Scoop + Disney + Jewelry Sale + LSU

I'm looking for more ballet shrugs like this one for Lainey.  It's fabulous.  I paid $15 for it at the La Jolla Farmer's Market 2 or 3 years ago on vacation.  It fits perfect, can be used as a scarf and is just enough coverage that Laine's arms and neck are covered for tank type outfits, yet you're not covering up the cute stuff.

Anyone know where to find them?

Pics......

Disney sourdough.......snowman this time.  It's a total carb fest. 

Love when Laine acts like a pyscho.

This was all at Disney, of course.  We took a brief, 2 day trip to Anaheim to celebrate the end of Christmas break.  Kids JUST WENT BACK to school today. 

I'm not one of those moms who can't wait for school to start, but even I was ready this time.

Pouty princess.  I don't even know what this meltdown was about.  I stopped listening in 2010.

Britney got Carter started on trading pins at Disney.  Another obsession.  He's in love!

Lainey had a hard time reaching "Asiga", her imaginary friend, who was always on a different ride across the park while we were on another.  Always trying to reach her.  We never seem to connect.  Interesting.

This dude was awesome.  All cast members have to trade pins.  It's part of Disney etiquette.  Carter traded his first pin with him (a manager) and he actually let him keep the pin since it was his first. 

This is why I love Disneyland.  Every single visit......something along these lines happens.

Day 2.

No vacation fairy.

Why?

Bratty kids.  She's just like Santa.  Very concerned with behavior.

However, we did have 2 surprise visitors.

Carter took off upon entering the park with a friend and his family and then left with them.

I had the two little ones......and we met up with our surprise later on.

First, Laine had to twirl.

Casey Jr Train.

Can you hear the song?

Last time to see the Haunted Mansion in Jack Skellington style until Halloween.  We love both versions.......but Jack loves this one the most, of course.

Churros!

Surprise friends showed up.....McNamara girls + extended family.

It was a princess party.

With a prince thrown in for good measure.

Love this family.  So lucky to have found them.

Brett got a turkey leg at some point and then passed it onto the girls.  They turned into carnivorous vultures pulling meat from the bone.

Not so dainty.

Basketball is awesome this year.  The coaches are more than we could ask for.  Just hope we keep with their team for years to come.

Laine is more interested in the IPad than the game.

And, crossing her legs.

My friend, Holly, is having a Valentine sale.  Check out her fantastic deals!

Main facebook page here.

Good stuff, peeps!  Check it out.

LSU is about to play and so I'm about to vomit all over my brand new shiny laptop.

So nervous.

Posted this on Facebook earlier and I feel compelled to do so again:

"I realized throughout that first year that this is not a normal job, nor a normal football school, nor a normal school. This is a very rare opportunity in competition, surrounded by the most passionate fans in college football." - Les Miles

Geaux Tigers!

Scoop + Plans for 2012

Morning, friends!

I'm back with some scoop.

The fam went to Legoland on the 30th.  They do a "Snow Days" celebration each year and it was pretty cute!

Love.

Here is the 'snow' in the park.  So Cal kids in snow is quite humorous. 

No one would believe this one was born in Colorado and lived in the snow until just about a year ago.  She was FREEZING and slipping all over the place.

Amateur.

Wouldn't you love to know what they're talking about?

We love Legoland.  It's certainly a unique park!

Stayed for fireworks and then headed home.

I met with my super skinny, gorgeous, funny and smart boss (she makes me say this), Melissa, to make a plan of attack for 2012 Just Hatched Photography.  I've worked for her for a year now and we're totally in sync.  Loving my job.

She moved to a new studio mid-year of 2011.  It's absolutely darling......downtown San Diego.  You can see the bridge to Coronado Island and Petco Park from the parking lot.

Super funky decor.......old pieces from all over the place.

The main lobby.......as cool as the outside.

And, the studio.......darling.

This is where the magic happens.

Although I will never be a professional photographer, it's a ton of fun to work for one.

And, now you see where I work, kids!  Well, I'm only in the studio for special events, maybe a 1/2 dozen times a year. But, I love it when I'm there!

Kids are still out of school.  We're plowing through rooms and getting organized for 2012.  The house is looking good.

Resolutions?

The usual.

Eat less:  I aimed to lose 30 pounds in 2011.....came close.....and gained a bit back......but I'm still down.  Will continue that ongoing challenge.

Exercise more:  See above.

Read more:  I beat my 2010 count in 2011, so I hope to keep the momentum going.

Work more:  Mom's Little Secrets has been a ton of fun and I can't wait to see what this year brings to it.  I'm learning on a daily basis and loving it.  Just Hatched Photography is just as important to me, professionally.  I'll continue to support Melissa and hopefully take on more to ease her stress.

Whine less:  I'm going to make it a daily goal to count my blessings and let the little things in life not bother me so much. 

Pray more:  I don't often discuss religion on my blog, but I am a spiritual person.  Our family has slipped at before-meal-praying and consistent bedtime prayers.  I'm going to do better there.

Explore more:  Been here for about 15 months.  So much more to see.

Spend less:  Lots of financial goals.......some we're continuing from previous years.......some we've made for 2012.

Travel more:  As always, on a budget.  If I can see Vegas for 4 days on less than $200 with 3 kids in tow, we can do it!

I think that's it! 

Off to wrangle kids.  There are currently about 12 in my house right now.