life in general

oh my pudding!

picturing a yummy chocolate kiss. :)

personal space

Conner is, and always has been, a cuddler.  A giver of affection.  He will find a way to wrap his skinny little body around you like a snake.  Or burrow himself into any crevice, bend, or twist like he's settling in for the winter.  He likes to hold hands, give hugs, give kisses, . . . . .  I could go on and on.  I find his affectionate side very endearing.  I definitely know I am loved.  But there are times when, well, I need a little space.

This weekend Scott's parents and his brother Randy visited us and Conner was definitely sharing the love.  It seemed that every opportunity he got he was either next to Randy, on top of Randy, or sub-consciously inching his way closer to Randy.  Scott, who maintains a large area of personal space, made sure to teach Conner about this important subject matter.  Finally, when Conner just couldn't control himself (he just wants to love somebody!) Scott illustrated with his finger, "This is Randy's bubble, and you need to stay out of it."

At some point the kids were sent upstairs to play and the adults were downstairs visiting.  Suddenly, randomly, Conner comes bounding into the room, pokes the air above Randy's chest with his finger and says,

"I popped your bubble.  And now I'm coming inside."

What did he just say??!!  We were dying laughing!  A minute later, Payton comes strolling down the hallway and Conner says,

"Payton, I popped Randy's bubble, want to come inside?" 

And Payton replies, very confused, "what?!"

cue more rolling laughter.

Anna also quite liked Randy.  See her expression above while the boys are going crazy. 

And I think that she was always welcome in his lap. 

the rules

1.  Don't pick up a bat unless you are wearing a helmet.

2.  No sliding.

3.  Don't throw the bat.

4.  Don't swing the bat while other people are near you.

5.  Don't go near someone who is holding a bat.

Thanks Coach Scott for all your hard work, patience, your positive attitude, and for teaching us safety first. 

in it for the glory

Monday evening was Payton's last tball game of the season.  He was excited for this day for a number of reasons, but one stood out among the rest.  The largely coveted and all important . . . . trophy.  For the last 2 years he has watched Conner's trophy collection on the dresser grow and grow.  He was dying for one of his very own.  One that had his name on in. 

When his name was called he jumped up and well, you can gauge the reaction & feelings that he had:

Look closely at his mouth open saying, "Wow!"

"This is my very first trophy!"  He turned around and immediately started walking toward me. 

"Look mom!"  

elation!

It's been fun watching this little guy "play" some t-ball this season.  Going into this we were interested to see how he would do.  He's not really the competitive type.  And, not surprisingly, he stayed true to himself. :) 

He was very very good at manning his outfield position, even when the other kids were running all over the place, and even when the ball went rolling by just one foot away.  He was very purposeful and methodical in the way he handled things.  As the catcher, there was no reason to be in a big hurry -- he knew everyone would just wait for him to get the ball and place it on the tee.  He definitely improved in his batting and went from struggling to even hit the ball to getting a pretty nice lob straight to the pitcher.  And he showed us his "super-speed" while running around the bases -- when he was in the mood.

Payton was a great little player and never complained once while on the field, up to bat, or sitting on the bench in 90 degree heat.  He just took it all with stride.  Because he knew, at the end he would be rewarded greatly.   

some photos from his last game

he had his super-speed today

playing first base.  A little distracted at first, and then he got into it.

collecting soil samples    

timber!

Faithful, old trees.  Thou hast been ever true in thy pine-needle & branch & pine cone dropping.  Clogging our rain gutters.  Littering our yard.  And the way you sway so gracefully in the wind . . . so beautiful, it makes our hearts race.  Merely steps from our window . . . .you are never far from our thoughts.

Faithful, old trees . . . . we have known thee but a short time.  Alas, it is time to say good-bye.

good-bye tree! 

the top of tree #1

watching from the playroom window on the second floor

bet they weren't expecting an audience!

It was a pretty fascinating process to watch.  Scott worked from home today so he could be around to monitor (if need be).  He spent most of the 2 hours they were here plastered to the window along with the kids.  And well, so was I. 

Basically, the guy would climb up the tree with his rope, spiked shoes and a chain saw tied to his waist and trim off the branches one by one.  Then at some point he'd just chop off a giant section from the top -- that was the fun part (watch the video below).  And finally he would saw off sections of the trunk (about 12-18 inches a piece) and send them hurling down to the ground with a big thud.  Very cool!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

mother's day

breakfast . . . . banana cake.  Mmmmmm.

bliss . . . . my 3.5 hour nap.  Ahh!

cuteness . . . . the adorable potted plant ice cream dessert that I got from Anna (really, from her amazing nursery leader.)  I was very happy to have a kid in nursery today.

surprise . . . .   getting mother's day gifts from my parents & in-laws.  Tulips in the mail and 2 more B's for my collection!

traditional gift . . . .   my mother's day geranium at church

still dumb-founded by this . . . . mid-way through the week Conner began mentioning the art project they were working on at school.  He didn't come out and say it, but hints here and there indicated that it was for Mother's Day.  On Friday morning I think he even told me that he would get to bring his art project home today.  So I picked him up from school on Friday and he came running at me, like he usually does, and said he had something to show me when we got home.  We walk in the door and the usual chaos ensued -- conner ran upstairs to put shorts on, Payton & Anna are begging for a snack, I'm trying to put my things away & reminding everyone to take off their shoes (and put them away).  A couple minutes later Conner came down with his backpack to show me his papers . . . and the much-anticipated project.  He crouched down on the kitchen floor in front of me, unzipped his backpack, and began searching among his folder and green lunch bag.  He looked up at me with a panicked face:  "Where is it? Where's my project?"  I felt so bad for him!  "Oh Conner.  Did you forget your project at school?  It's okay, you can bring it home on Monday."  He looked soooo sad and just mumbled, "ya, okay" and dropped his backpack on the kitchen floor to go watch Clifford.  Grrr.  Pick it up!

Anyways, Sunday morning while I was getting ready in my bathroom the kids came upstairs with a plate of banana cake (I requested that we forgo the big breakfast in bed) and a glass of milk and a few cards.  They were all giddy and excited.  Conner handed me a brown paper lunch sack that was decorated with hearts cut out of construction paper, drawing, and a happy mother's day message.  I took it and a bit confused I said, "Conner, when did you make this?"  I think I would've noticed if the construction paper and scissors came out (no matter how well he thought he cleaned it up).  Then exploding with glee he said, "It's my project I made at school!  I tricked you and made you think I forgot it!  {giggle giggle laugh laugh}.  I made a plan at school and hid my project under the blankets in my room when I went upstairs to change into shorts!"   What the . . . . . ?  Seriously, I was stunned.  But what about the disappointed look he gave me in the kitchen?  Finally, when I was able to wrap my mind around this stunt that was just pulled by my 7-year-old, I just had to shake my head and say "wow".  I was very impressed with the thought & planning & acting that he put into this.  Way to go Conner!

tear-jerker . . . . Again in the bathroom Sunday morning. . . . I opened the kids' cards and then unfolded a touching letter from Scott.  His mother's day present to me -- himself.  In the form of giving up World of Warcraft.  For those of you who know Scott, you will realize this is a huge deal.  There could be an entire blog post dedicated to this subject.  But I will leave it simply at this.  He amazes me.

giving . . . . each year for mother's day I give my mom a few scrapbook pages that I make specifically for her.  Pages that sum up what we've been doing the past year, about the kids, our mother-daughter weekend, and a special message to her.  Some of the things I have learned from her example . . . . just be . . . .

And speaking of beautiful -- check out these photos that Sam took of my parents (on their property) for their 30th wedding anniversary this year.

quote . . . .  in the chapel before sacrament meeting starts - "What's that smell?  Is it just me or is there a penny?"  Said by Conner, who does not like the smell of pennies.

32

Breakfast:  a triple stack of eggo waffles with syrup and whipped cream prepared entirely by Conner (and entirely his idea) at 6:30am.  I added some mango on the side.  He wanted to put a cherry on top (like they do on tv), but I advised him that would not be a good idea.  We'll have to fill him in on the Pit-O-Meal story sometime

Lunch:  Tony's frozen pepperoni pizza

Dinner:  Yoshida's chicken kabobs with rice and scrambled/fried eggs

Birthday Cake:  Banana cake, of course.  Although it's a little disappointing now that two of our children really like it.  The cake disappears way too fast.

Game(s) of the day:  Battleship and Mario Kart for Wii

Surprise of the day:  Scott getting on an earlier flight and arriving home at 8:30pm on Friday night as opposed to 1am on Saturday morning.  He had been out of town for the previous 8 days.

Quote of the day:  "Go daddy's party?!"  said by Anna about 20 times.  She was so nervous/anxious that she might miss something.  On Friday the kids decorated the place with (an excessive amount of) streamers and balloons.  And ever since I picked up the party hats on Wednesday Anna has been about ready to burst out of her skin.

Notable milestone of the day:  10 years ago today Scott and I met for the very first time.  It was outside the Varsity Theater in the WILK following Sacrament meeting (yes, we enjoyed church in movie theater seats -- although "enjoy" is not the right word . . . those seats weren't all that comfortable).  Chuck & Tim introduced Scott (the new roommate) to Tamra and I.  I don't think I said much at all -- I was going for the "shy & mysterious" approach.  It was a relatively short meeting, but I remember thinking that he was pretty cute.  After church he gave Tamra, Bernie, and I a ride home (all 4 blocks).  I didn't know it was his birthday that day.  But he did and has often told me that meeting me on that day was the best birthday gift ever. 

Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband who entertains the kids with Guitar Hero and his jokes about cheese . . . . who is fully entertained himself by a game of Battleship . . . . who spends his Saturday out on the baseball field and mowing the lawn and bathing the kids (even though it's his birthday) . . . . who is loved and missed daily when he's away from us . . . . and who makes me feel happy everyday that I happened to hook up with him. 

b is for . . .

big excitement

beautiful

better than I expected! 

My plan was to do this on Tuesday.  But on Monday, just before dinner I got the urge to hang up "just one B" to see what it looked like.  The 24" highway reflector letter B went up and when I stood back I was giggling and clapping my hands with delight.  Then, I couldn't stop myself.  It all had to go up -- I had the vision in my head at that moment and I couldn't let it go by.  Even if that meant the kids had ice cream (our FHE treat) for dinner. 

I love it!  The kids think it is so cool.  Especially Payton.  His favorite is the "pillow B" (the orange & white one).  When I came downstairs this morning and saw it I was totally taken back.  Did I really do that? Doesn't it look awesome?!  It's just what I like - bold, clean/minimalist, colorful, with a hint of antique/vintage style.

And can you believe there is only one extra hole in the wall?  Conner & Payton helped out a bit by holding B's where I wanted them so I could stand back and take a look.  The ice cream dinner . . . well, I'm making it up to the kids tonight (or rather, trying to save face as a responsible mother) by making spaghetti which is one of their favorites.

As I mentioned in my earlier post I also hung the rest of my frames (and clock) in the hallway that leads from the front door to the family room.  It also wraps around that wall and creates a really cool visual line.  I was surprised by how easy it was -- tape measure, pencil, and a template of the frame with nail markings cut out of kraft paper.  There is one bit of awkward space -- which I'm choosing to ignore and revel in my happiness of the overall project.  I originally started this project in February when I only had 4 frames and began hanging them closest to the front door.  A slight mistake, but I decided to just go with what I had and make it work (didn't need 8 extra holes in my wall).

We have lived in this house for 4 months and for the first time I feel like this home is a reflection of me and my style, and I'm feeling "at home".  I'm constantly turning the corner into the room or turning my head for a side-ways glance and thinking, "man, I like this place."

1.  ebay - Old letterpress printers block

2.  Art Blanche - 16", painted with "Josie" Kilz brand paint

3.  ebay - 24" Highway sign with reflectors

4.  Accent Architecturals - bronze architectural letter

5.  Anthropologie

6.  Restoration Hardware - got this one a couple years ago.

7.  Pottery Barn - a few letters are on sale right now

8.  Art Blanche - 10", some leftover paint from the dining room.

9.  ebay - another highway sign with reflectors

10.  Anthropologie

the one with no photos*

I just realized that it's been a long time since I've written a post without photos.  I guess my stories tend to be photo-driven.  Hence, the scrapbooker in me.  I guess you could say I'm a visual person.  I get a little high off of an artistically composed photo, something that shows movement, or that tells more of a story than "say cheese!"  I just like to look at photos, so I tend to post a lot of them.  Getting back to my original point . . . I am going to post now, there will be no photos, and there will be randomness.

Recently, I gave myself a big pat on the back for finally backing up my digital photos from 2005 and 2006.  They were all just sitting on my computer.  Waiting for it to die.  Which, from the horrendous sound the fan has been making, could be anytime. (Come to think of it, that sound has stopped since I removed the roughly 3,000 photos. Yay me!)  Now I can rest a little bit easier knowing that they are safely burned onto DVDs and stored away on an external hard-drive.

While we're on the topic of photos, I just finished hanging a photo gallery wall of sorts in my hall-way.  All black frames** with 8x10 color and black & white photos.  I love it!  I filled the frames with random photos that just make me smile.  What is that you say?  You want to see a picture?  Sorry, but this is photo-free post. 

I also painted two of my B's and I love the colors.  That wall should be going up eminently.

Earlier this week I spoke at New Beginnings.  That was very fun.  The main theme of my talk  was, "Welcome the change that makes you go beyond yourself, and you will grow."  All about stepping out of your comfort zone and learning new things, reaching out to those around you, having courage to stand up for what you know is right, and building a testimony.  I think it went really well and have since spoken to a few YW and mothers who appreciated specific remarks. 

I picked up these tiny Ben & Jerry's 3.6oz ice cream cups at the store this week.  They're pretty much awesome.

Lately, Anna has been going on and on and on about temples.  We drove by it last week and all she could say was:  "Anna see temple!  Jesus live in temple!  Anna see Jesus!"  And she continues to say that just about everyday.  Also with a "mommy and daddy go temple!" {I love it when she says that in front of the bishop.}  It's funny though, because all of her statements, have a slight questioning tone to them.  So Scott and I are required to answer each one with a yes or no, or a longer answer explaining when we will get to see Jesus.  Because now she thinks we should get to see Jesus when we drive up to the church.  So far, all of our answers have satisfied her.

Anna always refers to herself in the third person.  There is no "I", "me", or "my" in her vocabulary.  Wait, except when she says "look at me!" . . . which is quite frequent.

Signed the boys up for soccer on Saturday.  I was not expecting to have to buy new uniforms for both of them.  Grrr.  This will be our first sporting season with two children participating.  It should be interesting.

I recently discovered that each night after we put the boys to bed, Conner climbs down to Payton's bed, pulls out some books and reads to him until he falls asleep (or until it gets to dark -- which is quite a while).  I peeked my head in last night and saw this going on.  I think I need to get my video camera out and capture a bit of this.  It is so so sweet.

Would you like to win a prize from Paris?  Go over to my mom's blog and post in the comments section some "Merriment" as she calls it.  Just something about being a mom/woman that makes you happy.  The drawing is on mother's day, I believe.

The end.

*I partially stole my title's verbage from Emily Kate and from Friends.

**Go to the "black frames" link above and PB is having a sale on their 8x10 Mahogany frames (with ivory mats) for only 9.99!  That is a steal!  And they are fantastic frames.  I would go buy some, but I've kinda committed myself to the black.  Also to note, when I ordered my frames recently the shipping was free.  Okay, somebody better buy up those frames!  And then tell me about it, so I can have just a piece of your joy!