Wednesday, September 30, 2009

And Baby Makes 3

Our Compadres Patty and JZ are expecting their first baby in mid-November. We are very excited for them. They are going to make amazing parents.


They are having a baby boy and Patty asked The Phi what they should name the baby. The Phi thinks "Justin Vasquez" is a great name. Uhhh okay. (their last name is NOT Vasquez).

The Phi really hopes that the new baby likes to play Monster Trucks. She already knows which ones they are going to play with when he is old enough.

The bonus was that Baby Eli was there. Even he finds The Phi entertaining.

Patty and JZ got so many wonderful gifts and started a nice little college fund for the little guy. There was a raffle for some great prizes. Including 2 coach purses!!


Congrats Compadres!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Decisions, Decisions


This is the first year that The Phi will get to pick her own Halloween costume. So far she has wanted to be ...














  • Stephanie from Lazy Town
  • Cash Money Eyes
  • Ariel from the Little Mermaid.
  • Woodstock from the Peanuts gang.
  • An owl.
The one she wants to most often is Woodstock from the Peanuts gang. The problem with this is that there are no costumes out there for this character because its not 1979. Also The Phi wants me to be Snoopy, PR Dad to be Charlie Brown and Uncle Matty to be Pig Pen.

So what are your kids/you going to be for Halloween?

Monday, September 28, 2009

Cute Babies and Coach

So what is cuter than this new coach pattern??



Baby Eli chewing on said bag.


And what makes all this even better?



The oh-so-very cute owl key chain that was in the bag.


My early birthday gift from Aunt Sam, Phill and Baby Eli!!!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

The Phi the author

We went to Patty and JZ's baby shower yesterday. They asked that guests each bring a children's book. The Phi decided to write her own.



Saturday, September 26, 2009

What's Your Age Again??


HAPPY BIRTHDAY FEEZ!!

My baby sister turns 24 years old today!
We love you so much and are happy to get to spend your birthday with you.
Pizza, bowling, and wine!

Friday, September 25, 2009

And the Birthdays Keep Coming....

Today my Comadre Patty turns one year older. These are those magical 29 days where she gets to be older than me. Yes for only 29 days.


Tomorrow we celebrate your baby belly and the new little person who is going to be invading your life and who is going to change your life forever.
Thank you for being such a wonderful cousin and friend to me. Thank you for being a amazing Nina to The Phi. You are an amazing role model to her.


Have a happy birthday!
We love you.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

We Have A Mystery on Our Hands


On Tuesday when The Phi and I got home from the office we walked into a quiet house. No dog whining at our feet. Strange, but not totally unheard of. Sometimes Roo gets too lazy or is too comfortable sleeping on our bed to come and greet us. So I called for him. Nothing. The Phi called for him. Nothing. The Phi yelled for him. Nothing. I walked into the backyard and called for him and still..... Nothing. I walked to the front yard and there was the little guy. He waltzed right in, wet, stinky and with a bloated belly. He started running around like crazy, ran outside, and came back in and puked all over the rug. Hot dogs. Where the hell did he get hot dogs from? That night I had to bathe him because whatever was on his left him crusty. And I had to force a pepcid down his throat.

So when PR Dad got home, I had him check the back gate and everything looked okay. So yesterday The Phi and I come home and same thing. Silence. Awful silence. So I went right back out to the front and assumed I would see Roo's little ass walking up to the front yard. But he wasn't there. I started yelling for him. I walked to the end of the driveway and yelled louder. Then I started to have those awful thoughts.

Someone took him.
He got hit by a car.
My dog is gone and I am never going to see him again.
Don't cry in front of Sophia.

15 minutes pass, then 20 and I am starting to feel panicky and angry. Angry at PR Dad. I told him to put something in front of the gate and he didn't. He assured me he couldn't get out and here we were again. Finally PR Dad got home and he started walking the street looking for Roo. While he was outside I was inside on the phone with the local animal shelter. They assured me that if he had been picked up and brought to them they would have called the phone number on his tag. So he wasn't there.

The minutes started ticking by and PR Dad was still not back. My panic was growing and I was fighting tears. I didn't want to scare The Phi. After what felt like years I saw PR Dad walking up the front yard and could hear the jingle of Roo's tags right behind him.

Holy crap I was so relieved.

Later The Phi and I were discussing Roo's adventure. I told her that I wish I knew where he had been and what he had been doing and she just shrugged and said "We have a mystery Mom".

That dogs stinky ass better be home when I get home today. That's all I'm saying.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Starting to Look More Like Momma

This little yellow dress has been hanging in The Phi's closet since she was born. It is an old dress. Like almost 30 years old.

Here is the dress in 1979......


That is little ol' me at 2 years old. Since The Phi is a bit on the smaller size and I was a bit on the bigger size. (My Mom made big babies!) This dress finally fits The Phi. (She is 4 now!)

When my sister and I were little my Mom always had dressed so dainty with perfectly combed hair. Strangers would comment on how cute we were and how nice we were dressed. This next picture is a great example of how The Phi does not really grasp the concept of "dainty".


I told her to pose like me in the picture and this is what I get.

Although even I have to admit that she is starting to look more like me these days.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Malibu


"Wow you have family in Santa Paula too? We should drive out together sometime".

I met Ozzie my freshman year of high school, when he developed a crush on my best friend Crissy. There was always something different about Ozzie, different in a good way of course. He seemed beyond all the high school drama. He was above petty things like popularity and cliques. He moved for a year or so and I vividly remember the day he came back. I was sitting in the school parking lot in my black VW Golf hatch back. My friend Ami was in the passenger seat. As we debated where to go for lunch (Bagel shop or taco bell?) and a boy on a skateboard came up to my window. My window was down because it was broken and was always down. It took me a second to recognize the thin, tall boy with dyed red hair. I wanted to throw my arms around him but my shock and seat belt kept me pinned into my seat. He quickly said Hi and that he was back.

Our friendship grew and despite my need to be accepted by the "cool kids" and his desire to stay far away from them, we hung out outside of school. I loved being with Ozzie. We would sometimes take the 118 Highway on a 30 minute drive to Santa Paula. Ozzie drove a white classic Malibu. Somewhere in the late 1960's model. The doors creaked and were heavy. I always had trouble getting the lock up on the passenger side. I can still see Ozzie leaning over from the drivers side to unlock the door for me.

We drove down the highway with the windows down. He had a tape player and we would listen to The Smiths and Smashing Pumpkins. We passed fields of yellow flowers and acres and acres of citrus trees. The world looked different from the passenger window of Ozzies white Malibu. It looked brighter, crisper, bigger. Much like how I saw Ozzie, his soul is brighter and beautiful.

I never felt more myself or free than when I was with Ozzie during those high school years. As if the weight of trying so hard to look the right way and say the right things was lifted and I could be me. No matter how dorky, or naive the real me was. I could say anything that was on my mind and that feeling of freedom was blissful.

Seeing a classic Chevy Malibu always reminds me of Ozzie and brings a smile to my face.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Route 66

On Saturday, after sleeping in until the early afternoon, we headed out to San Bernardino to the annual Route 66 car show. This has become a annual family outing for us. I can remember the first time we took The Phi she was 4 months old and in a Baby Bjorn carrier.

The Phi has a always had a love of cars. This kid has dozens and dozens of hot wheels. PR Dad also likes cars, and even I have a soft spot for lowriders, so it makes Route 66 a good day for all of us.


Teaching The Phi how to spot a good paint job.
Who needs a son?


My People.
Classic cars, palm trees and an In and Out cup.
Could we be any more California locales?


My Mini-me in a mini cooper.


She asked me to take her picture next to this car.
The best part of the car show was running into Grandpa Bobo (PR Dad's Dad!) and his crew.


We got to see some pin-stripers in action. Very cool. I had to snap this photo because I loved how you could see his knuckle "LIVE FAST" tattoos while he worked.


The sun sets as the lowriders cruise the blvd.

After we wandered the car show we headed over to the race track for a Burn Out / Drifting competition. Yes the smell of burnt rubber is awful, but The Phi and PR Dad really dig this kind of stuff.

It was fun, except for the idiot sitting behind us yelling profanities every 5 seconds. I hope one day I run into him and he has a kid and I am just going to scream curse words in his kids face. See how he likes it. Seriously this was a fat loser dude, trying to impress the people he was with and instead was I am sure embarrassing them, and his Momma for raising such a douche bag.


ANYWAYS.... it was a good day, despite my cold, I can always have a good time with my husband and our Phi.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

B-day Shout Outs!

We are in the middle of the birthday season in our family. Today we celebrate Tio Luis!


Our brother and The Phi's Tio.



He is a big guy, with an even bigger heart.
Who is crazy enough and patient enough to marry my sister!


Who is a great Tio and such a good Daddy to Lili and Felix and the best Step-Monster to Angelica!


You are such a hard worker and we hope today is relaxing and fun.

We Love you.
Happy Birthday!

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Drifting

Spending the day out at the Route 66 car show. Hope you're having a radical Saturday!

Friday, September 18, 2009

Watching and Reading

So I just complained about not having enough time for things, but one thing that I always make time for is reading. I usually read a little every night before bed. It helps me relax. Unless the book is really really good than I stay up way later than I should, reading until I cannot keep my eyes open anymore.

Recently I saw on a blog a glowing review for the book "Tattoo Machine: Tall Tales, True Stories, and My Life in Ink" By Jeff Johnson. I am a fan of tattoos. I even have a couple so I was excited to read this book. I expected it to read kind of like the show "LA Ink" where they tell the story behind each tattoo. Instead the book is more about Jeff Johnson himself. His rants about policies and regulations, the history and his idea of what the future of tattooing in the Northwest will look like.

The book was a but disappointing because it felt like it did not flow very well. It seemed to jump from topic to topic with no real direction. And the writing turned me off as well. Jeff Johnson is so wordy. Here let me give you an example straight from the introduction....

"The atmosphere crashes in, a singular vibe refined by generations, part carnival midway and part hypermodern clinic, with a splash of a foreign bar from a fragment of a dream all wrapped in a fragment melange of soaps, solvents and pheromones."

I like the wordy and descriptive writing, but that one sentence is just a sample of many many sentences in the book. I did get through the whole book in a small amount of time.


So all and all it was a disappointment. What was not a disappointment but instead a pleasant surprise was the movie "I Love You, Man". I recently finished watching the series "Freaks and Geeks" with Jason Segal and I have always liked Paul Rudd but as of late most of these comedy type movies have not been really funny.

One evening after The Phi was tucked into bed, PR Dad and I watched this movie and I loved it. Great cast, great story, great characters and a happy ending. 3 of the male roles were like 3 different personalities of PR Dad. He is awkward like the Paul Rudd character, he is super laid back like the Jason Segals character, and angry and bitter like Jon Favreau's character.


I love the Venice beach scenes and the way you are not sure about the Jason Segal's character. I have seen the movie twice now and I hardly ever watch a DVD twice. I am a little sad to be sending it back to Netflix.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Sunny

So today starts the series primeres of a bunch a TV. So I double
checked the DVR to make sure things like The Office were set to record
and what an awesome surprise to see that set to record tonite is a new
Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Holy crap we love this show. So now
I have to stay up past 10 pm to watch it.

Since school has started my days are just go go go and by 9:30 I am
physically and mentally exhusted. My days fly by and I haven't been
out walking everyday. I need to come up with a realistic weekday
schedule for us. But with 4 hours to get a walk, dinner, bath and
bedtime is tight.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Pick-Up Line Update

Wow they really do have a card for everything. My buddy Alina (who knows the pick-up line all too well) dropped by my office and gave me this card.

Yes she cut out my own face. Too funny!!!

So an update on the pick-up line fiasco. If you follow me on twitter then you know that I am still getting cut-off almost on the daily. Last week some time I vowed to never use the pick-up line again. To instead park and walk up and pick up The Phi. I even sent a strongly worded email to her school. I was pissed. Like beyond pissed.

But of course being the good rule follower that I am, I went back to the pick-up line after one day. Mostly because The Phi's teacher told me that they were going to be monitoring the pick-up line better. And they did, FOR ONE DAY. And now its back to being cut-off by grandmas. No joke, a Grandmother cut me off yesterday.

Here is where my problem is occurring. Like I said I am a rule follower and the rules of the pick-up line are that you are to drive to the end of the parking lot. So as I am driving to the end the cars that pull in behind me cross through the parking lot and cut me off.

So my dilemma is, do I continue following the rules and hope that people eventually learn not to cut across the parking lot? Or do I rebel, join the dark side and cut across too?

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Happily Ever After

On Saturday The Phi had the honor of being the flower girl in Crystal and Ben's wedding. The night after the rehearsal dinner The Phi asked me why Crystal wanted her to be in the wedding. I told her...."weddings are very important days. A day you will remember for the rest of your life so you ask people who are important to you to be in your wedding and to be part of your wedding day. You must be important to Crystal".

We met Crystal because of this blog. She was a reader who took a liking to this video and the phrase "I'm busy". We started emailing and because she was local we met up for coffee, then market night, then dinner and even more coffee. Then she moved to Texas and we missed hanging out with Crystal.

She is one of those genuinely kind hearted people. The Phi is usually a bit reserved when she first meets someone. Crystal was the exception. I think as a child The Phi knew that Crystal was just a good person through and through.


She is laid-back, funny and easy to talk to. When she asked if The Phi could be her flower girl I told her it would be up to The Phi and of course she said yes. I mean there was a tiara and big dress involved!


The wedding date got here before we knew it and from the moment I put the dress on The Phi her excitement was radiating through her. I put her converse on because Crystal requested it. She respects the punk rock-ness that is The Phi and her style.

It was time for the big show and The Phi totally rocked that aisle. She made it rain rose petals like Lil Wayne makes it rain cash money. We didn't know anyone at the wedding except Crystal and Ben. Despite that it was like The Phi was a celebrity. I could hear complete strangers say "Oh look its The Phi". It was surreal and funny all at the same time.

Meeting Crystal's family, I learned where she gets her personality from. All her family members were extremely nice and it was easy to relax and The Phi and I had such a wonderful time with these wonderful people.

Crystal and Ben have been together for many years and both were relaxed and simply gorgeous on their big day.


The Phi had her real first wedding experience and she loved it all. The food, the glass water goblets, the dollar dance, the candy bar, the wedding cake, the toasts.

She loved the center pieces, the bouquets, the photos, the "ladies" and their pretty dresses.

But what The Phi loved the most of all was the dance floor. This child stayed on the dance floor from the time the DJ started to the time the wedding ended. I started on the dance floor with her but after half an hour my feet in high heels were taking their toll and Crystal took over and danced with The Phi. Then the big dance circle started. The Phi jumped right into the middle and danced away. Whenever there was an empty middle The Phi jumped right back in. When couples were on the dance floor, The Phi made her way around the dance floor dancing with each couple. When the dance floored emptied The Phi was the only one getting her groove on. When the music ended she went to the DJ and told him "Thanks for the tunes"

As the wedding ended and The Phi and I walked back to the car she said "Mom I LOVE dancing". I told her "I noticed".

Monday, September 14, 2009

Tangled Lines

I recieved a call from Ami yesterday evening. The tone in her greeting was enough to know that something bad had happened. She confirmed this by telling me that a high school classmate of ours had passed away that afternoon in a sky diving accident.

Two skydivers die in Acampo parachute accident after lines get tangled

By Jordan Guinn
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Monday, September 14, 2009 6:00 AM PDT

A man and woman, both nationally recognized skydivers, died Sunday afternoon when their chutes became tangled and they plunged into an Acampo vineyard.

Barbara Cuddy, 48, of Carson City, and Robby Bigley, 32, of the Bay Area, died around 1 p.m. east of the Lodi Parachute Center at the Lodi Airport.

Bill Dause, owner of the center, said the two were part of an eight-member team practicing a formation for an upcoming U.S. Parachuting Association's championship.

As the team descended, three skydivers got their lines crossed.

One of the jumpers was able to get free, but Dause didn't have specifics on how.

"It's fate or luck or whatever you want to call it," he said.

Dause said the two others spiraled 5,000 feet before impact. One diver died at the scene; the other was transported to Lodi Memorial Hospital and was declared dead shortly after.

Dause said the two were practicing with their team, Redline, and that they were "highly skilled and highly trained" skydivers. He said they had been coming to the center regularly for the past three or four months in preparation for the competition. He said he had known them both for several years.

He said the members of Redline have been together for multiple years before adopting their name.

In 2008, Redline took first place in four-way sequential canopy formation at the USPA's national championships. Redline placed second in the same competition in 2007 and 2005.

In 2008, Bigley was awarded third place in the four-way advanced vertical formation category at the national championships. He also took second place in the two-way sequential canopy formation category.

My high school class is not new to the idea of losing one of our own. We have been thorough more than our fair share of memorial services for classmates. Robby was an amazing human, and one of those people that no one could say anything bad about. Just hearing his name immediately brings to mind that smiling face. He was always smiling. Robby had just gotten married a few weeks ago and last night I looked through his wedding photos on Facebook and my heart broke for his new wife. Their happily ever after cut so short. In times like these I often find it difficult to find the right words. Our classmate Michael Hoeft said it beautifully....

"
RIP Robby. I haven't always been a praying man, but I am praying for you and your family today and will be daily for a long while. I was really touched by you as were many---and many of us have not spent time with you for 10, 12, or even 14 years---which goes to show how much you left an INDELIBLE impact in people's lives. You were one of the good ones; people looked up to you, admired you, respected you, cared for you. I remember that you always brought such levity into any room you were in; any class I had with you was always one of the most lively and fun classes in part because of the exuberant energy you radiated DAILY. That was not an act; that was who you were and I THANK YOU FOR THAT; RIP and may your family's pain not be unbearable. Extra special prayers go out to your parents and young wife.

If there is a Heaven, I know you're up there, bro..."

I believe he is in heaven enjoying the view.

You are loved and will be missed Robby. Rest In Peace and give Kyle, Shane and Jesus my love.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Weekly Wieners


Wow I haven't had weekly winners up in awhile! This week's edition comes from the wedding we were at yesterday. (Post to come soon!) For more weekly winners please visit Sarcastic Mom.

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Through The Window
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Mr. & Mrs.
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Side Profile

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To Have and To Hold
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And ALWAYS the silliness.......

This week with the blushing bride!


Have a great week!

Friday, September 11, 2009

Arthur J. Jones

I wrote this for a 9/11 tribute a few years ago. Thought I would post it again today...........




Until a few weeks ago I had never heard of Arthur Joseph Jones III. To his friends he was lovingly called "Arty". He was known as a big and gentle guy. He was funny and people liked to be around him. He went to Hamilton College and was a frat dude. He would make the trip out to Belmont Stakes to meet up with his frat bros and tailgate. He had people laughing and talking even before the first race would start. He was never one to be upset or angry. He enjoyed NASCAR racing and was a big time New York Rangers fan. Arty was married to a woman named Carol and he and Carol had three children. He was cook, but not many knew that side of Arty. He enjoyed golfing with friends. He was an expert in his field. Arty worked as a metals trader at Carr Futures. He was 37 years old when he died on September 11th, 2001. Arty was one of the victims wholost their lives on that day that has gone down in history. I remember the morning vividly and will never forget the fear, confusion and sadness I felt as I sat in traffic on my way to work all the way on the other side of the USA. It was difficult to wrap my head around what had happened. That morning Arty, who lived in Ossining, New York, went to work on the 92nd floor of the World Trade Center. He left his wife and kids not knowing. His office was unusually busy with regional managers there for an early meeting. His office was 2 floors below the impact of the plane and Arty and his colleges were trapped. Arty, a man, a husband, a father, a son, lost his life that day. The unspeakable act of violence left Arty's family in mourning. We must never forget these people who lost their lives that day. And even though it was just a few weeks ago that I heard of Arty, I will never forget him and he and his family will always remain in my families thoughts and prayers. This project was started to remember the victims of 9/11 and I am very honored to be a part of something so wonderful. Please visit the other bloggers who are part of this project.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Steve is Going to College!

So you parents out there are probably familiar with this little show called "Blue's Clues". Well The Phi has been watching this one Blue's Clues DVD for YEARS now. (THANKS OUIE!) One of the episodes was the carefully done transition episode. See Blue's original owner is Steve and towards the end of the series Steve leaves and Joe is new the host and living in the house with Blue. Joe is Steve's brother, even though they don't look alike and Steve is like a midget compared to Joe. Anyways! So that kids across America would not suffer from any kind of trauma, they introduced the idea of Joe with this episode about Steve going to college, and his brother Joe comes over to meet everyone. There is a song is this episode that haunts the dark corners of my mind, and will spontaneously pop into my head at awkward times.

Come on, I know you know it.....

Steve is going to College!



So after watching this episode for years The Phi finally asked me "What is college?" So I explained to her how you start with pre-school and how you end up at college. She asked me "Mommy did you go to college?" I got a far away look on my face remembering my good ol' college days and told her that Yes Mommy went to college. I left out the part about going to one of the top rated party schools in the country. GO GAUCHOS!

The Phi was totally confused. She could not understand the time frame. The idea that my college days were in the past. She asked me....

"Did you drive to college and leave me and Daddy at home?"

"Did I go to college with you?"

"Are you going to college tomorrow?"

"DON'T LEAVE ME MOM TO GO TO COLLEGE!"


This child cannot comprehend the idea that I had an entire life, and entire 27 years before she was born. In her mind, my life started when she was born. And I guess in some sense she is right. Kind of, sort of, in a spiritual awakening kind of way.

I thought about this idea in my child's head and thought....."Man this kid is an ego-manic!"

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Stunt riding

We just left a motorcycle stunt show. What an awesome thing. All
different motorcycle crews together to hang out and the stunt show was
the highlight. 4 different riders doing amazing tricks on thier bikes.
One was a young girl and I keep thinking "that's the phi in 10 years".
After the show we talked to one of the riders, J Beats from the Famous
Stars and Straps motorcycle team. He was so cool and The Phi told him
that she liked his tricks. He shook her hand and sincerely thanked
her. Very cool.

Yes a Famous Stars and Straps rider. PR Dad is one more step closer to
the ultimate...... Travis Barker

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

arack-arack-omomma*

So over the weekend I started hearing things about a speech that Barack Obama was going to be speaking to students in school across the country. I heard people throw out words like brain-washing.

Seriously? People thought that Barack Obama was going to go up there and brain-wash kids to what..... approve his health care reform. The White House put out the speech on Monday so that school and parents could read exactly what he was going to say. Then they could decide if they wanted thier students to see Obama make his speech.

Some parents felt that by showing the President's speech schools and the government were undermining the parents authority. I can't agree with this. If you send you child to a public school you are trusting that the administration of that school will have the best judgment in what is being shown and taught to your child. If you are going to want to monitor everything your child see, reads, and learns than I think homeschooling or private school is for you.

I watched his speech live today and it was a well written and given speech. It reminded me of a pep talk my Mom would have given me. It left me with hope and optimism. There was nothing political, nothing right winged, or left winged about this speech. He spoke at the childrens level, even mentioning, iphones, twitter and facebook.

The message of his speech was loud and clear. Education is important and YOU can succeed with hard work. Shit if Rush Limbaugh wants to tell my kid these things in a speech I would let her listen. These are good messages for students to hear. And the fact that the President is taking time out to speak directly to students makes it that much more important and that fact is not lost on kids. This speech made them feel important.

The Phi's school (being a private school) did not show the speech so instead The Phi and I watched it later together. She was excited because The President was talking to her! I knew she would like the speech, even though she didn't understand most of it....


The Phi is an Obama fan.



* this is how my nephew says Barack Obama

Monday, September 07, 2009

The Phi's Favorite Part of the LA County Fair

We went to the LA County Fair on Saturday and it was a hot and long day. What The Phi loves about the fair is those cut-out where you can put your face in. And the LA County Fair had many of these for my strange little one to stick her face in.

Enjoy!


Sunday, September 06, 2009

Super Heros

The Phi's loves to hang out with her BFF Cyrus. He is an "older man", but they get along so well. The other night while at the local farmers market/talent show, they were playing super heros. As a little boy Cyrus likes all things Star Wars and Super Hero related. As they ran around I could them laughing and fake fighting off bad guys.

Later that night The Phi and I went out to dinner together. As we waited for our food I asked The Phi what she was playing with Cyrus. She explained they were playing super hero and Cyrus was Spider-Man and they were saving the good guys from the bad guys. I asked her "what super hero were you?" She replied "Locker Girl" I looked at her confused and asked "who is locker girl?" Then The Phi explained "She is a good guy who locks up all the bad guys in jail". So then I asked her what Locker Girl looks like. She said she has a lot of pockets filled with locks.

Haha I love how her mind works.

Saturday, September 05, 2009

No Fear

We are spending the day at the LA County Fair. Once again The Phi
demonstrates she has no fear and proves she is much more like her
father than her mother. I would never do that.

Friday, September 04, 2009

Back in Session

So on Tuesday The Phi started her new school. This is her second year of pre-school and with the new school comes lots of changes.

This year The Phi is in school full-time (except on most Fridays, because I usually work a half day on Fridays. We Punk Rock Parents like to get our weekends started as early as possible!) Also this school does not offer a lunch (except pizza Fridays!) so The Phi has to take her lunch to school. Now since I am the one who gets her to bed at night, gets her up in the morning, ready for school, drives her to school, and picks her up from school, I figured the LEAST PR Dad could do was be in charge of her lunch and snack.

This year she also had to take a back pack. We totally lucked out and found this adorable owl backpack at Target. Seriously, how cute is this?

The first day of school morning went smoothly. The next change The Phi was very excited about. She has to wear a uniform. (Thanks Nana and Tata!)

Next thing I knew it was time for the annual by the front door photo.

Is she not the cutest thing you have ever seen? I seriously cannot stand it!!!

All 3 of us drive over and The Phi was way excited about school. We walked her to her class, she sat right at her desk and was ready to go!

After only a few days when I went to pick up The Phi her teacher told me that she was impressed at how behaved The Phi is.

So with school starting our schedule is a bit shifted. Our days seem to be flying by. Before I know it, it's bedtime and we start all over again the next day.

I am so proud of The Phi. I was one of those crying kids on the first day of school. Even in graduate school I would get really nervous and a stomach ache on the first day of classes. The Phi has none of that anxiety and instead is filled with excitement. Just like her Dad use to be.

It is a Christian school and we knew that The Phi is going to be exposed to a religion that isn't exactly like ours, but similar. We have not spent really any time in our house talking about God or things like that. So after the first day I had a good laugh when The Phi told me.........


"Mom did you know that God made everything.....even iPhones!"

Dirt Road Diary- Berdoo Canyon

It had been awhile but Joey recently convinced me to head out on an off-roading adventure. Mostly because the San Berdoo trail ends inside J...