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S U M M E R

Decision Fatigue

I was searching for my last Pool House update and I couldn't find it. I did write about all the frustrating things didn't I, and the silver lining?

Like I need another thing to trick me into thinking I'm losing it.

I fear I'm developing decision fatigue. Today alone eight emails and a text thread passed through during business hours and the questions aren't minor - which roof do you want? Did you pick a fireplace? Do you want the cabinet next to the fireplace to be an 8th of an inch behind the wall, in front of, or flush? Historically this means I stop caring about the question and end up making a bad decision that I'll certainly regret later. Trying to fight the urge to give up and give in.

Garage concrete poured. Currently the kid's favorite room of the house

The big gap is a huge slider that leads to a flush deck. Since the house is small we decided to see if we could live the indoor/outdoor life. That's kinda a big gamble considering when we lived in Valencia the temp of the house never dropped below 69 or went higher than 73.

Playroom attic. They were stoked they were allowed up.

Landon's window - the entrance everyone used until this week.

This is me with Marcos, Architect and Builder, and Omar, onsite Project Manager discussing the depth of the fireplace.

Also, I think the Motherhood Around The World series that CupofJo writes is the most original blog series and I love it so much. Fascinating read.

Landon at 2

I need to document the greatness that Landon at 2 is.

I don't want to forget that he calls himself 'Diaper Boy!' and runs around wielding his sword and fighting imaginary bad guys....naked.

Or that his only comeback is, "YOU ________" insert word you just called him.
Landon, you're so friendly. NO, YOU friendly!
Landon, you're so silly. NO, YOU silly!
Landon, you're so fun. NO, YOU fun!

Or how, when he's upset, he crosses his little arms and pouts. His pigeon toed run. The singing! Oh, the singing. His giggle. How he puts his finger on his nose, instead of his lips when shushing people.

Affectionate.

How he likes to be with me, even when I'm going to the bathroom.

Never asking, always taking. Always getting in trouble for his lack of manners.

His need to wear E's goggles when there is water involved.

And be Dash.

How he adamantly refuses to eat bread and would rather starve than eat a piece of pizza.

He may look like Josh but he is not like Josh at all. 

Always mischevious.

 And I don't want to forget his signature dance move, complete with a serious face.

His drive for aaaaaall the unhealthy things as a meal replacement.

His refusal to wear shirts at home.

And how he loves playing ball.

Those fingers.

He was an absolute terror yesterday and drove me nuts because of his complete lack of self control in all areas. But he is loved by all. Fun. Funny. Kind. Mischievous. Loving. Empathetic. Enduring.

My son.

July 4th

Bear with me, still catching up.



For July 4th, we heard that a hometown parade went right in front of the house we are staying. They shut down a few blocks and the neighborhood puts on a hometown show. It was fun. We should plan for it. We were scheduled to be driving home that day from our fishing trip but we decided to head home the night before so we could check it out.

Oh my! I am SO GLAD WE DID because it was the best thing ever!



The entire neighborhood rallied. Go America songs were playing over the loudspeakers, real estate agents were passing out pom poms, LMU basketball players were handing out bubbles to all the kids, the local restaurants walked by giving out red, white, and blue sun glasses. There were huge flags, small flags, hand held flags for everyone. There were floats, dogs, cars, strollers, trains, fire trucks, you name it. The street was packed, the kids ran around, neighbors were decked out in their 'Merica gear and passing around their favorite wine. We happily joined the fray and were hoot'in and holler'in and cheering everyone on.

And the neighborhood showed up for it too.

This guy was the norm

Afterwards the party continued in the backyard. Josh BBQ'ed, we set up the slip in slide for the kids, played games, had a water fight, let the kids stay up late, and just had a good time.

I think I need to nix this pool house and buy one on this street JUST to throw an epic July 4th party every year.

Thank you GRACELLE for taking this photo!

So many people texted me the next day saying how much fun they had - and we felt the same way - my favorite memory of 2018.

Annual Fishing Trip

Recently returned from our annual Uyeda family fishing trip to the Eastern Sierra's. First campfire, first taste of smores, first time driving the boat, first souvenirs, and lots and lots of fish. They say it takes a village and boy am I grateful for the one our kids have. 

Upside down and backwards