The Riddle Rambler

One For Amy

2010-12-30T09:44:00.000-08:00

Senior Picture Photo Shoot

2010-12-25T21:43:00.000-08:00

This post is primarily for Lance and his mamma! Here are almost all of them. I have a balcony shot I can't get to upload and couple of the sports ones I am working on. So far I really like how they turned out. The number of the picture is below the picture for your reference) Happy looking.

no. 1

no. 2

no. 3 (kay. . . don't laugh at this one! I love it! It's like you know something that nobody else knows!)

no 4

no 5

no 6 (number 5 a different way)

no 7

no 8.

no. 9

no. 10

no. 11

no. 12

no. 13

it happened ....

2010-12-03T18:48:00.000-08:00

it happened. . . as I sat there at the table decorated with faux gifts, tinsel and candy, watching him stand with a good measure of patience mixed with the expected anticipation that comes for a child waiting to see Santa. He would occasionally glance around to make sure I was still where he left me, then smile and look expectantly up at his big sister, clap his hands, do a little bounce then shuffle his feet forward a foot or two as the line moved. Independent in so many ways, too many ways for me this night - Growing up.

it happens . . . every night he falls asleep and I watch as his expression relaxes and his body falls into the rhythm of sleep. all the passion and energy that sometimes make being his mom so challenging, succumbs to that quiet peace that sleep affords. But I know that beneath those closed lids are dreams filled with all the punch and ardor that fill his waking hours. His face loses a little more of that soft baby roundness and when he wakes up each morning I notice more and more straight and defined features of a growing boy. . . the baby is almost entirely gone.

it's happening . . . right in front of my nose, over every breakfast bowl and during every conversation, amidst every passing rite for one so young. Don't those seem to present themselves much earlier than you remember from your own childhood? I try to slow her down, but most often that fails and I find myself trying to harness and guide her steps on a path that will help her find a healthy independence grounded in kindness, fairness and love. Sometimes I fail and try too hard to impose me on her, but more often than not she is much too strong for that. she is smart, very smart. she is kind and thoughtful, but still very consumed by defining who she is, what she thinks and expressing how she feels. . . every moment of every waking hour. but the exhaustion I feel is only testament to her flourshing personality and destiny which is shaping itself with definitiveness every minute . . . the baby entirely gone, the young lady on the way.

Sometimes "their all grown up" manifests itself in such subtle, imperceptive ways. Other times it happens in big colorful moments that take your breath away. I guess it's my job to notice and cherish them all, hold them carefully in my heart and prepare myself for all the next time's they they happen!

Wedding Invite Pictures

2010-11-30T01:00:00.000-08:00

Number 1

Number 2
Number 3

Jake and Ivet Pictures

2010-10-15T00:03:00.001-07:00

no. 1

no. 2

no. 3

no.4

no. 5no. 6

no. 7

no. 8

no. 9
no. 10

no. 11no. 12

no. 13

Close Call but really a Miracle

2010-09-21T12:22:00.003-07:00

I think I am pretty sure that I am glad I didn't witness the flames burning literally 50 yards from my home (the house you can see on the left). This is a picture of our neighbor's home across the street . . . or what is left of it. The wind shifted just as the fire jumped the road above our street (which is to the left of the image shown) The shift of wind resulted in the fire jumping 50 feet and igniting the property across the street from us. Miraculously the empty house at the top of the hill (only framing and exterior wood panels) escaped with only minor scorch marks. If the wind had kept blowing from the direction it was roaring down the mountain it would have ignited that house and the wind would have blown the hot flames downward, engulfing each of our homes in a domino like fashion.

The view from my in-law's home in west jordan was enough to convince me there would be nothing left of our home in the morning. When I left their home after dinner to go out and get some things before they issued the mandatory evacuation I wasn't too worried. Upon ariving at the bottom of our street only to have the police barricade tell me I couldn't go further, I was pretty shook up.

in this picture you can see how close it really was. The house circled in red at the top is a a vacant house. . . wood exposed. In all reality it should have burned, in turn catching the rest of the homes on our side of the street on fire. The wind was blowing strongly from the direct south. But just as the fire jumped the road above us (a 50 foot jump) the wind shifted and came from the south west, pushing the flames into the area to the east of us. Our home is the one circled in red at the bottom. the view is even more sobering from my upstairs window. Charred earth so close to the home we practically built ourselves.

I am greatful for a grounded husband. . . who happens to be in Michigan right now. He called to ensure we were far from danger. . . I went to bed that night calm. . . resigned that I would be having to tell my children we didn't have anything left. But not sad so much for the loss of the house, more for the loss of the things that were more than just things to my littles. Chaino, Big Fat, blankies, brand new bunk beds. The house was just a house. . . I wasn't even that attached to it. . . and now that we had done it once we could easily do it again and even better.

I was amazed in the morning to see the helicopter shots of our street, our homes still there. I know that our prayers were answered. . . so many more homes could have been lost if the fire had followed the path it was going. I know the Lord sent a saving wind that night.

We are very saddened for our neighbor's loss. And are anxiously awaiting the time when they are ready to allow us to help them. . .for now they have requested to be allowed some time, unburdened by visitors and do-gooders. I can completely understand.

The winds are picking up again, and thus the smoke that causes the painful burn in the back of your throat and the sting in your eyes. While I know the fire has burned all it can around our home (creating a natural fire break), there are still mandatory evacuations in place for neighborhoods to our east and west. The fire fighters will continue to work miracles with the hand of God aiding them.

We are going to leave again. . .the smell is getting overpowering. Thank you so much for all the prayers in our behalf. The Lord heard them and answered them. As always.

I will post more pictures later.

The Most Boring Post EVER

2010-06-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

VERY QUICK

update

I broke my shoulder and my thumb trying to tame the bunny hill (in march i think).

My son doesn't want me to go skiing with him next year because I wasn't 'doing it right' and that is why I got hurt.

How inconvenient for him, in other words.

Alaina was sporting a gap in her mouth that could comfortably fit at least 2 oreos in it. She is now filling in that gap with some new teeth and is attempting 3 oreos along her the bottom of her mouth as two more teeth threaten to fall out.

She can ride a two wheeler.

And has discovered the delight and wonder of boys.

Heaven take me now.

Please!

Damon turned two.

I swear there is an internal switch hidden inside our sweet innocents. It is promptly flipped as soon as the candles are blown out, or eaten. . .

whichever your child prefers.

(mine apparently likes the flavor of wax).

If you are not familiar with the switch that morphs a child into pure trouble . . .

curse you.

If you are familiar with it. ..

bless you!

He has become very familiar with the following question:

"Do you want me to spank your bottom?"

To which he promptly, emphatically and increduluously answers,

"NOooah. no span baah!"

(I am an evil mother who beats her children)

Matthew very lackadaisically attended and characteristically missed his pre-school graduation. Every Tuesday and Thursday consisted of an argument about going -

he being totally contrawise.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday consisted of an argument as well. . .

these times he wanted to know why he couldn't go.

I couldn't win.

I hope he likes it better next year. Maybe my luck will change as he will be going MWF and not TTH. Perhaps his argument will flip?

Chuck has flown half the country over 1/2 a dozen times for training for an old job and his current one.

Go figure. . . training still continues for the job he no longer performs and he is more obviously required to attend training for his present position.

While he isn't in the air or the office or somewhere between Ogden and Provo he is most often found burning the midnight and early morning hours working on our house.

I do not know how he does it.

Where he gets his strength or stamina to continue and then come home and take care of all our needs too!

MY HERO.

And by the end of this month our house will be done, will be beautiful and will be ours!

Time marches on. . . if I am not careful I find it's footprints all over my back. So here is to at least staying even with it! :)

I can handle the elbow jabs.

The Most Perfect Day Ever!

2010-06-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

Alaina officially declared Sunday June 6 2010 the most perfect day ever! Why?

well . . . we took these off her bike and she was smooth sailing. Wind in her hair. . . balance soundly grounded on her seat, a huge smile, and a proud momma!

AND

we saw not one, not two, but THREE of these in the sky at the same time. . . one of them a complete bow!

and to top it all off. . .

I let her play in the rain during the thunderstorm.

She was a bit surprised that getting wet in her clothes was ok with me.

But as I informed her. . .

i remember when my momma let me play in a summer thunderstorm . . .

and it was one of my favorite memories

ever!

Kid Pictures

2010-02-16T20:40:00.001-08:00

This was her valentine day card. Imagine a sucker in her hand. I just cut slits at the top of her fist and the bottom of her fist and she put the suckers in! So easy peasie, and so fun!

So here are some pics I took. . . just playin' round. This was actually Matt's Valentine Card (with a candy attached)

Don't look too closely, or you'll see the green oozing from his little nose!

My Three Little Riddles

'Laina Marie
If only all my children loved the camera like she did. I would be in H.E.A.V.E.N.

In a Nutshell

2009-12-19T08:54:00.000-08:00

I have been negligent . . . in a nutshell.

We have been sick with flu, pnuemonia, and flu again . . . in a nutshell. Alaina says she found her flu bug in the toilet the next day!

We are well now - I hope . . . in a nutshell. Once Matthew started feeling better he decided it was too much of a good thing (feeling well that is) so decided to get up close and personal with the fireplace and cracked his front tooth. Luckily his tooth appears to be as stubborn as he, and is hanging in there for now.

And if you can imagine all the stuff that must fill in these gaps you will gather my nutshell is pretty big!

I really got tired of looking at my last post so had to put something else up here . . . in a nutshell.

Merry Christmas! I make no promises toward a renewed dedication of keeping this updated. Under promise over perform!

Mattatoullie Birthday

2009-10-02T13:05:00.000-07:00

He is 4. . . 1, 2, 3, FOUR!

I can still remember when he used to suck on his fist. . .thumb side. . .till is was chapped and raw. I can still remember when he used to call his big sis NAUNIE. Cute little boy. Now he calls his big sis by her name minus the first A, he still needs a cup of strawberry milk before bed, and Big Fat Monkey is still a bosom buddy.

Now he loves trains, and volcanos and can't wait till the snow sticks so he can go skiing and sledding. Loves loves loves his bike and can't wait to go back to Yuma to visit Nanna and Papa!

Here's the birthday boy.

Here's the cake:

Here's where we went:

First Day of School (A Whole Month LATER)

2009-10-02T12:51:00.000-07:00

Well now is a good time to get caught up. Here are the little Riddles on their first day of school.

VERY READY.

VERY EXCITED.

VERY MUCH NOT ANY TEARS. (from me or them. . . does that mean I am heartless?)

I think it means we were all VERY ready for this. The last couple of months have been absolutely crazy and scrambled up. School means schedule and stability. Both VERY good things!

And don't forget their 1st Day of School Breakfast Requests:

Green Eggs and Ham (sans the ham)

Purple Eggs and Ham (sans the ham and a little more grayish blue than purple)
Nothing like a good nutritious morning breakfast!

Catch the Drift

2009-10-02T12:33:00.000-07:00

Well I was actually online looking for fall discounts. . . and stumbled upon this wonderful little blog. She is chock full of great giveaways and such. Check her out for a chance to win some passes to Thanksgiving Point's Barnyard Boo, or Cornbelly's Corn Maze and so so so much more!
Or just click on her cute button to the right!

I Love Your Guts!

2009-09-19T20:17:00.000-07:00

Funny story. Mom and Kaycie and a few lucky others. . . accept my apology for telling this story yet again. But somethings are worth a few tells.

Me to Matt: "Matt, I love your guts!"

Matt to Me: "Mom. . . you love my guts? Why do you love my guts? Do they smell good?"

Me to Matt: "Um. . .ok. . yeah they smell good!"

Matt to Me: "Mom, do my nuts smell good?"

Me to Matt: choke, cough, cough. . ."Your nuts? Matt, where are your nuts?"

Matt to Me: "Right here!" pointing to his knee caps in a very matter-of-fact tone.

I laughed my guts out!

Canning these. . . gonna use these!

2009-09-19T19:33:00.001-07:00

My mother-in-law is gardening queen. We are canning tomaters tonight. . . and peaches very soon. I am going to use these lovely labels/tags on the ones I manage to canoodle from her pantry when we are done to give to some lucky ladies!

p.s

canoodle –verb Slang.
caress, fondle, or pet amorously.

While the word canoodle can be appropriate regarding the goodness of home=made treats such as canned tomatoes and peach jam or applesauce (which we will be doing very soon as well), it does not mean 'sneak' like I thought it did. Learn somp'n new everyday!

No Place Like Home!

2009-08-25T17:19:00.000-07:00

I think I am the last one of anyone who knows me to see this. I read the book last summer. . . loved it and looked forward to seeing it on stage. Quite a bit different, but so enjoyable. If you haven't read the book --- DO!

I know I know. I have been so WICKED. It has been since MAY!!! But life has a way of throwing you curve balls. . . nasty ones.

But then I can't really say for certain that it has been really nasty. . . maybe the ball was magnanimous pitch. . .one that would help me move forward in the game and take a base or two.

What did we learn from this marvelous musical. . . most times things aren't how they appear to be. Always another side to every story. . . maybe the Lord is inviting me to see His side.

Nonetheless, we find our little farm house, upside down and alll disheveled, but in a warm and happy place; that we can be greatful for indeed. In my heart of hearts I always knew we would land in Utah again . . . didn't anticipate the twister that would drop us down here. But we are greatful for the adventure, and are waiting to find our yellow brick road. Well. . . maybe we are already on it. . . the gold is just a bit faded, so I have to look harder for it's happy hue on the path beneath my feet.

SOLD. . . Wait, WHAT!?

2009-04-21T10:26:00.000-07:00

well there isn't a sold sign on it yet because the sign has only been up one day! First people through made a full asking price offer.

Guess the timing was right.

We found a small place to rent until we figure out what to do in San Diego. Chuck will be working over there starting the same week we close on the house. I am hoping the answers will come quickly after that. I don't want to be separated for long, and I would like to get settled before Alaina starts kinder.

Wish us luck!

A little Advertising

2009-03-12T15:08:00.000-07:00

I have been an Independant Beauty Consultant for Mary Kay for a little over a year now. Totally wish I could really dive into it, but I am already a little thinly spread. . .

I just started up my personal MK website and have challenged myself to the 24 buy $24 in 24.

24 customers purchase $24 in product in 24 hours

Want to help me out? Browse my website, upload a picture of yourself and do a virtual makeover! The new Coastal Colors are absolutely awesome! (These colors are not available until the 16th so make sure you check out the website then!) If you send me a picture of your virtual makeover (which you can do through my website) I will give you 10% off your order.

MARK THE DATE : March 16, 2009 ALL DAY.

Tell your friends and Help me make my 24!

Life is Beautiful!

2009-03-12T14:58:00.000-07:00

i had that sweet aha moment today at the park with my 3 little riddles.
My daughter laid down on the blanket under the shade of the mesquite tree, a small breeze ruffled her red hair, and she said

'oh mom this feels good. laying here ont he blanket i just want to go to sleep.'

my son was burying cars in the sand, suddenly he gets up. . . tromps over to me, still laying on the blanket and gives me an unsolicited kiss,

and my baby boy pulls himself to his feet using my hip as his point of balance and says a determined, 'MA'.
SO simple, so sweet, so true and so forever!

thanks to this man who takes beautiful pictures. . . (must come from his beautiful perspective on the world). . . I was reminded to rember this moment.

Winners!. . . & losers. . .

2009-03-12T14:41:00.001-07:00

FOR THE WINNERS:
Ok. . . i didn't forget.
I just got way way busy!
After inputing all of my FOUR entrants into the sophisticated hat random integer picker doo dad the LUCKY winner is. . . . .
da da da dum. ..

MY SUPER RAD Sister KAYCIE!

I wish I could say I had enough time to put something together for all ya all. But I am not that sophisticated or organized. Thanks for the hits though!

FOR THE LOSERS:
well loser (singular), which would be ME.
I totally crunched a parked car 2 days ago. Ran right into it and totally gave my car a super big munching.
Any guesses on the lucky number involved in this one?

2500. . . yep

2500 buck-a-roos. And not a scratch on the other car. So i guess that is good.

So here is to a better next couple of days. Hopefully no more stupid hitting-parked-cars-days!

Little-Bit o' Home-Made Goodness

2009-03-03T10:17:00.000-08:00

So I WON! Thanks Jessi!. My cousin Jessi hosted a giveaway on her blog and I won! (Well all four entrants won!) And so now not only do I get to wait in anticipation for her homemade goodie, which I am totally interested in getting -- it will be awesome I know-- But now I get to host a give away of my own. Here are the rules:

Peruse through my blog entries. . .go way back to inception if you choose.

Pick your favorite blog entry or picture.

Leave a comment on this post (Little Bit of Home-Made Goodness) telling me your fave.

I will pick a winner on Sunday March 8th at about 5:00pm.

The lucky random winner will then get a home-made treat made by yours truly!

Taco Tuesday

2009-03-03T10:12:00.000-08:00

One of our new traditions is something we like to call Taco Tuesday. Thanks to Del Taco's three tacos for 2.09 and our desire to have dinner with Daddy after Mutual, we zip on over to the local Del Taco most Tuesdays for dinner.

I must admit I love this family tradition, unhealthy fast food aside, it is something my kids really look forward to. And often-times, come Saturday or Sunday they are already talking about the upcoming Taco Tuesday.

Alaina and Matt prefer no cheese, no lettuce and soft.

Chuck and I have recently added their Crunchy Fish Taco to our order. And don't forget the Cherry Coke for Chuck. (Don't worry I will be nice to the drive thru employee and you won't have to drink pee again sweetheart. . . to understand check out John Caparulo's Meet Cap for explanation -- long and short, the last person you want to get nasty with is the drive thru guy. . .who knows what he will do to your drink!)

And I think tonight we added to this fun family tradition. . . heads up and out as the kids get to drive down our street with their heads out the sun roof!

Do you have a favorite family tradition? What is it?

Gangsta SPT

2009-02-24T23:53:00.000-08:00

Just as a disclaimer. . . this picture is horrid! But Alaina wanted to take a pic of mommy at Josh's wedding, and she loves the gangsta pose. So there you have it. Not very flattering.

The wedding on the other hand, was awesome. It was a beautiful day for December 20th. . . where else but AZ could you have a nice outdoor wedding in the middle of the winter?

Sometime I will get around to putting up some pics of the wedding cake I made for the occassion. Amanda was sweet enough to make me feel like I was capable, and it didn't turn out half so bad! What the heck. . . Here's a pic. . .

It was very very simple. Haven't had the time to work much on my skills. But I am looking forward to the next chance I get to make a cake. I remember the night before after I put the first layer of frosting on the lower cake. I put enough on to keep the pesty crumbs from showing themselves on the white frosting. I put it in the fridge to set the icing before I put the next layer on. When I went back to get the cake out. . . it came tumbling out. . . landed completely upside down on my kitchen floor. Which is where I found myself split seconds later (well not upside down). Chuck quickly snapped me out of my despair and helped me get it up off the floor. He saved my bacon. . . and the cake turned out beautiful and none the worse for it's topple!

Cracked Open

2009-02-20T20:10:00.001-08:00

A distress call from the far corner of the family room. . . "Mooooommmmm! I cracked my head open". Snot running freely from the nose in the couple of seconds it took for him to cross the room to my side.

Normally I feed into their distress. This time I decided to try a bit of humor; maybe it would assuage the crisis at hand. His head was cracked open! Well you know, not really.

"Matt, your head is cracked open? What happened to your brains?"

"They fell out mom." "What will you do without your brains Matt?"

"I guess I will put them back in." Good idea Matt! And guess what?
. . . You're not crying anymore.

Love 2 Love

2009-02-20T19:54:00.000-08:00

So I stole this idea from 2CleverBlog. But I wanted to share some things I love to love when no one else is looking -- or especially when others are looking.

Warm Jr Mints. . . my kids love them too. I love that they love them.

Peeling skin. . .mine or someone elses. Love to pick it off, peel it off. . . see how big a piece I can get.

Hmm hmm. . . the sound my husband makes when he is about to say something he has been chewing on for a while and isn't quite sure he's ready to share it with me yet. I've gotten so I can call him on it.

Post-it Notes . . . eensie weensie, super big, yellow, blue, pink, purple. But only rectangular or square. Forget those annoying shaped ones. . . hearts, stars, lips. . . that bugs.

Pens. . .I buy them whenever I can. But I am particular. . . FINE POINT always. Love the Pilot Retractable and the Staples Brand retractable. I used to hate writing in blue, I don't know why. Now any other color looks weird; 6 years ago when I started working for my dad he insisted on Blue. . . I have since been converted.

Gees. . .did I really waste 5 1/2 sentences on pens?

Well I think that was 5. I'll save the rest for another day!

You got any? Share them!

This One With a Digital Kit

2009-02-17T01:08:00.000-08:00

This one was even more fun! I love Shabby Princess!

2009-02-16T21:17:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Ok so this didn't turn out exactly as I hoped. Has anybody else ever used smilebox? Is it worth the 5 bucks a month?

Still it was SUPER easy and well worth the 5 minutes it took me to plunk the pictures in!

SPT

2009-02-10T14:46:00.000-08:00

So I had been wondering what SPT meant for a long time. Finally, after my slow turtle power brain finally caught up with the rest of the blogger world, I got it. Self Portrait Tuesday. Take a self portrait, post it, share some meaningful insight or something entirely frivolous. Here is to frivolous:

5 Frivolous Face Favorites:

1. my eyes, up close
2. my round cheeks (both sets)
3. my freckles. . . people call them skin tone imperfections, I call them cute and I don't want to cover them up!
4. my nose - from the front, or slightly from the side. But from a profile angle, my nose is too small for my big cheeks.
5. my lips. . . I had someone tell me I had great lips once (not while I was smooching them either) and since then I have had to agree!

Snap INTO It!

2009-02-05T12:00:00.001-08:00

Just bought a membership to one of these! Anyone else have one of these cool little places near you? Open 24/7. Just swipe your card and you are in. I am excited. Put the kids down at night and head to the gym for an hour. And then hopefully my Self Portrait Tuesdays will become something pleasing to look at!

Not to mention this little franchise looks like a great investment. Wish I had just a titch more money and time.

Round These Parts

2009-02-04T22:21:00.000-08:00

. . . we're in survival mode. Well have been for the last several months. Thus the long absence. Chuck logged on to read my blog the other day and was amazed it had been so long too. I think he sometimes assumes the the cluttered home and 2 day old laundry still sitting in the washing machine is a result of my web surfing. Which by the way hasn't been something I have enjoyed in FOREVER! He quickly assured me he was not assuming anything, rather the picture that heads my blog was explanation enough.

See, for a while I have been teetering at the edge of that line. Seemingly against the will of my children, my job, my body, etc. And while my body is bent over that line backward like a wet noodle, my feet are miraculously still planted on this side of sanity.

And my kids are happy, my paying job is still largely neglected, and I am always and forever indebted to my husband who comes home from long tedious teenage tending days to make us dinner.

Family Portraits and "It hasn't been 2 months!"

2008-11-18T12:35:00.000-08:00

Not my family's portraits, but my first attempt at taking a serious family picture for someone. I would love to do this for a living, but for now, I am just grateful that there are a few people who trust me enough to let me practice on them and theirs! What do you think?

and for some reason it says that I haven't posted for 2 months. I know it has been that long. . . so here is to a more recent post listing!

2008-11-04T11:50:00.000-08:00

they can be so sweet to eachother!
I really like this picture except for how dark alaina's face is. any suggestions?

and my personal fav. trying to fiddle with it. so far this is all i have.

one of my favorite things to do when I visit any town is go to the nearest temple. We almost always stop in St. George for temple pictures whenever we go to Utah, but this last time we zipped right on by it. So I absolutely had to go to one of the many in Salt Lake area. Here are so me of my favorite pictures from that trip!

Recent Baking Endeavors

2008-10-30T22:13:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Matt!

He is a Thomas the Train Fanatic. And he loved the cake! Yippee!

Chuck's Birthday was before Matt's, He got this cake

which has quickly become a family favorite.

Amanda has even requested it for her wedding cake!

Once we cut into it any semblance of pretty was gone. But who cares when it tastes so good!
Jake's girlfriend says it is a heart attack and diabetes waiting to happen, but what the heck!
My sister's birthday cupcakes. I know they are not exactly correct when compared to their live counterpart. Colors are flipped. But these were fun to make for Haylee-Bug!

Trick or Treat? .... TREATS!

2008-10-30T22:02:00.000-07:00

So I made these for the ladies I visit teach. So easy! Coffee Filters, stamps, ribbon, and spider rings from Wal-Mart, black plates, a tooth pick and some paper!

I made these cookies to go inside.

Happy Halloween!

Best part is this idea can be used for ANY holiday!

Thankful Thursday

2008-10-30T21:29:00.000-07:00

I know it is just barely still Thursday. . . but don't let that keep you from sharing!

ok. . . gotta say that I LOVE my morning drives to preschool with Alaina! Especially when one of her favorite songs is playing on the radio, at which point we turn the volume way up and we belt it out like only a mother-daughter duo can! Her favorites you ask?: Teardrops on My Guitar, So What, Shake It and Hot 'n Cold.

Monday Musings

2008-10-20T17:47:00.000-07:00

Blind Wife plus Deaf Husband

equals

Great Marriage

sign I saw on a local church marquis. What do you think? At first I was taken aback at the message I saw up there. usually I really like seeing what words of whitty wisdom they feel like sharing with passers-by. But this morning this particular message rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe because I have a deaf husband (or at least one who feigns a hearing impediment) and I wouldn't exactly say that this particular characteristic contributes to our 'great marriage'. And the message seemed to convey a sense of separateness and indifferance, even disdain:

Picture a wife. . .discontent with the husband who used to be built like an upright triangular athlete - broad robust in all the right places, thin and svelt in the right ones too. . . turning a blind eye to now upside down triangular less than prime fighting machine she used to know - now broad round the middle. Picture a husband who used to love the sound of her voice, now aggravated at the constant bickering and pestering. So one turns a blind eye, the other a deaf ear, and they find this helps keep them happy, even sane. Not a very uplifting message for a church marquis.

So then I tried to spin it positive (since surely their intent was to uplift and provide some humor at the same time, not instill that this-will-have-to-do tone I got from it all)

Now picture a wife who moves forward in life blind, holding to her faith, not knowing what comes next. Since she can't see the future she relies on her senses, specifically her sensitivity to the promptings of the Spirit. And picture a husband who, let's face it, doesn't always 'hear' those whisperings quite as often or well as the woman. With is 'deafness', perhaps he relies on the senses which work best still, reason, problem solving, those things that allow him to 'see' what the future might be, unlike his faith driven wife. Together, the blind and the deaf, work together, their seeming impairments actually blessing the life of the other, making their marriage great, and making themselves complete.

What do you think? What was your first impression of the message when you read it?

Thankful Thursdays

2008-10-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

K. . . gonna try to start a new thing here in an attempt to get more comments on my blog. That is the fun of all this anyway don't you think. Don't you ever find yourself logging on just to see how many people have stopped by, hoping beyond all hope that they took a few minutes to actually read and then leave a note, a mindless or thoughtful response? I do! So I am inviting all ya all to leave a comment for Thankful Thursdays wherein you leave a comment expressing your gratitude for ONE (COUNT IT ONE)certain someONE, someTHING, someTIME, or somePlace. Can be something that you have been grateful for for a long-time, or a short-time or a right-now-in-the-moment-time folowed by a brief or lengthy explanation.

Every Thursday come on by. I must admit that I am also in a bit of an "I-need-to-be-more-grateful-time" myself and this is one mechanism I am employing to help me in this endeavor.

So for me on this fine Thursday I am thankful for BOGO at Payless. I just got a pair of boots for $2.50, and a pair of cute slide on's for Alaina for $4.50. How can you beat that? And with how annoyingly fast little kid's feet grow you need shoes to be dirt cheap. Yippee!

Husband Tag

2008-10-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

Rules : Each person answers questions about their sweethearts
At the end of the Post, the person then tages 4 people and post their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment letting them know they have been tagged.

*What is your husbands name? Charles Michael Riddle
*How long have you been married? A little over 7 years
*How long did you date? maybe 3 months before we got engaged. Is that terrible? I can't remember!
*How old is he? 33
*Who eats sweets? both, but me way more by far
*Who said I love you first? Chuck said, "I think I am falling. Falling in love with you that is." ahhh haaa.
*Who is taller? He is, but if I married someone shorter than me, I would have married a pygmee!
*Who can sing best? me, but that is not saying much
*Who is smarter? Math and Science - Chuck, well he is smarter than me in almost every case except for the right-brained subjects, in which case I take the cake.
*Who does laundry? Both of us. . . he usually steps in when the basket is overflowing and he has no more underwear. That doesn't happen all the time, but often enough.
*Who pays bills? I get that honor
*Who sleeps on the right side? he does (unless stacy is in bed too, then he sleeps on the floor!. . . ha ha)
*Who mows the lawn? He does. . . I have done it a few times.
*Who cooks dinner? 9 times out of 10, he does. In fact that is what he is doing right now.
*Who drives? Most of the time he does.
*Who is first to admit they are wrong? Chuck is never wrong. Well I think he was wrong once. I put it on the calendar, but now I can't find it. I think he was trying to destroy the evidence.
*Who kissed who first? Well, I had to ask him if he ever was going to kiss me. Then he did.
*Who asked who out first? He asked me. We went to Magic Mountain for our first date!
*Who wears the pants? He actually prefers the skirt. . . just kidding. We each have one leg in the pants. Sometimes they rip down the middle, but most of the time we try to juggle it and move forward together!

4 People to Tag

Denise (my mom)
Renee
Jodi
Jenny

Bear With Me

2008-10-09T23:30:00.000-07:00

You blink an eye and if you aren't careful you wake up 3 months later. At least that is what has happened to me this time around. But I will try to keep my memoirs to a minimum lest they lull you to sleep only to awaken in January!

Grammy's Garden and Green Beans

2008-10-09T23:12:00.000-07:00

Second only to the train was Grammy's Garden. As soon as we got to the house the kids wanted to get in the back yard and pick some of the green beans. Faye is famous in our family for her green beans. And when the world starts falling apart I will be taking up residence in her neighborhood, helping her grow her beautiful garden, in exchange for all the green beans I could want. Corn almost ready to pick
And Faye's most Favorite Ficture in her garden. . . just ask her. Who can grow a better CJ5? Proven to maximize the fertility of the soil. Just as Floyd!
And our personal favorite! Green Beans!
Visit the Guymon Gazette for Faye's own beautiful narrative of the almost magical (at least in the Riddle's opinion) process of canning them.

All Aboard!

2008-10-09T23:11:00.001-07:00

We took a trip to Utah at the end of August. Matt was so excited to finally make it to the railroad where Grandpa worked. After the long 10 1/2 hour trip from Yuma, we didn't even stop at Grammy's to drop our stuff off. It was straight to the train! Matt could hardly restrain his excitement, the wonder of it all dancing across his face. Did people actually get to do this in real life? Yep. And his grandpa is one of them. Matt's hero for sure!Alaina was a little nervous, a lot eager to get that control in her hand. She loved to blow an actual train whistle! The power of a lever!
Matt was a bit timid, but then when he realized what the lever did, he didn't want to stop! Choo Choo!
And the man of the hour was Grandpa. Worked the railroad for years, one of the best Utah or anywhere else has known.

Did you know that in the yards, where they drop off and pick up cars, most engines are remote controlled? And he is the man that drives them around while he walks along the track! Cool!!

My Little Monkey

2008-10-09T23:11:00.000-07:00

Damon at three months Is that not a striking resemblance. Gotta love the cheeks. He is such a sweet baby boy. I love watching him fall asleep. I love listening to him talk. And I can't get enough of his sweet baby laugh. He loves it when I snort like a pig. Monkey noises don't do the trick though. Even though my monkey impression is Wicked!

Tagged!

2008-10-09T23:10:00.000-07:00

7 Things I Can Do:

1. Drive my husband totally nuts
2. Speak Spanish. . . once upon a time I used to dream in Spanish
3. Kick your trash at Wii Hula Hoop. Anybody have a grass skirt?
4. Run 4 miles without stopping
5. Pinch you with my toes
6. Roll my tongue both directions
7. Still do a cartwheel!

7 Things I Cannot Do:

1. Touch my nose with my tongue
2. Leave candycorn untouched
3. Crochet
4. More than one real pushup in a row
5. Take a shower in the morning without stepping on the scale first
6. Text. . . at least not like the crazy fast kids out there. . .they can do it without even looking at the phone
7. Let a ringing phone go unanswered. I am practicing this skill however, as I realize how invasive it can be. . . plus it contributes to the propetuation of my dual personalities. We all know how it works. One moment our horns are out, the steam is streaming from our ears -- then the phone rings and while our children look on in wonder they are confused at the puzzle before them. . . demon mother with an angel's voice. . . as we answer the phone. What? don't tell me you have never done this.

7 Things That Attracted Me To Chuck:

1. His geniune concern for the welfare of those he knew and loved
2. His mom (I have the BEST mother-in-law in the world)
3. His ability to calm me. . .a voice of reason
4. He is a gentleman. . . well not the "open the door for the lady" kind of gentleman, but well his own version of one. (I mean I had to ask him to kiss me).
5. His squinty eyed, deep from the belly laugh. (His son has the same laugh)
6. His independence
7. His sincere desire to do and be his best all of the time.

7 Things I Say Most Often:

1. What the heck?!
2. Oh my GOSH!!
3. Come on!
4. Hey (insert your name)! long pause. . . I Love You! over and over again. Game I play with the kids
5. Whatever. (Usually after a long debate with my children over some matter or another. I give up trying to convince them I know a little something about something, and just succumb to their adamant protests that they are in fact correct).
6. I'm workin' on it!
7. And the last one is one I can't repeat. . . I promised the kids that I would work on not saying it anymore. (Shame shame).

7 People I Admire:

1. Amy M- she is the one of most self motivated, productive, uplifting people I know
2. My mom
3. My dad
4. Emily A.
5. Andrea R
6. The really skinny, healthy, happy mom of three who picks her kids up from preschool the same time I pick Alaina up. (granted this admiration is of the "bite my lip-she makes me sick- but oh how I wish I was like that-variety).
7. Carlye D

7 Favorite Foods:

1. Spaghetti
2. Corn
3. Applesauce
4. Mint Oreos
5. Mexican
6. Jr. Mints
7. Cereal

7 People to Tag:

1. Mom
2. Andrea
3. Kaycie
4. Stacy
5. Denise
6. Jodi
7. Deanne

Gotta Love Him

2008-10-09T23:09:00.000-07:00

So after reading the previous post "Not Chihuahau Poo", it is hard for even myself to admit that Matt is still irresistably lovable. How do you refrain from loving that toothy, dimple-dorned grin? Impossible! Motherhood is seriously the most intense rollercoaster EVER!

And look what he can do with a couple sturdy plastic cars! Alaina has a pair of rollerblades she loves to wear around the house. Matt is always trying to convince her to share. Finally he'd had enough and made his own!

Not Chihuahua Poo

2008-10-09T22:03:00.000-07:00

This is what a little boy looks like after he has been caught doing something utterly unbelievable. Can't you see the look of "uh oh" in his eyes. He better think "uh oh".

I don't have dogs for this EXACT reason!

Sorry for the graphic pictures. But he deserves to have this moment immortalized. And until he succumbs to my urgent requests to get the toilet thing down, I will hound him about this relentlessly. Why are boys so hard to potty train. Too busy I guess. We have even tried bribing him with trains, train tracks, and tunnels. (Given his ardent love of all things locomotive I was sure we had the answer, but alas I was wrong. And the horrible possibility of stumbling upon more "chihuahua poo" is likely).

A Chance of Lifetime. . . And I didn't take it! TWICE!!

2008-10-09T22:02:00.000-07:00

Count them. . . One
Two
Three

Should have joined them right? How often does the universe align in such a sign of magnanimous divine love? Well for this fool of a woman who didn't take her first chance. . . . the answer was twice!

But apparently I don't learn from history. . . I let it repeat itself. Complete with three sleeping babies and one wide awake mommy. Can't even remember what I did instead of napping. But I know this much: If I had napped, I would have remembered!

Dare I ask for a third chance?

Camping 101

2008-10-09T22:01:00.000-07:00

In August we went camping for the first time as a family. We had a beautiful view of a toll road behind us and the campground's trash dumpsters out the front door. But the dirt, the rocks and the stars were what mattered. Damon at little more than a month was a dream. . . went to sleep right on time, slept through the whole night nestled in blankets on the tent floor. Matthew, at almost three was, well EXCITED. After the novelty of flashlights, campfires, tents and sleeping bags wore off he finally nodded off to sleep as well. Alaina was intrigued by the short jaunt from the tent to the toilet, and insisted on traipsing out in her nightie, up the starlit road to the bathroom. Once that adventure was mastered she nodded off quickly. Mom and Dad slept comfortably on a inflation-challenged mattress. More like a night on the sea, what with every roll bringing a sudden and jarring change in altitude for us lighter bodies! But by morning we found ourselves firmly grounded, rocks embedded on our backsides to boot! The morning after kids still excited, and actually getting along. Not that we were exactly roughing it in the wilderness, but I guess this sort of thing really does inspire bonding, no super glue involved! Since this trip I have at least 2 requests a week for another camping soiree soon!

For Your Amusing Perusing!

2008-09-02T15:38:00.000-07:00

Matt and Alaina at Temple Square (photoshop help)

Matt @ La Jolla Beach

Damon @ La Jolla while perched in the Baby Bjorn on my tummy

Damon @ home on the couch

Jake @ the church on the north side of the river

Jake and Ivet at the same place

Alaina Damon and Matt @ SLC Temple (some photoshop work done on this one)

Amanda and Josh's Wedding Announcements (photoshop as well, obviously)

Amanda and Josh

A Few of My Favorite Things

2008-09-01T23:32:00.000-07:00

Little Girls and Fairy Wings - I wish the magic of childhood found a more prominant place in my memory. That's what daughters are for I suppose. What would I do if I didn't have her to remind of the beauty and magic of Fairy Wings and other imaginary things. And is it blaspheme when your 4 year old questions God's wisdom in light of the fact that he clearly forgot to give us wings? How could He commit such an oversight?

Little Boys and Potty Training (esp when big sisters help) - I must say I am behind on this one. Hesitant because invariably whenever I sit down to nurse Damon, Matt has to go to the bathroom. . . and he won't do it without help. So it is either me stooping over the john with one clinging for dear life and food to the teet, while I make a rather comical attempt at teaching the other how to wrap up business and keep it where it needs to go. . .OR a 'big sister' trying to help him. Hmm. . . I struggle as grown woman, with many years of 'going to bathroom' experience, with how to teach a little boy to go. How is my 4 year old little girl who is just barely beginning to notice certain anatomical differences, supposed to do it? Well, as long as I don't have too many more of these experiences: and we don't miss the window of opportunity entirely, resulting in a grown man with no restroom skills I suppose I will chortle along with the rest of you, and enjoy the memories I am creating with my children. . . .

The sound of cicadas - When we first moved here oh. . . 11 years ago. . . I was rather frightened of these bugs. . . greatful I never actually saw them, only heard their zappy, electric, eery song. But the other night as Alaina and I went on a "dusk bike ride" as she calls them, I heard these grasshopper like bugs, zipping out there quirky yet unique cant, I finally became acquainted and rather enamored with them. Still glad I can't see them, still glad I don't know exactly how many it takes to reach the startling volume they get to, but no longer afraid of them, and more intrigued with their peerless voices. And now they will be associated with the quiet, and special 'dusk bike rides' that Alaina and I enjoy on occasion, part of a sweet memory now.

Twilight Bike Rides - see above and read on. . . it must be a combination of the simple and the profound changes I witness when I walk behind her, straining to hear what she is babbling about up ahead of me, so when she pauses, I will have the proper response awaiting. The sun setting, making the mountains to the east a husky purple, the sky above a calming splash of warm pastel blues, pinks, yellows and reds. Alaina's own red hair, both infused with more fire and cooled by the twilight around her. The way she sits more confident atop the pink and white seat, the way she pedals slightly faster and stronger than the last trip down the road. Both moving further away from me and yet closer too, as she grows more confident in herself, and I witness the little woman she is becoming. This is one of my favorite things.

Say Uncle!

2008-09-01T23:25:00.000-07:00

Alaina decided she didn't want me as her mommy anymore.

Alaina: "I want a different mommy."

Wicked Witch (me): "Well you only get one mommy, sorry but you can't trade me for a new one."

Alaina: "Well then I am not going to call you mommy anymore. I'll call you another name. I'll call you Uncle"

Ooohh. How nasty is that? (Chuckle chuckle:))

Yumm!

2008-08-27T22:54:00.000-07:00

This recipe turned out FANTASTIC. Little kick to it. . . so just a heads up. Mine didn't turn out as pretty as hers, but so good! Sorry so quick. . .lots of work to do and it is already 11pm. I will post later about birthdays, vacations, camping, and more!

Ear Aches and Lucky Breaks

2008-08-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

Matt's ear was really hurting him so we got a dr. appt for the morning. All he wanted to do that morning was sit in front of the tv with a blanket, and he kept asking me to come hold him. . . that is a Defiinte sign that he wasn't feeling well. I told him we would go to the doctor and she would give us some medicine to help it feel better, and he was surprisingly very excited about that. I guess the fear of the doctor was no competition for the pain he was in. I sent Alaina with a friend to a swim party and the two boys and I headed off to the doctor with plenty of time to spare. Until we were about a block away from our destination. I heard Matt's little voice from way in the back seat say, "Mom, I have to throw up." Matt has always been so good about telling us when he has to throw, plenty of warning to get him to the toilet or the sink. . .I was sure I had time to get to the side of the road, which I promptly did. But alas, there was no holding back on his part, and I could hear the disaster from the front seat. The poor boy was covered, COVERED, in it. Not a dry piece of clothing. . .even his diaper had chunks in it. So I stripped him down, while calling the dr. office to let them know I would be a bit behind schedule (they were so ornery. . . told me I couldn't be more than 15 minutes late, luckily we were just around the corner). Then as I was trying to console my sick, sad and naked little boy and change his diaper at the same time. . . the darn thing broke, I ripped the veclro tab right off! So now I have a diaperless, naked, vomiting little boy, and a really stinky car.Needless to say we did get to the doctor on time, Matthew was adorned in an overly large and fairly used Quiznos shirt (which he was embarrassed to be in, but was greatful that Daddy took time out of his busy day to come rescue us in true hero fashion) and a diaper which hung loosely around one leg. What a zoo! I looked like the mother of the year to be sure. But 20 minutes later, and a few tears to boot, we had a prescription and a promise of a much better feeling ear in a few days. "But No Swimming For a Week" said the doctor. (Not if you have Chuck for a daddy!) The rule has been no head under the water. . . He would be miserable without the pool.

$98 dollar miracle ear healing solution! (Worth it to see a smile on his face again)

But I guess the Lord figured that with all the ear aches and such, he would give me a lucky break! I found this in the parking lot at Carl's Jr. on Saturday. Just lying in the middle of an empty parking lot, waiting for someone to come rescue it from the blistering asphalt and scorching sun. Perchance a car should run over it and crush it to oblivion?

Works and everything! Any game suggestions? It had Monster Jam in it already!

For Denise

2008-08-16T00:28:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have never been too terribly in to the whole Halloween thing, especially not when compared to Denise, who is absolutey amazing when it comes to all things Halloween and party related. Her talent has piqued my interest! And isn't that what talent should be all about anyway? Ya know, doing something you love and are good at, which in turn helps others see things in a new and exciting way? So Denise, your talent has touched me! Even if it does bring me to this gorgeously gruesome grist!

And Denise. . . I soo wish I lived closer to you. . . I would so be in line with you for both movies. . .that is if you would have me.

OH MY HEEAAVENS!

2008-08-06T15:56:00.000-07:00

These look more than heavenly! I think I will take a whirl and make them for the ladies I visit teach this month! Wouldn't you love to see me if I showed up at your door with a plate full of this scrum-diddlie-umptious goodness? I would love to see me!

Picky Palate has THE BEST recipes on it. I am not a cook, ask my husband, but I am inspired by Jenny's talent and willingness to share. She uses so many things that I already have sitting around, it doesn't make shopping too stressful. . .and if her kids will eat it, hopefully mine will at least try it. I am addicted to her blog. . anxious to see what new beautiful dish she will share!

Crafty Aspirations

2008-08-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

Think I am going to attempt to make my own version of these. Matt has been enthralled with imagining that monsters are under his bed or in the closets, worth foes for him and his trusty sword. (Whilst he slept, Alaina insisted we purchase it for him as we were leaving Seaworld not too long ago. It was sweet, I thought she had changed her mind from a safe and sensible purchase of a stuffed Shamu. When she told me she wanted a bulky plastic sword I was adamant that she was not getting that. . . she broke down in tears. Finally, frustrated and frazzled she was able to explain to her dumb mommy that she wanted to get it for Matt. Now that made sense).

So anyway, maybe surprising him these will add a few more minutes of entertainment to his already extravagant role playing adventure. O how I wish I could be swept swiftly away by a brave knight to my yesteryear with only monsters, dragons and evil witches hiding dauntingly in the dark corners of my closet to battle.

Super Cute!

2008-07-30T16:51:00.000-07:00

Check these out! Love them and this super talented lady is giving them away! I can't wait to check out her store in Etsy! Alaina would love these. . .what chic girlie-girl wouldn't? And then there were these awesome beanies on Simple Finds that definitely take the cake. I have tried crocheting 10 thousand times plus. . . ask my mother in law. I just can't get right! Chuck always laughs at me when I pull it all out to try again. But I figure if I keep trying one of these days I will get it down!

2 Months Old

2008-07-24T22:58:00.000-07:00

So while I have been finding time to gripe about life. . . my life has been growing up faster than I thought possible, and ever wanted. Damon is already 2 months old! Smiling and talking so much sooner than I remember the other two reaching those mile-stones. I have tried to make sure that the moments when the smiles come and the sweet baby talk gurgles from his round little face are the moments I take to slow down and listen. I want them to be the moments I use to look in his sweet blue eyes and tell him I love him. This moment will only last a flicker of an eye lash and then the world that seems to have slowed down for a millisecond will jump back into full speed, with a forward moving momentum, much to brisk for my liking.
Alaina seems to know that fleeting is the time she has with a little brother who won't try to take over her room, steal her toys, or antagonize her for the sheer enjoyment of it all. She is a gentle and loving big sister. Damon is lucky to have her. She definitely has a maternal instinct. She has already told me that she wants to grow up to be a mommy like me, to work for Pappa like I do, and when she gets married she is going to live in the same house as me! Well I guess we'll take the good with the bad. I tell her she will change her mind about some of that, but she disagrees. But then again, when doesn't she disagree with me, and all the while she wears that sweet grin on her face. She really is getting much to skilled in the debate and negotiating forums. But no debate about it, she loves her "beautiful Damon!"
Matthew is still busier than a bee on a pollen buzz! But he finds an ocassional moment to kick it with his little bro. Tonight they tried to settle down for a private screening of "Cars" courtesy of Matt Riddle Theaters, complete with a cushy perch to view the rip roarin' movie on Matt's "Cars" bed. Damon lost interest quickly, but not before I could snap a pic of the two of them just bein' boys. Sure there are lots more nights like this to come!

He can't seem to get enough of the pool. Loves to chase the girls around the perimeter with the hose. Squeals of laughter are his end goal!! His favorite is to jump on the tramp with the girls and the hose. . . what a BOY!
Alaina, well cute as she might be, she is always always up to something. Formulating some new system of logic to convince me that she is older than 4 1/2 and that she knows better than me. Scary thing is. . . she is very persuasive!

Part of the Reason

2008-07-24T18:44:00.001-07:00

Part of the reason I am feeling a bit stressed is the twenty pounds I have put on in the last 4 1/2 years. I hope it won't take me as long to take it off. Granted, I will give myself the fact that I did just have a baby, but the acceptable time frame for using the word "just" is rapidly running out.

It is time to begin shaking some of this extra weight off.

I feel exposed, naked, and grotesquely out of shape. At the beginning of a long road, but at least back on the saddle right?

StrESseD OOuutT!

2008-07-24T06:29:00.000-07:00

Ok. . . major distress call to all you mothers who have just as much, more, and WAY more on your plate than I do. I need some intervention. I feel like . . . ugh. . . I don't even know. I am actually stunned at all the emotions I can feel at once lately.

Elated

Deflated

Sad

Mad

Frustrated

Flighty

Grateful

Ornery

Scared

Tired

Energized

Bored

Wired

Is this post partum depression, is it number 3, is it hormonal woman syndrome? Or is it just the life of a mom and I just better get used to it (as my oh so tactful and delicate husband would say)?

I know I haven't really given much detail, but does anyone really care? I mean it is 12:30 am, two of my three just went to bed, and the youngest is still screaming. Deep down I know that when I finally fall into bed after I am done with two more hours of work (for the job I get paid to do) and the morning comes it will be a new day. . . but of what? More of this. Yikes ! I need a pedicure! a cruise, a break, or is it a pill I need.

So please give me some advice, a web-based slap in the face . . ."Snap out of it and don't get Stuck in The Moment" attention-getter. Or a pat on the back, "I know how you feel, but snap out of it" tender talking to. You decide . . . but I need to feel heard!

Getting To Know You, Getting To Know All About You!

2008-07-21T18:23:00.000-07:00

So if you read this you have been tagged. Let's see how much we can learn about eachother!
Then at the end, tell us which of these things that you haven't done but really really want to. If there isn't anything on the list you really want to do that you haven't done tell us what it is.

(X) Gone on a blind date
(X) Skipped school
( ) Watched someone die
(X) Been to Canada
(X) Been to Mexico
( ) Been to Florida
(X) Been on a plane
(X) Been lost
(X) Been on the opposite side of the country
( ) Gone to Washington , DC
(X) Swam in the ocean
(X) Cried yourself to sleep
(X) Played cops and robbers
(X) Recently colored with crayons
( ) Been to Europe
( ) Been to Asia
( ) Saved a life
( ) Saved an animal's life
(X) SCUBA Dived (at night, with sharks! talk about a rush!)
( ) Pilot an airplane
(X) Walked on a frozen lake
(X) Drank too much (Powerade. . . turned my pee neon yellow!)
( ) Hitch Hiked
(X) Sang Karaoke
(X) Paid for a meal with coins only?
(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't?
(X) Made prank phone calls
(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(X) Danced in the rain
(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(X) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(X) Watched the sunrise with someone you cared about
(X) Blown bubbles
(X) Gone ice-skating
(X) Gone roller skating
(X) Gone to the movies

1. Any nicknames? Nauni
2. Mother's name? Denise
3. Favorite Drink? Pepsi with a lime
4. Tattoos? No
5. Body Piercing? Just my ears.
6. How much do you love your job? Huh?
7. Birthplace? California
8. Favorite vacation spot? Hawaii
9. Ever been to Africa ? No
10. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? Yes, and for breakfast or lunch :)
11. Ever been on TV? Yes
12. Ever been in a car accident? Yes unfortunately.
13. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 4 doors
15. Favorite Salad Dressing? The Outback's Spicy Ranch
16. Favorite pie? Strawberry Rhubarb
17. Favorite number? 5
18. Favorite movie? Goonies (Hey you guuuuys!)
19. Favorite holiday? Christmas
20. Favorite dessert? Mint Oreo Cookies
21. Favorite food? Spaghettie
22. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
23. Favorite brand of body wash? Dove
24.. Favorite toothpaste? Crest with the Minty Thing
25. Favorite smell? Gasoline (weird huh?) or night blooming Jasmine (my neighbor has some growing
26. What do you do to relax? Read or watch a good movie
27. How do you see yourself in 10 years? A bit more fit, a bit more organized, a bit more relaxed

Bare-Foot

2008-07-18T17:16:00.001-07:00

Nothing like a trip to the beach at sunset. The feel of damp cold sand on your feet, between your toes. That briny breeze brushing your sunset blushed cheeks, whisping your loosely tied hair wild. There is no beauty that rivals the sound, the scent, the scene of the sea. Especially when enjoyed Bare-Foot.

Gangsta Face!

2008-07-18T13:59:00.000-07:00

So one day at a friend's house Alaina discovered a hidden talent! The kids were putting on a 'fashion/dance show' and Alaina, dancing to some rap song sprung this face! It has since been labeled her "Gangsta Face". When ever we need a good laugh we ask her to show us her Gangsta Face. . .complete with hand signals that mean something only to her! And there are very few people alive who can master the Gangsta Face in all it's glory and peculiarity. Apparently it runs in the family!

Alaina's Gangsta Face: Matt's Gangsta Face:
Da-dum! Damon's Gangsta Face:
(No I did not poke him in the bum or stuff his mouth with marshmellow's! I just got incredibly lucky)!

Memory Marathon

2008-07-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

Stacy Rocks! I saw this on my cousins blog and couldn't resist joining in Here is what you do!

1. Add a comment of a memory you have of the two of us together. It doesn't matter if you know me very well or just a little, it can be anything. It can be a recent memory or from way back. Once you leave a comment I will assume you are playing too.

2. Add these instructions to your own post and wait for the memories to start rolling in.

These Days. . . .

2008-07-16T09:32:00.001-07:00

I think the easiest way for me to write these days to pick some pictures of our recent goings on and then narrate. It has been a long time since I have written. But, sadly that doesn't mean there are a ton of pictures to catch us up. Lets see what we can do.

Just before I had the baby my Little Bro. Jake went to his senior prom. He was so sweet and asked me take both his Prom pictures and his Senior pictures. We were going to do them at the old Yuma Territorial Prison, but after all the primping and prepping was done, we ran out of time and the prison closed for the day. So we headed over to a pretty church just across the river and found some pretty spots. The sun had shifted on me so the shadows had gotten away from me. But they turned out pretty well for a couple of kids and a fat pregnant lady waddling around!

Don't you think they have great colors. What a sharp couple. I can't believe that my ninja turtle loving, chubby cheeked, blue eyed little brother is growing up so fast.

After Matt realized that we weren't going to take his football challenged little brother back to the hospital he decided he would be fine with keeping the little one. There isn't a waking or sleeping moment that Damon can escape from his big brother's kisses, caresses, and his odd ear nuzzle. Matt likes to stick soft things in his ears to soothe himself; his monkey's tail, his monkey's ear, and now it appears he has taken to nuzzling his ear up to the top of Damon's head. I guess the soft baby hair is just what the doctor ordered. I am glad Damon's head is too big to fit in Matt's ear, we might have a problem then. I wish I had a picture of it. . . I will have to wait for the right moment!

When Alaina isn't demanding to see Damon's 'beautiful eyes', and Matt isn't trying to shove his little brother's head in his ear, the two older siblings play together rather nicely . . . 50% of the time. The other day I convinced them to go outside and jump on the trampoline to burn off some energy. The breeze was blowing and it wasn't hot yet. This is what I found instead.

Alaina is hardly ever found without a book in hand, or two or three. And Matt is more and more discovered sitting next to her, or jumping around her, while she attempts to read to the both of them. . . Matt and Chaino that is. Ever the faithful audience to her masterful story telling capabilities!

When we aren't outside reading books on trampolines, or swimming in the pool we are inside trying not to go crazy! The remedy for indoor lunacy?. . . TWISTER. Alaina is pretty good at it and can play forever. Matt trys, then gives up and either hops from circle to circle, or tortures his sister, sabotaging her efforts to stay upright whilst being all twisted up.

When the Twister game turns wrestling match we fold it up and put it away for another day. On rare occasion I will hop on the slippery surface to show off my "prowess", but most times I use Damon as an excuse not to get on and fall flat on my face.

And Damon. . . well he keeps on sleeping through it all. He is growing like a weed on weed food. I went to the his 1 month dr. appt. and the doctor wouldn't believe the weight at first. She kept checking it. . .then when she succumbed to the fact that the numbers were correct she asked me what I was feeding the boy. I responded that I was breastfeeding, and she replied, "What are you making? Cream?! You should bottle it and sell it!" I know she was joking, but there are children in Africa who need food, and there is actually an agency who will send it to them, and there are other online companies who sell breast milk. So I have decided my new day job will find me in the milk factory! (Can't you just see it, a human version of a dairy farm, with all the hoses and suction things)! All in a day's work!

Damon is steadily adding the fat roll under his chin, and adding rings to his legs, ankles, and wrists. All my kids are nice and fat. . . all the better to love them! These last two months seem to have passed much more rapidly than it did with the other two. I guess that along with the confidence and familiarity of a third comes a much more hasty passage of time. I try to enjoy the few moments alone with him I can get each day.

My cousin who just had a baby mentioned how she has already forgotten what it was like without her new one. I feel much the same way. Funny how that works. . . you spend sleepless nights wondering if you have enough love, enough patience, enough wisdom to give to one more, and then almost imperceptibly you settle into the newness of it all with a serenity and instinct you never perceived was there before. Oh the mercies of a loving and tender God!

Say Cheese!

2008-06-04T09:49:00.001-07:00

This is the most we see of his eyes most of the time. He is such a great baby, but he sleeps so much. I guess that is par for the course and the eventful journey to the world that he has just experienced. Whenever we get a full round eyed glimpse of his optical orbits we get so excited! One time he woke up long enough to give Alaina a wide eyed once over. She declared, "Look he just looked at me and said, 'Hey, that's my beautiful sister Alaina!'"

He is the spitting image of his daddy if you ask me! Handsome little devil. He passed his second hearing screening, impressed the nurses with his surprising strength, despite his tenderness of age, and has turned a nice fleshy color - a relieving development considering his early tendency to yellow.

Matt was a bit unsure about how close he really wanted to get to Damon. He still sometimes waffles between overwhelming desires to love and kiss him, and annoyance. But overall he is a good big brother.Alaina was on board right away. And is still the best helper with her little brother. She was very worried about what the nurses were doing with him, and how her mom was doing. She didn't like that I couldn't move around much, confined to my ice packs and my less than comfortable bed. She walks around with a proud glow, knowing that she is the luckiest and best big sister around.

4 Plus 1 Equals 5

2008-05-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

And Damon Michael has arrived. He was born at 11:06 pm May 23rd at 8lbs 6 ozs and 20 3/4 inches long. I went into the hopital at 4pm, they started the drugs at 5:30pm, broke the water at 9ish pm, had the joke of an epidural at 10:15pm, and had a baby boy at not much more than 45 min. later.

While we tried to convince Alaina that hers was not the privelage of naming our third born, ultimately her choice was the winner, and Damon is happily at home! Snoozing most of the time, eating the rest of the time. He has so proven to be very laid back and geniunely sweet. But can they be anyting other than that at 5 days old? We have to have some addt.'l tests on his hearing and his bilirubin counts. Should know by Friday at the latest if there is anything real to worry about in either case. I am not sure if it is experience or apathy, but I am not losing any sleep over any of it. The Lord seems to work things out in his own way.

Alaina is a super helper. Constantly reminding me to feed Damon, telling him she loves him and that he is so cute! She also has proven to be sensitive to my own misgivings and lack of confidence as she is frequently and spontaneously reminding me that she loves me, and that she thinks I am beautiful.

Matthew was eager to have a new playmate, asking Damon "Damon, do you want to play football with me?" the night we brought him home. He has made a few more similar heartwarming, and pre-mature requests of his younger brother, but has ultimately given up on him and decided we need to take him back to the hospital. I am sure his emotional roller coaster will be as intense and real as mine will be in the next several weeks.

My mother in law has been in town and leaves on Thursday. I am so greatful for her willingness to travel and be with us so often. She is awesome! She has been a great help. And Mom, Dad, brothers, sisters and respective significant others have been a great source of love and support as well. I am so lucky to have my family so close. I am sure they wish sometimes that there was bit more distance between us, but I wouldn't have it any other way. My kids and our family in general are greatly blessed by their willingness to love and serve us so selflessly. I am healing well, despite the fact the dr. didn't prescribe me one single pain killer. Just extra strength tylenol for me.

Kids are asleep, so I am going to catch some shut eye while I can. Love to all. And for those interested, we should be blessing the baby the first Sunday of July. You are all more than welcome!

TULIPS! I LOVE TULIPS! TULIPS!

2008-05-02T16:15:00.000-07:00

So I don't think I need more than two fingers to count how many times I have had flowers delivered to me. At first when my friend knocked on the door and I saw her standing there with flowers, I wondered if perhaps my husband felt a bit bad for not wanting to take me out of town for the weekend for our anniversary. But upon opening the box to find beautiful tulips inside I KNEW it wasn't him. My Faye and Floyd I love you!

My favorite flower is the tulip. I loved springtime and temple square with all the beautiful tulips this time of year when we lived in Utah. Every now and again I splurge and buy a little boquet at the grocery store to liven up my kitchen table. They just make me so so so happy!

So thank you thank you thank you! I love them. I love you!

Ready or Not

2008-05-02T08:24:00.000-07:00

Ready:
I woke up the other night, indigestion broiling sweating like swollen pig, and decided to attempt to find sleep on the couch in the front room. Here I can turn the fan on full speed and sleep with out the burn in my chest and throat. I woke up, however, at least 4 times, thinking I was awakening from one of those weird late-term pregnancy dreams, huffing and puffing for air. Upon the 5th such arousal from my less than restful sleep I realized that it wasn't a bad dream, it was my body naturally awakening me to ensure that I was breathing. I think I had actually stopped breathing! Probably due to the way I was situated on the couch. It was kind of scary once I realized that was what was going on!
Not Ready:
Where are the baby clothes again? Oh yeah, up in the attic - way back in the attic. Bottles, nipples, pacifiers? I know I put them neatly way somewhere in a nice brown box. Out of sight, out of mind, and now, probably out of time.
Ready:
My son is cramped for space. This miserable state he is enduring obviously affects me as well. But he will be liberated soon enough. I have learned a little about him through witnessing and feeling the fight he puts up inside of me. He is just that, a fighter. He is persistent, and sometimes not very gentle. (Perhaps I should give him the benefit of the doubt and attribute his not so gentle jabbings to his lack of coordination). I want to meet this son of mine. Give him kisses and tell him I love him.
Not Ready:
I struggle with the 2 I already have. Not struggle as in "I can't stand being their mommy", but struggle as in "Am I doing this right?. . . Nope not most of the time" But the Lord trusts me apparently, with two I have, and the one on the way. Can I do 3? We'll see!
Ready:
Milk: 2.99 a gallon at least. And I can drink 2 gallons in 2 1/2 days myself. Isn't that crazy. Some weird craving that also serves as a deterrent to the indegestion. And Matt can go through a fair share on his own as well. Maybe I should invest in a dairy cow. (But I believe that the end is near, for on occasion I do get a bit sick from the milk, perhaps because of the amazingly high consumption rate I have put my body through, but most likely because my body is ready to have this child).
Not Ready:
Swollen bosoms and my own milk. (Ouch!)
Ready:
Swollen bosoms and my own milk. (Hee hee!)
Swollen ankles, face, belly . . . you get the picture.
Not Ready:
I know he is safe where he is. Free of bugs, and colds, scrapes and cuts. Free of the obvious and not so obvious buffetings of the world and those who would hold him down and keep him back. Untouched by the confusing and misleading voices of the world.
Ready:
To help him see how strong he is. I think that the truth of the matter is that he is ready. Ready to enter this life, the one he has been training for with his Father in Heaven. I think he is ready to stretch out, and test the waters, willing to take the risks that this earth life presents, and turn them into opportunities for growth, and progress in this journey we are all on. Eager to prove himself worthy and prepared for the challenge. Anxious to move forward and reach onward to our ulimate goal of eternal life and exaltation.

So I guess whether I am ready or not, he is. So whenever God says "Go. . . . "

MAAAAAHHHHHHHM!

2008-05-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, I KNOW I am not alone in this aggravating situation. But how much more can I really take? What mother hasn't endured that nerve grating sensation as her offspring let out a call worse than that of the wild, beckoning, demanding her attention. For fear that legs have been crushed under falling dressers, or heads have been disconnected from the major portion of the body, we rush across the house - pantyhose half hiked up or dizzy from the exhertion lifting a 9month pregnant body off the couch in such a frenzie - we can't help it, it's inborn, a natural (although vexatious) instinct. And when we arrive in record breaking time to save our dearly beloved children from unimaginable horrors, we are greeted by an insulting, galling request to hand a child the book lying next to them, but a fingertip out of reach. Sometimes the demand proves a bit more urgent - - perhaps they need help turning the volume up on the t.v, or some guidance on which pair of underwear should be worn with a particular outfit (the last example may not apply to many mothers, but alas I am Alaina's mommy and this is a critical component of fashion sense in her book).
Maaaaaammm! Oh release me.
So then I attempt to drown out the interminable bellowing, but it just gets louder. Is it really possible? I have often been reminded nothing is impossible. Apparently my daughter is converted to this belief! The louder, the longer, surely the quicker I will appear to create a world of ease and leisure for her. All the while I desperately fight the urge to let my head spin on an axis of uncomprehensible speed, the fury building within. (Now I am fully aware that I am most likely only proving my lack of composure, patience and all things divine in motherhood, more than illustrating my point that children can be so demanding sometimes. But I am totally fine with this less than pleasant revelation about my damaged personality and character.)
My husband has this built in 'mute' button that he turns on almost as soon as he enters the house. I don't get how that passed the list of acceptable manuevers for him, but didn't make it onto the list of "How to Survive Things all Motherhood". So even when he attempts to set an example for me on how to ignore the pestering vociferating originating from my dainty damsel in 'distress', it just bugs me even more. Instead of standing in wonder at his patience, I stand in ready pose to pounce on the helpless male of the herd - survival requires the contribution of all the members - and at times like these I rely on him to quiet the noise that threatens to unleash the horrible beast within - which we have already establised is 'your's truly'.
Eventually I succumb. I bow my head in defeat, walk sullenly - sometimes stomping - away from my counterpart who is somehow impervious to the hollering from the hall, and go to inquire after the needs of my darling, although exacting daughter.
And as I ponder upon my 'predicament', I realize my Father in Heaven probably feels the exact same way, without all the less-than-divine temper tantrums, and sub-heavenly head spinning. How many times have I cried out, bellowed, even screamed on occasion, for help, for comfort, for answers, that weren't more than a fingertip, or less, away from my grasp. If only I would excercise a smidgen of self mastery, or initiative. So perhaps that in itself is the answer to the "Maaaaahhhm" mayhem of my life.
Your thoughts?

"Shy of My Talk"

2008-04-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

That's what Alaina said. "But I'm shy of my talk". I know what she meant was that despite all the practicing, and the fact that she wrote (and colored her own talk), she was too afraid to approach the small child-sized pulpit, look up at that huge congregation of scary primary children, and vocalize her testimony. I should have known that would happen, given on most occasions she is too gun-shy to even pray vocally in family prayer. She is much more content to wait til the quiet of her room and do it there. I guess I am ok with that. The part of me that isn't is the proud mamma part. And it isn't so important how that part of me feels as how she feels.

So we made her give her talk in Family Home evening at Mom and Dad's house. She was the star of the show there. She even drilled her audience with questions to ascertain whether they were listening as attentively as they should have been. Baby steps. For all intents and purposes she is still a baby isn't she?

Bedknobs and Broomsticks

2008-04-27T20:45:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to figure out a way to ease Matthew into his own bed for a while now. Alaina has grown tired of his tossing and turning, his legs draped over her body as she tries to slumber. She has even acquiesced her own bed in favor of a purple inflatable "Dora" bed, into which she zips herself up each night on the floor to escape the nightly torture her brother puts her through. I often find her pinned up against the wall, cheek plastered to the wall with some help from her drool, and Matthew sprawled out horizontally on the bed. It is rather incredulous how much space his little body can actually cover.

So, knowing of my son's ardent love for "Cars" the movie and all things Lightening McQueen and Mator I purchased a Cars Toddler bed set, complete with a large plush Lightening Pillow. He waffled on the level of excitement he was willing to display about it. But Alaina, knowing the impending freedom and good night sleep that lay ahead of her if we pulled this slieght of hand off, was on board. She is a great little coach, and before long, after several blunt hints at how tired she was, and generous offers to read him a bedtime story, and after I had to pull her out of his bed to let him in, she had her little brother nestled into his new bunk. She decided she would be his roommate for one more night and dragged her raft of a bed into his room next him. They only got out of bed one time. . . . well make that two times for Matt. Because when I went in to check on them I found him on his floor, head nestled in the crook of her arm, and monkey faithfully by his side.

For about two weeks this routine has continued. But somewhere between here and there Matthew is now in Alaina's bed again. This time Alaina has insisted he occupy the space nearest the wall. She usually reaches the land of nod long before he, clinging to the edge of her bed. I was reminded of my torturous existance when Matt was occupying my bed. I thought I would find greater joy in witnessing another deprived of space, but my poor daughter's plight is almost enough to break my heart. I did say ALMOST. Until she starts complaining again, I will let them enjoy that mischevious fun that always accompanies a shared dorm, a disregarded bed-time, and brother and sister's love for late night giggles. And I will try my best to let them enjoy the bedknobs while keeping my broomstick in the closet by trying to keep my cool and endure the constant reminders to keep it down, and go to sleep.

Summer is Here. . . ?

2008-03-04T10:21:00.000-08:00

Well that is what the kids thought after seeing dad outside scrubbing the pool down for several days in a row. And then they demanded that once the "little pool" was filled again Dad would have to take them swimming. Matt has had to be content with throwing things in the pool, never allowed to take a dip durring the cold months. He was so excited to go swimming! And since the water was only a warm 68 degrees, we turned the heater on and let them enjoy the spa! Alaina was right back to her water dancing, and Matt dutifully returned to making laps along the seat around and around the spa. Wasn't too pleased with Dad when he dunked him below the surface. I believe that after he sputtered for a few seconds, he stammered, with pointed finger in Chuck's general direction, "Don't . . . you. . . DO . . . THAT!" Too funny!

And while the sun has been shining in all it's splendor, we have experienced a cool down thanks to the wonderful north wind. So the kids are a little confused. But Chuck and I are very greatful for the delay of summer's arrival! Too hot, too long!

2008-02-28T18:46:00.000-08:00

I AM Watching. . .

So my kids have taken to demanding "Mommy watch" several times a day. Sometimes I hope they can't tell that I am really watching them with the eyes in the back of my head and not the front! Most times they can tell when I am just appeasing them with a mechanical response like that. But I am watching! I love witnessing Alaina's gentle touch with Matthew. I don't have many pictures of that, they are such covert and fleeting moments. I do see Matt's squint eyed, crinkle nosed, cheesie grins. I get lost in wonder and amazement so often when I watch Alaina 'read' a book after only hearing it one time, and getting it almost word perfect. And even Matt's mischevious endeavors, although often deserving of a wack on the bum, don't escape my humored attention.
I am watching their awareness of the world around them grow, and mature, and deepen. I am watching the tender, selfless side of Matthew blossom. And I am watching freckles pop up almost over night across the bridges of both of their noses. I see Alaina learning how sing the primary songs. . . delighting in the joy it brings her when she can get Matt to sing along, and on rare occasions she can even get Daddy to join in!

I am watching my life grow up right in front of me. Older, wiser, more beautiful and more stunning every second of the day. So while they can't always accuse me of not watching, the misdemeanor I am more guilty of is not reveling in these kind of moments more often. I thank God every day for the joy and the light and complete satisfaction I find in these two!

Belated Happy Birthday

2008-02-28T08:47:00.000-08:00

Most things seem to be of the 'belated' sort lately, and while we didn't actually celebrate her birthday late, I am tardy in sharing the festivities. So here goes.

I must admit I have taken to cake making. I know that the day should be all about her, but I use it as an excuse to do something I like too. . . I stole this idea from familyfun.com and it turned out so cute, even though I can't claim any creative genius. Alaina orginally wanted a butterfly cake, but changed her mind to princess one. I inserted her a bit lopsided, but it was effective nonetheless!

Alaina enjoyed aunts and uncles, grandma's and grandpa's and even a little brother at her party. She got all the things she wanted and even a few surprises! This year seemed to be the year of the pj's though. But she loves to wear a different pair ever night! Seems her fashion sense does not sleep as she is very particular about what she wears to bed even.

I can't believe that she is already four. This fall she will be heading to preschool, both an anticipated event for me (what with an ever increasing work load, and another baby on the way), and a sad one as well. I sometimes worry, and especially lately, that I haven't been available enough for her. Even though I am at home. I can't count how many times I have replied with a "Not right now", or "In a mintute", or "When Matthew is taking a nap" to her requests for a story, or a puzzle, or a manicure.

She is so much the light of my life. I hope that in spite of the time I have to spend at my desk or in front of the computer, that she knows she is everything to me. And on this her 4th birthday, the hug and kiss I got from her appeased that longing for me. And she was surrounded by people who love her most, and know her best. She was happy, and excited and that is what a birthday is all about - the magic of it all, the feeling that you really are the most important person in the world. I hope that wonder and magic was something she experienced.

I love my Mom

2008-02-26T16:11:00.000-08:00

Just came across this picture I took of Alaina and my Mom (Nanna). I love it. And I love my mom. She doesn't know how much, I am sure of it. But she is a wonderful lady, so much love, so much to give. I thank the Lord each day that she is mine!

I Am So Excited

2008-02-25T17:20:00.000-08:00

So I bought one of these:

And I can't wait to get it! I think I have discovered why so many people are addicted to Ebay! Got an awesome deal and an awesome rush as I watched the minutes, then seconds quickly tick away - - then quickly jab in my bid and cross my fingers that I hadn't waited to long and the bidding had closed or I had bid too soon and someone out bid me. But now I can almost hear the quiet "chirping" of my very own Cricut as it makes it's way to my little home!

My Favorite Holiday: Thankhallomasear

2008-01-16T07:34:00.000-08:00

Well it is time to catch up. Lets see what kind of job I can do. I think the pictures will help jog my memory, as well as communicate much more than I ever could through words. Our family had a

nice Thanksgiving with my parents, the only baking or cooking required of me was an apple pie. I usually LOVE baking home made apple pies, they are my favorite, but this year I resorted to allowing good ol' "Marie" offer up her best efforts. I still think mine are better, but this was more convenient this year. Dad's parents, Nanna and Grandpa came to enjoy the feast with us, it is TRADITION to celebrate my little sister's birthday with them in tandem with Thanksgiving! Just ask Kaycie. And aside from a head knotting car accident in the back yard it was a holiday without much incident. Alaina and Great Grandpa Dahl were putting on a circus act. Alaina precariously perched atop the clown car, with Grandpa gunning it behind her! She lost her balance and whacked the floor. Ah, the fun! She was fine, and bounced right back! After a few moments of icing, she insisted on returning to the show, only this time volunteering the lead role of car top passenger to Matthew!

Halloween was a much anticipated and enthusiastically embraced celebration by Alaina! She couldn't wait to don the make-up and the princess tiara! And I believe she was the most beautiful princess to be found amid the trick-or-treaters found hunting for candy in the church parking lot!

Matthew on the other hand, could have cared less. But isn't that boys for you? He finally agreed to wear some 'sporty' pj's and go as an athlete. Albeit a sleepy athlete. He spent a good half of the ghoulish game on the sidelines of the candy court, asleep in the car. But when he finally deemed himself ready to join the game, he showed true trick or treating prowess, and while lugging his over-stuffed pumpkin full of candy around, managed to still find ways to torment his sister along the way!
And here is to Christmas. I must sadly admit that the cheer around here was a bit drear. Alaina had to do a tremendous amount of cajoling to get her dad to even put any Christmas lights. Finally he acquiesced, and correctly assumed the role of apologetic father. He let Alaina climb upon the ladder, perch precariously atop it as she quite confidently (much to my chagrin) strung strands of starry lights through hooks hung there last year. She was proud of her work and to this day they are still hanging on the house. (I know we sound lazy and louse, but we really have been overwhelmingly occupied with so many things of late.) I must thank my sweet daughter though for reminding me what the season really is all about! It didn't take long after the boxes came out of their hiding place in the attic, dusty and dried out from the summer heat, to reignite the warmth of the season in this miserly mamma! I even pulled out the dreaded, clinging, obnoxious angel hair snow. And by the end of the night, I loved how it looked so much that I was contemplating going out to get more! I practiced restraint however! And Matthew must have observed that restraint, as he only managed to break one ornament. I knew better than to put those pretty glass balls, bright red and green, on the branches. But Alaina was adamant and Matthew was determined. Determined to see how far he could throw one, and how many pieces one could shatter into. It was rather impressive, from ominous wind up to fateful demise upon the tile. Red glass shattered to the four corners of the house, lighting up the air with glittering magic. Christmas Pixie dust laced household fixtures, a testament to the wonder of the season. And as I bent over to vacuum the shards of Christmas ornament I couldn't help but hide a silent smile at the sheer joy my little boy expressed over the magic of his mighty arm and a little red christmas ball!

And the New Year has come and gone. . .without much incident. Except we did find out that our baby on the way, whom we were already calling Leilani, is in reality a boy. Alaina was devastated, who wants another brother? She is still pretty adamant that after the little boy comes out of mommy's tummy, a little sister will follow. Perhaps she is right, although probably not on the same time-table she has in mind. I admit I was looking forward to purples, and pinks, little ribbons in the hair and such. But for many reasons, after my initial let down, I am glad it will be another boy.

Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

2007-12-17T07:36:00.000-08:00

This entry is really more about my birthday than feeling blue. . . but the sentiment expressed the essence of my epiphony this year. So I included it. I came to the conspicuous conclusion that often when things don't seem to go right for me, it is invariably due the fact that I am neglecting certain obvious and necessary things in my life; like breathing for instance! Too often i like to look outward for the cause of my grief, my discomfort, and my frustration, when it all to frequently stems from myself. So go figure. I'm a little slow, but this coming year I have decided that I will try to remember to "breathe" a bit more!

So for the fun stuff. My birthday. Happened a while ago, but I am not counting down or back the days to my birthday anymore. Just another day, for the most part, but a day to make excuses for special treats. This year's treat was a fun day at the BYU/SDSU football game in San Diego. But not before a mad dash to the San Diego Zoo, where we jumped aboard the sky tram in a scramble to see the polar bears and the snow that was delivered just for them to play in. We sprinted back to the tram and out to the car, grabbed a lightening fast lunch at Chipotle, and made it to the game in time for kick off. Despite threatening dark skys and sporadic showers, we had a ton of fun and frozen feet. Matthew honed in on the puddles that could be found scattered throughout the stadium, and within 5 minutes had succeeded in soaking himself and any unfortunate, although amused, passers-by! And while he provided some side entertainment for several spectators, Alaina was more intrigued by the fancy footwork and theatrics of the cheer squad. (I offer a silent plea for forgiveness, but she does have her agency). She loved the pom-poms, and everytime San Diego scored a touch down they would shoot off the cannons and fireworks. Since that fanfare was only afforded to the home team, she was a lone San Diego patriot among many devoted Cougars! After the game, which saw not a single droplet of rain, we headed to El Torrito with some good friends for dinner. So my day was an enjoyable one. Probably one of the better birthdays in a long while.

And, upon returning home that evening, I had some warm color in my face . The day had awarded me plenty of time to breathe, eliminating the bluish tint that had started to appear there.

Turkey Trot Times

2007-12-07T11:57:00.001-08:00

Yeah, I probably looked like a turkey doing something similar to a trot! But the results are in and I got 8th in my age group. My time was one of my worst, but I finished! Amy did awesome as always. She is such a stud! And while I have been resting she has continued to pound the pavement. . .well the treadmill! But she is the one who should get the praise. Even when no one is looking she is still going strong. Never has been one of my strong points.

After countless miles of running we ran our first official race. The first of several in a series they run here in Yuma. Since that race I haven't run a single day, maybe once or twice, and the next race is tomorrow. I don't know if I will run or not. The gun goes of at 8:30am and I have to be at a Primary Quarterly Activity at 10 am. So it is either go stinky and sweaty, or don't run. I am torn. I guess I will let you know!

Mountains Out of Mole-Hills?

2007-12-06T16:30:00.000-08:00

For the last several invidious weeks I have been a drifter in my own home. Never sleeping for more than a couple restless hours upon the same mattress. I start out in Alaina's room, till her tired eyes nod off to sleep. Then to my room, and my profusely pined-for plush pillow-top. My sojourn here only lasts another couple hours, until around 3:30 am Matthew promptly awakens, demanding "Chawbee milk", and my warm and snug spot in bed. I attempt to squeeze onto my king sized bed. . . with only inches left between him and an untimely tumble to the floor below. After a few moments of tenaciously grappling the side of the bed to keep from being punched, pummeled and poked off the edge, I stumble to the guest bedroom to listen to the sprinklers water the back lawn until I doze off, only to greet the sun moments later it seems.

Last night was the last night that I would be branded a vagabond. With a baby on the way, I could not imagine wandering like this for much longer. So I determined to put an end to it. While Alaina still demands at least a token attempt at sleeping with her, Matthew has no say in the matter. After about 40 minutes of angry screaming, he decided he would take my peace offering - a cold cup of strawberry succulence. And then after several weary requests to watch "Cars" (his all time, overly watched, and much beloved favorite movie), I get him to lay back down in bed with Alaina in HER bed, while we watch the artificial fish in his artificial aquarium swim round and round in circles. Almost 2 hours later, and after the type of rolling and flipping and flopping few in this wide world have ever witnessed, he relinquished his relentless hold on conciousness, and fell asleep.

I lay in bed soon thereafter, wondering if I had made a mountain out of a mole-hill. Was it really all that important to kick my cuddling son out of my plenty large bed? Was I going to miss these moments, and regret forcing them into oblivion?
Then I decided to celebrate this mole-hill morphed to mountain. This was a huge step for me, a victory won, a step closer to sanity. So I will glory in my 'mountain'. It is one to find satisfaction in. I think as mothers, what were once accomplishments worthy of Mountain Stature, become virtual mole-hills. What we once celebrated becomes less significant. And the small, seemingly mundane mole-hills become our Mt. Everests.
And while one successful night of not acquiescing to his demand to bunk down in my domain is by no means the end, it is the beginning, the first peak of many. It may be squashed and my once steadfast and immovable mountain may crumble before my eyes. . .I will still raise my arms above my head, and say "I did it!"
So here are to all the mole-hills we have come and will come to celebrate as mountains.

Stomach Churn to Heart Burn

2007-12-06T16:20:00.000-08:00

Well, now that I am done throwing up I thought I would return to the keyboard (since there is no longer the looming possiblity that tiny chunks of vomit might find themselves lodged in the keys) and resume my love affair with my beloved blogging.

I lay in bed the other night, and welcomed the all too familiar burn that starts at the base of my throat. . .lingering, slightly pestering, threatening to ignite into a full throddle flame. This means my battle with nausea is coming to an end, a new front has begun. I will take this new attack, with arms wide open, my face to the sky, peals of laughter and relief dancing heaven-ward, with an adieu to the never-ending waves of morning sickness. It seems that while the war is not over, the most wicked of it is done, and I find divine deliverance, or at least a much more manageable malaise.

So here is to feeling better and stomach churn to heart burn!

Preggie Pop Drops?

2007-10-10T11:56:00.000-07:00

So, this round the nausea has been more than unbearable. One day my diet consisted of lightly toasted bread and some strawberry jam. Worked for the day. . . but now the thought of crusty bread is enough to induce dry heaving. Another day it was some nice warm banana bread. . . another, just enough water to get me by. But I was getting tired of phone calls interrupted, stories books laid to the side, and meals left unprepared as I made a mad manic dash to the porcelain god demanding the guts out of me as a sacrifice for the life inside.

So I thought I would try the fabled Preggie Pop Drops from our local Motherhood Maternity. Delirium set, I was in heaven, the gnawing, grating grumbling dissipated, and the planet seemed to rotate on a steady axis for a whole 24 glorious hours. The next morning greeted me with sore mouth (seeing as I sucked the whole package in one day), but I could roll out of bed without feeling like I was in the high seas, searching for the bow of the boat to feed the fish their breakfast. However, like most fabled and too-good-to-be-true things of life, the effects have worn off. I must have over-done it the first day and now they aren't working at all. And alas the morning sickness (which is more like all-waking-hours-of-the-day-and-night-sickness) has returned with a pithy punch. Once again, my feeble knees fall in writhing obiesence to the Throne of Nausea.

ANY SUGGESETIONS?

One More

2007-09-28T20:57:00.000-07:00

I debated for a while. Couldn't decide if I was ready to share this new thing. But, like with most exciting and good things, I have found it just bursting forth from within me. So here is to one more. One more bout of morning sickness. One more exercise routine mildly altered. One more round of new clothes and indegestion, and leg cramps. One more exhilarating experience of new life growing inside, depending on me to be strong and healthy so it can enter the world with the strength of robust new life. One more chance to share the sacred process of life with the Powers that sustain us from day to day. One more blessed opportunity to contemplate the addition of one more to our family.

I didn't know if I was ready yet. The Lord knew. I didn't know if our family was ready yet. The Lord knew. I didn't know how I would feel. Now I do. Joyful, excited, humbled, greatful, anxious. And all these feelings could no longer be held at bay.

So come June our little family of 4 will be joined by one more.

Happy Birthday Matt!

2007-09-27T22:35:00.000-07:00

Matt just had his second birthday! What a milestone! A friend of my mentioned recently that when they turn two a switch turns and they are totally different. My little boy has seemingly grown up over night! It wasn't really that long ago when that dimple in his left was nestled in a much rounder cheek, when that flashy grin sported only fleshy pink gums. And while the twinkle in his bright eyes has always been there, the mischief has only just begun. But with all the raucous a two-year old boy can cause, I'll take it if it means I get that sweet kiss, and that tender hug. The endearing closeness as he presses his forehead up to mine as he sweetly makes his request for Cinderella for the 5th time in one afternoon, or some play time with mommy and the new cars he got for his birthday.

His favorite present were the water guns. Against my better judgment and succumbing to the desire to hear his squeals of rebellious delight, I got him 3 water guns. The rest of the evening was spent dousing both unsuspecting, and suspecting aunts, uncles, and grandparents with the new-fangled weapons of choice. But the highlight of the evening occurred when he realized which victim would bring him the most delight in attacking. CHAINO! After just a few moments of practice squeezing the trigger, he exclaimed "Chaino!" and ran to where Alaina's beloved dog sat unaware beneath an end table. Vigorously squirting him he darted a glance over his shoulder, keeping a wary eye on Alaina. When she realized the peril her pup was in she yelled in sincere distress and surprise, "No, not Chaino!" She ran to his aid and having achieved the response he desired from his sister he moved on to the next target. Chuck and I can only imagine the future predicaments of mock danger Chaino will find himself in at the hands of our Matt! And while this special day was truly ALL about Matthew, I have to boast for just a moment. Because I, the cook/baker incompetent, managed to make a MARVELOUS cake! It turned out soo soo soo good! Wonders never cease it appears! The Dragon Cake was a hit! So good it even made Matt take a couple looks at it before he decided it was safe to approach, and eventually blow on to extinguish the candles. The picture is a little busy, but if you look closely you can even see the wings! I look forward to trying something different next year for Alaina's birthday. And thanks to my cousin Deanne for inspiring me to try my hand at something other than a rectangular pan and a tub of frosting!

For many many many reasons, this will be one of my favorite birthday memories. I love my boy and I hope he has a great year!

2007-09-26T14:05:00.000-07:00

I am always surprised at how a good rain washes the world, revealing a fresh, vibrant, new skin. We enjoyed a few good showers and thunderstorms while in Minnesota, and I was greatful for the deep greens, the bright yellows and rich reds that emerged after their much welcomed cleansing. Each rain brought forth new life, almost a daily recurrence. Frogs and grasshoppers emerged from their dark homes beneath the earth to greet us with their songs, and worms wiggled up to the green grass to bask in the warmth of the sun tamed by the cool wetness still blanketing the ground. Life seemed to burst forth, singing, exuberant and joyful. Nature's enthusiasm embraced us as well, beckoning us to join her song, her sense of discovery and wonder. So after most of the storms we headed out to the park. There were several within walking distance, and when I wasn't bent over like a kicked in can helping Alaina peddle a bike, we were able to enjoy those walks. Looking for and picking as many dandelions as possible, jumping left to right along the double wide sidewalks like the green grasshoppers who shared our path. The air was fresh, with a hint of damp in it, and with every deep breath we took to fill our lungs, a wave of contentment and rejuvenating pleasure filled our spirits.

The beauty here is greener, and softer than our desert. The colors and life of the southwest are more intense, warmer and lazier. But the crisp charm of our surroundings are not lost on us. We soak it in, and in the process, like the roots of the tall trees around us dig deeper into the newly moistened soil, the memories and feelings born here take hold deep down inside ourselves.

The best thing about this trip, well there are too many 'best things', but one of them is this: there are always new things to experience, and new ways to experience old things. The other 'best thing' is that our trip, this visit with an old friend, emblazoned in my heart the truth of several things, this being one of them: Life is graced with a cleansing rain with every new day. The colors and intensity and purity of life are given to us anew each morning. And when we smudge it up or clutter it with debris, when we turn to the Lord he will cleanse us again and again and again. Each morning a new dawn, each rain a fresh start. And for that I will be forever grateful!

And We're Off!

2007-09-14T06:53:00.000-07:00

So I'm thinking I'm OFF my Rocker for even thinking I am going to be able to pull this off. Flying alone with my two very stir crazy children for three 1/2 hours. But it will be fun after the nightmare of flying is over! Alaina is super-excited; she had so much fun packing her "buffle bag" only to unpack it and put all the contents into a smaller suitcase which she loved zipping and unzipping over and over again. And she is quite the packer! I think I counted at least 4 pairs of shoes fly into the bag, at least a dozen pair of underwear, only 2 pair of socks (I will have to remedy that, who knows, maybe she was planning on wrapping the excess underwear around her feet?), a swimsuit, a dress, 2 pairs of pants, shorts, 4 books, and 4 stuffed animals. She wasn't very happy when I vetoed all the stuffed animals. She insisted that we needed to take some to share with "our friends". I assured her that they would have plenty to play with and that she could only take her favorite one. And we all know that Chaino will be her loyal companion. Later in the evening she wanted to start tossing food in her baggage. Peaches, bread, cereal. "Mom, do they have peaches. Can we pack peaches?" She doesn't even eat the fuzzy fruit! I once again assured her that Emily would have everything we needed, she didn't need to pack the pantry. So cute. . . and so excited.

We are leaving Chuck behind to watch on my brother and sisters while Mom and Dad are soaking up sun and scuba diving in Maui. And HOPEFULLY Chuck will have paperwork to finalize a sale on our house to work on as well. I have decided I absolutely destest the home selling process. Aside from the manic attempts to keep the house absolutely spotless all the time, I hate the yo-yo of emotions and expectations. We have had a couple people fall through on us that we were really sure we shoe-ins. But who knows, maybe this one will really pan out after all. Chuck and I both had the feeling that something would happen while I was gone, but we shall see.

So we ARE off, and it will be an adventure! I can't wait to see Em! Till then. . . . !

What DO My Kids Like To Eat?

2007-09-10T07:15:00.000-07:00

So my dear friend Emily called last night in anticipation of our visit to her home in Sartell, MN, wanting to know what my kids like to eat so she can stock her pantry and fridge in our behalf. Aside from the fact that she is the best hostess in the world, the request left me a little speechless. What do I tell her? What do kids like to eat. Of all the dishes and meals what makes the list? Well I will tell her this. . . not much. So it should be easy right?:

Matthew: (in order of meal)

1. Strawberry Milk
2. Strawberry Milk
3. Strawberry Milk. . . .
4. Frosted Flakes (w/strawberry milk. . . No Just Kidding!)
5. Yogurt (prefferably of the strawberry variety)
6. Oatmeal
7. Pizza
8. Turkey Sandwiches (w/ lettuce, tomato, and mayo, on a white bun with sesame seeds - Quiznos Specialty)
9. Cheese and Chicken Quesadillas (with lots of hot salsa)
10. ANY variety of cheesie chips (Dorritos, Cheetos, Sun Chips, etc)
11. Strawberry Milk
12. Strawberry Milk
13. Strawberry Milk
14. Spaghetti with a dab of spicy spaghetti sauce
15. Mac and Cheese (i haven't tried putting salsa in that, be he would prob. like that too)
16. Cranberry Chicken (the ONE recipe I get right every time. . . it is soo yummy. . . look at my Kitchen Katastrophe entry for the recipe in the near future)
16. Barbecue Sauce, sometimes with chicken, but not required!
18. Broccoli
19. Corn (on the cob)
20. Green Beans (Guymon Grown! of course. My mother in law grows beans to die for!)
21. Stuffing
22. Grapes, Cantelope, Strawberries
23. Strawberry Milk
24. Strawberry Milk
25. Strawberry Milk

Alaina:

1. Cold Water with Ice
2. Chocolate Milk
3. Juicy Water (Powerade Option drinks)
4. Soda (yes, report me to Child services. . . I let her drink my diet pepsi!)
5. Tasty Cheerios (HoneyNut Cheerios)
6. Rabbit Poop (Grandpa's grotesque nomenclature for Cocoa Puffs)
7. Tiger Cereal (Frosted Flakes, in the Frosted Flakes bowl with Tony the Tiger's face on the bottom)
8. Pizza
9. Spaghetti (no sauce, unbroken nooodles. . . as long as I can get them)
10. Broccoli Cheese Soup
11. Turkey Sandwiches (Quiznos Specialty Again)
12. Cantelope (she could eat a whole melon herself!)
13. Carrots and Ranch (but carrots are not required)
14. Green salad with Cesar dressing (a regular rabbit. . .there might be a connection to her cereal preferences?)
15. Green Beans (again Guymon Grown)
16. Broccoli
17. Frozen Corn (she gets it from me! One time she asked Nanna in bewilderment if she was going to make the corn hot as she put a bowl of it in the microwave. Silly nanna, you don't eat corn that way!)
18. Cranberry Chicken
19. Hamburgers and Hotdogs. . . only the buns though!
20. Mashed Potatos and Gravy

Maybe I will forward my list to Emily. . .but then again maybe not. . . is that rude? Anywho. . . hopefully over the years my children's taset buds will develop a fuller and more rounded palate. We can pray right?

A Child's Prayer

2007-09-08T10:06:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a quick shutter and a little irreverence during family prayer I caught Matt in one of his most endearing poses. Still, quiet, arms folded and eyes shut up tight, eyelids twitching from the sheer effort of it all. He is so funny and so wonderful! At meal time we usually say at least 3 prayers before all the plates are scraped clean and the table is cleared - and at Matt's bequest naturally. Alaina gets a little miffed, as her dinner is interrupted on these occasions, but for the most part she is a good sport. Last night Matt seemed particularly in-tune with the tenor of the table: Alaina and I were passionately discussing the necessity of her finishing the food in her bowl, the tempers were getting a little bit inflated and he stands up on the bench, folding his arms in matter-of-fact manner, and says "pray"! So we did. And after asking for Heavenly Father's help to eat all our food and get along with one another we were able to finish dinner without too much fuss. I am so grateful for my children! They are so wonderful and I could take a lesson or two from them on being in tune with the value and power of the simple act of prayer!

Re-Discovering Rock while on the Roll

2007-09-07T13:22:00.000-07:00

So, many thanks to Jenny! I have found the magic of melody and it's motivational merit while treading the tire worn roads during my not-frequent-enough running adventures! But can I tell you , there is something to be said when Honky-Tonk-Badonkadonk can get my badondadonk bustin' itself a little harder! And it is so liberating and empowering to run to something other than the sound of my feet pounding, and my hazardous huffing and piteous puffing. For a good 1/3 of the run I can kind of gasp out the garrulous gimmicks I have downloaded on my i-pod. But then my body begins to fuse with the beat bumping out in my ears and the movement of the music creates an, if not envigorating, then at least a sustaining lilt. So for any of you interested in my playlist. . . and even if you're not. . .. here it is. (Keep in mind this short list is only meant for about 35 minutes of running. I am, and always have been a devout disciple of the warm up/cool down-challenged genre, so these do not include any numbers meant for that purpose. Just right into the run):

Into the Great Wide Open - Tom Petty
All These Things That I've Done - The Killers
Starlight - Muse
Face Down - The Red Jumpsuit Aparatus
King of the Mountain - Midnight Oil
Harder To Breathe (and this is about when it does get harder to breathe) - Maroon 5
No Way Back - Foo Fighters
Rollercoaster - Red Hot Chile Peppers
Check Up On It - Beyonce
I Will Follow - U2

I am also partial to these songs as well:

Under Pressure - David Bowe and Queen
Shut Up and Drive - Rihanna
American Girl - Tom Petty
American Idiot - Green Day
Me Love - Sean Kingston

For someone like me who loves loves loves music, if I get a stinker of a song while I am singing it is a real drag. I zone in on the lyrics, so much so that many a song with a good beat can be "ruined" as my husband says, when I realize what message that beat is trying to get into my head. Don't EVER run to any song from Bloodhound Gang! Don't ever LISTEN to any song from that band. Terrible.

One thing I really like about running to music is that it can really dictate my pace. So much so that I have to watch it. . if I put too many fast songs on my playlist, I inevitably run out of steam. But once I master the mix, the music pushes me and drives me ever forward, slowly increasing my distance and my pace! So thanks again a million times and again to Jenny for the wonderful suggestion. And while I know she can't claim she was the first to ever run with an mp3 player, she was the first to suggest it to me!

Kitchen Katastrophe

2007-09-05T20:15:00.000-07:00

I will be the first to admit that my skills in the kitchen, are well, non-existent. And while I do admit skill in other fields, this is definitely my husband's territory. When I do dare to dash a few spices around, I ultimately end up with a more often than not drab dish. Chuck is kind, but always eager to give "suggestions" on how to make it better next time. He is skilled in the constructive criticism department, but after 6 plus years together, I can see through the delicate maneuverings around my fragile ego. I know that, especially as a "mormon momma", I should quit hiding behind my husband's culinary dexterity, and make at least a feeble attempt at improving my cuisine consciousness. I am, therefore, venturing forth into the world of wire whisks, forged cutlery, and recipe cards. Please, if you are not proudly protective of your more desirable delicatessens, send some of your more favorite and family beloved recipes. Perhaps, I will chance upon a few that will not find demise in my kitchen! And seeing as my attempts usually result in slop, keep it simple please!

2007-09-04T16:41:00.000-07:00

So here are some of my more recent and favorite snaps. I absolutely love this one of Jake and Alaina. We were enjoying a weekend in La Jolla with Nanna, Grandpa, Uncle Jake and Aunts Kaycie and Haylee. It never ceases to surprise me how gracefully and generously my family has grown into their roles as our family has grown and changed in dynamics and numbers. Jake has been the most fun to watch. I remember when he was born, how he was my favorite little brother. (No injury meant toward Josh). But Jake and I shared a special bond, one that manifested itself on more than one occasion as he would call out for me in the middle of the night- not mom-, when he would search me out for a special hug, and a warming smile. He tries to pretend that those tender tendencies grew out of him, just as he grew out of that cute little round face I remember with such happiness. But he doesn't fool me, and he doesn't fool Alaina. For her Uncle Jake is a protector, and playmate and someone to turn to when she is sad. She often seeks him out as soon as we get to his house, asking where he is and when he will be back. He has grown to be a welcome and loved fixture in her world - a source of fun and love. The big muscles, and the feigned scowl do not intimidate her, for she knows that just below the facade, lies a sweet boy, who has more than enough love and tenderness than he knows what to do with. She will gladly let some of that embrace her as often as he is willing. I am so glad that my children have someone like Jake to look up to, to love, and to be around. Matthew is going to be 2 in just a couple of weeks. I CAN NOT believe it. Everyday I try to pay close attention to the world as it might appear through his eyes. But seeing as his perception of the world probably changes daily, as he grows and changes every day, I can't keep up. He has taught me that no two children are alike. No two children go about things quite the same way. And no matter what, there will always be surprises. And he has reminded me that your sister can be your best friend and your hero. He absolutely adores Alaina. First thing in the morning he is asking for Anawnie (Alaina in Matt-anese). And after patiently waiting as long as he possibly can, he will totter into her room, pull himself up on her bed, and give her a kiss and a snuggle to get her up and out of bed! When she goes to play with a friend, or when she is still napping when he gets up, he faithfully asks for her until I go get her, or she awakens to his persistent plea's for her attention. He tries so hard to be a good boy, but doesn't have to try at all to be mischievous and sometimes downright exasperating. I know the next two years will be chuck full of adventure and mis-haps. And hopefully I will be able to keep up! Now for Alaina. I think she will be the end of me some days, and other's she is my savior! We are so much alike, we can't possibly get along all of the time. If that makes any sense. Both of us passionate, both of us very close to our emotions, both of us all too easily a slave to our temper, but gratefully, just as faithful to a repentant heart. I wish I was a better example of a steady, even keel, balanced, temperant mother, but that is part of the "growing out of the child I am, and into the woman I need to be." She is constantly overwhelming me with her grasp of the world around her. She is so aware and so ready to assimilate and consume the information around her. She knows how to process the things she hears and sees, to make sense of it and incorporate it into the world she is trying to create for herself. She is much better at this than I ever was or hope to be and for that reason she often has covered ground much more quickly than I have. I often find myself trying to keep up with her exquisite and detailed logic. Most times arguing with her is futile. She is much like her father in that regard. I am just too slow, they are ALWAYS at least two steps ahead of me, but more times that not they have already found their way to the next page. Her dad is patient and waits for me to catch up, but Alaina just gets frustrated with me. What was the Lord thinking? I 'll tell you what the Lord was thinking, "This poor helpless woman won't ever make it alone. I better send her a husband who will be patient and children who will pull her along in the right direction." Thankfully the Lord has been watching out for me, and I know my family will get me where I need to be, or at least keep me on the right path. Which brings me to this picture. Sunday was Chuck's birthday, and seeing as he refuses to let me take a picture of him, or at least one where he isn't ducking his head, or turning his body completely away from it, a picture of his presents will have to do. I sometimes find myself resenting his birthday. And before you think I am some kind of un-loving monster, let me explain. See Chuck perceives his birthday in one of two ways, sometimes simultaneously, sometimes separately: 1st, he thinks that this annual celebration of his life, his integral part in the world we have come to love more because he is in it, is really a wicked and tormenting reminder that he is one year closer to dying. Cheery isn't he? And 2nd, birthdays are just unnecessary reminders to the rest of us that he is a part of our lives, resulting in gift giving and mementos that symbolize our love for him. He has an aversion to anyone getting him anything it seems. Silly silly man. So in light of his all too pessimistic attitude regarding September the 2nd, you might be able to understand my wariness of the occasion. And in response I would like to rebut his arguments and attempt to explain to him how absolutely and completely and hopelessly grateful I am for his birthday. Presents or not, old age or not.

See most of us go through much of our early lives desperately trying to prove that we are self-sufficient. We want to prove ourselves capable and masterfully skilled at traversing life on our own. Most of us start out attempting to establish that we are one of a kind and completely independent of any other person. We don't want to be grouped with this or that kind of persona, we don't want to fall into anyone's pre-determined mold. We tenaciously try to carve out our unique mark on the world. And, then for me anyway, I found Chuck. And seemingly overnight I cast all that self-righteous and sadly skewed philosophy to the wind. See, when I met him I decided I wanted more than anything to depend on someone else - him , to climb the hills and descend the valleys with someone else - him. I wanted more than anything to become one with someone else, by giving up all the superficial parts of me. I wanted to be known as his wife and his life. I desperately wanted to be everything he wanted me to be, because I knew he saw me better than I could ever possibly be. And I wanted the mark I made on the world to be one carved out with him. So if I didn't have his birthday to celebrate it would mean that there would be less of me. It would mean that all the good things in my life would not be. But there is a September 2nd to celebrate, and day of gratitude for the beautiful life he has led, the wonderful person he is, and the bright future that lies before us.
I love you Chuck, and Happy Birthday!

Mattatouille

2007-08-20T17:28:00.000-07:00

That's our new favorite nick name for Matt. We saw Ratatouille a few weeks ago and the name stuck. I was perusing the masses of pictures I have taken in the recent months and noticed that Matt has been sorely missed in many of the frames my snap happy finger has taken. I feel bad, like maybe I have been neglecting keeping memories of him, preferring to capture Alaina instead. But then as I was looking at the few pictures I do have of him, most of them are blurs of his image as he races past me and the lens. My guilt was assuaged as I realized, he just doesn't hold still long enough! Always too busy getting in to trouble, climbing, jumping, running -- always moving and investigating. Never staying in one place too long. He senses that this world is so full of exciting things, and he has a refreshing desire and determination to experience as much of it as he can.

However, there are a few things that will keep him stationary for more than 2 second increments. He LOVES playing in running water: sink water, hoses, spray bottles, showers, tubs, toilets. Nothing with a steady stream of water flow escapes his little mischevious eye. I often lose track of time (mostly because I have also lost track of my brain somewhere between college and my two kids) and him, until I am brought back to 'real time' by the sound of running water or puddles. Usually at that point it is too late, the kitchen counter is flooded, or the furniture is dripping wet. I like to try and get upset, but I should really be greatful that the puddles and dripping counter tops are the result of his fascination with full blast plumbing features found in the home, and not his own full blast plumbing! Right?

And about the only other thing he will stay put for other then turning everything soggy, is a late night snuggle with Dad and his chawbee milk (strawberry milk) before bed. The two of them recline on the couch in front of ESPN, MadMoney with Kramer or some other testosterone driven media, til he is just about out for the count. Then I get to swoop in for the last few minutes of just-before-nodding-off-to-sleep loves. Which are the best kind! You know, that cuddle that feels like they are one with you again. The kind of hug that reminds you of when your whole body embraced them as they grew inside of you. Soon he will be too big and too busy to give his momma hugs like that anymore. But he will always be my Mattatouille!

Sink or Swim

2007-08-16T23:47:00.000-07:00

My little girl has learned to swim! Without bright orange floaties around her arms, or big purple noodles keeping her afloat. She puts her head down, kicks her feet with a fury and has a stroke somewhat reminiscent of a windmill. I know she probably thinks that her mom is a little overly-excited, what with all the exuberant clapping and boisterous congratulations when she has reached me on the other side of the pool after a fearless jump off the side and a determined traverse of the water between us. But I can't help but be proud. At the beginning of the summer she wouldn't even lay down in the bathtub. She slowly gained some confidence and decided that the shallow waters of the spa were safe enough. But she never left the first two steps. Then before either of us knew what was happening she was jumping from side to side after an almost ritualistic chant, "You will catch me? I won't fall? I won't go under?" Then even when I accidently didn't catch her, and her bright red head dipped below the surface for a split second, she came up sputtering, and ready to try again. Sometimes after a day in the pool with some of her older friends and aunts she would venture out into the water, holding onto the life jacket strap, kicking furiously beneath the surface of the water, chin high in the sky, with as large a smile as she could muster without swallowing a draught of water. Then one day, it was head down, feet kicking and arms cutting through the blue that separated her from me. NO looking back, eyes forward, determined, confident and accomplished. I can almost see glinting in her deep blue eyes a challenge to anyone, "Give me what you got? You think you can stop me? I know what I can do. Do you?"

Quite a different reflection than what used to be found there. When she was a bit younger, I remember looking into those now fiery eyes, and thinking I saw a look of hesitation, of question, of the kind of doubt a child has that only dissipates as they realize for themselves that more is within their reach and their ability than they thought. And while most of the time that is what reflects back at me, a little bit has gone away. Bittersweet, but more sweet than bitter.

I know this will be the first of liberating accomplishments she will experience, and definitely not the last. I hope that many more come, unlocking doors of opportunity, self-worth and confidence. And I hope that I will always be there, cheering her on, bonding over those moments of discovery.

Sink or swim? SWIM! For Alaina there is no other option.

Bloody Boots

2007-08-11T23:38:00.000-07:00

So sorry for the blood and gore, but ... I just wanted to post this because in a sick and slighly off-center way it made me proud. See these are my running shoes. And yes, that is blood soaking my sock and my shoe. I started running a few months back with a friend...planning to run a dozen or so 5k's starting in November. To be honest, I wondered how long my dedication and enthusiasm would last, how many miles my feet would chomp down before I collapsed on the side of the road, parched, winded and thoroughly beat. Now I have my answer. Four months in and I am still going strong! And apparently even 95 degrees with 60 percent humidity, eye-crust early mornings, and heart-shaped bloody blisters won't keep me from the road.

And yet, even with my war wounds (and this truly is a battle against my lazy butt and the adrenline rush at the end of the run), the real credit goes to my running pal, Amy. She is up, every morning, chipper and prepped to pulverize our running route for the day. She has stuck it out and kept on keepin on, even when we are on vacation. And the amazing thing is, she HATES it. Or at least I am pretty sure it doesn't make her Top 100 Favorite Things to Do. Even when the distance between us on the course increases she keeps moving her feet, and mowin' down the miles. And even though she has taught me a lot of really great life lessons, this is her most recent sermon. Learning to do new things is almost always painful, but almost always worth it. Even if we don't fall in love with it, it makes us richer, deeper, and more complete. And someone is usually watching! In this case, her kids, her husband, and I. (And a few more mis-guided people who think we are insane enough to be actually training for a marathon - and I am not saying people who run marathons are crazy, just we are not ready for that!)

May we all find something new. . . even if it results in bloody boots!

I Got You Babe

2007-08-09T00:16:00.000-07:00

So don't get too used to seeing many pics of me on this page. But, I read somewhere once that one of the best things you can do to reinforce and strengthen you marriage is to always have a picture of you as a couple. It is supposed to reaffirm your committment to eachother, something that you can look at and recognize the two of you are actually one. So here is our most recent "couple picture".

We may not be the flashiest pair of yay hoos you ever saw, but we love eachother. I am so so so lucky to have Chuck in my life. Can't believe we have been at it for 6 years already. I asked Chuck about his tenure in our marriage the other day. He replied, "It has all been a blur", with a chuckle in his throat, and that smile-in-the-crease-of-his-eye thing. I said, "A blur of bliss, right?"

But let's not fool anyone. Sometimes it isn't all popcorn and holding hands in a dark theatre. Most times it's quite a bit more mundane. But there have always been the quiet moments, laying in bed at 12:30, willing your body to stay awake cause your heart and soul enjoy the conversation your having. Not only enjoy, but crave and need. Then there are the times when you both feel that something that words can't express, and you wonder if anyone else has felt that way about that thing before, only to see reflected in the other's eyes the same thing you are feeling. Or the shared joy of watching and listening to our kids as they grow, challenging themselves as well as us; giving validation to all the seemingly tedious and trivial work we do in their behalf. And then follows the epiphony, that it isn't really just about us, or even our kids. It is the rememberance that we belong to and play such a huge role on the most Grand Stage, for the Greatest Author ever.

Chuck has always been the steady voice of reason, the gentle touch of kindness, the selfless spirit of love in my life. He truly is my better half. And fortunatley when my half goes on hiatus, his is still steadily and diligently plowing on. Always and forever, always and forever.

Dahl Family Reunion

2007-08-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

So here's to families! I couldn't believe how many people showed up! The family reunion was a lot of fun. Good to see so many who we haven't seen in too long. When I think of how much family we have, how many people there are that love us, love me, just because, I can't help but thank Heavenly Father for them. We filled a park! All those people bound together as a wonderful family. It was awesome. Can't wait til the next one.

Our family is great at having fun. Pranks and laughs abound when we get together. I have always secured myself safely on the sidelines, the timid side of me coming out I guess. But looking at these pictures I am realizing that I am most probably missing out on a lot. My family has done a lot though to pull me out of my shell, but I still struggle a bit to join the fray.
But aren't they beautiful. (Alli and Tessa)

Uncle Bruce usually instigates these good natured wars. . . in this case a water war. He is a patient and worthy opponent. Silent yet deadly (in more ways than one, hee... hee!) And is he ever determined. But with all that enthusiasm and dedication to making all those who oppose him suffer, he also has an uncanny way of declaring each scuffle in his favor (even when he has obviously lost). This day Alli fell to his devices. But it was a hot summer day and the cold water was refreshing I am sure, and even if she was a bit soggy, she was definitely a good sport.

During the slower times of the day, which were much appreciated by all I am sure, we sat and visited with family. Since we gathered in such a large number it was easier and natural for little clusters of smaller families to form, sitting on blankets, under the shade of the large leafy trees, napping, snacking, and being goofy. What better way to spend your time?

So can't wait till the next one! Till then. . .keep safe, and don't get too wet!

Chaino

2007-08-08T07:55:00.001-07:00

Let me introduce you briefly to the smallest and furriest member of our family. Say hi to Chaino (chay-no). He weighs less than 2 lbs., eats like a mouse, and missess his once wag-happy tail. But despite a startling case of stuffing displacement, he knows his home is right here with us.

Chaino is Alaina's dearest friend. He is found in all the likely places as well as the unlikely ones. But where ever Alaina is, there you will find Chaino, just like a faithful dog should be.

For the most part Chaino is a pleasant and endearing fellow (except for when he is a she. . . which happens on rare occasions), either pleasantly perched in the crook of Alaina's arm, or delicately dangling from my front pocket when Alaina's arms get tired and mine are full. But as you can see, today he was able to steal away a moment for a portrait in front of the temple. We are lucky to have such a good friend of the same faith!

However, just like us two legged's, he faces challenges of his own. And just because he is an inanimate and vocally challenged animal, it does not mean he is without his faults. With Alaina as his mouth piece he will occasionally express his dislike of several of my "outrageous" requests of Alaina. She will let me know frequently and quite forcefully when Chaino dissapproves of things I ask her to do, or expect her to do. "Mom, Chaino doesn't like that. He says I can't do that and you can't tell me to do that." On one particularly defiant day "he" told Alaina that he was mad at Chuck and me and that he was going to kill us. WHOA! So I found myself explaining to my 3 1/2 yr old daughter that if her dog wanted to "be a part of my family" he would need to speak kindly to us, and apologize to Mom and Dad for saying those mean things. He would need to try to help Alaina do what she was supposed to do as well. Whereupon, Alaina looked into my eyes with exasperation replying, "Mom, Chaino isn't a real dog, he doesn't talk!" Way too smart for her age!

But looking at Chaino now, smiling in front of the temple, I recognize that he has improved and tried really hard to be better since then. And isn't that what it is all about? Pushing limits, stretching ourselves, testing the water sometimes, just to see what we are made of , who loves us, and what we can really do. I am glad Chaino is part of our family. And I hope he stays around for a long time.

For the First Time

2007-08-06T14:36:00.001-07:00

Seem to be a lot of those lately. . . "for the first time"s. But that is the exciting element of life we call growth and change and challenge. Right? Well this blogging for the first time is a much appreciated easy challenge thus far. My cousins got me interested, and here I am. Hopefully this will be something I stick with rather than lose interest in after a few attempts. Unfortunately I am easily discouraged, and I can forsee that if I don't recieve the anticipated number of readers I might jump ship and try something else. But on the other hand, who cares if anyone looks. Perhaps this may become a means of rejuvenating a long lost talent, that of writing, and jumpstarting a new one. I much prefer this perspective. So here is to blogging, bloggers and bloggees alike!