Table for Eight

Lu, Bam, and Zu at the Grand Opening of Dunkin' Donuts. I realize on the heels of yesterday's post about over-indulgence that there's major hypocrisy irony with my post today. But, we have a new neighbor in our 'hood. So I HAD to take the kids and make proper introductions. Right? Tap. Tap. Tap. Anyone still here? I'm telling you, life is a lot more complicated than I ever expected it to be. Even though we went here today, I still haven't tried a donut. Holding out. ***** PS: Elder Meehan had a great Halloween week on his mission. (They actually had a tornado warning, so Halloween was celebrated on November 1st. Eeek!) We miss him so much, but know he's having an amazing experience there, so it's all good. November 2013.

Today's post is a short one. Just a reminder to myself--and you all--that no matter what you're going through, everything is gonna be okay. Even if it's not okay. It's still going to be okay. Okay? Hang on. Until tomorrow, have a beautiful day. PS: Lu, can't wait for your bday tomorrow! Ten is an awesome age! Lu and a little chick. Age 8.

A memory of a not-so-really-really-good day: Brandon's exit. Survivor Caramoan. (c) CBS, Monty Brinton, 2012. One of the greatest "take-aways" from Survivor--for me--has been recognizing how truly fortunate we are I am to have my basic needs (shelter, water, food, freedom to choose, etc.) met on a daily (even hourly) basis. I mean, I think I was always a grateful person. Well, at least I hope I was. But since Survivor, I'm the kind of person who literally thinks, "How awesome is this toliet?" every time I walk into a bathroom now. Or the kind of person who wants to say out loud, "This water is crystal clear ... no diarrhea-fest today!" And I'm not being sarcastic. I literally mean it, "We are so blessed to have clean water and toliets." Anyway, my point! When your basic needs are met, life is so good. And then ... on days when you have your basic needs met AND  EXTRA amazing things happen, life is REALLY REALLY ...

Jr., Papaya, and Jay First things first: Papaya has a lapbelt on. We're all about the seatbelts. Second thing: I am so grateful for new days, for fresh starts, and for reasons to smile. Because every day begins brand new. Past hurts, mistakes, anger, injustices ... they are all wiped away each new day. That's right. Each day, begins anew. Brand new ... if you have the faith to just believe. And we do. Boy, do we ever. **** PS: Thanks to Susan in Florida for sharing her Pistachio Pie recipe with me. We made it Sunday and loved it: Pineapple Pistachio Heath Bar Cool Whip Pie * Graham cracker pie crust * 1 pkg pistachio jello mix (large) * 1 container Cool Whip (large) * 1 can crushed pinapple (large, undrained) * Heath candybar bits (handfull?) 1. Mix all ingredients, save 3-4 tbs of the Heath. 2. Fill pieshell. 3. Chill. 4. Serve with sprinkles of the remaining Heath. From our daughter, Bam--for Dre Dre.

Bam, Papaya and Lu at Disneyland 2010. Like everyone, our lives are full of good and hard. Right now is one of those HARD times. As my BFF said last night when we got off the phone after an update, "Sometimes, don't you feel/think Survivor didn't end, it just changed locations?" And I had to laugh and think, "No question." Survivor has taught me that HARD is part of life. And just because there's HARD doesn't mean life isn't still GOOD. Really good. So, my point! As we face our family's HARD right now, please know, we send love and peace to you as you face yours. (And if it's not too much to ask, please keep us in your thoughts. I truly believe there's a power to collective thought.) XO to you and yours. PS: Since I'm not on Twitter, I'm posting my favorite quote of the week here today. I think it's just awesome:   "We make moment-by-moment decisions what kind of people to be -- whether ...

Our dog, Harriet, asleep Survivor Finale' weekend--IN MY PARENT'S BED! We had no idea. Apparently our kids set this up--and Harriet didn't object. Sorry, mom and dad! I hope you all had a great weekend.  We di d! It was our first weekend without Survivor-related things in t hree+ years. (For reals : I was originally cast fo r season 21 /22, so w e've had Survivor in our lives for a looooonnnngg time ! ) I heart Survivor and the blessing it's been in our lives so very much , but it just feels so good to come back t o life as we know it . I have never loved doing laundry or dishes more. And I really mean that . So, until Tuesday, have a G REAT DAY . Much love to you and your s .   *****   PS: For all my friends and family who've been "worried " about us/me, please know , for every criticism someone has shared related to Survivor, I ' ve received at least two supports/love in kind. (Take that, internet c yber-bulli...

(c) Iyanla Vanzant, 2012. I love thi s q uote. Do esn't it just fire ya u p?     H ave a beautiful weekend!

Zu, Papaya, Lu and Abbey Lynne---the Library's Therapy Dog. (For real!)   First things first. It's about a month away from Valentine's Day and I can't wait ! After playing Survivor twice--in a 12 month period--I can honestly say that I'm all about any holiday that celebrates LOVE and CHOCOLATE! Believe me, the world-- my world --is a better place when there's LOVE and CHOCOLATE in it. Blam! Okay, now my other point! As you may know, I was a long-time Survivor-watcher and fan before I ever played the game. I began watching during Season 1, then auditioned for Season 2: Australia--and for 5 more seasons after that! So I think it's safe to say, Survivor has had a major influence on ME--and our family ( the whole family ). I really love the life lessons Survivor, the game, and the players teach. There are millions, but here are a few off the top of my head: --Beds are a good great thing. --Deodora...