Peach Out of Water

I Ain't Missing You at All.

2011-05-02T11:56:00.000-07:00

I'm loving my new digs in Portugual. We're 20 or so miles from Lisbon. Walking distance to the coast. 10 minutes to the beach. We have a pool. We have a sauna. We have a BAR.
(Seriously, a BAR).

What I don't have yet?

Girls.

Some things are not so easily replaced, but I'm working on it.

[Not replacing mind you, but adding to the roster.]

Now accepting applications.

Apply here.

[Truth is, I'm missing you all. Terribly. XOXO]

Two Weeks Notice.

2011-03-01T08:51:00.001-08:00

In exactly two weeks from today, almost all of our earthly possessions will be packed up and put on a container. We'll see them again in two months. TWO MONTHS. Have you ever packed for two months? It's kind of hard to anticipate weather for a weekend, but try predicting weather for a country you've never visited for almost an entire season. It should be interesting.

While I'd love to embrace the bohemian no-possession lifestyle, the fact of the matter is we're all quite attached to this "stuff." My kids are a little concerned. Especially one little boy who plays with a rather large Batcave every single day. We're planning on mailing his prized possession directly to post and hopefully it will meet us on the other side of the pond.

Baía de Cascais, originally uploaded by borda_h2o.

This is where I will be living. I know, it's unreal.

However, what is very real right now is the length of my "to do" list. It will make your head spin.

So, I must go and prepare for my [ahem] international move.

Tchau!

CH-CH-CH-Changes.

2011-01-04T20:58:00.000-08:00

Have you ever made a promise? A promise that you were very reluctant to keep? A promise that you hoped the other person would forget you made? I made a promise to this girl. It was a promise this girl refused to forget.

I promised that she could cut her hair after Christmas, in September. I knew she'd forget. I knew she'd change her mind. She didn't.

It was a painful experience.

For one of us.

In the end she decided to cut of 10 inches instead of 8, so she could donate her hair to Locks of Love. She was quite proud of herself, and I am too.....and a little bit sad.

Turn the Page.

2011-01-03T18:38:00.000-08:00

Has it really been almost six months? Six.Whole.Months. since I wrote my last blog entry??

I've been a little pre-occupied of late, but hope to be a better blogger. Not necessarily a resolution, per se, but I'd really like to get back into the swing of things. Putting some ideas on paper.

It's January 3, a new year. Time to start fresh. So, here we go.

Turn the Page.

Can't Get You Out of My Head.

2010-07-23T07:55:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things we did on vacation was visit Little Italy for dinner while we were in New York City.

Dinner was delicious! (BTW, I took over 700 photos while on vacation and this is one of only three pictures of the entire family.)

After dinner, I used the Yelp! app on my handy-dandy iPhone and found the best rated Italian bakery in the whole of New York City. Lucky for us, it was only one block away!

I *cannot* stop thinking about this bakery. I am SO glad that I live no where near this place.

The reviews on Yelp! did not do the Ferrara Bakery justice. All the treats were little pieces of heaven in a box. If you're in New York City, I highly recommend it. I also hear they ship....

Name That Tune.

2010-07-20T15:06:00.001-07:00

Copenhagen - Nyhavn Harbour, Early Twilight II, originally uploaded by Rainprel.

Last week I was on a flight from Orlando to New York City. Almost immediately after being seated, I heard a familiar sound. Or rather, a few familiar sounds. I recognized that the family seated next to me was speaking Danish.

I never formally learned Danish. I never really learned to speak it, but I can read simple "supermarket" Danish and can recognize a few spoken words. It was so lovely to sit there for four + hours and hear the language. I guess it can best be described as recognizing the tune of the song being sung, without actually understanding all the lyrics.

It brought back so many lovely memories. As I sat there listening to them speak, it was like listening to the soundtrack of a 2 year movie of my life. The memories of our lives there flipped through my mind like a picture book.

It makes me wonder what memories I'll reflect on when we move on from this California chapter of our lives.

Home, Sweet Home.

2010-07-19T08:18:00.000-07:00

Fortunately, our pilot delivered us home safe and sound. We're back on the ground, digging out of dirty laundry and getting back into the swing of things.

Hope you're enjoying your summer!

Summertime.

2010-07-14T05:49:00.000-07:00

Peaches and Co. are currently on a three-state tour. But don't worry, we'll be back soon!

The First of Many Lasts.

2010-07-02T10:46:00.000-07:00

I've been down this road before.
I know how it goes.

You make a bucket list of must do's before you leave.
Friends start distancing themselves from you.
Your inclusion in certain things drops off.

Your focus changes.
You're no longer worried about the here and now, but your brain becomes occupied with the minutia of your move, your new locale.

However, unlike other moves, this one seems so far away. In the past, we've had 90 days to prepare for a move. I'm guessing that this move is about a year away. Distancing myself now would be so sad and lonely.

I've already started speculating the "lasts" that are coming up.

...our last 4th of July in the States.
...my last birthday in California.
...our last summer at the pool club.
...our last summer in California.

Who knows what other "lasts" are lurking around the corner? But, I'm determined to make the most of every moment.

Peaches' New Pond

2010-06-24T15:49:00.001-07:00

Big things are happening over at the Casa de Peaches. Big, big, things.

We knew our tour would be coming to an end within the next year. We knew we'd be moving on, but we had no idea where...until last week.

We found out the fabulous news that we'll be moving on to LISBON, PORTUGAL.

We are all beyond excited.

LISBON, 1st JANUARY 2008, originally uploaded by André Pipa.

Bringing Up Peaches.

2010-04-27T17:32:00.000-07:00

Ansley had a play date today after kindergarten with a classmate. It was her first play date with the little girl.

I called upstairs to Ansley and asked were the girls hungry and would they like a snack.

Ansley replied quickly, "Oh, YES MA'AM!"

I could hear the little girl ask "Why did you say ma'am? What does that mean?"

Ansley said, "I dunno. We call our mom ma'am and our dad sir. It's just what we say in our family."

It's comforting to know that even though she may not know why she says it, she still says it.

It's not always easy to raise peaches in an apple orchard.

[Not that there's anything wrong with apples, mind you.]

Apple of My Eye.

2010-04-14T15:28:00.001-07:00

DSC_0109, originally uploaded by Peach Out of Water.

Bunny Buddies.

2010-04-03T13:50:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter to you and yours.

This Time Last Year.

2010-04-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

This time last year, I was at the ER with my 2-1/2 year old son who had an accident and knocked out his two front teeth.

This Easter weekend, I'm praying there are no ER visits.

Sixteen Years.

2010-04-02T10:18:00.000-07:00

Sixteen years ago today, my BFF and maid-of-honor convinced me that walking down the aisle was the right thing to do (as opposed to bolting out the front door). Today, I thank her for that not-so-gentle nudge.

In honor of my sixteenth wedding anniversary, I'm reposting one of my favorite posts. My husband has a lot of bizarre quirks. Enjoy them as I do.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2009

Happy Birthday, My Love

Today is my hubby's 40th birthday. I threw him a surprise party last week and it was quite a surprise and quite a party. Today, for his actual birthday the children and I will be taking him to dinner at "The Cooking Restaurant," or as most people refer to it, Benihana.

I thought I might share 10 fun facts about my husband.

1 - He CRACKS himself up. I mean literally. If he says something that HE thinks is funny, he can laugh to himself hysterically. And he has this deep, booming voice and when he really gets going, well it's a site to behold.

2 - He has one accent. You know how when you tell a story about someone with a regional dialect or foreign accent, you try to imitate it? He has one accent and they all sound the same. Hispanic, Asian, Inner-city, New Yorker. When he attempts to do an accent, it's hard to concentrate on the story because it's very distracting and makes no sense.

3 - He does not know the words to any song, however he will sing words (of his choosing) to the tune of the song playing with feeling and gusto. Even the kids have picked up on it and they're really starting to get a kick out of it.

4 - Everyone likes my husband. I, on the other hand, am the type of person about which people say "you either love her or hate her." I have no gray area. However, he is the consummate diplomat and always tactful. What can I say? Opposites attract.

5 - We were introduced by a mutual friend who went on to introduce at least three other couples that eventually married. We call him our own personal Chuck Woolery.

6 - He likes to discuss hypothetical situations. "Who do you think would win in a fight, a lion or a crocodile?" If you answer "I don't know," he will badger you until you give a response, which inevitably is not the one he would pick, and then he won't understand why you picked whatever you picked.

7 - He sang "Deeper Than the Holler" by Randy Travis to me at our Wedding Reception. I still smile when I hear that song.

8 - He has an affinity for odd names. Harry Pitts. Richard Johnson. If you ever get him started on this topic, well, refer to number 1.

9 - He is an extremely defensive driver. It drives me crazy because he constantly jerks the car out of the way of nothing. It must be his Spidey senses tingling.

10 - He says the same things over and over again. If he gets a song or a saying in his head, prepare to hear it for the next four hours or four days, and chances are he'll be singing the wrong words (refer to number 4). For instance, he recently found an old intro for the Hulk cartoons he used to watch as a child. He sang the theme song for a week straight. "Doc Bruce Banner, pelted by gamma rays, turns into the Hulk."

I love him for all these, and many, many more, reasons. Happy 40th Birthday, Sweetheart. You're my best friend and forever love.

Which Way Do We Go?

2010-03-29T16:16:00.000-07:00

Men never find it easy to ask for directions or assistance reading a map, no matter how old (or young) they are.

How YOU Doin?

2010-03-26T14:08:00.000-07:00

Check out that Euro--right hand drive--style. He is nothing but trouble.

Not All Jelly Beans Are Created Equal.

2010-03-24T15:37:00.000-07:00

Do not ever. I repeat, ever. Give your three year old boy Jelly Belly's "Sport Beans". It will take hours for him to crash.

Finish Line.

2010-03-21T17:10:00.000-07:00

We did it. Mainly a Midwife and I accomplished a major life goal. We completed our first 5K this morning. If my body didn't feel so tired, I wouldn't believe it myself.

Please pardon my t-shirt. It is --and I am not kidding-- 22 years old. It's my favorite t-shirt and is so comfy. This morning there was a chill in the air and I took the opportunity to wear old trusty one more time. After catching a glimpse of myself in my well-loved tee, I've decided he might be heading towards retirement.

I have decided that come Monday, I'm starting a new program. It's called "5K to Couch." I'm hanging up the running shoes for a while. It seems ---and I'm no expert here-- that my excessive running and additional exercise might be hindering me from losing the stress out weight I gained last year. So I'm planning on dialing down the exercise until such time as my weight starts to creep back into my comfort zone--or at least until I'm out of fat jeans and into 'regular' jeans again.

Meet me on the couch.

Where the Rubber Meets the Road.

2010-03-19T18:21:00.000-07:00

This is it. Race weekend. I will be running my first 5K on Sunday. The only problem I foresee is that I have been sick this week, really sick. The last day I ran was this past Monday, which means I missed two runs. Until this week, I hadn't missed any runs in 11 weeks of training.

During the last 2+ months of training, I have not run outside...AT ALL. To say I'm nervous, would be a huge understatement. I'm what you might call, "Grace-Challenged" to be more precise, somewhat of a klutz, which is why I run on the treadmill. I like my two front teeth thankyouverymuch and I prefer to keep them right where they are. I'm also worried that this bladder challenged non-runner has the potential to really embarrass herself in a crowd composed of residents from our small town.

It would be so easy for me to back out. I could hang it all on being sick this past week. But, I won't. I can't. I have to do it and mark it off my to do list.

I just pray I survive and that I don't pee my pants. Ok, I'll probably survive and I'll also probably pee my pants, I just hope no one notices.

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.

Thankful.

2009-11-24T21:47:00.000-08:00

I am so very thankful for these people, big and little, in my life. They define me. They complete me. They are the best part of my day and night. Thank you for every day that I get to have them in my life.

A Preschool Thanksgiving Celebration.

2009-11-23T20:17:00.000-08:00

Three Buddies.

Friday Flashback: The Hostess with the Most-est.

2009-11-20T18:33:00.000-08:00

I ran across this Thanksgiving post from last year and it made me giggle. While I'm in the throws of packing and moving, I hope it might make you smile, too. Maybe even prompt you to buy "Hello My Name Is..." name tags for Thanksgiving this year.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

The Hostess with the Most-est

Southern hospitality is not a myth. We love to entertain in grandiose fashion, at least every native Southerner I know. I was thrilled [mostly] about the idea of having sixteen for Thanksgiving Dinner, especially since this was our first Thanksgiving back stateside without family. Two years ago, Aunt Nancy and Uncle Skeeter hosted us in Sacramento and now they're living in Montana. Last year, we were in Atlanta for hubby's 20th High School reunion and spent Thanksgiving with both sides of our family. So, I relished the idea of a fancy, fun and hectic Thanksgiving.

Everything [mostly] went off without a hitch. The tables were gorgeous and I had plenty of seating and place settings. The 25 lb. bird got cooked and was delish [according to hubby "the best I've ever eaten" although I noticed he didn't tell his mom today when recounting the holiday over the phone]. I've decided that I could use a new stuffing recipe and the kids are in love with my Southern Squash Casserole.

We spent the holiday with our dear friends from Roseville [our former neighbors from Atlanta] plus hubby's new co-worker, wife, four children and mother-in-law. I received a lovely e-mail from hubby's co-worker thanking us for inviting them to dinner and how much they enjoyed everything. At the end, the e-mail listed hubby's co-worker, his wife, their four children and the mother-in-law "Patricia". WAIT. Patricia. No, no, no, not Patricia! Her name was Cathy. C-A-T-H-Y!! I'm certain of it because I called her CATHY the entire day. How many times? Ten? Twenty? WHY DIDN'T ANYONE CORRECT ME???

A Thanksgiving to Be Remembered.

2009-11-19T21:57:00.000-08:00

This week I'm participating in Mama Kat's Writer's workshop. Today's topic "A Thanksgiving to Be Remembered" was inspired by Crafting with Rhinos.

I met my husband on September 12, 1993. We dated, quite seriously, from the moment we laid eyes on each other and married seven intense months later. The first holiday we ever spent together was Thanksgiving 1993.

I was asked to his parents' house to spend Thanksgiving with them, his brother, his paternal grandmother and his father's sister, Aunt Bev. Aunt Bev was quite the character. She was a chain-smoking, whiskey-swilling, swearing Yankee girl. There was no gray area with Bevvy. And I liked her instantly.

My first memory of this very memorable character was entering the kitchen that Thanksgiving to the sight of her removing the rather large turkey from the oven. As she hoisted the turkey with a large meat fork speared on each side, the 25 pound turkey was steaming and dripping everywhere. Suddenly, she called out to my [future] mother-in-law with a very loud "MAAARRRR-CIA," [punctuated with her Yankee accent], "What cha want me to do with this turkey?" I glanced up to notice a cigarette, pursed and dangling from her lips with the longest ash you have ever seen defying gravity and dancing over our dinner.

I was instantly reminded of the scene in Sixteen Candles where Grandma Helen's cigarette ash was dangling perilously over the breakfast box of powdered doughnuts.

Aunt Bev at Thanksgiving was my introduction to the family, and what an introduction it was. We lost Aunt Bev in 2004 to breast cancer, but I will always think of her that one time of the year when I remove a large turkey from the oven.

Goodbye Notes: Wordful Wednesday.

2009-11-18T11:27:00.000-08:00

Today's topic on Wordful Wednesday is "The Perfect Location." Given that we're moving on Friday and relocating a more perfect location (two streets over), I decided to include a note that Barrett (7) wrote yesterday to our very dear next door neighbors.

Miss Robbie and Mister Griff:

I am moving to [address redacted] on Friday. I will miss you.

Sincerely, Barrett

But it is close and it will be good to call you.

Isn't It Ironic?

2009-11-16T13:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Barrett's end-of-the-season soccer party. There was a parents v. kids soccer game followed by a BBQ at the park. It was a lot of fun for everyone. Barrett finally scored a goal, two to be exact. She didn't seem to care that her season was technically over. She also didn't care that her father passed the ball to her and handed her two goal shots on a silver platter.

She was ecstatic.

Prior to the BBQ, I was chatting with the other parents and discussing how I have no problem telling other peoples' children what and what not to do. I'm often seen at the park or the pool club telling random children, "No throwing sand," "Don't spit water in the pool," or "You really should pick up that trash." I would never actually reprimand or discipline, but I have no problem barking out direct requests.

So imagine my surprise on Sunday [while regaling my tales of ordering around unruly children to the other parents], when a parent not affiliated with the soccer team approached me to let me know Clayton was yelling at her child. I'm fully aware of how ill-mannered my third child can be, however I also know that he inherited my inability to self modulate. I also seriously doubt that he would yell at another child completely unprovoked, but hey whatever. If that mom only possessed my ability to direct other children, she could've said, "Hey unruly, and obviously unsupervised child, back off. Go peddle your crazy somewhere else."

This is what it looks like when said unruly child is disciplined for an unprovoked yelling [of an obviously overprotected] only child.

[Pssssst! Lady, your kid will be living in your basement one day, mark my words.]

In the Trenches.

2009-11-13T16:56:00.000-08:00

This is what it looks like when my husband reads stories to the children at night. [I love this picture.]

Our American Nightmare.

2009-11-12T17:54:00.000-08:00

I remember where we were. We were in London on vacation and it was the week before Christmas 2005. I was two months pregnant with Clayton. My husband received a call that he was being considered for a promotion back in the States. Wow. I was torn, though. My husband had assured me that it would take months, maybe years for him to obtain promotion in a desirable location. He got the first job for which he applied. I guess that's the problem with being good at what you do.

I was robbed. I didn't feel like I had gotten my fill of our overseas experience. We had scarcely been stationed in Copenhagen a year and half. By the time we left Copenhagen, our tour was just shy of two years. We left very dear friends there, but I suppose there was something comforting about moving home.

We had an expedited transfer because of my impending delivery. If they were going to move us, it was going to have to be before Easter 2006 because the policy of most airlines is to refuse to fly a pregnant person after 32 weeks. I had had complications with Barrett's delivery and I wasn't taking any chances. I was happy to be moving back to the States to deliver my child, back to the land of Target.

After landing in the Bay Area in April of 2006, it became evident pretty quickly that the cost of real estate was going to put us out in the burbs. Way out in the burbs. I wasn't thrilled about it. My husband hadn't had more than a 10 or 15 minute commute since we had gotten married in 1994. We found a nice community outside of the city. It had an isolated, small town feel. And while his commute would be well over an hour, each way, it was barely affordable (which was better than not affordable) and had excellent schools. This would be a good place to settle our growing family.

We found a house which we could barely afford if we budgeted well (which we'd never had to do before), and it had a very similar floor plan to our first house. I suppose that it was a bit nostalgic for us both. And by similar, I mean the rooms were situated in a similar way. I do not mean that the house was the same size (approximately 400 sq. feet smaller) or the same price (approximately 4 times as much) or the same quality or amenities. We never considered that we wouldn't make money on this venture. After all, we made $40 K on our South Florida house and $60 K on our Atlanta house. We sure as hell never considered that we would lose money on this house.

Our realtor assured us that this was a fantastic area and the house was "priced to sell." And of course, there was currently another competing offer on the house. "It's the only one in your price range," he said. "It's a buyer's market." People had made a mint on their real estate in this community over the past few years because of the community and the excellent schools. We couldn't lose.

We spent the next 6 weeks renovating a 20 year old house that was virtually in shambles. We painted, replaced, updated and renovated anything that was in our budget. We had made a few dollars on our house in Atlanta, so why not replace 20 year old appliances and light fixtures? We calculate that we spent at least $30,000. on upgrades and renovations for our house. I wouldn't be surprised if it were a good deal more. Our goal was to finish the renovations and move in before our third child arrived. We missed that deadline by four days. Clayton wouldn't wait.

Fast forward three years. In April of 2009, our house appraised $235,000 below what we paid. How could this happen? We knew we would be transferred in the next 2 years and because we felt certain that the market wouldn't be able to recover that much before we transferred, we made the difficult decision to short sell our house. That decision was not reached lightly.

We didn't have a sub-prime mortgage.

We didn't buy more house than we could afford.

We didn't speculate that the market would increase X percent and we would make a windfall.

We simply wanted affordable housing in a nice community within which to raise our family. Certainly there was nothing wrong with that?

We have chosen a strategic short sale so that we could end our nightmare, cut our losses and move on with our lives. We were tired of the constant stress and worried about our largest investment which was performing so poorly. My husband is carrying the burden as sole-bread winner and his stress level was sky high. In the end, a strategic short sale made the most sense for us. In the end, we have both sacrificed our credit rating (we started out in the low-to-mid 800's) and credit accounts that we've worked all of our adult life to build.

I can't speak for my husband, but in some way I feel like we failed. I feel like we failed our kids, that our job was to keep a roof over their head and in this fundamental thing we failed. I know we're not the only ones struggling. I know that many people are going through things which are far worse. But this feels pretty crappy to me.

It is time for us to move on. The short sale has been dragging on for months. The bank has given us delay after delay. We decided it was time to close the chapter on this American Nightmare and move on. Next week we're moving into a rental house two streets over. The house is much nicer and much bigger. The rent is two-thirds of our mortgage payment. We've tried to shield the children from the stress as much as possible, but I know they've picked up on the tension. If this is the one great test of my marriage, I will be relieved to have it behind me and look forward to smooth sailing for the rest of our lifetimes.

The experts say we'll be eligible to buy another house in two years.

I don't know if my heart will be ready to buy another house again, ever.

I do know that I'm ready for this nightmare to be over. Tomorrow.

Happy 1st Bloggiversary to Me.

2009-11-10T13:41:00.000-08:00

I don't really have anything profound or witty to share, just that I'm surprised with my schedule that I was able to keep up blogging for an entire year. I definitely had a case of writer's block this spring and summer, but I hope that's behind me. When things are stressful and worrisome, I've found that blogging about those things is helpful to working out my feelings. Also, I have really enjoyed blogging about my crazy kids.

I'd also like to give a special shout out to Lee Lou Blogs who helped me take the header design idea out of my head and put in on my blog.

Thanks for reading, y'all.

Trophy Girl.

2009-11-09T21:28:00.000-08:00

Ansley played soccer for the first time this season. And her father coached soccer for the first time this season. They both thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I really enjoyed watching their interactions.

Ansley was so proud to score her first goal in the last game of the season. I am so glad she had the opportunity to be a part of a team and spend time with her friends. I was also glad that she was spending time outside and getting exercise.

Ansley's favorite part of playing soccer was the goody bag handed out at the end of every game (I know, tell me about it). And of course this....

the all important trophy. I've played team sports, but I've never earned a trophy. Today, kids get a trophy for just showing up. I'm not sure I agree with that philosophy and the message we're sending our children, but she doesn't seem to mind.

[As much as we all enjoyed this soccer season, don't think for one second that I'm not happy to have my Saturdays back.]

She Shoots. She Scores!

2009-11-08T10:10:00.001-08:00

Ansley Scores, originally uploaded by Peach Out of Water.

One of our girls scored their first goal yesterday at their last soccer game. It was Ansley Claire. We couldn't be prouder...as you can tell from all the screaming by "Coach Dad" while videotaping!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

2009-11-05T15:50:00.000-08:00

Toy catalogs. They can occupy my children's usually very short attention spans for very long periods of time. It's amazing.

She's making her list and checking it twice. And she's going to make sure that she's on the list marked "Nice."

Wordful Wednesday: Sleeping

2009-11-04T12:59:00.000-08:00

Today's Wordful Wednesday topic at 7 Clown Circus is sleeping. The picture quality is poor, so I apologize in advance. On our way driving back to Atlanta from the beach this summer, I was driving and here's what everyone else in the car was doing.

The kids, expected and certainly preferable to arguing.

And my co-pilot.

Visit Seven Clown Circus and share your sleeping photographs.

What Dorothy Never Told Us.

2009-11-03T20:31:00.000-08:00

That ruby slippers, while beautiful, sparkly and adorable, when they are worn for two consecutive days hurt and rub blisters.

Fortunately, we were trick-or-treating on a street with houses full of friends. In addition to candy and bandaids, we were loaned a pair of baseball flip-flops which totally worked in a pinch.

And Dorothy was much happier. The end. [Thank you for the loaner, friends!!]

When I asked Ansley if she thought Dorothy's ruby slippers hurt her feet she said [with much attitude and annoyance], "Mom, Dorothy only had ruby slippers in her dream."

Silly Mommy.

I Am A Winner!

2009-11-02T11:52:00.000-08:00

I've never won anything. Ever. This morning I was notified that I won a Flip Ultra HD video camera from Mayhem and Moxie. It was a random drawing, but it was still fun to win.

Do you know what the best part was? Reading the post written about what my husband and I (affectionately and appropriately) call the Screaming-Punctuation-Mark-at-the-End-of-Our-Family. It is nice to know that other people get how interesting [read: crazy] he is. Truly.

Like the time he brought down treadmill with a single piece of sidewalk chalk. Or the time he knocked out his two front teeth the Saturday before Easter. Or his penchant for nudity or dressing in his sisters' dress up clothes. How he likes to swipe snacks from other children.

Or how, on June 28, 2006, that crazy, 9 lb 1 oz little boy stole my whole heart (along with my bladder control).

Now with my new Flip Ultra, maybe I'll be able to catch a few more of his antics on film. Thanks girls! And if you don't know Mayhem & Moxie and the girls of Mighty Media, maybe you should.

Happy Halloween!!

2009-11-01T07:33:00.000-08:00

Hope your Halloween was full of tricks and treats!!

Just Another Friday Night.

2009-10-31T15:36:00.000-07:00

The Dynamic Duo fighting crime. [You know, the same old same old.]

Treat with a Trick.

2009-10-28T13:07:00.000-07:00

Every year my family trick-or-treats on a different street than the one on which we live. We prefer to go trick-or-treating with a group of our adult friends (who are also covered in children). The adults and kids all have a great time with their friends. Afterward, we congregate at my friends' house who live on that particular street and the adults visit while the kids gorge on candy. [I say "we" but in actuality, it's the first time I've been in town for Halloween for a couple of years.]

However, I always leave candy on my door step for the neighborhood children. I don't want people thinking I'm some kind of lame-o. I also usually try to come up with some sort of "trick" in the candy bowl; spiders, eyeballs, you know, the usual.

So this year I came up with something spook-tacular. I bought witches fingers at Party City and stuffed them with sour punch twists. I think the overall effect is pretty good, even if they do kind of look like chili peppers.

[This is a late submission to Mayhem and Moxie's Creepy Crawling Halloween Crafts posts, only because I just came up with it today.]

The Ghosts of Halloweens Past.

2009-10-27T20:04:00.000-07:00

Angie at Seven Clown Circus is having a Wordful Wednesday post this week about the Ghosts of Halloweens Past. Fortunately, I was able to dig up some great, old photos. [Unfortunately, my husband is going to kill me.]

Emily Elizabeth and her pal, Clifford. Halloween 2003.

[And yes, there were pink and black striped stockings that are not visible.]

Scooby and the Gang. Halloween 2005.

Brandi the Hooter's Waitress and Earl Hickey (My Name Is Earl). Halloween 2007.
[Again, there were thick, white tube socks that are not visible.
It is apparent to me that indeed, I have a thing for socks and costumes.]

If you link up to Seven Clown Circus with a Halloween post, you could win a Flip Ultra video camera. Good Luck and Happy Halloween!!

Halloween Creations.

2009-10-27T12:53:00.000-07:00

My best Halloween creation this year is my 7 year old daughter's costume. She wanted to be an "artist" so we created a shirt and palette for her to carry.

She was so proud of her original, unique costume idea and it suits her personality to a tee.

Mayhem and Moxie are looking for more creative ideas and creepy, crawly Halloween crafts. Share your ideas and you can enter to win a Flip Ultra video camera.

Keeping Busy.

2009-10-26T22:07:00.000-07:00

Sometimes being the third child has its disadvantages. With both girls playing soccer, brother has been dragged to many soccer practices and games this season. It's always tricky keeping him occupied, but sometimes he finds things to do all on his own.

Pumpkin Patch.

2009-10-25T22:20:00.000-07:00

We were finally able to make our annual trek to the pumpkin patch. We've been so busy with soccer, it just hasn't been possible until today.

The kids had a great time, although it was very hot. It's hard to believe it's almost November! We rode the train and the kids picked out a huge pumpkin.

I'm putting daddy in charge of carving up this puppy next weekend!

Life Lessons: Sportsmanship.

2009-10-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

The day started out like so many other Saturdays past. So happy. So excited. So determined that *today* was going to be the day she scored her first goal.

By the fourth quarter, she was reduced to tears. The determination was gone. Her frustration was evident.

Her father and I both agree that today's performance was the best she's given thus far on the soccer field. She came close to scoring three times, but then was rocked to the core everytime she was denied. I certainly understood her frustration, but it was the first time I ever actually remember being embarrassed of my child's behavior. I was mortified. Visions of famous sports figures and their tantrums flashed in my head. John McEnroe. Tonya Harding. Serena Williams.

The last picture in the collage above was taken seconds after the final whistle blew. It was the end of the game and scoring had eluded her once again. My frustration was that I didn't know what words to say to her to make it better. She asked, "Don't you want me to score a goal?" Yes, of course. But I also want her to have pride in having tried her best. I want her to want to win, but I also don't want her to beat herself up or embarrass herself when she can't handle losing.

I snapped this shot twenty minutes later on the playground. She's deep in thought. I can only guess she's thinking about her performance. I debated whether or not to approach her. I decided against it.

Next week, I'm slipping the opposing goalie a 10 spot and hope they let one of Barrett's slip through.

Playground Dos and Don'ts

2009-10-22T15:36:00.000-07:00

Mama Kat of Mama's Losin It has a Motherhood (the movie) inspired Writer's Workshop this week. I have chosen to list my playground do's and don'ts.

1 - Do not pick up old, dirty, used band aids.

2 - Do not pick up a random straw and suck sand through it.

3 - Do not jump from the top of the monkey bars. You *may* hurt your foot and cause your mother to spend the entire next morning in the ER.

4 - Do not poop behind the bushes. [You are only allowed to pee there.]

5 - Do not leave your shoes at the playground and not realize it until the next morning when getting ready for school.

6 - Do not squish mud between your toes, because it may be dog poop.

7 - Do not steal random snacks pilfered from the diaper bags of people we don't know.

and last but not least,

8 - Do not even bother bringing snacks or toys, because whatever the other children are eating are playing with is ALWAYS more appealing.

Hop on over to Mama's Losin It and play along!!

**All of today's do's and don'ts were inspired from my own children, except for one. I'll leave it to you to guess which one.

You Might Be A Scary Mommy If....

2009-10-21T19:06:00.000-07:00

1 - You've ever washed your children's hands and feet in the sink in lieu of a badly needed bath.

2 - You've ever fed your kids dinner of random various items left over in the pantry and fridge and called it "Silly Snack Dinner."

3 - You've ever threatened to send your kids back to where they came from.

4 - Your child has said "A" is for "Asshole" in public and you're pretty sure she learned that word from you.

5 - You've ever ignored frantic pleas for help [while blogging] and figured that they'd come get you if there was blood.

6 - You've gone hamper diving for jeans for your child to wear to school because well, there just weren't any other viable alternatives.

7 - You've ever dropped off your child at school only to immediately realize they forgot something in the car and you were forced to enter said school wearing only PJ's and no undergarments to speak of.

8 - You've ever longed to leave your house and spend a quiet night at a shady motel down the street ALONE.

9 - You've ever sent your child to school just a little bit sick because things might be easier that way.

10 - You've ever been on a family vacation and wondered why you didn't bring a fricking babysitter!

Blog about your scariness and then hop on over to Scary Mommy for a chance to win a FLIP video camera. Contest ends tomorrow, Thursday, October 22, 2009.

Three Little Turkeys.

2009-10-21T13:03:00.000-07:00

I am participating in the Seven Clown Circus Wordful Wednesday post about motherhood. This collage epitomizes motherhood to me. All of them in the same PJ's (probably well into the afternoon). All crawling under the Exosaucer (definitely not using the toy for its intended purpose) while being photographed.

They were each at that magical 9 months age that my husband and I loved so much. I love that this collage freezes them in time, all together and all at once.

Tribute Tuesday: Guilty Pleasure.

2009-10-20T15:56:00.000-07:00

I'm participating in Mayhem & Moxie's Tribute Tuesday about Guilty Pleasures. Initially, I thought I would write about my addiction to the Real Housewives series on Bravo [Hello? Tap. Tap. So Obvious.], only to realize that was the topic of Mayhem & Moxie's own guilty pleasure.

In order to stretch my creativity and get my brain cells working, I thought for another two or three seconds and realized one guilty pleasure that I cannot live without, at least from September until the end of October of every year. [I even blogged about it last year.]

I know, I know. It's one of those divisive issues like cats or universal health care. You either "ARE" a candy corn person or "ARE NOT" a candy corn person. I'm fully aware that there are haters out there. To top it off, I'm a candy corn snob. It has to be Brach's or nothing at all.

This year I tried a very hard and fast approach to my autumnal guilty pleasure. I attempted to limit myself to four bags during the season. As of today, I failed. I purchased two more bags today at Target. As it gets closer to Halloween, and the candy corn supplies on the store shelves start to dwindle, will I be able to resist? Probably not.

Head on over to Mayhem & Moxie and tell them about your guilty pleasure!

Mission Accomplished.

2009-10-19T07:20:00.000-07:00

We came. (It rained.)

We walked. (It rained some more.)

We finished. (We were wet.)

The Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support raised over $135,000 (and counting) to support those effected by cancer. I am very proud to have been a part of that effort.

Dear Husband.

2009-10-15T08:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Husband,

While I'm away this weekend I thought you might need some instructions with the children to help the household run more smoothly.

1 - Please don't let the children watch too much TV. They become zombies.

2 - Please don't feed the children fast food all weekend. I have prepared (read: purchased from Costco) some meals for you to eat.

3 - Please enforce our regular bedtime routine. The children are cranky of they don't get enough sleep.

4 - Please make the children clean up their toys. I am trying to enforce discipline in this area.

5 - Please do not fill the children with candy in hopes that you will become the new *favorite* parent.

And the most important rule of all:

6 - DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO.

I hope y'all (read: the house) survive this weekend. See you Sunday night. Love you.

Peaches.

Hidden Talents.

2009-10-14T19:01:00.000-07:00

Lately, my very talented friends and family are coming out of the woodwork. It's amazing to me that I have known these people virtually my whole life and/or half of my life and never have I been more astounded at their talents.

I've always known my brother had a talent for singing, (he sang at my wedding), but last month he put out a gospel CD. It's amazing, even if I do say so myself. I'm so proud of him. My little brother, for the love of Mike!

It's inspirational and uplifting. Who couldn't use more of that? And he's not the only one in my immediate circle with amazing and surprising talent.

Jenny, my BFF for twenty (!!) years and Maid of Honor, has always had a artistic flair, but I had NO IDEA the extent of her talent. She is amazing. You have to check out her website. Her artwork is so unique. I definitely need to acquire a few pieces now before she reaches such a high demand that I can no longer afford to do so.

Master on Main

Slim

I'm very proud, but also envious that they have found an artistic expression that sings to their soul. It also inspires me to know that it's not too late for me. I just need to figure out what thing sings to MY soul. What talents are you hiding??

None of the material contained herein may be copied, reproduced, distributed, republished, downloaded, displayed, posted or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Jennifer Friedman. © 2009. All rights reserved.

We Did It! (Lo Hicimos!)

2009-10-13T17:10:00.001-07:00

My college roommates and I raised over $7,000 to benefit the families of those affected by breast cancer. I'm so proud of my friends. I leave on Thursday morning to spend the weekend with my girlfriends. We have a luncheon on Friday and a 13-mile walk on Saturday. It should be a great weekend. I just hope my family will be able to fend for themselves.

I will be sure to post an update after I return home next week!

Getting Ready.

2009-10-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

For the past two years, I have been the absentee parent on Halloween. I have been joining my girlfriends in St. Simons Island, Georgia and attending the UGA v. UF game in Jacksonville. This year being a rebuilding year for our football program, my college roommates and I chose not to go to the game and decided instead to meet in Athens on October 17th and participate in a breast cancer charity walk, which leaves me in town for Halloween. The kids seem really excited that I'm going to be around to celebrate the holiday with them.

That being said. I love Halloween. It's my favorite non-religious holiday. (OK, I really like St. Patty's Day, too). In the past two years, I took off for the East coast with my children's costumes all set only to realize that they had changed their minds two or three times and ended up with substantially different costumes than the ones we had previously agreed on. Fundamentally I have no problem with this, however when spending a wad of money on a costume only to realize that my daughter wore an old, dirty leotard (to school, no less) is quite disconcerting.

I'm always trying to come up with costumes that all the parties can agree on. I don't allow scary costumes. I don't allow weapons. These are my only parameters. Since I'm going out of town next week, I decided that this was the week we were going to nail down the costumes. I'm afraid that if I wait, my options will be limited.

This year (presently), we have decided on an Artist for Barrett and Dorothy Gale for Ansley. [Ansley decided Dorothy was too itchy last year after I left for St. Simons, but apparently it has become less itchy with age?] Clayton is still kind of all over the map. His options include a doctor, Clark Kent or Robin.

Yesterday, we worked on Barrett's costume. We took an old mens dress shirt and went to town on it with some finger paint. We also made her an artist's palette to carry. I think she's going to be the cutest artist in town!!

A Very Fancy Party.

2009-10-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we attended a very formal affair for a precious girl's "Fancy Nancy" birthday party (pictured here with Groucho-Clayton.)

There were feather boas, tiaras, colored hairspray and hair clips galore. Barrett was definitely in her element. (She said it was the best party she'd ever attended! I predict that I will be throwing a "fancy" birthday party for her next summer.)

Ansley had a fabulously fancy time as well. There were crafts, a fashion show and fancy tea party food for all. (I wished I had gotten a better picture of the table, it was amazing. You can see part of it in the background.)

The party's hostess really has a flair for throwing the most amazing parties. I think she was a bit worried that it might be too "girly" for the boys who attended. Quite the contrary! Doesn't he look like he had a fabulous time?? Fancy and all.

She's Just Not That Into You.

2009-10-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

No, this isn't a post about gay "marriage." Or homosexuals. It's about girlfriends. I've been thinking a lot myself about friendships. How to make them. How to keep them. How to sustain them.

Meeting people and making friends is easy. You have things in common. You run in the same circles. However, sustaining and nourishing the relationship is the hard part. It is essential that both parties have a mutual trust and respect for one another. In order for a friendship to grow, there must be an underlying assumption that the relationship is a *priority.*

But sometimes, try as hard as you might, you just can't get it together. You may like the person. You may have things in common, but you just are not ever on the same page of music. It occurs to me that part of the problem in keeping and sustaining meaningful relationships is the inherent selfishness that some people have. They only want to meet or interact when it's convenient for them. They are only nice to you or speaking to you when there's something in it for them. It seems that there's a double standard of rules and that maybe their parents never taught them the "golden rule" of doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.

There's got to be a give and take. There's got to be a foundation and belief that if you ever needed something, the friend will be there for you. Whether it's a listening ear, a carpool ride, a lunch date, parenting advice. Whatever.

Now that all of my friends have families of their own, I know that I'm not ever their MAIN priority. But I also know that with my true friends, whether it's a friend that I've known 20 years, or 8 years or friends that I've met in the last three years, I know that I AM a priority.

I want my relationships to be genuine and authentic. And when I come across someone who's just not that into me, I want to be able to move on without dwelling on the "why." I want to be secure in myself and know that I deserve relationships where I get back everything that I put into them. Period.

Losin' It [One Article at a Time].

2009-10-05T16:41:00.000-07:00

My kids are having difficulty keeping track of things. Their things. Their sweatshirts. Their sweaters. Their shoes. Their water bottles, dear sweet baby Jesus the water bottles!!

Last Wednesday morning we had a very interesting development. As I was hustling the kids along so that hubby could walk them to school, Ansley's shoes were missing. Her Croc's. Her beloved fuchsia Croc's.

I was trying very hard to assist her in retracing her steps.

P: Are they in the "shoe closet?"

A: No.

P: Are they in your closet?"

A: No.

P: Are they in under the craft table [a.k.a. the dining room table.]

A: No.

P: I dunno Ans. I'm at a loss. You did wear them home from the park last night after soccer practice didn't you?

A: Ummmmm.

P: I SAID, you DID wear them home from the park last night didn't you? Of course you remember whether you got into the car with shoes on, right?

A: Ummmmmmmmmm.

I yelled to hubs that I was driving up the street to the park to see if her Croc's were still up at the playground. Please note: on the mornings that hubs walks the kids to school, I'm usually not dressed by the time they leave for school....as was the case on this morning. So there I was, in all of my PJ'd glory [read: men's Hanes v-neck tee, PJ bottoms and NO undergarments. What.So.Ever.].

So there I am. PJ's. No shoes. Minivan whipping through the parking lot. Then suddenly, it hits me. Parks and Rec. They've started an early day to finish installing the replacement bathrooms and the whole crew of my small town is in the park and watching what has to be a hysterical site.

Me running through the parking lot. Me bouncing in the wind. Me sock-footed. Snatching a darling, precious pair of Croc's. Then tearing off and burning rubber to get my children off to school in time.

I'm sure that story was told more than a few times last week. I hope I was utterly unrecognizable...except for the conspicuous red UGA "G" sticker on my back window as I peeled off through the parking lot. [Being a Peach out of Water can certainly have its disadvantages.]

A Change of Plans.

2009-09-28T11:22:00.001-07:00

Every year for the last one hundred or so, there has been a football game between two rival colleges in bordering states. The game so famous that for many years was known as the "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party." (For some reason political correctness overtook some people a few years back, but for the masses it still retains its moniker.)

For the past two years (now that we're been back in the States and I no longer have a breast feeding infant), I have made a cross-country trek to join my girlfriends and attend said cocktail party.

From R to L (Carla, Peaches & Larry)

But this year, this year, there's been a change of plans. It was Carla's idea. Rather than go to Georgia v. Florida in Jacksonville, she has convinced the five college roommates and a dear friend to donate our time, money and energy in support of a wonderful cause. We decided to participate in the "In Their Shoes" a breast cancer walk to supporting families of breast cancer victims. Our roommate Cristy lost her mother to breast cancer shortly after we graduated. We decided to do the walk in honor of her mother, Cynthia Ray Burnett. Additionally, my girlfriend Larry (not her given name) has donated her frequent flyer miles toward getting me home to attend the event.

So far it has been very challenging. Each member of the team is charged with raising $900 in order to participate in the event. Initially, I didn't think it would be that hard, but I'm finding out that everyone has a cause that's near and dear to their hearts and also that it's difficult to raise money in this economy. Nevertheless, I won't be dismayed. On Friday, I was $100 from meeting my goal. I had hoped to blow the doors off my goal, but right now I'd settle for meeting it.

I've also been training for the 13 mile walk. Ok, probably not as much as I should. I did go on an 8 mile walk on Saturday and didn't actually die.

I can't tell you how excited I am to be back with my girlfriends. The five of us are usually only able to get together once a year when I'm home in the summer. What a bonus that we'll get to see each other again in a little over two weeks! (Phew! That reminds me, I need to get back to the treadmill.)

From R to L: J.D., Carla, Peaches, Larry and Cristy. Four girls I'd gladly walk 13 miles with.

***If you are interested in making a donation to the "In Their Shoes" charity event, you can visit http://www.intheirshoesathens.org/ they are accepting online donations until Friday, October 9th. In order for me to get credit, please include my Walker Number 42 and Team Name: Walking Down Mammary Lane.

Fancy Like That.

2009-09-27T16:21:00.000-07:00

We're fancy around here. We're polite. We use manners. We say "sir" and "ma'am." We even eat Pirate's Booty with a fork.

Well, maybe we're not fancy ALL the time.

Summer Teeth.

2009-09-10T16:55:00.000-07:00

Some are there. Some aren't. [Now there are two out of three kids in our family who are missing their two front teeth.]

School Days.

2009-09-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow.

2009-08-27T18:08:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow. Tomorrow my life may change with the stroke of one pen, or it may stay exactly the same. Tomorrow the life I know will be radically different, or not. Tomorrow my childrens' futures may be very different than their present, or not change at all.

We never know what tomorrow holds, but I know this: I know that there is a perfect plan and I know that I am a part of it. I know that whatever happens tomorrow to seal our fate is supposed to happen.

I also know that waiting for tomorrow's outcome is going to be excruciating.

A Little Help from My Friends.

2009-08-27T16:57:00.000-07:00

I've been pretty stressed out about a lot of things lately, which might explain my lack of blogging. You see, I want my blog to be a positive outlet and sometimes when the stress is too much, well, there just doesn't seem to be too many positive things to talk about even though I know I'm blessed beyond all measure.

I have some of the best friends in the world. They make everything easier. I'm hoping my stress passes quickly. However, I'm sure my current stress will be all too easily replaced by new stresses. One thing is for certain, dear friends are not so easily replaced. This, I know for sure.

[L - R] Forever Folding Laundry, Peach Out of Water and Mainly a Midwife.

Her Favorite Pants, Redux.

2009-08-26T19:49:00.000-07:00

It seems that my best 5 year old girl has a favorite pair of pants, and if I'm being totally honest so do I. She has worn these pants two or three times a week, more if I'd let her, all summer long. After we got home from Atlanta, I realized that they were a bit worse for the wear and a small hole was forming at the knee. I was worried she might want to wear them to kindergarten and I couldn't think of how to salvage them, so I put them up [read: hid]. It seemed a shame that they should go to waste, so that's when my I called my girl. My crafty girl. My girl who makes all the cutesy stuff.

She turned these worn out pants into a full fledged adorable outfit. Skeedaddle on over to her etsy store, she's got more talent and creativity in her little finger than I have in my whole body!

Passing the Torch.

2009-08-25T15:33:00.000-07:00

We've lived in our small town for three years. For all of that time, one of my children has attended Noah's Ark Preschool. It is my heart and soul. It is where I've met all of my closest friends. I am so fortunate that each of my children's first school experiences were at this wonderful school.

Today the youngest [and most boisterous] member of our family started Noah's Ark Preschool. He was so excited, which made leaving him there very easy.

The only negative report from his teacher was that he attempted to free the guinea pig. When I asked him about it, he said he was "trying to put Angel in her ball." My only negative report? That our beloved Teacher Dianna won't be teaching his class.

By all accounts, he had a fantastic day. His favorite part "juice." My favorite part? Hosting a coffee at my house [sans les enfants] for my closest girlfriends. I think I could really get used to this SAHM business.

A Very Busy Birthday.

2009-08-09T13:34:00.000-07:00

This past week, my sweet little Doodlebug turned five. She is a wonderful and amazing little girl. She is a part of the reason for the sparkle in my eye and the sunshine in our house.

We had a very busy birthday for this girl. We added a new member to our family: Chrissa, the American Girl doll. We went to the movies to see G-Force with some friends, complete with snack bags. We also went to Benihana for dinner, the birthday girl's favorite.

I cannot believe this precious angel will be starting Kindergarten in a little over a week. I will also miss all the "help" [real and perceived] around the house.

First Date.

2009-08-07T14:44:00.001-07:00

Ladies, lock up your daughters.

The Hungry Lurker.

2009-08-03T06:56:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, the Three Bay B Chicks had an insightful, yet hysterical post about the different personality types one encounters at the playground. I saw a bit of myself in that post, or rather my child.

Meet.....the Hungry Lurker.

It looks innocent enough. A child at the pool, eating a snack. What great organization this mom has, writing her child's name "Riley" on the outside of the bag, presumably to help her child keep track of his snack. Unfortunately, the child eating this snack is named "Clayton."

Hello, my name is Peaches and my son is the Hungry Lurker.

Days Gone By.

2009-07-22T12:19:00.000-07:00

Tall, Tall Trees.

2009-07-21T17:05:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we took the kids to the Avenue of Giants to see all the redwood trees. I'd like to believe that they were thoroughly impressed, but they kept asking "where are we going?" Of course the answer was "we're here, we're just driving and looking at all the tall trees." "Oh." [Such a tough crowd to please.]

The Mendocino Coast.

2009-07-20T08:57:00.000-07:00

Our weekend excursion.

(My quest for the perfect family photo continues, and I have a very loose definition for "perfect" in this particular instance. I would settle for one where I look fantastic and all three children are looking at the camera.)

Dental Care.

2009-07-18T09:29:00.001-07:00

Dental hygiene is a priority in our family, especially if you're missing your two front teeth!

Games.

2009-07-17T18:38:00.000-07:00

We played all kinds of games on vacation. My least favorite? "Find the Gum."

I'm not a gum-chewer, and therefore neither are my children (yet). My children are fascinated by gum, "the forbidden fruit" if you will. Clayton, especially, is fascinated by all the places he has found gum on this vacation.

1 - Under the restaurant table.

2 - On the sidewalk bench.

3 - Inside the airplane throw up bag.

I think the funniest part is that when he finds gum he exclaims, "I found it. I found the GUM!"

The holy grail. The secret closet door to Narnia. The golden ticket. And he found it. Someone else's gum.

Nice.

Higher Education.

2009-07-16T16:23:00.000-07:00

On our recent trip to the motherland, we decided to take a side trip to Athens and show our children the University of Georgia. I am convinced there is no other city quite like Athens, GA. Home to the B-52's and birthplace of REM. It is my *favorite* city (edging out Paris by a razor thin margin). These are the iconic arches of North Campus where the college borders the city. Legend has it that if a Freshman walks through the arches, they will never graduate. Freshman actually walk around them, or avoid them all together.

My eldest child is interested in becoming a veterinarian, so my husband wanted to take her by the College of Veterinary Medicine at UGA. [The vet school is world-renown. Students at the UGA vet school invented the flea repellent Top Spot.] My husband envisioned her looking at this photograph to help motivate her in her studies.

My husband also wanted her to have an idea where she might end up if she didn't do well in school and apply herself. [I'm assuming he meant working and not eating.] I'm sorry if you're offended by my husband's bizarre sense of humor (he was endlessly amused by this).

Seven.

2009-07-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

While we were in Atlanta, my eldest child celebrated her seventh birthday. Although there was no party, it was celebrated with the appropriate amount of fanfare.

We had a Belgian waffle with blueberries, whip cream and a candle for breakfast. American Girl store and bistro for lunch. Along with the purchase of a new *friend* who is now traveling with us everywhere. (And I do mean everywhere). And finished up with dinner and dessert at her favorite chain restaurant seafood dinner, Red Lobster.

The middle-aged lady at the table next to us was also celebrating her birthday. When the waiters came around to sing "Happy Birthday," it was for "Deb and Barrett." Not exactly what we had expected. Clayton repeatedly sang happy birthday to Deb and Barrett for the rest of the week.

Vacation.

2009-07-14T19:11:00.000-07:00

All I ever wanted. Vacation, had to get away.

(Vacation, ready for it to be over. Vacation, wished I were already home.)

Three.

2009-06-28T21:55:00.001-07:00

Exactly three years ago today, another boy stole my heart away. And I am changed forever.