Christmas at Sea World

This is our fun little train ride from Newport Beach to San Diego.




Maddie had that magic look in her eye. It is the look that brings me complete joy as a mother.




The Shamu show was my favorite.




Maddie was so happy to be with her cousin Elena again.




Here is Aunt Juli with Ruby. Can someone tell those obnoxious people behind her that that scandalous behavior is inappropriate at a park for children! Geez.




And Maddie was lucky enough to go to Disneyland with her Aunt Juli. They ate more than enough churros and went on the Pirates ride SIX TIMES. Maddie was so tired after a day of fun that she fell asleep within 30 seconds of being back in the car. Here she is half asleep but having the time of her life.

A Tag

I am: losing my voice. My husband thinks it is a Christmas miracle.
I want: a robot vacuum that vacuums while I sleep.
I have: a beautiful little family that I love.
I dislike: how much junk mail I receive every single freaking day.
I miss: Evan.
I fear: the fact that I can't control or plan my life. Things happen unexpectedly.
I feel: my sore throat and cold toes.
I hear: the construction down the street and Maddie's cartoons.
I crave: a warm bowl of oatmeal and a warm slice of my homemade banana bread. I desperately need to go grocery shopping.
I usually: get giddy when I pick up Madster from school. It is the moment I most look forward to every day.
I search: for truth and wisdom and kindness wherever I can find it.
I wonder: if Maddie will still adore me in ten years, at the scary age of 14.
I regret: saying things when my emotions are fresh and strong. I have learned a lot of restraint in my 27 years!
I love: Josh's stability, similar sense of adventure, and sense of humor.
I care: deeply about other people's difficult trials. My own have taught me empathy, which can haunt me for days.
I always: wake up happy and ready to work and be efficient. It is a blessing.
I worry: about if we will ever have another child. Why does it have to be so difficult!?!?!
I remember: Christmases as a kid were so magical and happy. I love recreating that feeling for Maddie now.
I believe: in eternal families.
I sing: for Maddie every night when I put her to bed, after the bedtime story. I love this time with her.
I try not to: let what other people say bother me.
I don't always: look at the mail the day it comes. Sometimes it sits for days.
I argue: anything and everything, from both points of view. A gift for a future lawyer, but it exhausts my husband. :o)
I write: in my journal often, but not often enough. It is a joy to sit and think about what I want to write.
I win: at lots of card games and board games.
I lose: at every athletic sport or event. Apparently my competitive nature in games doesn't transfer over to athletics. I could care less. (Which is good, because I don't have any natural athletic ability.)
I wish: that I will have a new addition to our family by next Christmas, however that is meant to happen.
I listen: to everything everyone says. If I have any sliver of intelligence or wisdom, it is because I pay attention.
I don't understand: how computers or the internet work. I don't want to know either (I only have so much space in my brain), but I am grateful for it.
I can usually be found: at my desk right here. I love this space.
I forget: to call people and be social. I get distracted easily by living my own little life.
I am happy: Period.

Roll Over!!

Apparently, Maddie wanted one of the pretzels that Poppy Rick was giving to their dog as a treat for doing tricks. So when she asked for a pretzel, she had to do a trick too! (Luckily they caught it on tape for me to enjoy later!) I wonder if this parenting technique would have worked with potty training and bedtime?