Attention, Vaccinations, & Gas

No. Not THAT kind of gas... you sickos.

From Celeste (one of my BFFs): How do we satisfy our great desire for attention while being a stay at home mother?

I. have. no. idea.

Thing is, my cries for attention are pretty loud and rarely subtle. I don't always like the attention I get as a result. For me? If I want attention, I often just ask for it. And sometimes I pretty much demand it. True fulfillment of this somewhat empty desire, in my opinion, can be found by thinking metaphorically.

Lemme 'splain:

It's fast Sunday... and you are ravenously hungry. You get home and you BINGE on whatever is in your path. Chips, cookies, fruit snacks, open soda can from 3 nights ago, etc. And you find yourself briefly satiated and, eventually, totally sick... and still hungry.

But let's say, instead, you come home and you eat an apple, a sandwich, and then splurge on a handful of chips. Not only do you not feel sick now, but you also aren't hungry anymore.

I think, with attention, people like us (Celeste and I) need to change our cravings, tastes and desires. We both thrive on praise and attention that comes from an empty, superficial place. We love an audience. We love applause. For me? I don't feel as desperate for attention when I am able to look at my kids, desperate for me, or my husband who, as long as I actually SAY "Pay attention!" and not quietly stew it in my mind thinking he'll catch the telepathy, loves me, adores me, and - (if I ask for it) - will praise me.

We have to stop craving the empty calories and start becoming satiated by the things that are healthier, less flavorful, but oh-so-much-better-for-us.

From Laurel: "What is your stance on the vaccination/autism argument?"

My dad's a chiropractor. He's not a huge fan of the medical world, and they don't like him. We grew up in a home where little to no trips were taken to a hospital. My first visit to a hospital as a patient (we often went to sing to people) wasn't until I was 21 years old. Honestly? It's pretty impressive that myself and all of my siblings are still alive and in, basically, one piece.

When I got engaged, my OB had to order me an MMR because, apparently, you're supposed to have had 2 as a child, and I'd only had one. I know I had most of my immunizations as a child because a) I went to kindergarten without a hitch and b) I remember my Mom bribing me with a My Little Pony if I didn't cry when I got shots.

When Dr. Thomas fixed Malia's colic with some basic and minor chiropractic adjustments, he saved our lives. AND - he knew we were poor students at BYU, so he treated her for free. All he asked was that we spread the word, which we tried to do. However, the man was a little.... "eccentric" (just like my dad). And every time we took Malia to be treated by him, he would go on and on and on and ON about how evil and awful vaccinations are. I would smile and nod, probably leading him to believe I agreed with him entirely, and then I would take Malia to her scheduled appointments for vaccinations a couple weeks later.

Personally? I don't feel like autism is connected with vaccinations. Recently, there have been some discoveries that the original study had been tampered with and was fraudulent. I think that maybe autism is just something that comes with life, and isn't necessarily triggered by ANYTHING other than a mortal body. I know that there are people who vehemently feel that an MMR shot was what "gave" their child autism. And I think that timing has a lot more to do with that than a shot does. I respect people who feel that way. But I also know that there was a rampant case of the measles recently in California due to people not staying on top of vaccinations.

I am not a big fan of the medical community. I avoid medications and doctor's appointments, sometimes, longer than I should. But I do keep up with my daughters' vaccinations. And I am grateful that we have not been dealt the difficult hand of Autism. I think that would be very difficult, and I admire the parents in this world who face that challenge. But I think that autism is complicated... MORE complicated than "an MMR shot did it."

I do NOT think, however, that this is a debate that should be had between two different-thinking Mommies who love their kids in their own infinite way. It should be left as a decision that's personal and specific to each and their own. No need to pressure either side to believe as you do.

From my Mom: "Can you believe gas was $3.60 this weekend?"

Yes, Mom. We live in SoCal (my mom lives in the high desert). It comes with the territory. For us down in the O.C., it's $3.75. Sucks.

And it'll be worse in the summer. MAJORLY sucks.

.... Question Trend Additions

(Continuing on with the questions re: music/performance...)

From Whitney: What character from a musical do you think is you to a T?"

In order to avoid sounding redundant, I'm going to cheat. The character that came to mind almost immediately is not technically from a musical. But, it's pretty close. The character is Rachel Berry played by Lea Michelle on "Glee." To be honest, it's pretty crazy I'm saying this because I do NOT like Lea Michelle. I am not a big fan of her voice. I mean, she sings well. But she sounds the same on everything, and really? Amber Riley (i.e. Mercedes) can sing circles around her. And the character of Rachel often makes me squirm because she's such a terrible, self-centered, narcissistic, career-driven psycho. I rarely feel sympathy for her. And lately? I've been fast-forwarding through her big solo numbers (thank you, DVR) because she has no range in emotion. She's just... too awful to feel sorry for. Plus, I've seen Lea Michelle as herself in interviews and she just leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth. Dunno why.

But in those brief moments of vulnerability, she totally reminds me of myself in high school. Goody-goody, know-it-all, star-of-show-choir, needed-help-with-wardrobe, in-love-with-high-school-crooner-of-a-boyfriend, pathetic thing that I was. It's sad, really. Plus, I think I could really wail on some of the numbers she has.


And as far as who I am now? Well, let's be honest - people aren't writing a lot of theatrical scripts about stay-at-home Mormon moms... (I suppose I could contact the creators of "South Park"). And I already mentioned before that I feel like I could tear Elphaba up. So I figured I'd take an abstract approach to my answer to change things up a bit. :)

From Brooke: "What show/play was your favorite to perform in and why?"

Technically, I already answered this, so I'll just say hi to Brooke. "Hi, Brooke!"

From SJ: "Have you heard the Brent Spiner version of that song?"

No! And I started trying to find it out of curiosity and haven't had success just yet. I'm also not a Trekkie, but my interest has definitely been peaked. Thanks for the suggestion.

(editor's note: Found it! Nice work, Data.)

Also from SJ: "I wonder if it's possible from you to get voice lessons remotely, like via Skype or something?"

That is very sweet. I appreciate the ego boost. I'm sure for some teachers, it would work. But I am a very hands-on voice teacher, and I would totally feel like you were not benefiting at all without me being able to stand in front of you and physically restrain your chin to avoid jaw tension or shove my palm into your diaphragm to aide breath support.... ;)

From Natalie: "Is [your family] the reason you share your talents in more family-raising-friendly venues? And, do you hope to pursue a career later on in life?"

I was raised by two very talented parents who both could have pursued professional careers in the entertainment industry. My dad, as a studio musician; my mother - on Broadway. They both chose otherwise due to their understanding of the nature of that industry. I don't care what anyone argues; I don't care how desperately a person will try to justify it: It is not an industry that supports family life and Christian morals. Too many of my friends who I went to BYU with who are return missionaries and were once Relief Society Presidents are evidence of that. And I've also worked in the industry. Religious people get mocked. Marriages fall apart. Simple as that. And the exceptions to the rule are just that: Exceptions. Even the Osmonds, who have been very successful with reputations of active Morminism have had troubled marriages and pretty difficult lives. Especially Marie. And I do believe being a female is a part of that (digging deeper into why I feel that's the case will take too long - maybe another time).

My parents taught their children to love music and to love performing. We all have the gift to entertain. But they discouraged us from ever pursuing it as a career. In fact, both of my sisters got degrees in education. My brother has an engineering Masters, and my other brother is a self-employed home contractor. I was the only one who pursed a BFA. And it's a performance degree, at that. I would say I most likely have been bitten by the biggest bug. My siblings would agree without hesitancy. It is like a life source to me. When I'm singing/dancing/performing, I am at my happiest. And I'm not going to lie and play all humble like some people do - I'm talented. I know I'm talented. Otherwise, my choices to pursue an arts education and to work in the industry in the past would have been pretty stupid and wasteful.

So, I'll say it.

I'm aware that I'm good.

However - even stronger than my awareness of my talent is my testimony in God's plan for our lives. After all, my talent originated in His Hands. I want to be on Broadway so bad it HURTS. But I want to be with my family in the hereafter so much more. That desire doesn't "hurt." It's more like a quiet little hum. But it's a constant hum. And the pangs of pain I feel when I miss performing are infrequent, albeit louder. I know some people can make it work. But the industry is more about luck than talent. And it's more about "who you know" and "what you're willing to do" and "what you'd be willing to sacrifice" than talent.

In Utah, there is a lot more theatre that is "family friendly." If nothing else, you get Sundays and Monday nights off. In California, Sundays are the day they need you most. At my callback for "Wicked," Bernard Telsey told me I could bring my daughter in a playpen backstage on show nights. That there'd be "plenty of people to keep her entertained and occupied." That "the cast would be like a big family for her."

Malia was not the kind of kid who could sleep anywhere and who didn't need a schedule. Her colic had testified of otherwise. Maybe that's why God allowed her colic to be as severe as it was... who knows? But when I auditioned for American Idol one year, she was only 2 years old. I went down to San Diego, and David's aunt babysat her for the day while I sat in a stadium with THOUSANDS of other hopefuls. It was a looooooooong day. I got there at 5 in the morning. I didn't audition until 8 PM. I sang for 15 seconds. They whispered to each other, thanked me, and sent me on my way.

I cried. Not because I had been rejected. But because I had never been away from my child for that long before. I cried because I missed her and was excited to see her. I held her that night and sang to her before laying her down for a late bedtime. And as I sang to her, I cried because I was so overwhelmed with the peace I felt from being her Mommy, and nothing else.

Some people say my ambition for performing just isn't strong enough, then. So be it. Maybe when that 1st baby girl was removed from my womb, some of my drive went out with it (I know some brain cells did...). And when baby #2 was born, I felt the same way.

Sure, there are ebbs and flows and days I cry. And there are days I sit at my piano and sing and imagine I'm on a stage singing to thousands of screaming fans in an audience that includes anyone who ever mistreated me (ex-boyfriends included). And whether or not I'll actively pursue a career later in life? I don't know. It depends on what you define as a "career." I do intend to teach high school again when my kids are old enough. I enjoy that. And every once in a while I browse the Internet for performance opportunities around the area. None of them have been exactly right for my family dynamic. And maybe never will be.

I have a feeling that God knows me well enough that He'll allow me a performance or two in the next life. I mean, He knows what "heaven" would mean to me...

The Question Trend

So, apparently it's pretty obvious that music and performing are a huge part of my life and my heart. And if you haven't noticed it yet, you may want to have that reading disorder looked at. A lot of the questions I got after writing my "Notice me!" tirade are related to that subject. So I'll answer those all in one post. This post. :)

(EDITORS' NOTE: Due to my long-windedness and the need of my children to actually have a mother, I will only answer Katie's question in this post. The others I will answer in a "TO BE CONTINUED" post, later this day).

From Katie: "What is the favorite role you've ever played and why?"

This one is always very easy for me to answer. You would think not because I've played a lot of varied roles, very different from each other. And I've performed in a few venues (which can greatly affect one's memory of an experience). And I've played quite a few romantic leads opposite my husband. And I've even been fortunate enough in my life to request a specific role from a director, and actually get it (*cough* Frumah Sarah *cough, cough*).

But I will always, always, ALWAYS be grateful for the experience of playing "Eve" in "Children of Eden" at the SCERA Shell in 2002. There are a lot of contributing factors:


1) The cast was AMAZING! And I don't just mean amazingly talented, but I mean amazing to work with. There were so many people in that cast - like 100, or so - and there were so many people who were triple threats, and yet, no divas. We were like a family from beginning to end. And even though my (then new) husband and I missed the first 2 weeks of rehearsal because we went and got married and were on a honeymoon, they welcomed us in so warmly and didn't even blink at me, the lead, missing all of that work time. PLUS, my brother and sister and cousin were all in it. That was kind of rad. Oh, and Neal Johnson as "The Father?" Amazing. Acting opposite him felt like play all the time, he was so good. I especially loved the scenes where he would just totally yell at me. So fun.


2) Playing Eve after just having been through the temple in its entirety for the first time was an incredible experience. And doing "Children of Eden" in Utah will always be different than doing it elsewhere because of the allowance of religious themes and the spirit that was often present even at rehearsal. While I'm not sure that the entire cast was LDS, we still had some pretty amazing spiritual experiences. There is a scene at the end of ACT 1 where Eve (me) is old and dying. And she's at the altar, giving her daily supplication to the Lord, and she kind of yells at Him because she knows He can hear her, but never responds. And you can sense she's had to work on being patient with Him (a struggle she has throughout the entire 1st Act). And then, when she composes herself and prays with respect, He finally, after years of silence, quietly says, "Eve." Our director blocked it so that you could see Him behind me the entire time - but he doesn't say anything until that moment. It took everything in me to not fall apart at that moment every night so I could finish the monologue, sing an entire song to my "posterity," and then run into His arm's. It. was. incredible. Every night.


3) My husband played one end of the Serpent and that scene was really fun to do with him. Sure, he played the guy kind of gay, but that was the charm of it. In fact, the perfect balance of humor and emotion that was required of me in that production made it a very exhilarating and exhausting role to play. That is a very rewarding feeling to have. A balance of laughter and drama are kind of how I envision myself, and so I really felt like I fit in the role like a glove.



4) The director - Jan (then Shelton) Hunsaker. She had never met me, seen me, knew nothing of me. I showed up to the audition. Sang my song. Showed up to the callback. Read the sides, sang a few songs. A week later, my brother calls me from the theatre to tell me I've been cast as Eve. This was such a shock because the director knew I'd be missing at least two weeks of rehearsal with my wedding. And she still gave me the lead. Also - there were some community message boards that were popular among Utah community theatre actors and they were talking about how I didn't have the range to play the role. It was a real bruise to my ego. I ran into her later that day and expressed my concerns. She said she remembered I'd be out-of-town, but that she had felt something very strong when deciding to cast me. I was relatively unknown in that community, still (which matters), but she felt like the role was right for me and that she was willing to take a chance on me, even, if only, for my singing voice. That director and I have since worked on dozens of shows together and are very good friends. I miss her.

5) I was newly married. Everything made me happy.

Also, from Katie: "Is everyone in your family super duper talented?"

Yes. At least, I can vouch for my immediate family, anyway. The cousins and in-laws.... well, maybe talent attracts talent? I have 4 siblings: 2 brothers, 2 sisters. My parents are both incredibly talented musicians, who chose not to pursue it as a career. My mother spent hours instilling a love of music in my family. While my oldest brother doesn't care much for theatre or Utah (why you may not have known he even exists), he is an amazing drummer. You've met Cindy, the greatest soprano to grace the Earth. Tony did shows in Utah, and he's got a Tenor voice you wouldn't believe. And my little sister, Tina, still does shows here and there, but more in the Payson area.

As kids, we were in a family band and had to do gigs with my parents on most holidays. Mostly 50s, 60s, and 70s music. My dad played bass/sax/flute/clarinet. My brother, Alan, played the drums. My mom was the keyboards and did a lot of the ballads. My brother, Tony, would do a song here and there and then go to the boards to check sound balance. My sisters and I sang trios and were the "eye candy" (we were little, so we were more there for the cute factor). We wore sequins and did a lot of swaying. I had to start singing alto harmonies at 7 years old . We hated it. But, in hindsight, it was pretty cool. "The Winkel Family Band." We were even in the paper and on the local news a few times. :) We did a lot of County Fairs, store events, club events, and Church Parties. My first New Year's Eve without a family gig didn't happen until I was 20-years-old. I used to show up to Church dances on NY Eve at about 11:30 PM, my hair wreaking of cigarette smoke. I never thought I'd say this growing up, but I miss it.

Liz's Questions - Goodie!!!

"If you could have the lead in any musical production for one night, what would it be?"

Ok. Not fair. This is like asking people their favorite movie. Or like asking a chocoholic what their favorite candy bar is. Or like asking a masochist if they prefer emotional scarring to paper cuts....

So to narrow this down, I have to consider the phrase "for one night." Part of me thinks that I'd have to pick a role I've already played, considering it's only for one night and so the rehearsal process would most likely be limited... but you never insinuated I'd lack sufficient rehearsal time, did you?

Part of me would like a role that is totally against type (meaning, not something people would often picture me in), just so I could prove to myself and everyone that I have both the vocal and acting chops to be versatile. And because I'm usually not cast against type, and this could be my only chance to play against type.

But let's be honest, here. I would probably have to pick a role that is VERY type-cast and pretty much made for me, because that way I could perform it for one night and then get offered a lifetime contract for a ga-zillion dollars because I was just that good, right?

Here's the thing: the answer I'm going to give is going to seem generic because a lot of Broadway-bound little 18-22 year old girls with stars in their eyes think that they can play the role I'm about to name. They all think they can sing it better than anyone. It's the trend right now for all musical theatre girls to think they are destined to play it. But I KNOW I could play it because I AM destined to play it. It's my strongest genre of singing (musical/pop belting for a mezzo soprano) - my "forte'," sotospeak (that's punny because I'm loud.... never mind). The character is sarcastic, misunderstood, confident, and a little bit.... twisted. She's not your typical ingenue in the looks or brains department (translation: all signs point to ME)! And she's green.... which I'm not, but I'm really pale, so the green make-up would be more opaque on me than a lot of the actresses who've worn it. So I'm going to have to say it: Elphaba in "Wicked."

And part of that could very easily be my subconscious's way of struggling to let go of that time a few years back when I was THIS CLOSE to actually being cast in that role. But part of it is because, I swear, it was written for me. If you don't believe me, then come over to my house and I'll sing "Defying Gravity" for you like the sister missionaries made me do at our dinner appointment a few weeks ago. I'm pretty alright at it.

1st Runner-up: Fanny Brice in "Funny Girl"
2nd Runner-up: The Witch in "Into the Woods"

"What time do your kids wake up in the morning?"

I'm not sure. But I go in and wake them at 8 am. Sometimes I think Malia wakes up earlier because when I go in to retrieve her, she's in far too good of a mood and active of spirits to have just been asleep. And sometimes, when I get online to read the news at around 7:45 am, CC is having a pretty trippy conversation with herself. And other times, they are both out like a light when I wake them.

Both of my girls have been sleep-trained to pretty much "stay put" and "keep quiet" until Mommy comes in to start their day.

"If you had to spend one month in a foreign country, which would you choose and why?"

A month is a long time. At first, I want to say somewhere like Italy or France because that's the chic and cool thing to say (and P.S. I really want to go to those places). But a month is longer than, say, a 2-week vacation.

I'm going to pick something that is totally going to shock my husband: Japan. This would shock him because we spent the majority of our dating life there, and I was very anxious to be back in the States the whole time. My reason for picking it, then, is because I regret not enjoying my stint there more than I did. There was a lot of sight-seeing I did not do, and I kick myself to this day for that. Plus, I know I could survive there without knowing the language. And while the Japanese don't love Westerners, Europeans seem to "not love" us even more. Plus, they aren't 3rd world or anything... and a month would be a long time to live without certain "necessities," being the spoiled American that I am.

And I really miss my friend Eiko, who I can't even find on facebook, and I'd try to hunt her down...

"What is the hardest thing for you about motherhood?"

Hands down - my self-esteem

Despite some sort of deceptive, confident air I apparently give out, I am actually very insecure. There are certain "crutches" in my life that I leaned on when I was growing up and going through rough patches. When I didn't feel pretty, I at least knew I was thin. When I didn't feel thin, I knew I had funny. When I didn't feel funny, I knew I was smart. When I didn't feel smart, I held on to talent. And when I didn't feel talented, I grasped at shock value. Call them coping mechanisms. Call it delusional. Call it sad, even.

As a mother, my "crutches" have diminished to seeming non-existence. Thin split 5 years ago and hasn't shown any signs of a reunion tour. Funny is lost on my children and even my husband. Smart went into the trash with dirty diapers the moment I went from "I got a 32 on my ACTs" to "Uh oh. Did you bonk a widdle head?" And talent? Yeah. It's not really being.... "utilized."

So, even with the colic and the post-partum depression, those both were temporary and had fixes (felt like an eternity at the time - but I have seen the end of them both).

My self-esteem, however, seems to take a constant and steady beating.

And that's hard for us self-centered types. My self-esteem is the one thing that just can't seem to be repaired by the infinitely rewarding hugs, kisses, and pre-bedtime snuggles. Even when Malia says, "You're the best Mommy ever." I mean, that should do it, right?

I'm working on it.

"Why do dogs eat their own poop?"

I tried to decide if I should actually look this up for you (you weird-o). And I decided that you could do that yourself, if you really cared. So I'm going to take a stab at it with no research whatsoever, assuming you just wanted to see what I would come up with.

I'm going to guess it has something to do with survival instinct from before they were domesticated animals. I dunno. Maybe something about scarce options. They travel in packs in the wild, so maybe the runt doesn't always get to eat, and has to settle for the literal "sloppy seconds?"

Ok. Gross. I don't want to try anymore because I have to dwell on the subject in order to come up with something, and I am the type of person who visualizes when I think, so no thank you.

And I love that THAT was your last question and I have to end on it.
Thanks, Liz.

Hair - Part Deux

Huh. Apparently I did take some pictures of recent hair experiments:


So, after writing that hair blog this morning, I decided to take some pictures of the process. :)

Malia starts every morning with a french braid because she sleeps with it (part of the frizzy annoyance - I braid her hair every night).

I spray it wet to make getting through the tangles easier. I don't like detanglers because it sometimes causes problems with texture when using other sprays and they don't mix well. Also - she once had a very bad skin reaction to a detangler.

I did an example of a part using the "natural" part and then adding a middle part just for show. Today, we actually used a middle part all the way up.

If you're doing more than one of anything (braid/ponytail/etc.), it's always good to tie off the side you're not working on. It makes it easier to keep symmetry and a clean part.

I usually have to spray her hair again to make it smooth. Her hair is so thick, it's not very damp anymore. Plus, I make sure to get a tight grip. At this point, she's already said, "Ow!" 1/2 a dozen times. Tender head or no, sometimes tolerance is a learned process.

Half way down the hair, I notice it starts feeling tangled and it's harder to grab pieces. I usually have to spray it with water again and comb through the remainder of the hair before continuing the braid.


With the one side complete, I can now do the other. It was a little bumpy today because she seemed extra sensitive about her head.

After all that work, she then pleaded with me to wear her new Tinker Bell hat. *sigh*

CC's hair often begins in some sort of rat's nest. You can see why we need the water bottle for her. Again - a detangler works, too. But the hair tends to drink up a detangler more quickly than water, so you have less time to work with it before needing to spray it again... and all that residue can get really sticky.

CC's hair is more fine, and so we usually have to do 3 or 4 sections. Doing a big french braid, or even 2, just doesn't hold with shorter, finer hair. Today we went with an inside-out french braid where bangs usually go. Adult women usually bobby pin this into place, but a 2-year-old is too active for bobby pins to stay put, so we opted for two pigtails.

She decided she wanted to wear her hat, too, like, "Wi-a!" Why do I even bother?

And in case you're wondering how I find the time in the day to go through that process every morning, you will note that something has to be sacrificed to the "time gods." And that sacrifice is usually my hair:


Amazing, isn't it? (yes. My hair is two colors: red on top, black on the bottom).
And to think, it only took me 5 seconds....

My Girls' Hair - for Abby

Aside from all the extra attention I got to feed my ego.... :) - I am also excited to answer some of those questions. (Especially yours, Liz - which I figured would end up being the case).

Ok - first, Abby. My girls' hair. Thing is, Malia was born with hair that wasn't sure if it was curly or straight. And because half of it fell out in the beginning, it grew in all these random lengths. So I was forced to start getting creative with rubber bands, clips, and pigtails from the get-go.

Then her hair went and got really curly, but was still very fine, and so it took a lot of work to get it styled and then get it to actually STAY. That's when I started investing in mousse, gels, and curl agents to make it sticky and to stay-put. I also didn't want to cut bangs for her yet, like a lot of Mom's do with their toddlers, because I had bangs all through my adolescence, and growing them out eventually is just a pain - I hate the mid-growth phase. Again, clips and headbands were my best friend.


Then her hair started to get really long, and I could see her ringlets were sort of only on the bottom half of her head. So I cut it, thinking it would BOING! those ringlets right back up. No dice. I was so mad. Also, this was around the time she started getting really annoyed with the frizzy texture of her hair brushing her face. Enter the world of the perpetual pigtails.

That was around 3 years old, and she's 5 now with very thick, frizzy/somewhat curly hair. And CC, being 2, has fine hair still, so we mostly stick with piggies and smaller braids for her (always using something to make it a little sticky).


So, in lieu of discussing 2 more years of experimentation, I will just tell you this:

*Years of performing and theatre. I got very experienced with many hairstyles, coming from many time periods. I even became the "unofficial" residential hair styler for a few productions (which was unfortunate because I was often the lead... it got stressful).

*Boring math class in high school. When I mastered the french braid - on my own head. I have since learned the inside out braid as well. Both are beneficial. Learn them. Master them.

*I'm mean. Malia has cried through MANY hair stylings, as has CC. But they've both learned not to go anywhere. They usually get a pretty good snuggle afterwards.

*I do their hair after I dress them. So, sometimes the style is determined on the selection of hair accessories that match. Either way, Malia's hair HAS to be out of her face or she complains all. day.

*Try to work with the natural part and not against it. My girls rarely have their hair parted down the middle because it just doesn't hold as well. I've learned to part it where it wants, and then I usually go down the middle about half way down the head when doing pigtails and the two french braids.

*A familiar system that they just have to accept. I turn on the TV to occupy them and hand them their blankets (for comfort) and I always have these supplies right next to me on the floor:


A water spray bottle. The thicker the hair (Malia's), the more crucial this is. I use it on CC mostly because her hair CAN be curly, but is more kinky, and if I don't spray it, she has terrible looking bedhead.

A curl spray. Even though CC doesn't have a lot of curl, and Lili's hair has mostly become wavy, I use it mostly for the "stickiness." It's not too sticky, like hair spray would be - which would also leave a gross residue. And it doesn't make the hair stick together like mousse would. I don't have the above brand at the moment. I usually get what's on sale.

Always, ALWAYS brush the hair. Even if you think you don't have to. And also, use a brush where the little ball thingies on the end are one entity with the bristles. None of that "little-rubber-balls-on-the-end-of-metallic-bristles" crap.Rattail comb. A MUST. I use it for parting hair.


And then, of course, elastics. I tend to use the little latex ones for small braids and smaller ponytails. Anything bigger I try to always use a big fabric elastic. And I make it pretty tight. Another reason a rattail comb is needed. A tightened elastic often causes bumps.... so I comb those out afterwards and anything that bunches up at the tie, I hide with a bow.

And because this is Abby ;) - I recommend not even owning any scissors. That whole haircut every few months thing is kind of impeding on any progress. LOL.


ALSO - I stumbled upon this about two weeks ago:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/princesshairstyles

They even give brief explanations if you click on the picture and the included link. Her daughter has straighter hair like your girls, so her styles would probably work even better on them then they do on Malia.

We did this one last week for pre-school (disclaimer: not my kid).


And this one we did for Church:


And I hope to do this one for Easter w/ matching ribbons for her dress:

Hello....???

Is anybody there?

Ok, so listen. I know I'm not one of those people with so many followers I could visit Oprah and have advertising on my blog; or with a story that touches people hearts to the very core; and I'm not incredibly witty or just too dang sexy livin' in a cool city; I don't jump hurdles with inspiring resilience; heck - I'm not even entertainingly random.

But here's the thing. I started a blog a few years ago as a means to feeling like I was keeping up with my journal-writing, right? Also, it was a great way to feel as if I was communicating with a world outside of my perpetual playdates. And, it didn't hurt that when Grandma[s] called wanting "pictures of the girls!!!," I could easily oblige with, "Have you looked at the blog, recently?"

Ok. That's a lie.

I created a blog for ATTENTION! You hear me?! I wanted people to know about my life and say, "Oh, she's so funny/inspiring/talented/amazing/etc." or "she has the most adorable children on the face of the earth" or "my day just isn't complete without a peek into Tiffany's amazing world."

Ok?!

THAT's why we do this.

None of this crap about "oh, I just wanted to feel connected" and "I felt I had a story to share" and "I felt the need to purge... I didn't realize the world would be reading."

Puh-LEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAASE!

Ok. *breathe*

So, why the sudden rant? Because something has happened in the world of mommy bloggers. Comments are diminishing. And not only on my blog - on blogs I follow, I've noticed it as well. In fact, I'm to blame, too. I check my reader about 3 times a day - morning, girls' napping, and before bed - and that usually averages 1/2 a dozen blogs a day that I DON'T comment on.

C'mon, ya'll! VALIDATE me!!!!

So, here's the thing... I'm going to copy my friend Liz with something she did ions ago (at least I think it was her...) and fish for some sort of evidence of life out there. But I'm not doing it for writer's block like I think was her reason. I'm much more narcissistic. I'm doing it because I need proof that I'm still cool enough to be popular, acknowledged, and validated.

So, your mission, should you choose to accept it:

Leave me a comment asking me ANYTHING you'd like. And I will answer, no holds barred - totally honest (unless it's about stuff that would make my husband blush.... no. Scratch that. Unless it's stuff that would make my husband leave me).

And....... GO!

My Dates for Valentine's Day

Pretty much 3 of the best-looking people in the world.... don't be jealous.

I Am Blessed

Déjà vu

I recently painted the walls around our staircase. It was the last area in our house that needed it, and we finally got to it last weekend (after over 3 years of living here). As I was hanging these adorable pictures of my girls back into their place...

... I decided that I wanted to get an equal-sized (11x17) printout of my engagement picture and a wedding picture of my parents to fill up the empty space to the left.


I began browsing through old pictures that I had recently scanned into my computer and the following photo really caught my eye. There was just something strangely familiar about the action, body language and facial expressions of my parents.

I felt a sudden and strange urge to flip it:


... and then I remembered where I'd seen it all before.



It's not exactly the same, because the picture of me & Dave was taken around what was, maybe, 2 seconds AFTER what is going on in the picture of my parents.

It just seemed funny to me.

P.S. Aren't my parents hot?!

Have You Noticed a Pattern?

If you seem to find my blog lacking in the "pictures of my children" department, you can rest-assured it's due to one of the following:

1) Losing my camera
2) Losing the battery
3) Losing the battery charger
d) ALL OF THE ABOVE

This time it was "#3," which I've never done before. My brother borrowed my camera the week before Christmas, and so when I went up to my parents, I brought my charger with me so I could juice the camera up for the holiday. I don't usually pack my charger. I usually just charge the camera up to full energy the night before going somewhere and cross my fingers it lasts the trip.

So, I left the charger at my mom's.

She fed-exed it to me last week (it would have been sooner, except I didn't know to ask if she had it until I had exhausted all other options).

Thus - if you're a "book with no pictures" enthusiast, then this is where you should stop. Otherwise, here comes the proud mommy parade.

These first few pictures come from the period we like to call B.C.D (before the camera died)

The above picture has recently become Dave's wallpaper on his computer. It's definitely a winner.

Cecily always feels the need to have a full-on conversation with the characters before approaching them. It must be some sort of "getting-to-know-you-before-any-touching" tactic. Can't say I mind - hopefully she sticks with that when she's dating. It's either that or she just likes to talk. Don't know where that came from....

Tigger just assaulted her and it shut her up pretty quickly. Don't worry. The body language may scream "fear," but she actually did laugh after this.

You'd never know this was Cecily's favorite ride by the look on her face, but those handles are a new addition, so she was really intrigued and didn't want to be bothered by my picture-taking. Malia always looks like everything is her favorite, so...

How do you get a picture of CC with a perfect grin? Do something to make her laugh and then quickly take a picture before she realizes it.

... otherwise, you get something like this.

I don't know if you know who this guy is, but he had a birthday in January or something. :)
And then my camera died. :(

Now we usher in A.C.R (after the charger was returned)

Waiting in line for the monorail. If you think it looks like all we do with our lives is go to Disneyland, you might be right. But really? It's just the only time I think to pack my camera.

Malia and her friend Saydie. They were in our ward but recently moved. They go to the same pre-school. Malia was dragging her along to visit Tinker Bell.

CC and Saydie's little brother, Kael (otherwise known as "Dude"). To call them "friends" would be using the term loosely. I mean, she likes him, but he really can't be bothered.

Again - Cecily is talking everyones' ear off - but with the face characters, she's more willing to approach them and converse.

Fawn loved my girls that day. It's kind of a lottery - you can actually tell when the characters aren't in the best mood. Fortunately, we must have caught her right after lunch.

She even walked the girls over to Tinker Bell. Usually they just take a picture and send you on your way. But Fawn was especially attentive to Malia that day. I would've felt bad for the people waiting in the miserable line behind us, except that I had just been in that miserable line, so I was soaking it up.

Malia has just informed Tinker Bell something about pixie dust and not having any.

CC is still talking.

I guess poor Saydie isn't used to a Mom who makes her take pictures even with the sun glaring right into her little eyeballs.

Have you ever seen these? They place them in two different places and you can have a conversation. (this is not Disneyland, BTW. You should be impressed).

Here's Malia on the other end. I really regret not video taping this. The conversation they were having was comedic gold. *kicking self*

It makes me happy that I have such happy kids.

Again - just before this was a moment I wished I'd video-taped. By the time I thought to, Malia was already moving on.

"Hey, Summer. You wanna' play me?"

I love those moments when they don't realize I'm taking a picture. It makes it a more accurate "snapshot of life."

My girls love the swings.

Charming.

Yay! I caught a smile!

Yay! Two in a row!

I love these kinds of pictures of my CCLemon. It gives the viewer a glimpse of what I get to see looking down at her every day. She's precious.

As you can see by her extension, Malia tends to "go for it" with a little more... "energy," if you will.

Holy tiptoes, Batman!

Malia attended a birthday party last Saturday for a friend from pre-school at this place called "The Little Gym." She was in hyperactivity heaven!

Seriously. I have a video of the above moment, and the shrieking being emitted from this itty-bitty body would make your ears bleed.

Speaking of itty-bitty, I want you to note that Malia is one of the oldest kids in this picture. Good heavens! Does she need more milk or something?! Steroids, even?!!!

She didn't know hardly any of the kids at the party, with the exception of the birthday girl. But I was really proud of her for enjoying herself, by herself.

Now is the part where I'm supposed to say something really clever to give closure to this post, but this took me TOO LONG! So - peace out.