Author Archives: goodnightbee

Thanksgiving in The OC

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It was a warm Thanksgiving again this year. The type of weather that just screams hot turkey dinner, right? Uncle Ronnie and Aunt Jenny came over with Madilyn and we played basketball in the backyard and ran around in tank tops and shorts.

When we finally sat down for dinner, I think I got one bite in and had to get up to tend to one of the girls. Then Blake fell off his chair while singing Little Drummer Boy. Then food was thrown all over the rug. The guys woofed down their meals and got the kids back outside so Jenny and I could eat. The usual chaotic end result to slaving over the stove for over half the day. It’s the best though.

We ended the day at the park, in the dark, and tired. I treasure these little family moments.

*Blake took a ton of these pics with my camera while I was busy in the kitchen. Pure talent!


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Cousin Madi playing music for us on our walk.
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Our Weekend

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Living in Southern California you don’t get a ton of the fall season. Turning of the leaves is kinda a random thing. The change in weather is barely worth talking about.

But for some reason this year is a little different. Am I jumping the gun? Maybe. But this past week was a perfectly chilly, fall-esque chatworthy time. We spent the weekend soaking it up with the sun peeking through the clouds.

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Annual ALS Walk-a-thon

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Donning our old walk t-shirts from 2009 and anything red or blue for the kids, we took off for our annual walk to support ALS. Ever since Blake was born, we have tried to skip the formal shotgun start and look forward to a relaxing stroll around the park. We anxiously look for Grandma’s picture along the path. We run and skip and dance. The “In Memory Of” placard is usually passed around from one back to another. We remember her.

It’s a fun, inspirational day that I always want to share with my kids.

Did you know? Between 5-10% of ALS cases are inherited.

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Vancouver

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It’s not everyday you turn the big 35.

But, when you do, you get to go on trips like this one to Vancouver. The week before, I was in Nashville for work so what a difference a few weeks and a few plane rides can be.

Mike and I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver which was… perfection. In the middle of the city. Awesome bar. Nice people. Modern room with a great view. We want to go back and we would definitely stay here.

We took a cab ride to Granville Island and LOVED EVERY MINUTE of it. San Francisco-esque with cute shops and a marketplace filled with freshly baked cookies, cheese, and all the sorts of goodies you would buy on a Sunday afternoon shopping trip. We ate. We chatted with amazing locals. If you can, stop by a little paper shop (I think it’s Paper Granville) that has wonderful prints you would want to frame to hang in every room in your house.

And then the food… some of THE BEST I have had EVER. Dinners were probably the highlight of our trip. First night was at a “must go to” steakhouse–The Keg. Then for my birthday the yummiest dinner at Italian Kitchen. We sat on the second floor overlooking the street below enjoying pasta.

Here’s a few pics from our trip!

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Blake Turns Five Years Old!

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Five years ago, this amazing boy of ours was born. He was all we had ever wanted and dreamed about. Once he was in my arms, I couldn’t get enough. I still can’t. He has changed me for the better as a person and has given me the greatest title in the world–Mama.

Blakey Boo, you have such a loving, sweet heart. Your ability to walk into any room and be everyone’s best friend is just plain awesome. You’re funny. You’re FULL of energy. You make life fun. You say words like “bisgusting” (disgusting). Your love for your sisters makes me smile. You love to show off your karate and robot/break dancing moves. You are super competitive and always need to be first. Your favorite things to do include playing with your cars and planes, riding your bike, playing any sport, taking pictures, helping out in the kitchen, and eating Lucky Charms.

Happy Five Years Blake!

For the actual big day, we brought in donut holes for B’s class and took him to Chuck E. Cheese for dinner. Gamma, Tia, and Uncle were there to help us celebrate!








Water Days in the Backyard

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If you didn’t know, Southern California has been unbearably hot these past few days. So hot that you don’t really want to be outside. It’s more like let’s hurry and sit for a second in the shade, get some “fresh” air, okay… and we are back in the A/C.

Here’s a few shots of our ten minute adventure. A little water for the plants (and our toes) and you got yourself some happy girls!


Being a Mom

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It means being silly. Loving always. Forgiving. Toughest and best job of my life, right now.

If you’re a mom out there reading this, your child is the bestest there is. Just understand that every child isn’t exactly like yours and to embrace differences. The world is made of so many unique people and that’s what makes it great.

Photos courtesy of Photo Booth. :)

Back to School with Blake

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That time of year again to take a pic of your kid (minus the sign) before he heads off to school. Actually, we all kinda get excited about it. I drag B to the backyard for “natural” light like I know what I’m talking about. I drag him to the staircase because isn’t that where we took the same pic last year? I drag him to the front of the house because the front door is a great backdrop, right? Then he wants to take a pic of us. Oh wait–I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE READY TOO?! Yikes.

To the last year of preschool! All B wants to do is go to the big school with the pre-teen girls next door. Did I say yikes already?




Blake’s Week With K

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Sports camp for a week. Two trips to the trampoline place. One too many trips through the McDonald’s drive-thru. In between not sharing toys (those dumb Pokemon cards!) and arguing over who gets what car seat, I swear these kids told each other they were best friends every other minute.

Neat to see your kid make a friend!




Twins: 17 Months Old

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For some reason, we don’t see my Dad as much as I thought I would, especially having three kids now. But, the times we do get together are always some of the best.

A week ago, the girls and I drove out to spend some time with him. It was great! We made a mess of his always perfectly clean house. We snacked. We drank unsweetened iced tea (one of my favorite drinks). Well, I did. We talked about how big the girls are now, walking around and saying “uh-oh” a lot. He shared that he thought the girls might be afraid of him–but they weren’t (they might not remember your face, but they remember love). We played with the dogs and laughed when one of the girls wanted a dog toy over one of their own toys scattered across the floor. And knew it was time to leave when both girls were sprawled on the ground staring up at us. We couldn’t stop laughing!

It’s amazing how life can be so surprisingly wonderful. As the twins turn 17 months today, I’m forever grateful for this family of mine. Thanks Grandpa for a fun day!