SeaWorld--and the revelation that would forever change my life.

Me on Shamu's nose

Me Playing with Shamu


Us and the Bailey's at the Shamu show (see how fast I can change?)

Watching the dolphins

Our little trooper Kesley

On Friday the 20th, we headed out from Laguna Niguel with John, Brooke, Cash, and Ruby to visit the land of Shamu. It was a perfect day. Not too hot, not too cold. I hadn't been to Sea World since I was a little kid so it was all new to me. I was amazed at the shows. The Shamu Show was my favorite....the theme of the show is "Believe" and by the time I left that show, I was a BELIEVER! I know several people (won't mention names: Brooke) who actually were brought to tears in the show. They masterfully orchestrated the setup of the show to make everyone want to follow their childhood dreams and be one with the sea animals. More churches should look into how they masterfully work the emotions of the crowd because if they had been accepting donations after the show, any church would be ROLLIN' in the dough for years to come!

Kesley was sick that whole day with a fever and bad cough. She was such a trooper by not complaining and strolling along with our long schedule for the day. We met up with Rachel and Ty and Issy for a couple of the shows there as well.

It was an overall fabulous day with only one LARGE DEVASTATING REVELATION. Brooke informed me as we were leaving the Shamu show that there are actually more than 1 Shamu. Seriously I wanted to cry. I had been duped! All the joy from the show came crashing down in that one moment and I felt the world was careening out of orbit. Sound dramatic enough? Just trying to add a little umph to the story. Not working. Anyway, I'll just pretend I didn't hear that and continue believing that Shamu is this magical, eternal killer whale.

Valentine's Day Tribute--11 things I love!

Valentine's Day Loot!

Nothing exciting happened for Valentine's Day this year (unless you count a very romantic trip to Target to buy sandals with 4 energetic kids, and then eating at Subway for dinner and practically flooding the joint from all the cups of water that were spilled!) We were busy getting last minute items tied up before we left with half of our brood to California for the week. But in honor of Valentine's Day, here are 10 people/things that I love:

Ben - He puts up with so much of my crazy "go-go-go!" ways. For being an innately laid back guy, he should be considered a saint. He doesn't complain about my sandpaper feet at night, my early morning runs that leave him with our early rising kids, and for going along with all my wild new adventures/obsessions (latest: Amazing Race application)

Wyatt- A boy of few words but who is so innately kind. He just wants to do what's right. I so love that about him. He is smart, goofy, perceptive, and a total people watcher. He idolizes his dad which makes me SO happy.

Kesley- She is our "squished in the middle, doesn't often get as much attention because she's so easy" girl. She is such a sweet girl. She is social and kind to her siblings and friends. She is super independent and is the best little mom to Talmage. She goes with the flow, but definitely has her opinion and will voice it when needs be.

Eden- Our "born to be an only child" child. You can say mildly, that she keeps us on her toes. She is demanding of your time and attention and if she doesn't get it, you will hear about it...for a long time. But on the flip side she is our most cuddly, affectionate child and the one that melts anyone who knows her. I'm interested to see how her characteristics will play out as she becomes a teenager.

Talmage- What can I say about the blessing sent to us from heaven. He is the "born to be one of many" child. He doesn't require much from anyone. All he asks is to be where everyone is, in the center of the mayhem, and we have plenty of that, so he is super content! I love him so much! My little caboose!

All other extended family-- this would get long and boring if I started going down the list of all extended family and why I love them all, but I do love you all! I have a great support system with Sean and Mara around the corner and my parents not too far away! It is such a blessing to live by family, something I won't ever willingly trade! But to all my family on BOTH sides that are farther away, I love you all. Life would be pretty sad and meaningless without family.

Now, just dumb stuff to laugh at

www.retailmenot.com-- the one stop shop for all my online shopping coupons! I never buy ANYTHING online without checking this website for coupons. I have saved HUNDREDS of dollars over the years. I love you!

YouTube- What did I do before I met you? Probably more important things, but you are just so fun.

The Bachelor on ABC-- Not so much the show itself but just the excuse I have had for 5 years to get together with some of my best friends (in 3 different cities) and laugh our heads off, eat total junk, and chat like high school girls. Props to Shalene and Val who started it all!

Brooks Running- This company has been on the bottom of my feet through several hundreds of miles in my marathon training over the years. I love, love, love the shoes and all the running gear.

Box Fans- I'm listening to 3 drum softly in my ear right now in fact. I think we keep the box fan industry in business. We can't leave home without them. I am a "fan-in-my-kids-room-as-loud-as-they-come" kind of mom. They are the best sleeping invention EVER.

You Know You've Lived In Washington too long when...

Your 2 1/2 year old daughter (Eden) is sitting in her carseat on the way to do errands and as you turn the corner, the SUN shines through the window and right into her face. She then proceeds to ask you "What is that Mommy?" as she points to the big, bright ball in the sky that is so annoyingly disturbing her sight. AI YAI YAI!!