Liquid Gold

Little Miss Anna was running around yesterday in all her glory (yes NAKED). She then came to find me and kept saying come here and come see. I thought she was going to show me Ian's blanket house ... instead she led me to the potty and proudly exclaimed, "Look!" and there is was ... liquid gold!

Of course as any parent would do I made sure to go over the top with my praise and excitement. Then Ian, Anna, and I danced through the house and chanted, "Anna went pee pee in the pot-tee!" Anna beamed with pride and if we stopped singing she'd say, "again, again!"

I finally told her that was all and went about doing my own thing. And do you know what happened next? Around 30 minutes later she yelled out, "PEE PEE COMIN'!" and the three of us ran to the potty ... and she did it AGAIN! woo hoo! Anna went pee pee in the pot-tee! Anna went pee pee in the pot-tee! The singing and dancing resumed!

Again I stopped the celebration much sooner than Little Miss Anna would've liked (10 min just not enough for her). And again, 30 min or so later I heard the words, "PEE PEE COMIN'!"

I think we may be on to something here! 3 times in one evening! Do I dare hope and dream?

So today with much hope and optimism I will keep her in big girl panties (except nap time- wink) and see where it leads us. Wish me ... and us luck!

Class Action Law Suit

I think it is high time that someone sues the socks off of the happily ever after fairy tale story book writers and movie makers. From the moment we are born little girls are told stories of castles and princes, we hear of evil being trumped by good, the stories may tell of a moment of stormy skies, but then miraculously the gray clouds fade, birds begin to sing and the sunny skies fill with rainbows and butterflies.

How then, I ask you, are we suppose to be ready for real life when we shed the little girl rose colored glasses and enter the turbulent world of adult womanhood? What life skills are we given to deal with sick babies, troubled marriages, and spilled milk?

From TV sitcoms, to movies, commercials, and stories ... almost all end with a happy ending ... but in real life there is no pilot that stops on the tarmac so the man can rush aboard and declare his love for the girl (in reality he'd be arrested for even trying) ... there is not a notebook that tells a true story of everlasting love that stood the test of time ... there are only broken hearts and lost dreams.

I believe love exists. I know we are in charge of our own happiness. I only wish a few of the lessons I have learned would've come a little sooner. I will teach my children to believe in themselves, to follow their dreams, to reach for the stars ... all the while keeping their feet firmly planted and standing tall.

I hope some story tellers can learn to weave a little truth in their stories. It is good to dream but it is better to create our own story rather than waiting for the prince to come riding in on his horse to save the day and make everything right.

More Disney

So much more to share!

Anna would walk thru Toon Town and call out, "Mickey Moush, Where are you?", then she would say, "We're comin'!" Then we found him.

Ian excitedly ran up and gave the Mouse a big hug. Anna loved him as long as she didn't have to get to close.

We had breakfast with Pooh Bear, and Chip, and Minnie Mouse!



Anna was like most 2 yr old kids ... loved the big furry characters from afar. That was until we met the fairies. Maybe because they are not big costumes she was not afriad... she cautiously walked up and gave each one a hug.


Tinkerbell was Anna's favorite! And Tinkerbell talked to Anna, at her level, for several minutes! It was an amazing moment.



And there was Woody

& Mickey


& more Mickey ... Gotta love the mouse!

Big Girl~

Anna now has a big girl bed! Oh my, where does the time go? She was very excited to have her princess bed! She crawled in a laid down ... then after 2.5 seconds cried. :(

She has been resisiting bed time lately ... saying over and over "No go bed" I was hoping the Big Girl bed would solve the dilema. Guess not. But for now she is sleeping like an angel, the crib has been disassembled, and we reach another small, but significant milestone in my little girl's, (who is growing to fast) life.

California Getaway Part II

Trick ~ Or ~ Treat

We suited up, the convict, the vampire, and the butterfly. Thursday night we attended Mickey's Trick-or-Treat party. Disney put on quite the shin-dig. There was Halloween Music, lights, and plenty of candy to be had. Ian loved running up to the candy stands to shout "TrickOrTreat" and Anna insisted on holding her own bag ... no matter how heavy it had become.

Kids, costumes and Mickey Mouse! Does it get any better?

California Getaway

Sun ~ Sand ~ & Mickey Mouse

My friend Heather & her mother Sarah invited Ian, Anna, and myself to share their condo in California ... and away we went. We spent 4 days on the best vacation ever!

This was Anna's first big trip. She travels like a pro! She was so excited to go on an airplane ride. As I sat her down in her seat, she very independantly insisted on putting her own seat belt on all by herself. She then thru her arms in the air and exclaimed "WWWeeeeeee!". It was a priceless moment!

After arriving at the Orange County Airport we got in our rental car and headed to Hunington Beach.

We went for a stroll along the pier.

Anna entertained herself chasing the sea gulls!

It was the first time for both Ian and Anna to see the ocean! I could've watched them all day playing in the water and the sand.

Anna's game: put hands in the sand, then go to Heather and ask for help to wash a hand. Once hands were clean, start over.

Here is little Anna ... I don't think we were even out of the parking lot before she was out.

There is so much more to share about our trip so stay tuned ... there is more to follow.

Time Travel DOES exist

time travel exists ... I was transported back in time yesterday.

I had to make a trip to St. Mark's Hospital. I haven't been there since Mom was there. I was completely blindsided by the emotion. I had not thought of how it may affect me. From the moment I pulled my car into the parking garage I was overcome with sadness. It felt like I was transported back to last year ... when I spent too much time there.

As I entered the hospital the smells assaulted my senses and I could no longer control the tears. It became hard to catch my breath and my stomach tightened. I could hear the Dr.'s updating me on Mom's condition and as I sat in the waiting room I swear I could hear Mom's voice mixed in with all the other chatter.

I wonder what people thought as I sat there with tears rolling down my cheek ... I am sure they had no idea it was from events over a year old. My thoughts drifted from what had happened, to what I wish I had done differently, to what she must think of me now.

I miss you Mom ... and I know I always will. My thoughts and memories are slowly migrating from the tragic events of last year to the simple, happy times we shared. Everyday I grieve but everyday I become a little stronger, I spend extra time with my kids to give them wonderful memories to hold on to, and everyday I thank God for the most wonderful gifts I have been given.

time travel exists ... whether brought on by a familiar place, a favorite song, or a scent in the air ... let yourself be transported to the place and time filed somewhere in your memory ... it is life's experiences that define who we are, and who we will continue to grow to be. Be it a sad or happy memory it is part of the miracle of life.