Without going on and on and on...

Okay, so Bug entered school this past Monday. Full-day Kindgergarten. Without going on and on and on (as I mention in the subject), I will just say it has been tough, we are adjusting and hoping for the best. Now that it is Friday, I am wondering why I wasn't shamed into better behavior (less crying, more laughing), but it is what it is. You probably can't tell, but he had his front tooth aided-out by a swift kick to the mouth the Saturday before school started!

In my new "spare" time with T, we've been having fun singing songs and watching "ues ues" better known to the common man as 'Blues Clues'! Try to ignore my voice and listen to his cute little one! For family, especially check out clip 2 -- it's T saying your names!

Vacation

Nearly three weeks ago, we made a last minute plan to head to Destin, Florida. If you haven't been and it's close enough, I would recommend it. I DO NOT recommend our choice in hotels, but thankfully the scenery made up for it. The highlight was probably for Paul and Bug -- parasailing. T and I -- enjoyed the beach and a lot of Krispy Kreme donuts (which we sadly do not have here)! We saw dolphins, Bug got stung by a jellyfish, Paul ended up with a pretty messy sunburn, but it's definitely the kind of trip you could make over and over again and never tire of. Try not to notice the now characteristic smudging on the photos --- not only is our camera a bit outdated, but the lens is actually covered with some kind of goop thanks to amateur photographer T!

And Counting

Paul, That was fast. I wanted to remind you of some of the things we've done since that great day 10 years ago. We've been to countless places including, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Washington, New York, Massachusettes, Connecticut, Korea, Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Pennslyania, and Utah. We've completed 10 years of school (you 7, me 3). We've owned 3 homes, moved 6 times (that's a lot of boxes), eaten out A LOT!! Survived one major hurricane, enjoyed the snow, enjoyed no snow, lived by the poolside, and wished the a/c would stop breaking. Owned two used ond one new car. Wished I would stop wrecking the car! We've worked all over the church, in YM, YW, Primary, Nursery, ward clerk, and visited at least five temples. We watched your Dad and my Dad retire from their jobs, had five nieces and nephews born.We've held 2 of the world's most beautiful children all night long, bought bikes, trikes, basketballs, roller blades, skateboards, scooters, dump trucks, and a lot of other stuff. We've worked hard, been tired, made so many bottles, changed diapers, gotten rid of two binkys and one pair of training wheels. We've gained weight, lost weight, run faster than we thought possible, and walked slower that necessary. There's one thing that is certain, through all of this, there's nothing I would take back or change. We're meant for each other and I love you!!!!

Happy Birthday T!

Bug rode down the playground pole, giving himself the inevitable pole burn...when he didn't get up right away, T ran over and plopped down.

Sitting on the end too far back. This could happen to anyone, but always to T!

A true foodie. T will eat just about anything as long as it has dip, or some kind of filling. At breakfast yesterday, he dipped his pancake in ketchup. He'll try anything once so look out world!

The month of June is filled with a lot of good things, friends & family birthdays, anniversaries, Father's Day and most importantly T's birthday! Today he will be TWO! I know, breathe, it's ridiculous that time has flown by. T is unconcerned about his birthday. I guess we've spent a little less time on the hype than we did with Bug. We'll celebrate by visiting a nearby train depot on Saturday and having cake later on. It's rumored to be a basketball cake as we are combining the many favorites of T. Oh, how we love T! He is a funny boy, with a serious side. It's hard to say exactly what kind of personality he has except that he is 100% boy. He'll destroy anything in his path. If it's on the ground he'll eat it, if it's laying around, he'll play with it or break it, if it's some kind of clever wall border in the preschool, he'll pull it down, and if it's his brother's, he'll take it. And then he'll look at you like YOU are the crazy one! He brings a great deal of joy into our lives and today we wish him a very Happy Birthday.

We LOVE Summer!

And we spend it all at the pool. Hope you're having as much fun!

Other than that -- a quick reminder to self, lifestyle editing. GET IT DONE!

AND I will be investing in one of those steam mops -- if you have a recommendation, now would be a good time to shout it out!

Cake Making Simplified

This past weekend, I made a cake for our neighbor's birthday party. She turned four and loves flip flops. It was a pool party, so I found a version of this cake online and recreated it as best I could -- but I have found some great secrets to easy cake making.

1. Buy your frosting at Sams Club -- they have a buttercream frosting that will not melt in the 90 degree heat and humidity. It can be tinted and is "stiff" enough for decorations. It does not have to be refrigerated and this is a really good thing since you'll have 28lbs of it!

2. Buy your 10" cakes at Sams Club - they will sell you eight individual layers for just $13. This doesn't keep you from baking the other layers, but boy, what a time saver and they are especially dense for carving. I don't have a picture, but I also made a Florida cake.

3. Make a batch of simple syrup (sugar and water) that will keep indefinitely in your fridge and brush your cake with it to lock moisture in.

4. Avoid eating all of the left over cake!!!!!hahaha -- impossible for me.

All Done!

Jen B: Goal - under 2 hours, Finish - 1:29:02.
Betsy: Definitely went swimming in Lake W. TWICE! It was gross, but we didn't get sick, so hopefully that says something.
Sarah: We had a whole training plan and I can pass it on to you -- I'm going to try to e-mail it, but you are already a superstar and the Fort L tri will be EASY BREEZY for a champ like you!
Lindsay: Couldn't and Wouldn't have done it without you!
Lara: You are not off the hook for next year.


You may have noticed a brief absence from the blog and from my commenting elsewhere -- it is mostly because I've spent a good part of the past three and a half months training for or worrying about the CB&I Sprint Triathlon that we completed last Saturday. My friend Lindsay and I put our minds to the task to complete a 500m open water swim, 15 mile bike ride and 5k. We both exceeded our expectations, we made ourselves proud and along the way recognized greatness in friends and family. Some thanks are in order and I tried to write them all down, but seriously there are too many people to thank. I hope these people know who they are. You can see some photos of me looking a bit like a wrestler in a unitard on my sis-in-law's facebook page!

Lindsay said she'd recommend it to anyone -- I second it. Although there were times when I thought I might have underestimated the task, I did something I never thought I could/would and next year you can find me there looking to improve! Visitors welcome --- train and come participate in one of USATs premier Texas Tri's.

Teeth...

Well, we are officially down one baby tooth! Bug has been mentioning two wiggling teeth for a while now, but fearful that he's too young to really lose a tooth, I just let it slide. Apparently, he's not too young and on Tuesday at his 6-month check up, they told me to "cowboy up" and pull them out using the "twist and pull" method. This is not my style at all so they gave me one reprieve and pulled the first one for me but told me by this coming Tuesday, I must be brave and pull the next (BTW - Bug didn't cry or even flinch). He had his first important visit from the TF (Tooth Fairy) who left a hearty $5 -- because it was all that was in the house . Although he officially picked out some art stuff with his new money, because the Target line was ridiculous, I just ran our purchases together and he instead bought tacos! hahahaha. How's that for "how I spent my tf $$"?

Hair part 3...

I threw caution to the wind and went for the cut (after all, it's just hair). Since most people won't want to say what they really think, try to vote in the anonymous poll new style/old style. I'd really love the color and still considering it, but since I'm spending more time in the pool and sun, maybe that needs to wait a while. The stylist was v. patient and even told me the picture wouldn't work perfectly because I have a square jaw line (could be that I'm not a supermodel), but that he would leave it a little longer and angle in a little more. Vote in the poll.

If you can't bear the new style, just check out the pic of my Bug with the "blue glue" in his hair. Dries like concrete and supposedly washes out in 1 shampooing...if it doesn't, you'll hear about it!

Old Style

New Style

Hair

Okay, since my last blog about hair, I've done nothing. I couldn't find a way to commit. That was until thumbing through a magazine, I came across this pic -- I ripped it out (yes, I bought the magazine first), and after seeking multiple opinions, I think this might be my new spring/summer/until the next time look. What do you think? Can I pull it off?

Buggy...

Okay, I know most of you think he is some sort of deranged boss of our family now, but I should have added that he is a VERY helpful clothes folder and he does a good job of it. Learning how to wash his clothes will obviously be in his future, especially since I can't keep up with the demand!(Also, for some unknown reason, he has only 1 pair of jeans, that he really, really loves!)

On another note, he is turning 5 today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUG! He was even born on Martin Luther King, Jr., day 5 years ago so it's his true birthday. We will be celebrating in the cul de sac with the neighborhood kids and anyone else who wants to come by. I've begged him to let me make his cake and he's been opposed, so we made some cupcakes which will be served with individual sized cups of Blue Bell Ice Cream (and after he went to bed, I started on the cake!)!

Since most of you have no use for the following information, feel free to drop off now, but I thought for his special day, I'd remind him of how he became known as "Bug." When I headed back to work (he was 12 weeks), my awesome Mom left her home in Washington State to watch our baby boy. To help break up their day, we sent them to "The Little Gym." The youngest class is "Funny Bugs" and they would always sing this cute song about being Bugs -- he loved it, it always soothed him, and because he was in the class at just 3 months old, he was in the "Bugs" class for a really long time. So we call him Bug. Although I realize this nickname probably has an expiration date for out in public name calling, he'll always be my favorite Bug.

Some kind of girl...

Just seconds ago, the following took place.

Bug: Please tell me you've washed my jeans.
Me: No, sorry, I haven't gotten around to it.
Bug: How many times do I have to tell you to wash my jeans? Wash my jeans, wash my jeans, wash my jeans, wash my jeans. I already told you four times.
Me: Okay...(what more can one say?)
Pausing, no additional commentary, and then a break of the silence with the following:
Bug: What are you anyway? Some kind of girl who doesn't wash clothes?
Me: (no verbal response) Thinking: Only in my dreams.

Today's to do list:
Wash Bug's jeans (or face the wrath)!

Complainer in Chief

That's me. Chief of all things complaint: both worthy and unworthy. If it is meant to be complained about on any level, you'll find me doing it. I don't know why I do this, I feel compelled to be the complainer, mostly to people I care deeply about. For about 30 years, I have moved along assuming that other people are going to be complainy too, but they aren't usually and this is why I bring it to the blog -- I need solutions for this bad, bad, bad habit that are proven effective and work fast, before I lose the few friends I have over all my complaints.

Recommendations

I'd like to go ahead and wish all a prosperous and happy 2009. I have made no resolutions, except the resolution to make resolutions on time next year! In between now and then, I'd just like a few good books to read. Please pass on recommendations (and you can leave out the Twilight series as I have actually read them). Thanks in advance -- I really do love a good book.

Explain yourself...

Let me start off by saying this was the big gift of Christmas. I was sort of against it, but it was their Dad's idea and it will probably be the most memorable gift for years to come. Advice: if the kids want the powerwheels - get one.

Okay, I'm moving into controversial territory with this post, but now that the holiday season is gone, I feel like we can chat about it without any criticism and I'm really just looking for other ideas and feedback.

1. Why is important that kids think of Santa at all at Christmas?

2. Do your currently or will you plan to have your kids "believe" in the mystery of Santa, in what form? Stockings? Gifts galore? One gift? Socks and underwear?

3. How do you plan to tell them or did you tell them when they got the idea that the whole Santa & Elf thing wasn't happening?

I loved the idea of Santa -probably until some inappropriately old age (like 11 or 12). Seeing the surprises of Christmas was the highlight of the season and I was not burned or saddened when I found out there was no Santa -- probably because it would have been totally embarassing to admit that I was still going along with the ol' big man in red suit idea. But, for our family, I'm just kind of already over it (I know Lara - I'm such a scrooge right?!!! :)) with it. In practical terms, keeping extra "santa" wrapping paper (we didn't bother to wrap them), wondering if the letter got to the north pole, cookies, yadda, yadda, it's just extra to do. In realistic terms, there are the questions which you cannot answer truthfully but must somehow avoid lying about. For example, our smarter than the average bear 4 year old said the following when I offered to take him to see Santa at the ward christmas party, "Why? Everyone knows it's just a guy in a silly suit." Of course everyone knows. Not to mention that when encouraging the Santa list or whatever, I constantly have to narrow it down because it is absurd for my kids to believe some jolly old fat man will bring them a list full of items. We say one gift, plus a stocking and your best gift comes from your mom and dad who love you most of all. Finally, there's a spiritual aspect, I am seriously not looking for trouble, but doesn't the Santa thing sort of overwhelm the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ? It just feels like it does. My neighbor doesn't do Santa at all - she just told her kids, he's like any other character in a children's book and not real. I think it could be stretched further as a parallel for christian spirit and giving - not to mention the naughty or nice list, but do you think this would doom the children to an unhappy childhood if I pulled the plug on Santa? Thoughts?

Here's what Tim and I looked like after Christmas:

Merry Christmas!

So, we're the lame-o's who didn't get around to Christmas cards, so for now, please accept our warm (and I mean that literally) wishes for your happiest holidays (even if they're in the cold!) -- the BITTER COLD and you could be down here with folks like us where it will be 77 on Christmas Day!!!! Anyhow, Merry Christmas and Happy 2009! (Is anyone else dumbfounded how we got from Y2K to 2009?)

Christmas...

Just two weeks away, I have really been enjoying listening to the Christmas music this year. Two songs have really grabbed my attention and I ORDER YOU TO BUY THEM NOW on itunes or whatever music thing you use! Seriously, don't delay. It'll cost you $2. Do it. If you aren't sure, they've both been added to the songlist, so turn up your speakers and listen for a few moments.

1. Mercy Me: Joseph's Lullaby
2. Downhere: How Many Kings

If I'm the last to know these are the greatest additions to the Christmas collection, then it's simply business as usual, if they're new to you and you find yourself loving them, then my work here is done!

Deal Maker...

Deals are everywhere. Last weekend, my brother and his wife told me about some great deals they're finding, my friend Tracy saved almost half by purchasing a new camera bag online, and I have finally decided to join the revolution (like always, a little late). This is my new purchase, from Brylane Home.

7½ Ft. Pre-Lit Tree with Double Bonus: Wreath & Garland!
Item # 1590-26563-1313$99.99Clearance $69.49 30% Off
7½-ft. faux ever-green tree dazzles with 700 pre-strung white mini lights and 1200 branch tips. Snaps together; stand included. 20'' wreath has 20 lights, 9-ft. garland has 35 lights. UL-Listed.

Use the code BHOFF40 and this tree, plus shipping and handling comes to $69.38!! If you're looking for a tree, plus wreath, plus garland. This is your deal (I think). Probably best not to tell me if otherwise!

BTW - the link will no longer take you to this tree so cross your fingers for me!

For Holly...

I just found out that this little girl's mom, Holly, passed away on Saturday after years of battling MS and MS-associated complications. Though some of you didn't ever meet Holly, you probably know someone like her and hopefully will forgive my need to say something here (my pseudo online journal).

With all that Holly has endured, she was easily the most optimistic and positive person I have ever met. She moved to the Germantown area as her husband began med school and her young daughter was just old enough to sit in her wheel-chair bound lap. Holly could barely see well enough to read let alone drive, or get around easily, but this never deterred her. She would sing what she knew, she would belt out her testimony from the back of the chapel because the microphone was impossible to get to, she agreed to be the YW president and then LOVED the YW with her whole heart along with each sister who served there. I had the fortune of living around the corner from Holly for a short time -- every so often I did a little something that I thought was "helping." In my busy way, I minimized her suffering and that of her family's needs. Holly would probably forgive me easily for this, but tonight I feel sad that I didn't do more and I am reminded that when you are in the service of your fellow beings, you are truly in the service of your God. This earth will miss Holly, but the Heavens will rejoice for she is a noble daughter of God. Holly truly was an inspiration who made this world a better place to be. Our thoughts and prayers are with Christian, Sarah and their families.

Happy Birthday Mom!

A few years ago, a baby girl was born. Today, I am so lucky she was! Happy Birthday to the woman of great patience and quiet strength. To those who know her well, she is a woman of many talents and gifts. This year she celebrated her birthday in a fun-tastic way by attending the King Arthur baking course in New Hampshire with her BFF, Gayle. They had loads of fun, visited four states (you could never do that from Texas), and perfected skills at making the following from scratch (read:without mixers or bread machines): croissants, crackers, foccacia, sourdough, pizza, pear tart, apple pie.. I don't have the pictures to prove it, but I can attest that they were all extra delicious and as usual, an inspiring job.

So, of all the wishes for today (and I have a small list), at the top is a big one for my mother & Framma, a HAPPY BIRTHDAY followed by many more!