Salt on the Magpie's Tale

My love of fairy tales traces back to the day when I'd sleep over at my Aunt Christel's house and under her 80's ruffled canopy bed she'd read me Fairy tales. The Hans Christian Anderson and Brothers Grimm variety. I lay there imagining the three dogs with eyes the size of saucers, bowls, and plates from the story of the Tinderbox. I'd grip the sheets and curl my toes when we'd read the Snow Queen.

What feeds my fairy tale tooth is being a day dreamer since birth (3 report cards in my posession say "Katherine is a daydreamer"). I enjoy being transported to a different time, a fanciful place, and meeting quirky, whimsical characters.

So when I went into the Library with the intent of grabbing only 1 book for myself, I really shouldn't have been surprised to pick up "Swedish Fairy Tales--illustrated by John Bauer".
Tucked into the bottom shelf was this gem. It seemed a little obscure and in need of someone to find it. I read all the stories to my little girls and in their faces I saw my own: holding onto their covers, listening intently as the story of trolls and princesses danced in their heads. It was wonderful.

From England to Maryland; To Home and Back

When I was a teenager I went to Hinxton, England to spend the summer with my very good friend Anna. There I met Anna's cousin Alix. At first I didn't like Alix, I felt like he was making fun of me all the time. And well looking back he was. I was naive, sensitive, and some might say horribly simple minded. I guess growing up in Missouri no one really cares if your simple minded. Simplicity is a mark of a good life--no complications, low stress, easy going. That is me through and through.

I remember going to bed the day after I met Alix, so upset that he thought I was "naive" and then it occurred to me that he was right I was simple--so what! After coming to this conclusion I had a blissful rest and the next morning something miraculous happened. I threw out all my doubts about myself--I wasn't timid, I didn't care what he thought of me and I was 100% Bucky. It felt sooo good!

When the three of us went for a walk I had a good time watching Anna push Alix in the river for being so cheeky to us--hehehe...sweet revenge. Which after a while turned into three geeky kids making fun of one another-- splashing each other and having a glorious time. That night Alix again flat out said "You are such a simpleton"--"Ha!" I thought. I just smiled and sang the old Quaker line "Tis the gift to be simple, tis the gift to be free". And freeing it was! I was no longer chained to the fear that I might not be "cool" in the eyes of another. I was me and i didn't care if he didn't like it. Although I think he secretly liked my simple, carefree ways. And after that night everything was great. At our parting he even said ***insert uppity English voice****"You do realize we will never see each other again?"

"Yup." I responded in all my simpleness and I gave him a hug and we took a picture and true to his words I have never seen that kid again.

Except for right now in my thoughts. I've thought about that experience again. Because is many ways living in Maryland has been my Alix.

Maryland for those who have grown up here is an amazing place with sooo many wonderful opportunities to be "somebody". They have the best schools, people want to be the best, successful people are the hallmark of this lifestyle. I have painfully struggled to find my "place" here among the land of over achievers. Lost between success and complete failure I was stuck in the same place I found my self years ago, sleepless-in Hinxton-worrying about what somebody thought of me.

I have battered myself up inside and out for not being, looking, and acting as I feel perhaps I should. For better or worse living on the East Coast has changed me in many ways but that feeling of trying to overcome my simpleness has loomed over me for the past 5 years.

Until this summer. When Derek and I went out on a limb and traveled west to work, reconnect, and have fun. Slowly my healing took place.

First in Missouri where I was encircled by my family. Of which I must say the old saying is true, apples really don't fall far from the tree. I saw my Grandpa, Dad, Aunts and Uncles and cousins in such different ways than before. I believe for the first time in my life, I saw them for who they really are, people of integrity, kindness, and charity. It felt great to have my Aunts sit and talk with me and my children as if no time had passed. My Uncles teasing my kids and me just like in the old days. They came in and swept out the cobwebs of insecurity and magically gifted me my confidence back.

I saw in my Aunts women who take their divine calling of Motherhood seriously and through their example and the example of their children all my fears I've had for myself were washed away. I'm a mother and that IS something. It isn't easy, it isn't the easy route. It's challenging and it's challenging turning that complexity into simplicity. And yet I watched my family doing it with the greatest of ease, so I knew it was in me too. Isn't family a wonderful blessing!

So much more happened in Arizona. There I spent time being a big sister to my brothers and a daughter again as I lived in my Dad's house.

How I loved waking up watching Tommy run to my Dad and ask for a tractor ride and my Dad true to form, patiently allowing Tommy the indulgence of tractor ride after tractor ride. Though Dad had corn fields and tomatoes a plenty keeping him busy. It was nice getting to know my Step Mom who also was wonderfully patient and kind to us.

Then there was being a big sister again. How nice it was to teach my brother Flint how to swim during special olympics, to let Ethan drive us around town and have dance offs. How superb was it to be with Adriane again in her trailer in the Arizona Hillz---glamorous I tell you :)

Little by little all my fears started to slide off me and soon I felt whole again, level headed, and cognizant of who I am and where I stand. Gosh darn it I was ready to face my Alix again!

Tally-ho, take me home, let me vanquish my fears and conquer those foes who do not like my barefeet and shirtless babies, my stained shirts and my dirty car.

Bring it on cause I got game now---boo ya!

Anyways the first week back brought many challenges, but strangely I've felt like smiling the whole time. Will I soon be back to my carefree simple self? Will I feel comfortable being a simpleton? I may never see Alix again but as far as Maryland is concerned, I think we may be friends after all.

Family Reunion! Missourah Part 2

*Photos by Michelle Wilkins Guerra
The Family Reunion began at the Willard, Mo. Independence Day Parade. Flint loves parades and I think this picture by Michelle captures the moment beautifully. We were able to reconnect with our extended Lavard Wilkins cousins this night. It's crazy to see all the cousins my age with their own little children running around, it was crazy yet comforting to know that I am in the same place in life as so many in my family.

The Darwin and Rosalie Wilkins Reunion started off with a bang! We feasted upon fireworks the whole time we were there. For my children it brought out their inner pyro. I laughed so hard watching them blow up bottle rockets, roman candles, and many other mystery fireworks that one can only obtain in a state like Missourah.

I love this picture of Tommy and I. He is being the clingy koala bear that he always is. Uncle Roy's Farm really brought out his true colors though. He spent most of his time on the four wheelers, tractor, and in the back of the pick up truck. If not doing that then he was busy following Royce, Cody, Dallin, Ethan, and Mitchell around. I've never seen him so content hardly any whining yeah!

*Photos by Sheena Riesner and Shannon Holm thanks for capturing the funny bits!
Talent night was like the Gong show meets America's got talent. Many wonderful talents shared as well as many funny ones. Ethan, Kyra and the crew entertained us with a very lively lip syncing routine to "Don't stop believing". Ethan went for an awesome air guitar solo and totally got the worst rug burn I've ever seen. However the air guitar solo was magnifique--well done Ethan!
The girls and I doing a little Tahitian. Tommy even joined in on the action! Shakey, shakey, shakey!

After the talent show the kids stayed up past midnight playing basketball and capture the flag and who knows what else. They really loved it!

Wilkins golf tournament 2010 did not disappoint. Aunt Becky brought her "A" game. Apparently so did I. Who knew I could golf? Who knew mowed lawn in a cow field makes a great golf green? Who knew Ethan names all his golf clubs Geraldo? Who knew Kelsie has a killer swing (if you don't believe me ask Ethan he had the black bruise to prove it)?

Cliff diving at Stockton Lake was soooooooo fun! I can't do it justice. I was a wimp and went off one half this size. But the kids were crazy and went off this one. Those dare devils!


We had the most wonderful Devotionals each night. I feel like we all got to reconnect with one another and realize that there are so many people who love us and wish us well in this life. How wonderful for my children to know that so many people care for them! It buoys me up and helps me remember who I am! Thanks family! I love you!

Smith Summer Adventure--Missourah part 1

I can't believe the summer is almost over! Time flies when you're having fun and awesome stuff like that.
Our little summer adventure started in Missourah.

Land of my youth, home of my homiez, and food that I love.Land of my youth:

Spending time at Adventure Oasis in Independence.
When did Independence get cool? Maybe it's not and maybe people there think this place is LAME, but I was loving it. Think water park meets city pool, except that when you people watch at this Missourah pool you shall NOT be disappointed. How I WISH I brought my camera to the pool.

Then I could have documented the classic Independence Missourah Mullet.--spikey on top and really long in back--we're talking Jan Brady long in back. I knew that 80's style is back in fashion but over 10 guys had this do, what's up with that? Ah nostalgia, gotta love it.

Paddle boating at Lake Jacomo.
Good times. We almost lost some children on that trip. Too much fun feeding the ducks. Which apparently is illegal or something. Also we were graced by a water snake upon boarding our paddle boats. There was a little freak out going on over that. We got over it thankfully.

Home of my Homiez.

Spending quality time with these nuttiez and also fellow nutcases Denny, Luke, and Flint.


Mom had everything ready for us when we got there--comfy bed, good food. Thanks Mom!
Ethan and I cleaned out her garage. We got out all of our pre-summer-season inner turmoil by cleaning the garage. Lots of aggression taken out on Abel's car parts, good thing he's on his mission or all that junk would still be there--hehehe, boy is he gonna be mad at us when he gets home--oh well. It needed to be done.
In one of his car parts boxes that he got from some other car fanatic we found a dead rat. Here's the kicker it was a Ginger Rat--yikes! I freaked out, Ethan had to prove that at 16 he's a real man by discarding of the petrified rodent (it was as long as a forearm and completely petrified!). Glad to report Ethan passed that manhood test.

Food that I love:

We went to my two favorite places in KC.

Rosedale's BBQ, YUMMY!

and the Farmer's Market.

It was blistering hot that day so we bought the kids some bubble tea, which was soooo good. We missed getting there early so it was a little crowded, but I always enjoy trying out new yummies the Amish people bring to the market. I love their cute German accents and the little boys dressed like Fritz from Sound of Music.

Our stay with Mom was pretty short, but we enjoyed ourselves.
Next installment.......The Reunion!

This one's for Adri--Congratulations Graduate!!! MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS | HOLLYWOOD (ACOUSTIC)

And I by no means am saying this song has any underlying meaning. Just cool dats all. :)

“A leader leads by example, whether She intends to or not.”

I'm changing my lens. Honing in on the principles of life rather than the gravity of it.

Taking responsibility for who I am and what I stand for.

I might be gregarious, funny, frumpy, charming, dimwitted but I'll claim it.

It's just that, for the sake of science I'm wondering what effect it might be having on my offspring.

I mean "supposedly" I'm the captain of this ship we call home, you know supposed to be leading by example and all that jazz. My hope is that the piles of clothes my kids leave laying around the house isn't somehow connected to the pile of unfolded laundry in my baby's crib. I have a crazy feeling it might be.

By the looks of it my little experiment might answer a lot of questions about my parenting skills.

Is it sad that there are more pictures like these than "normal" ones? I guess apples really don't fall far from the tree.

Craptastic October

What made October so craptastic you ask? Well I shall tell you:

1. Tommy has a touch of the Houdini hands. He has somehow lost-

my cell phone, my wallet, and pretty much the contents of my everyday life.

2. Apparently I have a knack for self induced stress as I, after replacing everything somehow lost it all again. Crappy? Yes I know.

3. I had a little car accident. NOthing major but Derek now refers to my sweet ride as a smashed-up-looking-ghetto-car. Life is Saaweet :P

4. Got ripped off by the car place fixing my car. Why didn't I just go to my mechanic I trust! Why?! Stop the INSANITY!

5. We all got the flu simutaneously with records lost and cars getting smashed. That was a feverish, congested, mad chills kind of crappy I tell you!

6. I forgot to pick up my kids at school when I had no car and no stroller. I felt AWFUL--Worst Mother on the face of the planet kind of awful!

Oh on a not crappy at all side note Derek's sister Emma was married in the month of October --that was fabulous. However when I was renewing my TR, I was asked if the time frame from which I needed to renew it was for my OWN child's wedding?! Huh, what?! What rainbow did I just get barfed out of? I feel like I've been totally living in Bizzaro land. No ruby slippers to take me back to Kansas! Serenity NOW!

*OK after writing my little cry fest I just read this post from nienie and I realize I'm a tad bit whiny--sorry folks. Lesson learned--cry fest over I'm an adult and can handle my silly little frustrations.

nienie's awesome post!

Birthday Rundown

Friday was my Birthday. I should've known that special days have a tendency to start off rocky. So I should've seen the Friday morning breakdown coming. S was having trouble with homework which she failed to mention was still unfinished and then refused to go to school with out it done.

After tears, howling, and moaning I made the executive decision to save my sanity and Birthday and let the kids play hooky with me and do some fun B-day stuff. Rundown:
9 am-end of melt down/executive decision made
12 pm-finished chores and head out for the day
1 pm-Dad called to send B-day wishes thanks Dad:) We got to the mall, ate yummy mall food, rode the carousel, and let the kids play at the kiddie area (even though the mall Moms made disgusted faces at my "too old" kids playing in the kiddie area)--I just stared them down and let my kids play, my kids are harmless and very gentle with the toddlers, so I wasn't afraid. By the time I left the Mall Moms didn't seem to notice my gigantic kids playing on the plastic fruit.
3pm-head to Costco pick up dinner for kids and some pictures
cross the street to Trader Joes for my birthday pie (strawberry rhubarb-yum!) and B-day flowers.
4pm-get home and clean it up before Grandma, Auntie Emms and Auntie Hanners arrive.
5:30pm-the MOST fantastic dinner I've ever had at the Catonsville Gourmet.

where deliciousness is made mmmm....

7pm-home and take the kiddos and Grandma and Aunties to an outdoor interactive Sound of Music showing at the creepy, yet cool Patapsco Female Institute.
We won door prizes, had free movie treats, and got to see people dressed up in lederhosen and habits. It was fantastic, I forget how much I enjoy that movie.

10pm-talk to brother Carlito for an overdue Big Bro conversation.
then listened to Adri on voice mail sing me Happy B-day and Mom's B-day message!--Love ya!
So in the end, after all the drama this B-day was pretty darn good.

On Getting Things Done

*Sir Cries a lot getting into things he shouldn't

Some things in life can wait--dishes, home projects, cleaning the car.
Some things in life can not--holding and rocking a cranky son all day. Being there for my children when they come home from school. Chatting with Derek when he comes home from work. Cooking, cleaning the same messes over and over again, making school lunches and hearing chatty kids all day long.

Even with the tediousness of chatty, loud kids I still find myself wishing there were more hours in my day, week, year.

A little voice in my head keeps reminding me that those things will soon fade away and I will be left with me--the me I crave all the time.

They will grow and I will get old and laugh at this "over burdened" phase of life, sigh and wish to have it back again.



Conclusion? Enjoy it while it lasts.

Here Comes the Sun

Here is Derek's Little Sister Emma. Isn't she beautiful? And Aren't I lucky that she agreed to model some vintage dresses for me?




The sun was amazing. But then again Emma is like a tall glass of perfect sunshine, so I guess it was a match made in vintage/perfect light Heaven.

I'll be selling my vintage dresses on Etsy (So keep your eyes on the lookout for Sitchbird). Each outfit is as gorgeous and timeless as is Emma and Sunshine.

Sun-soaked and Sand-blasted

Taking a camping vacation to Assateague Island was wonderful. We enjoyed camping just a short distance from the beach.

The girls all woke up early to watch the sun come up over the pounding waves.

T-boy enjoyed the beach and had so much sand covering him all the time that I gave in and let him roll in the sand to his hearts content.

The hurricanes provided for some pretty awesome waves. The likes of which I have never seen before. I thought the girls were going to get swept away. But of course they are part jelly-fish and kept popping up. Me on the other had miscalculated the waves and basically belly flopped on the scratchy sand.

The bathrooms in Ocean City are pretty lame. The ONE bathroom said "no changing allowed" of course I had the girls break the rules to change--L and X were totally fine with it, but S held to her guns and refused to break the "law", so she swam red-neck style a la t-shirt and cut off jeans.

We took a little cruise to Assateague and saw all the ships that pick up oysters and fish. The breeze on the boat was nice, T-boy and Daddy enjoyed themselves.

And we all came home a little crazied out from the sun and sand. I have video proof.

Dancing Revival

Dear Adri,

I am in a funk. Things to do, but no one to dance with whilst I do my daily duties.

Laundry isn't fun anymore (uh, when was it ever fun actually), vaccuming is a bore, and cooking--let's not speak of it. My kids have lost their desire to be my spazoid-clean-the-house dance partner. Why do they have to grow up and be so glum?. Why do I have to be so glum? where's Adri in her "Booty Queen" sweat pants when I need her?

I need Mr. Lagaan or Gauri to pump me up. The rain ain't coming and I am seriously in need of a down pour (of inspirational-to-do-power that is).

A birdy by the name of Mom said you were driving out to Mo. Lucky!

So if I plan a trip in September to the Az. Hillz are you still willing to show me around Jerome? I think I need to add a little water to my well, so to speak.

Luv ya!

Bucky

Sending Birthday Love! Happy Birthday Abel, Adriane, Mom, and Carl!

Here is a little tribute to all the family that have B-days in May. Love you guys.

Dear Carlito,
Did you know you are the BEST big brother in the whole wide world? I don't think you do, that's why I need to tell you. There are many fond memories of my life growing up with you, we are so close in age I don't remember a time with out you being there. Riding bikes at high speeds down our hill on Pleasant Street, going out trick or treating together, blowing things up on the 4th of July, swimming in our back yard pool, working at the store, driving to seminary (at awesomely top speeds I might add). I don't remember you ever being mean to me, only watchful and making sure I was ok. Your family is so lucky to have a husband/Dad like you. You are a One in a Million type of fellow. I wish we were able to live close to each other and celebrate special days like today together. I hope you have a TERRIFIC B-DAY! Thanks again bro. you're the BEST and I love you lots!

Dear Mumzie,
Just recently I have hit my limit on how much I think I can take on in life. I have almost buckled under the pressure and it stinks. Then I remember all the times that even though you had tremendous life pressure you still cooked and cleaned and took me to Ballet and violin schtuff. You sewed me dresses and encouraged me (and my granola girl self) to wear make up and be feminine. You even put together our elementary school year book a year or two (before there were home computers and PhotoShop!=crazy!) and taught me, Christina and Kim a dance routine to that Jet's song. How did you manage everything you did and still wake up looking happy and young and vibrant? Looks aside, you have climbed many mountains, many of which I have watched you do and I am greatful for your fortitude and endurance and your "keep on trucking" attitude. I need a little more of that determination I think.
Love you!


Dear Yo Adriane!
How has it been living in the glamorous Arizona Hillz? Why don't they make a show about that? I know I would watch that! Retro trailers, dirt roads, Smokey the Bear conferences--forget all those fashion mumbojumbo jobs--give me a real woman! And you my dear Adri are a real woman--I think since you were a little girl. You have always been an old soul (not to get confused with being old--you will always be young at heart). You are a listener, a get things done-er, and a no-nonsense gal. You are the only person I know who can move a whole house using a Geo Metro or was it the Neon? Thanks for coming out to help me with three of my four children and carrying my load at times. Thanks for listening to me being pathetic and annoying. Thanks for being a sweet little sister (who I feel like is WAY more mature than I am). You are one of a kind, who has lived a one of a kind life--and came out strong and able to tell about it I might add (need I remind you of the crazy dog from Ruskin?!). Love you always!

Dear Elder Abel,

I know you won't be able to read this for a couple of years but I'll write a tribute anyway. First off do you remember being a HORRIBLE little kid? Now I know you didn't mean to be horrible and granted I was a teenager and not a respector of little kids and their growing up, but you did pick my lock to my room at age 5 or 6 with a steak knife and when I tried to grab the knife from you, it did sort of slice my hand open and you did hit me quite a few times (at the age of 5 or 6 again) and well I guess I did yell at you and tell you to shut up too many times (so maybe those kid slaps were well deserved). However somehow you out grew all of the little kid-tormentor-ness and turned out to be a FINE young man. So fine that I think you may be the best Missionary out in the field-granted I am a little biased. However you are strong and diligent and have gone through more obstacles in life than I have gone through in a life time(I have one word for you MICE!). Yet you still made sure your little brothers were saying their prayers and going to church. You still taught them the fine art of listening to you (minus the slapping--see you are better than me still). And lastly you did let me eat an apple in your Jetta (because I had BAD morning sickness)--thank you again for that. My prayer is that the Lord blesses you continually and that you keep working hard to be the best you can be. Love you.

Now we all can't get together and have Cake and Spaghetti however I do have a little treat. If your B-day ever get's you down remember don't ever give up. To remember this principle here is a video that will CEMENT it in your mind forever!

muahahahaha!

Leah's Baptism

We had a beautiful baptism today. Precious little Leah has waited so long for today to come. It is almost two months since she turned 8, but Derek was not able to walk back then, so it all works out that we waited this long.

I wish I could say that all that extra time helped us to be even more prepared for today, but I was calling family last minute to tell them the time and place and asking them to speak and I even had to play piano --and no I don't play piano--it was piano minus the bass.

I was feeling like a pretty lousy parent last night whilst I tried to put together the program. I already knew I was being a complete cheese-ball and by calling people last minute for one of the most special events in my daughters life. Thankfully I came across someone's video they made for teaching the principle of baptism. The song was so pretty, it's called "When Heaven Looks Down on You". So at around midnight last night I decided magnify my "Mommy" calling a little and put a little more effort into my daughter's special day, ahem I stayed up till two trying to splice this video together. Derek put the finishing touches on it (because I completely useless with computers and didn't know our photos were on our external hard drive-so that is what that thing is...hmmm).

I think Leah felt special watching the video and I know the children in attendance enjoyed it as well as our family and friends. The true blessing for me was watching our life captured in pictures and realizing all of the simple pleasures my children and Derek and I have shared over the past years. I had a little remembrance of what was so important in my life and I have to admit I was teary eyed as I tried to put pictures to music. Here it is and we are so proud of our sweet little "perfect" girl.

Gift A Friend

One of the greatest gifts I have been given in life is having Flint as my brother. He is an amazing guy with an extraordinary countenance. His graduation was THE BEST high school graduation I have ever attended. There were six graduates and each one was so happy to be sitting in front of the crowd. The underclassmen chosen to speak gave such pure, heart warming speeches that it was like being surrounded by angels. I tried to give Flint many gifts while I was in KC, but I think the greatest gift given to him was that kiss and all the love our family and his friends poured down on him that day. ***On a side note--I didn't even realize Adri and I are totally matching with the black and white. I think us girls in the family are "wardrobe-color-challenged", don't you think Adri? (Black and white sums up my wardrobe, how about yours?)

Uncle Henry

Some where in the spirit realm my Uncle Henry is sporting this jovial, humor. Making other spirits laugh, no doubt. Uncle Henry recently died from complications due to his diabetes. I heard that even to the day before he died he was still crackin' jokes, "Uncle Henny" style.

Aunt Maria emailed me a lot of pictures and this one was included (thanks Maria!). I've never seen it before but it is the one picture that captures the essence of Uncle Henry. Though he was closing in on 50 when he died, this spirited-funny child was always a part of him, even through his really dark, troubling period in his life.

He was the mastermind of one liners, snarky to unbeknownst passersby (his observations bordered on politically incorrect--but were usually dead on), and he ALWAYS cheated in chess (I don't care how many times he denied it, he cheated at Uno too). But I think I'd have another chess match with him any day of the week--and I'd still leave to get him an extra serving of potato salad, so he could move my pawns and take my Queen, because ultimately I loved that Big Guy.

Best Video I've Seen in a Long Time

I've had dreams where I'm at church and there's no water but everyone is swimming through hallways, and in the gym. This video reminds me of that. It's as beautiful as a dance. Love it.

Things I Never Posted Part III

I love Christmas time in Washington D.C. I was a little sad to not be so close to the temple this year (as we have moved to the Baltimore metro area). However Derek surprised my by signing us up to be Mary and Joseph at the DC Visitor Center. It was a fun experience, very spiritual. The story meant a whole lot more to me when I was on stage reenacting the nativity. On a side note, Derek had the weirdest fake beard and mustache combo. When our kids came to see us we heard them laughing hysterically blurting out loudly, "Look at Dad's fake beard---ah,hahaha!".

Random Things I Never Posted Part II

Sometimes I ask myself what planet did L come from? Not because I don't love her, but because she seriously thinks and operates on such a different plane. I think she takes after me in that respect. She's a daydreamer, a comedian, a little strange and totally loveable.

Note the song---it's probably the weirdest country song there is, hence we like it. Plus I've always wanted to play fiddle like that. Perhaps with that fancy, fast hand movement L will be a fiddle player too someday.

This was filmed secretly by L on a trip home after a day spent at the aquarium with her Daddy and sisters, about a week after I had Tommy. We recently just found it, sooo funny.

Random Things I Never Posted

See where Sophie is standing? Well that could've been me, except I was about to deliver Tommy, therefore I "realistically" couldn't go to Hawaii. Originally, the plan was that Mom and I were going to go. Then I got preggers so Mom was going to go with her friend Nive. Then I suggested taking Sophie in my place. Then Mom decided to take Denny and Luke and well long story short she ended up taking ALL the kids (except my older brother Carl and I, remember me iz/waz preggers).

Believe me the Hawaii trip was no easy production. There were kids flying in from Arizona, there were two day lay overs in Oakland, there were trips to Napa Valley, there were little kids sneaking away to Pounders (Sophie and Denny, with Adri) behind Mom's back (she didn't want the little kids to go there--waves too wild), there were eggs and omletes a plenty, there were $1 mangos, there were mega discount PCC tickets, there was getting lost trying to find Elizabeth's house a plenty, there were sea turtles and harpooning (fish, not the sea turtles), and family--oh the family that was to be introduced and reintroduced. So here is the proof, that the stories were true and that they were indeed in sunny Hawaii. Gee whiz I've never seen so much squinting in my life. Makes me squint too.

Now my kids (L and X) both are planning out their "Grandma" trips to sunny Hawaii. So big Hawaii production part deux is in the works, tentatively for early 2010. Right now the whole fam is supposed to go. We'll cross our fingers and save some mega $$ and see what materializes. Who knows I might be preggars---ha,ha,ha,ha,ha (nervous laughing), jk--i hope.