Just Pretend

I met a friend at Pretend City in Irvine to play. Anna was in school, but it was a bit young for her anyway - perfect for Adam and Isabel.

Adam drove the cars around almost the whole time we were there. There were some cooler cars but I didn't get a picture since he was moving too fast!



Isabel's favorite part was getting paid. If they did work such as picking vegetables in the garden, they got paid. The Pretend City employee though she was pretty funny since she always made sure to go and ask her for her money.

De Novo Law Firm - Bankruptcy, Real Estate Law

In case you haven't already heard, I recently launched a new law firm called De Novo Law Firm. De Novo is a Latin term meaning fresh, or anew. Often used in legal situations, I chose the term de novo because it describes perfectly what I try to obtain for my clients -- a fresh start. While bankruptcy is a difficult decision for many, there are several different types of bankruptcy. For many clients, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the best decision but other clients may not qualify and be forced to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy. For some clients looking to save their home, the best decision may be a loan modification or foreclosure litigation and not bankruptcy at all.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their finances or trying to save their home, please give us a call or visit the De Novo Bankruptcy Firm website..

Dexter

The kids have been asking for a dog for years, so now that we have a house and a yard we finally gave in. Santa delivered the dog a week or two before Christmas since it was too cold for him in the sleigh. He is an Australian Shepherd mix. Isabel is still disappointed - she wanted a little dog she could carry around in a purse. Unfortunately since I'm allergic, we have to have an outside dog. She's still trying to get over the fact that the dog is now bigger than her, and still wants a little yappy dog.

Introducing...Dexter the puppy!

OC Fair

A few weeks ago the kids and I went to the OC Fair for the first time. It was beautiful out and we had a great time. The only downside of doing things by myself with the kids is that I don't have any pictures with them. Oh well, here are the highlights...

Sibling Affection

I was just looking at the photos we had taken a few months back, and cracking up at all of the ones of Isabel hugging her siblings. She is such an affectionate kid - always wanting a hug, to be close to you, to hold hands, to kiss goodbye. It is one of my favorite qualities about her.

I said recently, I don't think Isabel could ever have her own room. She has always shared (even in the womb) and I can't imagine her sleeping in a room alone. I'm glad she has a twin and also a sister so close in age to keep her company.

The Present

I love this poem, and just wanted to record it here on the blog so I would have it in a place I can find it.

------


Normal day,

let me be aware of the treasure you are.

Let me learn from you,

love you,

bless you before you depart.

Let me not pass you by

in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.

Let me hold you while I may,

for it may not always be so.

One day I shall dig my nails into the earth,

or bury my face in the pillow,

or stretch myself taut,

or raise my hands to the sky and want,

more than all the world, your return.

~Mary Jean Iron

The Greatest Show on Earth

I took the kids to the Circus a few weeks ago. They loved it - completely mesmerized. Their favorites were cotton candy, the baby elephant, the trapeze, and the motorcycles that drove in the cage.

Summer Days

We have spent a lot of time at the park this summer. The weather has been so fantastic - usually most of July and August is too hot for the park. But this year it has stayed in the 80s and low 90s.

We have one friend from the twins' preschool we meet at the park just about every week, and her Mom took these pictures. I'm glad someone is doing a good job of capturing our summer!

Isabel's First Primary Talk

I wish we could video tape at church. I suppose I could if I really wanted to, but I would feel silly.

Isabel gave her first talk in Primary today (Sunday School for kids). I helped her choose the topic of the Holy Ghost since I felt like that was a topic she knew quite a bit about. I asked her what she knew about the Holy Ghost, and that is what I put in the talk, along with a little bit more I added.

I stood next to her and whispered each sentence and she repeated it nice and clear into the microphone in front of all of the other kids. I don't think words can express how adorable it was, but I still want to record it here so I won't forget.

Here is the text of her talk:

We have been learning about the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Ghost is a spirit.

It can be everywhere.

It can be a million places at once.

The Holy Ghost talks to us quietly.

It helps us to do good.

I have heard the Holy Ghost, he tells me to do what is right.

I am grateful for the Holy Ghost.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.


Afterwards a lady in our Ward told me Isabel was so beautiful, and the talk brought her to tears. That is how I felt too!

Arlo

Almost as long as I've known Ben, he's had Arlo. 16 years ago, he brought him to a high school soccer game as a teeny tiny puppy that could fit into his hands. I remember thinking he was so adorable - and then my own kids fell in love with him many years later. He was the best dog, and we will miss him so much!