:

(Song on the radio)

Emma: "What?! Is this Lady Gaga?"

"Yes"

Emma: "She can't be singing right now - she's in jail."

"Really?"

Emma: "Yeah, she's in jail mom, she got arrested for smoking"

And this:

Emma: "It doesn't matter what your house looks like - it just matters that you have a house"

"Aaaawww, Emma, that's right...that is so..."

Emma(cutting me off) : "And it doesn't matter what's in your underwear, it just matters that you have underwear"

"Oh, ok, umm..agreed"

4yr old wisdom.

Goodbye!

2011-07-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

Ugh. I'm terrible at goodbye's and actively avoid them. It's strange because it's seems like one of those made up things "I hate goodbye's", but really, I do. Sometimes I will preempt them like - "Well, in case I don't see you...." or I'll try to smooth it over "Oh, I'll see you around - it's not really goodbye". RARELY do I give a hug - say something normal and be done with it.

Why do I bring this up? Because I've done it again. I knew it was our gorgeous Merilee's last day on Friday, but every time I thought about going up to bid farewell, I just did something else instead. By the time I was leaving, I forgot all about it and now my little gem's spot is filled by a stranger. SO - this post is ode to Mer. She has admitted to blog stalking me so I hope she's doing it now (or in the next week).

Mer - here is my completely unsolicited and most likely crappy advice to you as you embark on this wonderful journey.

#1 - Do what ever makes you feel comfortable when giving birth. Medicine or no medicine - the choice is entirely yours - do not be swayed by anyone else's opinion. If there is anything more personal, I'd like someone to tell me about it.
#2 - Before you go to the hospital, make sure your husband understands he will have to field the hospital staff while you're there. You do not need to be answering questions, dealing with forms, etc etc before. And after - I cannot tell you how many times they will wake you up just to ask what you want from the "menu". Let hubby know when you do not want to be disturbed and that he can answer things as he sees fit or they can bloody well wait.
#3 - Apply this same gatekeeper approach to family, neighbors and friends once you get home.
#4 - Once baby arrives - hold on to your hat and don't take it all too seriously. You can't mess up his life that early.
#5 - Make your own baby food.
#6 - Make your own movies for him. Forget annoying tv characters or those "brain" movies. Just take some pictures of friends and family members - close up, smiling - your pets, your neighborhood, baby's favorite toys etc, etc. Make a slide show using an online tool, then burn to dvd - you can even set it to music. Voila!
#7 - Bedtime routine. I find this to be extremely helpful. Whatever routine you chose is up to you, but the same thing happening at the same time every day will help your baby to know what is coming and will have a calming effect. I find that keeping your child "in the loop" minimizes craziness at every stage. (For instance, as you leave your house - you might say to your 2yr old "we are going to the post office, then to grandmas for snacks and then to the park") My kids liked to repeat it and check in at every stage to make sure we were on track. Knowing what was going to happen during the day made them feel calm and secure.
#8- Praise good behavior. ENTHUSIASTICALLY - ALL THE TIME! Words for your repertoire:
"Awesome" "Nice job" "Amazing!" "You are fantastic" "I love the way you...." "I am so PROUD of you!"
I say these things 500 times a day - even when it's something they have done 500 times.
#9 - Ignore bad behavior as often as possible (I don't mean hitting, I mean being annoying - you'll get what I mean in about 3 years). If you must intervene in some way - treat it like it is the most boring thing you have EVER had to deal with. Monotone, straight face, matter of fact. Give it as little attention as humanly possible. Remember: instruction is more effective than correction. Move on to something else as soon as possible.
#10 - When he turns 2 - tell him they don't make diapers for 2 year olds. You cannot buy them because they don't make them. Anywhere. Give him a MASSIVE pile of fun undies for his birthday. I am vehemently against pull ups. When he goes on the potty - please see #8. When he goes in his pants -see #9 (you can soften it up here - "no worries - you'll get it next time" and a quick clean up). I say 2 because I once read there is a weird window when potty training is easiest - it is between 22 and 24 months. You will, of course, start this whenever you see fit, but I found that window to be accurate.

Now for my final bit of advice - love him every single second of his little life. Remember that from the minute that little man is born, his mirror is your face - that is all he knows about himself. Let him see love and acceptance reflected there, always.

Mer - You are beautiful, funny, smart, not to mention stylin' and just completely LOVELY. I'm so excited for you! You will be an AMAZING mother. There is nothing in the world more important, more difficult, more rewarding, more....more. :)

Don't be a stranger.

Jeff's response....

2011-07-07T08:22:00.000-07:00

This one...

2011-07-06T08:59:00.001-07:00

Kids keep you humble is an understatement when you have Lauren Noelle for a kid. She is a no nonsense person, as my mom says.

So, this morning I am getting ready and second guessing my dress choice. It is probably too short, but I'm convincing myself it's fine. I walk out of my room and immediately -

Lauren: "That dress looks like a shirt"

"What!?" "Emma, do you like this?"

Emma:"Yeah, I like it"

Lauren: "I didn't say I didn't like, I said it's short - actually it has color and something on it so it's way better than anything else you wear"

Keep in mind - Lauren says none of this with ANY malice at all - she is just so matter of fact, she can't help it. If you ask my daughter a question, you better be prepared for the truth, no sugar coating.

Do you think Jeff escaped just because he was at work? No, he did not. About 20 minutes later I'm saying something about him being strong. I say:

"Your dad is stronger than the average guy for sure - probably more like a super hero"

Lauren: "He can't be one because he doesn't have that square right here" she indicates the area around her belly button.

"Like the belt buckle?"

Lauren: "No, the square - here" again she indicates and I realize she means the ab muscles.

She confirms: "He only has muscles on his arms"

I am dying.

Summa summa summa-tiime!

2011-07-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

I'm all over the blog lately so here are some random pictures of our summer so far.....

Beach! Laguna Beach to be exact. These girls loved it - almost as much as their dad :)

Backyard

How green was my valley
(you won't get this unless you've read my FAVORITE book)
This is actually the view from my parking garage - not bad, eh?

Cutest girls in the world ready to take on Lagoon

Oh, just us because we're cute

SIRIUSLY!!

2011-06-30T08:44:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have Sirius Satellite Radio and are not listening to BBC Radio 1 - I don't know what you're doing with your life.

Get on, tune to Channel 15 on Pop and love it! A sample from the show today:

Templecloud - One Big Family
The Joy Formidable - Heavy Abacus
Maverick Sabre - Let Me Go
Alexandra Stan - Mr. Saxobeat

Go - type these into Youtube or whatever.

You're welcome.

Celebnonsense

2011-06-29T15:03:00.000-07:00

Reader, its time to talk about Celebrities. Why? I'm bored and I made a commitment to myself to spare my blog of anything serious or controversial, AND I don't want to overkill on the sentimental stuff, so what does that leave me?!

Let's dive in, shall we? This. Oh, Leanne, you GOTTA know people do not like this. If you don't know, Reader, Leanne "stole" this a-hole from his wife. I'm pretty sure she was also married at the time - Leanne, not his wife. Anyway - now they are married and Leanne is a fan of flaunting this....eyebrow raising relationship. This is a picture of her with his family - including his kids. Now, maybe I'm over the top, but I would be inclined to scratch the b's eyes out if I were the previous Mrs. Cibrian (do not expect me to spell that correctly). That's just me. Too soon, Lee, too soon.

Moving right along to.....Kristin. I've known Kristin for a long time. I'm pretty sure I saw the first episode of Laguna Beach and I followed them all the way to The Hills. I have since re-evaluated my programming, but I can't forget my old friends. She is featured in today's blog post because she is getting married. To that, I say - Kristin, you look GORG darling, you're young, you're rich - don't get married yet. Seriously. Go to a bookie and give him the deets, see what your odds are. I rest my case.

And now...I don't know about you, reader, but I'm like "YEAH!" when I see a hot celeb like Alyssa looking pretty much the same as I did when I was pregs. Yeah, I love it - I support it. I was pregs at the same time as Kate Hudson all those years ago and one thing that kept me from crying every day was seeing that skinnny b looking as piggish as I did. Hey, I'm not saying they shouldn't - I'm just saying we should all embrace being fat when we are building a human. No one likes a hot pregnant girl. NO ONE!

I've saved the best for last. Why do I LOVE this couple? Who knows, but I do. I love them - I am happy for them and I wish them the best. Adorable pic, Pink, you go with your hot ass husband and cute little baby - love it!

That's all I got.

Back to life...

2011-06-27T13:51:00.000-07:00

...back to reality. Good thing my life is pretty damn sweet! :) Home. Home to our mountains. Home to our lush green yard with the lilies about to bloom. Home to our lovely cottage, who welcomed us with familiar sights and smells. Home to our silly pets. We were all happy to be back.

Our trip was just what we needed. It is so exciting to be in a new place for a while. Exploring and making memories is something our family loves. Most of all, we love to see our kids with their family.
Emma reveled in the sheer number of kids she had to play with. On the very first night she begged for a sleep over - her first - which I gladly granted. Hearing her talk about it the next day had Jeff and I cracking up. "I didn't get any SLEEP!" she kept saying. We assured her that was exactly how a "sleep" over should be.
Lauren is used to the abundance and, in classic Lauren style, kept to her favorites and paced herself. She even told me I needed to have her in bed "between 8 and 9" so she wouldn't get too tired. Something I loved about her experience this time was the way she seemed to be watching her Aunts more. As they sang from their hearts in the talent show, we watched our little daughter's face and felt so happy. She is connected to those women and I think she understood that, maybe for the first time. I am different than they are in many ways - I can't think of anything better than the chance she has to see all of the things women are/can be in her beautiful Aunts.
We also watched her listen to what her Grandpa had to say about family - loving and supporting one another. I know she absorbed it and it gave her comfort.

Our kids are part of a big, loving, supportive family. They will never be alone, they will always have a point of reference when they feel like they don't belong or wonder who they are. They will see themselves in these wonderful people and know that, even though we are all different, the common thread of family means they will always be accepted and loved. The world is a pretty big place - it is easy to get lost. I imagine my kids having a few more flashlights than the average person, and I am grateful.

HA!

2011-06-17T15:13:00.000-07:00

Oh, I love being me. My funk moved out and today I'm myself again! It is a woman's prerogative to be like this, right?

I had a fun night with my babes - woke up to sunshine and that pure, unadulterated last-day-of-work JOY! The spring in my step, the whistle on my lips, the "see ya later suckers" attitude - it all spells V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N!!!!!!!

In 1 hour I will go home and will not come back to the office for 10 WHOLE DAYS!!! Amazing.

Wah wah wah

2011-06-16T15:26:00.000-07:00

I'm here to cry to you, dear reader. I have exhausted all sympathy from my friends, family and colleagues, but I'm not finished. So, if you think the follwing will provide entertainment, interesting facts or even a picture - stop reading now. This is nothing but me indulging myself.

Woe is me. I have had THE worst week. Worst. I'm not exactly sure why, although Jeff says I called it on Sunday so I guess I knew then. Work is obviously a main reason - too much work is no fun and that is exactly what I have had for the last three weeks.

For some people - they just do it, feel tired and know that "this too will pass". Jeff is like that - he doesn't EVER complain about work. He is the hardest working person I know and I always appreciate the work ethic he is surely instilling in our kids. Me...not so much. I cry, I whine, I do my Martyr bit so well it could be on Broadway. I can't help it!

Don't get me wrong, I love to work. I have ALWAYS loved the professional life. I dreamed of having my own office and being one of the few women in a corporate board meeting when I was just a kid. I love that my dreams have pretty much come true and I am proud of myself. Usually, I revel in being busy, juggling it all, running from place to place with backpacks and lunchboxes in one hand, coffee and exhibit binders in the other. I feel smart and successful - not to mention hot because what's not hot about a business woman!?

HOWEVER...this week...I feel weak and lame and exhausted. I have cried in my car three times and my office once. Yes, I have PMS - so let's give that bitch her credit. 50% of it is probably related to that. It's the other 50% I'm worried about. I need to handle it better. I need to get my balance back and not feel so.....overworked. I don't want to be tired when I get home. I mean, my boss doesn't have to hear about my kids, why should my kids have to hear about work?

Another reason for my crappy week is our upcoming vacation - yes, it seems strange to be stressed about a vacation, but I am. I worry about leaving our pets with the sitter, I worry about driving so far and if we will make it safely to our destination and home again. I worry about all the work I will have when I come back, and all the work I should be doing instead of vacationing.

Yet another reason is my feeling of disconnectedness from my friends. I have noted several times on this blog how I feel about my friends. I treasure them, I need them and when I don't see them, I feel that void. Being with my friends makes me laugh, helps me regenerate and put things in perspective but most of all, it makes me grateful and I LOVE things/people that make me grateful. Being busy means cutting that time out. Any extra time I have - I want to be with my family first- so when I have no time, I have no time for friends. I hate that!

I won't even go into the fact that my workout right now consists of 20 push ups here and there while my door is closed. We all know that exercise makes us feel happier, so I'm sure I'm feeling that deficit of endorphins as well.

So....point. Yes...is there a point? No. Sometimes if I'm feeling funky..I just have to write it down to figure out what's causing it. Seeing it all in words makes it...quieter. Looking this over, I see that the problems are nothing special and the solution is pretty simple:

Breathe....relax....don't take life so seriously and, of course, remember what is REALLY important. My home is safe and cozy, my kids are happy and healthy, my husband is freakin hot - sorry - my husband loves me, and I don't have to be Superwoman.

Thanks! :)

Fam

2011-06-06T13:40:00.000-07:00

Love these kids

2011-06-06T09:37:00.000-07:00

These smart, funny, amazing people make everything in our life even better. I love every minute of being your mom, Lauren and Em.

You knew this was coming!

2011-05-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Fine - I will be predictable and talk politics. Not very much, I'm just going to say this:
When Conservatives gasp at the idea that we Obama supporters will vote for him again, it's like Liberals gasping at the reelection of Bush. Yes, I still like him. Yes, I feel he is doing exactly what I put him in office to do. The fact that you still hate him isn't really that effective as a means to convince me otherwise. Some of the reasons I voted for him and will vote for him again:

Combat troops out of Iraq
Increased attention on Afghanistan
Making health care more accessible and affordable to more people
Recovering the economy

You can visit this very nicely named site (yikes) for more detailed information:

http://whatthefuckhasobamadonesofar.com/

Would I like more? YES! That's why I can't wait to give him 4 more years to do it. Having said all this - I am PSYCHED for the whole damn thing. Who will the GOP go for? I say Mitt or Huntsman because I have faith in the Party to stop the dog and pony show and get serious. Debate between either of these two and the President will raise the bar. I respect both of these opponents, but put my money on my President. Let the games begin!

Ok, so on to other things. Have I mentioned we love where we live? Have I mentioned my kids are the smartest, coolest people on earth? Have I mentioned my boyfriend is a delicious hunk of manly manhood and sticky sweetness all in one? Well then I guess it's all covered.

Oh, I ordered something from an infomercial for the second time in my life last night. What it is, I will not say. Just know this - there was no fighting it - it had me at "BUT WAIT!". I ran for my card, Jeff cheering me on, I made the call, I got my free bonus, I got my slashed payment and I got my amazing product. I hung up, spent from the frenzy of beating the clock and reveling in my decisiveness. It will be in my hot little hands by Friday.

Mother's Day

2011-05-13T12:10:00.000-07:00

I didn't post about Mother's Day - which was pretty much the best day ever and deserving of mention so...better late than never. I woke up to "wakey wakey eggs and bacey", pressies and flowers. Then we all piled in the car and headed for THIS PLACE:

http://www.lagoonpark.com/

Oh, those squeals of delight from the back seat as we pulled into the parking lot were DELICIOUS, and enough to get us going too! Jeff's idea for the summer was to buy season passes so we could ride, swim and squeal to our hearts content all summer. What a fantastic idea! Even just getting our passes, which included picture taking and going through a different gate, got us all so freakin' excited we were high fiving and whoopin' it up before we even got on the rides!
But then, then the rides, and man did we! Our kids fear nothing so it's a good thing their parents can hack it. We pretty much rode every ride in the park - yes, even the aptly named WICKED! My kid is old enough and big enough (ok, she lifts her heals just a little when they ask her to stand next to the height requirement thing) to ride this ride! Lauren is so damn fun! Not to be outdone by her big sister, Em rode anything and everything she was big enough for too. The Bombora Rollercoaster was her favorite because it was the fastest. However, and I think this is so funny about Emma, a close second was the totally gruesome haunted house. Emma is a weirdo who loves to be grossed out, creeped out and freaked out to test herself. Lauren didn't even like that ride while Em insisted on riding 3 times.

Anyway, it was an awesome day! I wish I had pictures but suppose there will be plenty of opportunities. The thing I loved most BY FAR was the sound my kids made when those rides took off and the pure joy of it took them over. I am so excited for the weekends we will spend there this summer. We will pack a cooler, throw in some towels and sunscreen and make some great memories!

Just so we remember...

2011-05-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

Last night this kid asked me - "Does it feel like anything to have brown skin?".

WEDDING!

2011-04-28T11:20:00.000-07:00

Am I excited? You bet your ass I am! This is one of those amazing historic events that is actually happy! My dearest mother is here so we are all getting up at 2am to watch this wonderful event. Lauren is super excited and recieved special dispensation to watch, as it is "screen free week" at her school. Her teacher said it was a special and important event so Lauren is allowed to watch tv that night. Emma claims she is going to, but... yeah, we all know Squirmy Wormy's track record on watching ANYTHING for more than 3 minutes. I think I'll leave her in bed.

Anyway - I'm excited for Will and Kate, I'm excited for the people of England and I know the beautiful Princess Diana will be smiling down from heaven as she watches her son marry the woman he loves.

Aren't they LOVELY! Good luck and God bless William and Catherine!

Got our Tickets!

2011-04-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

David Gray was there when we started dating, I was pregnant with Lauren the first time we went to see him live and hearing ANY song from him makes us think of each other. This song happens to be "ours" so I thought it was cute that someone made this video to it.

Anyway - the point is - he's coming here again and we got our tickets. Guaranteed to be an awesome night with my love. ENJOY!

Spring has Sprung!

2011-04-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

Ooooh, the freshness of Spring! Everywhere I look I see flowers in bloom, bright green grass, and blossoms on the trees! The river in Sugarhouse Park is full to it's brim with runoff and rain and The Hall's are on the move! We decided we needed a fully functional bike riding situation to enjoy the next 6 months or so. Lauren got a new bike and Emma got the Roundabout. Jeff fixed my bike up (he is riding it in the pic below which is why he looks a little like a gorilla riding a trike) and will have his up and running this weekend. Until then, our evening walks have consisted of this fantastic scene below and Moose and I strolling behind.

(ok, I'm kind of laughing here because I said "everywhere I look", but judging by the first pic, I obviously meant "everywhere except down the street where the trees still look like a miserable pile of sticks!")

Bob and a flower pot with invisible flowers.

As everyone knows by now - we are in love with Salt Lake and Spring is probably our favorite season here. We will enjoy every second of this season of renewal and growth and perfect weather - even if it just means sitting on the back porch gulping in the air.

Goodbye Winter! See you next year when we're ready for hot chocolate and sledding again!

Monday(ne)

2011-04-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

It's Monday and I'm doing that thing where I have so much to do that I just sit and do nothing. So, what's a total waste of my precious time? Blogging about celebrities! Whatever, you love it. Let's talk about this: I say no. In fact, I say NO! Cam, this is yucky. I'm sorry, but I just cannot get on board (no pun intended) with this body style for women. Is it because I've never seen one of my ab muscles, let alone six? Maybe. But it's still gross. Now let's talk about something lovely:

Basically, I have a crush on both of these people. I'm completely gay for Michelle - IN PICTURES. I don't like it when she talks - that thing she does with her mouth - so I only like her still, like this. Ryan - I love him in every form. I am ALMOST as happy with these two as I was with Ryan and Rachel (whom I also love). We don't need to talk about how many times I've seen The Notebook - fast forwarding the old people parts, of course.

Cancel

2011-04-18T08:32:00.001-07:00

Sorry, I had to delete that last post. I sounded like a cheerleader on LSD.

Aaaaaaannnnddd..FREAK OUT!

2011-04-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not going to. I am, however, going to take a moment to blog so that I don't freak out. Work is just a leeeeeetle stressful right now. I have a HUGE document production situation, a board meeting/luncheon next week and a webiste to pull out of my... ...BUT, lucky for me, I can still laugh. Jeff and I laughed and "sssshhhhhhh"d our stupid heads off for about an hour after we went to bed last night. Apparently having to be quiet makes everything funny. I mean, laughed like 12yr old girls at a sleepover. Ok, he probably wouldn't appreciate that soo...we laughed like 2 best friends who are giddy just being around each other. Yeah, that describes it perfectly. : )

Aaaahhhhhh

2011-04-05T13:09:00.000-07:00

What a trip! How much fun can you cram into 4 days? Apparently a LOT if you have an awesome family, amazing friends and perfect weather! After arriving in Prescott and lounging around for a few hours - Jeff kicked off his weekend by going out with my bro, while I snacked and chatted with my mom and sister-in-law and the kids ran wild. Saturday, Jeff and I left the girls up North and snuck away down to the valley where we had plans to visit a mere 8-10 people scattered around the massive city in about as many hours. It is actually possible as long as you're late everywhere :). We were able to hang out with our good friends and visit Jeff's brother and fam before heading back to Prescott. Sunday rounded out the fun with a little hike, some cribbage and the porch swing. We never see our kids when we go to my brothers, but I'm pretty sure they had a blast! We were back on the road on Monday to stop off in Vegas before the last leg to Phebe Lane. We all agreed - it was a perfect weekend!!

Grandma

Lucinda Babycakes drag racing with the big kids

Helmets Shmelmets!

Liz and Greg's little piece of heaven

Pita Jungle with the Cronin's, Kahle's and Haught's

Elise's feet (actual size!!!!!)

Back to Prescott for coffee on the front porch

Fam in Caesar's Palace

This is made of flowers!

Grandma's first trip to LV

98 Degrees

2011-03-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

No, I don't pine for Dick LaGay's long lost band - we are off to AZ for a much needed long weekend with the people we love and it's going to be 98 degrees in the valley!!!! I'm so excited to see my little niecees and soak up the sun! So I leave you with this video of Peepers being patriotic.

Disclaimers:

#1 - I know my manly voice is distracting. I apologize. Jeff is actually sitting with me but it is not him talking as you may have thought.

#2 - Emma dresses herself

#3 - She has peanut butter on her face

Lava, Friends and Pets

2011-03-30T08:35:00.000-07:00

Jordan and Lauren - Bff's

Lava Hot Springs, ID - I realize Emma looks like she is freezing here, but I assure you - that baby is like a lil boiled potato in there! The kids thought it was so cool that we were swimming in the snow!

I like this picture because it spotlights our multi-racial pets.

How much love is too much?

Mooser loves the snow...and his duck. Serioulsy - you say "where's your duck" and the dog looses his mind!

Chheeeese!

Focus! Haha - love this kid

Ok, Brianne, don't tell me you aren't laughing at the dedication on Jared's face.

Bri and Holls (and Rilee The Bump)

Happy Birthday to ME! (last week)

2011-03-24T09:08:00.001-07:00

Family Fun

2011-03-20T13:36:00.000-07:00

9 Years! Ok...almost

2011-03-14T11:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Ex-Anniversery, Jeff!!!!!!

Ah, yes, I remember it well. Freeeeeeezing our balls off on the coldest day ever recorded in AZ. Outside wedding with no booze to loosen people up. No chicken dance and nary a funny speech to be heard. It was pretty.....pretty boring! We couldn't wait to make a run for it!
So, my darling boy - I say next time let's do it our way!

Can't wait to spend another 8.9 years with you. : )

Alias

2011-03-04T10:41:00.000-08:00

We're big on nicknames/pet names in our family. They border on ridiculous....as in, sappy, nonsensical and/or unrelated to anyone's name at all. I thought I would document/share them.

Jeff, AKA:

Jeffer

Weffer

Honey

Bunny

Baby

Puppy

Lover

Love

Daddy

Daddy Waddy

Waddy

Lauren, AKA:

Fo-fweenies

Lor

Lori

Lollypop

Bubby

Lovey

Tape Tapes

Emma, AKA:

Emmie-peeps

Peeps

Peepers

Mr. Peepers

Angel

Bubby boo

Baby

Lovey

Pumpkin

Pumpkin-noodle

Bean, AKA:

Beanie

Beaner

Teeny

Squeeny

Ween

Weiner

Osama Bean Laden

Rat

Ratfink

Bean-wah

*Also various combinations of the above ie Beanie Weenie

Moose, AKA:

Moosofolus

Mooser

Moose Poose Magoose

Moof

Moosulini

Moosey Boy

Bob, AKA:

Bobber

Bobber Cat

Bobby

Robert

Bibbidy Bobbidy Boo

Bobby Wobby Peachy Pie (Emma)

Bob Bob

Me? I don't have a nickname because I don't need one. I am living a double life. People, I just ended a phone call like this:

"Ok, great, I'll look over the Agenda and have those financials out to the Board on Monday"

WHO AM I????? I'm a fraud. I'm a faker!! It is only a matter of time until I'm discovered and I am freaking OUT! I can't do this. I don't know what I'm doing!!!!!!

Help. Me.

Bidder 70

2011-03-03T10:21:00.000-08:00

I blog way too much. The truth is - it takes me all of 5 minutes to rattle off my crap and I need that 5 minute break from work sometimes.

So....lets talk about Tim DeChristopher. Basically, if you're not following it, this guy is an environmentalist who heard about the auction for oil and gas leases on some land around Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. He wanted to protest along with some others so he went to the auction to do just that. It is my understanding that this was public land they were auctioning so these protesters were saying the auction was illegal. Well, while everyone was outside - Tim decides to go inside and check it out. They ask him if he's a bidder - he says "um..yeah" and they hand him a paddle after he fills out a form and they check his ID.

He proceeds to buy up about 1.7 million dollars worth of land so the oil and gas companies can't.

Tim doesn't HAVE 1.7 million dollars - as I said, he's an environmentalist.

He's in deep doodoo. Ten years in jail kinda doodoo.

I know I shock you all when I say I kinda think this guy is a hero - braver than I am for damn sure. I'm not the only one. People have been peacefully gathering outside his trial all week (singing "Imagine" and doing other VERY granola things). I would have strapped on my Birks and attended, but I have been beaten by the man and am working like a good ant instead.

Who was it who said "dissent is the highest form of patriotism"? I don't know how far that can go, but I can't help but think this guy was doing something for all of us. This isn't something he did for his benefit only - it wasn't exactly self serving. We all like open space - we visit Arches and Canyonlands - public land is our land, right? Not to mention, his dissent was peaceful and it's easy to get behind that.

NOW - it is my practice these days to consult the brains surrounding me at my office. Not only are they smarter than me on many levels, they are usually on the other side of the argument. Tangent: except on the Mormon Communist thought - they agreed - in fact, they went one step further and said the belief of the Mormons (they are all LDS so they know) on what society will look like when JC returns is the most radical form of Communism you have ever seen. The difference, of course, is that it is a choice rather than government imposed.

ANYWAY - The Brains. One said he agreed with DeChristopher. Some points the others made were:

Civil Disobedience is disruptive and, more importantly - COSTLY. Not just for the trial etc, but these leases would have brought money AND JOBS to Utah.
The actual footprint of this type of development is very small. The one who agreed with Bidder 70 said this was a matter of opinion because roads would need to be built, scaffold, etc. Its the same argument as Alaska. Ok, so the actual drill is tiny but the crap needed to get to it, get the drill in etc is a pretty messy operation.

So there you have it.
There isn't really a point to this post......it's just really interesting. So - yeah, support him - or don't.

Homework:
Consider what you would risk to fudge up something you didn't agree with.

T-Rex by Emma

2011-03-02T08:36:00.000-08:00

Look at her little name she wrote at the bottom! I know I'm her mom but I really do think this is exceptional for a 4 1/2 year old.

Don't be mean

2011-02-28T08:20:00.000-08:00

I shouldn't be posting....I should be working..but it's Monday and my coffee hasn't kicked in and I can't focus on the details of cases right now. However, I can't just sit here and stare at my computer either. Well, I guess I could if I just closed my office door. Heck, I could even take a nap!! But I won't. I will try to rouse my brain with blogging.

So...today's topic is anger. Something I happen to know a lot about. Something I struggle to control daily. Sorry, does that freak you out? I'm not saying I scream at people in the street or anything, but I have been known to scream at people. I even went through a stage in my early twenties when I liked to beat people up. Thankfully, I recognized that wasn't going to end well, and pretty much focused my talents on verbal assault. As one may imagine, someone who has trouble controlling their emotions is not super fun to be married to, and it will eventually become very clear just how damaging that kind of thing is. It did.
It's all part of the amazing and wonderful classroom of life. I don't care who knows I can be a nasty B. In fact, it's better that everyone knows. My anger is explosive. I used to say HORRIBLE things when I was mad. The most hurtful and cutting thing I could think of - that's what I went for.
In the last few months, I have taken the necessary steps to understand what was actually going on and improve myself. I'm glad I did. I'm still the same passionate and opinionated person I have always been, I will never be passive, but I like that about myself and so do the people who love me. What I am not is mean. Nobody likes a mean person.

So - I was watching this show about Baboons last night. This guy had been studying the same pack for 10yrs. They were like all other packs - aggressive, stressed out, nasty things who treated the females like crap and fought over everything. Then something amazing happened. They were eating out of a dump and, as usual, the meanest of the bunch got ahold of some meat and didn't want to share - as it turned out - the meat was tainted with Tuberculosis. All of the alpha males died. The pack was now made up of females and non aggressive males. Guess what? It changed their society. They were calmer, happier and less stressed. They focused on grooming and building relationships instead of fighting. When other Baboons joined this troop - they came in acting like assholes, but soon learned it was not needed or tolerated in this family. It took them about 6 months, but they actually assimilated and behaved like the others in the pack. It has been the way of this particular group of Baboons for 20 years now and they are thriving. Evolution at it's finest.

What's the moral of the story? Don't be a jerk. There's no need - it doesn't improve your life and will probably be the death of you in the end (literally or figuratively). Jeff has known this all along - that's why the universe gave him to me twice (I missed it the first time).
Also - don't let jerks influence you or your life. Y'know - a sort of "No back biting" or "I only let nice people pick bugs off me" kind of thing. Before you know it - any a-holes you have around will either go find a pack of a-holes to join, or they will learn from your troop and evolve.

Yes, I talk a big game. Yes, it's annoying. It's all part of my progress to become a Supreme Being.

HAPPY MONDAY!!!!!!!

p.s. Pictures of the first family weekend in 7 years coming soon!!!!! Some suspenseful hints: sledding, cooking, laughing, anal leakage, the Oscars, movie night and more!

The Good Stuff

2011-02-23T08:29:00.001-08:00

Ok, quickly - I wanted to write this stuff down.
First of all - I wanted to, belatedly, comment on Egypt. Amazing. Nothing short of amazing. Lauren and Emma, I want you to make a point of reading about this event when you are older. I feel this quote is soooo appropriate for those brave people who stood together to change their destiny.

"We are the ones we have been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." -- President Obama

Second - I would like to write down how amazing my life is. I appreciate everything I have more now than ever before. Every day I can't help but stand in awe of all of the things I have in my life.
My soul mate and best friend, my amazing children, my beautiful home, my profession, my friends, my family, health, knowledge, this great country we live in, even my pets! All of these things bring me so much happiness.
As I drive to work every day, I look out at this beautiful city, the sun shining and the leaves blowing around and feel so much contentment. I drop Lauren off at the best elementary school in Salt Lake, then take Emma to Challenger where she can play and learn at one of the best preschools around. Jeff and I enjoy the challenges our jobs bring and are able to provide for our children because we work hard. At night, we all come together in our cozy home for dinner and Uno and to play with our dogs and cat. We go for evening walks around our neighborhood, enjoying tree lined streets and friendly "hello's" from neighbors. We have date night on Wednesday when we get coffee and browse bookstores or have dinner at a favorite spot and then catch a movie. We have a big, diverse circle of friends who make us laugh and give us support. As of this week - we will have every weekend together as a family for adventures and hanging out! No more 7 day work week!

Can you feel the love FLOWING!!!??

There really are too many things to list and I have to get back to work!

So....have a great Wednesday and remember to focus on the good stuff!!

February Fun

2011-02-19T16:26:00.000-08:00

Bob being cute

Me and my twin being cute

Bob Marley

Moosey Boy

Jeff getting ready to fight someone

Jeff got knocked out

Zoo

.2 seconds later Emma falls off wall and I am awarded Mom of the Year

Cutest 7yr old ever

Cutest 4yr old in the world

Monkeys on a gorilla

Snake slide

Bat Cave

Superbowl Sunday

Cutest laugh ever

Emma and her buddy. It should be noted that this party included football but also ping pong, dancing, weight lifting and long boarding.

DS makes you cool

Sugarhouse Park

The only way to travel

POST SCRIPT!

2011-02-14T13:26:00.000-08:00

GRAMMY'S! How could I forget!

I love Eminem. I'm sorry, I just do. I think he's cool, I think he's fly. I think he is a lyrical genius who is largely undercelebrated (which may be because he is controversial but I think it's mostly becuase he's a white guy). Either way - he is AWESOME.
Anyway - on.....um...that funny guy's rip on Miley Cirus - c'mon, really? You're chosing to spend your 5 seconds of live airtime picking on a 19yr old girl? Not funny.
Mick Jagger - daaaang. Time to pack up those dancin' shoes before you break a hip, Mick.
Muse - brilliant - until they won the award and the guy was like "I want to thank my pregnant...um..girlfriend hu hu". Snarf, snarf -oh, wait knocking Kate Hudson up doesn't help you or your band - just ask that Robinson dude.
Will and Jada Smith - ok, I love these two - I cried when Jaden did his bit and they were so cute and proud. Will was clapping and you could read his lips saying "that's my baby, that's my baby". Cute.
Lady Antebellum - meh.
Bob Dylan - yes. The guys who opened that whole Dylan piece - YES!
Gaga - blah blah blaaaah.
Usher and Bieber - everything from their friendship to the performance was confusing.

That's all I got.

How about a nice glass of shut the hell up!

2011-02-14T11:05:00.000-08:00

Stop asking what I got him and what he got me! Geez people - it's PRIVATE. Hi, yeah privacy? It's a right. Don't tread on my rights. AND I know you're only asking so you can tell me about the Bora Bora tickets you snuck into the heart shaped red velvet cake.

Ah, bitterness. Tastes good. Kinda like the tooth cleaning crap I have in my mouth right now. That's right - I got up at 5am to get to the office early to tackle the pile of work I didn't do over the weekend. At around 10:30am, I toodled over to the dentist's office to have my teeth assaulted and recieve the good news that I have 4 cavities. Do bleeding gums count as wearing red in celebration of this day of LUUUUURRRV? NO!
So yeah, me and V Day got off to a bad start. Also, I'm not great at presents and resent the constant reminder. Well, that's not true - I WOULD be phenomenal at presents with about $1,000 more in my budget, gift wrap service and a party planner. I have good ideas, they just don't usually become a tangible item.

No, really - I did have a great weekend, which is what this post was actually going to be about, but then I forgot my camera. Um.....Saturday: hung with my ladies enjoying the sunshine while sipping on refreshing adult beverages and watching the kids ride bikes. The party continued on into the wee-hours as Jeff and I TROUNCED yet another couple at Wii Jeopardy. Can't beat us, don't try. Sunday: took the kids to the zoo and had a blast. Love those girls. They are so dang cute and funny. I was like "Why do you guys like the zoo better than the farm"
Answer? "Um..cause the animals are boring and it stinks".
Ok. Well, unfortunately, it's also free so you might want to dig a little deeper on the farm appreciation.

I'll post pics soon, but better get back to work so I can be home in time to give Jeff the AWESOME thing I bought/made/baked/had delivered by Helicopter/mined for him.

Pictures..lots of em!

2011-02-05T11:01:00.000-08:00

This is my "adding-pictures-takes-forever" face.

Fall 2010:

Lake...

Friends from out of town who insisted on going to the lake

Lauren and her Pillow Pet

Emmie Lou at Snowbird

Amazing sky - Snowbird

Christmas 2010:

Emma Eye View

Polar Express
Hello, my beautiful family!

Oh, headbutts are funny unless you're the one with the broken nose

Grandma having a singin along on the train

Lauren when she saw Santa. What? My 7yr old shares my feelings for fake Santa's. I support this. She loves the real Santa so much that she cannot abide imposters.

Emma when she saw Santa. See, I let my kid's have their own opinions - Emma doesn't give a crap who it is - she's ecstatic! She is actually screaming inward here, the result is a high pitch but quiet sound, which is the true sign of excitement.

I like big butts

Ferb in her new kitchen/market

Phineas and Ferb in the Mini. No, that's not a rat in the background.

Thanks Uncle Jeremy and Aunt April!!

Hehe. Jeff probably hates this pic but to be honest, it's his fault for being so hot that I take pleasure in his crappy pictures.

Just some other pics I love.....

Salt Lake - I love you!

Next time I go somewhere I'm wearing a tiara.

Having this across the street almost makes up for living in Polly Pocket's house.

Nice people

2011-02-03T09:02:00.001-08:00

I find I am surrounded by them! I came in to work this morn to find this little email nestled among deadlines, meeting requests and new case assignments:

"Good morning...
....and BTW you are darling without trying :)"

Thanks, sweet co-worker, for making my day.

HOOFOO!!!

2011-02-03T08:13:00.000-08:00

Click here - PetHarbor Pet to see WHO HOOFOO is!

I know, I know he doesn't look that great here - the eye goop etc - BUT, this cat is the sweetest dude ever. After 4 trips to the shelter, two tearful goodbyes (Emma), one injury (Jeff's finger - not from Hoofoo, but a deceivingly mellow cat who will remain anonymous lest I screw up her chances for adoption based on what may have just been a bad day) 1,000 holds, hugs and cuddles - our family has decided on this guy.
We held a vote. Jeff was kinda pulling for the declawed tabby, but couldn't deny the fact that it didn't have much personality. It was Jeff that found Hoofoo in the first palce and it was pretty much love at first site for all of us. Of course, he won't be Hoofoo for long - the kid's have named him Bob. Don't ask me why.

Dad Mom Lauren Emma Moose Bean Bob

It may be time for a stick family......

SL,UT - you frigid B!!

2011-02-01T15:07:00.000-08:00

I mean, if the high is 19 - can it REALLY still be called a high???

I Want:

2011-01-31T08:27:00.000-08:00

a blue Mini Cooper
to be someone who manages the totally chaotic moments of my life as funny instead of rip-my-face-off stressful.
a scientist to do something useful and invent calorie free french fries.
my precious little girls to understand how amazing I think they are.
lipo. just a little!
people to stop naming their kids wierd things. not because i think it's my business, but because i am INCAPABLE of keeping the look of obvious confusion off my face when they say it.
my mommy to live near me.
more focus.
a new wardrobe.
to start every morning on my back porch with a good cup of coffee and Jeff.
success in my profession.
our Disneyland vacation to hurry up!
the cat Lauren wants soooo bad.
my Mrs. title back.
the sun to remember people in Salt Lake like him too.
my life...exactly how it is.

Unrelated Thoughts and Events

2011-01-24T09:09:00.001-08:00

So..I did get the job. Haha! I am now Executive Director of the Salt Lake Estate Planning Council. Apparently they like blithering idiots.

A few things I want to mention from the week/weekend:

#1 - I caught two trapped birds with my bare hands and set them free. Seriously.

#2 - I can never express how grateful I am for my friends. I have been blessed with amazing friends throughout my life and they have brought me so much pleasure, some days I feel like I just have to acknowledge them. They are all beautiful, smart and hilariously funny. They are all very different and offer so many different perspectives and insights. One of my friends came to town this weekend and it was just so great to see her and catch up. I think I will make the effort to stay in better touch with my long-distance friends. You can never have too many - friends really are the flowers in the garden of life.

#3 - My kids are seriously the cutest, funniest, smartest, most awesome people on the planet. They amaze me every single day. Jeff and I just stare at them most of the time. I love where they are right now, but I would like time to slow down just a little.

#4 - My boyfriend is a sexy beast!! Hands up if you think I should marry him (again)!!!

Oh, and check out my fish. Click in their tank to give them food, they will eat it up. I love 'em! Small things amuse small minds?

Silver Lining?

2011-01-19T11:06:00.000-08:00

I just had the worst interview of my life. WORST. EVER.

I have a career as a Paralegal, I love it. I make good money. I have a nice office in one of the biggest and most respected law firms in Salt Lake City. I even have a secretary to do crap I don't want to do. So, why the heck am I stressing myself out by applying for a part time gig as an independent contractor? A position that requires an interview with the Executive Commitee and then the Board of Directors. 12 people. I just interviewed with 12 people and I actually used the word "INPUTED". Yes, that's right - I used it in a sentence "I inputed information..". Then I froze...stuttered and said "input" (nervous laugh).

Just one of the many retarded things I said. Bah. BAH!

Ok, now the new me is going to take this and make it positive: I am glad I sucked at that interview because now I won't get the job and won't be a full time mom with a full time career AND a part time job. Good! Yay! I will laugh about "inputed" one day!

BAH!!

Kali

2011-01-11T12:08:00.000-08:00

"Kali is the Goddess who destroys ignorance, illusions, delusions, and the various manifestations of the self focused ego like jealousy, anger, hatred and negative emotions. Sometimes the destruction of these structures and resulting change is smooth but mostly it happens only through highly painful and traumatic experiences."

I'm not Hindu but I know this Goddess is good.

Hello 2011

2011-01-02T15:42:00.000-08:00

New Years Resolutions:

Lauren - Learn new sports
Emma - Learn to draw
Jeff - (his is pretty personal...and awesome for me!)
Lindsey - To be grateful....and go to the gym, of course
Grandma - Save some money

Oh...and Lauren's idea of what the dog's would be....

Moose - less shedding and try to learn to play with toys
Bean - less pooping (in the house) and try to get along with mom

Down but not out

2010-12-28T15:10:00.001-08:00

2010. What can I say. 2010 was going to be the best year ever - not really but I think I 'liked' it on facebook.

Facebook - otherwise known as a car with a drunk behind the wheel - a cup of koolaid in the hands of 1yr old - a box of matches to an arsonist. That's all I'll say about that.

I'm not going to go on about personal stuff but I am going to keep this little blog open to document all the amazing, wonderful, happy, grateful, loving, hilarious moments of our life. I'm excited for 2011.

2010 - I don't regret you - I think because of you, every year from now on will seem like a gift. Maybe you were the best year ever?
Meh.

This may be a little too much information but...

2010-05-24T12:33:00.001-07:00

Funny that I found this in my "drafts" - its from May and yet soooo totally appropriate for right now.

May 2010

First, I want to say this - Lauren is a spiritual person - I know that is an assuming or maybe just wierd thing to say but it is totally true. We didn't go to Church until after she started all this and then I had to because she had so many questions and would bring stuff up all the time. She is always coming up with these ideas about God, life and death and is always trying to figure it out. I know, it sounds creepy but it's totally her own because we never talk about it to her. Ok, I am definitely not saying there has never been a bug put in her ear because I could never know that - maybe she has heard certain things, but the fact that she ponders it frequently is significant nonetheless.

Ok, so

I pick Lauren up from school and as we are driving away, she says:

"I don't like it when things...like, people, have to be replaced."

"Oh, yeah, like how do you mean? - because what happens to them kind of thing?" (not really sure where she's going)

"Yeah, like it would mean the person died..."

"...and when someone dies - you can't just say 'come back' like, 'come back, baby giraffe."

This brings tears to my eyes because she has been bothered by the fact that the giraffe at the zoo died. It was a baby and, I mean, that is just sad to anyone! I kinda hate that someone even told her that but, eh, we can't shelter them from everything, can we?

"Yeah, but y'know" I pause, thinking I could try to make her feel better and deciding against it ".....no, it is, it's sad when someone dies, there is no way around that..." Then deciding I will try to make her feel better because, well, that is not trying to sway her, but giving her the OPTION of being comforted by a higher power. I mean, it's nice to have faith in SOMETHING but I want her to find her own way to whatever that is. I know, I feel like I'm just a genius about this but am probably just confusing the poor kid because I won't just say if God is real or not and she will end up having no faith in anything. I cannot figure out what the hell I am supposed to do on the religion issue AT ALL. So I say:

"...but I think that some people are ok with it because they think they are going to a better place"

And then, from the mouths of babes:

"Better? What could be better than this!? This is AWESOME! This is heaven! This is the best place!"

I am just totally holding back tears because that's what mom's do when their kid says stuff like this. I'm also completely confused about what to say now - I mean, it is kinda warped to just be constantly thinking that if you can just bear it here on Earth for long enough you go on to something better? Well, I couldn't go in that direction - she thinks it is as awesome as it can be - then maybe I should be learning from her and not trying to convince her that it isn't. I couldn't say - "No, no, no - Earth has child molesters and war and poverty" (I mean, obviously, I wouldn't - I'm being dramatic for effect here). I couldn't ever TRY to convince my kid that it sucks here. Now, of course, then you could discredit her view - think it childish and naive. Well - then I say: (and I'm sorry, this is where it gets personal)

"Lauren - you really are the coolest person ever - it is awesome here and you are so cool - I hope I'm a good enough mom for you - you deserve someone so awesome"

"Mom, you totally are"

"I'm sorry I get grouchy and I'm sorry I fight with Dad"

I'm crying because I'm a freak and she's asking Emma "Is she crying!?"

"Mom! It's no big deal - that's life. That's life. No biggie!"

I swear to you, I would not be writing this if it were not true - it was exactly that way and that is why I'm writing it down.

"You like your life? You feel like you have a good life and you're happy?"

"Perfect!"

"Well....perfect except I would change one thing."

"Oh, what would that be" I'm so worried that this is my big profound lesson about having to be perfect to fit into her view of this world being so awesome.

"I would kick Lydia's butt"

And there you go. That is why her opinion is totally and awesomely valid. She knows there is stupid crap - she knows sometimes you want to punch somebody in the face. She knows her dad and I don't always get along and aren't always happy. She knows about polution and homeless people. I know, I KNOW this is getting cheesy but, damn, I mean, this is a lesson to me. I mean, yes, there are things on Earth that are just so horrible, it must feel like hell here - but I think the wonders of the Earth are just more significant. They have more power. Even in war torn countries where death seems to have a hold on everything - babies are born. Acts of kindness really can swallow up someone's sadness - we see it every day. People are ok - maybe we are moving toward perfect - maybe we're not even close to the finish line but I am stoked that I get to be a part of the race. I think what Lauren taught me today was, even if all I get to do is run my part, pass the baton and watch the next runner take off - shouldn't I just run my ass off? I think she knows, somehow, that it's the running that we are supposed to love, not the awards ceremony.

Emma

2009-09-14T16:02:00.000-07:00

Emma is annoying with a capital A. Having said that, she is also one of the funniest people I've ever met. She never EVER stops talking. Ever. So, to capture her, I thought I should just type everything she says for the next few minutes. I assume this will be mind numbingly boring to anyone other than her parents, but it doesn't seem to stop other bloggers so..... (kidding!!). I like the idea of doing this blog like a journal for my kids.

Here we go...

She has pushed a vacume attachment on to her hand and is saying "Bacume, bacume, bacume" as she rubs it all over me.

"does your ponytail hurt"

"no"

"does it hurt when i walk?"

"no"

"oh, i thought it would hurt when i walk away"

"i thought it was hurting. Does this hurt?" (pushing her finger in my cheek)

"are you going to bacume daddy when he gets home?"

"yes....(huge smile).. he will love it"

now she is talking into the vacume attachment like a megaphone but it's having the opposite effect so i don't respond.

goes outside.

comes running back "there's mail!! there's mail!!"

"go get it"

"ok!" drops attachment and runs outside.

has been gone a long time.....i go to get her. she is standing at the top of the stairs just smiling.

"mom! i got mail - the mailman gave me this mail. he doesn't have a house"

peering suspicioulsy down the street after him.

"can you read this magazine?"
"this is where cars go" (holding up a direct tv ad featuring a van)

proceeds to pull apart every page of the junk mailers and express pure joy at every page.

has laid out all the newspaper pages on the floor.

"look at all of these sitting down. these are mine"

"what is that?" (the costco flyer thats kind of like an envelope)

"its a thing to put in somethin"

she shoves the direct tv ad into it and hands it to me

"here's snail mail!" in a high pitch voice

pulls in back out and hands me the ad

"here's your present!" high pitch voice again

reads the direct tv ad as though they are rules

"you're in trouble!"

"what? why?"

"because you hit me! you hit me!"

"what are you talking about?"

"at school, you hit me"

"um"

"you hit me"

"can i just say sorry"

"yes - you're not in trouble anymore"

walks around - comes back

"you're in trouble"

"again?"

"yeah, because you hit me and pinched me when you picked me up from school yesterday" (yesterday was Sunday)

"hmmm"

"why did you hit me and pinch me?"

And that is a glimpse of life with Emma. I typed everything word for word for about 2 minutes or so.

i refuse to proof read.

Let's try this again!

2009-08-10T17:01:00.000-07:00

Now that the election is over - I thought I'd try this blogging thing again. Mostly because Jeff is always saying "write that down!" - and I don't. So now, I might!