I Love You Because...

Save Me, San Francisco

This weekend I'm enjoying a little girl time with 5 of my favorite women in the world!!! All the women on my side of the family decided to run away for the weekend for a few days of sight-seeing, crafting and catching up with each other. It's a much needed break for all of us and I can't wait to see what the city brings us. Happy weekend!

Kids Fashion.

In typical Ethan fashion... this is the 'pair' of shoes Ethan took with us on our trip to Kansas City. "One's Right, One's Left, MOM!" he says rolling his eyes.... of course.

and in typical Lorali fashion packed 5 different pairs of shoes for our 6 day trip. 

Traveling with Kids

This cute face makes my 12 hour drive go by so much faster.... Just sayin'.

That's the way things happen on The Polar Express!

This is the event that makes me happy to live in the South. Every year at this time I am homesick, I am missing family and I and struggling everyday with the fact that I don't live out west. Then I take my kids to a once in a lifetime memorable event that only exists here and I feeI better. Seriously, if you live anywhere in the South and have young kids this is one holiday event that you totally do NOT want to miss!! Last night Doug and I took the kids up to Bryson City, NC to see (according to Owen "The real-live Polar Express!". 

After a 2 hour drive and a quick change into new Christmas jammies we were ready to present our Golden tickets to the Conductor for punching . We were off in a vintage first class dining car ready for an adventure! 

The staff greeted the kids by grabbing them to dance and sing.

Then it was time for the all important Hot Chocolate!

and pastries... and marshmallow treats... and cookies. (Because apparently the kids needed to be even more hyped up for the ride!)

This is when the kids stopped even noticing the grown-ups and really did enter their own magical world. 

Or maybe it was the the grown-ups turned into kids themselves.

 And just when the kids were getting bored... the train ho-bo showed up! 

And the frost set in.

The stage was set for something very magical to happen. 

And someone very magical to meet. 

Do you Believe? 

We do!

If that doesn't get you in the Christmas mood nothing will!

 

*We took the kids to this back in 2007 and I have to say it was WAY better this year! The bells were better, the staff was better, the souvenirs were better.... and most importantly Santa was better. So kudos to GSMRR for up-ing an already amazing experience.*

 

Thankful Thoughts

Today I'm thankful for....

Lorali, who is changing and learning that she has more responsibility then her brother yet, is starting to step up and be a big help and a loving, considerate sister. 

My job. I love it, I love learning and keeping my creativity going. I love getting paid for something I'm so passionate about and I am super excited about the opportunities and ideas that we have planned for the future of the Tombow Blog.

A home that I am so emotionally tied to. Even though I'm frustrated that we haven't listed the house yet, or moved and I want to be house hunting, it's this house that I have loved, that We have worked on and that gives me a place to remember and treasure at every turn. I love tucking Lorali in and being reminded of how excited Doug was to have her born when he built her built in shelves. I love the arch in my bathroom that Doug surprised me with the first summer we lived here. I love the colors I've chosen and painted, I love the backyard we play so hard in, I love my garden and the lessons it's taught me. I love this house.

Owen. No matter how bad my day is, he cheers me up with his teasing and his giggles. He is the happiest boy ever and I can't imagine our lives without him. He is so loving and silly and he adores his big brother and sister. I'm thankful I get to spend so much time with him throughout the day and have him heal me with his kisses.

The phone, of my accurately My Mom. I'm thankful I get to talk to her and be so close to her, I'm thankful for her advice and her encouragement. I'm so happy my kids have their own relationship with her and that she nurtures that. I couldn't live without her and I'm thankful I realize that now. 

Teachers that love my kids and want the best for them. Ms. Lee, Ms. BeHanna and of course the amazing Ms. Stephens. They really do add so much to our lives. During one of the plays I saw in Cedar a few weeks ago, one of the teachers said, "You have reason to be afraid, When I'm done with them, they will be a little less yours and have a part of me in them." I love that and I'm okay with that because these teachers have so much to give and they are so good for my kids specifically.

Ethan. He works so hard to do things that come easily for so many other kids and he is just realizing that on a new level this fall. It's hard to see him go through it but, I love his strength and his determination, I love his resolve and tender heart and am thankful he keeps me on my toes and forces me to become a better parent, I hope someday he can forgive me for the mistakes I've made with him and the pressure I've put on him. 

My journals. THis past week Doug and I stayed up until 2am (stupid) reading an old journal of mine from the weeks we met and through the months that followed then ending with watching me fall in love with him through my writing. It was tender and cute and I am SOOO glad I have that. (Thank You Christine!)

Husbandface. Who not only works hard but keeps me laughing and humble and continues to make my heart skip a beat when he winks at me. 

Cooler Weather. We can actually be outside now! This next weeks menu is being completely revamped to allow for backyard eating and picnics at the park. 

Family Vacations. We're heading to Chad's down in Florida with my sister, April's family and Mom in October. It's going to be fun and a MUCH NEEDED BREAK!  

Utah Shakespearean Festival 2010

Day 1-
Drive down to Cedar City and check into the CUTEST pioneer cottage ever! I loved talking with Mom and Dad on the drive down, getting the update on the cabin plans and spending some very RARE individual time with them. (and I didn't even get car sick- go me!!)

39 Steps.... LOVED It. So Hilarious. Perfect corny-wallce-family-style one liners throughout the entire thing. Wish Doug could have seen it. So imaginative and well played. I thought the props were genius!

Dinner at The Garden House... they have a cranberry citrus poppyseed dressing that is worth the flight out just for that.

Orientation... and a fall. Mom fell pretty seriously on her ankle. Causing her so much pain she passed out a couple times. It scared Dad and I to death and thankfully, the staff took really good care of Mom and she was able to make it to the evening show. (ps. Don't ask what was in the bag, Mom told me I couldn't blog about it.)

Much Ado About Nothing.... Obviously one of my all time favorite plays. Costumes and hilarity were perfect and I love, LOVE the Adams theater. It adds so much to the experience. 

REACH Cabaret at The Grind- Best of the Best.... Mom and Dad didn't go to this, we were still worried about her foot and her staying conscious. 

Day 2- 
Seminars in the Pine Grove... not humidity. I love Utah! 

American Playwrights Making Waves.... This was a fun format and great to see the process of how it makes it to production. It certainly had a strong message about teachers and education that was endearing and I loved being able to see this with Dad sitting next to me. 

Actor's Luncheon... Lunch and Q & A with 3 featured actors from the shows. LOVED hearing about their personalities, families and how they got here.

Pride and Prejudice... I've read the book and seen every movie at least a dozen times but this one was different and I liked the Theatre format for it. I loved seeing how they condensed such a big story into a two hour production. The costumes were AMAZING.

Meet up with Em and Dinner... she came down after school on Friday and it was fun to finally see her and talk and tease and laugh with the 4 of us. (esp. after Mom's scare the night before, we needed it)

The Greenshow... so fun! I think it's this and the seminars that separate this event from any other theatre experience that I have ever been to. 

Macbeth in the Adams Theater... this was on a night with an almost full moon, dark clouds and a slight breeze- being in an outdoor theatre with such an ominous play on a night like that added a new layer to the storytelling. I loved this acting in this and the intensity. I really liked the storyline. I had only seen the movie of this so seeing it live made me like it 10x more.

Day 3- 
The only time we had 2 hours of free time all week. We walked down to The Grind for breakfast and then played on everyone's iPad's in the cottage for a few minutes. Dad read us girls a story- it was so cute. 

 

Actors Seminars.... Another element that I love, although by this point the same questions were being asked as in other seminars so it wasn't as informative as past ones. 

SUU Arts Festival on the Green.... Nice to walk around the booths, unexpectedly ran into Teri's parents.

Lunch at The Pastry Pub... I love hanging out with my family and I HATE that I don't get this more often. New commitment to myself. Come out once a year by myself for more weekends like this. 

Great Expectations. The Musical.... Again, another story that I love and was very familiar with but had never seen on stage. The Musical is actually new- it was the World Premier. The music was BEAUTIFUL (I want the soundtrack) and I loved the way they were able to get in such a big story into such a production like that. This one I'd want to see again. 

Dinner at the Garden House... oh fresh fish flown in from Hawaii with mango avocado chutney... oh so good. 

 The Merchant of Venice... My favorite of the Shakespeare plays this year. Amazing story, wonderful acting (of course) and again, set in The Adams theatre, which I loved. It was a cooler night and while all the locals appreciated it, I froze my tooshie off, even though I was bundled in a new blanket I bought in the gift shop. Still loved the play though. 

 

THANK YOU MOM AND DAD!! Thank you for inviting me, Thank You for being there for me, Thank You for your company and generosity and spoiling. I LOVED IT ALL. I had so much fun and it's a weekend I will always treasure. I miss you already. xoxox. 

  

Grandma and Grandpa visit

Monday morning. I usually love Monday mornings but this one came too quick. Last week was wonderful and I found myself wishing every hour for it never to end. A little 3 day vacation from the ordinary was just what I needed to realize that I have a pretty darn good life. *insert reader shock and awe here* Yeah, I said it, which means that I will quickly get a healthy dose of reality soon but it's true, last week was wonderful. Monday I worked all day getting things ready to be away from the office the rest of the week. Chad came over to see us Monday night and it was fun to catch up with him. Tuesday I cleaned all day getting things ready for Mom and Dad to come. Doug was super helpful, he was supportive and even excited for their visit. I loved the relaxing atmosphere in our home. We had cleared our schedules and we enjoyed the slower pace. Mom and Dad got in late Tuesday night, Wednesday they came to Ethan's portfolio preview at school (he loved that!) and then they came with us to Therapy (I bet it was just the way they wanted to spend their vacay! ha!) Then Wednesday night I got a sitter and the celebrating began! 

Mom and Dad took me out to my favorite restaurant, Blue Ridge Grill and since my big brother Chad was in town, we got to meet up with him there! It was wonderful. not much beats the food but, the company did! I haven't spent a birthday with both my parents in 9 years so it was certainly a treat. They got my an AppleTV, which I LOVE and spoiled both me and my kids with attention. Nothing could have made the day better. 

Thursday Ethan went to school and we just spent the day hanging out at home. We played outside, had a picnic, set-up my AppleTV and played with Dad's new iPad (I'm totally getting one.... SOON!). Mom helped me with my Christmas quilt and the kids climbed all over them all day. I think their cheeks were sore from smiling and laughing so much.

Friday we went to Atlanta History Center. We have a membership there this year and Ethan loves museums so it was a win-win location. We walked around the grounds, we saw the farm and exhibits and then met up with Chad at The Cheesecake Factory afterwards. The kids were worn out but it was fun to spend the day together.

Saturday was the big day. We spent the morning playing at home then we went to Stone Mountain with Chad. It's always a hit but we got to see so much more then we usually do. The kids loved the Great Barn and train ride, I had never seen the Plantation House, no one had ever ridden the Ducks and this year's Laser show is the best I've ever seen. The kids were more then exhausted but, it was worth it. Dad had never been there and thankfully, he had a great time. Unfortunately their trip came to an end too quickly and they left for the airport early Sunday morning. I'm so lucky to have gotten to spend that time with them and lucky to see them work on relationships with my kids. It really was a relaxing, happy week. 

Now back to reality. Back to deadlines, dirty laundry and the backlog of work around the house. Morning morning full stream ahead! 

Callie Tate

Last week the kids and I finished reading The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate.  I was sad it was over because I have loved reading it to them. This is such a cute story. At the end of it the main character gives a list of things she'd like to do before she dies... As soon as we were done reading for the night Ethan started sharing his list... 

Ethan-before I die I want to....

... go scuba diving and see fish and whales around the world. (Kerstin, I'll be shipping him to you for the summer as soon as he's old enough!) 

... learn how waterfalls are made.

... learn sign language and maybe other languages too.

Then Lorali got in on the action.

Lorali- before I die I want to...

... go to DisneyWorld. (The TinkerBell and Princess part this time.)

... go to Waterton, lots and lots.

... be a school teacher.

Cute Cousins

Downtown Disney

Sensory overload + whiney sister + crowds of people + new place + thunder storms = bad day. 

Sensory overload + whiney sister + crowds of people + new place + thunder storms + LEGO world? = now THAT'S a GREAT day!