Ferry Boats & Ferris Wheel

Jessica was very excited to go on a family adventure. The boys were much less enthusiastic. "Where are we going?" they'd ask in their disgruntled voices. I spent little time on the sales pitch about how fun it would be today to go somewhere we haven't been before and instead encouraged them to get brushing their teeth and finding their shoes. Their Nintendo DS was invited to ride with us in the car too, if they got their games packed up.

We drove down to Newport Beach onto Balboa Island and then across the ferry to Balboa Peninsula. They did think it was cool that the van got to ride on the boat too. I told them it was like crossing a street, only on water. James had horrific images of being trapped on a ship for hours. Once across we took turns riding the ferris wheel. There are a number of us that are afraid of heights and at least one of us who gets dizzy/motion sick. But we each opted to ride the ferris wheel and enjoy the ocean views. Jake and I went first. We had the whole wheel to ourselves. Each time rushing up gave that whoosh in the pit of your stomach like on an elevator. Next Jon took Jessica & James. Other guests rode along, so they actually had to stop at the top a time or two.

We visited the Balboa Candy Co. and selected yummy treats. Then we continued our walk out past Peninsula Park and to the Pier. There were actually breezes that reflected the autumn season. How refreshing and kind of chilling. The ocean was beautiful and seemed to help reset my inner clock.

So if you need something to do for about $30 & a 1/4 tank of gas. Try this.

Being the Mother

I told Jessica that she couldn't watch a television show. I had my reasons, but she had her rebuttal. She said, "You are a nice mother. Why did you change into a mean mother? The mother is supposed to be nice and kind."

Working Overtime

For years I have been working the job of my dreams. I get paid EXACTLY zero dollars and zero cents per hour. Overtime clocks in at the same rate. My annual income is very reliable - zero dollars and zero cents. With the economy crashing and many jobs at risk, I thankfully am still busy as ever.

I've been on overdrive this week. So far I've missed one physical therapy appointment & one Scout Pack Meeting because I have been learning all about Thomas Bradley (the first African American Mayor of Los Angeles). It was essentially a research paper with title page and bibliography + oral presentation + craft project (make a paper doll to use creatively in your presentation). When James & I work on one of these assignments, I need the world to stop spinning. I was going WAY crazy when I was supposed to be coaching him through and the baby was crying, Dora was singing, and dinner wasn't getting prepared. Time was still ticking. But finally THAT is done. Still to come: chemo treatment (a half day event), root beer float party to celebrate James' great presentation at school, physical therapy appointment, choir rehearsal, a bit o' laundry, and somehow I've got to get out a see Twilight.

I was also racing the clock to finish my Blurb book that I started last March. I really wanted it to count for journal writing and scrapbooking. It's supposed to be easy to "slurp" your blog. The software drops all your entries into templates. But I'm a perfectionist and I have to rearrange things. I have to have more pics on a page. So I have to do a bunch of manual work. This book is 130 pages and only covers Sept-Dec of my blog LAST year. My deadline was when the clock struck midnight because that's when my $10 off coupon expired.

Yeah for me. Finished preview and spell check at 11:38 p.m. Oh no. Now it could take up to 30 minutes to upload?! Especially if you have LOTS of pictures. Oops. Don't tell me that I stayed up on Monday until 2 a.m. and on Tuesday until 1 a.m. and my coupon code is going to get rejected....

I would just like to thank the nice people at Blurb for processing my request at 12:18 a.m. and STILL accepting the promotion code. Book is on it's way via regular ground shipping. I finished something. Someone call the boss and tell him I need a raise.

It's Cool to Have the Same Friend for a Long Long Time

My friend Angela was in town for business a few weeks ago. I feel twice blessed since I was able to meet her for cheesecake AND I got together with her earlier this year when I was in Utah. We met when I was in the fifth grade. It was best to play tetherball and four square with her because she was so good and made me better. She moved for a number of years and then came back when we were Juniors (i think) in High School. I always thought it a compliment when people thought we looked like sisters.

She brought along a little gift. It's Hilary Week's newest CD. I got an autographed copy because Angela is a personal friend of Hilary's.



I instantly connected with the song, Just Let Me Cry. I could relate to every word. I've cried for a plethora of reasons- from deep in my soul ache to relief in the simplest joys. The melody will tug on your heartstrings. Let me share her lyrics:

I believe that everything happens for a reason
We're not just tossed by the wind or left in the hands of fate
But sometimes life sends a storm that's unexpected
And we're forced to face our deepest pain

When I feel the heartache begin to pull me under
I dig my heels in deep and I fight to keep my ground
Still at times the hurt inside grows stronger
And there's nothing I can do but let it out

Just let me cry
I know it's hard to see
But the pain I feel
Isn't going away today
Just let me cry
Till every tear has fallen
Don't ask when and don't ask why
Just let me cry

When I agreed that God could put this heart inside me
I understood that there would be a chance that it would break
But I know He knows exactly how I'm feeling
And I know in time He'll take the pain away
But for now

Chorus

I have felt joy the kind that makes my heart want to sing
And so my tears are not a surrender
I'll feel that way again
But for now
For this moment

Chorus

I believe that everything happens for a reason

I wish that you could hear it all for yourself. It's simply beautiful. And YOU are in luck. My friend Angela is having a GIVEAWAY on her blog. Leave her a comment and be entered to win a signed CD for yourself. Yeah!!

Just So You Know

We made play-doh WEEKS ago - like the beginning of October. Just so you know, it is still soft and usable. Pics are from back then too. I'll share the recipe below.





















Play Dough
1 c. water
1 c. four
1/4 c. salt
2 T. cream of tartar
1 T. oil
Food Coloring

Cook 3-5 minutes in a sacepan. When it starts to ball up and pull away from sides, remove from heat and knead. For color add 2 teaspoons food coloring.

Did Someone Get a Flu Shot?

I know my kids think that a day off of school means a day full of tv & video games. While I feel there was plenty of that, they also got to go get a flu shot. Yeah!!! I'm so going to be hated for that one. I didn't tell them (of course) that was where we were headed. I didn't want to carry all of them into the pediatrician's office. James did need a follow-up on his ear infections. He asked me, "so why does Jessica have to come too?" James figured it out early. As soon as Jessica found out that one of the shots was for her, she was ready to dart out of there in a flash. I had to chase her, carry her to my chair while she kicked her legs, and hold her tightly to me. "NO, NO, NO!!!!" My hand was holding her face against my chest so she wouldn't turn toward her arm. Her eyes were big as saucers.

For the finale we had Jayson's shot. I scooped him onto my lap, got hold of his arms, and exposed his thigh. He leaned into me and looked up into my eyes. He barely flinched. No crying. No screaming. No need to stay and nurse for a few minutes. What we didn't know THEN, is that he intended to be whiny, clinging, and fussy ALL DAY LONG today. Add his sore gums to that and it made for a long day for both of us.

Some of you may be asking, "Did Jacob get a flu shot? The answer is no. His oncologist is of the opinion that he goes through so many pokes already, that he can sit that one out if the rest of the family gets theirs.

Honoring Our Veteran

I know I've posted a couple of these photos before of Grandpa, but seriously - we can never get enough of him. What a joy it was for me to see him in the Parade on the 4th of July. What a fun city parade. They even topped it off with a HUGE water fight. (I've been meaning to share these pics - well, since July).

Just Another Crazy Day

5:00 a.m. - Nursing baby. James runs in to announce that Jacob is vomiting. Jon goes.
7:00 a.m. - Kids' breakfast. Family prayers. Jon off to catch train for work meeting. The flat tire from yesterday is holding. I put on shoes with pjs and drive James to school.

Morning Stuff - dishes, diapers, folding blankets, e-mail, view insurance claims (really? I get to pay $130 for my foot x-rays), re-edit fairy photo, nurse baby & let him sleep curled up on my chest, get dressed, curl hair, pack lunch box, argue with Jessica about the need to brush hair and teeth, pick up yogurt wrappers, wipe floor under high chair, dress baby, fall off the "no simple sugars" wagon & eat boxed cold cereal & granola bars with chocolate - OOPS! Clean up salad and dressing that Jessica got out.

Noon - preschool, return library books, listen to screaming baby in car, video store
1:00 p.m. - Watch part of "Journey to the Center of the Earth," nurse baby, talk on phone with sister, slice bell peppers
2:30 p.m. - Call from Jon - train delayed won't be home in time for me to leave kids home while I run carpool.
2:40 p.m. - School is out. Jacob sick and doesn't want to get in car. Call friends from school with cell phones. Leave messages on cell phones. Reach neighbor who agrees to go get James just as other friend returns phone call. Jacob barfing in the sink. Baby nursing so he isn't crying into the phone (and is he having a growth spurt??? why so mommy insistent?)
3:00 p.m. James home. Jon home. Jayson & I go to run preschool carpool.
3:30 p.m. Kids watching "Journey to the Center of the Earth" - I still haven't seen the whole thing. Jon leaves to go get formerly flat tire and currently less than perfect tire fixed because we bought the warranty.
4:00 p.m. Scrambled eggs for everyone except Jessica.

Afternoon Stuff - trip over blankets, pick up yogurt wrappers, return milk to fridge, empty dishwasher, load dishes, gather laundry, other stuff I can't remember anymore. Call pediatrician to schedule flu shots, but have to leave message on machine. Call to cancel physical therapy because it ain't gonna happen tonight.

5:30 p.m. Jessica screaming in time out. Jayson screaming anytime I put him down. Soda all over the table and kitchen tile. More plates, bowls, cups, napkins, and yogurt wrappers on the table. Trying to start spaghetti noodles, chicken strips, etc. Jon stuck at tire place because they made an error.

6:00 p.m. Kids leave to shower. Jayson agrees to eat quietly. Dinner is warming and ready. Eat. Start clean up. Jon returns home & bathes baby. Blog. Sweet smelling baby wants momma (reaches arms out to me & then dives into my neck when he gets me). Jacob has fallen asleep on couch - too tired to eat.

7:30 p.m. Jayson nursing. Jessica climbing on lap. Jon trying to salvage the rest of the kitchen.

8:05 p.m. Time for "Survivor" & a shoulder rub - thanks Sweetie. James comes back downstairs to glean a few more minutes before bedtime - offers to run my feet. Who can say no to that?

9:45 p.m. I still need to do my calf stretches & rub my feet over a tennis ball. I'll probably need to heat up my neck wrap to put on shoulders to loosen up some more. The laundry will sit until tomorrow.

Not Pretty

When did my adorable toe-headed blondie, grow up to this mask-wearing scary guy. By nature James is NOT a devil. He just fell in love with the creepy mask.

Oh My Beauty!!!

This is the most fun that Jessica & I have had on a photo shoot. Maybe it was because I promised her a doughnut. Maybe it was because plenty of people walked past and commented on how beautiful she looked. She seemed to glow.