Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Messing Up My Love Life!

Pin It Now! Shiloh rented Ramona and Beezus for the kids. They watched it several times on our trip to Reno for Thanksgiving. I thought it might be a little age-inappropriate for Lydia, but I let it slide. While we were driving I heard several lines and speaking styles that I hoped my kids would not repeat.

I was surprised at Lydia's first choice for a repeat. She and Elijah were fighting about something when Lydia busted shouted at Elijah:

"You mess everything up - including my love life!"

Four year olds rock. They should write sit-coms. Pin It Now!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Bare Booty in the Snow

Pin It Now! We headed to Reno for Thanksgiving to celebrate with my cousins on my dad's side of the family. My dad's only sister had 8 kids when she died at the age of 34 of cancer. Pat (who hosted Thanksgiving) is one of those 8 kids. We have been celebrating Thanksgiving with them for over 30 years in our hometown, Reno, or Las Vegas.

(This is my Uncle "Pop-Pop" who is the dad to those 8 kids. He is 88 and flew in from Las Vegas!)

The 4 1/2 hour drive to Reno took us about 7 hours due to the snow, an accident, and chains required. One of the highlights of the drive was when we were at a dead standstill for 45 minutes. People were out of their cars milling around. A woman came over and made a comment about "What if you have to go to the bathroom?" She was probably about 28 years old and was high. So I offered to hold up Lydia's Care Bear blanket for the young druggie as sort of a blocker so she could go in the snow. I held up the blanket, she stepped into about 3 feet of snow . . . and then fell back into it. Bare booty. I had to help pull her out of it. Bare booty (hers, not mine). I don't know why I didn't pee my pants laughing at the time. But when we finally got back in the car and started moving I kept having random outbursts of laughter. Laughed so hard I . . . cried. Several times.

And my mom and dad were in the car behind us so I called my mom to relive the story and she cried. She cried especially hard because she said she saw that bare booty and then just looked away.

And the rest of our trip was good and fun too. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of that fateful squat in the snow, but here are some others . . .







(Lydia was in heaven with her cousins Kara and Corinne. She slept in their beds and they did her makeup.)

**Did anything make you laugh until you cried during your Thanksgiving adventures?
Pin It Now!

Friday, November 26, 2010

Lydia Quotes

Pin It Now!
Recent quotes from my Lydia:

In the middle of dinner the other night Lydia reached out and lovingly stroked my arm. Then she said in all seriousness, "Mommy, I love you but your arms are kinda fat."

"Daddy when I'm 6 I'm gonna like Spider Man."
Pin It Now!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

My Fake Hollywood High School Reunion

Pin It Now! (Holly Fields, Jason Marsden, Alitzah Weiner, and me)

A few weeks ago when I was in L.A. I went to my first annual(ish) Hollywood Fake High School Reunion. We met up at a restaurant in Sherman Oaks for dinner and laughter. I say first annual because we are already in negotiations for a redo because several people could not make it. Carol-Ann Plante was out of town. Christina Nigra got food poisoning that day. Mark-Paul Gosselaar was sick. Alex Polinksy and Josie Davis (Charles and Charge silblings) were sick.
But those of us who were healthy and in town had a great time!

(Mark Sussman and me. I know Mark because he is best friends with Billy Zabka. Turns out Holly is friends with those guys too.)

(Jason, Alitzah, and her hubby James Dallas)



(Robert Jayne stopped by after our dinner) Pin It Now!

Monday, November 22, 2010

We Saw "Tangled"

Pin It Now!
Saturday night my friend Kheron (the one who gave us the Pixar tour a few months ago) invited me and some of my peeps to come join her at Pixar to see a special screening of the movie "Tangled."

We all really enjoyed the movie. While it still had the classic Disney themes - the one-parent family, the evil character, death of the evil character via a long fall, near death of the arrogant guy who turns into the sweet lover boy, etc . . . it was not as dark and scary as most of the Disney movies.
It might be my new favorite Disney movie.

We were not prepared for the thunder storms that attacked us on the way to Pixar. This is the no-umbrella look.


Pin It Now!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Stylin' Saturday - Princess Dresses

Pin It Now! Have you ever struggled with knowing the right time or occasion to wear your princess dress?

Stop struggling.

It's always a good time to wear a princess dress. Even if just going in the double jog stroller with mom. Cuz if she lets you out . . . you can do twirls on the path.

Pin It Now!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Guest Post at (in)courage

Pin It Now!
Last week I did a guest post over at (in)courage. If you didn't read it, now is your big chance because it will self-destruct in 7 days.
-----


May 5, 2002
Dear God,

I know you are real. The prophecies, the manuscript evidence, etc. I have seen you do amazing things in me and in others. You are real, but right now I just don’t feel you. It is so strange to me that I am questioning and trying to understand your love for me. I never thought I could be at this place. The weekend’s theme at the retreat was all about your love. But then I think, You love everyone. How is it special that you love me?’ What can I do to be close to you? Wait? Go into a serving ministry? Fast? Go through a hard time? I know it sounds crazy, but I do envy Sally for the closeness she has to you as a result of the devastation she is experiencing from her husband cheating on her and leaving her. And I envy Pastor Steve. As a result of his illness, he is so close to you. Please draw me close. Whatever it takes. A cool verse I found yesterday in II Chronicles 20:12 “We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

Eight Years Later . . .

Head over to (in)Courage to read about eight years later . . .

Pin It Now!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Alyson Hannigan - You'd Like Her

Pin It Now! If you are new to my blog, on Wednesdays I post about my experience in Hollywood as a former child/teen actress. If you want to start at the beginning of these posts go here.
------

When I was in So Cal for my book/speaking stuff I saw a lot of old friends from all different time periods of my life. Like friends of the late 80s/early 90s who indulged with me in stone washed, zipper pants, Reebok hightops, scrunchies, bang nests, and the like. Alyson Hannigan was one of those friends, although I don't know that I ever caught her wearing a scrunchy. You can check out some of our dashing outfits on my previous post about Alyson.

One afternoon I went by Alyson's house for a visit. You probably know her from How I Met Your Mother because that show seems to have quite a large following. Alyson is nominated for a People's Choice Award for Favorite TV Comedy Actress. Go vote for her!

I first met Alyson on the audition for "The New Lassie" 22 years ago!!!


She was one of my best friends in Hollywood when I lived in L.A. from 89' to 92'. We lost touch for a while, reconnected briefly when I was down at UCLA, lost touch again, and recently reconnected thanks to Twitter!

I think it had been at least 14 years since we had seen each other. But it was like no time had passed. It was so great to meet her husband and adorable daughter. And when I say adorable I mean, exceptionally cute. Off the charts. Full of facial expressions, a confident head nod, and a large vocabulary for a toddler. They are a tight-knit family and Alyson and Alexis are awesome parents.



And they care about purified water and have done their water homework, which makes them kindred spirits with Shiloh and me. You might remember our romantic trip to the Penta water factory on our 10-year anniversary.

*** Come back next Wednesday to hear about my Fake High School Reunion.
*** No pressure, but have you picked up a copy of my book Totally Desperate Mom: Keepin' it Real in the Motherhood yet?

Pin It Now!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Do You Go Out of the House Looking Like That?

Pin It Now! My most popular blog post is probably when I post all the worst Hagen family photos. The real life stuff. I usually present it with my e-Christmas card as a little gift. This year I thought I would give you a little early "ugly photos" present.

First let me give you some contrast. Shiloh's dad took this headshot of me a few months ago. It is amazing what lighting, makeup and photoshop can do. What a team.


Lydia snapped these shots of me while we waited for my dermatologist appointment. Clearly, I was not there for botox. And my hair forgot what decade it was living in. (I was trying to protect my confused hair from the judgement of the world, but my daughters stole my baseball hat.) If only you could see my outfit in these pics. But just trust that my baggy "Save Darfur" t-shirt, baggy sweats, and Ugg boots solidified my um . . . look. And yes, I did run other errands looking this sexy.





Go ahead and leave your comments . . .
"Wow you really make me feel better about myself (because you're lookin' so ugly)."

I can take it. I am the Totally Desperate Mom. And I enjoy boosting the self-esteem of others. Mine is found in Jesus, so whatever.

----
P.S. If you are looking for my serious side . . . you'll find it over at (in)courage today. I did a guest post called "Are You There God? It's Me, Wendy."
Pin It Now!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

How to Keep Strawberries Fresh

Pin It Now! Usually offer you nothing very useful on this blog. Today that is all about to change . . .

(photo by Stacy Kennedy)

Do you like strawberries? How about moldy, rotten ones? The answer is no. No, you don’t like rotten, moldy ones. Don’t you get bummed when you buy strawberries only to have them go rotten shortly after you buy them? And as a totally desperate mom you don’t want to make a trip back to the store/farmer’s market to get unrotten ones. And if you do save them to bring back to the store/farmer’s market chances are that you will forget your receipt or the strawberries or your purse or your kid or something. Just facts people, just facts.

Wanna know a trick on how to store your strawberries so they don’t rot quickly?

Sorry for the teaser but you're gonna have to head over to Fit Moms Fit Kids Club to find your answer.
Pin It Now!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Stylin' Saturday - Hoops and Heels

Pin It Now!
So you know how I just posted about how we went to a taping of The Doctors?
Here is a preview of the show and I'm on it. They show a close up of me laughing. Cuz you know the episode was about communicating in the bedroom . . . show will air on Tuesday, November 16th if you need some tips. Now for our regularly scheduled programming . . .
----
Fashion tip for today:
When playing basketball always wear your sister's dress shoes, especially if they have heels. And for sure wear mis-matched PJs when getting that rebound. Jerseys are so overrated.
Don't be surprised if you catch Lebron James and Kobe Bryant sporting this look in their next few games. They can't get enough of this blog.


Pin It Now!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

My Six Day Trip to So Cal

Pin It Now! I just got back from Los Angeles where I was down there speaking at some churches and visiting 482 friends. All by myself. That means, I had no mommy-responsibilities for SIX DAYS! It was an awesome time. So great to reconnect with people. I enjoyed the freedom to be able to sleep in and go jogging all by myself four days in a row!!! That being said, at the end of my six-day adventure I was refreshed and ready to get back to the motherhood. And I was so happy to return to my husband who is incredible. He was home with all three kids the whole time. No problem. If he were available for hire as a nanny I would snatch him right up. Don't get any ideas, he is not available to be your manny.


My dear friend Stacy flew in from Arizona to chill with me for a few days. The first night we went out to dinner (The Cheesecake Factory, I love that place) with some of my college girlfriends.


I spoke at King's Harbor Church MOPS group the next morning.


Then we headed out to Paramount Studios where we met up with Robin (Shiloh's Stepmom) and watched a taping of "The Doctors." My friend Shannon is a producer on the show. The show's topic? Forty Tips to Have better Sex Tonight. Don't ask me for my notes, just watch the show on Nov. 16th. But I will leave you with this . . . eat avacados and hug your spouse for at least 20 seconds. ** Update: Here is a preview of the show and I'm on it.

They seated us in the front row so I am guessing you will see us on TV.
And we got a goodie bag to take home. Stacy brought hers in her carry on bag when she flew home. Not realizing exactly what was in it. You know liquids and stuff that were related to the show's topic. It was confiscated at security. She was totally not embarassed :)
Pin It Now!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Who You Meet at Auditions

Pin It Now! If you are new to my blog, on Wednesdays I post about my experience in Hollywood as a former child/teen actress. If you want to start at the beginning of these posts go here.
------
I have a lot of new blog material, but no time to write about it right now. So here is another rerun from my Hollywood Days. Next week will be fresh and exciting stuff. Well, it will be a new post anyway.

This is a pre-Lassie photo. Kerry and I had an audition for something. Can't remember what it was (Kerry do you remember?). I think it was at NBC Studios in Burbank. We ran into this guy at the audition. At the time, he was a somewhat well-known actor. Okay, so he was only somewhat well-known if you read Teen Beat magazine. In fact, I cannot remember if he was even on a show or what. But we thought he was hot and were stoked to meet him AND take a picture with him. As luck was have it I was feeling good because I was equipped with my UNITS belt. I'm sure he felt good about his Mom Jeans. And I know for a fact that Kerry felt confident in her three sizes too big Rugby shirt and Swatch watch.
Does anyone know who this guy is? If you can identify this mystery man I will give you... ummm...absolutely nothing. But I will think you are really cool for the rest of my life.

Pin It Now!

Monday, November 08, 2010

If Eyes Could Speak

Pin It Now!
If eyes could speak this is what they'd say . . .

"I like to throw up on our light-colored carpet. Sometimes I get so excited when you pet me that I drool."

"If I could I would eat sugar and play video games all day. But if I did that, my eyes would not be so clear and I would be crabby all the time." Pin It Now!

Friday, November 05, 2010

I heart Joy's Hope

Pin It Now! One of the stops me and my little roadie made was to my bloggy friend Julie's church. If you aren't a mom and therefore have a memory you may remember that I did a guest post for her blog "Joy's Hope" last week.

I spoke at to Julie's Mom group. Then we lunched and I introduced her to Whoopie pies and for that she is forever indebted to me. We then had a professional photo shoot with Lydia. She may be four and she may pick her nose and she may be relapsing in her pee-her-pants ways, but she has mad photog skillz.





And if you are wondering why Julie looks good in all of these pics . . . so am I. I think she slipped Lydia some cash or silly bandz or something. Pin It Now!

Wednesday, November 03, 2010

Hollywood Days - Tabloids

Pin It Now! If you are new to my blog, on Wednesdays I post about my experience in Hollywood as a former child/teen actress. If you want to start at the beginning of these posts go here.
------
You are not losing your mind. Well, maybe you are, but you may have seen this before. This is a re-run.
----
Things were different back when I was working Hollywood. Yes, there was paparazzi but it was not as crazy as it is now. Probably because there was no internet.

There were still lame tabloids that twisted the truth. I think I was in the tabloids twice. I was not tabloid material and I wasn't very well-known so no one would have cared. Here is one of my tabloid appearances (not sure which one) and as you can see, not very tabloidy.


Pin It Now!