Nirvana Mommas

Ok, this blog is for all of you women out there who at some point in time have thought about Botox.  Because let’s face it….we all at some point have “thought” about it.  Personally, I haven’t had the cojones to do it.  So, I am always interested in new non evasive products.  Check out Lift Fusion.  I provided a description below:

“LiftFusion® is the first Topical-Injectable® alternative to doctor-administered anti-wrinkle injections and has been proven more effective than Botox® in a clinical study. Technologically advanced LiftFusion® formula, with breakthrough Micro-Injected M-Tox® nanospheres, delivers immediate, visibly transformational results comparable to popular injectables… without the discomfort, side effects and unnatural loss of facial expressiveness associated with many syringe-administered anti-wrinkle products.
Wrinkles result from facial expressions along with the loss of key skin components: collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Micro-Injected M-Tox®, a proprietary blend of anti-wrinkle ingredients, absorbs and activates on contact to immediately transform skin’s appearance into firm, smooth, wrinkle-free skin:
- Proprietary micro-injected muscle inhibitors absorb on contact for visibly relaxed fine lines and wrinkles.
- Hyaluronic acid-filling spheres capture and instantly swell with the body’s water, plumping to fill and smooth even deep wrinkles, smoothing and lifting to restore skin’s youthful firmness.
- Blend of proteins boost collagen production to tone, firm and promote resilient, healthier skin.  The result? Fine lines and even deep wrinkles are visibly, measurably reduced within ten minutes, vertical and horizontal forehead furrows, frown lines, crow’s-feet and nasolabial lines are softened, and skin tone and texture is dramatically transformed, as skin becomes smoother, firmer and healthier. ”

There it is….Can you believe it?  Nordstrom sells this product for $140.00, but you can also go directly to the source at www.fusionbeauty.com.  They are also the creators of lip fusion, lash fusion, glow fusion and skin fusion.  Crazy huh?  Check it out.  I was actually surprised at how many products they formulated.  I love the beach baby bling seen below.

A total “must have.”  Beach Baby is a sexy flush of fresh pink to deliver that just-off-the-beach, seriously plumped pout for summer.  It is limited edition though so time to rush out and get that extra “bling” we all need.

I also like that it seems fairly cost effective in comparison to shots of Botox.  I don’t know..I’m thinking I like the alternative of lift fusion versus stabbing of needles in my head!  So, I’ll leave you with that thought.  :)  Sephora also sells the product so I’m sure both Nordstrom and Sephora has educated staff to provide information before purchase.  Good luck and stay wrinkle free!!  Sunscreen…sunscreen…sunscreen! 

Well, it has been 3 days of school.  Yes, only 3 days of school and let me clarify that the first 2 days were minimum days.  So, for all of you who know Jack this won’t be a surprise.  Last year we had an issue with Jack (within the first 3 days).  Imagine that?

So yesterday I went to pick up Jack and his teacher (in a laughing manner) said, “Hey, I gotta talk to you.”  I had the look of death… and immediately felt panic stricken.  I asked, “What…now?”  She said..”Today one of the kids on the playground told me that that little boy (Jack) was kissing a girl.”  When Jack was approached he told his teacher, “She’s really pretty and we are playing mommy and daddy.”  His teacher with a grin on her face told him that he can only kiss his parents and siblings.  He understood and off he went arm and arm with Gabriella (yes, that’s her name…how beautiful is that?)  They continued to play absent the kissing part.  Jack then told me they played puppy and mommy.  Jack was the puppy.  My goodness…I know this is in all good fun but geez….  When I left with Jack, Gabriella ran up and whispered (yes whispered) in his ear…”Thanks for playing with me today.”  My jaw dropped.

Jack proceeded to tell me how great, pretty and nice she was.  I explained to him again about our rules, and told her that if SHE tries to kiss him that he needs to tell her NO.  Crazy, huh?  I then called Mike to inform him what was happening.  Guess what the first thing out of Mike’s mouth was….”Well, someone needs to talk to that little girl.  The girls are ALWAYS the ones starting that kissing stuff.”  I couldn’t believe it…I laughed so hard at him with that statement.  He took no ownership or responsibility for Jack’s actions.

Then I look back and recall Jack and his other friend Mia playing mom and dad.  But this was different.  They wouldn’t even hold hands.  WHY?  “Mom, because we have been married for a really, really LONG time.”  So, I guess him and Gabriella were honeymooner’s.  My goodness.

Oh…now Connor….Check that box.  He’s in class, and hanging out with his homey’s.  All of his friends are hooked up with girlfriends and Connor thinks he has a girlfriend, but never ends up talking to her?  Go figure.

So there it is…my two extremes.  I love the different personalities and the different challenges we face because of it!  :)  Just like Dr. Seuss says….”There’s no one like you, youer than you, truer than true.”

Any one else having these issues at school 3 days in?

“Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.” ~ Mark Twain 

Happy birthday to you..happy birthday to you…happy birthday dear Vonnie (my sister) and Shelley..happy birthday to you!  AND many more……

Yep, there it is.  My older sister Vonnie and Shelley are born on the same day and turning the same age.  Bizarro huh?  So, my hat’s off to them!  Enjoy the day, and this is the year of happiness, love, joy and inner peace.  Take each day one by one and enjoy this journey as it is a new year filled with many opportunities.  I pulled a couple horoscopes, and found a couple more people that were born today that Shelley forgot….:) 

“You are considering the possibility of higher education.  Do some soul-searching to be sure this isn’t just because of restlessness, boredom, or a midlife crisis.  It is possible to regain your enthusiasm without completely abandoning the current scene.” ~ Sac Bee horoscope

“No matter how much you have achieved in your life up to this point you know you are capable of so much more, so promise yourself now, on your birthday, that the next 12 months will be special.  Don’t just aim to be good, aim to be the very best.”  New York Post horoscope

Another tidbit…the week prior to Labor Day (this week) is National Bowling Week.  Yep, Kingpin style!  The flower of August is Gladiolus meaning “splendid beauty.”  Birthdays…Confucius…hello, born 551 BC.  Quickly….can you believe that Paul Reubens is 56?  WHAT?  Jonny Moseley (professional skiier) turns 33 today.  Tom Ford, fashion mogul also born today.

Happy birthday to both my sister and friend…

“Today you are you, that is truer than true.  There is no one alive who is youer than you.” - Dr. Seuss

That’s my favorite quote from Dr. Seuss.  It so “truer than true.” 

Have a wonderful day!!

Well, summer vacation for our boys is officially over.  They have been on “vacation” basically since July 25th.  School started yesterday and boy it was hard to get back on track (and still is). 

Connor visited Georgia, went to Clearlake, went camping in Tahoe and boating.  Jack went to Clearlake, went camping in Tahoe, and just got back from a week long camp trip at Camp Gold.  They really didn’t want any of their trips to end.  This was the hard part.  Trying to explain why they are called “vacations.”

Here lies another difficulty with summer vacations in two homes.  Our current schedule only has the children at one home for no longer than two days.  There is no long period of time with either parent thus making it not an issue to adjust at each home.  What I did notice this year was that both boys needed some adjustment after their vacations.  For example, Connor was gone for 11 days in Georgia.  He grew accustomed to this schedule.  He had a wonderful, exciting time in Georgia.  Upon his return, within 5 minutes of being back….”I’m bored.”  We had to hear how “bored” he was for about two weeks.  We then explained to him that that was his “vacation” and once back we need to get back on track.  We also explained that he would get to do this annual trip with his mom yearly and that is something he could look forward to.  So, adjustment back from Georgia.  Yes, check that box.

Jack went on a week long trip to Camp Gold with his dad, aunt, uncle and three cousins (let me mention they are all boys).  So, for a week, he had a great deal of independance at camp, as well as a crazy time with his three cousins.  Within 10 minutes of Jack being back, he said, “Oh my GOD” and used the word HATE.  I looked at him and he said, “My dad let me say both of those things.”  I laughed and said, “Really?  Well let me get him on the phone and double check with him.”  He looked down, “Ok, he didn’t say I could.”  I then had to rehash our beliefs and what we say and what we don’t say.  I felt like all of the discipline he had before….out the door at camp.  I communicated with Mike and told him some of the things behaviorly that were happening.  He informed me he would work on it and let Jack know that some of those behaviors are unacceptable.

This was just an issue at summer vacation.  Imagine an issue like this always.  Because let’s face it…if parents haven’t worked through their issues every day for a child would be like this.  I would much rather deal with a week or two during the year versus every other day.  When parents don’t discuss the needs of the child to try and mirror the same discipline, imagine how they feel ALL the time.  Consistently.  They feel confused and disheveled.  They feel like they don’t know when they are coming and going.  They need consistency.  Tomorrow I plan on discussing a real life story of a 16 year old in a divorce situation and what this has done to her (because her parents haven’t come together as a team).

So, all in all, vacation is over.  I’m hoping some of the behaviors that went along with vacation will be over too.  We all our on the same page, so the issues will be resolved quicker than if we weren’t.

Think about it.  Create some fluidity for your children.  You just have to talk with someone who also wants the needs of the child to be taken care of.  So if you think about it…you may not love your ex or even like them (and you don’t have to like them)…but you ultimately have one common goal:  the happiness of your child/children.

“Over two acres of enchantment and fun!  Fairytale Town is a nonprofit family park with more than twenty three-dimensional child-size play sets based on favorite fairytales and nursery rhymes.  A family of friendly animals and children’s gardens nestle in this safe and colorful place.  Fairytale Town’s mission is to promote the imagination, creativity and education of children.” ~ Fairytale town

Where imagination lives, right?  It’s Free Flow Friday…you know we love to talk about whatever we wanna talk about!!  Today for me, I wanted to talk about the yellow brick road construction at Fairytale town.  It’s amazing. 

Rod and I were riding bikes to breakfast last Saturday (before our Tahoe jaunt) and we rode right past Fairytale town and the yellow brick road (under construction).  There is a giant fence surrounding the yellow brick road, because let’s face it…it’s under construction.  I tried to look to see if the boys had their brick in there.  I told Rod, “Geez, I wish I could get in there.”  Rod (in his caveman stature) starts looking at how he can get into the “gated area.”  Low and behold….a small opening in the gate where we could slip through.  There we no plans of destruction…just wanted to see the brick with two sweet, cute names on it.  So Rod and I traveled quickly.  He took one part of the yellow brick road, and I took another.  I passed Heather Fargo and a couple other large family names, and there it was……Jack Stokes & Connor Christopher.  It was so sweet and I was so happy I did this.  $100.00 for a brick that will be there forever.  Since Fairytale town is a historical landmark in Land Park since 1959, I’m pretty confident our boys will be taking their families to visit not only the park but now…. “their brick.”

I clearly remember a time when Vonnie and I went to Fairytale town.  My dad took us to Fairytale town, and we have this wonderful picture of my dad with Vonnie on one side and myself on the other.  It’s sweet.  I do remember that day too.  We probably were no older than 5 and 7.  (Pretty much Connor and Jack’s age). 

Check it out.  Grab a brick and put a family members name in “gold” forever!  The early stages of construction started June 30th and the last day to grab a brick will be October 31.  It’s pretty easy.  You can download the form online and then send it in with $100.00.  They will send you a certificate and information about the yellow brick road.  It’s actually pretty exciting.  AND it’s only $100.00.  The other cool thing….cram as much as you want onto the brick.  You should have seen some of the bricks.  They had an entire family listed and the brick was filled to the rim!  Do it up anyway you like…

If nothing else…ride your bikes, take a bus or get on a horse and check out Fairytale town and the yellow brick road.  YOU just may snag a couple of bricks in the process!!

Alright, so one of the nirvana mommas is single.  Newly single, that is.  With that being said, I thought I would dissect and provide some simple rules to follow while dating with children.  Because let’s face it…it is different!  I remember trying to sabotage my mom and all of her dates.  We didn’t want her to spend time with anyone but US!  (Stacy and myself).  We turned into absolutely crazy, insane children that would obviously turn any man away.  Hahaha.  Terrible, I know, but those are sometimes the consequences to dating with children who are at an older age. 

Here are some guidelines to follow which should allow for a successful dating stint (while being a mother or father):

1.  N-E-V-E-R introduce the child or children to the “dater or prospect” until you are in a monogamous relationship with    this man or woman and it appears you both want the same result in the relationship.  WHY?  There really is no point to have men or women come and go in your child or children’s life.  This not only sets a good example (because let’s face it, we probably don’t want our children to know the in’s and out’s of our dating experiences),  but also doesn’t get them attached to someone that may or may not be in your life for the long haul.

2.  N-E-V-E-R be too available for your suitors.  Always have a back up plan, but more importantly schedule all dates and time away when you DON’T have an obligation to your child/children.  Not only does this send a message to the “prospect” that you are responsible, but also shows strength in what is important.  If the “prospect” doesn’t understand your schedule as a parent….CLUE?  You don’t want them around you or your children anyway.

3.  N-E-V-E-R allow them to come to your home for at least 3-6 dates.  Let’s get to know these people first before we let them come up in our home (where our children run and play daily).  This goes for either you mom’s or dad’s who are out there dating.  Both men and women can turn crazy and stalk you outside of your window throwing rocks wishing you’d open the window.  (Don’t think so).

4.  N-E-V-E-R be unprepared, regardless of the situation or what people (your suitor may say).  Alright, you know we are talking about intimacy here.  Always be prepared.  Whether that be with protection, and/or testing complete before decisions are made to be monogamous.  Remember…your children need you around without any life altering consequences. 

5.  N-E-V-E-R be in a urgent RUSH to be in a relationship.  If you are newly single out of a marriage or a long term relationship, (any counselor would tell you), to take some time for yourself.  Reconnect with the things you enjoy and find yourself again.  This is important for strength, confidence and independence.  AND this does give you some extra special time with your children.  Although the time with the children is wonderful, remember to ALWAYS take time for yourself.  Whether that be journaling your feelings during this time, reading or meditating.  Write a small monthly goal list of things you would like to accomplish (3-5 things) and accomplish it.  A clear peaceful mind will allow the dating journey to be put much more into perspective.

6.  N-E-V-E-R put all your eggs into one basket.  If you are newly single, “dating” is the art of meeting new people that could potentially benefit you in your life (as well as your children).  I’m not saying to actively date 10 people at once, but keep your options open and always be willing to meet new people (no matter what the situation).  This experience can be quite refreshing.

7.  N-E-V-E-R pick a suitor that matches you (but not your children).  I know, some people may think DUH?  But let’s face it…we’ve all met really amazing people and of those people may not necessarily have been the next “doting mother or father.”  There are women or men who don’t kids.  And they are out there.  I think it’s safe to say that if a man or woman doesn’t want children you better inquire WHY and fast?  The reason I don’t say RUN..is because my Uncle met my Aunt when my cousins were very, very young.  He chose to raise those children as his own and didn’t have any children.  They call him dad.  So…with that being said…do some investigative work and find out WHY they truly don’t want children.

8. N-E-V-E-R date if you aren’t ready emotionally.  I don’t know what it is but the minute people are single…how many people say, “Hey, I got someone for you?”  Really, it’s nice and all, but emotionally if you aren’t ready…it’s ok.  Take your time for yourself.  Enough of worrying that you will be alone forever, because in reality how many people are out there alone?  There are people alone but for whatever reasons they may have.  Inhale, exhale and enjoy your surroundings.  Being in a rush to be with someone can be stifling.  Don’t stifle yourself; stimulate!

9.  BONUS.  N-E-V-E-R, I mean N-E-V-E-R do the “honk and wave.”  You all know what I mean by this too.  You might see someone attractive while driving and think your natural instinct is to “honk and wave.”  Don’t do it!  Honk n wave = No, No…I’ve been part of the “honk and wave” several times and it’s gross.  Not much more to say but…gross.

So, there are 8 rules plus the important BONUS to being single with children.  Take which ones apply to your life and disregard the ones that don’t.  Have fun, be careful and remember……

WHO’S NUMBER ONE?

I talked to my sister Vonnie today about us girls alongside my dad potentially acquiring our old cabin in Lake Tahoe.  As pumped as I was when I found out the property was in pre forclosure (only to move in and get it back at a cheap price) did my dad not sound too happy to have it back.  I was surprised.  My sister told me today she believed that my dad had a lot of memories at this cabin.  Some good, some bad.  Keep in mind, my dad’s father (my poppi) built this cabin, and both my mom and my ex step mother, Becky (the mom to the girls) have spent part of their lives at this place.  I think the majority of my dad’s memories are surrounding his family.  Today, Vonnie explained this to me.  You know to be honest, I told her that dad would tell her that because he did have his family at the cabin all of the time.  It was a place where Becky, Dad, Vonnie, Tillie and Lainie would go.  I would also be included in this scenario, but overall the day to day relationships consisted of those 5, and my day to day relationships consisted of myself, my mom and sister Stacy.  It was different.  So maybe my memories weren’t the same as they had?  Maybe I had different memories of the cabin; “my” memories.  This actually was a place where I could be with all of my family (other than my sister and mom).  It was hard.  It would always take me several days to become adjusted from my mom to my dad.  I always got a little extra special treatment for the first two nights because I was always sad and had a hard time.  I remember sleepwalking the first two nights.  I would walk around the room in a rapid pace, telling my step mom I was looking for something.  After the two days or so would pass, I was adjusted and in a big family. 

Sidebar:  Isn’t it funny how these feelings still resonate at 35? (This is why it is so important that kids aren’t placed to feel in the middle of their parents and their divorce.  Feelings from childhood stick around forever.  So with that note, why not make our children’s lives as simple as possible?”

Today, Shelley forwarded some information about Chabot Space and Science camp in the Bay area.  Her boss told her about the place and told her she should take Connor.  I ended up showing Connor the picture of ”weighlessness”, and he laughed,

“I want to go there!”  

“Well your mom told me about it; ask her to take you!”  

“Well, I think it would be fun if Jack, you and my dad also went along.  Maybe the whole family should go?” 

“Who’s the whole family Connor?”  

“Me, Jack, my dad, you, my mom and Mike.  We could all drive together.  That would be really fun.” 

I couldn’t have ever said this in the past to my family.  Nor was it an option.  I’m so grateful that the boys don’t “really” have to adjust from house to house.  They are so comfortable in their daily lives that sleepwalking and adjustments aren’t at issue.  Even if this were something Shelley would like to do “special” with just Connor, we are so comfortable with our children and our communication that we could explain this.  This is life with options.  Whether we all go together or not. I love my children having options.  And I love how our communication has confirmed and provided this.

Looks like Connor’s got another family trip planned.

This was the section where we were featured in the latest issue of Inside Arden, August 2008.  As early August approached, I eagerly went to grab a few copies of the article.  Shelley and Connor were in Georgia, so as I snagged 10 or so, Iand immediately called Shelley to tell her about the article.  I tried to give her the “run down” but let’s face it…it’s so much better to experience it in person.  I grabbed her several copies and had them saved in my kitchen waiting for her return. 

The article was written beautifully.  As Shelley and I sat in Starbuck’s, chatting with Duffy Kelly, we were wondering how the article would turn out.  My first reaction to the article was the happiness exuding from the picture.  I can look at the photo and just feel a sense of happiness amongst all of us.  The boys look so cute and “happy.”  Can you tell I have a theme of happiness going on here?  I remember the day the photographer came to our home to snap photos.  We also wondered how the photographs would turn out.  That’s the crazy thing with all of this publicity.  We don’t EVER really know how the article or pictures will turn out.  But, I will say it’s always a nice surprise to sit down, and recall how we spoke, or the important things we talked about.  I do enjoy that.  I actually can visualize sitting there talking about co parenting and knowing what questions will come next.

Duffy did us justice.  She wrote a very nice piece and I am so grateful she chose us to write about; her neighbors!  Let me leave you with a quote from the article:

“They believe the children shouldn’t suffer because the parents didn’t stay married.  It’s the ultimate case of making lemonade with the lemons life can bestow.”

Oh so true!  Feel free to contact Duffy if you have something you’d like her to hear.  Her contact information is duffykelly@comcast.net.  If you want to check out Inside Arden, log onto www.insidepublications.com.  You can log into the current edition.  ”Not ex-actly typical” is the name of our article on page 22.

A great big thanks to Duffy and Inside Arden.  We thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this publication! 

I am back from the depths of camping HELL.  No, really, it was very, very fun, but we were all very, very filthy.  Although our daily bath consisted of the cold, yet refreshing Lake Tahoe water…nothing beats a shower, with all my usual amenities.  This is all very fitting with my topic for the day.  TOMS shoes (shoes for tomorrow).  For all of you who don’t know about TOMS..check it out at http://www.tomsshoes.com/. Here is the bio for TOMS:

Inspired by an Argentine shoe with a hundred year history and the continent’s poverty and health issues, TOMS was created with a singular mission: To make life more comfortable.  TOMS accomplishes this through it’s ultra lightweight design and the company’s commitment to match every pair purchased with a donated pair to a child in need…there are no complicated formulas, it’s simple.  You buy a pair of TOMS and the company gives a pair to a child on your behalf.  The vibrant colors and patterns in the debut collection depict Blake Mycoskie’s life changing experiences in his travels to South America where he embraced the lifestyle wholeheartedly and therefore gave back by creating TOMS - shoes for Tomorrow.

Pretty inspiring, huh?  So there it is; for every pair of shoes you purchase, they donate a pair of shoes to a child in need.  Since it’s beginning in May 2006, TOMS has given 10,000 pairs of shoes to children in Argentina, 50,000 to children in South Africa, and they are projected to give 200,000 in 2008 alone.  Cool or what?  And they are pretty cute!  I just ordered my niece, Riley, a pair of the “tiny toms” in picnic canvas.  So cute!!  And they are pretty reasonable.  For a women’s black pair they will set you back $42.00.  Only $42.00 to not only supply yourself with a fashionable pair of shoes, but also providing shoes to a child in need.  I just love this idea and love the website!

Check it out!  Also click on the pictures to see how cool and happy these children were upon delivery of their new TOMS.  They also have a “gift” section where you can send an online card emailed with a dollar amount, and/or a card mailed from TOMS with the dollar amount listed.  The cool thing is that when you order even a gift card, a child will receive a pair of shoes.

So, I just purchased my niece some TOMS, but momma Christopher may be rockin it too!  Just gotta decide between black, khaki or burlap.  Mmmm..maybe I’ll get a few!  What a great result!  I can shop (because let’s face it…I love to shop) and help out a child in need!  SWEET!

For local stores, check out Krazy Mary’s boutique located at 2527 J Street, Nordstrom (Arden and Galleria in Roseville), and Madam Butterfly (has a ton) located in the Pavillions.  You can also order online, too!

Good luck and have fun shopping! 

Well, we are now 17 days of juggling the boys between parents, grandparents and aunt’s.  It’s been an amazingly LONG 17 days.  We have 13 days to go!  For some reason, summer school ends a month before school actually starts.  While I understand the need for the break; the break kills us all.  Next year we are definitely going to have to come up with some other camps that the boys can attend.  They are both old enough that it should work perfectly.  And we plan to have them in the same camp so should the change “freak” them out so to speak they will have each other for support.

July 25th was the last day of school.  Shelley took Connor until 8/5 (allowing our juggling act to consist of Jack).  This did make it easier though.  We have had Aunt Tracy come and watch the boys, Rod’s dad for the day and Mike even offered to take Connor when we had a client lunch.  Oh and don’t let me forget…Harvey Wallbanger!!  She has watched Connor for us and plans on watching him next week too.  And for those of you who haven’t read my prior post…Harvey Wallbanger is aka Jeannie (Shelley’s mom).  I love her.  She is honestly hilarious.  The day she watched Connor we stopped in and chatted a bit.  She always makes me laugh with one thing or another.

The juggling act in a stable, loving environment has made it possible for our kids to feel safe, consistent and loved.  If all of us parents had our heads up our…..WHAT?  then we probably would have had significant problems with daycare.  Other than our stress levels being high, our kids have had a great summer vacation.  All thanks to what’s important.  AND that’s how it’s done.  Simple. 

Last week, we had a client lunch and Mike took two days off to help with Jack.  We worked together.  He helped me out even though I “sometimes” have more flexibility.  He had planned to take Jack to Sunsplash and offered to take Connor as well.  WOW.  I told Shelley this was what the plan was and informed her that she had nothing to worry about as far as safety is concerned.  She said, “You know what Jill, I don’t even question Mike at all.  I have no issues.  Thank you for telling me, but I know he is safe.”  Pretty nice, trustful relationship we created, huh?  Some marriages or friendships can’t seem to find the harmony we have.  I am grateful given a difficult situation that we can all work together as a team.

Jack learned how to dive over the weekend.  Steve (Shelley’s ex) was actually over hanging out and watching Connor play.  Connor then showed his brother how to dive.  It was exciting.  The next morning Jack called his dad to tell him, “My brother taught me how to DIVE, dad.  I can DIVE.”  He was really excited and made sure to tell him his “mentor” aka brother taught him. 

For all you skeptics out there…it really can be done, and actually somewhat fluid like.  Sometimes there are kinks and bumps in the road, but that’s life.  You can let the kinks and bumps trip you up, but WHY?  You can’t ultimately change where life has taken us.  We just need to respond in the best way possible.  Deep breathing…here and there…  It’s now second nature on how we treat each other, and is somewhat expected.

The juggling act continues for me…..we are off camping until Friday.  I won’t have email access (:(), but will report back on Friday.

*If there is anything that people want us to blog about, send us an email!  We’d love to hear and respond via BLOG!!  Have a GREAT WEEK!!

Sometimes people come into your life
and you know right away that they were
meant to be there… to serve some
sort of purpose, teach you a lesson or
help figure out who you are or who you
want to become. You never know who
these people may be but when you lock
eyes with them, you know that every
moment that you are with them, they
will affect your life in some profound
way. And sometimes things happen to
you at the time that may seem horrible,
painful and unfair, but in reflection
you realize that without overcoming
those obstacles you would have never
realized your potential, strength,
will power or heart. 

Things happen for a reason!

This is how I have ALWAYS lived my life.  Truly.  I have always been one of those people that believes this to be true.  WHY?  Because if you don’t believe or live your life this way; you would tend to live it miserably, negatively and not allow yourself to understand life.  Almost as though it would be living life as a victim.  Now, I’m not this crazy expert on living life, but this has sure worked for me.  And trust me, I am a worrier, but also realize that there is a higher power looking out for all of us.

I run my professional life in this manner, as well as my personal life.  There are times where I think I should have been hired on to work with Rod sooner; but also realize there was something else that needed to be accomplished prior.  I guess I feel this is a stable way to look at life.  A healthier way to breathe. 

How I met my friend Stacey.  It was meant to be.  And come to find out, we are these kindred souls that other than some different obsessive tendancies are pretty much alike.  We like the same fashion pieces, we like the same family traditions and most importantly love to play the rhyming game with the kids around the table.  Yes.  The other night all of us were gathered around her amazingly beautiful table with her yellow leather chairs.  I believe we had 9 people around the table playing the rhyming game.  As I looked around and watched Connor and Tate interact and Jack and Mia interact, I truly felt as though the boys would be friends with Tate and Mia forever.  I could see them as teenagers hanging out.  It was weird.  Jack and Mia pretended to have a baby and were married.  They dropped the baby with me (grandma) and then went to “pretend dinner.”  Stacey says, “your married, hold hands.”  Jack looked at Stacey and said in a sturn tone, “No, Stacey we have been married for a LONG time.  We don’t hold hands.”  It was hilarious.  As we sat laughing, Connor and Tate came and grabbed the baby out of my hand to put Jack in extreme turmoil.  They were beating up his baby.  Isn’t this so kids?  My relationship with Stacey was meant to be.  Period.  Even though she’s getting that beautiful banana colored velvet blazer I am dying to have. 

I was meant to follow my career path and travel to Novato and San Jose, only to have met Mike.  We then moved back to Sacramento (at the right time).  At this time, we helped my mom a bit.  I finished a BULK of school thanks to Mike letting me not work.  We then had Jack.  And although my relationship didn’t work out; it was necessary for me to be with Mike for all of the above.  INCLUDING and MOST IMPORTANTLY…Jack.  It was meant to be that I met Rod (we were both in the same line of business and understood the business).  This ultimately led me to our business, and expanding our clientele.  AND not to mention..as my sister Vonnie says, “you guys are twins.  Rod, you are the male version of Jill and you guys are hilarious.”  So I met my match (my partner) and with this I gained a son (who told me he forgot about me in Georgia) and his mom (who actually told me she missed me in Georgia).  :)  Everything we do in life….happens for a reason and creates the next path to the journey that will take us..and take us into a different area of growth and evolution. 

Realizing that Shelley and I had more in common, than not, and coming together (putting ego’s and other emotional issues aside) happened for a reason.  This allowed a wonderful, free flowing life for our children and ourselves.  AND…Shelley got my sister a job, a potential career with her company.  Making right choices and supporting the people that are important in your life will allow things to happen and there will be a bigger purpose or life lesson.  BUT this is the mentality people must have.  Shelley returned from Georgia and we sat in my office and talked, talked and talked.  It was great to see her and have her back in the thick of things.  Our daily life!

There is a bigger purpose in life.  When things happen, understand that it may feel like a punch in the face; but realize there is a greater purpose.  Once you understand this….you will see the light at the end of the rainbow.  Actually, you may find a giant pot of gold and become beligerantly rich! 

I found this great website, www.samuraibaby.com.  Some names are listed and provide symbolic meanings for names using Japanese Kanji.  It’s a pretty cool site.  You can even get “Zen” art done of your child.  Anyway, I was looking for something to symbolize Connor and there it was.  His Kanji symbol was Vast Fortune.  They even have different spellings of Connor.  Crazy, huh?  Jack’s symbolic meaning is Youth Eternal.  My name isn’t on there :(..but Rod’s was Good Way (boring!) 

Here are Jack’s words on what he plans on telling his brother when he gets back from Georgia:

“I have my new cars.  They are Bumble Bee and an Escalade.  I went to Clearlake for two days.  Um…I had a lot of sugar this weekend.  I went to a movie theatre with Aunt Tracy and saw Kung Fu Panda.  I ate a lot of popcorn and candy.  AND UM…I forgot, I don’t know.  I watched a lot of movies and rode my ATV and went on the boat.  I caught water beetles in the pool.  I miss my brother and I’m gonna make him a picture right now this minute.”

Mom:  What’s the first thing your going to do with Connor?

Jack:   I am going to play with my cars with him.  Oh, and I will hug him; not kiss.  My brother and I don’t kiss.

Connor comes back tomorrow, Tuesday from Georgia and we anxiously await his arrival! 

It’s Free Flow Friday!!  I don’t know about you, but it’s been a long week!  Now…time to talk about some of the things we just LOVE!  One of my favorite experiences?  Going on a safari in Santa Rosa.  Yes, I said S-A-F-A-R-I.  The really great thing about it is that I didn’t have to pay for a flight to Africa, nor endure the horrendous flight!

Guess who works at this wonderful place?  Yep…Jerry Johnson (my DAD)!  As soon as he landed the Director of Community Relations, we were stoked!  We immediately booked our safari AND stayed the night.  Rod and I and the kids made our travel arrangements and before you knew it after two hours or so…we were there.  Another great thing…no cell coverage.  WOW, how nice is that for once?  To be in an area enjoying family and wildlife without the constant disturbance of cell phones.  Our safari was scheduled for 4:00 pm on a Friday.  As we waited in the “waiting area” up drove an old land rover off road safari vehicle with seating on top.  Jack was little at the time so Rod and Connor sat up top, and Jack, myself and my dad sat below.  It was awesome.  Our tour guide sang the music to the Lion King and half way through our tour belted out his own rendition standing outside of the water buffalo.  It was pretty surreal.  We finished our tour with the giraffes and got ready for dinner.  Dinner is served buffet style.  When Nancy rings the bell…it’s time to eat!!  We all ate, drank and enjoyed the great outdoors.  I felt like John Candy in the Great Outdoors (absent the bear and the shotgun).  After dinner, a representative from Safari West helped us to our “tent.”  And let me tell you, this is no ordinary tent.  These are luxury tents imported from Africa.  They are built of high wooden platforms with decks to view the giraffes or the lake below.  There are polished wood floors, copper basins and wood carved sinks directly from Africa.  We are talking “top notch” on the camping scale.  If the “tents” aren’t your thing; they do have a cottage suitable for up to 8 guests.

I recommend that people try this adventure.  Not only is it family friendly, but can also be romantic.  They have a romantic package which includes a safari ride, tent stay and swedish massages (along with some chocolate and wine from the local wineries).  They also do group events (which sounds like a blast to me).  They will take a group of 10 with wine and cheese on a private safari.  They have a photo safari which includes 10 guests, wine and cheese and a professional photographer who will assist with some of the best pictures with their animals.  The last package is a Cheetahs and Chardonnary tour for up to 6 people.  Not only do you get great wine, but you also get a full tour of the Cheetahs and a portion of the proceeds go to the Safari West Foundation.  Amazing.

Here’s a brief synopsis:

Nestled on 400 acres in the heart of California’s wine country, Safari West is home for over 400 exotic mammals and birds. Not a zoo, not a drive-through park, it’s a wildlife preserve where the whole family can experience some of nature’s most beautiful animals in a natural habitat.

Established by Peter Lang in 1989, Safari West gained membership in the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, one of only six private facilities in North America to belong to that prestigious organization. The ongoing mission of Safari West is wildlife preservation through breeding, education, research and public interaction.

For upcoming events and signing up, you should log onto www.safariwest.com  On 9/27, Safari West’s annual TWIGA at Twilight will take place.  Here’s the information:

Enjoy up-close-and-personal wildlife presentations, African-inspired cuisine by Chef Bruce Riezenman of Park Avenue Catering, great local wines, African entertainment and silent and live auctions. Help us support our Discover Africa program — connecting underserved children to the beauty of nature and wildlife.

I’ve got this date marked down and hope to attend!!!

You gotta check it out!  Even if it’s for the day.  Book your safari today!  It’s worth the experience, and an experience only a few hours away.

Safari West just received their most recent press on Good Morning America when they were featured in Travel & Leisure magazine.  I’m so happy they are getting so much coverage and support!  Great job Peter and Nancy!