Minnie Mouse

I love my country, but I'm really going to love it now.

And for anybody that doesn't see this man as the best person for the job in this lifetime because of race, economics or self hatred....

A Letter from California

Dear Red States,

We've decided we're leaving. We intend to form our own country, and we're taking the other Blue States with us. In case you aren't aware, that includes Hawaii , Oregon , Washington , Minnesota , Wisconsin , Michigan , Illinois and all the Northeast. We believe this split will be beneficial to the nation, and especially to the people of the new country of New California. To sum up briefly: You get Texas , Oklahoma and all the slave states. We get stem cell research and the best beaches. We get Elliot
Spitzer. You get Ken Lay. We get the Statue of Liberty. You get Dollywood. We get Intel and Microsoft. You get WorldCom. We get Harvard. You get Ole' Miss. We get 85 percent of America 's venture capital and entrepreneurs. You get Alabama . We get two-thirds of the tax revenue, you get to make the red states pay their fair share. Since our aggregate divorce rate is 22 percent lower than the Christian Coalition's, we get a bunch of happy families. You get a bunch of single moms. Please be aware that Nuevo California will be pro-choice and anti-war, and we're going to want all our citizens back from Iraq at once. If you need people to fight, ask your evangelicals. They have kids they're apparently willing to send to their deaths for no purpose, and they don't care if you don't show pictures of their children's caskets coming home. We do wish you success in Iraq , and hope that the WMDs turn up, but we're not willing to spend our resources in Bush's Quagmire. With the Blue States in hand, we will have firm control of 80 percent of the country's fresh water, more than 90 percent of the pineapple and lettuce, 92 percent of the nation's fresh fruit, 95 percent of America 's quality wines (you can serve French wines at state dinners), 90 percent of all cheese, 90 percent of the high tech industry, most of the U.S. low-sulfur coal, all living redwoods, sequoias and condors, all the Ivy and Seven Sister schools, plus Harvard, Yale, Stanford , Cal Tech and MIT. With the Red States, on the other hand, you will have to cope with 88 percent of all obese Americans (and their projected health care costs), 92 percent of all U.S. mosquitoes, nearly 100 percent of the tornadoes, 90 percent of the hurricanes, 99 percent of all Southern Baptists, virtually 100 percent of all televangelists, Rush Limbaugh, Bob Jones University , Clemson and the University of
Georgia . We get Hollywood and Yosemite , thank you. Additionally, 38 percent of those in the Red states believe Jonah was actually swallowed by a whale, 62 percent believe life is sacred unless we're discussing the death penalty or gun laws, 44 percent say that evolution is only a theory, 53 percent that Saddam was involved in 9/11 and 61 percent of you crazy b*****ds believe you are people with higher morals then we lefties. By the way, we're taking the good pot, too. You can have that dirt weed they grow in Mexico.

Peace out,
Blue States

Scary Scary Fire Mouth

This is the name of Noah's monster and there is something so sweet and precious about what she thinks a monster looks like and the way it acts. She thinks they're funny, monsters can't hurt her for real, "just pretend mommy." Hot damn she gets! We painted this a few days ago and it was an all day project because we had to wait for pieces to try before moving on to the next step and she was a joy to watch as she anticipated scaring daddy at his office telling me, over and over again that it couldn't look like a bag because then she'd just be Noah in a bag, he (daddy) has to believe it's a monster. So we put it in the trunk and made sure to arrive at the mall early enough that it was smarter to meet at his office. She glowed crawling around his office carpet as Scary Scary Fire Mouth.

Allergic to almost everything

It sucks. now we think it might be tomatoes too. I'll know Thursday. And the state of pediatric allergeries is uncharted territory. I fear I know more about the future of food allergies in children. They are looking backward instead of looking to the East or to what this might mean next... Thank God that's the problem. Really, there's gratitude in that too. It makes my day harder and Delmy's too, but it's actually okay - but the Italian in me grieves the cheese and tomatoes. Those are some of my favorite things.

My son is beautiful, for real.

For real, for real. Isaiah is gorgeous. Either you're thinking what a cocky wench OR she must really love her son, and how I see it.. either way I am so blessed. If he is one of those kids who just isn't cute, not only do I have no clue... I also think he is one of the most beautiful little boys ever. Gospel truth. And the whole reason I came back tonight was because I had a moment just before while watching the news when I thought of something I am excited to instill in my son, gentry. Tonight as I watched the second MSNBC show dedicating their first block to Ted Stevens, the Alaskan senator who just got convicted of seven felonies on charges of making false statements on Senate financial documents about gifts he received from his contractor for doubling the size of his house for free. I noticed this awful old man holding doors open for women, literally. This is not a man I like, obviously. He's corrupt, he's one of those old white men who is so arrogant that he thinks he can actually get away with it and oh, yeah...he's a republican. So I don't like this kinda guy, but I felt something in my belly admire him when he opened up the back door of the SUV while photographers were taking photos of his guilt so that his female attorney, daughter or maybe it was his wife climbed into the back seat. Instead of just rushing to hide inside the car, he stopped and did what was respectful. He then did it again later in a second clip as he held the building door open thinking someone, perhaps even a stranger was behind him. When he noticed no one was following him in, he walked inside. It made me think of how I was going to teach Isaiah about opening the door for women and older people. Broderick isn't as conscious about those kinds of things as Jonathan or even his brother Ferris. I want Isaiah to always hold the door or elevator for an older person or woman, Even by letting them pass if they both arrive at the escalator at the same time. I thought how could I do it as not to embarrass him. And then it dawned on me that I will both tell him and remind him in public. It's that important to me that he be a gentlemen. I think it's one of the measures of a man up there with intelligence and strength. I even felt proud in my forward thinking fantasy that he will someday remember me as a women who demanded he respect women for being women.

Sneaky Smurf

For the last six months or so, Noah has been growing more and more sneaky. Jonathan was mentioning that he noticed the same trait in her. He said it was a weird blend of feelings because nobody likes sneaky but there's such a cleverness in how she goes about it, you're almost proud. She definitely knows what she wants, I guess it's a good thing but they how she gets it drives me nuts. Today she kept sneaking back into my office, either when I was doing the dishes or dealing with Isaiah. She waits for the perfect time and then slips away and sits at my desk unscrewing the top to her Halloween flashlight because she wants to see what happens when she puts size c batteries where the size d go. Curious, creative, conscious of her surrounding, wonderful. BUT there's also this part of her that refuses to take no for an answer just on principle alone. For instance, today, each time I found her at my desk trying to switch the batteries she also kept trying to open a brand new car alarm battery. When I caught her at my desk she kept trying to open it and would ask a question about it, how does it work? why is it little? Can she have it? Of course my frustrated response was, "No, leave it alone." Period. And tonight when I decide to come back really quickly while Broderick is asleep on the sofa with Hardball and blog, I noticed that clever devil snuck back here one last time before she went to bed and opened my car alarm battery....at least she didn't try to hide it.

Our Home

A year ago I said I would post pictures of our home for those of you who still haven't come visit us yet... you bastards! This house means so much to me, to us. I found this house and we stalked the family until we finally convinced them to sell it to us. The house was pink, there was no real porch and it sat on top a hill of the dustiest dirt. It's takes 3 years and so much money that I'm embarrassed to say. Years worth of weekend were spent in Home Depot EXPO and in random shops through the county salvaging antiques, brokering deals and fighting for what they promised us. Save the screens in our bedroom, our dream home is complete. And this week we've officially petitioned the city to rebuild our garage as a 2 story, 2 bed, 2 bath guest house for our families, friends and the fair god mother that is going to find me and help me raise my kids by taking the early morning and witching hour shift! The house is decorated with pumpkins and funny bats in the trees.

Team Johnson

This picture of Isaiah was taken yesterday. Broderick and I make a comment almost daily about his hair. It's so straight and blond and thin and wild. It's about that time when a first haircut would be appropriate, but we'd be cutting those curls and as much as I know that they would grow back, I'm not ready to say goodbye to them just yet. Noah got to see Jenn and Jonathan this past weekend. Jenn is so helpful with the kids and always a delight to be around. Noah adores her and my dad thinks she's the cats meow. I like her because she likes Ice Tea, wine, cheese and massages.. but not the Korean kind! Noah finally grew into the jacket that Gigi bought her. Actually Gigi was the first person that Noah called by name other than mommy, daddy and nana.

A lesson on Leaves... if you were there, you'd get it

During winter, there is not enough light or water for photosynthesis. The trees will rest, and live off the food they stored during the summer. They begin to shut down their food-making factories. The green chlorophyll disappears from the leaves. As the bright green fades away, we begin to see yellow and orange colors. Small amounts of these colors have been in the leaves all along. We just can't see them in the summer, because they are covered up by the green chlorophyll.

The bright reds and purples we see in leaves are made mostly in the fall. In some trees, like maples, glucose is trapped in the leaves after photosynthesis stops. Sunlight and the cool nights of autumn cause the leaves turn this glucose into a red color. The brown color of trees like oaks is made from wastes left in the leaves.

The 2 Jenns

Gregory Lake is so gangsta!

Roller Coaster Baby

Noah and Logan rode their first roller coaster and the sweet thing is that they did it together. Martha's Vineyard is pretty damn magical. It's the happiest place on Earth, really. It's the American dream - well the version of the multi-colored American dream that I like to believe in. This year we visited the county fair. The kids rode rides, some by themselves. We ate fried food and ice cream, saw prize winning geese and pigs racing for the gold. All the families went on the same day so we were always next to someone who we sort of knew or knew dearly. I had a great time as I love an excuse to eat and see my baby bubbas giggle.

Private Jet

Another blessing...the freedom to travel, the ability to travel, the money to travel, the places to go, the husband to help and share it all with, the kids to show the world to, the places still left to see....

Noah & Team Thompson Boys

I'm sure I'm going to have my feminist card revoked because I secretly hope Noah and Matthew fall in love, of course when they're much older...I mean much older. Or at least very good friends. There are many aspects of my life that I am grateful to have - one of them are good friends with kids and husbands and lives we can be honest about with each other. I feel blessed that my children may grow up spending two weeks a year in the Vineyard with two families that share our values. I am grateful that I like my husband, most of the time. I am thankful to have friends whom I can trust and laugh with - laughing is really important to me. I can't believe that I have a mother who doesn't pester me or try to run my life. One of my biggest wishes is that she would come live with us. I regret that she doesn't live down the street. Most days when I walk the neighborhood I picture moving my mom and John and their two dogs into one of the houses in the square - or that Broderick and I buy one of the REALLY big double lot homes and giving my mom this place. I imagine a guest house where my dad and Doreen can come and stay for long periods. Maybe I'm naive or dumb or corny, but I'd really think I would enjoy having everyone on the same block.

Beach Babies

Again from the Inkwell - my favorite beach on the planet - not because the water is crystal clear, nope this place is a little murky. Nor does the Inkwell have a beach with sand like velvet, but it does have the softest surf and the kids can play and I don't have to worry about them being pulled out to sea. Noah and Isaiah could spend the day at the beach. Every time we decide to go to the beach I curse myself for not packing the night before or for not having a better system - but the moment we get everything unpacked, the kids lubed up with sunblock and the blankets unfolded, I wish I did it more and start to dream of a mommyhood where I take them to the beach every Friday morning. I do a lot or dreaming, not much sleeping and very little sitting.

More Disneyland

Driving for Change

This is from a few months back. We were in our rent-a-car on ship heading back to Mass from the Vineyard. Both the kids love to wrangle their way our of the car seat (once it's been unbuckled) and jump into the front. Noah likes to push all the buttons, which can be tricky the next time you start the car. Isaiah, on the other hand, likes to drive - boys!!! He also has started pushing his hot wheels around the house and making car sounds with them. He loves balls, animals, food, cars, books and his mommy. He calls me mama and calls Broderick Daddy. He has eight teeth and the cutest, fat, square, Flinstone feet ever. Noah's feet are long ad skinny and she has big Broderick toes that she always asks me if I want to eat. She also thinks it's very funny to tell me that I have toe jam in my hair. On our way back from preschool she immediately takes off her shoes and tries to tease me with her toes. She also likes to roll down the window and pretended she's going to stick her feet out the window and perhaps a bird, a monster or a tiger will eat her toes. After she tires of that she tells me about the toe jam in my hair. Today she hummed at her highest pitch and loudest voice, the Little Mermaid song. We then pretended that daddy was King Trinton.

Dang, my windows were just shacking - I think a helicopter just landed on my roof. Or maybe it's ET.

Groceries and chil-ren

I wish I could say that I take the kids to the grocery store every time, but I'm just not that stable or that talented. I usually go on Monday mornings and take Isaiah while Noah has her Spanish lesson. Sometimes though I get into something and miss my awake window with Isaiah and leave them both with Delmy. I enjoy going with the kids - it takes four times as long, and I usually have to do some yelling, and on bad days a little pinch to get Noah to sit down, but I get to talk to them and I see them take in the other people and all the colorful items in the store. Noah ALWAYS wants to sit in the front and it's ALWAYS an issue, but sometimes she gets her turn and Isaiah sits on and eventually cracks all the chips. One time when Noah was in the back of the basket I noticed she had eaten the whole pint of blueberries.

Sleepy Smurfs

This is a perfect example, everybody gets to nap except me, These pictures were taken while we were on vacation in Martha's Vineyard. It was our second year joining the Simmons and Thompsons. I love seeing the kids together. There are so many little kids, it warms the heart, to see them enjoy and like each other. Noah fell in love with Gigi, Rhonda's daughter who is five and all the pre-teen girls fell in love with Isaiah. I didn't have to worry about him falling off the porch or playing in the toilet because he had a harem of babysitters. There was one incident that showed how the week went - I needed to feed Isaiah lunch and the girls, all five of them, asked if they could do it. They organized themselves and each got a spoon and gave him one bite. Then a few days later they did the same thing but decided to start with the person who went last, last time. We loved being in the Vineyard so much that we've decided to rent a bigger house (so we can take a few real sitters) and go for two weeks. I'm glad to be leaving the blue house, as I still believe it's haunted, even in a good way. Next year the kids will be really easy at the Inkwell. Isaiah will be two and Noah will be four. They're playing together right now. They think it's so fun and funny to crawl and tumble on the futon in my office. I had to hide the chalk because Isaiah puts it in his mouth and looks like he swamp thing with green drool or demonic with red slobber. I don't understand why he likes the taste of chalk!

The bubbies this summer

Dang, I guess we're well into Fall.

Disneyland

Lake Arrowhead, land of the Yes on 8

This past weekend Team Johnson headed up into the San Bernadino mountains and made our first visit to Lake Arrowhead. I had no idea a place like this existed so close to Los Angeles. It took us about 2 and a half hours to make it out of LA traffic and up the mountain. The road we took up the mountain is actually build on the side of the mountain and winds up the road like a thin ribbon wrapped around a massive wedding cake. Even through the smog, fog, haze and marine layer you could see what looked like eternity or at least a lot of southern Cali. The trek up the mountain on Rim of the World drive reminded me of Cathy, Heidi and I's dangerous pilgrimage into, up and down and all the way around the mountains of New Zealand. Truth be told, I got sick on the way home. But it was a great weekend. We had won a weekend in a cabin at a silent auction, one of our favorite things...not cabins, but silent auctions. My dad and Doreen met us and stayed in the loft and Jonathan and Jenn drove up too and stayed on the pull out in the living room. There was an old fireplace and an antique lock that Jonathan teaed dad was the same brand as the one him and McCain cracked in WW II. The shower was more like a power hose in a creepy closet, but the air smelled like pine and there were gray squirrels everywhere...not in the shower but outside. I saw a few Blue Jays and one tiny chipmunk. We spent most of our time in the village where we saw a lot of McCain bumper stickers and overheard a lot of stuff that would get your told off in LA - some racist stuff, some redneck stuff and some gays are going to hell stuff. But the lake was beautiful and the ducks made the kids smile. We ate at the same two restaurants both days. The waffle house for breakfast (the 2nd day we were swarmed by bees) and Woody's Land of overpriced cafeteria food. We walked around the shops, Noah got her ears pierced and we drank specially brewed ice teas. Noah and Isaiah shared a decaff blueberry Roobios. Isaiah drank most of it. The second day a baby bear was in a big cage with a woman who looked like she was going to be malled at any minute. The bear kept biting her arms and she pretended not to notice the blood trickling down the finger tips. I went for a hike with Jenn and Jon around Gregory Lake and was informed by Jonathan that the leaves turn colors because the sap pulls back into the tree - thank God for Blackberries.

Noah's new earrings

Obama Mama and the other guy