Peach Out of Water

Happy St. Patrick's Day, Y'all!

2010-03-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

We found a wee Leprechaun, but nary a rainbow nor pot of gold in sight.

View from the Street.

2010-03-17T10:19:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we took the kids into San Francisco to participate in the St. Patrick's Day parade. A work comrade of my husband's invited us to walk in the parade with him and his family. We thought the kids would really get a kick out of it, so we willingly obliged. It ended up being one of the funnest things we've done since we moved to California.

A little pre-parade reflection primping.

After a quick lesson in flag waving, we were off and marching.

While marching in the parade, I had an exceptional vantage point for all the colorful characters lining the parade route. Indulge my rather blurry photos, because I found some of them quite comical.

My children were convinced this was a leprechaun. I didn't have the heart to disagree.

I suspect this gentleman had no formal affiliation with the parade. He did have a homemade Segway constructed with a stool and a lawn mower motor. He zipped all around us on the parade route, circling the vehicles.

Could this baby all decked out in his Irish gear be any cuter?

I thought this group of young folks was particularly festive.

Check out these smiling Irish eyes.

The most important thing I learned was when marching in a parade behind the horses, you have to watch your step and the step of your young children marching behind said horses.

Graduation Day.

2010-03-10T11:36:00.000-08:00

Today is a graduation day, of sorts. Nine weeks ago I started the Couch to 5K running program along with two of my friends. Today, I completed Week 9 Day 3 of the program and I've officially graduated. I completed today's 5K training run in 39 minutes, or about 13 minutes per mile. It's not going to win me an Olympic medal, but I'm proud of it.

It's hard for me to believe that I've consistently kept up my exercise at least three days a week for the last NINE weeks. It's almost unbelievable to me at this point.

My New Year's resolution was to complete the program and run a 5K. We're scheduled to run our first 5K on March 21st.

I'm going to go celebrate this milestone with a shower!!

Little Blessings.

2010-03-03T14:34:00.000-08:00

Clayton enjoys saying the blessing he learned at preschool at the dinner table every night.

"For food and friends and love all around us, we thank you Lord."

He almost always throws in a "and make Mommy feel better" or my personal favorite "I hope I feel better" and you may or not be aware that he needs healing at that particular time.

Last week he was at a loss for who needed healing. His blessing stopped and he said "Mom, who needs to feel better?" I responded, "Riley Scott."

"Ok. and I hope Riley & Katie's Riley feels better."

The Big Give.

2010-02-03T12:45:00.000-08:00

I have a very hard time looking at the pictures of the Haiti earthquake victims. How is it that we can have such extreme wealth and abundance in this country, while an island nation not too far away from us is suffering in such abject poverty?

I had already made cash donations to various organizations, some good and some questionable (boy, I wished I had known that before I texted my funds over). But, I felt like I wanted to DO something.

That's when I saw a little Tweet about the collection of shoes for a charity called Soles 4 Souls. I figured, I can do this. It's easy and it's effective and for a country filled with men, women and children who've never owned a pair of shoes, much needed help.

I sent out a request to my local friends on Facebook and received an overwhelming response. In the end, we donated 7 large kitchen garbage bags FULL of shoes. I estimate it was close to 100 pairs of shoes. Phenomenal and relatively easy to accomplish.

Check out their website for all the different ways you can give.

Happy 40th Birthday, Beautiful!

2010-01-31T13:49:00.000-08:00

Today is a very special day. It's the 40th birthday of a dear friend who is as gorgeous on the inside as she is on the out. She is one of the most thoughtful people I have ever had the privilege of calling my friend. I adore her immensely. (You can read about her adventures at Wandering Wendi.)

Last weekend, her girlfriends took the occasion of her black balloon birthday to have a huge blow out in her honor. We took a bus ride into the city, bar hopped, went clubbing and danced the night away. It was VERY fun and appropriate for our larger-than-life friend. (I had so much fun that I didn't get out of the bed on Sunday until 5:00 p.m.!)

When God made you my friend, he broke the mold.

Dear Husband, Part Deux.

2010-01-30T11:01:00.000-08:00

Dear Husband,

First of all, let me thank you for the times you drop the girls off at school. It is a welcome break and I really appreciate your help with the children in the morning.

However, in the future when a teacher (or any other adult for that matter) makes a request of you, I would respectfully ask that you respond with: "I'm sorry, I am completely incompetent in this area. Could you please forward your request directly to my wife?"

Why? It's very simple. Yesterday morning, Ansley's kindergarten teacher, a seasoned veteran made a simple request and this is what I received.

"Lori- Mrs Biship wants us to bring a bag of 100 circus peanuts."

So, after volunteering in the classroom yesterday morning I go to the local grocery store. And I purchase said "Circus Peanuts."

Upon delivering four bags of the confection to Mrs. Bishop, she looked at me quizzically, "No, no not circus peanuts, just peanuts, in the shell."

HUSBAND!

When husband was questioned about the Three's Company-style misunderstanding he said, "No, not the candy, the peanuts you eat AT the Circus."

He attempted to say it was MY fault until I told him to Google "circus peanuts." Yes, I won. No more requests to be accepted by my simpleton husband.

Getting Off the Couch.

2010-01-28T16:27:00.000-08:00

My girls and I have decided to complete one of our goals for the year together. More precisely, we will be running a 5K race on May 2nd. I'm not a runner and in the past every time I attempted to run, I ended up with shin splints and unable to work out for two or three weeks. By then, I've totally lost my momentum.

One of my girls told me about this program, Couch to 5K. Could this be my answer to learning how to run? So I did it. I bought the app for my iPhone and started the first week in January. I am officially on Week 4 of the 9 week program. I am really enjoying it, but I've been very careful not to over do it. I never run two days in a row for fear of shin splints.

I think signing up for the 5K with my friends was the perfect incentive for me to stick to the program. I'm very excited about it. I'm hoping to lose some weight and have some fun in the process. And we can all mark something off our "to do" list for the year. What an accomplishment!

Untended Garden.

2010-01-27T20:02:00.000-08:00

My poor, poor neglected blog. I promise to be more attentive. I promise to be more creative. I promise to post more often.

Tomorrow. I'll think about that tomorrow. After all, tomorrow is another day. [Wow. That sounds surprisingly familiar.]

House Guests.

2010-01-14T20:14:00.000-08:00

Did you ever have house guests that arrived in time for the holidays and overstayed their welcome?

I'm not really thinking Cousin Eddie. I'm thinking more...

Yeah. EEEEWWWW. It's disgusting. This family of mice have moved in to our house where it's warm and cozy.

Sorry Mickey and friends, YOU GOTS TO GO.

The Hills Are Alive.

2010-01-10T16:53:00.000-08:00

This is what most Americans think of when they think of Austria. Julie Andrews and the Von Trapp family. I've been to quite a few countries in Europe, but not to Austria. I would love to go discover it for myself. Wouldn't you?

The Austrian Tourism Board is hosting a "It's Got to Be Austria Facebook Sweepstakes" offering the winner and a guest a 7-day themed vacation package of their choice valued at $4,500. The winner can choose from a vacation geared toward either Food and Wine; Art, Architecture and Design; Nature, Outdoors and the Alps; or Classical Music and History.

How do I enter, you may ask? It's simple. All you have to do is become a fan of "Austria. Official Travel Info" on Facebook. It's as easy as that. Facebook fans can receive an additional sweepstakes entry by tweeting about Austria and using the hashtag, #itsgottobeaustria. The contest ends January 15.

The contest is open to US residents 18 and over. More information and official rules can be found at http://www.itsgottobeaustria.com.

Good luck!

**(FTC disclosure: I've received no compensation for this post. I just think it would be a cool contest to win.)

My Girl.

2010-01-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

Today is my girl Keri over at Forever Folding Laundry's birthday. She's like no other girl I've ever met. I guessed you'd say, what can make me feel this way?

She's creative and talented.

She's fun and funny.

She's fun-loving and a good sport.

She attends ballet recitals for children who aren't her own and brings flowers. (Who else do you know who does that?)

She's a fun date.

She's a fantastic mom.

She's a dear friend.

I feel so lucky to have her in my life. I heart her.

Happy 29th Birthday! (Yup, I've got your back).

Who Would Win? (A Birthday Post.)

2010-01-06T14:18:00.000-08:00

On many occasions I struggle for gift ideas for my hubby. He's a bit fussy and difficult to please. He prefers "top of the line" items, however we have a single income household with three kids.

Today is my hubby's 41st birthday and he received the perfect gift, however it wasn't from me. It was from my mom. You see my husband lives in an imaginary world where he constantly wants answers to questions that cannot be answered. Most notably, "Who would win in a fight between an alligator or a lion?" I have heard this question posed so many times it makes my ears bleed.

My mom gave him a book called, "Who Would Win? A Guide to Great Imaginary Showdowns" by Justin Heimberg. Honestly, I can hardly believe such a book is in existence, but he is quite enamored of his new possession.

The good news is that his new book contains SO many more questions for him to ask. Who would win?

Courtney Love or Amy Winehouse?
Jason Bourne or James Bond?
Deadheads or Parrotheads?

He can ask and answer his own ridiculous questions now! THANKS, MOM!

Happy Birthday, my love. Here's to at least 41 more.

[I see Mr. Heimberg also authors a series of "Would You Rather?" books. I now have gift ideas for Valentine's Day and our wedding anniversary.]

Milestones.

2009-12-30T16:25:00.000-08:00

Monday night my girls passed what in my mind is a significant milestone. They both simultaneously had their first sleepovers at their friend Katie's house. It was a much bigger deal for me than them, I assure you.

They were both so excited. Bags were packed very early and passed requisite inspection by mom. It was adorable. Ansley asked me every 5 minutes, "What time is it?" and "How many more minutes until 4 o'clock?"

Fortunately, the house at which the sleepover occurred was my very dear friend, Mainly a Midwife. I had very little reservations about the actual event and I was honestly more concerned that my children might misbehave or [GASP] reveal family secrets.

In the end, they received a favorable report. Everyone got along, although they got to sleep a little late. I guess that's to be expected.

I'd bet there was a lot of girly giggles and silliness going on.

While I missed the girls, Clayton received our full attention. At first he was apprehensive about them not coming home with us, but he soon realized that meant he had me and daddy all to himself. He and hubs played "Bat Cave" all night without interruption.

I have a feeling when the time comes for the girls to have another sleep over, little brother will not be so reluctant to see them leave.

Christmas 2009.

2009-12-29T08:55:00.000-08:00

All decked out and headed for Christmas Eve worship service. This picture immediately preceded this one.

The stockings were hung on the stair rail with care.

We had a new narrator this year for the reading of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" on Christmas Eve.

Cookies for Santa.

Along with a note.

Barrett's Princess Castle. She loves it.

Our new house pet, Miss Lulu. Thankfully, she only requires batteries and no litter box.

Clayton is playing with his favorite Christmas gift. (It's a magnetic fishing pole set that his sister bought him from the Dollar Tree. I think he would've been fine if all his gifts had come from the Dollar Tree.)

(You caught me. We moved in a month ago and the pictures are still on the floor. We'll get hanging them eventually.)

Hope your Christmas was full of all the joys of the season.

I'm Making a List. Checking it Twice.

2009-12-28T10:59:00.000-08:00

Christmas cards. I love Christmas cards. We move a lot, about every 3 to 5 years and sometimes the only contact we have with the friends and family we've moved away from is their annual Christmas card. I love seeing how all our friends' children have grown and changed. I love displaying the cards. [However, I'm not very fond of the highly obnoxious "Christmas letter".]

You can tell a lot about people from their Christmas cards. Early or late. Hand addressed or labeled. Script message or [ugh] Christmas letter. Photo card, card with photo, or card stock with printed photo. Professional photos, pictures with Santa, beach pictures, silly pictures or my favorite the crying children photo.

My husband and I hold an contest every year and decide which family had the best Christmas card. There's a first, second and third place. We usually agree on the finalists, but rarely agree on the winner.

This year, I had quite a bit of difficulty selecting my Christmas cards. I captured what I thought was the perfect family photo at a San Francisco Christmas tree lighting at the end of November. [You decide.]

Husband vetoed this photo. He didn't like the fact he hadn't shaved and since quite a few of our cards go to his professional acquaintances, I allowed him to exercise his one lifetime veto.

I had hoped to come up with a good family picture in Disneyland, however that didn't happen. Either the kids were making funny faces, my husband was squinting, or my hair looked ridiculous [ugh]. After returning home from Disneyland, I realized that I had to come up with a Christmas card and quick. I decided to use Costco because they had a very quick turnaround time and it was also very cost effective. This is what we ended up with this year for our Christmas card.

It's not an award winner, but it got the job done. I am resolving to order my Christmas cards in October next year. Nothing says birth of a savior like Halloween costumes.

My other resolution regarding Christmas cards is to cull through our list before next year. We [and by we, I really mean "I"] mail out 120 - 130 Christmas cards. I send a lot of cards out of obligation, but honestly it's a reciprocal relationship. Next year I'm resolving to cut my number by one third. I'm only mailing out 60 cards. So if you don't get a card from us next year know this: it's not personal, it's just business.

I hope you had a very, Merry Christmas and received many cards from those whom you love.

Too Much Family.

2009-12-27T17:46:00.000-08:00

Anyone else suffering from too much family this time of year?

Hope you enjoyed your Christmas holidays as much as we (or almost all of us) did.

Welcome.

2009-12-22T22:43:00.000-08:00

I love it here.

But then again, who doesn't?

The Magic Continues.

2009-12-13T19:22:00.000-08:00

Do You Believe in Fairies?

2009-12-08T22:22:00.001-08:00

We do.

Hob Nobbing With the Stars in Hollywood.

2009-12-08T08:10:00.000-08:00

Tonight we ran into a few people you might recognize.

We took the kids to Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. The kids had a fabulous time! [Honestly, I would've never guessed it.]

We ran into one of our favorite Georgians.

And one of my favorite adopted Georgians.

Honestly, I think my hubs had the most fun of all.

[Really, he had a LOT of fun.]

We're Heeeeere!

2009-12-07T09:14:00.000-08:00

Last night we had dinner at Goofy's Kitchen. The kids had a great time.

How cute are these girls? [These are my girls with Mainly a Midwife's daughter.] And how cute are their Mickey Mouse shirts? They were made by our friend Keri, at Forever Folding Laundry. Check out her etsy shop. [I'm thinking she needs to add this Mickey design to her inventory.]

Check out the little man. Giving Pocahontas a little "How you doin'?"

Great adventures await! We'll keep you posted.

The Happiest Place on Earth.

2009-12-04T14:18:00.000-08:00

As of Sunday morning, we'll be on our way to the Happiest Place on Earth along with Mainly a Midwife and her family.

It's our third trip to Disneyland. It's Midwife's first trip. Four adults, five kids and a baby. I'm sure there will be much blog fodder produced. Stay tuned.

A Very Merry Christmas Tea Party.

2009-12-02T17:38:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday I took the girls to a traditional English tea party with a Christmas twist. It's called the "Teddy Bear Tea Party" at our local tea room, although I'm not sure why.

Is it because there are strange people dressed as Teddy Bears (and Bunnies, WTH)?

Is it because the children in attendance bring along their teddy bears, dolls and such?

Or is it because Santa hands each of the children a small stuffed animal? I'm not exactly sure. (The first year I took my girls, Ansley was 2-1/2 and received a teddy bear that had sexual innuendo written on it. I cannot remember what it said to save my life. They let us trade it in for another.) Regardless of why it's called what, I know that my girls call it fun and so do I.

There are delicious treats to eat. Peanut butter and jelly pinwheels.

And cucumber sandwiches, which Ansley loved. [We almost came to blows over the last cucumber sandwich--she won, of course.] I'm still amazed by her willingness to try any food and her very diverse palate. She definitely knows what she likes.

There was also story time and Christmas carols.

Good friends. Good food. Good feelings. Isn't that what the holidays are all about?

[Don't our girls look so grown up?] Hope you're kicking off your holidays with a bang.

Our Thanksgiving Day.

2009-11-28T14:00:00.000-08:00

On Thanksgiving Eve, our family completed a "Thankful" project. I had the kids list all the things for which they are thankful. I think it was a good family exercise and it certainly put everyone in the right frame of mind.

[Well, almost everyone.]

Barrett was so excited about the holiday, that she slept in her clothes.

The first item I prepared on Thanksgiving Day was pumpkin spice flavored play-doh. I figured the kids needed a distraction so that I could get our meal prepared.

Boy, was I ever right!

The kids were anxiously awaiting dinner.

We had a great Thanksgiving Day and we have so much for which to be thankful.