Getting Back into the Groove

Well, for the 3 people who read this ... I hope you have fun!!

I must confess that I suffer from Post-Vacation Depression Disorder. I have had too much fun (if that's possible) on the two vacations I've had this summer, and when I get home, my body and mind are just in a blue funk!! I think it's the minimum responsibilities weighing on me during vacation, and the novelty of a day free and open, without obligations, that may cause the PVDD crash after I arrive back home.

Add to this my resurgence of insomnia, mild obsessions with Twilight and Patrick Wilson, and avoidance of the inevitability of potty training Brynna, school starting in 3 weeks, and a house that needs constant attention, and you have a perfect storm of PDD (Parenting Dissociative Disorder). What are all these ailments? Once the PVDD sets in, I then start doing all I can to avoid or postpone my parenting responsibilities and the house and kids go to pot!

They say the first step to healing is identifying and owning your problem -- well, I am finally taking my house, life and kids back! I didn't get to the gym today, but baby steps Y'ALL!

We have enjoyed the company of Curtis' brother, Erick, and his family since last night. He is flying back to South Carolina tonight, while his wife, Christina, and kids head up to visit his parents and play with cousins. It's always nice to have visitors, if only for the kick-in-the-butt to tidy up the house!

I know I have yet to publish any of my pictures from this summer, but maybe I'll save it for a nice Festivus Surprise!! (You think I'm joking?)

Went to see "The Dark Knight" on Sat. at IMAX with Curtis, and my parents, sister Sonya and brother John. HOHLEE CRRAAPP!! That movie ROCKS!! Loved it on IMAX!

Well, I am getting bored with myself so I will sign off --

Love And Laughs -LAL-
Heather

California--Here We Come!!

We arrived in SoCal on the night of July 12th, after driving for 10.5 hours. That doesn't take into account the fact that I was up at 7:15am, leaving my house at 8:30am, picking up Cameron from TImberline Scout Camp in Mt. Pleasant, UT, having an early lunch in Moroni, and then finally on the road by 12:30pm. We hit St. George approx. 4:30 and visited my great-aunt & uncle Faye & Byron Jordan until 6pm. We then got on the road again and made it into San Clemente at 1:30am Utah time. UURRGHH!! I definitely hit a wall (figure of speech) at around 11pm when Brynna kept waking up every 20 minutes as she slept in her carseat in the back. Cameron was a real help trying to keep her calm and happy and coax her back to sleep. What a guy!!
So my mom and I survived life in a minivan for 12+ hours with 4 kids, and slept happily.

We are very lucky to have a chance to come stay here at my grandparents condo on the beach by the pier in San Clemente. We got to celebrate Brynna's 3rd birthday (July 15th) and my brother James' little boy, Luke's 2nd birthday (July 26th) together. Shari and her three boys have come down too and we are having lots of loud, crazy, face-stuffing FUN!! We are having fun with James, Sara, Luke & Bella, who live here and manage things while he finishes school, and my Aunt Barbara's family who are vacationing and sharing time with us at the condo.

I had a chance ot visit my good friend Jeanine (Seeman) Campbell, and her new home and three cute kids: 2 boys, Dawson & Everett, and 1 girl, Sidney. I don't get to interact with her hubby Greg, but I can tell they are a happy little bunch! They are a great little family, and I appreciate the connection I have with her. We have been friends since our freshman year at BYU and it is great to know someone who knew me "WHEN" -- Thanks Jeanine!!

We have relaxed at the beach, had a BBQ/fire ring/wienie roast where I introduced my Aunt Barbara and her family to the delights of foil-wrapped bananas that are stuffed with Symphony (toffee & almond) and mini-marshmallows. Props go to Sonya's friend, Stephanie for sharing that campfire treat with us!! YUMMY GOOEY GOODNESS!! We decided to visit Chuck E Cheese's for the little kids birthday and it worked out pretty well, and we ended up having two birthday parties, so now Brynna keeps asking me for another birthday -- we like our birthdays! What's not to like? Cake, ice cream, presents, balloons, silliness, singing!! It's a recipe for happiness in my book!!

We are now waiting for Joe & Lisa's baby to be born! And not wanting summer to end!!

Love from Semi-Sunny SC,CA!
Heather