Disneyland Surprise

Back in November, I told my mother that I & the rest of my siblings were going to gift her and my father airline tickets to AZ so they could enjoy some Seattle Mariner Spring Training.  For the purpose of scheduling I couldn't keep this from my mother, but it remained a surprise to my father.  As we planned the trip my mom got the idea to buy tickets for Payten, Sawyer, & T as well, because she knew they would just love that for a Christmas present, and they'd be pleasantly surprised.

As we secretly bought the tickets, we noticed that they would be here for a full week.....which meant enough time that would allow for the 5-hour drive to Disneyland!  The excitement had begun...

For the following months my parents and I kept this secret from my youngest siblings.  We were going to Disneyland and they weren't going to have the slightest clue!

Fast forward to March, and sure enough they never knew until we pulled up to Disney Parks. The surprise was AWESOME!

How did we convince them to jump in the car and drive for 5 hours, you might ask??

Well, after spending a couple days back at our place, my mom and I made up an imaginary place that was "just a few hours away."  We were going to a hotel with a lazy river and lots of sorts of fun to do (there really is a hotel similar to this in Indio, CA-so I've heard).  My mom said "ok, kids, just grab an outfit, your swimsuits, toothbrushes....wait, grab two outfits just in case."  We all piled into the car and 5 hours later we were enjoying Disney Parks.



--One funny story:  Our GPS (ahem...undependable TOM TOM) was not corporating. He seriously COULD NOT find DISNEYLAND for heaven-sakes.  So because we had the address to our actual hotel and found that first, my dad ran in to "ask for directions" when really he was checking us in. My siblings in the car were like,"how embarrassing he's asking a hotel for directions to another hotel...?"  My mom and I just laughed like, "yeah glad we aren't in there asking that question..." hehehe--



It wasn't until a few days before my family got to AZ that I decided I would take the girls for the trip.  Since Chase had school that week (along with test preparations), our little family of four was going to stay behind this time.   But, as the days drew nearer I couldn't pass up the opportunity to go.  I mean, my dad was driving us there, the girls and I would fit in their hotel suite, & it's DISNEYLAND!

Besides wishing Chase was there, this was the best decision I have made in a LONG time.  This was a very therapeutic trip for me.  I enjoyed motherhood the entire time- even though I spent a fair amount of the time alone with just my girls without aid.  The second best decision (Chase made for me) was to not take my camera, which was a heartbreaking thought.  This sounds odd but my camera  can be like a third child.  You have to have it on you at all times, can't leave it unsupervised, as it's slung across your body you have to be extra careful as you pick up kids or go to the restroom, you never want it to get hurt, etc. 

I also didn't take a purse which was heaven- my ID was in my pocket along with some cash.

My point is....this trip was therapeutic because it was so simple.  I was able to witness the joy in my kids' eyes, the excitement on their faces, I could jump in line with them easily without worrying about my stroller/camera/valuables.  I wasn't anxiously waiting for the many "picture perfect moments" or forcing my children to stand and smile next to this or that.  I didn't have that annoying feeling of a diaper bag/purse/camera bag sliding off my shoulder.

I was living IN the moment...with my kids....in the most magical place on earth. Regrettably, I haven't been the best at doing that recently.  It was JUST what I needed and I learned a lot about myself.  The trip has refocused my goals and priorities, & also reminded me how beautiful motherhood is when we take the time to stop, eliminate distractions, re prioritize, and live life simply and in gratitude. 

Thank you Mom and Dad for this wonderful trip! xoxo

....and because my mom did have her camera, we were able to get some great face time that will remind us of this Disneyland Surprise! :)

These first few pictures were taken at the M's game at a Spring Training game.

Tarzan Treehouse was one of our first stops.

The new "Cars" addition was by far my favorite part of the trip this time.  It was IDENTICAL to the movie.  Literally, felt like I was standing in the middle of the real Radiator Springs. These pictures don't do it justice. 

....I secretly want to live on this street and work at Flo's Cafe- it was adorable.

The girls enjoyed the "Bug's Life" rides.

One of my favorite rides at C.A. would have to be this one below.  These raft-like rides are always a good time when you're surrounded by loved ones.

Sailor was really upset when she couldn't ride on "Splash Mountain."  When we would pass it and watch the big drop-off she'd point and yell, " Mom, I want to go on that one, on 'Mountain Splash'. "

Sadly, she stood 2 inches or so below.  So instead we waited for the rest of the family by a penny smasher machine and lo and behold, the only coins I had in my pocket were 2 pennies and 1 dollar in quarters...the exact amount to smash 2 souvenirs.  I love Ser in this picture...looking to her sister to make sure she is holding the penny up the "right way."

The funny thing is, we lost these two pennies about 5 minutes after we made them...Sailor was supervising them. :S

Just kidding...as we were loading onto the Snow White Ride, an hour after we "lost" the pennies, we found one next to the cart Sailor was climbing up into.  She told us she put the pennies in the knee-hole in her jeggings. And can you believe it, we found the other one on the ground later in the day.  Those pennies were REALLY meant to be in our hands!

And you can't go to Disneyland without riding on "It's a Small World" at least once (at least that's what we told the two boys to get them on it). :)

My mom, T, and Payten waited a good 1/2 hour or so to ride this 12 sec ride with Sailor (this was literally the longest wait we had to make for a ride). They are sweet.  As the ride starts, it climbs an incline that turns into a steep dip.  As I watch, Sailor's arms are way up high with Grandma's, but has it descended and turns a corner towards us her arms went from 'sky high' to 'nevermind I'm holding on.'  It was funny.

 Seryn squealed and laughed when she saw Mickey walking down the street.  We saw him right after I purchased the lovely Mickey and Minnie dolls. Sailor kept saying, "Mom, there's a Mickey and I have a baby Mickey!"  She was adamant that she take a picture with 'Baby Mickey' and the "Big Mickey that doesn't talk" together.

I think Mickey got extra annoyed because Seryn kept hitting at his face- she was so excited!

Again, "Car's Land" and it's awesomeness.

After surviving the park all day on the third and last day, we went to the light show that evening which was the perfect way to end it all.  As it showed clips of Disney movies my girls just fell in love!  The first clip started with Ariel and her singing voice....this was by far Seryn's favorite part of the trip.  She was up on my brother's shoulders kicking her legs, squealing, laughing, pointing, all in excitement.  I have never seen her so happy.  It was the CUTEST thing I have ever witnessed.  I could've died happy in the moment.  And Sailor was the same as the show progressed. My brother's and I took turns holding the kids on our shoulders.  At times I was in pain, on my tiptoes, holding Seryn's arms up, my body shaking because of the awkwardness.  But, it was the the least I could do.  I would do that all day to hear and see the pure joy coming from my sweet girls. Priceless.

...

Ohh, the magic. :)

Over too soon....


...and on our trek back to AZ  we decided we HAD to stop at Cabazon.  Why?  To visit the dinos that were 'casted' in the movie "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure."   The moment we saw the exhibit from off the road we knew we needed a picture by those famous dinos.

..........and then we attempted the Pee-Wee Herman dance.

What. Nerds. 

* For those of you unfortunate souls who don't know what dance I'm talking about, click this:
Pee-Wee Dance




















 

Arizona Orchards

Arizona has been a great place to live & enjoy the last 3 years.  Everything about it is different from any other state I've visited.  The desert climate's temperatures, seasons, colors (or lack thereof), & landscaping is something that I instantly grew fond of, but after a few years I have had to learn to appreciate the vibe that Arizona brings.  I have come to realize that I love the change of seasons immensely, couldn't live a life without GREEN in my yard, & I crave agriculture way too much.

But one thing I find joy in are the orange, lemon, and grapefruit orchards!  It's so rejuvenating to see that color peak out from under those green leaves.  And because this is our last winter in AZ, I had to take advantage and capture a few pictures of the girls picking some fruit.  They sure turned out to be some cute orchard workers!

2-14-2013

Preschool. Park. Present. Pretzels. 

That could easily sum up our day!

I taught preschool that morning where our topic of the day was "Art Appreciation."  This was a fun one since we overindulged in hands on art projects: painting, drawing, photography, carpentry, & sculpting.  And since it was the day of Valentines, the kids passed out little cards to one another.  This year, Sailor passed out a little can of sliced olives decorated with the words "olive you" on it.  The girls and I also made little homemade cards for grandparents, great grandparents, cousins, etc. leading up to the 14th which turned out to be a great craft-fest for them since they love any chance to use scissors and glue sticks.  Seryn may have used an entire gluestick on the whole surface of the table- cheap fun I suppose.

Later in the day, we walked to the park and enjoyed the 70 degree weather.

Ok, so I had to post this picture..

Seryn's picture below is a good representation of what Chris Farley looked like at the wee age of 1 1/2 years.  Seriously, do you not see the resemblance??

She plasters this CHEESY smile upon her face whenever I ask her to "smile" for me....

          

Chase was at school for most of the day and then had to go straight back into work until 7:30pm.  While we waited for dad to get home, I gifted the girls their little Valentine's Day aprons that I made earlier in the week.  They turned out just how I wanted them to!  Before they could receive the gift they got a note telling them they had to tell 5 people "I love you" and tell them that they were grateful for the individual.  It was fun making phones calls to each grandparent and aunts and uncles- the girls got all giddy once they received a "hello" from each family member.

 Once the girls got situated in their aprons they made a little treat for dad when he was to arrive home.  I was shocked to watch both girls methodically unwrap each individual hug and not put one in their mouths.  They were definitely on a mission to cover every pretzel- and they sure did! Seryn especially enjoyed this job.

Anyone ever make these? These pretzel treats (melted and topped with m&ms) are all over pinterest for every season... for every holiday- I know, not very original, but a very clean, kid-friendly treat.

Well they looked easy as pie but they did not melt correctly for us.  I followed one recipe (bake at 280 degrees for 10 mins or so) and the hugs started to burn on the outside but were still hard on the inside.....anyone know the magic?

Despite the mangled mess, the non-burnt ones were fab. :)

Chase returned home to a "Pamper Daddy" session.  We got the couch all prepared so he could relax and the girls could take his shoes off, massage his feet, receive a head and hand massage, etc. but after some unknown visitors showed up, we had to postpone it all for another day.  Regardless, we had a fantastic day and felt so much love in our lives!  Thanks to all who support and love us so much!  Happy Love Day!

Boards, Ballet, & Big Girls

It's only February & I am enjoying this year immensely.  Year 2013 is full of anticipated events & changes that will be bringing Chase closer to his occupational goal of becoming an optometrist!  We are incredibly happy that he has fallen in love with his field of choice, which will be such a blessing in his life as he will be doing this for-ev-er.  BUT...and this is one BIG "but,"
he has to pass a series of 3 tests aka 'boards' that will enable him to practice after he has graduated, and this first test is coming up mid-March.  This tests take immense preparation, costs lots of dinero, & brings on the stress levels that no one wants to take on.  We don't see much of Chase these days.  He studys for his classes and weekly tests, spends long days in the campus clinic doing optometry work, he works a late night or two a week, & then has to continue to study for boards throughout it all. Even though he copes with stressful situations very well (like 100 times better than I do), we can tell he is feeling the pressure and there's not much we can do but pray for him and pick up the slack around the house.

The below pictures are Chase comforting Seryn after a nightmare or something that caused her to wake up and cry in such a way that broke our hearts.   She feel asleep in his arms and he thoroughly enjoyed it- I sat close by with a little envy in my eyes.

We luckily have a little bit of a busier schedule now, which saves my sanity.  Sailor is attending a ballet class as well as a creative movement class.  I am so glad we signed her up for this inexpensive (gotta love livingsocial coupons), great opportunity.

 As children, Chase & I were the epitome of "shy,"  like most children I'd assume but we were both on the EXTREMELY shy side.  Because I want to do all that I can to keep my children from being THAT shy, I decided a dance class with a bunch of strangers would be a great start for Sai.

--OK, we did join the class with Sailor's little friend Addie.  I didn't want to throw her in shark infested waters without the little support of a life preserver. :)

It's been a few weeks in attendance and so far so good!  She listens to the teacher and sits with the class without tears.  She still gets a little nervous before the class and tells me she wants to "stay home with Daddy because I'm shy,"  but once we have our little "it's ok- you will have fun- mommy will watch you through the window- we need to practice not being shy" talk she goes in and participates well.   She also just transitioned into primary this January, which has be a fun, successful change for her.  She thoroughly enjoys singing songs in primary & comes home singing a new one each week.

Non-related quick story:

Where we live we are able to step outside this time of year and witness several hot air balloon flights on a daily basis.  They are distant but the girls never fail to spot them in the sky.  Sailor gets excited about them whenever she sees them and asked me one day if she could ride one.  I started by telling her we don't have any money- which is semi-true but I thought ok that doesn't mean anything to her young brain. So then I proceeded to tell her it costs lots of money and so she might have to save up for that.  A few hours after that she was playing up on the counter next to me in the kitchen and she burst out with, "Mom! We have some money!  Now we can go on the hot balloon ride!"

So sweet and innocent......this is the "money" she found:

I let her put that in her little piggy bank and told her, "that we better keep finding more." ;)



Speaking of Seryn, (just kidding, I wasn't just talking about Seryn, but onto the next child)...

Almost 19 months old! This girl won't stop growing on me!  She just started nursery a several weeks ago & she didn't flinch or look back once when we brought her into the room.  This girl likes everyone & isn't afraid to be away from mom or dad for a second......tear.  No, I actually really enjoy this time. Church is my sanctuary now! I can listen and participate and learn sooo much.  And I love it!  Seryn also really enjoys her princesses.  She doesn't say more than about 7 audible words, but she will tell you what Ariel sings if you asked her.  Her response is a sweet little song, "aahh, ahhh, ahhh,"
mimicking Ariel's singing voice of course.  She likes her nap times and always needs to be accompanied with the same 5 little friends: her Ariel doll (naturally), Elmo, her white cat, her black cat, and "Mango" her orange cat.................................she loves cats. 

The girls & I just recently made their very own "rice bags" for their sleeping pleasure.  We went to a fabric store to pick out the fabric they wanted, threw some rice into the little pillow shaped bags, and viola!  Now they love to microwave them and sleep with those warm bundles.  I often find Seryn hugging hers through out the night.  The picture below is Ser holding the two rice bags.  Sailor's is the orange and black one which is "Halloween" print and Seryn's is the one plastered with rainbows and "Abbys"- from Sesame Street.  I think the fabric choices are very appropriate and fitting for the individual.

As for me, I try to stay in a routine of some sort with the things I need to do and the things I want to do. The things that entertain me lately are the shows I watch while I exercise, the schedule for house maintenance, the meal planning, photography, my educational endeavors (aka trying to indulge myself into educational reads aka trying to learn something since becoming a mom has made me feel like I am losing all the intelligence I ever possessed), and currently playing the part of "Tiana's mom" which entails talking to Sailor (aka Tiana) in a New Orleans' southern accent.  Sailor really enjoys role playing right now and I think it's sweet. Sailor and Ser are also currently into playing "doctor."  Usually what that means is they get to their band-aids and fix all their little princesses' "hurts." See picture below.

I love that Cinderella and Aurora both lost their eyes.......what a terrible accident they must have endured.  Snow White was the only one untainted by this madness.

 As for the near future, some of my family members are coming down for a week to enjoy some Spring Training and pool time!  Two thumbs WAY up for family and visitor time!

     



 

The Hubbs & Halflings

These are way overdue...like a week before Christmas overdue.   I wanted to get a few pictures of the girls and their daddy so we went out and got some keepers.  That's the [only] downfall about being the "photographer" of the family- my face rarely gets into the frame....which is why you team up with a buddy who is also a photographer and you take pictures of eachothers' families.  Brilliant.  Everyone is happy. 

But for now I will just post these, which are the ones I took of "The Hubbs & Halflings".

So without further a do,
The Jackson Family wants to wish everyone a "Merry Chrrrris......" I mean, "Happy Valentine's Day."

..........just go with it.

;)