The festival is like most other fairs- full of really good smelling food, kettle corn, fresh lemonade and lots and lots of vendors. What's unique to this is the ships and pirates. There are lots of pirates walking around, singing, giving tours and handing out gold to the little kids.
And if you are willing to fork out a little money, you can do things like tour the ships and even take a little cruise on the ships and watch them shoot the cannons. (Which inevitably set off several car alarms and make a few little kids cry). There was also a man dressed up as a dolphin and a man with several parrots he was letting the kids hold. And the OC fire department was there letting kids tour the fire truck and handing out hats and stickers. Devan loved her hat the most, I think. All in all it was a fun day, but next year we will be sure to get there earlier in order to get a better parking spot!

And in case you were wondering, John hiked back up that steep hill to get the car so Devan and I wouldn't have to. Thanks hubby!!

That's what I think EVERY time I take Devan to a playground, either in a mall or outdoors. And it seems every time I bring something like this up among other mothers, they all feel the same way. So why is it that every time I take Devan to a playground there is some kid who is being mean, some kid who is WAY too big to be in the playground, girls that are being bratty and about 15 school aged kids running a marathon around the poor little toddlers?! It drives me crazy!

Today I promised Devan I would take her to the mall to play because it's way too hot to play outside. Devan may be a handful at home, but she is generally pretty shy and sweet around other kids. The playground at our mall has an abacus (the wooden bead counter things) that Devan loves. I happened to be sitting right next to it so she just plopped down next to me and started playing with the beads. A few mintues later another little girl who looked maybe a few months older than Devan sat down and began playing also. Not only did she totally dominate the toy, but she kept pushing Devan's hand out of the way and giving her mean looks! Poor Devan was being so nice. Finally I said something to the little girl and she went away for about two minutes and then was right back pushing Devan out of the way. Eventually I told Devan to find something else to play with, and as soon as Devan left, this other little girl left. How rude! This whole incident was probably 10 minutes or so, and I kept looking around hoping the little girl's mother would see what her daughter was doing, but no. Seriously, if this mother was actually watching her daughter, how could she watch her repeatedly push another little girl? And if she wasn't watching her, who zones out for more than 10 minutes?? I start to freak out if Devan is out of my sight for more than 10 seconds! What's wrong with these mothers? Taking your kid to the playground does not mean you are no longer responsible for them!

Thank you for letting me vent, internet!

A little while ago my Mom taught Devan a little song. I'm not sure what the song is officially called, but here is how it goes:

" My Mom gave me a nickel, to buy a pickle
I didn't buy a pickle, I bought some Bubblegum!
Some buh-buh-buh-buh bubble gume, some buh-buh-
buh-buh bubblegum!"

Devan loves this song and sings it all the time. The other day we were in Joann's, or the Ring Pop store to Devan, and we were singing this song. I had just told Devan I would get her a ring pop and she began to sing.

" My Mom gave me a nickel, to buy a pickle
I didn't buy a pickle, I bought a Ring Pop!
A buh -buh-buh-buh- RING POP,
A buh-buh-buh-buh RING POP!"

I started cracking up and tried to explain to her that the song would go something like " A ra-ra-ra-ra ring pop" but she didn't get it. I love my funny girl!

20 years ago I was ... 7 years old and in 2nd grade with my childhood BFF schmath. This would be the last year of our lives we got a ride to school. Starting in 3rd grade we rode our bikes to school every day until high school started, and then we walked. (Schmath, if you are reading, did you know that Cypress was 2 miles each way? 4 miles a day!) We also would soon come up with our "couch bike" idea- a big couch on wheels that had things like heated seats and a homework machine. We had many conversations about the couch bike on the cold mornings riding our bikes to school.

10 years ago I was... 17 and in my senior year of high school. Working at House of Fabrics with all my friends, on the prom committe, senior class secretary and still keeping up my 100% seminary attendance record. Spending the weekends (and sometimes weeknights) at Zuma beach, State Street in Santa Barbara, Universal City Walk, and 3rd street promenade in Santa Monica.

5 years ago I was... Engaged to John and working full time at a Chiropractors office. I was going to school and planning a wedding. Getting ready for life's biggest challenge to date: Reality!!

3 years ago I was...Pregnant with Devan. While pregnant I went parasailing in Miami and spent a week in New York City. It was then that I swore I would never go on vacation during my first trimester again! It's no fun being sick on vacation.

So far this year I have... Had the most stressful experience of my life, moved, been to the beach countless times, been to Kauai for my first time, and made an offer on a house!!

Yesterday I was... at the Urgent Care because I still haven't found doctors down here. Taking care of a sick child and putting my new memory foam mattress topper on my bed! Why didn't I think of this sooner? Seriously, I think last night I got the best nights sleep since before I was married. We bought the 2 inch one, which came with two memory foam pillows for only $70. We (allegedly) saved $260. If you have thought about getting one, I would recommend going for it!

Next year I will... Hopefully be living in a home I own, celebrate my 6th wedding anniversary, have my 10 year HS reunion, become a better cook, seamstress, wife and mother. And maybe even add to our little family!

Thanks, Tricia! That was fun. Oh yeah, and I tag Jackie, Ruth, Schmath, and anyone else!

Please let me know what's worked for you!

Every time I hear someone say the words “I Hate country music” I seriously want to sit down with them and have a nice little chat. This will be long, but please, especially if you are part of the country hating club, read on.

I’ll admit, I was once part of the country hating crowd. I didn’t think I liked country music until I heard a song in High School that I liked. Still, I wasn’t convinced. I liked the song, but wasn’t sure about country music as a whole. I’d say things like “ I don’t like country music, but I do like that one song…” and then it turned in to “ I don’t like country music, but I do like a few songs” and eventually it was “ Yeah, I do kinda like country”.

You see, I was a hip hop/ r&b girl. I am still a hip hop girl at heart. It was almost all I listened to my whole life.(That and DMB!!) I absolutely loved it. I listened to it almost exclusively until I got married. I began to see and feel myself transitioning into a working woman and wife. The more experience I had in the “real world” the more I found myself needing a little more inspiration at the end of the day. And unfortunately, hip hop just wasn’t cutting it. And there was always this little voice in the back of my head reminding me that hip hop really wasn’t making me a better person, or making my world better. It wasn’t easy, or quick, but I can now say that I almost never listen to hip hop anymore, nor do I miss it. (On this topic- I have to say I’m a little worried about Devan. She knows the entire chorus to “Damaged” by Danity Kane and begs for more when the song is over. She’s definitely got my music genes).

So I needed something to fill the void on my drives to work and school everyday and country music was it. I began to notice that the messages in country music were far more applicable to my life than that of hip hop. The more I listened, the more hooked I became. It was like discovering this wonderful world of inspiration that I never knew existed. I often found myself in tears while driving. I was able to repeatedly hear songs with good, wholesome messages about family, God, love, raising children and getting through tough times. Important things, that are not usually included in non-country music, especially hip hop and rap.

I could really go on forever. There are so many songs that have made me cry because the words are so true. Country music makes me feel good, and it makes me want to be a better person- which is far more than I can say about most of the stuff on the radio today. It’s a refreshing and comforting feeling to turn on the radio and be able to hear artists who are not afraid to sing about things like faith, prayer, and God.

Here are a few of my favorites. You HAVE to watch the video for this one. It reminds me so much of John. He has always been so patient with me, and still to this day will go shopping with me to the stores I know he hates. But he still goes and will just wait for me. Even today, we went to the mall and he watched Devan in the playground while I shopped. And I often hear stories of men who fall asleep while their wives are in labor. Not John. He waited for me and Devan, wide awake, from the moment I went into labor. And this video makes me cry every time when I see the old man dressed in white at the end. I know that is how it will be if John passes away before me. I know I will find him dressed in white waiting for me. Watch the video!

Other videos that make me cry:

Just A Dream
There Goes My Life

Watch them. I dare you not to cry!

I'm getting a little bored with posting about Hawaii, so I'm going to post a few more pics and call it a day. If anyone who went on the trip wants copies of any of these, or other photos you know I took but haven't posted, just let me know!

This was a waterfall you could literally just drive up to. Wailua falls? I think.

Waimea Canyon. "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific"

Devan and her Great Aunt Corinne


Look! I really was there! Our little family.
Our big family.



A local Hannalei shave ice truck



John and Devan

Kipu Falls. These pictures are not the best, mostly because I couldn't get that close. I was also trying to balance on two rocks in the middle of the river. We found this waterfall in our book and it said there was a rope swing there. It also said it was a five minute walk from the main road. Well, there was a rope swing but it was hardly a five minute walk. It was a hike, through wet slippery mud and crazy jungle like foliage that you needed a machete to get through, and then you had to climb over wet slippery rocks and then you got to either jump in the falls via the rope swing or you got to hang out on the rocks, which is what I did. It was probably the worst possible place for a two year old. I was fortunate to be with Tim and John or I never would have made it Carrying Devan, a big beach bag, and my camera bag. Tim took Devan and waltzed over the rocks holding her like he does it every day.

Anyway- here is a shot of Tim. The falls were actually pretty big, even though you can't tell from the photo. And the locals were climbing up in the trees and jumping in off the branches! Crazy.

Adrienne



John



Hilary
Here's a shot of one of the many geckos we found in our house. Devan loved these guys. But she couldn't stand to be too close to them. If you told her there was one on the floor she would bolt for higher ground, usually the couch.

And one more. The house across the street had this beautiful plumeria bush and I got some great shots. This one is my favorite.

That's all for now! Thank you SO MUCH to my amazingly generous in-laws!! It will be years before we can afford to take a trip like this on our own!

RAISE YOUR HANDS IF YOU ARE A CHEATER <---- Click

Kauai has beautiful beaches, but they are unfortunately not the easiest to get to. That and the fact that it rains a lot meant that we only had one "official" beach day. We found this great beach in Hannalei that you could swim and snorkel at.


The sand looks beautiful but don't let it fool you. It's the hottest freakin' sand I've ever walked on. And I consider myself to have a high tolerance for pain. Don't believe me? I have a blister on my foot to prove it. It was THAT hot.

So according to those that went snorkeling, there were quite a few pretty fish and also sea turtles! Tim and Adam even said they were able to rub the turtles shells and swim with them. I was too occupied keeping an eye on Devan, but next time I will go out for sure.

John
Grandpa

Dev

Adrienne

Tim and Adrienne
Devan and Daddy building a sandcastle

Hilary, Tim, Adrienne and Grandpa

And one last favorite of Devan and her crooked smile
BTW, the water temp was perfect. It wasn't freezing cold like CA and not super warm like Miami. It was just right for a refreshing dip. Also, I used little to no photoshop on these photos. The beauty of natural light!

They had all kinds of island treats and fruits. We bought a pineapple and I'm a little dissapointed to say that it wasn't that much better than the pineapples I buy at my local grocery store. I think the distribution of fruit is pretty good these days, and you don't necessarily have to to all the way to Hawaii to find a good pineapple.

That's it for now!

And in case you were wondering where Grandpa was during all this madness, he was right there, chilling in the spa. Even the crazy jump contest and pool fights aren't enough to phase him. Doesn't even come close the madness he deals with at work every day. Thanks for everything, Grandpa!!

It looks like I'm going to have to post about this vacation in segments, because there is too much to post all at once. I'm going to start with the house we stayed in. My mother in law spent hours online looking for the perfect house that would fit all 10 of us comfortably. She definitely found it!

Upstairs:

The downstairs:

The view of our street from the upstairs patio:
The house was huge, and had amazing views from every angle. John's parents were generous enough to give us the master suite because we had Devan and needed a bathtub and a king size bed. She loved bathtime in her huge bath tub!

Renting a house is totally the way to go. I loved not having to get out for housekeeping, being able to do laundry and not having to share our pool with a whole hotel of strangers. Also, there were amazing sunrises every morning and I had a pefect view from our street.

Check back later for more!

I may have mentioned this before, but Devan totally has John's sense of humor. Tonight Devan and I went to In-N-Out for dinner with my Mom. When my mom finished ordering, the cashier read the order back to her. When he was finished he said "Is that all?" Devan replied "And Poop!"

So this morning Devan woke up super early, and I was anything but ready to start the day. So I popped in some Backyardigans, and took a seat at my computer. I was doing my usual web surfing and decided to check out Whip Up. It's been months since I last visited this site, and I was thrilled to find so much cool stuff! Here are only a few things I found:

Paper Downloads. LOVE these. I always have lots of cardstock on hand, and its perfect for these FREE downloads.

link
link
link

Also-

matchbox books


necklace rack (So excited to try this one!!)


mason jar lights




Okay, so the mason jar lights require a little more than the stuff you have lying around the house, and also an electrician. But I love them!