San Francisco

Last weekend I took a girls trip up to San Francisco with all of John's sisters. Before I met up with all those lovely ladies, I made a pit stop to see Joanne (and Luke). She picked me up for the airport and before we hit the freeway I felt 16 all over again! Just like High School!! Joanne seems to have this effect on me. I started giggling and laughing the moment I got in the car - mainly because she was missing a front tooth and felt no need to forewarn me. How could you not bust up laughing when all her "f's" sounded like "th's"....

We headed first to Luke's shop. I had always wanted to see where Luke works. He makes really cool furniture from old trees that have fallen or died on their own... very earth friendly I might add.
Joanne and I couldn't resist a little fun with this window sticker. Seriously!
Like I said, it was like I was 16 all over again. Joanne took me around the shop and showed me all the different stuff they do. Luke mainly makes tables and furniture (like I said). He has a few partners that share the space with him. One guy makes wooden surfboards (I guess they are super light and last a long time. :)
Another guy collects old chairs and refurbishes them. As you can see on the wall behind Luke!
Another guy does mostly painting and sign work. In this picture with Jo you can see the chairs, surfboards, the cool table of Luke's and some small signs... sometimes a few of them will collaberate and work together on projects.
Like these cute little bird houses. Luke builds them and the artist paints them. Each one has a unique theme.
Here is Jo and Banjo (their dog) outside Luke's Wood Shop! I kept saying, "I took wood shop in High School - I loved it." The place smelled just like it too. :) Thanks for the tour guys.
Afterwards we headed back to Joanne and Luke's place.
Jo was making a delicious dinner for us all. I pretty much sat around and chit-chatted the whole time. It was heaven.
Lindsay and Jenny came over for dinner. It was us four sitting around the dinner table getting caught up on each other's lives. Lindsay had just gotten engaged the weekend before. Jenny was filling us in on all that little Taylor does. It felt so nice to be with friends, friends I've known for... gee... almost 20 years! Am I really that old? Let's say at least 15 to be safe. :)
I had such a great time. We stayed up late talking, catching up and laughing. I don't get to sneak away from the kids very often and it always feels so good to do it. I get to relax and laugh without worrying about poopy diapers, sippy-cups, snack time, fighting, sassy attitudes, pj's and all the other things I do daily. I had a great time with Joanne and Luke - they were the best! I only wish I could have stayed longer. Maybe one of these days I'll get a weekend away just to see them. :)

Grounded.... not quite.

So in early Spring 2009 some friends planned a fun exotic vacation on a cruise through the Hawaiian Islands... I thought the idea sounded so fun and I wanted in on the adventure... unfortunately in a marriage there is compromise. We weren't able to go... here they are in September in Hawaii.
I thought that since I wasn't able to go on the cruise, I would send them a little reminder of them each day. Here are some of the photos I sent them.

(They had Hawaii... but I had Glee)
(I still had my baby to love)
(I had my own friends :)
(Sick kiddies... no fun)
(How was the food on the cruise?)
(Who needs a pina colada when you can have a Diet Coke)
(so sad... home cleaning up the playroom)
(at home... SO FUN!)

So sad I couldn't go -NEXT TIME FOR SURE!

Going Dark...

Well it's been probably close to 10 years since I've gone this dark. I thought it was time for a change or time to mix things up again - I don't like to get stuck in a rut with my hair. So here we go...
Ok, I just have to say taking a picture of myself is a nightmare - I did this solely for everyone that is far away and can't see me.

Not the Greatest Week!

So my sister Emily and her kids came to visit for the week. What fun this is going to be.... or that was the plan anyway. Monday (Emily's birthday) Owen breaks his arm, which besides being a real bummer for Owen it threw off our plans for the week. Now we were OUT for the pool or beach, so on Thursday Emily and Wendy take the kids to the beach. I needed to stay home with Owen so I was just going to "drop off" Paige to meet them. Well, as I am sitting there at a red light waiting to turn into the Montage Beach parking lot - a Porsche (out of no where) side swipes me. This guy goes to make a left turn in front of me, passing my car - skids out his back wheels and slams into the side of my car. Making my car, now, un-drivable. UNBELIEVABLE! I was beyond shocked. This guy had to be tripping, because I jump out of my car (huge and pregnant) and immediately open the door to check on my kids... I had 4 small kids in the back of the car. I barely got the car to the side of the road and the cops are there. Thank goodness right? (Not really) Take Note: EXCHANGE INFORMATION ANYWAY! The cop took down all our information and statements, including an eyewitness. Then told us we didn't need to exchange any info and just to give our insurance the police report number. So we did that. I went home. Next thing I know, my insurance says they can't do much because they can't get the report until it's been filed. I wanted to scream and give that cop a piece of my mind. 5 days later I had to drive down to the police station and pay $10 to find out the information of the other driver (which I could have gotten the day of the accident)... only to find out a day later he HAD NO INSURANCE! Oh, I wanted to scream! I now have to pay $1,000 of my own money to get my car fixed (which will take almost 3 weeks) and I have no rental car. Oh, I just won't have it. I was so nice at the scene of the accident it was unbelievable. The guy kept apologizing, and I told him, "No worries, it's an accident and accidents happen." Oh no, not without insurance buddy. I called him and nicely told him that I need the $1,000 that I now have to pay because he has no insurance. He gives me this sob story about having no job and being on unemployment. Then I told him he could pay us with credit card, he says he doesn't have a credit card. I'm sorry, but what 37 year old man, driving a Porsche, living in Laguna Beach doesn't have a CREDIT CARD! That is just a flat out lie. He said he'd try and get the money and call me in a few days... well - we have yet to hear from him and he won't return our calls. I feel like I'm cutting this guy a break and this is how he treats me? All I want is my deductible. I'm not trying to collect for the 3 weeks loss of my car and I've found out that I could call the cops who would then cite him $1,000 for no insurance and if he doesn't pay that they will put out a warrant for his arrest. I really don't like to be mean, but I'm starting to feel like I have no other choice. This guy has now made me livid!

Disasters and Dreams in One Weekend

Friday night we took the kids to the Walk With the Dinosaurs at the Honda Center. The show looked great (from what I could tell) but unfortunately we didn't get to see all of it.

Owen was a little scared of the huge dinosaurs that came out... they looked real and made loud growls. He was pretty good if he could sit on our lap and we could reassure him they weren't real. Too bad we didn't last past intermission.
Brock threw the biggest fit ever and screamed, which threw Owen into a tail spin. So, I took both Owen and Brock home and John stayed with Paige to finish the show - thank goodness someone could stay.
We were so bummed to have wasted the money on the drive home I had to lighten my mood so I called Jenny and said "Knock... Knock" She replied, "Who's there?" I then said, "Orange"...."Orange who?" she asked. "Orange you glad you didn't go to walking with the dinosaurs?" At least we both got a good laugh and I lightened up. Here are the survivors or at least the ones that could stay and watch it all.
Saturday night we went to another one of my High School friends wedding. Gina and Mike met on the first day of Junior High in home room. How cute that all these years later they are married. It was a beautiful wedding.
Here we are about to have dinner.
All the girls again... Gina you look great - especially with all that money pined to you! I can't wait for Jo's wedding next June - Paige is so excited to be a flower girl, and it will be great being one of your Brides Maids too! We are so excited for that!
Sunday was Brock's first official day in Nursery... yep this kid is now 18 months and therefore I get to go to class again and not wander the halls with this rascal. They said he did great and he even earned his very own car!

Valentine's Tag

So I was tagged and let's face it - why not?

First off can I just say how HOT MY HUSBAND IS?!?!?! I think he is so smoking hot and I just want to say that not only is he hot, but he's a great husband and a hot father... (LOL!!! Ok, I can't write anymore without laughing too hard. That was for you Sara and Wendy and Adrienne and everyone else who thinks it's silly - to say the least - when people blog like that.)

Ok, Here we go... for real.

WHAT IS HIS NAME? John Karl Zimmerman
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MARRIED? 7 years this March
HOW LONG DID YOU DATE? 9 Months
WHO EATS MORE SWEETS? That is a close tie, but I'm going with him to make me feel better
WHO SAID I LOVE YOU FIRST? Interesting question, he tried to get me to say it first and I refused... I wasn't born yesterday buddy ;)
WHO IS TALLER? Him
WHO CAN SING BETTER? Me, and that isn't saying much.
WHO IS SMARTER? Well, I like to say that he has the book smarts and I have the street smarts - he'll probably argue that though.
WHO DOES THE LAUNDRY? I wash it, but he will help me fold it and put it away (I hate that part)
WHO MOWES THE LAWN? Neither of us... I want to meet a husband that does.
WHO PAYS THE BILLS? John.
WHO SLEEPS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BED? Well, I'm on top... j/k (LOL). I do.
WHO COOKS DINNER? I do. But he makes cookies better than me. It's true.
WHO DRIVES? That's a trick question, because if I'm not then I'm telling him where to go and that is half the driving right? No but really, he does.
WHO IS MORE STUBBOR? Are you kidding? Did you read my answers? Me.
WHO KISSED WHO FIRST? That will be the argument till the day I die. I say he did. He says I did. I may be stubborn but I'm not a liar. HE DID.
WHO ASKED WHO OUT FIRST? He aske me.
WHO HAS MORE SIBLINGS? He does, by 1.
WHO WEARS THE PANTS IN THE FAMILY? "We both have one leg in" Isn't that what everyone says? A cliche' but true.

Love You Honey!

Thirty-One

May I just say that I love birthdays! I think they are so much fun and who wouldn't want to celebrate with friends and loved ones. People are always nice to you, old friends call you up and send emails, you get taken out to dinner, lunch and even given presents. I mean come on, no one likes to get older, but all this fun certainly softens the blow. So a special THANK YOU to all those who remembered me on my birthday - it was great to feel special and loved by my friends and family. Turning 31 wasn't too shabby. It isn't as glamorous as turning the big 3-0, which was why 31 was a little harder - I mean THIRTY ONE, yeah I'm just getting older that's all. I did go out and buy myself some eye cream to start this year off right. I should have probably been using the stuff for a few years now, but I haven't and now I am. Enough said about that - I had a great birthday.

Last Saturday night John took me to The Stinking Rose up in Beverly Hills for dinner - it was really good (if you go definitely get the boneless short ribs - they were like butter) and then we went to Pinkberry for dessert - neither of us had been before and we wanted to know what all the fuss was about. John absolutely loved it - I thought it was really good. After that we went to the Pantages Theatre to see Wicked.
I know!!! I know, we are the last people on Earth to see this musical, but I have been dying to see it and I loved it. It was a super special night and I felt like it was one of the best date nights we have had in a long time - if not the best (Hint... Hint... John). I love my birthday!

Then on my actual birthday Dr. Martin Luther King was kind enough to give the kids the day off of school so we went the the park where friends came and brought cookies (yes, Adrienne's famous peanut butter chocolate chip) and cupcakes. Once again - I love my birthday! Also, for my very special day my parents came in town from Utah - ok not really - they came to pick up their stuff to move into their big new fancy house, but they got here on my birthday. Good enough. So that night we went to the good old Harbor House (open 24 hours and will serve breakfast anytime you want) for dinner. It was a lot of fun. We came home to this gorgeous cake that John made and the kids and he decorated.
I made an outstanding wish (that I already forgot) and the kids helped me blow out the candles - there may be more spit then frosting on this cake.

The rest of my week was filled with pedicures, dinners with friends, breakfast with friends, sprinkles cupcakes, treats, more cookies and presents. I had such a good time and let's face it - I love my birthday!

Christmas Party

Last night we had our Second Annual (we skipped last year) Christmas Party - this time it was at the Austin home. It was so much fun! There was a white elephant gift exchange and lots of laughs. Here are some photos of the occassion.

Tagged

Ok, SARA "TAGGED" me the other day and I've just been too lazy to think of Seven things... so don't hold your breath.

RULES:
1. List the link to your tagger (like I did with Sara) and also post these following rules.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog - some random, some weird, etc.
3. Tag 7 people at the the end of your blog also leaving the links to their blogs
4. Let them know they are "TAGGED" by leaving a comment on their blog

THE FACTS...strange or not ~

1. I have a criminal record. I know - crazy hugh? Don't worry it isn't glamorous! When I was a teenager some friend and I snuck into our high school pools and got caught - we were therefore arrested for... drum roll... Trespassing and Curfew! I know it's pathetic, but I did have to do 20 hours of community service at a local park which later got me one of my favorite jobs in college at a local park/daycare. Who knew?

2. I'm addicted to chocolate. Yes, I'm sure you all think that you are... but you aren't. If chocolate is in the room I HAVE to have it. I can not refuse it, of any kind. I use to love Milk Chocolate, but as my taste for chocolate has matured I have grown to love Dark Chocolate (The Real Chocolate Lovers Choice) even more. I love all types of chocolate and anything made with chocolate - I think if Cocaine was covered in chocolate I would take it... I'm kidding!

3. I love to argue. Ok, that sounds horrible and it kind of is, but that's not exactly what I mean. Ever since my Debate days in high school I love to take a side and stick with it till the bitter end. Sometimes I will find myself, embarrassing enough, arguing things I have NO IDEA about. I have learned to admit this problem and I am seeking help to control this horrible habit I have. The problem now is that people that know this about me now don't believe a word I say. I have been known to make things up in the past and I no longer do that... I think?

4. I don't like sports. Never have... can't imagine that I ever will. I think the biggest problem here is lack of knowledge. I know nothing about the rules and how to play - therefore how can I truly enjoy the game? right? I think this stems from being raised in a house with mainly girls. To give you an example I was once talking to Adrienne about Football. I said, "I don't get it...everyone is tackling everyone out there - why don't they each take about 8 players off the team and then play, it would be less crowded out there." I think she literally laughed in my face.

5. I'm the worst speller in the world. I think it is genetic, because my Dad says he is bad too. I hate to say it but some times I don't even try - I just ask John if he is in the room. You may think they are type-o's and they might be, but half the time I'm just that dumb!

6. I have always wanted to be a SPY! Or anything like that - a detective, private investigator... whatever. I think I dream up things just to use my detective intuition. I think the Sorensen girls were born with it. I can't wait to bust out (yes I said bust out) my skills when my teenagers try and get away with things!

7. I love the arts. I love museums, plays, musicals or anything like that - what is the last thing I've done... oh I think it was Go Diego Go! The problem is I am never able to see anything. I can't tell you the last Museum exhibit I've been to - it's been years since I've seen a play or musical. I long for it, but yet since I've been married - it just hasn't happened. I still reminisce about my single days that I spent doing those things. Some day John.... someday.

You have been tagged.

Heather - that's right you got to start a post sometime.
Adrienne - com' on
Emily S. - Bring it
Lori - Let's hear it
Christy - I know, you just made a post
Amber - You know you love it
Stacy - I can't wait to hear what you have to say

Ahhh... What a Weekend!

Gosh it has been so long since I have made a post or even looked at blogs. I feel so out of it. Anyway, this past weekend was a blur - lots to do and all tuckered out. Saturday morning was the Mud Run. There was so many people that I knew running it this year (including ALL of my sisters) it made the experience a lot of fun. Here are a few snap shots of the run.

Here is the group I ran with along with another group that our group ran with... are you following? My sister Elena was able to sub in for someone on our team, my other 3 sisters ran solo.

I KNOW, I know my shorts are so freakin short. Believe it or not when I ran the mud run 2 years ago I was 10 pounds lighter and it didn't bother me so much. Let's just say I learned my lesson this year. I'll be using different shorts next time. We were jumping into the mud in this picture, but the bottom was cut off so it you can't tell.... just an fyi.
There is always time for a photo op. Here was the half way point at the Castle on top of the tallest hill... ok, well it felt like the tallest hill when you are climbing it!
(Me, Tracy, Paul, Emily, Elena & Wendy)
I was also so fortunate to have all my siblings together for the first time in a long time. This usually only happens at weddings, there was no wedding, just a special occasion for my grandma. It was a lot of fun hanging out with everyone. My brother stayed here with me and we had a great time together. I can't wait for him to bring his family out here for another California trip. I promise I'll do the beach, Disneyland, Sea World and all the other So Cal tourist stops. I just don't get to see my one and only brother that often.

I COULDN'T RESIST

I can't say that I agree - but I had to take the quiz and see. Thanks Jenny.

Which Twilight novel character are you?

You're Alice Cullen - You are vivacious and full of energy! Your childlike way of looking at life makes you both amusing and special to your friends. You make an excellent friend, although you do have a tendency to get uppity if you're not immediately given your way- people often give into you for your charm.
Take this quiz!