Quality Not Quantity

It was very nice of Donn and Vicki to invite us to their house in Havasu. We had three days of fun! Boating, skiing, jet skiing, playing WII, and floating in the lake. The kids had so much fun and want to go back soon. I got up on a single ski after 15 years of NOT skiing (I ended up with a bruise on my face though). I would have to say it was not as easy as it was when I was younger.

I was a little bit disappointed in this episode, there were so many fun entertaining things that went on and all they show is the drama between the girls. I guess family fun is not entertaining to them.

I tried very hard to stay out of Jeana and Vicki's argument, but it was impossible because they were both complaining to me about the other one. I wanted nothing more than for ALL of us to sit down at the same table and have fun. To hear Jeana say that I WAS the shit stirrer made me laugh. Vicki invited both our families to Havasu and for Jeana to bring Frankie was just in bad taste. I personally have no problem with Frankie, but Vicki does and it was her house and her invitation. It was hurtful to Vicki and you could see it in her face. Sitting at the table listening to Jeana talk about Vicki was something I just didn't want to hear, so I took my kids out to play in the lake. It was so hot that it was hard to sit in one place for too long.

Ryan's new tattoo is just stupid to me. I don't even know what to say about it. At the time it looked to me as if Simon was supporting Ryan, but that simply was not the case. He was explaining that I should NOT get too emotional and said I shouldn't make a big deal out of it. He believes Ryan does these things to get a reaction out of me, and if I keep giving it to him, he will keep doing it. At this point I am over his tattoos - he is a big boy and if he wants to cover his body, then I say go for it. Simon made a great point about Ryan, "he is not doing drugs, he is not robbing stores and he has a good job." So I guess he's not doing too badly.

The boat ride that day was crazy - I was not expecting to get on a party boat with my kids. It started off mellow then towards the end became a little too wild. We chose NOT to take the kids back on the boat and took a cab ride back to Vicki's house. This would be a great time for me to make excuses for our actions, but I am just not going to go there. It was all great fun and we all acted a little stupid at times. Watching the show tonight I felt bad - no one saw Vic get hit in the head with the football besides Donn. There we were dancing and having a good time and Vic was crying. Vic was a trooper and got right up, but she was hurting the whole day and had to go bed soon after. I told Vicki that when it comes to friendship, it's quality not quantity. I would rather have 7 really good friends then a ton of friends I can't trust. I do believe that Vicki shares the same belief and Vicki and Donn will be lifelong friends of ours.

I think you saw Simon in a totally different light this episode. As you know, that was rare footage of Simon. Simon is usually quiet and reserved, but not after drinking beer in 120 degree heat. It was nice to see him relax a little - he usually is the one making sure everyone is OK and has everything they need. He did not make that rude comment when I told him I wanted a boat. What he actually said was, "ya, if you buy it." Once again the editors have minds of their own. I swear there will be NO MORE crotch grabbing this season! My brother just text me saying, "OMG will you please just stop it." I got it, it's not cute so NO need to send me nasty comments. In 2009 I will be all grown up!

We just got home from Big Bear where we had a pre-Christmas celebration. My family came up for the day and we had a great time in the snow. It is the first time in 17 years that we were all together. Instead of exchanging gifts this year we played a game. Everyone brought a wrapped DVD and we played a game called "Mean Santa" (where you pick a number, pick a DVD or you can steal from another person). It really is a lot of fun!

For the holidays this year, I'm focusing less on gift giving and more on bringing the family together. With the economy in such bad shape and so many people in trouble, it really makes you appreciate how important family and friends are and how precious it is to spend time with them. I am grateful I was able to spend time with my family this year. I feel complete.

Big Bear was so pretty covered 4 feet in snow - there hasn't been that much snow since 1991. Simon took the kids skiing one day and they had a blast. I was bummed that I could not go -I have two ruptured discs in my back and just started feeling better after an epidural. I was not about to take a risk. It was fun watching from the lodge. Sidney is a natural, but Spencer would rather snowboard. There was something truly magical about being in the snow during the holidays.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and like every Christmas Eve Simon and I (and 100 other Harley riders) go on a Santa Run. Simon dresses up as Santa and I dress as Mrs. Claus and we drop off Christmas gifts to various organizations like Choc Hospital and the Orange Wood Home for Kids. Have you ever seen 100 Santas riding on Harleys? It is the most amazing sight. The joy it brings to people and the smile it puts on the kids' faces is priceless. We would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season.

xoxo The Barney Family