Need I say more?
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
"All my single...
...lettuce?"
So, family dance parties have really been amped up by the recent playlist addition, "Single Ladies." You know, the song by Beyonce where she is dressed in a leotard and high heels? Anyway, Cole loves it and sings "All my single ladies, all my single ladies" all day and night. He also does the "if you like it than you shoulda put a ring on it."
COLE: "All my single ladies, all my single ladies... dad you must really like this song?"
JOSH: "Sure bud."
COLE: "Cause it's about lettuce... 'all my single lettuce, all my single lettuce."
Turns out while we thought Cole was just saying "ladies" he was actually saying "lettuce." He really thinks the song is about lettuce. So naturally Josh, healthiest man of the year, must love it! Gotta love that kid!
So, family dance parties have really been amped up by the recent playlist addition, "Single Ladies." You know, the song by Beyonce where she is dressed in a leotard and high heels? Anyway, Cole loves it and sings "All my single ladies, all my single ladies" all day and night. He also does the "if you like it than you shoulda put a ring on it."
COLE: "All my single ladies, all my single ladies... dad you must really like this song?"
JOSH: "Sure bud."
COLE: "Cause it's about lettuce... 'all my single lettuce, all my single lettuce."
Turns out while we thought Cole was just saying "ladies" he was actually saying "lettuce." He really thinks the song is about lettuce. So naturally Josh, healthiest man of the year, must love it! Gotta love that kid!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
You know you're a native when...
... the sirens go off and instead of taking cover you take pictures.
Growing up in Colorado I could count on afternoon thunderstorms that not only provided a much needed cool down but also a great show. Today was a perfect example. It was a beautiful day, warm and sunny. About 1:45 pm the NWS put out an emergency alert tornado warning. Of course I wanted to see what I could see, so I headed outside. I was immediately struck by how cold it had become. It was a heavy cold that was made eerie by the silence and swirling clouds. My fellow natives were also outside and we watched the dark clouds amassing above the neighborhood to the Northeast of us. The silence was broken by a roll of thunder unlike anything I have experienced in my almost 29 years (yes I will be 29 in just 2 weeks). It wasn't loud it just didn't cease. I have never heard that before. Just constant thunder, no time between to count "mississippis." My friend Jen commented that the clouds looked pregnant with rain (what a great expression). So Cole threw a rock at the clouds to puncture their lining and let loose the rain (We just read "The Rain on Kapiti Plain). It worked... because it did start to rain. Giant teardrop rain that usually means the storm won't last long. I was disappointed. Severe weather is a passion. I dream of building a home perched on a hill with floor to ceiling windows that allow us to see all the storms building up across the plains.
Ok, I got off track.
So we came in and I turned on the tv to see which way the storm was moving. It was moving right toward us! SWEET! We officially had a tornado warning which is so much better than a watch. The sky was darkening and the hail started to come down. Hail pelted the side of the house and there were a few that hit the back windows which made me worry about flying glass.
I took this picture about 30 minutes after it stopped hailing so they shrunk a little. The one that hit the back door was a little bigger than a golf ball.
The news was encouraging us to take precautions so I reluctantly gathered my boys and a few diapers and headed to the food storage room. I decided that perhaps my haphazard behavior towards storms was doing a disservice to my boys. I want them to heed warnings...so we had a discussion about weather and sirens and how to "duck and cover." I texted Josh to make sure he didn't try and drive home in this weather... mind you I wasn't panicked about him being sucked up by a tornado, I was worried about hail damage to my sweet sweet ride! He was in a presidency meeting and had no idea about the storm brewing...ha ha ha... storm brewing. He realized something was up when the entire Fox Hollow ward filtered out of the classrooms and into the gym. Of course Josh is also a native so he didn't take cover either...
Funnel cloud above Southland's Mall.
The funnel touched down at Southland's Mall and did some severe damage there. I should not make light of this weather. Even now as I sit here safe and sound on my computer the cool wet air carries the sound of emergency sirens as the storm moves east. I hope all I love are ok and I hope those in the path of the storm are comforted and protected.
Growing up in Colorado I could count on afternoon thunderstorms that not only provided a much needed cool down but also a great show. Today was a perfect example. It was a beautiful day, warm and sunny. About 1:45 pm the NWS put out an emergency alert tornado warning. Of course I wanted to see what I could see, so I headed outside. I was immediately struck by how cold it had become. It was a heavy cold that was made eerie by the silence and swirling clouds. My fellow natives were also outside and we watched the dark clouds amassing above the neighborhood to the Northeast of us. The silence was broken by a roll of thunder unlike anything I have experienced in my almost 29 years (yes I will be 29 in just 2 weeks). It wasn't loud it just didn't cease. I have never heard that before. Just constant thunder, no time between to count "mississippis." My friend Jen commented that the clouds looked pregnant with rain (what a great expression). So Cole threw a rock at the clouds to puncture their lining and let loose the rain (We just read "The Rain on Kapiti Plain). It worked... because it did start to rain. Giant teardrop rain that usually means the storm won't last long. I was disappointed. Severe weather is a passion. I dream of building a home perched on a hill with floor to ceiling windows that allow us to see all the storms building up across the plains.
Ok, I got off track.
So we came in and I turned on the tv to see which way the storm was moving. It was moving right toward us! SWEET! We officially had a tornado warning which is so much better than a watch. The sky was darkening and the hail started to come down. Hail pelted the side of the house and there were a few that hit the back windows which made me worry about flying glass.
I took this picture about 30 minutes after it stopped hailing so they shrunk a little. The one that hit the back door was a little bigger than a golf ball.
The news was encouraging us to take precautions so I reluctantly gathered my boys and a few diapers and headed to the food storage room. I decided that perhaps my haphazard behavior towards storms was doing a disservice to my boys. I want them to heed warnings...so we had a discussion about weather and sirens and how to "duck and cover." I texted Josh to make sure he didn't try and drive home in this weather... mind you I wasn't panicked about him being sucked up by a tornado, I was worried about hail damage to my sweet sweet ride! He was in a presidency meeting and had no idea about the storm brewing...ha ha ha... storm brewing. He realized something was up when the entire Fox Hollow ward filtered out of the classrooms and into the gym. Of course Josh is also a native so he didn't take cover either...
Funnel cloud above Southland's Mall.
The funnel touched down at Southland's Mall and did some severe damage there. I should not make light of this weather. Even now as I sit here safe and sound on my computer the cool wet air carries the sound of emergency sirens as the storm moves east. I hope all I love are ok and I hope those in the path of the storm are comforted and protected.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Highlights...
You've probably surmised, given the length of time between posts, that May has been busy. Busy, wonderful, stressful and almost over... thank goodness! I have a lot I could blog about but NO ONE wants to read that much about my life, so, here are the highlights:
Cash is 6 months old. Can you believe it? I think since he is officially our last baby (unless it's another case of immaculate conception trust me he's our last!) I am way sentimental about him. Each of his firsts are kind of bittersweet because they are lasts for me in the realm of babyhood. At 6 months he is my best baby ever! To give you perspective he started cutting teeth and I had no idea! Boom he has a tooth! No fussy nights, no wailing, no skin off my teeth! This is his passport picture it kills me.
Josh and I took a 4 night cruise out of Miami...SANS CHILDREN. It was wonderfully romantic and an incredible time. We went with my parents and are already setting money aside for another cruise in January.
GETTING ON SOAPBOX. We love cruises. Best and most cost-effective vacation out there. If you haven't cruised yet you are missing out. They are great for every type of traveler. We even love crusing with kids. I say it all the time... cruising is the best. GETTING OFF SOAPBOX. Highlights of our trip.
Miami- Josh got us a gorgeous Art Deco hotel in Miami right on South Beach. We got into Miami a day early and what did we do with that day? We laid on the beach of course!
At night mom and dad were beat... so they ordered room service and read books. Josh and I went out for late night sushi (It's always better when you are on the ocean). We also ate giant pieces of chocolate cake at a Jewish deli right across the street from our hotel. YUMMY.
Cruising- Stayed on the second floor of the ship requiring us to trek up and down the stairs to go to pool, spa, meals, etc. Downside... really hard in formal wear heels. Upside...didn't gain weight on cruise! Mom and dad gave me a spa package on the cruise for mother's day. So mom and I headed off for our treatments while dad and Josh played ping-pong, something for everyone.
Coco Cay- Royal Caribbean's private island. Rented snorkel gear to swim in crystal clear water with amazing sea life. Saw the most beautiful purple coral, looked like velvet. Josh braved the snorkeling in the "deep end" and saw a 5' wide sting ray. I sat on a hammock and read two books.
Nassau- We rented mopeds and tooled around the city. Drove around for 15 minutes before we realized that they drive on the "wrong" side of the road. Rather, we drove around on the wrong side of the road for 15 minutes. Bargain-shopped for gifts and saw the famous Atlantis hotel.
Preschool Graduation is rite of passage. Here are the abnoxious photos of Cole's graduation. He is pretty cute and he had a great teacher. I shouldn't poo-poo this important event. I guess I just hate being another one of those moms who only have their children to talk about... guess I should get a hobby. Cole was Peter Peter Pumpkin-Eater hence the silly costume. He defintely did not get the performer gene. He is mesmorized by the crowd and just forgets to sing and dance. Thank goodness because I worry I would be the worst kind of stage mom. He did love school which I am so grateful for because he looks forward to kindergarten so much!
Cash is 6 months old. Can you believe it? I think since he is officially our last baby (unless it's another case of immaculate conception trust me he's our last!) I am way sentimental about him. Each of his firsts are kind of bittersweet because they are lasts for me in the realm of babyhood. At 6 months he is my best baby ever! To give you perspective he started cutting teeth and I had no idea! Boom he has a tooth! No fussy nights, no wailing, no skin off my teeth! This is his passport picture it kills me.
Josh and I took a 4 night cruise out of Miami...SANS CHILDREN. It was wonderfully romantic and an incredible time. We went with my parents and are already setting money aside for another cruise in January.
GETTING ON SOAPBOX. We love cruises. Best and most cost-effective vacation out there. If you haven't cruised yet you are missing out. They are great for every type of traveler. We even love crusing with kids. I say it all the time... cruising is the best. GETTING OFF SOAPBOX. Highlights of our trip.
Miami- Josh got us a gorgeous Art Deco hotel in Miami right on South Beach. We got into Miami a day early and what did we do with that day? We laid on the beach of course!
At night mom and dad were beat... so they ordered room service and read books. Josh and I went out for late night sushi (It's always better when you are on the ocean). We also ate giant pieces of chocolate cake at a Jewish deli right across the street from our hotel. YUMMY.
Cruising- Stayed on the second floor of the ship requiring us to trek up and down the stairs to go to pool, spa, meals, etc. Downside... really hard in formal wear heels. Upside...didn't gain weight on cruise! Mom and dad gave me a spa package on the cruise for mother's day. So mom and I headed off for our treatments while dad and Josh played ping-pong, something for everyone.
Coco Cay- Royal Caribbean's private island. Rented snorkel gear to swim in crystal clear water with amazing sea life. Saw the most beautiful purple coral, looked like velvet. Josh braved the snorkeling in the "deep end" and saw a 5' wide sting ray. I sat on a hammock and read two books.
Nassau- We rented mopeds and tooled around the city. Drove around for 15 minutes before we realized that they drive on the "wrong" side of the road. Rather, we drove around on the wrong side of the road for 15 minutes. Bargain-shopped for gifts and saw the famous Atlantis hotel.
Preschool Graduation is rite of passage. Here are the abnoxious photos of Cole's graduation. He is pretty cute and he had a great teacher. I shouldn't poo-poo this important event. I guess I just hate being another one of those moms who only have their children to talk about... guess I should get a hobby. Cole was Peter Peter Pumpkin-Eater hence the silly costume. He defintely did not get the performer gene. He is mesmorized by the crowd and just forgets to sing and dance. Thank goodness because I worry I would be the worst kind of stage mom. He did love school which I am so grateful for because he looks forward to kindergarten so much!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
A pocket full of sunshine...
One of my great friends, (Elizabeth) , believes that "boys smell like sunshine." I really love that saying. While there is most definitely a distinct odor about boys, that odor is the result of sunny days played outside in the mud; exploring, climbing and discovering. I love the quirks that are uniquely boyish.
So on a beautiful sunny day I was sorting laundry... as the laundress I am in the habit of emptying all pocket contents into a jar on top of my laundry machine before starting a load. If you are not in the habit of doing this get in the habit. It only took one load washed with a red marker (from my waitress apron in college) to make me a thorough pocket inspector. It can be a tedious job but it often yields great rewards. Like crumpled dollar bills (finders keepers right?), lost earrings, important phone numbers written on scraps of papers, you get the point. I was going through pockets and I came to Cole's jeans, there in his pocket was a little glimpse into the mind of a BOY. His own pocket of treasures he wants to keep away from his little brother. Pulling out this handful of Cole , warmth spread to my heart. I put a lot of pressure on Cole and this was a reminder that he is still a little boy and should be allowed to behave as such.
Pocket contents: Bakugan, loose change, two mini lightbulbs, a marble and a smooth shiny rock. Does it get anymore boy than that?
I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for giving me special moments of reflection and introspection. They help fasten my feet to the ground and keep my life in perspective. I am grateful for boys and the whiff of "sunshine" they bring to life. Most importantly I am grateful for my Cole who never ceases to make me smile or teach me something new.
So on a beautiful sunny day I was sorting laundry... as the laundress I am in the habit of emptying all pocket contents into a jar on top of my laundry machine before starting a load. If you are not in the habit of doing this get in the habit. It only took one load washed with a red marker (from my waitress apron in college) to make me a thorough pocket inspector. It can be a tedious job but it often yields great rewards. Like crumpled dollar bills (finders keepers right?), lost earrings, important phone numbers written on scraps of papers, you get the point. I was going through pockets and I came to Cole's jeans, there in his pocket was a little glimpse into the mind of a BOY. His own pocket of treasures he wants to keep away from his little brother. Pulling out this handful of Cole , warmth spread to my heart. I put a lot of pressure on Cole and this was a reminder that he is still a little boy and should be allowed to behave as such.
Pocket contents: Bakugan, loose change, two mini lightbulbs, a marble and a smooth shiny rock. Does it get anymore boy than that?
I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for giving me special moments of reflection and introspection. They help fasten my feet to the ground and keep my life in perspective. I am grateful for boys and the whiff of "sunshine" they bring to life. Most importantly I am grateful for my Cole who never ceases to make me smile or teach me something new.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
5 minutes...
... that's all it took for them to do this...
and this...
What the crap! Every book off the bookshelf, and the entire contents of a bin of too-small clothes I had set aside for storage.
Mommy: "What were you guys thinking?"
Cole: "The Lamanites made me do it."
and this...
What the crap! Every book off the bookshelf, and the entire contents of a bin of too-small clothes I had set aside for storage.
Mommy: "What were you guys thinking?"
Cole: "The Lamanites made me do it."
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Happy Birthday Aunt Laena!
There is an ongoing joke in our family that I married the wrong Saunders kid. Don't get me wrong, Josh is hot and smart but let us examine the other options: Morgan, Josh's little brother looks like Josh's twin so he is also hot! He is also hilarious, smart and an amazing dancer. Not to mention he is already rich and destined to be the wealthiest man in America!
However, he is no Laena... so on Laena's golden birthday (25 on April 25th) let us examine the 25 reasons why Laena would have been the best choice (or 25 reasons I love Laena).
1. She can sing harmony.
2. She loves to read and has single-handedly built my children's library.
3. She can quote entire episodes of "Friends."
4. SupposeBly.
5. She is overly-generous (to the detriment of her credit cards) and the best gift-giver.
6. She can make up cute songs about anything: continents, planets, seasons, senses, etc.
7. She is an amazing singer and a dancer.
8. After eating a cheeseburger she would rather top it off with another cheeseburger than have any dessert!
9. She makes the best spaghetti (which she has to make every time she comes to visit).
10. She laughs at me a lot, reminding me not to take myself too seriously.
11. She actually told me on a visit to Seattle that she was excited to see Josh and excited to see Cole but she was most excited about seeing me (I hung up and balled, she makes me feel special).
12. She is always RIGHT (in all sense of the word).
13. She has an amazing design aesthetic. Just look at this picture of her apartment in Florida. Not vinyl lettering but HAND-PAINTED!
14. She listens to my crazy ideas and then makes them happen. Most recently my harlequin diamonds and Cole's Star Wars party.
15. Naked Live Guacamole.
16. We want to live in Paris when we are old ladies so Laena is learning FRENCH! She already knows Spanish!
17. She's not afraid to take risks.
18. She works hard, often working multiple jobs to reach her goals.
19. She is loyal.
20. She makes mistakes and actually learns from them!
21. She doesn't know it but she is an incredible photographer, the candid pictures she takes of the family are actually my favorite photographs. I am grateful she loves to take pictures because I hate it! Here is a sampling of a series she did last summer.
22. She's a teacher.
23. She didn't become a teacher because she couldn't do anything else, she became a teacher because she truly loves the moment when one of her students finally "gets it."
24. She loves my boys more than anything. Especially more than her other nieces and nephews.
25. She loves me unconditionally and shows it with such an open heart that I still dont't quite understand what I did to deserve her!
So clearly she would be the best choice in a spouse... if only I believed in lesbianism or didn't adore her big brother so unabashedly!
I love you Laena!
However, he is no Laena... so on Laena's golden birthday (25 on April 25th) let us examine the 25 reasons why Laena would have been the best choice (or 25 reasons I love Laena).
1. She can sing harmony.
2. She loves to read and has single-handedly built my children's library.
3. She can quote entire episodes of "Friends."
4. SupposeBly.
5. She is overly-generous (to the detriment of her credit cards) and the best gift-giver.
6. She can make up cute songs about anything: continents, planets, seasons, senses, etc.
7. She is an amazing singer and a dancer.
8. After eating a cheeseburger she would rather top it off with another cheeseburger than have any dessert!
9. She makes the best spaghetti (which she has to make every time she comes to visit).
10. She laughs at me a lot, reminding me not to take myself too seriously.
11. She actually told me on a visit to Seattle that she was excited to see Josh and excited to see Cole but she was most excited about seeing me (I hung up and balled, she makes me feel special).
12. She is always RIGHT (in all sense of the word).
13. She has an amazing design aesthetic. Just look at this picture of her apartment in Florida. Not vinyl lettering but HAND-PAINTED!
14. She listens to my crazy ideas and then makes them happen. Most recently my harlequin diamonds and Cole's Star Wars party.
15. Naked Live Guacamole.
16. We want to live in Paris when we are old ladies so Laena is learning FRENCH! She already knows Spanish!
17. She's not afraid to take risks.
18. She works hard, often working multiple jobs to reach her goals.
19. She is loyal.
20. She makes mistakes and actually learns from them!
21. She doesn't know it but she is an incredible photographer, the candid pictures she takes of the family are actually my favorite photographs. I am grateful she loves to take pictures because I hate it! Here is a sampling of a series she did last summer.
22. She's a teacher.
23. She didn't become a teacher because she couldn't do anything else, she became a teacher because she truly loves the moment when one of her students finally "gets it."
24. She loves my boys more than anything. Especially more than her other nieces and nephews.
25. She loves me unconditionally and shows it with such an open heart that I still dont't quite understand what I did to deserve her!
So clearly she would be the best choice in a spouse... if only I believed in lesbianism or didn't adore her big brother so unabashedly!
I love you Laena!
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