Berry Pickin'

My friend Sarah often invites us to do fun things. For some reason, we usually can't make it. But this week she invited us to pick raspberries. My kids get a kick out of collecting leaves in a bucket so I thought they would love this! But it was an off day. We pulled up and Ella only had one shoe on. Luckily we had an extra pair of Maxwell's Vans she could wear. There were rows and rows of beautiful berries to be picked, other kids to play with, and a fun picnic lunch. But they whined 90% of the time and wanted "Up please Mommy!" Carrying two two-year olds is not as easy as carrying two one year olds. It should have been really fun. It kind of wasn't. Oh well, maybe next time.

These shots were the ten minutes that they were happy. Big boy found a stick and started to smile. Honestly, I kind of pretended I didn't see him whacking the heck out of the poor raspberry bush because I was just happy he was out of my arms. Hopefully we'll be invited again because it was a great idea.

If you know Maxwell, you know that he's making some ridiculous sound effect right here.

Looks like somebody used my camera when I wasn't looking. Maxwell's first self portrait.

My Crush

I think I've written about how much music used to influence/inspire me. The only album I've recently bought is Adele's  21, and I play it on repeat. I keep waiting for it to get old, but it's so good. This song gives me chills. Every time. It's my new fav. She's amazing. It's safe to say I have a crush on Adle. .

24

Maegann turned 20 last week and Maxwell and Ella LOVED singing to their 'Mae Mi'. Today Michael turns 24...happy birthday Michael! We wish we could give you hugs in person. Love you.

 

p.s.

p.s. this picture totally reminds me

of this picture, which used to be my favorite. ella, six months.

Summer Nights

Our days have been really hot. We play outside in the mornings and then cool off inside until late afternoon or night. Maxwell and Ella had fun playing in the water while they helped Mike wash his truck.

Picasa keeps closing on me. I'm not sure if it's my computer or the program.  I have a video of them squirting  each other and it's the funniest thing hearing their laughs...wish it uploaded. Oh well.

 

 

 

 

 

Is It Too Early To Plan For Next Year?

I'm back! I was gone for four nights and it was perfect.

I spent the first night in West Hollywood with Michael. I went to more places one night than I've been all year. Thanks for showing your steppy a true night on the town...I had so much fun with you.

The rest was spent with my best girlfriends (and Ben, Molly's adorable three month old son). I had the BEST time: Laughing. Dancing. Eating. Margarita ing (can that be a verb?) Shopping. Talking. Loving the sunshine. Laughing...laughing...laughing.

I can't put in words the incredible bond I share with these girls. We talk occasionally, and see each other even less, but when we are together it's like we were never apart (do I sound like a Hallmark card?) Molly, you were the best host. Thank you for everything. Can't WAIT until next year girls. Thank you for your friendship.

Happy Father's Day To Mike. Early.

I'll be gone this weekend so early Happy Father's Day to my husband. An amazing father.


I wish I had videos of Michael and Little Maeg growing up to include...

Go Michael, Go!

Michael is on day four of the Aids LifeCycle Ride from San Francisco to LA. We had SO MUCH FUN cheering the riders on yesterday and today as they rode through the central coast.

It was awesome for different reasons: I love that from this young age, my children will know that our family values people from all different walks of life. We support equality for all and this year alone this amazing ride raised millions to help save lives.

I loved being together as a family. Being married into a blended family is beyond complex, but I tell you what, the more time you spend with people who love you and your children...the labels and lines tend to blur and they just become...more family. Maybe there might have been a little bit of uncomfortableness when Mike and I were dating, but now that we have kids, and his older kids are their family- it's too much energy to see it as weird. They just love us, so I love them back. We had such a great time coming together to support Michael. We jumped and cheered for the riders that passed and it was FUN.

I'm so proud of Michael for committing to things and doing them year after year. When he is passionate about things he puts his heart it in. Watching him in action made me so proud. But beyond the cause, he is a bad ass. Seriously, riding 545 miles is crazy. Go Michael.

If you feel connected to this ride for any reason, check it out and get involved next year (or this year if you're local and they're riding through! Make a sign! Cheer them on! Tell the riders thank you!). Thanks to my family and friends who donated this year. Not only does it make a difference for aids, but it blesses me personally that you support Michael. Special thank you to my sweet cousin Michelle who donated this year...you are so generous! Love you.

This video is only from day three of Michael's ride, but it was so fun being a part of the crowd. Michael's Mom, Jennifer, brought Popsicles for the riders and they snatched them up as they sped past us. She also printed out t shirts from all of us so we could properly support team Beck :)

This video is a couple minutes long, but to me it represents the way way that we love this ride, the way we love Michael, and the way blended families can be pretty damn amazing if you look past the petty stuff.


Just remembered coming out to cheer Michael on two years ago...look at how itty my babies were!

This Week

This week...we've played at the park. Visited my parents house and got to play with my brother David (and I got to see my Crystal!). We finally have the chalkboard functional and they think it's really cool (any suggestions on how to clean a chalkboard? i googled it and came up with crazy finds like using coca cola...any first hand experience?). Mike's been working here in town so we get to see him home early every day. It's a good week so far.


10 more days until my LA getaway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Flashback Friday

Wait a minute! How did this happen? My babies are so big now. Maxwell used to be the chunkiest boy...oh, they melt my heart.

Daddy's Helpers

Mike came home from work early yesterday to do some work around our house. Maxwell and Ella were more than happy to help.

p.s. this cold wind is killing me...i want the sunshine!