Just A Night Owl

Category Archives: Memories

Ten Things You Ought To Know

Written on May 13, 2012 by just a night owl in Life, Memories, Miscellany Monday

1. I am beyond excited that a new adventure that has been in my heart for a long time is finally official. Green Jeans Photography opened on Mother’s Day. It is a much prayed over adventure. An outlet for this mama to stretch my creative wings. It gives me the ability to connect with people in a very incredible way. Photo sessions are a B L A S T. I love the possibilities, the learning curve, and the endless options to capture the beauty God created for us through every single thing we see and feel. Come visit me at Green Jeans Photography and give me a Like. Thank You!!!

2. I spent Mother’s Day morning, snuggling in bed, watching the Happy Holidays Edition of Elmo’s World with my baby. I don’t care if it is the wrong holiday, I like Jingle Bells, he likes Elmo. It’s a perfect combo.

3. Never tell a five year old little boy that one day you will no longer be able to pick him up because he will be to big. His baby blues might shed some tears and break your heart. This was not the first, nor the last mistake I have, or will be making with my first born child. #guineapigparenting.

4. Being a mother is my gig. It’s my heartbeat. It makes me who I am. It makes me overwhelmingly joyful and insanely crazy. I praise God for the four little beings who fill my days and teach me the very definition of selfless. They truly fill my heart and thrash my house in the very best way possible.

5. Chevys gives away long stem red roses and chocolate covered strawberries on Mother’s Day. Uh huh! Gorgeous!

6. I miss the rain and am already looking forward to fall. I hate spring. Yes, I said it. I’m sorry, but I do. I do like summer and the super hot temps around here, but we had SO little rain this year, I am still somewhat deprived.

7. Mother’s Day lunch. We brought our own entertainment. Turning a pacifier sideways and scrunching up your nose while people are laughing at you is captivating and adorable. Right?

8. I have a story about a shoe. A couple of months ago, I lost a shoe. Just one. After a long time of looking and being irritated that the remaining shoe lay abandon in its shoe pocket, I decided to wave the white flag and throw the shoe away. Yesterday, when I was cleaning out my closet, I found it’s soul mate. So now again, I have one shoe. Fortunately, little man put it to good use and I successfully acquired my high school year book embarrassing photo. #twobirdsonestone

9. We are still eating healthy. Still finding our balance and how to navigate real life through all of this. It’s not a diet. It’s not a plan. It’s not a book. It’s not a gimic. It’s eating as unprocessed as possible. As different situations come up, it has been interesting to tackle them one at a time. Birthday parties, weekends away, Children’s programs, Mothers Day. The thing that is amazing when you aren’t eating like C R A P 24/7 then the occasional 8 milk molasses chips and diet caffeine free soda will not do you in. That is if you can truly handle the moderation gig and your moderation doesn’t become three times a day! No more than once a week is my goal.

10. This is on the wall of the pediatric ward at a nearby hospital. #creepy #confused #massivenightmares

Happy Mother’s Day, my friends!

May you feel loved today wherever you are and whatever stage of life you find yourself in!

The Twenty Eight Hour Get Away

Written on April 9, 2012 by just a night owl in Memories

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My very smart hubby suggested we get away to Lake Tahoe overnight. We decided to fill our easter eggs with words that when put together read a beautiful sentence.

We are going to Lake Tahoe right now. GO PACK.

Sixty four minutes later we had four slightly excited kids and two parents that were in need of some r and r, packed in our minivan and off we went.

I had done some research and we decided to go swanky. Embassy Suites at South Shore fit the bill perfectly. I didn’t think in a million years that this property would be in our budget, but I was surprised to find that it was going to work just fine. Our suite had two rooms, beds for my whole family, microwave and fridge, free snacks and drinks reception in the evening, free full cook to order breakfast in the morning, and an indoor pool and hot tub that sealed the deal.

That’s a whole lot of extras for a big family. So we went with it. We checked in Sunday at 5:30 and checked out Monday at 1:30. We didn’t have to pay for any food while we were there.

The hotel was amazing. Elevator rides {see my lovelies in there?} were the highlight for my little man. The hotel had fabulous decor and it was located right in the heart of Heavenly. Perfect.

My budget friendly kids were blown away when we walked into the hotel for the first time. Embassy Suites has that fantastic design where it is “hollow”. Upon entering we were looking straight up nine stories and into the sky through some ginormous skylights.

The kids were wide eyed when people carried our bags to our room and parked our car. My daughter exclaimed, “I do not feel worthy of the fanciness.” Lol. Love her. It was just perfect. There is a time for tents and there is a time for feather pillows and chocolates. This was definitely the latter.

After some night swimming, all the munchkins were asleep by 9:30 and I did something unheard of for me. I climbed into the most comfortable bed on the planet with my brand new copy of Bloom, which by the way, I had finished before we returned home. It is breathtaking. I loved it. Her writing just captivates me and makes me think and feel and cry and laugh. It’s beautiful.

After a fabulous night sleep, an awesome breakfast, some more swimming, and taking a walk into Nevada and back to California, we packed up and loaded in the van.

We took a short drive around the lake and then we decided to stop to play in the snow. This is probably only the 2nd or 3rd time my kids have seen it and it definitely was Greyson’s first. Sledding, snowballs, and a bunch of wet bums later, we loaded back up for home.

When my husband first presented the idea to get away, I will admit that I was less than fond of the idea. I had a list of reasons why not to go. Money, time, too much effort for such a little time away, etc. He stood firm and I am glad he did.

Yes, it cost some money and it definitely was some effort to get there, but I am SO thankful we went.

Sometimes you just HAVE to take a time out. We haven’t been away in almost two years. It was time, even if just for a moment. A change of scenery and a breath of fresh air did wonders for us. It is so good to relax without the demands of the dishes screaming to be put away, bills to be paid, and the laundry yelling to be attended to.

Makin’ memories… just the six of us.

Worth every last penny.

and worth every single minute it took to get ready to get there.

We are back home and tomorrow will be our last day of spring break before school resumes on Wednesday.

I have a house to clean, laundry to do, and some tired kids to take care. I also have a renewed energy in which to do them.

So thankful and so very in love with my little family.

The Day Before Gina’s Fortieth.

Written on April 7, 2012 by just a night owl in Health, Life, Memories

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My crazy friend, Gina, keeps posting a count down to her 40th. I woke up this morning and checked in with Facebook, only to be reminded that today she is 39 years and 364 days old. Her 40th falls on Easter Sunday. Pretty spectacular, Huh? Her celebration {with me} will wait until we hit the road in a couple weeks to attend a homeschool convention. Why? Because I bet she never thought she would be celebrating her 40th anything at a homeschool convention and I just think that will make it more fun. Our other fabulous friend is tagging along. Not just because homeschool conventions are just that fun, but mothers of four will do almost anything to enjoy a weekend away every once in a while. Homeschool conventions do involve some learning as there are a gajillion workshops to choose from. However, in our world they also involve a hotel room that will become decorated with brand new calendars, planners, pads of paper, and sharpened pencils. There will be people in this magical place who make your bed when you aren’t looking. There will be hours of shopping curriculums, chatting about every possible combination of these curriculums, and multiple trips to eat at the bay area’s best mexican restaurant. Although I will miss my morning snuggles and evening tuck in sessions with my littles, I do look forward to eating a meal without bending over to pick anything up off of the floor. My clothes will probably remain stain free, and I just might be able to complete a sentence. Not two mention there will be three whole days with some of my favorite people on the planet.

The Fortieth birthday should be celebrated and celebrated big. Just ask my friend Nicole. Her husband threw her an eighties party at a roller rink. I know of no better way to bring in the forties than with crimped hair and a little shoot the duck. Seriously. Speaking of fabulous, don’t you love that we can now hijack pictures off of Facebook to exploit our friends just a little?

My husband and I began our 10 week challenge of real food last Sunday. One week down. We recently completed the 10 day challenge and now are going for the 70 day extended version. Why? Mostly because I needed longer to really cement these eating changes into my brain and our pantry, before I tested out my boundaries in the real world. This has become a new way of eating for us. Every single person in my house agrees. We feel better. All of us. SO, when the challenge is over this time we will continue eating as close to real food as often as possible. The kids are not “technically” on the challenge right now, but they kinda are because I am . We are learning to deal with their real life situations like the bags full of candy given at Awana, the neighbor kids who constantly offer ice cream and snow cones, the donuts at church, and the packages of candy that arrive in the mail. It’s a new frame of reference and a new line drawn about what we will and will not allow in our bodies and how that works into our day to day living.

Our house is almost 100% real food now. There are just a few things left that I will use up and then not buy again. They are not completely horrific and for the sake of budget we will continue using them until they are gone. I just came home from grocery shopping a little while ago and I am completely amazed at the transition that we have made. Ninety eight percent of the food that the Target grocery aisles sell are completely off limits now and I am totally o.k. with that. When on this challenge, our choices are REAL FOOD, unprocessed almost entirely. If you get it out of a package, jar, or a box it can not have more than five ingredients (none of which can be sugar in any of its 1,000 secret names). It’s strict.

I have arrived at the point, that my health and the health of my kids is more important than my tastebuds, among other things. I do not want to be preachy here. I am the girl who regularly consumed Jack in the Box tacos and a 44oz diet coke for breakfast {because it was only 360 calories}. I just have to say from the bottom of my heart that if I can do it, truly anyone can. Last summer, when I began to get serious about my health, if you would have told me that I was about to move into a world where soda was not a part of it, kale {after you told me what it was} would be something that I would buy and enjoy, I would bake with coconut oil, and that I would think that raisins were almost too sweet…I would never have packed one bag. I think that God reveals to us the exact information we need at the exact time we need it. What a blessing that is, really. This path that I am on? I wouldn’t trade away for anything. If I had seen the kale I would have grabbed my sugar canister and headed for the hills. I am taking one step at a time asking for His guidance. He is so faithful.

With all that being said, yesterday my husband and I momentarily broke our food challenge. I realize that this is not the sentence you were expecting to read right now, but my life is a semi open book and I need to confess. We did it consciously and with intent. Here’s why….my family is all big fans of Cake Boss. We love Buddy and his bakery. My little ones have been known to play “Carlos Bakery” with play dough. They spend hours creating magical cakes that are covered in “fondant”. SO, yesterday we went to some dear friends house for lunch and they started talking about how their in laws had just returned from vacation. While they were away, guess where they went? CARLOS BAKERY. After a two hour wait they brought a box of Buddy’s cookies back to our friends. The cookies were there. At. The. House. After a momentary debate in my head, my husband and I split a very tiny chocolate/vanilla piece of heaven. It was one bite worth and delicious. I mean D E L I C I O U S. Now I have eaten famous cookies. My daughter pointed out that we had famous cookies in our bellies. She is right. They were great. Nothing permanently derailed and really we could not pass up a chance to try his stuff because I have no plans to be in New Jersey anytime soon. Will you forgive us, pretty please..with no sugar on top?

Speaking of my friend’s house for lunch, you may remember my sweet angel friend Lillian. I had the enormous pleasure of taking care of her when she was just a baby. She is quite the big girl now. She recently turned five. She is a miracle and melts my heart.

We got to hang at her place yesterday. She hugged us and sang with us and gave us the sweetest welcome you could give. She is talking, and walking, and still gives the best hugs on the planet. She has not only beaten the odds, but just crushed them. God is amazing.

We had a great time with Lillian, her brother, and her awesome parents, catching up after WAY TOO LONG. We had yummy food, great conversation, and left with very full hearts.

Tomorrow is Easter. I haven’t seen much of my hubby this week as he has been working hard to prepare for services at church. We have a yearly tradition of Boston Market for Easter dinner. Yes, I am serious. This year we are breaking it. Immediately following services tomorrow afternoon, my kids will come home to find a very special Easter Egg hunt that will not involve one piece of candy, but rather a very special surprise which I will tell you about on Tuesday when we return.

If you are reading this and know my children, please don’t mention it They don’t even know that a surprise is brewing.

Happy Easter, my friends.

Oh, and happy last day of the thirties to you, Gina.

Nicole and I now welcome you here at the forties, with open arms. It ain’t that bad.

Homeschool Talent Show

Written on February 19, 2012 by just a night owl in 170 School Days. 2011, Favorite Posts, Life, Memories

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Oh my sweet girl and her daddy. They have stolen my heart.

So proud of them both.

Love Day

Written on February 14, 2012 by just a night owl in 170 School Days. 2011, Let's Party, Memories

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We had a simple day at home today celebrating.

It started off with four mom friends and our thirteen offspring at 9 am! We had heart pancakes and heart strawberries and all kinds of other goodies. The kids all got to hang out and play for the morning.

We also did a Valentine exchange with the kids. A mixture of homemade and store-bought. There are SUCH cute ideas for home made Valentines. We had adorable sugar cookie pops and these cuties. However, there is the good ol’ fashioned box of Valentines thing that cannot and should not be ignored. My kids just love standing at the row at Target picking from the gazillion choices of little cards. They totally dig ripping apart and piecing together their little treasures….(and I am so ~~cheap~~ thrifty that we always buy at 90% off and save for the next year).

It was a great morning. I am so blessed to have such amazing friends around who homeschool their crew as well.

After a nap and a full afternoon of studies, we partied for the second time with the family. For starters, Papa Murphy’s heart pizza. Because who DOESN’T love heart shaped pizza?? It tastes so much better, right?

I decorated the table all fancy schmancy with things from around the house. I also pulled out my stash of Valentines party things that I bought last year at Target. I got the whole set up for about $4.00. Add in some candlelight and it just makes everything extra special and twinkly.

We had lots of hand made love notes.

and we ended the night with little cakes…

…and some little treasures that I picked up during the after Christmas toy clearances.

Happy Love Day.

Hope yours was amazing.

A Miniature World.

Written on January 9, 2012 by just a night owl in Life, Memories, My home, My kids

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Enter a world where the mom, baby, and housekeeper, sit down to a mid day lunch of potatoes, candied apples, Fritos, cheese, chocolate cake, and coke. I’m so totally in. Sounds dreamy.

Look closer…doesn’t it all look yummy?

I took an extra week off of school at the holidays this year, so I could have a week to deal with post Christmas mess and repair. It was great decision. I was able to spend 2 whole days cleaning out our garage while sorting and repacking Christmas. I started to dig through some of the boxes of things from my childhood.

For Christmas, the year I turned 11, I received a big Victorian dollhouse kit. You know the cool wooden kind? My dad built it for me. I remember he put it on a board covered with fake grass that could wheel around my room. The house was totally tricked out with 80′s wallpaper and real working lights. Over the years it became completely furnished and I remember spending hours rearranging, decorating, and creating my little dream home. I loved it. Unfortunately, today I can’t find a single picture of the completed house.

When we were first married, we moved a lot and circumstances did not allow for me to keep the huge and fragile house very easily. At the time, it was better off to sell. However, I did keep most of the furniture and accessories.

A few days ago the girls and I unwrapped each miniature piece. There were plenty of ooh’s and aah’s and despite the fact that I am 40, I am still fairly smitten with it. It’s so dang cute. Everything is so dang teeny tiny.

After the appropriate fuss was made over each piece I left the room and let the girls set up the house. It was a makeshift house with no walls that covered our entire school table. It was complete with a working toaster, ping pong table, perfume bottles, fruit bowl, and gum ball machine. All the essentials.

My eleven year old was questioning why they don’t make toys like this anymore. I told her I thought that pre teens these days were more interested in electronics. She declared this is way cooler than an iPod. I agree. Whole heartedly.

The mini house still remains on our table. We schooled around it today. I am not sure what to do with it all and I can’t stand to pack it up just yet. I am so glad I kept it.

It would rock if I had a guest room and could display it in a fancy Victorian house just for kicks. In a busy homeschooling household of six, that hardly seems possible or practical.

While my wheels spin on where to put all of my treasures, my girls will continue to create magical scenes out of these fragile and outdated spectacular furnishings. I love watching their imaginations. I love that they GET how very fragile these pieces are and they treat them like gold. My little crazy balls of energy become perfect little dainty ladies trying to manipulate potatoes that are the size of a grain of rice.

The whole thing just makes me smile.

Happy Monday.

Twenty Twelve.

Written on January 1, 2012 by just a night owl in Favorite Posts, Life, Memories

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We rang in the New Year at home this year with friends. It was mellow. Mellow, that is until 11:59 and 50 seconds. Then the counting, toasting, yelling, hugging, pot banging, and running through the street began. Greyson slept through all of it.

Sometimes you go all out for your party and sometimes the 13 year old boys end up toasting sparking cider in girl print sippy cups because no one gave any thought to which glasses were available to use. It was the kind of night that nobody cared.

The kind of night where the friends were so close that you didn’t need to clean the house for their arrival. No agenda. Just being together. Chillin’, snacking on Christmas abundance leftovers, watching ~~Dick Clark~~ Ryan Seacrest, and trying to figure out what it would take to get to Time Square one year in person.

It was indeed quite perfect. We have two sketchy phone pictures and full hearts to show for it.

We slipped into bed just before 1 am.

New Years Day 2012.

It seems like just yesterday we were preparing and anticipating Y2k.

We got up today around 9.

It’s been a LAZY day around here.

Although I am somewhat whiny about the lack of rain that we are having, you just can’t beat this weather.

We got outside this afternoon and it was almost warm.

My head and heart are on warp speed today. I love new beginnings. The possibilities leave me almost breathless.

While the to do lists are plotting a somewhat hostile takeover of my brain, today I am opting to be still.

Focusing on what is here right in front of me.

…because while the future is pretty exciting, right now is pretty great too.

And I. am. thankful.

Christmas Presents.

Written on December 27, 2011 by just a night owl in Memories, My kids

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”Mommy, if it is Jesus’ Birthday, why do we give each other presents and not Him?” ~says my 7 year old.

Mom Panic sets in. I think I would rather be asked where babies come from. Somehow, that just seems easier to answer.

”Why do you think we give each other presents?” I triumphantly pull this technique from my mom arsenal to buy me a few more seconds to come up with an answer that will make sense to her seven year old brain.

“I don’t know, mommy. Why?”

”Because God loves us SOOO much, Emma. You can’t even imagine how much. It makes Him very happy when we all show love and kindness to each other….”

then I panic…oh shoot, did I just teach my child that in order to be kind to each other, Jesus wants us to buy things for each other?

”Does that make sense Emma?” I ask hesitantly.

“Yes, mommy. When we give presents to each other, we are loving each other…..

“…and that is exactly how Jesus wants us to be.”

” Yes, and baby girl remember that Jesus’ birthday is so important…

…that it takes millions of people all over the world celebrating to make the party big enough.”

I can see the wheels in her head turning.

I am waiting for a response and there is none. Just a smile and a content little girl who runs off to play.

These kids of mine keep me on my toes, challenge me, and put my perspective in place time and time again.

It’s definitely better that way.

Sitting on the Stairs.

Written on December 26, 2011 by just a night owl in Favorite Posts, Life, Memories, My kids

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Our Christmas morning goes a little something like this….

We used to be awakened by loudness. I am not a morning person. I am a Christmas person…to the nth degree B U T…apparently this does not over shadow my lack of ability to get yanked away from dreamland as I am being jumped on and become instantly joyful. SO, this one day in the year 2006, I uttered some of the wisest words that have ever left these lips.

“When you wake up in the morning the only option for waking us up early is to come in and stand at the foot of our bed and sing Jingle Bells…in HUSHED TONES.”

Now keep in mind, I have a tree full of presents waiting to be opened and I can pretty much get my children to instantly agree to do ANYTHING I wish at this point. I am pretty sure if I said they had to scrub their toilet before opening presents, they would do so, agreeably.

However, I am not that mean and this little tradition of song, has become one of the highlights of the year. Truly. It is the simplest things in life, most of the time.

The first couple of years, my husband and I would actually be awakened by giggles and whispers as they plot their entrance and grand presentation while just steps outside of our door. We would fake sleep and listen to the pre show with smiles on our “sleeping” faces. It was priceless. Soon, they were on to us and now their goal is to truly wake us up with song. This year they definitely achieved it.

We wake up to the sweetest, softest voices. They are filled with excitement ~ and anticipation ~ and joy. Listening to children try and bottle up the joy of Christmas morning into a whispered version of Jingle Bells is amazing. It is beautiful. Each year I lay there and pretend to be asleep a little longer so that I can bask in the delight for a chorus or two.

After this we ask the kids to go sit on the stairs and wait for us for just a few minutes.

2006 (Emma was just 3 and still asleep)

They huddle and giggle and talk about what they might see. For in our house, upon reaching the bottom of the stairs and turning the corner, they will find their “big gift”. It is in plain sight with no wrapping.

2007

It is not necessarily big in size or price, but big on a child’s Christmas wish list. It usually creates screams, falling on the floor, and jumping for joy. Sometimes a delightful happy dance will spontaneously erupt. It is all so magnificent.

2008

…But those moments of waiting on the stairs, are some of my most treasured memories. The anticipation is at its absolute height of the season. All of the planning, preparing, decorating, and waiting is at the peak of its crescendo and for those few moments everyone in our house is on the same page.

2009

I love it. I LOVE IT. I L O V E I T. I dangerously push the line of inflicting childhood torture as I stall as long as humanly possible.

2010

We take our positions. My husband takes video and I take still. We wait for a moment and yell G O. A year of waiting, gives way to laughter and screams and imprinting more memories, that will hopefully last a lifetime.

2011

Hope your Christmas days are Merry and Bright.

Ornaments.

Written on December 20, 2011 by just a night owl in Life, Memories, My kids

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Oh Christmas Tree!

We always purchase one new ornament for each child every year. We also purchase ornaments from special occasions, or vacations, or things we need to remember. Add them together and they make for a very unique tree. One full of memories. One that has replaced my former attempts at a themed tree worthy of being showcased in a department store somewhere. The sentimental tree has made its way into our hearts and home and I could not be more happy about it. Most of the ornaments on our tree have a story…..

Such as…Last school year we went to Disneyland for our participation in Give a Day, Get a Day.

A couple of weeks ago, I spotted a version of this little guy on Pinterest and had to make it immediately. After spending $.74 on the clear ornament at Michaels, I promptly dipped each of my children’s thumbs in paint, decorated the prints with a sharpie and have an adorable addition to our tree.

A most fabulous and beautiful friend who has loads of style and charm gave me an ornament that is almost as lovely as she is.

This is one of my most very favorite ornaments. It reminds me of a very special angel in our lives, Lillian.

This year I had SUCH an easy time finding ornaments for each of my kids.

One day I was walking the aisles of Target, completely minding my own business when this little guy caught my attention. When my baby boy turned one this year, we celebrated monster style. So there was no question, this little monster became Greyson’s ornament of the year immediately.

Emma discovered a love for soccer this year. She had cleats with pink on them. Again, thank you Target.

Taylor was in a community play this year and landed the role of Snow White. I found this great Snow White ornament with a theatre rose in hand. Thank you Etsy!

After purchasing a Wii Paintball game last January, Cameron has been all about all things Paintball. I wanted to find a Paintball ornament, but did not think it was possible. However, we have Etsy these days. Is there anything you can NOT find on Etsy?

Any discussion about ornaments would not be complete without proper mention of the tree topper. One of my favorite Christmas decorations that I own. The star~esque looking Peacock feather tree topper. Perfection.

Merry Christmas from our tree to yours.