The happiest place on earth

Disneyland in two words- AWE-SOME!!!!

One of my all time favorite moments:

We went on the California Adventure rapids ride with another family and really hit it off. I got got completely drenched and in turn, completely laughed at. There was speculation as to whether or not a certain seat is the one to always get drenched... to test our theory of the heavy side getting the most wet, we went on the ride again with that family. Approaching the front of the line, our plan of attack was decided- all the kidss on one side and all the adults on the other side of the circular shaped raft. As the raft flew down the first elevation, all the adults got a wall of water down their backs. And it continued. On the last and final drop, when the raft usually twists and turns, the raft acted as it had an invisible magnet- with the heavy side going down first, dropping like a lead balloon. Yes, our theory was right, but the only thing we had to show for it was a good, healthy soaking.

Mom's favorite ride: Thunder Mountain Railroad

Stephanie's favorite ride: The Tower of Terror

Jimmy's favorite ride: Space Mountain

Kaitlin's favorite rides: Indiana Jones and Mulholland Madness (we went on that ride 4 times in a row)

Okay, okay...

you asked for it, you've got it.

I suppose I wanted to remain vague about Kaitlin's extracurricular activities while both of her parents were napping because I wanted to keep all things as far from my memory as possible!

1. First, she called nearly everyone in the address book.... I got several calls the next day from the lucky winners. Some had to erase multiple long messages on their answering machine. Because apparently, when Kaitlin leaves a message and the machine cuts her off- she calls back.
2. The flowers that were so lovingly planted previous to our nap were transplanted onto the patio. It seems our little girl feels the flowers need more 'room to grow'.
3. The dog got into the trash can because, as Kaitlin puts it, "He was really hungry, mom!"
4. And last, but certainly not least, we woke to a terrible crashing sound. A huge mirror just happened to shatter mysteriously. A HUGE mirror. Like, six feet by five feet, huge. Yes, just mysteriously. It just so happens that when we came out of groggy afternoon nap-ness, Kaitlin was standing next to the shattered frame mysteriously.

Needless to say, we will be taking our Sunday naps in shifts again...

p.s. Disneyland post to come soon... we had a blast- just getting all the pictures together is taking longer than expected!

Parenting Tip # 372:

Both parents should avoid napping simultaneously...

you don't even want to know.

in the know

Do you know anyone that has gone through the car wash with a back window down?

Well, now you do...

In gratitude and remembrance

My parents are from the generation that is asked the question, "Where were you when Kennedy was shot?"
I am from the generation, "Where were you when the twin towers were hit?"

Jimmy and I were to be married in eleven days. I was busy with wedding plans. Working in living facility for the elderly gave me ample opportunity to view the attacks on our country on a huge screen with very loud commentary in the home's great room. The realization of what had happened to our country hit me like a ton of bricks. What I was more concerned about was this: I wasn't married yet. What if something happened and Jimmy and I were separated? I launched into panic mode because I wasn't bound to Jimmy in marriage... silly thoughts, I know, but I was very concerned. So much so, that I had considered eloping that night. Fortunately, we waited the eleven days to get married so that my family could be there. Luckily, their flights weren't cancelled! On the night of September 11, Jimmy and I attended the temple. It was eerie to be at the temple near so many flights paths without a single plane in the air. The things said at our session were striking and profound. The Spirit was so strong. I came to realize the love my Father in Heaven has for me. My heart went out to those who lost their loved ones- and it still does. I have a great love and deep respect for all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. The acts of heroism are just testaments of the strength of this great country.

TP troublemakers

My brother, Tom and his fiance got married a week and half ago and Jimmy and I were able to attend their beautiful wedding. The reception was held at a fine and fancy restaurant. Everything was very tasteful and classy... so much so, that the restaurant prohibited any 'decoration' to the happy couple's form of transportation. Some mischievous groomsmen decided that the rules of the establishment did not apply to them. The sneaky guys had been caught in the act of trying to decorate Tom and Ellen's car and were nearly dragged in by the scruff of their necks. Enter my little brother Jim... Jim had decided that if he was on the black list of this fancy restaurant, as well as nearly all the other men he tried to rope into defacing the wedding getaway car, he had no choice but to turn to the sweet innocent women attending the wedding. that's where Jess (My sister-in-law, Jim's wife) and I come into the picture. Here's how the story goes:

Jim came back defeated from the parking lot and saw Jess and I chit chatting outside. He approached us with a very sneaky look and said, "I see that you ladies are wearing black dresses... hmmm... like ninja/stealth black dresses. Like 'won't get caught decorating Tom and Ellen's car' black dresses. Do you guys feel up to completing our mission? We've been flagged by the security guards and can't even get out to the parking lot. Will you two finish the job we started?" Jess and I somberly agreed. This was serious business. Jim proceeded to tell us where he had stashed the toilet paper and that we needed to look for the silver Ford escape with Nevada plates.

As Jess and I innocently walked out to the parking lot, the security guards nary gave us a second glance... good! we're in!... As we reached the spot where the toilet paper was to be stashed, we realized that the loot had been confiscated. Gosh! These guards were good. So, Jess and I walked back inside to get more toilet paper from the bathroom. But, how do we explain why two girls would be walking back and forth from the party to parking lot? Easy, have your sister-in-law play a drunken party girl while you assist her to the bathroom. We had gotten another accomplice from the reception hall to give us a hand. To protect the innocent, we'll call her Janice. Janice agreed to stuff her dress with toilet paper to appear pregnant... with cylindrical shaped babies. The plan failed when a total stranger walked in on us in the bathroom and Janice delivered one of her litter prematurely. Holding toilet paper rolls under the husbands' suit jackets was the method of choice. As Janice and I escorted 'drunk' Jessica back out to the parking lot, the guards curiosity seemed to have been piqued. So what else were we to do? Yes. Yes we did, drive my car out of the parking lot, turn off the lights an re-park in the back of lot. We snuck, very ninja/stealth-like to the desired car and got busy. I am surprised the guards didn't catch us at this point, because the giggling had really gotten out of hand. I think Jess was taking the drunk thing very seriously and it was highly contagious. The car was sufficiently wrapped. 'sufficiently wrapped' meaning completely covered, it was not apparent a vehicle was even under the huge mass of toilet paper we managed to smuggle from the gorgeous bathroom. Just as we were congratulating ourselves on a job well done, I called Jim to make sure the guards didn't see us. This is how the conversation went:

Jim: Hello?

Steph: Hey. We're done... are the guards watching us?

Jim: Not that I can tell. It looks like the coast is clear.

Steph: I just wanted to make sure we did the job to your specifications. Silver Ford Escape completely unrecognizable, right?

Jim: Right.... wait a second

Steph: What? You sound confused.

Jim: Did you say silver Ford Escape?

Steph: yes....

Jim: It's the car next to the silver Ford Escape.

Steph: awwww... crap!

So we proceeded to clean off the Ford and TP the car next to it. As Jess, Janice and I were finishing up the second destructo-fest of the night, a roll of toilet paper rolled down the front of the car, underneath two more cars and right in the middle of the parking lot. In other words, nearly at the guards' feet. One of the guards became suspicious and started to patrol the parking lot. He caught sight and we ran. Janice and Jessica had managed to stash their toilet paper while I had got stuck with mine. The guard chased us. I am very positive he saw my toilet paper, but I was not stopping. As Jess, Janice and I re-entered the hall, I looked at Jimmy with panic that can only come from being chased down by a security guard, threw the roll at him and yelled, "Hide this!" Jimmy stashed the roll under the table and we narrowly escaped into the crowd. Us girls continued dancing like nothing had happened. we were triumphant!... until we cheered for the happy couple on their way out and realized that the guards had removed any trace that we had done anything to their car. Maybe we were drunk after all....

Arizona is h.o.t.

Not just temperature wise... because we were there!

Jimmy and I went to Tempe Arizona for my brother Tom's wedding. We had a blast! I loved seeing my family and seriously getting down on the dance floor. Ellen looked absolutely gorgeous in her gown and planned a fabulous wedding. Our drive there was mostly uneventful... except when we broke down in the desert and had to pray hard. All things worked out, though. I do have to say, it was a little scary getting into Arizona at 10:00 at night while the temperature gauge is reading 102 degrees!!! I am used to it cooling down when the sun goes down. It did cool down, but it was 110 to begin with! Every time I stepped outside, I felt like my face would melt off. Needless to say, we will not be calling Arizona home anytime soon. There was plenty of fun and rule-breaking to go around while we were staying at the hotel. Climb a fence to the closed pool after midnight? No prob. Sneak into a hot tub hidden in the cliffs? You got it. There was ample opportunities for mischief to be taken- and take it we did! A Bear family event is never amiss with the silliness... more stories to come.

p.s. I suppose I can't complain when we got to stay at this beautiful resort...

"you said what?!?!"

When I picked Kaitlin up from her very first day of kindergarten, we had quite a bit to talk about i.e. she talked at me... When I asked what she had learned, Kaitlin excitedly responded, "I learned how to spell a word today!" Wow, it's already starting! So, after an inquiry, I learned that she was the proud new speller of the word, 'sad'. Hmmm...
"Kaitlin, why did your teacher help you learn how to spell that word?"
"Well," Kaitlin said, "we had to draw picture of ourselves with our name and how we felt."
"And you felt sad?" Aww... she missed her mommy!
"No. I just thought it would be funny to put down that I felt sad!"
"What?! Did you tell your teacher about this 'joke'?"
"No. But, I did draw myself smiling, so she'll know I'm actually happy. But now she knows I'm happy and funny!"
"oh gosh..."

After Kaitlin laughing so hard at her cleverness, I then poked and prodded her mind about the rest of the day. I should've learned from the last revelation to stop asking. Kaitlin informed me of the first thing she raised her hand about. Apparently, she felt it very important to ask, Miss Wade, on the very first day of school, if there were any ticks in her (Kaitlin's) hair... and then proceeded to ask the teacher to check! Argh!!!
I learned my lesson. I stopped asking about what else Kaitlin said to her teacher. I did, however, want to flip a u turn and explain that Kaitlin is actually a very content child and that we live out in the country and perform tick checks quite often. I am just waiting for the other antics that will be cooked up in the following school year... at least her hair looked cute.

UPDATE: Kaitlin came home with the first picture she drew of herself- not only did she write that she was 'sad' because it was funny, but to drive the point home of her hilariousness- she drew on herself a mustache.

I am the mother of a kindergartner!!!

The obligatory first day of school pictures:

It went great this morning. Jimmy and I dropped off Kaitlin in the morning and she did really well. No crying- for any of us. I already did my crying last week when I was sorting through Kaitlin's baby clothes. After dropping off Kaitlin for class, Jimmy and I went to the meet and mingle with other parents. I signed up to be the room mom and part of the hospitality committee. I am excited to be a part of such a great school! I am extremely grateful that I can be a part of Kaitlin's schooling. I have been so blessed to have the time to do so- thanks, Jimmy!!! Can't wait to update about the wonderful world of kindergarten!

sugar or cream?

My friend Megan hosted an end of the summer tea party for all the girls starting school this year. The party was complete with tea sandwiches, teapots filled with juice and the most beautiful girls enjoying their special party.

>

crafty mom

only sometimes... I love crafting, but hate cleaning up the mess. Kaitlin asked that I decorate her backpack this year with stickers. I took it a step further and made a monogram. Here's the finished product:
*and I used the cricut to make the flower shaped label!

tla/s/m/b

translation?? the last ambassadors/seabird/meese/barcelona concert! I went with Michelle, Ashley, Natalie and Carla to the A-freakin'-mazing show last night. I was blown away by how good each band was. Plus, they were all so gracious. Each band member came down to talk to fans... and we have pictures to prove it! If you don't know these bands- check out some videos at the bottom of the post.


Yeah, that's right. We're rocking the agua!
I forgot my ID in the car, so I got an underage stamp....Carla just likes to rub it in. Funny story- when I held up my hands for the stamp, the worker at the club said, "Aren't you over 21?" I replied, "I left my ID in the car... besides, I'm not drinking tonight." He looked at me like I was crazy and said, bathing in sarchasm, mind you, "Well, have fun, then... ha!" If that dude only knew me... if I ever had alcohol in my system it would be scary. Can't you just imagine me drunk? It be like 'Stephanie- the magical wind up toy'


Above and Below: With the bassist of Seabird!!!
Below: With the lead singer of Meese!

Above: With the lead siner of Seabird

Below: With the lead singer of Barcelona

Meese
Barcelona
Although Seabird disabled embedding, a click to watch the video is worth it! This song was featured in "Pushing Daisies"... and you know they have great taste on that show!
Rescue Music Video by Seabird

Meteor Showers...

Jimmy and I dragged out two chairs last night/freakin' early this morning to be awarded with the viewing of two shooting stars. Of all nights of the week, of course, last night was the coldest. Here's a review of our experience:

Stephanie (12:01 am): I am so excited we decided to do this!
Jimmy: Yeah. Good idea, sweetie.
S: I wonder how many shooting stars we'll see?!?!
J: Lots.... snore
S: Hmmm... I wonder if we're facing the right way. I don't see any stars yet. Do you see any?- Jimmy! Do you see any stars?!
J: Hmph... what?! Huh?...satars? nah... snore
S: I don't see anything. This is dumb. Why are we doing this?
J: Huh?... snore... snore... why are poking me?... this isn't a fireworks show- there won't be a finale or anything, just be patient... snore
S (12:03 am): Oh gosh. I'm tired, let's go inside.

Then I went inside and read me some Harry Potter.

I hope your summer was great...

and you didn't forget the sunscreen.

Need more laughs?! Go check out where I got this photo: Awkward Family Photos

"yes, that's my girl in the pink..."

While I was skimming the post with the terribly out of date jacket, I realized that this statement was made: 'I am still considered evil for not putting thirty year old boy clothes on my daughter when she was an infant...' Well, folks, I may have not put thirty year old clothes on my sweet pea... but I did put boy clothes on her. Let me explain.

As a teenager, my dream was to get married at eighteen and start popping out babies like a toaster. A minivan would be my vehicle of choice. When I got married to Jimmy at nineteen, I was ready to go! Bring on them babies! The funny and sometimes cruel part of life is this: life never turns out the way you've planned. In our case, the first baby didn't join us until we were married for a couple of years. Hmm... well, even if we were a little off track, in my mind, we could have multiples down the line and make up for the lost time! Well, in preparation for the many babies that would come and be Kaitlin's siblings, I was very careful about the clothes I bought that would become hand-me-downs. The rules?
1.) No tv/cartoon characters. This meant that the clothes would be dated by the time next baby would fit in that size.
2.) All big purchases, including winter wear or nice pants, would be unisex. Thus, Kaitlin's winter coats being navy blue or grey or orange.
I stuck to these rules very carefully, putting away each outgrown outfit in either a 'unisex' or 'girl' pile. My closet of hand-me-downs was like an internet store with it's precise labels. You could scroll down for nearly anything.
When Kaitlin was two, I went for a routine ob/gyn visit. We had discussed forms of birth control, of which I had never used. The doctor looked carefully at my chart and asked if he could take some tests. After much poking, prodding and waiting, Jimmy and I were informed that Kailtin was a miracle baby. Having her should have been impossible for me. Meaning, having another would just be as difficult.
What is one to do when their carefully laid plans and dreams have been punctured so quickly? I am pretty sure I did not cry for months. In fact, a complete a total breakdown has never occurred. I suppose that's not my way of dealing or healing. There was definite denial in the situation. We did, in fact, have a healthy and happy little girl that was a supposed miracle. Many a family has experienced multiple miracles, have they not? The onset of the truth was very gradual to me. The pain and understanding came gradually as well.
It has been nearly four years since the doctor gave us the unfortunate news. Within this time, I have been able to see that my dream, although off track, can still come true. When Jimmy is done with school, we plan on adoption. I am excited about this prospect. In fact, I will admit that I am a little excited to not have to be pregnant again. I was miserable, cranky and extremely hard to live with as a pregnant woman. I know Heavenly Father has a plan for me. That there are harder things to live through. I know that I have been blessed with one of His choice daughters and that she is a true miracle in my life for her amazing example.
Sometimes, the sadness resurfaces. And it's always when someone has a baby that I feel shouldn't. It's not up to me to decide who deserves a baby. It's not up to me to decide who is a fit parent. I do have to remind myself of this when I see a pregnant fourteen year old... but someday, I will adopt a child that is born of a parent that will not be able to be taken care of by them. Their pain and suffering will probably be as great, if not more, than mine will ever be. If I was able to have more children, would I adopt? Probably not. Because I have a great desire for more children, someone will have a home that needs it. I am grateful for God's tender mercies. I know that everything happens for a reason. I am so incredibly grateful for His love for me and the fact that I feel it daily. Kaitlin is such a blessing in my life. I feel so humbled that Heavenly Father saw it fit to let me be her steward here on this earth. I hope and pray that I will do a good job with her and make the right choices as a parent. Even though the mistakes come often, the poor girl gets to wear pink...

Karma hurts...

Little did I know while I was sharing my qualms about gift receiving in my previous post that I would be spending an entire Friday night cleaning out said gift giver's garage in preparation for a garage sale. Kaitlin came home with all kinds of gifts... yay.

ARGH!

Wanna know what drives me a little nutso? Kaitlin has been receiving 'gifts' from a certain family member that still feels this: is in style. Would you like to know the worst part?! Kaitlin loves this person soooo much that everything passed down becomes an absolute treasure to her. So, what's in Kaitlin's room, you ask? Cabbage patch dolls, parachute pants and swimsuits that are older than her mother. Let's not even talk about the clothes that used to fit my husband when he was a baby... I am still considered evil for not putting thirty year old boy clothes on my daughter when she was an infant...

Me-oh-my!

Life has been B.U.S.Y.!!! So many things have happened... Girls' Camp, two catering jobs (a baby shower and a wedding) dentist, doctor, school shopping- yikes! Instead of boring you with details, I shall leave you with this tid bit- I danced the Thriller for a skit and looked like this:
Although, judging by our recent hectic lives, I could look like that without the makeup, too!

In all the hubbub...

I have forgotten to share with you the biggest news of ALL!!!!

I broke out the girls! Venus and Serena had been hiding in the closet, save jaunts around the house, since September.

For the first.time.ever. I wore them in public! I strolled through the parking lot, sat in a pew, put on flip flops for singing time with the kids, put them back on through the parking lot for the ride home and took them off as soon as I got in the car- because my feet were killing me... but, I did look hot.

The boy who lived!!!

yes, someone did yell that out the car window whilst driving by the ridiculous line we were waiting in to see the midnight showing of Harry Potter. Ashley and I thought that a 10:00 p.m. arrival at the theater would give us ample time to be in the front of the line. Denied. The line had already wrapped around the building. No need to worry, my friends. We played Apples to Apples and took silly pictures. It was all good fun. I enjoyed the movie and was only bothered slightly by the variance from the book because it had been so long since I read the Half-Blood Prince.