I gave birth to a deadly weapon...

Jack passed his Taekwondo belt test last night.

Yes, that is him breaking a piece of WOOD. Which is a skill that will come in handy for wood working projects around the house. Or for breaking down doors I suppose. And of course for breaking a bad guys RIBS if needed. I feel safer having him around.

And proud.

Photo Phinish ...on Phridays...visit Candid Carrie for more Phun!

How to be an efficient blog reader...

Recently I was ask by a friend how I can possible have time to read all the different blogs that I follow on a daily basis. I was a little surprise she had not heard of using a 'reader' to follow blogs. And about the same time Krissy did a post about the exact same thing. AND she found what has to be the lowest tech video to explain how it works. And it also explains (very very clearly) how to set it up for yourself. It makes the old way of checking your favorite blogs look as absolute as your raspberry beret you HAD to buy during your Prince phase in 1984 that you may or may not still have in your closet. So run over to her place and scroll down for the video...it is perfect. Oh and take a look at Krissy's place too....I think you will be adding it to your reader as well!

Ask Marcy! .....go on ASK ME!

At the encouragement of my friend Jenny, I changed my blog over at the OC Register to an advice column. Arrogant? Heck yes...but I do love to gives me some advice ya know. I seem to always be telling people what to do, or offering tips and tricks form everything from travel with kids to tiling a back splash..... So go on over and check it out. Today's Ask Marcy! has to do with creative waiting time in the doctors office...oh, that and how much my purse weighs. Go see...and leave me a question in the comments to answer!

For the love of FABFs and Bloggers

I recently had a conversation with my mom about my blogging ‘friends’. I tried to explain to her that on some very real level I think people who read my blog will know me as well and in some cases better than those I know in real life. It may surprise you, but when I am hanging out with flesh and blood friends I rarely go on and on in paragraph form about my thoughts on surf camp. I might say-“oh yeah the boys did surf camp last week and they loved it.” But not much more. And I rarely show vintage ads to my flesh and blood friends (FABF’s) and make up funny scripts for them. So really, the people who read my blog get to know me in a totally different method. Of course my bloggy friends don’t get to have the joy of have me coming over to their house and have my kids litter it with Legos nor do they have to hear me complain about my daily mundane tasks as a mom. Nope I save all that stuff for my FABF’s….poor them come to think of it. And my FABF’s see me UNEDITED. And let’s say that I could use a little editing in real life. I have been know to say things I regret. Daily. I think what I am learning (as I type this) that while both the blogger friends and the FABFs get to know me- they are each getting to know me in different ways. Taking different paths to an eventual conclusion that I am positively insane perhaps. Either way my bloggy friends and FABF’s are equally important to me. And my heart sings when the two become one. Some of my FABF’s read my blog, although many don’t (I can tell because when I see them they have no idea about My kids writing on the doors, or Ed traveling or what embarasses me) and I attribute this to the fact that they get enough of me in real life- and well I might be best taken in smaller doses. So when I get to meet a blogger friend in real life- who BECOMES a FABF…well that is heaven to me. I like my friends- all of you. I hope I can keep you around for a long, long time. And I will do my best and promise to make my kids pick up the Legos next time we are over.

The longest post over fries ever written....

Carl's Jr. is a fast food chain we have here on the west coast- and well, it is my favorite of them all. I know, I know White Castle is great, In-and-Out Burger is legendary and Sonic is memorable....but Carl's Jr and I go way back- let me explain......

My elementary school had a Carl's Jr in the way farthest corner of the school yard facing the side street. You could smell the charbroiled goodness while playing handball too. And you could practically be on school property except for the last 10 steps inside- and WE DID. Unbelievable to me now, but on Thursdays we had "long-lunch" (extra 15 minutes for an unexplained reason- I suppose it was so the teachers could get in one more snack/smoke/martini/ before going back to kids).....and on the long-lunch days we were allowed to go to Carl's Jr by our. self. I went every Thursday. Religiously. "Happy Star, fries and a coke please" ...and it cost $2.15 for all that. One day my 4th grade teacher announced we were going on a 'walking field trip' to the beloved mecca of burgers. We trotted right over to Carl's Jr. and were given hair nets and a tour of the kitchen and equipment. And I remember with bizarre clarity the insanely large bag of frozen fries which were then scorched in gallons of hot oil. It was exciting. It was deep fried. It was the beginning of my love affair.

Well, today folks-I went to Carl's and found that they have changed their fries completely. They are 'Natural Cut' in a poor attempt to mimic In-and-Out Burgers cut-in-front-of-your-face freshness. But these don't taste fresh..they taste mushy and greasy and not at all like the old fries. The good fries. MY FRIES. So if you are listening Carl's Jr.....I want my fries back. Either that or $2.15 for my anguish. You pick.

Post-it-note: My omni-friends Shan and Dan first alerted me to this tragedy and share my love of the old fries. As do my kids. And my husband. And everyone else I talked to before writing this post. Looks like Carl Karcher (founder) has been dead less than a year and they are messing with perfection already. And without doing market research either.

Life Instructions

Did you ever realize it is just this simple?

I think I am going to print this out poster size and hang over my kids beds...basically these are the four things I am trying to teach them as a mom. Seriously, every single story, lesson, activity, moral, ethic comes down to one of these 4 things.

I think they should hand this out to new moms at the hospital soon after giving birth as well. "Here is your brand new baby, and don't forget the instructions.

Good luck with that-and remember no exchanges!"

image stolen from here and while you are there-

read a little it is an excellent blog on advertising and such...

The Rule breaker

Sandra refused to use the sofa or chairs when she dined. She loved to sit on the floor-no matter where she was. It allowed her tablecloth skirt to be spread out before her in a jaunty fashion. Her husband, John always tried to convince her to get off the floor at dinner parties- but Sandra just smiled and fed him bites of food off her plate. She was oblivious to his pain. They were not invited back again. But Sandra didn't care- she thought she looked great eating this way, and that was all that mattered to her...she was a rebel. She was a rule breaker. Eventually John and Sandra divorced. She remarried to a man who was wheelchair bound. They could see eye to eye on everything.

"He travels a lot"

When recently asked what was the success of my 10 year marriage (that is like 40 years in Southern California years) I replied “Well, he travels a lot”. I first heard my mom use this same line when I was a kid. Only now do I understand the comedy of it.

And tonight my husband leaves for 2 weeks on business trip overseas. He travels overseas about every 6 -8 weeks, and is gone for at least 2 weeks at a time. He has always travelled for business. Actually a week after we met (and decided to marry) he left for Egypt. So this is nothing new. Last night over dinner my girlfriend asked ‘so where is he going?” and I laughed and smiled and said- “I have no idea”. “So when does he leave? Is it LAX?” And again I said “I have no idea-sometime Sunday night’. Bad wife you think? Perhaps. But I think I am just so used to him travelling - it is no longer a big deal anymore. (By the way I found out he is going to Hong Kong, Ningbo China, Bangladesh, Vietnam and some other place I still can’t remember) So yes, it is true we spend a lot of time apart because of his work travel (and even sometimes mine). In addition to that, I am not one to stay home and work around his vacation schedule. This summer alone I went to Chicago twice and Catalina Island on my own with the boys. I know he would have loved to have gone with us- but he has a hectic work schedule and was not able. Close friends of ours have the polar opposite marriage…they do everything together. They wake up on Saturday and run all the family errands together. When they are home from work they are always, always together. Sometimes I envy their ‘togetherness’ and sometimes I think they are a little insane. I mean I actually look forward to going to Costco ALONE. Sad but true. But they are a very happy couple..so it works for them. On weekends Ed and I use the ‘divide and conquer’ method. He will run to the store in the morning before we wake up, and later I will hit the Dry Cleaner or car wash while he watches the kids at home. And when we are home I am either running around cleaning, or wasting life on the computer and he is watching golf or on his laptop in the other room.

But we are still a very close couple. We are.

Strange to say- but we are. We talk several times during the day when he is at work, and since I was once in his industry we discuss his work issues and office politics for just entertainment. And of course there is e-mail. We are nearly famous for the amount of emails we send to each other. Sometimes from different rooms in the house! (Usually forwarding something- so don’t worry I don’t e-mail him ‘what do you want for dinner?’ from the other room- well, not USUALLY). I love being married and think I have a successful marriage. I do yearn for a 2nd honeymoon with JUST him for several days at a time. But I am sure that will come someday. So is my marriage perfect? No way- but it is perfect for US. I wonder how the dynamics of our marriage differ from others…from yours?

AdTalk: Carol joins the team

Oh the difficulties of creating an ad campaign for such a 'delicate' subject. Even current ads on TV make me cringe a little....especially when my boys are watching too. But this one? This takes the cake....Lets here what our now famous Ad execs Bob and Mike were thinking when they came up with this one.

Bob: Another Tampax ad? These things creep me out.

Mike: Me too- but we got to do it

Bob: Isn't there a girl we could put on it?

Mike: Sure how about Carol from down the hall- she makes a mean cup of coffee.

(Carol is summoned with one of those giant box intercom things on Bob's desk)

Carol: Yes sir?

Bob: Hey Carol I know you have only been interning here after high school for a few months- but um, we have this campaign and we thought you could give it a try. Its for Tampax...any ideas?

Carol: Um, I see white...lots of white and insanely short skirts....perhaps a clown outfit.

Bob: Oh because nothing is more embarrassing that wearing a clown costume....or your period right?

Carol: Except talking about a Tampax ad with your bosses...THAT is more embarassing.

Mike: Thanks Carol- we will get the boys from photo to get right on it... Now can you get me a cup of coffee little darlin?

Question of the day....

Came across this while walking around Avalon on Catalina Island. This sign was found in front of a garden nursery-which made it so much more odd to me. So my answer? About 37. Yes, that is right folks- I feel exactly my actual age. I don't feel younger..I don't feel older. I feel 37 years old....and that is okay with me. and if given a choice-I would pick this age to be as well.

How about you? How old would you be?

Playdates and Me

Playdates and me have had a rocky past. I have always been the fan of having other kids play with mine..when they were toddlers it was to help 'socialize' them (cuz everybody loves a social toddler ya know) and when they were a bit older it helped them to share toys and learn to do team activities. But my biggest challenge was always the fact that along with little Billy or Bobby came their MOTHERS. Don't get me wrong- I love to sit and chat with a lady friend from time to time- but it is really hard to do it WHILE trying to supervise small children. So I was always left at the end of the playdate feeling like I missed out on what my boys were doing- and I felt like I hadn't really completed a sentence in my mommy visit either. This once reached a terrible pinnacle when during a 'playdate' me and the other mommy found ourselves in the middle of a juicy conversation when one of the kiddies who was potty training had to go NOW. Well we ended up all sitting together in the potty room waiting for the little potty-trainer to do his business and we mommies continued our conversation there. Yes, talking and chatting all thru it including the 'now wipe me mommy' part. Lovely right? But now, my boys are older and playdates are so different. For one- we don't call them 'dates' anymore. And best of all- the kids get dropped off. So I no longer have to worry about having the whole house clean and perfect kid AND mommy snacks to serve. Nope- now the invited kid runs from the car to my door- and I wave to the mommy and she drives away. And happily my boys have pretty darn good taste in friends. I really enjoy these boys who visit. They allow me to see my kids through a new set of eyes. Like today I learned from Jack's friend who went to the beach with us, that Jack is known as the super nice kid at school. Really? How wonderful I thought. Um, I also learned Jack is known as the one who does the best arm-farts as well.....oh, this mother is so proud either way.

(Photo note: Jack and his buddy Baylor...a heck of a playdate and a good friend)

This is YOUR Life- Live Version

Okay here is a little tid-bit of inside information about me; when I am in public and I 'run into' people I know, or might have known I generally run the other way. Not always- I mean not if you are a relative or in my inner posse (um, my inner posse is like 3 people and one lives 400 miles away)...but you get my point don't you? I have always wondered why I do this....I mean sometimes it is because I might not look my best but usually I do it because I am afraid the other person will not REMEMBER ME. I am terrified of the awkward pause...the 'um, so okay well great to see you' thing. So just now (literally JUST now-I ran in to write this post) I was at the grocery store when it happened. (It happened on July 4th too if you can believe it- read here) Only this time I didn't see the other person first. I was ambushed. No place to run. No way to hide my face while pretending to inspect bunches of radishes. I was trapped in the frozen food section when I heard "oh my gosh MARCY! IS that YOU?"....for a split second I considered lying or throwing out a 'no habla English'....but I couldn't. This woman looked so happy to see me. And I stood there with no memory of her at all. Turns out she knew me from college....and all I can recall about her was that she drove a Jeep with no doors on it. And then she said it....'wow you haven't changed at all!'....now there was a time in my 20's, heck even my earlier 30's that hearing that comment would have bummed me out. I would have thought- "Hell yes I have changed- I have changed for the BETTER!"....but today, as I am closer to 40 and fighting gravity with all I can muster...well to hear I haven't changed at all...is a HUGE compliment to me. I wanted to tell her that actually I have changed. After college I was really HOT and SEXY and now I have just changed BACK to my old self..but that might have been strange. Okay note to self: wear bra, make up and contacts next time I leave the house....

Special to the Register! Whaaaa?

I came home from Catalina today to see a photo spread of ME and my first article for the OC Register spread out on the kitchen table. It was a great welcome home. My favorite part? Under my name (in the print version) it said "Special to the Register".....like magical words for me!

Take a look online and please, please (pretty please) click reccomend. I would love all your comments over there as well. I am trying to get a shot at more articles!!!

Thanks!!! Click here....

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/flash-shoot-photos-2087975-one-force

Still here...but thinking of you!

Still on Catalina Island today.....

enjoying the perfection of it all ......

I will be back soon...but meanwhile I wanted to share this lovely vintage ad with you!

Wish you were all here with me!

Been here- Seen that....

A few nights ago I watched CBS's new hope: "Swingtown".

I imagine the concept meeting sounded like this...

Carl: Hey Fred, any ideas for a show this season to help us get out of this slump? Fred: Yeah I was thinking- how about we do the ol' 3-5 women who have very different lives but they are stuck together for some reason thing.... Carl: You mean like Golden Girls? Fred: Yeah- only lets give them their own houses-I am dating the set director and she could use the work... Carl: Sounds good. Any objection to setting it in the 1970's? Fred: Sure..then we can reference drugs, smoking and alcohol like crazy....people like that. Carl: Yeah, THAT and I am dating the costume designer and she would love the work too.... Soooo, there are 4 women who all live in the same nieghborhood. One is conservative, one is a free spirt, one is confused and one is a wacky single mom. Sound familiar? It should.... First there was Knots Landing.....

Then there was Desperate Housewives....

Then there was Army Wives...

I am sure there are plenty other shows out there with the same format...

can you think of any?

Catalina here I come!

Today I am lucky enough to be going to Catalina Island for a few days with my mom, my boys and my two nieces. Mom has rented a small house there near the beach. For those of you who do not know what/where Catalina is...let me give you a little back ground. Catalina is a small island right off the coast of Orange County, California. It was once owned by the Wrigley family (jeez what didn't those people own?), and the a Wrigley mansion still stands (now a hotel). Catalina is virtually the same as it was when it was populated in the 1920's. No cars and absolutely no new buildings at all. More than half the island is a Buffalo reserve. The only real town is Avalon...with its picture perfect pavilion, bike rentals and wave less cove- Catalina is a dream come true.

This photo is from 1948.....

And this is current. As you can see not much has changed....

The ONLY bad part? No WiFi.....so this will have to be a REAL vacation- even from blogging! I will be back in about 4 days- expect lots of photos then!

I talked to my childhood yesterday...

I was standing there- just having been pushed into the kiddie pool by my best friends husband (don't worry there will be revenge) when he walked up to me and said 'I know you'. Well, loads of things ran thru my mind 'ee-gads- did I once work with this guy?', 'did I once hire this guy?' to the random 'do I owe this guy money?'.....He must have sensed I was clueless (although it didn't help he wore his dark sunglasses the whole time rendering his eyes covered) so he followed up his opening line with "I am Jarrod Hurst". Well, folks- you know how you have a few names from your past just BURNED into your memory? Names you have always known-and will never forget? As soon as I heard him say it I almost fainted-I swear. I smiled and said something stupid like "oh my GAWD- are you serious?"....now this is a pretty dumb thing to say, since most people know at least their own name I would think.

So there I was staring at this man and wondering what to say next. "WOW, this is so weird...so um, how in the world did you recognize me?" I said. "Oh as soon as I heard someone call you Marcy I knew immediately"...He did? He knew immediately? The last time we saw each other- and I remember it vividly was the last day of 6th grade. My mom picked me up in her white Z28 Camaro and his dad was picking him up in his Datsun mini-truck (with a shell on it). We separated in the parking lot as we walked to the separate cars. "Hey have a cool summer" he said..... "Yeah, you too". And that was it. That was the end of the not-really-but-practically romance of my 6th grade year. Jarrod was my assigned square dancing partner in February, my handball partner at recess and my first sorta-kinda date (Roller rink with his parents) in May. I thought he was just dreamy with his thick brown hair, raspy voice and smirky grin. He was a charmer as I remember- and all the girls, teachers and parents thought Jarrod was adorable. I felt pretty lucky to be his not-really-but-sorta-girlfriend for those few months of my 10th year on this planet. Pretty darn lucky indeed. And I never, ever forgot about him. And apparently- he had not forgotten me either. More shockingly he could even recognize me too...

We chatted a bit. It was strange. He was married and has 3 girls. He was an electrician. He was bald. He looked nothing like the little boy of my past. But he still had the same raspy voice and smirky smile- because those things never change I guess. He seemed like a pretty happy person- and I was glad about that. After a while he had to run off to chase down his little toddler....and we ended our conversation. It was a large block party thrown by mutual friends so people were kinda divided into different 'camps' all day. When I left the block party he saw me walking to my car and yelled "Have a great summer!" and I smiled and said "yeah you too". Talk about full circle folks...I couldn't make this stuff up.

I am a big fan of Independence....

Love and Peace

Happy 4th Internet!

(photo note: an impromptu 4th of July 'centerpiece' made from camp crafts done by da' boyz)

"You can't draw on the walls- but the window is okay"

Kids found the Window Art markers I used for my KDOC segment- and they went to town on the doors....they looked cute; Jack in his Taekwondo outfit and Tucker reaching as high as possible and nearly falling. Let't take a look at what they were working so hard on...

Tucker did his name in pretty darn good block letters....

"Everyday is Trashday somewhere"....why yes it is Jack you funny boy.

And my favorite....

Travel with kids? Pack it…

For those visitors who are here for the travel tips I presented on KDOC DayBreak news program this morning...here is a complete list! Thanks for coming...and I hope you return soon...

Keep em’ Busy: Gameboy, PSP, Leapster (but don’t forget batteries, charger and/or car adapter) Mad libs, crosswords…and good ol’fashioned BOOKS Wipe board pens (yes they work on windows!) Pipecleaners, stickers…doo dads MagnaDoodle or Etch a Sketch Magnetic checkers/chess Dollar store toys (wrap and give out as needed) Good ol’ paper and pencil! Tic tack toe

Desperate Measures: Bubbles PlayDough Silly Putty Small lego sets Small water color set Let them take photos with the camera or phone..let them interview you or you them! Candy…

Be Prepared and don’t be optimistic! (prepare for the worst...): Wipes- no matter how old your children are they come in handy Snacks (NOT applesauce or anything potentially spillable) Bandaides, Neosporin, tummy med, allergy med etc. The doctors numbers and a photocopy of your med cards- use a USB to keep with you! Trash bags and zip-locs….you just seem to always need these. Change of clothes for baby/toddler and even YOU Lovies, blankies and pillow Marcy’s Tips Remember: Be the keeper of the stuff! Dole out items as needed. Limit drinks on a car ride…or time them just before potty stops! Photograph your children before you leave for the airport- god forbid they are get lost… Photograph the parking space at the airport! Scroll back thru to find it when you return Photo outfit combinations for children travelling with grandma or grandpa…then include in suitcase as a little guide to dressing themselves each day… Relax! Try to enjoy the excitement your children have for your ‘adventure’! Kids sense anxiety- and often act out accordingly…so calm down and TRY to have fun.

Interiors by JackTucker

While cleaning my living room today (aka the room hardly anyone ever goes in) I found evidence that my boys had been there. A little alien tucked in some branches I have in a vase (ya know cuz it is all decorator-ish around here)......

Either it was my boys who did this- or I have been invaded by mini-aliens wearing leis. They freeze when you see them so you just THINK they are a vending machine prize. Clever. Clever little alien.

A photo story: Edwina's solution

(Edwina) (Erma)

Edwina and Erma were sisters.

Edwina was the oldest- and she was the responsible one.

Erma was the baby and she was the favorite....she was the pampered one.

They have 9 brothers. 9 brothers Edwina helped care for.

9 brothers who doted on Erma all her life.

Edwina didn't want her photo taken, but Erma insisted she go with her. Actually Erma told her "you had better have your photo captured before you get older and more wrinkled."

Erma was not the nice sister. Erma was the difficult one.

They arrived early, and Erma went into the back room to use the mirror to 'fuss'. Edwina waited patiently for her younger sister- for an hour. By then the photographer was irritated, and called for Erma. She came out and said 'Well, if Edwina hadn't fixed my hair so poorly this morning I wouldn't have had to re-do it!'. Edwina just smiled shyly.

When the photographer delivered the finished portrait, Erma complained that Edwina ruined the photo because she looked 'unpleasant'. Erma refused to allow anyone to hang the portrait.

It was put away in the root cellar.

Later that month, Erma fell down the well in an unexplained accident on the farm.

The next day, Edwina hung the portrait over the fireplace....and smiled.

(author note: I know, I know this is creepy and probably not in good taste and all that other stuff you are thinking.

But sometimes I can't help myself. Actually I very rarely can help myself!)

Adtalk: The before the Ad conversation...

Conversation at the Ad firm months earlier....

Mike: Hey Bob any ideas for the new Kindness Hair Oil campaign? Bob: Yeah I was thinking of bringing in one of the girls from the new Broadway show 'Cats' to be the 'Before' Mike: Hey that sounds groovy- but be sure she looses the whiskars...whiskars don't help sell beauty products ya know. You remember what happened on the Vo5 campaign don't you? Bob: Yeah that was bad....and oily.... Mike: ..and hot. Okay so you got the Cat girl and what else? Bob: Uh I don't know- I guess another hair girl- only we will tame her hair a little...but still really really big Mike: ...and wrap a little around her neck for effect okay? What about the copy Bob? what do you have for that? Bob: I thought the Cat girl could complain that she doesn't like the product because it does really great things and the other girl will just be all calm and be all 'whats wrong with that?' Mike: Hmmm....interesting.Okay fine, but no smiling. They can't look happy about using this product...actually they should look a little depressed and uncomfortable. Bob: Got it. Depressed and serious. Mike: and uncomfortable...don't forget that. Bob: Oh they will be uncomfortable. Trust me on that.

Blogger-mmercial? Pay Per Post

Well, since I need to find away to legitimize this writting thing- I thought I would take a look at websites that pay for you to post about things. I came across Pay Per Post and was intrigued. Basically they list like a hundred different companies/concepts in categories you have pre-selected who will PAY you to post about them (looks like $5.00 is the average rate- but some as high as $20). Okay don't start panicking...I am not gonna get all Infomercial (I guess that would be Blogger-mercial right?) on you.....BUT if I happen to see something posted there that I find interesting or worth mentioning I just might do it. Ethically I will always tell you if it is Pay Per Post topic okay? Sound fair? ....and for those of you who think this is the worst thing a blogger can do...then you can just start sending me say $5.00 a day-or whenever you read... Then I won't have to pimp out my blog like this!!! Totally kidding....its pathetic that I have to say 'totally kidding'...besides the fact that it makes me sound MORE like a valley girl who is 13?.....FYI I read thru the current 100 they had listed and haven't found anything I think you need to know about yet......

blog reviews

Jesus People: Episode 1

Happy Holy Sunday internet....

Now I love me some God and Jesus ya' all know...but you HAVE to see this video and laugh along with me. If you like it and aren't offended (please don't be offended) there are seven other episodes of this- and they are EVEN FUNNIER!

All can be found at the glorious Funny or Die site. Enjoy! And wait for my favorite quote: "I go to church at Christmas-so I TOTALLY know who Jesus is..." Oh yeah- people this is great parody... now hurry and watch it- then get your butt to church will ya? Since Blogger hates me and will not upload video here- you need to click away...but come back when you are done and we can have a cup of coffee and laugh about it together k?

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/5c63ddfc1d

Surf Camp....lessons learned for all of us.

Well it sounded like a great idea when I signed the boys up in the middle of winter (ya know when it is like freezing here at 60 degrees), but this week turned out to be more of an emotional challenge for me than a physical one for the boys. And I wasn't the only one who learned things...

Let me explain:

The week started great with both boys running to the beach to sign in before I had to call them back to the car to sunscreen all the parts of them that were peaking out of their wetsuits. They met their instructor (a girl-which I thought was even cooler) and they picked out giant surfboards (apparently the larger the board the easier it is to get up) and They carried those huge things to the water then learned a bunch of stuff about rip tides, jelly fish, sting rays, protecting their head from the board (panic for ME was starting to set in at this point) and how to get up on the board. The boys were having a great time. And then they went into the water....and the goal is to walk/swim your way out past the point where the waves 'break' (meaning CRASH with insane strength to the shore of this great continent)....and getting past this point is much harder than you would think when you are all of 50 lbs and 7 or 9 years old......the boys were thrown back to shore hundreds of times (the giant surfboard flying in the air and often landing on their HEAD) with such force that I was certain they were going to come to me after each time and say 'I don't wanna do this' to which I would of said 'me niether-lets get out of here'. But you know what? The never gave up. NEVER. While I was on the shore bitting my nails and worried sick they just kept fighting the ocean with all they had. Tuck managed to get out and stand up coming in on a wave on day one and Jack was able to as well. Day two came and I decided to take the camp's advice and DROP THEM OFF. Sounds horrible- but they had superior supervision from tons of adults and lifegaurds. I went to Starbucks (Hot Spot) for both Day 2 and 3 for the majority of the day. When I picked them up they were so tired and still HAPPY. Oh and still ALIVE, which is really what I was worried about.

Yesterday (Day 4), I stuck aorund a little to watch get photos...and as I watched it happened.... Jack was fighting his way out to the break point and he was devoured by an angry wave which shot his board sky high, that then landed on his head. His instruction and saftey guy on the beach rushed to him...no blood...but what can sometimes be as bad...TEARS. We got ice, and sat down. He cried and cried and said he didn't ever want to surf again. He was never gonna do it again. NEVER. Then he said "man why to I quit everything?" (we tried baseball, football,clarinet and nothing stuck)....so I said back to him-and this took a lot of mom strength to say "Then DON'T". I said 'Don't quit. Keep trying. Don't give up'....I wanted to say- "Of course! Please quit. PLEASE. Lets go for ice cream okay?".....sometimes it is hard to be a good mom. This was one of those times for me. Secretly I wanted him to quit because it would make it better for me, less worry, less fear. So Today was Day 5, and when I asked Tucker to go put on his wetsuit to go- Jack did too. I was really surprised....but I didn't say anything. We went to surf camp like everything was normal. Jack went out today and was able to stand up and surf on nearly every wave he tried. Seriously- he looked like a real surfer to me-and my heart filled with joy to know my boy had learned life's best lesson: NEVER GIVE UP....and he learned it on his own. He pushed himself- and he succeeded. And I learned sometimes it is okay not to 'rescue' my babies from difficult situations...Oh- and I learned surfers have more facial fractures than any other sport (from one of the instructors)...yeah they didn't mention THAT in the brochure!

(Photo: Jack with victory arms raised!)

Photo note: These lifeguard stations are being 'retired' from Huntington Beach, and being replaced with snazzy no-splinter all metal ones....bummer really...since this are still so charming. Perhaps I can buy one and use as a guest house?

Now that would be totally OC of me!

Before and After

Don't have actual footage of the segment from TV today. I gotta figure that out. Of course you are all invited over to my place to watch on my Tivo thingy if you want. I will provide wine and popcorn! Go ahead and bring the kiddies too- we will make a day of it! (Oh how I wish!) Meanwhile, this is a little movie of preparing before- and my thoughts after. Again- I learned a lot from this experience- and I listed all I learned at the end of the video.

She's so Crafty!

Whew! It is OVER. I survived my KDOC TV segment....got there way to early (I have to be JUST like Suzanne in EVERYTHING), and threatened my kids to be quiet like 9 million times while we waited in a conference room about 20 feet from the actual set where the news was being filmed. We had to set up the display table about 3 FEET from the news desk while they were taping...and in SILENCE in about 5 minutes. This was so so nerve wracking. Next week I am gonna ask them to wheel the table out to set it up I think. Finally the segment began. I did not get to talk about ANY of the actual crafts (upload coming soon)...nope I sorta just chatted with the news person about crafts in general. After watching I think I look about as fat as I expected- which is actually good, since I was afraid I was gonna fall into a deep depression after seeing myself on TV. Before I knew it-Voila! it was over.....Oh, and they put up the wrong web address for my blog on the screen. So that majorly sucks....but I go back next week.....I should be MUCH better at all this by then! If nothing else it was a great field trip for my boys....ya know when they have to write 'What I did over Summer Vacation' in the Fall - they can add 'I was on TV'....that should impress the ladies I think.

Check your Tivos people!

Whaaaa? Tomorrow is the big day folks...I am going to be on TV! And the producer thought it would be 'charming' to have my kids with me...great so now I have to figure out what they are gonna wear too. AND I will have to worry about what THEY say!!! So it is a program called Daybreak OC on Channel 6 in my land. I have to be there mega early since I will be on during the 7:00 hour. Yeah be there at like 6:30 WITH the kids...this is going to be intersting. Oh gosh I just had a vision of my kids fighting over scissors during the segment! (note to self: bring more scissors) I will figure out a way to post for all the rest of my fans (all 3 of you!...and I appreciate you all!)...

Meanwhile I am scheduled to do another segment next week on Travel Tips with Kids. So if you have any clever ideas- let me know.....I can use all the help I can get!!!!

Pedi for 3 please!

This is super short- so go ahead and click.....I HAD to get my signature french manicure before my TV debut on KDOC tomorrow. And it being summer the kids are with me 24/7. So off we all went...and when I realized they forgot their gameboys I thought getting them pedicures would keep them busy.....boy they seemed to really like it! Hope I am not creating 'high maintenance' men!

I'm embarassed...and lucky.

I am embarrassed of a few things in my life. I am embarrassed to buy beef jerky since I consider it total man-food. I am embarrassed if my kids fight in the middle of the grocery store over who gets to push the grocery cart. And very often-although not in all circles-I find that am embarrassed to admit I am a stay at home mom. I say something like ‘ well, right now I am in between consulting jobs so yes, I am staying home with the kids’, or often I inflate my photography commitments to lead people to believe I work 8 hour days as a photographer. But very very rarely do I tell people- I am a full fledged, totally lucky and privileged woman who gets to stay home with her kids. It is true after my kids became school age I was taking consulting positions in product development (Apparel and Fashion industry) which for sometimes more then 6 months out of the year. But because I was a consultant- I had flexibility which other full time working moms do not have. I think secretly I yearned to be ‘back in the game’ and fighting my way up the corporate ladder. Oh how I loved the race to the top. Then late last year my husband suggested it was time for me to return to work full-time in a regular position. I accepted a Senior Developer position (apparel) in management at a large corporation. I coordinated with my mom for school pick ups. I pulled out my arsenal of crock pot dinner recipes and calculated my attack over each weekend to be able to survive the work week. As long as I was organized and scheduled I managed to stay ahead of it all. But then came the travel. Off to Peru and Honduras and I was expected to go to Russia, China and Vietnam in the following months. The work responsibilities were growing- and while my ego swelled, my heart was breaking. My boys asked- ‘when are you gonna be done with this work thing mom?’…..My husband continued his busy executive work schedule and of course he was travelling as well. It was over a conversation with him about coordinating my over-seas trip with his Asia departure that I began to wonder what in the world was I doing? It was all a blur. My boys were having a few problems in school, I had no idea what had been going on in their lives either. I felt pulled when I was with them, to check work e-mails and my mind was distant as I mulled over the next days meetings and agendas. My husband knew how I was feeling without me saying a word- he called me one day at work and said. “Just Quit”. He made it seem so simple. So easy. And gave me the confidence to follow my heart. He never once lectured me about how it was going to affect our finances. He never once asked me to keep giving it a shot….he just gave me the total and complete encouragement to be what I really always wanted to be…A STAY AT HOME MOM. Do I miss it? Sure, a little. I miss the constant validation that I have something to offer to the world. I miss feeling valuable- and I miss getting paid for my efforts. I miss lunches with colleagues. I miss meetings and corporate struggles. I miss playing the game. I miss being in the race.…..But at the same time I am so eternally grateful for a husband who is willing to take on the financial responsibility of our family all on his own- and only asks that I do my best with the kids. He indulges my photography business, my new blogging obsession, my endless crafts and projects. How lucky am I? Pretty damn lucky folks…..I guess I am so lucky-that it is cause to be embarrassed.

I have been tagged by my buddy Nik at Prose and Converse to answer an insane amount of questions about myself. This feels a bit like an e-harmony questionnaire....but forget it all you hot male models out there...I am a happily married woman! But I digress...here it is folks...

Five things in my purse:

1. Gum ( I may need Gum rehab for my addiction)

2. Lipstick (in a silly lipstick holder with a mirror too)

3. Two bouncy balls (emergency entertainment for the boys)

4. Sunscreen stick (for da boys AND me. I have been know to cover whole bodies using the stick!)

5. Camera (always, always, always have a camera charged and ready to shoot)

Five favorite things in my bedroom:

1. My temper-pedic bed (it is as good as the commercials say)

2. My husband (seriously- this is the only time we get to talk alone!)

3. My treadmill (It is a love/hate relationship)

4. My aqua blue satiny bed spread (SO glamorous)

5. A framed copy of my wedding invitation (the happiest day of my life I think)

Five things I’ve always wanted to do:

1. Work as a photog for National Geographic (not the nature stuff..the people stuff)

2. Drive cross country. Preferably Route 66....

3. Own a Cuban bar/restaurant called 'The Mango Room' and serve Mango Mojitos. This will require Tito Puente performing opening night. Oh, I am also skinny and wearing a fabulous 1940's dress and hair-do in this fantasy.

4. Be a stand up comedian. Actually I think I AM a stand up comedian- I just have no audience. Is that really necessary?

5. Renew my vows with hubbby.....OR go to a surprise party for ME! (I am starved for attention I think- so pathetic!)

Five things I’m currently into:

1. Sunscreen...because at my age I must learn to deflect the sun.

2. Trying to be AUTHENTIC and honest at all times. I am trying to LOVE myself more...

3. Lipton Diet Papaya Ice Tea

4. Splenda everything (I am their biggest fan I swear)

5.Social risk taking...risk taking in general...just putting myself out there... and embracing ALL that is ME.

Five impressions on Nik at Proverse and Converse (who tagged me):

1. Her blog is one of the very first I read when I log into my reader each day. And I follow about 50 blogs....I look forward to her posts!

2. Her kids are as beautiful and her (and she is VERY beautiful)

3. She is a very talented writer...

4. She inspires me to do better as a blogger

5. We could be great real life friends if we lived closer and she could accept how old I am! But I fear I would 'mother' her to death....it is all I know!

Next is Six Quirks. Here (some) of mine:

1. I have a hard time writing or being creative at all if my house is a mess. I clean first.

2. I LOVE to organize. Sometimes I organize a closet just for FUN...

3. I put salt on my watermelon

4. I never eat left-overs.

5. I sing A LOT. I sing all day to my kids -it is like a mommy opera around here. "Time to go to BED! La La La"....and they sing back to me. I love it. Oh and in case you are wondering- I don't even think I am a very good singer....I just feel happy and sing!

So there you have it folks. WAY more than you wanted to know about me....if you are still reading it is my turn to 'tag' someone else. But I am not gonna- because I sense we are all suffering from blogger fatigue these days (lots of my bloggy friends are worried they are not keeping up as well as they should)....SO I encourage ANY of you to do this little questionnaire...and let me know so I can read all about YOU!!!!

'feel free to move about the cabin'...how?

Doodle from the plane to Chicago this week.

Don't worry I did not actually wear green socks people....

and my blush was not nearly that bright...or round.

SOS from my children!

I ran out to do some errands and came home to an empty house this afternoon. Husband took the boys to HIS softball practice. Well it is very hot here today (pushing 100 degrees) so I got this e-mail on my Blackberry, from Jack who had obviously taken my husband's Blackberry to send an SOS message. The desperation just cracks me up. I mean these are BOYS at a PARK...not someone stranded in some foreign prison...

Mom its me jack and me and tucker really need you to pick us up at the field because its hot and humid and were bored by the way its a different field so you need to park at the schools lot and cut through the gate and keep walking till you here or see us. Please please please come and pick me up. Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

When I arrived they ran to me like i was FEMA coming to their aid. On the way to the car we had a chat.

Me: Ya, know boys some people do not even have air conditioning at all.

Tucker: I know that mom- but we DO. And I like it!

Oh boy...I think the glamorous life is having an effect on my boys too!

Photo challenge: From above

Well be cause I love me a linky thing...I am posting this picture of Tucker. It is part of a lovely photo challenge from Classy Chaos in which she has challenged us to show candid photos taken from above of our children. I have long used the trick of photo-ing from above in my professional work. Nothing makes a kids eyes bigger.... This photo is very special to me. Tuck was 2, and he is wearing a football jersey that he wore for THREE years. (I have kept it for his eventual museum when he is famous, oh yes he will be famous) He is holding in his hands (you can't see-but I remember all too well) a full size football. He slept with that football every night for almost year. I thought this was all too darn adorable at the time...and now? Well, now that Tucker starts tackle football with Pop Warner in August I am thinking I should have been giving that kid a Barbie to play with back then. MY BABY playing FOOTBALL? It goes against everything I have every known about motherhood.....except that it makes him happy. So I have little choice...after-all look at those blue eyes? Who could say no?