Tales from the Motherhood

Stylin' Saturday - Sunglasses & Magic Wands

2012-01-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

Stylin' Saturday - it's back. A place to enjoy the uniqueness of children and their wardrobe choices. Also a place for the momfit - when you just can't get it together for What I Wore Wednesday. If you want to link up with me with your family's Stylin' awesome please leave a link in the comments. I will be sure to check it out and it will make my day.

Jordi's fashion tips for the week:

Is there ever a bad time to carry around a magic wand? Just because it's 50 degrees out and raining does that mean you can't wear sunglasses? Is it so wrong to wear a plaid Christmas skirt in January? No to the no. Wear it all. Bring your purse. And shake that magic wand my friends!

InstaHats

2012-01-27T11:15:00.000-08:00

I'm back in InstaAction - linking up with Jeannett at Life Rearranged. My week in cell phone pics - tweaked out so they look a lot better than they did before.

Somebody in my family has an issue with hat hoarding. I won't saying any names, but his name starts with a D and ends with a D and it rhymes with fad. And he's married to my mom. This week he purged so now Jordis wears a "Lassie" trucker hat with her princess dresses.

Princess Jordis.

It's cold in the morning because . . .

This guy hoards the heater.

The people I run with.

Birthday boy at family celebration.

Birthday boy at school.

Birthday boy at his sleepover birthday party.

If only my mom had saved my orange awesome outfit. Oh how I miss it.

Have a great weekend.

Turning Mourning into Dancing in Downtown LA

2012-01-25T19:54:00.000-08:00

When we drove down to So Cal for Christmas vacation we left at around 4:30am. We made good time and were in the downtown L.A. area by 10am. So we decided to pop in The Bridge Church at Union Church in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. The kids were in pajamas and I was in my "traveling" clothes, but we knew that at least the pastor and his wife wouldn't care. Pastor Tim was our college worship pastor at Bel Air Pres and he married one of my best friends from home, Kati. One of the highlights of our trip was when Kati came into the church service and saw us. She sat next to me so surprised and crying "I had the worst day yesterday. This is the best Christmas present." And so off we went to the cry room. And after a great message from Tim we went out to lunch and then headed down to San Diego for the rest of our journey.

(Kati with the sunglasses)

Anyway, the moral of the story is that Tim has a blog post that I want you to read. Here's a teaser, but you really need to head over to LA Pastor and read the whole thing. Because it is good. And encouraging. And a good example of how journal and how through lamenting God can bring you to a place of praise.

"A Bad Start to 2012?"

I know you’re supposed to begin the new year with these great expectations of becoming a fitter person with a bigger bank account all while achieving spiritual growth and a gaining inner peace. After the past week I think I’ll settle for just surviving.Perhaps it was the way 2011 ended that has led to a challenging 2012. My wife and I spent New Year’s Eve in the hospital ER as she got blood tests and other exams done. We spent ten hours at the hospital on Saturday night with an IV in her arm (do I even want to know how much ER charges?) but at least when we got home at 11pm we were cleared of any immediate health threats. But I still hadn’t finished my sermon for the 9am service the next morning so I rung in the new year working on a sermon while my wife and toddler slept . . .

Must read the rest. Head over here.

Crazy Hair Day and Pityriasis

2012-01-22T21:39:00.000-08:00

Friday was Crazy Hair Day at school for Lydia and Elijah. Lydia wanted mutliple pony tails and braids. I didn't have a lot of time so this is the best I could do . . .

I know, I know. Out-of-control crazy.

Elijah was gonna represent some true crazy. We were going to shave Elijah's head (he's been begging for it) with some lightning bolts and such. But instead, we ended up at the doctor's office getting his rash/spots checked out. On his birthday morning :( But at least it was only Pityriasis and not the Chicken Pox and he headed back to school. But no crazy hair.

His frown turned to a smile and we had an awesome party that I will post about soon.

InstaChicken Pox

2012-01-20T11:13:00.000-08:00

Linking up with the PREGNANT Jeannett (Congrats Jeannett!) at Life Rearranged. My week in photos . . .

This photo of Elijah's back was taken last night . . . when we suspected he had chicken pox. The good news is that he does not have the pox of a chicken. It is Vityriasis which is no biggie. Just a rash. Not contagious. And at some post I'm gonna do a post about how awesome he is because he is 8 today and I love his guts! But tonight we have 8 friends sleeping over so here you go . . .

My mom. No family resemblance, right?

Lydia loves when Jordis and I volunteer during her library time.

It was cold so I told Jordis to put on something warm - not just a leotard. Pajama shorts under the leotard. Done and done. Superstar.

I don't know where she gets it . . .

Chocolate chip cookies with peanut butter chips in them. Homemade Diddy Riese. I consumed many Diddy Riese sensations in college.

We live on a cul-de-sac and it rules.

I think it was 40 degrees out this day. She finally asked for a jacket, but those legs . . .

Vader the kindergarten class rat enjoyed his stay here at the Hagen house.

The cats enjoyed the Vader stay as well.

Rats are not creepy. Yes they are, but I like them when they are not crawling around outside or behind my fridge.

We had a sleepover at our friends one night and played Setttlers of Catan until 2 am.

Vader the Rat

2012-01-15T14:57:00.000-08:00

I'm behind in my blogging life. Because I am tending to other things. Like teaching at college group and women's Bible Study.

And oh yea, taking care of a rat named Vader. We brought him home from Lydia's kindergarten class on Friday and will enjoy him for the long weekend.

Lydia was so excited. And guess what? So was I. I grew up having pet rats so weekend with one where I only have to clean the cage one time is cool.

My cats like the rat too. But in a different way.

So cute like Ratatouille, right?

The only thing that is really creepy about rats (besides how they pee all the time - on you and on the table and then drag their tail through the pee and wipe it all around) is their booties. And when I say booty that includes the tail.

Some of you may remember this video of my encounter with rat booty in my garage. Some of you may have blocked it out . . .

InstaBack Insta Brown Hair

2012-01-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

I'm back in InstaAction - linking up with Jeannett at Life Rearranged. My week in cell phone pics - tweaked out so they look a lot better than they did before.

In order from most recent - with no commentary so that your brain will be challenged to figure out what is going on or make stuff up . . .

Neck Tattoos and Storage Wars

2012-01-03T10:40:00.000-08:00

We went to San Diego for Christmas. And I have some pictures to prove it. Including a spider tatt on Elijah's neck. Because nothing says San Diego or Christmas like a neck tattoo.

Elijah learned the real "f" word on vacation from our cousins' cousin. Thought you should know.

Shiloh and I discovered Storage Wars on vacation. We loved it and watched many episodes.

Jordis is throwing up today.

Elijah and Lydia go back to school tomorrow.

I have a cat sitting on me right now.

Shiloh and I watched Midnight in Paris last night. It was unique. Entertaining.

Next week I am teaching at our college group and women's Bible study at my church.

I am getting my hair done today and I might come home with dark brown hair.

And that's all the random thoughts I have for today.

Happy New Year and Hair Product

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year and can anyone recommend some good hair product for a three-year-old?

For real.

Morning Hair.

Hair after mom brushed it.

Hair and makeup after self-makeover.

Merry Christmas from California

2011-12-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

The cost of living is ridiculous in California, but you sure can't beat the weather. Merry Christmas and may your Santa be older than 22 and may his goatee stay hidden behind his fake beard.

Jordis Don't Grow Up

2011-12-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

This is who I hang out with all day, every day. She knows how to throw a good temper tantrum, she knows how to whine, she struggles to accept "no" as an answer, she knows how to push her sister's buttons, she knows how to skip a meal because she doesn't like it (even though she hasn't even tried it), she knows how to scream "THAT'S NOT THE POTTY DANCE!" even when it really is, she knows how to cross her arms and pout . . . but I love her guts. She is so much fun. She is awesome. I want to freeze time (except during the aforementioned situations).

Totally Desperate Mom Sale!

2011-12-15T12:06:00.000-08:00

I am offering a two-day holiday special for my book Totally Desperate Mom: Keepin' it Real in the Motherhood. A three-pack of my book for $24, which is only $8 per book. That's 33% off from purchasing it on my website! You will receive your books in time for Christmas!

Think Christmas gifts, baby shower gifts, birthday gifts, new Grandma gifts, President's Day gifts . . .

So here is the dealio:

1. Must purchase a minimum of 3 books for $24 plus $4.75 for Priority Mail Shipping for a total of $28.75.

2. Must email me (wendy at wendyhagen dot net) with the following:

-Your mailing address

-Your paypal email address so I can send you an invoice

-How many books you would like

- If you want me to sign them - give me names

*If I know you or you have ordered from me before, you can mail me a check.

4. Must pay invoice I send you by Saturday, December 17th by 9pm PST.

Sale over! Thanks for all your orders!

5. I will ship you books by Monday, December 19th and you will get your books by Friday, December 23rd at the lastest - in time for Christmas!

Read chapter one of Totally Desperate Mom to see if it is worth eight bucks. The chapters are pretty short - about 10-15 minutes so even a Totally Desperate Mom can make time to read!

Sale ends Saturday, December 17th at 8pm PST!

Looks like they are out of copies in the warehouse at Amazon so if you order from them you will not get before Christmas.

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A few reviews if you are not yet convinced to take action:

"In Totally Desperate Mom Wendy shares candidly about the victories, the defeats, the surprises, the embarassment, the pain . . . the deep joy. A soon-to-be-mom? This will get you the closest you've been to the highs and lows of motherhood. A seasoned mom-pro? Then you will slip and slide from howling in laughter to tears as you remember. Because we ALL remember. I read few books on parenting/motherhood/anything. Time is so limited, but I have been enriched and impacted by Wendy's authenticity. Her warmth. Her use of scripture and life-application. And humor."-- Jenny of Jenny on the Spot

"I finished the book the other night and it has seriously got to be one of the best books I've ever read! The hilarious, real-life stories are ones you want to share with your friends and her honestly about being stretched to your limits makes you feel like you are not alone in "The Motherhood." -- Heather of Angel Face Designs

I have been reading Wendy's blog for a couple years now and absolutely love her writing style and humor. Her book followed the same writing style and contained the same humor, so in that way I loved it. But I also loved it for the realistic stories and lessons in parenting. I felt so encouraged and not alone after reading that other moms struggle with the same occasional feelings of inadequacy, frustration etc that I do. And even though I wasn't raised religious and couldn't identify with that aspect of the book, I didn't find it off-putting either. Loved the book, and will highly recommend it to all my mom friends! --Kim Reitz of It's all Reitz

Hagen Family Worst Photos of 2011

2011-12-12T21:26:00.000-08:00

If you are new here, I'm about to show you how ugly things can get in the Hagen family. If you've been reading this blog for a year or more, you know how ugly it can get around here and you are pretty darn excited for this post. I have to admit, I took great pleasure in selecting these beauties with you in mind. It's a good thing this internet thing is a fad because I could sure regret posting some of these photos one day. And so might you when you link up with me on this!

So here it goes friends - Merry Christmas. From my family to yours.

Let's start with me, the mom.

Headbands rule and so do high foreheads.

Don't get mad, just get a blue head band and workout.

Sometimes you don't realize how old you are getting until you see a photo of your wrinkly neck. When did that happen? Age 34, that's when. All down hill from there. (I'm 36 now).

No makeup and my daughter's hairclip. I've seen better days.

My new ad campaign for Totally Desperate Mom. This was (accidental) mom abuse.

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Now for my sidekick, Shiloh.

I really apologize if you have a mustache, but no. Just no. Cut off jean shorts and a stache are never accepted in this house. But obviously, I only wield so much power around here.

I actually really dig the long hair, but I'm pretty sure this double chin was not planned.

This double chin was planned.

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Now for my eldest child who loves basketball, soccer, potty talk, and cuddling. Warning: a few of these photos may make you sick, give you nightmares, or cause you to unfriend/unfollow me.

Actions speak louder than words.

Collateral damage from Easter egg dying. It's a contact sport or something like that.

All tatted up with no place to go. Except picture day for YMCA basketball.

Thrilled to be here.

Focus on his facial expression and stop judging me for taking this photo.

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Now for my actress, fashion plate, teacher, and ball-of-fun Lydia.

Which is more nightmare inducing?

A clown, a jack-in-the-box, or Lydia with her face painted like this?

Extra hair clips, extra sunscreen, a missing tooth, and a wide mouth. I expect many calls from John Robert Powers.

Hmm . . . what should I wear tomorrow?

Aren't sleeping children so cute?

Relax people, it wasn't that bad.

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And now for my girl Jordis who sometimes speaks with a British accent, loves tea parties, and has an amazing falsetto.

There are no words.

She has the white-trash look down.

Perhaps my favorite photo of Jordis. If she ever tries to skip the country, this is what the world will see on her passport.

Diggin' it.

A confident dresser.

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Sister love.

All dolled up and ready for a photos shoot.

Because every kid loves a photo shoot.

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Bonus section:

Hope you catch a glimpse of my mom in this shot before she makes me delete it. I'll just tell her "No big deal, Mom. What happens on the internet stays on the internet."

And let's not forget my cooking, baking, forgetting-things-in-the-oven successes from 2011.

Sunken ship cupcakes for a pirate-themed party.

Chia pet Mold ball for your animal-themed party.

Moldy oranges for your growth groups.

Melted plastic brownies for any occasion.

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Merry Christmas from the Hagens!

If you are crazy enough to share your ugly with the world, I would love to see it. Link on up all the way until the New Year.

She Would Have Been Nine

2011-12-10T22:44:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow our firstborn Faith would have been nine years old. Every year on her birthday we have a family day remembering her. Sometimes we go to the cemetery where she was buried. Sometimes we don't. Sometimes I'm in a funk a few days before. Sometimes on her birthday. Some years are better than others. I shared her story three times in the past 10 days when I spoke at a women's Christmas event and at MOPS groups. So Faith has been on my mind and heart a lot lately.

Today I was in a funk. Meanwhile, real life goes on. Laundry never goes away and my three little ones were driving me crazy. Shiloh was working so one of my college kids (we have a weekly college/young adults life group at our house) came over and played with the kids while I took a nap. So thankful. Thank you Dani. I love naps. Especially on days like this.

Tonight after church Elijah felt sick and puked for an hour before we could finally head home. Then he puked in the car some more (in a bag - hooray!). And then got home and puked some more. I've had to change his sheets twice in the last hour. I am hoping he is done for the night and feels better tomorrow. I am thankful he didn't puke during church or unexpectedly in the car. I am thankful that we have a washing machine. I am thankful that we have a car and a nearby grocery store. I am now stocked with Gatorade, bananas, bread, crackers, and Spy Kids 3 for when he can handle that action.

I guess our Faith family day will be hanging out at home. I am thankful we have a fireplace and a heater because I like warmth and it has been chilly in Nor Cal lately.

I wrote a song that my brother put music to and sang at Faith's memorial. Here it is . . . a few of your will relate to it. Death, puking, and a song that might make you cry. I guess you'll have to go read some of my other posts for a laugh today :)

Heaven Holds You

I remember the day we found out you were coming

I remember the day we found out you’d be gone

And each day now I wonder when you’re going

And some days I am barely holding on

But I know the God who created you

I know the God who wants to make you whole

I know the God who awaits you

And I know that heaven is your home

So for now I cherish each movement that tells me that you’re okay

And for now I cling to our Savior, who walks me through each day

You will always be our precious firstborn,

The one Daddy waited on for years

The one who Mommy hoped for

And someday you’ll wipe away our tears

Heaven awaits you

This was never really your home

Heaven awaits you

And there you will be healed

Though Mom and Dad will miss you… someday they will join you

Heaven awaits you

I will remember the time we shared with you

I will remember the time you slipped away

And now I know who is holding you

And giving me strength to carry on

I know the God who has rescued you

I know the God who has healed you

I know the God who now cradles you

But now a part of us is gone

Faith, we will always cherish you & we know that you’re okay

Now we’re desperate for our Savior, to carry us through each day

You will always be our precious firstborn

The one Daddy waited on for years

The one who Mommy hoped for

And someday you’ll wipe away our tears

Heaven holds you

Now you’ve made it home

Heaven holds you

And now you are healed

Though Mom & Dad miss you … someday they will join you

Heaven holds you

Showers and Farts

2011-12-07T22:18:00.000-08:00

Shiloh's conversation with Elijah (7-year-old) last night . . .

Shiloh: It really bothers me when u don't obey me and instead argue with me.

Elijah: It really bothers me that I have to take a shower 3 days in a row.

And in the car tonight I had a 10-minute conversation with Elijah about how much he farts in class. Almost every day. And it's loud. And the kids laugh and the teacher tells them not to laugh. Because it is natural and everyone does it. And how (according to Elijah) it earns him 1000 popularity points. And the conversation wrapped up with Elijah saying something along the lines of, "I just have some special abilities when it comes to farting."

Boys.

Artwork on the Face

2011-12-05T20:57:00.000-08:00

We went to San Diego for Thanksgiving. One of the highlights was seeing the cousins. And cousin Charis giving the girls a detailed face-painting session.

I'm Back, Kind Of

2011-12-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to pop in and say hello. I am loving my social media break and have learned a lot, but I don't have time to share it now.

So while I am officially back in action, my action will probably be limited at least through the holidays. I'm speaking at MOPS at Cornerstone Fellowship in Livermore this morning and then flying to Temecula tomorrow to speak at Sunridge Community Church. Then flying back home on Saturday.

And then of course, I have to work on my Christmas blard (card/blog) featuring the Hagen family's worst photos of 2011.

If you have really missed me you can head over to Fit Moms Fit Kids Club on Friday and read my new post over there. If you have not missed me, let me know and I will be sure to send you cash.

Sharky-free living.

What's better than climbing trees? Jumping off them.

It's been a rough season for Bruin fans.

Social Media - I'm Out

2011-11-01T16:07:00.000-07:00

Heads up real and virtual friends.

Not gonna be blogging or reading OPBs (other people's blogs) in November. Or tweeting. Or instagramming. Or facebooking (with the exception of a few things about upcoming speaking engagements on my Totally Desperate Mom page).

Because November is national non-social media month.

Well that and because God told me to take a month off. Whaaat? God speaks to you? Yes he does. Not in a "Go put on some tennies, pass out some kool-aid, and predict the end of the world" kind-of-a-way. He speaks to me through the Bible, through sermons, through people. And as I spend time with Him he impresses things on my heart. I love it. Christianity is not a bunch of do's and don'ts, it's a relationship with the living God. And it brings peace and joy amidst the crazy of life.

Anyway, we are going to be reading Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster with our young adults life group. (And no, I am not in denial that I am no longer a young adult. I gave up on that dream last month. When one of the kids called me "Mrs. Hagen." We host and lead the young pups at our house every week.) I started reading the book a few days ago. And it's awesome. As I was reading the first chapter spoke God to my heart about taking a social media break for November. To focus on the disciplines. To prepare for some upcoming talks. To tend to all of my everyday stuff. I'm teaching the chapter on Simplicity in December, right before Christmas. And I'm working on a talk for a MOPS group on "Contentment" and a talk about my journey with Baby Faith "Boldness: Trusting God Even When it Doesn't Make Sense."

If you live in Southern Cal, I will be speaking at a Women's Christmas dessert at Sunridge Community Church on Friday, December 2nd. Please email me if you are interested in coming and I will get you the details.

So I'm gonna be keepin' it simpler in November as I dive into the disciplines, work on some new talks, and step away from social media -- which can easily be a distraction, addiction, time sucker. (Not that social media is bad in and of itself, but I need a break from it.)

"The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, for deep people." Richard Foster

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Catch you next month!

I Love Them - Chubby Hubby Bars

2011-10-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

You know how my husband and I are on a no sugar dealio until Thanksgiving? And we get one cheat treat every 2 weeks? This is what I had. One of these beauts. I tweaked the recipe I found on Cookies and Cups. Here is my version of Chubby Hubby Bars:

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temp

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pretzels

1 cup of peanut butter chips

1 cup of your favorite kind of chocolate chips (I like dark chocolate and I'm not ashamed.)

(14 oz) bag of caramels,

1 Tbsp water

2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips, melted

1. Preheat oven to 350

2. Spray a 9×13 pan lightly with cooking spray.

3. Beat together your butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Probably about one minute.

4. Add eggs and vanilla, mix until incorporated.

5. On low speed add in your salt, baking soda and flour, mixing until just combined.

6. Slowly add in your 1 cup of peanut butter chips, 1 cup of chocolate chips, and Pretzels. Mix until they are like long lost friends.

7. Spread in your prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes.

8. Let cool completely. Approximately an hour. Stick it in the fridge if you want to speed the process up.

9. When cooled, melt your caramels and 1 Tbsp water in a microwave safe bowl stirring every minute until melted. Or if you don't have a microwave (we don't) then heat in a non-stick pot. Pour that deliciousness over your bars.

10. Chill in fridge (the bars, not you) for 15 minutes to set caramel.

11. Melt your 2 cups of chocolate chips however you see fit and spread over caramel.

12. Put back in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or until chocolate is set.

13. Cut into squares when ready to serve.

Have you had these before? Did you want to marry them?

Mike Tyson & Don King Costumes - Top That

2011-10-29T20:18:00.000-07:00

If you didn't see this last year . . . show me better, cuter Halloween costumes than this and I will show you the wrinkly old man face that inhabits and surrounds my post-partum belly button area. And you don't want to see that action so just agree that these guys (my friends' kids) are some serious cute.

Stylin' Saturday - Ceramic Shirts

2011-10-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

Stylin' Saturday - a place to enjoy the uniqueness of children and their wardrobe choices. Also a place for the momfit - when you just can't get it together for What I Wore Wednesday. Feel free to link up your fashion (non)sense with me!

This week Lydia decided to get Jordis fancied out. Jordis came out of the room like this. A ceramic, hand-painted, butterfly taped to her shirt = genius. Why didn't I think of that?

Lydia taped her ceramic fan on her shirt and they were ready of the cover of Vogue. Cuz let's be honest, high fashion totally does junk like this and people go wild. Dang, I really should be on Pinterest so that they wonderful ideas get more exposure and I don't selfishly keep all this beauty to myself. Pin away friends. Or tape away. Whatever works for you.

So next time you are in vacation in Mexico and your kid wants to paint a small piece of clay for $10 + and you say no and in your head you say waste of money and then Grandma buys it for them . . . think again. Think Future contestant on The Price is Right. I mean, Project Runway.

Grab a button and link up! Your Stylin' Saturday posts make my day!

Insta-Pumpkins and Prayers

2011-10-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

Today is Friday. Yesterday was Thursday. Tomorrow is Saturday. I don't want this feeling to end so I am going to document what we did this past week.

This was drawn a year ago. Before Sharky came. But Sharky's leaving on the midnight train to Georgia on Monday.

These were Lydia's prayers starting with a wish . . . about the sister she never met. So sweet. And I never saw a splinter so I am not sure what that was about. But I think God most really love the prayers of little children. Even if they are wishes.

We accept nothing less than diamonds at our family meals and Jordis knows that.

Shiloh's mom sent the kids these. They are made of wax and chemicals, but are supposed to be edible or chewable or something. We made soup out of them cuz I found a really great recipe on Pinterest.

There are no regulations for the vitamin industry. Clearly. Has your pediatrician ever recommended these? Unless my mom was your pediatrician then your answer is no.

Ariel or Wilma Flinstone. Pediatrician's #1 recommended pumpkin pattern.

We don't put up anything spooky for Halloween. But with this rendition of Tiana on our porch . . . . might as well have busted out some zombies, right?

I printed out some pumpkin patterns for my husband. He especially like the carpal tunnel this one gave him. Let's just say the night ended with "I'm never doing that again."

Lydia continues her fashion forward trends. Matching shoes are like email to this generation. So passe.

Jordis did not want to pose for this picture so I held her against her will.

You can find this babe @TheRealAriel on Twitter.

Lydia is Tiana for Halloween. With a hint of Dorothy and Huck Finn.

I love paninis. From my panini maker. My favorite:

Fresh sliced sourdough loaf from Safeway, spinach, pesto, mozzarella cheese, tomato.

I spoke at a church in Roseville and stayed with my friend Sara's. Her house is like a really nice, clean hotel. And her husband had my room and bathroom all set up when I got there. I swear he is the founder of Pinterest.

Jordis likes sequins and sticks. And when I ask her to "pose" for a picture for some reason she bends over, puts, her head down, and throws her arm back. Not sure why, but it's probably a sign of intelligence or beauty pageant readiness.

Linking up with Jeannett over at Life Rearranged!

Name These Young Actors

2011-10-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

If you are new to my blog, on Wednesdays I post about my experience in Hollywood as a former child/teen actress. If you want to start at the beginning of these posts go here.

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When I was filming The New Lassie I lived with friends of the family in Southern California. My family was in Northern California - a 6 1/2 hour drive away or an hour flight. Some weekends I came home to visit or they would fly down to see me. Instead of being at soccer games or dance competitions or other traditional high school weekend outings, I could often be found at a charity or publicity event with other young actors. And because I was working on the Lassie set every day this was the main way for me to meet other young people and make some friends.

This particular event was called Celebrity Teen Talk and I have no recollection what that was, but I know we ran around Magic Mountain and went on a bunch of rides. And we probably didn't have to wait in line. And I wore a bracelet made of beaded safety pins and I know they are about to make a comeback.

Let's see how good your late 80s/early 90s Teenbeat memory is - how many of these young actors can you name? Whoever* accurately identifies the most people wins a lifetime supply of nothing, but this is still a really important challenge.

*Hint: You will soon see an interview with on of these actors on my blog.

*If you are in this picture or are one of my close friends from these days you are not eligible for the prize.

Moldy Apple

2011-10-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Oops I did it again. I know you are wondering if my family ever eats fruit or if we just hide it in a corner and let it rot.

This apple was a victim of OA. Over Appleing. We got ton of apples from my brothers backyard and then another batch from a stranger's backyard as we were walking home from school. Kids: Never take apples from a stranger unless you are with your mom and you actually see the apples being picked from a tree (AKA no time to insert razor blades) in your neighborhood.

So there were a bunch of apples in our bottom fridge drawer and sometimes MOLD HAPPENS. It's a fact of life that I am all too familiar with. So what.

Pin it people cuz this is a good one.

Our Switchfoot History

2011-10-22T09:02:00.000-07:00

Any Switchfoot fans out there?

In honor of Jon Foreman's (lead singer of Switchfoot) birthday today . . .

Last week Shiloh and I went to San Fran to see our favorite band in concert. We have seen them in concert a lot and have been fans for a long time. Some things you should know about our Switchfoot history in case there is ever a quiz where the prize is a million dollars:

1. When my husband was a youth pastor (over 10 years ago) we took the kids to a Switchfoot concert at a church in San Francisco and there were only about 40 people there. Now they have sold out shows and Grammys.

2. When I was pregnant with baby Faith my husband heard the song "On Fire" somewhere online before the Beautiful Letdown album was released. And it really moved him during this difficult time in our lives. (Faith had Trisomy 13 and we did not know if she would make it to birth. She did and lived 4 days and then she ditched us for heaven.) We had a friend who was friends with Jon Foreman. I will share the whole story another time, but Jon sent us the pre-release of Beautiful Letdown when he heard of our situation and how much the song "On Fire" really spoke to my husband.

3. Elijah used to be a diehard Switchfoot fan. When he was only 2 years old he knew all their songs, the names of the guys in the band, and which instruments they played. And he loved to watch their DVDs and mimic their mannerisms. So we took Elijah to a Switchfoot concert when he was just 25 months old. He got to meet them all after the show. I think they were pretty impressed with his devotion. While he was talking to one of them he pointed and said "There's Chad. He plays drums."

4. Elijah is still a fan, but not as hardcore as he was back when I video taped his reaction when I told him we went to a Switchfoot concert without him. And he doesn't use his Wiggles guitar to perform "Awakening." And he doesn't have concerts setting up his toys as guys in the band while shouting out "Put Your Money."

5. Back in March Jon Foreman sang at our friend's surprise renewing of vows ceremony. I met him and his wife briefly and was able to thank them for how they blessed us when we were pregnant with baby Faith. They remembered.

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Here is a clip from their recent San Francisco show when Jon was climbing on the railing in front of us. I think I might have caught some of his sweat and I have not brushed my teeth since or put on deodorant since.

Here are the lyrics from their title song and my favorite off their new album Vice Verses, which I highly recommend. And so does Taylor Swift.

Walking along the high tide line
Watching the pacific from the sidelines
Wonder what it means to live together?
Looking for more than just guidelines

Looking for signs in the night sky,
Wishing that I wasn’t such a nice guy
Wonder what it means to live forever?
Wonder what it means to die?

[Chorus]
I know that there's a meaning to it all
A little resurrection every time I fall
You got your babies, I got my hearses
Every blessing comes with a set of curses
I got my vices, I got my vice verses
I got my vice verses

The wind could be my new obsession
The wind could be my new depression
The wind goes anywhere it wants to
Wishing that I learned my lesson

The ocean sounds like a garage band
Coming at me like a drunk man
The ocean tells me a thousand stories
None of them are lies

[Chorus]
I know that there's a meaning to it all
A little resurrection every time I fall
You got your babies, I got my hearses
Every blessing comes with a set of curses
I got my vices, I got my vice verses
I got my vice verses

Let the pacific laugh
Be on my epitaph
With it's rising and falling
And after all, it's just water
And I am just soul
With a body of water and bones
Water and bones

Where is God in the night sky?
Where is God in the city light?
Where is God in the earthquake?
Where is God in the genocide?

Where are you in my broken heart?
Everything seems to fall apart
Everything feels rusted over
Tell me that you're there

[Chorus]
I know that there's a meaning to it all
A little resurrection every time I fall
You got your babies, I got my hearses
Every blessing comes with a set of curses
I got my vices, I got my vice verses
These are my vice verses
These are my vice verses

Yeah
These are my vice verses

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Anyone else have Vice Verses? What's your favorite song off the album?

Stylin' Saturday - Color, Color, Color

2011-10-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Last week I said whoever made me the laugh the hardest would win a copy of my book. Gotta give it to Rebekah over at The Mustaleski Family Circus. The fashion tips were top notch, but the cry photo put it over the top. Rebekah, please leave a comment with your email and let me know if you want a paperback or Kindle/iBook copy of Totally Desperate Mom.

Lydia's tips for the week:

When the day arrives for the group photo of your class at school, make sure you stand out. Color, color, color. If that day also falls on your "share day" then bring an Ariel dress so you can throw it on over your clothes laster in the day.

Grab a button and link up below!

David Moscow, Part 2

2011-10-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

If you are new to my blog, on Wednesdays I post about my experience in Hollywood as a former child/teen actress. If you want to start at the beginning of these posts go here.

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This is a rerun. Two weeks ago I posted part 1 of this interview.

This week is part 2 of my Q & A of my friend for 20+ years David Moscow!
If you missed David's first guest post for me check it out here.
If you missed my post about when David recently visited me in my hometown and got attacked by my kids go here.

If you want to read more about David then you should probably seek professional help.

Now that David has a girlfriend whose hometown is close to mine I get to see David more often! Got a text from him on Easter and so the Hagen crew made a quick stop at the restaurant where David was brunching . . . only a few miles from my house.

Here is Part 2 of our Q & A:
I remember when you were being considered for Newsies, when you booked it, and when I visited you on set. I also remember there was something kind of funny about you landing that role . . . tell us about your vast dancing and singing experience in prior to Newsies.

David:
This is becoming like an interview of Obama on Fox News, where every question is subjective, leading and not the most flattering. If I had any kind of ego I would plead the 5th. Instead I'll be your huckleberry.

But just to be fair to myself; when I was first auditioning for Newsies I was not informed that it was a musical. And if you were paying attention you will remember that among the classes I was subjected to as a child nowhere was dancing or signing to be found. The barest inkling of what lay ahead occurred when my agents asked that for my 3rd call back could I bring a tape with some music I liked to dance to and if there was a song I particularly liked to sing. Strange requests, but not overly so in this business. Stand by Me the old Ben E King song was the only song I knew by heart (I was not the hippest of children) and I think I brought my Soul to Soul “Back to life” to boogie to.
So casting forgo the sides (fancy talk for script) and got right to the business at hand - could David Moscow be the lead in a Disney musical? And here is where the accidental subterfuge began. My Stand By Me was actually passable. Being that it was the only song I knew by heart it was all I had been singing in showers or while waiting for a bus my whole life and all that practice led to 3 mins of legit sound.

Casting was pleasantly surprised. What people don’t usually know is that casting is just as nervous as the actors are. Their job is riding on the fact that they can find someone to fill this role or else they are in deep trouble. There has been many a time where I’ve seen a casting agent praying for a great audition for me, literally mouthing the words along with me as I speak them, willing me to success. In this case they both looked at each other and smiled. Now came the dancing. Here some background is in order. My family is not a family of dancers but a family of marchers. I come from a very progressive intellectual politically active household. They are not adverse to dance, in fact, will fight for the right of others to dance but dancing seems like a waste of time to them as there is so much marching to do. But! And here is the next level of chicanery - I had just done a play in a tiny off off-Broadway theater called the Greene St. playhouse (more like Greene St. basement). And in that play my character was taught by a character played by a young Mos Def (at that time just known as Dante) how to dance. The dance was just a snippet, a bit more than a couple steps but I had practiced those steps all through rehearsals, previews and the couple week run. I knew those two steps. And in that audition I did them over and over to the poppy sound of that Grammy winning British hit. I looked positively at home on the dance floor. I believe casting high fived.
The next couple weeks were a blur. I was hustled out to LA to go through a sham screen test – how could I be denied when my name was the same as the characters, my real brothers name was Lev, the characters Les and my father was a lefty Jew same as my dads character in the film.

I don't know if your Newsies groupies know this, but you co-starred in a show called Living Dolls with Halle Berry. Do you regret not marrying her?

David:
The whole show was confusing. I was 15 years old on a sitcom based on Facts of Life but with…models. On top of that I was a late bloomer with the opposite ex. So the whole thing felt like being tossed around on high seas. Everyday when one of the women glanced at me, spoke to me or asked me to grab them coffee I fell in love, the next I was heart-broken.

If someone had not seen any of your work and was stranded on a deserted island and could only watch one David Moscow film . . . what would you suggest?

David:
My two favorite pieces of work are Restaurant (with Adrian Brody) and Nearing Grace. The parts were the type you disappear into. And so I did. I had always wanted to go deep deep into a part but hadn’t come a cross the right ones or didn’t recognize it if I had. But on these it was months of pretending to be a couple of very interesting characters 24/7. Amazing experiences as an artist but hell on the social life.

I know you have your hand in a lot of projects right now. Can you tell us about some of them?
David:
I just finished acting in a little indie film called Humdinger. Set in Brooklyn about a guy trying to find his long lost father. And I just produced a big 3D horror comedy (like ghostbusters but with exorcists). We are in the middle of editing it but hope to have it out early next year. Its called Hellbenders.

**David forgot to mention that he also has a side business. He is a Magician for kids' birthday parties. If you are interested in having David at your next birthday party . . . here is a sample of his work.

This pic is from last fall when Carol-Ann Plante and I met up with David and his girlfriend for dinner in Hollywood. That's when the magic show took place.

You have been an environmentalist since before it was trendy. What is it that stirs up your passion about preserving and protecting the environment?

David:
Although I was definitely a city kid having grown up in The Bronx and Manhattan I spent most of my summers in Utah and Maine. So there has always been a strong connection to nature. Environmental issues also just seem so basic and un-political. What do we need to breathe to live? What do we need to drink? What do we need to eat? How do we keep those things safe and clean. But I also feel that way about most causes. Its all pretty simple and logical. Whatever we were taught as children (clean up after yourself, learn to share, treat others as you would be treated, don’t burn your brothers hair with the car cigarette lighter while mom is in the super-market and ask him to lie about the smell when she gets back in the car) can be used as a template to live our adult lives. Its as if society (particularly American society) knows exactly what to do and does the exact opposite. Thats the only way I can explain poisoning drinking wells with chemicals, killing millions of innocent civilians for $1 off the gas pump and racists who can’t stand a black president.
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I made sure to have him pose for a pic with me in front of my dirty minivan :)

David and my hubby, Shiloh

The end of David. For now.

Camping or a Nice Hotel?

2011-10-17T19:49:00.000-07:00

Friday we went camping with Elijah's cub scout pack. I had not been camping in about 10 years. In my heart I really want to be an outdoorsy camper girl. But this 24-hour stint confirmed that I would much rather be in a nice hotel than laying on the dirt. Now it's time for you to come clean. Or dirty. How about you?

Camper or hoteler?

The girls helped Dad set up the tent and then watched him finish it up.

The weather was perfect and the setting was beautiful and only 45 minutes from our house.

Lydia was pumped to go camping, but the fact that she had to plug her nose "because the garage smells" made me think she might not like the outhouses. That was definitely the worst part of the whole deal - outhouses.

Jordis was all set for camping (in Hollywood?) but crashed in the car before we got there.

The kids really liked the breakfast choices. A great way to start the day and prepare for a 3 1/2 mile hike and fantastic for those who are abstaining from sugar. I did bring some homemade sugar-free banana bread in anticipation of camping nutrition.

The scouts had a bunch of activities for the kids including a 3 1/2 mile ~~poison oak excursion~~ hike, tug-of-war, team building exercises, and soap carving. All three kids had a blast. I didn't hate it and as the girls get a little older (Jordis was the youngest camper there) I think it will be more enjoyable. Especially if there are flushable toilets. ~~And room service.~~

Stylin' Saturday - Shawl for Fall and Giveaway

2011-10-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Stylin' Saturday - a place to enjoy the uniqueness of children and their wardrobe choices. Also a place for the momfit - when you just can't get it together for What I Wore Wednesday. I absolutely love checking out your link ups so please join on in! And this week I will pick a winner. No random.org. No unbiased panel of judges. Whosever Stylin' tip makes me laugh the hardest will get a copy of my book - paperback or e-book. I will announce the winner next Saturday. You have all week to capture the natural fashion magic of your children or the fashion disaster that you like to call comfy.

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This week Jordis wants to show you how to use a shawl. So many ways, so many times. Grandma brought home this beautiful shawl from South America and Jordis knows how to wear it.

Like a head covering.

Around the neck like a pet snake.

Straight up like everyone else.

Like a lonely cowgirl.

Now grab a button, link up, and show me some style.

Insta Lice

2011-10-13T21:56:00.000-07:00

Linking up with Jeannett's Insta Friday.

It's my week in cell phone pics.

One of the clear advantages of public school over homeschool is the opportunity for lice. I know your head is itching right now.

We have a young adults life group at our house every week. They stay 'til 1am playing games and emptying bottles.

Watched Mel's girls and Lydia taught Kate how to count to 10 in French.

Sister dance party.

We got into my Grandma's jewelry. Jordis was thrilled. I swear.

Found this old Christmas card when my hair was dark brown, Lydia was in my womb and Elijah's hair had never been cut.

Shiloh ran a half marathon last weekend and the kids attacked him when he got home.

They made him this sign.

The usual.

Shiloh and I heading to San Fran to see our favorite band in concert. If you have not gotten the new Switchfoot album "Vice Verses" yet then your life is incomplete.

Words with Spouses while waiting for the concert to start.

Lead singer Jon Foreman got all up in our personal space.

I am a judger so it was good for me to read this.

Shiloh and I are giving up sugar until Thanksgiving except for a treat every 2 weeks so normally something weird like these are my "treats."

My cheat treat. Hubby Chubby Bars, I love you.

Come back tomorrow and link up your Stylin' Saturday post! If you do, you'll have a really good chance of winning a copy Totally Desperate Mom.

Latin Chicken in the Crockpot

2011-10-12T01:01:00.000-07:00

This week I am participating in Mel's Crocktober link up. Because Mel is my friend and I like crockpots and October. It's a triple win. And because I speak Pig Latin I thought I would make Slow Cooker Latin Chicken. I tweaked this recipe from allrecipes.com.

Here is my before shot --

See how lifeless and pale and unhappy everything looks? Well, everything but the LOVE mug, but that is not a part of the recipe so please don't throw that in your crockage.

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 pounds skinless chicken thighs
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves
2 large sweet potatoes, cut into chunks
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into strips

1/2 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
2 (15.5 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves
1 cup hot salsa
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
3 large cloves garlic, chopped

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet; season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sprinkle 1/4 cup cilantro over the chicken thighs; brown the chicken in the frying pan, 3 to 5 minutes each side. Or however long it takes so that your husband will fear you have undercooked the meat.

2. Arrange the chicken in the bottom of a slow cooker. Place the sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and black beans on top of the chicken. Mix together the chicken broth, 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, salsa, cumin, allspice, and garlic together in a bowl; pour into the slow cooker. Set slow cooker to LOW and cook for 5 hours or until the sweet potatoes are soft. I had to crank it up to high for 30 minutes at the end to get those sweet potatoes to submit.

3. Serve it over whatever you want, but I choose white rice and it worked well. Salt and pepper to taste. Serves about 6 hungry adults.

I am not good at plating and the chipped plate probably doesn't add pizazz to the finished product, but this junk was good. Here is what you need to know:

1. My husband loved it. He put it in his Top 12 of meals. And if you know my husband, that is good. You also know that he has a weird ranking system and rarely commits to a #1. Welcome to my world.

2. My seven-year-old son liked it and my daughter Lydia (5) tolerated it. My three-year-old would rather have died than even tasted it. But she got hungry enough right before bed that she ate some too. It was not very spicy.

3. You can prepare it the day before! This was my favorite part - I got it all ready in the crockpot and put the whole pot in the fridge overnight. The next day around lunch time I pulled it out of the fridge and pressed "Let's Do This" on my crockpot and there she went.

Head over to Mel at The Larson Lingo and check out some of the other Crocktober action!

And if you are not linked out, come back here Saturday to link up with me for Stylin' Saturday. There's a giveaway too!

Anyone Else Addicted to Sugar?

2011-10-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

Confession: I have a major sweet tooth. I love home-baked goodies. I love hot chocolate. I wish I could be as strong at Fit Mom Lori who has no refined sugar in her house. But what about cake pops? And dark chocolate? And cream cheese chocolate chip cookies?

There's nothing like a homemade treat made with real butter and real (processed and refined) sugar. But refined sugar has no nutritional value whatsoever. In fact, it is really bad for you.

That being said, I am personally okay with most things moderation. Even treats. But what does that mean? Once a week? Once a day? Once every five minutes?

Lately I have been getting away from moderation and into obsession. At least one treat almost every day. Or maybe two. Or like the other night when I had four chocolate chip cookies. (They were so good.) And because I am consuming more sugar, I crave it more. I am still working out hard so it is not really affecting my body visibly, but I know it is not good for me.

So I am giving up sugar until Thanksgiving. Except for a treat every 2 weeks.

Whaaaat? Head over to Fit Moms Fit Kids Club to read how this happened. Oh and anyone else need to be cleansed from their sugary ways? Wanna join me?

Stylin' Saturday - Major Momfit

2011-10-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

Stylin' Saturday - a place to enjoy the uniqueness of children and their wardrobe choices. Also a place for the momfit - when you just can't get it together for What I Wore Wednesday? I absolutely love checking out your link ups so please join on in!

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When you take your kids to school in the morning be sure to look your best. Oversized sweatshirts from 1996 are timeless. Little holes throughout are a huge bonus. Beanies rule especially when haven't showered in a while. Baggy sweats with uggs = winning. Makeup? That's for people who don't appreciate a few more minutes of sleep. Make sure you bring together navy blue and black whenever you can because then people think your boyfriend or husband picked out your clothes, but it was all you!

Now grab a button, link up, and show me some style.

You Don't Know What People Carry

2011-10-05T21:49:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about death lately. (I know what you are thinking, Lovely. Go on. Sounds fun.) And it's not because of Steve Jobs death. He was just icing on my death cake.

I have been working on a message called "Faith in the Unexpected Life." About how sometimes life just sucks. And bad things happen all the time - to good people, to nice people, to funny people, to lame people, to rude people, to sweet people. And sometimes life can get so tough and sad and hard and sick that the only comfort can be found in knowing that heaven is real. That this life on earth is not all there is. God absolutely works through and shows up and reveals Himself in the crud of life. I've experienced that firsthand. And yet, I know some people have such pain and difficulty in this life that they long for the next one. Eternity with God. With no tears, no cancer, no defects, no abuse, no starvation. They long for heaven.

Lately I'm seeing a lot of people around me suffering in various ways. A leader at my church just lost her husband after he took a fall down the escalator at an airport. A sister I met when I spoke at her MOPS group was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer 20 weeks into her pregnancy. They took the baby at 32 weeks and baby is doing great. Mom's cancer is now advanced stage four and doctors say it us uncurable. She has three young children. Another new friend emailed me when she found my blog and read about our baby Faith. She was pregnant with little Owen who was also diagnosed with Trisomy 13. He died in utero at 29 weeks. She delivered him today. Please pray for these friends.

Little Owen was just one of several things lately that has made me think of our baby Faith. To top things off, tonight I came across this paperwork as me and the kids were having a shred party of old documents. Memories for planning a funeral and burial for our firstborn. Shred please.

Even though God is good, life can suck. Our world is broken, fallen, and ill.

Shiloh and I shared a little of our baby Faith story at one of our church's young adults meetings. Afterwards a young friend who has babysat for us and has been best buds with Elijah since he was two came over to us. He did not know us through our Faith journey and said "Something I keep thinking is that you just don't know the things people carry around with them." He knew us, but until then he didn't really think about or really know our Faith story. A part of us that we carry around with us every day. I now carry around that thought with me a lot "You just don't know what people carry around with them."

So what's the point of this post except catharsis for me and possibly depression for you?

A reminder to you (and me) that "You just don't know what people carry around with them." So have some grace. (This is kind of a theme I learning from God lately if you read my post about the scantily clad white-trash woman at church.) You don't know what people are going through right now or what they have been through in the past. You don't know if they just lost a spouse, picked out a casket for their unborn child, escaped an abusive relationship and found shelter in a church. Grace. Grace. Grace.

An encouragement to you (and me) that this place is not our home. And if you are really struggling or suffering right now for whatever reason, it doesn't mean that God isn't good. It doesn't necessarily mean that He is disciplining you or trying to get your attention or trying to teach you something. Maybe He is. Maybe He's not. Maybe we just live in a broken, selfish, polluted, fallen world where suffering and sin abound. God weeps with you and wants to bring you peace and hope as you trust Him with your life. With your crud. With your shortcomings. With your sufferings. With your heart. With your life. Trust Him.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

Hang in there my struggling friends. You are loved. God sees you.

Newsies on Stage, David Moscow on Blog

2011-10-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

If you are new to my blog, on Wednesdays I post about my experience in Hollywood as a former child/teen actress. If you want to start at the beginning of these posts go here.

This week your are going to hear from one of my actor friends.

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This is a rerun, but in light of Newsies recently hitting the stage, I thought you might enjoy this.

I finally got David Moscow (my friend for 21 years!!!) to do Part 2 of his guest post for me. I had to get the police involved and I had to shape it in the form of a Q & A, but here we are! If you missed part 1 of his story, check it out.

Here is the recap of how I know David and a little bio on him:

David and I met at this photo shoot for 16 Magazine. Unfortunately, this is the only pic of us from back in those days that I can find.

We developed a friendship despite the fact that we come different coasts and are pretty different. But that has made it fun and educational for both of us. We stayed in touch all these years - even before the internet!

I am not sure when this picture was taken. My gut says it was in college, but my heart says that I look 12 and my hair looks awful so I can't be sure.

This pic was taken at some point when I was at UCLA. David came to dinner with me and a bunch of my Bruin friends.

Here we are with my Kirk Cameron stalking accessory, Shannon, in New York right right after I graduated from UCLA. And once again, the hair is pathetic and I look 12 (I was 22) so maybe that other pic is from college. Man, I had bad hair in college.

And here we are last fall!

Before I met David I remember going to a taping of his show Live In. Years later, I visited him on the set of Newsies where he was transformed (or was forced?) into a singer and dancer. You wouldn't know it from David's byline, but he's been in a ton of stuff and continues to work consistently as an actor.

David Back Then

David Now

Meet David . . .

David makes his living selling his body and soul to the media conglomerates and their minions on the coasts. He has ruined two long-term relationships and one engagement because of his Peter Pan Syndrome yet is thankful for that particular disorder every day. In his own way, David strives to make the world a better place than he found it. He developed mixed income green buildings in Harlem, helped reintroduce captive bred wolves into the southwest U.S. (lived in a tent for the better part of a year), and is at the moment designing and fundraising for a rooftop playground for P.S. 210 in Washington Heights.

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And now for the interview . . .

1. How did you get into show business?

David:

I grew up in a time before prozac was dumped down the throat of any kid who had energy. This means that I am old - but it also means that I was a wild child, getting into everything. My folks tell stories of me running up and down the aisles of Radio City at some concert screaming with them on my heels, or as a 6-year-old jumping out of the subway right before the doors were closing so my mom could watch me wave on the platform as the train pulled away. She musta had a ton of fun!

As parents who refused to use TV as a sedative they instead forced me into every class (guitar, piano, science) and extra-curicular activity (gymnastics, art and zoo camps) around. One of these was acting in the school plays. Which I did twice, in 5th and 6th grade. It was following the second of these two that my mom read about a open audition in a local newspaper. It was for the Jodie Foster film "Five Corners". They were looking for 11 year old white boys from the bronx. Turns out that was a rare commodity - and as an added bonus I wasn't shy around adults, could read relatively well and had a very strong personality which is exactly what casting directors are interested in. The next thing I new I had to decide whether to screen test for this film or take a trip to visit my aunt in spain that my parents had been saving up years for. At 11, with dreams of being a jet-setting bon vivant I chose Europe. I had turned down my first part even before I had any right to do so. Not the best precedent. But like most spurned by someone, the casting directors fell even more in love with me. They sent my name to an agent with high recommendations and it began. Sadly, those first two months were by far the most successful period of my career. Three auditions later I had booked a reoccurring role on Kate and Allie (a cbs tv series), the lead in a short film and had a call back for a small part in a movie called "Big".

2. Do you still get recognized as the boy who played the young Tom Hanks in the movie Big?

David:

All the time. Sometimes people shout "Josh" out loud to get some response but those are mostly drunk jocks at bars trying to look cool in front of their friends. I pretend not to hear. About once a day someone comes up and asks if im "that guy". They give me no other clues - just that guy. But depending on the age, sex, race of the person I can pretty much tell which "guy" they are referring to. Older people (meaning 30 and up) recognize me from "Big" , they are usually towing some shy child to introduce me to, explaining that I was the guy from the movie they just made the kid watch. The kid usually keeps huddled behind their parents legs.

Girls (and gay men) ages 14 to 30 are coming up to talk to me about "Newsies". They are always very excited. Sometimes scarily so, recognizing no boundaries of normal human interaction. A lot of them are dancers.

(Wendy: Wonder if David has seen this video I found on youtube!)

If the questioner is of color then they most certainly have come to chat about "Honey". They usually ask if im "that guy" and then in the next sentence get specific with "the bad guy". And I respond back that "I wasn't bad and that it was Honey's fault she didnt wanna date me and she got what she deserved". They always love this response and it truthfully is my favorite interaction of the three.

Most of the time though people recognize me but dont know where from. They just think they know me from school or as a friend of a friend. This happens 9 or 10 times a day. I get smiles on the subway, nods from people passing on the street and free lattes at starbucks. It makes for a pretty charmed life. And I am shocked when outside the country I'm faced with angry responses when I walk out having not paid for my coffee. So I stick to America. Here, people even honk at me while I drive! My girl says its cuz I'm a terrible driver but I know it's my fans just saying hello.

3. How many times have you been asked to sing this and how much would I have to pay you to sing it on video and then send it to me?

Shimmy shimmy coco pop
Shimmy shimmy rock
Shimmy shimmy coco pop
Shimmy shimmy rock

I met a girlfriend
Named Triscuit
She said:
A Triscuits a biscuit

Ice cream
Soda pop
Vanilla on the top
Ooh shal-i-da

Walking down the street
Ten times a week
I meant it, I said it
I stole my Momma's credit

I'm cool
I'm hot
Sock you in the stomach...
Three more times (Repeat x3)...
Two more times
One more time

David: You are a funny lady.

(Wendy: Guess that means I'm not getting a video?)

4. I recall hanging out with you in Pasadena sometime during or right after college. A frantic girl ran up to us who was convinced you were Justin Timberlake and she desperately wanted your autograph. Do you get that a lot?

David:

No longer. I believe it had to do with our curly hair. He got rid of his. And now sadly I get less attention.

5. Besides fronting for NSYNC, what role are you most recognized for?

David:
I believe I answered that earlier but more in the vein of this question - I get recognized for scary movie, that thing you do, glee, meet the parents and boiler room (none of which I am in).
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Come back next Wednesday to read more of our Q & A when David talks about Newsies, Living Dolls (with Halle Berry) and the environment.

Taylor Swift is in the House Again

2011-10-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

Jordis is following her Taylor Swift singing ways.

Here is Jordis doing her cover for "You Belong with Me." This was back in March. She is still singing all the time. She reminds me of Shiloh's Grandma when she sings and I love it.

You might remember Lydia's notril-flaring rendition of "Change." Here it is again:

Winners Win

2011-10-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

You know what winners do? They win stuff.

Today we have two winners from my five-year blog birthday.

The first winner who grabs the $50 Amazon card and a copy of Totally Desperate Mom is . . .

Erica from the Elwells' Weekly and here is some scoop on her:

About me: I've got a daughter named Lydia too! :)
I've probably been following your blog for over a year now??? I know I found it through a book giveaway on a blog and stuck around for all the fun!

The second winner who will be sporting this gorgeous purse by Jenn at Make Mine Blue and a copy of Totally Desperate Mom is . . .

Dawn from the Market Mommy!

Here's what she had to say:

Something about myself ....I have three kids, ages 5, 4 and 2 months. I love your posts! I found you via 5 minutes for mom's blog party several months ago.

Stylin' Saturday #5

2011-10-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Time to link up for Stylin' Saturday! Did your kids put together any outfits, hairdos, or give themselves any makeovers that made you smile? Please share. Pass along the smiles.

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Jordis's stylin' tip:
Most people wear their headbands the wrong way.
But not me.
I wear them the way they were meant to be.
Try it. And don't ever let your mom put your headband any other way. You are the boss of your headbands.

Now grab a button, link up, and show me some style.

And don't forget to enter my giveaway cuz it ends tonight at 10pm PST! Amazon gift card and sweet purse!

Women's Retreat in So Cal

2011-09-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

If you are planning on attending the women's retreat (open to all women - not just moms, not just Fallbrookians) "The Unexpected Life" in Fallbrook on Oct. 7-8th make sure you get your tickets ASAP or at lease email and/or call to let them know you are coming. They are trying to get a head count for food and streamers and what not. Many have expressed interest, but not many have actually gotten tickets so they are trying to figure stuff out.

Not sure if they will sell tickets at the door so if you are on the fence, get off it and email/call them. 760-728-7771 and/or email fallbrookfirstbaptist at gmail dot com

Insta Narcissism

2011-09-29T22:01:00.000-07:00

What did I do this past week? So glad you asked. Wow, this blogging thing can be pretty narcissistic. And don't forget to celebrate my five-year blog birthday (more narcissism?) by trying to win yourself some junk. Deadline is tomorrow night and it is so easy to enter.

My week in cell phone pics.

We have a young adults life group (AKA Bible Study, small group, homegroup, growth group) at our house every week. They rage late into the night. For real. This was taken at 10:40pm, but I think the last ones left at 1:45am. Yes, the Hagens are tired on Fridays, but we love these peeps.

Sleepover at Grammy & Grandpa's house. Grandpa in his dove shorts and Jordis is clinging to her Target overnight bag.

Elijah was citizen of the week and for sharing . . . he picked me.

This little guy was caught praying at church.

Apparently my dad is a glasses hoarder. He must have seen the show and decided to purge. On us. I scored some sweet shades and so did the kids.

Off to church where Elijah got to sit in big church for the first time because it was a special service for the core of the church. All 1200 of us. And Elijah let one so rip that was so very loud. At first people pretended they didn't hear it. But then several laughed. On and off the rest of the service. You know when you get the giggles and you cannot stop it and you are shaking and crying and trying to be quiet because the timing is so inappropriate? Yep, that was me.

I put this note in his lunch the next day and apparently it was a big hit amongst his second grade peers. It got passed around the lunch table. According to Elijah, boys were fighting to see it. It was like Cabbage Patch Kids back in the day.

I am taking donations for the work that these bad boys need. Help.

Lydia brought home this Fancy Nancy book from the library. We read it and then went to dinner all fancied out just like in the book.

Jordis did herself up. Insisted on keeping her clip this way.

I interrupted these two gossiping.

I made these Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies (and of course do not use margarine as recipe calls for - butter always), which was a mistake. Because I wanted to marry them. And I'm already married and my bootie is at max capacity.

I love where we live cuz there is a lot of this.

I spoke at a MOPS group and they did things all fancy and crafty like this because Laura (who went to Blog Sugar) is their hospitality coordinator. She's probably on Pinterest pinning her little heart out.

One of our rescued squirrels was at it again. Planking his life away on our backyard fence. Probably thinking about how glad he is that he got rescued and relocated to our backyard because he always dreamed of being on Instagram.

Linking up with Jeannett's Insta-Friday. Cuz it's easy.

Lassie Co-Stars

2011-09-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

If you are new to my blog, on Wednesdays I post about my experience in Hollywood as a former child/teen actress. If you want to start at the beginning of these posts go here.

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Here is a clip from a newspaper of me with my Lassie co-stars Will Nipper (now Will Estes starring on Blue Bloods) and Jon Provost (Timmy from the original Lassie). And that's all I got for you this week. My speaking stuff is starting up and I am heading to San Diego on October 7th to speak at a women's retreat.

Andre Gower (Monster Squad) will be guest posting soon (as soon as I get my act together and email him some questions) so if you have any questions for him, let me know!

Fancy Nancy Date

2011-09-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Lydia came home from school with a library book yesterday that she "didn't even want." But then I read it to her and she liked it. Fancy Nancy. You know her? That's a fancy way of asking if you are familiar with the Fancy Nancy books.

Then Dad came home and gave me a gift card to one of my favorite restaurants that someone had given him. The Fancy Nancy book was about Nancy getting her parents all fancied out and going out to dinner. So that's what me and the girls did. They picked out their clothes and accessories and picked out a dress for me and we were off for our Fancy Nancy Date.

Lydia's fancy do. I put her hair in a half pony tail and used bobby pins to fancy it out. Pin that friends, pin that.

Garage photo shoot.

We read the book at the restaurant and five times at home.

We did art and counted how many letters were in each family member's name.

We had fancy dessert.

When we left the restaurant they were no longer cooperating in any picture taking.

The end.

Five-Year Blog Birthday Giveaway

2011-09-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

I started blogging five years ago today. That's 500 years in blog years.
That's back when people said "Huh? A blog? What's that?"
Here is my first post.

And this will be my last post.

Just kidding.

This is what my family looked like five years ago. It was missing somebody.

This is what we look like now.

I'm gonna give away a few prizes even though you really should be giving me one. Blogiversaries, which I think should really be called Blog Birthdays (cuz I never married my blog) are messed up like that. But you can vote for me for Funniest Mom Blog as your gift. But only if you think it's true.

There will be two winners for my giveaway.

One Winner will get a $50 gift card to Amazon and a copy of my book Totally Desperate Mom. Paperback or ebook.

Another winner will get this adorable purse/tote by Jenn at Make Mine Blue and a copy of Totally Desperate Mom. I absolutely love her stuff! I have one of her purses and it's my friend. And honestly, I am not even a baggy, pursy, accessory kind-of-girl. But I am tempted to make up a fake name so I can leave a comment and win this bag myself. So if you see someone who goes by the name Jack Bauer . . . you'll know I gave in to the temptation and this whole thing is rigged.

How to enter (3 possible entries):

1. Leave a comment telling me something about yourself and how long you have been reading my blog. Or just admit it if you are a contest junky and are simply here for the loot.

2. Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect and leave a comment saying that you did or you already do. You can unfollow me after the winner is chosen if you feel like you did it out of obligation and not because you really wanted to. Because that's not healthy for anyone . . . except maybe Google.

3. Become a liker of Totally Desperate Mom on Facebook. Then leave a comment saying you did. You can dislike me if you feel the relationship isn't working out.

Entries must be in by Saturday, October 1st by 10pm PST. I will announce the winners on Sunday, October 2nd.

U.S. and Canada peeps only. Not because of lack of love, but because of shipping.

Now go go hug someone you love and have a great day.

Stylin' Saturday - Link it Up

2011-09-24T09:20:00.000-07:00

Time to link up for Stylin' Saturday! Did your kids put together any outfits, hairdos, or give themselves any makeovers that made you smile? Please share. Pass along the smiles.

The tips from Lydia and Jordis this Stylin' Saturday:

Clips. They go everywhere. They can do anything. When in doubt, clip it out.

Now grab a button and link up. Then go visit some others. And come back Monday for a cool giveaway for my 5-year blog birthday.

Insta-Friday Spider Edition

2011-09-22T23:37:00.000-07:00

Linking up with Jeannett's Insta-Friday. Cuz it's easy.

It's my week in cell phone pics.

Come back here on Saturday and link up with me for Stylin' Saturday.

Circus of the Stars No More

2011-09-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

If you are new to my blog, on Wednesdays I post about my experience in Hollywood as a former child/teen actress. If you want to start at the beginning of these posts go here.

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This is my last Circus of the Stars post so if you are getting Circused out you can just relax. The good news? It's not a re-run. It's just a bunch of photos I dug up from my secret stash.

Remember that show Perfect Strangers? Rebecca Arthur, who played Balki's girlfriend Mary Anne, performed the . . . spinny thing. I can't remember the official name. I think this pic was taking at a practice. Rebecca is far left, then her friend, me, one of our trainers, and my partner Jocelyn Peden.

Hanging out with my friends from home, my partner Mark-Paul, and one of our trainers whose outfit is phenomenal. And Mark-Paul's is pretty awesome too. Can you see the hammer pants?

Joceyln and I stretching before the big show.

Getting makeup done in my mom jeans before the show.

Mark-Paul Gosselaar grabbing a balloon at our final rehearsal. Before he cracked his sternum ):

With Dah-Ve Chodan (trapeze) and her mom at the final rehearsal.

Celebrating after the show with Chad Allen and Mark-Paul Gosselaar. I think they were singing happy birthday and then Mark-Paul called a timeout?

Rehearsing the crazy 360. Mark-Paul was strong enough to do this one on his own. He pushed the swing all the way around. Joceyln and I could barely get it around - it was so hard.

Stayed tuned for another Hollywood guest post coming up!

Sharky Update

2011-09-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

If you read the post about Lydia's extra tooth then you know about Lydia's extra tooth "Sharky." And you're dying to see Sharky emerge, right?
Here is the x-ray of Sharky.

Sharky is coming in . . . just in time for kindergarten pictures.

Stylin' Saturday - Link it Up Stylish People

2011-09-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

Round two of Stylin' Saturday link ups!

It's hot outside so what do you do?
Cowgirl boots of course. And just hang those shades on your shirt. Then ride off into the sunset.

(And use an open house sign to block off traffic on your cul-de-sac until you finally make a poster board sign to cover it.)

I loved the link-ups from last week. They brought such joy to my heart.
What fashion examples do you or your kids have this week for us? Time to link up - grab a button, link up, and then go visit some fellow linkers. It's great therapy.

I'm So Judgemental

2011-09-16T14:41:00.000-07:00

Every four months or so I post a serious blog post. I guess it was that time . . .

Sometimes going to church is not about the message from the pastor. Sometimes it is about an experience during worship. Or a brief encounter with an old friend. Or a woman in the front row scantily dressed in a white trash fashion.

Last weekend I noticed that woman. How could I not. Her bleached blonde hair was straggly, rooty, fried, and worn. Her white tank top was tight and see through revealing the fakies. Her shorts were so shirt I almost saw cheeks. And she wore heels. I saw her and thought Oh man, I feel bad for whoever is preaching tonight. What a distraction. I judged her. I was distracted by her.

And then I saw her get up a hug one of my acquaintances. An acquaintance I met a few years ago when I was teaching Bible study at my church. That acquaintance was from a local women's shelter that provides Christ-centered services and housing for women and their children who are homeless because of abusive relationships, addictions, loss of financial support, and other factors. Chances are good that woman in the front row was from that shelter too.

I felt convicted immediately. Don't judge a women by her hair. Or her outfit. Even if it is inappropriate.

We don't know what people carry around, where they have come from, what they are working on, where they are in their spiritual journey, what kind of home they were raised in . . . who they are. We don't know their hearts. The pain they carry around. The abuse they are running from . . . yes, she was dressed inappropriate for church, but she may have no idea. Maybe she had no one guide her in that department. Maybe that's all she has. Maybe it was her first time in a church. I'm guessing she doesn't have a mom who just took her on a shopping spree to Nordstrom.

Then the guest pastor got up to preach about redemption. He is from our church, but is currently serving in the Philippines with the Red Window Project - an organization that facilitates a process of economic, social, and spiritual reconciliation for survivors of trafficking and exploitation around the world. When this pastor was introduced, front-row woman hollered and clapped excitedly. As if she knew him. As if maybe she had been redeemed as a result of this pastor's work. Redeemed from human trafficking? I don't know. But that's the point.

I didn't know her story, her background, her lack of parental guidance, the abuse she may have faced . . . but when I saw her my mind went straight to Oh boy. How in appropriate is she?

I hope I see that woman at church again. I want to hug her. I want to find out her story.

Circus of the Stars, Part 3

2011-09-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

If you are new to my blog, on Wednesdays I post about my experience in Hollywood as a former child/teen actress. If you want to start at the beginning of these posts go here.

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Even though these Wednesday posts (My Confessions of a Former Child/Teen Actress) are unrelated to motherhood . . . this blog is nominated for Funniest Mom Blog on Parents.com.

So if you feels so inclined - go vote. Even though the voting system is wonky and it may or may not count your vote :) From this day forward, I am going to try really hard to be funny.

As I mentioned last week, I had an incredible amount of support when I taped Circus of the Stars. I don't remember exactly how many of my friends and family came, but it was more than twenty. And a large group of us went out to dinner afterwards to celebrate.

Stephen Doreck, Chad Allen, and me.

Me, Billy Zabka, Tiffany Fabro (friend from home) and Sara (Neft) Sanchez (friend from home).

Ashlie Walker (friend from where I lived in So Cal), Tiffany, Sara.

Alyson Hannigan, Chrisina Nigra.

Me, Mark Clayman, Billy, Tiffany, Sara and pizza. Mark and Billy were kind of like big brothers to me during my acting years. Awesome guys who I met at an Academy Awards party.

Rescued Squirrels Update

2011-09-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

So many of you have asked (not true) how our rescued squirrels are doing.
I think they are doing just fine.

We caught them planking.

And drinking water from the tupperware I put out for them. Pathetic, I know.

And hopefully just wrestling . . .

The Unexpected Life

2011-09-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

If you live in Southern California then you really should check out North County San Diego. Specifically, you should check out my husband's hometown of Fallbrook. And do it on Friday Oct. 7th and Saturday October 8th when I will be talking about "The Unexpected Life" at a women's retreat. No campgrounds, no hotels (unless you get one), no obstacle courses, and no icebreakers . . . that I know of.

Here is the flyer.

Come on down because if you don't come, who will? I'm just not sure.

If you are interested in having me do something like this at your church, let me know. I am all booked for this year and starting to fill up for next year, but if you mention this blog post . . . nothing. Doesn't change the fact that my full-time gig is the motherhood so I have a limited speaking/travel schedule. You can go to my speaking/book website to check out if I will be at shenanigan near you, view my speaking topics, read testimonials that were not done under duress, and things like that.

Stylin' Saturday - Link it Up Stylish People

2011-09-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

I love looking at self-dressed kids in all their hodgepodge glory - rain boots in the summer, 14 layers of skirts, cowboy boots with bathing suits, disheveled hair, a makeup job or haircut by sister, and shorts over jeans. I also love viewing momfits -- bad mom outfits when you just can't pull it together . . . or shower. And that is why I did my first Stylin' Saturday post post 2 1/2 years ago.

And now I want to invite you to link up for Stylin' Saturday so we can enjoy each other's fashion creativity. Let's face it -- you know you don't look that cute all the time. And at least once a week your kid sports an outfit that is so ugly it's cute.

My girls' fashion tips this week?

If you wear your own shoes, please don't have them match.

Layers, layers, layers.

And put some junk on your head.

Grab a button and link up! And go visit the person who links up right before you and right after you.

InstaLazy

2011-09-09T16:32:00.001-07:00

I like InstaFriday with Jeannett because I don't have to think. I can just post pics from my cell phone. So thanks Jeannett for contributing to the full demise of my brain. And tomorrow is payback, you guys can bring your braindead selves back over here for my first Stylin' Saturday link up! Share you pics of your kids' awesome outfits or some of your own disaster mom outfits.

My dad turned 70 and wore this insta-awesome shirt.

Elijah earned an insta-five bucks for licking a large worm/caterpillar.

Insta-lick.

Insta-victim.

Insta-hot chocolate. I love it.

Insta-cowgirl party at Mel's. Insta-incredible pinnable shindig.

Insta-swing.

Insta-posing.

Insta-blogger friends.

Insta-pony ride.

Insta-signage. Go ahead and pin it.

Insta-brother/sister photo. Posed under duress.

Insta-gymnastics.

Insta-school work.

Insta-sushi date with me.

Insta-jumper.

Insta-living room ready for our young adults life group.

Insta-sharky tooth coming through.

Insta-faces.

Circus of the Stars, Part 2

2011-09-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

If you are new to my blog, on Wednesdays I post about my experience in Hollywood as a former child/teen actress. If you want to start at the beginning of these posts go here.

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This is a re-run and part 2 from last week's Circus of the Stars post:

For those of you who guessed last week . . . . I made $10,000. Funny thing is - I would have paid to do it.

(Me and my trainers who literally held my life in their hands every time I was on that swing. I have reconnected with them on Facebook. Several of the m work in Vegas on Cirque du Soleil.)

I filmed The New Lassie at Universal Studios in Hollywood. Our set was at Stage 19 and we also filmed quite a bit on the back lot. My Circus Practice times varied depending on my Lassie schedule, but I usually practiced at the end of my Lassie work day. Six days a week. Our Circus Practice was conveniently at Universal Studios as well. However, it was in a completely different section so we drove there from the Lassie set. It was up the hill in the actual park. If you were a tourist going through the park you could catch a glimpse of our practice (from behind the fence). We sometimes practiced simultaneously with the other acts - like the high wire, trapeze and cradle. The animal acts were done somewhere else and required much less practice. They just had to figure out how not to get eaten or trampled and then they were good to go.

(My partner Jocelyn and I trying out our costumes.)

One of the things that was so fun and rewarding about Circus of the Stars was the sense of accomplishment. None of us were acrobats. We were all athletic and coordinated, but believe it or not, none of us had been catapulted 35 feet in the air before. We spent a lot of time on the trampoline learning our tricks before we attempted them off the swing. Most of the time we did our tricks off the swing we landed in a big net and had safety harnesses on us. The times we flipped into the canvas without the safety stuff was minimal. It made the actual performance in front of a live audience a bit nerve racking. There were to be no redos. In fact, this clip here shows up launching off the swing into the air to grab a balloon. I don't think we had ever done this before into the canvas. We mostly practiced grabbing a make believe balloon with our safety equipment on. When they released the balloons to the ceiling they were not quite centered above the canvas. Jocelyn went first. She got the one that was the most centered. I was left with... ugh. How was I going to get that balloon and ~~not die~~ land in the canvas?

The other thing that made this experience so memorable was all the support I had. I was allowed to invite as many people as I wanted to the live taping. And if you know me . . .

as I looked around the stage, and then afterwards at the restaurant at all my friends and family I vividly remember thinking, "This will always be one of the best days of my life."

Here is a pic of just a few of my friends that came to the show:

Ashlie Walker, Paul Walker (long before Fast and the Furious), Nikki Kinsfather and Brooke (Bates) Moore.

I think I had over 25 friends and family come to the live taping. It was a great night, except for the fact that our partner Mark-Paul was injured and unable to perform with us after 3 1/2 months of training together. That was a big bummer. He was a great sport, totally supportive of us, and cheered us on from the crowd.

A Vote for Me is a Vote for Who?

2011-09-06T21:17:00.000-07:00

I've been nominated (and it wasn't by me or a relative!) for Funniest Mom Blog on Parents.com.

What does that mean? What will I win? What's in it for you?

I have no idea, but please vote for me.

I am pretty sure it is all just a ploy to drive more traffic to Parents.com website in hopes that you will click on one of their ads because you really do need those cabinets from Home Depot or maybe, just maybe . . . you will click on the article about why you pee your pants when you jump on a trampoline.

But nevertheless, a vote for me is a vote for Totally Desperate Moms across the land who need humor and encouragement from a mom who isn't afraid to post the worst pictures of herself and her soon-to-be-in-therapy family, broadcasts to the world about how she pulled the emergency cord in the hospital because of some backyard friends, dominates the world of Pinterest, married a guy who essentially/accidentally called her fatty arms when she was pregnant, and stalked Kirk Cameron's house in her teenage years.

So vote for me please because let's be honest - a vote for me is a vote to drive more traffic to this blog so I can sell more copies of my book Totally Desperate Mom: Keepin' it Real in the Motherhood. Cuz I have a lot of them in my garage that I need to unload and my kids have some jacked up teeth. And that's costly, my friends. Very costly.

Labor Day, Without an Epidural

2011-09-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

In honor of labor day, I am sharing one of my four labor stories. The last one. The one without the epidural where my husband chewed hot tamales in my ear and my mom got all up in my personal puking space.

(it's always exciting before the pain begins)

From Chapter 4 of Totally Desperate Mom: Keepin' it Real in the Motherhood . . .

It was time to give the Bradley Method a whirl. I was willing to try anything that might help with breastfeeding. Despite the impression you may have gotten from my drug-filled labor with Elijah, I usually avoid medicine at all costs. I would rather try natural remedies before hitting the pharmacy.

I spoke with my labor-loving friends about their natural birthing experiences. Most of them convincingly talked about epidural-less birth as if it were the greatest experience of their lives. Birds were singing, they felt close to God, and it barely even hurt. I’m not going to call them liars. Because I think delusional might be a better depiction.

I read Dr. Bradley’s Husband-Coached Childbirth and felt confident that Shiloh would make a great(ish) coach. But considering Shiloh had once passed out during a routine physical exam and had nearly dropped dead during an eye exam, I figured I should have some backup. Enter Heather. She had attempted to have her twins without an epidural. She had been in labor for about 4,000 hours when she finally called in the needle man. I figured if she was ~~crazy~~ brave enough to go that far, she would make an excellent coach when Shiloh hit the floor.

(before the pain begin, but you can tell by the look on Shiloh's face that he's gonna cause some trouble)

I was induced with this overdue baby, Jordis. The first part of my labor was pretty smooth. I was able to breathe through my contractions and no one got hurt. I even asked the nurse to pump up the Pitocin dosage. She said that was the first time someone had asked her that. Seemed like a rational request to me; I just wanted to get the whole natural event over with.
By hour six, I was ready to kick Bradley to the curb and hook back up with Mr. Epi. But it was, of course, too late. Rather than ~~scaring~~ boring you with every little detail, let me just tell you about four things that Dr. Bradley left out of his book:

1. While you are in the middle of some of your more intense contractions, be prepared that your “husband coach” may choose to chew hot tamales right next to your ear. This sound will thor- oughly irritate you, but you will be in too much pain to speak. Instead you must violently shift away from him and cover your ear as if to say, “Hey, coach, that’s not okay!” Then your backup coach will give husband coach a dirty look and he will not do this again.

2. Do not be surprised if you have to pee four hundred times in a three-hour time span. Don’t forget to roll your IV stand into the bathroom with you, and be prepared to have painful contractions on your walk to and from the bathroom. As well as during your bathroom usage.

3. You might need to puke during this natural and wonderful birthing experience. Be aware that your mom may stand in your personal space and stare at you as you prepare to upchuck. In this case, simply shout at her, “Mom, don’t watch me throw up!” If she is a good mom, she will scurry to the bathroom and lock herself in it.

4. Toward the end of your labor the pain will be so bad that you may experience involuntary verbal outbursts. You may bust out with uncontrollable sounds like “Ugh! Oh! Haaa!” Your nurse will try to stop you from these shout-outs as they may push out the baby, which is not good when your body is “not ready” and the doctor is not there. Just continually remind your nurse that these wild outbursts are uncontrollable and that the baby is coming! The two of you can argue back and forth until the doctor gets there.

There were no birds singing, and it hurt. Did I feel close to God? Yes, in that I totally understood Genesis 3:16: “I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children.” The good news is that I upgraded my nickname to Wendy “One Push” Hagen, and I’m now a legend at John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek. Well, not really, but it’s fun to write that.

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How was your labor? How did it feel when you pushed out a human being? Or when you were sliced open to pull that bad boy out? Or when you were going through all your adoption preparation? Do you like drugs of the epidural variety? I do.

P.S. This is what came out. Baby Jordis - although you cannot really tell if she is a girl or an old man. Gotta love newborns fresh out of the chute.

If you want to read more of my book go get it on Amazon or directly through me please. Cuz I need to pay for my kids' jacked up teeth. Thanks.

Stylin' Saturday - Link up?

2011-09-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

I love looking at self-dressed kids in all their hodgepodge glory - rain boots in the summer, 14 layers of skirts, cowboy boots with bathing suits, disheveled hair, a makeup job or haircut by sister, and shorts over jeans. I also love viewing other momfits -- bad mom outfits when you just can't pull it together . . . or shower. And that's why I started these Stylin' Saturday posts 2 1/2 years ago.

I'm thinking about doing a link up for these posts because I would love to see your child's get-ups and your fabulous momfits. Who would join in on that kind of action?

Stylin' Saturday is not exclusive to fashion tips. The kids also offer makeup pointers. For this look, all you need is a big sister and some leftover makeup from her Rock Star, Princess, Wedding Makeup Party.

Insta-Friday Numero Three

2011-09-02T20:33:00.000-07:00

Three weeks in a row linking up with Jeannett's Insta-Friday. Just call me the triple threat.

It's my week in cell phone pics.

Makeshift Beyblades.

Name your cup/beyblade.

Rescued these ants from a neighboring dog food bowl. Now they live safely in our driveway.

My dad and Elijah have a special bond.

My love language. Clean the garage.

Went to the beach with the young adults group from our church. Because we are young. No one can tell us we're wrong. Searching our hearts for so long . . . if you can name that song I will be your best friend.

Deep in thought.

I honestly want to try those no-heat curls that friends have been talking about. But until then, the no heat, no brush pony will work.

We rescued these wasps from a nearby roof. Had them relocated to our mailbox. Today they got relocated to wasp heaven by the pest control company.

Have you guys been on Zulily? Oh my goodness. Really cute stuff at really good prices. Clothes, shoes, accessories, toys, books. Something different every day. Like this coat and hat for $19.99. Jordis loves it. Even when it's 90 degrees outside. If you use this link and order something I will get a $15 credit. It's like pyramid scheme so please hop to it.

Practicing to sit like a cheerleader.

Uncle Jon is visiting. He colored with Jordis this morning. She loved it.

Then she had a tea party with Grandpa Fred.

And I painted her jacked up toe nails yellow. A good day for her.

Then I fed her the KOOLAID - while I chanted "You will love UCLA. You will love UCLA. You will have no other schools before UCLA. UCLA. UCLA. Fight, fight, fight."

We headed to our community pool at 6:40. Pool closes at 7. Get your jumps in fast!

Elijah dives.

Lydia smiles.

Uncle Jon flies. Cuz he's 20.

Uncle Jon catches some air.

Jordis fell asleep in the car at 5:40. She's down for the night. We hope. Best of luck to us.

The end. Have a great weekend. My dad turns 70 tomorrow so we are gonna get our party on!

At Least You're Not a Fat Cow

2011-09-02T10:41:00.000-07:00

Head over to Fit Moms Fit Kids Club to read my post about body types.

I Samuel 16:7

The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Hollywood Days - The Original Reality Show

2011-08-31T10:27:00.000-07:00

If you are new to my blog, on Wednesdays I post about my experience in Hollywood as a former child/teen actress. If you want to start at the beginning of these posts go here.

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This is a re-run, but you forget what you did yesterday so . . .

This is part 1 of my Circus of the Stars posts.

Circus of the Stars ran for 17 years. It ended in 1994. And I don't know why because I think it was a pretty sweet concept. Celebrities performed circus acts - for real. In a way, it was the original Dancing with the Stars. I'm not sure how I heard about the audition (probably through my agent), but being the adventuresome, daredevil that I am - I was stoked to audition for the show. The audition was in the backyard of circus guru, Bob Yerkes. I had to jump on a trampoline, walk a balance beam and try out the trapeze (with safety mechanisms, of course). I was a pretty coordinated and athletic kid (where it has gone, I don't know) and I guess they knew my life would eventually be a circus.

I received the call that I "got it." I was going to be a part of "The Russian Swing" act for the first time in Circus of the Stars history. What in the world was The Russian Swing? I found out when I showed up on the first day of practice... saaaweeeet!

On that phone call I also found who my partners were going to be. One was a 23 year-old girl named Jocelyn Peden. Had no idea who she was but learned that she had been a Laker girl and had appeared on a pilot. (Update: Recently reconnected with Mark-Paul and Jocelyn! Jocelyn lives in Canada, is still dancing and has two adorable kids. Mark-Paul also has two kids and has a new show Franklin and Bash which airs on TNT. You can follow him on Twitter if you'd like.)

My other partner was Mark-Paul Gosselaar. Of course I knew he was. Hello Zack Morris! I was glad to have yet another Teenbeat cover boy in my life. Mark-Paul and I became really good friends. He even made a trip to my hometown with me where I took him to his first high school football game and church youth group. I'll have to devote a post to him in the future. But for now - here is picture of us on that visit. I think we were going to San Francisco that day to hang out and do some shopping. He was trying to be a bit incognito so he wouldn't have crazed girls chasing him around the mall. But he really went the extra mile with that fanny pack, don't you think? I mean, if you were one of those obsessed fans would you approach or run the other way? They approached despite the fanny pack.

There was a camera man at every practice filming us falling on our faces and landing on... everything but our feet. I had so many bruises on my body from this training. It honestly looked like Lassie was giving me a beat down. Here is a picture of us on our big rehearsal day just before filming the actual show. This was the day that Mark-Paul was cracked his sternum and then was unable to perform in the show. Brutal.

I usually worked a full day on the set of Lassie (or close to it) and then went to Circus practice afterwards. Believe it or not, we practiced six days a week for about three moths. The practices lasted for about an hour. We would warm up on the trampoline with harnesses attached to us. They would help us get height and they kept us from falling off the side. This is where we learned and practiced our tricks for The Russian Swing.

Here is the first trick I performed on the show. More tricks, photos, stories and tidbits to come. And for bonus blog points see if you can spot my supportive friends, Christina Nigra andAlyson Hannigan, in the audience.

And for the contest... can you guess how much money I made for this gig? It was a flat fee for the whole thing. It was 1990. I was 15 years old. Whoever is the closest to the correct figure will win this prestigious contest. What's at stake? A huge prize. A giveaway like you've never seen in the blogosphere. The winner will receive official, verified, one of a kind... bragging rights. And that's not all - I will give you ALL of the money I have left over from that paycheck.

I will post the winner next week.

(You are not eligible to guess if you "know" the answer because you are my Dad or because you pretended to be my friend just to find out how much cash I pocketed.)

The Artists' Place

2011-08-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we visited my aunt and uncle in Arroyo Grande. It was me, my mom, my kids and my niece. My aunt and uncle are awesome. And ridiculously talented in the art department. I think they should change their names to "We Make Pinterest Look Like Preschool Fingerpainting."

Our first stop - The Coffee Bean. I used to get an ice blended mocha almost every day when I was at UCLA.

The kids took turns driving the golf cart around the property.

They have a long, circular driveway which is great for running around and carting.

Swimming at their neighbors' pool.

Jordis took a header at the neighbors' house.

Their garden is incredible.

Aunt Leslie made hats for the girls. On the spot because Kylie asked her to. Took her all of 30 minutes.

Lydia's hat. Made with an old sweater from the thrift store.

Kylie's hat.

My uncle made these sculptures out of duct tape and newspaper. Inspired by So You Think You Can Dance? Someone from that show has got to see these! You know there is a choreographer who could make a routine using these. For the love of Mia Michaels . . .

A truly organic carrot.

We had quite a trip to the dollar store. I was particularly impressed that you could get this fake brain for a dollar. So many things I could do with this. Party favor for princess party, put it in Elijah's lunch box, hang it on my front door for decoration . . .

Our last stop was at this restaurant. This sign was comforting. Or not

Kindergarten and Second Grade

2011-08-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

Here are pics from the first day of Kindergarten for Lydia. First day of Second Grade for Elijah. We moved last fall and are at a new school this year. The kids didn't know their teachers or anyone at the school. They only know a few kids in the whole school. But they were excited for school and had fun walking to school with our neighbors.

Elijah liked his first day. He jumped right in at recess playing ball wall and on day two he met a beyblades-trading friend.
I'm pretty sure Lydia liked the first day too, but because she is Lydia . . .
"I didn't like it that much. We only got to walk around a lot, have recess, and do a craft. And there were no toys to play with. Just books." But she did say she likes her teacher so that's good.

Elijah's response to Lydia:
"Lydia, you're not in preschool anymore. You don't just play. School is for working hard and learning. And recess."

Gotta Get Down on InstaFriday

2011-08-26T10:37:00.000-07:00

Two weeks in a row linking up with Jeannett's Insta-Friday. Call it a pattern if you want.

It's my week in cell phone pics.

A backyard tea party.

No family resembalence, but I'm told that lady is my mom.

Grandma took Jordis to get new shoes. She was so excited to show them to her brother.

We might be related.

Once again, perfecting the art of mold.

My favorite hot chocolate in the world. From The Bittersweet Chocolate Cafe.

Shiloh and I had a real date. Outside of the home. Saw this documentary about one of the greatest Formula One racers in history. I know, I know - most of you are dying to see this too.

Got a bunch of apples from my brothers yard so I made these delicious Apple Strudel Muffins.

Kickin' it in the front yard. Lydia loves to take pics with my phone.

Cracked tooth = crown = good times.

Chocolate Pudding Fudge Cake Spill. Courtesy of Lydia or Jordis. We'll never really know.

Chocolate Pudding Fudge Cake. Despite the fallout, it came out perfect.

Banshee our cat. We call him Beano. FYI, he's had some dental issues.

Phayce (pronounced Face) our cat. We call him Facial. FYI, he's had some thyroid issues. Gets two pills a day. Is a total mama's boy. And has attitude and smarts.

Walking to school with the neighbor kids.

First Day of Kindergarten for Lydia.

Big bro and big sis go to school. Little sis gets a Jamba Juice.

First day of school dinner celebration at one of my faves - CPK.

Beyblade contenders. Each kid picked a name. Can you figure out which kid made up which name?

Princess cup beyblading. Invented by Elijah.

Hollywood Days - Senior Picture of Mario Lopez

2011-08-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

In honor of it being the first day of school for my Elijah and Lydia I'm sharing this picture from an old Hollywood friend of mine. Forget the fact that it looks like he pre-wrote what he was going to say (I bet you say that to all the girls) and then added my name . . . it was legit. Back off.

Chocolate Pudding Fudge Cake Spill

2011-08-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

With a few days left until school starts I wanted to get one more item off our Summer Bucket List. Bake a chocolate chocolate chip cake. Me and the girls got our aprons on and went at it with this awesome recipe for Chocolate Pudding Fudge Cake. I let Lydia hold the mixer. Jordis refused to wash her hands (because that is so difficult, isn't it?) so she was to merely watch. I turned my back for a few minutes to get the chocolate chips and . . . watch the video for the scoop on who did what. And I have no idea where my girls get their personalities. Don't blame me.

Despite the loss of some batter the cake was amazing. Like "Get This Out of My House Before I Eat it All" amazing. Kinda like the cake balls. Dang, I gotta stick with the moldy fruit and get away from baking all this delicious junk.

Nose-Picking, Princess Dance Camp

2011-08-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Jordis and Lydia went to Princess Dance Camp. It was Jordis first class/camp. Day 1 of camp was her third birthday. And it was bad.

One teacher for twenty dancers. Three to five-year-old dancers.
Jordis's tap shoes kept coming untied. And the teacher could only retie them so many times since there was so many other kids in the class. And apparently the ribbon I put on the shoes that we borrowed from a friend was not made for tap shoes. Toward the end of class Jordis got frustrated and gave up. And sat down by herself and cried.

That's when I arrived (20 minutes early) with my brothers fancy camera to take pictures of her first dance experience. And found Jordis off to the side crying. "I want to go home. I want to go home" She cried when I came in the room.

It was so sad . . . but I still took some pictures. And gave her love. And a fruit leather.

There is more to the first-day drama, but suffice it to say I got some apology phone calls from the studio and so we went back for the rest of the camp. And the girls enjoyed it. And there was another teacher there. And I got Jordis some tap ties so she danced her heart out. Or picked her nose off. Something like that.

At the final performance. "Hi mom!"

Thanks for the tap ties, Mom.

I'm not sure if nose picking was part of the choreography, but it might have been.

Next up. Auditions for So You Think You Can Dance.

Stylin' Saturday - headbands and helmets

2011-08-20T10:41:00.001-07:00

Don't let a helmet stop you from wearing a headband. And don't let 85 degrees keep you away from your oversized, hand-me-down cowgirl boots.

Love,

Lydia

Pictures from my iphone - InstaFriday

2011-08-19T10:17:00.000-07:00

My friend Jeannett has a link up called "InstaFriday."

Take pictures on your iphone then use an app called instagram to put a filter on the pictures to make them look all cool and vintage and what have you.

I am finally linking up. But I don't have time for captions so you will just have to figure out what's going on all by yourself. And these pics are actually from the week before. But other than that - I'm an "A" student. **UPDATE - I just realized these pictures are not from the week before. That's how scrambled my brain is.

Smile for the Poop

2011-08-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it is hard to get good picture of the kids . . . ever. Especially if you have some fake poop.

The kids and Uncle Cam (known for his poop handling abilities).

Why I'm Not On Pinterest

2011-08-14T18:30:00.000-07:00

I am not on Pinterest. Because I just don't want to be bombarded with pins, you know?

I have several items that I know would crash the server. Here are the top 10:

1. Our summer bucket list.
How did we create such magic? How are we able to discern what has been crossed off the list and how can we even read it with Jordis's finishing scribble touches?

2. Over-The-Top Reward Chart.
This would be a long step-by-step tutorial. This kind of magic doesn't just happen overnight people. Years of practice.

3. The Screw & Bolt Chandelier.
Who was the genius who put a screw and bolt on our chandelier to dress it up? Can't take credit for that one. It was my husband.

4. Stunning formal Dining Room Decor.
Should we just call this Pin City?

4. My recipe for Elmo Cake.

5. My decor for a Princess, Wedding, Rock Star, Makeup Fifth Birthday Party. No, I did not hire a party planner. I swear, this was all me.

6. My recipe for "Brownies with Melted Plastic."
To die for. Literally.

7. My recipe for a Chia Pet Mold Ball.

8. Custom Bedroom Curtains for Kids

9. What I Wore Wednesday, or something like that.

10. My decor for How to Throw a Party For Boys. Once again. All me. No help from an event planner.

Do you feel me? Don't want to die from OP. OverPinning.

I Went to Public School

2011-08-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

I started a series about public school. You can read my first post here.

I recently talked to some of the people in the young adults group we host at our house.

What I suspected was true: People are heavily influenced by their upbringing. Even when it comes to schooling. Shocking, I know. At least I didn't spend 4 million in a tax-payer funded study to figure that one out, right?

I asked the young adults (ages 18-26) how they were schooled and if they had kids how they planned to school them. Most of them think they will put their kids in the same kind of school they went to.

One of my reasons for putting my kids in public school? I went to public school through college and I liked it.

(Disclaimer: I also went to a Catholic high school my sophomore year, and an independent-study type high school my junior year and part of my freshman year. I had on-set schooling with a studio teacher when I was doing The New Lassie part of 8th, 9th and 10th grade. In short, I changed high schools five times because of my delinquent behavior. Or maybe it was just because of my acting career, I can't remember.)

My kindergarten friend who I went to school with all the way through UCLA. And now he and his wife are some of our best friends.

Junior High graduation dance where ruffles were all the rage.

Schooling on the set of The New Lassie. Scott Grimes came in and gave me music lessons in lieu of my chorus class. You can see Linda, my studio teacher, on the right.

My sophomore year of high school I went to Bellarmine Jefferson in Burbank. These were some of my friends and these were my purple jeans. You can't really see them, but I had pink shoes.

I loved UCLA. And blue suede cropped boots.

Was public school perfect? No.

Could I have gotten a better academic education elsewhere? Perhaps.

Could I have learned more about Jesus at a private Christian school or in homeschool in a Christian home? In some ways, yes. But in many ways, I think I learned more about Jesus and how to follow Him by going through the public school system. I'll have to explain that in another post because I know at least three of you just passed out at that statement.

Did I have great teachers every year? Definitely no.

Did my teachers seem to care about my moral, spiritual, academic development? Sometimes.

However, I look back fondly at my imperfect public schooling experience. I liked school. I liked learning -- sometimes. I loved my friends of all faiths and the interaction we had at school. I remember organizing my group of girlfriends in second grade and choreographing dance routines for them at recess. I remember discussions of us all getting Pink Ladies jackets. I remember hanging on those monkey bars. I remembering chasing around Blake Roberts on the playground in kindergarten. I remember my kindergarten teacher having us all sing together "Good afternoon, good afternoon, good afternoon!" I remember field day. I remember the TobDanWen ball wall club. I could go on . . . and I will save that for future posts.

But for know, just know that I know that you know that we all know . . . our school choices are highly influenced by our own schooling experiences for good or for bad.

How about you?

What kind of school did you attend and how was your experience?

What kind of school do your kids go to or where are you planning on sending them . . . or not sending them?

Do you like hot chocolate? Because I love it.

Bloggers are Weird

2011-08-11T12:12:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but most of my real life friends don't have a blog. Or read blogs. Therefore, I meet up with strangers who blog and they become real life friends. Not creepy at all.

Tuesday night we had a meet. Mel and I are neighbors and I knew her husband when Guess jeans with zips on the ankle were awesome. Seeing her was a thrill, but not a risk to my well being.

I met Jessica from bloggy/twitter world and we have a bunch of mutual friends. So I didn't bring my pepper spray when we met up for dinner a few months ago. We liked each other and so met up again and she brought Kim. And since Jess brought Kim, I figured there would be no crimes committed at dinner. Safe.

I met Keri of Forever Folding Laundry a year ago at Mel's house when the Project 320 girls were in town. Again, safe bet. Women getting together to bring clean water to needy children are probably not serial killers. They just break pregnant ladies' water.

So the only person I didn't know on Tuesday night was Denise from Victory Rd. I didn't even know she was coming. Should I have brought a firearm? Perhaps. Cuz she busted out with Loud Denise at Cold Stone Creamery. Just kidding. It was hilarious. I loved her. And I introduced her to cake pops so I'm kinda on a self-esteem high right now.

Here we are at dinner, but you must hop over to Victory Rd to check out Denise's vlogging of our evening.

Hollywood - Missing out on Childhood?

2011-08-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

If you are new to my blog, on Wednesdays I post about my experience in Hollywood as a former child/teen actress. If you want to start at the beginning of these posts go here.

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It has been said that child actors miss out on childhood. Definitely true. In a lot of cases.

But I think it depends on the kid, the kid's family, the level of pressure and fame, the amount of work, the atmosphere of your show/movie, your friends, etc.

I feel really blessed by the healthy experience I had in Hollywood. I got to live out my childhood dream, but I still enjoyed a lot of normal childhood stuff. I was never really "famous," I wasn't a workhorse, my parents didn't pressure me or depend on me financially, and I didn't run with a fast crowd. I feel like I got the best of both worlds - a little Hollywood success and the maintenance of normalcy in my home life. I moved to LA and for acting and lived with family friends at the end of 8th grade and stayed there through my junior year, but I was not there the whole time. I came home to Nor Cal a lot and participated in normal childhood activities.

Did I miss out on some stuff? Of course. I did sacrifice some normal child/teen stuff, but it was worth it. It was a trade off. One of the things I did miss was junior high graduation. I missed the ceremony - and we all know how exciting those are. But I was late for the graduation dance and I had a date. I think there was a dinner or something beforehand that I missed and so my date had to fly solo, but I eventually did make it to the dance. Here is our graduation dance pic.

The producers for Lassie knew I was trying to get home in time for the dinner and dance so they did what they could to wrap up my scenes that Friday. They felt bad that I couldn't be home in time so Al Burton (executive producer) brought me a corsage.
Sweet, huh?
I worked with some really great people.

Arroyo Grande Ice Cream

2011-08-08T21:34:00.000-07:00

We visited my aunt and uncle in Arroyo Grande a few weekends ago. I will post more pics later, but I wanted to share my favorite one.
Ice Cream on the porch.

Where Are All the Missing Socks of the World?

2011-08-07T22:05:00.000-07:00

None of these match, but it's so painful to throw them away because in the back of my mind I have hopes. I have hopes that one day I will find that missing sock under the bed, in the couch, in the car, in the freezer, at the bottom of the bed. And then I will be sad because I threw away it's partner. Does anyone else struggle with SSHD? Single Sock Hope Disorder.

Stylin' Saturday - Just Cut 'Em

2011-08-06T16:37:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I found some barbie hair on the floor. Then I saw Elijah's scissors on in my bathroom. Then I saw Lydia's bangs and realized that Barbie's hair was still in tact and Elijah was not doing a craft in my bathroom.
But Lydia was.
And she was proud. She thinks her new bangs look awesome.
Will I even them out and fix them? Maybe someday.

But for now, she can enjoy her awesome bangs.

The Stylin' tip for today:

Just cut 'em.

Marriage Encouragement

2011-08-05T09:50:00.000-07:00

When I am in fight or a funk with my husband, I don't feel very fit. I feel like a fat cow. Kidding, kidding, but I don't feel emotionally well. It puts me in a funk. Makes me feel down, depressed, frustrated . . . not emotionally healthy. For me, having a healthy marriage plays a big part in my emotional health. And the health of my children. Because you know, they pick up on everything.

I know this is a vast subject and I have no idea of where you are at in your marriage . . . I know some of you may be really struggling. Some of you are single moms, in the midst of divorce or separated and the thought of me writing about marriage makes you want to vomit. Go ahead and scroll to the bottom of this post if you want to see how you can win a copy of Totally Desperate Mom (there's only one chapter on marriage) and avoid vomiting. Or read this little challenge and take something away for when you do find that special someone.

For those of you who are married, I want to encourage and challenge you this month in your relationship with your husband. In just one small area . . . comparisons.

But you'll have to head on over to Fit Moms Fit Kids Club to for the marital encouragement . . . and you can win a copy of Totally Desperate Mom over there too.