8/4

Today's subject is a photo of myself.

This picture was taken in Paso Robles, May 2006.  LaVor and I were at a car show and thought some friends from L.A. were going to be there.  We walked around for hours looking for them and ended up taking a break in this spot.  LaVor sat on the bench while I stood to keep an eye out for Carol and Joel.    We didn't have their phone numbers to call them and didn't find out they were unable to make it until we got home that night.

That was one of my favorite haircuts/styles even though it took forever to curl.  It was also while I was dying it dark brown.

I wanted a new dress and my mom was willing to help me make it, but I had to cut the pattern out.  I probably got about 2/3 done and was so frustrated that she ended up taking over and finishing the whole thing herself.  I went to bed the night before and the dress was in pieces.  When I woke up the next morning, it was perfect and ready to go.

LaVor took the picture and saved it under the file name "my babe" on his computer.  Love that guy and this picture.

8/3

My dad hosted his annual WWII reunion in 1996 in Colorado Springs (when "Mmmmbop" was popular). One of the events we attended was an evening at the Flying W Ranch. Included with the cowboy dinner was a show put on by the Flying W Wranglers (I believe). My dad enjoyed the music so much, he bought the group's cd and listened to it often. One of the songs on the album was "Cool Water". The last line of each verse is, "...water...cool, clear water."

I have a hard time talking about water without having that line run through my head. Hence why I posted it for today's subject: water.

 The state of California is experiencing an exceptional drought, per the morning news. But I don't need to watch the news to figure that out. The smell of constant smoke outside or the dry grass everywhere is a clear indication we're lacking water.

We've tried to do our part and cut back where we can. Both lawns are primarily yellow, as is the toilet water (if you know what I mean), we turn the faucet off while we're scrubbing our hands or brushing our teeth, laundry isn't as done as often, nor the dishes.

But one thing I haven't cut back on is the amount of water I drink. In fact, it's increased dramatically, thanks to Doodlebug and his need to eat.

I don't remember being so thirsty all the time with The Lime, but I always have a cup of water handy nowadays. And at least once a day, after taking a drink, I say to whoever is in the room, "Why is water so good?!" I say it often enough that now The Lime says it when he takes a drink of water.

It's cool, refreshing (as long as it's not warm or bubbly), feels good on a hot day, and helps us in more ways than I can count. I just wish there was more of it to go around these here parts.

8/2

Speaking of hands, that's the subject for today.

I love hands. I love holding them, I love studying my boys' hands and admiring their tiny fingers, I'm appreciative of all the things my hands can do.

This photo was taken in 2002 while I was taking a photography class in high school. LaVor and I were at Coyote Hills and I was snapping pictures like a mad woman. Quite honestly, I think it was my best roll I took the entire course. And this was one of my favorites.

8/1

You know what's sad?  I used lined paper and I still can't write straight.

Bound to Happen

The Lime has been on a girlfriend kick - saying he wants one, asking if I'm LaVor's girlfriend, talking about what dates he'd go on with his girlfriend. It's a hoot.

I've been secretly waiting for the day when The Lime would tell me he wants to marry me. It seems like every little boy says that to their mom. And it turns out, I don't have to wait anymore.

After lunch today, The Lime jumped into my arms and gave me a big hug while saying, "I want to marry you!" I gave him a big squeeze and told him LaVor already married me. "But I want Doodlebug and I to marry you!" he replied. I told him he'd find a cute girl and have the chance to marry her one day. He decided he'd pick Claire's friend, Jordan, to be his wife, and all was right again in the world.

This day will be noted in his baby book, for sure.

More Power to Ya!

About a month ago, we were out and about as a family when we decided to swing by Men's Wearhouse. LaVor has been collecting gift cards for birthdays and Christmas, saving them for a new suit. While he was browsing the inventory, I needed to step outside to change and feed Doodlebug. My initial plan was to set up shop on the bench in the corner but it was already occupied. My next option was a table at Starbucks, right on the edge of the sidewalk where all the cars driving by could see me.

While changing a #2, I tried hiding anything that might make anyone gag, and I think I did a good job, with the help of The Lime.

Next up was feeding time. When it comes to nursing, I've come to the terms that if my baby is hungry, I'll feed him anywhere - with a cover, of course. I got some weird looks and stares from people passing by. Not sure if the nursing freaked them out or if they were trying to figure out what in the heck I was doing. One lady walked by and said, "More power to ya, nursing your baby in public!" It caught me completely off guard and I could only think of "thank you" to say.

Her comment stuck with me for weeks, but especially when we went to the pool across the street.

I've often said if something is made in your size, that doesn't necessarily mean you should wear it. And that applies to all types of women.

When we got to the pool, that thought played in my mind over and over again. It seemed as if everyone was wearing a bikini; a few skinny girls, some girls with stretch marks, some pregnant, some that maybe should have worn a one-piece, and one with a huge beer belly.

While I'm almost to my pre-pregnancy weight, and I can fit in my swimsuit (but dread wearing it in front of people), my body is certainly not the same as it was 10 years ago. And although people keep telling me I look like I was never even pregnant, I realized I have zero confidence. I would never starve myself (mostly because I love food too much) but I seem to have body image issues. I can always find something wrong and rarely something right with the way I look.

On the way home from the pool, I asked myself how all those ladies could go out in public, wearing what they were, and not be embarrassed. Then it hit me...they obviously don't care what critical people like me think! Who cares if they have cellulite (which everyone did...even the skinnies), or a muffin top, or saggy boobs?

To them I say, "More power to ya!"

Mommy & Me

I've been trying to find cheap/free things for us to do during the day and found out Raley Field would be hosting another Mommy & Me Day (we missed the last one). They were going to have free snacks, games, bouncy houses, balls to play catch, and other activities for small children.

We got there in plenty of time, got our free reusable bags filled with licorice ropes, Cheetos, and sunflower seeds. I snagged a free chocolate milk and The Lime chugged an orange flavored drink. We had to wait on the concourse until 10:00, when they let everyone onto the field.

While we were waiting, I noticed the infield was roped off. I had to break the bad news to The Lime that he wouldn't be able to run the bases like he had hoped.

Before we knew it, they were opening the gates and the festivities were ready to begin. Our first stop was in the River Cats' dugout.

We then headed to an inflatable bouncy slide. The Lime climbed the rope ladder to the top and froze. I think he might be afraid of heights. He was blocking the way for the other kids trying to slide down, and I had Doodlebug strapped to me, so all I could do was try and convince him he'd be fine. Then the tears started flowing and I was in a real pickle. Thankfully, when he saw a girl younger than him slide down, he did too. But he hated the two seconds it took him to get to the bottom and wasn't willing to play on/with anything else. So after 20 minutes, we were on our way back home. Such a disappointment, especially since it took us longer than that to drive there.

Oh well, it was free and broke up the morning a little bit. And I know for future reference to avoid heights if I'm not able to be up there with him.

Lesson learned.