I'm back...only a year and a half later!

I can't even begin to make excuses for why I haven't kept up with this blog. Anyone who has kids (not to mention one not yet in school) totally gets it. I jot things down all the time...thoughts, stories, things I want to document or remember. Getting them typed into this blog, however is another story. In any case...I'm going to try to do better...and maybe even input a back log of stories from 09. It was a crazy year for us, and people tend to leave negative things out of blogs (ruins that whole pefect image everyone seems to be striving for). When did that start, by the way? Anyway, I guess they leave these things out for the same reason you don't video a family arguement or take pictures at a funeral. I have to say though that I don't mind keeping it real and sharing the negative. All of our experiences (good, bad and ugly) make us who we are and bring us to where we are today. For us, the year helped to bring us to an even deeper place of gratitude. Even though 09 threw us for some loops, there was a silver lining and huge blessings in each and every circumstance. So many people pointed out how "unlucky" we had been that year. We would have to correct them. We felt incredibly lucky and grateful. At the end of each and every day of that year (to include the night of our fire), John and I would always come to the conclusion that the only thing that mattered was us...that we were together, that we had each other, that we had our kids...healthy and happy. It's so easy to get caught up in the distractions of life....dropping property values, job losses, job searches, hectic schedules, activities, etc. When it all comes down to it though, the four of us getting to wake up and have another day together is the only thing that matters. The rest of it will work itself out. Was 09 tulmultuous for us? Yeah, it was. Have we recovered yet? Not entirely. Does it matter? Not one bit.

Not Warm!

We’re now in Ohio for Christmas and it’s FREEZING here. It’s about 3 degrees. Add the wind chill factor that makes it…crazy freakin cold I think is the technical description. And to think we were complaining just a few days ago about LA being in the 50’s. We’ll never complain about that again. People seem to love the adventure of the cold around here, but for my money…you can’t beat southern California weather. Go ahead and try...you just can’t do it. You gotta hand it to the Midwest though…the cold lends itself to the holidays way more. We haven’t spent a Christmas yet with lights on palm trees…and don’t intend to. No snow so far, but we plan to go to a snow resort to do some sledding while we’re here.

The Making of the Holiday Card

As our friend, Tiffany said, "It doesn't get any better than this!"


Christmas smooch

We got the kids in their Christmas best and sat down to do our yearly family picture. We got a couple good shots to use in our Christmas card. Immediately after, we took the kids to see Santa Claus. Isaak was a pro of course. Ainsley was excited until we tried to put her on his lap. At that point, she was having none of it. We told them to snap the picture anyway. Since then, we've been to the mall and she smiles and waves at Santa each time we pass. She's so funny.

Our Gingerbread House

Every weekend after Thanksgiving John puts lights up on the house and puts up the tree. The kids couldn’t wait to help. Ainsley kept taking the decorations down, so we decorated the tree several times that night! Look at the amazing job he did on the house. We're the Griswold's of our street.

There's Something About a Snake

Friends: Tammy & Robert (aka "Cookie) Koch and son Michael


Friends: Bill & Kymmy Fichtner and son Van

Friend: Tim (The Mayor) Omundson

Even the adults couldn't resist holding this bad boy and getting their pictures taken.

Isaak's 6th Birthday

Isaak turned 6 on November 26th. He had an Indiana Jones Adventure Birthday Party. I put together a little slide show/video of the party. To sum it up, we had an inflatable slide, tons of decorations, pizza, bbq’d pulled chicken (along with tons of other food), and a cool hour-long reptile show. The reptile show was the highlight of the party of course, with the highlight of that being a 13 foot-long Burmese Python. Isaak said it was “the best birthday party ever.” Mission Accomplished!

Currently Updating..check back!

I'm currently updating to the end of the year so check back in the next day or two!

Birthday Trip to Disneyland

Disneyland! So far every year since Isaak was 2, we have taken him to Disneyland on his birthday. We thought we would have to give that up this year now that he’s in Kindergarten. Lo and behold, he did not have school on his birthday (the day before Thanksgiving) so we were able to go. The picture of me, Mom, Isaak and Ainsley sitting waiting for the parade is my favorite. I shot the Youtube clip of Ainsley dancing to the parade music (I’ll add it later). She loves to dance!

Mighty Tigers Awards

Isaak finished out the soccer season with 9 total goals! He hustled all season long and played aggressively. John did a great job coaching (especially for the first time coaching soccer). He’s got the t-ballers loving him and now the soccer boys loving him. This picture was taken at our little awards party. Isaak absolutely earned this trophy.

Happy Halloween

We had the cutest trick-or-treaters in Burbank. Okay, there were some other cuties but we’re partial to our own. Ainsley caught on really quickly and hung in there with the big kids. She was such a gamer, as she walked to every single door. Isaak was intimidating as a Commando Soldier (we kept losing him in the dark with all the camouflage he was wearing…true story) and Ainsley made an adorable Little Red Riding hood. Grandma was in town so it was a great trick-or-treat night right in our own little neighborhood.

Getting Back to Neil

So much to catch up on! First of all, the Neil Diamond concert from a recent post was just amazing. John and I had the best time. After 15 years of living in LA, we’ve seen our share of celebrities (not to mention the occasional legend like Elton John in Las Vegas) but seeing Neil Diamond was indescribable. It was a bit surreal, honestly. It was the perfect night. Our friend, Laurel, is Neil’s assistant and in true Laurel fashion, she manages to do what she does and remain completely unaffected and 100% cool and down to earth. She’s a walking LA contradiction. Laurel wanted to give us the VIP hook-up, but as it turned out, we had stellar seats and couldn't have asked for a more perfect night at the Hollywood Bowl.

Pumpkin Patch

Our annual visit to the pumpkin patch complete with hayride, games and concession stand junk food.

Neil Diamond at the Hollywood Bowl!

Tonight John and I are going to the Hollywood Bowl to worship at the altar of Neil Diamond. We're soooo excited. I can't wait to write all about it.

My 20 Year Reunion!

Me with Dr. Rudy after the reunion at Laff's


Me and Tamberly Jo (Tam)...love her


Me, Angie Phelps (Metcalf), Tina Riley (Terrell),
Angie Wilson & Jenny Stauter (Bach)


Tina & Tracey Riley and Me


Me & Doug Campbell...prom royalty 20 years later.


Me bustin a move...some things never change


Me & Jeremy Gillman

Last weekend was my 20 year high school reunion. John stayed home with the kids and my brother went with me. We had a great time and it was so good to see everyone.

More Reunion Pics

Me and my brother, Jason


Hangin at Laff's after the reunion



Me & Phil Wright


Bobby Coulter, Me & Mike Brewer

More pictures from the reunion and afterwards at Laff's.

Our Student of the Month

Isaak was selected as Student of the Month for his very first month of formal school. To be Student of the Month is pretty cool, but to receive the honor right out of the gates is quite an accomplishment. They had a really cute awards assembly and made a big deal out of it. Here he is posing with his certificate.