Update

Just wanted to let everyone who was concerned about Kayla (thanks for the phone calls) know that she is doing much better now! She is back to her neurotic, but not overly obsessive self! We're still trying to determine what the issue was--up to this point we think it had a lot to do with the asthma medication she was on and probably the perfect storm of body chemistry and the like. Since she's been off of the medication every day has been better than the day before, so I can say with confidence that we probably don't have a neurological disorder here--just a mini me!

Once Upon a Time in a Land Far Far Away...

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Blue

You're blue — the most soothing shade of the spectrum. The color of a clear summer sky or a deep, reflective ocean, blue has traditionally symbolized trust, solitude, and loyalty. Most likely a thoughtful person who values spending some time on your own, you'd rather connect deeply with a few people than have a bunch of slight acquaintances. Luckily, making close friends isn't that hard, since people are naturally attracted to you — they're soothed by your calming presence. Cool and collected, you rarely overreact. Instead, you think things through before coming to a decision. That level-headed, thoughtful approach to life is patently blue — and patently you!

Take this test >

Christmas Card

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

The Glass Castle

Has anybody read this book? I just finished it and I have to say, absolutely LOVED it. I liked it even better than the Secret Life of Bees and Cane River combined (and I really loved those books). The best part about this book is that it's a memoir--it's TRUE! This is the life of Jeannette Walls. Amazing. One thing I took away from the book is the resiliance of children--I'm a good Mom, maybe too good...in their extreme parenting philosophy, or maybe utter neglect and dereliction (you can never quite figure out which) the Walls parents made me think that maybe I need to be a little more willing to let my kids make their own mistakes. Anyways, great book, blew me away, you should all read it--as an added bonus, it's a super quick read, for all you moms and workaholics with very little time to yourselves!

"Tagged"

So, I've been "tagged" to post "6 facts about Lia" - here we go:
1) Feet and thumbs gross me out, therefore these might be the first things I notice about you. If you give me someone's name that I know, I can most definitely describe their feet and their thumbs to you in great detail.
2) I talk, laugh, cry and tickle my arm whilst it's held up at a 90 degree angle in my sleep. I freak Ryan out. What's even more freaky is that my sister does it too--genetic?
3) My favorite treat ever is S'mores. It's the only reason I agree to camp, ever. Which leads me to my 4th...
4) I HATE camping. Don't tell Ryan, though I'm sure he already knows, he's just in denial. These are words that come to mind: dirty, cold, ticks, coin showers, public restrooms at 2 AM with a flashlight, boring, unless there's a beach,... So in regards to camping I just have one question: "Why?"
5) I start watching Christmas movies in August...okay, July.
6) And last, but not least, I will leave you with this: I get stage fright in public restrooms. In the dorms in college, I would always turn the faucet on before I went into a stall--everyone knew it was me in there when they walked in to a running faucet. Unless they were a guest, and in their ignorance turned it off, then I would have to wait for them to finish and leave. However, if you too share this same phobia, here's a little trick that I've learned since college: plug your ears. This works for two reasons: one, if someone does walk in the bathroom, you can't really hear, so you hardly know that they are there, and two, if you can't hear yourself pee, then nobody else can either, right?
Hope you enjoyed a little window into my life:) I am going to tag:
Josie
Nancy
Lisa
Sara
And that pretty much comprises my list of blogger friends--it just occurred to me, I need more friends...

Soccer!

Ummm, I'm sorry, but miniature shinguards, cute! Below are some action shots of Kayla at soccer "practice"--quotes because they are all "practices" really. Community center soccer doesn't actually have games. Unfortunately, she believes she will be receiving a shiny trophy at the end of the season, which is why she wanted to play in the first place... How much do you think we'd have to pay Coach Pedro and Coach Katie to participate in a mock pizza party and trophy ceremony at the local pizza joint?

Body Check!

Skills

Shot!

"The Team"

Jack of All Trades, Renaissance man, whatever the term, I married one.

So over Labor Day weekend, the kids and I headed down south to stay with my mom and sisters so that Ryan could remodel the kitchen. As many of you know, my husband is quite handy. In this most recent project he proved that he truly is, as they say, a Jack of All Trades. He did re-wiring for the under cabinet lighting, plumbing for new sink, granite install, dishwasher and microwave install, and everything else you will soon behold. I give you...
BEFORE:



AFTER:

Who knew we were living in such squalor?! I love my new kitchen and appliances that work and actually match eachother. Now can we sell it and get the heck out of San Jose? (Ummmm, no offense to all those whom I have met and love in bless-ed San Ho...I just miss the ocean and my allergies here are debilitating).