Moving Day
Today I am moving to a new space. This URL will stick around for awhile so that my many fans, okay all six of you, can find my new space.
Be gentle, the new site is still in progress.
http://lusciouschaos.wordpress.com/

AND A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM

Michaela is on a kick to see how far she can run on the treadmill. She was starting to inspire me to get moving until I noticed that I was having a difficult time taking a picture of her on treadmill without displaying the disastrous space that is my home office. Pathetic. Maybe tomorrow, I will attempt to clean my desk while on the treadmill. Now that is inspiring.

Story People of the Day:

BEING GOOD

I've always thought death was a lot like Christmas, he said. I can't wait to find out if being good the whole time was worth it.

Enough for now...love to all.

What a difference a week makes. Since the Dr. suggested I may have Celiacs Disease, I have been on a gluten free diet. Hence the AA chip. I think the chip is appropriate because I feel like I am in the early days of sobriety. My head is clear for the first time in quite a few weeks. And the cravings are still ever present. Gluten free means no bread, rolls, cake, cookies or anything made with wheat, rye or barley flour. Even the seemingly "good stuff" can be off limits--balance bars for example. I have become reacquianted with the vegetable. And my new best friend is the George Foreman grill. I never made kabobs this pretty unless I was serving to book club.

Last night I spent a hour or so looking at The Story People website. When I first started blogging, I would insert a story of the day. So here's one entitled INVENTION for this picture:

I always wanted to invent something that would move around & make funny noises & would change the world as we know it & I forgot all about that until we had kids & now I see I came pretty close.
Enough for now...love to all.

Okay, sorry but I just read another one that made me crack up called BAD FIT

Certain types of people don't fit in here, she told me when we first moved in.
Just assume you're one of them & you'll be fine.

Okay really enough...love to all.

One more quick post tonight. I have had a couple of people comment lately about the name "Luscious Chaos." I cannot claim ownership cause I took it from a most unconventional artist/storyteller named Brian Andreas. http://www.storypeople.com/storypeople/Home.do.
If/when you check out his site, be prepared to waste an hour of two laughing. And when you find a piece that touches you particularly please share it with me in the comments.
Really enough for now...love to all.

As CP wrote, we will all remember where we were on that beautiful, crisp morning in September 6 years ago. I had just quit my job to be a SAHM and we were in process of revising our lives to live "providently" on one income. It was the first morning in our newly downsized home and I was waking to a day of unpacking. It addition to the shock and horror of watching the planes shatter buildings, I felt the intense urge to drive to my children's school and bring them home for protection. There was such an eerie feeling that there was more coming.

So where did the Tates spend this 9/11? At Disneyland. Okay, I know this would seem to trivialize the day, potentially to be renamed "Patriots Day." However, while chatting with a couple while waiting for a show to begin, I got a new perspective.

This couple told me that they wanted to celebrate our uniquely American way of life and freedom enjoying themselves pumping money into the American economy. Those who perpetrated the horrific event would much prefer us to spend our day remembering the vulnerability we all felt when we saw this tragedy playing out in major cities at the same time. I like the idea of celebrating our freedom in a truly magical place where I can do and wear and buy and say almost anything I want (The recent Southwest incident reminds me that freedom has some boundaries). So today I will spend a few minutes thinking of some incredible sacrifices and be ever grateful for my blessed life.

Besides the lines were incredibly short.

Enough for now...love to all.

AN UGLY HANDMADE PRESENT IS NOT A GIFT

Since I have to spend time resting, I decided to start crocheting again. I got this idea to make scarfs for the girls in my family. I love to give and receive handmade items. I have often stated that "the love is in the stitches." However, while I was crocheting, I had a strange memory hit me like a brick wall. My Grandmother was very talented in all the..let's just call them "vintage arts." She could quilt, crochet, knit and can with the best of her generation. When I was ten, crocheted ponchos were totally cool and I asked her to make one for me. In the seventies, the color palette was mostly comprised of neon bright colors. Well, she finished the poncho and put it in the mail. It was beautifully made but the yarn she used was a varigated autumn mix. Beautiful for my then 70 year old Grandma, not so hip for a ten year old. I wore the poncho often but never felt quite right. This might have something to do with the only dress I had to wear it with, an olive green Deseret Industries dress that was missing the first button. In my fourth grade school pictures, you see a big ole safety pin in place of a button. The poncho veed perfectly to highlight my second hand dress. Over the years, I have always had a strange sensation when looking at amazing items with questionable color palettes. I feel a stitch in my heart because at this point in my life I am fully aware and awed at the time and skill these pieces take. And also I connect with the desire to see the receiver of homemade gifts really love the item and not have to fake it. After all, you really can't exchange or re-gift these personalized items. You are kind of under some type of obligation to wear or use the item especially in front of the creator. My dear friend Barbara marshalled members of my book club to contribute quilt blocks to this beautiful lap quilt. I sat down and cried when I opened this 'perfect' gift. The colors are amazing, the sentiments as touching. I know the work that went into this gift and was such a perfectly timed and wholly appreciated gift. I am touched to tears everytime I think about it.

So now to the heart of this post--is this yarn ugly? If I made you this scarf would you wear it out of obligation or choice? I chose the red because Amanda is a UTES fan and could use a scarf for the games. All of a sudden I have turned into my grandmother. Full of self-doubt as I no longer know what colors are cool. One step away from making crocheted toilet paper covers, I need your help. You know I don't often stoop to begging for comments but if you read this post and don't normally leave comments--today is the day. Sign up for a Google account and leave me your opinion. The Tate Family Christmas is hanging in the balance.

Enough for now...love to all.

Well this post will be a rambler cause I wanted to document a couple of things Spencer said to me yesterday on the way to the Walmart. We are driving down the street and he says, "Mom, this really is a great neighborhood to live in isn't it?." Continuing with, "I'm so glad that we don't live in Long Beach, that's where all the Junk Jackers live." Okay, I'm sure there are plenty of you out there that are so much cooler than I am. I had heard of car jackers, but junk jackers. Okay, apparently Junk Jackers are people who will steal anything, any ole junk. I guess there is an elaborate networks of junk fencers who want the junk. Who would have guessed that is going on in Long Beach?

Later, as we are pulling into the parking lot, he says, "Walmart, better be living up to their committments!" He was concerned about their statement, "always low prices." He is so amazingly random right now. I could listen to him philosophize for hours, until he launches into a conversation about the intricate characteristics of various Pokemons. He launched that topic and as gently as possible, I told him that I really don't follow Pokemons and that maybe we could talk about something interesting to both of us. He just looked at me and said, "Mom, I have tried to teach you." Then he said, "Sometimes it is not that the Teacher is not ready to teach but that the student is unwilling to learn."

How true my profound Son!

Enough for now...love to all

The fog is lifting. Today for the first time in about six weeks, I have some energy. My Dr. in SLC suggested that I try a gluten free diet for a week or so. One of the blood tests showed a possibility of Celiacs disease. I won't go into the gory details (intestines don't absorb nutrients). You basically get fatter while losing the ability to get any nutrients from your food. That just doesn't seem fair. Anyway no bread, cakes, cookies, pasta for the last few days and I am starting to feel better. Not an easy long term way of life but better than spending life in bed.

I took this picture of Kailey Jo while we were in SLC last week. She looks exactly like Clint. Poor Natalie, I understand the desire to see yourself in your child. Kids go through so many stages, I'm sure at some point we will see some of Natalie. Right now Michaela looks so much like Doug.

Enough for now...love to all.

I just plunked down $850 for Spencer and Michaela to ride the bus every day. This is how I know I am truly sick. I don't have the energy to really be upset about it. I am sure things will resolve soon. I flew last week to SLC to go to my Dr. He took over $800 worth of tests. I got the results today and a couple of the tests were out of the normal range. I don't know exactly what to do next other than spend hours on the computer diagnosing myself. Who needs medical school when you have the internet. The tests measure everything from Colon Cancer to "you're too fat." I should know soon. Here are pics from the weekend and the first day of school.

Enough for now...love to all.

On Saturday, my friend from the office, Patricia Gaulin sponsored a service trip to an orphanage is Tijuana, Mexico. I still am struggling with my health, so I sent the family and stayed home to rest. Steve and Brent went along with Doug, Michaela and Spence. They had a great experience. Before they went, I took the kids to Target and they picked out soccer balls to give to the kids. They both wanted these Spanish/English dictionaries ($1.79) and Michaela spent most of Friday night practicing Spanish phrases. It is really important to me that my children learn to serve. I was so pleased that they had a positive experience and everyone agreed that they would like to go again next year (Patricia intends to make this a yearly event). Apparently, this one little boy took a real liking to Spence and Spence drug him around the play area on his foot. Michaela started teaching the girls how to make Norwegian paper baskets. Brent, Steve's friend, served a mission in Argentina, so he was able to translate. I wish I had been able to go and the pictures

tell a great story. Next time.

Enough for now...love to all.

I haven't posted for awhile. I am struggling a little with my health lately. My energy has just bottomed out and I am challenged trying to work and care for the family. I took thes shots of Michaela which echo my being. I'm sure things will improve shortly and I'll be full of sass again soon.

Enough for now...love to all.

QUIRKY IN THE MOST DELIGHTFUL WAY.

I have been really blessed in my life with really interesting friends. When describing my most unique and enjoyable friends (and my children), I will usually say, he/she is quirky in the most delightful way.

Such is the case with my dear friend, Joan Smith

I took this photo of Joan this weekend in San Clemente. I think she would like being lit with this golden light. She deserves a Vermeer approach to her portrait.

I first met Joan when she moved in across the street on Connor Ridge Cove a few years ago but I feel like I have known her for years. We become good friends via our love for books, music and beautiful things. She is generous beyond belief. And if you are looking for a good book, you will leave her home with three or four.

There is a beautiful straightforwardness to Joan. She doesn't waste her time on things she does not enjoy or value. She artfully evades the guilt plague which afflicts most Mormon women. But she knows where her talents lie, and she gives freely without keeping tally.

When you need a place to lay down you burdens, you can go to Joan. She will listen without judgement. She has an uncanny way of making difficult times seem trivial while validating your feelings.

A couple of years ago, Joan decided that I was her seventh daughter. An honor I do not take lightly. My family and I have been included in many a family dinner at the Smith's. There are always interesting conversations as her husband and children weave in and out. You see, she has raised independent thinkers and the conversation is always about more about ideas than people. Although, we are not above discussing a certain church leader who parks his vehicle diagonally across multiple spaces at the church.

She is timeless and is one of the few that can pull off wearing kaftans without looking like a throw back from Three's Company.

She will likely never read this tribute but the goodwill I feel towards this great woman will find its way to her heart..

Enough for now...love to all.

ODE to my dream and HOMAGE to reality.

I am on a mini vacation with the kids tonight. I had a business conference in Monterey so I decided to drive with the kids and let them do the hotel thing with me. I love being with these two. Micheala cracked me up today. We had purchase a can of Pringles to share. She was doling them out slowly (too slowly for Spence and I). She was making Spence wait, so I gave him mine. She stated, "How is he ever going to learn, if you just give him what he wants." Tomorrow we go to Hearst Castle--I have never been and will try to stop in Solvang if we still have the energy. Photos to follow.
I am having a little issue with anger management myself lately. I have no direct evidence but my less than empirical evidence shows that Californians are just plain rude especially when it comes to women traveling with children. Maybe is has something to do with the space per capita. Yesterday, Spence was having difficulty opening a rather heavy door. It caused a man who came up behind him to sigh and roll his eyes. Normally, I just ignore it but I am turning into the guy from "Network"--mad as @#$% and not gonna take it anymore. In a calm voice, I said to the gentleman, "you don't need to be rude, he is a ten year old boy." A second incident took place today where someone was screaming in a parking lot because we were in the wrong spot. Spencer had thrown up in the car and Michaela and I were trying to dispose of the towels we used to clean up. We were inconveniencing this man because he had to wait a few seconds to get into the space. After his response, I indicated that a child had just thrown up and we were trying to get it taken care of. The man was absolutely unaffected. His need to get into a parking space was greater than a barfing child. Incredible. Michaela and I talked about it after. I am reminded of the intense need for gentility and patience in the world. I am not there but am willing to give you a break if you cut me off in traffic or take my parking space (especially if barf is involved).
Enough for now....love to all.

I just looked at my last post and realized that I should have explained why I included that photo. It looks strangely out of place amidst the photos of kids. I guess the photo is a total juxtapose with the text but the truth is...this photo never really captured the strength of my relationship with my dh. It is some photographers #5 on the list of mandatory engagement photos. A more realistic pose would be dh and I doing the firemans's carry or pulling an ox cart. We have had the blessing of working alongside each other for 12 years. One of the things I have always admired about my husband is his willingness to work. He has never been one to watch me clean around him. If I begin straightening up an area, he is right beside me doing his share. I'm sure I have his mother to thank for that and I would hope Spence is the same with his wife someday.
Enough for now...love to all.

Real and Practical Love

Doug and I went to a party on Friday night. There were about 12 other couples and the hostess had planned a couple of icebreaker games. We played a couple of rounds of "I've Never", where you say something you have never done and the those that have have to contribute a penny to the pot. Then we played "Two Truths and a Lie." Here was my contribution:

1. I sat by Fabio in an airport lounge. TRUE And he is totally huge and rather greasy looking.

2. I was on "Good Morning America." TRUE

The year I graduated from High School, I did summer stock theatre in Jackson Hole, WY. Good Morning America came to do a feature story on Jackson. That morning I just happened to be playing the part of the saloon gal in the shootout in the square.

3. I piloted a 747. FALSE

Anyway, as the evening waxed more languid, we started sharing engagement stories. The couples ranged from newlyweds to 25+ marriages. It was so interesting. The stories ran the gamut from wonderfully romantic with a fairytale setup to the low-risk "okay, so some day I might want to marry you, what do you think." One couple made a hasty exit and it seemed clear that this topic was off limits in a group. Finally, the asked the Tates. This has always been kinda a sore topic for me. Doug and I got engaged after a serious discussion (argument). We had carried on a long distance relationship for 8 months. I was living in Toronto at the time and I would fly down every few weeks and Doug would fly up when he could arrange for the kids care. Our discussion at Murray Park was a "fish or cut bait" talk. If we were not getting married, I needed to move on and not waste my time. The "will you marry me?" wasn't spontaneous or beautifully orchestrated, more like a concession to circumstance. I have always held a little resentment about this, petty to be sure. When it came our turn to share our "engagement story", I let Doug tell it. At first, he futzed around. He knew this was a major set-up. At one point, he just got down on one knee and asked me, "if I would still marry him?" Of course, I said yes. Then I exclaimed, "let the healing begin." It was funny but somewhat touching at the same time. It made me reflect on how many times Doug has allowed me to take the lead when he thought it would make me happy. I am not easy to live with and he thinks about my comfort and happiness often. Okay, ours is not a movie type of love but it is enduring and constant and I am totally blessed to have real, practical love in my marriage.

Enough for now...love to all.

Lately, I am becoming more and more aware of my whinitude. If I am not complaining about something I am not comfortable. It can really become as habit forming as my first love--Diet Coke- and much tougher to give up. I need a patch. Or at least some type of medication to wean me from the energy I am taking from this. And the energy it is taking from my life.

An old favorite joke:

Wife to Husband: But honey, I told you I wanted to vacation in the wine country.

Husband to Wife: Honey, everywhere I go with you in whine country.

I found this article online and while I know it is intended for children, maybe my friends, who really love me, can pretend to parent me through this...

How to Stop Whining in 4 Easy Steps
Whining is a habit your child developed over time, and it will take a little time to break it. But, don't despair; you can stop your child's whining habit. Here's how.
Notice when she whines and choose your response. Changing the pattern of whining begins when you change how you respond to it.
When you notice her whining, call her attention to it. Whining has become an unconscious habit by the time she reaches elementary school. She needs to learn to recognize it first. Some strategies you can try are:
Purposeful ignoring. You can even say "I'm ignoring you when you use your whiny voice. Try again in your normal voice and I'll pay attention."
Whine back. Use a bit of humor to cue her to notice her whining by showing what a whiny voice sounds like.
Stop her immediately when she whines and say, "Do you hear that you are whining? Tell me the same thing in your normal voice."
Tone of voice is the hallmark of whining, but the child's reaction to being told 'no' is another component of whining.
She needs to learn a new habit to replace whining, so help her learn the right approach to asking for what she wants. Asking politely is an important social skill that you can teach directly. To teach a child to accept 'no' for an answer can be more of a challenge. I like the approach from Common-Sense Parenting. Teach your child to:
Stop and look at Mom or Dad
Say "OK"
Stay calm. Do not argue or whine.
If you disagree, discuss it later, calmly and in private.
Reinforce non-whining. Focus on the problem for 2-3 months, and thereafter if the habit creeps back. Notice when she asks politely and when she accepts 'no' for an answer without whining. Praise and reward her to reinforce the new learning. When she does whine, pause, look at her, and call attention to the whining if necessary. Help her think through what she should say and how to practice the new learning. Watch your own whining too, so that social learning doesn't overcome your efforts to break your child's whining habit.

Enough for now...love to all.

While looking at the Type Pad website, I was led to read Scott Adams blog. Scott is the creator of Dilbert. I was so charmed by this post, until the end, when he declares he is an agnostic rather than a believer. I still think the argument is worth considering for those of us who believe in God.

The Atheist Who Thought He Was God
Can we ever be sure about anything in life?
Is a feeling of 99% certainty enough to say you “know” something? Or do you need to feel 99.9999999999% certain before you’re willing to commit?
If you say you need to be 100% certain, you don’t understand how human brains work. It’s common for the human brain to be certain about things that later turn out to be completely false. It happens all the time, to everyone. If it has ever happened to you, then you know you can’t trust your own powers of certainty.
This brings me to atheists. In order to be certain that God doesn’t exist, you have to possess a godlike mental capacity – the ability to be 100% certain. A human can’t be 100% certain about anything. Our brains aren’t that reliable. Therefore, to be a true atheist, you have to believe you are the very thing that you argue doesn’t exist: God.
Perhaps you will argue that being 99.999999% certain God doesn’t exist is just as good as being 100% sure. That strikes me as bad math. As other philosotainers have famously noted, a small chance of spending eternity in Hell has to be taken seriously. Eternity is a long time.
Let me put this in perspective. You might be willing to accept a 10% risk of going skiing and getting hurt, but you wouldn’t accept a 10% risk of a nuclear war. The larger the potential problem, the less risk you are willing to tolerate.
An eternity in Hell is the largest penalty there could ever be. So while you might not worry about a .00000000001% chance of ending up in Hell, you can’t deny the math. .00000000001% of eternity is a lot longer than your entire mortal life. Infinitely longer.
I sometimes call myself an atheist because it’s too hard to explain Spinoza’s version of god. And it’s too hard to explain that agnosticism is the only intellectually defensible position.

After reading this I hope you will feel more grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost, which testifies and communicates truth in a way no mortal man can, regardless of their brilliant humanity.

Enough for now...love to all.

We went to the Orange County Fair this weekend. I was very impressed. I remember going to the Strawberry Festival as a kid growing up in Garden Grove. This year's theme was "Cowabunga", hence the surfing cow sand sculpture. The Peking Acrobat troupe photos are fodder for a number of posts on balance, of which I am in sore need. One thing I did note. The older I get, the less I know how to have fun. My expectation that I should be able to meet every family members desire for a good time robs me. I fully get that this is my problem and also that I have indulged my children to the point that they believe everything is always about them. My parenting leaves much to desire. When they aren't satisfied with the outcome of what we do or where we go, I try to nail them with the "ungrateful" spiel.

Yesterday, Spencer and I were doing our visiting teaching. I know it is a little weird but I take him as my companion because both sisters I visit have little boys that love Spencer. At the second visit, the kids decided to whack each other with toys swords. One of the kids leveled a pretty good swing at Spencer's face right on his glasses and he ended up with a nasty bruise. On the way home in the car, he was telling me that he was trying to protect the youngest child, a little girl named Natalie, but that her brothers weren't showing their younger sister any mercy so he stepped in front of the sword. Spence and I have talked many times about the challenges (and benefits) of being the youngest. He told me the youngests' need to stick together. I told him that one of the blessings of being the youngest is that you learn compassion for others. You know what it feels like to be picked on and you don't want others to experience that hurt. He shook his head and said, "yeah, if you don't get killed before you grow up." He is a tender hearted soul and I will always be grateful for him in my life.

Enough for now...love to all.

I am thinking about defecting from Blogger. I want to be like the other kids with Blog Sites that look like they were created by professional marketing agencies. I want to be a blogga playa. I don't have any idea why cause the whole point of my blog is to reach out to my nearly double digit fan base and post pretty pictures of my beloveds. We will see if I have the energy and skill to move from the minors to the big time.

Enough for now...love to all.

I am an addict and I am raising a family of addicts. My only solace is that the things we are addicted to are not life threatening and will likely (hopefully) not land us on the sidewalk with our belongings in plastic garbage bags. This is a photo of Michaela. Her current passion/addition is Runescape. She chose to sit up on a counter continuing to play rather than take a brief break while we were vacuuming the floor beneath her feet. Okay, so her body is more nimble and what seemed totally uncomfortable to me is not that taxing for an 11 year old girl.

Spencer is addicted to "that darn DS." I have place severe restrictions in place. No...you may not take your gameboy to primary or scouts. No...you may not take your gameboy when we go out to eat as a family (one of the few times we have them captive for stimulating conversation). If I stand in front of you asking questions and your glazed ravenous eyes and ears register nothing I am saying, you will be banished from the electronic instrument of evil.

My addiction to Diet Coke is back with a vengence. It is the first craving I have each day as I wake.

My other newest addiction are these blogs themselves. I have begun to discover a network of women bloggers that I do not know personally but they know someone I know and they have some really interesting things to say. Some of them quite frankly have a little too much time on their hands or else they are so incredibly organized that their blogs like their homes are always spotless and well-tended. Also so interesting to watch the homefront businesses these creative women have cooked up. Today I came across a giveaway from a woman who is raffling off a blog redesign. She does beautiful layouts and charges $70 per to custom design your blog. I don't know what I'll do if I don't win.

Enough for now...love to all.

HAPPY 100TH POST

When you remember me, it means that you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are. It means that you can summon me back to your mind even though countless years and miles may stand between us. It means that when we meet again you will know me. It means that even after I died, you can still see my face and hear my voice and speak to me in your heart." -- Fredrick Buechner from Whistling in the Dark
I was reading a blog and someone had passed on and this quote was part of a tribute. What absolutely lovely words. One day I will create a list of those who have left a mark of who I am on who you are.

The kids are in SURF SCHOOL this week. The best thing is Spencer likes it. It has been somewhat difficult to find sports that he enjoys let alone those he is willing to try. He has become a water kid and this is perfect for him. Photos to follow.
Enough for now...love to all.

I bought some baby bottles for a little game at Celeste Bowler's shower. Well we never got around to the game but my dear baby boy Spencer managed to try it out anyway. I love this sweet young man child and plan to save this photo for his wedding video.

Well we had a great time in Utah. I drove home with Spence and Michaela. I was a little concerned because the DVD player wasn't working. I get the bright idea to buy some book on tape. Not much selection at Walmart but at Deseret Book in Cedar City we bought a copy of Fablehaven on CD. Fablehaven turns out to be a LDS version of Harry Potter. Honestly, it was a great listen for all ages. We made it halfway through the book before we pulled in to our driveway. Highly recommended for all ages.

Uncle Steve, Aunt Terra and Kyle called Saturday morning and told us they were bored at their "chateau" on Morro Bay so they drove an extra six hours to hang out with us in Seal Beach. We took the Aqua Taxi to Long Beach and saw "Hairspray." I loved the original John Waters version so it was a treat for me. Apparently, I was the only one who loved it. I guess the show is an acquired taste. I even enjoyed John Travolta is drag (he has not received great reviews). Thank goodness Zac Ephron from High School Musical was in the show or I would have had a full scale mutiny on my hands.

Enough for now...love to all.

VISITING HOURS

We have spent most of this vacation week visiting. We came to Salt Lake to return April to her rightful home and to help celebrate Grandma Dickson's 85th birthday. It has been so fun to see those we love.

Saturday: Lunch with the Bunnells and the party at Grandma Dickson's House

Sunday: Sacrament in our old ward. The high councilman speaking mentioned how nice it was to see "The Tates" in church. I wonder if he thinks we have been inactive these past 15 months. Grandma Tates for Sunday dinner, then back to our circle to visit the Smith, Dallimores, Gourleys and Rose and Jay.

Monday: Family Home Evening at Liberty Park with my side of the family. One mean volleyball game.

Tuesday: Lunch with my book club and dinner with Norma.

All of this sprinkled with generous visits with Clint, Natalie, Kailey Jo, Steve and Amanda.

Tomorrow is Spencers birthday, then we load up the truck and back to Beverly (Seal Beach).

We are about loved out. Honestly, this reminds us of how richly blessed we are with friends and family. Our hearts (and tummys) are full.

Enough for now...love to all.

Michaela's birthday was on Wednesday. As I young girl, sometimes I would sneak a peek at my mothers journal (sorry Mom) looking to see how I figured into her life.

Michaela has been the joy in my life for 11 years. I love her spunk. In one of my favorite books, a father describes his son by saying, "there was a brightness in him." That is how I feel about Michaela, she has a brightness in her.

If we were contemporaries, instead of mother and daughter, I would have wanted to be her friend. She is a riot and not afraid to try anything, except scary rides. But she constantly challenges herself, she has committed to going on the Matterhorn her next trip to Disneyland.

She is fierce often taking on the older kids in games. She fares best in video games and can beat the older boys.

Someone in our new ward once described Michaela as a "friend maker." She easily accepts others into her circle.

I am so blessed to have the opportunity to parent this amazing spirit. Michaela, you are my best thing.

Enough for now...love to all.

I have been clinging to the end of the on-the-rack section of the department store for too long and I have to start paying some attention to my weight. I blame it on stress but this month I moved from misses to the womens department....and started a diet.

Now I am not above the quick fix so I investigated the Alli Weight Loss Program.

Funny but before I begin with their program, they want to assess my readiness. They think we are friends and that we will have friendly interaction before we begin. They don't realize the adversarial position they undertake as they seek to get between me and comfort. In addition, they expect me to commit. I do not know these people but here they are asking me if I am ready for Alli and what my plan is.

The feature of the plan that I find most attractive in the short term is that if you overdo with the fat content in your meals, the pill rewards you with unpleasant side effects referred to as "treatment effects." It seems similar to what happens to a post gastric bypass patient if they pig out.

Seems strange but I almost need the threat to get started. For 3 days I have made better choices and eaten normal sized portions. Who knows how long fear will battle desire but for today I am in control.

Hopefully, in a few months, I will no longer feel the need to hide in the back during photos or use my children to strategically hide my bulges. Or not.

This photo was from Celeste Bowler's baby shower. I also got a beautiful shot of one of my favorite bloggers so I will post in her honor.

Tomorrow is Michaela's 11th Birthday. She has been a total joy for me this past 11 years. I will dedicate a post for her tomorrow but when she was around 4 years old she told us all that her birthday was on July Tweleventh (11th). She is also convinced that on her visit to 7/11 tomorrow for a free slurpee, they will offer her the larger size since she shares a birthday with the establishment.

Enough for now...love to all.