Broken!

As if things weren't crazy enough, Charlie had to go and break his arm! Right before we were supposed to drive cross-country for the summer!

I honestly don't know if we will make it now. We'll see what the orthopedist says on Thursday. On Saturday, we enjoyed what was probably the best baseball game of Charlie's entire season. Charlie and his novice crew, were pitted against a very organized and skilled team of bigger kids. There were also twice as many of them as there were of us. We had 7 players to start, and one left in the middle of the game!

Charlie's team was outmatched, but they were hitting balls, stealing bases, and seemed blissfully unaware that they were getting hammered. Or maybe they knew and they were just having fun. God knows we parents were! We were laughing and cheering and I'm sure the other parents couldn't figure out why we were so darn happy that we were losing.

Who would have known, after our last game of the season, that just a few hours later we would be with Charlie in the E.R., waiting to have his Condylar Fracture repaired. Richard stayed with Charlie in the E.R. for over 8 hours, letting me leave when the doctor told him that Charlie would have to be sedated and have his arm reset. Richard also missed poker night. He never misses poker night.

HaHa channels he inner Richard Simmons!

Ahhhh... The stuff of life!!! Good times!

When I was downloading pictures from my camera, I found this photo Leo secretly took when I wasn't looking. He loves to take surprise pictures!

Making the Post of It!

Richard told me that I needed to post, and you all know how I do EVERYTHING Richard says!

The main reason I haven't been posting is that I have been preoccupied with trying to figure out what path to take in the next few months. I usually have such a strong sense of what feels right, but in this instance I am truly confused. What is the universe telling me? What is my own gut telling me? For the first time I can remember in a very long time, I really do not know.

The other night Richard pulled "the universe" language out of his "hat" (to put it politely), and I knew he was just humoring me, trying to make me feel better. At least I have that.

As for clothes, I still have NOT bought any new clothes in retail, although I did pick up a few great things at the good 'ol GW (Goodwill, for those of you who don't know me well)! I also got rid of MORE stuff, which makes me feel good.

HaHa picked up a slip I had in a basket to be mended and wanted to wear it, so I have included some photos. She also put together this very "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" outfit today. All on her own!

HaHa Style 4!

This is a "vintage" HaHa photo. NYC 2010.

My little "Re-fashionista" continues to create outfits that I would wear if I could. She's pretty adept at putting an outfit together for the ripe old age of two, but she also has the luxury of being a kid, which means she pretty much looks cute in everything. I guess it's like supermodels; they can rock a potato sack if they have to!

HaHa had her first preschool visit day, and I was completely aware of how ready she is to move on from the nest. She needs to start hanging out and exploring with peers and teachers rather than with me all the time. I truly think she is bored being with me all the time, as demonstrated by her constant requests to go to "Ildiko's house" (her daycare provider and patron saint of generosity ) and "Tay-Tay's House"(her amazing caretaker and cousin/aunt). What can I say? I'm her mom, and therefore am boring by my sheer abundance in her life. Familiarity breeds contempt, right?...

Now don't get me wrong: I know my little sparkle pup HaHa loves me, and does have fun with me, but even she needs a break from our daily routine every now and then...

This week we got to go on the Sony lot to dine with one of HaHa's favorite aunties, and she did get to go to Ildiko's! Lucky girl. She leads a charmed life!

HaHa adores her big bros!

Wearing her beloved "sparkle skirt"

On Sony lot with fashionable Auntie Eek-o!

Divorce Chickens!!!

As I mentioned earlier, we inherited some chickens after a co-worker of Richard's got divorced. I had been longing for chickens for quite some time, so they came as welcome guests to our humble abode. However, as they came to our house, so did flies galore, poop-fest 2011, and a ridiculous amount of self-induced stress as I worried that all the predatory animals in our neighborhood were sitting at our gate, wondering when they would have the chance to devour our brood.

That said, the chickens have grown on me, and I've grown accustomed to their care. However, my cousin is getting married in September and she's having her reception in our backyard. Somehow, I just can't picture the reception with my feathered friends pecking about the yard, or frolicking in their fly-filled chicken run. So they have to go. There are other reasons too, but the wedding is the foremost in my mind.

We will have chickens again, but when we do, we'll make sure there are no foreseeable formal activities planned in our backyard!

P.S. If you or anyone you know wants 5 chickens and a coop, let me know! Otherwise, they're going on Craig's List!!!

Outfit:

Richard and HaHa enjoying The Misfit.

Wore this to meet Richard for lunch at The Misfit. His company generously provided lunch there for their employees!!! How's that for perks?!

Skirt: High school favorite.

Floral dress: New Year Goodwill find.

Tee: Worn inside out. Gift from friend.


Shoes: These are some of my favorites, bt they are falling apart. I'm hoping to find a similar pair soon!

Blogger Buzz!

I got a message from my mom this morning asking if I had removed my HaHa Style 3 post because of some comments she made about my tantrum-ing as a child. I did not.

When she left the message I went to my blog to see what she was talking about and sure enough, no HaHa. My last entry gone.

Unsure about what happened, I went searching on blogger and I found this page: Blogger is Back.
It made me think that I should try to print my one year project lest it be lost in space one day...

It was a lot of work, and I'd love to have a hard copy to peruse when I am old and gray!

Here are HaHa's photos again!

Have a great weekend!!!

HaHa Style 3!

So HaHa has taken a turn for the worse. She is moody and whiny and belligerent... Could it be that spending too much time with me has made her cranky?

Could be.

A few days ago HaHa asked me, "Mommy, what's your problem?" I think I just stared at her because I was surprised she asked me that. "My problem is coughing", she said. She had just been coughing a few minutes before, but where, oh where, did she get that language?

When HaHa saw this picture of herself on the ground with her baby she said "I look mad, MaMa." She does. Perhaps the "terrible two's" have finally taken hold. Or perhaps, as I said before, I am killing her exuberance with my own stank attitude. Uh-oh, Mama, time to get with program and snap out of it!

Keeping out of the sun!

A tender moment with her bro.

Fascinating.

Mother, Mother!

 Last night I was at a party and I asked another mother what she was doing for Mother's Day. She said, "Nothing. I just want to lie around and do nothing and be alone." "Exactly!", I replied. "That's what I really want for Mother's Day- a day without my kids!"

Ironic, no?

Of course, I didn't get that. I got a day without two of my kids, which really defeats the purpose if you ask me...
But,  I had a good day nonetheless. Yummy brunch cooked by my BFF and Bad Advice Giver, hanging out with my painless family (her family), and a little window thrift-shopping.

Then I came back home to the place where I literally became a mother; Charlie, Leo, and HaHa were all born downstairs in our humble abode!

I thank my kids, and Richard, for making me a mom. I can't imagine life without this complicated and celebrated role! Although,  I wouldn't mind a kid-free day every now and then!!!



Happy Mother's Day to all y'all moms out there! I hope you had a wonderful day!!!

HaHa Style 2!

HaHa has been my comic relief during this trying time. She truly is a hilarious little bean. Take this moment, for example:

Richard and I are watching T.V. in the back room. HaHa has been asleep for a few hours, but she has since awoken and found her way down to us. She climbs in between Richard and me and begins to snuggle. It just so happens that as soon as HaHa sits down, a commercial comes on. We don't let the kids watch commercials, so I tell Richard to "pause it". However, Richard hesitates because it is the commercial for The Green Lantern and he can't resist. HaHa's eyes widen and I tell Richard again to "pause it". Richard protests and I give him some options. I say, "You can pause it and watch it later ,OR, you can take HaHa back upstairs and put her to bed". Without missing a beat we hear our little HaHa say, "Or you can leave me alone!" Richard and I crack up and HaHa is very pleased with herself. (The re-telling of this moment doesn't really do it justice, but I promise it was funny at the time!)




Three more HaHa self-styled outfits. All clothes hand-me-downs from Auntie Kimberly and the lovely Lourdes!!! Thank you for the wonderful clothes ladies!!! Actually, The blue leggings and striped legging were gifts. The necklace is mine!

That's my girl!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!

I am in the midst of some life-changing, very painful, but potentially liberating stuff. I can't really talk about it here, but I've been thinking about it ad naseam.

Literally.

I'm still not sure how things will turn out, but a very wise and lovely woman told me to listen to my body. She said that while our minds can rationalize and talk us into or out of anything, our bodies let us know how we really feel. Really.  She's very smart.  I will be paying attention to my visceral responses in the weeks to come...

Leo had a class presentation on Friday, so I threw together this outfit. I recently received this lovely and delicate blouse from my friend The Freshmaker. She gives me the most awesome cast-offs! Thank you, Freshy! The yellow is so spring-y and light!


Outfit:

Camisole: Goodwill. Express.

Shirt: Hand-me-down. Banana Republic.

Pants: Cousin hand-me-down. Gap.

Jacket: Goodwill. Theory.

Shoes: Mossimo.

HaHa Style!

HaHa has already developed a very strong sense of personal style. This comes as no surprise. She has a strong sense of many things...

Tonight she put a shower cap on and said, "I'm a cooker, mama!" I really love that she and Leo call me mama. It's very sweet.

 Here are three outfits that HaHa put together on her own, shoes included. She is really digging her gold sandals right now. She calls them her "Sparkle shoes."

I wish that I could write about some of HaHa's evening antics, but I can't do them justice right now...

I am too, too tired right now! Everything HaHa is wearing is handed down except for the Cheongsam and the striped leggings. Those were gifts. Her flower headband was made by my oh, so talented cousin, Taylor!


That's it for edition one of HaHa style. I gotta get some shut eye!

7 Ways!

I went to my 20 year high school reunion and it was quite lovely. Sweet and sentimental. Taking that walk down memory lane was quite fun, and it was truly great to see everyone.

As I said I would, I wore my Seven Ways Dress. I got many a compliment on it, and I was quite comfortable in it. It really is a gem.
Thank you, Aunt D!

Richard says I have to post twice a week now, so I was thinking of having a weekly post that is dedicated to HaHa's fashion. She has a very strong sense of personal style, and is very particular about what combination of items she wants to rock. Look for HaHa's closet on Wendesday. I will post up several of her outfits from the last few weeks. They are very, very, cute, and the majority of them are hand-me-downs!

I hope Easter was full of eggs, chocolate, and love for everyone. We spent the day at Pan-Pacific Park, and a good time was had by all!!!

Hippity-Hop! Hoppity-Hip!



Outfit:

Dress: This 7 ways dress was a gift from my wonderful Aunt Diane!

Tube top: Very old. A New York special.

Shoes: American Eagle.

Chickens, Children, and Clothes!

Now that I am not obligated to post daily, I think about posting more than I actually do it. I could go back to daily outfits, but it's too much commitment . Although, I am happy to report that I have NOT gone clothes shopping since my first couple of Goodwill trips. No retail clothing for me in 2011 so far! That said, I have been the recipient of some stellar "hand-me-downs", and 1 brand new Seven Ways Dress that was a gift from my very sweet and generous Aunt Diane. I have worn the dress at least three different ways, and I will certainly find many more ways to wear it! I consider it a worthwhile challenge. Actually, I think I'm going to wear it to my 20 year high school reunion this Saturday. I will post some pictures of the dress for sure!


I have still been trying to "mix it up" everyday, and think outside of my wardrobe box. I've been playing with my "new" old clothes, and having a great time!

The kids continue to amaze, confound, surprise, infuriate, and inspire me. I made it through spring break without harming myself, or them, so I am giving myself a "high five"! In truth, they are really delightful, and I am very lucky to have them in my life. They are abundant joy.


We also now have chickens in our backyard. 5 of them. I have been wanting chickens for a while now, and we received these chickens through a divorce. They are very cute, but they are a lot of work. (Sound like anyone you know?) I am still not sure about whether or not these visitors will become family members, but they are in a coop in our backyard for now!

Outfits:

Some of my outfits from the past few weeks. One of my very favorite items is a rad vintage Talbot's belt that my friend's mother gave me. This is the same friend's mom who gave me the clothes I donned in my Vegas post. Thank you again, Nancy!!! She also gave me the black skirt, pinstripe button down, and cream skirt shown here. Mustard sweater, blue shirt (top), and striped tee are all hand-me-downs from friends!

Also, Don't forget to send all of your pressing questions to the awesomely written column "BAD ADVICE FOR GOOD PEOPLE".


And, finally, I've included some photos of the kids because I've had some requests!!! Peace to you all! Thank you for stopping by!!!!

Rusty and Co.

HaHa talking on a mirror.

Siblings swing!

our new guests

Angels on Angel's Flight!

Cuties on a cart!

What Happens in Vegas...

This weekend, Richard and I stole away together alone overnight for the first time in seven and a half years! Well, for the first time for more than 14 hours... A few years back, 6, to be exact, we flew to Vegas to see Prince's closing show. We left at 6 in the evening the night of the concert, and flew back to L.A. at 6 a.m. the following morning. Leo was a baby, so I couldn't bring myself to stay overnight. I also think I was nursing at the time, and that was a huge factor. At any rate, Richard and I have never been away together from the kids overnight until this weekend. Crazy huh?

Actually, come to think of it, December was the first time I had been kid-free for more than a few hours since Charlie was born. I was away for THREE days. And, we all know how that turned out; HaHa hospitalized upon my return... Mom punished for abandoning children...

Anyway, back to Vegas. We went to celebrate the wedding of my lovely cousin Dee, who is half of the reason Richard and I met. The other half, Richard's dear friend Brian, welcomed his baby daughter to the world on the same day that Dee and her beloved Paul got hitched! Coincidence? 

We had so much fun at the wedding, and the reception lasted long enough to kick off Richard's birthday! It was a perfect first weekend away from the kids! And, my wedding outfit was comprised of hand-me-downs courtesy of one Nancy Bryan. Thank you, Nancy!

By the way, if any of you reader's have a burning question you should check out my friend's new site Bad Advice for Good People. Anonymous questions are welcome!

Congratulations Paul, Dee, Brian and Jill!!!

Outfit:

White Jacket: Macy's. I had been wanting a white jacket after I saw an outfit in Vogue, et voila!

Black dress: Banana Republic. The black lace peeking out is from a slip underneath.

Shoes: American Eagle.

Flower: My cousin gave this to me. It's from Anthropologie. The perfect accent!

Peep Out!

I have been sitting at my computer for awhile trying to figure out how I want to frame this post. I guess I am having some writer's block. I also worked all day, drove home with the children, had a visit with my visiting-from-Thailand-brother-in-law, went out to vote, and came back home to put the wild boys to bed while Richard ran out to vote with HaHa. So, I guess I'm tired. Go figure.

As I was sitting here, in front of my screen, I yawned and sighed a bit. HaHa looked me in the eye and said, "Wake up, Mommy." It made me laugh. She is really turning into a funny and charming person. She sings little ditties that she makes up, runs around in plastic heels, tells me every day that my cousin Taylor's cat Lola "scratched" her, and she is so, so, very sweet.

So what does this all have to do with peeping out?! Nothing. I realized recently that not blogging keeps me from being on top of the awesome blogs I follow. I'm not on the computer as much, so I forget to check in. These bloggers are my peeps, and I love them so!

Outfits:

These outfits hail from January 18th and 19th, respectively. They also hail from clothes I bought for other people that didn't work out for them.

Jumpsuit: This was a Salvation Army find that I got for my Fresh Friend, and it was 50% off (so it was all of 3 bucks!) It didn't fit her well, so I tucked it away and tried it on after the new year!

Striped tee: Pollyanna hand-me-down.

Star shirt: This shirt was for Pollyanna, but she didn't want it. I got it at the same Salvation Army sale. It was going to go to the last clothing swap, but I tried it on and decided to keep it!

Polka- dot skirt: I got this from S.A., along with a few other items, for Sheena, the woman who did The Uniform Project. She, (or her people), never got back to me.

Yellow sweater: This is a post-New Year's hand-me-down from, yet again, my Fresh Friend. H&M.

My HaHa girl!