Time

Now that I have an abundance of time, my brain has many more opportunities to think.
I feel it would be appropriate to record a few of my more profound thoughts for my posterity.

*I am way better at jump rope than my husband. Even if it does make me wet myself.
*My husband is way better at being nice to people than I am.
*What is it about Will Ferrell that I find so attractive?
*Is there really a need for mosquitoes? And what purpose do they serve anyway, besides ruining my life?
*Should I keep dying my hair dark, or go back to mouse brown/gray? This $10 dye in a bottle I have been using since I left my beloved Dorri isn't working out for me.
*Will I ever be able to graduate from the training bra that my 12 year old niece gave me when it didn't fit her anymore?
*Will I be able to make it home at the end of August? Bret Michaels will be at the fair. If I can get close enough, I could throw said training bra on stage. Will this cause him to fall in love with me? If so . . . How would I explain it to Damon?
*I can't believe its getting to be election time again.
*How could the lady that lived in our condo before us be such a dirt bag? Oh . . wait. She's a politician. Totally makes sense now.
*How did my third child get to be so crazy? It couldn't be because of me.
*Tina is the one who introduced me to Lemon Blueberry Trifle. She really should be rewarded. I think I will send her my third child via USPS. I will poke holes in the box for the little loca's breathing comfort.
*Should I have another kid? Probably not. This big loca is pretty much maxed out. However, if I do, my lady lumps would get significantly bigger for a time. I might pull all my hair out due to craziness, so that would solve the whole hair color issue. Also, I will have to deliver at a hospital with a geriatrics maternity ward, and that could be hard to find. This a tough one. I'm gonna go with NO. . . . for now. Probably forever.

As you can see, I need something to do. . . . . other than lay out. . . . . as it might be frying my brain cells. I have got to find a hobby. I can only check the newsfeed on Facebook so many times in one day, and I can only push The Toots so far in her stroller before she begs me to go home and watch Dora. So I guess my only option for now is to start blogging again. Beware.

So Far, So Good

Its been a little over two months since our big move. Things are going great. My kids love their school, we love our ward, we love where we live, we have some great friends, and Damon is doing great at his job. I know it doesn't make sense to some people or even us at times, but I'm just really glad that we took a huge risk. I know we are where we are supposed to be for now. I don't know exactly why, but I have a few guesses . . . . .

* I am learning to relax. Its common knowledge that I am SUPER high strung. Hawaii does not allow that. Since I am not working, I have tons of free time. I've never had much of that at all. Sometimes I will find myself becoming impatient, or in a huge hurry, and I quickly remind myself to "simmer down now," and that I have ABSOLUTELY nothing else to do. I think moving here will seriously add years to my life . . . . if I can just keep this whole relaxing bit up, that is.

* It has been reaffirmed to me so many times in just a few short months, that I could care less about having a big huge fancy house, driving the nicest car, or wearing designer clothes (Walmart is about as trendy as I get these days). It just doesn't matter. What I want most, is to be the best mom and wife that I can be. A big part of this, is creating lasting memories with my little family. We have done so many fun things TOGETHER in the last few months that we will remember forever. I'm not saying you have to move far away to do this, but for us . . . . we were just way too busy and consumed with other things at home.

* Having so much free time, has really allowed me to do some soul searching. I want to be a good person. A really good person. I have a lot (and when I say a lot I mean A LOT) of things that I need to work on to get there. I know I have been guilty of it in the past, and I might be guilty of it in the future (I'm going to try my hardest not to), but I no longer want, nor do I need to sit around and worry about what I think everyone else is doing wrong. "Who am I to judge another, when I walk imperfectly?" I've got to focus on the things that I need to change about myself so that I can be the best me.

I'm not sure exactly how long we will be here. We are figuring it all out. It could be a year, it could be four. But for now . . . I am going to enjoy every minute of living in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

PS . . . Come visit.

Eight!

Edyn turned 8 today.

Of course we celebrated.

(Are you having deja vu?)

Pool party Saturday!

And today . . . on her special day, we ate cake for breakfast. 6:30am birthday parties are not very lively. The good news . . . . is that her cake DID NOT taste like dish soap.

Happy Birthday Beadsa! Mommy LOVES you so much!

Three!

Toots turned 3 today!

Of course we had to celebrate.

We had a pool party on Saturday. Fun times. It sure is nice to have summer all year round.

And today . . . . on her special day, she allowed me to push her up Wika'o hill three times (she knows mommy's bum needs to shrink), played at the park, and took a quick dip in the pool.

Talking to Grandma Sharon.

A special Dora cake. It tasted like dish soap.

Happy Birthday Tootsies! Mommy loves YOU!!!!!!

Today is the Day . . . . .

. . . . . . that Team Fairchild is moving to Hawaii.

A few things I had to take care of before I left . . . . . .

I pretty much got rid of everything I owned. It's actually quite refreshing. Aren't you lucky if you got to partake in all that free stuff?! We shipped our van and 16 boxes, and are taking 4 bags with us on the plane . . . for a family of five . . . that's pretty freaking awesome.

In preparation for my move, one last girls night was a must.

I can't be bothered by unruly hair anymore, so I had Dorri chop it.

FAQ's about Team Fairchild's big move.

Q: You sure move a lot. Whats up with that?
A: Its my way of de-junking. We figured that since we've moved 5 times in the last three years (did you know that four of those houses were on the same street? talk about confusing), we should probably go BIG this time.

Q: Why Hawaii?
A: Why not?

Q: But isn't it soooooo expensive over there?
A: Yes. But we're definitely not Hawaii virgins. We lived there for three years when we were newly married. We know what we are getting ourselves in to. Yes . . . we will be paying more for a 1400 square foot 3 bedroom 2 bathroom condo then we did for our 3400 square foot house . . . but our condo will be in paradise. Nuff said.

Q: What are you guys going to do over there?
A: Damon will be working for Expedia and going back to school to pursue his dream. He will also continue to do photos. Looks like he is gonna be super busy. My SUPERMAN! He is amazing. Yours Truly . . . . . will be on permanent vacay for the next four years at least. Its no big deal :).

Q: Why if you say your Tri Cities business was doing so good, would you want to leave it?
A: Truth be told . . . Photography is not our dream. Its just something that Damon happens to be really good at and enjoys. Its not the lifestyle that we want to live. He actually likes to be home with his family on the evenings and weekends. We will have our business in Hawaii, It will just be different. There will also be times when he is back on the mainland and will do pictures for clients here. We'll let you know well in advance when those times are . . . . but in the meantime . . . If you're ever in Hawaii . . . Oahu to be exact . . call him up. He would love to do a beautiful family, senior, or whatever else tickles your fancy (no porn, he's not into that) portrait for you in paradise.

Q: How long have you known about your move?
A: Its was a very long, prayerful decision that finally came in August of 2010.

Q: Why did you try so hard to keep it on the down low?
A: Lots of reasons. But mostly, because we didn't know exactly when we would be leaving. We didn't want it to harm our business in any way, and we were concerned about how our children would react. The other reasons are none of your business. ;)

Q: Why have you been wearing the same outfit for the last month?
A: Oh. You noticed? Dang. Because I have given away all of my winter clothes, and the rest are on a ship bound for Hawaii.

Q: Why didn't you say goodbye to me?
A: Well . . . if I didn't say goodbye to you, chances are I never saw you or talked to you that much anyway. So . . . sorry about that. Its just that I was busy getting ready to make a major move, practically by myself, as Daddy was already in Hawaii working at his new job. Consider this your friendly Aloha Oe . . . until we meet again.

Q: Can I come to Hawaii and stay with you?
A: Yes . . . But only if I like you (the list of people I don't is really short, so you're probably not on it, but if you are on that list, please don't come. That would just be awkward). Actually, you would be foolish not to come. It would be the cheapest trip to Hawaii you will ever take. Hotel Fairchild might be small, but it will definitely be five star. I will spoil you rotten (I'm not gonna have much to do. Damon refuses to let me work. That's gonna be a weird and hard thing for me. Working is in my blood. Time to be a Mommy. Full time. I'm really grateful he's putting his foot down on this one). We are so excited for all the visitors we are going to have!

Q: What will you miss most?

A: My sisters, and my friends of course. I love them dearly. My job. I loved Apricot Lane with all my heart. So many good times there. My Young Women. Such beautiful GOOD girlies. My cousins. They are so freaking awesome. Snow. I like snow. Nothing but Noodles. I love that place. My friends and my sisters. Gold's gym. I love Spin. My brothers. They are so freaking awesome. Being backdoor neighbors with Wal*Mart. We've become so close over the last 5 years. Literally. Hot summer days at Nicholls and Hills pools. Erika. Its not like I'll just be able to hop in my car and drive to Colorado to spoon her and play with her hair. Mamie. My roomie. What in da hell am I gonna do without her? I could take two years telling you everything she has done for me and my family. Bekie. Whose face am I going to make fun of? Who's ALWAYS going to watch my kids for free? Dorri. Who's gonna do my hair? Who's going to make those amazing lemon thingies you make? Marianne. Who's gonna make me delicious treats and tell me how awesome I am? Jen. Who am I going to text all the time about my weight loss and gains (you're not escaping me Jen. Believe it or not, they do have texting in Hawaii)? Nicole. Who will drink diet raspberry coke with turd ice with me? Who will plan all the lunch dates? Gloria. Who am I going to switch kids with all the time? Who will carry me up huge big hills on their back for killer workouts? Kristie. Who am I going to tell my deep dark secrets to? Who is going to inspire me to be the best that I could possibly be? Soooo many more amazing friends that I will miss. Did I mention I'm gonna miss my friends and my sisters? The good news is . . . is that they will all remain my dear friends. And I'm anxiously awaiting your visits already!

Q: What will you miss least?
A: Wind, crazy busy lifestyle, drama.

PEACE OUT MAINLAND!

I'm really excited for us. This is gonna be good. Really good.

I Resolve

My New Years resolution is not to lose weight. I grown quite accustom to being average. Instead, I resolve to quit complaining. I have a really good life. Nothing to complain about (except for my very small chest). But for some reason or other, I find myself often being ungrateful. I'm going to try my very hardest to be positive and grateful in 2011. We'll see how it goes . . . . and if its going well, perhaps I'll try it in 2012 as well. No promises.

I'm also resolving to bite my tongue. Not literally. I'm pretty sure I was born without a filter. Too often, I spew things out of my mouth that I (sometimes) end up regretting later. If I could just zip my lips I could avoid this problem. Duh. Easier said than done for this Loca . . . . but I'll give it a valiant effort.

That it. That's all I'm gonna shoot for this year. I wouldn't want to over do it.
Happy 2011

Its just that . . . . .

. . . . I've lost the desire to blog. Probably because I have way too much to do, and blogging would just be one more thing. I have a few more posts I want to share with my four fans (also for journaling purposes) . . . but after that, I think I will be done. Facebook is just so much easier.

So here it is . . . . what I have been up to for the last 8 months.

I don't know if there is a "best cousins" contest . . . but if there was . . . I would win. Hands down. I have the best cousins ever. We've been spending lots of time together. Who knew hard core liberals and crazy conservatives could get along so well?! I love them.

Summer Dodge Ball. Its too bad we are always ineligible for the costume prizes.


Our business is doing awesome. I'm not bragging. I just feel really blessed. We had a really busy summer/fall. My man has got mad photography skills. I hate to break my own arm patting myself on the back, but I do all the editing . . . therefore . . . I've got mad editing skills. I'm not gonna lie though. . . . . I do get pretty sick of sitting at my computer.
Just a few samples below.

I keep myself pretty busy being a mom. I have the cutest kids ever. Words could never explain my love for these little ladies.

Edyn started 2nd grade and Ava started Kindergarten. Its so nice :)

Since we now work for ourselves, it makes it super easy to do whatever we want . . . like go to Colorado to see our BFF's . . . not once but TWICE! July and October. I love that state. I love road trips and I LOVE the Saunders/Hammonds. We're pretty much treated like VIP's by them. I never want to leave. As a matter of fact . . . I just might move in someday. I've become quite good at shacking up and mooching! Be prepared.
What a pleasant surprise it was to find out how well my little ladies could behave on a 20 hour drive (one way mind you). 80 hours of driving all together. No barfing. No fighting. Only a couple bouts of explosives (someone gave Toots Fiber One bars. Oops).

My Man turned 33 in September. Can you tell he was pretty excited about it?

On Thanksgiving Me and my girl Jen went to spin early. Spinning is my new love. Its just about the only thing I will wake up for at 5am. Who knew?

Jen has really big muscles. I have really big saddlebags. Soooooo . . . . It pretty much evens out.

Then there was an uneventful Thanksgiving dinner at our humble home. It was so uneventful . . . I didn't even take any pictures. Hmmmmmm . . . .

December 5th we hopped on a plane to Hawaii. Our old stomping grounds. We lived there for three years right after we got married. What a treat to go back and stay at Hotel Loder (Thank you guys. We owe you BIG TIME), lay on the beach for hours, visit with great friends, eat our brains out (I gained 6 pounds in one week . . . i know. . . pretty impressive), and spend some time together without our kids.

I think I'll go back soon.

Happy Birthday to me. I turned 33.
It doesn't feel any different than 32. Or even 22. I just look older.

Christmas 2010. Believe it or not, we actually DID NOT over do it this year. We kept it simple. Our kids were happy, we were happy, and we didn't spend gobs of money. Again . . . who knew?!

The end.