Mom on the Go

Sunrise

2012-01-14T12:36:00.001-05:00

Busy Thursdays

2012-01-12T16:26:00.001-05:00

Thursday is my busiest day of the week. I volunteer in both Sam and Jonah's school classes. Then I drive four boys to swim team practice. Starting last week we go directly to basketball practice...yep. Is a little busy.

Thank You Jeff

2012-01-11T18:35:00.001-05:00

I love when Jeff Bezos wraps my birthday presents for me. Brown Box packages tied up with string.. X

Birthday Dinner

2012-01-10T20:59:00.001-05:00

Today is Chris's 40th birthday. Since we are having a big party in a couple of weeks today was a little low key. He rode his bike to work and after he got home he needed to shower, eat, and go get a message. So instead of trying to come up with something great I went to Partlows to get some authentic BBQ and sides. One of our favorite places to eat.

Christmas Cards

2012-01-08T22:29:00.001-05:00

This years photo collage. I plan on trying to write more personal notes to many of these friends before I take it down.

Cleaning

2012-01-07T12:37:00.001-05:00

Today the boys helped clean house. Jonah dusted and emptied garbages. Sam, a little more ambitious, decided he wanted to clean both bathtubs and scrub toilets.

Simple Joys

2012-01-06T08:27:00.001-05:00

I hate my alarm. There is no time I like to hear it unless I'm getting up for a vacation. As I started the morning I was delighted by this sight. There is something amazing about a sunrise. It may be the only reason getting up so early can be a plus.

No! For Me!

2012-01-04T12:15:00.001-05:00

Yesterday Chris came home with "swag". He told me he thought Hannah would like it. WhenI saw what it was I totally disagreed! I need this stuff to show my support for this great book and movie. He didn't cave.

Sushi for New Years

2012-01-02T14:26:00.001-05:00

One last family outing before its back to work, school, and just plain craziness. Jonah and Sam love going to sushi. Sam decided to try plain wasabi and liked it! Just like his daddy I tell you. He also tried tuna and some new rolls. Jonah loves it all. The waitress said their expensive since the like sushi. Don't I know it!

New Years Celebration

2012-01-01T21:27:00.001-05:00

Great night. Yummy food. Puzzles. Awesome crowns. PEOPLE magazine. Family. Fireworks.

The Lead Up to Christmas

2010-12-24T13:39:00.002-05:00

Mom, I promised you some updates. I'll try to be more consistent. Life is busy....but good.
Sam lost this first tooth Wednesday night. It happened right before my cookie party. It was hanging by a thread and when Chris went to kiss him good night he yanked it out... Sam was very excited. It was like a little preview of Christmas morning.

The tooth fairy brought 4 quarters...two of which ended up in his state quarter collection which he was very excited about.
Sam has been begging me to do some crafts he found in a workbook I bought for him. We decided the birds needed some Christmas Eve dinner.

Every year since we've lived in VA we've made a ginger bread house. I let the boys decorate themselves. Sam has been asking me all week to do it but as you can imagine the week before Christmas is BUSY. But this morning after I got some things started for our dinner tonight we spent time working on this tradition.

There is much anticipation in the house today. I put the first few presents under the tree last night and there was a heightened excitement in the air when the boys got up. I'm looking forward to having Christmas Eve dinner at the Lee's house and watching White Christmas tonight. I plan to hit the hay early so Santa can do his work.

2010-02-05T16:38:00.002-05:00

After a small snow storm blew through town we were lucky enough to have a snow day on Wednesday. Even though I had been sick I knew I needed to get the boys out of the house and take them sledding since during Saturdays' big snow the roads had been too bad to go out.

We had a fun time sledding and the weather was actually warm enough that I took off my gloves and hat.

For lunch we went to Chipotle were I was informed that this weekends storm was going to be a doozy. So instead of heading out with the crazies on Friday I hit the Home Depot that was right next door to grab another bag of ice melt and another shovel so I could help with the shoveling of this storm that is predicted to produce 20-30 inches of snow.

I had a nice little chat with one of the old guys that always greets me when I come to the store of all the different predictions that he had heard. He also informed me that they had been out of shovels for almost a week and that the whole region was out of shovels. They were hoping that a truck would be delivering some that night or the next morning. So instead of taking my chances I choose this plastic grain shovel.

I LOVE IT! Chris and I have been hitting the sidewalks and driveway as the snow is coming down and it's a treat to use. A great scoop for getting the snow lifted into the large pile of snow that is accumulating from the last two snow storms of the past week. We are are having a record snow fall for the season and may set a record with this one storm. It will be interesting to see what happens.

Glad to have my new handy friend.

Christmas Stocking, A Family Treasure

2009-12-07T21:57:00.000-05:00

There is something about a Christmas Stocking which brings back great memories of your youth. Maybe you remember the color, if you made it, if someone made it for you, how much it held. It's always in the beloved family pictures Christmas morning....children reaching in to find the treasures from Santa.

My mental picture is of the "5 fingers" that stretched out from the Christmas tree across the floor and ended with our stocking. Because our stockings had our name on them we knew where we were to sit and which row of presents we were able to work on.

During my mom's visit in October she gave me the stocking that I had grown up with. This stocking is really special to me because it was made by my great grandma Irene. She made one for each member of our family and was even smart enough to make an extra without a name just in case there was to be another member of our family after she left us....which of course happened. Chelsea has her own stocking without her name on it.

This year my stocking has been moved from place to place. I gave it a home but Samuel keeps moving it to where he thinks it should be. Lucky for me it fits right in with my color motif for the season.

Besides for the fact that this is like a family heirloom I remember it being the best stocking ever. Because it was knit it stretches allowing for it to be filled with lots of great treasures. I can't wait to see what Santa brings this year.

Seriously, It's December?

2009-12-04T16:55:00.002-05:00

November was a wonderful month. We were able to spend lots of time together as a family. Chris recovered from his head injury quickly and without any underlying problems. Thanksgiving at Samantha's came off without a hitch and the weather allowed us many days outside at the park. We are grateful for the blessing we have had this year.

Here are some other highlights from the end of our month.
After a small meltdown after seeing someone's 3-D presentation and thinking that we needed to start over from scratch Jonah and I managed to put together a great poster representing the Lakota Sioux. He decided his mixed media presentation was all that.
Samuel enjoyed making fruit salad for his Thanksgiving feast at preschool. He did however let me know that he didn't eat any of it. Hopefully not being afraid to touch the food will someday lead to actually eating it. I loved these great costumes that they made in class for the special occasion.

I especially enjoyed the macaroni necklace. Apparently they had made different ones but traded with another "tribe" as part of their festivities.
I spent the days up to Thanksgiving gearing up for the bake off that always happens in December. Thankfully I was able to rescue these delicious sweet rolls from doom. This was my first attempt at making bread and after I started adding flour I realized I had not proofed enough yeast....after a quick fix everything turned out great and I'm not to turned off by my bad luck to try again.
My other almost mishap took place while creating this lovely creation. This year I decided to make my own crust. I know. What was I thinking? Everything was going great until I went to pull out my pie plate and it wasn't there. I vaguely remember breaking it earlier in the year....so hear I was with pecan filling and two pie crust....I just happen to have to tart pans.

I think that they turned out great and so did our good friends who were the recipients of the second tart.

So as I start the baking season which is December I hope that all my baking problems are behind me and things are smooth sailing.

Misunderstood...Seasonally

2009-11-06T13:48:00.004-05:00

No one has ever asked me what my favorite season is. I think if you asked a variety of people what my favorite season is you may get a lot of different answers. Someone thought that summer was favorite season because I was so sad to see it go. My own mother thinks fall must be my favorite because Halloween is a favorite holiday.

After reading my SIL Samantha's blog about why she loved fall so much I really thought about what my favorite season was.

The Answer: All of Them

Seriously, I can't think of one that I love more than the other. That is probably why people are so confused. I'm always sad to see a season go but then once I start to enjoy the next I throw myself fully into loving it just as much.

Maybe it's wrong but I think it's great to fully embrace the moment and enjoy the season whatever it may be.

Here are a few of my favorites from each:

FALL
Crunchy leaves while I walk
The smell of leaves when I'm at the park with my boys
All my fun fall jackets that don't require another coat on top
Marshmallow Pumpkin candies
Decorating for Halloween
The first cups of hot chocolate and apple cider
Pumpkin and Chocolate together again
The start of the new TV season
FOOTBALL

WINTER
Christmas songs
Laying by my tree in front of the fire
Being together with family
Bowl Games
The anticipation and arrival of the first snow
Playing in the snow
More time to read
Fresh Pine Wreaths

SPRING
First blooms peeking through the snow
Cherry Blossoms in DC
Long drives in the country to see new life
New babies at the farm
Purple blooms from some tree that I just love!!!
A chance to wear something not so bulky
Maybe a first pedicure

SUMMER
the Ocean
Flip flops
Freedom of schedule
More time to just play with my boys
Long days at the pool
Fun skirts
Visits from or to family
Fireflies
Thunderstorms
More time to watch movies I missed

This list by no means is comprehensive of what I love about the seasons but as you can see there is a lot that I can think of quickly. Sure there are drawbacks but I think they are much outweighed.

So for all of you who think you know what my favorite season or time of year is guess what? You're right, but then you really can't go wrong.

Three Word Thursday

2009-10-08T08:54:00.002-04:00

Mom I'm Stylin'

I know I'm not the first mom to do this but I thought I was on top of things like this. Sam has found a favorite pair of shoes. They happen to be hand me downs from Jonah, they were a size 11. I thought they had to be small since the pair I had bought at the beginning of the year was an 11 1/2.
So when he kept telling me his newer shoes were to tight and that he wanted to wear his blue "Jonah" shoes I thought it was just a ploy.

During our errands yesterday I decided to pop into a shoe store to see what they had and check Sam's shoes size. Ummmm, drum roll here. 12 1/2.

Needless to say we left the store with two new pairs of shoes. That's where things get interesting. As we were getting ready for preschool he was determined to wear one of each shoe so he could show his friends how cool they both were. He kept telling me it's stylin' mom, it's stylin'.

I was not ready to give in but grandma said why not....and just this one day. So I sent Sam to school with two different shoes on.

When he returned I asked in anyone had noticed he had two different shoes. Yes, mom, Annmarie did. Well what did she say? I'm stylin'.

Things change right before your eyes.

2009-10-05T23:22:00.002-04:00

I'm not a big complainer of the changes that have happened in our grocery stores with this new economy. Come on people, everyone is just trying to survive. I guess because I'm usually buying meat, fruit, veggies and make the smart trip to Walmart for cereal I haven't been to effected.

So, this purely makes me laugh. I don't care, I'm just laughing.

Most of you may have seen the new product that came out that actually sticks in your fridge and is suppose to be changed every three months. It cost about $2.

These old .69 boxes are really hard to find in your store and have changed their packaging. Nope, it's the same size, now it just suggest that you change it every month instead of every month. Go figure.

Chelsea Visits D.C.

2009-10-04T20:55:00.005-04:00

It's always fun to have a sister come into town, especially one who's never been to D.C. before. So when Chelsea came to visit there was a delicate balance of visiting the tourist sites, being a mom and just chillin'.

Of course we took time to go to D.C. We visited the Holocaust Museum, most of the monuments and ended with a personal tour of the Library of Congress with Chris. It was an awesome day and thanks to my good friends Marci and Saige I didn't have to worry about my kids.Then there was the rainy day and a chance I had been waiting for to go to Fredrick for Bruster's Ice Cream. Yes, it's worth the 45 minute drive. It also gave me a chance to show off the beautiful less suburbia side of Virginia and Maryland.
Lucky us, when it's raining or snowing your second scoop is free so even Samuel enjoyed the huge scoops of ice cream. Yes, that is Sam's personal ice cream. No, none of us finished what we started but it was really really good. Whenever any of you want to go there. Let me know, I'm in.
No trip would be complete without a stop into historic Leesburg. There are so many cute little shops you can go to. We only hit a few and couldn't help trying on hats to make us feel the part of the those who came before us. Then a stop to Lola's for cupcakes and a quick trip to see Samantha and baby Oliver.

No trip to visit our family would be complete without going to see one of Chris' bike races. Well this weekend he was part of a relay triathlon team. It was fun to watch, the weather and company were great and THEY WON!!!! It was a fun way to spend time together and see what life if normally like with us.

It went by really quick but we had a great time and I hope it's not another 10 years before she comes to visit again. Living on the opposite side of the country from my family can be a drag sometimes but it's always great when they come and visit....

Luray, VA: Camping and Caverns

2009-09-21T22:42:00.012-04:00

I grew up in a family that did a lot of camping. Starting at age 3 we use to back pack in camp and hike back out. My dad was in the Forest Service so it was in his blood and in mine.

Chris and I have always enjoyed the outdoors and talked a lot about taking our kids camping before we even had any. But, sometimes even the best ideas don't come to fruition as fast as you thought they would

While in NYC I went camping several times and I've also participated as a girls camp leader.
Chris on the other hand is not a big fan of the actual sleeping in a tent part. He'd like to do "camping" activities and then go to a nice hotel.
He has however been a trooper and taken the boys to the Father/Sons camp out sponsored by our church.

So when I told Chris that I wanted to take the boys to Luray Caverns he suggested making a camping trip out of it. I was very excited about this because of course I love to camp and this would be our first camping trip as a family.

I fretted about the weather since we were having a really nice storm here at home but the weather report for Luray showed no rain. So we took Jonah out of school on the 4th day and headed out for our first family camping trip. It was a perfect evening. Not over crowded and just the nice chill you want on a camping trip.

We did all the usual camping things, boys had hot dogs, we had tinfoil dinners. An no camping trip would be complete without Smores. When we left the next day Chris asked the boys if they had a good time and would want to do it again. Of course they said yes!!! Chris said he was afraid they'd say that.

Excited about the hike to the river.

Tired and ready to be carried.

Hanging with dad during story time.

More Smores Please

We found these great battery powered glow sticks with a neck strap and whistle. After a while the whistle had to be controlled but the boys had fun taking lots of pictures similar to this.

Luray Caverns were amazing. I've been in many caves and this by far was the biggest and best I've ever seen. Pictures can do no justice for this natural wonder, but here are a few for you to look at.

This last picture is what happens when you ask someone else to take a picture for your blog. Chris didn't understand why this fascinated me but it did. This is a 6 foot body of water inside the cave. Over the years people have thrown thousands of coins and actual dollar bills into this "wishing pond." The amazing thing is that they started dredging up the coins and decided to donate them to a different charity each year. What the sign shows is how much money they donated each year. It started around $1,700 the first year and the last year they had on the sign was 2007 which was over $130,000. I wish you could actually see the sign. (If you click on the picture you can actually see the numbers.) It's amazing to think how fast small change adds up and what a difference it can make. They said sometimes there would only be a foot of water left in the deepest parts before they cleared the coins. Now they have to clear the coins several times a year.

My Diet Coke & A Bling Green Cup

2009-09-15T08:47:00.002-04:00

A few months ago my friend Saige told me about this blog she had run across where this lady and her friends had decorated soda fountain cups. I thought it was a great idea and we chatted about how funny it was.

It had been long enough that when I got a text asking for my favorite color I didn't make the connection. But, that evening I was treated to this really cool cup in my favorite color and proudly showing of my initial "A". Of course it was accompanied by a cold Diet Coke.

This cup is AWESOME!!! Even though I've tried to cut back my Diet Coke consumption that didn't stop me from proudly walking right into 7-11 with my new cup.

This cup would not be questioned whether or not it was really a refill.

When I cashed out the cashier looked at the cup and to my surprise said "Cool cup." I told him about my friend and the blog and he thought it was a great idea. I thought for sure I'd be given really strange looks but so far all I get are compliments and what a great idea remarks.

Thank you Saige for making something so fun that is dear to my Diet Coke addiction and heart.

And it all begins....

2009-09-08T10:55:00.002-04:00

The day has arrived and school has officially started again. I was up at 6:30, had some personal time and then jumped into making lunches and assisting Jonah in getting ready for school.

He was very excited and was ready really early. I'm sure once the excitement wears off I'll have to wake him up and drag him out of bed. Today however he was actually attempting to make his bed before I even got upstairs to see if he was awake.
This picture totally makes me laugh because for a kid who is only in 2nd grade he thinks he's pretty cool. And, he must be since he was hanging out with a 17 year old at the pool on Saturday. Long story but he definitely has his daddy's touch.
Of course, no morning like this would be complete without Sam trying to get in the picture. He doesn't start preschool for a week and I think like myself he's going to have a hard time with Jonah being gone all day. He's use to spending a lot of time playing and hanging out with Jonah, even when Jonah doesn't want too.

As you can see he really looks up to his big bro and he's a good one to look up to.

As for me I've accomplished to much for one day. 5 loads of laundry, carpets being cleaned, dishes cleaned, brownies in the oven for a first day of school welcome home and next I'm headed to celebrate a friends birthday with a yummy lunch.

This day would be perfect if I can make it to the gym....hmmmm.

Three Word Thursday

2009-09-03T10:17:00.003-04:00

Five More Days

5 more days
and school starts again
not ready for this summer to end

sleeping in
such bliss
waking up brings sorrow
maybe i'll prepare by getting up early tomorrow

playing, laughing, and swimming
with my boys was the tops
working in the garden together brought in yummy crops

Oh my pool, my pool i'll miss you my friend
all the hours we spent
we're all tan to show
just how often we went

non stop play
adventure, movies such fun
family in town
more still to come

i'm not ready
but the family you see
is all in bed early
except for me

so when the alarm goes off
tuesday at 6:58
i'll be the one
that makes the kids late

All In A Day...Herndon Caboose

2009-08-31T21:37:00.008-04:00

On a day that we finally got some good cloud cover and a chance of rain I decided to take Jonah and Sam to nearby Herndon,VA to see a real caboose. Now Chris and I have rode past this caboose many times since it sits just to the side of the WO&D bike trail that was once a railway line, but this was my first stop there with the boys and we made a whole day of it.

As you can see from above George Moore was a train enthusiast. But who would have thought of donating a caboose to a town?
Inside the railway museum we learned many things like: Herndon was named after Captain Herndon of the S.S. Central America that sank in a hurricane. The Confederates raided Herndon Station during the Civil War and the many dairy farms that were once around Herndon sent milk to Washington D.C. on the train.

Ok, I thought all that was cool but the boys didn't really care. They did however like the models of the trains and the ship relica. They also didn't believe that the picture below was a telephone.

I wish I had this sign in my house. Not only because it's cool but maybe my kids would follow its instructions.

My boys loved climbing all over and under the caboose and didn't want to leave. They also thought stepping out onto the connectors was really cool.

Can't wipe the smile off that face.

If we could only take this on a real ride.

This is ligit.

And of course what outing doesn't end with ice cream and a trip to Great Harvest Bread that just happens to be around the corner.

All in a day....

Three Word Thursday

2009-08-13T11:45:00.002-04:00

If I had skills I'd made this picture look great but I don't so take it as it is....this has been on my fridge since May. It was part of a birthday invitation but I thought it summed up my life pretty well.

The past 5 weeks have been full of fun and family. I've spent very little time at my house but instead out and about including lots of hanging with Samantha, Mindy and all the cousins. It's been crazy fun. My boys will be very sad to see it end but luckily Samantha and Co. live so close by that it never really has to end.

So for those of you that are ending your summer I hope you had a good one. It's been one big party here and we still have three more weeks!!!

2009-08-06T17:17:00.005-04:00

Summer Is Great

Many of you know how much I loved girls camp this year, so much in fact that we had a Level 3 YCL get together this past Tuesday. Of course with the timing of everything I had to take Jonah and Sam to the first few hours. After been greeted eye to eye by three largest kindest Bull Mastiff's my boys thought they were in heaven. They were off to play the very first minute to see what there was to do and what kids they could play with.
As it happens, this host of host has the most amazing tree house I've ever seen. As I crawled up it with Samuel he kept telling me to come on and then would turn around and ask if I was to big for this.
They played in the fort between two of the boys bedrooms, touched the three pet snakes, and went for a hike. When it was time to leave they kept asking if they would be able to come back again. I think that it was by far one of their funnest summer days.

Samuel's favorite part was the zipline. He went on the ride 7 times. As you can see by the smile there was no fear. He said his favorite part was going fast. After the first two times he said

Jonah has to do this. I did not think he would. He is my more tenative son and does not like things that take him after his comfort zone, so I thought for sure he wouldn't do it. I guess the nature boy him finally came out....I think he was having so much fun that he didn't want to miss out. So after asking how fast he would go and giving me a few worried looks as we were getting him strapped in he was off and wouldn't you know he rode the line 5 times. I was very tired and sweaty after hauling them back up the hill all those times but I'm so gald they had such a great time!

Not bad for having to take your kids along to a party with you.

Three Word Thursday

2009-07-24T08:48:00.005-04:00

Fruits of Labor

Finally my little garden is producing!

Oliver Matthew Lee
July 16th
9 lb. 1 oz.
Born to Samantha and Travis Lee

Blakeley Jewel
July 18th
7 lbs. 4 oz.
Born to Kendra and Tyson Haas

You can't go wrong with this little treat!

2009-07-21T16:41:00.005-04:00

I love having a reason to make something delicious. This yummy Nutter Butter Banana Trifle was my latest triumph at pure sinful yumminess. Click here for the recipe. Thank you Wendy for planning the evening...and thank you Megan for letting us celebrate your belated birthday!

National Zoo

2009-07-13T20:46:00.003-04:00

Our summer outing for last week was to the National Zoo in DC. Ok, its no San Diego Zoo but it's pretty great. Two things you have to deal with going to the zoo in the summer, heat and crowds. I went to bed thinking, it's going to be nice in the morning, we're going to the zoo. We were lucky, it was a great day to be at the zoo.

We spent 2 1/2 hours at the zoo. Jonah's favorite thing was the Bald Eagles. Samuel's was the crocodile. Mine?... watching the elephants was pretty cool but making my kids happy and having some cool summer memories makes me feel like I'm excelling at my job.

The monkeys and apes were out in full force. There is a place where they were really playing with each other and moving from room to room. It was pretty amazing and I look forward to going back to see that again.

This picture represents what I think my kids are...monkeys.

It's really hard to get both of my boys to take a good picture together. I bribed them with cotton candy to get this one.
Sweet rewards.
Even though the pandas were out and so close you almost thought they would come right up to you, Jonah thought it was cool to try to use the telescope to see them.

I've been to see the Pandas several times in San Diego and DC but this was the first time that they were just hanging out eating and not moving anywhere. It was quite a show.

I was even able to get some pretty cool video from my little camera.

OK, after hours of trying to upload my video it didn't work. Something must be wrong because lots of other people are having trouble uploading video to blogger right now too! Maybe I'll be able to share it later.

Girls Camp 2009

2009-07-09T22:25:00.004-04:00

Girls Camp this year was awesome! It's a week later and I'm still recovering. As I look back over the past week I'm sad that it ended. This year I was a Level Leader over the YCL's leading the 3rd year girls. I just can't put into words how impressed I was with this group of YCL's. I was so impressed to watch them work together in their partnerships, lead their groups and grow. It's amazing that so much can happen in just one week.
My partner Kate Downs was terrific. I loved working with her. We were a great balance for the YCL's, had lots of fun, laughed a lot and got "some" sleep.

The camp theme this year was :Family The Tie That Binds. Our level theme was Animal Kingdom. My partner and I chose to be the PHat Frogs. We had a lot of fun with it. Especially when we did from jumps on top of the picnic table and Kate almost fell off.

This year I decided to make something special for the YCL's. Of course the best laid plans do not always work out so when the charms I had order didn't show up I had to move onto the next plan. There I found myself standing in the craft store the Saturday before camp trying to create something that I thought the girls would like and also mean something.

I came up with this design. These are two of the 10 necklaces that I made. Each one was unique but followed the colors of the animals they had chosen for the group. One Monday evening I shared a spiritual message about being a leader. "Like a true shepherd, a leader shows others the way, inspiring them to follow him." I also talked about that after camp they needed to continue to inspire and live high standards because the girls that they inspire this week will look to them every time they see them in the months and years to come.

Funny how being a leader makes you step up to the plate.

Girls camp is in my blood and this year lived up to expectation. Now onto summer.

Last Days of School

2009-06-19T23:36:00.012-04:00

The Last Week of School has been crazy and fun filled. It all started last week with Jonah's 1st Grade Patriotic program. All 6 of the 1st grade classes sang songs and talked about the symbols that represent The United States of America. It was well done. As you can see Jonah was pretty impressed with him self. He's quite the entertainer when he wants to be and this year decided he really likes to sing.

On Friday when I picked up Samuel from his Moms Morning Out class this is what I found. He wanted to be like two of the girls who had "horns" that day. The people at Chipotle where we had lunch got a big kick out of him. I think of him as a fanatical soccer fan.... OLE OLE OLE OLE......

Both Jonah and Samuel finished another session of swim lessons on Wednesday. They are both fish which makes going to the pool enjoyable. We are all looking forward to lots of pool time this year.

Samuel graduated Thursday from his first year of Preschool . (He still has one more year before kindergarten.)
He loves school, his friends and his teacher.

This morning Jonah came into my room at 6:30 and whispered in my ear "Mom, it's the last day of school." I responded I know, go back to bed. He was very excited. I think being in school all day makes summer vacation more real. These are pictures of Jonah and Sam being cool for last day of school pictures.

Samuel wishes he could play with Jonah all day. He's always very excited when he comes home. Today even knowing it was the last day of school he was sad that Jonah had to leave. I asked him, do you want me to take a picture of you crying on the last day of school, he responded yes.

This year we were invited to the Lee's End of School Party. It was loads of fun and the weather cooperated. There were make it yourself ice cream sundeas, and lots of fun water games and delicous watermelon. Thank you Aunt Sammie for a wonderful start to the summer.

I hope everyone has a great summer with their kids. It goes by too fast.

Manic Mondays and My Clean House

2009-06-15T00:52:00.006-04:00

This cartoon pretty much describes my cleaning style: it's never good enough. When I saw this I thought that's pretty much how everyone I know thinks about me.

I try not to schedule things on Monday because I NEED to clean my house. When my house is clean I can accomplish so much more during the week. It's kind of liking getting all my ducks in a row. House has to be clean before I can pay the bills, fold laundry, relax. You get the picture.

I have even been known to walk the house several times a day just to make sure things are in place for peace of mind. The same thing happens at night before I go to bed. Counters need to be cleaned off and wiped down, pillows on the couch fluffed and put into place. It's pretty obsessive but it's really the key to my success. :-)

I started learning to clean at a young age. My mother had a list that we had to follow from each room of the house. We went through each item checking it off. As I got older I used to ask my parents to go to bed so I could do my little cleaning ritual and then I could do my homework.

So why am I outing myself. Well because of two of my most recent purchases. First are my new volley ball knee pads. No I haven't taken up a new sport, just after 5 years of cleaning hard wood floors and getting down on my hands and knees every other week I decided to put my thoughts into action. Every time I would be on my knees mopping I'd think I need to find someone who has old volleyball knee pads they want to give me so my knees don't hurt and get bruised every time I do this. On an errand run last week. I saw a "Play It Again" sporting good store and finally bought some. It's the best $10 I've spent in a long time.
Of course when you have clean floors you don't want to mess them up. I use to take Jonah to McDonald's for lunch after I cleaned the house to protect the floors for a few more hours. Now I'm a little less up tight but find myself swiffering several times before Chris gets home.

So when I saw this priceless item I had to buy it. For those of you who read my post about shoes you know that I'm hooked but this may just put my collection over the top.

Yes, now even when I'm walking around the house I can be cleaning my floors. It's an ingenious idea, well if you're really crazy and obsessed about a clean house.

Now don't worry I've actually loosened up a little with two boys in the house I had too. Sam's train tracks often get to stay out on the main floor for a couple of days before I send them back down to the basement. And, I do stuff on Monday's that doesn't involve cleaning. But my week always runs smoother when it gets done first thing Monday.

And finally, I DO NOT CARE WHAT YOUR HOUSE LOOKS LIKE. I WON'T COME IN AND TRY TO CLEAN IT, EVEN IF YOU WANTED ME TOO. ;-) Seriously, I don't think twice about it because it doesn't stop me from getting important things done. I just want to hang out with you.

So, if you have great cleaning tips. Pass them along. I'm always up for something to make my Mondays easier.

Cereal, Great for Every Meal

2009-06-11T01:23:00.002-04:00

I love cereal. It's no secret. When I was growing up my mom always made oatmeal or cream of wheat. The smell of it made me gag. So, in turn, I was always given cold cereal. My brothers and sisters didn't think that was very fair.

Whenever we went to visit Grandma Jo in Utah we knew that we would be getting the "good" cereal. Under grandma's counter was a cupboard stocked full of good "sugar" cereal, and most days we could have more than one bowl. There would be boxes and boxes and cereal bliss. If we were sneaky enough we would find our way back into the cupboard later in the day for a little snack.

My favorite was Sugar Smacks. I love them still to this day. On occasion my mom would buy them for us at home but they were always split with rice puffs. It just wasn't the same.

Today I have a sizable Lazy Susan stocked with cereal both healthy and just plain yummy. Sometimes I giggle and think that my cousins would think it's just like going to Grandma Jo's house.

As you can see above I'm not joking. That was what I pulled out of my cupboard just to show you I'm not kidding. I keep the Cheerios, Lucky Charms and Cinnamon Toast Crunch in airtight containers. Those big boxes they come in just don't fit right.

In my house cereal is not only for breakfast, it's a great fast dinner for getting home from church at 6pm or soccer or pool at 7pm. It's healthier than another night of chicken nuggets and I'm eating the cereal too! I sometimes refer to my Frosted Mini Wheats as dinner and the Reese's Puffs as dessert. It's a nice family dinner without the stress.

So my favorite cereals change but I'd have to say my top three right now are:

Reese Puffs
Oatmeal Squares
Honey Nut Cheerios

What is yours?

100 Miles On My Bike

2009-05-27T23:17:00.005-04:00

Travis Lee, Chris & I before the start of the race.

Saturday May 9th started out like any normal nice day but after a few hours I was second guessing myself. My cycling goal for this year was to complete a 100 mile bike ride. Over the past two years I had completed 50 and 63 so you know 100 seems like the logical step. I did the training but that doesn't always prepare you for the actual event.

After 50 miles I was feeling pretty good. Miles 50-60 seemed to go on forever. When I left rest stop mile 62 I was doing great until mile 65. I was done, tired, hot and spent the next 12 miles telling myself that at rest stop mile 77 I was done, throwing in the towel, calling Chris who should already be done and giving myself a pat on the back for doing 77.

The problem was at rest stop 77 Chris didn't answer the phone after several calls. There I was out in the middle of a race with other guys just as tired as I was and not sure what to do.

I got back on my bike. The next rest stop was at 88, 10 more miles, I could do it. I heard my cell phone ring and I pulled to the side of the rode. I answered "you can come get me" I was only three more miles until the rest stop and Chris kindly said, get to the next stop, rest, pour some water over your head and get back on the bike. I'm not coming to get you.

I knew that with only 12+ miles left that was the only choice but it still wasn't what my tush wanted. But I did it. I finished all 102 miles and even came in with a smile on my face. It was wonderful to have several other friends that had already finished their ride there to cheer me on as I came in.

Chris presented me with this crown that his sister Samantha had helped embellish. For a really great story of what my kids did while I was gone you can read here.

I've decided that riding 100 miles is like giving birth, you need some time to forget about how hard it was before you really want to do it again.

After 7 hours on my bike I can still smile and laugh and be amazed that Chris and Travis finished two hours before me. I'm just glad that is is something that Chris and I can do together....well kind of together.

The Hips Don't Lie

2009-03-17T09:44:00.002-04:00

So the other day I decided to take a Latin Fusion class to mix up my work out a little. I didn't know that it would be such an adventure.

The teacher was a little Latin Bomb Shell with a smokin' body that can move like no other. She looked like she just jumped out of a Latin dance video with a big dance party in the street. Her energy level with amazing but she was lots of fun, big smile and made us want to do what she was doing.

Watching the rest of us was kind of a joke. Here is the lay of the land.

Older lady, of Latin Ethnicity. Subtle, but she could move.

White girls in their 20's, shimmy like they are at a dance club trying to seduce someone.

There were plenty of people who had no rhythm but when the instructor is having that much fun you want to too!

But my favorite was the cute Asian girl that was dancing like she had just come from a Tokyo dance club. She was all smiles and had way to much energy.

And then there was poor me. Former dancer but white. There are just movements that are not in our DNA. Part of the time I felt like this in fun and part of the time I felt like "I look ridiculous."

After all is said and done the glutes hurt so I guess it worked. Great workout and very entertaining. I can't wait to do it again.

Shoes, enough said.

2009-03-04T13:44:00.002-05:00

This is a picture of my tiny closet. I've done my best to keep my shoes organized but what you are seeing does not include the 10+ pairs of flip flops, slippers, boots, tennis shoes and a few colorful flats stashed just under the edge of my dresser. I'm a bit of a shoe hoard but I don't spend lots of money on shoes because I wear through them to fast and lets face it a SAHM does not need fancy shoes. Shoes with a nice price tag are a bigger adrenaline rush anyway. But back to the case and point. This shoe process does help me find shoes when I want them and reminds me of shoes that I have that I might forget that I can wear.

Enter Exhibit #1

These are the first "Rachel Fisher told me to do it" purchase. I think it was the first green I had in my wardrobe but certainly not the last. These shoes didn't come in Rachel's size that day and I thought they were so cute. I still love these shoes but I've had difficulty finding something to wear with them. They are a bit dressy but not to much, they have a kitten heal but they might as well be flats. The major drawback is the leather zig zag trim around the shoes itself. I'd prefer to wear them barefoot but that really hurts.

So, after having these shoes for several years....they sat unworn in my closet for 18 months (I'd worn them before but as you see it had been a while)....until I pulled them out last Tuesday for a Girls Night Out. I wore them with jeans and a green turtleneck. They were cute but I still feel like I need to find something better to wear on top....not to mention the knee highs so I could actually wear them made me feel silly. But I still wore them and I will keep my eye out for the right outfit.

Exhibit#2

I love these shoes. I did wear them several times last year with either white pants or Capri's but I'd love a cute green skirt. I've looked but to no avail. Lots of green printed skirts but nothing solid. Spring is almost here and I'm tempted to actually make a skirt for myself. But, I don't sew. Any takers?

As you may have noticed from the first picture that I was missing some pictures on the front of a couple of boxes. Well thanks to this post I've updated and can see it all again.

Thank You....for pushing it to the limits.

2009-02-28T10:24:00.002-05:00

Whenever I take a break from blogging it's always hard to find something worthy of getting started again. I'm hoping that things are slowing just enough that I can keep on top of this again so I'm starting with this funny story to get me going.

Last night I went to bed with my house in a state of disarray. This is a huge deal for me, I usually have everything picked up and pillows fluffed and placed on the couch the right way before I go to bed. However last night I was just too tired. I had brought up Sam's kitchen from the basement and all the dishes and food that go with that....and he decided that he needed the box of cars to go along with the kitchen too. Not sure why but I just needed him to play so I could make dinner.

We had friends over for dinner and since I put together a pretty simple meal of BBQ chicken sandwiches, coleslaw, green salad, and chips, I decided to try a dessert I had been wanting to make for a while. I will blog about that soon because it was so delicious.

Anyway, when the night was over there were toys everywhere, a dishwasher full of clean dishes, and all the the nights dishes, including crock pot, and ramekins. I just couldn't do it. So I went to bed.

When it was time to get up I didn't want to and I stayed in bed. When I got up Chris had emptied the dishes and filled the dishwasher. There was a nice dent in the kitchen chores.

Here is what makes this funny. I hate my dishwasher. It is so loud that I prefer to run it when I'm out of the house, spending time in the basement or going to bed. You really can't watch TV or have a conversation when it on. But, it does a great job cleaning. I don't have to prerinse, just scrape off the extra food and it's good to go.

So as I decided to pop something in the just started dishwasher I had to hold my tongue and chuckle a little. Inside there were various items with so much food on them it would make one cringe. I knew that they would still get clean but I had to resist the urge to fix things.

I know that if I would have started to fix what I would have done differently that Chris would never try to help with the dishes again and I wasn't willing to chance that. So thank you Chris for helping with the dishes and pushing the limits on the abilities of our dishwasher.

Lost, Found, and a Family Secret

2009-01-26T22:11:00.005-05:00

Sometimes it's amazing how many things can happen to a person at one time.

LOST: Due to some technical difficulties with Samuel's new teeth we had them removed last Wednesday. It wasn't until today when I asked Jonah to take a picture with Samuel that he even realized that they were out. But, right now I have two boys both missing their front teeth. One is almost 7 and the other 3 1/2. Go figure.

LOST: One our trip home from Ohio (post still to come) I realized that the diamond was missing from my wedding ring. Two of the prongs that hold the diamond in place had completely snapped off. I don't know at what point that happened or how long the diamond actually stayed in place from when it broke. All I know is after pulling off on the side of the road and jumping back into the car after taking care of Jonah who got car sick on the way home (5 hours of DS can do that to you I guess) I realized it was gone.

FOUND: Freedom of having Samuel almost completely potty trained. It just clicked and now he tells me when he needs to go and has a pretty strong bladder. No accidents for several weeks. YEAH!

THE FAMILY SECRET: As a reward for great potty training success Samuel got to pick out a toy. With this kid I didn't use and treats or bribes the get him to go. (Aunt Samantha took care of the treats when we were at her house.) So when we went to Target to pick out the toy he had to have this green (his favorite color) Nascar Semi. It's the kind of Semi that carried the Nascar Cars all over the country for their races. The family secret it that we all enjoy watching Nascar on TV. It's ok, I don't think it's because we're in the South. I think that no matter where we lived the result would be the same. Maybe it's the Home Depot car that you can ride in or the Cheerio car that comes in the box but there is something that we all enjoy. Fast cars, some crashes and a big glass of milk in victory lane.

Samuel also owns a large Nascar replica (not pictured) and is in possession of a Nascar hat that his cousin Soren was given. I guess it's a combination of having two boys and everyone in the family like sports and fast cars...of any kind.

FOUND: So the real treat is that when I was cleaning out the car after our trip I found my diamond. It's a princess cut so it has a flat surface. There it was face down on the rubbery console inbetween the driver and passengers seat. So thanks to insurance I will have a fixed ring soon. (Always pay your jewelery insurance bill.)

The gift of....

2009-01-17T00:40:00.002-05:00

A couple of years ago the Carlson family decided to do something a little different for Christmas gifts. We draw names amongst the adult siblings and spouses and on this particular year there were some rules. The gift either had to be hand made or purchased at a thrift store/flea market. It was a huge success and I actually still display the milk glass and mercury glass Mindy gave me year round.

The new twist on gift giving has kind of carried on and has its own life. Now, I was not a big fan of the idea in the first place because 1) I'm not very good at making anything that people would want and 2) this happened the year I had Sam and by the time it was decided I had missed out on the biggest part of "yard sale" season in VA. But, I still did it. Now, we have a monetary limit, which I'm always reminded of after I've done my shopping. (I'll be better next year girls I just forget what it is) So because this family knows what great deals there are to be had out there we like that gifts don't have to be purchased full price. So gifts now can be made, purchased, thrifted....whatever you fancy.

This year I had one of my wonderful sister-in-laws Samantha. Samantha's blog is called the Compound Eye of a Dragonfly. There is a story behind it but what is important to know is that she started the whole dragonfly thing before it started becoming so popular. But, since it is so popular right now it's fun to find things with dragonflies to share with her. So I had seen a dragonfly at the craft store that I knew I needed to do something with as a gift for her. Now, I'm not particularly talented in the jewelery making area, but I wish I had more time to become so. But even with my limited talent I made two necklaces for Samantha for Christmas. The one with the dragonfly was the hardest and I did a lot of searching to try to find something to put it together with that was simple but not to plain. The other necklace is one that another friend had made for a friend which I made a variation of.

So, this not so crafty person came up with something that I was proud enough to gift to someone and I look forward to making some more for myself and maybe share some with some of you.

Two Cool Cats

2009-01-11T21:35:00.002-05:00

Last night we went out to dinner with Chris' family to celebrate his birthday. We dressed at separate times and ended up wearing the same shoes. When I walked into the room after picking up the babysitter there was a little jearing of the same shoes being worn. So why would we be wearing the same shoes? Well, every once in a while Target has something so cool that everyone needs it. This time it was the shoes pictured above.

Chris' first saw them and thought hey, you'd look great in these. When they didn't have my size because they were actually men's shoes Chris found some in his size. After watching him wear them for a few days I thought, I need those shoes. So, I found them, on clearance. Did you know that not all Targets clearance things at the same time. It drives me nuts.

So, yes, we both have the same shoes, and yes, we wore them on the same night. But, if they look good I say "Make it work" Thank you Tim.

So, if the shoe fits. You should do it too!

Watch out here come the guns

2009-01-09T23:19:00.002-05:00

So Chris recently has taken to doing push ups and sit ups every night before bed. I had seen this little fitness tool on TV, in stores, etc, etc. So last week when Target put it on sale, at least a really good sale for the first time, I decided it would be a good purchase and something we could both start the year with.

It's a but kicker. There are modified options for ladies like me. I'm talking knee push-ups here and you can start at a level that you can actually complete some push-ups but I'm feeling it everywhere. Chris actually really likes it to and agrees that it is harder than normal push-ups and that it's working more muscles at the same time. (If you can't even do one push-up it's time to hit some free weights because you're going to get brittle bones if your muscles aren't strong)

So for all of you looking for a challenge this is the real deal. And watch out, next time you see me, I may have some serious guns.

Christmas Treasure

2008-12-17T00:57:00.002-05:00

I really don't have any physical items from my childhood Christmas. My mom still rotates all the great classic Christmas ornaments into her tree every year and the handmade Christmas stocking made by my Great Grandma Irene is still at home because there are usually enough people around to need all the stockings.

What I do have are memories and traditions, like baking cookies for days and then delivering them to all our friends and singing carols on Christmas Eve. I remember the year we all got new bikes and rode them up and down the sidewalk on a classic foggy Christmas morning. I remember having to open presents at the same time as my sister because we were getting the same thing. And, I remember Kris Kringle coming New Years Eve to refill our stocking and give us an extra gift if we had been good and shared our toys during the previous week. (That's because Santa sometimes forgets where he puts all the toys or remembers he forgot something when everything is open Christmas morning)

I also remember my mother making pinecone wreaths. I'm not sure when she made the first one because I can't remember them not being there. She would collect pinecones, acorns, and moss throughout the summer and fall and make wreaths to give to friends and family. What was funny is that she was always making them and giving them away. It was only recently that she actually made one and kept it for herself.

About three years ago when my mom asked me what I wanted for Christmas I told her that I wanted a pinecone wreath. I think she was probably a little surprised that this would be something that I would want and I was thrilled that she actually brought it with her that fall when she came to watch the boys.

Now I have something made with love by mom to display for the Christmas season that also reminds me of my childhood.

An Edible Master Piece

2008-12-11T01:00:00.004-05:00

Three years ago we got together with the Lee Family to decorate gingerbread houses. It was a lot of fun. However the last couple of years have proven to be even busier as our little families grow up.

Our family keeps making gingerbread houses just for fun and I guess it's kind of turned into a tradition. They are not as cute or cleaver as the ones that both Samantha and Chris mused over the fine details on, but it's a kids delight to have free reign with frosting and candy.

Here is todays after school activity went:

I tried to hot glue the house together. I thought for sure it work but it didn't.

Then I tried to use the frosting to put the house together. This worked but the design of this house didn't have a perfect fit. So after the roof feel off once, I decided we needed to add more frosting and leave it alone.

After swimming lessons Jonah opened all the candy and I started laying the frosting. I let Jonah and Sam tell me where they wanted me to put the frosting and then they added all the candy pieces.

It was a lot of fun and they couldn't wait to show Chris when he got home.

To bad by the time it's ready not to be on display it's not so yummy anymore.

Proud of their creation!

P.S. We did get homework done but that waited until after dinner.

What's in Your Closet?

2008-12-07T00:51:00.002-05:00

This is the best Christmas Party idea ever! Tonight Chris and I went to a "Bad Christmas Sweater" Party. The idea was simple: wear your worst Christmas sweater. You know the kind that your mom or grandma have on every holiday season or maybe it's the one that they made you wear during the holidays that you though you'd die if anyone saw you in. Think "Bridget Jones Diary" Collin Firth and the great Rudolf sweater.

Don't have one in your closet? Don't worry, head out to the local thrift store or make one yourself. And that's exactly what we did. After hitting several thrift stores that either didn't have any or their selection was not up to par I hit my local Walmart. I found the perfect sweater vest. This is no joke, someone out there probably bought this and is wearing it right now holding their head high because they think they are da bomb.

Chris was a bit harder. Come on people, do men not need tacky Christmas sweaters to match their wives? Many stores apparently think not, so I put my thinking cap on and went to work. After a consult with Chris the idea hit a high note and the finishing touches were added by Victoria this afternoon.

What do you think?

Three $1 felt craft projects, felt snow flakes, and snowmen with their carrot noses sticking out glued onto the buttons. The only problem with that idea is then you couldn't actually use the buttons so the sweater had to go on over his head.

Oh yea, don't forget the back. The picture doesn't do this master piece justice. Lite up Christmas Tree. Um, yes, battery powered lights in the shape of Christmas trees. It was perfect. Don't miss the bells that Victoria sewed down the sleeves. This sweater had lights and music.

Don't plan on us attending any other parties this year in this get up.

This friend plans on making this an annual party and I hope she does because my brain is working and there is hunting to be done over the next year.

Twilight: Do you have your ticket?

2008-11-18T20:23:00.002-05:00

The big countdown is here. No I'm not talking about Christmas or Thanksgiving, I'm talking Twilight. It's time for all of us to take the movie running over and over in our minds to the big screen.

Shirts have been made, tickets purchased and plans made. My favorite is Alicia wondering if wearing gold contacts would be to much, no, please do and send the pictures!!!!

So as you head to the movie theaters this weekend please share your funny stories and silly moments. I want to hear!

Life is Real Good.

2008-10-06T23:41:00.003-04:00

Ahh, fall is here but before I could completely give in I headed off to Florida to surprise my sister-in-law for her birthday. Her brother and sister flew in from CA as a surprise as well. The surprises kept coming, a group of friends met up at Cheese Cake Factory for dinner and then some came back to the house for cake. It was nice to get away without kids and just relax. Ok, I didn't relax and I didn't get much sleep. Between Rock Band and Disneyworld I was in bed to late and up to early but I can only blame myself and not the kids so no complaining here.

Tyson made his yummy Nutella Crepes and we also snuck in a quick trip to the beach before I headed to the airport. It was short but very fun.

I've been back to reality for a week now and it's been a beautiful week. Cool brisk mornings but amazing days in the 70's. No complaining here. I'm ready for the next wave of fun to start.

Reston Zoo

2008-09-25T16:25:00.004-04:00

Who knew that right in the middle of Reston there is a zoo! We've built up so many homes in Northern Virginia that you forget that there is some really cool stuff to see and do. Ok, it's not a big zoo but it is kind of cool seeing so many animals that come up so close to you to eat right out of your hand. During the "hay" ride there were huge lamas, buffalo, a zebra and two camels that came so close it was kind of weird. I think I was most scared of the buffalo but I still fed them.

Samuel had a great time and had a little fun taunting the geese. They didn't mind because they were after me because I had the food. My favorite was the monkeys. The mom had a little one wrapped around her. You can only imagine how much of a pain that would be if we did that with our babies.

I was amazed how well behaved Sam was, now I see what everyone else is talking about. Now if I could only see a little more of it at home. Whatever the case it was fun to spend this great day with him!

100k

2008-09-16T15:38:00.003-04:00

Get'er done girl, and I did. This past Saturday I completed my first 100k bike ride. That's about 62 miles for us Americans that don't understand the metric system.

Chris bought me a new bike 4th of July weekend and I justified having it but doing my first race this season. I've now actually put 306 miles on my bike which I'm proud of. Of course when I told Chris he just laughed at me....next year I'll put on more. Maybe even more than Chris? Um, maybe not.

So Saturday Chris and I both rode in the Heart of Virginia bike ride. It started in a little town just north of Richmond called Ashland. Most of my ride took place on the Washington Rochambeau trail. I believe that is the trail that they used to retreat to York town. It was very scenic with rolling hills covered with thick trees which opened up into open farmland then back into the trees again.

I was really not properly trained for this ride (you need more ride time on those little seats to not have big issues) so about 28 miles in I was not loving life so much. But after a much needed lunch stop and good stretch I was back out on the road. My goal was to finish before Chris completed his 100 miles. He is much faster than I am so I was a little nervous. I finished in 4 hours and 15 minutes (bike time). Not bad considering that it was 95 degrees with about 90% humidity. It was hot and sunny and even with some serious sun screen I still ended up with a red face and a heat rash on my chest.

One great thing about this race is they had ice cream at the end of the ride. Not the best post ride fuel but in that heat it tasted amazing and there was NO GUILT eating it. I love that about long rides.

So I will continue to ride on and hopefully put more time on my bike next year and complete a full century (100 miles).

A Sporting Weekend

2008-09-07T23:46:00.003-04:00

Saturday we were treated to a fun day of Hurricane Kick Ball, thanks to "tropical storm Hannah". I guess it depends on where you live which definition would be more correct but all I can say was "THAT WAS A BLAST" Yes, this was not for the faint of heart, only a person that can really let loose and have fun would have enjoyed this activity.

Adults, teens, and children alike headed to a local soccer field to play kickball in the torrential rain and wind. At some points the wind was blowing hard enough that it made the rain actually sting your skin. The wind also played havoc with the direction of the ball. Wet grass, huge puddles, and mud made running and stopping almost impossible. Great belly laughs came from caught balls that mysteriously ended on the ground and miss footing that took you sliding several feet pass the base.

Jonah and Sam were trilled to be able to jump in puddles without their mother yelling at them. I don't think I've ever been that wet even standing in the shower. And, I did throw away the socks after the wash made no dent in the color of mud they had taken on.

After a while out in the rain Jonah and Sam decided they were too cold and hunkered down in the car. My car is still airing out...especially since Sam kept opening and shutting the door. It was kind of like taking your car through the car wash with the windows down.

But, seriously, on to more important sporting events like NFL football. I'm just tickled pink that the season has officially started and you can be sure that I will continue to support my 49ers. This this be the first time in 10 years that I will not be participating in Fantasy Football. I'm already feeling the withdrawal symptoms but I'm hoping that this will give me more time to focus on my teams. GO NINERS! GO BYU! GO ARMY!

First Grader at last!

2008-09-03T19:02:00.002-04:00

Jonah has been talking about being a first grader since May when the Principal of the school deems them no longer kindergartners due to the fact they are introducing the new kindergartners to the school. It's a bit of a tradition....but it makes for a long summer.

But, finally the first day of school arrived. Jonah took two pictures that may be the best pictures he has taken all summer. No straining of the eyes to avert the camera and no weird contortion of the mouth. It was true happiness.

All 20 kids at his bus stop were a buzz waiting for the bus to finally come, best of all Jonah actually gave me a kiss before he got on the bus. (He refused to do that last year) Here is a picture of him with his buddy!

He returned home to a new Mario Galaxy t-shirt and strawberry cupcakes. It was a good day.

Sam on the other hand had a much harder time and wanted me by his side at all times. "Come nuggle me" "Come sit by me" "Hold you" (which means hold me. He was very happy when Jonah returned.

Today went just as well and we already added swimming lessons for both boys to our schedule and I'm accomplishing many things.....if I can only keep it up. Oh, did I cry? No. It's nice for Jonah to get away from his brother who is always tormenting him and good for Sam to realize maybe he should be nicer to Jonah when he is home. The only thing for me is realizing that Sam and I will do fun things without Jonah that Jonah would like to do. Guilt is more of what I'm feeling. However, Samantha gave some good advice today, make sure you do fun things with Jonah when he is around to do it. Thanks!

So the only other thing I have to say is please give me ideas for lunch. And how do you introduce new things at lunch?

Really, it's over?

2008-09-01T21:26:00.003-04:00

I can't believe school starts tomorrow. I had so many well intentioned blogs to post that never happened. It was crazy how many pictures I had on my camera and everything that has happened in the past month. I did take this past week thanks to the rain to try to get life back in order before school starts. I actually feel like I will hit the ground running and in good shape. So since I'm lame, I put together this slide show for you to try to piece together all the events that have happened around here lately. Needless to say, we've had a lot of fun!

2008-08-04T11:53:00.003-04:00

Friday night we had some friends, Clint & Joann, over for dinner. Clint and Joann are moving to Park Slope which is the same place where we lived for 5 years in NYC. It was so exciting to talk to them about all the fun things they are going to do and give them little pieces of advice on how to live in the smallest apartments and still be comfortable, and have guest, like us, come visit.

Why this is at all interesting to any of you it the yummy dinner that Chris and I ended up making. Joann is a vegetarian which is just fine by me, but I always have a hard time coming up with a great meal that doesn't revolve around a yummy steak or something. So when I asked Chris what I should make he told me about this recipe that he had just seen in Bicycling Magazine.

Umm, gourmet food from Bicycling? But let me tell you it was yummy and since Chris was the one who put it together it must be easy.

I served this along with a whole wheat pasta salad, fruit, and yummy bread from Wegman's. MMMmmm good!

To top it off we grilled peaches and served them with vanilla ice cream. Yes, I will post both of these recipes on my food blog soon.

A little piece of me

2008-08-01T11:34:00.002-04:00

Something many of you may not know about me is that I love puzzles. But this month I learned that I don't like to do jigsaw puzzles by myself.

Ever since I became apart of the Carlson family we have always done a puzzle at Christmas. These puzzles are gifts that are exchanged between the Carlson family and their dear friends the Peters. The Peters always seem to find the most impossible puzzles to do every year....but do pull together as a family to do it. It has become a tradition to take a picture of our family with the puzzle as proof of completing the puzzle. We've received very few "proof" pictures in return.

Since we moved to VA 4 years ago my time to work on the puzzles has been limited. You see the puzzle was something that you would work on in your free time and that was easier to find when you were actually saying with mom and dad. Now that we are living so close I've hardly put more than a few pieces in every year because our time at the house is usually spent helping prepare and consume a meal and then chasing little kids around.

So, I took out a puzzle that mom gave me a few years ago and wanted to complete it so I could glue it together and use it as a decoration with my other 4th of July stuff. I seriously put a piece in here and there but didn't want to put it away, although it made dusting my table a impossible task and that's an issue. I realized that part of what I love about putting puzzles together is that interaction that you have with the people dong it with you. Thus I was missing that important element which I needed. Finally after only having the boarder done after several weeks I was mocked by my sis-in-law Samantha the night that we went to the Batman movie.

Needless to say I took the next two days to complete it. Not much of anything else that really needed to get done did, except for the puzzle. I did it by myself with a few pieces of help from Jonah.

Thanks Sam for putting me to task. Love Ya.

Are You Batman?

2008-07-30T20:57:00.005-04:00

So after patiently waiting to see Dark Knight at the IMAX theater that was sold out for over a week we made it Monday night. IMAX larger than life. You're not watching the movie, you're in the movie. I loved it. Can't wait to see it again. Christian Bale is HOT HOT HOT!

But we have to know who is Batman?

The IMAX theater is at the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum right by our house. Because it is at a museum there are no concessions and NO PREVIEWS!!!! But how can you see a movie without treats? I got a good laugh from the security guard as he continued to pull several bags of treats that I tried to smuggle in. At least they were nice enough to let me take them back to the car.

Youth Conference 2008

2008-07-23T19:27:00.008-04:00

Chris and I had a wonderful time taking in the sites, history and photographing every detail of our Stake Youth Conference this year. Between 4 camera's there were about 1400 pictures to sort through and Chris has been up till about 1am the last three nights working on a DVD that will be presented Sunday at the culminating fireside.

We left at 4:45am and set out for Harmony, PA. Visiting the Susquehanna River was just beautiful. It's amazing to actually be where the baptisms of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery and the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood took place. While in Harmony the kids learned about the translation of the Book of Mormon, the lost 116 pages, and Emma Hale and Joseph Smiths courtship and eventual home that was built there in Harmony on the Hale Farm.

Our next stop was Fayette, NY. This is the location of the Whitmer Farm, additional translation of the Book of Mormon and the official organization of the church. The room where is took place is so small but you can just imagine all of the members who attended squishing in to be apart of this great occasion.

One of the cool activities that they had for the kids was being able to pick up a replica of the golden plates. This replica only weighed 50lbs and the original are said to be between 60-80lbs. At one point Joseph Smith had to actually run with these plates and fight off men who were trying to hurt him. For a fun demonstration of how hard this would be the kids did a relay race with 40lb sacks. I got in on the fun and asked to go head to head with one of the young men in our ward. I didn't beat him but he was really surprised that an old lady like me had some wheels even while hauling the 40lb sack.

We skipped out on the dance and headed to our friends home in Rochester. They took us to their favorite custard shop on Lake Ontario. It was an awesome night and we took our custard and strolled along the board walk. The custard was super yummy and that was the first time I had seen one of the large lakes that looks more like the ocean because you can't see the other side.

Friday we headed to Palmyra, NY to shoot more pictures. There were many things that the kids could do this day. The ones that we made it to were the Grandin Printing Press Building where the first copies of the Book of Mormon were printed, the Hill Cumorah, where the ancient prophet Moroni burried the golden plates and where in 1827 Joseph Smith was able to receive the record for translation. We also visited the Smith Farm where Joseph Smith went to the Sacred Grove and was visited by God the Father and his son Jesus Christ.

That evening we were able to attend the Hill Cumorah Pageant which depicts the stories that are told in the Book of Mormon.

This is a picture of me with some of the actors (the three wisemen) that volunteered three weeks this summer to put on this production.

By day three we were all very tired and hot but this was going to be a very special time before the long drive home. Saturday morning everyone was in their Sunday clothes and was able to have personal time in the Sacred Grove. There is just something so special about the place it is hard to describe. The moment you walk into the Grove you can feel the spirit very strong. Even with 220 youth scattered around you still felt like you were on your own. Knowing what great event took place here and the importance of the restoration of the Gospel has in my life made this a wonderful testimony builder.

I'm go glad that Chris and I were able to attend this special Youth Conference. We are very lucky to live on the East Coast where these church historical sights are close enough to visit. Harmony, Fayette, and Palmyra are beautiful parts of this country but being able to stand where these great events in our church history took place are cherished moments I'm glad to have.

2008-07-17T04:35:00.002-04:00

Chris and I are off to take pictures at Youth Conference in Palmyra, NY this weekend. The only thing I didn't get done before I left was a great blog about all the fun stuff we've been doing so it will have to wait until I get back.

Hope you are all having a great summer!

Love Ya!

HAPPY FORTH OF JULY!

2008-07-03T22:26:00.004-04:00

WE SEEM TO HAVE A RUNNING THEME IN THIS FAMILY.....MISSING TEETH!

Last night we spent the evening with some friends that have an annual gathering on July 3rd to shoot off fireworks. Everyone meets at 9PM, brings at least one firework. With popsicles and yummy homemade ice cream are provided(This year peach flavor), it's a great way to the the weekend started on a bang.

So we are sitting there enjoying the show and while the kids are waiting for the next round to get started they jump up and start using their glow sticks as light sabers. There are at least 20 kids running around on the lawn doing this, so it's no surprise that a couple a kids would collide...

Jonah smacked head first into a shorter kids head and was in obvious pain. Upon further inspection and lovin' from his mom I realized he had lost his tooth and there was quite a bit of blood. After Chris cleaned him up his main concern was that he was no longer going to be able to eat anything that wasn't soft....we're going through a big growth spurt so food is a major concern.

We now have two kids missing their front teeth and could loose another one at any time.

Of course with something like this happening in the dark I thought the tooth was lost for sure. However, when I went to say thank you and good bye to our host she picked the tooth off of my shoulder. Obviously my tender mothering had saved the day and the tooth... it was literally stuck to my shirt. CRAZY!

HAPPINESS IS...

2008-06-18T14:15:00.010-04:00

So I was asked why I haven't been blogging. The truth is...I'm to BUSY! Getting ready for girls camp and keeping everything else up to my high standard is harder than I thought it would be. But, LIFE IS GOOD. I have no complaints. So I've decided to post about some of the reasons why I've been to busy to blog and what makes life so good. By no means is a complete list but it's some of the fun stuff happening in our lives that makes it all worth it.

Happiness is having good friends come from Utah for a quick visit. The Coleman Family was coming to visit their new baby niece and we were able to hook up with them for a day. We started with an official Chris Carlson guided tour of the Library of Congress, yummy lunch, pictures of beautiful Loudoun County for Morgan's paintings and another famous Ken Carlson tour of Iwo Jima.

Happiness is the anticipation of using this really huge dump truck at the beach.

Happiness is spending a beautiful weekend with friends and family. While visiting a local light house in Delaware there is a marker that shows you where the state line falls. This is our crazy family posing with feet on both in Delaware and Maryland. Cool stuff!

Happiness is 4 days with your favorite East Coast Cousins.

Happiness is walks on the beach.

and eating sand.

Happiness is spending everyday but Sunday at the pool for three weeks. The kids are happy, mama's happy....this is why I have no time to blog.

Happiness is going to Pump It Up for Soren's 5th Birthday Party.

Happiness is having a picture to blackmale your son with when he grows up.

Happiness is finishing a fun year of Preschool with a party at the park.

Happiness is getting your first medal for swimming....now he can be like his older brother.

Happiness is taking pictures with mom's camera. Jonah was very interested in the patriotic theme that has taken over our house. I guess it helps that they just had a unit in school on flag day. Here are a select few of the pictures that he took.

Happiness is having all your hard work pay off and wearing this really cool shirt tucked in.

Happiness is the last day of school!

Happiness is the beginning of Summer Vacation!

Happiness is Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Robeks Smoothies, and a late birthday celebration at PotBelly Sandwiches with outdoor seating until 1AM. Dinner with friends, Indiana Jones with Samantha and mom, and watching bicycling as a family. Happiness is a successful neck surgery for dad and a visit from Uncle Kirk.

Happiness is being done with this blog and being ready for girls camp!

More Changes for Samuel

2008-05-16T20:11:00.003-04:00

First note, A Pinch of This and A Dash of That is up and running again. If there is anything you would like to contribute let me know.

Tonight Chris and Jonah are at the stake's annual father/son camp out. There are big black looming clouds outside but I think they are going to be safe from the rain because it's pretty windy and they are moving out fast. So, what do with your 3 year old who wants to go? You give him exactly what he wants, a night at Chick-fil-A. If you are unsure of his love for this establishment you'd be surprised to know that this is our second visit to Chick-fil-A this week. You can always read Chris' post about Chick-fil-A for a second oppinion.

Anyway, this picture of him is too funny. He has already decided he likes hats. But his hat of choice is his dads beenie. So when we had the opportunity to take Chris' "fast" car to Chick-fil-A I couldn't pass up showing you what he wanted to wear.

We were joined by Mema (Grandma Victoria) which was a good thing since he didn't want to eat, only play. This Mema can get her grandkids to eat anything. (ok, there are exceptions) After dinner we headed to Sam's club to see if they had a twin mattress and boxspring. For some reason Costco only sells twin mattresses and not the boxspring. And, buying it on-line from Costco is really expensive. Go figure. Anyway, we did come away with a new "big boy bed." I had decided that we would take the crib down tomorrow and set it on the floor so Sam could start to figure out his new space. Sam would not have it. So I hauled it up the stairs and made the bed. He kept saying "derf day, derf day" (birthday, birthday)I think he figured, hey I'm three now, give me the darn bed now.

So with a big smile on his face he climbed in bed and was fast asleep. Miracles do not cease despite my daily struggles with this precious child.

For a good laugh read Samantha's poem to Samuel. I don't think she has anything to worry about since he's been asking all week to go to Aunt Sammy's house.

Happy Mother's Day & A Birthday Tooth

2008-05-11T21:12:00.003-04:00

Don't fret, there will be pictures from last weekends walk to come soon, but Mother's Day came up so fast and I couldn't miss this opportunity.

What did you really WANT for Mother's Day. Father's always say they get the raw end of the deal when it comes to the new tie, but I think it's really mothers that end up with the bad hand.

If I could have the perfect day I would be locked away in some hotel room ruladens closed and sleep the day away with no interruptions. It doesn't matter how much sleep a mom gets, she is always tired. Even easy days with the kids get filled with the millions of other things piled up waiting to be done so I'd have to say sleep would be my #1 choice.

But, it's never going to happen. They want to wake you up, make you breakfast and give you cute little things. This year I got two cool books and two CD's. I scored. My husband has learned that I don't want flowers...I want a practical gift. So, this is the other gift I'm getting.

So, this year I asked for a cordless weed whacker. I want something to make my life easier. I want to get the job done right. Lately, life finds me mowing the lawn 4 out of 5 times. But, I can't get the trimmer to work. So after 6 weeks it looks nice and pretty until you look at the prairie field around the edges. Drives me nuts. So in March I proclaimed....I want a weed whacker for Mother's Day. That's what's going to make me happy and it works out for Chris too. This ranks up there with the toaster I asked for two years ago. What unusual gifts did you get? Or, what would you get if you bought your own gift?

This year Mother's Day and Samuel's 3rd Birthday are on the same day. It's been a little unusual. A little birthday...a little Mother's Day and then back to the birthday. Good thing he's only 3 and he can go with it. Just in the last week did he get that it was going to be his birthday and presents were involved. Trying to say birthday day is hilarious, it sound something like "happy durf day'. And he proceeded to run around telling everyone else "Happy Durf Day" No silly, we're suppose to say "Happy Birthday" to you.

What you don't normally have on your third birthday is loosing your first tooth. Last year Samuel fell and hit is mouth hard on the floor. After x-ray's and follow-ups we had a couple of light grey teeth with intact roots. Well two weeks ago when he hit his mouth again he broke the root and had a loose tooth. It would seem appropriate that with a fun afternoon at Aunt Sammy's house and a little playful tickling would result in the lost of his first tooth.

The tooth fairy didn't come....with Mother's Day and a Birthday it was just to much for a 3 year old to take in. So here is my Hillbilly son, Samuel. He's just recently relocated from West Virginia.

Boob Crew Goes Pink!

2008-05-01T23:23:00.002-04:00

Yes, I'm a girl. But I don't think I've ever owned so much pink in my life. This is the workout wear that I've collected over the last couple of months getting ready for the Avon Breast Cancer Walk. It is important to train in what you are going to wear the days of the walk to make sure "it works." We don't want chaffing, irritation.....enough said. You don't have to wear pink but you'll probably stick out like a sore thumb if you don't. This is a breast cancer walk after all.

But you can't walk 39.3 miles with 5 awesome women without a little fun. As you can see in the above picture that we've added a few extras to our workout gear. Pink Bling you may want to call it. Umm, yes...that is a tiara.

This picture was taken by Sam last Saturday after our last training walk. Our "Boob Crew" has started their 15 mile walks a 5:00 AM the last two weeks so I could make it to a camp meeting and also so Chris could get in his 60 and 80 mile rides for his training. It has been a family affair to say the least. This is Sam's view of me trying to catch my breath after the kid hand off...at the T-ball game.

This is the awesome group of girls that are going to be walking....minus Linnea who will be joining us. Linnea is just finishing up treatment for her personal battle with breast cancer and is one of the reasons Samantha challenged us to do the walk. Linnea is truly amazing...and it's exciting that she will be doing the walk with us.

So stay tuned for more pictures and maybe even some funny stories. Right now the weather is showing anything from thunder storms to high winds.... could get interesting since we are sleeping overnight in tents.

Holy Crepes Batman!

2008-04-22T21:18:00.005-04:00

Whoa! Where did the middle of April go? Next to finishing my taxes and doing 15 mile walks at insane hours of Saturday mornings, this is what's been going on.

T-ball has started in what you think was small town fashion. Jonah's baseball season started with a parade and opening ceremonies. The problem came with the 4 blow up slides/bounce contraptions and BBQ. It's reminiscent of small town fashion but with way to many people. It reminded me a where I grew up and it actually seemed small town but after waiting in line for 20 minutes for one slide we headed out. Nice try but small town feel doesn't actually make it a small town.

Jonah loved walking in the parade. And, so did Sam. It's all good.

We've had our first two games. An there are 11 more to come. At this level it's really about learning how to play but 6 year olds can only keep enthusiastic for so long.

As you can see all smiles and energy at the beginning but by the end half the boys were sitting or laying down on the field. Jonah just stood in one place and didn't move....but hey check out that plane.

My brother Tyson who lives in Florida has been working in Tennessee for the past three weeks. After finding that it would only be a 5 1/2 hour drive to come see me we made a plan. Now some of you may think that's a little crazy for a weekend stay but growing up in CA we use to drive hours like that all the time to go to Utah or head to the opposite end of the state....no big deal.

So when he said that he'd be in Thursday night I realized I had to take him to DC and see the sights. It was his first visit here and Florida is nothing like the nations capital. So we spend all day Friday in the warm weather taking in the sights and museums. We had a great time! He totally makes me laugh.

The added bonus to Tyson's stay was his new found love for crepes. My mom use to make these all the time when we were younger but we usually only used strawberries and whip cream. After Tyson spend 14 days in Paris he's stepped it up a notch. So you can imagine my pleasant surprise when I returned home for one of my 15 mile walked that started at 5AM to have a savory egg, ham and cheese crepe waiting for me....YUMMY!

But wait, there's more. After going out for Sushi Saturday night we came home and had banana/Nutella crepes. And then he made two more I devoured Sunday morning. We finished the whole jar of Nutella. MMMM MMMM Good!

Thanks Tyson! You Rock!

Thank you, thank you, you're too kind.

2008-04-08T09:33:00.003-04:00

I guess I should blog about my relationship with food more often. I could probably write a book about it. It's as complicated as any soap opera I've ever watched.

I'm amazed by how many of you wanted the oreo cookie recipe so I've started what I'm calling a "sub blog" where I'll put recipes and other interesting tidbits that I've learned.

I'd love to add anything that you think would be helpful to others. I think you'll have more to share than you think. Plus, I'll give you the credit and we'll all see just how cool and awesome you really are.

You can link to this from my blog or you can start by looking here.

Also, I've tinkered with the title and would love if anything has a better idea.

I hate myself for loving you.

2008-04-02T11:35:00.004-04:00

Last week as I was trying really hard to break my Easter Candy habit this song came to my mind:

I hate myself for loving you .
Can't break free from the the things that you do.
I wanna walk but I run back to you, that's why
I hate myself for loving you .

This is my life. I try really hard to keep the bad stuff out of the house because when it's in my house I will eat every last crumb.

Case #1 The Oreo Cookie

Some of you may know I have a passion for double stuff Oreo cookies. My most favorite story happened in NYC. I kept the cookies in a ziplock to keep the moisture out. (it's an east coast thing) Anyway, upon binging on my Oreo's I decided the only way to stop was to throw them in the trash. The next morning I took the bag out and ate the rest. Thank you Ziplock.

So, when I needed to bring a treat to share for an after Easter Egg Hunt I decided to make homemade Oreo cookies. I was introduced to these by my talented friend Tania when I lived in New York. Still to this day I have all items neccisary to make this yummy treat on hand at all times. But it's been years since I've made them since I have this problem of eating them all myself. So I made these delicious treats and had to wrap them up as soon as possible. I had only two. I'm salivating just thing of them right now. Oh Oreo, I hate myself for loving you.

Case #2 Chocolate Chip Waffles

In my house growing up we ate lots of waffles and pancakes. My dad is a pro at making these and to this day I still love to go home and have his waffles. It was always a treat when my parents would add chocolate chips. What kid doesn't want chocolate chips in their waffles? Jonah! He was the Eggo Waffle version of these at the store and thought...yumm. I of course agreed and purchased. He ate one, one!!!!!! No I'm having a hard time parting with them because I want to eat them. And, I will Saturday. I love chocolate chip waffles. It reminds me of my child hood. Oh, chocolate chip waffles, I hate myself for loving you.

Case #3 Reese Peanut Butter Eggs

This has been my most recent offender to my inability to loose the weight I really want to. I just can't stop eating these when they are in my house. I polished off two bags before Easter and thought I'd be through. They are soft, yummy, more peanut than chocolate and this year were packaged in the perfect size to fit the whole thing in your mouth. So, to my dismay. We found many many more of these on our Nighttime Easter Egg hunt last Friday. And, I ate every last one out of Jonah's bag. Poor kid. He likes them to but he just can't compete with my ability to get to them first. Oh, Reeses Peanut Butter Eggs, I hate myself for loving you.

Case #4 Black Jelly Beans

We've been through 4 large bags of black jelly beans. You can't just eat one, or two, you have to eat them by the handful. Who cares if they turn your mouth a weird of green. Who cares if they don't taste great with Diet Coke.

I have yet to open the last back that I've purchased....I don't know if I can handle knowing they are really all gone. Oh, black jelly bean, I hate myself for loving you.

So, alas it's a new week and my haunts are almost out of my house. My will power is increasing. But, I'm sure it will not be the last that I see of these offenders.

Highlights

2008-03-27T09:36:00.010-04:00

I started a useless post the other day and never finished it. No one needed to hear my droning on about the spring that leaves us with cold weather below freezing. So today, I'm going to try to post about all the great things that have happened in the past couple of weeks.

MONDAY WAS DAD'S FINAL DAY OF CANCER TREATMENT
Thanks to the kindess of friends willing to take on my boys all morning I was able to join Samantha, Ken and Victoria at the Bethesda Naval Medical Center for Ken's final treatment. He came out all smiles doning his yellow LIVESTRONG t-shirt and holding the mask he had to wear every time he had his radiation treatment. So after 7 weeks of radiation and 3 weeks of chemo we are glad to see his spirits are high and that after a little healing he should start to see improvement in his health.

A great moment for Ken was when he was able to ring the bell three times. This is a sign to everyone that this person has finished treatment. You could tell it was an emotional moment for him and I was glad to be there.

EASTER SUNDAY
Getting a picture of both boys together is almost impossible but Chris took some great pictures of Sam and only one that he deemed worthy of Jonah. They were very excited to be allowed to eat lots of candy. They both loved the "treasure hunt" of finding eggs hidden in the basement. The funny part was Jonah getting upset that Sam had found two of his eggs. I thought these were going to be two of the hardest for him to find. I think Sam's level of perspective gave him an advantage. If you want to see the great pictures click here to go to Chris' Blog Easter on my Keister.

EGG HUNT SATURDAY
The last five years we have enjoyed an annual family easter egg hunt at the Lee's house. They have a nice big back yard to hide eggs to every childs age ability. This year we did yummy pinini sandwiches, Sam's salad (fluff), fruit and chips. It's always a fun day and we have a hard time remembering it every being a warm Easter with all the kids running around in coats.

NEW NIECE
Last week Mindy, my other fab sister-in-law gave birth to her third daughter. Little Tessa Grace is a real cutie already and looks like she resembles her older sister. Way to go Mindy! Ummm, yes, she's already a Yankees fan. A True Carlson.

SPRING BREAK
Spring break came and went. Although the thermometer said it was warm a bitter cold wind kepts us inside to much. We did see Horton Hears a Who, spent a morning at Chuck-E-Cheese with lunch at Chick-fil-A after. We ended the week by driving to Baltimore to the Children's Museum. We all had a great time...but I'm glad we're back to our normal routine.

Diet Cope

2008-03-12T14:58:00.005-04:00

This is what being to busy can do to you....just kidding. This is my husbands funny way of making me laugh. I told him I think it makes me look old. He said he made me skinny. I think I'd rather look young and not skinny. What do you think? Amazing what you can do with Photoshop.

I have been too busy! So busy that I can't keep up with it all. But amidst all the busy stuff in my life my kids keep my smiling. Here are a few short stories to tell!

My boys love to either push the button for the garage door or they want to be standing by the door as it is going up. So last week when both Jonah and Sam were standing at the garage door waiting for it to open nothing seemed out of place, that was however, until Sam started going up with the garage door. He had grabbed on and didn't let go. Strong little kid. I ran over and grabbed him before the door turned the corner. Jonah's comment to seeing this was: "That was Awesome" The next day Sam asked if he could "go for a ride" No way!

In our family I was pretty much the only soda drinker until Samuel came along. That boy would drink Diet Coke all day if he could. He also loves Root Beer. We've tried to get him to say Root Beer but he usually only says the "beer" part. So we continue to refer to he other chosen word for soda or juice. "Bood" We wouldn't want people thinking we really give our kid beer.

For months now he's taken to my Diet Coke, so now I usually have to drink it when he's not around or hide the can from him. I do usually cave in when he actually brings a Diet Coke to me. It's so nice that he would want to share...so, the other day when Samantha was visiting he was relishing in his very small glass I had given him of Diet Coke. Upon trying to get him to call it "Bood" for Samantha I said, what's this....."Cope."

Yea, I guess that is the best think to call it. Diet Cope. Mama needs her Diet Cope to cope with you kid and your brother.

Pokemon Party

2008-03-05T13:10:00.013-05:00

I'm recovering...from a Pokemon Party.

Jonah turned 6 on Sunday....Saturday we had a party with 6 of his friends. I tried very hard to try to get Jonah to have some other type of party but he let me know that I couldn't change his mind. I just had no idea how I would pull off a Pokemon party. I hardly know anything about Pokemon. So I started watching Pokemon with Jonah, taking a better look at the few Pokemon cards he had and searched the internet.

Well, the end result was pretty good. Even with the age differences and energy level differences of those who attended everyone had a good time...expect for maybe Chris who was ready for it to be done before it started.

First, props to Samantha who stayed and helped...you rock! And thank you Chris for taking pictures!

So what do you do inside with that many boys...

Well, I painted a huge Pokeball and we played pin the latch on the Pokeball....Jonah went first and got it right in the middle. He was pretty excited. Even Sam had a try and did pretty good.

The next game is my favorite because I spent so much time making it. Pokemon Bingo.

Have you ever tried to make your own bingo cards? I don't recommend it. I printed out a bunch of Pokemon characters, cut, glued and was pretty happy with the end product. My first thought was I'll scan this in and print it out on card stock, until the cruel realization that duh, bingo cards can't all be the same. So I spent way to much time making 7 more bingo cards.

They will be used again!!

Jonah's favorite game was "Got'a catch'em all" Basically this is hide and seek for your individual Pokemon. It was pretty funny watching these boys try to find their Pokemon and even with that many boys running around it was under control.

Jonah was happy and there were no major problems. So Happy Birthday Jonah! I love you.

A few things I love about this boy!
He is always happy in the morning.
He loves people, and everyone he meets he wants to be friends with.
He has a great imagination.
He always has funny things to say.
He is always drawing something.
He wants to make me happy because he is a mama's boy.

Family Road Trip!

2008-02-21T14:47:00.009-05:00

Last weekend we packed up the car, the kids, and the camera and headed to North Carolina. We've been telling friends for to many years that we would make it down but it took one family moving to Germany this week to make it happen. Now that we've done it I think Chris realized the boys were better in the car than he had expected and that the long trip is worth seeing good friends. If I'm lucky we'll do it again next year!

So instead of adding a million pictures I've put a little movie together with no music. Although I wish my life had a running soundtrack I find it distracting when I'm trying to look at a blog and read and try to cook dinner, manage the kids and talk on the phone. Ok, maybe I'm trying to do to many things at once. Anyway... here it is.

Family Road Trip Top 10

10. Jonah: Are we almost at our friends? My bummy is really starting to hurt. They live to far away.
9. Beef Jerky
8. Playing name that "British" tune...
7. Putting the kids to bed.
6. Playing at Monkey Joe's bounce world.
5. Being able to play outside all weekend with temps in the high 60's and 70's
4. Pink Elephant Bevi
3. Back Yard Baseball & Kicking the Soccer ball around with the boys.
2.Surprising Tracy at the door Saturday morning. We thought they were having a yard sale and would just show up. They canceled it.
1. Spending time with the Halls and Wegleitners

What I love about Valentines Day

2008-02-14T14:17:00.003-05:00

So here it is, Valentines Day. It's that day of the year that makes me smile and want to do cute cheesy things. Here are some things that I love about today in no particular order.

I love to wear red today and no longer feel the need to wear black on this day like I did before I was married.

I love that I can dress my boys in red and they don't complain. (yet)

I love Valentine Candy! My favorites being good chocolate, cinnamon hearts, and cherry 3 Musketeers....of course there are more but that's just what I've eaten today.

I love watching the masses of men trying to pick out flowers at Costco and trying to find a card at Target which is totally picked over.

I love that Chris and I order Thai food every year. Usually it keeps us out of bad weather, and saves money on the babysitter.

I love that Jonah thinks giving Scooby-Doo Valentines are cool!

I love my husband and love that he won't buy me anything because I'd rather go pick out something for myself. I also love that he knows I really don't like to get flowers, it's cheaper to buy them at Trader Joes.

I love the chocolate bread that I bought at Wegmans yesterday and know (because I already ate half of it) it will make a yummy treat tonight after the Thai food.

And the last thing I love, and remember this is not a complete list just what's on my mind today!!!!

M&M's finally figured out that people love green M&M's. I remember in high school when I worked at YogurtDelight we use to sift through the huge bucket of M&M's just to get the green ones. The saying ways that they made you horney! HeeHee, what a funny word. So I don't know if that's why they did it but whatever the reason they got smart. Plus, I put this package in Chris' lunch, we'll see what he thinks.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

100th Day of School!

2008-02-12T12:24:00.000-05:00

Today is the 100th day of school and can I tell you that Jonah has been talking about this for weeks. I'm not sure what teacher or principal came up with the "holiday" but it totally makes me laugh. What happened to counting down just the last couple weeks of school.

As I downloaded pictures today it reminded me of what we did Super Bowl weekend. We have dear friends that live in Towson, MD. We met the Paul's in NYC. One of our very first outings with them was to the Beach. On the train ride home, Eric commented on how we shouldn't give money (it may have been federal money) to the arts. At the time Chris was a full time photographer and took it upon himself to educate Eric. We have been stead fast friends ever since. They were always there for me when Chris did all his traveling. In short, They are family!

So it's sad that now that we live so close we still don't see a lot of each other. That probably has something to do with Eric being the Bishop and Chris in the bisopbric, but who wants to worry about the details.

So we headed to MD so celebrate Eric's birthday that was on the 4th. We went to the Walters Art Museum and then enjoyed an awesome Afghan meal. Mmmm, I could eat that right now!
I thought my attempt to take a picture outside this cool church was pretty goofy, but if you squint a little it would make a great CD cover.

Jonah was thrilled because he was able to play with kids, and that is pretty much what his life is about. The other great things for him was climbing a tree. He has been telling me how he wants to climb trees but it's cold and there are not really great climbing trees around where we live. The Pauls have a great climbing tree and you can see by the look on Jonah's face he is pleased.

Super Bowl Sunday is a holiday on our house. This year I just wanted to sit by the fire and watch the game with no interruptions which is exactly what I got and what a great game to be able to watch start to finish.

A little tradition that I started when I use to have SuperBowl parties in NYC was sticky chicken wings. This is something I learned from my super mom-in-law Victoria and is worth the time it takes to make them.

So for now I've started my football mourning period. My 49ers fell short of expectations but by the end of this year there will be the start of another season and you never know what could happen...look at the Giants.

Can you really have to much Star Wars?

2008-01-31T10:08:00.000-05:00

Did anyone watch Dr. Phil yesterday? (Wednesday) I do not usually watch because this is right when Jonah gets home from school but the TV was on and the topic caused my to keep watching. Dr. Phil was talking to a newly married couple. The husband has about 250K invested in Star Wars Memorbilia. He even has a full size storm trooper which he wants to be able to fit into one day, maybe even be buried in it. The wife didn't know about his collection until after they were already engaged. He and his groomsmen had a light saber fight during the wedding ceremony and if he had it his way he would have had the Imperial March playing as his bride walked down the path. Their first two anniversaries were to Star Wars conventions. Along with thinking this guy was crazy I was also thinking she really didn't know the guy she married.

I find this all so interesting because we are a big SciFi family. Chris and I use to have a book with all the Star Trek episodes and we would check off all that we had seen. We also have the complete collection of Star Wars movies which get watched more often than you would imagine...ie. see previous post.

So when I look at the number of Star Wars figures and books about Star Wars I hope that I'm not raising boys that turn out to be like the man on Dr. Phil.

This was on the forefront of my mind since I just hauled myself, Sam and a friends son I was watching to the bookstore to buy this really cool pop up Star Wars book for Jonah's birthday in March (I had a 40% off coupon) I go out of my way to find really cool Star Wars stuff the whole family will enjoy. Will my boys turn out like the man above? I sure hope not!

An Ordinary Week

2008-01-28T23:19:00.000-05:00

Last week was just plain. Kind of like Vanilla ice cream which I really don't like eating, not even with pie. The highlight of my week was finding more Diet Cranberry GingerAle. It's my newest way to cut out some of the caffeine. I'm not cutting out Diet Coke all together, just cutting back which will be more than most of you would imagine drinking in a day anyway, except for maybe Jessie. Anyway, I find this new drink tart, tangy, and all the fizz that I first miss when I don't have a Diet Coke. See pretty pathetic this is a highlight.

There was no school on Monday or Friday. You would think that would mean something great, however, it was so cold Monday I had no desire to venture out. I don't even think a new pair of shoes would have got me out the the house. Instead we stayed inside, sat by the fire and ate treats while watching three installments of Star Wars. I enjoyed some down time and my boys thought it was really cool.

I pretty much didn't know what day it was for the rest of the week, was it Monday, Thursday or Friday. Midweek I got the great idea to go see a friend in Baltimore. However, Thursday night Jonah ended up sick and I couldn't see trying to make that fun trip happen.

Things did get better when we had time at the Lee's to celebrate Travis' birthday and Saturday we went swimming at the Claude Moore Recreation Center. Jonah was pretty amazed that we were swimming in January. (Which is really funny since he has swimming lessons every week)

The best story of the week was shared by Chris: Monday night when Chris was putting Jonah to bed Jonah noted we had not celebrated Martin Luther Kings birthday. (Bad Mommy!) Chris asked, "Well, what would you like to do? Sing happy birthday to him?" And that's what they did. At 7:30 Chris and Jonah sang happy birthday to Dr. King and all was content.

Down and Out

2008-01-17T15:37:00.000-05:00

Yesterday

Today

So much can change in one day. Yesterday I posted about the high activity level of Sam. We also spent the afternoon at the park. Yes, it was chilly but with no wind and the sun shining it was nice to get out.

Today, Sam has spent the entire day laying in my bed, on the couch and taking a nap. Why you may wonder? Is he sick? No, my crazy child has been practicing his forward rolls. I'm not sure where he learned to do these but he was showing his dad the other night and last night he was doing them in the hall before bed. Today he has a stiff and very sore neck. (Maybe he's trying to sympathize with Papa) Anyway, I'm not overly concerned because I know what he was doing before bed and I've been through this before with Jonah when he fell off his bed and hit his side table. So today I'm enjoying the peace and tomorrow things will be normal again.

The other twist today is the snow. We were expecting flurries today but it came down fast and it's still coming. We have about 5 inches..so far. Jonah enjoyed pegging mom with snowballs and now we are enjoying some bonding time by the fire. If it's going to be winter...this is the way I like it. It also helps thats Jonah likes "Winter Music" that is also known as Christmas music that is really only about winter and not about Christmas. I'm a lucky girl.

Ok, I just have to add this funny from putting Jonah to bed. We finished reading a book from the Bearstein Bears where Mama Bear has a new baby. Brother bear jump on her lap and said Mama you got your lap back. Jonah asked why did she get her lap back. I said well, the baby was in her belly and now it's out so she has more room on your lap for brother bear to sit. "How does do babies come out?" Yes the classic question you always love to hear from your kids. "Well, mom's have a special place were babies come out" "I know where that is" "You do?" "Yea, at the hospital!" Oh I'm so glad I didn't have to continue on with that conversation. Yes, Jonah, babies do come out at the hospital.

All for the love of Papa!

2008-01-16T13:36:00.000-05:00

Our cute little Samuel has great blonde hair with natural curls. I've always had it cut pretty short. However, last fall I decided to let it grow....and since that day Ken (my awesome father-in-law) has given me such a bad time about his "long" hair. Every time he saw him the two things that came out of his mouth were....oh look it's your little girl....and when are you getting it cut. I didn't give in until last week. I did it for two reasons: 1) after a while, no matter how good it looked in the morning within minutes he looked like Einstein and 2)since Ken is starting his fight on cancer I thought I'd do something nice...so I got it cut...but I've also informed Ken we are once again growing it out! So as you see a before picture and a proud papa of Samuel his little "boy"

Jonah has been just a joy this year...please note it is only the 16th on January. We've been taking the 30 minutes after having a snack and finishing that really tough Kindergarten homework to have some Wii bonding time before Samuel wakes up. We both do pretty well at bowling and that is my favorite but Jonah always wants to play 9 holes of golf. Most days I only give him 3 holes but sometimes I give in....

I mention this only because he says the funniest things while we are playing. Last week I had a great shot off the rough and into the hole. For those of you that may not be familiar with golf terminology that is called a Chip-in. At that particular time it was also a birdie (one under par.) Jonah jumped up and down "chicken birdie, chicken birdie." The next day we were discussing our after school plans and he said mom, there are a lot of birds in golf...eagle, birdie, chicken....I totally started laughing. I've tried to get him to understand that it's CHIP IN but to no avail....

The other funny has come from singing in Primary. When Jonah was a Sunbeam he would not sing. He pretty much sat there with his hands over his ears or yelled stop singing. The other hard part was if they ever sang the Prophet song. He would get very upset when they would sing about "Jonah the Prophet" and let everyone know that he (Jonah Carlson) was not a prophet.

This year during the Primary program he was very loud, some even commented one how he sounded mic'd. He was not, he's just decided he likes to sing some of the songs and actually knows most of the words. What a proud mom I am. So I was not at all surprised when I was taking the picture of Sam after church in his "I am a child of God" crown. "I am a child of God" is this years new primary theme. He said, I want a picture of me in the crown...we sang that song today. It's one of my favorite.
You have to love a boy not afraid to show his feminine side.

Here is one more picture to show you just how cute Samuel's hair was. And to also show how New Year's Eve fireworks made him actually sit and pay attention. This is a rare moment in any day, it's usually filled with running around like crazy, jumping off of couches, dumping many buckets of toys, explosion and crashing noises and screaming from trying to do everything Jonah is and not always getting his way. Besides for that he is a very calm kid. He also is funny, mischivious, and all together crazy. By choice this week he decided this would be a fun get-up. The glasses are something that I pull out every once in a while to make the boys laugh. I make funny noises and they just think it's hilarious.... But I usually don't wear them with the Shrek ears.

And that's a wrap!

2007-12-30T23:19:00.000-05:00

It is a sociological fact that women need women. We need deep and satisfying and loyal friendships with each other. These friendships are a necessary source of sustenance. We need to renew our faith every day. We need to lock arms and help build the kingdom so that it will roll forth and fill the whole earth. -Sister Marjorie Hinckley

This was year three of the cookie exchange! It was less stressful thanks to the help of great friends and we still had lots of fun! I tried to get a few pictures this year but of course this isn't everyone. There were 18 of us this year and lots of yummy food and cookies!

I just love my friends. I guess since I've lived away from my family for as long as I lived with them that I've always found family in my friends. I love the laughs, the cries, and the acknowledgement that I'm not the only one going through life as crazy as it is. I love knowing that I have friends scattered all over the country and I could pick up the phone any time and it would be just like we never missed a step.

CHRISTMAS

This year I didn't send Christmas cards. We are in a stage where you can't get Jonah and Sam both sitting at the same time for a picture. Here are the pictures that I tried to take while there were looking good before church. Sam was a mess the minute I started to take pictures but a wet spot it better than smeared food. And, to top that Jonah wanted his idog from Burger King in every picture.

Sam Jonah & the idog

Maybe mom won't notice me taking this present

An effort to have a picture together

Christmas day started all to early for the time those boys went to bed but since they both really are into Santa this year I should have expected this. We didn't go down stairs until 7AM and they were very excited about all their gifts. Here are pictures of the boys with a couple of their new toys.

I'm always sad when Christmas is over. I don't want to take the lights down or the tree down or quit listening to Christmas music. I asked Jonah if I could take down the tree today and he said no. I'm kind of glad. It would have been early for me. My favorite thing to do is watch football and eat peanuts while sitting by the fire and Christmas tree.

I have to end with the best of family pictures! All the adults looking their Christmas best all smiles... and then looking like we normally do... notice someone gracefully left for the second picture.

May you all have a wonderful New Year! May it bring you joy happiness and many new adventures!

What makes your holiday sweet?

2007-12-20T21:53:00.000-05:00

I've been spending to much time running around buying more stuff that I probably don't really need and one or two things that I really do. I've been trying to do good things for people and teach my boys that it's important to think of others. Here are a few of the sweet things that have happened this month.

You know that you spend to much time out when you kids want to have their pictures taken with window displays. This picture was requested by Sam upon leaving A.C. Moore.

He also has turned into mom's helper in the kitchen. If only he would eat more than pretzels and cookies.

The sweet picture at the top of this post is Samuel captured in a light that I wish I saw more of...his really sweet less mischievous side that you usually see in the morning. This picture just makes my heart melt. Thanks Karlene! Sam helped me give some money to the Salvation Army bell ringers....it was nice of him to do this with a smile since his new favorite sayings are "I don't like it" and "Fair" this is done with his arms folded across his chest and head hung, really meaning "Not Fair"

Jonah has been up to his usual quotable moments. My favorite by far is this, "Our baby is really growing up fast mom." He is referring to Samuel.

My next favorite quote is one he said when I gave him some warm cookies strait from the oven. "Mom, I know they are warm because they wiggle like worms."

This pretty much sums up Jonah right now, 5 going on 15. We were headed to drop off some toys at a local Toys for Tots drive. I was explaining to him how other children don't have as much as we do and we need to help make someone else's Christmas special. He said mom, I don't know anyone that doesn't have what they need. This is very true of our affluent area and makes it hard for him to understand. We were also discussing the difference between singular and plural since we were taking "ToyS" not one "Toy" I said Jonah you are so smart to understand this...."mom, I have a brain" ahh, all my good work goes out the window. But, when it came time to take the toys inside he was very excited and was proud to be bringing in a whole bag to share.

A visit from dear friends from North Carolina makes the holidays sweet! We love when the Wegleitners come to visit since we never make it down to see them!!!! Sorry! What is really sweet about the picture of the 4 of us is that Jonah took it! Following in his fathers footsteps!

Lucky 13

2007-12-17T13:32:00.000-05:00

Today Chris and I are celebrating our 13th wedding anniversary. Time has flown by really fast and we look like little kids in this picture. This is one of my favorite pictures because that tree is no longer there. For those of you who may be confused, this is Chris in the picture but he was just way way to skinny!

Last night I was thinking of all the things we have done since we've been married. We've moved 6 times, lived in 4 states, had 5 cars, had 2 boys, went on 5 fabulous vacations without those 2 boys, eaten to much good food, played just enough and met the most fabulous friends.

I'm so lucky to have found Chris even if it did come with the cheesiest of cheesy BYU love stories. I look forward to what comes next.

Letting go of my OCD

2007-12-16T16:17:00.001-05:00

I can not deny that I have a touch of OCD in my system. I will walk into rooms several times to just make sure all is in order. I will straiten quilts on beds several times a day and I will fluff and refluff pillows as the day goes by. I have a cleaning day that I clean the entire house and then every other day I try to keep it up to that level. I do know that these things take time away from playing with my kids but I really can't accomplish things without doing it. I'm the type that will clean the entire house before I can sit down and pay bills.

One of the biggest signs of how the day is going to go is whether or not the beds get made. If they don't everything usually falls apart when it comes to keeping the house up. So because of this I try to get the beds made first thing in the morning. Jonah and Sam know the rule is once the bed is made, especially mom's bed, you don't get on it. Yes, they are kids and they will sneak on top to see if they get caught, and Sam (only 2 1/2) is still trying to learn the rule, but don't think they don't have fun in this house of order.....

Before the bed gets made they are free to jump, hide, and play to their hearts content....as you can see.

This week Jonah wanted to decorate the gingerbread house I had purchased at Costco. Last year we spent an afternoon at Samantha's house doing this as a family. They turned out to be very cute and were displayed in our home which must say something. This year I let Jonah and his friend decorate. It was the funniest thing I've seen in a long time. They had lots of fun, didn't eat all of the candy and decided it was hard work. Sam just ate!

Highlights that you missed! Part 1

2007-12-09T21:38:00.000-05:00

The Never Ending Halloween, started with a ward party and Trunk-or-Treat that was indoors due to the rain. Sam found more entertainment in the nursery room with the charished sucker.
Jango Fett from Star Wars I

The Blue Draggon who thought he was actually a character from Star Wars.

On Halloween itself, I actually hosted a little party for the first time. It was a big crazy since Chris had a class that night and rushed home to take the boys trick-or-treating while I awaited guest. Mema & Papa (Victoria & Ken) wore the best adult costumes of the evening. Don't they look great!

I spent most of the evening playing games with the kids. What I didn't get pictures of was Halloween Twister and eating the doughnut off the string. Both of those things were way to funny to watch. What you see here is:
BOB FOR CANDY

GHOST PINATA

THE MAD SCRAMBLE FOR THE GOOD CANDY!

Usually when you loose a tooth you don't remember. But, when you loose your tooth on Halloween in the swimming pool during swimming lessons you remember. The swim coach looked for the tooth...not to be found, but wait it was in the towel that I finally hung to dry the next week. Way to random.

The second tooth came out two days after the first. Jonah used the really cool tooth pillow Grandma Kathy made while she was here in October watching the boys while we were in Bermuda. She's way to efficient to get everything done that I thought of but couldn't execute. However, now we have this really cool pillow both boys will be able to use while they wait for treasure from the toothfairy. Thanks Grandma Kathy for making the invitations so the party actually happened and making the awesome tooth pillow!

Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes...

2007-12-05T16:45:00.001-05:00

These are a few of my favorite things.

Yes, I'm back. Sometimes I get to where there is so much to blog about that I don't know where to start but today something happened that gives me reason to blog:

IT SNOWED!

Yes, a nice little blanket of white snow is covering the backyard and I've enjoyed sitting by my Christmas tree with a cup of hot chocolate to celebrate.

The morning started with Jonah and Sam thrilled to see snow but Jonah was wondering how it could snow before Christmas since it's still fall. Sam ran around yelling "Snowman, Snowman." Jonah took liberty in making a snow angel the minute he got off the bus and initiating a snowball fight with his mama. I won!

I, of course, was out running errands and listening to my latest favorite Christmas music by Josh Groban before I got to come home and enjoy the hot chocolate but what would you expect three weeks before Christmas.

I hope that you all have had a nice day...

I promise to hit the highlights in the next few days but until then.

Halloween!

2007-10-31T15:05:00.000-04:00

What a beautiful fall day! I've had the doors open while I've been prepping for a little party I'm having tonight and the breeze feels so great! Of course I have greater expectations than I should and keep trying to tell myself to keep it low key but I'm still to busy for my own good.

I'm having a hard time getting back into blogging after my trip but I'm starting today since I took this great picture in September that I didn't want to waste. I love eating these pumpkins, yummy!

The boys are ready for tonight and I can't keep Sam inside, he sits by the pumpkin on the porch saying "spooky pumpkin." Good thing it isn't cold.
Hope you all have a fun night. I look forward to seeing all your post.

You can do it!

2007-10-10T23:22:00.001-04:00

You have to say the above title like Hanz & Franz from SNL. Ok, over the weekend my sister-in-law Samantha told me that women my age (I swear I'm 28) should be able to do 40 womens push-ups. That is the kind where you are on bent knee but you have to keep your back strait, no butt in the air, and from my really fit days you should be able to touch your chin to the top of a can or someones fist.

Now, my initial thought is, that shouldn't be that hard, but you have to remember this is 40 push-ups with no break in between. So I took my out of shape body that has only lifted weights twice this summer and put it to the test.

I DID 38!!!!

yes, I'm pretty proud of myself. Now I'm challenging you to test yourself too!

National Book Fair

2007-10-04T14:41:00.000-04:00

Last Saturday we took a family outing to the National Book Fair being held on the mall in Washington,D.C. It was an gergeous day and one of the first that was not blazing hot. We drove to Arlington and had lunch at Wendy'sbefore we hopped on the Metro train.

Jonah was so excited to ride on the the "subway" and Sam just kept screaming "Train, Train!" Jonah wanted to know about all the stations and which side the doors were going to open on. On any other day it would have been the best thing ever but little did we know. The National Book fair had more things for kids to do than you could imagine.

PBS had a huge tent where kids could color, play games, work on the pbskids.org website, and story time. Outside the tent there was a rotating cast of PBS characters that kids could get their pictures taken with and they took the pictures and gave you the poloroid for free....everything was free. Where does that happen anymore.

One of the main sponsors (besides the Library of Congress with Chris is contracted out to right now) was my favorite store Target!!! And, my boys even ask to go there so they were pretty excited when they heard that Spot, the Target dog would be there. We didn't want to wait in the crazy line but the side shot was as close as if we had waited. Target also had the best bags they were giving out. Nice a red with all the circles, I learned when I got home that one side was a checker boarda and they had included checkers. In their kids area they had these cute book bags that the kids could decorate. Go Target, it's your birthday!! You can tell they we were just having the best time.

After the book fair we walked to the Air & Space Museum. Now they have built another part of this out by where we live that we have been to several times but it's been forever since we've been to the one down town. We thought that the boys would like seeing everything since Jonah loves everything to do with space and Sam likes, the moon, planes, and flying around Lego ships and crashing them. As we thought, it was a big hit.

It was an awesome family day and we can't wait to do it next year!

Yeah, I'm that mom.

2007-09-19T16:17:00.000-04:00

A friend sent this to me this morning and said that she has been known to say all of these things. It is really funny if you are a mom, especially of toddler or older. I laughed out loud and thought you may too! Seriously, if you have not said any of these things before you must be the perfect parent, and please share how you do it.

Jonah Jonah Jonah, what am I going to do with you?

2007-09-17T19:44:00.000-04:00

Jonah is always saying funny things. I just wish I could remember everything he said because I'm sure one day I won't remember. Here are a few of his latest.

Sunday was a big sports day in our house. After we got home from church there was golf, football, and yes Nascar. People can't believe that we actually enjoy watching Nascar and I'd have to say that Jonah is a major contributor to this. He loves to recognize the cars, Cheerios, HomeDepot, Kelloggs, etc and try to see them as they go around. He also has collected a few of these cars that always come out when there is a race on. This Sunday however Jonah decided to draw a picture. It's hard to get all the detail but there is the track, several cars that he was watching and even the checkered flag both in the air and on the track. This is a keeper.

Jonah has really been giving me a run for my money and whenever he gets sent to his room he usually tells me that he wish he didn't have parents and then he could do whatever he wanted. One day I explained that he'd live in an orphanage, wouldn't have toys, a tv to watch or all the great snacks that he eats. His response..."I wish I just had a dad." That's fair.

When spooning Jonah one night in bed he told me that his leg hanging out of the bed was "something dripping of the spoon."

Saturday after many tries of getting Jonah to eat strawberries he tried one at his Mema's house. He thought they were so great. Mema can always get my kids to eat things they won't at home.

When we got home everytime Jonah saw something red, this blanket, the star on the wall in his room, he would stop and star and say "strawberries, strawberries." I had some in the house so Sunday morning I gave him a couple which he didn't really want to eat. "Mema's are better" Hmmm, what I figured out was he doesn't like them cold. He ate several today at room temp.

California Dreamin'

2007-09-10T21:24:00.000-04:00

Yes, I did have a great trip to CA. I arrived in CA only an hour after my scheduled arrival which was actually 3AM East Coast Time. I really screwed up my kids on sleep.

Sam only took one nap while we were there and even crashed on the couch without me realizing it.
So since this was a couple of weeks ago I'm going to highlight my trip.

VISIT TO GRANDPA & GRANDMA WILLIAMS
The first day and one of the main reasons I was freaking out so much trying to get to CA was our visit to my grandparents. We had a great time visiting with grandma Shirley, Aunt Susie, my cousin Jeff and his wife Elana, their son Ben, and of course my brother Jared came out from Utah with wife Lanie and their two boys and brand new baby girl. Both of my sisters, Heidi & Chelsea, were there and the oldest of the cousins Makayla.

yes, that means all of the cousins were there so lots of pictures were taken. I don't think there is more than one picture with everyone looking normal, if you see all the pictures I took in order they tell a funny story but hey at least we have pictures.

It was hot but the kids had fun playing in the back yard.

It was really great to visit with my grandma and spend a few minutes with my grandpa who has been fighting cancer for almost two years.

The only sad part of this trip was being at the airport waiting for the plane to leave back to VA and getting the call that my grandpa had just passed away.

Grandma Shirley with all the great grandkids

My mom Kathy and my dad Bob with all their grandkids.

Just the boys!

Oh yeah, there are two girls too!

COUSINS
Jonah & Sam do not get to spend much time with these cousins but it's an all out party when they do. Gavin is 4, and Landon is 2. The four boys were in non stop movement, playing trains, trucks, running around in the back yard, keeping Jackson, my parents boxer, on his toes, and of course hanging out at the park. That is the nice thing about the west, cool nights and mornings mean nice park time.

One of the other fun things they did involved picking up leaves and racing them in the water. They would drop the leaves and run to the other side of the bridge and watch to see who won. Way funny!

Leaf races at the park.

Jonah & Gavin talking about how much they are going to miss each other.

Sam & Jackson hanging out.

Sam & Landon

SAN FRANCISCO

Like the good days of high school my friend Sarah (Meinzer) Dollar went to San Francisco for the day. Our moms agreed to watch our kids and she borrowed a car from her brother. It was such a nice day! We went to Golden Gate Park, checked out the beautiful gardens and then went to The Ferry Tower, which is an old dock on the pier that they have redone into this great indoor open air market. I would shop there everyday if I could. They had everything that you could want, most of it local and of course chocolate, gelato, and amazing restaurants.

We could have stayed in the city way longer but you can only play hooky from your kids for so long. It was so great and fun to have 10 hours to really catch up with a n amazing friend.

GREAT EATS
I think everyone has favorite places to eat when they go home, but for me so many things have changed since I left that most of my favorites have come from visits back home not when I was actually there. Except for this one... TOGO's

I'm a huge fan of the turkey avocado or the turkey with cranberry sauce!!!!

In-n-Out!!! Now this place was not around NorCal when I lived there but came shortly after and I think anyone that visits CA must go there. I went twice!!!! Now that I'm on the East Coast I've started eating at 5 guys and it's pretty good. So here is my latest opinion. In-n-Out has better hamburgers and fabulous shakes, 5 guys wins the fry contest, and there you have it.

CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR
What do you do when CA is having a heat wave? Go to the state fair. My mom really wanted to do this and I wanted to make her happy. It has been years since any of us had been there. We waited until Jared and his family had left. I thought that many kids would be too crazy! And a new baby in the heat don't really mix.

As a teenage I really only did the rides but we totally passed those up this time. My boys don't know what they are missing yet and they are expensive...but it did look like lots of fun. My mind that still believes I'm super young wanted to ride.

One of the exhibit halls had displays from each of the counties in CA. We only made it to a few because there are so many but they were really cool. There were lots of places that looked like places I wanted to visit and had never been and lots of places I've been too that I really wanted to go to again.

This was an amazing wood carving of a fish. We thought it was appropriate for a picture with Jonah. It's not a whale but looks like Jonah could still fit inside.

They also had this awesome forest that you could walk through and also get seedlings of trees to take home and plant. This bear was too cute, kind of like Sam.

Grandpa (Dad), me Sam & Jonah outside one of the animal display areas.

We went and saw all the animals, cows, bulls, goats, horses, and brand new pigs that had actually been born in the middle of the night. We also were able to watch a horse show. It was actually entertaining and nice to sit. I'll add photos later. It is part of Jonah's collage, he was taking the pictures.

Jonah's highlight was riding the monorail around the entire park. He was obsessed with doing this and pretty much didn't want to do anything else until we did. But then we hit Toyopia. It was another display hall that had all sorts of new and vintage toys. My favorite toy was the Donny & Maire dolls, that's because I use to have them. You have to love the purple socks. Jonah loved this huge castle made with Lego's. It was in a glass case, very smart, and inside there was the inside of a castle with the king and his court, and an entire village. Very cool! As you can see Sam really liked the tractor. With all the construction that goes on where we live he sees them all the time. Lets just say he didn't want to get off.

RAILROAD MUSEUM
Sacramento is still huge when it comes to trains going over the Sierra Nevada Mts. and in a rich history of railroading....so when you have kids that love trains this is where you take them. We went two years ago so for me it was just fun to see how excited Jonah and Sam were.

Sam tried really hard to get to these real life trains. Luckily they have several engines, coaches, and freight cars you could actually go into.

Jonah pretty much ran from train to train and kept saying "This is the best day of my life!" My sister Chelsea was with us and thought it was to funny! I was sure that we would hear that about 100 times.

Proof that I take my kids to do cool things!

Ok, a couple more random photos! For some reason I don't have any pictures of my sister Heidi, or Jared and Lanie! SORRY!

Chelsea, Allen & Makayla

Me & Chelsea my little sis

First Day of School!

2007-09-04T22:29:00.000-04:00

Jonah had his first day of kindergarten today! No, I didn't cry. As some of you may remember reading earlier this summer I already had my freak out moment and went into crazy on the go mom. Maybe that's why I'm up so late still trying to catch up on life.

Anyway, Jonah had a great day and was very excited. I didn't add the classic Carlson video of Jonah putting his hand in the camera and telling me no more pictures. I get that a lot from him. I did get these great pictures! I think the smile tells it all.

Is is in afternoon kindergarten which means that I can still have a "normal" morning routine. I'm not sure how you are suppose to feed kids breakfast and then lunch before the bus comes at 11:20. Hmm, I'll have to figure that out.

This is Jonah doing a self portrait. He was so ready to go that the back pack was on for at least 30 minutes. Not to mention that the bus was a few minutes late. Samuel, had a complete meltdown when Jonah got on the bus. "Cha Cha! Cha Cha!" (That's Jonah, Jonah is Sam speak) Cry, cry, cry and more crying! Then when we got home he laid on the floor infront of the T.V. sucking on his thumb.

I decided to be that mom with the cookies on the counter when the kids get home from school. So Joan Cleaver! No, this will not be a regular occurance but it made me feel like I was cool! And, maybe it makes up for the lack of tears! Don't get me wrong I was sad, like an empty feeling, but no tears.

Jonah and Sam thought I was cool too! Look at those smiles! Jonah said that he had lots of fun. When I asked him what he did I got two things out of him. The "bully" wanted to sit by him during snack time and he had a Pirates of the Carribean lunch box. I had to make sure that he wasn't just saying "boy" but he clarrified and said no he was a "bully" Still not sure why he thought that. The only other thing was that there was no recess because they practiced fire safty! Gee, I love this school!

To top off any first day of school we had soccer practice. Now after last year I was unsure what would happen since Jonah was not aggressive at all! But, he asked if he could play again this fall!

After trying to find our team for 20 minutes, Jonah managed to make two goals and be aggressive with out pummeling anyone.

What a great day!

Great Travel Mommy Moments!

2007-08-23T12:53:00.001-04:00

I made it to CA Tuesday night and only an hour after my scheduled time. However there were some very interesting moments just trying to get here.

Nothing about flying these days is fun or easy. Getting through security was relativly easy once they disassembled my carryon bag for the boys which had a DVD player in it. I guess that in the past two weeks you now have to take that out like laptop computers. Of course no one tells you before you put your stuff through the scanner and while I was waiting for the TSA guys to do their job the lady at the scanner yelled out bag check at least 7 more times. Don't they know that we would cooperate if they told us the new regulations.

With the flight before mine cancelled they moved us to a new gate and everyone that was on the cancelled flight was trying to get moved onto our flight. The biggest problem was there was no plane at the airport even for our flight and it was getting foggy. I'm use to thunderstorm and lightning delays so after being at the airport for a couple of hours these were some of my choice moments.

"What do they think this is, San Francisco?"

"I don't want to get stuck in Dallas, I hate Dallas!" The nice couple that was sitting and watching me deal with my kids starting laughing. "I bet your from Dallas, sorry"

There was another nice young man probably just out of college that helped me get the number for American Airlines since they intentionally don't put any numbers to contact them on anything. He was having a nice chuckle at this one.

Jonah sat in the stroller and wanted more treats, starburst to be exact. I told him that he couldn't have anymore and pulled out the pringles which he loves and eats all the time at home. When I went to hand him some he got mad, so what did I do? "Just eat them" and I tossed about 6 of them at him. Great mommy moment.

The miracle came when we landed in Dallas at the exact time my other flight was suppose to be leaving, the attendant said over the intercome. There are 11 passangers that are trying to make Sacramento connection, your flight has been delayed. Please help these people get off the plane first so they can make their flight. The nice couple that watched me in my finer moments happened to be sitting across the isle from me during the flight. They were really great people and totally helped me get all my stuff, car seats, kids, off the plane! I made my connection.

The quote of the day goes to Jonah: "Mom vacation is hard work" Amen to that kid!

Ronald McDonald

2007-08-12T22:06:00.000-04:00

My mom once told me a story about being on a road trip when I was really young and waking up when we arrived at the McDonald's parking lot. Of course I knew exactly where I was even at that young age and exclaimed "McDonalds!". To many of my friends dismay I really enjoy taking my kids to McDonald's. It makes them smile, it makes trying to get lots of errands done in one day easier and right now "hamburger" is not only one of Samuel's favorite words it's one of the only things he will eat right now.

Because of this favorite spot of theirs, Jonah in particular, is very aware of who Ronald McDonald is. When you enter the McDonald's in Leesburg, VA (not our local spot) there are pictures of Ronald with the co-workers from that store. Every time we go there Jonah thinks they are new pictures and gets really excited that he, Ronald, has been there to visit.

Today, Ronald visited our local McDonald's. My plan had a little hitch in its giddy-up when Sam decided he was not feeling well and I had to take him home from church early. However, Chris was able to get home really quickly and I was able to get Jonah out the door only knowing that I had a surprise for him. I didn't tell him where he was going but when we pulled in the parking lot the big Ronald McDonald truck was hard to be missed. Jonah and many other cute little kids enjoyed a magic show that Ronald put on. It was pretty well done and you could tell this guy was really able to connect with the kids. Jonah's favorite part was the bending flower bit....Flower wilts Ronald doesn't see it but all the kids do and when Ronald looks at the flower it looks just fine.

I of course being a childhood fan of Ronald's had to have my picture taken too!

Jonah was just thrilled with this little outing and thought it was so cool and I was cool too! Go mommy! You made up for your bad mommy day!

Bad Mommy!

2007-08-10T23:59:00.000-04:00

For many various reasons I have been extremely busy. So busy that I didn't even blog about them although I intend to because I was up to many good and fun things. So please don't think that this next story is at all a normal day in my life.

Last night after another fun summer day at the pool I picked up my Harry Potter book which I was very much enjoying. I finally had to retire knowing that my boys would be up early expecting another day of adventure...but on this day all the adventure was mine.

After getting the boys breakfast and Chris out the door to work I decided to pick up Harry Potter and sneak a bit of reading in. Samuel and Jonah were enjoying their cartoons and I thought maybe I didn't have to run out the door so fast, or at all for that matter! By noon everyone was still in their P.J's and I was in bed reading. Sam had joined me to watch a DVD from the library on my T.V. and Jonah keep asking for more and more snacks. I couldn't believe I was doing this. After attending to the minimal needs for my children I would get back in bed half chuckling while I continued reading.

I fed everyone lunch and hopped back in bed. I put Sam down for his nap and continued to read. After Sam's nap I came down stairs made chocolate chip cookies with Jonah played Legos and decided I better take a bath (and read some more Harry Potter)since I was going to dinner with some girlfriends.

At 5:15, Jonah came running up stairs. Mom, you have to come unlock the door, dad's home. I'd been caught. I ran down the stairs wrapped in a towel and let him in. When he asked what I was doing I told him I was in the bath, then he asked why the boys were still in their pajamas and I just laughed, I told him I had been reading Harry Potter. Jonah piped in, I've been watching T.V. and mom has been reading all day.

I was razzed for the next few hours about my unaccomplishments for the day. I told him I'm sure I'm not the only mom that has taken occasion to read a good book all day.

Oh well! One bad mommy move can not undo all the good, can it?

I'm off to finish Harry Potter tonight so I can take the kids to the pool tomorrow and be the doting attentive mother they know and love.

Midsummer Review

2007-07-27T15:25:00.000-04:00

I've tried to go to bed tonight with total anxiety that I have not finished this blog. I have spent the last couple of days uploading movies and pictures but have not published anything. This week has totally spiraled out of control and will have so much more to blog about that I decided to come downstairs and write.

I can hardly believe that tomorrow is August 1st. I had so many things that I wanted to do. I've done a lot of them but the one thing I totally failed was trying to prepare Jonah for kindergarten. I think I've done pretty good about getting him ready for recess but that is about it. He went to bed tonight concerned about what would happen if he got a B or even a C. I think he's been watching to much Arthur and hearing about the dreeded summer school. So as I set another goal to prepare Jonah for school and try to fit many fun things into our summer here is a recap.

June ended with a day trip to the beach. After going to Bethany Beach in DE for Memorial Weekend I just had to go back. We had lots of fun. The 3+ hour drive each way was not at all as bad as some would think. And best of all we all had fun. Sam of course still naps so about 2pm it was time to hit the road home.

Our yard is family friendly, but because we wanted to have nice landscape and a patio to entertain and grill on we sacrificed any sort of fun yard gizmos. Thus thanks to Target we have an indoor trampoline. My boys love this thing and it big enough for both of them to jump on but small enough to take it up and down stairs and hide in the storage room.

I totally let my boys get away with things that Chris would never allow. For example, while trying to mow the lawn I gave Sam a blue ring pop. When Chris came home he asked why I gave it to him....it makes him happy and I can get things done....enough said.

We have spent a lot of time at the pool this year. Jonah has swim lessons twice a week and we probably make it to our community pool 3-4 times a week. Jonah will make friends with anyone there who is willing to listen to him, even the moms. The minute we got to the pool on the 4th of July Jonah wanted his picture with a new pool friend, Lewe. You have to love making new friends, he is just like his mom in that way.

These last pictures need a bit of explaining. Jonah has a great imagination and is creative in his own way. The first picture is a creative little sandwich he came up with while I was making Chris lunch one morning. I has grapes, PB&J, and apples, it had to be frozen until it was rock solid. It took a bit of convincing that I was not going to eat it and that I was throwing it away....4 days later. The next picture is a collection of various leaves and flowers from our yard and lot and lots of tape. It almost looks like a corsage. This hung on the door to my laundry room. Ahh, what decor.

These are a few highlights from a quickly moving summer. Now, I've attached some movies for you to watch. After I posted the last movie of Jonah he decided that it was way cool and wanted more taken of him. I leave this for your viewing pleasure.

Hope you all enjoy the rest of your summer!

Youth Conference

2007-07-18T18:13:00.000-04:00

Last Thursday and Friday night I had the opportunity to participate in our Stake Youth Conference. Right after I returned home from girls camp I received a call asking if I would come teach some Hebrew dances after the Passover Dinner they were having.

Now I have to preface this by saying that our stake does amazing youth conferences. Chris was able to go to Kirtland, Ohio last year and I was really jealous. The fact that youth conference is so close to girls camp made it almost impossible for me to really go as a chaperone. Chris told me that there was no way I could go, and honestly I didn't know who would watch my kids. So when the opportunity came up to be able to go teach I was excited. There were also many conversations about how much money was being spent, things being built, scripts being written, I really wanted to see how it all turned out.

The excitement quickly wore off. This years youth conference was focusing on the Old & New Testament. Everyone had to be in costume and there were many youth who were not so thrilled about this. I knew that trying to teach 200 kids a few dances was not going to be easy either. Most of them would not be able to see me and I figured the guys especially would not be into this. I learned 3 dances from a DVD that I was given and went with a good attitude.

To my amazement all but about 10 of the kids totally participated. I tried to make it simple, fun, and really I shouldn't have doubted myself since this is what I majored in during college. (Dance Education) I think all of the adults were as surprised as I that the kids were so into it. I'm glad that they had so much fun. I taught a basic Hora which is what you usually see on T.V. or in movies and I taught 2 line dances. The Pata Pata and the Ramaya. I nicknamed the Pata Pata the Hebrew Electric Slide because that was what it totally reminded me of.

Friday night Chris was going up as part of the Bishopric and I was able to join him. The Bishopric and their wives were serving dinner during the Jewish wedding feast. It was so amazing. We washed their hands as they came to our tables, and we brought all the really great food to them. They reenacted a Jewish wedding and talked about all the symbolism that went along with it. The wedding party came in with a drummer in lead. Each table had a garland to put on someone in the wedding party. We all feasted. The wedding took place. They also reenacted the story of the 10 virgins by having the 5 wise virgins talk about how they had prepared and then the 5 unprepared virgins came running down the hill trying to enter and were not allowed in. It was very moving and extremely well done. There was a great group of theatre and non theatre people who participated. At the end of the feast there was cheering and dancing around the tables. It felt like you were really there.

This youth conference had a reputation for being over the top, over planned, over dramatized and over budget. However, I think that many of the youth learned great things.

Following are some pictures I took of things that they had at this youth conference. They tried very hard to be completely authentic.

They had live goats and sheep on the property.

Chris with the donkey.

To scale replica of the Tabernacle.

Chris & Kevin Schindler inside the Tabernacle.

A couple of shops in the village.

When small things ruin your day.

2007-07-17T16:01:00.000-04:00

I really try not to let little things bother me. I really try to just deal and move on. For example I've moved past the woman that yelled at Jonah while at the pool on Saturday and the fact that part of my molar broke off the day after my last dentist apt. and will now probably cost a small fortune to fix.

This small thing however ruined a good two days for me. Sunday morning when I came down to eat breakfast something ran across my floor. Yes, the chipmunk (fondly named peanut by Jonah) returned. If I would have known that chipmunks were so territorial we would have released him far away, not out front of our house only to watch him run into a neighbors yard several doors down. "Peanut" found a nice home with A/C and lots of space to roam free and he wanted to stay.

I totally started stressing, trying to find where he had ran too, deciding if I should pay to have an exterminator come, and wondering if I really could relax enough to get my family ready and out the door for church.

When we got to church I informed Chris that our little friend was back. And all our friends had their opinions on how we should trap him. After church someone who had offered a trap called to say they must have given it away because they couldn't find it.

I made Chris go to HomeDepot to get a trap and that evening we set the Haveaheart. We knew that it had been upstairs because when I left for church I closed all the doors in the house to try to figure out where it could be. "Peanut" who was found in our master bath toilet last week must have really liked that room because he dug/chewed his was under our door, not another room but our room where he had met his doom before.

Monday I woke to find an empty trap, but after my early morning ride he greeted me when I came in the door. This set up my most stressful day for such a "small" reason. We left the house several times to try to entice him to come out and take the bait. Every time we came home he was running under the big leather chair or the couch, and once was found in the windowsill.

It took seeing all the food missing out of the trap to realize that first it wasn't set right, then the tention was not right...."peanut" had free reign of the house and was being well fed.

The last time I came in and saw him run under the chair I had had it. This little friend had taken over my house and I could only think about the nastyness of what he could be leaving around my usually really clean house. I chased him and he managed to get under the stove. I knew he would stay there until we left. I actually made dinner for the boys before our next trip out. I was not happy and I had had enough with trying to be humane. I reset the trap after some more adjustments, loaded it up with cereal covered with peanut butter and set the trap in front of the stove. We left the house once more, this time back to Home Depot to get rat traps.

Lucky for "peanut" he took the bait and the trap worked. He was completely freaking because the boys could get so close, but I was freaking myself because I worried that he would figure out how to escape the locked trap. You have to remember he had been in my house for two days now and was evading us. I took the trap outside, and got a tote to place the trap in and we headed for a park far, far, away. Jonah was worried that I would put him in the creek, "mom I don't think he knows how to swim." He also thought he would be happy to be with his family again, and wondered if he would find his way back to our house because he really would have liked him as a pet.

I returned home obsessed to clean every room of the house and didn't care that I had not made dinner Chris. I continued to clean until late into the night. I found many little peanuts and cereal that I'm sure the "peanut" was trying to hide for his future meals in his nice new house. I'm not sorry to let this guest go and was thankful to leave my house this morning knowing that I would not be greeted by "peanut" again or stress about where he was hiding and what he was doing.

Bringing the Outside In

2007-07-07T18:27:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe that it has been a couple of weeks since I blogged. I was doing so well, but my busy life took over.

I just spent a week as a level leader at girls camp. I love to camp and I love working with the young women at church. Most women don't like to camp but I can't get enough, however, the heat and humidity during this week was out of control. I went camping several times when I loved in New York, so it's not like I've never been camping on the East Coast. The day of our hike was the hottest day of the year thus far with a heat index of over 100*. Unlike the great state of CA it really does not cool off at night so I can honestly say that I don't think there was a minute during the 5 days that I was not wet or sticky. There was almost no point in drying off because you couldn't. Putting on any piece of clothing was like putting on a wet bathing suit. I really didn't complain because there was absolutely nothing you could do. Many of us tried lots of baby powder but it only helped for so long.

This is me after a nice shower. Do I look refreshed? Not really. It's hard to feel beautiful when you are sharing a total of 4 shower stalls with 143 girls and who knows how many leaders.

Usually when it's really hot and humid like this you will get thunderstorms. We were lucky enough to hold off the rain until the last night. The only draw back to this was one of our girls tents flooded and we all had to take home wet tents to dry out.

I love camp, and can't wait to go next year.

For those of you that have kept reading here is the treat! After a week outside, the outside decided to come in.

The other day after a morning working in the yard and an afternoon at the pool I discovered a chipmunk had managed to get inside our house. I opened that back door, chased him from under the couch and out of the laundry room. I thought he may have scooted under the stove but after taking out the drawer he was nowhere to be found. I spent the next hour looking around the house, over, under, upstairs, down stairs....I couldn't find him.

When Chris came home I told him the story and assured him that the little critter must have gone out the back door I had open.

The next day was Saturday. I took the boys to the pool and Chris met us there about an hour later. When we got home I went into my master bath to change only to discover the chipmunk in our toilet unable to get out. I surprised myself by been totally freaked out and asking Chris "what are we going to do now?" He came to the rescue, fished the critter out of the toilet and released him outside.

I like being out in nature and wouldn't have minded our little family friend in my tent, but in my house is an entirely different story.

Happy Father's Day!

2007-06-18T22:38:00.001-04:00

What a wonderful day this has been! For the first time in many moons Samuel slept till 8AM, and Jonah who still woke up at 6AM was content to watch TV down in the basement so I could keep sleeping too. It was nice that Chris didn't have to be at the church by 7:30 for meetings so I treated him to some yummy grilled sticky buns. They are a great find from College Town, PA.

After church I grilled up from filet mignon with lobster tails. I think this has now become our Father's Day tradition since this is the 2nd year that I've done it. After dinner Chris and Jonah were able to take a nice little nap. Of course, Samuel woke up as soon as they went to snooze, so I stayed up too. It all worked out since I wanted to watch from U.S. Open golf and probably would have fallen asleep on the couch.

Instead of buying a card I made a card and inserted Chris' Fathers Day gifts into the text like a candy-gram. It turned out pretty cute.

Tonight I was able to call my Dad in California to wish him a Happy Father's Day. He is such a great guy and has such a great spirit and an amazing heart. He works so hard and doesn't take much time for himself. I'm glad after all these years he is actually taking advantage of living across from the Country Club and golfing several times a week. He really deserves it.

I learned many things from my father. Patience, humility, to give service and be willing to receive service, love of the outdoors, sports, how to work hard, and a "go get'em" attitude. My dad would always make things happen if it was something that I really wanted that was going to improve my life somehow. I learned how to be completely spontaneous but also really think out important decisions. He is a great example of living the gospel and in all things told me to always pay my tithing to the Lord first. Thanks Dad, I love you.

"She took my eyebrow"

2007-06-15T11:20:00.000-04:00

This past week I was in desperate need of an eyebrow waxing. I went to my normal place that has been doing a great job keeping things in check. This time was a little different than normal and so were the results.

There is an obvious line where the regular brow hair end and all the hairy creatures I like to refer to as "grow ins" take over. Wax, Rip, Ouch, done....during the final touch up the girl asked me if I plucked. I said "yes, as I get grow ins, so I don't have to come so often" "Oh, you should stop, it's getting too thin" I should have freaked right then but I was just confused. The girls before had been verbal about not getting the brow line to thin, and I was glad they there were not. Thin is not in, it's out. Full is cool. She continued her work and we left the room.

Hmmmm, she didn't hand me a mirror like they usually do. Well that's ok. Until I got to my car and took a look in the mirror. WHAT???? ok, eyebrows very thin, and part of one is missing. I'm not blonde, it's not just really light, it's not there. My bangs are long enough now that it hides that eyebrow alot but I feel like I just stepped out of the finale for "Grey's Anatomy."

Lets Do Lunch!

2007-06-13T13:19:00.000-04:00

It takes every bit of my self control to not go out to eat everyday for lunch. I have found a couple of my favorites easy to take my kids to, and that just makes it even harder. Now I love a great meal at a fine dining establishment and if I was going to dinner, especially with my husband, that is what I would do. But, I'm talking lunch, that meal in the middle of the day that sets you in a tail spin eating all the yummy things you have stashed in your house.

My favorite establishments are as follows:
Potbelly Sandwich Works
Chipotle
Chik-fil-A

As you can see going to lunch can take me to my happy place. My kids are happy, my belly is happy. Life can be good, especailly with a little sunshine.

The reason that this has been a harder habit to control as of late is that they've started building these establishments closer to where I live. But don't worry, if they are not in the area, I can find a reason to run an errand in their direction. OR, with the summer finally heating up the playground at Chick-fil-A can be a nice place for your kids to hang in the A/C.

If you find yourself at one of these establishments think of me...and don't forget the shake.

Car Detailed $100.. Clean Ride Home....Priceless

2007-06-07T15:30:00.000-04:00

Today Jonah was invited to join a Ladybug Preschool end of year party being hosted by Samuel's "Mother's Morning Out" teacher. Most are girls that he goes to church with and another friend of mine was going to be helping out also. I didn't plan on staying because I needed to return something but when I got there, there was no turning back. Jonah jumped out of the car and started running. Mrs. Karlene had one of those huge water slides that you may have seen at Costco. As I went into the back yard all the girls were having a great time and Jonah had already joined them....However, Samuel, who was not dressed to play in the water, could not be deterred. First he got in with his sandals. Finally sandals off, shirt off, in the water. Now for those of you that have kids, you know what happens to regular diapers (not swim diapers) when they get soaked. A really full regular diaper at some point gets to full and if you've ever seen the gel, nasty mess that comes out, gross!!!!

Finally it was time to go and I thought I'd just change his diaper and go on with the day. Of course, no extra diaper, and no way I was putting the exploding thing back on him. I had just spend $100 having my car detailed and carpets cleaned. (spilled milkshake gone bad) I drove home with him in his true birthday suit just hoping that he didn't pee all over everything.

What's going on behind you?

2007-06-05T22:10:00.000-04:00

I had the rare opportunity of seeing what Jonah is doing in the seat while I'm driving. You can't hear it very well but he's groovin' to some L.L. Cool J. If you listen carefully you'll hear him tell me to put my seat belt on at the end. This kid makes me laugh all the time.

The Beach & Another Birthday

2007-06-04T10:49:00.000-04:00

I tried to find some great poem about the beach but nothing captures how much I love going to the beach. I even tried writing something myself but it was all to corny. The one thing I always fall back on is a great song from Toad the Wet Sprocket. (Fear: Walk on the Ocean)

We spotted the ocean at the head of the trail
Where are we going, so far away
And somebody told me that this is the place
Where everything's better, everything's safe

Walk on the ocean
Step on the stones
Flesh becomes water
Wood becomes bone

Ok, Cheesy I know, but I still love it. I listen to this album every summer.

My family went to Bethany Beach in DE with Chris' parents, and his sisters family. We stayed in a nice little Condo big enough for all of us and had a great weekend. We went to the beach 4 days in a row! I was in heaven. It was great to either sit there or play in the water and not think about all the other things that really needed to be getting done at home.

Saturday during our trip was my birthday. It was a strange birthday not going out on a date, dinner, etc. but my family did a good job making it a great day. We had strawberry Belgium Waffles, my favorite, for breakfast and a great stake dinner.

MY KIDS LOVE THE OCEAN! I knew that Jonah was a big fan since we had spent 10 months in San Diego with lots of time at the beach. And, when we went to Florida in March he had a great time...

I think that they would have stayed there all day if I had let them. Sam didn't take a nap and was go go go as normal. He was not afraid of the waves and thought it was lots of fun when big ones came in. The water was FREEZING but it didn't stop either of them. Jonah would just run up to them and then run away when they came in....it made me tired just watching. When they were not in the water it was all about diggin' holes, playing with trucks and eating sand in typical Carlson boy fashion.

I'm already trying to figure out when I'm going to get up before dawn, beat the traffic, and spend a day with them at the beach again. You have to love when you're kids follow in their mothers footsteps.
My mother in law, Victoria, who swears she's not a beach girl spent everyday making huge sandcastles. I think that she just couldn't stand to just sit still for that long. Her sandcastles were great and the kids loved to destroy them after she was done.

Another highlight was seeing fishermen catching sand sharks that were 2-3 feet long. It was interesting to see everyone run over to see them. It made me laugh when Christopher, my nephew, in his excitement to see the shark started yelling "Shark" as he ran over to the ever growing crowd. I'm sure on any other beach that would have mad most people freak out, I just laughed. The other amazing thing was the several schools of dolphins that swam by. One even did a classic jump out of the water like he knew that he had an audience. You just never know what you will see when you go to the beach.

As much as I pressed against doing this year after year I'm glad that Chris made me go and I would even consider it again.