Paul said it best...

But whether or not their motives are pure, the fact remains that the message about Christ is being preached, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.
- Spoken by Paul in Philippians 1:18

I couldn't help but think of this tonight when I was watching American Idol and heard Neil Diamond sing this....

You overcame my loss of hope and faith,
gave me a truth I could believe in.
You led me to that higher place
showed me that love and truth and hope and grace were all I needed.

From Dolly Parton singing 'Jesus & Gravity', to the "Idols" singing 'Shout to the Lord', to Neil Diamond singing about amazing Grace....the message of Christ is being preached on AI this year, so I... like Paul, rejoice.

Cyndi for a Day.

I get to sing one of my favorite songs of all time at an 80's Retrofest this weekend...Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper. Oh yeah...I am so excited. We rehearsed it tonight, and the band rocks. I feel like I am living a dream.

To My Aunt Judi....

Thank you for sending my mom your old camera so she can take pictures of me and always remember how much fun I had playing in the sprinklers.

Thank you for sending your camera so my mom can always remember how I woke up and said Moooommmmmmyyyyyyy....in the sweetest voice ever when I was done taking my nap.



We love you Aunt Judi and so does our Mommy!

Love,
Haley & Lexi

Innocence Lost.

I was watching the news today. And a "This just in" report came on. Apparently they ran DNA tests and found that over half of the teenage girls taken from the FLDS cult (ages 14-17) had been pregnant at one time or were currently pregnant. I started crying. These are children. Children of disillusioned parents. And my heart is breaking for them. They don't know what a crayon is but yet they have bore children. It's all so very wrong.

I have a friend who thinks my religion is crazy. But at least I chose what I believe. There is no one forcing me to live the way I live.

At one time, I felt so sorry for these moms who had their kids taken away. Now I feel no sorrow. My job as a mother is to protect my child. What they allowed to be done to their children is....is...I honestly don't have words.

I hope that as they are away from that brainwashing society that they find new life, new hope, and are able to spend the rest of their teenage years being kids instead of having kids.

A girl after my own heart....

I love hats. Especially beanies. I'd wear one every day if I could. Lexi feels the same way!





Just don't take it away from her!!!!

Seriously...

She's not messing around.

If you watch LOST....

Perhaps you've seen my Father in Law on an episode.




I'm just sayin....there is a more than a SLIGHT resemblance.

Save me from the Rice Krispies.

I NEED HELP! Haley and I made a tray of Rice Krispie Treats last night. They are almost all gone. I really can't stop eating them. Someone help me quick!

It never fails.

I will never win an award for Mother of the Year. It's futile. Not that I entered any contest or anything...but seriously. So, I've been gone for 4 days. Today was a great morning of hanging out with the girls & playing the Littlest Pet Shop game. Then I got everyone dressed for an outing.

Catherine Rendel bought the girls a gift card to Barnes and Noble after their week in the hospital in February. It was the sweetest gift. I have been saving it for a special day. Today was the day. So we loaded up in the car to go to Fashion Island. I was just a block away from our house when I realized that I had forgotten Lexi's diaper bag. But if you are a mom, you know how long it takes to get out the door and actually into the car. Since I was still relishing that victory, I just wanted to keep pressing on. Besides...we wouldn't be gone too long ( I thought.)

So we arrive. We have a great time outdoors. Haley decided to roll around on the grass. I was a little embarrassed since this is a very rich, high-class establishment. But hey...let the kid be a kid. Until she rolls into dog poop. Awesome. Luckily, it just got on her shoes. Crisis averted. I know, let's go look at the fish. So we move on....

No problems there. Just a fun time a playing around and looking at the KOI.

So now we move inside for some lunch. (BTW, I know how to eat on a dime. I fed the three of us at Fashion Island for $8.00. Yeah, I don't mess around.) So, the girls are done eating, and they want to run around by the fountain. It was so fun to watch them play. Lexi is so attached to Haley. She just followed her around, playing, & laughing. Then other kids started coming up and they were all having the best time. These are the moments when my heart is full. I am so content.

Then I noticed that Lexi had a grip on the water fountain with a serious look on her face. Which could mean one of two things... She was contemplating the structure of the fountain, or she was taking a dump. When she released her grip on the fountain, she came over to me to share her lovely scent, proving the latter theory was true. Thank you Lexi. Please recall, I have no diaper bag. And the WHOLE point of our trip was to go to Barnes and Noble, which we had yet to do.

So, I quickly gather the troops and head into B&N. Not without stopping at Starbucks first to fulfill my own selfish indulgences. Yes. I did. And I took Lexi and her odor with me. But don't worry....I played it off like I was smelling it for the first time, so at least no one around me thought I was a horrible mother.

We head upstairs to look at books, and the kids are having so much fun. I hate to rush things...but the poop was spreading, and leakage was appearing on her pants. I STILL have no diaper bag. Would it be bad to wipe her off in the bathroom, and let her run pantsless through B&N, I start to wonder? Yes, probably so. I opted against that.

So, I'm trying to hurry the girls along, but they are still having so much fun. Until, the poop caught up with Lexi and she started grabbing her pants and schreeching "POOPSY....ough! POOPSY MOMMY." Awesome. Can you say that any quieter? PLEASE! All the other moms were looking at me with such disdain.

Okay...so, my kids picked the most expensive kids book there was. $25.99. I think if you add up every book I've ever bought, they don't cost that much. But there is no time to argue this. We must get poopy briches home. So, $27 dollars later...we are out the door.

Lexi cried all the way home about her poopy pants. Poor thing, after looking at the damage, I would have been crying too.

So all that to say...1)Always remember the diaper bag, and 2)Don't nominate me for Mother of the Year....not that you would.

THANK YOU....

A big thanks to my mom, Christie Walker, and Gina Michell who took care of my kids while I was out of town. I am blessed with such wonderful friends (and an amazing mom.) Thank you for making this happen for me!!!

The kids had an amazing time....here is a look inside their fun at Gina's house.


Ready for school!

Lexi in her ping tails.

Wake - Up time - 6AM!!!! Watching PBS....looking thrilled I might add.

Lexi & Dylan...

The kids miss you already!!! And lucky for us, since they know we are no where near as exciting as you guys, they have not resumed their 6am wake up call!

I'm coming home.

I've been gone since Sunday...out of town. Away from the kids. I miss them. Wouldn't you?




I'm coming home tomorrow girls! Save some funny faces for me!

I'm a SURVIVOR....

fan that is...



Anyone else watch it? Because this is the best season in YEARS!!! I watched Thursday's episode today. I was giddy. In disbelief. I loved every minute.

NYQUIL NO MORE!

Oh man. I am SICK! It came on like a hurricane. I thought I would help myself out by taking NYQUIL before bed last night so at least I could get some good sleep and try to fight it. Bad move.

I was HIGH as a kite. It made everything worse. My body felt like it was in 3 different dimensions at the same time. Some people like that sort of thing. I don't particularly enjoy it... especially when I'm trying to SLEEP!

So today should be interesting. I'm supposed to lead worship at church...don't think that's gonna work out! But if it does, you have herby witnessed a miracle.

THIS JUST IN - POTLUCK POSTPONED.

We have to postpone the potluck to Sunday evening, May 4th. Apparently, the RETROFEST is May 2nd...so that won't work.

Sunday evening at our house?

Bring yer' Green Bean Casserole, Mushroom Soup, Hamburger Helper, and KFC....

It's ON!

#37

Conversation.

H - See my new shirt. I get to keep it. I wear it on soccer days.
K - Did you have fun?
H- Yeah. At first I didn't know if I wanted to play because there we so many kids there.
K- Oh Really?
H - And then I decided that it was okay...
K- Oh good. So what did you learn?
H - I was on a team that didn't win. I wanted to win.


Okay...maybe she is like me afterall.

Soccer Mom.

I am officially a Soccer Mom.

Haley has been asking to play soccer for months now, and we got her signed up in Pee-Wee Soccer through the community.
Yeah...she's nothing like me. We tried ballet. She hated it. She was just in it to make other kids in her class laugh. She just wants to play sports. First swimming...now Soccer.

So today is Soccer Day. She even made art projects in celebration of "Soccer Day."

She took her happy nappy. Daddy came home. She woke up, and I got her dressed to go.

I love kids. If I was trying something new, I'd be so nervous. Not her...she is ready to go. I'm so proud of her for that. I got a little chocked up just thinking about it.

So Dad and Haley are gone...sunscreen and Gatorade in hand (Cause Sports people drink Gatorade, right?)

I'll let you know how it goes.

Happy Nappy.

Haley and I were both super tired yesterday, so we took a nap. She was headed to her room, and I said, "hey...i'll let you sleep with me today." So we read a couple of books, and then decided to call it quits. She put her arm around me and said "Happy Nappy." I laughed outloud. She said that's what Grandma Connie says to her. I think it is adorable.

We took another Happy Nappy today.

TODAI for.

Okay...maybe not To "die" for....but, I went to this all you can eat Sushi/Seafood place today called TODAI. I don't like buffets of any kind. Sushi ones scare me even more. But, Curtis went to TODAI last time he was in Vegas and loved it. So my pops and I took little Lex today along with a 15% off coupon I had and decided to give it a try.

My Review - I liked it. It had all kinds of food that I would never eat...especially all the crazy cooked stuff...

But believe me, I ate my money's worth in salmon. I think I had 12 pieces of Salmon sushi, and just didn't eat the rice. (There's nothing like knowing there is an endless amount of salmon sushi at your fingertips). I had some crunchy rolls, spicy tuny roll, and miso soup too.

And hey - it's 4 hours later, and I'm not sick. So, I guess Todai is on the approved list of eateries for us.

American Idol Recap.

Last Tuesday I was at American Idol. (sigh.)
Tonight, I watched on tv.

Dave Cook sang that song to me.
I love him. And He cries. Now I love him more.

Brooke...poor Brooke. I have had moments like that when I've been playing piano/singing.
So here's what happened. She got nervous (who wouldn't?) and her hands got ahead of her. She was a chord ahead several times.
It is the most frightening thing ever. She covered it well, but it weakened her performance.
I hope she pulls through.
But tonight might have been it for her.

Lastly, PLEASE people...stop calling in and voting for David Archuletta. I can't take much more.

Followup to CNN - Compassion Forum

If you didn't read the post below, read that one first.

I wrote in that post that Hillary's comment didn't bother me...the more I think about it, it did. Here's the deal. Politics suck. You have to try to be everything to everyone. You have to answer the question in a way that won't offend the one asking. What would have happened if Hillary looked at Eboo Patel and said, "Eboo...if we are serious about poverty, then it is going to require some adjustments and some sacrifices on our part. Are you willing to make that happen?"

Yeah. That wouldn't have gone over very well. So she talks politics. They all do. They find a nice, polished way to answer the question and tell the people what they want to hear. And we, in turn, drink the Kool-Aid.

I hate Kool-Aid.

I am not a Democrat. I am not a Republican. I live in the world of trying to find someone who my beliefs fall most in line with. I am looking for the candidate that is willing to answer the tough questions. I am looking for the one who is ready to go beyond what is comfortable and do what is right.

My aim in this blog is not to create a political controversy. I don't care who you vote for. You should vote your heart. But true change doesn't just happen in the Oval Office. It happens when everyday people like you and I decide to start doing what is right.

CNN - Compassion Forum

Okay...I didn't watch all of this, I was too busy blogging. But I caught a few minutes of it before I went to bed last night and I can't stop thinking about what I heard. So guess what? Now you get to hear what I heard and hopefully it will bother you too. I didn't want to paraphrase so I went to CNN.com and found the transcripts:

QUESTION: My name is Eboo Patel. I'm an American Muslim, and I lead an organization called the Interfaith Youth Core. And it's my privilege to watch a range of faith communities come together around the common value of compassion.

Americans of all faiths and no faith at all genuinely believe in compassion and want to apply that in addressing global poverty and climate change. Can we do that without changing our standard of living?

CLINTON: Well, I believe there is so much we can do that we're not doing that would not change our standard of living as an imposition from the outside, but which would inspire us to take action that would impact how we live.

Clinton went on to say more, but it wasn't her response that bothered me. It was Eboo Patels question. Read it again. Okay. Here is my problem....you can't truly believe in compassion and want to address HUGE issues like global poverty without changing your standard of living. It takes sacrifice. And if anyone ever wants this world to change, we must sacrifice.

For those of you familiar with Scripture...I am reminded of Luke 16:13
No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

Likewise...you can not call yourself compassionate without compassionate, sacrificial, kind-hearted acts at the center of your core. That must be who you are. And you MUST be willing to change your standard of living.

BUSTED

Apparently this is what my husband considers "work" while in Vegas. 

Is my daughter Catholic or tired?

Conversation before Bed:

H (daughter) - Mom...Jesus and God have their own houses.
K (me) - okay..
H- How does Jesus come out of heaven to get us?
K - I'm not quite sure how...we will have to wait and see.
H - but He is in our bellys. How is He also in heaven?
K - you mean our hearts?
H - yeah.
K- Jesus and God are everywhere...they are so powerful...they can be anywhere and everywhere at the same time.
H - Is there food in heaven?
K- Of course.
H- How do you know?
K -ummm...
H - Is Mary in heaven?
K- Oh, I'm sure she is.
H - (starting to cry)... I want to see Mary. I want to give her a hug and tell her I love her. Remember when you didn't let me hug her when she was in our driveway.
K - (thinking fast) you mean at the drive-thru (a Christmas tradition of our church)
H - YEs. The drive-thru. (still whimpering) You didn't let me hug her and that made me sad.
K - Well...the real Mary is in heaven, and you can hug her when we get there.
H - Okay. Mom....I need socks.

Time to Out Yourself.

After several discussions yesterday with people I didn't know, or people I didn't know were reading my blog...I figured it was time. Don't be scared. Leave a comment. It's easy. And everyone will think you are a hip cool cat because you read blogs and you know how to leave comments. Seriously. Do it.

A Formal Invitation

Since there were 22 comments posted on the Potluck Blog...I am hereby inviting anyone and everyone to our house, Friday, May 2nd for a Retro Church Potluck dinner. This is the RSVP list. Please put your name down, how many are coming, and the delightful dish that you will be bringing.

I might even make an exception and eat KFC in the spirit of Retro Potlucks. As a kid, I remember spotting that red & white bucket when I was in line and praying that there would still be some left by the time I got up to it. Who is with me? Who cut line so they could get to the red and white bucket first? Probably Kurt...that is his style. So who is bringing KFC?

BTW - if you have never been to a church potluck before...this is your chance to get a glimpse into some of our pasts...and may explain why we are who we are today....good and bad. :o)

Challenging Theology.

I'm in an interesting place in my life. I'm enjoying trying to really figure out what I believe. But I think what I am really trying to do is figure out God. I've got to get over the fact that I can not figure him out. But I still relish tough questions and the conversations that happen because of them.

I have yet to propose any of my questions online because I don't know who is reading this, and I don't want to mess with anyone's head. Mine is messy enough as it is. But I started reading Exodus again today. Inspired by the fact that 'The Prince of Egypt' was on tv today and Haley was asking me all kinds of questions. (P.S....try explaining the plagues to a 4 year old...not the easiest thing to do.)

But in my reading I was reminded of a question that a new believer asked me years ago... "Why did God harden Pharoah's heart?"
He (God) says that 10 times...here is one of the references:

But I will harden Pharoah's heart and though I multiply my miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt, he will not listen to you. Exodus 7:3-4

Okay Bible Scholars...new believers...seekers...whoever you are. Weigh in on this and let me know what you think.

Potluck anyone?

Inspired by a comment Laurel made on Kurt's blog...see comment below:

Side note: It dawned on us the other day that none of our children have partaken of the glory that is called "potluck". They've never experience potato salad 20 ways. Or mystery casserole and it's many lumpy cousins.

I feel sad for them.

I say we don't feel sad for them...we throw a raging potluck. Who is in????

God is moving.

He is moving in our church. I can feel it. I can sense it. This was a great weekend at our church. We still have an invitation time at the end of the service. I know - a lot of you cats don't do that anymore...but our leadership believes in it. I have noticed a huge increase in people coming forward the past couple of months.

Today I was leading the invitation song, and as one person would come forward, and a decision counselor would leave with them, then another decision counselor would step out. Then another person would come forward....and the cycle kept repeating itself. God was moving. People's hearts are being changed. I love being a part of it.

We taught a new (for us) song this weekend - God of this City. If you haven't heard it, download it now on ITUNES. Chris Tomlin recorded it for Passion. It is so powerful. I know it is convicting hearts all over this country...today it worked on the hearts of people in our church.

I am really praying for God to unleash his power on our church. I truly believe that:
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this city.

Use us God.

New Things I Love.

Sara Bareilles. I LOVE her. Have the album. There is nothing weak about it. Strong lyrics. Cute girl. Plays piano. Tight band. All things good. Love it. Here is her pic.
You've probably heard her song...on the radio or tv.
I'm not gonna write you a love song
'cause you asked for it
'cause you need one, you see
I'm not gonna write you a love song
'cause you tell me it's
Make or break in this
If you're on your way
I'm not gonna write you to stay
If all you have is leaving I'm gonna need a better
Reason to write you a love song today
If you like singer/songwriter/folsky-sounding pianoness....you will like this cd. Get it.

Secondly, I love coffee. You know that. I don't have enough money to go to Starbucks everyday like I wish I could. So, I got a coupon for a free iced coffee at McDonalds. The irony - I hate McDonalds. Hate the greasy nastiness. But, I have a free coupon, so I will try the coffee. I got the coffee flavored iced coffee.

Yeah, it's delicious. And even if I had to pay for it, it would have been $2.04. Which is cheaper than my $3.95 fave at Sbux. So...if I had 2 a week, that is saving...$3.82 a week. $15.28 a month. $183.86 a year. What a deal.
The only downside...I can't go to MC'Ds with my kids, cause then they will want some of the nastiness. Bummer. What's a girl to do?

My husband rocks.

He just brought me Starbucks, Flowers, and is sitting down watching "Step it Up and Dance" with me. I love him.

Fun in the Sun.

It just never gets old.  What a privilege to live close to Disney.

Highlights:

Hanging with Jen, Brian (Dodo), and Emily

Disney's Playhouse

Soaring Over California (Haley truly believes we are flying)

Star Tours (Dodo & Haley)

ICE CREAM TREATS

The Parade

Buzz Lightyear

Too much fun.

Waiting in line for ice cream.



Dodo took this while we were riding Soarin' with Auntie Jen & Haley.



Haley at the entrance of California Adventure.



Just chillin...watching the parade


Uncle Dodo, Auntie Jen, Cousin Emily, and the girls.

There's nothing to say...

So I am addicted, and I mean seriously addicted to Addelle's Chicken & Apple Sausages.  Besides Sushi, it is all I ever want to eat.  I mean, I have eaten sausages for 5 different meals this week.  3 of those meals were back to back. Can't get enough.  

As I was bringing the girls home from Disneyland today, I asked Curtis to (surprise, surprise) make sausages for dinner.  Much to his dismay, he did.

When I got home, we sat down to eat.

Here is a conversation I overheard between Curtis & Haley...some of you will think it's funny...if you're offended, I apologize. 

C - Okay, Haley...time to eat.

H - My sausages are all cut up. 

C -  I know...I cut them up for you.

H- (noticing Daddy's food was not cut up) Wow Daddy...you have such a big sausage.  

As Joel McHale would say..."There's nothing to say." 

THE AI Gang.

These are the girls I went to AI with... Christie & Rachel.  This was taken at our yummy sushi spot - KADO TAI.   They are cute aren't they?  Too bad I look like their mom. 

American Idol REWIND.

So I've had a few requests our adventure to American Idol. This is my version of REWIND.

Yesterday:
Curtis calls. We have tickets to American Idol. Lisa (who is a professional violinist that we have become friends with since she plays occasionally at our church) got us in. We have 6 tickets. We have more than 4 friends who like AI. So I was out of the selection process. Curtis asked people that he knew could take the time off and actually wanted to go. Those people ended up being: Me, Curtis, My Dad, Matt & Christie Walker, and since our friend JJ couldn't go, his girlfriend Rachel went.

Slight pause to thank both of our Moms for helping out with the girls today - YOU ROCK!

Today:
Meet at 10:30. Pile in our rockin' Mini Van and head to LA.
10:42 - Stop at Starbucks. YES! (hand in fist drawing arm down by my side...picture it.)
12ish - arrive at the Grove in LA.
SUSHI for lunch. Life could NOT be better.
1:30 - Tell security our name is on the list...get moved to the front of the line. Even though they claim there is no list. (HINT - for future tapings..just mention you are on a list and see what happens...they NEVER checked our name.)
1:32 - walking in line...walk past all the trailers/cars for Dancing With the Stars. As we were waiting, we saw Mario & Adam Carolla. Adam gave the boys a wave...they were happy.
2ish - we are moved into the studio. Smaller studio than it appears on camera...but that is always the case. Lights are on...moved to center seats, right behind where the judges sit. PERFECT.
2:30 - The "idols" start coming on stage. This is for REHEARSAL.
SIDEBAR - our tickets were for Rehearsal not the show.

Rehearsal begins and Ryan walks out. Wearing jeans, Virgina Tech t-shirt, and Black zip up hoodie. My stomach had butterflies. You've got to understand, I have liked Ryan for years and years...back to when he was on a local radio station here. I think he is SO funny, charming, and sweet. I tease Curtis that I have a crush on him. But you don't need to think I am a bad wife...it is innocent. I know who my man is.
Back to Rehearsal.
Ryan is onstage. Everyone is screaming at him. When it quiets down, Curtis, my darling husband yells "MY WIFE LOVES YOU."
Ryan - WHO?
Curtis - MY WIFE
(My hands are covering my face...I'm bright red and feel like I'm going to throw up.)
Ryan - OH YEAH...WE'VE (hear that - WE'VE) been meaning to talk to you about that!
(We're a WE!!!!!)
It was a beautiful moment.

Then they start the dress rehearsal...start to finish...just like the show.

My thoughts (and I will compare from rehearsal to performance)
Michael Jons - good - better in rehearsal.
Sayesha - very good - slightly better in rehearsal.
Jason - same both times...sweet.
Kristy - not a fan, but she made me cry in rehearsal..the line about "sing a song they won't remember tomorrow...sing it anyway" got to me...it was WAY better in rehearsal...but I still enjoyed it.
Dave Cook - LOVE HIM. Song was not the best choice. Better show than rehearsal.
Carly - better in rehearsal. She can sing but I'm not a fan. She looks MEAN.
Dave - also not a fan. CREEPY REHEARSAL MOMENT - before he sang, they had a bunch of girls crowd around him...but some weirdo moms (older than me) snuck in and had their hands on him. Creeped us out. The boys started yelling Dateline. Glad to see there were no older mom types all over him when the show aired.
Brooke - Fun rehearsal moment - As she was getting up to perform, there was a big break. So Matt yelled for Lisa (our violinist friend who was rehearsing.) Brooke says, " Oh you're here for Lisa? And we said yes. And she said, "Oh, she is great." And we said, "We're here for you too! And Dave...And Ryan. :o)

It was a fun rehearsal. Quite relaxed and fun to have them chat with us. We enjoyed seeing the show before the rest of the world. We were actually hoping we'd get to see the show with the rest of the world, but we couldn't figure out how to sneak back in. We were a big group, and a noisy group. So that made it more difficult to sneak in quietly. We thought about trying to get into Dancing With The Stars...but we were slightly under dressed, and Matt called it Dancing with the Boring.

So we headed to the Farmers Market...had some dinner, walked through the Grove where we saw Danny Bonaduchi, the lady from Poltergeist, and Ben Vereen.

Then we hopped in the car...paid an enormous parking fee, and headed home.

It was a great day...

American Idol

Yeah...I'm going tomorrow.

Guess who I get to see????




Oh yeah...and Brooke White & Dave Cook.

Sock after Sock after Sock.

I am doing laundry. Over the course of 3 loads, I have 32 socks with no matches. Seriously...a giant mound of socks are sitting on my coffee table. They are mostly kids socks. I think tiny trolls live in my dryer and steal them.

Who are these people?

No seriously...who are they?

Let me introduce you...

to my college friends...

These are pictures that Jen just sent me (Remember, I still have no camera...) of last week's adventures!


This is my BFF Jen (Bunch) Tompkins...I think she looks adorable in this pic, but I'm guessing she would like me to tell you that she is 6 months pregnant.. she's not the biggest fan of her pregnancy pics. BTW - she is having a girl.


This is Jen's son Carson and Haley. They were "repairing" her bike with tools and ICE?


We had a BBQ at our house Sunday night...this is everyone that came over.
From left to right - Chris & Ember Williams, Curtis, JJ & Rachel (dating), Trent, Jen, & Carson, Kipp & Sarah (holding Lexi and Carlee) Jaime & Ashley's daughter, Ashley, Jaime, & Kenna are behind me and Haley.

The Next Day...Disneyland


Love for Tigger & Pooh



Off to the Parade

4:07 pm.

I am still in my pajamas.

Yuppie Kids.

It started when Haley was a baby. We lived down the street from the most delicious sushi restaurant. We went all the time. Seriously...they had our own fancy chopsticks in a locked cabinet. When Haley started eating solids, the owner brought her out some tofu in a bowl. It kinda scared me...but he assured us all of his kids enjoyed it. And sure enough, she was a fan. So we ate our sushi and she ate tofu.

Our love affair with sushi has continued. Now both girls like it. Unfortunately, it is a pricey habit, so we have to be creative about how we order. But the kids LOVE miso soup, edamames (Lexi calls them "mommys"), and california rolls. They also enjoy going to teppan restaurants. I'm not quite as in to teppan (As Jen Tompkins pointed out last week...I don't like food that is cooked.) That is true. I'm not much of a meat eater, and if I'm gonna eat fish, I prefer it raw. However, my kids like teppan because they cook it in front of them. They enjoy the fire and the show.

Their Grandparents enjoy it too. They have gone with both of our parents to different restaurants, but lately, they have been talking Bruce and Connie into taking them to J Toyko for lunch every Wednesday. It is a Japanese restaurant here in town. They love it. In fact, they talk about it all the time. Haley's preschool director was asking me about J Tokyos the other day, because Haley had told her how excited she was to eat there. Then my friend Gina who had Haley with her on Thursday said that Haley was requesting J Tokyos for lunch. Gina had never heard of the place. How about El Pollo Loco instead, she asked. Literally, as they were pulling out of the parking lot, with their lunch in the car that Gina was so generous to buy for them, Haley is still begging to go to J Tokyos. Oddly enough, I've never eaten there with her. It must be good though...check out some of these pics from last Wednesday's lunch.


This picture makes me laugh...she is obviously very happy with her soup!

Hot Date

The best thing possible for our marriage is alone time. We've really been trying to make room for that the past few months by having a date night. Last night we went to Sushi (shocking I know) and then saw Leatherheads. (Celeste - my review is Strong/Weak in a Way.) It is just so nice to be alone, have adult conversation, and share some laughs...it always reminds us of the reason we fell in love long ago. It can be costly, but it's well worth it. I'd rather pay a little money (for a babysitter and whatever we do that night) than have a struggling marriage.

If you haven't been alone with your spouse in a while...I highly recommend it. To my friends with kids around here...I'm always up for a co-op. (Taking turns watching each other's kids so we don't have to pay for babysitting.) Let me know!

I am giddy.

For 2 reasons:

1. New Kids on the Block were on the Today Show this morning....I felt like I was 13 all over again. Mark your calendars now for their May 16th performance on the TODAY show.

2. I live in HB. I drove downtown this morning on my way to drop Haley off at school. I can't believe I live here. Now, I am walking downtown to meet Gina Michell for breakfast at the Shack. What a life.

Like Father...Like Daughter....

7pm and lights out!

The kids are wiped. It is 7:12....they are out! Mom is happy...but wishing Curtis was home to enjoy the quiet with me.

Another Day Another Surgery

zzzzzzzzz (that was actually Lexi typing.)
So as you can see or read, she is fine. Maybe just a little tired since she is typing about zzzzz's.

So we woke our precious angel up at 6:45 and drove over to the hospital. She was as sweet as could be. They checked her in and gave her some loopy meds to give her temporary amnesia...so she doesn't hate doctors or hospitals after this experience. It was quite funny watching the meds kick in. She was high as a kite...but very smiley and happy. The doctor who is the most laid back doctor I have EVER seen, was like "Oh wow...she is so chilled out. That's cool." I'm thinking, okay, you are cool too...just don't be too laid back that you mess up on my daughter.

Then the anesthesiologist comes in...sweet as can be. Older Gentleman playing peek-a-boo with his mask with Lex. (The peek a boo game started when she insisted that he put his mask "on." She's very OCD.) He was great until he started in on all the risks...you know, strokes, paralysis, death...all things that parents LOVE to hear about! But he was reassuring, and we weren't too worried. But in the back of your head, you're thinking...there is always a chance.

By now, Lexi is ready to go back to surgery, and we go sit in the waiting room. A couple minutes later, another mom walked out whose 8 or 9 year old son was having some sort of procedure. We exchanged the comforting mom glance. You know the one...the one that says, I know..I'm worried too. She was a little more freaked out than I and her tears started making me a little nervous. Luckily, the good Lord knew I needed a distraction. And so he scheduled George Clooney to be on the Today show and had that segment play while I was sitting in the waiting room. It was a nice distraction. :)

About 20 minutes later, I heard a familiar cry. A couple minutes later, a nurse came and got us and reminded us that ALL kids cry when they wake from Anesthesia. And oh my, was she right. Lexi was quite sad. Mostly from being disoriented, they reassured us. She was dazed and confused...crying and screaming for Mommy and Daddy. She cried and cried. About 10 minutes into it, they gave her some juice which calmed her down. And then she took a bite of a graham cracker. I knew we were gonna be okay.

The doctor came over and said she did great. He said there was a lot of fluid in both ears...so this is going to even help her to hear better. YEAH! I feel affirmed that we made the right decision. Then, a nice nurse named Susan came over to talk to Curtis and I to tell us how much she enjoys us singing at church. That was sweet. Almost a reminder...a gentle nudge from God saying...I'm here for you...in the big and the small things. Always here.

We were told we could go home. I don't think Lexi has ever been happier to get in her car seat. She was nice and relaxed until Curtis pulled over at Newport Burgers to get some coffee and breakfast sandwiches. When he brought me my coffee...Lexi protested that she wanted juice. So she got juice. In between her sips of juice, she was chanting "HOME...HOME...HOME."

We finally got home, and she headed straight for Molly. The ultimate "LOVEY" and snuggled up with her. Well, first she "bounce like Tigger" on Molls, then she gave her some love.

She has since requested to watch Woody. So she's having a nice relaxing sick day watching Toy Story snacking on a bowl of Cheerios.

All is well. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!

Little Lex

Lexi is getting tubes in her ears tomorrow (Thursday) at 7am. She has had 15 ear infections in the past year, so this is our last option. For those of you who have asked what getting tubes requires, the description is below.

If you want to say a little prayer for her, we'd appreciate it!

Tube Process:
Your child will receive general anesthesia. This means the surgery will be performed in a hospital so that an anesthesiologist can monitor your child. Typically the procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The surgeon will make a small hole in the eardrum and remove fluid from the middle ear using suction. Because the surgeon can reach the eardrum through the ear canal, there is no visible incision or stitches. The surgeon will finish by inserting a small metal or plastic tube into the hole in the eardrum.
After the procedure, your child will wake up in the recovery area. In most cases, the total time spent in the hospital is a few hours. Extremely young children or those with significant medical problems may stay for a longer period.

Where does she get it from?

Connie sent some pics recently...she was amused by the resemblance.

Disney Day.

I don't have a camera. It is broken. So I am relying on the pictures of friends to get me through this difficult time. :o)
Today, we went to Disneyland - 18 of us. It was crazy, chaotic, and fun all at the same time. There was still massive Spring Break traffic, but we managed to do everything we wanted! It was awesome.

I think the highlight of the day was the parade. It was Disney magic at it's best. What joy to watch Haley who now knows and thinks she is "best friends" with all of the characters...see her friends in "real life." And to look at Carson (Jen & Trent's son) who was experiencing Disney for the first time, was just so special. Tanner did an awesome pre-show for us as well...since he is walking, he is on the GO and parading up and down the street while waiting for the parade to begin.

Jaime, Ashley, and their girls left earlier in the day...as well as JJ, Rachel, and the little girl she babysits. But we did get some pics of the kids earlier in the day in Toontown. This gives you an idea of all the crazy kid fun we had. Rachel sent these to me on Facebook.




P.S. Speaking of the characters and Haley's knowledge of them. When we walked into the park, we saw "Kowwella Deville" from 101 Dalmations. We watched this movie when Haley was in the hospital. I loathed it. I didn't realize how crass Cruella was and all the inappropriate things she says (for the ears of a 4 yr. old.) But, Haley likes everyone. Including villians. She wanted to see Kowwella. But we really wanted to catch up with the rest of our friends at the park. I took Haley to the bathroom where she proceeded to beg and plead her case. You see, she and Kowwella are "best friends"

Conversation:

Me - I didn't even know you were friends.
Haley -Mom...(Said like a 14 year old...half sighing.) She wears a dog coat, and I even know what she holds in her hand. (Which is one of those old-school cigarette holders).
Me- "Oh really?" I ask. What does Cruella hold in her hand?
Haley - "A magic wand."
Kristi - Oh cool. Well, you can see Cruella and her magic wand next time we're here.
Haley - (now crying) BUT SHE'S MY BEST FRIEND.
Kristi - I know. I know.

We're going back tomorrow for the conclusion of DisneyFest 08. Maybe we'll run into her best friend again.