Tsunami Party

Today we woke up to sirens!

While Jason took calls from his co-workers, I watched the news.

Due to a devastating earthquake in Chile, Hawaii was on full alert,

TSUNAMI WARNING!

We had a brief conversation whether to stay home, or to go to higher ground. Staying at home won out, considering we already live on a little hill, and across the street from us is a bigger hill that would protect us from any swells. Also, I didn't feel like packing up the car, and dragging the kids around ALL day. I felt safe here, so we stayed.

We already had our 72 hour kits and enough water, and emergency items to last a couple weeks, but Jason went to the store anyway to stock up on junk food...or as he likes to call it the bare essentials.

We waited, and waited, expecting something along the lines of this...

Instead we got this...

The water levels went up and down for a few hours, mostly on the shorelines, and in the bay. But there was NO flooding, no power issues, and no injuries. What a blessing! In fact I think the only incident there was to report was the arrest of some idiot, breaking into homes that had been evacuated. There wasn't the usual tale-tell sign of a giant crashing wave, but it was still considered a tsunami, and I am happy with the way the authorities handled the situation. It is better to be safe (and PREPARED) than sorry.

We survived our first tsunami, and hopefully our last.

We spent the day relaxing (some of us still recovering from the flu the swept through our house earlier this week) and playing together as a family. A pretty good day, considering how it started.

All is well.

Year of Wonders

Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks

★★★★ (out of 5 stars)

Set in a sleepy little mining town, this story follows Anna as she watches her family, friends, and neighbors suffer the ravages of the Plague. Part fact and part fiction, I found the story to be gut wrenching and moving. Even though it was so sad, I thought it was a beautiful story, and at times quite courageous.

I loved Anna's character, not only was she fighting through the sadness and suffering around her, but she also was becoming more herself everyday.

Lovely story, looking forward to trying another one of Geraldine Brooks books.

Flashback Friday

Little JASON!

I am guessing he is about 3 or 4 years old here, 1980.

The year I was born!

Looks like Clark's same little nose, and mischievous eyes, even the smile kinda looks the same.

He sure was a little cutie,

I guess he's not too bad now either ;)

Brrrr, its cold.

Snuggled up with their blankies, and footie pjs...watching Toy Story.

It was so cold last week...

(I know, cold??? You live in HAWAII! How can it be cold? But it really was chilly, really. You don't believe me do you? You are laughing at me aren't you.)

It was getting down to 68 degrees, with a lot of wind (so it felt colder than it really was) and it was rainy....brrrr!

I am not complaining, really.

Rather just stating that, YES, we have in fact been spoiled by this beautiful weather and state. I remember when we first moved here, laughing my head off at my neighbors, and people out in public, when they would wear jackets in 70 degree weather. I was pregnant at the time, and thought it was hot ALL THE TIME. Now, we are those people, fighting over the blankets at night, and turning off the fans (for the first time in months).

Let me tell you, footie pjs freak Harry out, he spends the whole time he is wearing them trying to get them off his feet. And Clark doesn't get long sleeves, he makes me roll them up, and says 'uh-oh' whenever they are left long. What are my kids going to do when we move to CA, in the winter, when it is actually REALLY cold.

They, WE, are in for a shock.

Nail biter.

Looks like someone is a nail biter,

just like Mommy.

I couldn't figure out, when I went to clip his nails last week, why he didn't have any.

I think it is kinda cute.

Stuck

I guess Harry thought going through the chair would be easier than going around the chair, poor little stuck baby.

At least he found his missing pacifier :)

We have a date!

How is it possible to be filled with so much excitement, and utter terror at the same time?

Happy for a change, yet so sad and scared...

I went to the last planning meeting at Clark's school today, and we have his official start date; MARCH 22nd.

I can't believe that in 3 weeks he is going to be starting school, all day school, coming and going on a bus and everything. I know being around the other kids is really going to help him, and I know he is going to love it. And I can't wait to see his school crafts, help out in his class room, and all that fun kind of school stuff. I am so so excited for him to start making friends!

(Or, at least that is what I am trying to remind myself over and over again.)

Even though I am excited for this new change, I can't help but be terrified at the same time, terrified and sad.

It's an end of an era.

So much is going to change, no more staying up late, and sleeping in late. No more fun picnic lunches, and swimming all afternoon. The lazy days are gone. No more cuddling on the couch watching our morning cartoons, all morning long. We are going to have to GET ON A SCHEDULE, yikes.

I am sad, I am going to miss him so much.

I feel so jealous of his teachers that are going to see and hear all the NEW first things he is going to say and do. I am worried about what will happen when he is sad... who is gonna hug and love him until he is better? What if he doesn't eat his lunch (he is so picky) and he is hungry all day? What if the kids are mean to him? What about his poor little blankies, that he is not going to be allowed to take to school...if that is not a sign of your baby growing up, I don't know what is (he loves his blankies, and takes them everywhere).

I never thought I was the type of Mom who would be so emotional over her child starting school... I used to long for these days, finally a little break for myself. To be fair, I did think I would have a couple more years to get ready for this day, we never really planned on him starting pre-school so young.

I am beginning to understand why some parents home-school their children now.

It is going to be so hard to let him go...

I am looking forward to the time Harry and I will get to spend together, brother free :) And I am pretty sure Harry is looking forward to that as well. I am also looking forward to less of Clark's messes and tantrums...I guess it will be a nice break from that kind of stuff. It will be fun to pick him up on early out days, and take him to the park. And our days off together will be so much more fun now. They are going to work on potty training him while he is at school, and that is definitely good news. So much to look forward to, more talking and learning, and growing.

I am excited, so excited...

just a little sad too.

City of Glass

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

★★★ (out of 5 stars)

This was the final installment in the Mortal Instruments series. While it was a nice conclusion to the story, with a fitting ending...I was left feeling unsatisfied. I was expecting a lot more from the last book, especially since I liked the second one so much. It felt rushed (even though it was long???) and VERY predictable, and a little anti-climatic.

All in all, this was a pretty good series. Not the best, but still very entertaining. I did like the characters a lot, and most of the ideas...just wish it was better executed.

ps. On an awesome-er note, this is the 7th book I have read this month. I am on a role. Totally makes up for my lack of reading in January. But still a LONG LONG way from my goal of 100 this year.

Compulsively Readable!

The Hunger Games and Catching Fire

by Suzanne Collins

★★★★★

I have been hearing about these books for awhile, so I decided to finally give them a read. My expectations were already high, with all the praise they've been getting, they not only met and delighted my expectations, but surpassed them!

If I was going to write a book, if I could write a book...I would want it to be just like these.

Compulsively readable, thrilling, clever, thoughtful, moving, dangerous, and just an utter delight to read. Probably my favorite thing I have read, so far this year. I finished both book this weekend, and Sunday is only half over for me :)

And I am just going to put this out there, I liked them more than Twilight (shock and awe, not that Twilight was ever my favorite book or anything...I hold that place dear in my heart with the Harry Potters and the Outlander series, but these were so so great, right up there near the top).

The Hunger Games takes place in Panem, a place that used to be North America before the wars destroyed it. Panem is made up of a very rich Capitol, surrounded by 12 poorer slave type districts. As punishment for a previous rebellion 75 years ago, the Capitol requires that the districts provide one boy and one girl tribute, between the ages of 12-18, to fight in the yearly Hunger Games. The televised event follows these tributes as they fight for survival and to the death, until one person is left standing. Little does the Capitol know that this year, one of the players will (whether she knows it or not) defy the Capitol, and start the seeds for another rebellion.

I am so glad I finally decided to read them, and now I am dying until the third one comes out...what a cliffhanger!

Flashback Friday

In honor of Clark's birthday week, here is another one of my FAVORITE baby pictures of him.

Taken by his very talented Auntie Ray (check out here website here)!

I feel like it captures so much of who is was, and still is.

So alert, and curious, and a bit silly (with all that drool).

Happy Birthday Clark, You Are 3!

My little man is 3!! 3 whole years. I can't believe we've made it this far.

This has been such an amazing year for you, Clark. You accomplished so many milestones, some we have been waiting and waiting for...like FINALLY TALKING!

I love all the things you can say now, nothing gives me greater joy. It seems like everyday you have a new word. You just learned how to say chocolate, and it sounds so cute coming out of your mouth "cha-lot" you even say with this funny little accent. My most favorite thing you say is "so funny", everything is so funny to you, when someone passes gas, when Daddy trips, when Mahi tickles you, and your funny tv shows. I immediately get a smile on my face whenever you declare something is, SO FUNNY. Some of my other favorite things you say are; A-E (which is Harry), er are you-oh deres a mahi (you walk around the house looking for me a lot), mic-hee (Mickey Mouse), and you always like to ask us if we need a hug, "nee a hug mahi" so so sweet. You are getting better at following instructions, and paying attention. Your favorite things are, shapes (especially circles), drawing, and numbers, you love the number 4, and you like to count everything. You love to watch Mickey Mouse and Tom and Jerry. And your favorite foods are Ramen noodles (you call them noos), french fries and cookies...but not cookies Mommy makes, only store bought cookies. You like to stay up late reading and coloring, and sleep in, in the morning.

You are so curious, and energetic... so FULL OF LIFE.

It has been so fun watching you grow up. I don't want to forget anything!!

You have been a joy and a wonder.

Like in, I "wonder" how I have survived your shenanigans :)

I have loved your curly hair, absolutely angelic...

even if you're not so angelic :)

This taken was last summer, 2009. You are always ready for a GOOD TIME.

And so creative too, you set up this little pool all by yourself.

On your second birthday, February 2009.

Look how much you have grown in a year.

You are about 17 months old here, June 2008.

You would LIVE outside if you could.

You love nothing more than to explore and play outside in the dirt.

Look how cute you are chillin' out in the hammock, this was right before your first Christmas, 2007.

Delightful little baby Tuna.

I miss the days when you were a snugly little baby, so playful and fun.

I miss your blue eyes. They started fading after your first birthday, they are a cool greenish-brown now.

These two pictures are probably my favorite baby pictures of you!

I love you so much, and I am so thankful to God, everyday, you were sent to our family.

We couldn't live without you.

You 3rd birthday celebrations...

Your yummy yummy, Butterfinger Cake. You were thrilled with the trains :)

I was going to start our new family tradition of making homemade ice cream (like I did when I was a kid growing up) on our birthdays, but we ran out of time this year.

You and Daddy choose to go to Dave and Busters for your birthday party.

You love playing arcades, and they have the tastiest food,

definitely one of your favorite places to go.

Skee Ball is one of your favorite arcade games.

You were surprisingly good at making baskets, I think you even got two!

It was so cute when you would play the games that required tokens, you kept asking me for 'mon-hee'.

Blowing out your birthday candles! Probably your favorite part of the day, right after the games, you love fire.

It was such a fun fun day, I know you enjoyed yourself cause you kept on giving me and Daddy unexpected hugs and kisses.

Happy Happy Birthday my little man!

Looking forward to our next year together xoxo

Children's Museum

Over the weekend, we got the chance to visit the Children's Museum again.

The boys really love going.

It is a nice break from our routine, and I don't have to clean up any of the messes :)

They even played together this time, a little.

We really need to get one of these toys for the house, they love them so much.

Unfortunately, it didn't last long and we spent the rest of the time trying to chase them down, both of them always going in different directions.

Daddy and Harry had some construction and building time.

Harry had a grand time trying to figure out how to get those long rubber blocks all the way into his mouth.

Harry even found another chubby little baby to play with.

He kept on licking and kissing the mirror, ew.

Clark was pretending to be a Postman, and was writing and sending out letters.

There are hardly any pictures of Clark, because he never was still long enough to take one, he was always running to the next project or toy.

Harry, we don't drive with our feet...

He also had fun licking and tasting this wheel, ew. I am expecting him to get a cold any day now.

We finished the afternoon with a nice long walk along the ocean, watching the surfers.

Clark was dying to jump into the water.

I am so glad we found a nice person to take a family picture for us!

There is hardly ever pictures of all 4 of us together.

(Me and Harry are always making the weirdest faces, we are not very photogenic I guess.)

A lovely family day!

The Lovely Bones

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

✭✭✭ (out of 5 stars)

I found this book to be beautifully written, and curious to read. We follow little Susie around in "her heaven", watching her family and friends, in the aftermath of her disappearance and death. Heart breaking at times, watching the family fall apart, trying to cope with the loss of a daughter and sister.

I did find the ending to be a little disturbing, and out of character for the theme of the book... but it didn't keep me from liking it as a whole.

I loved the concept of Susie having to let go of life on earth, and living vicariously through her family, before she could move on (or progress) in heaven. While at the same time her family had to let go of her death, and lack of justice, to learn how to progress through life.

A good read, but I am not sure I would try another one of Alice Sebold's book.

Its the little things.

My littlest Harry.

Its the little things that make me love you.

The smiles when I am grumpy, and kisses when I am tired.

Your sweet nature, and how you rarely get mad.

Your beautiful blue eyes,with that small secret ring of light brown right in the middle.

I love to watch you enjoy the little things in life,

bath time, dinner time, nap time (yes it's true, you love taking naps)

chase the pig around the yard-beating her with a stick time :)

I LOVE your bed head in the morning,

and how happy you are when you wake up, bouncing and jumping in your crib.

I love the little dance of excitement you do, while I make your morning bottle.

I love how you snuggle your favorite blankey, and cuddle up to me while we watch our morning cartoons, all warm and comfy.

AND

I LOVE your funny new straw obsession!

Which, lets be honest, is MUCH more sanitary than your stick and leave fetish.

You are such a cutie!

I'm a bad Mom, I know...

Clark's morning Dew.

I know I am a bad Mom...

I let my kids have way too much soda, and junk food.

(We had cake and ice cream for dinner last night)

They watch hours of tv.

I buy them whatever toys they want in the toy store (well, within reason).

I don't make them go to bed on time, and we sleep in so late.

I don't give them timeouts often enough,

and they never say please or thank-you.

BUT

I do, love love love love them to pieces!

Just FYI, this is NOT normal. By chance I had one of these little cans of soda in my fridge,

(I don't even drink soda anymore, so it must have been old)

Clark found it for breakfast, and just had to have it.

And, I let him.

He's a little run away.

Oh, he's a little runway (I am singing this in my Bon Jovi voice :P)

Clark's new thing lately is to run away.

NOT AWESOME!

He climbs over the fence, so fast I can hardly believe it, and takes off up and down the neighbors driveway, into their patio, garage, anywhere we can't find him.

It is maddening, and it is SO SCARY!

He has broken into both of my neighbor's houses (SO embarrassing), and he has even ventured down to the street. We live on a very busy street, right by a corner that cars like to take at 30 mph...it can be terrifying for me, not to mention a little toddler. (We live on a little hill, so there is a long drive-way down before he gets to the street.) This last week we finally got new child locks on the front and back door, that he thankfully hasn't managed to figure out yet, (yay, I can finally go to the bathroom now without taking him with me). Even when we play outside we have to keep BOTH eyes on him, ALL OF THE TIME, or he will take off. It is so fast, so so fast. It makes taking the boys outside to play a chore, because of-course Clark and Harry never want to go or do the same things. When he runs away we put him in time out, and we don't let him outside for the rest of the day (more of a punishment for me), and I try to explain to him how scary and wrong it is.

I think tonight when he ran away, he finally started to get . His Dad was home and playing with him outside, and he took off for a whole 10 heart stopping minutes (I honestly don't think he could find his way back into the yard) we couldn't find him anywhere. We were starting to get the neighbors involved, when we finally found him. He looked relieved and didn't even try to run farther away when I went to get his hand, he was so extra sweet and good. He was talking the best I have ever heard him talk, even being nice to Harry. I think even he got a little scared this time.

I hope he learned his lesson.

City of Ashes

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

✭✭✭ 1/2 (out of 5 stars)

Well, the second book in this series was much better than the first. The writing and story is much faster paced, and the characters are better developed. It seemed like the author finally found her groove with this installment. I love the snarky comments of her characters, and some of the themes she has, (ie. the gray area in the whole good vs. evil battle) even if some of them do seem like I have heard them once or twice before. Still a bit juvenile, but this time I was able to get past that and enjoy the novel. I am getting quite attached to Clary and her demon hunting pals, and I love the self discovery in novel between the characters.

This book continues where the first left off, with the Clave of Shadowhunters fighting against Valentine to protect the mortal instruments. Clary is fighting her feelings of love for Simon and Jace (still kinda grossed out about that, one of them may be her brother). Simon is undergoing his own ch-ch-changes, and Jace is still trying to come to terms with the abandonment of his father. Add in a gay demon hunter trying to come out to his parents, and you have a nice little teen soap opera... Not too bad.

One thing for sure that has ruined the reading experience for me is all the spoilers online...one of the reasons I never give away too much-if any- of the plot when I do my little sad book reviews...so be careful there if you plan to research it online.

Flashback Friday

Hugs and Kisses

Awe... they were so tiny and chubby.

Clark is about 21 months, and Harry was about 2 months in this picture.

I love how sweet Clark looks.

I know it looks like Clark is choking Harry, but he was just trying to give him a hug.

And little Harry is not the hugging type.

Little did I know, this little scene of brotherly affection would become a daily occurrence in our house.

However these days I don't assume Clark's innocence like I used to...

I know he is trying to choke his brother, or at least make him cry.

This picture has always made me laugh!

It totally looks like Clark is giving Harry mouth to mouth,

he was really just trying to give him sweet little kisses.

Harry did not have a lot of choice in the matter, so he just tried to be as still as possible.

Clark may torture his little brother,

A LOT,

but I know he really does love him.

(And I can't wait to show him this picture, as proof!)

Clean up!

I have been trying to teach Clark how to clean up his own messes, which can be MANY.

The only problem is...

HE LIKES TO DO IT!

So, instead of it being a punishment to sweep up the oatmeal he spilled all over the floor,

(I think on purpose)

or the crackers he smashed into the carpet,

or the noodles he threw into Harry's bed,

or the cookie he rubbed into the couch,

or the chocolate milk he spit on the wall,

(because brown spit looks cool on a white wall, I know because he said 'coo Mahi')

he thinks it is a treat.

And I suspect him doing most of these things on purpose so I will give him the little vacuum.

Grr...

I guess it is time for Clark to start having his own little chores.

Harry's First Time Using A Fork

When we sit down to eat the first thing Harry always does is dump his plate of food all over the table, and throw his fork on the ground. He doesn't like to waste time with all the utensils...

just give me the FOOD, he says.

Yesterday though he decided to give his fork a try.

Now, I know it is the wrong way...but it was so cute to see him trying.

Please Mom!

Clark REALLY wanted some cookies...he was begging so hard.

Of-course I gave in :)

When don't I.

It's all for the economy Mom.

Last week it was Harry eating my laptop cord,

which resulted in me having a panic attack that my computer was broken and all my pictures GONE.

$125 later everything is fixed and my are pictures are safe.

This week it is Clark deciding that my cell phone needed a bath...

Good thing I bought the insurance for my phone, and it is only going to be $50 to replace.

(Strike that, maybe $90...ouch!)

Add in the clothes Clark all of the sudden decided to grow out of,

Harry's new obsession with ripping, and eating my books (that I haven't even read yet),

the vacuum Clark broke,

the $30 we had to spend on new bolts and locks to keep Clark from running away

(yes, you read that right),

the shoes we have to keep buying Harry cause his feet are just too darned fat,

and ALL the massive amounts of food they eat...

It's a miracle we can even stay ahead.

Not again...

Not again, not my little Harry.

First it was Clark, and his speech delay. The doctors appointments, the testing, the therapy sessions... and soon to come PRESCHOOL. And now Harry???

We never knew something was "wrong" with Clark. Sure he didn't talk, but he seemed fine to us. Playful, engaging, affectionate, he walked early, he crawled early, he danced along with us, he laughed with us, played games...if anything we thought he was a little advanced for his age, EXCEPT for the talking. Now, more than a year later, he seems more like other kids his age (albeit a little hyper), and you could never tell how behind he used to be... well, except for the talking.

But Harry, well that is another story.

Again, there is no talking. Not even babbling, or beginning sounds. Sometimes when he is crying he will make mamamama, or dadadadada sounds...but it is not talking, and I don't think it is intentional. Where Clark was energetic and playful, Harry is withdrawn and quiet... preferring to play alone. Even his play is so different, no role playing or interaction with us and/or his toys...he just finds his favorite toys and eats them, or bangs them on things. All he likes to do is watch tv, or wander around the house (or outside) eating things...off in his OWN LITTLE WORLD. He can jump, walk and run....and he does this funny little dance when he is really excited. He is getting better at climbing (although it is not something I encourage) and walking up and down the stairs. However, these things that he does, seems so far and few when compared to the things he doesn't do...compared to the vacant look in his eyes that I find him making all to often.

With Clark I never felt afraid, or scared, I just knew we had some work ahead for us, and sooner or later he would start talking. But with Harry, it is something more, it is a nagging feeling that something greater going on.

Yesterday at Clark's last speech therapy appointment (before he starts preschool later this month) everything I was worrying about was confirmed, with one single look.

Harry normally is asleep during Clark's sessions. Yesterday, by chance he was still up. It was the first time "the team" (as I like to call them-or Jill, Debbie, and Grace) has seen Harry in months. Debbie asked me what words Harry was saying...none yet I replied, then THE LOOK. After a few minutes of play, they asked me when Harry was turning 1... well he is actually 16 months, again THE LOOK. Then the questions, does he do this, does he do that...more looks, more questions. Then WHEN are you going to get him tested and start him in the Early Intervention program... "you know April, the sooner the better".

Ouch. I know, I really do, the sooner the better. I just didn't want to do it all again, not for my little Harry. I didn't want to see what was really going on, and to be fair it was hard to notice when Clark was never "normal" ( I HATE even typing that..."normal" what does that even mean...) I didn't want something to be wrong. I didn't want the pitying looks everyone gives you, or long talks that HE WILL BE FINE...I KNOW these things. I know I am always going to worry for my boys, and want the best for them. I know it is always going to be hard work. I know they will both be fine... I know that without a doubt. I just didn't want to do it, not again.

City of Bones

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

✭✭✭ (out of 5 stars)

Been there, done that.

While mildly entertaining, and a easy fast read, I just had a hard time connecting with this book. At times the writing and story telling is really great, funny and exciting... and other times it is too predictable, and juvenile for my taste (and I read a lot of YA novels, so that is saying a lot).

Demon hunting, a missing magic cup, vampires, werewolves, and magic runes...this books seems to have it all. Especially the all to familiar teen angst of first loves, missing parents, and magic worlds... but something just seems to be missing.

Probably something I would've liked a lot more 18 years ago, but I bought the whole darn series...so I have to finish it.

A minute too late...

I wanted to bear my testimony at church today...but I put it off too long (my body wouldn't let me stand up, literally I felt glued to the seat) by the time I got the nerve the meeting was over. So without further ado, for my family and my posterity, for my friends, and to publicly express my gratitude and love for my Heavenly Father, I would like to bear my testimony. I have a great love for the gospel, and the sweet blessings it brings into my life. I am so thankful for my husband and my children, and the joy they bring me. I have a strong and unwavering testimony of fasting and prayer. I know that when I am struggling I can go to my Father in Heaven and surrender all my heartache, confusion and frustration to him...and he will make me whole. I am grateful for the atoning sacrifice of Christ, and the miracle of forgiveness...and the peace it has brought and continues to bring into my life. During these trying times, I am reminded constantly of how much I really do have, and all I take for granted. My heart is filled. I don't know who I would be without the gospel in my life, and I am so thankful for it everyday. Above all I pray that I can teach these things to my children, that they may know my joy, and rejoice in the truth and peace it brings to our lives.

Amen.

Map of Bones

Map of Bones by James Rollins

✭✭✭✭

Dan Brown, meets Indiana Jones, throw in the military, a side of secret organizations and high tech weapons, and you've got James Rollins' Map of Bones. Quite the page turner. This book pretty much has everything, action, science way over my head, some more action, a little love story, solving clues like Scooby Doo, and enough twists to keep you wondering who is who through out the book.

I enjoyed this book, which turned out is only the beginning in a series of Sigma Force books, following these genius soldiers on secret missions to save the world....or something like that. A little predictable at times, with the all typical stereotypes you find in these types of books (lady's man, joker, tough guy who turns out is actually a softie, the jerk who breaks all the rules, a girly girl who is hard as nails...you get the point) but like-able characters none of the less. I was a little surprised how much I liked the book, and I hope I can find the others to read.

Look who is turning 3 next week!!!

8 more days and he is NOT going to be 2 anymore. Where does the time go? Honestly, I can't figure it out. I love birthdays, and I can't wait to celebrate number 3 with Clark.

He looks so sweet an innocent...

BUT it is all part of his evil plan, a master disguise, to get us to trust him.

Last week I had the scare of the century!

This little monster decided to make a snack out of my laptop cord. Only I did not know he did, until my computer died and would not turn on. I couldn't figure it out, and I was panicking. Jason hadn't bought me a new external hard drive since I got this computer over a year ago, so none of my 20,000 pictures were backed up. It was the worse 4 days of my life. We took my computer into the Apple geeks at the Mac store, and they figured it all out for me. I felt so foolish, especially when I found the chewed up pretzel bits inside the cord that pointed to our lil monster as the culprit. All is well, I have a new cord and a new external hard drive... and I am going to spend all weekend double backing up all my pictures.

You have to keep an extra eye on this one...he is tricky. He may look like a sweet innocent baby, but he can chew through a lap top cord, cell phone, and remote control before you can blink.

Flashback Friday

I forgot yesterday... so here we, go a day late.

ME as a tiny little baby!

Wasn't I so cute! I think I am about 6 or 7 months in this picture. I can see a lot of my little Harry in this picture, and not just the chubbiness. I don't really remember anything about being a baby, but I am sure I was all grins and giggles.

I am going to start scanning all my old photographs, and save them digitally (they boys are slowly destroying my photo albums). So, stayed tuned for a lot more, older, Flashback Fridays.

Lost at Sunset

Every weekend in Waikiki they have Sunset on the Beach, where they show movies on a giant movie screen, it is always a lot of fun. I love going, a perfect night combining two of favorite things, movies/tv and the beach!

Last weekend as a special treat the producers of Lost (one of my favorite shows ever) showed the season premier, 3 days before the rest of the world! We left as early as we could, and headed downtown. I have never seen the beach so packed, it took forever for us to work through the crowds. We did managed to see a couple of the shows stars (I am still blushing and grinning from seeing Josh Holloway) and grab some t-shirts for the whole family. Since we couldn't camp out all day (grrr... kids, this was one of the very FEW times I was wishing we didn't have any or at least could find a BABYSITTER) we had no seats. Jason took the boys to McDonald's, while I tried to find a spot where I could see, and watch my show in peace. I finally found one, only minorly obstructed by palm trees. It was worth it, the show was amazing and mind blowing as always, and I was so glad we got to go. A fun family night, and a great memory to take with is when we leave Hawaii.