Makes me smile every time I watch.

Gee, Thanks Nate Berkus!

I've been catching up on my DRV'd episodes of the Nate Berkus Show. About two weeks ago, Tyler just happened to sit down next to me during one show that took a turn I wasn't expecting. We ended up having a conversation that made me squirm.

Viva Las Vegas: Wordless Wednesday

Girl's Weekend 2010

8 Gift Ideas for Your 3 Day Walker: 3 Day Thursday

After the closing ceremonies for the 3 Day, many friends and family like to bring their walker pink flowers or balloons. While those things are nice, I feel there are practical gifts that someone who just walked 60 miles would appreciate and be more able to use.

Here are eight gift ideas for your 3 day walker: 

Two years ago I found slippers like these EMU's at Boot World. I surprised Mom and gave them to her right after the walk. I had to take her shoes off for her because she couldn't bend over! She said the soft fur felt really good, especially between her toes. The sturdy sole makes them perfect for wearing out of the house. Mom wore hers to work every day for a week.

Last year, because I'm a good daughter, I let my mom use our foot spa first when we got home from closing ceremonies. Getting your feet into warm water with some soothing bath salts is priority number one after walking so far. I was eying it the way a starving person would a pork chop the whole time. This one from Dr. Scholl's is better than ours because it has a heater to maintain the water temperature.

My mom hasn't been documenting her walks very well but this year I hope to take a lot of pictures and put them together for her in a Memory Book to commemorate her 10th walk. 

Other ideas:

*Before the walk, give a scarf, hat and mitten set for the cold nights (it gets chilly where we camp because we're on the bay).

*A sleeveless vest. I was freezing in the early mornings! I wanted to layer but not take a chance on getting overheated. I wore a light down vest and it was perfect.

*Disposable cameras for anyone not on the digital bandwagon. No worrying about batteries.

*Gift cards to a coffee house. Many people go out of their way for a gourmet cup of coffee in the mornings. I don't carry my entire wallet in my butt bag. Gift cards save space.

*Certificates for a massage and/or pedicure are obvious but so needed! I think a massage would have helped me recover faster (hint, hint).

If you've done the 3 day walk, what was the best gift you've received? Do you have any other ideas to offer?  

*Affiliate links used

Low Tide at Ocean Beach Sunset Cliffs: Wordless Wednesday

Would You Turn Down Free Tickets Because of Your Child's Sports Practice?

I haven't done as well as I think I can at being a Yes Mom when it comes to sweets and computer time (though I have bought Tyler two popsicles). But I think Phil and I do kick ass when it comes to doing things with Tyler that make lasting memories. Last Friday, I didn't tell Tyler until after school that he and I were going to Disneyland. We stayed overnight, and the next day we checked out all the Halloween stuff in the park. 

I'm so fortunate with all the things this blog has brought me. I try to share my good fortune with friends and family whenever I can. I invited our neighbor's kids to go with us as a thank you for watching Tyler when I was in Vegas. They declined because they had a busy weekend planned. I invited my other neighbor. No, sorry, dance and karate. 

I invited so many people, and got the same answer each time. Everyone declined because of their kids' schedules. I have to say I was totally surprised. I literally could not give the extra tickets away! I agree that we have to teach our kids to honor their commitments to their sports. We've had that conversation ourselves when Tyler complains about being too busy. 

But the way I see it, Tyler has his whole adult life to be beholden to someone else and to feel the weight of commitments he can't ignore. Childhood goes by so fast. It won't be too much longer until, as far as Tyler is concerned, the only things Phil and I will be good for are rides, spending money and keeping him fed. Now is the time to make memories. Now is the time for bending the rules a little. 

We've taken Tyler out of school for fun stuff before and we don't feel the least bit bad about it. Tyler has told us more times than we can count, "this has been the best day of my life!" We're so lucky to be able to have given him that. To us, that's part of what being a parent is about. Even though we didn't have company, Tyler and I had a great time together. I just wish the friends I invited had been able to see beyond the missed practice to the potential for lasting memories.

What do you think? Is it OK to miss a class for something like this? Would you have gone? 

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*Disney provided our hotel accommodations and tickets to the parks.

Video PSA - Save the Boobs! 3 Day Thursday