La Dolce Vita

Messy…but Oh So Good!

2012-01-27T11:36:00.001-07:00

Today we tried a new approach to eating. Little Man has never been a great eater. We literally have a major battle every time we sit down to eat. So today our approach was let him eat what he wants, how he wants and as much as he wants…….what a difference it made. Everything that went on the plate became an experiment for him.

Our first step was to buy bowls that could be attached to his tray. Give him a spoon that he could easily grip and away he went……….

Lunch time is over already??? This was too much fun!

Time for Dinner…….Let’s give it another try!

Hopefully breakfast tomorrow morning will be just as successful.

How to Shovel Snow like a MAN

2012-01-21T21:18:00.001-07:00

All bundled up ready to make something with this white stuff….it is covering the ground so it is

probably time to build a snowman, a snow cave, oh it’s just time to shovel?????

Let’s get ready…………..

Snow boots, snow pants, snow coat, and gloves…now what am I suppose to do????

You want me to do what????

I’ve seen this cold wet stuff before, and I like how my boots make tracks in it…

Shoveling….well I think I’ll leave all that slipping and sliding down the driveway

to someone a little bigger than me!

Co-Sleeping Works for US!

2012-01-14T12:11:00.001-07:00

No this is not our bed…but many days you will find us just like this for nap time…….AND EACH and EVERY night I think about how lucky I am to be able to watch my Little Man fall asleep. I think of how lucky I am to be able to touch him and know that he is a peaceful, safe and warm. I remember the day he was born I promised I would always be there for him; I promised that I would give my love freely and generously. And I think of how good it is for him to fall asleep every night comforted by the warmth and closeness of the person who loves them the most in this world.

There are no awards for how early a child sleeps alone all night. When I am old and frail he won’t say, "Mom, thanks for making me sleep alone when I was a baby, or I might never have learned how to sleep!!"

SO……….If I win the Sleep Trophy it will be because my Little Man has not ever cried himself to sleep, aaahhhh without me right there by his side. Sometimes he just doesn’t want to give in to that “I’m So Tired Feeling”

One day he will sleep alone. And probably the days of crying himself to sleep will come: girlfriends will break up with him or he with them, a family pet will leave this world, he might not get the job he really wanted, a friend will tell him a lie….you get the picture….but it just won’t be because I made him CRY himself to sleep!

Without guilt……..for as long as I can, I will make bedtime a happy event of togetherness and connection. It is my privilege to do so. And in case any of you want to point fingers at me and say SHAM SHAM….

Co sleeping is normal, healthy, safe and most of all… Awesome.

Why? Well just to name a few reasons:

Baby sleeps better. Anyway Little Man does. Yes sireeeee he does!
Less mama anxiety. It feels so natural to sleep with him….so I just do it.
Feeding time is simple and I get to sleep through it. Mostly.
It’s SAFER than a crib. No recalls either. Breathing is regulated. Any problems with baby are known– since the baby is RIGHT next to you.
On a side note…we have made Little Man’s Crib into a day bed, he naps there very comfortably and some nights even sleeps there for a few hours…then finds his way to the big bed!
Cute smiley faces in the morning all around! Mostly mine!
Oh and did I mention MORE SLEEP??? Isn’t that reason enough!!!!!

Green Boogies

2012-01-11T23:07:00.001-07:00

Only 9 days into the new year and here we are visiting Dr. D….

It was a complete surprise to Little Man when this huge big green boogie came running down his nose and touched his lips…..gross.

Dr. D gives “me” a complete check over and tells “Mommy”….The color of your snot does not necessarily indicate how sick you are – really green snot doesn’t necessarily mean you’re really sick, and clear snot doesn’t necessarily mean you aren’t sick.

Ears are clear

Lungs are clear

Throat is a touch red

SINUS INFECTIONS ARE YUCKY!

It might “SNOT” be pretty, but your green snot “Little Man” is just a sign that your body is helping you get better quickly!

Now we have some yummy pink Meds that are almost as good as candy!

Hello Winter

2012-01-07T22:32:00.001-07:00

Utah’s first major snowstorm of the season arrived early Saturday, and I realized this morning that I am woefully unprepared for winter. Kendry didn’t have gloves, snow pants, or boots….so it was off to the Market Place to get geared up!

Kendry was bundled up, our snowman kit was all ready to go, and out we ventured into the powder! POWDER POWDER POWDER….snowman will have to join us another day! With or without a snowman Little Man loved it!

He swatted it, tasted it, and then he started crawling around in it. He was digging a hole in the snow when we decided to try and make a snow angel…he wouldn’t lay still enough for a picture of him but the shape came out very nice!

Tonight he is enjoying the snow from the comfort of our home, next to a cozy warm fireplace to keep us warm! CUZ…baby it’s cold outside!

19 Months of Love

2012-01-04T12:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Month 19 Little Man. Let’s get started with your stats:

Weight:       23 lbs

Height:        32 inches

Clothing:       18 – 24 month size

Shoe Size:     6 1/2 or 7

Now here is what has been happening in your world:

Almost everyone who meets you comments on three things: 1.) how happy you are; 2.) how cute you are; and 3.) your amazing personality. It takes a stranger maybe 20 seconds to realize these things about you, and they are so essential to the core of who you are these days. They are right on! Couldn’t resist sharing this picture one more time of your First Dance on New Year’s Eve!

With very few exceptions, you are an extremely happy toddler. We joke that you can always find a "victim" and do whatever sweet thing you can to get their attention…usually by dancing your little heart out! It almost always works. My favorite thing about it is to see the joy you bring to so many people's faces; you really have an amazing knack at making people smile. You like to exercise your independence, but you want us to see and acknowledge what you’re doing. You are a fantastic mimic and realize quickly the things you do that make us laugh. See here you are telling mommy …….that is not what I want to drink, bring me my bottle!

The second thing strangers notice, how cute you are, which is obviously very true. Your eyes are the deepest brown that twinkle and sparkle. They are very expressive, too. Actually it is your brow that is very expressive, it moves up and down with a frown to a complete look of surprise! So amazing! Here you discovered face time on the cell phone…Squeals of delight!

The third thing…..You have managed to perfectly mixed mellow and wild child! You love to snuggle ….on your terms! When you are ready to run and play you scoot away with delight! You’re have not learn how to be patient with getting changed and dressed, you protest when it’s time to put your arms through shirt holes, kick your legs in the air when getting your diaper changed…and flip and turn and crawl all over the bed! You also love to help out in so many ways around the house, especially with the laundry. Grandpa was surprised to learn that you thought fingernail polish belonged in the laundry basket. Now lots of his clothes have sparkle purple nail polish permanently on them. Here you are helping fold a batch of nice warm clothes:

You’re definitely a child of the 21st century. You actually hate when anyone tries to take away “your” electronics, knowing full well that they are not actually yours! You always protest and instantly begin a tug of war and you’ve been known to throw a tear-filled tantrum that makes everyone smile, wondering what

we’re in for during your toddler years!!!!

Christmas time was delightful, you loved sitting on Santa’s lap (you saw 3 of his Jolly Helpers this year). The presents were great and the gift wrap and boxes were even more exciting for you. Everyone knows exactly what you like WHEELS and MUSIC. It has been amazing to watch you play with each and every gift, dragging them through the house, onto the beds and couch, and playing with all the passion you have. You can entertain yourself to almost a full hour…we think that is remarkable and above average for a Little Man your age!

Let’s talk about talking…you can put a string of words together that has absolutely no meaning to any of us, yet you know exactly what it is you are talking about. You do put several phrases together, your latest is READY, SET….GO it is so dang cute! You also love knocking on the front door and saying “Who’s there?” When you climb on top of things you know to say “GET DOWN!”…

but someone always has to get you down!
We know you have talent talking,singing, dancing, and playing. You are still practicing away on your piano skills every day!

If there’s a single word you should live your life by, it should be this: Love. It might sound corny, I know … but trust me, there’s no better rule in life.

My prayer for you is that you will live your life by the rule of love. Love your spouse, your children, your parents, your friends, with all of your heart. Give to them what they need, and show them not cruelty, nor disapproval, nor coldness, nor disappointment, but only love.

Love not only your loved ones, but your neighbors … your coworkers … strangers … your brothers and sisters in humanity. Offer anyone you meet a smile, a kind word, a kind gesture, a helping hand. It will make all the difference in the world!

Little Man I love you to the Moon and Back. You have changed the course of my life and made it worth living.

XOXOXO

Mommy

What Are You Doing New Years ~ New Year’s Eve?

2011-12-31T23:28:00.000-07:00

What a fun night we had with Kendry at the Ogden Airport New Year’s Eve Gala. He, of course, was the hit of the evening. He danced with anybody that would come close….he danced by himself….he giggle, laughed, and had a ROYAL meltdown when Grandpa picked him up to leave!

New Year’s Eve means a lot of different things to a lot of different people, but one thing that most everyone agrees on is that it should be joyful and fun. We hope you have had a hootin’ hollerin’ good time!

Another Year Has Come and Gone

2011-12-28T19:09:00.001-07:00

Christmas Countdown #25 – Merry Christmas

2011-12-26T17:33:00.001-07:00

Gifts all unwrapped..

Kendry napping with his new friend!

Mommy home from the hospital and

look at the smile we got from K-Bear!

Hoping the new year brings lots of joy,

happiness, and blessings from above.

Christmas Countdown #24 – Christmas Eve Prayer

2011-12-24T20:50:00.001-07:00

The sleigh was all packed,
The reindeer were fed,
But Santa still knelt
By the side of the bed.

"Dear Father," he prayed,
"Be with me tonight,
There's much work to do,
And my schedule is tight."

"I must jump in my sleigh
And streak through the sky,
Knowing full well
That a reindeer can't fly."

"I will visit each household,
Before the first light,
I'll cover the world,
And all in one night."

"With sleigh bells a-ringing,
I'll land on each roof,
Amid the soft clatter
Of each little hoof."

"To get in the house
Is the difficult part,
So I'll slide down the chimney
Of each child's heart."

"My sack will hold toys
To grant all their wishes,
The supply will be endless,
Like the loaves and the fishes."

"I will fill all the stockings
And not leave a track,
I'll eat every cookie
That is left for my snack."

"I can do all these things Lord,
Only through You,
I just need your blessing,
Then it's easy to do."

"All this is to honor
The birth of the One,
That was sent to redeem us ...
Your most Holy Son."

"So to all of my friends,
Least Your glory I rob,
Please Lord, remind them
Who gave me this job."

~ Warren D. Jennings ~

P.S. Yes Santa, hopefully K-Bear will be nestled all snug in his bed!

Christmas Countdown #23 – K-Bear Love

2011-12-23T17:37:00.000-07:00

K-Bear got his new nickname from cousin Carly and we kinda’ fell in love with it just like Christmas!

As the days of 2011 come near an end, I know that my attitude towards what has happened to me in life is a very important thing I must recognize and accept.

At times I have felt hopeless, but every day because of K-Bear (Little Man) my life is now hope-full, but it did not happen overnight. I dared to dream! Because of that dream I have a bundle of joy that clings to me with the tightest of squeezes and the best hugs ever ~ I love cuddling with him every night as we fall asleep in each others arms.

2011 has not been the best of years. I’ve been very ill, K-bear was ill, I was sadly discouraged, hurt, angry, and bitter. My mom has been by my side through all of it and gave me a little (ok a lot of) advise just a few days ago that I will keep close to my heart and hopefully move forward with.

She said, “When you're hurt by somebody, they own you. Let it go. Keep moving forward and being positive. You can do everything you can to try to stop bad things from happening to you, but eventually things will happen, so the best prevention is a positive attitude….wear it and share it!”

So here is to Charlotte from her WEB..and K-Bear(Little Man) with the cutest dimpled chin ever!

Chin up, chin up
Everybody loves a happy face
Wear it, share it
It'll brighten up the darkest place
Twinkle, sparkle
Let a little sunshine in
You'll be on the right side
Looking at the bright side
Up with your chinny chin chin…

Christmas Countdown #21 – Bird Seed Wreath

2011-12-19T16:29:00.000-07:00

We made Grandpa and Grandma Great this bird seed wreath for Christmas

Ingredients:

8 tablespoons cold water
4 - 1/4 ounce packages Knox unflavored gelatin
1 1/2 cups water
8 cups birdseed

Method:

1. Empty the 4 packages of gelatin into 8 tablespoons of cold water in a large bowl. Let the gelatin sit for 1 minute.
2. Meanwhile, boil the 1 1/2 cups of water. Add the boiling water to the gelatin and stir for 2 to 3 minutes or until the gelatin has dissolved.
3. Stir 8 cups of birdseed into the gelatin, mixing thoroughly.
4. Let the mixture set for a few minutes, then stir again. Repeat this process a few times allowing the seed to absorb the liquid.

5. Spoon the mixture into a greased bundt pan and put in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours

6. Remove the wreath from the mold by inverting the pan and tapping along the bottom. The pan may need to warm to room temperature before the wreath will come out.

7. Allow the wreath to dry overnight or longer if necessary. Placing it on a cooling rack will help the air circulate. The wreath should be very solid when completely dry.

8. Use several strands of raffia, twine or strong string to form a loop to hang the wreath.

9. Enjoy the visitors….

Christmas Countdown #20 - Jingle Bells

2011-12-19T15:06:00.002-07:00

Christmas Songs a video by usujason on Flickr.

Christmas Countdown #19 - Travel Days

2011-12-19T14:12:00.000-07:00

Much to Little Man's surprise there is a road sign with his name on it, with a greeting for all of you!

Publish Post

Christmas Countdown #18 - Family Cooking

2011-12-18T14:01:00.000-07:00

We have been gone a few days!

Actually we spent the weekend with Halie and Brevin while Aunt Julie and Uncle Jason had a business get-away! We enjoyed every minute of our time with them.

Tonight Ali is going to do her best to cook up some yummy Italian dinner!
Chicken Parmesan, Secret Family Recipe Spaghetti, Salad, Garlic Bread, and for dessert Auntie Bri made from scratch Strawberry Shortcake.

Right now Little Man and Grandpa are down for the count.

Christmas Countdown #17 - Daniel's Summit Lodge

2011-12-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

Uncle Jason and Aunt Julie having a really great time at Daniel’s Summit Lodge for the 1st annual Keystone Solutions’ Christmas Holiday. Aunt Julie isn’t having the picture thing….we will catch you one of these times!
Thanks for letting us come spend time with Halie and Brevin while you were away. We had a really great time too!

Christmas Countdown #16 - Glorious Christmas Messes

2011-12-16T13:56:00.001-07:00

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. Brevin made Kendry a car and pushed him around and around the livingroom!

Halie was the best helper ever. Diaper changes, putting Little Man in the car seat, carrying him wherever he wanted to go, and most of all just loving him to pieces!

We had a great weekend!

Christmas Countdown #15 - Rudolph Piano Duet

2011-12-15T13:47:00.000-07:00

While Aunt Julie and Uncle Jason were away, Halie and Grandma practice the piano

Christmas Countdown #14 – Christmas Goodies

2011-12-14T16:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my good friends Nancy and Lisa today we are sharing their recipes that we absolutely can’t get enough of! A word of warning: Neither of these recipes contains anything healthy or low calorie. Which makes them perfect! I brought a batch of Rocky Road home Saturday afternoon from Lisa……it lasted less than 30 minutes!

Lisa and Viv's Rocky Road Popcorn

2 lb. Caramelized Popcorn

1 lb. Miniature Marshmallows

1 lb. Blanched and Roasted Almonds

3 lb. White Coating Chocolate

a little milk chocolate

a little dark chocolate

Pup popcorn, marchmallows, and almonds in large bowl. Melt white coating chocolate, let it cool a little. pour on the mixture (popcorn marshmellows almonds)

after it ia all mixed up good lay on cookies sheet, flaten it out so it isn't real big blobs

after dry melt and dribble milk chocolate over it and then do the dark chocolate.Turn it over and do the other side.

you can melt the chocolate in a double boiler. or in the microwave. careful not to burn it in the microwave. Never ever add water, it will ruin your chocolate,

Nancy’s

Cinnamon Caramel Corn with Pecans and White Chocolate

12 cups popped popcorn

1 cup pecans-chopped

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup butter-chopped

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/4 cup Karo syrup

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp baking soda

3 oz almond bark or white chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 250*. Line jelly roll pan with foil

Place popcorn and chopped pecans in a large bowl and set aside. Combine brown sugar, butter, salt and cinnamon in a 4 cup capacitymicrowave safe bowl.Mix well. Pour Karo syrup over the top of this mixture. Microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stir to combine.Microwave for 2 minutes. Stir, microwave for 2 more minutes.

Remove from microwave. Add vanilla and baking soda. Stir to combine. (Mixture will foam and rise.) Pour caramel over popcorn/pecan mixture. Stir very well, until well coated.

Spread popcorn mixture onto foil lined jelly roll pan. Place in preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and spread on large piece of parchment paper or wax paper.

Melt almond bark according to instructions. Or melt white chocolate chips in microwave at 50% stirring every 30 seconds until melted. Drizzle almond bark/chocolate over caramel popcorn/pecan mixture. Cool. When almond bark/chocolate is hard, break into chunks and Enjoy!

Christmas Countdown #13 – Baby it’s Cold Outside!

2011-12-13T16:32:00.000-07:00

Time to grab a mug of hot chocolate and stay warm….cause it’s just to cold to be anywhere but cuddled in a warm blanket with Little Man and a mug of Hot Chocolate!

Christmas Countdown #12 - Believe

2011-12-12T17:28:00.001-07:00

Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see. ~ Polar Express ~

Christmas Countdown #11 – Gift of the Day

2011-12-11T13:27:00.001-07:00

Christmas Countdown #10 – All I Want For Christmas is a few more TEETH!!

2011-12-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

Kendry’s first moral broke through this morning……now we have 9 teeth! It is the first molar on the lower right side. I found this nifty chart that tells us we are a few months behind schedule with the teeth WE KNEW THAT ALREADY!

Christmas Countdown #9 – Full Day of Shopping….and glad for Full Tummies!

2011-12-09T19:02:00.001-07:00

As the countdown gets closer to the big day…I find myself saying, “Next year I’m not doing this! I’m going to start my shopping early so I can be done and not have to worry about it!”….that’s next year…..This morning very early we left Little Man sounds asleep with Grandpa, and did our version of “Black Friday” at Smith’s Market Place in Bountiful….7 AM is early for us, but Auntie Bri is an employee and gets a 20% discount today only! There were no crazy wild crowds, no fighting, pushing or shoving…we waltzed into the store got what we wanted and waltzed out all in an hours time.

When we arrived home, Little Man was still sound asleep, but Grandpa was frantic….looking for money he said he had lost from his pocket……We began the hunt and finally found, his comb, carmax, and his dead presidents all around the bedroom! Little Man apparently thought it was Easter and he was just doing his part to hide all the goodies!

Within an hour Grandma and Mommy had to crash….Little Man gave in for about an hour and then pop those beautiful brown eyes were ready to start another round of…… “Let’s see how much we can drag out of drawers, cupboards, toy boxes…you name it…and drop it here and there around the house!”

Lucky for us today our dinner was cooking away all day in the crock-pot!

Pollo Fricassee………..yummo!

Recipe we use:

1 pound chicken drumsticks
adobo seasoning sprinkled on drumsticks
1 packet sazon seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 large red potatoes, peeled and thickly sliced
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 large onion, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup dry red wine
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 fresh or dried bay leaves
1 packet Sofrito paste (Smith’s Market Place)

Directions

Wash the chicken and pat dry; place into a large bowl. Season with adobo seasoning, sazon seasoning, and salt. Place the legs into a slow cooker, and cover with the potato slices.
Puree the red pepper, green pepper, onion, garlic, cilantro, olive oil, wine, cumin, and oregano in a blender. Pour over the chicken, add the sofrito paste and then add the bay leaves.
Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours, until the chicken is easily removed from the bone.

It is fall off the bone delicious! Next year…I am taking a page out of Santa’s book because he has his strategy in place to get everyone’s gifts ready by Christmas Eve. Not only that but he’s always smiling! If you feel like me, you’re almost bald, pulling you’re hair out when you look at the calendar and it’s the middle of December….. So Santa give me those secrets and please help me get organized for next year’s Christmas Shopping NOW!

Christmas Countdown #8 - You Know Dasher and Dancer - How about Kendry!

2011-12-08T14:14:00.001-07:00

Christmas Countdown #7 It’s Christmas Time in the State of Utah

2011-12-07T18:55:00.001-07:00

One of our favorite family traditions is to drive through the many cities and see all the amazing light shows that are on display.

We bundled Kendry up to see if this year he would enjoy them as much as we hoped!!!

He wasn’t sure it was going to be all that fun, with nice warm jammies and a stocking hat from Grandma Great we were off…..

Willard Bay –

Hogle Zoo -

Ogden City Christmas Village -

Layton Park

Spanish Fork -

and it just isn’t lights without going to --Temple Square

and of course our very own neighborhood….

This home has been my favorite since I was a little girl…Simple and Elegant

These neighbors surely must work for the power company or at least own stock!

No we did not do this all in one night….travel time is extensive from the top of the state at Willard Bay to Spanish Fork (Grandma’s old stomping grounds)….we have enjoyed the many beautiful sights and sounds and yes we withstood the COLD!

We even have a few humble lights on our own little home as well….

Christmas Countdown #6 - Sounds of the Season

2011-12-06T09:58:00.001-07:00

Little Man is so talented........and

Truly there is nothing that gets me more in the mood for Christmas than Christmas music! We’ve been listening to the All Christmas Music Station in the car…..we tried to start the day of Thanksgiving but Grandpa Al had a tizzy fit and told us to take him home if he had to listen to Christmas music already!!!!
My favorite Christmas song is Christmas Shoes…(and not because I love shoes)..it touches me every time I hear it!

Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight.

Christmas Countdown #5 ~ East Winds Bring Community Together

2011-12-05T13:30:00.001-07:00

The above pictures are from my good friend Kally Heslop….she lives in Kaysville and this is her neighborhood. It is so very sad to have all these beautiful old trees gone. We drove around the streets of Ogden….. devastating to see all the pine trees laying on the ground. Can hardly believe it...

There was widespread damage across the city, including downed tree limbs and fences, shingles and siding blown from homes……..not to mention that I lost 4 windows in my car, along with the hood and passenger side paint…..CHIPPED all to H…….!!!!! UGH

Despite the craziness,living in Utah you just feel a great amount of love for neighbors who all come together to get done what needs to be done. Yesterday streets were filled with neighbors helping one another out. I love the area I live in! It is amazing the amount of work that can be done when every pitches in and works together. I have been doing a lot of thinking and although this storm caused quite bit of extensive damage, this is nothing like some of the many other storms and natural disasters that many of you and others have dealt with. I cannot imagine walking out of your home after some of these earthquakes, tsunamis, floods and hurricanes and finding everything obliterated.

It is times like these that help you gain perspective very quickly about the things that are of true importance. Such a good reminder as we head into this holiday season. A season that is becoming more about the stuff you can acquire and receive than celebrating the birth of our Savior, loved ones and serving others.

18 Months of Lovin’ Kendry

2011-12-04T12:32:00.000-07:00

Stats:
8 teeth (4 top, 4 bottom)

one 2-hour nap

in bed by 8:00pm

…. lots of drinks in between wake up time

then awake around 8:00am

3 meals and 2 snacks

23.2lbs

31.25 inches tall

Only in the 15%tile for all of your stats…..yes you are a little one…but so full of vim and vigor!

You are one and a half years old and I cannot believe it. Time passes so quickly now that we have you. You are so funny and sweet and ALL BOY…. all the time! I think this is the hardest age so far, because you are strong-willed and stubborn. You do not like being told "no" and often get mad and throw fits, stomp, hit, and lay on the floor mad!

It's not fun for me to see you so upset, but I'm hoping it will get better as you learn to talk more and can tell me what you want, instead of me just guessing. You are one healthy little man and haven’t been sick for most of the last 9 months… I am so proud of you and the little man you have become.

We love your smile.

To be honest it gets you out of a lot of trouble. See you moved the chair over to the light switch and flick away!

I want to be stern, put you in time out, but then you look up at me and smile.

I melt. I'm completely and utterly a push over. You are a mama's boy to the core.

I love you. Even when you climb on top of the table!

You are finally starting to use so many new words

Mama, Dada, thank you, hi, ‘hola, hey, adi (adios), You think everything is hot and will say "ha, ha" with you mouth wide open…and shake your hand like you're cooling it off. It's too cute!

And little man, you love your shoes ….I’m training you well!

You hate having your diaper changed and love sitting on the potty. Maybe you Could pee in it once in a while!!!!! Here you are laying as quiet as you can during a diaper change……………

You love to laugh and be silly and it's infectious.

Your favorite games are peek a boo ….with a blanket over your head or the laundry basket!…., and tickle me …you love to be tickled…..and chased!

You are getting too big! It's hard for us to hide anything from you because you are constantly watching EVERYTHING we do and you don't forget anything. You're a climber now too. We've caught you on top of the end tables, in the computer chair and trying to climb over the back of the couch! You've even learned to climb into our SUV and into your car seat. You would much rather be in the front seat behind the steering wheel….but that’s not happening YET! Here is what happens when you get into your new comfy car seat……Heavenly Bliss!

Watching you learn new things is such a privilege and a joy. Look at you reading a book all by yourself!

You are smart and intuitive and I constantly see you watching everyone around you and learning from them.

Some of my favorite moments are watching you clap with excitement when you accomplish something new. You are so into the song “If You’re Happy and You Know It'”….you love shooting HOO – RAY! even on the stomp your feet part!

I have to admit some days being your mama is a little stressful because there are plenty of tantrums. This day it was because I wouldn’t let you feed yourself……look what happens! When you have those little tantrums I try very hard to just let you put yourself back together by letting you lay on the floor and kick it out…. KICK….did I hear you say KICK ….Ok I won’t tell everyone that you say ~~dick~~ for the word Kick…oops I did it.

I know someday you are going to be completely embarrassed by this picture but I had to share it because it makes me laugh out loud. Taking your diaper off is your new favorite hobby. If I let you run around without pants on this is bound to happen.

Don't tell grandpa, but you've already pee'd on the floor once we don't want to risk it happening again. So keep that diaper on!

My days are filled with so many wonderful moments that make me the proudest mommy ever.

Thank you for teaching me about love, patience, and laughter. Thank you for helping us understand that playing in dirt can be fun, and giving your Auntie Bri a hard time is the best sport ever!

We are beyond blessed that God chose you for us. You are the light of my life and I'm so proud to be your Mommy!

Love you to the moon and back,

Mommy XOXOXOXO

Christmas Countdown #3

2011-12-03T10:47:00.001-07:00

Breakfast and a Photo with Santa this morning thanks to a very dear friend Wendie Buttars.

This is Santa Claus’ hectic season, but he is never to busy to take a few minutes to ask our little ones what they would like him to leave on Christmas morning. He is also a really good sport about the Photo Ops!

What a fun, fun tradition! Nothing like Santa to bring the fun of the holiday season to light. We rejoice that we are able to do so many things with friends and family. Traditions are part of what makes this holidays season so special and memorable.

Christmas Countdown 2

2011-12-02T16:41:00.001-07:00

Life's most
beautiful things
are not seen
with the eyes,
but felt
with the heart

Wishing you
a special season
of the heart.

Little Man loves to answer the phone now……his words are

‘Hola

and….Adi

which is his way of saying Adios!

Christmas Countdown 2011

2011-12-01T14:54:00.000-07:00

December 1, 2011

It’s that time of year again when the world seems to say Happy Holidays. We had so much fun with last years Christmas Countdown we are going to give it another go around and see if we can make it just as memorable.

Little man is not in favor of having his picture taken! We have tried everything possible…..with the same results! The leave me alone look!

Today was memorable because the wind blew 4 windows out of mommy’s car….she cried! The car has to be repainted as well because of all the rock chips on the hood and drivers side! What a way to start December.

We are still in the Merry Christmas Spirit and hope that we can bring smiles to lots of faces this year!

Book Shelf Buddy

2011-11-29T16:32:00.001-07:00

So little man has decided this is his new favorite spot in Grandma’s family room. Along with pushing all the buttons on the video equipment, he climbs into his little box and laughs himself silly!

Love you to the moon and back!

The Test

2011-11-27T08:42:00.001-07:00

This little man is really testing us! He is such a little stinker. Loveable, but a stinker nonetheless. No room can contain him. No one…I mean no one …..can stop him.

He’s like this little man/superhero/MacGyver. He figures out how to do whatever he wants, whenever he wants. The mornings are usually manageable (so we enjoy them while we can and praise him for his good behavior), and for some reason, after naptime clear up through bedtime is a battle.

When we correct him, we try to offer alternatives for his behaviors, but he is sooooo not interested. Eventually, he will be able to communicate a bit better, and perhaps he shall tell us why he does what he does.

In the meantime, we just love him more than we ever thought was possible, no matter how many buttons he pushes, how many toys he drags onto the bed for his garage, no matter how many drawers he dismantles, no matter how many books he is more interested in eating than reading….No Matter….we love him to the moon and back!

Yes, he pulls this up onto the bed all by his little self….along with many other moveable objects. Then he pulls them back onto the floor and the process starts over again!

Time to Be Thankful for All Life has to Offer

2011-11-24T03:28:00.000-07:00

Loving Saturday Morning

2011-11-19T09:24:00.001-07:00

I love Saturdays and not for the obvious don’t-have-to-work reason…………

I love Saturdays because I get to see the beautiful gold light that streams through my windows the first hour of the morning. Gorgeous. Today there is no sunshine, snow has covered the ground, trees, bushes, and grass! Still it is Saturday and a day when I can enjoy almost anything!

I love it because Kendry and I can stay in our jammies and hang out. I love how he will sit on my lap and watch a movie with me….

I love actually having breakfast with my Little Man…….relaxing and feeding him with food prepared in the kitchen! Yes he still loves his bottle and I’m so thankful that he will drink it….all 8 ounces!

Isn’t he just the most handsome Little Man around!!!! He is learning so much every day. The cute little way he can say Thank You, Hola, Adios, and now he shakes his head both “Yes” and “No” is simply delightful. His smile will warm anyone’s heart! His tantrums will make you pull your hair out! No matter what….

Love you to the moon and back,

Mommie

Raining Leaves

2011-11-09T13:21:00.001-07:00

Autumn is here and we couldn’t be more excited! The air is crisp, the morning is fresh, the cozy feeling of a warm fire place has returned and falling into the leaves is so entertaining for Kendry.

Early yesterday morning we watching the rain shower of leaves from the trees through the front window…this morning our trees are bare and the ground is covered with the leaves everywhere we look!

This fun song makes jumping in the leaves lots of fun!

Autumn Leaves

(Tune: Mary Had a Little Lamb)

Autumn leaves are falling down, (Flutter fingers down)
Falling down, falling down.
Autumn leaves are falling down,
Falling on the ground.

Autumn leaves are whirling round, (Twirl in a circle)
Whirling round, whirling round.
Autumn leaves are whirling round,
All over town.

The leaves are now raked into huge piles and are being haul away….it was fun while they lasted, but we sure didn’t want to have them covered by the snow that is suppose to be coming this weekend!

Little Man is 17 Months

2011-11-03T21:41:00.001-06:00

Dear Kendry,

Oh, the things you are up to these days, I wish I could jot down daily a new thing you do, say or imitate. You are growing so fast and every minute of your life is just fascinating to me. You seem to be constantly talking even though we only understand a few of your words: Hola, Mami, Dadada, Papi, NO NO NO, Hot, meow, and moo! With a combination of words, signs or actions, you can tell us what you are thinking, feeling, and needing most of the time, especially in the middle of the night when you want a drink you sit up in bed and point to the water by the side of the bed. During the day you grab our hand and pull us to wherever it is you want to go…usually to the garage to get in the car and go!

Hands down your favorite thing to eat is TOFU…can you believe that. Dragon Hill …our favorite restaurant for Chinese food…gives us a little take out dish every time we go there. Yes, we are regulars! You also love scrambled eggs, toast with jam, French toast, oatmeal, rice, beans, chicken nuggets, peaches, pears, avocadoes, grapes, and cherry tomatoes. When you have had enough to eat it is easy enough to tell because you toss it on the floor as quickly as we put it in front of you. You love to feed yourself, but using a spoon is still a challenge…hands just seem to work a lot better! You aren’t always the most consistent eater, but you manage to grow and stay healthy. Some days, the high chair is merely a place for you to play with forks or spoons, babble, show off…and throw whatever you don’t want on the floor. Other days, you eat up an entire plate. You are very aware of how hot your food is, if it is anything to hot you make the biggest noise and hold your mouth open and out the food comes. I am really a freak about your nutrition because of how sick you were with dehydration last January. So I am extremely happy that you will drink 8 oz of milk in one sitting now!

Here are you stats for the month:

Weight: 23.5 pounds

Height: 31 inches

You still love to be outside even though it is getting to cold for us to take walks. You run around the backyard throwing balls, picking leaves, and chasing your shadow, when the sun shines. You look up, watch the birds, look at the sky and listen for the sound of planes. You make the sign for plane whenever they are roaring overhead. Living close to an Air Force Base, makes plane watching easy and delightful!

Halloween was a challenge for you. Your first costume was a friendly lion which you absolutely refused to wear….you screamed, kicked, and pull on it until you got the head gear off. So with that much of a reaction we decided on something a little more up your alley….SUPER MAN! You loved passing our candy with grandpa, you sat by the front door waiting for the kids to arrive. Several times you wanted to leave with them, but we managed to keep you safe and warm inside for most of the night…..and yes you love the candy!

This month you started watching the video Babies….it is easy to tell which baby is your favorite because you imitate his every move. Baby Ponijao is just adorable with that big smile! Ryan watched with you yesterday and said…”Hey, that looks like my brother!”

You really love all kids and have been spending a little bit of time with the day care kids at Ryan’s home. The first day you were there you weren’t to happy with one of the little girls and decided it worked best to just hit her to get her out of your way. I sure hope that isn’t going to be the way you solve your problems. You love your bear so much and you carry him around the house giving him Besos all the time….so when the kids try to hug you, you usually hug back and give them a big Kiss! You are really a friend to everyone and never hesitate to try to make a new friend – young or old….even in the grocery store! While shopping one afternoon, you asked a lady for one of the cupcakes she had in her cart. She quickly offered to give it to you! Wow you are a smoosher!

You are a very smart little man, we have tried to baby proof the kitchen with magnetic locks and now you are trying your best to use the magnet to get the cupboard doors open. Grandpa spent one whole afternoon locking things up….it sure has helped keep a few things in place!

You are also very coordinated, you climb on the bed with ease, you climb on your toys, you climb on the fireplace hearth, you climb in the rocking chair, the big chair in the office….as many times as we tell you to get down….you think it is lots of fun and very funny to just do it again and again! One of the really cute things you have also learned to do is shrug your shoulders. I don’t know if you know what you are talking about but you just lift them and say ahh ahh! Here is a picture of you watching Babies and climbing on your musical table….into the pack-n-play…which you won’t sleep in!

The books on the shelves are no longer safe, you have so much fun pulling books off and then sitting with the pile all around you and you start to read them to yourself. When you find one that you really like you bring it to someone to read it to you. Your favorite books this month have been Lights Out Night’s Out, Curious George Pat-a-Cake!, and Good Night A touch & Feel Bedtime Book. You do a lot of reading to yourself and talking yourself through your books. You will even laugh at the high points of the story and thumb through bigger grown up books like an adult. While tearing a few of the pages and eating the corners of the books! Geeze what a kid!

Dancing – yes you have rhythm and you are a dancer….Anytime, anywhere, you can make up your own tune if you need music. You are getting quite good now and will move your feet really fast, twirl, raiser and lower your arms, and clap your hands to a beat. Anytime a catchy tune is on the TV you will quickly run into the room and begin dancing.

Bath time is still one of your favorite parts of the day. You love all the toys and the water splashing has become excessive.

You wear size 18 months – 24 month clothes, are still lean and tall, and wear size 4 diapers now. You still only have 8 teeth 4 on top and 4 on the bottom. We think you are probably getting a few more because you have been drooling again and putting your whole fist in your mouth and biting on it. You crinkle your nose when you laugh hard or give us that big smile. You are drinking about 24 ounces of milk every day, 4 ounces of juice diluted with 4 ounces of water, and about 8 ounces of water every day. Quite a change from when you would only drink 2 oz of milk at a time. You still want your bobo at night, naps, and if you see it laying around the house you pick it up and plop it in your mouth. At night time if you lose it you search the bed with your eyes closed until you find it….but if you don’t want it you throw it as hard as you can out of the bed.

Little Man, you are just sweet, and I love the huge hugs you have learned to give every day! You are just funny…you love to be tickled, chased, and played peek-a-boo with! You are you perfect….nothing else to say! You make us laugh every single day and you are just a joy to be around *(unless you are hungry or tired!) You are so handsome…..everyone still tells us “WOW, he is so dang cute! I am so, so, so, lucky and proud to be your momma!

Love you to the moon and back,

Mommy

Happy Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T00:00:00.000-06:00

Asian Cucumber Salad

2011-10-28T16:59:00.001-06:00

Sushi is one of my kids absolute favorite foods to eat. And we absolutely love our neighborhood “Imperial Asian Cuisine & Sushi Bar”. We also love the little side dish of cucumber salad which comes with every order from the Sushi Bar. It is so light and refreshing. The perfect combination of sweet and sour. Tonight I decided it was time to give it the home-made try……it worked! We loved it!

Ingredients:

1 English cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced

1 large carrot, peeled and matchstick-julienned

4 radishes, matchstick-julienned

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup rice vinegar

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoons chili garlic sauce

1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation:

In a microwavable bowl add rice vinegar, sugar, chili garlic sauce, and salt. Heat the bowl in the microwave for 45 seconds. Stir the vinaigrette until the sugar is completely dissolved. In a medium size bowl add the sliced cucumbers, carrots, radishes, and red onion. Pour vinaigrette over the cucumber mixture and toss. Cool in the refrigerator for 1 hour before serving.

Pumpkin Cookies ~ While Little Man Sleeps

2011-10-27T13:33:00.001-06:00

Fall in our house means pumpkins. Carved pumpkins for Halloween. Baked goods with pumpkin. Roasting pumpkin seeds. Watching "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown". And last but not least, decorating with pumpkins.

The season would just not be the same without the round, orange squash. Autumn also brings cravings for more comfort foods throughout the day and with that, I decided time to give this simple pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe a try. So easy:

1 box cake mix….spice, carrot? We used carrot

1 can (small) pumpkin

1/2 bag chocolate chips…

that’s it! Combine all and drop onto the cookie sheet bake for 12-15 minutes at 350 Degrees!

Enjoy….Little Man will be awake soon …running through the house with one of these bite sized cookies clutched in his little hand!

The Car Ride

2011-10-08T13:15:00.001-06:00

It was just a very quick car trip to take Uncle Jim to pick up his work truck…yup broken down work truck! Ryan and Kendry love to tease each other, well Ryan teases and Kendry laughs. They always have a good time when they are together.

Fresh and Clean

2011-10-07T09:41:00.001-06:00

Little Man is just 16 months old and being born with a full head of hair, it was inevitable that at some point he would need a haircut. I have totally lost track of how many we have had, but tonight I snapped a few more pictures of the event.

At first I thought that I would try to cut his hair, but I think because my poor haircutting track record with the neighbor girl when I was in Junior High that idea was shot down in a heart beat. And since I have the cutest son in the entire world…I wanted to keep it that way and go professional with the stylist! That’s you C! We love having you come to our home every other week for this big event. And Little Man is getting much better about sitting still…for the most part!

I, of course, acted like Little Man’s personal paparazzi for the day….every day for that matter. “Kendry!” “Kendry!” “Kendry!”

“Lookie Here.” “Please, Kendry!”

I flash photos the entire time. After all my kid is a celebrity….in our world!

With another haircut out of the way, he really isn’t a little baby anymore. I mean, he’s still my baby, but he’s not a baby baby.

You know what I’m saying?

A Little Lunch and Song

2011-10-05T07:40:00.001-06:00

We enjoyed lunch on the back patio before all the good days of sunshine are gone. Kendry loves the sun gold tomatoes…he honestly ate every one of these little bites. We practiced singing Incy Wincy Spider a zillion times. The only action he really gets is the spider going up the spout! The rest will come with a few more zillion tries!

Incy Wincy spider climbed up the water spout.

Down came the rain, and washed the spider out.

Up came the sun, and dried up all the rain.

And Incy Wincy spider went up the spout again!

16 Months of Love for Kendry

2011-10-04T11:08:00.001-06:00

Dear Kendry

October has arrived! The days are slowly getting cooler and the nights are too. Even today, as you turn 16 months old, the weather has changed with thunder, lightning and rain! You too are growing and changing each day. Here are your stats for this month:

Weight: 22.5 lbs

Height: 30 5/8 inches

It seems like you learn something new all the time. You love to climb on things even more now! You can climb on the couch, the fireplace, the bathtub, and the chest at the bottom of Grandma and Grandpa’s bed is perfect for you to climb up on the bed with.

You love climbing up the stairs, but we are still afraid to let you go down them by yourself. You look so proud of yourself. We are proud so of you too!

And how about those 8 little teeth you now have. We were wondering if it was ever going to happen, then all of sudden there are 8 of them! But…no you won’t show them to us when we ask!!!!

You have learned to point at what you want. It is adorable. You are showing us what would make you happy now. One of your favorite things is to grab onto our legs and push us forward to where you want to go. You also love to grab our hands and lead us around the house. You most often take us to the door leading to the garage! You want to go go go……outside and play or even in the car now. It is really cute. We love that you will get into your car seat without arching your back and giving us the word about not wanting to do it! You even take long trips now and seem to love being on the go!

We are trying to encourage you to use words but you just aren't ready for that yet. Everything is just Mama…Mama…..Mama…. We know that you understand lots more than just Mama, because you will come running if we ask you if you want a taste of a cookie. You also love to look up in the sky and watch the airplanes fly by..you even make the sign for plane when you hear them. Loud sounds seem to scare you, Grandpa showed you the fire detector and you love to push the light button yourself, but if Grandpa pushes the alarm you grab on with all your might around his neck.

You have become a much better eater. With that said, it is still a challenge to get you to eat vegetables. (but you love the tomatoes right out of the garden!)

You have this thing about eating more than one food at a meal. Whatever you start off eating is what you want. You throw everything else on the floor. It can get pretty messy around here! And you don’t mind the mess at all! Your favorite new food this month was Tofu…imagine that!

Speaking of messy, you have become so helpful around the house! You love to sweep. You think that the broom is the greatest thing ever. You love to dust too! Mama gives you a dusting towel and you go to town! We are trying to teach you to put your toys away each night, but you seem to think that is not your job at all. As soon as we put everything away….out it comes again! And the cupboards are no longer safe…Grandpa is going to get locks on them this week!

Sleeping is another issues. You are getting much better and you don’t drink any milk through the night, but you still want someone to be right by you all night….just in case you lose that “BOBO”! You are sleeping about 10 hours a night, with a few wake up seconds for a quick drink of water! Now about that napping issues….what happened to 2 naps a day? You were so good about 2 ---two hour naps until this week. You still take one really good nap in the morning, which means by 6 o’clock in the evening you are rubbing your eyes and want a cat nap to keep you awake until 10 (or later!). Maybe cold winter nights will help with an earlier hour bedtime???

I love having you with me everywhere I go and seeing your face when you experience new things. There really is no greater joy. I can't imagine life without you. You are so independent and strong but I cherish those moments where you come up to me and collapse in my lap for a cuddle or climb up me for a beso. You do this with Grandma too and I often come home on your 'Grandma days' to find you all cuddled up to her. I love the relationship you two have already. You truly are a great hugger and kisser. We can’t get enough of those big squeeze hugs and besos…even your teddy bear gets to enjoy your love!

You are such a comedian! You always make sure you have our attention then you like to dance in funny ways and walk like a robot. We laugh so much sometimes we cry. You know every show on the Sprout channel…and you still just jump up and down with delight when Patty Pig comes on. You can even say her name! You love to play with all your fun toys, especially your cars as you drive them across the floor making the car sound……where did you learn to do that???

Look how much fun you have with Grandma’s books……every day!

You are so much fun to play with in the back yard, you still love the water and now that the tomatoes are ripe you pick them and will eat 6 of them without stopping (yes, they are little Sun Gold Tomatoes …your favorite!)

As another season begins, I realize that the time just flies by. I can't believe that summer is over and fall has taken over. We have had a great time this summer, you and me. We love to laugh about the days, things you have done, and new things you are doing. Then we know to thank God for such an amazing little man. I can't imagine spending my days any other way. You are my best buddy and I love you so much. My heart just can't contain itself.

I love you to the moon and back,
Mama

love at home ~ love at home

2011-10-03T12:29:00.001-06:00

October Comes ~ Leaves Change Their Colors for Autumns Big Show!

2011-10-01T22:05:00.001-06:00

To celebrate the first day of October…..we went to the canyon to capture the beauty of autumn.

When you’re 15 months old, your life is free and interesting. Your eyesight is aligned with most adults’ kneecaps. You are constantly learning day-by-day. Everything is like something new, something to capture, and something to cling on to. The tire swing at the cabin is something to cling to….thank you Mommy and Halie for keeping me inside the swing as long as you could!

The leaves are beginning to change. The live electric green of summer is beginning to shrivel, molt and fall into shades of orange, yellow and brown. The trees are stretching their branches for the last time before they must face the season’s breeze bare and naked.So many family happenings take place around the dining room table, leaving us with memories which shape our lives forever!

Four generations gathered today to celebrate the beginning of October. Grandma and Grandpa…generation 1….generation 2 is taking the picture….generation 3 Ali and Jason….and our beautiful generation 4 Halie, Kendry and Brevin.

The love of family is life’s greatest blessing.

Joy of Summer Days Drifting Away

2011-09-27T17:49:00.001-06:00

Big Brown Eyes and A Few More Teeth

2011-09-26T15:57:00.001-06:00

Little Man has worn his Amber Teething Necklace for 6 months and finally he has enough teeth that I think we can say he is over the difficult days of teething. Look he’s even willing to smile when we ask him to show us his teeth.

A glimpse of the 2 top teeth …….and see that cute little new one on the bottom..

Nope….I’m through showing you my teeth….

Okay…one last try………..

How about the tongue…

I am so thankful that I found Baby Amber Teething. Their Baltic Amber necklaces are hand-made of natural Baltic Amber and are lovingly handcrafted by Lithuanian amber artisans with generations of experience who carefully polish and softly round the Baltic Amber beads so that they lay comfortably. The have been producing amber jewelry for 10 years and specialize in the production of amber necklaces for babies. They are among the first ones in their country to produce high quality amber necklaces for children. They guarantee their products so you do not ever have to worry about received a less than superior necklace. I would highly recommend you check them out HERE. Little Man wore the Butterscotch Amber Necklace and it seemed to do wonders for him..

They just may be the answer you are looking for to help your teething baby!

Sunday at the Park With Kendry

2011-09-25T16:08:00.001-06:00

Today Little Man and Mommy went on an adventure to the park….

We captured the beauty of this fall day with fun….fun….fun

The first time down a slide for us…..

And away we goooooooo

Kinda cool…..we have the same shoes!

And the rocks are perfect for climbing on…

A tree with a seat for just the two of us!

but when I’m alone……

what kind of mischief do you think I’ll get into?

be prepared to run fast and catch me….

What a special day, we had so much fun and got so much pleasure from the simple things, the free things and just being together. It was the best Little Man and Mommy adventure for a perfect fall afternoon…. Until the next one that is!

Stepping with Care

2011-09-22T13:30:00.001-06:00

“So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) Kid, you'll move mountains.”
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Ode To The Popsicle

2011-09-20T15:33:00.001-06:00

Pop…Pop…Popsicle!

Popsicle Popsicle

Drip Drip Dropsicle

Dribbling Yellow rivers Of banana juice run down my chin.

My mouth is an icy cave Of coolness with melting bites Of flavored ice

The sticky, chilly moments of popsicle time!

Keeping Calm…..Carrying On

2011-09-19T12:33:00.001-06:00

Little Man was not happy that we woke him up at 7:00AM to have a photo session!

We did our best to make him happy but alas….he wanted nothing to do with picture taking…..therefore we get his very best scowly face~

WIth that said….. Little Man is growing so fast, I can hardly breathe. Babies stay small for such a short time, it’s hard to remember him as just a 6 lb 5 oz bundle of love. With the summer quickly getting away from us we tried to get a few pictures while the grass is still green…… but Little Man is such a mover and a groovier that most shots are just a blurrrrrr……….

Put Me In Coach ~ I’m Ready to Play Today!

2011-09-18T17:40:00.001-06:00

Endurance - I just want to get better, can’t I practice with them?

Dedication – lumps and bumps are part of the game!

Eye Hand Coordination – work hard, focus, and never give up!

……….. All lessons learned through this game we call baseball

Wishing you all blue skies and sunny days…………..and another great season!

Ditch the Training Wheels ~ Grandpa Has A GO-Cart

2011-09-15T12:32:00.001-06:00

When you are a little tyke like Little Man….you probably should wait a few years to drive a go-cart!

Kendry was just to excited to let this pass him by… he climbed aboard all by himself and grabbed on to the steering wheel!

I’m sure he was wondering why it wouldn’t go like he had watched it just a few minutes earlier go up and down the airport road!

Things That Go ZOOOOM in Utah in the Summertime

2011-09-13T14:47:00.002-06:00

Halie, Ali, Joel, Alex……..on our way to the top!

Halie and Ali enjoying the Alpine slide in Park City.

The boys and the plane…..Joel not so sure about the bike!

Our Little Man thinking he is a Big Boy!

Who is this following me?

2011-09-13T14:22:00.001-06:00

When I go out on sunny days,
there is something right beside me:
And there it skips and there it plays,
And from it I can't hide me.
I cannot run away from it,
It runs as fast as I do;
And if I stand or if I sit
It stands and sits as I do.

Kendry is fascinated by his shadow….he watches as he walks and it walks beside him.

Yes ~ More Zucchini

2011-09-06T16:49:00.001-06:00

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

1/2 cup

1/2 cup oil

2 cups sugar

2 eggs

1 t. vanilla

Cream until well blended

In another bowl mix together:

2 1/2 cups flour

4 T cocoa

1/2 t. cinnamon

1 t. salt

1 t. soda

1 t. baking powder

mix together:

1/2 cup soured milk (add 1 t. vinegar to milk and let stand for 10 minutes)

2 cups peeled and finely chopped zucchini

Now mix all 3 bowls together until well blended pour into 2 loaf pans and sprinkle top with:

1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1/2 cup brown sugar. and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Bake 325 for 45 minutes or until tests done

Zucchini A-Plenty ~ Now Little Man Can Eat Vegetables and not even know it!

2011-09-06T11:08:00.001-06:00

Zucchini Muffins

2 1/2 cup flour

1 1/4 cup sugar

1 T. cinnamon

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. soda

1/4 tsp. baking powder

Add all dry ingredients together in a large bowl

In another bowl mix together:

2 cups peeled and chopped very fine zucchini

1 cup cooking oil

1 T. vanilla

3 eggs beaten

Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and beat for 2 minutes at high speed with electric mixer.

Add:

1/2 package chocolate chips.....I used white (because that's what I had)

Stir just to blend into the mixture

Pour batter into muffin tins and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes, or until they test done. Cool ~ Enjoy

Makes 2 dozen muffins

This can also be made into 9 X 13 cake pan and frosted with cream cheese frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

8 T. butter

8 oz. cream cheese

1/4 tsp vanilla

Beat all together until well blended.

It Doesn’t Get Better Than This!

2011-09-05T10:12:00.001-06:00

Sometimes one just needs an escape, a chance to get away from the rest of the world and the rush of day to day life to start living again.

Jason and Julie have a mountain retreat that is many things: relaxing, renewing, quiet...and most of all amazingly beautiful.

Julie , our little general contractor, has done an spectacular job of getting the cabin built to perfection. And Jason….although he didn’t have a good experience in 9th grade shop class….can now build with the best of them.

At this beautiful cabin you can enjoy the solitude, quiet and natural scenic beauty of Loafer Mountain with a view from every window, porch, and campfire….I’m so proud!

Labor Day

2011-09-05T09:16:00.001-06:00

Somehow, every year, summer flies by. As September looms, I’m starting to accept the fact that the warm summer months here in Utah, are almost over. Which means maybe little man will get a few more hours of this……………

We are enjoying a well deserved day off today, and after a big eventful night with lots of friends….this is where Little Man still is this morning (Notice he is all by himself…and sleeping!)

Happy 15th Month

2011-09-04T08:26:00.001-06:00

Dear Kendry,

Another month has come and gone. I haven't stopped counting the months just yet, So when people ask me how old you are I always reply in months. Today we will say Kenry just turned 15 months. It's amazing how fast you are growing and how each day you continue to bring something new and special into my life.

Nowadays, you don't grab the phone just to press buttons. Instead, you grab it to have conversations. Yesterday you were ~~talking~~ babbling to grandma on the phone and you were smiling, laughing, and walking around like you were talking some serious business. Don’t get me wrong here, you still love to push the speaker button and make the loud sound to match the tone on the phone. It is a fun game you love to play.

You are certainly getting taller too. And it can be scary at times because you are always reaching for door knobs, cupboards, the toilet paper roll, the DVDs on the shelf (I cannot tell you how many times I've picked those up) and pretty much anything else you can think of. Just today when I put you into your car seat I realized that your legs are dangling way beyond the bottom of the seat. Time to get a big boy car seat soon. I guess I need to get it through my head.. my little man is a toddler now. Sheesh, 15 months.

You are so totally fascinated with wheels, it is amazing to watch you push your little cars around the floor like they are really going somewhere. One of the cutest things with you and wheels happened at the baseball park just a few weeks ago. A very nice grandma, in a wheel chair, was strolling by and you quickly chased after her…wanting to touch the wheels. She kindly asked us to put you on her lap, so she could take you for a ride.

The past month has been The Month Of The Climbing. You love to climb, climb, climb, and to change things up a bit? Climb. And you will climb anything: furniture, water fountains, play-sets, staircase railings, step-ladders, large boulders, store shelves, trees. Your rule of thumb pretty much seems to be this: if you can use it to give us a heart attack, YOU ARE TOTALLY GAME.

_{These days your curiosity has no limits and your tantrum phase is in full swing. But I'm not complaining. Every hope and dream I have ever had in life is wrapped up in your jelly bean sized body and I want nothing more than for you to be a big strong walking talking screamin) little person. And now every hope and dream I have is wrapped up in giving you the best life possible}

_{There are so many things I love about you...}

_{I never knew that my heart could be so full, positively brimming, with love.}

_{I love when you cling to me like a koala bear in your sleep.}

_{I love when you laugh in your sleep.}

_{I love when you smile at me when I sing (badly).}

_{I love when you dance (by running in erratic circles, looking down, with a huge smile on your face).}

_{I love when you climb into my lap when I am on the computer.}

_{I love when you invite us to play ball. You smile and make eye contact for the whole game and we can tell how much it means to you.}

_{I love the way you eat cherry tomatoes and raspberries one by one and ask for more.}

_{I love when you put on a baseball hat and waddle around looking all cool!}

_{Nothing in life has made me happier than your giggles, your compassion and your hugs and wet kisses.}

_{Older women on the street often look into our eyes and say "Enjoy him. Enjoy him." with huge smiles on their faces. All we can do is nod and say Energizer Batteries included: "We do".}

I pray that I remember these things forever!

Kendry, my little man of 15-months-old, it is such a blessing to watch you grow each and every day. I know that a lot of the time I am wishing aloud, "Stop growing up, Kendry" and that's because I just love each moment with you. I wish I could slow it down but I can't. And since I can't slow it down, I am cherishing everything you are, everything you do. You're just blooming, baby, and you are so beautiful!

I love you to the moon and back! - Mommy

Behind the Couch

2011-09-03T12:26:00.001-06:00

there is so much to do behind the couch….

I poop…I watch a fly…..I put fingerprints on the window….but mostly I just wait for everyone to come home!

Little Man Has Strep……….Thanks Grandma!

2011-08-24T14:35:00.001-06:00

Fever

Sleeplessness and night waking

Irritability

Refusal to drink from a bottle (a sign that it hurts to swallow)

Throws the BoBo across the room…..

Screams so loud it wakes even the neighbors…good thing that’s grandma!

Symptoms of Strep…………….OUCH! Little man has certainly had happier days.

Kendry woke up in the wee hours of the morning burning up. I searched the house for our "digital" thermometer. Is it just me or are there other Mother's out there who has like 50 digital thermometers in the house and none of them work properly! Geez! The temp was only 99.7 so not terrible, but the screaming, clinging, and fingers in the mouth made me think more teeth are on the way.

So, this morning, Grandma took him to the Dr. - As she sat in the waiting room, he just snuggled up to her for a few minutes and then that was enough of that, the whining started. Didn't want to sit in his own chair or play in the kids area. He just wanted Grandma. And of course, she was just fine with that!

Here is Grandma’s version of the rest of the morning:

As I was holding him, waiting for us to be called back, I was gazing at the Magazine rack looking at all of the magazines I could be reading. I can't tell you how long it's been since I have read a magazine or even opened the cover of a book while not being interrupted by little man! And, I really wanted to get up and get one. But I didn't. Holding Kendry in my arms like that was better than any relaxation time I would've had. I hated the circumstances as to why, but I loved it.

As soon as we got called back they checked weight 22 lbs….then he promptly tumbled off the scale and everyone in the place gasped! , temp (97.9……what) - then for the ears....
Ears were clear.... WHAT?????

Next, the throat. The Dr. made this face and said well, let's test for Strep! WHAT????? Oh crap. I knew then and there that yes, Grandma….you gave little man STREP! Geez! Poor Little Man!
So, after the diagnosis for Strep, we went to the Pharmacy and headed home. He was so pitiful! All he wanted was to sleep on the couch and of course, he wanted his Momma......but school started today so we won’t see her for several hours! YIKES

I love you Kendry! I hope you feel better soon…..like within a few hours please!

Welcome Home Mommy

2011-08-19T15:46:00.001-06:00

Grandma Can Maybe Sleep Like A Baby Tonight

Why is this an expression?! Sleeping like a baby does not connote a deep, peaceful slumber at our house. Kendry is a toss and turn fitfully and in short spurts sleeper. He still has got his days and nights confused. He will go back to sleep if someone is right by him and he gets a drink of milk….if you’re not there…he’s out of the bed in minutes walking around the house looking for you!

Grandma has been sleeping with him for 5 nights while mommy has been on a work retreat to Las Vegas! So tonight grandma said she wants her room back. She wants to get ready for bed without tiptoeing around. She wants to read in bed with the light on. She wants to watch a few minutes of TV before she hits the sack. She wants to be able to say goodnight to grandpa without having to SHHH him for being too loud. She wants to sleep at night without you thrashing around, putting your cute little feet in her side, or plopping your little head on top of her head!

Mommies turn tonight little man…if anyone out there in blog world has any suggestions for a good nights sleep, please let us know.

No Judgey stuff, we aren’t going to let him cry himself to sleep….ask Uncle Jason how that one works! He truly gets hysterical, which only makes things worse.

Tres Leches Cake Boriquena Puerto Rico

2011-08-08T09:09:00.001-06:00

The Tres Leches cake is a delicious cake traditionally made in Latin America. Its name is derived from the three types of milk that are used to flavor the cake. There are many recipes that will instruct you to use cake mixes but this cake is best when made from scratch.

Things You'll Need

5 Large Eggs
1 cup of Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 cup All Purpose Flour
1.5 teaspoons Baking Powder
1/3 cup Milk
12 fluid ounce Can of Evaporated Milk
14 ounce can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 pint of heavy whipping cream
Butter for greasing pan
Flour for pan
9 or 10 inch Round Pan
Electric Mixer
Several mixing bowls
Round deep serving dish

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Separate egg yolks and egg whites into separate bowls. Beat the egg whites in a small bowl using an electric mixer. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar until the mixture begins to firm up. Set to the side. Beat the egg yolks with an electric mixer with 1 cup of sugar until the mix is light and fluffy.

Stir into the egg yolk mixture the baking powder, vanilla extract, 1/3 cup milk, and flour.

Carefully fold the egg white mixture into the egg yolk mixture. Fold it in until it is well mixed but be careful not to overdo it.

Flour/Butter the bottom of a 9 inch round pan. Spring form pans are the best.

Pour the mixture into the pan.

Bake the cake for about 25 - 30 minutes. Since ovens vary check the cake with a cake tester and make sure it comes out clean.

Take the cake out and cool for at least 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the cake to fully loosen it from the pan. Turn the cake onto a deep serving plate. If using a spring form pan you can simply loosen the top and place the cake with the bottom of the pan directly onto your serving dish. Let cool.

In a medium bowl mix the evaporated milk, the sweetened condensed milk, and 1/4 cup of the heavy whipping cream.

Using a fork poke holes all over the top of the cake. Very slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake. If it is not absorbing the liquid well, poke more holes into the cake. There will always be liquid left at the bottom so make sure you have a deep serving plate.

Beat the remainder of the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until it reaches your desired consistency for spreading onto the cake.

Frost the cake. Add slices of fresh fruit topping if desired.

It is acceptable to serve the cake immediately, however, this cake is the most delicious when it is cold and when it's been refrigerated overnight.

Hunk a Hunk of Love …..Month 14 Today

2011-08-04T16:32:00.000-06:00

Dear Son,

You are 14 months old today but I prefer to call you one. So when people ask me I say he’s one….then add actually 14 months. I imagine it will be hard to keep up with the number of months you are when people ask. Can't I just say one and one-and-a-half until you're two? I never know what number people want to know though when they question your age.

Anyway, this last month you've really got the hang of communicating. You know that your whiny growl will get you whatever you want so you usually do that first. Sometimes you really like to stomp your feet and put your arms in the air…that is when you want to be picked up. So your cute little tee-shirt that says “Pick Me Up….I Like Older Women” is really a hit!

After the growling and stomping, then I try to get you to use sign language to tell me if you want milk, to be picked up, to go outside, or whatnot. Signing has not come easy, you loved clapping and waving bye-bye…but all of sudden you have stopped doing both of them.

You have learned how to throw a ball this month. You also love to throw whatever you have in your little hands down the basement stairs and watch it tumble to the bottom. Then you quickly say “uh oh” knowing someone will retrieve your lost treasure.

Summertime has been so much fun because you love water. I was so surprised that you were not afraid of getting wet one little bit. You just let the water splash all over you while you dance and play with the droplets.

We have let you have a sweet treat now and then ice cream, suckers and…. You love it. Cotton Candy was a big hit with you, after just a few little tastes you were yelling and laughing so loud everyone around you stopped to see what was going on…. I think you were on a sugar high. I normally don't like to let you eat sweets. Unless you count fruit. But your favorite foods aren't too great for you either. You LOVE French fries….that’s any kind McDonalds, Chic-fil-A, and yes, even Garlic French fries. It's horrible that I even let you eat some but I understand your fascination. They are one of my favorite foods too.

Your stats for this month are:

Weight – 22 lbs

Height – 30 inches

People always tell me how tall they think you are, but both of these stats are just in the 25th percentile for your age. Whatever you are we love you just the way you are. More than you will ever know. Well, maybe until you have your own child some day. I think that's when you'll really get it. Your Nona told me that she loved me and my brother as much as I love you and I have a new found respect for what she went through as a single mom for those early years of my life. Thank you for being my little friend, my bragging rights and my reason for loving life so much.

Love You To The Moon and Back,

Mommy

Tembleque ~Puerto Rican Style Coconut Pudding

2011-07-21T15:36:00.001-06:00

I’m not Puerto Rican. (Shocking, I know ~ la dolce vita.) But with enough influence from those who are we decided to give this dessert a try. This elegant dessert from Puerto Rico - the name means "quivery" - is a treat for the eye as well as the taste buds….yes, I licked the pan! It’s name in English means trembling, due to its gel-like, trembling. I was so excited to try this simply because of my love of banana cream pudding and when I found the recipe I thought it sounded exactly like the recipe for banana cream pie aka coconut!

I was also craving something sweet to remind me of sunnier, childhood days of carefree times in the shade with my grandmother, so I decided to make tembleque. Tembleque is a coconut custard, and it’s extremely easy to make. It can be served in small custard dishes similar to pudding, or inverted and taken out of a mold like a panna cotta. We put ours in custard dishes so everyone can have their own little treat!

Ingredients

7 ounces cream of coconut ( approx 1/2 can)….not coconut milk!
2 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup cornstarch
4 tablespoons sugar ( or to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla

Topping

ground cinnamon, and or flaked coconut

Directions

In a double boiler combine milk and cream of coconut,corn starch, and sugar mix very well.
Stir constantly on medium high until mixture begins to boil and gets thick. Add vanilla
Let boil a couple more minutes still keep stirring, then you can either pour into individual dessert cups or a mold.
Let cool on tabletop, then refrigerate.
Top with garnish of ground cinnamon, and or flaked coconut.
Enjoy!

Tradition

2011-07-18T14:10:00.001-06:00

Spaghetti

Messy, Twisty

Slurping, sliding, falling

Between my plate and mouth

Delicious

Splashin’ on Sunday

2011-07-17T17:07:00.001-06:00

We headed to the splash pad today for some fun in the sun and to help celebrate Mylie’s 2nd birthday. Kendry was totally in love with the splash pad. The best thing about it is it’s free. Next time Mommy will wear something that works with water!

The party started with pizza…”I think I like it Grandma!”

That is not a swimming suit Mommy!

As soon as you let go….I’ll do this myself!

No Fear….

Oh wow…I love catching the water!

Some big kid knocked my down twice…do you think I cried…Nope, just jumped up and on to the next water toy!

After the water fun we had cupcakes and Kendry played with Mylie’s presents.

Childhood, in so many ways, is about learning to navigate the world around us…so when the Red Balloon lifted off into the air we found our way to the car and off to find another adventure for the day!

Splash Pad….we’ll be back soon!

13 Months of Love for Kendry

2011-07-16T17:17:00.001-06:00

Dear Kendry,

Stats: At 13 months you weigh 21 pounds, 5 oz. (50%), 30 inches tall (80%) & have an 18 inch head (55%). You are wearing size 6 shoes… you have a collection of very nice shoes.

Yes, we are many days behind on our blogging. You have been keeping us so busy getting into everything and anything in the house. At 13 months you are still the most amazing thing that has happened in our life.

This month you have been through a lot – the emergence and disappearance of your two top teeth. A bout with some kind of virus. AND No you are not sleeping through the night (thank you very much…for the wrinkles, bags under my eyes, and probably even some gray hair). And through it all we are so in love with every minute of each and every day and night.

One word to describe you is: Busy! Just a spunky little firecracker! You are always walking, clapping, waving bye-bye. You love playing “Chase” around and around, taking turns doing the chasing. You are fast, little dude! You just squeal in such a high pitch whenever someone says, “I’m going to get you.”, and off you go running! You are still in love with the Sprout Channel, especially Patty Pig, Nina, Star, and the Wiggles. You are a very fine dancer!

I can’t believe you still refuse to call me Mama, Alieee is what you say whenever we try to get your to say Mama!. You have started to say something that sounds suspiciously like “No” on occasion. Oh dear, I must say that to you more than I think! And you shake your head very quickly No No No…whenever you are getting into something that is dangerous! Uh-ua and oh-oh (when you drop something) and you love to say “Hi”! When the dog barks you always say Alieee…we think you know he is barking because mommy is coming home from work!

I can tell you understand so much of what we’re saying. You respond to words like “Get your bobo” and “Give Grandma a hug” and “Baby down”….you find a pillow and lay down! So cute.

However, you are extremely stubborn and impatient like your Mama, you've started throwing mini-tantrums this month. The minute we redirect you or tell you a simple "No!" the feet start stomping and you drop to the ground on your butt and holler like we just told you Santa wasn't real. I mean, seriously Kendry. You just can't walk down the basement stairs, and you can't play in the dog's water dish or eat his food….. I promise, it's for your own good.

You’re favorite thing ever right now is to kiss EVERYTHING. You wake up kissing, you go to bed kissing. You’ve learned how to give real kisses where you pucker your lips and follow through. You kiss our hands, our faces, our feet, the couch, the animals, the window, your reflection, your stuffed animals and you even kissed the lady on the back of the magazine. You especially love to hug and kiss other children. You’re still working on blowing kisses. You’ll put your hand up to your mouth and make kissy noises but haven’t figured out the last step of actually “blowing” it yet.

I love watching you learn new concepts and experience new things for the first time. I don't want to wish for the days to pass any quicker than they already do, but I can't wait to do arts and crafts projects with you when you're older.

I love spending my days with you and teaching you new things every day. I love you to the moon and back Little Man.

Saturday

2011-07-16T16:36:00.001-06:00

Where or where are we on this beautiful Saturday afternoon?

Bugs, bugs, spiders, bugs, bugs, flies, bugs bugs, more freaking' bugs! If the heat isn't bad enough, there are flies nipping at you as soon as you step out of the car, spiders (hundreds) in the bushes along the trails, and gnats all along the shoreline. In short, if you don't like bugs and heat.....you won't like it here.
If you can get passed the bug infestation…Bison, antelope, deer, mice, birdies, and very few people….make Antelope Island a place you will remember. The roads are long and have a lot of scenery to look at and it is fun to play "Spot the animal”, we only found a few, I’m sure it was because the heat was more than most animals wanted to be baking in!

The ranch at the end of the road is shady and interesting. The ranger was cool....he told us that there were a few baby deer, some horned owls, and a porcupine creeping in the local wooded area. We, of course, did not venture out into the brush. We hate bugs, spiders, and especially the fact that a snake might be hidden in there waiting to strike.

This time I did not drink any brine shrimp...(a family joke) they are really not my cup of Dr. Pepper!

A view from across the lake.

Very few animals today………to dang hot!

The Ranch was nice and shady in spots!

We finished up our trip with famous “Buffalo Burgers”.

All in All we had a good day…..but I still hate the bugs!

Oh The Pain

2011-06-07T19:01:00.001-06:00

So today I go to see our favorite family physician at the local clinic, I called early today to make an appointment. When making the appointment, of course, they always ask and what are we seeing you for…I say I broke my little toe yesterday. I just didn't have the energy to explain to her how I like to practice a holistic approach to healing called DENIAL! Appointment girl said “Yesterday??”…yes, it was yesterday..do you have any appointments for this afternoon? Appointment girl…Dr. can see you in 30 minutes…ME..I’ll be there!

The thing is, I've got really lovely toes, but I also have a life-long habit of ramming them into stationary objects. My pinky toes are always reaching out and grabbing the corners of furniture.And yesterday I was just passing through the kitchen on my way to catch that speedy little grandson who is on his way to the basement stairs when suddenly the pinky toe on my right foot lunged at the kitchen table chair and grabbed hold of its wooden base.

It all happened so quickly that it wasn't until five seconds later that I remembered hearing a CRUNCH! And then the pain settled in, a throbbing, soaring pain. Hours later the entire right side of my foot begins turning black. Is that not the most pathetic thing you've ever heard? I mean, it's not like I can go around bragging about the wild bear I wrestled to the ground. People ask me why I'm limping and I want to go, "I was trying to get away from whatever that problem was at the Maverik! Just couldn’t get back into my car fast enough!” When really I got my foot whooped by an inanimate chair.

I thought I'd just treat it at home, stick a bag of ice on it every other hour and pop a few Tylenol here and there. Except I forgot I was living with the fastest little one year old on the planet. Who doesn’t give a darn about where his little feet land…it can be on top of my pinkie even if it is lifted up on top of a pillow… Yes,of course he just follows me around, trailing my every move, and treated my toe like the wounded sheep most vulnerable to wolves. It was like radar…let’s step on Grandma’s toe! Cute, right?

The bruising and pain only got worse, so I decided I had to give in and have the doctor take a look at it, just give me one of those stylish $50 boot shoe and I’ll be good to go. Good news is that my toe is still attached to my foot, although there is a clear spiral fracture on my little piggy that cries “Wee Wee Wee all the way home”!

This is a spiral fracture…and this is not my toe! I had never heard of a spiral fracture and said to the Dr….”What” All I could pictures was the Spiral Jetty in the Great Salt Lake…and how in the world could my toe look like that????

Geeze I must have really wrapped my toe around that chair!

Now the bad news is that I have to wear an incredibly unfashionable boot for the next three weeks, and OMG, the immobility is DRIVING ME NUTS. Seeing a podiatrist on Thursday….updates soon!

Party Again

2011-06-06T12:05:00.001-06:00

Gotta Love Opening Presents

2011-06-04T19:38:00.000-06:00

Toys, Food, Books, Clothes....and shoes!

Little Man Turns One

2011-06-04T19:01:00.001-06:00

Happy Day 365

2011-06-04T11:26:00.000-06:00

Dear Kendry,

Today is your very first birthday and I look down at you as you sleep. I fall in love with you deeper and deeper each and every day.

I remember so clearly meeting you for the first time, which was one year ago. When I saw you for the first time, you were the most beautiful thing I had ever seen! You cried and it made mommy cry because I had waited so long to meet you and hear that sound. I held you in my arms and said, “Hi son!” and you looked right in my eyes and stopped crying. It was the most magical moment of my entire life. In that moment, I knew I was your mother and you were my son and you would change my life forever…

And now a year has passed since that amazing day. In this incredible year, I saw your very first smile, heard your first giggles, and I cheered you on when you began to roll for the first time. I cheered and cried as you struggled to crawl because I was so proud and amazed at how far you’d come. You came into this world, 6 lbs and 5 oz…a tiny little baby, so warm and soft, so innocent and dependent and absolutely perfect in every way. And now, you are a little man…19 lbs, laughing, talking, waving, walking…charming every person who is lucky enough to meet you.

You are one today, and beginning a journey—A journey that will take you in many different directions and teach you many things. As I sit here and watch you cautiously take your first of many steps in life, I think of the man I hope you’ll become and that I will do anything under the sun to be a good mother to you and help guide you in your journey through childhood and into adulthood.

Your name means: “Royal Chieftain” strongly independent and with a highly creative nature, with drive and ambition to have experiences and accomplish things out of the ordinary. We chose that name for you because we hope to raise you to be an honorable man with the integrity, strength, and spirit of a true royal chief-- someone who stands up and fights for what they believe in.

You have developed into such an amazing little person already. You are the sweetest, most loving child I’ve ever met. You are kind and gentle-hearted. You are so smart and very calculated. I know in my heart there are big things ahead for you. They say the eyes are a window to a person’s soul and you’ve got the most breath-taking eyes. You have a gentle and wise spirit already…my little “Shock-a-Mala.” You have made this world a better place for being in it and I feel so honored to have been chosen to be your mother.

You melt my heart every time you smile, and when you lay your head on my shoulder after a long day…it helps make the world right again. Never in my life have I been so excited to wake up…it’s because I get to wake up next to you, my little man. I look so forward to when you wake up and seeing your precious, smiling face and I am excited for what the day might hold for the two of us.

This last year has been an amazing journey. It has been the most rewarding, incredible, special time in my whole life. I will cherish the experience of your first year of life in a special way, and treasure it always in my heart. Even when we spent 6 days with you in the hospital, will be remembered as a blessing….because you pulled through with flying colors.

Words cannot express how much I love you, my little man, my precious son. You are my sunshine, my heart, my purpose for being—my everything. I’m so very proud of you and honored to be your mommy. This last year has been filled with priceless memories and I look forward to so many more to come.

Love you to the moon and back!

Mommy XOXOXO

PS….Because you are always on the move when you are awake, this is the only way we can get close-up pictures of you now!

Mother’s Day Weekend ~~~~ Before Unexpected Plan B took over!

2011-05-20T12:43:00.001-06:00

Brevin’s soccer game, finally there was some sunshine, we even had to find shade under a small tree! Halie took Kendry for his first slide ride! They love each other!

Jason made fun of us for sitting in the shade!

Joke on him……he was roasted when we got home!

Aunt Julie taking her turn with the Little Man.

Game On

First Mother’s Day

2011-05-19T13:20:00.001-06:00

Halie loved spending time with Tia ….yes we said she was 12!

Gerber Daisy from Grandma and Grandpa Buffo….beautiful color!

and the card read: Happy Mother’s Day Mami. So proud to be your son and a part of your family. Love Always, Kendry!

What a smartie for only 11 months old!

Thank you family and friends for all your prayers, love, visits, flowers, and support during my very difficult week in ICU in American Fork. I wasn’t planning to spend my first Mother’s Day without my Little Man and the rest of my family. I’m finally doing much better, in fact, I’m feeling great today!

Not to many pictures have been taken for almost 2 weeks. As soon as the Raindrop Quit Falling On My Head we’ll be back with a look at how beautiful the world is becoming!

Oh yes……Kendry will be 1 on June 4th…….we are planning a roaring party! Come one come all….Saturday June 4th. We’ll have more details in a few days!

Grandma Buffo’s Dolls

2011-05-19T12:30:00.001-06:00

Grandma Great has been busy croqueting dresses for these cute little dolls that will be donated to little girls in need. She does an amazing job. We all wish we had the talent that GG has.

Happy Mother’s Day

2011-05-08T06:52:00.000-06:00

Yes, It’s Mother’s Day. It's a day for celebrating and honoring moms everywhere, but particularly my own mom.

Have you thanked your mom for all that she is and everything she does?

I hope you don't mind, but in honor of Mother's Day, I really wanted to take the opportunity to pay tribute to my mom, who has always been Super Mom to me.

In the last year, I've learned more than ever just how hard it is to be a grand mom. The saying "A mothers' work is never done" is really so true, isn't it?

I mean, I gripe and complain about my how much work it is and I'm a stay-at-home grand mom, but I must give thanks to my own mom for showing me the way in all the goodness of life.

So thank you Mom:

for all the times you've said "I love you" over and over and over again… Not once in my life have I ever doubted your love for me. Those words are always like home-sweet-home to my ears and to my heart.

for the clean and comfortable home you provided… our home was always clean and usually had a very comforting smell of fresh baked goodies. You taught through your own example what it takes to clean a home, make it comfortable for the family, and live a life completely within your means. You were never materialistic and always made the best of every situation. I always remember thinking we had the best house in the neighborhood. And every time I think about sending you flowers, I think of how you would remind me that they wither and die…so here is a picture to remind you that I think of sending you flowers on many occasions.

for the fresh, home cooked, healthy meals… Many of which came right out of that beautiful garden that Dad had in the very back of the yard. I remember so many evening dinner where we all sat down at the kitchen table, spaghetti, roasts, corn beef on toast, the list of yummy things goes on and I. I attribute all my cooking skills to the well prepared meals that I grew up with.

for being the model of a hard-working woman who would do anything for her family… I know you worked full-time outside of our home because you wanted to help share in the responsibilities of keeping our family well provided for. I'm glad you set the example of what it means to work hard, because I learned from that and have carried it over into my own life, and my own children have learned the lesson well, both of them working from the time they were 16 years old.

for your listening ear… You've laughed with me and cried with me. You've heard about my successes and my failures. You've offered wisdom when it was necessary and remained silent when advice wasn't what I needed. You know exactly how to pick me up from my boot straps and remind me to stand strong.

for being an amazing grandmother to my children –and grand children… you were the best grandmother ever to Jason and Ali. I’m especially grateful for the years you spent training and nurturing both of them. Your love is known and felt by all three of those little great grandchildren as well. I know they love dropping by to see you and play in all those treasures they find throughout the house.

and for so much more…

I love you mom. I appreciate you in every way, in all you've done. Thanks for being my SuperMom.

Come Saturday Morning

2011-05-07T06:54:00.000-06:00

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Psalm 51: 10-12

PB & J

2011-05-05T13:51:00.001-06:00

Yes, I was a PB & J kinda kid, and yes, I still am! So when Little Man decided he wanted a taste of my delicious sandwich…I knew we were a match made in Heaven! Look at this cute little bite he took from his lunch sandwich! Yes that is his little mouth bite!

Peanut Butter and Jelly

Pea-nut Peanut butter Jelly
Pea-nut Peanut butter Jelly
Pea-nut Peanut butter Jelly
Pea-nut Peanut butter Jelly
First you take the peanuts
and you
dig-em, dig-em,
dig-em dig-em dig-em
then you
smash-em, smash-em
smash-em smash-em smash-em
then you
spread em, you spread-em
spread-em spread-em spread-em
Pea-nut Peanut butter Jelly
Pea-nut Peanut butter Jelly
Pea-nut Peanut butter Jelly
Pea-nut Peanut butter Jelly
Next you take the berries and you
pick-em, pick-em
pick-em pick-em pick-em
then you
smash-em, smash-em
smash-em smash-em smash-em
then you
spread em, you spread-em
spread-em spread-em spread-em
Pea-nut Peanut butter Jelly
Pea-nut Peanut butter Jelly
Pea-nut Peanut butter Jelly
Pea-nut Peanut butter Jelly
Then you take the slices
and you put-em together
and you
bite em, bite em
bite em bite em bite em
and you
chew em, chew em
chew em, chew em chew em
then you
swallow, swallow
swallow, swallow, swallow
Pea-nut Peanut butter Jelly
Pea-nut Peanut butter Jelly
Pea-nut Peanut butter Jelly
Pea-nut Peanut butter Jelly

Photo Challenge “Catch A Cutie at 11 months”

2011-05-04T16:03:00.001-06:00

Things That Annoy Me

2011-05-01T20:27:00.002-06:00

Most of you know me as a very easy going, happy go lucky person (RIGHT?).,….well not all the time. So today I meet someone who thinks her recipes are sacred and to top it off here is her response to why she doesn’t share them : “ I don't share them because I’m sure your cooking skills are lacking and you would not be able to come close to duplicating what I have made and you would just be wasting food to try it.” Are you freakin’ kidding me. My tolerance for people that want me to be exactly like they are and do things exactly as they do is nonexistent. (Me getting Annoyed) I guess to each her own, but honey my cooking, I’m sure, stands up to yours and probably even leaves you in a pile of flour…you no ‘DUST’. So take that! With all that said I present to you “Paula Dean’s Pumpkin Squares”…..Thanks Paula! Yes I know it’s May Day…..but I can make Pumpkin Squares year round if I want to! Deep Breath……la dolce vita!
Pumpkin Squares

4 eggs
1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
15-ounce can pumpkin
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda

Icing:

8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
walnut halves to top each square

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Using an electric mixer at medium speed, combine the eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin until light and fluffy. Stir together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and mix at low speed until thoroughly combined and the batter is smooth. Spread the batter into a greased 13 by 10-inch baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting. Cut into bars.
To make the icing: Combine the cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the sugar and mix at low speed until combined. Stir in the vanilla and mix again. Spread on cooled pumpkin squares. Top each square with a walnut half.