Haircut

Cole has a new haircut. He decided to see what would happen if he stuck his Blow Pop bubble gum in the front of his hair..."just to hold it there." In my house there is not peanut butter or Dissolve It...but there are clippers.

BTW

By the way, along with Quin turning eight and being baptized, I also committed to making him a "comforter." A good friend of mine in Carlsbad (Natalie) did this for her daughter when she was baptized and I thought it was a great idea, so I followed her lead and made Quin his special eight year old blanket. He LOVES it.

You're It!!

This TAG was on my friend, Kasey's blog (great blog...check it out) and I thought that it would be fun...I'd love to be reading it on some of your blogs too.


I...

I am: a do-er. I don't sit around and wait for my life to happen. I do.
I think: my life is great.
I know: that my husband adores me.
I want: to go to the Redwood Forest...this year.
I have: too much yarn.
I wish: chocolate was 0 calories.
I hate: last minute freeway mergers...get over already!!
I miss: The Euro Cafe in Arizona
I fear: being trapped underwater.
I feel: a little sore (long walk in PV this a.m.)
I hear: Ratatouille on the DVD, Tim's music in the background.
I smell: my yummy WISH perfume by Lollia
I crave: Pinkberry...it's an addiction.
I search: for garage sales on Saturday mornings.
I wonder: if we will stay in LA for a while
I regret: most of my college boyfriends.
I love: Tim, Quin, Cole, Ewan and Duke
I care: about the people around me...and think about them a lot.
I always: floss...a lot...3 plus times per day.
I am not: afraid of heights or roller-coasters.
I believe: the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true.
I dance: with my kids, but rarely in public.
I sing: at the top of my lungs in my car, with my kids.
I dont always: answer people's phone calls...but I always call back.
I fight: rough and unfair...ask Tim...pinching on the underside of the arm is not fair play.
I write: poetry, blogs, children's book ideas, journal, lists galore...
I lose: my mind when I don't get a break from my kids.
I win: at Scrabble, quite often and at Boggle a lot.
I never: drank a drop, smoked or drugged.
I listen: to what people say and then surprise them with remembering that stuff.
I can usually be found: in the kitchen.
I am scared: of bugs.
I need: fresh fruit, boneless skinless chicken and dessert.
I am happy that: I live where I live, I have what I have, and I do what I do.
I tag: YOU!! Do it.

Crazy Eights

Now that company has returned home, I have a moment to sit down at my computer and tell you all about an important event that happened last week. Quin was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints by his dad on Saturday, July 5th. It was a really wonderful day for all, but especially for Quin. He chilled out in the morning, playing video games and munching, then got himself ready in church attire...white shirt, slacks and new shoes. All dressed up with somewhere to go, we packed up and were on our way to the church. Quin chose most of the program, including his favorite songs, "Called to Serve," and "I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ." His primary teacher gave a talk and we watched a great DVD, then the baptism and confirmation. Cole and I sang "When I am Baptized" and Quin's grandpa (my dad) gave a heartfelt, touching talk on the Holy Ghost. The Primary President gave him a welcome bag with a baptism book and his Faith in God booklet. Bishop welcomed him to the ward and we were ready for treats!! Quin chose cheesecake, rice crispy treats and big, fat Costco cupcakes. Quin knows what he wants. He knew exactly which goodies he wanted. He knew he wanted to be baptized. He knows he wants to go a mission. I'm so thankful for Quin...knowing what he wants.

Getting ready for the big event...combing that long, wavy hair.

Brothers and great friends, most of the time. Quin is a good example.

My sweet, kind, soft-hearted first son. Such a big day.

Don't forget the other two munchkins and Tim, ready to baptize his boy.

Dad and boys, Ewan is behind Cole and wouldn't come out.

The deed is done and it's time for Thai Orange Chicken!

Peace. Isn't that a fitting last photo. It was so true too. Peace.

Cookie Company

Deep breath in, deep breath out. For one week I have company. I'm in the thick of it right now. They came last Thursday and leave on Friday of this week. Three extra people to feed and entertain for one full week. I'm not good at this. I'm not good at company. I'm not good at people in my space for long amounts of time. I'm neurotic, as most of you know, and this is something that is so hard for me. Let me say that all three of them are helpful and understanding of my space and try really hard to make it pleasant and easy. I think what is most difficult for me, is that I lead a very fast paced life and throwing three old gramma's and papa's in the mix is like when you put the flour in the cookie dough and the mixer has to try really hard to keep it's speed. I am mixer. They are all-purpose flour. Be aware...I need them in my dough. Without them, I would be the yucky egg/sugar/vanilla/butter mush that doesn't taste all that delish. I need them in my life, but I really have to try hard to keep my speed. I know what your are thinking. "Turn it down, Karalea. Turn down the speed. Incorporate that flour a little slower into your dough." Well, mixers don't have an automatic turn down speed. Someone has to help turn it down...that someone is Tim. Tim is at work. So, I'm on my own...mixin' it up at medium-high speed, trying to get the flour incorporated. That's me right now...happy to be making cookies!

Life is Sweet

Life is sweet when you get to take a really fun day trip with a good friend up the California coastline to Ventura county beaches.

Life is sweet when you get to spend all day at the sandy beach, and in the salty ocean with a dear friend who you haven't seen in a LONG time.

Life is sweet when you are with those you adore!


Let me just say that I adore this girl. Jenna is her name, and if you have had the opportunity to know her, you'll know why she is so adorable. If you have not, let me tell you that you are missing out. She is the kind of person who makes you feel warm and fuzzy when she's around. She seriously makes you feel like you are the most important person in the world. Do you know someone like that? It is so priceless to have a friend like this. I wish everyone had one.