Mas Los Angeles.

A trip to LA wouldn't be complete without a walk

around the temple while enjoying Sprinkles cupcakes.

Trip 2010.

We started out calling this a mini family vacation. I soon realized any traveling with kids is not a vacation, it is a trip. None the less, we had a good time together. We had some moments where we tried each others patience but we laughed and made some memories...

Like, playing dress up in Nordstrom. We were kind enough to use cheaper props and not designer handbags...I am sure they appreciated the gesture.

Sweet.

Summer is coming to a end...well, summer vacation that is. The heat is here to stay for at least a couple of months. Ewww. Tonight we drove through (or is it thru?) our favorite donut (or is it doughnut?) shop for drinks. No donuts today, but a large beverage with the best pellet ice in town...yes, please!

We love this place. The best Old Fashions around. We even dropped in to celebrate National Donut Day (yep, I'm for real) at our beloved Scotty's on Houston. This day was actually what kicked started our summer. See? Yum.

Tonight intended to be a night without a donut, so I thought. That was until our friendly server who always calls me "dear" filled a bag with donut holes and waved to the kids who were salivating in the back of the minivan. They really know how to keep their customers coming back for more, don't they?!!?

Speaking of yummy, check out this guy...

Enjoy!

I was looking through a box for my tattoo sleeves for my mom...yes, I have tattoo sleeves...and yes, my mom wants to borrow them. While looking for the tattoo sleeves, I found a wig. It made me think of our last Halloween. So, here you go...

Jon and Kate Gosselin.

I feel like I have been working for years trying to perfect Kate's eye roll.

I take my role very seriously!

This is the Jon and Kate after the split (notice Jon's earrings and experimental facial hair)...however if you look closely, you will see a baby bump.

Jon and Kate plus 9?!!?

I probably take my role too seriously!

Then there is this darling boy.

A young Clark Kent.

And this bad boy rockin' the tattoo sleeves.

Poor Me.

If the greatest wealth is health than I am certainly not the Bill Gates of wellness. My leg pain is back. I am more sure of myself than I was the first two times it got me down and am more hopeful than ever that I will beat this. Luckily, I have amazing friends who love me and pray for me. My family is pulling together to help me. And I have heard from many who have loaned me their strength for the meantime. My prayers are being answered.

I am not the only one. Believe it or not, this is the face of a baby with a serious viral infection.

Today it was confirmed that he has RSV. At this point it is something that we have to have monitored daily at the doctors office. He slept all night...7 hours. Meanwhile, I could not take advantage of this. I was up with worry and pain. Oh, motherhood!

And this is the face of the brother who lovingly shared his cough and boogers with the babe. Notice, he is feeling better and back to his mischievous ways. Max has been on high alert as Sam is back to ransacking his room for cars and lego wheels. This is him making a garage for those cars to go into.

I may not have my health, but as we all know money can't buy me love!

Word Association.

Today I was talking to a dear friend that seriously brings out the very best in me. I always hang up the phone feeling refreshed, uplifted and enlightened.

Today was one of those days. We were crying (literally) to each other about personal trials. Challenges that hopefully we conquer and look back on with a sigh of relief.

She said something that really helped me.

"Guilt should only be associated with sin."

Genius.

Why do I weigh myself down with guilt?

I have always associated guilt with my inadequateness.

The dishes aren't done.

Kids eat sandwiches for dinner.

I napped instead of _______(fill-in-the-blank).

I can't seem to get around to sorting that stack of papers.

Or that laundry.

I didn't properly thank a very thoughtful person.

Yeah, so? So, none of those things are associated with sin. Why then must I beat myself silly with guilt. It's okay.

Thank you dear friend. Thank you a million times.

So, the dishes aren't done.

The kids won't remember they ate grilled cheese...let alone care that they did.

I am rested.

Yes, the papers are stacked, but lucky for me, my house isn't in the next Pottery Barn photo shoot.

The laundry can still be found, even if it's in a basket and not a drawer.

I verbally showed appreciation and was truly sincere, after all, that is my style.

Once again, genius. So insightful and just what I needed today.

More Baby Love.

I had my postpartum check up today. I want more babies...am I crazy?