Happy Halloweenie

So let me explain. Emma asked if we could dress the same for the school carnival. How many time do you get that offer? So I had to say yes. She got to pick the outfits and she is a very cute Wednesday Adams. I, on the other hand, ended up looking like a very pathetic Mrs. Adams, just out of rehab and probably on her 6th marriage. Pretty scarey!

Finnley Kate

Here is an update for all of my friends and family who prayed so hard for this sweet little girl. Remember she was given only 3 days to live? Well, guess who is 8 months old and has 3 teeth!!! You can follow her amazing life and the courage of her family here.
And always remember that miracles DO happen!

Goodby my friend...

Merrill E. Swenson died last week. He is the grandfather of my children from my first marriage.
Something you never think about during a divorce, as you divide up the tupperware, is that you have to divide up the friends and family as well. Some go with him and some you get to keep. Some of the best people I know went with the ex. Merrill is one of them. I will miss him.

Happiest Place on Earth

Auntie Lorna is visiting from England and when we realized she had never been to Disneyland we organized a visit and the other half of the Cathie clan met us there. After a wonderful day in the magic kingdom I realized something: Emma doesn't love Disneyland like Brit and Stefan do.
Most of Emma's life I have had to hear comments from the older two like "You would never have let me do that" or You would have never bought me that" or "I would never have gotten away with that". Anyone with a large gap in kid's ages will know what I'm talking about.
But after seeing Disneyland through the eyes of 'adult' Brit, I found an example of some way I've failed Emma but not Stefan and Brit. Emma doesn't really get the importance of the park on the corner of Ball and Katella.
She doesn't realize that you HAVE to have a mint julep and a churro when you get there (giant pickle is optional). That you HAVE to try and pull out the Sword in the Stone. Or that The Small World ride is irratating in a good way. And that no matter how cool your iphone, if you've never seen the Electric Light Parade, or Tinkerbell Fly, you got 'nuthin!
There aren't very many times in a parent's life when they know they've gotten it right. But seeing my 25 year old daughter become 5 again I knew. And I think Walt himself is proud of me.

Over to the darkside...

Well its official. I've been talked into having my own blog. I swore I wouldn't be one of THOSE people but then I woke up one morning and I was. My kids convinced me that my days were interesting enough, the people in my life were crazy enough, and my memory was still sharp enough that my friends would take the time to read my blog if I had one. So, thanks to my creative kids for setting me up and for encouraging this type of behavior.