The Man and the Mystery

My love for Mr. Smalley is pretty much unmatched and his encouraging mantra " Im Good enough Im Smart enough and Dogonit People Like Me" is like a beacon in the night.I have been known to repeat it when I need a little confidence boost.We share common foibles such as bad haircuts ( I just took the shears to my own locks and it aint pretty ) and emotional eating ( happy or sad Haggen Daz never lets me down ) and sometimes doubting ourselves . From his sunny sweaters down to his maniacal grin I knew we'd be forever Besties since the first time I stayed up late on a Saturday night and saw that mirror loving man. Thankyou Stuart for giving a voice to that scared little child in all of us and for making a highly underrated film ( much like my other dear friend Pat) which is a cinematic therapy session.

Now give yer' self a group hug!

She'll Git 'Er

My Grampa Smith came up with the phrase "She'll Git' 'Er " -it means yer kids (you can put in a They or He'll if ya need to ) will basically trash all yer' stuff and alot of theirs too. Well I found this doll ( who's headed for the Island of Misfit Toys ) and no one knows how she met her untimely demise. How convenient. I was raised to value people and relationships in infinitely higher esteem than things and I ( like Neil Diamond the Master Himself ) am a Believer. Yesterday that was put to the test when Remi was taking a pic' of the baby starting to walk (3 to 4 steps mind you!) and tripped over my bro -in -law's ( really just Bro) foot and wrecked our camera. Its a pretty nice camera and I am constantly taking pics so it was kind of a big bummer . Remi's big blue eyes instantly filled with tears and I know her tender heart was breaking. I just told her that I knew it was an accident and not to worry and that a little corporal punishment could pay off her debt to the family- no seriously I said we all have accidents and its ok -she did'nt need to worry. I am truly sad cuz we are goin on a vacay soon and excited about the photo op's - but que sera sera cameras and dolls come and go but we are stuck with our sweet little kids forever.

Ps . The little doll had a dignified and touching funeral-in lieu of flowers send checks to me for the camera fund.

She sells Sea shells .....

I dig this crazy shell and coral mirror and my goal is to make one just like it someday! The stack of Buddahs , perfectly placed books , and koi statuary are also calling to my inner asian .I am also coveting a couch without 3 feet deep of laundry . A girl can dream..

Have Chopsticks Will Travel

What is better than an animated Jack Black movie with the ancient art of Kung Fu, super awesome villain( the dad from Hot Rod), and my fave dance song of all time(Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting-built in karate dance moves!!!) as the theme song, and David Cross as a Crane ?Well my movie mavens throw in some chopsticks for popcorn grazing and you've got yourself a partay!

GET YER SWIM ON!!!!!

We had a Fun Swim Luau Party at our O.g's yesterday (hot dogs , hamburgers, leis, decorations-the works!) Xander got to help pick the food and decor with O.G .Every single kid ate and swam and had a great time! Auntie Mel helped and Uncle Dave cooked(he makes a mean hot dog!). I am super lucky to have a wonderful Gramma OG and Auntie Mel who live nearby!I am apt to get a little teary when I think how awesome it is to have my family be such a big part of my life!My kids are lucky to have best buddies as cousins! It is truly a blessing for us to have so many people that love us!! Thankyou OG Auntie Mel and Uncle Dave!!

Slip Slidin' Away

A lovely evening at the park that included balmy pre-eyescorching weather,5 kids who were happy to have the playground as their um, playground and I (free activity loving mother)was very content to leave with only 1 bloody nose ,a few scrapes , 2 desperate potty seakers and some cute pics of the lot of them. 'Aint Summer Grand!