It's A Small World After All

We went to Disneyland this week to escape the realtor caravan.  We've only been once before and "It's A Small World" was closed.  This time, we raced there first, and fortunately it was open.  

What a treat that ride is.  And what a fantastic message to our little (and big people) it conveys.  Going through each world seeing different ethnicities and cultures on sweet little singing dolls (albeit cliche) somehow gets me teary-eyed.  

It kind of reminds me of John Lennon's "Imagine."  For those of you who need a reminder (sorry in advance, it *will* get stuck in your head...)

Written by: Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman

It's a world of laughter 
A world of tears 
It's a world of hopes 
And a world of fears 
There's so much that we share 
That it's time we're aware 
It's a small world after all 

There is just one moon 
And one golden sun 
And a smile means 
Friendship to ev'ryone 
Though the mountains divide 
And the oceans are wide 
It's a small world after all.

How true is that?  So simple.  So beautiful.  The ride serves as a reminder that children of the world will always seek global peace.  

Pre-School Cliques

Mean girls.  What's a Mom to do?  I didn't actually see the movie, but I did see a pre-school version of it at the park today.  

New girls arrived at the park after about an hour of mostly boys running and sliding.  Tatum loves playing with the "big girls" (you know, 4 and 5 year olds).  When the new crew of girls came, Tatum asked me if she could play with them.  I told her to go ask them (presuming anyone would just leap at the chance to play with my adorable, brilliant little darling).

Tatum:  (shuffles some confident steps up to the new girls playing in the sand) Can I play with you? (smile)

  

Big Girls:  No we're sisters and you're not a sister.

Tatum:  I'm a sister, and Chase is my brother.

Big Girls:  You're not our sister.  

Tatum:  But, can I play with you?

Big Girls:  (big sigh...)  We said, you're not a sister.

Tatum turns and walks back to me.  Maybe only a Mom could see her shoulders slump a little bit..."Mommy they don't want to play with me."  I cringe inside, and up the ante on my sand castle making.

...a few minutes later...a new crew of girls arrive.  These girls appear out-going and friendly.  

Tatum asks to play with this crew.  Again, I watch in horror.

Tatum:  Can I play with you?

Big Girls:  No, we're on a play date and you're not.

What is it with these little cliques?  Already?

So my little angel had her heart broken on the playground twice.  

Now I know that everyone shouldn't be expected to share their sister, or they play date buddy... but come on.  It's the attitude that surprises me.  And as much as I wanted to intervene, nudge the big girls' parents so that they may apologize and insist their kids be friendly with everyone, I know that reality is that kids don't always share.  Kids don't always get along.  And maybe those kids really were sisters, or playdate buddies, but... snotty attitude in a pre-schooler is scary.

I think it hurt me more than it hurt her, but damn it's hard to watch.  

Family Slideshow

Cast Your Vote

NOT SURE WHICH PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE YOU SHOULD SUPPORT?

If you're like me and are still undecided on the upcoming elections, try this quiz!  A program through Minnesota Public Radio designed a quiz to help you become familiar with the candidates and the issues.  It's fast and gives you a clear picture of who matches up with your thinking.

Awesome tool!  

How Did That Sign Get in Our Yard?

For those of you keeping track, it's official.  The house is on the market.  

The idea started as a tiny seed (don't they all?), and suddenly it's really happening.  I can't say it has been an easy decision.  After much re-evaluating, and yes even soul-searching, we've decided to leave this place we love for a new adventure.  Seeing the sign go up today was surreal.  

I can't point to one specific reason for the move.  Sure San Diego is expensive, but it's not just that.  Sure there are a few too many teenagers driving Hummers and BMW's around here, but it's not that either.  Maybe it's the need for a change of pace.  Maybe we're bored.   Maybe it's because there's no NHL here.  Maybe it's that our kids are still young and it feels like an opportunity to introduce them to a new journey.  Maybe it's just one of those things in your soul that you can't quite describe, but that just feels like the thing to do.  I've found that this is how I work, and somehow I've managed to marry someone who has a little bit of that floating around inside him too.  We're shaking things up!  

It's impossible to measure the intensity of the things we will most miss.  We have an amazing network of friends here, friends who our children (we thought) were destined to grow up with, friends where we have long-since given up the polite niceties of a new friendship.  We can lounge on their couch, help ourself to the fridge, and let the kids run amok without apology.  That will be hard to replace.

And family.  Man, I can't even start.  Let's just say this will be excruciating for me.  Me, a person who has run from relationships and jets into the arms of independence.  I will miss my Mom the most.  I didn't always let on that I needed her, but I do.  

So, we'll see how the housing market goes, and start there.

Here's the good news...we get a new winter wardrobe.  I hear it can get cold in Colorado!

Opera Anyone?

Wanna cry a little with me?  Good tears, I mean.  Watch this!

The Suri Cut

This one is for you, Brien.

After nearly 3 hours at the Salon, my favorite hairdresser in the world gave me a very famous haircut.

Look familiar? You may have seen the likes of it on famous A-listers TomKat and Suri Cruise.

Now with just a little coaching in Scientology, I'm thinking I could just invite myself on a Cruise family outing and I'd fit right in. :) Thanks Brien!