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.

Five

Looking for a few good suggestions on how to throw the most ghetto-fabulous 5 year old birthday party? You're in luck. I just so happen to know someone who just got done not only planning . . . but executing one.

1. On your child's actual birthday, you forget to request the day off so you bum off your motherly responsibilities and have your husband take her to the waterpark and to Famous Daves with her sisters and cousins. He does willingly. . . because he's the best dad/husband in the world. You make sure to have him take pictures, but you forget to tell him NOT to dress them like orphans.

Ava's Favorite Aunties . . . here on her actual birthday!

2. Skip the invitations. No time for that. You send out a tacky group text. Text should say something like, "I'm having a short and sweet birthday party for Ava at my . . . . and when I say "my" I really mean "Mamie's" house. Monday 4-5.... We'll just play a few games outside and have cake and ice cream. You are more than welcome to bring all of your kids and you are also welcome to stay if you want. I know. . . . . I'm a party animal." The day of the party you remember how many people you forgot to invite.

3. Go ahead and procrastinate getting anything ready for the "short and sweet" party until the morning of . . . . . . . after you have been at the Dr. with a screaming baby for 2 hours. Then you head to . . . . wait for it . . . . . wait for it . . . . WALMART. . . . to get all of the essentials. You know . . . Pinata, gobs of candy, Pre-made cake, cake mix (you have to make sure you have enough because you forgot how many people you invited), frosting, and because you are super classy and want to save money on paper cups, you go ahead and get Capri Suns. Its like killing two birds with one stone.

4. You go home and plan on getting started, cause now you are down to 3 hours before ghetto fabulous party, and you still have to clean the house, make 48 cupcakes, and a vegetable tray for those of us with high cholesterol (dang). . . . . BUT . . . . Tootsies is exhausted from all of her screaming, so of course you have to lay her down for a nap, but she refuses to sleep unless you are snuggling her. Oops . . . You accidentally fall asleep for 45 minutes (come to find out . . . your fatigue is caused by lack of sleep). You wake up and jump out of Mamie's bed (you can't sleep in yours because its full of laundry and your room is so dirty you can barely walk through it) and realize that NOW you only have 1 hour 15 minutes to pull this off.

5. Scrambling, you do the best multi-tasking you have ever done, baking, peeling and slicing, cleaning . . . . you get it pretty much done with 5 minutes to spare, and are so grateful when Mamie and Kristy walk in through the garage and ask what they can do to help. Usually you would be too embarrassed and say . . . "oh nothing, I got it all" . . . . but you don't, so you have Mamie put the vegetable tray together and Kristy frost the cupcakes while you continue to scramble.

6. All of the kids show up and you play a quick game. . . . . on the wet grass of course. It would be a shame to keep their pants clean. The first game goes off pretty well. But you just know that the Pinata is gong to be a hit . . . . after all, all the other birthday parties you go to, it takes up plenty of time and the kids have so much fun . . . . And because you bought a special Princess Pinata at Walmart, what could go wrong?


7. You line all 20 kids up . . . Birthday girl first of course. Thinking you're gonna sit back and kill some time . . . And Birthday girl breaks that sucker down on her third swing. Which leads you to believe . . . 1. Walmart Pinatas Suck. Who knew? 2. You probably shouldn't use a metal bat 3. Overstuffing with candy can also hinder time killing, as it makes the pinata too heavy, allowing it to fall off the rope, helping it break easier. 4. Kids aren't too concerned with hitting the dang thing. They just want the candy. Geez. You should save yourself 20 bucks and throw the candy in the air and watch them scramble.

8. What the heck. You just move on to cake and ice cream. Except you are so caught up in all the chaos . . . that you forget not only to sing Happy Birthday and blow out candles . . . . but eat the blasted cake. Whatever. The cupcakes worked just fine, and you can put that cake in the freezer and give it to your Mother in Law the next day for her birthday. You're a big fan of re-gifting anyway. Even if it is tacky. You ARE tacky.

9. Speaking of tacky . . . you rush everyone out the door, because you have somewhere to be . . . a surprise birthday celebration for your friend that you need to get to STAT. And you leave the mess for your husband to clean up . (But you get home . . . and it hasn't been cleaned up).

10. You neglect posting it on your blog . . . . which is also your journal until 5 days after the actual birthday because you are too dang busy to do anything but raise children, help your husband run your new business, work at the greatest boutique ever, figure out what the heck is wrong with your shoulder/arm, church responsibilities, be super cool, and perhaps trying to fit in a few breaths now and then.

The End.

P.S. I'm full of ideas for D-Day Parties, Weddings, Bridal and Baby showers, etc. Feel free to give me a jingle and I'll help you out anytime.

P.P.S. I'm so sorry Ava. I'll do better next time. You are my beautiful, spunky, sassy, hilarious, blue eyed girl. Happy Birthday . . . . . MOMMY LOVES YOU!