No time to blog tonight.

I am dreaming of Edward.

And trying to finish the book so that I can be a better mom tomorrow.

I'm So Happy For Myself.....

And this is why.

Every time I drive by this empty field I get a feeling of joy.
This empty field is 3 minutes from my house.

Why would I get a feeling of joy when driving by an empty field that is 3 minutes from my house?

Well, I will tell you.

In 1 year this little empty field (that is 3 minutes from my house) will be the home to 400,000 square feet of shopping bliss. It is called, "The Streets of Brentwood," and it will have 100 retail shops and restaurants, not to mention a 16 screen movie theatre.

You might be wondering what sort of shops will be in "The Streets of Brentwood."

Well, I will tell you.

Of course I don't have a completed list but here is what has been mentioned so far:

Gap
Banana Republic
Gymboree
Apple
REI
Eddie Bauer
Abercrombie and Fitch
Coldwater Creek (what?)
Chico's
Victoria Secret
Express
PF Chang's
Bookstores (TBA)
Hollister
Talbots
Pottery Barn
American Eagle Outfitters
Williams-Sonoma

PLUS lots of restaurants which have not been announced yet.

I'm so happy for myself!

Not that I'm some shopaholic, but just to have good shopping nearby just in case I need something sometime will feel so good.

Also, 2 times in my life I've lived in very small towns where I had to drive 30 minutes to get to any shopping. It was a strange trapped kind of feeling.

Those experiences led me to take a vow to always live near the modern conveniences of life i.e. places to get decent clothes and shoes, delicious food, bulk items in case you're having a party, electronics in case it is your husband or dad's birthday, and other gifts in case someone you know is having a birthday or a baby or a party.

Well, that's about it. Just wanted to let you all know about this empty field that is 3 minutes from my house. I will keep you posted on construction progress.

Mini Vacation

My kids start school this week! I can't believe it. Last week I realized that we didn't even do a vacation during summer break! We did a lot of "day trips" but those are NOT the most fun. So we decided this weekend to do a mini vacation.

We went into the city and rode the trolley cars. My kids had never done that before so it was a new adventure. Then we walked around and had dinner.

Then we went and stayed in the Embassy Suites, which is a mini vacation in and of itself with all the free food and swimming pools.

The next day we went the aquarium at Pier 39. Then we were supposed to go to the SF Zoo.

But I had a small problem.

I grew up here in the bay area and still forgot that it can be like 40 degrees colder in the city.

So I didn't pack right.

And I was freezing.

Which made me cranky.

So we had to stop and buy shoes and socks before we could go to the zoo.

And then, I had to wear the hooded sweatshirt that was in my car, which would have been fine, except I had to wear it over the long, flowy shirt that I had packed to wear that day. It is all I had.

Ummmmm.... let's just say it didn't look so good together. And then, when we went to buy shoes I decided to buy running shoes since I needed some anyway.

So then I had the long flowy shirt, with a hooded sweatshirt over it, and bright white running shoes that didn't fit will with my jeans. It was the ugliest outfit ever.


And the humidity by the water makes my curly hair go crazy!

So then I had bad hair and a bad outfit.

And then I was sad cause I didn't look cute.


And you're just supposed to look cute on vacation.

And I looked very silly.

Dave hated that I cared, cause he just doesn't.

It just wasn't that fun walking around the SF zoo looking like this:

But at least I was warm.

Now I have to share this homeless man with you. He was out of control! He came walking into the group of people and he was all tied up with a huge chain.

He said he could break out of it in just a few minutes. And then he started going crazy rollin' all around and doing somersaults to get the chain off! And he did it.

But the funniest and most horrifying part was, um, where the chain was. I mean, he basically had a chain wedgie and it was not pretty. But it was funny. And I KNOW he chained himself up like that on purpose. When you go to SF you are guaranteed to see something like this and it kind of makes the trip all the more delightful.

Chain Wedgie

Um... all I know is the chain should not be where it is. That is just wrong.

He's free! And then we all gave him money.

Small Bathroom Makeover

I am NOT done with this bathroom. I still want to paint the walls and get new mirrors and lights. Maybe someday I'll get rid of the carpet too.

But for now, I've covered up the orangeish wood and I am VERY happy about that.

Before:

After:

I Could Be Dying

I am having the worst shooting pain down my left arm right now. Is that the arm that you get pain in when you're having a heart attack? I don't know why I am experiencing this unbearable pain! It's been going on for a few hours now and it really hurts. Maybe it is from typing too much. Or maybe from painting too much. Or stirring the marshmallows in the pan forever waiting for them to melt to make my rice crispy treats today. Or maybe it's because my nap today was really crappy and short.

Oh well. I guess I'll never know why I'm having this horrible pain. But if you don't hear from me I"m probably at the hospital. The reason why I'm telling you this is because Dave is sick of hearing about it and I had no one else to turn to since it is after 10pm and I can't call anyone.

As I sit here in pain, Dave is over on the bed reading his book. Does anyone ever take care of moms?

I'm going to bed now.

Good night.

The Binky Fairy and the Worst Night I've Had in 2 years!

My sis Angie had this great idea about how to get rid of your child's binky when it is time.

It is called the Binky Fairy and you basically tell your kid a little lie about a little fairy that comes and takes their binkys away forever and ever and leaves them a great toy.

It worked for my sister's twins, so I thought I would give it a try with Macey.

Macey is 2.5. Not TOO old for a binky but definitely old enough to be done with it. We let Logan keep his until he was 3 but I figure the sooner the better right? And Macey seemed ready.

I talked about the binky fairy with Macey a lot for a few weeks. Finally last night when I was tucking her in I asked her if she was ready for the binky fairy to come. She said yes. I reminded her that the fairy takes the binkys FOREVER. The binkys NEVER COME BACK. And she was still o.k. with it.

So I decided it was the night!!

I went to Target to buy her a little surprise.

And then I had a little problem. I started crying at target.

Cause I was thinking about how taking her binky away is like taking the last resemblance of babyhood away. And then I wouldn't have a baby anymore. So I cried at Target.

And then I bought her 3 toys and a candy.

On the way home I cried some more. I wasn't going to go through with it. I kept imagining how cute and cuddly (and quiet) she gets when I stick that binky in.

And then I thought about how yummy her binkys smell when she wakes up (she still has yummy baby breath... I am fearfully awaiting the day when that changes). And then I thought about how much I want her to stay my baby.

But then Dave brought me back to reality. We couldn't back down now. We had to go through with the plan. FINE. So we did it. And all I can say is .... holy cow! Last night was the worst night I've had since she was 1 month old!

Apparently she wasn't just using her binky's to fall asleep at night.

She is a FULL ON addict. She woke up around midnight or so..... crying for the binky. She said she couldn't find it. I went in her room and reminded her in my very cheerful, excited voice, that the binky fairy had come and taken them away!

Then she saw her loot on the floor of her room. Oh no! She wasn't supposed to see that till morning! She got so excited. She wanted to eat her candy right away.

Of course I said no. I tucked her back in with her new little lamb and said goodnight.

A few minutes later I hear the sound of candy wrappers. I go into her room and see that she's biting like crazy on the treat trying to open it! I place the candy back on the floor in her pile and tuck her in again. A few minutes later..... more talking and noises. I send Dave in. He takes the candy and puts it on his night stand, and tucks her in, again. Through the dark I hear crying. My binky!

I fall back asleep only to be awakened by Logan telling me that Macey is in his room bothering him?!? What the.... I look at the clock.... 2 am?!?!

I get her out of Logan's room and place her in her bed. Huge amounts of crying and sobbing begin. Cries for the binky can be heard for miles. I can't bear to lock the door. She's going through withdrawals and I don't want to leave her alone in her moment of despair and trial. I leave the door open and go back to bed.

The above scenerios are then repeated multiple times.

The next thing I know I am being tapped and I hear more candy wrappers. She found her treat and is at my side of the bed asking me to open it. I pull open my dry, sleepless eyes and glance at the clock. 5 am. She has been awake for 5 hours!!!!

I wake up Dave and he rocks her. She finally falls asleep.





My little baby is growing up. She went to sleep without her binky for the first time ever!

It only took 5 hours! Tonight maybe it will only be 3 hours!

I think the binky fairy ruined my life! What was I thinking taking those little life-saving addictions away?!

I'll keep you posted.

Macey's loot from the Death Fairy.

*****

Rosemond Report.... Arguing in Front of the Kids

Arguing with your Spouse...... is it o.k. in front of your kids??

John Rosemond says yes... to a point.

Most parents are taught that it is not a good idea to fight with your spouse in front of the children.

But how else will they learn what committed marriages are really about?

Do we really want them growing up believing that marriage is always a walk in the park?

No, they need to learn that arguments come with marriage. They also need to learn that arguments don't destroy people. Finally, they need to learn how to engage in constructive disagreement with other people. If you don't teach them... who will?

Obviously there are some arguments that children shouldn't hear. As a parent you have to be responsible, and argue in a constructive, civilized way. That doesn't mean you can't raise your voices, but you should never belittle or slander one another.

Some arguments you need to have when the children are in bed.

John says when you choose to argue in front of the children it is important not to let them interrupt you. Simply explain to them you are disagreeing with each other and trying to work it out, and if they don't like it they can leave the room. You must also tell them that they can not interrupt or start crying. If they do they will be sent to their room.




OK this was interesting to me because Dave and I definitely have tried not to fight in front of the kids. But then sometimes you can't help it and you just get mad and it all comes out in the moment!! Actually this happens frequently. Then I have always felt bad afterward that the kids saw it.

But after reading this, I don't feel guilty anymore. I agree that it is probably good for your kids to see that people don't always agree, and we express our opinions and argue, but that we are still committed to each other, and still love each other when it is all over.


What do you think??

2 Things

First of all, I am NOT crafty. However, I am trying to put together a little craft night for Enrichment at church. Nothing too difficult, of course.

I learned how to make these little bags and I think they are adorable! Perfect for little girls, or to bring you scriptures to church in!

So I made these today and we're going to be making them for the Enrichment "craft night."

Here we have miss Macey modeling the red stripe with brown ribbon. oooooh aaaaahhhh.

Next, we have darling Lexi showing us just how stylish a 6 year old can be
when she has the perfect little tote!

P.S. These bags are made out of a PLACEMAT! The easiness of it makes me so happy!

Next, I would like to share with you some great deals I got at Peir 1 the other night! I went to do a little browsing and lo and behold! They were having a sale. And not just any sale. But a 90% off sale!

So, what did I get for 90% off?

I got 8 new placemats (.50 cents each!)
and some adorable napkin rings... 4 for $1.50.

My total came to $7.58 (or something close to that).

It was very fun. I like surprise sales.

*******

How to Have a Fantastic!! Friday Night Out

First, start off by buying yourself something new to wear.

That always makes the night a little more exciting.

Next, pick some people to go out with. Good company is essential!!

Thirdly, make sure your date picks you up in a super hot sports car like the one seen below. Oh and make sure your date is super hot too, like the one seen below.

Choose somewhere to eat. We chose Chilean food because my brother just got home from a mission in Chile. This is the ONLY Chilean food in the whole bay area! A little Cafe in Berkeley.

Of course it is always fun to try something new. And sometimes when you try something new, the food turns out to be GREAT! Then the night is extra fun. This food was delicious and very authentic. We tried lots of new things. My favorite was the Empanadas con Queso.

Fourth, decide on something fun to do after you eat. We headed over the the famous.....

We walked around campus, and up and down telegraph laughing at weird people, and trying to look like we fit in with the pot-smoking dreadlocked hippies. It didn't really work.

On the way home, we decided to cruise around downtown Walnut Creek listening to Chilean music and pretending like we were in high school again.

We turned the music up, danced wildly in our seats, and yelled to people walking on the streets.

I LOVE the above picture of Devin air-guitaring.

I'm sure the yuppies of Downtown Walnut Creek LOVED our music and our moves.

And we also made some music videos.






By the way, I can't speak Spanish.








Did I really just put those music videos on the world wide web?

And last but NOT LEAST, make sure you end the night with delicious dessert.


This is what I wish I had had.
But, alas, we were too stuffed full to get dessert. I know you're thinking.... "What?!? Too full for dessert?" Well, you're right, we weren't too full. We just couldn't find anything we wanted and ended up going home after our Chilean cruising and dance party.

The End.

P.S. Aren't Friday nights out on the town the best?
It is really what gets me through the week.

Rosemond Report..... Kids and Attention

"Attention Addiction"

Parents have been fed a myth for many years..... the myth is that "children need lots of attention."


This is not true!

Attention is like food.

John says, "Children need food. But they don't need a lot of it. If you persist in giving a child more food than he or she needs, that child will become dependent upon continuing to receive excessive amounts of food. If you continue to feed that dependency, it will grow into an obsession that will function as a powerful force in that child's life. The child's sense of well-being will lean increasingly on the idea that in order to feel secure, he must have ready access to food. Eventually, the child will become a food addict, and the addiction will hang like a stone around the child's neck encumbering the growth of self-esteem."

Now read that paragraph again substituting the word "attention" every time you see the word food.


We as parents must set limits as to how much attention a child is allowed to consume in the family.

We all know children who are addicted to attention. The child who interrupts, who would rather be in the room with the adults than playing with the other children. The child who talks constantly and loudly or acts silly all of the time. Or behaves badly to divert the parent from what they are doing at the moment.

John states that children who grow up with the illusion that they are the most important member of the family will never want to leave that cozy, comfortable position that they are in.

Why do you think over 50% of high school graduates are still single and living at home?

Our main job as parents is to teach our children how to become independent and ready to leave the nest when it is their time. Our job is to teach them how to grow up and have happy successful lives on their own. Right?

Teaching them how to do this is a process that starts from they day they are born and continues for about 20 years.

Give more attention to your spouse and your marriage than to your children, and the whole family will benefit in many ways.

Do you agree? Has this worked for you?





Next up:
The REAL meaning of quality time

Growing Up

This is Lexi 3 years ago.

She took a cute little ballet class.

This is Lexi today.


She asked me to take these modeling pictures with the new sunglasses a friend gave her.

And then she proceeded to pose.

They grow up too fast!



Her new favorite movie: High School Musical

Her new favorite songs: Any song from High School Musical

Her new favorite game: Anything that involves lip gloss or dressing up and pretending to be a teenager.






It begins.