Courage

I think this picture says it all!

Hold on tight cuz here we GO!

(Thanks Little Einsteins!)

So I think I'm going to start potty training Mason. He's starting to show interest and has gone on the potty a bunch for me the last few days. (I find that Halloween candy is working well as his bribe right now!) He seems to be getting it. I decided to try big boy underwear on him this afternoon and so far NO accidents. (Knock on WOOD!) So I keep thinking... I may as well just go for it! I went to the store and bought some more bribery this afternoon... Stickers, M&M's, and a couple of toys reserved ONLY for the potty. So far no poops on the potty (sorry for the TMI!) I think that's the only part I'm really worried about. He's the kind of kid that tends to hold that forever anyways.

Am I missing anything? Breathe. I think we can do this. Wish me luck!

I think I'm in Love

With these plates from Pottery Barn...

What's not to love??

• Their that perfect Orange I'm addicted to this season (love).
• I'm in love with the pattern on them.
• I think they would look perfect on my table this fall season!
• The only way I could love them more is if I could scrape up the $34.00 plus tax to make my little dream a reality!
  

Vote Yes on Proposition 8

I will be voting Yes on Prop. 8 on November 4th.

About Proposition 8

Proposition 8 is simple and straightforward. It contains the same 14 words that were previously approved in 2000 by over 61% of California voters: “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”

Because four activist judges in San Francisco wrongly overturned the people’s vote, we need to pass this measure as a constitutional amendment to restore the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman.

Voting YES on Proposition 8 does 3 simple things:

• It restores the definition of marriage to what the vast majority of California voters already approved and what Californians agree should be supported, not undermined.

• It overturns the outrageous decision of four activist Supreme Court judges who ignored the will of the people.

• It protects our children from being taught in public schools that “same-sex marriage” is the same as traditional marriage, and prevents other consequences to Californians who will be forced to not just be tolerant of gay lifestyles, but face mandatory compliance regardless of their personal beliefs.

This you tube video is the best, most simply worded video I've seen on the subject so far. It clearly explains what you are voting for and and pretty much sums it up for me on the matter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zbpDe_QhS0

For more details about Proposition 8 and why I support it, please see the below links:

www.protectmarriage.com and www.preservingmarriage.org

Family...

That's what it's all about! (Clap! Clap!)

We had a mini photo shoot the other night when we had our family party.

We just haven't done it in a long time and so I forced my guys to smile and we came up with these.

I find that I regret the times I didn't catch little moments on film. And I don't think I've ever looked back at pictures and say to myself... "gee.. I wish I hadn't taken THAT picture!"

There's just something about taking pictures that I can't get enough of!

This Last Week!

This last week we had the pleasure of hosting my cousin James, and his cute family at our house while they got to enjoy some of the popular Southern California attractions. They drove down from Canada making stops along the way and ending up here in Orange County. There were 7 of them total and when I told family and friends that they were coming they said,

"How many of them are there?" and "Are you crazy??"

... and I said "NOPE! I'm EXCITED!"

James & Janine have the most well behaved kids I have been around in a long time and it was a delight to have them here. Here are some pictures of common sites through out my house during their stay.

Children playing quietly.
(This is Sam & Olivia)

Or Coleman quietly listening to the adult conversation...

Here's Alex curled up on my couch with a book.

We were able to spend an entire day with them at Disneyland where I caught this picture of all the kids plus my Mom (who also counts for a kid too!)

They were all very excited to see the parade and it was fun to see it through their eyes.

My nephew Scott happened to be working the parade at Disneyland, so it was fun snap this picture of him in action.

While they were here, my side of the family also got together to visit and catch up.
Here's Dan & Maureen, My Mom, Kelli, Jeff, Brian, Shane & the back of Mason's head.


It was fun to see my brother Dan and James next to each other. They really do look like family, and I was able to snap a few pictures of them together.

Here's one more of the two of them talking to my mom in the kitchen.

And here's a picture of my sister Dianne with our cousin James.

And here's another fun picture of Scott as he was leaving for the night.

We had a wonderful visit with them and I was a bit sad to see them go.
Mason was also sad to see them go too. The next morning he woke up and ran from room to room saying "Where's MY kids??"


Sadly I didn't get a single picture of Jame's wonderful and funny wife, Janine. She kept me laughing the whole time and it was fun to have her.
I guess there will always be a next time!

You guys were wonderful and you're always welcome to come again!!
We miss you already!

100 vs. 1

Just wanted to share something funny!

Enjoy!

100 vs. 1

Happy Birthday My Love

I couldn't let this day go by with out recognizing the best thing that's ever happened to me.

Shane Dahl

Today is my wonderful husband's birthday.

It goes with out saying way to often how grateful I am to have this man in my life.

He works so very hard for our little family each and every day.

Thank you for all you do for us!

I hope you have a Happy Birthday!

I love you!

Tinker Bell

This is what happens when you leave a 5 year old little girl (Makayla) alone with her 3 year old brother (Noah) and his 2 year old cousin (Mason) in a playroom full of dresses while the parents are in the other room talking.

The one in yellow is the only female in this picture. If you look closely, Mason is still holding onto his manhood... he's got a tool in his hand.

I'm sure he was thinking 'Fine. I'll wear the dress if I have to, and even the stupid heals, but wearing a tiara is where I draw the line.. Oh, and I'm gonna hold onto this tool... just in case people start to wonder!'

I hope Mason doesn't hate me when he's older, but I just couldn't resist posting these pictures