Scoop + A Controversial Message That Not Everyone Will Agree With

A sweet dog named Cali has learned to wiggle herself into our iron fence.  She visited us twice over the weekend.  The kids now think she's adoptable.

No chance.  She has a collar and a family who loves her.  Hard for little ones to understand.

Lainey and I went to the Just Hatched studio on Friday for a photo shoot.  Pics coming soon!

She swiped the lollipop on her way out.  Yum.

I had a martini for the first time in forever Friday night.  Even yummier.

Cali's second visit.  She sure is cute.  Labra-doodle.

Look at how big Finn is!  She didn't think Cali was so cute.

"Wook, Mom.  Der friends.  Wet's keep Cali!"

Our little basketball star scored the game winning point in overtime on Saturday.

He doesn't stand out as much as he did last year because he's not allowed to take 3 point shots and is involved in plays and more of a strategy to the game as compared to his previous season.

So, it was fun to see him get some of the glory this game.

I absolutely loved the mailboxes on this post. 

I didn't have the time to search high and low for candle sticks like the tutorial suggested, so we had to brainstorm.  Carter helped me.

The final product........Davidge kids' Valentine holders.

Easy peasy lettering.

Created both families' boxes at the same time.  I'll take a pic of ours and our Valentine mantle soon enough.

Mailbox stems were created from tiny soda cans.

It worked!  Carter suggested toilet paper rolls, but we didn't think we'd be able to come up with 7 at a moment's notice.  So, I suggested this method.  Happy it turned out so well.

Love the art for this season!

While visiting Holly and kids, I showed Ainsley how to paint with pudding.

(Can you tell I miss babies?  No rational mother of one would do this for fun.)

She did more eating and less painting.

Seriously the easiest baby ever.  Love her.

OK, and now for a little controversy.

This article is getting a lot of attention along with tons of moms chanting "Totally agree!" on Facebook.

And, I don't agree with it.

And, I'm kind of resentful of it.  I don't like the message and it's not just because I am one of "those moms" who does "Carpe diem" each day.

I'm here to tell you that it DOES go fast.  I turned around the other day and realized that my oldest will be 12 this year and my youngest will be 5.  Five, people.  It breaks my heart.

I'm proud to "Carpe diem" each day because I think that is what our children deserve.  This by no means suggest that our lives are perfect or even all that pretty most of the time.  But, my kids and my husband and my family and my friends and my life gets 100% out of me nearly every day.  Life is so short.  And, parenting is a tough, exhausting job, but it's one that I cherish. 

I understand that the author's main objective was to encourage the reader to accept that parenting is a tough job and that not every day will be easy.  But, in a way, I think this might enable parents to give less than what their children are deserving of.

Does that make sense?

Oh, and I WILL be one of those old ladies in the grocery store saying, 

 "Oh, Enjoy every moment. This time goes by so fast."

Because it does.

Movies and Books

The Descendants is good.  Clooney is fantastic in this unbelievable tale of wondering just how much more this guy can take from life.  Loved it.  Not all roses and butterflies.....so be prepared.......it's a unique movie.

This one had my head spinning.  I'm still trying to put all of the pieces together.  Great acting and a beautifully made movie.......but I need to see it about 12 more times to follow the entire plot.

That being said, I wish I had seen The Artist instead.  Lots of awards at the Golden Globes.  Looks like fun.

This looks awesome.

Any others I'm missing?  I didn't see New Year's Eve.  Looked like Valentine's Day re-written into a new holiday script. Yes?  I did love Valentine's Day.  But, not sure I need to see it translated.

On to books......

I'm currently in love with Jonathan Franzen. 

Have yall read Freedom?

Same guy.

Caroline gave me 3 of his books for Christmas last year.  Loved Freedom. Couldn't get through Strong Motion.  Loving The Corrections.  I'll give Strong Motion another try after loving the other 2.  Might have just been my mood at the time.

Any favorites lately that I need to read?

I've seen this trailer and it's made me want to read the book.  I don't often do that.....but the story looks quite interesting.

Sometimes I think there's not enough time in one's life for all the books that should be read.

Let me know if you have any suggestions!

Reason #2514 That I Love Having A Blog

I purposely put Jack in this outfit for a Disneyland day recently, remembering this visit in 2006.

Where Carter wore the very same.

Jack, 2012:

And stood next to his dorky parents and fat baby brother with plaid pants and Mickey ears.

Carter, 2006:

Wasn't he the yummiest baby ever?

I told him once that he was my biggest baby......which is no small feat for a middle child......to gain any title in life.......so he's never forgotten it.

8 pounds, 12 ounces.

He reminds Carter and Lainey often.

Why am I skinnier here with a 5 month old in my arms than I am today? 

Diet starts Tuesday!

One of my favorites......

Blogging can be a real pain in the ass.

It takes a lot of time and a lot of patience and it's not always fun.  Sometimes it feels like a job.  But, every now and then, things line up and it's awesome to see where life has taken us.

To see it all unfold.

Since that first trip to Disney with both boys, we've moved from Denver to KC to San Diego and added a kiddo.  Lots can happen in 6 years, folks.

Cheers to blogging!

Dance, Take 2 & Why We Are Done Having Babies

Remember when Lainey started ballet last year?  It didn't last long.  If you remember, the instructor was considering teaching out of her home, but decided it wasn't a good fit for her family.

I'm almost positive it wasn't because The Starnes and McNamara girls were signed up.

Almost positive.

Regardless, we're giving it another try.

This time, at a formal studio with lots of structure and rules and expenses.

In fact, we will spend more this year on ballet and tap than I did on my first car.

True story.

But, how cute is this?

This child was put on the earth to dance and twirl and be Lainey.

I love it.  I love to see her face light up.

I did not like, however, managing kids while trying to figure out how this whole operation works.  Measurements, recitals, dance tights, tap shoes, ballet shoes, leotards, costumes, etc, etc.

Too much.

So, I shall be finding alternative arrangements for the boys moving forward.

Here are Lainey's costumes.

Mary Poppins for ballet and Wonderful World for tap.

They are so over the top cute.

These two goons are a sight to see.

Allison and I didn't know what to do.  They are such a mess.

I will be shocked if they are anywhere near each other on stage come recital time.

So, why are we done having children?

Because if we were to have a 4th and she turn out a girl, we'd be in the poor house.

We're pretty close already.

*************************************************************

Kids are out of school Friday and Monday.

Carter is off to Disneyland with friends and we're staying put to celebrate Rylee's 5th birthday.  Angry Bird style.  I'm not entirely sure what an Angry Bird is, but I will figure it out tomorrow.

Up early and off to La Jolla in the morning. 

Night!

Random Bits

How 'bout dem tigers?

Ugh.  It was painful.  I honestly can't believe a Superbowl National Championship was won on field goals.

I kept my composure and didn't curse or scream or drink too much.  My innocent friend, Allison, was over and I don't like to scare her.  But, part of me just wanted to start throwing back vodka shots and make it all go away.

That being said, this is funny:

I'm sure I'm a hater in some people's eyes, but sometimes funny is just funny.

This, graciously given to me by my friend, Diane, is, too:

Meow Meow was humiliated.  She's a big fan.

In other news:

*I'm a wavering Pinterest participant.  I got really excited about it when I first joined, but have lost interest.  Basically, I've pinned a lot of crap that I haven't done a thing with.  I didn't do one of my Christmas pins.  Isn't that the whole point?  To do stuff with what you pin?

I'm also bitter because upon finding it and signing up, I contacted Pinterest and told them they needed to hire me.  That they were getting big fast and that they needed me to edit, write, etc.......and never heard back. 

More haters.

*We are slowly making progress on our backyard.  Got the TV hooked up and the VCR, too.  (Yes, they still exist.)  Need to buy a DVD player and get the cable dude out here to hook up a new connection.  Then, we will be virtually living outside.

Next up?  Outdoor shower. 

Kidding.

*Having a kitten is a bit like having a newborn.  It's exhausting.  Her move to the garage was successful, but the second she hears someone stirring in the house, the meows start.  And, like a newborn, she is hard to ignore.

I think I'm allergic to her, too.  Can you be allergic to some cats, but not others?  Had no problems with Batman.  (RIP)

*I'm starting to suspect that The Bachelor is all fake.  Girls really can't be this stupid.  Can they?  As I've said before, I will go down in flames with this show, so don't even get started on how I shouldn't be watching it.

*My Matilda Jane 'dealer' in Orange County has lots of adult pieces at 40% off.  Check out this list and let me know if you're interested.  I'll give you her contact info.

 

Small:

Gemini T

Medium:

Kiara Cardigan

Summertime Dress

Dear Henry Dress

Major Brown Dress

Mona Ballet Dress

Coffee Ruffles

Clarissa Ruffles

Pesto Finn Skirt

Josie Skirt

Track Pants

Sandy Tuxedo Pants

Charlie Brown Dress

Harriett Skirt

Carole Anne Finn Skirt

Track Jacket

Whipwillow Top

Dusk Tank

Mindy Tank

Gemini Tee

Large:

Millie Top

Later!