The Devil You Know

Solution

2012-01-21T16:34:00.002-06:00

I have spent considerable time trying on jeans in my not-one-size-fits-all life. Now with the skinny jean trend, I have had to try on more. Depression sets in as I try on cute colored skinnies from Target and find myself in a size double my normal size just to get my foot through the bottom and then the waist is gaping open at the back! I might have big feet but they are fairly narrow!? Who is Target using for sizing?! The solution - custom skinny jeans. I took in a pair of my own jeans that fits me and tapered the legs. The best part - I don't have to try on pair after pair in a changing room.

No End in Sight

2012-01-05T19:18:00.004-06:00

We are going through a lot of pants these days. Seth puts a hole in every pair of pants he wears. He is really loving the star patch, not too obvious and better than the hobo look he was sporting. Crossing fingers they last a bit longer. Once it warms up he can work on calluses on his knees instead. Loving my new machine.

End of Year Mayhem

2011-12-31T18:54:00.000-06:00

The nice thing about having your own business - the Christmas party we get to plan. Instead of a "nice" dinner we didn't get to enjoy, our kids not eating, and it all happening WAY too late - we had fun. Bowling = win-win. Kids and adults alike ate (suprisingly good pizza) and had fun.
Christmas was priceless (well memories at least). Seth woke up and we could hear him thanking Santa and declaring it the best Christmas ever! Who knew scooters and swords would produce heaven. Ben, per his usual, woke up a bit slower. When I got him up and told him it was Christmas, he groggily said Wa...hoo. Ainsley enjoyed all the ribbons and paper and Ben loved her toys. He has since turned her gradated ring toy into a birthday cake with a big candle in the middle. He sings the birthday song, blows out the candle and then gives us each a slice(ring). Too cute.

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-16T11:37:00.003-06:00

It took some time, effort and photoshopping, but here is our happy family. It has been a great year. Aaron started his own firm and it is going really well. He is definitely happiest being his own boss. He has this really awesome accountant doing the books :) My eyes have been opened to small business taxes, if everyone in America experienced this our tax code would change drastically! Seth and Ben are getting so big and exuberant. I suppose boys will be boys, but do we have to wrestle before 7 in the morning? They are great pals. Seth loves preschool and Ben misses him dreadfully when he is gone. Ainsley has been such a nice addition to our family, a real charmer and a little too advanced. I can't keep up. We are all looking forward to a very merry Christmas and wish you all the same. If you feel inclined to open anything early, Seth gives you permission. He has the hardest time with secrets at waiting. We not only have the chain, but 2 calendars to cross off too.

Peevish

2011-12-14T18:56:00.010-06:00

Sleep deprivation has limited my posting of late and made me quite grumpy. With a new firmer policy, Ainsley is back to sleeping at night and so am I, and Seth is sent back to bed if there is no light outside. Much happier all around, but I heard an ad that really let loose my pent up angst in the form of pet peeves. The ad was for Toms, that they are all your kids want for Christmas and then you will be the "cool" parent. I don't understand Toms. There is no structure. Their comfort level is not higher than infinitely more attractive ballet flats. I know the company is really charitable, but even glittered up they are the most unattractive footwear second only to platforms over 1/2". Which brings me to platform pumps. They make the otherwise normal foot look grossly deformed. Shame on Louboutin for disgracing one of woman's best features at an outrageous price. I am fairly tall so maybe I just don't understand, but really, what woman other than Kim Kardashian who foolishly married/unmarried someone 2 feet taller than her, needs to add more than 6"? I can accept shoe distortion for the disabled. Which brings me to peeve #3 - places of business that provide ample handicap parking but fail to install an automatic door opener. What do they think a person is going to do? Wait until someone arrives that can open the door for them? I sound so petty and I am, but I have been hampered by all things teeth this last month (including a root canal) which is my final rant. I am a dutiful dental caretaker but have spent entirely too much time in the chair. WHY do some cities still resist fluoridation in the water?!!! Wish I could send dental bills to the city. I really hate all things related to teeth. I hate the getting of teeth (one reason Ainsley wasn't sleeping), I hate the loosing of teeth (give me a round of flu instead), I hate the sound of the drill. I hate having a vacuum in my mouth. I feel much better now and promise to be on better behavior for the next while- Wishing you all a very un-peeved holiday!

Fall Progress Report

2011-11-07T16:29:00.007-06:00

Seth - Such a character, spent all summer wanting to wear pants and now wants to wear shorts in the winter. Sporting argyle sweater vest typically worn on Sunday for everyday wear. He could live on wheat thins and craisins given the chance. Is attempting to do a front flip off his bike by crashing into the curbing straight on, like in some cartoons he has seen. Must snuggle by mom on right side only. Can turn anything into a vehicle. Must wear socks.

Ben - Potty trained - yeah! Favorite potty treat - dum-dum sucker. So into animals and dinosaurs, thinks we should stop at the Dino museum anytime we drive past Thanksgiving Point. Not into sweets, loves jerky, cucumbers, popcorn and goldfish. Not very religious, only says prayers so we can hurry up and get to the part when dad is a horse/rocket ship. Hates to wear socks or shoes, but compromises on rain boots. A bit of a know-it-all/sasser for a 2 year old.

Ainsley - Crawling. Still so pleasant. Eyelashes to die for. Kicks of all shoes. Loves to be with the party. Loves hair - her own, moms (about to cut all off), the boys who complain she is pulling it out. Choice of toy - whatever the boys have, loves the garbage trucks and bulldozers.

Happy Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T16:18:00.000-05:00

I never thought I would be into matchy-matchy but it keeps so much peace, if one has it the other wants it too. So the boys were pirates. When I asked what they wanted to be Seth was adamant about pirates, although Ben was kind of a pirate as Captain Hook last year. They are such good pals, Ben is happy to go along with whatever scheme Seth cooks up. They were really into their eye patches until actual Halloween. Of course. My costume had a slight problem with one size fits all tights that were supposed to be up to 6' tall. Not true to size, I had to wear shorts instead of the intended skirt to keep them up. The free-candy-holiday was a big hit, although a spooky haunted house kept our tender-heart Seth up most the night.

Deception

2011-10-06T11:59:00.005-05:00

It may not be apparent from this photo but Seth was so excited to start pre-school. He asked me every day for a month if it was time to go. I am not certain but he may have been more excited to wear "talls". This is what he calls pants, it makes sense if you call short pants "shorts". Again he asked me everyday if he could wear them, even when it was over 100. I can't believe how time is flying. He is such a character. He is Aaron's mini me in many respects, including photogenic reluctance. (notice he is on the verge of laughing between frowning)

Summer 2011 Recap

2011-09-01T16:25:00.002-05:00

We swam, we played, we educated, we gardened, we hiked, we camped, we celebrated, we goofed, and we played some more. Mosquito bites - many, sunburns - none, tomatoes/cucumbers/squash - many, fish caught - .5, innings we made it through - 3, scrapes/bruises - many, mornings mom got to sleep in - ZERO. We rate the summer a success!

Swimming

2011-09-01T16:20:00.001-05:00

We love the water - but I don't have confidence in the third arm I didn't grow to let them go without life jackets yet. Swimming lessons on schedule for fall. Ainsley might pout the entire time, but she doesn't cry.

Growing Like Weeds

2011-09-01T16:15:00.000-05:00

Despite constant investigations by the boys, our container gardening was a success. Our gardening time also consisted of running motorcycle/race car races in the backyard. One day Ben will either catch up or tackle Seth.

Thanksgiving Point

2011-09-01T16:10:00.005-05:00

Thank goodness for $2 Tuesdays in August. They had so much fun. They were totally not supposed to be on the rocks, but I couldn't keep them off. Who builds a Noah's Ark splash park for children and then expects them not to touch the animals?

Ben is so into animals right now, he HAD to pet everything and called the enormous Clydesdales "bebe horse". They thought the farmers market conveyor belt, milking station and new baby chicks were awesome.

Hiking

2011-09-01T16:00:00.000-05:00

For the 24th we walked and walked and walked to some really beautiful springs up South Fork. With some carrying/crying and the promise of french fries, we made it. We had to stop and throw rocks at every stream crossing. Ainsley slept the whole way, but then who wouldn't while being carried on someones back?

4th of July

2011-09-01T15:50:00.000-05:00

Good times with hot dogs and open flames. Our little and big boys favorite holiday.

Baseball

2011-09-01T15:45:00.000-05:00

We never make it through an entire game and we tried several times this year. Our record is 3 innings. It is a combination of things but essentially once all the treats are gone their sugar level spikes, attention span is gone and all attempts at culling themselves out of the gene pool ensue. You might wonder where Ainsley is in all our summer chaos and for the most part she is happily strapped in for the ride.

The Zoo

2011-09-01T15:40:00.000-05:00

Ben has no fear of animals. He stared down Tino the gorilla and wanted to pet everything. Thank goodness for a litigious society, the animals were very well protected from my animals. Ben was so excited to pet the dinosaurs, Seth had a much more healthy respect. The train ride and dead car battery capped the day.

Misc. Lazy Days

2011-09-01T15:30:00.000-05:00

Lets be honest. There were some days we didn't make it out of our pj's until lunch. Our boys love to pretend and any chance to wear Aaron's left out shoes is a happy day. Finders keepers. Ben's adventures in potty training took an interesting turn when he insisted on wearing nothing but a pirate hat and shoot gun. We go with whatever works. Sweet little Ainsley. She really exists even though she is so pleasant and accommodating I sometimes forget above the din.

Yum AND.....

2011-07-21T12:27:00.005-05:00

On Sale! Got to love Nordstrom's Anniversary sale. Of course as punishment for dragging unwilling participants to the store without the double stroller (BIG MISTAKE) to try on the Enzo lace ups (they come in leopard too), Ben bolted as we were leaving and gave me a near heart attack and very sore calf muscles after running through the mall in inappropriate footwear. He was found in the Disney store, happily playing on the floor with Cars2 toys he had opened. All I can say is the Nordstrom security detail is amazing. I can only imagine the worst .. "yes Aaron, I lost our son because I went to try on really cute shoes." I need to stick to online shopping.

4 Babies

2011-07-08T18:01:00.004-05:00

8 years and 5 moves later, I finally got a piano. Aaron always wanted me to get one, but I have never wanted to move one. I wish this picture had the accompanying sound because the boys were wailing on it. It's a YoungChang I found at a private school in Park City, it was taking up space in their auditorium. Gotta love KSL, honestly, what can't be found there? The outside has some cosmetic issues (a kid sat on the music stand!) but the sound is great! I know this really awesome woodworker (dad) who is going to fix it. It is perfect for my life. Brown doesn't show grubby paw prints nearly as bad as the shiny black piano I spent many Saturdays of my childhood wiping off. The sound is for me and I am not going to beat my brains out when the boys (and they will) drive every vehicle imaginable across it. I don't want my kids to not want to play because I spent most of their life freaking out about them touching it. They can come up with other excuses not to practice. Someday... or maybe in my next life I will get the black concert grand and the Louboutins. Sigh... My rational side will never let my frivolous side get either.

Time Keeps on Ticking

2011-06-23T16:28:00.010-05:00

I wish I could say that 3 tipped the sanity scales and I just haven't had time to blog. Sadly I am just a slacker. I am actually superstitious about mentioning how things are going for fear all &%$# will break loose tomorrow. Ainsley is sleeping 8 hours a night (knock on wood). She eats, plays and sleeps by the book. This is a whole new experience. Seth and Ben are interested enough to help out but not too jealous. We have been busy and have the bandages to prove it. Seth finished his Joy School and is looking forward to Pre-School. Ben is our bruiser and tackles in the bear hug position if you ask for a hug. He loves to do everything Seth does. We have been container gardening (first time with squash) and the boys LOVE to help. If our plants die this year it will be from over watering or Ben digging/"weeding" them up. They have loved starting the seeds inside, checking to see if they grew and then planting. We have had a couple bouts of flu (more so than normal?). We had our first campfire in the canyon in the rain (no pictures). Ainsley is not much of a camper, Seth face planted, and Ben was covered in dirt/marshmallows/ ash from head to toe. We ended the adventure almost getting hit by a car of teenage boys racing out of the canyon, and then followed them (mortified) and gave them a stern talking to (minus swearing) by an attorney who knows the sentencing attached with vehicular homicide. We did some cemetery traipsing and bbq for Memorial Day. We had Ainsley's baby blessing with great friends and family and super great food. Our tv started getting black lines on it and is getting replaced (yeah extended warranty). The week without shows has been very trying for Ben and Seth. Truth be told, for me as well. TV time and nap time is when I get the most done. They are SOOOO looking forward to CARS2. Seth is convinced summer will not have started until we see it because I told him it wasn't in theaters until summer. We spent most of Fathers Day weekend driving around to various bbqs and then to the Tabernacle at 7am to be there for my sister-n-law's setting apart to be in the MOTAB (red hair with bangs - look for her, she is famous!). Seth made it more memorable by telling everyone the Choir VP's family was dead. MORTIFIED! I am in the process of making white slipcovers for my ancient couches. White you say? Yes, white. Washable/bleachable/patchable. Slow going, as my best sewing happens after 9pm. Looking forward to more summer fun.

A True Blessing

2011-06-05T18:59:00.000-05:00

All the girls in my family at Ainsley's blessing. Sad we were missing a few. Glad my Grandma could make it. I really never thought of her as mortal until I saw 4 generations together.

Ainsley Rose

2011-04-24T11:40:00.002-05:00

In super fast fashion, Ainsley Rose arrived. 45 minutes from when we arrived to grand entrance. We are all doing well. Aaron is so proud and a little mystified by a girl. Seth and Ben think she is the greatest. I thought I would be exhausted by all the new demands, but I am exhausted trying to protect her from being smothered and infected by the boys. It will be a miracle if she survives them. They both have colds and have not failed in coughing/sneezing right in her face and giving "wet" kisses.

And So It Begins

2011-03-28T17:34:00.003-05:00

I am very much a "don't count your chickens before they hatch" sort of girl. With a couple weeks left until our girl arrives (knock on wood), I think it is safe to say I am excited about a girl. It took me a while to get there with boys on the brain, but once I found her first pair of red sparkle shoes, well.... let's just say I am willing to split my frivolity budget. I have also expanded my sewing clientele. I have never understood the 5' long blessing dresses with lots of froof so I made something much more ME and from one of my own skirts I made a long time ago. I love eyelet and even found matching shoes (so they cost more than the dress but that is not the point). Here's to great shoes and dresses to come!

Happy #2

2011-03-15T15:39:00.006-05:00

Happy Birthday Ben! I am totally birthday-ed out, a week apart wasn't exactly the plan but it is how it goes. He didn't mind the balloons being left up all week. No interest in the cake, he would rather eat salty stuff (and it was super delicious, I figured if he didn't care I was making my favorite). Most of his gifts were different but equal to Seth's toys he most desires. So now, my efforts of keeping peace are thwarted because Seth now desires Ben's gifts. Opposition in all things. We love our Ben.

Happy #4

2011-03-04T19:24:00.007-06:00

Happy Birthday Seth! I can't believe how time is flying. This was the "real" bike birthday and Seth was really decent about having the first ride usurped by Ben. With all the "help" Seth had, he was really a good sport about everything. I bamboozled myself this year by making a Thomas cake last year, this year he had to have a Percy cake. Not as fancy as last year but he could drive trains on it. He doesn't really eat cake so I wasn't about to throw myself into a green train cake roll. A great day 4 years ago and a great day this year. So glad to have him in our family.

Appearances are Deceiving

2011-02-10T12:33:00.005-06:00

I love cake. I love fancy cake. I love pretty cake. I love all things valentine related. But no matter how many times Aaron raves about Red Velvet cake, I can never be converted. His time in the South has taught him it is a fabulous cake. It has everything going for it: dramatic color, great name, fluffy frosting, sinful calories. My problem is the taste. I am always a bit disappointed. It is not really chocolate, it is not really vanilla. I am an all or nothing kind of girl. If I want chocolate cake I want CHOCOLATE cake, not a vanilla cake where a little cocoa got knocked in and then an entire bottle of red food coloring was added to cover it up. It is kind of like when you find an easter egg with nothing in it. If I am going to exceed my daily caloric intake in one piece of cake, it should taste pretty close to heaven. I will continue my search for a Red Velvet cake that lives up to its appearance and hype, but for now it is all for show.

Dollar Spot Junkie

2011-01-24T18:21:00.004-06:00

I don't know if I actually save money, but I know Target has found the right marketing technique for me. I always check out the dollar spot when I go there. If I need something closer to the grocery side, I still park on the retail side. My coupon organizer, Seth's favorite striped gloves, great board books, gift bags, fireman hats and on and on. Target is not the only place I succumb to dollar deals. I found the best bubbles for kids at Joanns. I just found my favorite note cards, EVER, at Michaels (eyelet outside, colored inside). I should probably look into marketing studies, to see if I am actually spending more because psychologically I think I saved money. This may have all started when we were in law school and the student budget limited major purchases, so I would browse what we could afford. It must be the new year that has me confessing, but I am sure I am not the only one out there, because the dollar aisle is packed every time I am getting my fix!

Deep Breath Before 2010 is Over

2010-12-30T16:49:00.007-06:00

We do actually have a life, but catching up a blog is daunting. Here is the last little bit of 2010.

Family picture (many true to life, few perfect) - thanks to Aaron's brother for patience
Trains are the answer to keeping ALL males happy at IKEA. Th lights at Temple Square when it is 50 degrees are so much brighter. Seth was a shepherd in his preschool nativity program. There is a blackmail video available featuring said shepherd hiding behind a piano yelling "I don't want to be a shepherd" and doing an air guitar rock star solo during the singing portion.

Merry Christmas! We had a great time and truly enjoyed watching our children open gifts. Seth was super excited this year and Ben was happy to play with everyone else's gifts.

It's a .....

2010-12-06T15:10:00.003-06:00

This is a side profile with a fist ready to punch. Aww. Our little girl is ready for brothers. I am not sure I can do girls, I rarely have my own hair done. Boys have been pretty easy. My one hope is that she achieves size 9 feet - my shoe collection, although appreciated by our boys, has yet to find a viable future recipient.

Happy _____?

2010-12-03T15:57:00.003-06:00

It is the start of winter. Right? Thanksgiving was last week. Right? I ranted about this last year (middle of December). Right? While at Target picking up the last of the forgotten ingredients (powdered sugar, onions), I was walking past the children's department and noticed some swim wear and thought those must be leftover from summer. Strange, because usually Target does an excellent job clearancing everything before the next season. Then I walked past the womens department and there were employees stocking SWIMWEAR! Is it really necessary to have swim wear options available year round, and a month sooner than last year? Kudos to whoever is going to a tropical destination for the next 6 months, but what I need more at this time of year are sweater options not bikini options. Thanks Target, for looking out for the minority.

Light Bulb Saga Part II

2010-11-22T13:44:00.005-06:00

In frustration after 4 more light bulbs burned out in one day, I conceded to CFL's. Costco had a great deal, so I was at least hopeful that I wouldn't be changing them so often. I installed them and flipped the switch..... BLUE light like we were living in an amped up marijuana growing facility! So sad. Stood on chairs and ladders like a performing monkey. Returned and bought el-cheapos at Target. Got home. Stood on various height enhancing devices AGAIN and ... Pop! Only 3 of the 4 bulbs worked! I am defeated. I am not driving around town again to return a burned out bulb. I imagine I would have to unscrew the other 3 and return them as well. My arms can not remain above my head for any longer. I may need to go with flashlights or candles, they seem to last longer. I could always cash in on my daylight savings - I will only be up and functioning from the hours of 8-5. Yeah right.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T15:05:00.006-05:00

We had a great Halloween until about midnight. Seth loved being Peter Pan and confiscated Ben's "shoot gun", Ben would only wear his Captain Hook hat for about 5 seconds and never wore the hook, and I was Wendy. Aaron was supposed to be Mr. Smee but was running late. I think we have discovered Ben's favorite holiday. Candy and running around. He wouldn't let us help him trick-or-treating. The result being several spilled buckets, and trailing behind the super jazzed Seth and cousins. The effects of a very fun Halloween (late-nights, super excitement, rainy trick-or-treating and loads of sugar) resulted in technicolor sick kids. We are mostly recovered but it does make one of my favorite holidays seem a little less fun.

Take Me Now

2010-09-28T15:47:00.004-05:00

Peaches. Oh happy day! Fresh, frozen, canned, in pie, in crisp, on ice cream. Not much compares. It has been 6 years since I have had a peach worthy of being called a peach. We moved to Kansas for law school before peaches came on and we moved back to Utah just after peaches were done. I admit I am a spoiled fruit brat. I grew up in the best place for produce. In our travels, I have had famed Georgia peaches, Washington apples, California cherries, Kansas corn, and Texas watermelon. None of these compare to what I have had in Utah, especially JH Hale peaches, Bear River raspberries and Green River watermelon. We are currently living next to a peach orchard and our night air has never smelled so good. Wish I could make this post a scratch and sniff post and share the nectar of the Gods with all of you.

Irritation

2010-09-13T16:14:00.003-05:00

I would like to know why there is still a light bulb in a CA fire station running after 100 years and I seem to be changing the ones in my home on what seems to be a monthly basis!?!?!?!! I am convinced there is a conspiracy afoot at GE to keep me coming back for more. I hate the color the "eco" lights emit and the fact that they contain mercury. In a house a boys where soccer/football/basketball is a go anywhere, I can't have one of those breaking. I have finally installed the curly cue lights in the garage because it is an enormous pain to change them, so I am now on the countdown to see if they last as long as they claim.

Fun in Disappointment

2010-08-11T12:01:00.005-05:00

We went to a minor, minor league baseball game the other night. Seth was so excited after the game had been rained out the night before. He changed his shoes to more running appropriate footwear so that he would be ready to "run the bases". What a disappointment when I explained that only the team would get to do that. He kept asking throughout the game if it was his turn to bat next. I think the steady stream of "spritzy juice" and candy helped him, it was certainly the highlight for Ben.

Existence

2010-08-05T11:55:00.000-05:00

I was just realizing Ben doesn't get a lot of face time on the blog. That is mainly because he is usually strapped in his stroller. Here is proof that he is making his presence known. We have a very dramatic tantrum thrower complete with weeping, wailing, and thrashing around.

Outdoor Living

2010-08-01T11:43:00.000-05:00

I don't know of many places that you can drive 10 minutes from your home and experience this much GORGEOUSNESS for free. We love Bridal Veil Falls, fly fishing, and the geology of Provo Canyon. Seth loves hiking. Ben loves his stroller.

Construction

2010-07-27T13:00:00.002-05:00

I am currently tweaking my blog, I really like the new features available (wider and tabbed pages), but that means I have to fix everything I have already done. Forgive the mess.

Rant Revisited

2010-07-26T17:25:00.013-05:00

Until I find exactly what I was looking for, these will have to do. Found the abstract leopard print pumps on clearance at Kohls for super cheap and they are actually very comfortable. The patent red flip flops I found at charlotte russe, again for super cheap, but not really comfortable. The things we do for shoes. The booties are an 80's inspired item I can get behind, thank you JCREW for bringing class to trash. These are not super cheap so I will just admire.

Summer part II

2010-07-21T16:07:00.017-05:00

Bean Museum with a bunch of animal cousins, 4th of July balloons, parade and a super sweet ride, hiking the Y with Dad and the scrapes to prove it, mad dance skills (not to be confused by the KungFu moves).

Seven

2010-07-12T11:53:00.006-05:00

Amazingly time is flying faster and faster. It doesn't seem we could have been to the places we have, or have done the things we have in that amount of time. As I think about "seven" I always have to think about Seinfeld, funny enough it is a thread throughout our life together. Late night reruns have been with us through dating, law school late nights, nights with babies that wouldn't sleep, vegging out after rough potty-training/weaning/sick days. These have been wonderful years filled with 3 constants - Love, Laughter and Seinfeld. Happy Anniversary!

Mmmmmmmmmm

2010-07-04T13:30:00.004-05:00

Gelato! at Costco! Makes me so happy. Love being back by a Costco.

And Breath .....

2010-06-25T19:02:00.000-05:00

We have been going nonstop since summer started, and I am just taking a minute to catch up. My brother and his family are here from Virginia for a bit, so we are making the most of it. If I didn't feel some sort of responsibility to future generations to continue blogging I would totally sum this summer up in a juvenile manner as "awesome". So here goes.

Father's Day

2010-06-25T18:50:00.000-05:00

All of us from far and near, holding relatively still, eyes open, smiling or something like it. Happy Father's day Dad.

Playing Around

2010-06-25T18:40:00.003-05:00

Guns with Sam, King of the Playground, Rollerskating...

Birthdays and Cascade Springs

2010-06-25T18:30:00.001-05:00

#35, #31, and serene moments at Cascade Springs before all &#@*!! broke lose. Seth tripped and Mia landed on top of his head producing a scraped forehead - again, Sam got lost, Mia and Alyssa were in meltdown and all geologic beauty was forgotten.

Dinosaur Museum

2010-06-25T18:20:00.004-05:00

So. Much. Fun. Recommend.

Zoo

2010-06-25T18:10:00.000-05:00

We saw all there was to see, and avoided dehydration even though drinking out of a lion's mouth was more than some could take. Seth attacked a peacock during lunch and tried to wake the sleeping gorilla. The train and prairie dogs were a big hit and we saw the elephant show. The baby elephant was SO darling!

Skills

2010-06-16T12:09:00.003-05:00

I think I may need to stop "helping" Seth learn to read. My art skills are totally undermining my teaching efforts and leading to much confusion. Apparently my ice cream cones for "I" look like tomatoes. My fish for "F" looks like a goldfish. My elephants, dogs, horses, and cows are all interchangeable. Seth will enter preschool knowing his letters but totally confused at the corresponding images. Ah well, one more issue to bring up to his therapist later in life.

Happy Memorial Day 2010

2010-06-01T10:52:00.007-05:00

I think we did it all on Memorial Day. Super yummy french toast breakfast at Kneaders, cemetery decoration/desecration, "fishing" at Cabela's, and barbecue with family. Lovely and exhausting way to start the summer.

Enough Already

2010-05-23T12:38:00.004-05:00

I need a vacation from: laundry, vomit, anything potty related, late nights, 7-up, bleach, and laundry! I hate this slow moving flu, not that I like any flu. Which is worse? 2 kids with flu at the same time or 2 kids with flu 4 days apart? Despite my best efforts at germ separation and sanitation, I got it and then Seth still got it from Ben. Maybe I should have had them give each other big wet kisses at the start and had it over with. I think we are all recovering, but it has been a rough week. What a way to start summer, once it is finally warm enough to be outside, we are cooped up watching movies. Wishing all of you good health and sanity.

In Hopes of Warmer Weather

2010-05-13T16:15:00.003-05:00

I think I have blogged enough about hair growth at our house. OUT OF CONTROL. I let it get a bit long and then thought I would try something new. A bit shorter on top. The results seem to have made my babies all grown up. Good news - it will be back in no time.

The Big 30

2010-05-02T12:33:00.005-05:00

I will never be 20-something again. To commemorate really being all grownup I did something I have never done before. I finally got my ears pierced. I really wanted to get them done when I couldn't (before 12) and then when it came around to it, I was a wimp for pain. Then I went through my granola girl/minimalist phase so it was unnecessary. Then I just didn't care too much except for when I would see a great pair and then one of my boys would pull my fancy clip ones off and I would swear it off again. So the deed is done, and it wasn't as bad as I thought. Aaron also threw a great Hawaiian themed surprise party. I was mostly surprised, a little suspicious of the event but totally surprised by the guests. Seth thoroughly enjoyed the pineapple pinata. So much fun.

-the piercing photo is a total fake after the fact. Who smiles during?

Fashion Rant

2010-04-28T11:53:00.008-05:00

Why are the 80's coming back? I can really only appreciate some ankle booties and animal prints. I don't get the silky jump suits, slouchy menswear jackets, puffy sleeves, and shoulder pads. All I really want from the fashion world right now is a pair of classy, faux-calfskin, leopard print pumps with a more natural looking print instead of the fake looking stripper shoes. Is this a lot to ask? I would have thought Michael Kors could have come up with something better than this:
I would also like Payless Shoes or some other under $20 retailer to come out with a patent leather flip-flop in red instead of every other color under the sun. They did a great pair last year in kelly green, but fuchsia? Really? I know these are really important demands in the grand scheme of things, but a girl can dream. I will put these on my list of wants next to my ostrich leather pumps, world peace, and instant potty training.

Reluctant Pictures

2010-04-23T15:48:00.010-05:00

Sadly there is no photographic evidence of our fancy night on the town. In the melee that was getting the boys bathed, and to bed without soaking my hair, and then quick change into the dress while the babysitter arrived, and then out the door, we didn't take any pictures. Aaron could care less as he is not one for pictures, but I do feel badly. So here are the dresses I made on my dress form. Just imagine my head on top with 40's curls and fabulous CZ chandelier earrings, and a really handsome Aaron on the side. Dress 1 (lavender organza) is my first attempt at a Grace Kelly look but ended up looking more Shirley Temple. Dress 2 (black jersey with silver sparkles) is my old, more elegant standby that I wore. I am going to cut the top off the first and just wear the skirt.

Funny Farm

2010-04-23T11:43:00.007-05:00

We went to visit Aaron's grandparents at their farm on the south entrance of Zion National Park. It was gorgeous weather and I hope we didn't wear them out too much. They are doing pretty good for 90. Seth had the best time, after riding in the golf cart and seeing the lizards, cows, cats, and feeding the peacocks, he asked to see the elephants. Naturally, one would expect to see elephants after all the other cool stuff. There was not a lot of napping, so our dinner at a "nice" restaurant was a bit of a fiasco. Ben took a lesson in squawking from the peacocks and didn't last through much of church. He missed the tunnels in Zion on the way home (Seth thought were super cool) as he fell asleep 30 seconds after leaving. No sleep for me, but maybe in 10 years I can catch up?

Once Upon a Dream

2010-04-12T12:22:00.003-05:00

Every girl want to be a princess so it is a little ironic that there are so few things to get fancied up for once you are all grown up. I ran across a formal ball being held at BYU's new alumni center this last weekend. Aaron is such a good sport to take me. We had such a good time. Really great live band, the building is gorgeous, food was great and the dancing was so fun. There were people of every age cutting a rug, a 90 year old lady told me she liked my hair. Considering I was going for a 40's look, I guess I was successful. Totally recommend this for the future.

Pain and Victory

2010-03-23T12:42:00.002-05:00

I completed the Splash and Dash biathlon this last weekend. I am definitely more of a swimmer than a runner but I infinitely enjoy running more in dry climates. The weather was gorgeous so I didn't have icicles in my hair as I was nervous about based on the previous weekend storm. I didn't win or lose the race but I am dangerously close to losing a toenail. My new shoes seem to have corrected the problem but I have to wear some pretty dark polish to cover it up. All my searching online seems to indicate it is a badge of honor. Masochists! I always wanted to be a ballerina but don't want the foot pain and toenail problems, maybe in my next life.

Strawberry Kisses

2010-03-18T11:36:00.003-05:00

I have gone a little crazy with strawberries this year. My favorite grocery has had them on sale and I succumbed. My freezer is now void of much else. I may need to rent freezer space from willing friends with payment in jam. The best and sweetest part of this experience is Seth. He loves strawberries and was really loving the sink full of water. He liked handing me each berry and for some reason wanted a kiss after each hand off. Melt my already mushy heart! These surprising experiences are what build up extra bonus points to make it through teenager-hood.

Happy # 1

2010-03-13T16:53:00.006-06:00

If Ben hadn't been in such a hurry to get to his 0th birthday, I may have had better planning and energy for his 1st birthday. Birthdays a week apart are a little much for this party planner. Of course this is my fault but 2 more weeks would have been just right. As it was, I just left up Seth's decorations, reused gift bags, and sent invites last minute. I did make his very own birthday cake (carrot w/orange zest frosting), and it seems he was a born cake-eater. No encouragement needed. He was actually into his gifts, as was Seth, and loved the paper. The candle was the only downer to the night. Seth and his cousins blew it out the first time and by the second lighting he was crying. I can't believe how fast time is flying by. Happy Birthday Baby!

Addict Behavior

2010-03-10T10:06:00.003-06:00

I would be somewhat ashamed to admit my startling behavior if they weren't so good. I love holidays and Easter one of my favorites. The promise of warmer weather, flowers, green grass, new dresses, and the sweets. As with all holidays, retailers began stocking their shelves right after Valentines like drug dealers to pray on my weakness and within a week every location was out of Cadbury Mini Eggs. I began roaming the candy aisles of every store with the hope that more had arrived and I was not alone in my lost wandering. To reaffirm that indeed "everyone is doing it", I heard others describing their love for these morsels and wondering where they were. I talked to store managers (aka:dealers) to find when more would come. Just when I had sworn off any candy for Easter, because really what other Easter candy is there, I found a store with a entire display of my chosen poison and like any good addict bought as much as I could. I would divulge the location but I am trying to spare you all the pain and suffering I experience as a result of this dangerous habit. AA here I come...right after Easter is over....I promise.

Umm .. Yes

2010-03-08T15:52:00.003-06:00

Yes, I made the cake. 1 Jelly Roll + some fondant magic = 1 happy boy with a very discerning eye for character correctness.

Happy # 3

2010-03-08T12:25:00.005-06:00

We may be birthday-ed out. We had a lovely week of birthday celebration with Seth's 3rd birthday, cousins birthdays and parties to match. It has been helpful for Seth to see other people have birthdays and recognize not everything is about him. We will see how that goes with Ben's birthday this week. Pretty sure Ben will enjoy the paper and cake and Seth will enjoy Ben's presents and help blow out the candles.

Funny Tidbits

2010-02-24T10:47:00.003-06:00

Seth comes tearing down the hall yelling "My Birthday!" after discovering a well hidden gift while I was showering. Isn't everything fair game when mom is gone?
Snow coat. Check. Rain boots. Check. Sunglasses. Check. Ready for any season and how Seth prefers to go get the mail.
Any container can be a hat and more particularly a "top-um hat". Poor Ben gets crowned "top-um hat" all the time, sometimes with a little unnecessary flair from Seth.
One of our favorite places is "Bella's" or Cabella's to the layman. We could watch fish all day or run away from mom only to be found at the candy shop.
Seth put on one of my headbands and said he was the king and I was the princess. Hope this sweetness last for a little while.
Ben follows Seth in everything. Standing on chairs looking out the window, pushed closer thoughtfully by Seth, or helping make cookies.
Seth was in meditation/timeout, Mom forgot, and discovered a too obedient Seth still sitting in his chair but wet because he wouldn't move a muscle even to pee.
Thanks to the Olympics, Seth thinks we should go snowboarding.

Winter Fun

2010-02-03T11:42:00.002-06:00

What do you do when it is cold outside? Have ice cream. Obviously. We went to the Bean Museum and saw all the animals and then we went to the BYU Creamery after. Is there anything better than peanut butter cup? Seth has a hilarious technique of daintily sticking out his tongue and touching the ice cream to it. It is not very efficient but he got the hang of it after I took the scoop off the top. Mia is a master with the spoon but HAS to do it herself, what 2 year old doesn't? Seth loves being with his cousins, luckily the "gang" didn't cause any damage at the museum or the creamery although Seth did try to lock all the 2nd floor patrons in and rearranged all the crackers and cookies in the adjoining aisle. What can you do when nap time is right around the corner?

Alternative Career

2010-02-03T11:17:00.003-06:00

These are haircuts #40 & #6. With the rate of hair growth at our house it really would have been smart to go to barber school. They are pretty good sports as long as I keep them plugged into a show on the computer and keep treats coming. I on the other hand totally relish my time in the chair, it is time without anyone demanding things and I don't have to do anything.

Elephants, Tigers and Bears!

2010-01-28T10:07:00.008-06:00

We went to the Circus with my Mom and sister and had a great time. Seth has now been saying "AND NOW" in his best announcer voice regarding everything ie: "AND NOW I need to go potty". Ben slept through a good portion which is amazing considering the volume was so loud. They should hand out ear plugs when the majority of the audience is under 5. This was the perfect size circus, small enough you can meet all the performers, ride the elephants and ponies during intermission but big enough they had loads of tigers, motorcycles, elephants and bears. It is hard to say what Seth liked best, the sound and light equipment he was investigating before the show or the light sabers that he coveted. My favorite part was the limited amount of clowns. Just one and he was actually fun, not creepy. It took some convincing and having Mia and Alyssa demonstrate, but Seth finally rode the pony. Seth has to be sure of something before he will do it, this applies to everything: slides, trampolines, food, and people. So we had a great time and narrowly escaped the joys of cotton candy. Thanks Grandma, you are the best!

Yuck!

2010-01-18T13:14:00.003-06:00

Goopey noses. Goopey eyes. Goopey brain. I may have just invented a word but I am not firing on all cylinders. Just kicking this terrible cold that started with Seth (thanks to nursery), Ben perfected with a touch of teething and then I got. Poor babies.

Spoon Full of Sugar

2010-01-08T15:30:00.004-06:00

I had a baking extravaganza yesterday. I have always been on the hunt for a sure fire pie crust recipe. There really shouldn't be any need as my mother's recipe is my favorite, but there is a knack to hers that I have never grasped. Something about the rolling out that I always destroy. I have tried Martha's, BHG, Recipezaar, Barefoot Contessa, and misc recipes from who knows where. I have had some success, but never the "best ever, never need another recipe" moment. Well this is it - The America's Test Kitchen recipe minus the vodka (sub more water or vinegar) is the best to date. Very easy in my food processor, easy to roll out, very flaky. However, the recipe calls for sugar, I have now discovered I don't like sweet pie crust. I was making turkey turnovers. It is a strange combination, good, but strange. So for sweet pies, the sugar works. For savory, I will leave out the sugar. By the way, my genius idea for turkey turnovers was a total success. I love turkey pot pies but don't have the little tins. I froze cubes of the filling and then wrapped them up in the dough. Totally worked and probably will try for fruit fillings too. So much less mess and you can make anytime.

Merry Christmas 2009

2010-01-07T15:33:00.007-06:00

I am woefully slow in posting anything about Christmas, no excuses, we just had a fabulous time. For the first time in 6 years there was no major travelling. We saw lights and reindeer at Thanksgiving Point, Seth was very impressed but the highlight of the visit was the dinosaur museum we stopped in to warm up. We had 6-10 house guests on varying days in the form of Aaron's brother's family from California. Good sports about our "luxury" accommodations. Seth called most of them "Uncle Paul" and "friends" and had a great time being one of the gang and tried to stow away in their van when they were leaving. We went sledding, ate great food and thoroughly enjoyed seeing our families on a more relaxed schedule than past years. We were able to capture Christmas morning with the self-timer, I am shocked at the result (all eyes open and smiles). Seth enjoyed his garbage truck themed gifts plus all of Ben's gifts and Ben enjoyed all the paper. We all had such a lovely holiday - we are truly blessed.

Global Warming?

2009-12-18T10:22:00.003-06:00

Let me start by saying "I am a swimmer." I can go through a couple suits a year. I am always on the lookout for a good suit. I appreciate the early arrival of swimwear in the winter to perk me up and continue to help me have faith that summer will come again. With that said, the start of December is TOO early! A couple weeks ago, while looking where they had moved the coats and sweaters at Target, I ran into racks and racks of swimsuits. Not just a couple of options for the rare person going to Hawaii for Christmas, but loads of suits. On top of all this, I live in UTAH now. I am about as far away from warm beaches as a person can get. People go skiing, not sunbathing in Utah, plus there are a bunch of Mormons here so what is with the disproportionate amount of bikinis? What happened? They don't usually put summer stuff out before Christmas. This all leads me to a new resolution similar to my no-Christmas-stuff-until-December resolution. I will not purchase a swimsuit, no matter how cute, before Valentines unless it is 50% off. Bah Humbug, but Merry Christmas.

Snow - Snow - Snow

2009-12-15T10:35:00.007-06:00

I love snow. Real snow, not ice shards or ice pebbles blown from the Arctic. Seth is loving snow right now too. I had the dickens of a time trying to find boots. We are in the between toddler but not quite boy size. I was almost ready to get pink boots as they were the only thing left. For some reason there are 6 different options with varying amounts of sequins, flowers, and bows for girls and one option for boys. Another sexist conspiracy. Who of the sexes are more likely to spend a significant time in the snow? So we ended up with red boots that Seth loves tromping around the house in. Aaron built the snowman while Seth threw snowballs and occasionally patted the snowman. Our poor snowman fell over shortly after completion because the snow was so heavy. He got rebuilt the next day as a rabbit.

In the Same Place at the Same Time

2009-12-07T12:17:00.003-06:00

It finally happened that me and some of my Geology gal pals were in town at the same time. It has been a while, but minus the obvious reminders that time has passed (children, and colored/shorter hair) it was like old times. There is always a standing lunch offer to any of my long lost pals.

Thankful 2009

2009-11-29T09:42:00.005-06:00

Thankful for:

Husband that is a boy scout
Boy scout home because of Thanksgiving weekend
Bed was just near table not spikes or something worse
White duvet that can be bleached
Seth hit forehead instead of eye, nose, or mouth
Emergency care that was open during weekend
Separate waiting area for well people so we didn't catch something else while waiting
Medical Super Glue instead of stitches
There will not be anymore monkeys jumping on the bed ..... for a while

Cut and Paste

2009-11-19T11:37:00.005-06:00

How do you get 16 people ranging in age from 4mo to 60+ to hold still and all smile at the same time? The answer. You don't. Thanks to a little photoshop magic we have a happy family. Love technology. Love family.

Creativity

2009-11-18T22:31:00.000-06:00

The shortest distance between 2 points is supposed to be a straight line. Ben is a little more creative in traveling. In the time it took for me to put garbage in the trash, Ben managed to high-center himself on the rungs of the chair. I am not sure why going over the rungs is so much more appealing than under, but you will notice his frustration with the end result as his legs are kicking at propeller speed. Another interesting development in creativity is his ability to extract himself from the jumper using only upper body strength. Alas, there is nothing left for containment.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-06T16:58:00.007-06:00

I am not sure what happened between talking about Halloween and the actual event. Seth was really excited about pumpkins (we had to check our fake light up ones in the window every night) and his Bob the Builder costume, but when it came time to carve pumpkins and get dressed we had an Oscar the Grouch (after a really good nap too?!?!). Needless to say there are not any really great pictures of Seth in costume, he did finally get in the spirit after a rousing trick or treating event. I carved my pumpkin in honor of Ben and his 2 front teeth. Ben was a good sport to be Tigger even though he is busting out of it. At his current growth rate and hand-me-down rotation, he will be wearing Seth's old shorts for Christmas. I love Halloween, it is a genetic thing I think. We went to my parents Halloween party where my Mom went ALL out, I mean WAY out. We may need to cancel her Taste of Home subscription. ie: creepy shortbread finger cookies, severed ghost hand ice rings, Frankenstein cheese ball/cube, pumpkin cream puffs and the infamous dinner in a pumpkin (worthy of its own blog for another time). All this and I forgot my eyelashes. Looking forward to next year.

What My Life Has Been Missing

2009-10-27T15:45:00.002-05:00

DATES! I am not complaining, my life is pretty complete. I didn't realize this is what I was missing until we went to dinner and I had a completely adult conversation without the word "NO" peppered with turrets like outburst of "POTTY?" There was no chasing, spilled anything, diving for the binky, inhaling of food because of unhappy/inpatient children. That's not to say these things weren't happening simultaneously with the angels watching our children, but they were out of sight, out of mind. With some seriously careful planning we have even ventured to a football game, it would have been nice if it was much of a game to watch but it was a fun experience regardless. I think if the team (who shall remain nameless due to poor performance)had only known what lengths I had gone to they would have performed better (full bellies all day, really good naps, pumping, multiple bottle options, etc.) So to sum up, I am super blessed to have lovely people accept to watch our busy boys during non-magical times of the day (right before bed).

Not Where I Left You

2009-10-23T17:13:00.002-05:00

We are crawling, sleeping through the night, eating solids and teething. I don't recall all these things happening at the same time with Seth. Ben's crawl is an army crawl with a dolphin kick to the end. The higher the pile of carpet the faster he can go. He is doing technically perfect push-ups but can't quite seem to get the knee action. The above photo shows his determination to get what and where he wants. Honest, I don't confine Ben in the bottom of his jumper, he slithered in and out on his own. Seth is in perpetual introduction mode, anywhere we go he says "I Seth" this is followed closely by "garbage trucks take the trash". Please tell me this obsession will decrease or that he will discover some new information to tell EVERYONE.

The Move

2009-10-05T15:55:00.003-05:00

I never imagined myself living in Kansas, and yet when it came time to leave, I was surprisingly emotional (possibly brought on by little sleep, aches and stress). We have such good memories of our time in Lawrence and Wichita. We will miss our dear friends, fireflies, rainstorms, BBQ, daily airshows, enormous harvest moons, expansive sunsets, and fellow Jayhawks. We will not miss the weekly tornado siren test Mondays at noon or anything tornado related, violating insects, humidity, and unexplainable driving techniques. We have only been gone a week but Costco has really made us feel better. I am not sure I can live without them again. (Milk $1.50!!!)

Natures Needles

2009-09-20T17:33:00.003-05:00

Why is it impossible for medical professionals to find my veins, but mosquitoes have no problem landing direct hits? I am itching as I type (I can get a good scratch from the wrist rest of the keyboard.)

Funny Tidbits

2009-09-17T14:40:00.002-05:00

As someone who can't keep my eyes open long enough to watch late-night comedians, if they were funny or if I was even interested, it is nice that I have a perpetual comedy show in my life.

Potty must haves: NO clothing or shoes on, a toy, multiple flushes, must say hello and goodbye to anything in the potty
The number 5 does not exist to Seth. He knows what high 5 is but never includes 5 when counting. Other numbers sometimes are skipped, but 5 is taboo
I have a backseat GPS. If we are going east from home, Seth asks if we are going to Johnny's house? West: Brock or Sarah's house? South: Church or Jane's house? Freeway: Dad's work? Leaving Dad's work: SHOPPING!? Kind of scary.

Inevitability

2009-09-09T09:47:00.003-05:00

I finally succumbed. I joined facebook. I have now been having a strange episode of the twilight zone. Remembering friends from WAY back in a very out of touch, techno way. How do you people do it? Wish thousands of people all the best and genuinely stay connected? Or is it a competition to have more "friends?" I have to say I prefer my more intimate blog. I am here if you care instead of having tons of randomness jammed onto my "wall?", plus it looks so much cleaner, facebook is so messy. I am starting to sound like an old fogie. Ironic, the more connected we become the more impersonal we are.

There is No Place Like Home

2009-09-06T15:16:00.000-05:00

For Dorothy it meant Kansas, and for the last 5 years Kansas has been at the end of our yellow brick road as well. It looks like our road will be heading back to Utah at the end of the month. Now if I could just click my heels together and avoid the actual move.

Fiercely Loyal - meOWW!

2009-09-04T15:04:00.005-05:00

When I look at my boys and know some girls are going to break their hearts, I already want to scratch their eyes out. Yikes! Who would have thought these feelings could start 20 years in advance. I figure if I start now, I might be a tolerable in-law by the time I actually am one. Perhaps teenage years will cure these mama cat tendencies.

A Little to the Left

2009-08-25T13:52:00.004-05:00

Here is hoping that Seth didn't tattoo himself during Church. We were letting him draw with a red pen (his magnetic pad is not exciting enough) when he started waving it about and poked himself a couple millimeters from the inner corner of his eye. Thank goodness he didn't poke his eye out, or our Sunday would have been much more exciting than it already is. There is a bit of a scratch and I am hoping there wasn't much ink transferred. We will stick to crayons from now on.

Archive: Camper Boys

2009-08-21T10:14:00.002-05:00

I was just going through my phone pictures and ran across this one. We have a boy scout in training. Anytime Aaron gets stuff out to go camping, Seth is in heaven. He loves tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, stoves, and especially flashlights. We have to hide the emergency flashlights from him so the batteries aren't dead when we need them.

Can I Get an Amen

2009-08-02T19:39:00.002-05:00

It would be so useful to have benches in church that extended to the floor and a significant way up the back and had doors. I am imagining pews something like the Quakers or Amish have. I am about ready to give up on reverence and just focus on containment. Our 3 ring circus during church would certainly be helped out if our son couldn't wriggle under or dive over the bench. It would also help if he couldn't see other little boys behind us playing with toy trucks of great desire. Ah well, weary parents at church - Unite! We shall overcome (in 10-16 years).

Killer Goats

2009-07-18T16:50:00.003-05:00

Aren't the goats cute at the zoo? No, they are aggressive, greedy, danger-beasts not unlike the ducks at the botany pond at BYU. I have a bruise to prove it. We went to the zoo last weekend and thought it would be fun to feed the sheep and goats at the designated petting zoo site. As soon as the quarter is turned in the machine, the goats come charging. The tall ones can open the dispenser, they mob you and the babies get nothing. In the melee of trying to put some food in Seth's hand to feed them, I got head-butted on my thigh by a goat with gold-Satan eyes. Not really painful, but quite shocking. Thank goodness I had left Seth strapped in the stroller, they would have mowed him over. We moved to an additional petting area with the camels and there were lots of baby goats, they were much more pleasant. Sadly, they will grow up to be golden-eyed (creepy!) monsters. We also saw baby goslings that are maybe moving towards the teenage awkwardness. They have some adult feathers amidst the baby down. Pretty funny looking, kind of what Ben's hair is doing right now. The rest of our visit was pretty uneventful as the animals were all sleeping in the shade. They probably felt the way we did - HOT- SWEATY-TIRED.
The take home lesson: at the petting zoo, pet with a separation barrier.

Happy 4th

2009-07-09T14:12:00.009-05:00

We did a whirlwind tour of Utah over the long 4th of July weekend. When I think about it, all our trips to Utah are whirlwind. Our boys were surprisingly good travelers. What did pioneers do without DVD's? My brother and his family were in town from Virginia, so for the first time in a while, my whole family was under one roof. At times it may have felt like that roof was going to burst, but we had a great time. This required a family photo, which was an EVENT all involved can attest to. Think 3 Stooges + The Little Rascals. We will see how they turned out. We may have cured the photographer of any future photography. We didn't do a very good job documenting our trip, we did take a few on the 4th. I wish we could have captured Seth's excitement in one of these pictures, he looks totally zoned out, but he really was excited about the balloons, firetrucks and other festivities. Aaron took him fly fishing for the first time, and you would have thought he was born with a rod, not that he caught anything (he liked to submerge the tip), but he held the rod the right way, wouldn't put it down and stayed with Aaron and out of the water for a good 2 hours. When Aaron released the fish, Seth would say "bye bye fish". If only we can channel this focus to church.

Monkey on the Bed

2009-06-26T15:24:00.006-05:00

It may not be apparent from the photos, but this is Seth "helping" change sheets on a bed. It is the only mom-sanctioned/supervised jumping on the bed we do. Am I bad? He loves it and he does get all the sheets and pillows off. When it is 100 degrees and 99% humidity we stay inside and he has to burn off energy somehow.

Before it is Gone

2009-06-26T15:16:00.002-05:00

Ben is losing his downy baby hair besides what he is wearing off from laying down and what I had to trim off around the ears and mullet area. I thought I would post this quick, before all his luscious locks are gone.

In a Zone

2009-06-22T14:15:00.002-05:00

I have been chastised for not posting for a while. My life is just in such a nice routine, that nothing seems too exciting. I suppose the fact that we have a routine is something to celebrate. We are all getting an acceptable amount of sleep. So life is good. Ben is growing like sumo and is weighing in at 17.5 lbs. It is amazing what happens when a baby can keep milk down long enough to be absorbed. So although my life is a little humdrum, I can tell you that Seth has an exciting life based on his contribution to prayers. Garbage trucks are #1. The highlight of any day is when the garbage truck comes, thank goodness ours comes twice a week. On days they don't come, YouTube provides a surprising number of informational videos about garbage trucks that produce a sufficient level of joy. We also have to give thanks for puppy dogs (101 Dalmatians), friends, and Ben. Every morning Seth is so excited to see Ben, I can only imagine Ben's perspective of being awakened by his brother's face directly over his and a nice big "Hello, Ben!" Food items also illicit joy, when we have yogurt or juice he is so excited, you would have thought he was being offered the most delectable and rare delight even though this happens everyday.
Lesson Learned: Find joy in the little things

No Malice

2009-05-26T15:21:00.003-05:00

Thankfully, at this point in time, we have children that like to share. When Seth is crying, Ben joins in. When Ben is crying, Seth tries to give Ben cars. Who isn't totally consoled by cars?

Paradise

2009-05-26T15:01:00.004-05:00

This is a place we could spend all day at. Literally, there is weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth when we leave. Seth loves it regardless of the scratches and bruises he acquires. There are ducks and geese nearby, the freeway is in sight so there are tons of cars and trucks to look at. I try to plan it right before lunch so there might be an enticement of food, but if I didn't bring a stroller with strapping devices I would have to carry him home. We are working on rational arguments, but how do you tell a tired 2 year old the swings will be there tomorrow.

The Goose Whisperer

2009-05-20T14:54:00.004-05:00

We have become fans of all things that fly in the sky, thanks to Seth's eagle-eyes. If there is a bird, plane or helicopter within eyes sight, we hear about it. Thankfully, there is a great nature park that has loads of birds near our house. This is a win-win-win outing. The paths contain and tire out an exuberant 2 year old. The strollering puts Ben to sleep. The geese get fed and my old bread gets used up. Seth is not the best at feeding them, as he eats any bread you give him, even some of the pieces off the ground so Aaron took care of the lobbing. The best part of the day was watching Seth chase after a stray goose he wanted to pick up and hug. To my relief, the goose escaped.

Sizing

2009-05-19T14:28:00.007-05:00

On the left is last years 18mo circo brand shorts from Target, on the right are this years 18mo circo brand shorts from Target prior to alteration. What happened? Where is the standardization of sizing even within the same store and store brand? Highly irritating. Seth runs a little thin, so this year I bought 24mo shorts for summer. They didn't even stay on when he tried them on. Perplexed, I pulled out the shorts from last summer to see what the problem was. I exchanged the big shorts for the next size smaller after an amazing fiasco in customer service returns (you get 1 return without a receipt at Target per year, even though it is obviously their exclusive store brand, still in stock and within eye shot of the return desk). They are still too big, but at least alterable! When I rule the world there will be an apparel sizing zaar.

Exploding Vacuum

2009-05-04T09:33:00.004-05:00

Our trusty vacuum became a device for pain and suffering during Saturday cleaning. It's lengthy service through dog hair, toddler crumbs, and cranky infant soothing has been noble. It all came to an end when I went to vacuum after cutting Seth's hair. Truly an event that requires severe vacuuming. Strange sounds followed by actual mushroom clouds of smoke and a putrid smell. I immediately set to work to discover the cause. I have become skilled in the art of unclogging devices from a young age. Having long-haired girls prompted my dad to instruct us on the finer points of tub drain dismantling and vacuum brush removal. After taking everything apart, I discovered the belt had melted because the brush would no longer spin. Not because of the motor finally giving out or hair or strings, but because the inner spindle seized up. Perplexing, how does that happen? So our vacuum lives to clean another day with a new brush on it's way. Although I am not sure if I can go a day without vacuuming. I was kind of looking forward to a new member of the family. Oh well, Dyson will just have to wait until the position opens up.

Hair - Long as God Can Grow It

2009-04-18T17:09:00.010-05:00

My son has been born with naturally punk rock hair. No amount of combing will change it. It looks uncannily like that guy in Fallout Boy. It sticks straight up in places and diagonal in other places, making a bizarre mohawk. The straightness and fast growth is all from me, sorry Ben. Plus, there is tons of it. He has been needing a haircut from day 1. I think there is some tradition of not cutting a baby's hair until they turn 1, but that is not going to happen. It is currently touching his shoulders in back like a mullet. Seth's hair didn't make it to a year either. Aaron would say I am scissor happy, but Seth's hair grows super fast and he truly needed a cut sooner. Their fingernails also grow really fast. My piano teacher was always after my long nails. What can I say, our dead cells grow fast. So this all reminds me of that 60's era song about hair. I wish I could attach the audio to play with just this post. Hair, Hair, Hair, Hair, long beautiful hair.

Happy Tax Day

2009-04-15T14:10:00.003-05:00

There is nothing quite like April 15th that makes me wish I lived on an island. On the upside, the IRS has made it much easier to pay them with e-file, and the state of Kansas has an easy e-file. It gives the allusion of not being so painful. With a click of the mouse we are done, last minute, but done.