Mr. Mario

I have this system for birthdays, it goes like this. You can have a birthday party every year... WITH FAMILY. i.e. Grandparents coming over, maybe one or two family friends, you know, low key, low budget kind of stuff. 

Occasionally, you can have a BIRTHDAY PARTY (WITH FRIENDS!)! Abby has received more than her allotted amount. Jaxon has had ONE birthday party with "friends" (neighbors down the street) last summer. It is tough to get a party together for someone who doesn't really have "friends." And Wade, turning 5, seemed an appropriate time to have his "FIRST" birthday party.....

Peter made the cake. Okay, he picked up a blank Costco Cake, and decorated it per our "theme" I think he did an amazing job. More importantly he did a job I did not want/have time/need to do. I am a TOTAL cake snob when it comes to eating cake, but honestly, I just don't care what kind of cake my kids get. I was perfectly happy just picking up one at Albie's. Peter was NOT. 

 Look at the precision!

 I think it was awesome, and juuuuuuuuuust after I took this picture. . . . 

 I sliiiiiiiiiiiiid the cake back away from little hands and the counter edge and BAM! My fingers went right into Wade's name. :(

 We decorated with Boo. I had to confirm with Abby the exact placement of the cones.. Are they ears? She assured me they are hands... And should be pointed down. . .  . Of course I got this idea off of Pinterest. So let it be heard.. Pinterest has indeed been in operation for probably 2-3 years now, and there will never be another original idea ever again.  However, I love thee pinterest for making my creative life easier.

 We had Papa Murphy's Mini Murph's. OF COURSE. 

And, we opened presents. We did a few games, but I had to keep it simple this year. I had several PM events this week along with the most wicked cold I have had in probably a couple of years and I had one foot in the grave by the end of this week, BUT, we did it. And today, he asked me when his birthday party is.. I swear, that is why I do NOT do these kinda things often!!!!!

A successful party and all. Now, if I have my way about it, and my plans go accordingly... He will not have another "FRIEND" party until he is 8.  (Then 12, then 16, and maybe 18... thus, I am only obligated to 5 "FRIEND" birthday parties in a lifetime... and I like it that way, thank you....)

What are you doing?

From time to time I wonder,
What is it that I am doing that makes it so hard to blog?
Honestly, right now, I could easily crawl back into bed and not think about it for a single second.
But, I don't want a huge gap in my history and I hope that sometime down the line,
my kids will read this and realize that I was not just a crazed lunatic who frequently melted into a pile of goo (no wicked witch reference intended) but that I was indeed just a busy mom trying to keep her stuff together.

Owning your own business is such a crazy undertaking.
I felt like I had a pretty good idea of how it was going to effect our lives,
because we had done it before.
But, in fact, "I" had not done it before.
Because I wasn't really involved in our first business venture.

When we decided to do this one, Peter insisted that I be involved.
I was reticent at first.
I didn't want to give up my *own* business (Pampered Chef).
But, in time, I realized that he was going to need me to do full time marketing for the store.

So, he works 200% of the time,
And I work 100% of the time and it is indeed crazy for the both of us.

It leaves little time for blogging,
but, I want my kids to know some day exactly (or sort of) what we went through at this time in their lives.
Some people may think it a detriment to have such young children during this time, for both them, and us.
But honestly, I think that it is an amazing process for all of us.

We all have to work hard to get things done,
to enjoy time together,
to have other activities we enjoy.
It is a full life,
but a good life.
And our kids see us working.
And working together.
And sometimes they work.
Abby works at the store, asking people if they have ever baked our pizzas, and opening the door for people. Doing dishes at home, walking the dog, and believe me, just getting her to clean her room is a major ordeal.
Wade comes with me in the pizza trailer, and hands out pizzas after school, brings garbages downstairs and clears the table.
Jaxon... okay, Jaxon doesn't work with me per se, but he has to pick up extra slack at home, and empties the dishwasher every day, takes out the recycling and trash, and picks up the family room, and sometimes his bedroom. He brings down the laundry from his room, and he takes the clean laundry upstairs and puts it away.

We all pitch in, to make life a little easier on everyone else. My house is not always clean, neither are my bathrooms, but I am grateful that it forces me to rely on my kids, because they in turn, learn to work, and do their fair share, because I will admit, I am one of those who *may* just do it myself, instead of having my kids do it, because I can do it better, faster, and I will be happier with the results.

Instead, I hope that I am teaching children the meaning of hard work, and I hope, in time, they will see what success hard work brings. We are all in this together, in fact, we did this FOR them. So that we can all have the life we want to have, and enjoy the things we want to enjoy, and by golly, sometimes doing that, and getting that includes a lot of hard work.

I don't think I could ever list on here all of the things I do for work. I am sure you can imagine. But overall, we love it. It's challenging, but we love it.

Pearl Girl

Abby gets into her fair share of trouble.
And my personal favorite consequence is banning of TV and all other electrical objects.
So, when Abby is banned from said objects, she turns to book making.

Doesn't EVERY kid?

No? I know.

She has made several books. One other one I posted HERE. If you haven't read it, it is VERY worth the read.

But she is at it again, and this time in CoLoR! 

PRESENTING: 

PEARL GIRL

The History of Orange

When Peter and I got married it was two separate, individual, selfish, and independent worlds colliding.
I was a 27 year old single female with a successful job (in financial planning, managing about 5 million in assets, HEY! That is great for a 2nd year advisor!). I had a condo, a car, and a lifestyle of travel and leisure, planning get-aways with friends and having a constant stream of house (condo) visitors.

He was a 27 year old single male. Had been living on his own in Seattle for several years, doing school and dabbling in the Seattle grunge band scene and trying to find his way in life. He eventually decided to enter the family business (hotel management) and was managing a hotel in Renton, WA, doing his own thing, and attending a very small singles branch.

His taste was strictly modern.
My taste was strictly my own.

We clashed in many ways (and sometimes still do) but when we moved in together after dating only LONG DISTANCE for 6 months, it was a clash of the TITANS! We both had our own furniture, and we moved into an apartment in Eugene, OR. He was working, and I was newly unemployed. A position I had not been in in several (if ever?) years. I was ready for a life of wifehood. As much as a 27 year old strong minded, independent woman can be. I was NOT ready for compromise.

I figured our house would be MY own, and I determined that I would make it that way as soon as possible.
For the most part, our things meshed together in a sort of cheap eclectic way. I had my favorite items. He had his, but since we moved frequently, things, and pieces of furniture were constantly shifting, and where I could, I would banish the unsightly (to me) pieces of modern furniture, and conveniently replace them with things of my own choosing.

Peter, for the most part, relented.

He even told me that our house was my office, and I could do with it what I want.
However, there was ONE item that I was forbidden to get rid of. 

The Orange Plastic Ikea Table.

It's first home was by our couch.
It's second home was in Peter's office.
It's home right now is in our garage.
And I am pretty sure it's next home will be to the dump. (JUST KIDDING HONEY! I WOULD NEVER!)

When I started painting my kitchen table orange a few days ago. Peter was bemused.
He chuckled, "An ORANGE table? I thought you didn't like those!"
Turns out, I didn't.
Turns out, I changed my mind.
I can remember a time where "orange" would have been a color I hate.
And now it seems, it is a color I cannot live without.

Maybe it is because I live in California now? And everything is sun and oranges? I am not quite sure what possessed me, but I am QUITE sure, I love it.
However, I am also quite sure I still don't love HIS orange table.

 But I sure do love mine.
Probably his biggest gripe.
My "florescent orange urn"
Peter can't stand it.
Or rather, just can't believe it.
He is wondering what happened to me.
And to be honest, I just don't know.

But I love it.

Click HERE to see my kitchen BEFORE it's transformation

A promise is a promise

I don't miss the snow. I don't. I DO however miss skiing and the fun I had with my kids when skiing. To be honest, the only kid I ever really skied with is Abby. When Peter was working at Schweitzer, we all had season ski passes and we could put Abby into daycare for 1/2 price. Day care = Ski school! It was a win win for everyone.

I even had a group of girl friends who would all get sitters on Friday morning and we would all hit the slopes together.

It was dreamy.

I miss that part of it.

I don't miss living in the snow for 6 months. Not at all.

I promised Jaxon I would take him to see snow, and so, when the groupon/spreebird deals would pass by I would keep my eye out for that special deal to make good on my promise. Sure enough, one came up. To Mt. Baldy.

A quick google search would indicate that it was an easy 1 1/2 hour drive from our current digs. One would think that snow would be pretty inaccessible since we live so close to a beach, but au contrare! One of the beautiful things I am learning about Southern CA, is that it is very versatile. Even Shawn White would tell you that! (He grew up snowboarding at Big Bear) So, our snowy dreams have not TOTALLY vanished.

I actually got excited about our little snow adventure. Even though I have the starts of a sinus infection and would be going this trip solo, I was excited to pull out the two sizes too small snow gear and head on up the mountain.

The drive was spectacular, and had the hairpin turns I would expect of any great mountain. Even a few tunnels.

We arrived without incident, and I was excited to hurry up the hill as our time slot from 11:30 to 1:30 was narrowing. We pulled in at 11:20. Little did I know what was before me!

Riding up the SUPER scary ski lift.

The gaps in the VERY worn slats on the seats. 

An example of a SUPER SCARY seat.. Some were even missing slats!

That first one wasn't scary enough? How about THIS ONE!

I tried to stay focused on the cute girl I was trying to save. 

Wade passed the time making snow angels in the packed ice. . . Whatever.

The little snow hill and  my kids going down the hill!

The super big slats on the ride back down......her little bum could have slipped right through that crack! And to think Wade and Jaxon were on those scary chairs WITHOUT ME!

The chair stopped twice on the way down, and I am pretty sure my heart stopped at the same time.

Over all it was a pretty great trip, and California Mountains are just as beautiful as the next. However, i can't wait to get my rear on a chair lift that I am not scared to lose my life on! I decided two things. 
1- I really want to get my kids back into skiing next year and 
2- I really don't think I will ever be going back to Mt. Baldy!

I think they enjoyed themselves!

I have a minute.

I know, I haven't blogged about Jamaica.

There is a perfectly good reason for that.

I don't have hardly any pictures.
Okay, I have a "few" pictures.

But if you are a facebook friend of mine, you have already seen them.

 Here is a beach butler. He would get a pina colada into Peter's hand before he could even ask for one. As Peter said, "It is hard to not get attached to someone who is constantly bringing you cold drinks without being asked."

Truer words have never been spoken by my husband.

Was Jamaica great? That is an understatement. However, I don't know if it was a much the island, as it was the butler service. Because who doesn't want to be waited on all day.

I thought it might be awkward, but honestly, it was fabulous.

 It was partly cloudy and even rained one day, but I didn't care, because I was so incredibly relaxed, it's hard to care about anything in that environment. And everything in Jamaica is positive. "No problem, mon." "Liquid sunshine, mon." "Everything's alright, mon." Honestly, I think we all need to adopt a bit of that mantra. NO PROBLEM, MON.

It just makes everyone happier.

And here is my Island hair. I have to admit, having a crazy mane was kinda fun for a few days, until it started to turn into dread locks and be completely unmanageable. Then, it was a problem, mon.

Honestly, it was the trip of a lifetime. It is amazing to sit with your sisters and talk uninterrupted by things like requests for sippy cups, or kids drowning in the ocean.

I highly recommend it for anyone who is mildly considering it.

Unfortunately, now I have rather high expectations for "vacationing" and I fear that no plans in the future will ever quite stack up. However, it was a fantastic time... and for 50 years of marriage, my parents deserve that kind of trip!

Blogging, what it does for me

I know blogging was en-vogue, and then out of vogue and then I have no idea what it is now... just for professionals? Some people think they can only blog if they are funny. Or smart, or talented at something in particular.

Blogging is NONE of those things for me.

It is a total snapshot of my life.

And there are times when I have a minute that I look back on it with such fondness.

I have documented births, which I am so glad I did for their benefit.

I have written birthday cards.

I have commented on entire seasons of the Bachelor, and Bachelorette. 

Hilarious things my kids do and say,

I have documented recipes,

Life struggles,

Recipes for life.

Crafts,

Crafts my kids have done.

I mean, you name it, I have put it on here.

And I love it.

I think it reads somewhat like a novel.

The novel of my life.

Sometimes it is critical, important and maybe poignant information.

Sometimes it is just plumb dumb.

But I love it. And ever now and again, I click on a old post.

And boy am I glad it is there.

To remind me.

Because it is good to be reminded.

Of where you have been,

And what you done. Accomplished.

And what you have suffered,

And what you have celebrated.

And if you are on the fence about starting a blog.

You should just do it.

Because, it is great.

In a few weeks

My husband and I are going on a trip. Together.
Based on our current life experiences, I think we have only been on a trip by ourselves 4-5 times. (In 12 years)
At least two of those times (or maybe even just one?) was to Las Vegas for a 3 day weekend.
The other few times were to Seattle?
Most of the trips were for our anniversary.
I don't recall leaving to go just by ourselves for any other reason.
It costs a LOAD of money to travel.
And takes a TEAM of people to take care of your 4 kids.
Which is why we haven't done it very frequently.
But, we are going next week.
For my Parents 50th wedding anniversary.
And they are footing the bill (or we probably wouldn't be going!!!)
And the TEAM is coming to take care of our kids.
And I was asked to fill out our "butler" form today.
I have never had a butler.
I think I am going to like it.

Before You Arrive, Your Butler Will:

• Ensure Your preferences are in-suite upon arrival
• Arrange transfers

When You Arrive, Your Butler Will:

• Provide you with all information regarding tours and spa services
• Unpack your luggage
• Provide a private orientation of the property
• Press your first nights clothes complimentary
• Provide you with a cell phone so you can keep in contact with each other throughout your stay

During Your Stay, Your Butler Will:

• Make all dinner reservations, tour bookings, on property activities and spa treatments for you
• Serve you your favorite drinks while you lounge on the beach or pool
• Serve you lunch on the beach or on the pool
• Liaise with housekeeping re servicing of your suite
• Ensure that your suite is kept in perfect condition and arranged the way you like during your stay
• Expedite all room service orders for you
• Arrange a perfect romantic dinner for two in the privacy of your suite on or your patio. Unlike our competitors, our butler level guests can order from any resort restaurant menu for dining in their room or suite
• Shine/clean your shoes for dinner
• Tend to your wardrobe
• Collect and return all laundry for you

In the Evening, Your Butler Will:

• Bring you amenities before dinner
• Escort you to dinner where they have reserved a beautifully decorated table at the restaurant of your choice – with preferential seating
• Ensure your suite is turned down and your room has all it needs for the night
• Your butler wants you to expect the unexpected. Prepare to be "wowed"

Before Your Departure, Your Butler Will:

• Reconfirm your flight and arrange transportation back to the airport
• Provide you with information regarding check out
• Assist you in folding your clothes for packing
• Retain all your preferences for future visits

At Departure Time, Your Butler Will:

• Ensure your bags are brought up to the departure area
• Escort you to the concierge area/butler lounge and process your paperwork for check out
• Escort you to your transportation and bid you farewell

Slumping

I am still blog slumping. There are lots of things I WANT to blog about... okay, i will blog about ONE thing. My dining room. 

 I love my dining room. 

 It is finally painted. I am sorry these pictures were taken at night, but if you want a blog post. So be it. 

 I love tulips. They are my favorite flower, and were my wedding bouquet too. Love. Love. Love Tulips. I was lamenting the other day that I can't have them here in my sunny California home. I lamented it in Arizona too, but I think I lament it every year when January and February rolls around. I always look forward to them in the spring, but here, I don't have to wish the snow was gone. . . It is a hand off. 

It makes me happy to see them. I walked into Lowe's today to finish off another house project... And they were smiling at me. It was meant to be. . . I couldn't WAIT to get them home and into my pots. My favorite addition to my dining room are these pots. They started out as Amaryllis pots at Christmas, Ala nie nie.  She plants Amaryllis every year, and I think I like that as a tradition, however, my Amaryllis were freakishly tall. I may have to try to fix that next year. ...

And now, since I posted a Christmas picture, how about a few more. I had a great time decorating our new digs this year. I love having a new slate, with the traditional decorations you have used year after year. I love how they "find a new home" in a new home. 

 There are some changes coming to this area (shown above) I can't wait to show them to you!

 I had to do a traditional fresh garland. My mom used to do it every year, and this is the first home I have had a banister in! It was fun, but messy, beautiful, but messy, smelled wonderful, but it sure was MESSY!

I know I haven't done any before and afters... and that is because I would have to dig though my pictures, which I just don't have time for right now... Just use your imagination. The home has been a work in progress, but each day it feels more and more "homey".