Day 5: a little glimpse of Heaven

When I think back on some of the most amazing days of my life, today ranks near the top of that list. There were moments when I literally thought I was going to cry Charlie Brown tears at the beauty before my eyes. I'm not much of a nature girl (no comments from the peanut gallery) but I think I caught a glimpse of the beauty God truly meant for us to experience here on Earth.

We picked up our rental car, hooked up the handy dandy GPS and we were off. I haven't felt that "free" in a long time...just me and my man exploring the world together...it was perfect.

First stop on the "Womble San Francisco Road Trip Extravaganza"...back to Golden Gate Park. We visited on our Friday tour but did not get to see the wind mills and tulip garden. We navigated our way through Monday morning traffic which was an adventure in itself. GPS doesn't have a handle on Monday morning reroutes and one way streets so we took the scenic route. Once we made it inside the park it was so peaceful and breathtakingly beautiful. It was 9 am and you could still feel the dampness in the air. The tulips were standing at attention and if you listened closely you could the waves crashing onto Ocean Beach. The windmill was beautiful. For just a moment I felt like I was in Holland surrounded by Dutch windmills and beautiful tulips. It was perfect.Then it was off to Ocean Beach and to take in the view from the Cliff House. This was the first time on our trip that we saw the rocky cliffs of the Pacific Ocean. San Francisco is surrounded by the bay on three sides so the water had been calm up until this point. The landscape was much different than what I think of as a beach. The sand was a medium brown color and in all honestly I thought it looked dirty (even though I know it was not). Of course, the sand I am accustomed to is white/beige so it was quite a change. Once over the Golden Gate Bridge, we navigated our way through the winding roads to Muir Woods National Forest. I thought I was going to be sick several times while Daddy was wishing for a sports car and a helmet. I was reconsidering my must see attraction by the time we arrived but I am so glad we didn't turn back. I don't even know where to begin to describe this place. It was freezing cold but breathtakingly beautiful. You couldn't even see the sky for the trees. It was definitely a little glimpse of Heaven. My words could never do this place justice so I will let the photos speak for themselves. Breathtakingly beautiful!
















Next stop: Point Bonita Lighthouse. I read the best view of the ocean and the bay could be seen from Point Bonita Lighthouse. Our friends Rachel and James are lighthouse hunters so I knew we had to take a few pictures just for them. We drove the winding roads to the entry point, walked about a mile (through a tunnel running through the middle of a huge rock) to reach the lighthouse. They were right about the view...beautiful. I couldn't bring myself to walk the suspension bridge over the rocks and crashing waves below to see the lighthouse up close and personal. It was built to replicate the Golden Gate seen in the distance. It was still very windy from the storms that blew in so there was no way I was going any further. If there is a sign that says "only 2 people on bridge at one time" and a group of adolescent school children nearby, DO NOT GET ON THE BRIDGE. I think my zoom lens showed me everything I wanted to see. :-) Again, see the pictures. My words can not even begin to describe this place.
















Before we left I read that you COULD NOT go to San Francisco without eating a hamburger at a place in Sausalito called "Hamburger". Original, huh? Daddy loves a good burger so off we went back down the hills to find some lunch. We ate and did a little bit of window shopping before we headed back in to the city. It was a yummy burger but I think Daddy (AKA Bobby Flay wannabe) could give them a run for their money. :-)

Photos from Crissy Field, driving down Lombard Street and exploring the neighborhoods of San Francisco rounded out our final day. Notice the word "CLEAR" at the top of Lombard Street. It is there to keep pedestrians from getting plowed. The road is so steep you can't really see where you are going until you've already started down the hill. I found it interesting that the street is made of brick. Daddy said it was kind of difficult to maneuver but I was busy hanging the camera out the window so I wouldn't know. :-)
We returned our car and walked back to the hotel exhausted yet invigorated by such a memorable time together. This was hands down my favorite day of our trip. We returned to our room, changed clothes and hopped a trolley for our dinner reservation at Frascati. Our food was out of this world. They get the award for Best Restaurant and Best Dessert for our trip. We devoured a White Chocolate Bread Pudding with Hazelnut Ice Cream that was unlike any chocolate dessert I have ever eaten. It was heavenly and a perfect ending to a perfect trip. Next stop...HOME!

Day 4: Napa Valley in style

Ah, Napa Valley. Much of the reason I chose San Francisco was for this day...a tour of Napa Valley and wine tasting in a limo. Woohooo! We are so small town...neither of us have ever been in a limo until today. What service! I mean, seriously, I think this must be why the rich and famous like to be rich and famous. Who wouldn't love being chauffeured every day? Who wouldn't love a man in a black hat and trench coat who answers to the name Count? Who wouldn't love it if someone nearly jumped out of the car and ran to open your door before you could lift a finger? He beat me to the handle every single time, extended his arm to help me out of the car and held the umbrella so my 'do wouldn't wither in the rain. Ahhhhhh, this is the life (but only for a day or two). I love my life even if I have to open my own car door and hold my own umbrella. See, I digress again...

Back to Napa Valley. Count (don't you love that name) picked us up at 9 AM and we were off. It was amazing. Beautiful area. Very quaint. Not at all like I pictured it in my mind. We stopped at a little gourmet grocery store on the way into Napa called Oakville Grocery. It was awesome. On the outside, it reminded me of a little grocery I used to frequent as a child. On the inside, notsomuch. We didn't have fancy-schmancy sandwiches, a cheese counter and a bakery in our country grocery store. But, hey, this is Napa Valley. I wouldn't expect anything less. OK, so we tucked our fancy-schmanies in the limo cooler and off we went.

At each vineyard we tasted about 5 different varieties of wine. Most of them were 2 whites and 3 reds (2 for me/3 for Daddy). Here's the highlights...

First stop, Cakebread Cellars. Lovely little place and yummy Chardonnay. Second stop, Robert Mondavi Winery. Very interesting tour. They really have their act together. I found an awesome dessert wine that won me over (Moscato D'Oro). Daddy hated it but I was in heaven. I had to have a bottle for the road. Third stop, Grgich Hills Estate. Yummy Chardonnay (my fave of the whole day) but they weren't very nice so they lost points for that. Last stop, Miner Family Vineyards. Excellent blended red wine called The Oracle. We bought a bottle and had it shipped home. By this point, my red wine drinking husband was ready to call it a day. :-) He tasted every wine at every winery. I did not as I'm not a big red wine fan. Our conclusions from our amazing day of wine tasting...I still like whites...he still likes reds.

We took the scenic route back to the city through Sonoma Valley. It was a little more laid back than Napa. We would pass these beautiful estates and then we would come upon an old house with grape vines planted over the entire front yard. I guess when you have prime wine making real estate you take advantage of it.

After we got back to the hotel, we rested a bit and then hopped a trolley car to Fisherman's Wharf for a quick dinner at Boudin's (home of the original sourdough bread). Did you know they are STILL using the same sour dough starter from 100 years ago. I ate it and it was yummy but can you say "ewwwwwwwww"? 100 years old?

It was a fantastic day. Daddy's favorite day of the whole trip. We will definitely go back when we have more time to spend in that area. On to our last day...

Day 3: Chinatown, DimSum and the Chinese New Year Parade

Chinatown:
WOW! I think every person of Chinese descent in the western United States came to Chinatown today. There were people EVERYWHERE! We were lucky that it just sprinkled off and on in the morning so we were able to find the GPS and spend some time in Chinatown before the storms rolled in. We did a little shopping for the kids, found another umbrella and tooled around as much as possible given the crowd. I found the street fair very interesting as it was not what you would have pictured. I'm thinking there are going to be little tents with games, trinkets, free stuff and yummy lo mein noodles from a cup. Ummm...not even close. The cute little red and white tents you see lining the main street of Chinatown were occupied by the San Francisco Water Department, the Chinatown Council, the local school, cell phone companies, etc. Most tents were for information. Some were giving away things like gift cards and free cell phones, etc. This is the one I found most interesting: the Chinatown Lowe's tent. Mr. Lowe's man even had on the vest.


the DimSum experience:
I was told (by the guide books) that when in Chinatown you simply must eat dimsum at a place called Gold Mountain. I have talked for weeks about eating dim sum in Chinatown on Chinese New Year. What was it I said earlier..."when in Chinatown do as the Chinese"? After all, we are adopting a baby girl from China so we need to get in touch with our Asian side. That is what good parents would do, right? It never crossed my mind to do a little more research into what exactly IS dimsum? It was described as little carts that stroll around the restaurant offering little Chinese appetizers. Mmmmmm...appetizers. I loooooovvveeeee appetizers so this was right up my alley. I never thought another thing of it. We're going to eat dimsum in Chinatown because that's what everyone does. Well, girls, let me tell you. Gold Mountain did not have any ham rolls, sausage balls or creme puffs. Their idea of appetizers and my idea of appetizers are NOT the same.

So, we find Gold Mountain in the sea of Chinese writing and head on in. Oh, girls, I was so excited. We're eating dimsum in Chinatown on Chinese New Year! Isn't that awesome? The hostess at the front door could not speak any English. She stuck up two fingers and just pointed in which direction she wanted us to walk to find a table. Picture a HUGE open restaurant with random tables filled with families enjoying their Saturday as a family and two very cute Americans smiling from ear to ear. There are only two seats open in the entire place. We made our way through the stares of little old Asian men and sat down at the tiny table where a little pot of tea awaited us. Awwww...tea. My friend Rebekah would be so excited if she was here. I looked around for a menu after our server plopped two plates and a piece of paper down on our table. OK...no menu...no Sweet and Sour Chicken for me today. That's OK, I didn't come for chicken. I came for cute little appetizers. See, here is a google image of dimsum at Gold Mountain. Don't they look so cute?Oh, boy, here come those little carts with all the cute little appetizers. Here comes one, wonder what he has? It went something like this...

S: Ca iss [he quickly said]
M: I'm sorry, could you repeat that?
S: Ca iss
[Daddy and I look at each other in confusion...Hmmm...then he opens the top of that little wooden bowl and I am overcome with a horrible stinch]
S: Ca iss! [he is obviously annoyed with me]
M: Oh, cod fish, no thank you [as I look in smiling horror]

This went on and on...dee-fie shimp ball, steem poke bun, ba-b-too poke bun, egg cusar tar. They would wheel by the table and say what was on their cart in the very best English they could muster. After a while I started to say yes because I didn't want to hurt their feelings. You could tell they really wanted us to eat but we kept saying no. I began to notice every time I said "yes" they put these cute little stamps on that paper she put on the table when we sat down. It wasn't until Daddy told me to stop saying "yes" that I realized what those cute little stamps represented. That little piece of paper and those cute little stamps? That was our ticket. OH! I was just trying to be nice.

At this point I was a little antsy as I realized I DO NOT HAVE ONE SINGLE CLUE WHAT I AM DOING!!!!! Then, I broke open one of those steem poke bun (steamed pork buns). THAT WAS IT FOR ME LADIES! I was done. I ate one deep fried shrimp thing and two egg custard tarts without gagging. Then, I had a moment.

When we go to China to bring home our daughter what in the world am I going to eat? I'm going to starve if this is the definition of authentic Chinese food. Who needs Weight Watchers? I'll just go to a foreign country for two weeks. By this point my cheesy American smile has turned upside down. I am watching the butcher in the little window chop pieces of meat with a huge knife and hang it up in the window. I am so ready to go. I can't get out of there fast enough. Daddy quickly pays for all of our "stamps" and we are outta there but not before our server demands her service tip. ;-)

Daddy was a trooper. I dragged him all the way to the far end of Chinatown through a HUGE crowd (which he hates) to eat something that I ended up not eating myself. He can say he ate dimsum. He didn't LOVE it but he experienced it. I can not say that. I will try as hard as I can to expose our daughter to her heritage. I just hope she never asks me to eat a steem poke bun. Hopefully she'll like sweet and sour chicken like her Mommy. :-)

For your viewing pleasure, a few more google images of dimsum. I was too overwhelmed to whip out my camera in the restaurant so google will have to do.So, after this we headed back to the hotel before the bottom fell out. We took a nap and Daddy played with his new man toy (AKA the GPS) while we waited for the parade to start. It is always a rain or shine parade but we were NOT standing in the rain for three hours. So, we watched the beginning of it from our window and then headed out to find some dinner. We ate at a little Italian place off Union Square called L'Ottavo at the recommendation of our hotel. It was wonderful. We almost lost our umbrellas a few times in the wind but so did everyone else so we didn't look that ridiculous. Two hours later we were back at the hotel catching the end of the 3 hour CNY parade. After our marathon day on Friday, it was great to have a little down time. Off to Napa Valley tomorrow...

Day 3: "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore"

I was so excited about our day on Saturday. Our travel dates worked out perfectly for us to be in San Francisco the week the Chinese celebrate Chinese New Year. A street fair, the largest CNY parade in the US, lots of shopping, yummy food, etc. This is a huge celebration for the Chinese culture (much like New Years Eve celebrations for the American culture). We took the "when in Chinatown do as the Chinese" approach and celebrated 2008: the Year of the Rat right along with them. We had planned to spend the morning at the Ferry Building enjoying the local artists and the weekly Farmers Market. Then head to Chinatown in the afternoon, have a late lunch of dim sun and do a little shopping before claiming our spot for the parade at 5:30 pm. Ah, the best laid plans...

The forecast called for showers in the morning followed by storms arriving early afternoon and lasting until Sunday night. After our "LOST IN SAN FRANCISCO ADVENTURE" the night before, Daddy decided we needed a GPS for Monday's rental car day. So, instead of the Ferry Building and local artists we ended up at Radio Shack purchasing another man toy (oops, I mean necessary piece of equipment) for our trip. It is important to note that we had to return to the BIG SCARY NEIGHBORHOOD to purchase the GPS needed to keep us out of the BIG SCARY NEIGHBORHOOD. Makes perfect sense, right? We were assured electronics would be less expensive there than in Union Square so off we went to find #38 bus.

#38 bus and the GPS:
You see all kinds of interesting folks on the #38 bus. That's all I have to say about that. I tried to go with the flow but I'll admit that is not my strong point. If the night before didn't do it, this is the moment when I heard Dorothy ever so clearly say, "Toto, I've a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore." Let's talk about Radio Shack. I am not exaggerating when I say everything in there was locked up like Fort Knox. You had to have a key to actually touch most every item in the store. This included the Home Movie/DVD department that included reference signs entitled "Gangsta Flicks". Seriously. I am not kidding. I got a tad huffy with one of the employees as we waited for our purchase. No one could find the key to "the cage" to retrieve the GPS. Instead of diligently trying to locate said key, Joe Cool, our Customer Service Representative walked around the store giving secret handshakes and friendly bumps to all of his Radio Shack friends. After 15 minutes of waiting, the googly eyes were out and my head was about to spin off my shoulders. Daddy quickly reminded me we are not in "our neck of the woods" and to STOP IT NOW! I was blasted back to reality after visions of the night before. Somewhere from within I found my box of patience. 15 minutes after catching up on all the Friday night gossip, Joe Cool returns with the key. The ugly Mommy briefly came out again when he tried to overcharge us. Apparently, I didn't look very honest so he had to go check it out for himself. We'll be waiting...again. Finally, we left with our GPS in hand paying the advertised price I had quoted, of course. "C-ya Mr. Joe Cool. I would suggest you and your Radio Shack friends brush up on your Customer Service skills. However, you and your Radio Shack friends look much scarier than Mommy and Daddy so I will keep that little smart comment to myself." Off to find #38 bus again and get the heck outta Dodge. Then it was off to Chinatown! :-)

Day 2: Lost in San Francisco Adventure

At 7:25 pm we exited the return ferry from Alcatraz. Remember, we had eaten a small yet expensive lunch at 1:00. That was our 2nd meal in two days. We were starving...again. We attempted to catch the F-line to then catch a cable car to get back to our hotel. Well, it was freezing outside and the one F-line that came by was completely full. After waiting about 15 minutes Daddy decided we need to start walking at 7:40 pm in the dark in an unfamiliar city. I politely protested but he was certain we would be fine. The entire time we are walking down these deserted streets I am replaying in my mind the part of the guidebook that said "DO NOT WALK ANYWHERE YOU ARE NOT FAMILIAR AT NIGHT". I am telling him this but there was a point of no return and we had crossed it about four blocks ago.

I had many thoughts during this time, especially with one strange scary man trailing behind us. We are not safe! This is not good! We are not safe! I kept whispering this over and over. What do I have in my purse that I could defend us with? Lipgloss, my wallet and my camera. MY CAMERA? What if someone steals my camera? I come all the way across the country and I won't even get to make a scrapbook out of my pictures? Well, I just can't have THAT, now can I? You can have my purse scary thieves but YOU CAN NOT HAVE MY DIGITAL IMAGES. I won't allow it. So, what does a scrapbooker do in desperate times? She takes her camera out of her purse, tucks it her coat pocket, discreetly removes the digital card and places it in her pants pocket. If the scary man behind us decides to go postal on the Wombles at least our kids will know we were having a good time before we croaked.

Eventually, we ran upon another bus station. We waited another 10 minutes for a bus and asked the driver if he was going to our street. Oh yes, hop on. Woohoo!! Thank you Lord! We get off at the street he told us and head toward what we thought was the right way. Oh, silly Wombles. Didn't you read how strange, complicated and confusing San Francisco streets are?

We walked and we walked and we walked and WE WALKED. We passed a group of homeless people playing checkers on the street. We passed burning barrels with people gathered around them to stay warm. We passed people asking for handouts. We passed clubs with barely dressed women on the sign. We passed guys heavily clad in gold just hanging out on the street corner. Wonder what they were doing? OK, so by this point, I was scared. Really scared. You could see the stares of people who clearly knew we were lost. We just kept moving. Finally, I committed the cardinal sin and whipped out the map. You know, the map they tell you not to whip out in a scary place or people will know you are a tourist. Well, at this point I knew that everyone knew we did not belong in this neighborhood. I convinced Daddy we were VERY VERY LOST. We turned around and began to retrace our steps. Then, in one divine moment, we see this...It was in this moment I think I heard the faint whisper of angels singing...Ha-le-lu-juah! I think I even said it aloud. My husband pulled me across the street and hailed a cab just like he had done it all his life. I have never been so happy to get into a cab in my life. On second thought, I have never been in a cab so I guess it was the first time I've ever been happy to get into any cab. I was so relieved to finally sit down in a safe place after walking nearly an hour and fifteen minutes in fear. I had another brief moment of panic when taxi man gunned it and took us in the opposite direction of our hotel. It turned out OK as obviously the taxi driver had better navigation skills than the Wombles. A few blocks, one crazy taxi ride and $10.00 later we were in front of our hotel...THANK YOU LORD!

After our marathon day we were exhausted, discouraged and hungry. We crossed the street to Scala's Bistro to grab a bite to eat. I had the best salmon I have ever eaten in my life. It makes me want to run back to San Francisco just thinking about it. We finished our meal, headed back to the hotel and collapsed into bed after one very eventful day. We were definitely out of our element today but it still ranks as one of the best days of my entire life...well, minus the time between 7:25-8:40 pm.

Day 2: Let's play tourist

Our first day in San Francisco was FILLED with tourist stuff. From sun up to sun down (literally) we took the grand tour of the City by the Bay. We headed out early to meet our tour group at the Ferry Building at 9 AM. Before making it to our destination, we had to tackle the uncertainty of public transportation. Not an easy task to master for two people who know nothing about it. It took us about an hour to purchase our passes and make it to our destination. It should NOT have taken that long. I'm pretty sure we both had the word "CLUELESS" across our foreheads.

We spent the first half of the day with San Francisco Shuttle Tours on a 35 passenger mini-bus. Yep, we were super cool. It rained off and on during our tour but at least it wasn't the entire day. Our VERY ENTHUSIASTIC guide, Tatiana, shared with the group every known historical fact about San Francisco. We visited or at least drove by almost every major landmark you can possibly find in Frommer's guide (and then some).

We hiked up to Lombard Street (the crookedest street in America). I do mean hiked as the five blocks was straight up all the way. We walked through a tiny segment of North Beach past City Lights Bookstore and then on into Chinatown. They were gearing up for the parade the next day so everything was a little chaotic. Actually, I think it is always chaotic but it was extra busy the day before the parade. We then headed off to Nob Hill where the very wealthy used to live. We saw Grace Cathedral which was breathtaking in both presence and detail. Since we didn't get to walk DOWN Lombard Street due to the rain they added a stop at the Cable Car Museum. It was very interesting to see both the history and the actual area that turns the cables for the three cable car lines that are still in service. Then we headed off to find the "Full House Houses". They are much better known as the Alamo Square 6 Sisters but I'll always remember them as DJ Tanner's street. I can't remember which one she supposedly lived in but it was one of them. Then it was back on the bus for a snippet of Golden Gate Park (which was patterned after NYC's Central Park). It was lovely and we headed back there on Monday because I loved it so much. Last stop in the city was the Palace of Fine Arts. At this point, we finished our tour of the city. We drove over the Golden Gate Bridge, stopped for a Golden Gate photo op and then headed into Sausalito for a late lunch. I love this photo of Daddy! It's one of my favorites from the entire trip.By this point we were two STARVIN' MARVINS! We had skipped breakfast because we thought the tour would stop for lunch sooner than we actually did. We were also running behind schedule so that put lunch even later. We had eaten one meal on Thursday and it was now Friday afternoon. Finally, we had lunch at a little place called Cafe Tutti. $31.00 bought us a tuna salad sandwich, an Italian sandwich and one drink. No kidding. It was yummy, but $31.00? Come on people...is your Coke really that much better than ours? This meal pretty much set the stage for what we discovered throughout our trip. Everything is expensive in California. OK, rant over.

We scarfed down our ordinarily expensive lunch in order to catch the ferry back to the city with our tour group. We were filled with more historical facts on our returning ferry ride. Once we docked the tour was over. So long Tatiana! Thanks for a great day!

We headed back inside the Ferry Building to warm up and enjoy a nice little happy at Ciao Bella Gelato. It makes perfect sense, right? We went inside to warm up and ate frozen gelato and sorbet. Now let me tell you. It was the BEST gelato I have ever had! One scoop of Peanut Butter and one scoop of White Chocolate Raspberry Swirl Gelato for me. One scoop of sorbet and one scoop of sorbet for him. Ah, it was wonderful! I wish we had a Ciao Bella in our neck of the woods.

After "warming up", we hopped the F-line (the only public transportation we have figured out at this point) and headed off on our own to Fisherman's Wharf. We tooled around a few shops and observed the sea lions at the abandoned Pier for a bit. Then it was off to Pier 33 for the Alcatraz tour at 4:30 PM. We chose the recommended night tour and it did not disappoint.

Below you will find a slideshow of Day 2. If you click the photographs you will see the description of what you are looking at.
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{If you CAN NOT view the photos please leave a comment to let me know. I'm trying to figure out the problem.}

Day 1: Leavin' on a jet plane

7:30 am we were bound for the airport. Courtney was here to hang with the kids until Grammy got off work. J was sure to let us know that he did not want us to go on our special trip at least 32 times this morning. Broke our hearts. Now on to the airport.

Just in case I haven't made it clear...I REALLLLLY hate to fly. Here's the good news. I did not cry hysterrically. I did not receive any nasty looks from my neighbors. I did not have a panic attack. That's about all I can say. We made it to San Diego only to be delayed on the second flight into San Francisco. Delayed flight = delayed agony for the girl who hates to fly. We finally boarded about 1.5 hrs late and arrived 1.5 hrs later in San Francisco to a beautiful rainbow over the city. Ahhhhh, we're on the ground. Thank you God. Now let's go have some fun!

We took a crazy CRAZY shuttle ride to the hotel. We settled in to our room and then headed out to explore Union Square. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Kuleto's where the food was amazing. No pictures from today. Weary travelers do not make good photos.

Until next week...

I have adopted this as my theme song for the next six days. Please pray for our safety. Please pray that my nerves will not get the best of me. Please pray for the pilots. Daddy would like you to pray for those sitting near us on the plane. Please pray that our children are safe and healthy. Please pray that they will have so much fun they won't even miss us until we are home again. Please pray for my Mom and step-MIL who will be holding down the fort until we return.
We need this trip. After all, as so many of you have reminded me, we were __ and __ before we were Mommy and Daddy. I'll be back with a trip report (and 3,697 photos) next week. The weather looks crummy with rain in the forecast most every day. Hopefully they are wrong. If they are, I'm sure we'll find something to do in the meantime. :-) In case of emergency you can call the house. They will know how to reach us. Everyone be safe and have a great weekend. XOXO.



If you wake up and dont want to smile,
If it takes just a little while,
Open your eyes and look at the day,
You'll see things in a different way.

Don't stop, thinking about tomorrow,
Don't stop, it'll soon be here,
It'll be, better than before,
Yesterdays gone, yesterdays gone.

Love,
Mommy & Daddy

1 day 16 hours 33 minutes and counting...

enough said.
Rachel, this one is for you. I think I'm adopting this photo as my "mixed emotions" blog banner. From now on when you see this photo, consider it fair warning of the rollercoaster I'm on at the moment. Plus, it makes me chuckle. If I'm digging up the George W vs screaming baby photo then I could probably use a good chuckle. 1 day 16 hours 30 minutes and counting...

T Minus 3 days and counting...

3 days 17 hrs 14 min and 10 seconds to be exact. Our trip is no longer "in February". It is THIS week. THIS WEEK GIRLS! Can I just be honest and say I am freakin' out? Well, even if you don't want to hear it I'm going to say it anyway. I'M FREAKIN' OUT! Don't get me wrong, I am so excited about spending this much needed time with my husband. The trip itself and everything that goes along with it is going to be awesome. Romantic city. Sightseeing. Tons of things to do. Great food. And of course a few surprises up my sleeve. It's going to the best!

Now, here's the flip side...I just wish I could have my cake and eat it too. You know, a fantastic trip with my hubby that my children could be there but not really be there. A way for us to get away without really getting away. I know what you are thinking. HELLO? MOMMY? Wasn't it YOU who planned this trip? What's your problem? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I know. I know. I'm not sure what I was smokin' at the time that I was playing Mission: Big Secret Christmas Surprise of the Century. I had to be under the influence of something? What it was I'm not sure.

Clearly, when I was planning this amazing trip for my sweetie I was suffering from amnesia. Somehow I forgot about my paralyzing fear of flying. How did I miss the fact that San Francisco happens to be one of the longest in-country plane rides I could have chosen. How could I have forgotten what happens to my anxiety level at the mere thought of being near an airplane. I haven't been on an airplane since September 15, 2001. The day after the FAA allowed planes back in the air after 9/11. Just ask our friends Rachel and James (the only friends I've ever flown with other than Daddy). They'll tell ya...I turn into a real nut job. Anybody have any Xanax?

Then comes factor #2...I have major issues with leaving my children. Maybe if I did it more often it might not seem so difficult. We've never left both of them more than one night...less than 24 hours at a time. Then there's the fact that I tend to "what-if" myself too much. "What if" they get sick (or worse) and I'm a 4-5 hr plane ride away? What if J and MG miss us? What if...what if...what if... I told ya, a real nut job.

I know without question J and MG are going to be in very capable hands. First and foremost, they are in God's hands all the time though we Mommy people tend to forget that sometimes. Second, they are going to have a fun filled week of Grammy and NeNe. I'm sure they are WAY more fun than Mommy and Daddy. It's not that I don't think they will be loved and cared for. I can ASSURE you I would NOT leave them with anyone who didn't think they could take care of them. I'm just scared of leaving them. Which brings me to another fear that is already looming in the back of my head...if I have this hard of time leaving them for 5.5 days what am I going to do when we board a plane for a TWO WEEK trip to China to bring home baby sister? (insert huge googley eyes here) [Thou shalt not think of that one Mommy. One irrational fear at a time baby girl...]

OK, I was hoping if I wrote all of this down I might find some peace. I'm not finding much right now. I have such a broad spectrum of emotions right now. I am excited. I am heart sick. I am thrilled. I am nervous. I am close to the panic button. I am just all over the place. I know it's going to be great. Really, I do. But now that it's here I'm a little bit on edge. I think a little might be an understatement.

3 days 16 hours 55 min 58 seconds and counting...

Happy Love Day!

We enjoyed a lovely Valentine's Day evening at home this year. Technically, we (Mommy and Daddy) are not celebrating Vday today. We are pretending it is the 24th since that is the day we are taking the tour of Napa Valley (in a limo). How's that for romance? In classic Daddy style, HE CHEATED on our gift giving rules and brought home two beautiful orange roses. He claimed they were from the children and not from him. One rose from each child for their Mommy. Awwwwwww. That's so sweet honey. You're still a cheater but I love you anyway. ;-)

J and MG made Valentines for Daddy while he was at work. J was so proud to show him when he got home. "Come look, Daddy, see what me and MG made for you" while doing his best Vanna White impression toward the dinner table. He was so proud of himself. This year, not only did he draw him a picture and sign his name but he wrote "I Love you Daddy" inside the card. That's definitely a keeper for Daddy's special card drawer. I'll add the photo later...not uploaded yet.

Daddy almost always makes dinner for us on Valentine's Day. He loves to cook so it is kind of our tradition (with a few exceptions since J was born). This year he had to go a little bland with the standard "recovering from a stomach virus" meal: Chicken and Rice. Mmmmmm. It was yummy and MG kept it down which was all the more exciting.

Happy Love Day friends. Hope your day was filled with many special moments.

Yoga Boy...

[Mommy in the kitchen and J playing computer]

J: Ahhhhhhhhh-ooooooommmmmm. Ahhhhhhhhhhh-ooooooommmmm.
M: [what in the world is he doing]
J: Ahhhhhhhhh-ooooooommmmmm. Ahhhhhhhhhhh-ooooooommmmm x 3...
M: J? What are you doing, honey?
J: Shhhhhhhh, MOM! Be quiet! I'm doing yoga.

I grabbed my camera before he could move a muscle. Maybe he's trying to ward off the stomach virus evil spirits?

Are you kidding me?

Guess who woke up at 3:51 am screaming my name while covered in vomit? Guess who got to take a dip at 4 am due to the above stated vomit incident? Guess who watched Elmo Potty Time at 4:30 am because she couldn't go back to sleep and her entire bed was in the washing machine? Guess who finally went back to sleep not long after everyone else in the house was up? That would be MG.

Guess who is hacked off at the world today because he is missing his Valentine's Day party at preschool due to a snow day? Guess who is hacked off because he is also missing Valentine's Day party #2 tonight at AWANA? You guessed it. That would be J.

Guess who is ready for a nap and trying to make the best of the situation? That's right...that would be Mommy. And just in case I haven't made it clear over the past several months, we are SICK of being SICK! Happy Wednesday friends! Hope the stomach virus and winter weather avoids your family today.

So long. Farewell. Our hair has gone Bye-Bye.

Don't you just love the Sound of Music? Now that I've deliberately placed that song in your head, here's the play by play of our evening.

The Mom and daughter before photo...

11.5 inches GONE! You should have seen the curly fro before she braided it. The curl had to be completely brushed out. Her hair just kept getting bigger and frizzier by the stroke. If this were 1982, she definitely would have won the award for THE BEST 80's hair you've ever seen.

8.5 inches GONE! Look how scrawny my braid looks compared to hers. Clearly I did not receive her hair genetics.

This one was for J. I knew he would think I looked so silly with those things all over my head. I was right. He thought it was hysterical.

Doesn't she look 10 years younger withOUT all that hair? Mom, do not ever let your hair grow that long again. Short hair is very "you". At this point Mom had to leave so this was the only after shot I took of both of us. You'll just have to picture me with my beautiful Mom without the aluminum foil on my head. :-)

Since we didn't have the opportunity for an after shot of the girls, I had mine taken with my favorite little man when I got home. He's definitely the cutest one in the photo but at least you can see my new do.
As soon as J saw me walk in the door he said, "Mommmmmmyyyyy, you look beautifullllll!" in his "sweet voice". He said it with such sincerity. He sees me as his beautiful Mommy... Awwwwwww... I think I need another Kleenex.

Two braided ponytails are in the bag and headed to Locks of Love and Pantene Beautiful Lengths. 11.5 inches of curly locks will certainly put a smile on the face of a little girl who has lost her own for whatever the reason may be. My Mom has been growing her hair out for nearly two years. Can you believe that? Two years with a trim here and there. It was certainly worth it Mom.

If I could personally give my hair to anyone, as scrawny as it may be, I would give it to my friend Karen. She has persevered through a cancer that just keeps coming back for more. She has lost a lot of things in the time I have known her, including her hair, but she refuses to let this intruder define her. Karen, if you are reading this post...

As a friend, a woman, a wife and a Mother, I am inspired by your passion for life, love for your precious family and unwaivering determination to kick cancer to the curb. In reality, you don't need my hair. Your hair grew back months ago. You couldn't use it even if I conned someone into making a wig for my friend. I can only hope that my hair, as scrawny as it may be, is given to another "Karen". A friend, woman, wife and Mother of someone else who refuses to allow cancer to define who she is to the world.

Thankful Thursday...

Before I begin Thankful Thursday I have a prayer request I would like to share. I did not ask permission to do this so I will not use names. My sweet friend K and her husband R, along with his family, received some very tragic news last Wednesday. R's Mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It has metastasized to both her liver and stomach and her prognosis is very grim. K, R and their children immediately traveled home to help care for her during this heartbreaking time. R will be traveling back home this weekend as he has to return to work next week. K and the children are staying to help as needed. Would you please remember this family in your prayers today and in the coming weeks? I realize that praying for a K or an R is not very personal but please remember that God knows which K and R you are praying for. Thank you.

• I am thankful for a Super Bowl Sunday spent with great friends and football (for the boys--I did not actually watch the game)
• I am thankful for the Bible Study I began this week and the accountability it places on me to spend time in His word.
• I am thankful my friend Karen is sick as a dog (Translation: Monday she began an experimental trial for treatment of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Post infusion she has been very sick which means she is probably receiving the actual treatment and NOT the placebo...hooray!)
  
• I am thankful J did well at his first kindergarten screening (or at least he said he did).
• I am thankful my friend Amy received her Letter of Intent yesterday. If all goes as planned, she will be traveling to China to bring home her precious Mina next month.
• I am thankful that TODAY I get to chop off this ridiculously long, thin, nappy, stick straight hair. More importantly, I am thankful I get to give it to someone who needs it much more than I do.
• I am thankful that I think I have finally found a reputable Homestudy Agency for our adoption. Translation...we can FINALLY get this show on the road!

One brave boy...

This morning I took J for his first Kindergarten screening. We took MG to Daddy's office to hang out so it was just me and my little man. He was so excited on the way there asking all kinds of Kindergarten questions. I tried to explain to him he has about six more months before he actually stays at a big boy school. Today the teachers wanted to meet him and ask him a few questions. Well, there was no convincing him. He was going to Kindergarten TODAY. Here is our conversation as we got out of the van and walked toward the front steps of the school...

J: Hurry up Mommy! Unbuckle my seat! We have to go to Kindergarten!
M: OK, buddy. Mommy's trying to hurry. [unbuckle seatbelt] OK, let's go.
J: [jumps out of the van and walks quickly toward the front steps...then slows down and reaches for my hand]
J: Mommy?
M: Yes, J?
J: I think this is a little nervous
M: What buddy?
J: I THINK this is a little nervous
M: You mean you are feeling a little nervous?
J: Yes, I think SO
M: It's OK buddy. You'll go with the teacher when they call your name. You'll be nice and respectful and answer the questions they ask you. No silly stuff, OK?
J: OK, Mommy. But what if they ask me and I don't know?
M: Well, if you do not know the answer then you just tell them you don't know. You don't have to know all the answers. You just have to try your best.
J: OK, Mommy. If they ask me a question and I don't know then I'll just say "I don't know".
M: That's right J
J: OK, Mommy. [long pause and a deep breath] I think I'm ready to go to Kindergarten
[still gripping my hand we walked up the steps together to go to "Kindergarten"]

Isn't that just the sweetest thing you've ever heard? I was a little nervous for him too so I didn't realize how sweet that conversation was until we were on our way home. Anybody have a Kleenex? I could use one right now.

And the winner is...

ME! I'm a winner! I'm the winner of not one, but TWO, great prizes over the past month. I never win anything. I just don't. Looks like my luck is changin'.

Wendy hosted a giveaway back at the end of December for the cutest little outfit. Along with it came a square bowl with matching chopsticks. Technically, I didn't really win by some random drawing. I won because she thought I deserved to have the outfit for our daughter. You see, we are beginning the process of adopting a baby girl from China. She was sweet enough to just give it to me because she thought I deserved to have it. Here's why... Isn't it just perfect? When I received the box in the mail she had even thrown in a few more baby goodies just for kicks. Wasn't that the sweetest thing? Thank you Wendy for the precious gift. It's a little too small for MG at this point. I'm going to tuck it away in the abyss of my closet. I promise I'll remember who it came from and send you a picture of Ms. Molly in it...you know...someday when she comes home. Don't ask me when that will be. I don't know. However, she has the cutest little custom outfit waiting on her when she FINALLY makes her Womble Times appearance.

Fast forward a few weeks...

Can you believe it? I won something AGAIN! NO KIDDING...I did! I read this blog called the Nesting Place. This girl is hysterical. I love her because she tries to be all incognito like me. She's the Nester. That's her name. Isn't that funny? She has great decorating ideas and her house is just the cutest thing you've ever seen. I want it. I know you are not supposed to covet the things of others but I'm breakin' that rule right now. I love her toile sofa like I love Dr. Pepper and chocolate. My husband would croak before he allowed such a pattern into our living room but that doesn't mean I don't love it anyway.

OK, anyway, I entered her contest entitled "Attention MOOCHERS! Free tassel!" Hmmmm...never thought of myself as a moocher but free...I'll take FREE any day. Well, can you stinkin' believe it? I won something again! This cute little tassel and a jar of upholstery tacks.
I know, you are wondering why the heck I'm excited about upholstery tacks. Go check out her blog post about Window Mistreatments and you'll understand. There will be a little bit of mistreatin' goin' on at my house very soon.

Ok, so, to my point. THANKS to Wendy and the Nester for my super duper giveaway prizes. I better write this down. I may not win anything again for the rest of my life after winning two things in one month. But hey, it's been a good run while it lasted. I can't wait to use all three of them...especially that precious little black outfit. :-)

P.S. I just re-read this post and realized it sounds just like me. I journal like I talk when I get excited about something. Can't you just hear me tellin' you this story over the phone? :-)

Subjecting myself to a little scrutiny...

I can not believe I am posting this on the internet. I seriously must be loosing my ever lovin' mind by subjecting myself to such criticism. Putting my pajama clad, make-up-less face on the blog for the world to see. Here's why: I hate choosing a hairstyle. Really, I hate it. I'm just not, ummmm, the trendy, stylish kind of girl. I used to be a bit more style conscious but time (and a few extra pounds) certainly change how you feel about things. Much to my friend Andrea's dismay I have stopped putting much thought into my hairstyle (or my wardrobe for that matter). She takes care of me in the wardrobe department. Her loss is my gain (most of the time). OK, anywhoo, to the point.

Most of you know I have been growing my hair out to give to charity. Well, I've decided IT IS TIME TO CUT THIS CRAP OFF! I am going to donate my hair to Pantene's Beautiful Lengths in honor of my friend Karen. They only require a minimum of 8 inches and their donated locks go to women who lose their hair due to the side effects of chemotherapy. My Mom and I have been growing our hair out together. She is sending her curly locks to Locks of Love since she easily meets the 10 inch minimum. Locks of Love is, of course, the charity that creates wigs for children with the same need.

Anywhoo, below you will find two photographs of my fat face with a short haircut sitting on top of it. Please vote for the one that does not make me look like a big 'ole puff ball. Remember in less than 3 weeks I'll be on a super duper vacation with my hubby taking 2.2 million photos in front of every SF tourist attraction in history. I don't want to look like a mushroom head so help me choose the best one.

Oh, and if you think they both look like crap just tell me and I'll start over. I keep reminding myself...it's JUST hair...it will grow back...someone else needs it more than you do...

















Now, all you long haired beauties out there in blogland: I challenge you to chop it off with me. It's JUST hair girls. It WILL grow back and you will have done something nice for someone who needs your hair much more than you do.