new post {week four}

Here is week four

The Daily Jack

Me and Jack do this thing where we say "I love you clear to...." and we insert some far away place. This was his tonight:

Jack: I love you clear back to San Francisco, driving, not flying.

That is far...I'm so lucky.

Skate Park

One of our "great finds" in California was this skate park. If Jack had his way (which he usually did) he would have picked to go here every single day. I loved watching my little guy ride around with the big kids, trying new things and getting braver every day. This is one of the qualities I love most about Jack. His determination. If there is something he wants to try, there's really no stopping him. Sometimes it might take a little nudge...but he always goes for it. I hope he keeps this attutude throughout life. This first picture makes me laugh. I thought it was so cute that Jack and this other little boy were sitting on the ledge trying to be like the big kids...until I realized the big kids were rolling their own joints, then it wasn't so cute anymore!

new post

click here for {WEEK THREE}

These are the things that do my heart good...

Even after a day of driving each other CRAZY

there is no denying the bond between

HIM & HER

New Post

Click here for {WEEK TWO}

The Daily Jack

Jack: Mom, I want to go to high school so bad. I can't wait to see what's in there.

{he is fascinated with the new high school that was just built in our city}

Don't grow up too fast little man.

Welcome November

Here it is...the start of my FAVORITE time of year. Chilly air, comfy sweaters, hot drinks, scarves and hats, fireplace on all day, holiday decorating, family parties, shopping for the perfect gift, snuggling with my kids while watching nostalgic holiday movies, scented candles, watching the snow fall, rosy cheeks, giving thanks and celebrating the birth...I LOVE IT ALL.

While I was doing a little blog stalking this morning, I came across this quote and it has stuck with me, so I thought I would share.

picture credit :: this cute blog

Religion has been on my mind a lot lately. Mostly because of this book. It's a must read. It will deepen your own beliefs and is the perfect way to start this season of GRATITUDE and LOVE. There is no way you could read this book and NOT feel very blessed...

So grab a comfy sweater, plop in front of the fireplace with anything pumpkin spiced and warm and read away.

New Post: {WEEK ONE}

I have a weird thing about having to have my blog in chronological order...so if you want to see my new post click {HERE}

The Daily Jack

Jack: Mom, I can't do this anymore

Me: What can't you do?

Jack: Live here anymore, if people are going to make you cry (see post below)

Heart melting...

Come on people...

Here's the story. Me and the kids were on a walk, and decided to pop into Quiznos to grab a sandwich to take back home for lunch. I sat the kids at a table, and then went to the counter to order. I had my back turned to the kids while I was carefully choosing cheese, when I hear "You're just gonna let your kid climb on the table like that? People have to eat here." I knew the comment was meant for me, since I am almost always the only one around with kids, so I turned and saw Halle on the table. I quickly walked over, snagged her off the table, and went back to finish my order. Only now, my face is starting to feel hot and I am on the verge of tears. This is a TINY Quiznos, and the guy who yelled at me made sure to say it loud enough so EVERYONE could hear...so now everyone is uncomfortable and the worker behind the counter is smiling, I'm not sure if he's trying to make me feel better or trying not to laugh at me, but all I can think of is I gotta get out of here before I cry in front of everyone. Halle is screaming cause she wants to get down and go sit with Jack. My tears are closer to the surface now and I'm all flustered. There are a million things in my head that I would love to turn and say to this guy, but instead I grab my sandwiches and kids and get out....just in time to cry all the way home. WHY? Why am I like this? Why can't I stick up for myself when I feel like someone is being mean? Ugh. The fact that I didn't say anything isn't even what bothers me the most...it's that so many people here do not value children, or at least that's the feeling I get from them. They can let their dumb dogs run around every store and restaurant, but heaven forbid my kid touch anything. It's funny...in Utah a lot of people are scared of dogs...but here, a lot of people are scared of kids. There have been so many times when Jack would say hi to a stranger walking past him, and they act like he doesn't exist. He would say "Mom why did they not say hi to me...people in California are mean". Thankfully we have run into some nice people along the way, that took the time to acknowledge him.

The bottom line is if you expect me to not be offended when your dog sniffs my crotch, don't be offended when my kid says hi to you, or climbs on a table in a restaurant. I'm doing the best I can people...give me a break. And say hi back. He's harmless, really...

{WEEK FOUR}

We had heard about an awesome aquarium in Monterey, so we headed out for another little weekend adventure. Warning: picture overload.

I have always thought we should be more like Seahorses...
Crappy picture, but that's a great white shark behind Jack...so cool...but didn't help my fear of the ocean...

There was a cool touch pond where the kids could pick up lots of different sea creatures...
Halle showing her baby to the penguins (they care, right?)


My water lovin boys needed beach time, so that's where we spent the rest of the day...



Halle was whining about walking to the car...the rest of us ignore her, but Jack has a soft spot for her...

The next morning we decided to take the 17 Mile Drive through Pebble Beach. THE MOST BEAUTIFUl scenery...kids weren't thrilled with the car ride, but it was worth listening to their complaints to get to see this place...


This is before they realized how long they would be in the car for :)

{WEEK THREE}

uncle landon has a layover in san fran on his way to china . quick breakfast at mimi's

visit from aunt sally and cousin maycee . lots of playing . best of friends

dinner in half moon bay . miramar restaurant . stunning sunset . yummy clam chowder

cute spaghetti faces

discovering a dead sea lion on their walk . jack covered in mud . non stop talk about sea lion

overnight getaway to santa cruz . favorite new sports bar . huge root beer floats

the best nachos . ever

hittin up the arcade . skeeball cheaters . loved picking out prizes for their tickets

such a great week . we are loving this . so far so good

{WEEK TWO}

Week two was FUN. My sister Katie came out to visit {she was unemployed all summer, and it really worked to my advantage!} We spent a COLD day at the beach...but hey, it was still the beach so no complaining on our part!

The next day we headed down to the Pier to the most AMAZING aquarium I have ever been to.

Then we grabbed some lunch and just walked up and down the Pier...taking in the sights. Jack's favorite was a Captain Jack Sparrow show. We also met up with our good friends from home, the Andrews. They were in San Fran for their 10th anniversary. The kids LOVED seeing faces from home.

Katie was a LOVE and watched the kids one night so we could go out with Jack and Chantel. We took them to Sam's Chowder House in Half Moon Bay (this became one of our favorite spots to eat). Clam chowder to DIE for. Good company, great night.

Saturday was Randy's 34th birthday...and the Utes were playing in San Jose. We went down to the game and had a great time. Jack was confused the whole time and kept yelling "go BYU"...he's true blue.

In Our Hood...

One of the things that I have LOVED about being here is how everything you really need is within walking distance...I can go DAYS without having to get in the car. The kids love it too...and get mad when we have to go somewhere that our legs and scooters can't take us. Here is everything within walking distance from us:

{DRY CLEANERS} The kids have made friends with the cute lady that owns this store, and we have to stop and say hi everytime we pass. She also fixed a rip in my favorite jeans for 5 bucks, so in my eyes she's a hero.

{SANDWICH SHOP} For the days I don't feel like coming up with something for lunch. Oh and they have fountain Dr. Pepper...nuff said.

{COFFEE SHOP}...there's one on every corner, and our corners are no exception! We stop here for kids hot cocoas on cold mornings.

{FROZEN YOGURT} It's all natural and organic...but if you have them top it with peanut butter cups you can hardly tell the difference!

{GROCERIES} Oh Whole Foods...I could walk around this place for hours. But with two kids in tow, it's usually just a quick stop for milk or eggs. They have a cafe that we did stop at long enough to have oatmeal one morning...heavenly.

{SUSHI} For those nights when Top Ramen won't cut it, and a Dragon Roll sounds SO much better...

{ITALIAN} Not just Italian, but SUPER GOOD Italian. Plus kids eat free Tuesday nights. I'm sold.

{POOL} We are usually the only ones here, because Cali people don't consider 70 degrees swimming weather...my kids disagree.

{GRASS} We miss having a yard to play in...but this has helped. There are a couple large grass fields that people bring their dogs out too...my kids love all the dogs around. I can't say the dogs love my kids around though...

{PLAYGROUND} There are two playgrounds in our neighborhood, and it's where we've spent a good chunk of our time here.

My kids are really going to miss this life I think...