What's mine... isn't really mine

Yes, that is Ian playing my computer (even though the kids have their own). Oh, and yes, that is Connor playing my iPhone - my iPhone!!! I guess when you become a mom, nothing is your own anymore...

They sure are cute though!

Do You Remember... the LEGEND?

So, when I first heard of Michael Jackson's passing, I wasn't terribly affected. Yes, I was in awe like everyone else, but I can't say I had any other emotions about it at the time. Since then, and especially today while watching the amazing tribute to him during his memorial service, my emotions have become a lot stronger. I wouldn't say I am emotional on a personal level, because I, like millions of others, had thought him QUITE strange as of late. I would say my emotions stem more from the sadness of what the media, and such a life as he had in the spotlight, can do to such a talented person.

Michael Jackson was truly a musical GENIUS, and after today, that's how I will remember him. I choose to forget all the strange things that have surrounded his life in the past few years, and will only remember him for all of the truly LEGENDARY things he did in his life. That is how I will pay my tribute to him. I will remember him this way:

Yes, I proudly displayed this poster on my wall

at one point in my teenage years...

RIP Michael - you will be sorely missed by many.

May you finally find the peace you deserve!

I Wanna Rock & Roll all Night...and so I will!

I got Chris Rock Band 2 for his birthday a few weeks ago, not because I had any interest in it whatsoever, but because he really wanted it. Well, guess what... it's pretty stinking fun!! We, along with our good friends and band mates, the Ukenas, have become QUITE addicted. I never thought I would be that parent who lets her kids stay up late, running wild, because I couldn't stop playing a game. Well, I'm not gonna lie, it has happened once or twice as of late...

Happy Birthday!

Today, on your birthday, I just want to wish you the best day and tell you how much I love you and how great the last 15 years have been.  We've made a lot of great memories, and I look forward to many more! Thanks for being such an admirable man and outstanding father. Always remember, the kids and I are your four biggest fans and we couldn't ask for anything more!!

Happy 40th - WE LOVE YOU!!!!

Disney Mania!

So, we recently got back from a long awaited and much anticipated trip to DisNeyLanD. The last time we went, Elise was 5 and Ian was 2. Needless to say, it was basically all new to them. We spent one night (which happened to be my birthday) with old friends at the Rainforest Cafe. The kids thought it was pretty cool. The dad thought it was overpriced and overrated, but still fun. :) (Thanks for joining us Lizzie).

We also spent one morning at Huntington Beach. The kids loved playing in the sand and running in the waves. Mom loved lying on the beach with a magazine just being lazy! It made me realize that the beach/ocean is probably the thing I miss most about So Cal.

We were also able to spend some time with cousins in Nevada. They were gracious enough to put us up for a night on each end of the trip. We had a really great time with them! Uncle Greg even took us out on his boat one day, to Lake Mead. Elise and Connor LOVED that, Ian... not so much. Connor was so relaxed, he even fell asleep on the boat! (Look for that priceless pic in the slideshow below).

All in all, we had a FABULOUS time. We even managed to dodge the swine flu - BONUS!!! I think Chris even found himself having fun once or twice during the trip... :) Just teasing, Chris, I love ya. Thanks for the memories!

"Black & Blue" is the new Black

Now that the weather is getting warmer, I'm excitedly putting my kids in all their cute summer clothes and I'm noticing the typical childhood bruises on their little legs.  That's to be expected, right?  After all, they are kids.

But, Connor isn't looking so normal to me.  The poor kid's legs are embarrassing, not to mention his arms and head.  I wouldn't even put him in shorts if he wasn't so stinkin' cute in them.  I'm pretty sure people think I'm abusing the kid.

Well, today was an EPIC day for bruises.  We were eating lunch at Cafe Rio with a friend and all was well...until Connor fell off of his chair, hitting my friend's chair on the way down. Luckily she was able to grab him before he hit the concrete floor.  He let out a blood curdling scream (which was the first indication I had that he had even fallen because I was dealing with my other child at the time).  I picked him up and was holding him when I realized that half of the restaurant was staring at me.  One lady even turned to me and pointed out a pretty big goose egg on the side of his head.  She suggested I get some ice for him.  I then proceeded to tell her that said goose egg was from a couple of days ago.  The one from this particular incident was in the middle of his head, (somewhat resembling a Unicorn's horn), and wasn't quite finished growing yet.  I finally got him calmed down from the fall just in time to see him smack his eye on the corner of the table.  ENCORE!!! ENCORE!!!  The patrons of Cafe Rio really got their money's worth today...  

So, the reason for my post is to assure you that I have not/nor do I plan to beat my son, and to ask that, when you see us, you kindly resist the urge to call CPS!!!  :)

Just your typical lunch at Cafe Rio??  At least he can smile about it...  :)

Even the poor kid's feet are bruised!