Claire's Girl Scout Cookie Sale

This is Claire's first year as a Girl Scouts and her first year where she is selling Girl Scout Cookies!  Could she be more excited?  Every girl in the troop last year had to sell 85 boxes of cookies.  This year, they upped the number to 100 boxes per girl.  Hooray!  I was nervous.  100 boxes sounds like a lot of cookies for one girl scout!  We started out one day by going door to door in our neighborhood.  With Emily in tow, a heavy bag full of cookies, and an envelope of change- we headed out.  I personally don't like asking people for money.  It makes me nervous.  Claire wanted to go out so bad but slowly realized that this was going to be a little nerve racking, too. 

In a little over and hour, we sold 24 boxes of cookies.  Not bad, but it was a lllooooonnnnngggg hour.  Of those 24 boxes, our neighbor down the street bought 16 of them.  What a guy!  After calling all family members and close friends, who we consider family, we had just over 50 more to sell.  Another night, Claire wanted to go to a park after church and ask people in the park to buy cookies.  40 minutes later, three frozen kids, and only 4 boxes sold.  Lots of fun.

We woke up this morning and Claire wanted to go to the park to sell again.  Knowing how unsuccessful we were there, I quickly asked her if she would like to make a sign and sell in front of our house!  We live on a busy street.  There are down sides to living here and there are up sides.  The up side- on the weekends we get tons of people walking by our house.  We have great street visibility!  Let the selling begin!

Claire got a little card table and two chairs out front.  She taped her sign to the front of the table, turned on her MP3 player with speakers, and started selling!  Slowly, people started coming by and buying cookies!  Woo hoo!  Emily was so into the whole process.  She slipped back into the house and came back our wearing her Toy Story Jesse costume.  She started dancing on the sidewalk and I swear- people started stopping non-stop!  Emily was Claire's little mascot!  At one point, even Matthew came out to help!

After just one hour and ten minutes, we completely sold out of cookies.  EVERY LAST BOX!  It was incredible.  Claire was so happy and more importantly- we were done!  Claire wanted to sell just the 100 boxes.  She had zero interest in selling any more or requesting more boxes.  Mission accomplished.  Claire is happy, my waistline is happy.  Curse you Tagalongs and Samoas!  We are done!  Congrats Clairey on meeting the goal set for you and thank you to all of you that helped support my little Girl Scout!

Carmel by the Sea

I have heard the sweet little city of Carmel mentioned as Carmel by the Sea.  Funny- every time I have gone to Carmel, I have never gone to its beaches!  The city is best known for its quaint streets lined with little shops and restaurants.  It's a wonderful relaxing vacation spot with luxurious hotels and little bed and breakfasts nestled in it's lovely streets.  With Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Capitola near by- beaches aren't what you think of when you go to Carmel.  However, after visiting Mission San Carmel, I thought it would be fun to try and find a beach so the kids could run around for a while.

Wouldn't you know that just below the streets of fun shops is an amazing beach!  We decided to just park and walk to the beach and stumbled upon an awesome and popular beach!  We took our shoes off on the top of this giant sandy hill.  The kids could hardly wait to run down the hill and onto the surf! 

All of them were enjoying it but Emily was a bit uncomfortable with the feeling of sand between her toes.  She got over this in .2 seconds and soon we were all having a blast.  I had to set the ground rules because a certain two year old has absolutely no fear when it comes to giant waves that could swallow her in seconds and bring her out to sea.  I let them roll up their pants and get their feet wet.  Michael and Claire certainly pushed the boundaries with this and Matthew and Emily followed. 

The kids built some sand castles, Claire dug a whole in the sand that must have been two feet deep (she hit water), they wrote their names in the sand, played freeze tag, laughed constantly, enjoyed the sun (it really was sunny- despite how it looks in these pictures), collected interesting rocks and sticks (Matthew found a stick that seriously looked like a gun.  I had to do a double take.), and loved chasing the seagulls. 

I tried to steal moments of serenity between my frantic sprints to retrieve Emily from the approaching water and telling her to 'Please stop throwing sand.  It will get in your eyes  It will get in your siblings eyes.  Then we will have to leave.'  She looked at me and threw sand at Matthew.  Oh, time outs were never so much fun as at the beach!  'No, you can't get up.  You have to sit there until you promise me that you will not throw sand anymore.'  She promised me and then went next to Michael and kicked sand on him.  How does a two year old know how to then turn to me and say, 'You said throw, not kick.'  Mama mia. 

Despite the unsuccessful attempts at curbing bad behavior at the beach with time outs, we had a blast.  I need to do this more with them.  There are so many wonderful beaches, so many new and exciting things we can discover on days off from school. 

On the way home, we tried to figure out where we were going to go to lunch.  McDonalds, Burger King, and Sushi were screamed from their little mouths.  We finally decided on getting burgers but I refused to go a fast food restaurant.  I tried to explain that a Mom and Pop burger joint might have an amazing burger that they might never forget!  They were excited that we were on a mission to find a fun, hometown burger joint!  We drove around for about ten minutes and even I was ready to just go to McDonalds.  And then we saw it.  Phat Burger.  It was a little place tucked away between hardware stores and other little shops.  We ordered and the kids could hardly wait to see how it tasted.  IT WAS AMAZING!  I got a mushroom swiss burger that was out of this world.  The kids got little sliders that they practically inhaled.  The onion rings were gone in under a minute.  The M&M milkshake that Matthew and Michael ordered was fabulous!  They couldn't believe there were real pieces of M&Ms in it! 

My kids are still not done talking about Phat Burger.  It has whetted their appetite to explore new places for little restaurants that might have the best food they have ever tasted!  I am glad we persevered and found Phat Burger because not only did we have an amazing lunch, the kids learned that sometimes being patient and looking for what you really want is well worth the wait!

Mission San Carmel

In fourth grade, students have to do a report on one of the twenty-one missions in California.  Michael was given Mission San Carmel and he was excited that it wasn't too far from home!  He came home one day asking how far away Carmel was and was pleased to know that it is just over an hour away.  I found myself home this morning with all four kids and a day full of no events.  Kids were out of school for President's Day so I thought, Why not throw them in the car and drive down to Carmel?  I knew Michael would be beyond thrilled.  The other kids?  I wasn't sure if they would be so happy.

Turns out, everyone was excited to go exploring!  We put on a good movie in the car and off we went.  It took just over an hour to get to the Mission.  Having graduated from Santa Clara University where we are spoiled with our very own Mission, I have to say that Mission San Carmel di Borromeo is breathtaking.  I paid the small entry fee for the five of us and we respectfully started making our way across its grounds. 

Michael and Claire both brought their cameras and enjoyed being able to capture this new experience.  I found it fascinating to see what they thought they should take pictures of.  I loved seeing what caught their eye or what they wanted to remember!  There are beautiful grounds surrounding the Mission.  You can really feel the history surrounding you there.  It was so interesting to Michael to really survey the rooms, artifacts, and the church.  He loved seeing what he had learned in school and then being able to see it in real life!

We entered the Mission church last.  I thought I would tire the two little ones out by having them walk the entire property before we headed into the church.  Wow, it was gorgeous in there.  You know that feeling you get when you walk into certain churches- how you can almost feel God standing next to you?  This was one of those churches.  So serene, so beautiful, so holy.  Fr. Junipero Serra, who was the founder of the California missions, actually died at Mission San Carmel.  Relics of his coffin are actually located in the church.  Michael found this absolutely fascinating.

After spending some time praying in the front of the church, we explored the side rooms.  These rooms all had candles that you could light with prayers.  Each candle cost $0.25 so I gave each of the kids a quarter and let them say a prayer.  Michael was first.  He said a prayer for his Great Grandpa Carl who passed away a year and a half ago.  Claire lit a candle for her Uncle Jake's Mom who is currently battling cancer.  Matthew felt so mature and independent when he lit his candle.  This was definitely a first for him.  He too, prayed for his great Grandpa Carl.  Emily wanted to light the candle all by herself.  No surprise there.  She prayed for everyone that she loves.  That is exactly what she said.  Her prayer encompasses all of the people who we love.  So proud of my kids.

We left the church and briefly walked through the graveyard where all of the Indians are buried.  The Indians are largely responsible for the construction of the Missions.  They also grew and harvested crops and were vitally important to daily life at the Missions.  This graveyard honors their amazing work. 

We had such a wonderful time today at the Mission.  Michael learned so much and we all were able to feel more connected to God in San Carmel's gorgeous Mission.  I can't wait to see which Mission Claire will get next year!

Ali's Birthday

We've been celebrating Ali's birthday over the last week.  She had a masquarade themed party today but it wasn't for the little kids.  We celebrated a few days ago with a small party at Mark and Jocelyn's house.  The kids wore masks to be in the spirit of her theme and we all just had a wonderful time celebrating Ali!  Ali's actual birthday party was held up in San Francisco tonight.  At first, Damien and I didn't think we could attend.  Lucky for us, our babysitter was able to make some last minute changes to her schedule so we could go be with Ali on her special day!

Ali looked beautiful and we were so happy things worked out so we could make it. We were only able to stay an hour (drove an hour up and an hour back) because the babysitter could only be here for three hours!  Happy Birthday Ali!  We hope this year is your best one yet!

Happy Valentine's Day!

It's funny the memories you retain from your childhood.  As a parent, you try and give your child the very best.  You put as much effort as you can into making sure that you do things well for them and hope that when they think back- they will have a real memory of how their childhood was.  And when they remember?  You hope they say that they loved it!  When I think back to Valentine's Day as a kid, I remember that I would rush out of bed and into the kitchen to see the little treasures my Mom had laid out for all of her kids on the kitchen counter.  They weren't huge prizes, but they were personal and special.  I remember, in particular, a large chalky heart that if you chewed it long enough- it turned into gum.  Gum didn't make an appearance in our home too regularly so I was bound and determined to chew the somewhat disgusting heart until it turned into gum.  Although I am elaborating quite ridiculously on how disgusting that heart was- what I take largely from that memory was that my Mom loved us so much that she would always have treats ready on special occasions.  Because she thought enough to make a trivial holiday special for her five kids, we remember her for her generosity and thoughtfulness.

Cut to me, the night before Valentine's Day.  'Dang it!' I shout quietly because the kids were sleeping.  I must have said it loud enough for Damien to respond.  He wonders what could be wrong.  I was standing in the kitchen at 10:00 p.m. in my workout clothes ready to go to the gym.  Yes, I now go pretty frequently to the gym late at night because sometimes that is the only time I can get away and I am not letting excuses get in the way of my goals.  Deep breath.  'I forgot to go to the store to get the kids their goodies.  I bought the heart shaped chocolate filled boxes for you to give them tomorrow but I don't have anything for the counter," I tell Damien.  I am pretty sure he thought I was nuts.  I am also sure that I looked pathetically tired.  He knew I didn't want to go to the gym and then the idea of me then going to the store must have been too much.  'Don't worry about it.  They won't miss it.' Damien says in support of my mental well being.  I knew when I said it out loud, I don't have goodies for the kids, that I had to go to the store, no matter how late it was.  So off to the gym, then to the store.  I got home at 11:30 p.m. but I felt really good about it.  I worked out and did what my little heart told me to do!

The kids woke up the next morning and squealed with delight after finding the treasures on the counter.  Nostalgia set it.  I thought of my Mom and was so glad I went and got them treats!  I was able to find four different colored balls (so there was no confusion and fighting over who had what ball) and I found some yummy candy.  Not too much but just enough to let them know I thought of them and loved them.  Then for breakfast- we had some heart shaped eggs in toast.  They thought I was a magician!  How did you make a heart in the toast?  How did you get the egg in the toast?  I will keep this secret to myself and never tell them that it was a cookie cutter, and egg, and a piece of bread.  Shoot!  They know I hate keeping secrets!

Matthew had a fun little party at this school where he was really feeling like the big man on campus.  He brought his candy Nerd Valentine's and was so excited!  I had purchased him a shirt that said Eligible Bachelor mostly, because I thought it was funny.  He asked what it said and I explained that it meant Ladies, I am available.  He said, 'Oh yeah, I want to wear this!'.  He is so funny!  Emily and I were able to join him for the last half of his party and they even let Emily have a bag to collect Valentine's!  She was so happy and couldn't wait to get home and show her Daddy her new candy!

Michael and Claire both wore fun shirts to school today and went prepared with a bag full of Valentine's.  They opted to get the coolest Valentine's I have ever seen!  They were little plastic bags that when you smack them with your hand, it slowly starts inflating.  A few more seconds and the bag explodes with a pop and a little heart shaped balloon comes floating out.  Seriously awesome!  I heard from many Mom's of kids in their classes that their Valentine's were all the rage.  How fun!  I am sure exploding Valentine's will be outlawed from school next year.  Whoops!

My Valentine took me out to dinner tonight EVEN though I had to coach Claire's team.  Really?  Practice on Valentine's Day?  I think that is when you know your life has changed.  I said that we shouldn't worry about it but Damien wouldn't have it and made reservations at Bella Mia.  We went out to dinner there a few times while we were dating in college.  Our most famous date there happened when I suggest to Damien (during our junior year) that we go there.  Apparently, he had little to no money in his account.  Not wanting to disappoint me, he obliged.  Little did I know- he was sweating the whole meal!  I don't even remember what I ordered but I am sure it wasn't too cheap.  Damien on the other hand, was going to order the least expensive thing on the menu.  Turns out, it was a dish of mushroom ravioli.  Damien doesn't like mushrooms or raviolis.  That, my friends, is love.  We still laugh at the circumstances surrounding this date.  He ate the raviolis so he didn't have to order something he couldn't afford and then wash dishes in order to pay it off!  What a guy. 

Valentine's Day was a great day for our whole family.  I want to make sure I celebrate every little holiday or special day with my kids and my hubby.  Life has enough drama, seriousness, and predictability in it.  Sometimes a ball, some candy, and a surprise dinner reservation will keep you going for a while!  Happy Valentine's Day to all the people in our life who we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.

A Sign I Have Daughters

I walked into the kitchen today to find a big mess.  Part of me wanted to call Emily into the kitchen immediately to clean up her project, but part of me wanted to relish in the very girlie moment.  I have daughters.  I love having daughters.  If anyone just up and walked into my home, you would see a good mixture of cars, high heels, Legos, and sparkly purses in random corners, down hallways, and . . . in the kitchen.  One day, all of this will be put away- rather, given away because my girls won't need sixteen pairs of princess heels anymore.  This is what I always wanted.  A house that was full of kids and if I have to walk into a kitchen and avoid small heels like land mines in a desert- so be it.   

SCU Alumni Game

I love that every year, the Santa Clara University Women's Basketball team dedicates one game to honoring the women who have helped build the program over the years.  It is so fun to go back and see at least a handful of people I played with and talk about the good old days.  My kids love the game but also love the reception they hold for us afterward.  This year was a little crazier than most.  Michael had a basketball game in the late morning, I coached Claire's team at 1:00 p.m. and then we all headed straight over to SCU for their 2:00 p.m. game!  Thankfully, we made it just after the game started.

My kids always think it is such a special honor to walk out to half court with me at half time.  It makes me feel proud that they get to be a part of it and it gives them a little taste of what it might have been like for me to run out on the same court years ago!  I was also thrilled that I was able to secure three spots for some of my little 3rd grade players to be Ball Girls during the game.  They had the best time and loved getting their new SCU shirts autographed by the SCU players after the game!

All in all, it was a great day for me and my family.  I am so appreciative to have had the opportunity to play basketball for Santa Clara University.  It is a gift that I will never take for granted and continue to appreciate each and every day.

Emily's Camellia

My little beautifully complex Emily.  So sweet, so tough.  So loving, so aggressive.  So creative, so destructive.  So beautiful, so amazing.  She is everything I could have imagined my little girl to be and so much more.  Today, we were in the backyard when she picked up a camellia which had freshly fallen from our tree.  I had my camera in my pocket and started snapping a few pictures of her.  She was fresh off a nap.  Crazy hair, sleepy eyes.  I loved every last picture that I took.

Sisters in the City

My sisters are the best.  Seriously, the best.  I can't imagine my life without them.  They make me laugh (a lot), they build me up, they are always there to listen, they are my best friends that will always be there.  My Dad has said, "Family.  It's what we do."  What he means by that is that our family will always be of importance.  Our extended family, our family of friends . . . will always be at the center of our lives. 

Natalie flew down this weekend to spend time with Gina in San Francisco.  I was not going to miss out on the opportunity to see two of my sisters and laugh non-stop for about twelve hours.  Damien offered to watch the kids and I happily drove up to meet them and have some fun!  We had an absolute blast!  A little dinner, a little dancing, and a whole lot of laughter.  Laughter seems to be something that we all do best!  I am so glad I got to spend time with a few of my sissies.  I am not sure where I'd be if I didn't have them in my life.  They are truly beautiful both inside and out.

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Matthew and Luke

For the longest time, Matthew has been resisting calling anyone his Best Friend.  He has a lot of friends at school, but he wasn't ready to proclaim one of them The Best just yet.  Now that Matthew is older and gaining more confidence by the second, he is loving school more and more!  He loves the academics of it, but looks forward to recess where he can run around with the boys!  For the past few weeks, he and Luke have been having play dates at our house and I really think that it made a difference in their friendship because Luke is officially Matthew Best Friend!  I love hearing Matthew say it.  "I have a Best Friend and his name is Luke!"

Today, we had a play date where the boys played with Playdoh, played a little bit of video games, laughed hysterically while eating their lunch (not sure what that was about), and ran around and had fun outside.  They were both so happy the entire time they were playing together.  I know they will miss each other next year, but thankfully we LOVE their parents and aren't ready to let go of them anytime soon!  They are, after all, our Best Friends too!

Right on TARGET

Matthew came running into the kitchen this afternoon.
Matthew:  "Mom, was I born in Target?"
Mom:  "Were you born in Target?"
Matthew:  "Yes.  Michael says I was born in Target!"
Mom:  "The store?"
Matthew:  "Was I born there or not?"
Mom:  "No, Matthew.  You weren't born in Target."
Michael screams angrily from the other room, "Thanks a lot for playing along Mom!"
Matthew:  "Looks like I wasn't born in Target, Michael!" 
Michael from the other room:  "Mom is lying.  You were born in Target."
Matthew:  "No!  I know I was born in Walmart just like you, Claire and Emily were!"

What lies are these kids telling each other?  Damien and I were able to witness the whole ordeal which was truly painful to Matthew but hilarious to us!  My sister Jill used to tease me that I was born in Hawaii because I always got so tan in the summer.  I remember being so offended.  Looking back, I should have said thank you!  I know Matthew will laugh this off in the near future, especially when he realizes that being born in Target is much much better than being born in Walmart!

Matthew's Five Year Old Favorites

Five year old quiz for Matthew!  I love seeing how his answers change from year to year!

Favorite Food: Thai Food (Pad Thai)
Favorite Drink: Coke
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite TV Show: Sponge Bob Square Pants
Favorite Movie: Indiana Jones
Favorite Vacation: Lake Chelan
Favorite Candy: Gum
Favorite Ice Cream: Bubble Gum
Favorite Disney Character: Captain Jack Sparrow
Favorite Book: Calvin and Hobbes
Favorite Song:  Shots by LMFAO
Favorite thing about Dad:  I love when he snuggles in my bed with me and plays soccer with me and Michael.
Favorite thing about Mom:  When she snuggles me and plays basketball with me.
Favorite thing about Michael:  When Michael plays soccer with me and Dad.
Favorite thing about Claire:  When she teaches me how to read using Bob books.
Favorite thing about Emily:  I love when she stops bugging me.
Favorite thing to say:  That's beast! (A quote Michael and his friends use)
Favorite thing about school:  Playing with Luke, Connor, and Yasmin.
Cheeseburger or Nuggets: Cheeseburger, because it's way cooler and gooder.
French fries or salad:  Salad because I like the lettuce.
If you could go one place in the world, where would you go: To the mall to get Legos.