Family, Snow, Still no Pics

H, cousin Harrison, & I went to Alta - all day on Friday. I was so tired and sore all weekend after that. We only meant to go half-day but it was President's week and we had to go all day - pull my arm. The weather was beautiful and the snow was still great from the earlier storm. It may have been the last of the good days though, it was icy in patches and the bowls were quite chunky. Hopefully it is snowing now, or will tonight. The Olympics are over. I am stoked for Julia Mancuso, and no longer sad for Bode, but I was in a slump like all week, poor guy. The media is getting to me and I almost want to go get the new Rolling Stone, with Shaun White on it. I am one of those losers hoping for a Sasha Cohen and Shaun White hook up, I mean they live relatively close.
It was so fun to have Cici, Mia, and my dad in town. This weekend we also celebrated my husband's grand father's 85th birthday, who is kicking it with his girlfriend and his chrysler ride that pimps "LST GSP" or last gasp on the license. He is awesome. AK's dad Steve was in town as well. The boys loved that he stayed and visited with us, and they loved the chance to see Tia Dori & Linny, as we loved seeing them all as well.
We have had a turbulent nerve racking weekend and week as well, Owen has smacked himself, tripped himself, jumped onto other bodies (Samuel, who escaped without a peep) into my nerves and I am re-learning that I don't do well in these situations of blood, pain, and pain derived screaming. He is resting now, which brings peace to my soul. This week I am hoping to get H back up to Alta (and myself) so he can practice doing turns, and I can too. :)

Night by Elie Wiesel

I just finished this amazing and harrowing book. I can't believe I hadn't read it before. Read it if you haven't. It is very sad, but I love the message. It is that we cannot forget the past, no matter how horrid or unforgiving. No new news. I am excited to see the Utah family today at our house. And this week is AK's grandpa Al (D.O.) 's 85th birthday. He is an amazing guy. A very honorable WWII pilot veteran whom I admire for that and for the rest of his honorable and loving life he has led. Anywhoo Grandpa Steve will be staying with us this weekend as we celebrate with his Dad.

Seth and his "little beard" & Poor Pretty Lindsay

So, Owen & I were watching the snowboarder cross finals, and he saw the Seth story and he said "Mom he has a little beard" and thought the little beard was soooo funny. He saw him again today (I watch everything a day later) when his g-friend won the gold and he laughed again.
I accidentally saw the front page of the paper at breakfast so I knew what Jacobellis did and was so heart broken for her. She is definitely taking it in stride with her calm composure because that was pretty embarrassing and disappointing. Replay after replay it is just so tragic. But at least she got the silver and should come back. Maybe she does want to get on with her life, it sort of sounded like, although she is only 20!
Seth was awesome. Snowboarder cross would be something I would've wanted to do in my youth, but so goes for the CA bred girl. Lindsay is great, but she says some funny things, like, that people are just starting to recognize women in sports? I think that is what VISA has been telling her, that got her head a little fat. But, the women are getting better for sure.
Back to the men's skate - I am with Leslie, I couldn't handle it anymore! I could handle Plushenko, who I was surprised was married to a girl last year, but that was it. I couldn't handle the Weir pout anymore, and I think his missing swan friend was what made his short program exciting.

Perfect Powder Sled Day

Holden and I both woke up at 3 this morning, thinking it was 10 in the morning our house was so full of light of the 1-2 feet of powdering snow moonlight reflection. He saying, "I'm done sleeping Mom". We snuggled back into bed and fitfully fell back to sleep. We awoke to Dad spending 1/2 hour undigging his car to faithfully go to work, although I was dying for him to cop out so I could hit it. What made it worse was that on the treacherous way to H's preschool the sun came out and everything was spectacularly shining in the afterglow of a perfect snow storm and the beginning of a perfect riding day. I couldn't convince Katie to take O for the day, and likewise she didn't convince me to take her 3 boys, so we headed to sled at Sugarhouse park with Laura. I think her 9 or so month old Abigail was the most excited of the kids. Kate, Harrison, and I "laid down some tracks" and everyone had a roaring good time. O got warmed up and as Mom was getting weary of the short but deep hikes back up the hill, O was just getting starting and kept wanting to go. It was best when we would hit new powder beyond our tracks and O thought people were throwing snowballs at him. He was an incredible hiker back up the mountains, and he even wore his snow boots! And his snow coat! And his snow pants! 2/3 for the first time this season! Funny mad dog! At one point Samuel was crying and saying "doggie", which we think was referring to O, whom we affectionaly call Mad Dog, who must've thrown a snowball or snarled at Samuel. They really do love each other. So fun, and hopefully we can head there this evening with H & Daddy. Laura took pics so I will post as soon as I can get them. I hope you had a fun snow day too!

Bode, Bode, Bode...Ligety!

I was so sad when Bode was dq'd for splitting the gate...I still am. But I quit watching and AK woke me up (we Tivo it and watch later) and tried to tell me how exciting it was...I got that Ligety won and I knew he was from Park City, so was excited, but I also got that Bode starting dating the women's US slalom lady...that I made up in a dream I guess? I saw the papers this morning and read all about the Ligety and was stoked the sheep farmer from Austria who thinks he is so humble and cool, whatever, you are just so jealous that Spyder isn't all over you, okay they may be, but have I heard of you? Anyway, did I tell you I can't stand Bob Costas. I have loathed the man who makes up stupid nicknames and thinks he is so serious and funny, since the 2002 Salt Lake games, ugh. So onto the men's short program - oh my gosh! I was dying to have my sister Rachel with me to watch the US guy from the Runway show where they make clothes and get voted off, I had no idea he could do triple sow-cows! Johnny Weirdo, is what AK affectionately calls him. Dude, Puphspleunktor from Russia kicked your trash. I am loving the Olympics. Especially since watching American Idol last night was so unbearably hard. AK was loving it though? It finally snowed today, no walk, but I am begging to have a 'day off' to go snowboarding. I am such a brat. I think that because it hadn't snowed, that's why I was so bummed out yesterday.

First Hike of the Year

So bored...so this morning I went on my walk starting up 2100 S and I kept going above Wasatch, went across S... Drive towards the H. And proceeded across the mountain until I reached the Blaine/French Mansion side of the Foothills and back to the pavement. It was short but good and just that little bit extra that may make the difference in my workout ;). So, watched Kate's kids this morning, and O. H's friend came over to deliver his Valentine to H and decided to stay - they have watched Wallace & Grommit and are now watching Sesame Street. I have no desire to make an effort - to productively entertain them, to clean my house, to do an exercise video, I watched last nights Olympics. I was blown away by the Russian pair's 2004 fall, I could hardly watch it. I think the women's half pipe was great - they are pretty incredible. I think the women's sport has grown a lot in 4 years. I would like to try the half pipe someday - there was a cool looking one at the Canyons. It would probably kick my trash, but whatever. Okay, so I just unloaded the dishwasher, and I am really full, from having some whole wheat pasta for an afternoon lunch. Yuck! At least I walked this morning.

Bel Canto thoughts

I just finished Bel Canto and I think it was the longest 318 pages I have ever read. A bit unbelievable at times, but a great picture lingers in my mind of the home of the VP and the resulting relationships. I love Ann Patchett's 'About the Book' stuff at the end - just what I love to get a little more from the book and its author. I look forward to adding a little bit of Opera to my life and possibly reading more of her works.

Today, a Stake Conference sabbath, was the longest in history. We made it through 2 hours of 'go to the temple' talks well and then settled into naps and TV time. I watched over last nights Olympics that I tivo'd, a little bit of the 'Coupling' marathon, and finished the aforementioned book. The kids were going crazy and driving me nuts, they have been playing outside - AK managed to get Owen to wear a coat! I made a roast that is the first of mine which turned out decent. I think I figured out that I usually overcook them? Any good recipes/roast tips would be appreciated. I also made the majorly chocolate Ghiradelli brownies - too much cocoa! I am going to pay for it by having to drink Leek Soup for the next two days per the previously read 'French Women Don't Get Fat'. As if I had that much self control! Also a fun but unnecessary read - I kept the book as a recipe book though. I tried the boiled leek thing and it didn't quite work - I think I'd rather drink a chicken stock?

Pics were taken by Tia Dori this weekend at the Beacon Heights park. They are sitting on Arizona giving props to their grandparents who reside there. We are excited to head to the smoldering state next month for spring training. Thank you Dori, we love you tons!

Getting AK to Laugh - the Most ticklish man alive

I have a new trick that some will appreciate. I make AK stand in the hallway with his arms stuck to the wall, and I tickle him and he laughs to hard and loud and full, I love it. If I tickle him without him being stuck to something, he will hit me, it is his "natural reaction" as his mother knows, I believe from a nearly broken nose incident. I swear this will relieve his very unemotional-ness that is surely housing a thousand ulcers or a heart-attack.

This pic was taken in Ohio. It didn't seem to take much - two weeks away from the family - to make AK happy! I am just embarrassed that my 32 year old husband wears a hoody in public. I love that gorgeous man.

Valentine Kidnapped

Yesterday morning, H handed me a note, I assumed it was a drawing or love note from him, but it had a message from AK. On it read something to effect that at 2 pm - until Saturday afternoon I was to be away from the children/out of the house. I was to pack a bag with PJ's, toothbrush, and a change of clothes. Of which we later returned to pick up bathers and the toothbrush I forgot. So darling Dori, AK's sister came to sit with the kids. The kids could not have been happier. And Andy took me away. I was so surprised and tried to continue to be surprised, but it killed me to be so out of control of what was going on. We ended up at the very nice downtown Marriott and good thing I brought a bag, no, not a suit case, an Aciphex bag full of my clothes/toiletries. I was a little embarrassed. The hotel is much more posh than like the Marriott vacation condos that we are usually staying at, which the bag would work. Anywhoo, went to a nice dinner and spent Saturday morning at Doug & Emmy's and then at Snowbasin for a very fun day of snowboarding and snuggling and lounging in the gondolas and slopes. I love AK and I know he loves me. What a great getaway Valentine's date. I don't think I have ever been more surprised and thrilled. I am very spoiled and getting snotty with my snowboarding days. As AK would tell you... Thanks AK!

AK took this picture of us resting our feet - mid-mountain along the Strawberry side of SnowBasin.

Morning Rottweiler

Okay, the Office was hilarious - I kept having to pause Tivo so I could laugh and not miss the girl that likes Ryan talk and tall, 'normal' guy who's in love with receptionist, try to sneak out of the room - conversation. And I can't believe how dumb the Mgr.'s boss is - that she did that at the end. I can't believe I can't remember anyone's name right now. And I loved seeing the end of Grey's - I wasn't sure how that would work out since it was showing the same time as The Office and The OC, but it worked out perfectly since it ran over into ER. My sister Rachel had already given me the play by play, so it was just like seeing it over again. She is the TV play by play master.

Oh well, so to the rott story. I am cruising down 17th South, on the return of my morning walk along Wasatch and I see this wandering Rottweiler in my path ahead. At first I am wary and think of turning back up the hill, but see he hasn't started chasing me yet, and I proceed. I get past the Rott and he hasn't attacked me, so I do the most idiotic thing imaginable and I think, okay he's got tags, maybe I can take him back to his owners so he doesn't get run over on a very busy morning Foothill Blvd. So I let him smell my gloved hand and think 'what an idiot I am, he's going to smell my cat on me and bite my hand off'. He sniffs, but not too much, and I try again, and then I idiotically reach for his tag under his chin, and then the wicked snap and...I didn't mean to cut this off, but blog did it, so then, luckily I was wearing my morning walk gloves or else there would have been teeth marks and broken skin. So I skedaddled away, looking over my shoulder twice, even once when I was across Foothill, and thought 'to h-e-double hockey stick to that dog! I hope he gets picked up at the pound to teach his owners a lesson not to neglect the fencing of this ungrateful and unfriendly mutt. AK couldn't believe I even tried to help the Rottweiler, I know, I know... So now I really just want a little dog, like a shitzhu, cute, still goes on little walks, but doesn't have a scary, mean bark and doesn't bite!

Bluebird Day!

Had another great boarding day today. It was amidst a sparking blue sky, good, if a little corny snow, which softened in the mid-day sun, and lots of old timers skiing, and swell. Thank you to my fab babysitters Kate & Andy!

On the Grammy's - sad for Gwen. She is an amazingly beautiful pregnant woman. I wish we could've seen her on stage, getting an award, not so much doing the hooch dance harajuku thing. I liked Coldplay's froppy head number, and Kanye's band geek gig. I will admit, since I rock out to her songs, that I was stoked for Kelly Clarkson. Fun, fun! I am excited to see the end of Grey's that I missed last week - due to Super Bowl/Tivo cut off. Blah, blah, off to the kiddie park!

My name is Madre

This is my darling family, in our darling home, at Christmas time. We live in Salt Lake City, Utah and we love to ski Alta and snowboard Snowbird. But this season we have been mostly to The Canyons since we ski there for free since I work at Norda's for Chip. H (4) has taken two lessons at Alta this season and loves it. Next year we will get both boys up and going. My gorgeous husband AK loves to fly-fish as well. He is happy to be back in a sales job that allows him long lunches and early evenings to enjoy his favorite past-time. When I figure it out I will post some pics, since we are quite charming.

This rocks...jumping on the bandwagon

This is just way too easy, thank you for the heads up Rachel and Matt! Samuel & Owen are watching Nemo and I am getting ready to do some internet clothes shopping, unbeknownst to AK! It is a beautiful clear day, and you think you want to get out and head to the park, but it is freezing. I can't think of anything interesting at all. Namaste.

This is really great. So I am reading Bel Canto, and its quite interesting. Its getting a little long and unbelievable, but it makes me want to play piano again. Anyone know of a cheap piano for sale? Okay, really cheap, because I just bought new snowboarding boots, I need spring clothes for me and the boys, and summer with all of its mountain bike possibilities is just around the corner. I will stick to borrowing a piano for now. The Taylors and Bunches have one I can reconnect with the middle C's and F sharps, that's like all I remember.

Also, The Greatest Generation is great, a little repetitive, but important and makes you appreciate your grand-parents and WWII veterans more. AK has a few amazing grand-pa's with piloting experience in WWII. Papa Ben has left us, but Al or D.O. is still kicking it in S. Jordan and has great stories and memorabilia/photos of his days in HI and elsewhere. They are amazing men and women, the WWII veterans. I am sad to see them literally dying away, as I see at least 3 in the Salt Lake obituaries everyday. Gotta go pick up H from Pre-school. Love, Boo