The Super Hero Hidden within Clark.

If I were to plan my perfect birthday, it would go something like this: I would set my alarm for VERY EARLY in the morning.  Dress in warm-ish gym clothes.  Step out into the crisp cool Fall air.  Gather in a crowd of thousands of seriously trained athletes and then... Run more than 13 miles.  (after I was Luc Luc Lucky enough to PAY for the privilege.)  All before 10:00am.

Sounds Puurrrrfect!! Almost Dreamy.

Now seriously, that is not even on the same planet (universe) of my perfect birthday... but it was exactly what Clark wanted for his day.

Clark is a bit of a mystery... sorta un-sunshiney on his crusty outside.  But when you have the opportunity to crack his self-grown shell.. he is actually kinda gooey, sweet and giggly on the inside.  Clark is love-struck, loyal and always up for a great time.  He's an attentive and devoted father, totally livin the dream with his awesomely successful children and beautiful wife. 

 

Clark- with his SuPer HaPPy SmiLe!!

 

Happy Birthday, Clark!

Thanks for all the 'Good Times' and many more to come.  For your birthday... I wish you More of The Same.  Your life is already so great, I just want you to have so much more of it!

Despite your gruff exterior: I actually consider you to be one of the happiest men.. because you know exactly what you have. Continue to chase after life... the run looks good on you.

But maybe... read a few less political books this year... maybe try a couple more fictional feel-good books! Just an idea.

Check. I've seen a Cardinal.

My Dad's birthday is coming up and buying gifts for him is notoriously awful.  This afternoon, I Googled "Gift Ideas for Bird Watchers".

I trolled several Bird Watching blogs.

Scanned a few Yahoo question sites for Birders buying for family members. I Amazoned book ideas...

After awhile, I reached this final thought:

 

Long as I live...
I will Never. Ever.
Get those lost minutes back to myself.

What's the only thing worse than Bird Watching??
Answer: Reading blogs about Bird Watching.
Painful.

Dear Sons of Anarchy

I think I'm gonna have to quit you.

I'm not sure how.

But you are totally out of control.

I was already on the fence after the first episode of the season. Last night, got ridiculous.

I used to watch television for entertainment.  Now we watch as a couple, taking notes on how to survive an electric blackout, alien invasion or the world falling to zombies. (we are convinced any scenario would beat me and Tink within a week..)

And thanks to Sons (the recent previews for the new American Horror Story) and heck... even Parenthood... I am currently watching TV with covered eyes and a twisted nervous stomach.

I mean, come on Sons!! Draw a line.

 

 

Silver Lining:

Do you think Opie's real-life wife, in the real world, was secretly thrilled because now her husband can finally shave his face and cut his nappy hair??

 

Two questions.

A.) Am I the only person who covered her eyes like a 5 yr old last night, while her husband repeated Don't Look! Then, am I the only person who did not listen and looked just when I should not have??

 

B.) Are we the only couple watching current TV shows while making survival plans?? ie.. discussing buying a new fireplace and stock piling food/water...

Bondi Beach

If I were to write a travel piece on the beauty of the Australian Bondi Beach... it would be a piece of (birthday) cake. (though... I've never actually visited) but have been blessed enough to bask in the blond sunshine of our personal Bondi Beach.

Description: A bright pop of color, sparkly, full of shine, fresh, pristine, friendly and inviting.

That is our beach Bondi, for sure.

5 years ago, we were lucky enough to spend our Parade Party celebrating your birthday!  How adorable was your sweet little face?

Purple icing and all....

 

5 years later, you are equally as adorable.  Maybe a little taller... your hair is a little longer and your lip a little less iced.. but just as adorable!

 

 

But you are NOT just another pretty face.  One of my sweetest Aunt moments to date??  Receiving my personal copy of your Paris report in the mail because you remembered I've dreamt of traveling to France.  So thoughtful!!  You are equally as kind as your mother.  A tru care-taker.  I could easily see Bondi becoming an exceptional nurse, teacher or doctor.  Making her world a better place.

We love your giggle, your soft smile and good nature. 

What is it about this family??  The little blondies are just too cute and lovable... Happy Birthday Bondi.

As she mentioned SEVERAL times yesterday, 'She is NOT a baby, anymore!'

Sweetness...

L-U-V Madonna!!

 

Tonight we are off to Madonna's concert!
To exceptional seats (at least they'd better be...) And I am totally psyched.  With the exception of the part of me, which wishes I owned cuter shoes... in addition to cuter jeans and a belt. (I'm nervous the gay man, I will hopefully make my new concert dance party bestie, will judge my boring mom clothes.)
A special note to Clark, Warhol (and countless others) whom are eye-rolling themselves into a headache over my Madonna excitement: Do I believe Madonna is the greatest artist/song writer of all times?? Duh, no. The Beatles (specifically Paul) obviously is...
but is she the background-music party anthem to most of the best nights of my life?? Fo sho.  Does she consistently make me happy?  Has she ever failed to lighten my mood? Has she made every single pre-night-out ritual more awesomer?? Fact. Never. And Fact.
Therefore, I will ALWAYS...  L-U-V Madonna

Y-O-U you wanna
I see you coming
and I don’t wanna know your name
L-U-V Madonna
I see you coming
and you’re gonna have to change the game
Y-O-U you wanna
Would you like to try?
Give me a reason why
Give me all that you got
Maybe you’ll do fine
As long as you don’t lie to me
And pretend to be what you’re not

Don’t play the stupid game
Cause I’m a different kind of girl
Every record sounds the same
You’ve got to step into my world
Give me all your love and give me your love
Give me all your love today
Give me all your love and give me your love
Let’s forget about time
And dance our lives away!!

Raising Arizona

A while ago, my friend Arizona wrote me this email:

"Any tips on bringing home 2^nd baby for Reid?

I’m nervous he will get jealous or sad and that it will really change him personally."

Obviously, she contacted me because my children are the picture of obedience, cleanliness and emotional perfection.  I'm practically Mother of The Year... 4 years running.

My deep insight:

Things to remember, at the hospital...

#1. Have Baby buy Reid a present.  Have it wrapped and ready when he arrives at the hospital.  We told The Kid, we raced Tink over the Walmart and the model car she first pointed too... we bought him.  He believed that to be tru for years.

#2. We tried to make sure The Kid was one of the first people to hold the baby sistas.  And we did our best to have him enter the room, while it was quiet (and cleaned!) with only a few people.  Then he really felt like the babies were his first. 

#3. Most of our family members were very sweet and purchased The Kid presents, as well.  Which helps him not feel like "yesterday's news". 

#4. He came with Coach to 'pick the ladies up' from the hospital.  Allowing The Kid to feel special, for bringing Tink home.

#5. Let Reid help. Let him give a bottle, find the pacifier or grab the blanket. Let him hold the baby when he wants... it will become annoying because it will only last 35 secs but it lets him feel like a Big Brother.

Mostly, YOU will be the problem.  Reid will adjust... kids just do.  YOU will have a more difficult time. You have to give up power.  For the first few weeks, Reid will be having fun.  Grandmas will take him to lunch, Daddy will take him to run errands, friends will offer to take him for a walk.... While you have to stay home with the dumb ol' baby who can't even talk and always wants to nurse!!  You will feel more replaced than Reid will. You'll resent missing Reid.  You'll hate burping the baby, while Daddy reads books and cuddles Reid to sleep. Reid will hardly seem to miss you.  That will be the biggest adjustment... realizing Reid is Big. 

This is my best advice: While you are jealous and bummed you are not getting Reid... Remember once upon a time, Reid was your only little baby and he got ALL of Mommy's uninterrupted attention.  Try your best to give New Baby a little slice of that focus.  Because one day, Second Baby may have to welcome Third Baby.  In the middle of THAT chaos you won't know what happened... suddenly she is starting all day Kindergarten. And you'll hardly remember what her tiny baby snuggle felt like.

Only a few more days, Arizona! Enjoy every amazingly exhausting blissful moment.  There is no greater miracle than welcoming your small gift into the world. Smell the top of that tiny little head, like you have it on a very limited loan... because you unfortunately do. You're an amazing mother and your little people are blessed to arrive into your heart. 

Congratulations on your mini family,

becoming a Four Family.

*** UPDATE***
Arizona delivered a beautiful baby boy on Thursday!

 

Faith, Hope and Pink Pixie Dust

Our Family has suffered an unfortunate week.

Actually, it was just plan crappy.

-Monday our Sweetbreads had a minor car accident (not to worry... she's still pretty.)

-This morning, our Lil GG had surgery after suffering fractures in her back. (can you even imagine her teeny tiny body on a surgical table??)

-I have been dealing with poor health and have taken 3 shots in 7 days. (Yuck. Dislike. Hate.)

Above all...

Our dear Grandpa Art, had unexpected and not particularly enjoyable open heart surgery at 8:00am Saturday morning.  Shaking our family to the core.  Smiley Happy Coach's family... DOES NOT like their Smiley Happy King.. to  be UN-Smiley and Happy. 

This morning, Coco just happened to be next to me as a random advertisement popped up on the side of my email site... she pointed and said "Ohhh.. see... dat's Grandpa's broken heart..."

 

Ummmm.... that is enough of that!!

So I figured, this family could use a smile.

We need pink puffy dresses, sparkle bracelets.

Beautiful shiny young healthy happy faces.

And lots of extra Faith, Hope and Pixie Dust.

 

 (Amber Brown Photography)

 

And when the night is cloudy,

there is still a light that shines on me
Shine until tomorrow, Let it be
I wake up to the sound of music,

Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom,

Let it be....

 

Grandpa Art-

So glad you are home.

So glad you are well.

I pray, that freshly tuned heart... has just bought us an extra 30 years of Grandpa. Smiley Happy People are better with their King.

PS- I'm glad this week is almost over...