Life's A Beach!

Jack Johnson!

2010-10-25T11:17:00.000-07:00

Had to document this fun bonding experience with 2 of my men! We had a blast at the Jack Johnson concert... Jarom has been counting the days to this event since his last concert tour 2 years ago! I must say he didn't disappoint, especially the surprise appearance he made before the show out on the grounds! The video is turned sideways, and the sound is terrible, but this was totally the highlight of the concert for all of us. I thought Jarom was going to die being that close to Jack. He's already planning their joint birthday party in May. He found out Zach Gill has the same b day too, so it will be quite a shindig! As a sidenote: am I shrinking?

Lessons from the McDonald Dinner Table

2010-10-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

We usually have fairly stimulating conversation each night as everyone regurgitates the experiences of the day. Last night was no exception. Jase excitedly informed us that he had learned that if you send a frog to a place where there were previously no frogs, the place would be crawling with them in no time. From there the questions ensued... Don't frog eggs need to be fertilized by a male frog? (We can always count on Jacob!) I could see the wheels turning in his brilliant little mind. Finally, he incredulously asked "so you're telling me that boy animals have to poop on eggs to get them to grow?" Then, "What? That's what fertilizer is... poop!" Wow... I'm thinking we should cut down on gardening and get that boy some books about the birds and the bees.

2010-10-05T12:44:00.000-07:00

Dear MVT 20 Year Reunion Committee,

I am so sorry to say that I won't be attending your upcoming reunion festivities. You see, my husband has been insistent that I develop the perfect gluten-free pizza recipe so that he can make his millions marketing it to local establishments. Boy, have we eaten a lot of pizza! What does this have to do with my attendance, you ask? Well, I am no longer able to button my skinny jeans, and as we all know, this is the reason we attend these types of events, right? I am still certain that my children are the most adorable and gifted, and my husband the hottest of all the competitors, but that is meaningless if I don't look better now than I did in high school.

Regretfully yours,

Kara McDonald

My, how time flies!

2010-09-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

So... I've been toying with the idea of actually doing a new blog post for a while now (okay, over a year if you're going to be picky about it). I'm guessing no one even bothers to look anymore, but it's about posterity- right? Quick recap: over the last year, we have survived the expiration of our Disneyland passes, an entire school year homeschooling a 7th grader, finding out officially that I can no longer enjoy my life (I'm allergic to gluten, duh!), and the transformation of an angelic 2-year-old into a somewhat less angelic but no less adorable 3- year- old, and most traumatic of all, the beginning of my first born's senior year in high school. Not to mention the baptism of my precious 8 year old. Wow, now I feel even worse than I already did. Here is a smattering of photos to bring us all up to date. Hopefully it won't be another year before the next post. No guarantees.

In order from most recent:

Not to spill any confidential info, but Jason turned 41 (yikes!)

The cake was his brainchild carried out by me. Note to self: never again attempt rolled fondant on an ice cream cake.

Number 17 for an amazing boy! Seriously, he just knocks my socks of every day with his goodness.

Aforementioned 3rd bday. This family party was preceded by a princess dress-up party.

Yes, those are Stacy's Naked pita chips in her hand. That's how we roll.

One of the best mom moments so far...

Thirteen hasn't been so bad...

It IS great to be 8!

Dad's 80th birthday surprise! Boy, was I tired at the end of this day, but it was totally worth it!

Saying our last goodbyes to Mickey after a lovely, full year of Disneyland joy. I tear up just thinking about it.

First time at the monster truck rally. You can bet Jarom will be back!

Lucky girl surrounded by incredible people!

A Glimpse...

2009-06-30T21:39:00.000-07:00

I always feel bad when I don't post for a while, I guess it's the guilt of imagining the 2 or 3 people who read my blog getting anxious or something...anywho... life just keeps rolling along at what seems to be a never-ending fever pitch. Does that make sense? Probably not.

Happy Birthday to Me!!! I'm so old that I need 2 cakes.

Of course I always have to throw in the gratuitous adorable Mia photo!

Jason survived the week long scout camp as scoutmaster, and Jacob survived his first scout camp! Hooray!

This is my favorite scout camp picture... just out of bed!

This photo represents one of the more liberating evenings I have spent in a long time. ROCK ON!!!

P.S. Living in So Cal= AMAZING!!! sorry, Mesa

Chef Jarom

2009-05-31T19:39:00.000-07:00

First, big shout out to Tyler and Wendy for hooking us up with this incredible experience!

Next, giant shout out to Jason Knibb, executive chef of Nine Ten restaurant in La Jolla!

Jarom has been a total foodie for a long time, and has dreams of retiring to Hawaii and opening his own restaurant. For his birthday, I was able to arrange for him to shadow this AMAZING chef at a swank La Jolla restaurant. He was there for about 7 or 8 hours on Saturday. Chef Jason gave him a chef coat and showed him the ropes. He had a total blast, and can't wait to get back there. He actually worked... plated food, cooked a few things, total once in a lifetime experience-except they invited him to come back and do it again whenever he wanted!!! He is already trying to figure out when he can get back there! Jason and I went in before closing and Jarom made food for us. He was on cloud 9 and couldn't stop talking about what an incredible day he had. I can't stop thinking about how much I'm going to enjoy letting him use his skills to cook for the family from now on!!

This is before he went in. He wasn't sure what to expect... I think he thought they would make him mop floors and wash dishes, but he was still stoked!

Jarom and Chef Jason. This is one seriously nice guy. He is also a seriously skilled chef. If you are near La Jolla, save your $$ and go to his place! You will not be sorry!

Still smiling after a full day in the kitchen! I love this kid!!!

Sweet Sixteen!

2009-05-31T19:09:00.000-07:00

Although it seems like only yesterday that he was a funny looking little cone-headed newborn, my Jarom is SIXTEEN!! Yes, that's what I said... sixteen years old!

An occasion such as this calls for multiple celebrations...

Party #1: The family.

He seems pretty impressed with his cake!

Can we get some heat in here?

Party #2: Dinner and disneyland with mom (aka: first date)

The big surprise!!!

I know... super lame there is no sound. Also, keep in mind that it is 5:40 am so the "Price is Right" reaction didn't happen. I think he was actually in shock! By the time school was out it had finally clicked in his mind that he had an awesome truck to drive!

Party #3: Bonfire at the beach with friends

Sorry... no cool pictures, but I'm sure if you use your imagination you will get pretty close.

More Birthday!

2009-05-11T09:24:00.001-07:00

More photos of the birthday girl!!

Grandma and Papa gave her some much needed bling!

Princess Mia Turns 2!!!

2009-05-09T21:44:00.000-07:00

The signs have been there for a few months, but now it's official: Mia is two!!

What better way to celebrate this momentous occasion than to head for Disneyland!

Grandpa Andrews sent her some fancy dress ups, and she decided that this was the perfect opportunity to show off her Tinkerbell costume!

Wherever she went people kept stopping to tell her how adorable she was!

The first characters she encountered were Chip and Dale. Unfortunately we had video camera issues, so we couldn't capture her jumping up and down and shrieking with delight when she saw them!

She REALLY wanted to share her granola bar with them, so they had to keep ducking their heads so she wouldn't rub slobbery granola on their noses!

Then it was on to pixie hollow to meet Tink

Tink was not nearly as exciting as the giant squirrels.

Daddy making the fairy fly!

The next day, I left Jarom in charge of Mia and Jase while Jacob and I went on Twilight Zone. This is what we found when we returned:

Time to go HOME!!!!

My Girl

2009-04-23T14:42:00.000-07:00

One Word:

PRECIOUS

Spring Break = Heaven

2009-04-23T14:27:00.000-07:00

I LOVE SPRING BREAK!!!

This boy is the sweetest thing!

He is the best big brother a girl could ask for!

Love the action shot!!

Don't hate me because I have the world's sweetest kiddos!

See the seals behind them?

"GET OFF MY BEACH!!"

Dancing Queen

2009-04-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to see a pattern here...

Every time Jason is in charge of getting Mia dressed, she comes out in a tutu and ballet slippers.

Sping Break!!

2009-04-20T08:35:00.000-07:00

Today is a sad day!! Everyone went back to school! :(

Spring break was a total blast... we tried our best to have as many adventures as possible! Unfortunately I only have pictures of one, (camera issues) but there are more on a borrowed camera, so someday I'll get them on here!

The following pictures document our camping trip to Camp Pendleton. We love our Marine friends for getting us on base to this awesome campground! It's right on the beach at one of the most famous surf breaks in So Cal. (Trestles, for those who care) That is why Jarom is not in any of the photos... we couldn't get him out of the ocean. At the end of the trip, Jarom summed it up best "Having this much fun shouldn't be legal!"

This is Mia at the end of her nap on the last day. Can you see those fingernails? Yummy! Green stuff on nose: sunscreen- not boogers!

Cheese puffs were the "must have" food item of the trip!

Kara=Extremely low tolerance for cold!

The old "lost my head" photo trick!

Fun with shovels!! *no digits were lost during this activity

Teaser!!

2009-03-24T19:08:00.000-07:00

I am hideously guilt ridden about not posting for so long!! So many momentous events the last 2 months... Just so you don't think we dropped off the face of the earth, I'll give you a little breakdown of what's coming if I ever get time to breathe!

Awesome event #1: Jacob turned 12, was ordained a deacon, passed the sacrament for the 1st time, and went on a thrilling camp out with his new scoutmaster (his dad)!

Awesome event #2: Jase turned 7, and took us all to Disneyland for his big day!

Also a few not so awesome events, like our day today in the emergency room at children's with Jase. Oh well, into each life a little rain must fall...

Life is BEAUTIFUL!

2009-01-30T13:33:00.000-08:00

Mia has developed quite the little personality!

Tell me this face doesn't just kill ya!

Jason took the boys to the big Legoland New Years Eve party, and I know the picture is bad- but Jase's face is seriously hilarious! Is this child abuse?

The dog is very patient.

Remember the salsa post? Apparently Mia's love extends to all spicy condiments... thai peanut sauce included!

Taking years off of my life...

2009-01-23T17:14:00.001-08:00

Guess what? Jarom got his driving permit today. He drove me to the grocery store.

Christmas Eve...McDonald Style

2009-01-23T14:03:00.001-08:00

We weren't sure how we would pull off all of our Christmas Eve traditions now that our numbers are small here in Cali, but thanks to our fun neighbors, the O'Learys, we had a pretty awesome Nativity play. We still made food for all 4o of our AZ clan (we missed you all terribly)... leftovers anyone?

Salsa!!

2009-01-23T13:43:00.000-08:00

Hallelujah! I've been trying to post forever and my pictures would never upload...SO, here's an interesting discovery we've made: Mia LOVES salsa. I'm not just talking about dipping the occasional tortilla chip- I'm talking drinks the stuff like water. Jason first let her try it at a restaurant. She started sucking in air to cool off her tongue, then dove right back in for more. Now every time we serve salsa with a meal, she starts eating it with a spoon, then picks up the bowl and chugs it. Hay Caramba!

Winter?

2008-12-29T21:08:00.000-08:00

Had to post about our day today! The weather was AMAZING and we headed to the beach to enjoy it. Yes, we went to the beach on December 29th. Life is good!

For some reason, the photos are always in reverse order, so here is the end of our day!

Mia running away...

The hole! (Mia discovered this on our walk, I looked away for 2 seconds, and she disappeared. I only had to panic for a minute before her little head popped up!)

The boys had a blast leaping over the occupants of the hole.

Christmas Lights!

2008-12-20T21:33:00.000-08:00

Jason had lots of fun designing the lights for our new house! Isn't it festive? We are sooooo excited for Christmas!

How many posts can you post in a day?

2008-12-15T11:57:00.000-08:00

So, it's been a while since I updated the world on the McDonald news. As I know you are all breathless with anticipation, I thought you should know there are like 5 new posts along with this one... so go ahead, scroll down and get your fix.

Warning: if you faint at the sight of blood, close your eyes!

Jarom wanted me to post his gnarly injury, and claim he was attacked by a shark while surfing. I'm more inclined to think it was a young men's dodgeball injury... you decide.

Thanksgiving in St. George

2008-12-15T11:23:00.000-08:00

We LOVE Nethercott Reunions!! We had a total blast in St. George seeing all of our crazy family! We had 50 people sitting down for dinner in Jason's brave sister Angie's house. I think I saw Jarom and Jacob twice the whole time we were there. C0usins are the best!

Our fam with the sweetest Papa ever! (along with Nana in the background doing dishes :))

Jason and some of his sibs!

Huge shout outs to Angie for saving me from my roots, and putting up with us bunking at her house. Also to Cinda for letting half of my brood hide out at her already insanely packed house for the entire trip. Nethercotts ROCK!

My Hero!

2008-12-15T11:12:00.000-08:00

Jarom- you are amazing!! He survived a grueling season of water polo, so to celebrate I am posting the much requested photos of him in his uniform!!!

He even had his own personal cheerleader!

Here is the team! Love the "wildcats" embroidered on their behinds!

This is Jarom (#10) getting ready to throw the ball for an awesome assist! Go Wildcats!

Student of the Month!

2008-12-15T11:04:00.000-08:00

Way to go, Jase!!!

Jase was chosen by his teacher to be student of the month representing the value "citizenship"! He looked mighty proud standing up there in front of the whole school!

More Visitors...YAY!!!!

2008-12-15T10:56:00.001-08:00

It's been a while, but I had to document our fun visit from the Hofheins fam! We had loads of fun, and even pawned off our boys on them for a zoo visit... see monkeys below!

Here is our somewhat chilly, but still super fun trip to the beach. Wendy is still a total babe... and wins the prize for cutest boys ever!
Wendy and Tyler also treated us to the most AMAZING meal ever at a swanky spot in La Jolla called Nine Ten. The chef is an old friend of Tyler's from Sundance, and totally gave us the royal treatment- be jealous.

Repeat after me... Halloween is fun!

2008-11-04T09:10:00.000-08:00

HApPy HaLlOWeeN!!

Seriously, is this not the most beautiful child you have ever seen? She looked even more adorable in person, but spent the entire night trying to tear her wings off.

Mia loved to trick or treat! She is VERY independent, and we had to chase her from door to door!

Jase made an excellent Indie, don't you think?

Hobo Jacob!! Good work!

With half of our earthly belongings still safe in their moving boxes, we knew it would be an interesting Halloween. Luckily, we found the costume stash just in time, and me being the awesome mom that I am told the boys "If you want to dress up, you'll have to find your own costume in our old stuff!" I think they did a pretty great job! Jarom had a water polo game, and is too cool to dress up anyway. Wish I had a picture of him in his "uniform"!

A New Post!! Who's Excited?

2008-11-04T08:58:00.000-08:00

After a long and not so restful month of packing and moving 2 households, I'm back to catch you up on all things McDonald!! Whilst I was working my little fingers to the bone on my first trip to AZ (I went twice in as many weeks), our friends the Tylers came for a super fun visit! Jason took the kids to play at the beach, and for the highlight, took them to Legoland! The boys were THRILLED to see their long lost friends! Jase and Emma were joined at the hip whenever they were together!

Vader looks scared!!

The only picture of Jacob, as he and Jake got to roam the park alone like the big tweens they are!!

True love- no kidding!

Ode to a girl named Wendy

2008-09-26T21:24:00.000-07:00

My dear Wendy is turning the big 36 tomorrow, and in honor of this momentous occasion (ya know, closer to 40 than 30), I committed to complete the "tag" she asked for oh... about 6 weeks ago. So my friend, here goes!!! Happy Birthday!!!

I am... happy; a lover, not a fighter; clumsy (never without a bruise or two).
I think... life is full of surprises
I know... my testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel is my greatest treasure.
I want... my children and my husband to know how much I adore them, and to feel worthy of adoration.
I have... way more than I need, including (but not limited to) a big butt, and really small boobs
I wish... the world didn't have so much ugliness and cruelty in it, and that my kids could be innocent and carefree for so much longer than they are.
I hate... anger.
I miss... my piano, my tempurpedic mattress... pretty much the entire contents of my house.
I fear... not teaching my children everything they need to know to have happy and fulfilling lives.
I feel... way too young to have a high school student for a son; grateful to have such a wonderful life.
I hear... wii golf, Jack Johnson, barking dogs
I smell... do I?
I search... for the right answers to my children's questions, my phone, lost socks
I wonder... when He comes again...
I regret... not taking full advantage of my BYU experience
I love... my babies, my husband, Mia's birthmother, adoption, the temple, shopping for a girl, king crab legs with melted butter, see's candy... this could take all day!
I care... about what kind of life Mia's birthmother will have
I always... make a big breakfast, trip on corners
I am not... a crafter
I believe... there are no coincidences- everything happens for a reason
I dance... WAY less than my husband would like
I sing... WAY less than I should
I don't always... send birthday cards on time, keep myself organized, eat what I should
I write... silly poems, love notes, grocery lists, weekly menus
I win... when Jason and I play "dance dance revolution"
I lose... my mind, a little more each day
I never... pick a fight. I despise confrontation.
I listen... for quiet promptings
I can usually be found... in the kitchen- cooking, then cleaning, then cooking, then cleaning...
I'm scared of... heights
I read... only an occasional work of fiction, since it takes over my every thought until I can finish the book. Why can't it be so with the scriptures?
I am happy about... everything!

Let's see... who to tag... I know! If you read this and think it looks fun, consider yourself tagged!!!

"I love you, Mom and Dad!"

2008-09-12T21:07:00.000-07:00

To say that Jarom is a Jack Johnson fan would be a gross understatement. I guess if you have to idolize a star, you could do worse, so I'm not complaining. When we found out he was playing in Chula Vista, we figured Jarom would appreciate a "Daddy Date" to see the concert. Boy, were we right. The icing on the cake came after the concert when Jarom found out that he shares a birthday with Mr. Johnson. Coupled with the fact that Jarom's grandmother's maiden name is Johnson, you have to admit, it's a little spooky! (Are we stretching?)

Counting down the minutes!

Yep, that's him!

Trying not to inhale.

It also bears mentioning that this amazing teenage specimen starred in the ward roadshow and won "Best Actor" for his performance as Toto!

The School Bell's Ringing!

2008-09-12T17:05:00.000-07:00

Introducing...

Jarom: "the studly sophomore"

Jacob: "the smiling sixth-grader"

and, Jase: "the fabulous first-grader"

This is Jase enjoying running club (code for "sap every ounce of energy from the children before school so they behave in class")

This is Jase enjoying a luv from his teacher, Mrs. Bolton. Can you say "crush"?

Jase's spot!

Boy do I miss my little monkeys, but I must admit, I don't exactly hate having time to myself.

That's My Boy!!!

2008-09-12T16:56:00.000-07:00

A day in the life of...

JACOB!

This awesome critter was found on Jacob's first camp out with his new scout troop!

Are you sure this is a good idea?

Oh yeah! This is a great idea!

Winner of the Carlsbad Stake pie eating contest!

How could anyone not LOVE this kid?

Sending Wishes to Heaven

2008-08-26T11:40:00.000-07:00

Our sweet friends, the Nielsons, were involved in a terrible private plane crash in AZ. We have been praying non-stop for them and their families to feel the loving arms of our Heavenly Father around them. On Saturday, people all over the world united to send balloons to heaven with our wishes for Stephanie and Christian attached. How inspiring to connect with a little group of fellow Californians! The internet is miraculous to say the least!

We love you Christian, Stephanie, Claire, Jane, Ollie and Gigs!!!

Happy Birthday and Other Happenings!

2008-08-14T21:50:00.000-07:00

The summer is winding down, so we are trying to have as much fun as possible!! Here are a few pics to make you all jealous that you don't live in San Diego! ;)

Can you say "DRAMA QUEEN?" So this is what girls are like...

Do you love the sad little tear?

Jase is pretty excited about conquering the rock!

Huge rope thingey at the new park by our house. I climbed it in flip flops... aren't you impressed?

Mia's first pig tails. Requires large amount of gel.

Beach day with Dawne (Jason's sis) and fam! SO fun to see them!!!

Jarom and Thor have the same DNA- it's spooky.

Happy 39th Mr. McDonald! I have a feeling we'll be celebrating this one over and over!

I don't think he looks a day over 29 :)

HOTTIE!!

Swinging is Mia's new fav!!

EARTHQUAKE!!!!!

2008-07-29T20:28:00.000-07:00

It's official- we're Californians. Today we experienced our first thrilling earthquake! No injuries or catastrophic damage, just really excited kids. I guess it was a good wake up call- we have no idea what earthquake protocol is. Luckily, Jarom researched and we have designated the "earthquake hiding spots" in the house. Yikes!

New Shoes and Ridiculous Cuteness

2008-07-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

Mia continues to amaze us with her darling personality! She is the happiest, most loving baby! She has learned that the camera means "ham it up" and Jason took these photos of her saying cheese!

The other scary discovery is that she is quite the shoe lover. We finally found that crocs will fit on her fat little feet, but the journey of trying on a million pairs of shoes was a total delight to Mia!

The So Cal Life!!

2008-07-16T19:24:00.000-07:00

This picture is supposed to be at the end of the post. I wish I knew how to get it there- read on...

Since Jason had to be in Orange County for business, we thought we would camp out in his hotel room and see what the L.A. scene had to offer. The good news: it was a super fun adventure; the bad news: I forgot the camera. I guess we'll all have to make due with my brief highlights.

Day 1:

Hollywood- to stand in Will Smith's footprints and purchase star map!

Driving ALL OVER Beverly Hills in our rockin' mini van.

Chili dogs at Pink's (not awesome) and cupcakes at Sprinkle's (awesome)

Day 2:

Getty Museum; GO THERE!!!! 'nuff said.

Venice Beach; DON'T GO THERE!!!! 'nuff said

Fried chicken and waffles at Roscoe's (yes, all on the same plate- and yes, we were the only white people in the restaurant.) This was the kid's favorite part of the trip.

Poor Jase spent the trip with a shiner after a little mishap involving the makeshift bed we fixed up in the room. Here is a picture of the damage.

Kindred Spirits

2008-06-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

One of my dearest friends, Anna Lisa, came to the beach from Texas for a family vacation! We have not seen each other for at least 10 years- what a treat!!! She is still, of course, completely beautiful (no wonder Mike Zaharis asked her out :)! I have a feeling this will be one of the perks of living in a vacation destination- woo hoo!!

Pizza on the beach!
Our collective offspring! (Anna has 4 girls, we have begun the matchmaking process)
Jacob as a sea monster! Scary. And gross.

Happy Father's Day...and other news!

2008-06-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

We are finally reunited! It was a great Father's Day, complete with filet mignon hot off the grill, and being able to consume it outside on the most beautiful day you have ever seen!

In other exciting news: Mia is FINALLY walking!! She's been doing it so long holding onto someone's finger, that she practically took off running!
And she REALLY likes whipped cream!!

The Champ II!!

2008-06-12T22:47:00.000-07:00

Talk about going out with a BANG! Jarom's team won the district championship last week, and took the league championship tonight! Just like Jacob, it was the second year in a row!! Way to go Jarom- you're amazing!

Thanks Ang!

2008-06-11T06:59:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Angie caught me in a weak moment at a recent get together (I TRY to be a "no sugar mom"). We almost died laughing when Mia licked clean a discarded plate with a few smears of chocolate on it. Check out the SUPER CUTE digital scrapbook pages she made. If only I were so creative!

Farewell, My Friend!

2008-06-09T21:11:00.000-07:00

Cannonball!

It was a beautiful front flip!

Hmm... not really sure.

We are counting down the last week in our beloved pool (ok- beloved by the kids, mom has sort of a love/hate relationship).

Just Another CrAZy Day!

2008-06-09T20:59:00.000-07:00

Exhibit A:

Okay, call me the worst mom ever- but I HAD to post this picture of Jacob. He crashed hard on the sofa with a migraine, and ended up looking like the model for a Rubens painting. (sorry sweetie)

Exhibit B:

Mia wakes up with AWESOME bedhead!

The Champ!

2008-06-04T22:24:00.000-07:00

Tonight was a great night to be a D-Back! Jacob's team took the championship for the SECOND year in a row (and that never happens!) Congrats mister! You played your heart out!

Signs of an Arizona summer.

2008-06-02T21:14:00.000-07:00

So... how can you tell it's getting REALLY hot in Arizona? When your boys willingly submit to getting their heads sheared! You should have seen the pile of hair. Reaction: "We look like Jack Johnson!"

Happy Memorial Day!

2008-05-29T06:37:00.000-07:00

Since we hadn't seen Jason in a couple of weeks, we thought it might be fun to take a road trip to the beach for the holiday weekend. Thorin came down from LA to visit us, and we were all totally blown away by how much he and Jarom look alike. Thor is amazing on the guitar, and taught Jarom a few tricks. He even let Jarom play his Gibson, which totally made his day. We had our beach day on Monday, and Mia proved herself to be a beach bunny through and through. While I have no pictoral proof, Jason and Jarom tore it up on their surfboards and Jacob and Jase shredded with their boogie boards. (I know, I'm going to have to brush up on surfer lingo)

Look Out! He's 15!!!

2008-05-20T14:14:00.000-07:00

I know this must come as a great shock to most readers, (especially since many people mistake Jason and I for 15 year olds) but Jarom is officially 15. Some things about this that terrify me are: he will be behind the wheel in 7 months, he will be behind the wheel in 7 months and he will be behind the wheel in 7 months. I think that about sums it up. Truthfully, he is the most wonderful teenage boy ever! His one wish for his birthday was a new guitar; specifically an epiphone hummingbird guitar. Since he is such a good boy, we had to make his dreams come true.

My baby's 1!!!!!

2008-05-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? Baby Mia is 1 year old. What a year this has been! What a miracle she is. Her newest tricks include lots of blowing of kisses, endless walking holding anyone's finger, and, amazingly, whistling. Yes, I said whistling. She did it on accident once, and has almost perfected it. Where's a baby circus when you need one?

Hey, this is fun!

2008-05-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

After running out of room on Mia's babysite, and wasting countless hours looking at other people's cool blogs, I decided to try it. With my severe lack of talent in the scrapbooking department, I thought maybe this would be a small way to document the goings on of our crazy family. I must admit, after viewing the artistic blog masterpieces out there, I feel a little nervous about letting everyone see that I take all my pictures with a camera that my son got for Christmas when he was 9. Well... here we go!