This blog is my excuse to carry my camera around with me and take pictures like a tourist in my home town.
This is also my way of staying positive and remembering the good things when I'm feeling buried under the mountain of straw.
And finally, this is also where I may go from time to time to vent.
Today, while driving to donate blood I pulled up next to a car with bright writing all over it. I noticed that all over the sides and back of the car were various ways of saying "Happy 19th Birthday". It was so colorful that I wanted (but didn't) to snap a picture of it to share with my husband. I looked at the driver (indeed the 19 year old) and smiled brightly at him.
I contemplated rolling down my window to tell him "happy birthday" personally since his windows were down but I didn't.
He didn't smile back. He didn't even look happy. He look hurt and sad, and perhaps a little lost inside himself.
Our light turned green and as I pulled in front of him to make my turn while he made a u-turn, I saw more writing on his car.
Bright red letter across his front window. They were low and BOLD but filled the entirety of the glass. A word someone put there so he wouldn't miss it.
Writing that he wouldn't be able to get away from especially while driving.
"FAGGOT".
Inside I wanted to cry. I can't explain why that word hurt me almost as if they were directed at me but they did. I couldn't help but wonder if he thought I was smiling at him because I was glad someone would be so cruel.
When the world slaps you it's hard to remember that not everyone wants to hurt you.
I quickly tried to figure out if I could u-turn myself, find his car and clean his windshield with the water and wet wipes in my truck so that maybe he could forget such a horrid word. I tried to plan how to get him to follow me to the nearest car wash where I would buy him a clean slate so to speak. I wanted to hug him and tell him happy birthday and to not let one asshole ruin this special moment for him. I wanted to tell him he was beautiful and the people in his life were lucky to know him. I wanted to fix his unnecessary hurt even though there would be no way to do so.
It was a busy part of town. He was turning towards the freeways. He could be anywhere and I had very little chance of finding him by the time I changed directions.
I didn't try to find him. Maybe I should have, but common sense told me it would be a fruitless expedition. I didn't help him, and maybe I couldn't of, but I continue to hope and pray that someonewas able to help him.
We should not be judged or punished or ridiculed for who we love, what we are, how we feel. We should not try to put others down just because we can.
I'm hurting because of the word on his car. I don't think I'm the only person who saw his car and felt the sharpness of that blade. It's been HOURS and I still feel it, I can only imagine how much it hurt that boy. It was his birthday! How could someone be so cruel to sully such a beautiful thing (like the nice messages on the rest of his car).
So, to the 19 year old in Rocklin I hope someone heard my prayer for you. I hope you heal. And I pray you have a long and happy life.
Words can hurt or heal. What did you do with YOUR words today?
I can speak ner-shun. You mean martian?
Yea Marsha! MARtian?
Yes! Lerch-shun.
~Bug
Happy Cleo Patrick Day!
~Bug
*about her porcelain doll*
It's a look-it doll. Not a pay doll, a look-it.
~Bug
Is Daddy older than Grandma? no honey.
I was thinking: Grandma is kind of old and Daddy is kind of old but Grandma is kin of skinny. Someday we're all going to be skinny
~Bug
I really want to see Frankenweener.
~Bear
I think that's a plane!!!! *sounding really bummed* No. It's not. It's a bird.
~Bug
(from October, oops)
When can I drive this car? I want to drive it!!!!!
~Bug
Bug just asked her Daddy for help naming her mermaids. She had already turned down my name suggestions so as a joke he suggested Chlamydia and Sweet Sweet Syphilis. She loved it. Now my daughter is happy she has Chlamydia and Syphilis.
"Hmm. You're more good than I."
Ya, you're batshit crazy
(Fail for not editing this sooner. I don't remember this conversation but I'm sure it had something to do with Cliff)
Do you know where beans fall on the food pyramid?
"Yea. Fruit?"
~Bear
"Separated meat? Is that legal?!"
~Gator
"My eyes are sour"
~Bug
"I smell air pollution"
~Gator
"I had a bad dream. (Bear) stole my kitty blanket!"
~Bug
Talking about her little brother.
"I'm a little bit the boss of him. Sorta."
~Bug
"I've got my warm skin on"
~Bug
"What are we smoking?"
~Gator
"Don't change your name to earl. That's a girls name."
~Bug
I realized something today: babies should be required to wear animal ear outfits. You just can't take them seriously. It makes baby fussiness so much easier to deal with. Instead of thinking 'aw man, I don't know what's wrong' it turns into: "awwww, he's so cute even when he cries! Let me hug you and kiss you again!". You don't believe me? Check this picture out. No way that is going to stress you out!
It's the little things that make me smile.
Little things like walking downstairs to discover Moose's Woody doll, that I know I left on the ground, put neatly into a car seat by a sibling.
I don't even know which sibling did it and I don't care.
Right now, I'm just going to smile about how awesome my children are.
I'm not against vaccines per se, but I am against so many in such a short period. For example; the first few rounds of my son's shots I spread out over a couple weeks instead of doing them all in a day. I for one don't like to medicate that much at one time, so if I wouldn't do it, why do it to my kids? Additionally, it bothers me that in just 4 years they have increased the recommended vaccines significantly. How can you tell me that my 12yo, my 8yo, and my 4yo are fine without these other 15 or so shots, but my newborn baby will not be okay without them.
To my kid free friends: this is all very 'weird' I admit. When I was planning a family I knew I would never co-sleep, my kids would never be spanked, I would follow anything my Dr. advised no matter what, and my kids would all be in preschool, and if I could arrange it, in charter PUBLIC schools.
Now, I'm a mommy. I watch children that were born to my friends at the same ages as my kids, come down with RARE cancers, autism, and other terrible illnesses. I do my best to get all facts and make the best choice for my children because they can't make this choice for themselves. I do everything in my Mommy power to make sure I do more good than harm, though it's easier said then done.
I experience schools that are so overwhelmed with students and test scores, they don't have time to actually teach, just force memorization for the standardized tests. There are good teachers out there, even great ones, but they are overwhelmed, outnumbered, and under appreciated. Students are being sent to school by parents (again, not all of them) too lazy to deal with raising their own kids. "It's too much work, let the teachers teach them what's wrong and right".
I am doing my best, to make sure my children have every opportunity to learn, to learn from life, not just tests, and to teach them what it is to be a good human, even if that makes them a minority
I may not have it all right, and I know I look like a tree hugging freak (lord knows I used to think it about others), but I am a baby wearing, co-sleeping, home schooling, real food growing mama who is doing the best that I know how. I know one day when you have kids you will do the same for your children, even if it's nothing like how I do it for mine.
Or so I hope.
My mothers have been given the eminar to go to a eminar in southern eminar for work. What does that mean? Work will pay for the hotel and gas to drive there. My kids (or my oldest who still remembers visiting when he was little) frequently asks when we'll get to go. My response is usually when hell freezes over or something to that effect. For a family of 6 the cost is around two-grand not including gas or food. That's just to get in see the park and find somewhere to sleep. Um, I don't have that kind of money lying around.
Now, I would love to take all my kids to Disneyland every year because I do believe the magic is pretty incredible but it's not practical. I'm grateful the boys have been a couple times each before I was in their life and I myself have been once, but that trip was miserable so I don't count it much. Let me clarify, Disneyland was great, but one of my classmates stole all my cash before we got to the park so I spent the day hungry, begging for food, and annoyed at the situation. I did enjoy Pirates of the Caribbean and the magic that is the Peter Pan ride (that I tried to capture on film and realized it ruins some of the magic) but overall my memories are not great. Back to present time, my daughter is getting more and more interested in Princesses and we've been talking for at least a year about how we wish we could take her at this 'perfect' age. Why haven't we gone then? Time away from work, time away from school, scheduling conflicts with a two home family, money, and car issues. Enough hurdles for you?
Wow, I went off on a tangent.
Anyway, so my mothers are heading down to Southern California for this seminar and are planning to spend a day or two in the parks and enjoy a belated honeymoon of sorts. Fast forward to today, just about a week before they leave, and I find myself with an invite for Bug, Moose, and myself to take the remaining 3 seats in their car and the extra bed in their hotel. Um, free board and gas with the opportunity to let my daughter meet princesses? Um, count me in!
Oh yea, and they have discount prices for the actual park entrance! This may actually be totally possible. Now, just to figure out how to get the kids home from school everyday; what to eat while away with keeping on a budget; and how to pack for 3 people while only taking of the space of 2. Easy.
My husband is amazing. He agreed to pick up the kids on our days and their mother is going to take care of the rest of the time. I've done some research on how to cook meals in a hotel room and I'm bringing my Nuwave stove-top for anything that can't be made in a coffeepot. Luckily, I am well versed at budget meals on the go.
"I didn't. I just need to squish it a little."
~Bug
To Mama:
"It's time to be quiet. I'm serious."
~Bug
"Where are we going."
Home
"Good. I need more sleep."
~Bug
"How do you play paper cut scissors?"
~Bug
"What is that?"
A wind sock
"Does it tickle you?"
~Bug
After putting jewelry on me:
"What is on it?"
Dimonds
Looks closely at the stones
"Nope. They're circles!!!"
~Bug
grabbing mamaw's breasts
"These are your buttons. They don't have stuff in them. Mommy drank it all."
~Bug
"Will you buy this for me?" Do you have money for it? "I don't have enough money." ~Bug While waiting in line for a ride. "Did you hear what they said? There's no eating or drinking or stuff." ~Bug
I need my Pool Suit! ~Bug Sitting behind her little brother: "I'll catch him if he goes backwards because I'm squishy." ~Bug "I don't like the game where you eat your boogers." ~Gator to Bug "Can I give him his dirty bear? The one he gets on his face?" ~Bug talking about a fuzzy bear that 'sheds' when played with
I love so many things about Disneyland but oddly enough I think one of my favorite things is the personalization with mouse ears. I have to admit, I really want to buy a pair myself but I can't justify $20 for something I'll wear for 3 days or less. This trip is about Bug, not me and I don't need ears; I'm just going to admire the awesome variety walking around and secretly covet my favorite pair when I see it walk past me.
Secretly, part of my reason for not getting one for myself is because I feeling indecisive. Do I go for the headband style in my favorite color but obnoxious crown?
Perhaps the Pirate headband that is more my style and leaves room for any hairstyle but doesn't match any cloths I brought.
Or my favorite hat with all the right decorations and everything in my kind of style but not the right color? Now if only this hat came in burgundy...well actually I'm glad it's not in burgundy or purple because then I'd be $20 something poorer and then I'd have a hat to store in my closet that was only worn a couple times....
Funny enough the pull of the ears was too much for Bug as well. After just 2 days she decided she needed to spend her money on a set. Turns out I'm glad she chose and not me because I would have been wrong. It worked out perfectly for her, she picked a flowey princess headband.
It made her feel like she had magic Rapunzel hair. More Disney magic. I love this place
Take every opportunity. That's what I'm doing so here I am in Disneyland with a 4 year old dead set on meeting all the princesses and a 6 month old baby strapped to my chest. This should be a breeze, ha!
Besides being up late last night and up early this morning it's a really good day. The weather is perfect, the walk felt short, and even though I didn't have an early entry ticket they let me in early anyway! What great luck!!!
The kids and I headed straight to Fantasy Faire since I've heard that the lines to meet the princesses get insanely long. Turns out when you get there that early, it's not open yet. Oops.
It all worked out though, Bug and I took a few pictures before heading to get on a couple rides. The Toy Story ride in Disneyland is not half as fun as the one in California Adventure. More difficult, darker, a bit jerkier. Oddly enough, the lines for that get crazy pretty quick too.
After how big of a hit the spinning ladybug was yesterday taking Bug on the teacups just seemed the right choice. Turns out it was one of the best rides of the trip. She just giggled and giggled and giggled. Probably my favorite moment ever.
Right across the way were the Storybook Canal Boats. They were cute, but not as great as I was hoping. I was told they are better at night when they are all lit up (I can only imagine, it would be awesome) but I enjoyed it all the same. I think Bug really liked seeing what the princess castles really looked like. While on the boats Bug caught sight of Casey' Jr's train and she really wanted to go on it, so we did. There was something so enjoyable about letting her make all the choices. We did what she wanted to do and when.
I'm sure it'll get easier to navigate but today I'm confused as we to find the way around. I'm very thankful that the employees are quite friendly, at least the ones I've interacted with. I don't understand why Pixie Hollow is at the base of the Matterhorn or why Merida is literally across the path from It's a Small World. Even worse, Rapunzel is behind the castle. I'm confused. So very confused.
Turns out Pixie Hollow gets crazy lines too. It's such a relief that Moose is content to just sleep in the carrier. I look a bit ridiculous but luckily for me I've never been one to care about that too much. Bug is doing fantastic with her patience. I did not realize that Princess Hunting is an all day affair. The crowds aren't insane, but it is beyond my normal comfort level. While waiting for Tinkerbell and Rosetta the employee explained to Bug how while we make our way through the line we get sprinkled with pixie dust and start shrinking which is why the grass is bigger than us and the fairies are the same size. Tinkerbell seemed confused that Bug didn't have wings which they realized means she must be a princess. Always modest, Bug told them she's not a really real princess, just dressed up like one. I love her!
We did not get back to Fantasy Faire in time to see the any of the princesses without a line marked at over an hour wait but we did aim to get there in time for the show. Unfortunately it turns out if you get there on time, you have to wait outside craning your neck to see over the people who thought ahead. She really wanted to see the show (it was enjoyable and cute) so I held her up so she could see. I've been really good about keeping Moose covered with a blanket however it seems while holding her, or adjusting, or something I let one of his legs become exposed and it got a little burn. At least I'm consistent about burning my kids at delicate ages...
After the show we saw Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder but they wouldn't let us go say hi even though other guests were already there. When they left Bug started flipping that we needed to follow them so we could say hi. I chased (after getting the stroller) as best I could, but I lost them. We wandered around looking for them and just as I was about to give up I found her tower where we could get in line to meet her. It got really hot, but we made it before they closed the line. Wheh! Rapunzel was really sweet and was excited to have a whole page to draw on. Bug was soooo excited and happy to talk to her.
Moose and Moose on the rivers of America
After all the excitement of the morning, or at least all the waiting, we decided to head to New Orleans Square to try the Mickey Beignets and Mint Julips (virgin). I wasn't impressed, they were just like the Beignets I made at home. The day started warming up but I convinced Bug to let us wait to meet Tigger and Eeyore. I told her how they are some of my favorite characters and she got really excited. Too excited. She was climbing (flipping) on the bars and flipped right into the rocks. I calmed her down just before it was our turn. Then I guess it was Tigger and Eeyore's break because they left (we were next) and Pooh came out. She was not happy. From there it turned into "I want to go back to the hotel with Mamaw!".
I was disappointed and a little sad that we didn't last long enough to see the parade- we did get to see a crazy guy get arrested ("Disneyland is censoring your! They don't want you to take pictures! They are working with the Aliens!!!") - but it was a nice day alone with the kids. They both did great.
Even though Mamaw was supposed to be at work until dinner we chose to head back to the hotel anyway. Turned out for us that Mamaw came home early so we all went out for an adventure this evening. Portillo's here we come! Having an extra hand is so much better!
Naturally, Disney would have something to do when you're not in one of the two parks. And naturally, downtown Disney is right in the middle of the parks.
To get in you have to pass through the same security gate outside the park. I honestly have no idea what it actually accomplishes but I suppose a false sense of security is better than no security at all.
In the front of downtown Disney is the biggest Disney store I've ever seen in my life. I'd swear it's a block long. At least the size of 4 or 5 stores combined. I feel silly for not realizing that Disney had that many products to sell to the public. Even fancy purses.
Downtown Disney is a shopping center for just about anything your heart desires. The street venders had the feeling of Disney to them. There was a calligrapher that did letters out of princesses and had I been able to figure out where and why I'd hang it, I probably would have purchased it for Bug (who hadn't noticed it).Personally, I'm not a big fan of shopping but I had a good time looking at the plethora of Disney items. My kids sure enjoyed it too and both of them walked away with new toys: Hello Jessie and Woody dolls!
Finding food was more interesting given the numerous choices to be had. The price tag was more than I'm typically comfortable with but I suppose it was similar if not slightly better than inside the parks. We settled on a New Orleans themed fast food joint. The food was satisfying enough but at the sit-down restaurant end of it we purchased dessert and that was divine. I had chocolate brioche bread pudding.
The only complication of our day was when Bug had to use the restroom during dinner. The sign clearly stated no restroom for customers and the closest one I knew of wasn't very close. The manager of the restaurant had been taking out the trash when he passed us and overheard our conversation. I was thrilled when he offered to let Bug use the employee bathroom.
I think it's fair to say this has been my first experience somewhere that all the employees genuinely seem happy to be working. It makes a difference for me to be willing to spend my money.
Ohmagawd, OhMaGawd, OHMAGAWD! I am in Disney's California Adventure. Weare in Disney'sCalifornia Adventure!
I feel like a kid in a candy store. I had fun admiring the themed buildings at Knott's Berry but now after seeing this that seemed like a waste of time. This place is incredible. I am actually understanding Disney Magic, it's here.
We've been inside the gates just a few minutes and already I've met Goofy and I feel like I've left and gone to yesteryear. I suppose I have. And this. Is. Awesome.
Before coming I signed up for Touring Plans so we could maximize our enjoyment of the park with minimal work. Boy Howdy did it prove to be worth every penny and then some.
I know I'm a dork but all the amazing backdrops for photo ops thrill me. Bug, not so much. Luckily, our first stop was Bug Land to ride Heimlichs Chew Chew train. Who knew a little train with funny sounds and smells could be so enjoyable even with a baby strapped to my chest. This is promising to be a great day.
Fast Passes are wonderful. They are making the day so easy and with our Touring Plan it's like the park is set up for our personal pleasure. Just as we finish in a area, we get to the parade at the perfect time which ends in time for our fast passes and then we're done in perfect time for a show. I'm seriously loving it.
Bug loved King Triton's Carousel and every time we'd pass the far wall (where King Triton is) she'd get super excited and point to him. Took me 3 passes before I figured out what she was saying or pointing to.
We got lucky and Moose loves rides. Even the dark ones. We got to do the Toy Story *shooting* ride which was so much fun. We did try to do it a second time but Bug really had to go potty and we didn't have someone to hold our place in line and it was too long to return to the end and still get to our show.
I am super grateful that I'm able to do some adult rides too. California Adventure is so much fun! While Mom and Debby were in line to go on it the chitlens and I were just hanging out when Bug spotted Woody across the boardwalk. She got super excited and started pointing to him wanting to go say hi. I was not expecting her to get excited over anything but princesses especially when she was so mad having to be near Goofy (which she later wanted to go back and do over). It was cute and I was so happy that she got so comfortable so quick.
I really loved the parade. Moose was asleep but he woke up when all the loud music started. I have to admit I was terribly lost many times in the park but the themed buildings are so fun to look at I don't even mind when I'm lost.
On our way to see the Aladdin show Bug saw Jake and totally *girl groupie style* freaked out wanting us to turn around so she could meet him. I didn't even know she had a little crush on him.
As our major splurge I knew I wanted to have a character meal so Bug could meet a bunch of princesses for sure. I was really surprised at the quality of the food, it was delicious. I upset Bug just before Cinderella (the first princess) got to our table so she wanted nothing to do with her. She was happier by the next princess and then was upset that she didn't get a picture with Cinderella (theme of the day) but they were really great about letting us come back later so she could spend a moment with her. Disney really cares about making your day magical.
At the end of the night we got spots on the bridge to watch World of Color. It was amazing. The show was great, watching it with my children was the most special gift I could have received.
I had promised Bug that we'd do the Under the Sea ride (may have forgotten about it) so we went to ride it after World of Color. We were up early, and it was late when the show ended, and there was some drama before we got on the ride so by the time we got through the line (very short) Bug fell asleep. She didn't wake up for the ride either. I was sad for her but truth be told it was quite hilarious.
Tickets have been purchased, car has been packed, let's get this show on the road.
First stop: Knotts Berry Farm- because 4 days in Disneyland may not be enough (totally kidding).
Growing up I always heard about Knott's Berry Farm. The extent of my knowledge was that they made yummy jam. I figured the farm was just that: where they made jam. As an adult I've seen ticket coupons for the place but never bothered to investigate the place farther.
Turns out it is quite the theme park for the crowd that likes fast adventure rides. Could be fun, but not for a 3 year old who isn't tall enough and certainly not for an infant. That leaves a few snoopy side shows, and a stage coach that gets robbed. The waters were insanely priced, like first born child priced, and the food wasn't appealing. Luckily, we planned on eating at the diner outside the park.
A few hours of wandering around was enough for us before getting our chicken dinner. Me oh my those portions were huge. Pretty tasty though.
