Palm Springs

My view in my bathing suit, looking down:

This is how Parker says "CHEESE!"


This place is HOT! I can't believe it was 8:30 at night and 95 degrees. Seriously?! That is why we hung out poolside while daddy did some work nearby. We were able to have fun Labor Day get-away with the girls, and our friends, The Barnetts.

Can I just say how wonderful hotels are?! I don't HAVE to make the beds, pick up the crumbs on the floor, clean up the bathroom, wipe down the fingerprints... I am VERY thankful for one night away from home and a quick break from the duties of housekeeper.

Leukadia/Encinitas Farmer's Market and Art in the Park

This morning we decided to have a family day and enjoy the local activities and beach culture. We made our way to the amazing Leucadia/Encinitas farmer's market and then to the vendors selling their artwork on Highway 101 this morning for the Leucadia Art in the Park.

My favorite item we purchased at the market: organic fruit and Kettle corn.
Nate's favorite item he took home: organic dry Jack cheese and flavored hummus (Calamata olive and spinach & feta).
Haven and Parker's favorite treat: the lady bug balloon bracelets the "princess" made them at her booth.

Obviously, there is something for everyone. What is amazing is that this farmer's market runs all year long. Yeaa!!

We love Pizza!!

Last night was home made pizza night. I tried a new recipe and we found a new favorite!

Here is the recipe:
Favorite pizza dough/crust (we used Trader Joe's pizza dough)
Favorite BBQ sauce
Shredded Mozzarella
Thinly sliced Granny Smith Apple
Diced Grilled Chicken
Crumbled Goat Cheese
A sprinkle of chopped Parsley

Bake at 450* for 12-15 minutes

Brain Puddy

I don't know if you remember when you were pregnant (if you are a female reading this post), but I feel like I am suffering from major brain meltdown... I can't spell correctly, speak correctly, my memory is deplorable and looking at Nate's Scrabble game on his ipad gives me an instant headache. My pregnancy really has made me dumb. I think this is a serious condition that should have a medical term so that I can explain my behavior when I can't find my keys ANYWHERE while I am actually holding them in my hands (this happened today). Seriously, this is debilitating and embarrassing.

I can get use to this...

We found out that our neighborhood gets together every Thursday night for dinner and campfire on the local beach just 10 minutes from our home - how fun! And, they were fun, gracious families who all have kids for our girls to hang with. Sitting there, eating my sub-sandwich, taking in the view and sunset, I realized why San Diego is the place so many flock to for vacation. Yet, this is just a Thursday night routine for our neighbors, something they do all summer long (weather permitting). Now, we get to join in on the fun!

I do feel so fortunate that we have lived in some beautiful locations. We have learned to love and appreciate the mountains and rivers of Missoula, Montana to the ocean shores of San Diego, California. The beauty of God's creation!

I do need to get used to the sand. It gets everywhere and a bath is always a must for the girls after the beach. And, I am sure Parker's diapers will be more "grainy" these next few days... but, it is a small price to pay for memories on the beach!

Wild Love

My girls love to wrestle and play "Monster" with daddy (the act of running around to escape the Tickle Monster). I caught them in the act today and had to capture their wild spirits at play! They are so much fun to hang out with. Sure, it is tiring and they require lots of work BUT it is all worth it when you see the love they have for their mommy, daddy and each other. Their smiles are infectious.

And, then there is our 3rd girl inside my belly (25 wks). I wonder what little personality she will have...

Princess Camp!

Haven was in her glory this week. This was her first camp experience and she now wishes princess camp was every week! She was in her element each day from 9am-12pm. There was special music, crafts, princess story time, dress-up, drama and more. What fun!

I took these pictures of her grand finale - the presentation for the parents and families!

Why I feel so exhausted...

It is not like I am running a marathon every day, but as a mother, I feel some days that I just crossed the finish line of one! Today was one of those days. And, it was not due to an increase in my heart rate, but more the mental fatigue of always being mentally alert and aware of the going-ons of Parker. I felt this fatigue after returning home after Haven's grand finale at princess camp - her special end-of-the-week presentation for the parents. I had to make it very clear to Parker that this was Haven's special performance and she was to stay close by and watch with mama.... which, she managed 90% of the time. She only ran out twice to join the fun: once to grab an instrument during the special music number and again to dance along the other princesses during the special song. Parker is quick and I am not as quick since I have a growing belly that is now getting in the way.

Afterward, there were refreshments and I wanted to spend time with Haven and talk over fruit and cookies. Parker sat for 30 seconds and then was off again. I really wanted to focus on Haven since this was her special day! I think in the time we ate a few bites of watermelon and strawberries, Parker managed to spill two water bottles, ran off with a walking cane that belonged to a handicapped individual and then paraded around the room with a few of the girl's wands that were made especially for the performance day. Of course, the other girls did not like the fact that Parker had made off with their wands and complained. Their cries made me realize the extent of her two minute destruction.

This is why I get so tired. The amount of "awareness" it takes to keep tabs on this cute little firecracker is enough to keep me taking naps each afternoon with her (my favorite part of the day).

I think this is the reason why many moms are so tired at the end of the day... it is the skillful act of always being one step ahead of our little ones.

Our House...

Master Bath. I am very excited about this tub. Did not have a tub in our Missoula master bath. I would trade this for multiple flower beds any day.

Master suite.

Guest Bathroom downstairs.

Living room. Next BIG project is to cover the (beautiful) cornice boards with fabric that goes with our decor. You can't see it well, but they are a golden rode and royal blue stripe - Yikes.

Living room fireplace.

House has lots of great features like this wall alcove.

Kitchen

The eat-in kitchen table - a craigslist find.

My secretary desk... one of my favorite pieces. If only Parker would leave it alone!

Dining Room

Sitting room & Dining Room (right of entry)

Entry way

Sitting room... yes, the scene of the crime yesterday (see previous post).

Small alcove where the stairs lead up.

The guest room (downstairs - main level)

Now that the couches have been cleaned and spared, I decided to take some pictures of our new home now that the decorating is done and we are moved in. So, here is the grand tour of our Carlsbad home. Downsizing has its advantages and I am enjoying not having an acre and seven flower beds to maintain. However, I have to admit, I do miss the open space of Montana... things are a little more crowded down here.

Oh, the fury!

Rubbing Alcohol: MY HERO!!


Sometimes in the heat of rage and furry, it is best to walk away from the problem (in this case, my 2 year old daughter) and breath deep while focusing on a possible solution. But I will honestly admit, this was not my reaction as I saw bright orange Sharpee all over the walls as well as all over our NEW cream microsuede ottoman and love seat! I screamed, cried, and did everything but breath deep. Thankfully, Nate was home and removed Parker from my line of vision before I went after her. He did the discipline and I sat on the floor in hysterics thinking we would have to buy new furniture after seeing the orange devastation. I have never hated Sharpee markers so...

If you have been following our lives on this blog and as well as facebook, you will know that Parker has a love affair with markers and will sniff them out like a bloodhound. I even think it is funny that Parker and marker rhyme... I am sure I could create a very clever limerick! Well, we have since moved the markers to a 3rd location - Nate's gun safe.

Jill called during my melt down and suggested googling a solution... brilliant idea. I am sure I would have thought of this after I regained my senses. But I did manage to find a solution since it appears that I am not the only mother that has faced this obstacle. The remedy: rubbing alcohol (99%). I was shocked that it removed 90% of it... there is still a faint orange hue in some areas if I look for it, but thankfully, the furniture is saved! Parker is saved! I have decided to keep her after all...

There once was a girl named Parker

Who had a love affair with Sharpee markers

She scribbled on the furniture

With a furry unseen before

And now she has a sore bum and no supper*.

*She actually fell asleep while being in her room during time out and missed lunch.