Magical Nanny

Brighton last night. 4-6:30 pm. We were there and the boys were speeding down the mountain. Andy was jumping off huge walls. I was in heaven, laughing all the way. Thanks Tia Dori for the night. Andy and I even fit in dinner at Porcupine with the darling Lorimers.

Doors

So I am thinking grey...with a hint of blue...maybe dark (classier). Anyhew here are a few fun ones.

Randoms

Mickey?

Owen's Still Picture (He loves taking pictures!)

Saying Cheese for Owen. Take a good look at her cute healed forehead, because less than 1 minute after this photo was taken she would run down the hall, slip on the rug, and slam her right forehead (left side to you, opposite of the stairwell bump) into the corner of the wall. I was right in back of her and saw it in slow-mo. It was awful. I would have bet we were headed to the Emergency room, but no blood, not even as bad as before, and we tested her knowledge and watched her eyeballs. Later she would be even more hysterical after walking to pick up Holden and coming home with frozen fingers.

Out of the front car window, just to portray and remember how beautiful everything looks. It is so cold that the snow has frozen to the branches and staying there. We got almost a foot by Monday morning (more on that later) and it's really my favorite thing seeing all of the white/grey everywhere.

Monday morning I was diligently brushing off AK's car to go work out (6ish) and I heard a loud crack. I assumed it was the power lines whacking out since they tend to shoot off fireworks of sparks, etc. and our electricity went out the night before for a minute. I was scraping away, and I heard another louder crack, and then right before me, about 4 feet away, a huge branch (shown above) fell covering the driveway in front of me (so as it is laying here but across the driveway to the right). I felt really bad for the poor tree. And started shoveling, figuring I wasn't about to be able to remove the branch and thus get the car out of the driveway, and I would still get some cardio/muscle work shoveling the block. After Andy and our neighbor Levi severed the branch completely from the tree (with Levi's chainsaw, awesome!) and removed it from the driveway, we actually realized it made the tree more symmetrical and the branches no longer scrap my car when I drive out. I guess nature knew better. Poor tree.

P.S. Anybody need some curly willow branches? I have seen people come and snap them off my tree you know.

P.P.S. While there is a photo of my home, I am seriously considering painting the front door a blue, like almost turquoise blue? Any other suggestions? I am pretty sure the primer is still on both the door and its casing. And maybe I will try the side door first. Pink. Orange. Not green. Grey. Black may fade (west facing). Oooh! I like these...too clownish for the 'hood?

AK is in trouble. That's me and my husband AK, both of us. I have found an unmistakeably awesome new kids' clothing site. And I just can't help myself. I was reading fatty's funny get started cycling blog here, and linked to his sisters' site (who I believe I voted in the bloggie thing just because the name was clever, not knowing it was fatty's sisters' site, not that I know fatty, I don't), and I am reading along and she's talking about her kids' track suits, and I remembered how Owen used to wear the camouflaged sweatsuit and how we love track suits (sooo Argentina!), but then I happened to click and click to end up at 'girls dresses' and I fell in love. Owen picked out the "pirate" hoody as his favorite. I haven't found the track suits yet.

Grateful Sabbath

"Cheese!" My poor girl wore this pajama ensemble all day Saturday. But seriously, isn't she cute. We are especially proud of her today, as she lasted in nursery until the end of church, without parents! Thanks to Liz J. who she clung to for a few minutes in hysteria! But she did alright! Yea and thank you to the nursery peeps!

Chip Smiling. Also a monumental moment. Not that he's not a happy dude, he's the straight faced comic guy. And my cute modeling husband in the background (he's really just watching the 'tube).

1. I am glad I went to church today. Even though I lost it this morning as the kids were getting dressed (in jeans!!!! they are khaki colored, but I've told the kid at least 15 times! I really just need to get rid of them.) and being picky about shoes, already little lady! We got there, and eventually I felt the love.
2. My cute husband and for laughing and goofing yesterday morning. He's a very good guy, but it's a rare delight to see him make a funny goofball of himself for me and the kids.
3. Good friends and family surrounding us. We are blessed.
4. My awesome "new" storage/office/craft space thanks to Kate and her amazing organizing/clean methods.

Bloggies

This is fun. I voted for FatCyclist (where I got the link, for sports blogs) and confessions of a pioneer woman (even though I don't really read her blog anymore but have always loved her photography and recipes and stories) oh and the fug girls. Vote for your favorites (and find some new ones) here.

Surprisingly Productive Things this Week

The night I saw this on Trevlyn's blog, within 5 minutes I had my scraps of fat quarters I have been collecting for "quilts" or what not, all over the floor and was figuring this out. It is not nearly as cute as Trev's, of course, and no birdies or bow, and it has got a little droopy from the smog and fog outside, but I did hang it on my front door and I quite like it (and have received a few compliments!). Thanks Trev!

This desperately needs to be ironed and different ribbon color put on, but it won't happen. I sewed the pleat and edges in this project probably a year ago and its been bundled up in the basement ever since Thursday when I just took it out, finished it and slopped it up there. This is my kitchen sink window.

The new furniture arrangement. We put the dining room table in the corner (covered by the blue bloth in the top corner) and my favorite kitchen bench facing the window (I love seeing Holden sitting here looking out the window in the morning). We actually bought new slipcovers this week, but they are still in my trunk! The balloons are leftover from a Wednesday night baby shower.

Katie was over this afternoon and we went to town on my crazy basement room. I have a dream, and a vision, and a sketch of how I envision my craft/laundry/storage room (someday) but today I love just having lots of junk finally thrown out and being able to walk in here! The stuff in the middle is just laundry to be done, so theoretically will be clear, and I will start searching for a work table for folding and baskets for the huge center floor now available. Thanks Katie, I never knew where to start (it was seriously awful!).

The other side looks kind of cluttery, and I still have to go through the wire shelves (almost done Kate!), but the boxes of holiday, tools and paint, office stuff, and some clothes and stacked only one box deep and flush against the wall. But if you have ever had a glimpse of the basement, seriously, there is a totally empty (except for the laundry in the middle) area about 7 feet by 10 feet. I think I am going to move the fridge to the right of the dryer and create an office space where the fridge is (if you have seen to the left side of this shot, you may know what I am talking about). A utility sink under the window and the aforementioned craft/laundry table with baskets and possibly some shelves over the washer and dryer (I haven't figured it out with all the pipes and wires) and it will be platinum.

Peyton Manning

I think Peyton Manning is so funny. I love his commercials, I laugh like a hyena everytime, and his SNL was amazing (last year or so). This is from it and it is great.

By the way...Go Cards!

California Trip Pictures

Mad Hatter (he was funny and we thought it was cool) and Alice (who was really sweet to a nervous PJane). By the way my favorite ride (and our longest wait, 20 minutes) is Alice in Wonderland.

When we first arrived into California Adventure (we went there first actually). PJane still has no idea, nor will she ever remember her first trip to the Happiest Place on Earth (Holden and Owen barely remember their last visit!).

The whale off the Balboa Pier.

The whale.

The PJane with Dad, morning walk at the beach.

Betty Boop and Ryan. I love this little lady, even though she won't let me near her. I miss her saying "sorry" when PJane takes a whack at her, not that I miss PJane taking a whack at her, that is mean.

Gorgeous sunset of an incredibly gorgeous day. Palos Verdes, San Clemente Island, and Catalina were as clear as they get.

Post Big Corona beach day visit.

A few blissful days in review, and why I get really depressed to leave and the last few days are kind of rough (except when you go to Disneyland I have found!). Things we did and saw to continually call us back to California (as Ryan discovered!).

Bike rides. Seeing Darcy, Alli, Merritt & Greg & kids, Betty & Rich, Matt & Dave, Balboa Island, BIG - beach visit and Starbucks to Goldenrod walk, Fashion Island, Spectrum, Disneyland & California Adventure (PJ still has no idea where we were or who she sat in pictures with, Minnie, Mickey, Alice & the Mad Hatter, and Pluto). Wahoo's. Golden Spoon. Nails and Toes. Andy and PJane saw a whale at the Balboa Pier, pictures to come, totally amazing and really, really like 20 yards off the side of the pier! Pain du Monde. Trader Joe's. Being with Cici on bedrest. Trying to get Isabel on the bike trailer. Finally getting Isabel to acknowledge me (even saying my name!).

Yes, I want to move back. And yes, we will someday. But today I can't wait to see the boys and chill out in some snow.

Started Rough

This morning started out rough. I think it was totally psychologically based that it was 90 degrees here yesterday and I didn't really notice, well, today I have noticed! Thought I'd take a few girls (Isabel refuses to go, so it's Mia and PJane) on a morning ride to get some groceries, note to self, my 4 year old bike knickers have no padding left, buy new ones!...my bum is so sore! TMI. So it was sort of stressful, while locking up I stepped on Andy's glasses (oops!) totally shattering the hinge and rendering useless, this on the heels of PJane playing with mine on the way down and not being able to find them since (bathroom break in Vegas?)...so I guess I just must head to South Coast Plaza to find another pair (or two)! Then riding home, hearing some odd noises realize the trailer wheel is about to fall off (would not be cool!). Fixed it. All has been well since. Got to see one of my oldest friends Darcy for lunch to laugh, kiss, and catch up. Loved it. And since have been resting and napping with P-Sauce in the hotel room. We get AK tonight and we are excited to hit the town. XOXO

2nd Trip to Wahoo's

No pictures, but I look the same (seriously same exact outfit, different shoes - it's me people!) but Penelope had on a different outfit. We went this evening with Cici using up her "one errand a day" bed rest quota. I am really full. We may or may not have gone to Golden Spoon afterwards.

The day started out perfect with breakfast and a walk around the Island with chatty Cathy, I mean Mia (we saw LaDorna, she was very cute with PJane without even knowing who AK and her were). The weather is seriously, disgustingly perfect.

Then we finally got the grey, now back to black car washed. We headed to REI (we forgot to take the hitch off of my bike) to get the part. Andy had to get to meetings (we will see very little of him until Thursday afternoon) we went to hang and help at Rachels before naps (oh, lovely naps).

After naps I was ready to ride but knew I had only a little ride before dark. I left around 4 with PJane and Mia and headed to the Back Bay. I got about 1/4 of the way on the Back Bay road before realizing the set sun meant trouble with no light and two hungry ladies. Needless to say the last 20 minutes on the bike path were dangerously dark, like pure darkness. Luckily, I only had to street ride for a few hundred yards (thus no honking cars, one jerk did honk and scared the daylights out of me). I was most concerned that I would freak out Rachel and upset her (in her very delicate condition) she hardly noticed, thank goodness. We will ride in the morning thank you.

XOXO

First Trip to Wahoo's...of '09

Giving kisses to the boys...I think

Giving kisses to the boys.

It's warm and shiny and lovely.

For Andy. Click for some humility Mr.

From my mother's favorite author, Rick Reilly.

Wow! Texas, what a game!!!

My fascination with all things Texas continues...(I secretly hope a child will go to school there and play a sport or something).

Grateful Mondee

It's been awhile...but I am just so grateful for...

1. 9AM church!
2. Andy's cooking
3. The Kids' health and general happiness
4. Holden's tooth finally coming out

Snowshoeing Today

Holden and I went snowshoeing for the second Saturday in a row. Last week he had a blast. This week I should've left him at home (but he wanted to go!). Or borrowed a dog, he loved having Suzi's friends' dogs last week to watch and chase. It was truly magically beautiful.

The beautiful bridge that we cross to the trail.

"The meanest Mom in the whole wide world."

Across the trail.

Millcreek. A few hundred yards below where we love to campfire in the summer and fall.

Done, done, done.

A cool view from the beginning of the real trail. Last week we made it way further, not so much this week, we made it about 10 feet further from the top of the road.

13-0 Utah Rules.

Putting it out there...

The scale at the gym is just plain mean! And/or the Wii fit board is nice? And for the record, yes, I have gained some totally unattractive poundage these holidays I'd like to blame on the economy. And my loving neighbors. And my utter lack of self control when I am near chocolate, sugar, and chicken wings. I have to say, I enjoyed it. Every homemade caramel, Nik's Happy New Year chocolate log, rolls, mashed potatoes, rice pudding, sugar cookies, caramel popcorn, chexmix, breakfast shakes with too much peanut butter, Caramal Apple Cider from Starbucks, hot chocolate, and the general state of my psyche. No, it's all good, and I loved getting to the gym this morning with the rest of the membership and our New Year's resolve and being able to nod and wave at some regulars. I am most missing my bike rides, snowboarding (no season pass this year!), early morning outdoor runs, etc. And looking forward to bring the bike and trailer on AK, PJ, and my trip to California and hoping for good weather to cruise about on the bike.

A few days ago (after an early morning workout) I hit Whole Foods for the stock up of quinoa, agave nectar, soap, almond butter (have I already mentioned I found the same stuff much bigger, and much less expensive at Costco!), and other normal food. In my pursuit to eat better and more naturally. I can't wait to plant a successful vegetable garden this year (we didn't get anything but a few gourds and the tomatoes!). It'll be a few months to be able to dig for this resolution. Any tips are greatly appreciated.

New Years Eve review: Wyoming fireworks, police, grown men getting timid quick, grown men quickly going back to what they were doing, angry neighbors (at 2011, not the Parkes!), sibling rivalry, kids staying up until 11:30, paying for it yesterday, wings, salad, concrete pie, and lots of Meiers, at the Parkes with the Taylors, a lot of fun and laughter.