Late on the News

And I know you all know this, but Shannen Doherty is definitely coming back to the new 90210. Click here to read all about the exciting (and I predict pretty lame) story line involving Brenda Walsh.

Too tired for ice cream?

This can't be my daughter -- too tired for ice cream? Here's the story: Cherie took Lila to the library. Before their adventure, Lila was playing in the pool in the backyard in her bathing suit. Cherie tried to change her before their trip to the library, but LMCP REFUSED! She threw a fit and wanted to wear it all day (I've heard about this stage, now I guess we're there). So, Cherie packed up the stroller and they went to the library. After playing amongst the books, they went to our local pet shop, where LMCP checked out the "free range" turtles, and a sweet kitty. I'm also told she kept pointing to the fish on her bathing suit then to the fishes in the tank -- showing everyone who would pay attention.



Then, on the way home, they encountered an ice cream truck. Cherie sweetly bought LMCP a "Dora" treat. LMCP loved it so much, even though she was exhausted. She ate as much as she could before starting to doze off. But, when Cherie tried to take it away, she had a fit, wanting to hold onto the melting treat and it's mysterious stick. Eventually, she starting snoozing, with the "Dora" melting all over the place. Cherie documented it all with pictures that tell the story much better than we ever could!

Just Peachy

Cherie discovered LMCP likes fresh peaches, not the kind that come in the cans... but only if she can have the whole thing all at once. Slicing up fruit is sooo last month. Big girls do it like this:

Cousin Rick's Wedding

My cousin Rick got married on the 20th. It was a good chance to catch up with family. My Aunt Elaine came to visit from Mississippi for the event. My mom got to spend time with her for the first time in years. We had time to kill between the wedding and the reception at my cousin BJ's house. So, we stopped off at McMenamins for some LMCP Mac and Cheese. I snapped this great pic of Dad and LMCP.

We didn't know it at the time, but our girl was coming down with a bug this night. That could be why she fell asleep in the middle of the action at the reception. We snapped some pics of the "Clarke" girls before LMCP gave up entirely, cozying up with Grandma for a nap before we headed home.

NeanderGames 7/19/08

Daddy's friend Matt organized this sort of Neanderthal Olympics at Joseph Wood Hill Park in Portland. Basically, a bunch of guys who work with natural stones competed in events fit for neanderthals... like rock stacking, throwing and smashing. It was very interesting. However, LMCP wasn't very interested in the events. Instead, she was interested in the rock/dirt that surrounded the track (and the pile of it), along with the "Wagon Rides" a smart entrepreneur came up with involving her sweet dog "Petie." As I look at the pictures, all I think is how I don't have a baby anymore. We have a full-blown toddler on our hands.

They really DO grow up so fast

(This photo was from when LMCP was about 4-months old.)


LMCP is very busy growing into a big girl. In fact, I sometimes can't believe she used to be so tiny. She's doing all kinds of big-girl things, as you can see in these photos. I just squeeze the heck out of her everyday because I just know it won't be long till she wants nothing to do with me (okay, a stretch--but you get where I'm coming from). Here are some pics of my 17-(and a half!) month old Chicken Noodle Soup.

--Busy being cute, playing with lots of toys, and sometimes taking off her shirt (and so far, only once, her whole diaper)

--Busy being "Daddy's Girl." She follows Dad around like he hung the moon. I love watching them together. It is the greatest joy in my life. (this was an unsolicited hug and love-love for Daddy)

--Busy getting ready to be a big girl. Cherie implemented a reward system for sitting on the potty and brushing teeth. LMCP would rather do nothing than brush those choppers. We're not full-on potty training, but as you can see, LMCP is taking a liking to the little pot. (What, you've never brushed your teeth while sitting on the toilet?) Looks like LMCP got 2 stickers for this photo.

--Busy splashing around in Grandma's pool. Once not sure, LMCP is now truly a water-baby. She loves the pool (the big one), and thinks her special baby-float is a-ok! (Don't worry, she's wearing half a bottle of sunscreen in this photo alone!)

--Busy climbing and playing and tunnelling, and sometimes crying when the tunnel gets too scary. Do you think it was way past nap-time or what?

"Brandon did his time."

Another 90210 update, this about Jason Priestley, who says "thanks, but no thanks" to an offer to star in the spinoff. Apparently, Dylan McKay has the same answer, while Steve Sanders is begging producers to let him back on the show. Here's the latest from Australia's "Herald Sun," (which is a great source for good entertainment news, btw):

"IN A BLOW to producers planning a Beverly Hills 90210 spin-off, the star of the original series, Jason Priestley, has rejected the offer to reprise his TV role.
The 38-year-old actor - who starred in the hit 90s US TV show from 1990 to 2000 - was approached to star in the show for US TV network CW, but has declined.He said: "I think I sort of ran the gamut with Brandon - 249 episodes. I think Brandon did his time." However, Priestley revealed he is considering returning to direct some of the new episodes, adding: "They're talking to my people about seeing if they can slot me in over there. I directed more episodes of Beverly Hills, 90210 than anybody. I directed 18 episodes."
Despite Priestley turning down the chance to appear in the show, his former castmates Tori Spelling and Jennie Garth have signed up for the series while Shannen Doherty is reportedly in talks with producers to reprise her role as Brenda Walsh, Jason's character Brandon's sister. However, Doherty will not commit to the role until she has seen her character's storyline. A source said: "Shannen is interested, but she wants to know what the story is going to be first. She also wants more money than they are apparently offering." Luke Perry - who starred as Brenda's love interest Dylan McKay in the show - recently admitted he has no intention of joining the new series. He said: "I can't re-imagine it currently. It's just not something that I've thought about to be quite honest. I don't see it happening.""

A Very Long Drive

When I was little, my Dad used to pick me up every other weekend to go visit, and most of the time, he lived very far away. So, we had a lot of time in the car together. In fact, part of how I learned to read was looking at all the billboards along the highways in Chicago. I remember when I was about 6, the Police released "King of Pain," and I listened to the lyrics, thinking, "What is this song about? A little black spot on the sun today?"

Anyway, when I saw the Police live on Friday night, I was taken back to that time. I may have also been taken back to that time by the 2 and a half hour drive we had leading up to the concert -- a drive much like the long ones I used to take with my Dad. The concert was fantastic, except we missed Elvis Costello because it took so long to get there. But, at least we didn't miss any of the Police. I do think it was a once in a lifetime experience, so well worth the trip -- and I do think they could've rocked a little bit harder than they did. They took it easy on a few songs that really could've got some of the old folks at the concert on their feet (a sure sign you're getting old-- you go to a concert and everyone is sitting down and over 30.) I got on my feet.






And the best part of the concert was the family in front of us. Their little girl must've been about 7 months old, and she was rocking out... much more than some of the oldies around us. Chad and I spent much of the night oohing and aahing over her... so of course, I snapped a photo of the youngest concert goer there. Overall, three out of four stars. And really, I do think this is their last tour, because they still hate each other after all this time (or they still play like they do, but truly, I don't think there's any love lost). And, by the way, Sting is pretty sexy with his gray beard and chiseled abs!

Ladybug Game

The quality is really bad, but if you listen closely, you can hear LMCP giggling her bottom off as Dad plays the "ladybug game" on the kitchen floor. (We're thinking about patenting it into a cleaning product)

Long Weekend

Well, we sure enjoyed our long weekend together. On Friday, we went and had breakfast for Nana's birthday at Elmer's. Auntie Krista, Uncle Matt, cousin Matt, Papa and Nana were all there. Lila was a very good girl at the restaurant. Dad figured out the key is letting her roam the seat of the round booth. That kept her entertained for a long time... so did Auntie Krista's cell phone. Then, we went to the St. Paul Rodeo with Lila's friend Natalie, and her mom and dad. It was a lot of fun, and those girls were so well-behaved. Then, the girls had to take a nap while the grown-ups barbequed at home. Good thing, because they were up late to watch Dad light off some (legal) fireworks outside. LMCP didn't like them one bit, but she'll be prepared for next year.




On Saturday, we went to a barbeque at our friend Ed and Cathy's house. They're so nice to invite us to their family functions. We ate the most delicious fruits and vegetables from the Farmer's Market. Not to mention the delicious Raspberry Pie Cathy made from scratch with the 40 pounds of berries they picked in Scholls. Ed tried to win Lila over with a raspberry milkshake, and I think it worked. She tried to give him a bye-bye kiss.

On Sunday, we went and visited our friends the Silveys. Lila had a great time playing in their big yard, and climbing up and down their patio stairs. She's really getting the hang of it. Mom is tired, and has to go back to work today. I'm sure another adventure awaits next weekend. Mom and Dad are going to see The Police on Friday night (with special guest Elvis Costello). I get goosebumps everytime I think about it. Hope you had a great holiday weekend, too.

Here's a video of LMCP dancing away on the 4th. Yes, she gets those terrible dance skills from her Mama.




Here are some recent pictures of LMCP since I've been so bad about adding new ones.





Lila likes to sleep on her belly like that. I think there are pictures of me sleeping somewhere the exact same way!

Keep Hating It... It's Only Getting Better!

Brenda is rumored to make a comeback for the 90210 spinoff. That means Kelly, Donna and Brenda will be together again. Here's an article from Fox News:

Shannen Doherty is in talks to reprise her "Beverly Hills, 90210" role on the new CW spinoff, Entertainment Weekly reports.

According to sources, Doherty is interested in reprising her role as Brenda Walsh on the new show, called "90210," but "wants to know what the story is going to be first."

Doherty's behavior may be an obstacle to a role on "90210." She and co-star Jennie Garth got along badly during the original show, and Doherty has had troubles of her own — including a drunk driving charge and spats with other actresses.

Garth will reprise her role as Kelly Taylor for the spinoff. She won't be a regular, but she will play a guidance counselor at her alma mater.

Garth, however, wouldn't mind Doherty's appearance.

"A lot of time has passed, and I'm a big girl. I'd have no problem with her coming on the show."

But in a late-breaking development, I've learned this! Can you believe it!?!

Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait!