The Daily Jack

Me and Jack do this thing where we say "I love you clear to...." and we insert some far away place. This was his tonight:

Jack: I love you clear back to San Francisco, driving, not flying.

That is far...I'm so lucky.

Skate Park

One of our "great finds" in California was this skate park. If Jack had his way (which he usually did) he would have picked to go here every single day. I loved watching my little guy ride around with the big kids, trying new things and getting braver every day. This is one of the qualities I love most about Jack. His determination. If there is something he wants to try, there's really no stopping him. Sometimes it might take a little nudge...but he always goes for it. I hope he keeps this attutude throughout life. This first picture makes me laugh. I thought it was so cute that Jack and this other little boy were sitting on the ledge trying to be like the big kids...until I realized the big kids were rolling their own joints, then it wasn't so cute anymore!

These are the things that do my heart good...

Even after a day of driving each other CRAZY

there is no denying the bond between

HIM & HER

The Daily Jack

Jack: Mom, I want to go to high school so bad. I can't wait to see what's in there.

{he is fascinated with the new high school that was just built in our city}

Don't grow up too fast little man.

Welcome November

Here it is...the start of my FAVORITE time of year. Chilly air, comfy sweaters, hot drinks, scarves and hats, fireplace on all day, holiday decorating, family parties, shopping for the perfect gift, snuggling with my kids while watching nostalgic holiday movies, scented candles, watching the snow fall, rosy cheeks, giving thanks and celebrating the birth...I LOVE IT ALL.

While I was doing a little blog stalking this morning, I came across this quote and it has stuck with me, so I thought I would share.

picture credit :: this cute blog

Religion has been on my mind a lot lately. Mostly because of this book. It's a must read. It will deepen your own beliefs and is the perfect way to start this season of GRATITUDE and LOVE. There is no way you could read this book and NOT feel very blessed...

So grab a comfy sweater, plop in front of the fireplace with anything pumpkin spiced and warm and read away.

The Daily Jack

Jack: Mom, I can't do this anymore

Me: What can't you do?

Jack: Live here anymore, if people are going to make you cry (see post below)

Heart melting...

Come on people...

Here's the story. Me and the kids were on a walk, and decided to pop into Quiznos to grab a sandwich to take back home for lunch. I sat the kids at a table, and then went to the counter to order. I had my back turned to the kids while I was carefully choosing cheese, when I hear "You're just gonna let your kid climb on the table like that? People have to eat here." I knew the comment was meant for me, since I am almost always the only one around with kids, so I turned and saw Halle on the table. I quickly walked over, snagged her off the table, and went back to finish my order. Only now, my face is starting to feel hot and I am on the verge of tears. This is a TINY Quiznos, and the guy who yelled at me made sure to say it loud enough so EVERYONE could hear...so now everyone is uncomfortable and the worker behind the counter is smiling, I'm not sure if he's trying to make me feel better or trying not to laugh at me, but all I can think of is I gotta get out of here before I cry in front of everyone. Halle is screaming cause she wants to get down and go sit with Jack. My tears are closer to the surface now and I'm all flustered. There are a million things in my head that I would love to turn and say to this guy, but instead I grab my sandwiches and kids and get out....just in time to cry all the way home. WHY? Why am I like this? Why can't I stick up for myself when I feel like someone is being mean? Ugh. The fact that I didn't say anything isn't even what bothers me the most...it's that so many people here do not value children, or at least that's the feeling I get from them. They can let their dumb dogs run around every store and restaurant, but heaven forbid my kid touch anything. It's funny...in Utah a lot of people are scared of dogs...but here, a lot of people are scared of kids. There have been so many times when Jack would say hi to a stranger walking past him, and they act like he doesn't exist. He would say "Mom why did they not say hi to me...people in California are mean". Thankfully we have run into some nice people along the way, that took the time to acknowledge him.

The bottom line is if you expect me to not be offended when your dog sniffs my crotch, don't be offended when my kid says hi to you, or climbs on a table in a restaurant. I'm doing the best I can people...give me a break. And say hi back. He's harmless, really...

{WEEK SEVEN}

Our adventures for this week took us to Muir Woods and Stinson Beach. Jack was excited because Randy told us that Muir Woods is where some of Star Wars was filmed. Who knows if that was true...we all pretty much believe anything Randy tells us!

This was Halle on the way home...think she had had enough??

{WEEK SIX}

This was the first time Randy was going to be gone...leaving me in this place all alone. So...Mom came to the rescue. We were all really missing her, so it was good to have her all to ourselves for a few days. We went to this awesome Harvest Festival in Half Moon that I had heard a lot about. So much fun stuff for the kids to do. It was a great day, ending with clam chowder at Sam's. The next day we went to Build A Bear and she let the kids each make one. We hadn't ever done this before...they loved it...Jack chose a polar bear and named him Jack O Lantern and Halle chose a pink bear and named her Pink (I know, she's so creative right?). Another night, we put the kids to bed early and watched Meet Joe Black. I couldn't believe my mom hadn't seen it. Hello, Brad Pitt. We were sad to see her go, but loved the time we got to spend with her.

{WEEK FIVE}

headed to southern cal to meet up with the harts . a day in the magic kingdom . kids in heaven with their friends from home . jedi training . dancing in the parade . paying way too much for a tiny minnie doll . staying at an awesome house in laguna hills . swimming and roasting marshmellows . halle giving amy lots of snuggs . beach day . watching a surfing competition . the whole gang headed up to san fran . lots of playing at the park and swimming . kellen thinking he could swim . two mommies jumping in the water fully clothed to get him . girls night out for a yummy dinner with amy . brusKetta . junior gym . laughter and love . making memories with dear friends