Practically Perfect In Every Way

2012-02-06T22:41:00.000-08:00

I got to go hang out with a fellow crafting friend (and girlfriend from high school) tonight. We put our boys to bed and then meet at her house to play with her room full of toys. Tonight she convinced me to enter my first contest. So I made this little card for this contest.

Coen's 5th Birthday

2012-01-24T21:23:00.000-08:00

To celebrate the week and a half after Coen's Half birthday we will post pictures from his birthday this summer. We had a party here with cousins and one in Tulare. He and Lukey's birthdays are only a few day apart from one another so we had a big party for all the family in Tulare. We were down there for a week to hang out at Susie's new vacation home. In case you didn't know Susie has bought a home around the block from Becky. She is guessing that the central valley is the next up and coming vacation destination for the hip and is trying to get ahead of the market. Now it is no Nevada City (top 10 destination in the US) but there is some charm in the dairies and soy bean fields and deathly heat. It was a 107 while we were there. Let me say that again 107. And we were staying with my cheap sister who wouldn't lower the thermostat below 85- which means it was 95 in my upstairs bed room. I even offered to write her a check for the rights to control the thermostat. No go from miss cheapy-cheap. Anyways we drove towards the lemon groves for some GREAT antiquing. Great selection, great prices- I so wanted to buy buy buy but I controlled myself.

Anyways Becky has gotten a pool within walking distance- so I think Susie needs to buy a vacation home here in Nevada City with a pool. And then she will have a house in a real vacation destination.

Back to the birthday- the best part was seeing all our cousins and their kids and our aunts and uncles. As usual I love to see all the kids running around having a blast together. And now for 1054 pictures.

So a funny story about this little guy. One reason we went down to visit was to work on the boys swimming skills. Well- Beckett swam once in his new floaty and then took it off and walked into the deep end and sunk to the bottom. Thank goodness Kirtee noticed! He then did it later that day but he was so scared that time (he got much deeper) that it didn't happen again. I think I was at Becky's house putting kitchen cabinets together when this happened.

This is Susie's new house- it is charming.

Luke

Charlie

This strange guy hangs around a lot.

Birthday boy one

Birthday boy two

Glowing swords and water guns- best party favors ever.

Ice cream sunday bar

(I am not pregnant)

When we got home we had a joint party with Aunt Laura.

This was their cake. Laura picked the flavor- Coen picked the decorations.

More Catch Up From the Summer

2012-01-24T19:35:00.000-08:00

One of the highlights of the summer is Camp Lazy Dog. A week where all the grandkids get together with my dad and Holly for a week of cousin fun.

Here are some of the highlights.

The boys dug in the sand. Joseph may have spent 90% of the time buried in the sand.

There were new barn cats to cuddle.

A day was spent at the beach.

Isn't she cute?

This other girl hides from the camera.

These people hang around with us too.

This is what the teenagers do while the little ones run in the waves- they eat chips and check out guys.

Cousins

Grandpa with all the cousins

The whole gang

This guy is always ready for a party.

Coen and Beckett spent a lot of time up in the tree house.

And we had an early 90th birthday party for Grandma Conley

We practiced our lasso skills

We also spent late night playing cards, Marshall and Charlie laid in their tent reading (so did I), and I woke up periodically to refill the air mattress that had an annoying leak several times a night. Thanks to Susie and Troy for hosting our camp out at their house. I left a day early so I missed the day at the cabin in the Carmel Mountains. We also hiked at this great state park with great rock formations and caves. It was a really great week.

Landon's Wedding

2012-01-23T21:56:00.000-08:00

Accckkkk!!!!!!!! It is 2012. It can't be I am not even done blogging the pictures from summer of 2011. So my first new years resolution- finish blogging about this summer and my trip to Europe. So here goes.

This summer Alma and I drove to one of my favorite spots on the planet- the central coast and we met Becky and Nick at the beach house and even better we went to my cousin Landon't wedding. And I can't say how much I enjoyed the wedding. They are a stunningly gorgeous couple, and the setting was divine, and the flowers gorgeous. Maybe it was only because it reminded me of a relaxed version of our wedding. Prepare yourself for picture overload.

My family gathered for the ceremony.

The ceremony was so wonderful. It was personal, religious, and tender. I loved it. I think I have told a million people about it.

My cousins Leslie and Lauren (who just got into Texas A&M- whoot whoot)

Yeah we are a fun family.

My favorite little touch- my Aunt Diane wore here father's watch and my Grandma Friends hanky- so sweet.

And cotton touches!

My sisters- but Becky isn't in focus. She must not be as special as Susie and I.

All the great little touches.

2011-12-22T22:33:00.000-08:00

Go and read this.

May your heart be light.

What gift of compassion will you give to yourself, those you live with, and the world at large this year?

Think about it and leave a comment.

I am still thinking- there is so much need for more compassion, more love, more charity, an endless pit of need. But every little drop to fill it is a gift of value- if given in love and hope the effects echo for eternity.

2011-12-15T21:38:00.000-08:00

I have my usual post vacation blogging block- but must go now to keep wrapping and wrapping and wrapping. Hopefully I will get everything in the mail this weekend. I was planning on passing everything left this weekend on our trip to Aptos. Unfortunately that was canceled due to Alma's grandma's funeral. So I am trying to get last minute mailing done. I hate the post office in December.

And here are random pictures from one of our recent hikes- because Becky says that posts need pictures.

Have I mentioned that I love where I live? Heaven.

These kids aren't bad either.

We Carved Pumpkins Too!

2011-11-11T23:11:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the pic quality. My poor camera is in the repair shop. sigh. The teddy bear pumpkin was Coen's. And yes I had to edit that picture because Beckett was nude- he is going through a nude phase. sigh.

The Ant Man Costume

2011-11-11T22:44:00.000-08:00

So Coen has wanted to be Ant Man for halloween- no other costume could be discussed. If he couldn't be Ant Man he didn't want to dress up. Now for those of you who don't know Ant Man is one of the Avengers. He is such a popular Avenger he isn't even in the movie coming our next summer. But in the cartoons he is the older wiser leader Dr Pimm. Coen says he wanted to be ant man because he is a scientist and Coen wants so be a scientist. How do you argue with that reason! Now Ant Man has many powers he can be tiny and fly around on a flying ant, and he can speak to ants and they swarm at his command (to do useful things like go under doors and unlock them- but why would you need that with the Hulk who can just knock the door over). Ant Man can also become Giant Man and be super giant- I think this is really a hologram or mind power thing- Coen hasn't really explained it well and I don't care to watch the cartoon.

This is want he looks like as Ant Man:

And this is Giant Man:

Now here is the problem- you can buy any other Avenger costume. But when your kid is the only

one in America who wants to be Ant Man you can't just order a costume from Target. I love to

craft- but I don't do halloween costumes. I don't want to waste my time and creative energy o

something I am not excited to work on. But I broke my rule this year- because Coen wanted it s

desperately. I bought a Flash costume and used some duct tape to modify it. I kind of combined

Giant Man and Ant Man because Alma said I couldn't cover Coen's football helmet in silver duct

tape. He loved it. His joy made it all worth while for me. Here is the end product:

My favorite part was the underwear on top!

More of Fall Festivities

2011-11-11T22:33:00.002-08:00

We made cousin packages and gifts for friends here in town. These were included with thousands of spiders and skeletons from the dollar store. Because kids love candy and plastic seasonal crap in an envelope with their name on it.

2011-11-11T22:33:00.001-08:00

More Fall Festivities

2011-11-11T21:53:00.001-08:00

This year Halloween weekend was a little crazy. Friday night we had a Fall Family Fun Night. This was just perfect for me. Lots of silly little games. You know- fishing for a prize, making a pumpkin face, bean bag tosses. This was my view the whole night:

I ran the lollipop game. You picked a lollipop and if you get one with a dot you get a prize and if you don't you get the lollipop. The little gamblers loved this game. It was great to visit with the other moms and enjoy the laid back atmosphere. I know that there was a lot of work put into it- but it was so simple and lovely. I grew up in a rural area so we didn't really trick or treat- we went to the school carnival. And this kind of reminded me of those childhood memories. A few side notes- Alma refused to go so I took my niece Jessica so she could take the boys to the booths while I manned my booth. Also there was a narrow window between getting home from work and having to get to the carnival- so I wouldn't let the boys dress up. But they wouldn't settle for that so Coen put on his supper C cape and Beckett wore his superman pajamas.

That Sat was the church party- also nice. Sunday We celebrated Alma's , Joseph and Grandma Conley's birthdays. It was grandma's 90th! And she gave me my favorite moment of the weekend. She was talking to my in-laws about getting older and as she was walking away she turned around and said "But I can still dance!" And then she shook her booty and did a hysterical little turn and kick. Best Moment Ever. Between Alma's and my family our house was very full. I let Alma pick the menu and he always picks on ease, or at least what he thinks is easy. Sometimes it would just be easier to let me make something on my own with out his help- because I have a handful of big crowd menus. But shh don't tell Alma he thinks he is making it easier for me. Then on Monday I got the boys dressed in their costumes and off to school- but more of that later because I think I even have some pictures.

Our Day at Bishop's Pumpkin Patch

2011-11-11T20:37:00.000-08:00

The first of our fall festivities was a trip to the pumpkin patch. I think Bishops is one of the best. And we learned this year if you go the first weekend it is open there isn't the crippling crowds, the parking is free- but it is a little too hot. But that is a small price to pay for this mother who hates crowded places.

We started with the barn maze that ends in the slide. The boys were happy to do this over and over for 45 min. There was a shady tree near by so we were happy to let them. There was also a room full of corn in the maze.

Then were escorted onto the train by one of the pumpkin princesses. There were really teenage girls in orange satin dresses and tiaras helping to control the non crowds.

The typically awful only picture of the whole family.

Then we headed to the Mining mountain. On one side is a water fall with a pond where you get to pan for marbles- only 10 per kid and then you get to climb the other side and do these. The boys would have done this for 45 min too but there was no shady tree and I was getting sunburnt so mom called and end to it.

I tried to get a picture of the boys before the sunflowers. Also typically successful. We skipped the corn maze because it was flooded.

Then we found some shade and some tri tip sandwiches.

Tractor seat chairs!

Can you resist one of these? We can't.

Then we fed some goats. And Alma took pictures of my boobs- I will not share those.

This was a giant jumping thing- it was mattresses covered in hay. Strange but fun.

Strangest parade ever- it had the local jr high drum section, this lady and all the free pumpkin princesses. Very strange.

We had ice cream- I love ice cream faces.

What I like best about bishops is all the simple little things for the kids. There are tree houses, wood trains, these little rocking horses, and tire mazes. Just fun little things all over.

And of course there are thousands and thousands of pumpkins.

A word to the wise- if you want cute pictures of you kids don't wait until the end of day when every one wants to go home including your husband who refuses to help you coral the kids. Even if you want to wait until the light is good to take your pictures. Cranky tired family does not good pictures make.

And then I made the fatal flaw of trying to order some pies to take to Dads. The friendly but not very bright teen age girls working the pie stand made me want to bang my head against the wall. And someone told me the rest of the weekends the wait to buy your pies can take hours- but I didn't even wait in line and it took me way too long. And then we got to the car and realized I didn't have my camera. Thank goodness when I ran back to the park there was a nice family sitting with it waiting for its owner to come and claim it. Thank you strange family. And the pumpkin walnut pie and the apple carmel pie were well worth the frustration of trying to order from the dim cheerleaders.

Making Pumpkin Donuts!

2011-10-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

Fall Festivities have started in the Clove household.

We made pumpkin donuts a couple of weeks ago- lots of fun. The boys were good at mixing the dough, and cutting and tossing in cinnamon sugar. But as much as they wanted to we had to make the hot oil an adult only activity.

The recipe made a ton of donuts and so we got to bag up the left overs and brought them to friends and family. They were wonderful.

Car Show

2011-10-18T23:12:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for a ton of pictures? We headed down to Aptos earlier this fall- to meet cousins and go to a car show. I had a great time at the car show with my camera. I could take pictures of cars all day long- if only my kids would leave me alone with my camera. But they want to eat and jump in the jump house and go look at the planes. Sadly the air show was less stellar. There was a ton of fog off and on so that was a little disappointing. So settle in for the long long show. I hope you enjoy them.

I really wanted to drive the Thunderbird- but apparently car seats wouldn't fit in it.

This is the little lady I did get to spend the day with. And I fell in love with here. She is a 1960 Buick Le Sabre. I just loved cruising around in her- it was like being on a cloud. So fun! I can't wait to take her out to a drive in. Can't you see me running to the grocery store in her? Do you think Ray would notice if she went missing next time we go for a visit? What is one car if you have more than 50?

This is Ray's baby- down to his plate DFRL- I would tell you what it means, but this is a family blog.

The kids sat forever in this plane- they wanted to buckle up and then they just stayed there in the jump seats- forever.

I think she told me that it isn't too long and this young lady will be old enough to drive!

Can you see my reflection in the mirror- I thought that was pretty cool.

Alma said this was the most valuable of the cars- I guess it is pretty rare- but it didn't do too much for me.

The Insanity That Surrounds Me

2011-10-16T22:55:00.000-07:00

We have been having some sleep issues in this house. For MONTHS. This weekend I think we have hit an all time low. Last night after 1 a.m. Beckett was standing naked in the middle of the family room, eating out of a bag of bar-b-que chips- wide awake until 1:20 a.m. when he flat out fell to the ground sound asleep. This was the end of our 6 hour bed time ordeal. I just gave up around midnight and hoped he would go outside and find a opossum family to hang with. They at least like to be up this late. So no nap today- I was a mean mom and I was sure he would be down by 7:30. Well a few minutes ago he was still making a lot of noise- so I went to go check on him and found this:

Beckett what are you doing?

Making music.

So True

2011-10-15T21:11:00.000-07:00

Thanks to My Fascinating Life for this sadly too true graphic.

Beckett- Ad Man

2011-10-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

Beckett is our observant kid. He always surprises me with his little observations. But last night both Alma and I were shocked by his knowledge of commercials. This was especially shocking since we are a DVR family and rarely watch anything live with commercials- like maybe 10% of the time and I don't allow the boys to watch TV with commercials. The exception to this is when we watch the news while I get dinner on the table. And maybe that was enough for Beckett.

Last night when he was watching the news with Alma he sang a jingle to the Nationwide Insurance commercial. A few hours later I was taking out the garbage and said "Oh shut when I noticed the bag had leaked and Beckett said "Mom you need Force Flex." It took me a little while to figure out what he was saying- how sad is that. My little TV junkie. Alma said he watched Beckett all night last night after his little song and he only watched the TV during the commercial breaks- and then would go back to his playing when the news came back on. Maybe a future ad executive? Hmmmmm.

Football Season is Back

2011-10-10T21:57:00.000-07:00

Football season is here again. This means Friday nights at the NU game. Where we eat a cowboy burger and I give Alma the stink eye for filling the boys up on soda and candy. Grandpa shows up and gives the boys more candy. The boys make friends with the unfriendly visitors crowds (yes we always sit on the visitors side). Uncle Wendell and his kids show up- more fun. We wave at friends who also like the visitors side. Alma's cousin and his wife show up- yeah some one for me to chat with! Saturday the TV is playing football all day- because every college game somehow affects BYU. We have an agreement that I can plan activities for the family so Alma spends time with the family- but if we are just puttering around the house he can have a game on. Which works out pretty good for us. And then on Sunday we discuss the BYU game in detail with nephews and brother-in-laws. Alma will moan and groan about the BYU team and see a dismal end to the season- and the others will try to show him how wrong he is. Yeah football. It has been fun seeing pictures of TJ at the games we watch on TV. Last week she had front row seats!

An Ideal Weekend

2011-10-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

We had one of those wonderful weekends not too long ago. It started with dinner at Big A's- my favorite. It was pretty cute because when we were done one of Coen's new friends from school showed up and he about died of joy.

Then our neighbors were having their giant annual yard sale- and I tried to get Becky to buy this bed (no go) and there were a couple of old globes I should have bought but waited until after our walk and they were gone. Drat.

And then we walked to South Pine Cafe (my other favorite) and I had olllaberrie french toast- and it was amazing.

This hobbit went on the walk to down town with us.

On the way home we walked to the park and played there for a while. What more could you want on a sunny weekend day?

Nevada County Fair

2011-10-10T21:30:00.000-07:00

We did the required end of summer trip to the Nevada County Fair. I had a great time with the boys- Job's Daughter's corn dogs- rides- animals- crafts- it was everything you could want. And here are some cute pictures from our day.

The pony ride was a highlight- not that you can tell from the pictures. Their friend Jordan was there at the same time and he and Coen spent the entire ride waving at each other and yelling "Hi Coen" "Hi Jordan".

This was Beckett's favorite thing- the MOO MOOS!

That boy loves his moo moos.

Coen was a little sad that he couldn't ride on all the rides. He didn't understand why not since he went on bigger rides last year in France- so that took a little explaining.

Coen chatted this poor kids ear off the whole ride- he is his mother's child.

2011-10-10T21:16:00.000-07:00

Becky gave me a hard time about not posting on the blog- and she has a point the last several months have been a little slow. We have been super busy and lots of fun stuff to share- but I just haven't gotten around to it. I don't have a great excuse just lazy. The last couple of weeks have been especially difficult with my back. So any down time is spent in bed filled with drugs. but tonight I am filling a little more motivation. See my sad kitchen cupboard- these are the daily drugs.

And some more random pictures-

Coen loves to craft.

Beckett loves to pile things.

Beckett also loves to dress up. And he takes Yoda every where he goes. Yoda is actually a backpack from Aunt Laura- and he is almost as big as Beckett.

Love light sabers much?

Cooking Day

2011-09-14T23:28:00.000-07:00

I had another cooking week.

Yesterday I canned 10 quarts of pears and made some fig-lemon compote. I also tried to make tortillas but wasn't thrilled with the results- so I will be trying a different recipe.

I also read this great idea about using crock pot bags to freeze your meals and then just putting them in the bag in the crock pot- and then you throw the bag away! No cleaning of the crock pot! Freezer meals! I was sold.

I found the bags to not be quiet strong enough to freeze- so I put them in a gladlock container too.

Here are the recipes I used:

First I did two cranberry pork roasts I love- I got the recipe from my Cooking Light Slow Cooker book- so I don't have a picture. But it is pork loin with a can of cranberry sauce a littel brown sugar and some ground mustard. It is one of my favorite meals.

I also did this Brown Sugar Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin I found on Pinterest.

I also made this Roman Style Chicken from Hello Chicago. (also on Pinterist- and I think originally from Food Network in a non Crock Pot form.)

And from the same blog Moroccan Chicken.

And also from her- Bar-B-Que Pork Sandwiches.

This rib dish.

And this dish from 365crockpot- which I hope is good but not to sure. This is a trip-tip recipe with sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese. I used some sirloin steaks that were cheap this morning at the grocery store- and I used sun-dried tomato pesto because it was on sale and half the price of sun-dried tomatoes. No pictures- because I always find the pictures on her blog off putting.

And from the same cooking light book I made a stuffed flank steak- again no picture.

All told I made 13 meals today. I made multiples of most of the above. I spent probably 3 or 4 hours total.

2011-09-14T23:15:00.000-07:00

We have had a week-

Me to Beckett: Honey come here.

Beckett: You no call me that. I big boy.

Me: Call you what? Honey?

Beckett: I no Honey.

Me: I call Daddy Honey.

Beckett" Me no your husband. Me your big boy.

Coen: Jackson has never been kissed.

Me: You have?

Coen: Yes five times. By Alec's girlfriend.

Me: What is her name?

Coen: I don't know. She kissed me on the lips and the cheek.

Me: I think I will have to talk to your teacher.

Coen: Please don't Mom. I liked it and I don't want it to stop.

Beckett continues in his Star Wars obsession. Yesterday he sat on Alma's lap for an hour looking at Star Wars stuff on Ebay - and asked me to help him look again today (I didn't). And this morning he told me "Someday I will have all the ships!!!!!!!!!!" I put that many exclamation points because that is how happy this idea made him. His entire body was glowing.

Coen is loving Kindergarten and I am loving the time with Beckett. He is the easiest kid when he is alone. Happy to play all day by himself- and he finds me several times a morning just to give me a hug and tell me he loves me. He did say this morning - I tired of alone with me.

Beckett goes to Pre school two mornings a week so that he can play and I can help in Coen's class. I love being in his class. The first day he just kept coming up and hugging me super tight (actually he does this all the time) and I asked him after school what was wrong. His reply: I just miss my home and Mom so much when I am at school.

I know I am missing some cute things- They have been on a roll lately- but that is all I can think of this evening.

2011-08-30T11:56:00.001-07:00

We are home alone again today. I was a little worried about poor Beckett and how he would fare with Coen being gone all morning. I forgot he is my kid who loves to play alone. He has been in heaven all day. He got to watch Star Wars without a fight. He has been holed up in his room moving furniture and building nests and screaming for mom to go away any time I stick my head in the room. Periodically he runs out, tells me his is playing hide and seek with kiki (his blankie) and Yoda. He then counts, races back to his room yelling I am coming, and then shrieks with laughter when he "finds" his friends. He also has come out to inform me that Yoda is afraid of mouses. I replied "He is afraid of mice?" "NO mommy MOUSES!!!!!". Beckett is a little intense for those of you who don't see him often.

I love this little guy.

2011-08-28T22:56:00.000-07:00

While I was making dinner tonight Coen came in the kitchen and asked what the meat was from. I was a little nervous to answer this question. I was making a pomegranate glazed leg of lamb. And though up until now he has been fine with eating chickens and cows I wasn't quite sure how he would take to a cuddly little lamb. But lamb is an important part of my family culinary DNA. I really wanted him to like it. So with a little trepidation I said lamb- leg of lamb. Coen responds "What is lamb- like a baby sheep?". I replied in the affirmative. And then he danced around and around the kitchen for the next half hour begging for sheep leg- when is my sheep leg done? Can I eat sheep leg yet?

And when the meal was carved with his favorite baby rice (couscous) on the side he loved it. He had three servings. So there is another generation of lamb lovers. My Grandpa would be proud.

Alma on the other hand didn't not like it so much. I think it is something you have to eat as a little kid to like. But maybe I will try some braised lamb shank and see if he likes that a little better.

Is it weird I am going to put leftover lamb in Coen's lunch for tomorrow?

TJ is at BYU!!!!

2011-08-26T19:15:00.000-07:00

We had a great time taking TJ out to BYU.

There were some highs:

Seeing Nate and Audra.

Walking TJ around campus.

Just hanging out with TJ and Becky.

Meeting JJ's new baby and her extended family.

Sundance- and more Sundance.

Shopping with sisters.

Setting up Tj's dorm.

Silver Lake with Kendra (Tj's very good friend who will be at UofU).

Finding the best green wool military coat for TJ.

Buying way too many books.

And the lows:

A speeding ticket (shhh I haven't told Alma yet) Actually my last speeding ticket was 10 yrs ago on the same part of I-80 with TJ- how weird is that!

Dropping my iphone in the toilet.

Becky forgetting her levoxyl.

Not getting to see Megan or Andrea.

TJ losing her wallet (found quickly).

And I didn't take any pictures because my camera stayed in the trunk until the last day- but I got some great shots the last afternoon. For the other days- you will have to go look at Becky's blog. And here they are:

Ahhhh, memories of Heritage Halls.

We may have been a little excited to be back in the old dorms unpacking TJ's kitchen.

TJ- I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of this young woman. She is intelligent, fun to be with, and a hard worker. I am so excited for all the new and exciting times ahead of her the next several years. I hope she has as many great memories from this time in her life as I do.

After unpacking we took TJ and her roomie (Emily) up to Sundance for one last meal.

Have I ever told you how much I love Sundance? It is a little piece of heaven on Earth.

And then we decided to make Becky deal with the heights and rode the chair lift- but sadly we didn't have time to ride mountain bikes back down. I have always wanted to do that.

Worth every penny. Breath taking isn't it?

And then we stuffed our faces (we may have eaten at this exact table the day before). As usual it was great- but I was a little sad we didn't get to eat at the Tree Room- since we were a little sweaty and too casual. The Grill was good though.

And stuffed our faces some more- peach cobbler- mmmmm.

It is That Time of Year

2011-08-17T22:27:00.000-07:00

Today was Coen's first day of school. He was very "anxious and excited" about this new adventure. His teacher is one of Joseph's kindergarten teachers- Ms Mahaffey or- Ms Susan as Coen prefers to call her. We don't really know anyone in his class- so I was a little nervous too.

This was Coen- he was so excited to go to school!

Beckett didn't want him to go.

He was sad Coen was going- until it was time to pick him up- then he didn't want his Star Wars stopped. He said Coen could wait.

Coen has had a hard time with being separated from his brother this summer. When Loretta pointed out that Beckett wouldn't go to Kindergarten with him- he want to his room and cried for half and hour- so I was a little worried about how they would do. But at least today went okay.

This summer while discussing the upcoming adventure Coen asked what he needed to go to school for. I explained that it was to learn to read and write and do math and science and learn English. Coen responded "I already know English so I will study French." He also said he needed to go to school because he "didn't know everything yet."

We had a little 40 min orientation yesterday- and afterwards Coen said that "was okay- but it was too long." And today when i asked him how his day went he told me it was too tiring. And then we had the worst half hour ever- in which he yelled at me and told me I was being horrible to him and making him angry. Later when he had relaxed a little he told me that his favorite part of the day was listening to Peter and the Woof. We even watched it on youtube five more times when we got home- because he wanted Beckett to hear it. He was mad because he only had time to eat his carrot sticks at lunch and dropped his won tons and they wouldn't give him any milk. If you had called us this evening you would have heard a passionate complaint about his lunch time with many details. But when Dad came home all he had to say was that school is great and he can't wait to go back.

Coen was very serious this morning- he was so like me when I get a little OCD and anxious. It made me laugh a little when he was having his melt down over his name tag. He followed every little instruction very seriously and then looked around wondering why no one else was sitting where they were told to go.

And lunch ladies don't judge me- he asked to have the half eaten cob of corn be put in his lunch. That was his work- not mine.

Yesterday they gave us a questionnaire for the teacher to get to know our kids better. It got me thinking- or thinking some more anyways. What I really want for Coen this year is for him to develop a love for school. I want him to feel successful and smart- I want him to know he can accomplish new things with work. I am not concerned with if he is reading- or the smartest kid. Those things I don't care about- they will come with time. I want this year to build a foundation of self worth and a belief in his intellect and skills. I feel like this foundation will be what makes him successful and happy with his education in the future. I don't want him just to believe this because we praise him for any little thing. I want him to build when he feels overwhelmed but keeps working and succeeds in learning something new. I want him to be praised for his hard work and perseverance- not his intelligence or the result. Because and belief in yourself and the knowledge that you can work hard will be the best reward he could get from this first year in school. And some great time on the playground.

Hmm- I wonder if these will be future friends?

2011-08-11T23:17:00.000-07:00

Trying to decide what to print for the entry way wall. And I am feeling uninspired. So instead I chose to play around with these two photos-

Vintage Joseph

Dream Girl Charlie

(remember running like that as a kid?)

Some Random Thoughts and a Report on the Weekend Activities

2011-08-07T22:30:00.000-07:00

So I have been watching this show about Ryan and Tatum O'Neil on OWN. It is a very good show about a troubled parent child relationship- and I can't decide if it is good for me to watch or if it is not helping me at all. The father is a charismatic angry man- who can't see the affect of his temper, abuse and abandonment on his children at all. A little familiar no? And this is a show about them mending their relationship. And I am in limbo a little with my mom right now. I am at the spot I have been dreading- Chemo is over and now what? Where do we go from here. I don't think we are ready to really work on our issues that need some resolution if we are to go forward. But I don't really want to do that work with her. We are being pleasant for one another- doing our fake friendly thing. But this hasn't been a great place for me in the past. So I am at a cross roads and while I watch this show- I just keep thinking do these people really ever change? And how much do I have her stay in my life?

And on another note-(no pictures because I was camera cursed this day).

Alma wanted to go to San Francisco this weekend- but it was just too much for me. I was just too overwhelmed with everything I am trying to juggle right now- kids- work- trying to get the contractor to finish the remodel- the house- and getting away for the weekend just felt like more work. So at the last minute I canceled the weekend. So when we got up on Sat morning Alma informed us that we were going to have a family outing to the Railroad Museum in Old Town Sacramento. After we looked at trains, and climbed in trains, and played with trains we walked a little in old town. And by this I mean we went to the first of the thousand candy in a barrel stores and let the boys pick out stuff to their hearts content (except I put half of the stuff back after they picked it). The man at the register noticed that Beckett always picked things for him and his brother or tried to get one for the whole family. He told Beckett that he noticed how thoughtful he was and it made him happy to see such a good boy and gave him two pieces of chocolate as a reward. Wasn't that nice of him? And why are there so many candy in a barrel stores in four square blocks? Really! That is what people want?

At this point we got some water and walked to the Crocker Art Museum. There has been an Impressionist show there that I have been wanting to see and since we were so close the family indulged me. I was happy to see the special exhibit (why were they scattered hither and yon in the museum!?!) and play in the tot land with the boys while Alma tried to get a little time in the permanent collection. The Crocker Museum is having this great literature and art series with all these great educational and discussion programs that look so good- but they are all on Thursdays- the one day of the week I work all day. That was a little disappointing. But I got the book and will read it (3 chap. down) and have discussions with myself. Or Alma. But so far he thought I was saying Dr Goddard when I was talking about a famous womanizing OBGYN. So not exactly stimulating thoughts. And as usual my very favorite art- California landscapes- are always well represented at the Crocker. There was one of the visiting pieces from the Brooklyn Museum that Alma and I just loved of three women (I like to think sisters) in profile- breath

taking.

On the Heights by Charles Curran

And while the boys played in the tot room we discussed where to go for now for our private art collection. Alma and I both love art but our tastes are different- I like landscapes and some modern art- Alma likes portraits and very classical pieces. Museums are easy for us we wander and comment and disagree on aspects. We normally walk around separately and then meet to point out the pieces that moved us or made us think. It is interesting how often we both have something to say about the same pieces- or having my attention drawn to something I passed over. Any ways- it was a great day and we of course enjoyed seeing what the boys liked as well. One of the most interesting paintings was in the Impressionist American Landscapes- it was of an industrial complex by some water and rolling hills. The really interesting thing is so many of the landscapes painted during the industrial revolution ignored the changes in the landscape- they idealized the dream of the landscape that once was. Hudson River School especially typifies this. So it was interesting to see this painting.

This was one of my favorites from the show of Franz Bischoff. An Austrian born California painter. I really liked the allegorical painting titled A Spring Poem. But as usual my favorites were really his landscapes. This really typifies all the things I love about these early California landscapes- now if I only had a couple of hundred thousand dollars to buy one or two. Carmel Seascape:

A Spring Poem:

And this was Alma's favorite- End of the Working Day by Jules Brenton (french)

He actually liked this one art nouveau bronze cast that I can't find an image of. But he did come home and found

out what the last one sold for- and decided that we could have afforded it- hmm really we could afford a $10,000

statue in our house? Really?

So then we went out for dinner and drove home. Where we watched a funny movie Alma had put on netflix

because he thought I would like it and it had a bunch of actors I liked- he was right but now I can't

remember what it was called. And the best part of the day- Beckett wore big boy underwear all day and

stayed dry!!!!!!! Oh and I had a great hair day.

Highs and Lows

2011-08-04T00:27:00.000-07:00

Work- ugh. I know I am a big whiner but it is so much harder working three days a week- and it is usually because somebody is out of town and so the time at work is a little more hectic too.

Good left overs for lunch. MMM Thai peanut chicken salad. Yum. And then I took a nap on an exam table. I may have seen the first patients of the after noon with a Naugahyde impression on half of my face.

Ikea- always a little frustrating but I am hoping this is our last trip for the remodel!

Going to the 4-plex putting on the last 5 cabinet doors in record time- but also noticing NOTHING happened today with the contractor. And I have a tenant very anxious to move in! Grrr.

Came home and Alma had put together the tropical spicy honey chicken salad I had gotten ready the night before.

And the house was clean- our babysitter is a saint.

And the boys had made us vases for our anniversary- have I mentioned the saint who watches my kids?

And Alma had roses all over the kitchen.

Laundry done.

Husband kissed. (actually I was whining about how tired I was and listed off all the chores I still had to do and Alma nuzzled my neck and said something like he would help me by kissing me some more, not the help I has hinting for).

Beckett screamed "I HATE YOU MOMMY" over and over until he collapsed asleep. (I put him to bed in his room and not mine.

Beckett saying that his body doesn't tell him in time to pee pee on the toilet and then he spanked his crotch area saying "Bad Penis".

Beckett may be a little dramatic.

2 weeks until Coen starts kindergarten. I am a little sad- okay a lot sad.

Must go to bed- I think I have 15 or so physicals on the schedule tomorrow- all teenagers. Oh the joy of the sport physical rush the week before school starts. FYI if you are calling to get that physical you have had the form for all summer 5 days before you need to turn it in- you waited too long- every other procrastinating mother is calling too.

Time for me to sleep too.

TJ Graduated!

2011-07-30T22:32:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my little sister is done with high school. It was fun to see her graduate and remember my graduation. My favorite part was getting to see her with all her friends afterwords. It was a different TJ than what we usually see.

I am proud of her. She is off to BYU in a few weeks (Becky and I are taking her out and setting her up in her dorm!). She was one of the valedictorians. She has received a full tuition scholarship to BYU and a good scholarship for a local organization. And she is supper cute.

This is one of her best friends- who got a full ride scholarship to U of U- so will be close enough for the two of them to get together on weekends. How great is that!

Hearst Castle

2011-07-30T22:26:00.000-07:00

While we were at the coast we went to Hearst Castle. Alma had never been there! He isn't that familiar with the central coast- and it is one of my favorite spots on earth. I have so many childhood memories of this part of the world.

Here are some of my favorite things from our visit.

Garden Update

2011-07-30T22:12:00.000-07:00

These little lovelies made a showing the summer. Very late because it has been such a cool summer. Yes it is almost august and I have not one tomato. Not a one. I also got a hydrangea with the same kind of variegated petals. I can't wait to see how it fits in next spring.

2011-07-30T21:56:00.000-07:00

In June Alma and I made a trip to the central coast. It was a great weekend. We were sans kidiots- but Becky and Nick brought theirs. I actually enjoyed Charlie and Luke so much more when I wasn't worrying about our kids. I had this little beauty floating around my house since Christmas just waiting for the right little girl.

I think it found the perfect little girl.

My sister and her husband- I love them so much. It is the best when your siblings marry people you would be friends with on your own. Nick is my history nerd buddy.

You get pictures like this when two people with the sense of humor of 12 year old boys marry each other. Oh and they name their daughter CharlieBrown- that is really her name.

The Whole Family. Luke had some ants in his pants and didn't want to get his picture taken if he could be throwing rocks at trees.

I have been a Little Crafty This Summer

2011-07-27T13:28:00.000-07:00

I actually sat down and scrapbooked the other night. I was feeling sorry for little Beckett who was sad when there were no pages about him. Yes it has been that long since I have cozied up in my paper room. I have also sewed a little this summer too. I haven't been knitting as it seems to agravate my back. I made these little quilts for a friends little twins Jake and Max. Twins! Acckkkk! Their room is green and brown. I wanted the quilts to go together but not be matchy matchy.

And these are dresses and skirts Andrea and I made for our friends who all seemed to be having girls this summer. We have to sew for other's little girls since we are mothers of BOYS. And it isn't much fun to sew for boys.

Have I ever told you how much Beckett loves cows?

2011-07-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

Some thoughts on Summer

2011-07-27T10:12:00.000-07:00

What ever happened to the lazy crazy days of summer? It seems like summer is one long round of trips, and visits to cousins, and less and less of days sitting by the river. I love it and each individual activity is one I really want to do but added all up it is exhausting. I don't think I am the only on in this boat. I was planning on a kick ball party with lots of other families to start the summer- but it is almost August!

One of the things I love about summer is walking to downtown and having dinner. This night we ate at Sopa Thai on their back patio. There were lots of mosquitos- and some turtles. The boys were very worried some one would step on the turtles. Of course and evening isn't complete with out a stop in at Treats. Mmmmmm.

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T00:08:00.000-07:00

Hello all of my eight readers! I hope you have a great 4th of July. Coen requested that I make him a red bow tie for the holiday. And so I made one for Beckett too. And this morning before church while I was finishing the boys I asked Alma if he wanted one to (as a joke)- and I almost had a heart attack when he said he was game. Alma hates this kind of stuff. And to top it all off I got a picture of our entire family as well! Only one all the others were out of focus. sigh.

I did get to do a photo shoot with the boys before church- and Beckett kind of cooperated with the bribe of a popsicle (after church- I wasn't going to let them eat in the white shirts!).

And then Coen took over the photo shoot- first he made us move to the tree.

And then he did a classic foot up JC Penny catalogue pose.

And Beckett then was mad he wasn't getting in on the action.

And then Beckett tried Coen's pose in his own way.

The tricycle was also Coen's idea- nice to have a shoot stylist on hand.

Wishing you a day full of corn on the cob, family, music, and fireworks. We will be trying to survive the 100 degree weather in our house with no air conditioning.

My Haircut (a deep and thoughtful post)

2011-06-30T18:11:00.001-07:00

Some of you know I recently got a haircut. (and some cute red and blonde color too!) This is what it looks like when I style it. I can even get a little 60's puff going if I use hair spray and stuff. And you know I love big hair. I have to because my hair is naturally big- embrace what you have is the secret to hair happiness.

Today I did my default get out of the shower and let it dry on the way to work style- and any time my hair has been this length I always think I am a little like Kelly Mcgillis.

You know- the chic from Top Gun. I really have Kelly Mcgillis hair.

I can even look brooding too (my lips are a little too full for a good brooding look and well my kids are banging pot lid cymbals- so it is hard to really channel my inner brooder).

Feel free to leave comments telling me how much hotter I am than this:

I could totally get my hair that big- just ask anyone who has seen me first thing in the morning. Camping. At the beach. That is some big hair. My phone keeps beeping- I should probably go talk to anxious mothers.

A Girl Sighting!!!!!

2011-06-27T17:30:00.001-07:00

We actually had a person of female persuasion here at the house today. So I got to play princess and craft with pink and purple stuff!

Picnic in the Park

2011-06-27T15:43:00.000-07:00

We went to the Nevada City Band Concert in the park this weekend. We got home from church, loaded up the stroller and we were off.

TJ and Anna were in town staying for us- so we had great company.

Anything remotely like a march and Beckett was saluting and marching all around the blanket. How can you not love that little face?

2011-06-24T23:21:00.000-07:00

Lots of new books over at the book blog- I am about half way through my pile I have been collecting. The problem is that I only get about half of my books read into the pile. Oh well- a partial record is better than no record. Our book club read travel books last month- and I read several- I didn't realize how many until I started to write this- I think the last count was 9. How is that for and illustration of my over achievingness?

My Life In The Land of Boys

2011-06-22T22:37:00.000-07:00

The last several months I have been snapping pictures of those unique moments you have when you live with two little boys. I love them and I love these funny little things that bring laughter and levity to days full of dishes, yogurt, laundry and cleaning floors.

Are you ready for a picture overload?

Coen is loves to get every toy out and arrange complex worlds/battles. I am not allowed to walk down the hall until the 2000 toys are moved to a different location.

Beckett is very expressive- in everything he does.

Sometimes you find random things sitting on the couch.

Beckett likes to read during lunch like his mother.

Coen can make even yard work fun.

This little guy is so creative. I took these pictures while he told me a twenty minute story about the indians, dinosaurs, and army men meeting. I can't wait to see the movies he creates.

We dress up a lot. Several times a day. It is a pretty good bet if anyone is wearing gloves he is batman- just in case you were wondering. But we also do pirates, dinosaurs, cowboys and many other super heros. My favorite is Beckett's Super Baby Big Boy.

Coen likes to dress himself. One sunday he wore a plaid shirt with a polka dot tie. Brilliant.

There are booby traps all over the house- just warning you in case you come for a visit.

We even wear cowboy hats while we brush our teeth. Tonight Beckett said "Mom I have cavities in my mouth- I need my tooth brush." Three seconds later he said "Okay they have run away now."

I just think this kid is darling.

We have a parking garage in our back yard.

Coen may soon catch up to my artistic skills.

More elaborate toy dioramas.

Jumping on the bed with stick ponies.

The boys all time favorite game is to take all the bedding in the house and arrange it in one room. I think these may be the only pictures of the firetruck quilt I made for Beckett when he was a baby. I think it is just darling.

Somethings That Made Me Happy This Week

2011-06-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

The peonies are blooming.

While cleaning out Grandma's house I found these treasures.

(and a lifetime supply of canning jars and some treasures for my sisters.)

And we cooked a lot this week. I also cooked this persian ravioli dish with three different sauces- it was pretty good too. I loved hang ing out with Kate and just putter ing around in my kitchen. i think I am getting my groove back. We will keep cooking once a week until she leaves for Israel. Some fancy-pants foods and some easy good meals for busy college students.

2011-06-09T22:58:00.000-07:00

So I have been looking and looking for the right fabric to make the cushions for my as of yet imaginary built in benches in our dining area. I really wanted it to be an oil cloth or laminated fabric- gut just cant find one I like with the colors I want for that corner. And then I found this stunning choice- thank you Anna Maria Horner- you are brilliant.

Don't you think this is great for the kitchen dining area- fun, easy to clean, bright. I am a little worried that I may be the only one who really digs a 70s inspired floral print.

Now if I only could find the right giant 70s floral wall paper for the master bedroom.

So tell me what you think- Is this worth the 17.00 a yard or is it a pass? Is this a fun Polly accent or a crazy Polly mistake?

And if this is what I go with what do I use on the roman shade on the Window that is right above the imaginary bench? I think some thing with only one main color and a neutral pattern- I don't really love any of the other fabrics in the collection for the curtain sooo....

Oh, did I mention Beckett had a birthday

2011-05-26T22:45:00.000-07:00

Beckett turned three earlier this morning. He had a little party at home with us on the day of his birthday.

The next morning his brother got the cake out of the freezer and they sat in front of the tv and licked all the frosting off.

2011-05-25T19:49:00.000-07:00

Well- we got back from Mexico. And it was great. It is always great to just sit and read and swim. And more importantly to be with the boys. Coen swam by himself underwater for the first time. When asked what his favorite part was he said "swimming" and what he didn't like he said "walking" or as Alma called it the daily death march. Beckett got pretty bad blisters on the first few days so his dad had to carry him for most of the death marches. Beckett said his favorite thing was the food and he didn't like the fish. Which was confusing to me because he ate a ton of fish. And then he let us know that it was the koi in the lilly pond. When we bought our tickets the lady warned the boys not to stick their fingers in the pond. We never saw any of the koi but it must have made an impression on the little guy. Thinking about it I don't think he would go by the edge while we were looking at the lilly pads. I think my favorite part was the food too. And my day at the spa. On of the nice things about the spa when the lady doesn't speak English. It relieves me of the compulsion to feel like I have to chat. Here are some pictures.

This is what we did the first night and every night thereafter.

Isn't he just darling?

Sadly, the Malacon closed the second day we were there.

Isn't this a lovely church?

In the center of town right before the "cathedral" there was a live band playing traditional music and many couples gathered to dance. I loved it.

Some scenes from the Malacon the night we went before it closed.

My favorite thing was when we took the bus an hour south to these great botanical gardens. Did I tell you Beckett loved the buses. The older and shakier the better. The ride to Wal-Mart was his favorite. He would scream and wave his arms in the air like it was a roller coaster.

Scenes from some of the death marches.

Easter

2011-05-10T00:05:00.001-07:00

The day before Easter we had an egg hunt with friends. It was a lot of fun. Alma didn't come because he needed a day off- and for me a party is a day off but this is not so true for Alma. We met up later for a birthday dinner for his mom. It was so nice to visit with every one and all the kids were so cute.

Just like last year it rained again on Easter Day. Sigh. So we had an indoor hunt at Laura's house. The little kids up stairs and the big kids down stairs. There were way too many eggs. It was disgusting how much candy my kids took home. I think we are still coming down from a two week candy high. We also had appetizers and desserts- that was so delicious. Everyone made such good stuff.

Because of the rain I had a difficult time getting pictures of the boys in their Easter finery. They really did look so cute going to church but of course five hours later we were looking a little worse for wear.

And of course after the hunt comes the great loot trade.

2011-05-10T00:03:00.001-07:00

These are the Mother's Day gifts that Coen ate and then tore up into little pieces today.

Thanks to all the great ladies in primary and nursery that helped all the little kids make gifts for their mom.

Mother's Day

2011-05-09T23:11:00.000-07:00

The last several years I have taken a moment to write a little something on Mother's Day. So I didn't feel like I could break that pattern. I always feel a little ambivalent about Mother's Day- and this year I was a little on the negative side. I actually was feeling just fine until the night before when I wandered into the card section of Target and started flipping through cards. And I just got really angry. I am allowed to be angry. I give my self permission now to feel it and express it. I no longer feel the need to pretend like life is just normal and perfect. This is important for me. So I got angry. I got really angry. There is nothing quite like perusing mother's day cards to make you bitter about your crappy mother. And the whole drive home while our sweet little boys snoozed in the back of the car I thought about how some women shouldn't be allowed to have kids and they don't deserve any accolades.

I was a little better the next day- really trying to focus on my children and what a blessing it is to have them in my life. Really trying to bath in the joy that is our family life. And really I just have one thing to say about the day of- if it was really a celebration you wouldn't have to get your kids dressed and at church on time and you also wouldn't have to wash the dishes from your breakfast in bed. In Alma's defense is was aware of how much I hate being woken up and didn't bring me the breakfast in bed and just let me sleep in until I wandered out into the kitchen around 10.

I keep thinking about breaking the chain. About trying to create a home filled with love and tenderness. Even when you have a couple of toddlers who push you to your limits. About trying to always be aware of my past and creating a different childhood for my boys. And I was talking to Laura this week and she told me how good a job I am doing- and how you can tell by just watching my boys that they feel loved. And that meant a lot to me. Because that is all I want in life.

And don't get me started on how I feel when my mother calls to tell me what a crappy job I am doing as a mother and wife. Thank goodness Alma has never listened to her advise to leave his abusive wife.

And on another note- yesterday Coen thanked me for being such a great mother and then he turned to his dad and thanked him for being a great mother too. And today I have been thinking a little about how lucky I am to live in a generation where the fathers are willing and able to step in and do some of the "mothering". I have always said that Alma is the nice and thoughtful member of our partnership. I am so grateful to have such a kind guy to help me raise these boys. And I know there are times my patience has been pushed to its limit and there are times that Alma is done with our wiggly kids. Thank goodness there are two of us to spell each other. So this mother's day I was grateful I have a great partner to help me in this great endeavor.

A Letter to my Children

2011-05-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

Coen and Beckett-

I know we had a rough day today. Any day where Coen wails from the back seat "I hate you. I hate you. You have ruined my life." is really not a high point for us. And I know that it seemed like I was being really mean to you today. But really I was showing you that I love you.

Before we ran errands today I told you that you could get to pick where you wanted to eat lunch if you behaved at the book store and the garden store. And then you didn't behave at all. You see I ignore a lot of your normal little boy wiggles- but today was so much more. You screamed and chased each other up and down the aisles of the book store, you piled the step stools on top of one another to see if you could get to the top of the book shelves, you stuck your head in the water fountains, Beckett licked the side of one of the water features and then you topped it all off with chasing one another around the patio with tomato stakes- the sharp metal stakes pointed at your brother. This wasn't your normal playing, chasing giggling- this was monumental misbehavior- and you had ample warnings that you wouldn't be getting a lunch out.

And so the temper tantrums started. And I kept my cool, and I explained your consequences, and I counted to ten and did it all again. Coen your temper tantrum lasted for almost an hour and a half. And you see I didn't let you go out to eat because I love you. I know that you have to learn that you can be responsible for your life, I want to give you the power to succeed and believe you can be great kids and people. But to do that I have to show you that when you fail to meet the standards there are not rewards. Rewards are earned. If I didn't love you I would have just given in and let you have what you wanted because that is so much easier. If I didn't love you I would even let you order soda and fries whenever you wanted. But I want more for you.

I want you to be great. I want you to believe that you are great and capable and can achieve your dreams. I want you to be proud of your achievements and feel successful. And it is sad but true that I can't help you gain those things with out also in a loving and kind way showing you what happens when you fail. So I grit my teeth and hugged you and told you I loved you and let you yell at me- and then let you go be angry in your room until you had calmed down enough to be with me in the kitchen.

So I know I made you really mad today- but I hope when you are older you will be able to see that it was done out of love. I hope you will be grateful for the love, and attention, and boundaries your father and I are trying to provide for you.

And tomorrow we will discuss why it isn't nice to eat the gifts that you gave someone the day before.

Love, Mom

We Went to Grandma Da's House Too

2011-04-26T20:25:00.000-07:00

The weekend we went to Ray's we also went to my mom's house. And it was a pretty good visit. I always enjoy eating her dinners. So effortlessly makes mussels in pasta, sole, and a little veal just to round out the meal. Of course it isn't a trip to Grandmas with out nightly baths, playing with the gentle giant Bear, and a trip to Nordstroms and Target. Coen quickly figured out that grandma would buy anything he asked for- so we came home with the much begged for pillow pet and a pair of very expensive light up star wars shoes form Nordstroms. I particularly enjoyed watching Coen follow the very gay sales clerk around the store as they looked for a tie to go with his new silk shirt. Yes he is 4- it was so strange.

There was a reason for our foray out of the mountains. You see we are a little dino obsessed at our house and I had looked for a museum that had dinosaurs and the closest was the Academy of Sciences. Which conveniently Mom and Bob are BIG donors too- so free tickets. This was really good because I think I would have been disappointed if I had paid the $70 admission (for me and the boys). Just not worth the price- in my opinion. So if you want to go- go on one of the free days. We didn't do the hall of Africa- we just ran out of gas- but we will pop in later this summer and do that part of the museum. It was a glorious sunny day in the park. I wanted to go to my favorite spot in the park- rhododendron hill- as this is the best time to see it- but Mom was pretty worn out so we skipped it. I love Golden Gate Park and just driving around was so much fun. I did like how little child friendly the museum was. And here are some of the pictures I took.

So the major disappointment was that this was the only dinosaur in the whole building. So we are still on the lookout for a good dinosaur museum with out going to Vernal Utah or Manhattan. Maybe we will get out to visit Uncle Brian like we keep saying a get to go to the Smithsonian. Although- the Dinosaur museum outside of Vernal is one of my favorites. Small but so great how they built the building around the mountain with the exposed fossils soaring to the sky. And some great hikes with lots of fossils nearby. And of course giant paper mache dinos all over the town.

Well chickens are related to dinosaurs I guess.

We did like the aquarium. The boys could sit and look at fish all day long.

They had a great cafeteria. It was wonderful. Coen asked for a Vietnamese salad and the lady said "are you sure?- it has fish sauce." about 5 times before I convinced her that was what he really wanted. Beckett grabbed my pork buns and ate them in about 10 seconds. That is pork sauce all over his face- not chocolate. I now have another food he will eat. We ate outside and the boys ran around like monkeys. It was a great little break before we went into the rainforest. I forgot to mention that Beckett decided he will only wear big boy pants while we were there- and I forgot- so he had an accident during lunch. Which is really amazing that he held it that long. So I thought it was a good sign.

The rainforest had butterflies and was hot and humid. Which is what you would expect of a rainforest.

Then we went to the Japanese Tea Gardens- which were wonderful and would have been more so with out the whiney kids who thought we were going to a playground next. But the azaleas and cherry blossoms were in their full glory and we had a nice time strolling around.

Video of the Wild Ride

2011-04-19T00:45:00.000-07:00

Our Weekend in Pictures

2011-04-19T00:07:00.000-07:00

We took off on Saturday to head for Papa Ray's house. We come prepared to play. We don't travel with out our Star Wars guys.

When we got there two of our girl cousins were there for the weekend too. It is more fun to play in the grandkids room or the game room when you have cousins. Unfortunately they were girl cousins- who like the movie Tangled. Coen got a little burnt out with Tangled. Beckett still likes it. I got to take a nap. All around a good thing for all of us.

That night I made more hair clips. And the next day the girls had a blast picking out what ones they wanted.

These girls love getting their picture taken. Love it.

We explored the property- it was great.

Papa Ray's has the best play ground. Imagine all the outlawed playground toys from when we were kids- and then put them on stilts. And there you have it. I love it but I picture all kinds of horrible injuries while the kids are playing.

Papa Ray got new hammocks too.

Then we had lunch in the courtyard. Baby Lewis came to visit at this point. He is a chunker. Cute cute cute. No one else may have gotten to hold the baby because Kirtee is a baby hog.

The kids spent a long time trying to catch and save the thousands of pollywogs in the pond.

Then we went for a ride in the back of the pick-up up to the lake Papa Ray is making on the mountain above the house. It was a lot like toads wild ride. I took a video- maybe I will figure out how to put it on the blog.

At the lake some neighbors were out walking with their new puppy. This was a huge highlight.

On the way home the truck spun out and then may have hung over the edge of the road. We evacuated the kids and then walked home. And Papa Ray and Uncle Bron went up and towed it out.

Did I mention these two like their picture taken?

And then malts and milk shakes.

Don't they take your breath away?

Kirtee and I got to have a moment alone in the hammocks. That was a highlight for me.

Playing in the game room. We spend a lot of time in here.

And some one took many pictures of herself on my camera. Ahhh teenagers. But aren't her bangs so dang cute!

2011-04-18T22:05:00.000-07:00

I have had several things I have wanted to post- but I have been out of town or in bed coughing up a lung. I am pretty sure Becky gave it to me over the phone. That is how powerful her germs are. They are radioactive super-germs.

But before my lungs started trying to exit my body the sun came out. We had a brief glorious sunny day. And then it has been rainy and cloudy since. But I have hope it will be sunny again. Here are some shots from the sunny day. I so miss the big window at the front of the house in our old house. It used to let in the best light. This house has some good light too. I have been dying for light- this gloomy winter has been hard on me and my picture taking. But at least I got a brief chance for some decent shots.

Here are the fruits of my labors. Which mind you I was so excited I just grabbed the camera and started shooting- only to realize 2/3 of the way through I hadn't set the white balance- so had to adjust a lot- and haven't quite gotten what I wanted. But I am okay with them- for adjusted not natural light.

And here I actually set the white balance right. Good Mommy.

I love this photo.

And the sunny weather made us all a little crazy.

Some Things From This Week

2011-04-07T21:27:00.000-07:00

I asked Coen to bring the recycle bucket into the kitchen for me- he responded: "you mean the one I just peed in?"

sigh

I spent several days at the four-plex working on the remodel (with both the boys). Now the little boys don't really like spending hours on end at the four-plex. I don't let them go too far away- which means they don't really get to play with the other kids. And there isn't much to do there other than get yelled out by mom to not climb on the new cupboards. So I bribe them. They get to go to McDonalds for a treat. Now I don't really stress out about this. They get the apples and milk with their happy meals- and they eat those and about one or two bites of the hamburger. It is really all about the toy for them. So I don't stress. Life is about being flexible. In fact several months ago Grandpa babysat the boys for me- and took them to McDs for dinner and the play place. Coen came home so excited "Mom did you know they have fries and soda with happy meals!?!" I told him they only do that for grandpas- but with moms it is milk and apples. Anyways- back to this week. So to try to hold Beckett off a couple of more hours I ran and got them their BIG treat- and while the boys are jumping up and down my very nosy tenant stands on her porch smoking her 10th cigarette of the day and informs me that feeding my kids McDonalds will give them cancer. It took a lot to bite my tongue.

sigh.

Beckett is really into art- Coen likes to glue but has never loved drawing or coloring. Beckett is different. He asks to paint every day. Today at Grandma's she got out huge sheets and paper and let him go to town. So when we got home tonight we covered a wall in his room with his art. He has shown them to the rest of the family over and over- and even generously gifted on of the masterpieces to his brother.

Beckett loves boobs. Loves them. Tonight Coen was giving a little anatomy lesson. It went something like this. "Girls have boobs. And boys have nipples. They are like boobs but they are on boys. Here I will show you. These are mine." And Beckett responds "Ohh I have nipples too. I have two of them!"

And Beckett loves the number two. He tells me several times a day when every he finds two of something. The other day he was so excited and he came running into the kitchen "Mommy, Mommy we have two brothers! Our family is Mom, Dad and TWO BROTHERS!"

Alma invited his cousin and wife over for dinner tomorrow- which is great- we have been wanting to get together for a while. But Friday nights are bad for me. I work Thursday and Fridays- so friday is usually the messiest day of the week. And I have been on a cooking/sewing kick this week so it is worse than usual. So today I asked Alma to change the plans so we can go out to eat instead. So I am not trying to get everything done tomorrow morning before work in the afternoon. And he did- only he told me they were coming here first to play games.

Sigh

So I said- okay but you have to help me clean tonight. And well everyone is in bed and guess who will be up late cleaning?

double sigh.

I have been doing a ton of hand sewing this week- and filled the freezer with tons of meals. So I have had a good week. And even though is snowed again today- the rest of the week was sunny- so I got some yard work done, and evening walks with the family to the park. Sadly our back yard is still a swamp.

I am also trying to get errands run and bills payed before the boys and I leave for some time at the beach, playing with cousins, and visiting the T Rex at the California Academy of Sciences. So wish me luck.

And here are some random pictures- since Becky doesn't like it when I do too many posts with out pictures.

These are the results of just trying to get one decent picture of Coen in his new favorite shirt. Of course since taking the picture he has a new favorite dinosaur shirt. And I didn't get a picture anyways. (This is the shirt that Coen says is not a T Rex because it has three fingers, not two) sigh.

I am in love with how much these two love each other. At least once a day they hug each other and tell each other that they love one another. It is so sweet. I love it. Beckett is going to be sad when Coen starts kindergarten.

General Conference

2011-04-05T09:33:00.000-07:00

Have I ever told you that my favorite scripture is James 1:27 "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."

So this weekend I was especially touched by all the talks about charity, service, and the church welfare service. But the talk by H. David Burton was my favorite. It so perfectly discussed how our hearts should be charitable- and why we serve.

Then in the afternoon session Lynn Robbins gave the best talk I have ever heard on parenting. It perfectly outlined much of what I hope to achieve as Coen and Beckett's mother. I have a Sister-in-law who has raised such wonderful, intelligent, kind, and strong children. As I watched this talk I kept feeling like it was about the essence of Kathy's parenting that I so admire. The ability to keep your focus on what you want your children to be. And to then provide the learning opportunities and discipline in such away that helps them to be what is desired. Focusing on what your children are and can be and not on the daily minutia or current misbehavior. To discipline in such a manner that provides growth and does not demean or belittle their spirit.

I couldn't figure out how to embed the video here but linked to both talks and encourage you to take a moment to watch them, or even watch them again as they will uplift and encourage you on the day to day glories of our existence- raising good kind people, and serving all those we can with our energy and excess. (And don't we have so much excess- such rich blessings in our lives we can take our bounty for granted?)

I've Been Crafting

2011-04-03T00:13:00.000-07:00

Remember that I made some duds for my little cowboys....

But they seemed to be missing something.

Every cowboy needs a trusty steed.

So their loving mother fashioned one of these (Beckett's to follow tomorrow).

They turned out pretty cute if I do say so myself. Beckett's still needs eyes, a bridle, and stick.

I can't wait to get some pictures of the little guys riding around together in their vests and with Beckett's gun stuck down his diaper- where he likes to keep it.

I had a baby shower to attend as well- I bought a darling little outfit (it is so fun to shop for girls!). But I feel like every baby deserves something handmade with love. So a whipped a few of these. They can be used as clips or attached to head bands- or pinned on a dress. (I glued clips on the back.) I now have a hankering to make many many more. Good thing there is several baby showers for girls in the near future.

Since it is General Conference tomorrow I think I will craft a little then too- and eat cinnamon rolls. Mmmm cinnamon rolls- I should go finish rolling those out and then maybe go to bed!

Do you like raisins or no raisins?

And I think I am go ing to make these clips for all the girls for my Easter package but I am drawing a blank for something to send the boys. Any ideas? Cheap and light are my criteria since I send these to a lot of kids. A LOT.

2011-03-30T20:08:00.000-07:00

Kennidi and McKinlee came and played with us this week. They played Prince and Princess and servants and baby. But every time they said this Beckett corrected them by saying "Me boy servant". He was happy to be a servant but it had to be noted he was a boy.

Coen has been busy too- I love this dinosaur. In case you didn't know we are really into dinosaurs around here. I bought his a tee-shirt with a dino on it. I said I thought it was a T-Rex. Coen corrected me saying "No Mama, T-Rex has two fingers and this one has three- so it must be a cousin of the T-Rex."

I made the boys some cowboy vests. Stick horses to follow. I made one for Beckett- but he wouldn't wear it because he likes the one a Grandma's house better- and he told me I wasn't allowed to take is picture today. But maybe he will reconsider later this week.

2011-03-30T19:32:00.000-07:00

The sunshine has finally come out to play.

A few days ago we had snow.

Today it was in the 70s.

Coen almost died from the heat (if his whining is to be believed).

But Beckett and I loved it.

Coen need to make lemonade to survive.

But being outside in the sun, a break in the gloomy weather was much needed here.

So what did we do in the sun?

Why we took a walk to the cemetery of course.

Isn't that what you like to do on a sunny afternoon?

When it was time to leave Coen couldn't resist climbing under the gate. Beckett and I walked through the open gate 2 feet away.

My little buddy.

Tide Pools With the Cloves

2011-03-18T23:38:00.000-07:00

We saw several tide pools while in Oregon this summer. My favorites, sadly I didn't get many pictures of (by the time I walked there with camera and two wet little children I may have been a little to cranky to get the camera out). The one by the home we were staying in had the most amazing collection of star fish. Hundreds of them all different colors piled on top of one another. Amazing. We went to these tidal pools a little later in the week with all the cousins.

It was a cold and windy day- but that didn't stop Coen and Dade from going for a dip.

Beckett didn't like the cold as much.

But isn't he just darling?

2011-03-18T22:50:00.000-07:00

Just a little note- I was looking at my stat counter and had visitors from not my usual places- places like Korea and Pakistan. All googling Genesis. Wonder what they thought when they got my silly little blog?

2011-03-18T22:44:00.000-07:00

Just looking through the photos from our summer- and these made me laugh. This little guy makes the best faces.

More Snow

2011-03-01T00:48:00.002-08:00

So just one week later- we got hit again by lots of snow. Coen is loving the snow- even after church he was out there as soon as possible.

And I loved this creation in the back yard. Stunning.

2011-03-01T00:48:00.001-08:00

And What Are The Boys Doing?

2011-03-01T00:42:00.000-08:00

Well this week it has been all about playing "Canadians", but last week it was cowboys and indians.

And Coen likes to help his brother when they find contraband- like sprinkles.

Oh and we tried to work with Beckett on his shapes by making these little yarn sculptures. But in a moment the cornstarch glue went from just right to a clumpy mess. On try three we just used the clumpy mess. And I realized that while we were working on it that Beckett knows all his shapes already.

Crafting

2011-03-01T00:29:00.000-08:00

One day last week I was cleaning out the craft room I decided to stop shifting things around that have just been lurking in there so long. Instead if I touched it I finished it. So I got some simple little things finally finished.

I got these little Easter decorations done- I am thinking of hanging them on a budding branch.

I finished this skirt for Charlie- made out of 1/2 yd of fabric and an old tank top of mine. I got Coen to try it on for me.

And then I made these little things for some friends- hope the two of you getting them love them when they come in the mail.

I think that is pretty good for an afternoon of work.

Baking

2011-03-01T00:10:00.000-08:00

On Monday Anna and Joan came over and we had a baking day. It was great- the only problem was TJ wanted to come and I didn't realize that, so our wires got crossed and we missed out on her company. In fact I didn't get to hang out with her all week.

I know, I know- Becky says I shouldn't post this with out the recipes. But well I am too lazy to do that. I made the profiteroles from the "Sweet Life in Paris" and covered them in Nancy Meyer's chocolate sauce. David Lebovitz says a little goes a long way- and he was right and I put too much on the cream puffs. I can't remember where I got the recipe for the vanilla cream filling- but it was only so so. The puffs and chocolate sauce were divine.

Ever since seeing the Chevre Brownies by the Vermont Brownie Company I have been dying to try them. Anna and Joan thought that sounded good too- so we were off. We looked at a couple of different recipes and I think the one from the Pink Apron was the most like what we did. But they were crazy rich- a tiny piece was enough and I think I need to refine the recipe a little still.

Snow

2011-02-28T23:52:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we got a lot of snow. TJ and I took advantage of Dad and made him drive us around so that we could get some pictures. We had tons of fun and I realized I need snow boots. So I have been obsessed with snow boots this week. Unfortunately- like everything in life the ones I really like are way more than I want to spend and the ones that were passable and cheap at the surplus store were out of my size. So I am still boot hunting- maybe next year I will have made up my mind. These are the ones I would get if I wasn't thinking about the budget- so I will probably get something a little more sensible. There are some cute sensible choices as well. I just have to decide.

So here are some of the fruits of my labors from our little outing. It was just great being out in the snow

with Dad and Anna and TJ.

We were hoping to get some pictures of the victorians in the snow- but it was a little too melted when we

went out. We should have waited a week.

Genesis 30:22

2011-02-23T12:17:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking a lot about prayer and faith. And how often we pray and pray- and wait and wait. Rachel prayed- for decades.

She hoped and I am sure her heart broke, She probably had times where she was blessed with peace- and times when she felt forsaken. But in the end...

Genesis 30:22 And God remembered Rachel.

Some of My Favorite Things Right Now

2011-02-19T23:31:00.000-08:00

The boys are really into the Lone Ranger (which I have been surprised at- surprisingly the Indians are usually the good guy- not to say that it is not pretty flawed still). Of course Coen had to make a Lone Ranger costume and wears it all the time. I asked Beckett if he was the Lone Ranger and he replied "No, me Kemosabe." He has since realized that the side kicks name is really Tonto. Dad is Silver. They don't really like Roy Rogers though.

We have been making a lot of snowflakes. And Coen loves to hang them on the fridge with about 4 feet of tape.

The boys are have been spending a lot of time at Grandma's while I am at my multiple appointments with the spine specialist and the PT (hours and hours a week- bleh). So every morning when Beckett woke up last week he would say "When we go to grandmas?". Good thing he loves her so much.

Beckett usually doesn't sleep with his moo moos any more- he has moved on to his light saber and his lone ranger gun.

Coen is not so great at drawing. I keep trying to get him to draw figures because I have it in my mind what developmental milestones I want him to be meeting. But when I suggest he draws a person I just get a blank stare. But he has no problems with paint and glitter glue and feathers. So he may not be meeting his developmental milestones for drawing but why isn't there one for bedazzeling.

Actually since this he has drawn several pictures of paleontologists.

Yesterday Coen was playing outside in the snow. We have this little shed that fell over in a storm that the boys have been using as their cave. So Coen was jumping up and down on the shed when it collapsed. I stuck my head out of the window and called out "Coen what did I tell you last week?"

"You said that if I jumped this would break. It isn't a good cave anymore- but now it is a great slide!"

Ok it is getting late. I know I have more little things I have wanted to record- but my mind is a blank.

On a not so great note- I have been really working on my neck and back with a spine specialist. It seems to be getting a little better but I am not so sure. It has been a hard process. It has been a lot worse in the process and then slowly better. I think. I still need muscle relaxants several times a day and vicoden most days so obviously we are not really there yet. But I am trying to be hopeful. I am just so tired of being in pain.

I am a Bad Bad Blogger

2011-02-19T23:04:00.000-08:00

So I have not been a very good blogger recently. I know Becky wants more pictures. Well I am on call tonight and my only plans are to get some pictures on the blog from the last couple of months and watch 16 and Pregnant all night. So here are a few things in our little world in the last several months.

Even though we went had fun playing at the grandparent's homes- the real reason for the weekend away was to play with cousins. The boys love their cousin's more than anything in the world. Here they are in action:

And on a side note- why do these girls think that their boyfriends will ever be good dads. It boggles my mind.

2011-01-29T20:24:00.000-08:00

Nine new books over at the the other book blog I kind of think about every now and then.

2011-01-25T01:34:00.000-08:00

Hey Molly-

My friend in nursing school at YALE!! Ms. Single Smarty Pants. Love you and miss you and have been trying to get a hold of you. Please call us. Please. I have a box of crazy fabulous gifts only you could care about. And I want to hear about school- and Connecticut. And to bore you with stories about the boys and hear updates on the sisters (yours- but I can give you updates on Susie and the little sisters- unfortunately no great boobie stories- but I can go feel Anna up if you need one of those- call Becky if you want an update on her). See what a good friend I am for you- I am willing to horrify an innocent for a good boobie story for you. Have I convinced you to call me yet?

Sincerely,

Polly

Ms. Married Smarty Pants (which doesn't really leave a great title for Becky- but who cares about her anyways?)

So I am Looking For a New Project

2011-01-23T09:29:00.000-08:00

I am trying to decide on a gift for a little precious one coming soon. This baby will live in Arizona- just a thought for weather appropriate choices.

Now this is my all time favorite- I actually want to make on for Charlie but they don't have her size in the pattern and I don't have that much yarn in my stash (remember I am on a craft supply moratorium until I make headway into the huge amounts of stuff in my craft room?) The only problem is I think it is a little hot for an AZ baby.

I think this one might be more appropriate- but I don't know if I am thinking that because this is the color of yarn I have already chose. (it is a great merino, or maybe cashmere I can't remember now- remember I only like to work with nice yarn.)

And this one is stylish and I just love it.

The rest are just ideas for future babies, or maybe just babies that made me cry a little bit. Isn't this the most darling thing ever! I must knit it.

And these little pants- couldn't you just die!I love the giant rib- I just love them they make the babies look especially yummy and edible.

Darling boots- Makes me want to try some felting.

And this is just the most stylish baby- but do you know any baby that would keep it on?

Day 6

2011-01-21T09:10:00.000-08:00

Your Favorite Superhero

Well- I am not a big fan of superheros. Maybe it come from growing up in a girl centered universe. And the girl superheros all seem to be lame versions of the boy ones along the lines of bat girl. But the question did make me think about a couple of things.

The first is I am glad that I have come to the knowledge that the superwoman American mother who can have it all is a myth. You know the woman who unfailingly has a pleasant and cheerful demeanor in front of her children except when she is firm but kind when they need reprimand. The lady whose home is always spotless and yet has time to do crafts with the children, volunteer in the community, and work at a fulfilling job. You know the women who never forgets what she needs at the grocery store or remembers that this Friday it is her turn to take eggs and yogurt to the homeless shelter before Saturday. She is the woman who has a lovely garden that produces bushels of tomatoes, cans those tomatoes, and that night is lovely and pleasant when her husband comes home and cuddles with him on the couch. She is mother, wife, career women, volunteer and complete fiction. I know she is about as real as Superman. And I have no interest in being her or even attempting it. I know that the great learning moments in life take place in the messy imperfect home filled with love. That in our weaknesses we find our humanity, our charity, and the love and support of those who carry us through. That in our humility and knowledge of our failings and righteous intentions we are made more loving, patient, and empathetic. I know that our power and growth comes from our constant struggle to be better, do better; not in the impossible, demeaning, self-abusive judgement of our failures.

And if forced to name a super hero the best I could come up with is Abigail Adams- or one on the other countless real women who achieved miraculous things. I could go on and on with this list.

And as a side note I once attended a talk by Marianne Nieffert about the myth of the superwoman that was brilliant. From one of the women lauded by the press of the eighties as a superwomen (Mother Wife Doctor!)- she talked about all the areas she compromised and as she sees her children have children all the things she wished they knew were not important. Ask me to tell you about it some time when we are chatting.

Day 5

2011-01-21T08:43:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the break. I am just copying Becky- so when she took a break I didn't know what to post. I know I could have looked it up or even call her and ask- but it was just easier to sit and wait. So I am back for now.

Day 5- A Travel Photo

Well I have been mostly posting travel photos. That is mostly what I took this year. Apparently when I am not feeling great I don't whip out my camera that often. But on trips I have it with me all the time. I also have the added bonus of a husband who loves photography but doesn't like taking pictures. So he is happy to assist me. He carries heavy camera bags, entertains children, and never minds when I putter behind the family changing f-stops and ISO and just fidgeting around with the camera. It is actually a great combination. So I get to play with my camera on vacation unlike any other time (the boys are less patient with my hobby). Therefore piles and piles of vacation photos. But I knew just what photo I wanted to use when I read this. I had one taken at Chambord that epitomized a dream I have had for years (am I old enough to even say decades?).

Whenever I am traveling and see little old ladies together I smile. Ahhh I think there is my future. You see I assume I will be a widow for a while. Not because I think Alma is going anytime soon. I just think men die younger- I always have (because they do). And plan on spending these golden solitary years traveling around with my friends. I automatically assume it will be Emily- but anyone will do. So when I saw these two emerging from the grounds I thought -oh yes Emily and I would enjoy a stroll here in our orthopedic shoes. So this is dedicated to Emily's and my future travel plans. And if Josh and Alma far outlive our expectations they can come too. Good thing I like their company- it is one of the convenient things when friends get married.

Day 4

2011-01-13T23:47:00.000-08:00

One of your bad habits.

I stay up too late at night, I blame it on being on call but I have done it all my life. I read or watch on the stuff on my DVR none of the men in my life appreciate. And then I am a zombie the next morning. Sometimes I am productive but that is really the exception. I am not sure if this is my worst bad habit or the one I should be working on first- but it is the one I am aware of now as I have been laying on the couch waiting for my flexeril/vicoden cocktail to kick in. Not working. So maybe I will just go to bed in pain. Because that works so well. sigh.

Day 3

2011-01-12T23:06:00.000-08:00

A Picture of You and Your Best Friend

I think I am a friendly person- and I have moved a lot so I think I have many many friends scattered all over the country. So many friends that I wish lived closer so we could stay close and have good times together.

But a best friend- those are a little more rare. I have a dark insecure side- I have just recently learned to show to others. And for year I hid it this friendly over the top sociality. And I think only a few have really seen the ugly and good and loved me even more for it.

First- this poor man didn't have a clue what he was getting into when he married me. I didn't know what I was going to be blessed with. I had no idea how much he would make me laugh or how he would stun me with his kindness. Every marriage has the ups and downs and I am glad I am on this ride with Alma. I couldn't ask for someone better for me.

The next group is my sisters. I have written about our relationship before- but it can be said again. They are the reason I survived, they are my everything. The are my joy.

And also the little sisters- they are my joys now. One of my favorite things in the world is our girls nights. I loved them as babies and I loved them as teenagers and I love them even more as they become women.

My sister-cousins are next. We have shared childhood memories- many many good times in college. Some of them convienently married our guy friends from college- so they could be family. And I don't think that I have any pictures of us on the computer. So Close your eyes and just picture a passel of strong, smart, fabulous Conley cousins.

Molly- When you have sisters who are close in age your friends overlap quite a bit. Molly was first Becky's friend. When we first met she could tell from my first actions that I would be her buddy and continue to shock her for the rest of our lives. She is our adopted sister. We love you Molly. You need to finish school and come home to California. I think this is one of my favorite pictures of her- but I also love all the pictures of her and Coen loving on each other and I have millions of those.

And lastly I will add Andrea. Unofficial sister-cousin. The only roommate who lived with all of us strong opinionated Conleys and could withstand the natural force that we are. Who else would have cap gun fights, or do water opera with no concern about what others would think. And well how could I not be kindred spirits with some one with red spiky hair and a deep love of John Wayne. And I don't have a picture of her hot body and gorgeous hair- but I know she will love this picture of the fruit of her loins.

Day 2

2011-01-11T12:09:00.000-08:00

Tell us about your blogs name.

Well- I don't remember where this came from. I think it was during some get to know you game in college where you had to come up with a word describes you that starts with the same letter as your name- and like Mary Poppins I was Practically Perfect. And it kind of stuck. You see I have many of these self given grandiose titles. For years my little sisters acknowledged I was Empress of the Universe (it is a funny story the day Anna realized I wasn't the actual Empress of the Universe) and at work my official title is Prettiest Girl in the Office.

It is a little of my tongue in cheek sarcastic humor- full of self deprecation. Even those who know me I am sure think of me as practically perfect- or as Miss Adelaide leader of the Hot Fox Chick Chick Chickies.

Christmas Decorations

2011-01-10T22:41:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite parts of Christmas is decorating the tree and getting

all of my favorite little treasures out.

And I promised Becky I would post pictures so here they are.

The Tree

The Mantle and Other Treasures

(only I just noticed the Joy had slipped a little so it is a little catty wampus)

The Candy Village

(with an Eiffel Tower for Coen)

I had a lot of fun collecting all of the different pictures of the Madonna with child- some from many different time periods and styles. I loved it when it was lit by the tree and candles- but of course that wasn't great for taking pictures. I wish you all had been able to come and drink some cider and sing a few carols in our home this holiday season.

Day 1

2011-01-10T08:47:00.000-08:00

Becky is doing some kind of challenge about blogging about yourself- and I thought gee I can do that too. So I don't know where she got the idea- I am just copying what she does.

A Recent Picture of Yourself

I have been working on putting more pictures of myself on the blog- and there are actually some of me after our trip this summer- and thanks to Alma's iphone. I just tripped of across this one and I liked it. The only reason I picked it.

15 Interesting Things About You

I love writing to do lists.

I am a strange combination of being extremely outgoing and chatty but at the same time have crippling social anxieties- I know a strange combination- that is getting better.

My childhood nicknames were either wog or pc.

My best friends in the world are my sisters.

I am trying to work the 12 steps- but there are a sad lack of 12 step meetings in our area- only 2 a week that fit my needs.

Beckett's middle name is Dieter. I think that is unusual.

I don't really get twitter and have never even tried.

There is a little reef in the South Pacific named Polly's Point.

On that same trip I helped sew a finger back on a young man- while villagers kept pulling hairs out of my head.

Someday I hope to work for the Department of Health and Human Services in an area related to pediatric health care.

I think I am going to get my PhD from Harvard when the boys are grown to do that- as you can tell I have a large second career planned.

If that never happens I would be fine because I love my job- I love it. I would still do it if I had hundreds of millions of dollars.

I am constantly wondering how to balance spending enough time with the boys and just keeping the house running. What is more important dishes or doing puzzles another 15 min?

I am not good at finishing things- be it crafts or chores I always avoid the last step.

I think my life is pretty amazing- but being married to a grumpy old man pessimist sometimes is a downer in my outlook. Not HIM- just his pessimism.

2011-01-09T23:36:00.000-08:00

So I always make things and never get around to taking pictures until right before I mail them or wrap them- hence the bad lighting and no make-up or hair in these photos.

2011-01-09T23:13:00.000-08:00

I actually posted some books from the last year over at the book blog- Good for me. I hope to start it up again as I was reading through it tonight and reminded of some great books- and thought oh yeah that is why I started to write this thing to begin with!

And I wrote over a year ago about my love for Betty Neels and who knew there is a whole blog devoted to her. It is great. And just for the record my favorite Betty Neels book is Polly- no surprise there. I used to own it but in a fit of insanity I purged it many years ago and haven't run across another copy. Sigh. Polly is a mousy blond/brown haired curvy yet sensible nurse with a wacky family who finds true love with her Dutch surgeon. (All of Betty Neels heroes are Dutch surgeons working in England- What you say all of them- yes all 134 of them.)

2011-01-03T00:06:00.000-08:00

Do you have a favorite memory? A little bit of your childhood that seems to encapsulate the joy and fun of youth? For me those are the times playing with my cousins at my Grandparents ranch. The happy times of running around the farm and playing imaginary games and just mucking around with my sisters and cousins. One of my favorite photos is all of us sitting on the cover to the stairs to the cellar. It seemed quite the fun slide when we were little and once grandma caught us all making a train going down it. I was tickled when I went outside to check on the children and found all of the little cousins doing the same as their parents.

And that strange piece of walnut on the slide, that was Beckett's gun. You see Marshall and Coen had swords and shields and Luke had the blaster, so Beckett went digging in the wood pile on the side of the house to find his own weapon. Which I think weighed almost as much as he does.

2011-01-02T23:52:00.000-08:00

I didn't make many gifts this year. I think all my craftiness was used up for RS Christmas Craft day. I am gathering the photos to post about those crafts. These were the only two gifts I really made. One of my favorite gifts I remember getting as a little girl was a set of pens. I loved to color detailed books with my case full of pens. So when I saw this set of pens I thought they were just perfect for my niece. Of course I had to embellish the case a little bit. I think it turned out darling. The other thing is just a little basket I made for Sunnie. It turned out just darling. I loved the measuring cups I found. I just kept trying to keep them for myself.

Victorian Christmas

2010-12-27T12:22:00.000-08:00

This is just for you non-locals, who may not know what Victorian Christmas is. Basically it is a street fair on frigid December nights in downtown Nevada City. The above picture is of said downtown. A not so long walk from our house. We like it best on summer evenings when the sunlight lingers and we can meander downtown to get a bite to eat and walk home via the park for the boys. The church at the top of the hill is where our Santa was residing. At the bottom left of the picture was the Santa that was not free- or had a real beard.

Doesn't this make you want to come and visit us? We will also take you to downtown Grass Valley (better shopping), Empire Mine, The Bloomfield ghost town, Malakof diggins, and the Yuba river. We know some great hikes and historic church buildings. And if we are lucky when you are in town there may be a good play in the theater that Mark Twain preformed in (is there an old theater he didn't preform in?). Have I lured you to our little corner of heaven yet? We would love visitors.

Santa Christmas Photos

2010-12-24T10:22:00.000-08:00

We went to see Santa at the Methodist Church in Nevada City. He was the best Santa ever! And they had free hot cider and cookies. As soon as Beckett saw him he went running across the room calling "Santa Santa!" And then gave him one of those great Beckett hugs where he squeezes so tight and buries his little face in your neck. He patted Santa's cheeks and would have been happy to sit there all night. He couldn't think of anything he wanted- but when Coen gave Santa a list he ran up to his lap and said "Me too Santa- Legos for me too!" As you can see in the pictures Coen had to think pretty hard about what he wanted. So a big Thank you to the Methodist church and all their volunteers that made this possible- we had a great time.

A you can tell it was pretty cold that night at Victorian Christmas- but we were bundled up and left the church to go sit by the fire and eat fried dough and hot drinks- but no chestnuts this year. Beckett loved all the different music- I think we saw well over ten different groups. The favorite was one by the fire playing a large strange stringed instrument hooked up to an amp. I think it was Asian. Trust Nevada City to provide some good hippy entertainment (dreds and all)! So I highly recommend Victorian Christmas next year- and we didn't even do the pony ride. And if you go give us a call and we will meet you there- it is a short walk for us.

Because Becky Says I Need To Post Photos

2010-12-05T23:46:00.000-08:00

Because it is the beginning of the Christmas season I will help you celebrate by posting pictures of our trip to the pumpkin farm. Mind you I still have over two weeks of Europe to post- so you can tell that I am really on top of it. And what says Christmas like pumpkins?

We did run in the fields. I did love the views and the cool weather. But we didn't like the rotten pumpkins and the poorly kept field. The kids kept complaining about the smell and my neat freak wouldn't walk across the field- but would walk only in the mowed paths- which was funny- and a pain in the neck.

Coen asked me to arrange a play date with Kennidi- So we went to the pumpkin patch. On the way home he said "Mom next time I will arrange the play date because I just wanted to go to her house and play with her new toys."

We rode horses.

And the kids put up with me taking pictures.

We looked pensive.

We pulled a pumpkin wagon.

Beckett was thrilled with his pumpkin (I wasn't thrilled about paying for it).

We saw chickens (and goats and cows).

We climbed on haystacks.

But we were not so successful getting a group picture. sigh.

2010-12-05T22:46:00.000-08:00

Today Emily DeMartini taught a beautiful lesson in Relief Society. She did a lovely job- and charmingly said some things in Spanish as she hasn't quite made the transition back from Honduras completely (Yes- little Emily DeMartini is a return missionary- yes we are old ladies). Her lesson was on the atonement. Then in choir practice we were working on O Holy Night and I was struck by the lyrics of the second verse.

I was really touched by the personal note in these lyrics. This in general is a formal grand song and there hidden in the middle is the sweet message that he knows all our pain- feels all our sorrow. The personal message- the tender mercies- the daily graces you need in your life.

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;

In all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger

Just Because Some Things Should Be Recorded

2010-12-05T22:38:00.000-08:00

I was just turning on the TV to try and see if I could record the Christmas Devotional later in the week since Alma told me as he got in bed that he had gotten distracted while he was setting the recorder and didn't finish the process. As I was searching the schedule a devotional with Pres. Monson was on. Beckett saw it and said "Pesident mama pesident." As I was looking for my show Beckett asked to keep watching President Monson and is happily sitting next to me watching, laughing with the crowd.

It is an especially good devotional we are watching- Monson's memories of the prophets he has known. And a very funny reference to his Navy vocabulary. And soothing to my wildebeest child in the middle of the night.

Thanksgiving Thoughts

2010-11-26T12:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was your typical Thanksgiving- tons of food, family, and games. But as I was driving home with the boys (Alma was already home in bed because he has to work today) I realized I hadn't had time for any thanksgiving. So I thought about what I am thankful for this year. I have those amazing gifts in my life that I am grateful for every year. My loving and tender husband, my funny boys who make me laugh every day and smother me with their love on a regular basis. I am thankful for two sisters who are everything to me. The reason I survived our childhood with a semblance of normalcy, and provide me with daily support, inspiration and love. I am always blessed by my extended family- my many steps and in-laws who have made this difficult year a little easier, who when I was in the depths continued to support and love me and give me hope for a brighter and healthier tomorrow.

But this year I think the thing I am most grateful for if the gift of eternal progression. The ability to grow and heal. Much of this year I was suffering from the pain and hurt of the past. It made it difficult to really live in the present and relish the time I have with the boys and Alma now. And that is not how I wanted to live. But my decades long ability to ignore and wall off the pain seemed to have been lost and I needed to find a healthier way to move forward with my life. And with a lot of support, love and work I can see that I am on the right path. That the pain of the past is in the past. That I can guide my future and relish the present. I am amazed at the ability of the soul to continue to heal and grow- to have hope and charity in the worst of times. So this year I am grateful for this gift of healing and progression. For the power of the atonement in my life.

2010-11-20T21:44:00.000-08:00

So this has been living on my desktop for a while now. Coen randomly has me open it and add things. Mel from work really wants to get a large animal costume and be sitting under the tree on Christmas morning and jump up when the boys come running in and start cheering. On a more realistic note I think that one of Aunt Becky's box/duct tape robots would be really cool under our tree (hint hint).

Coen’s Wish List:

Football Uniforms for the whole team (Blue for him and brown for Beckett)

Knights on horses

Football Mascot

Toy Robot

Air Bender

two star wars guys

Luke Skywalker

Double light saber

star wars game- one where you save R2

star wars snow planet ball

star wars pencil

Oh and if you can tell- we are a little bit into Star Wars around here- and Coen is not my true fanatic. I can only imagine Beckett's list.

Thanksgiving is Just Around the Corner

2010-11-17T20:26:00.000-08:00

Just a few weeks ago Coen said- "Halloween is over- so now we make turkey cookies, right?" Remember on a whim last year we made these cookies? Well I didn't realize that was going to become a tradition. Well tonight we made some misshapen cookies and then I burnt them. So it was a successful evening, so I guess we will try again this weekend.

Some Thoughts That Struck Me This Week

2010-11-13T05:52:00.000-08:00

From Marianne Williamson (not Nelson Mandela like I always thought:)

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Our worth in the world has always been tied to our looks, not the amazing miracle of our existence.

Courtney E. Martin