Ways to have fun...

We woke up to a what the crap surprise snow storm this morning. I am grateful for kids today because while I'm nursing Eden I hear Taj saying, "It snowed! We have snow boots and our snow clothes!" He's bursting and ready to go out and play. I instantly felt a little less depressed about the lingering winter and went out to play with Taj. Bless his heart.

Taj loves to bowl. At least he used to. Lindsay and I planned an awesome outing to the bowling ally for Taj and Bennet. The boys enjoyed bowling for a total of about one minute and spent the rest of the time running around in the cute tiny bowling shoes. Meanwhile Lindsay bowled for the kids and tried not to look too bad next to the 5 and 8 year olds practicing for their bowling league. What the?

Not much to say, and yet so much to say

Do you ever stop and realize how quickly time flys and feel like there's not anything really significant to say about the time that is now gone? I feel like that a lot, yet there are always lots of seemingly insignificant things that occur. It's the kind of stuff that happens that if someone were to ask what you've been up to, you wouldn't really mention them, but they were kind of special.
So here are a few of the little things I might not have mentioned, but decided to anyway.
-We went for a walk to "the Duck Pond". On the way Taj and Eden got a hold of each other and melted my heart. When we got to the pond there really weren't any ducks. We threw bread anyway, and two ducks found us. Yippy!
-Eden has found her feet! Is there anything cuter than a baby playing with their feet?
-We love to get out. Here's us living it up at a park just up the street from us. We like it because Micah and Taj can get back to our house on the skateboard without pushing since it's all downhill on the way back. And isn't Eden so grown up now?

-Taj has been taking some awesome monster naps. Love growth spurts.

- I have managed to figure out how to get both kids bathed and in bed all by myself. I've only had to do it on my own a few times until this week when I've had to do it three nights in a row. I feel like a real mom of two now.

-Eden doesn't really like peas, but I found out that I kind of like them, and I really like the color.

Easter

Easter is my favorite holiday. Its got the food, the family, the excitement, but not all the fuss of Christmas and not as stuffy as Thanksgiving. It's the best. This year seemed really early to me, and I was not complaining. I did some research and it turns out that this was the earliest Easter celebrated since 1818, and it wont be this early again until 2160. Pretty neat-o. I couldn't help myself and dressed the kido's like easter eggs and really went overboard on the junk food. Guess what game we played about 700 times today.... easter egg hunt! I know it sounds crazy but it really can be just as exciting after the twentieth time- just ask Taj.

Bragadocious

So, Taj is a genius. I'm not too sure about what's appropriate for his age when it comes to smarts, but this kid is definitely the smartest kid in the world (I'm a mom). He found this movie at the library and really wanted to borrow it. I humored him thinking he wouldn't really like it, but I was sooooooo wrong. He loves it! Anytime we would let him watch a movie he would choose this one and before we knew it Taj was reciting the whole movie. No big deal until we noticed the other day that he was pointing to the letters on the dryer saying what they were, "h. e. a. v. y. d.u.t.y. What these words say?" Whoa! Later that same day he sees the letters on a car in the parking lot, "L. A.N.D." Holy moly. This kid is learning to read all on his own. Turns out he can spell and recognize his own name and mom and dad and eden. Nerd alert. Just kidding. I'm obviously a little proud.

Hooray!

Today there are three things I am really happy about.

1. Girl Scout Cookies are back!!!! My loving husband hooked me up with a supply of Thin Mints and Samoas. They are one of the things to like about Utah (they are pretty hard to get in HI).

2. "Flight of the Concords" are on their way!! Micah and I are huge fans of the show and put it on the top of our Netflix list back in November. I just got the good news that we're finally getting our turn!

3. Got the kids out of the house! I love going for walks, especially to the nearby stream and bridge featured in the pic.s. As you can see, Taj also really enjoys it, but Eden is still "warming up" to it.

Buddies

Micah has been taking Taj for rides on the skateboard since before Taj could walk. I still get a little nervous, but love to see them share activities like that. Skateboarding is one more thing that only Dad does with Taj, and is therefore very special.

When we moved into this new house about 6 of the neighborhood Mom's knew of me as the Mom that let her little guy go on the skateboard, and told me that they thought Micah must be a big brother taking the little brother skateboarding without their mothers permission. Oh no, it's the Dad, and Mom didn't have much choice in the matter, but truly loves it.

A Day at the Mall

While wasting time at the mall this afternoon Micah and I came to some realizations. First we realized that we kind of hate the mall. Surrounded by people dressed in the latest fashions, shopping for newer things they have to have so they can come back to mall and shop for more new things. Yuck. It has a way of making a person feel bad for wearing jeans that are starting to tear and for not getting around to brushing their hair.
Next, we realized that we are getting old. Seriously, old. When a high school kid greeted us at Zumiez we asked each other if we are allowed to go into stores like that anymore. When a sales person referred to Micah as "Boss," we decided that no, we are not allowed to go into stores like that anymore. Passing more trendy and flirty high school kids it dawned on us that we have joined the group of adults that take their kids to the mall to shop and our lives flashed before our eyes. How long until Taj has an opinion about what he wears and Eden is begging us for new shoes she has to have, or worse, they don't want to be seen with us at the mall.
I think the most profound realization that came from that trip to the mall was that we really really need to try harder to find things to do on a Friday afternoon.

Ouch!

Torture

About a week ago we had some great weather. When that happens in Utah after a long winter people get really excited and put on their shorts, do some yard work, and shop for swim suits. We got a little caught up in this excitement I guess because we finally put together the trampoline we got for Christmas. Taj and Micah played on it for hours, and I even got on with Eden in the Baby Bjorn.

The next day it snowed.

Now we have to tell Taj that it's too cold to jump on the trampoline about 6 times a day. We've sucked it up a few times and got on with all our winter gear. The rest of the time it's sitting out there looking at us through our kitchen windows torturing us. When is the warm weather going to come to stay?

FHE

Here's the parenting problem this week. FHE. I think I've exhausted my three ideas. I love the expression on Taj's face when we try to explain things like the golden plates. I feel like I've done something right when he stands on top of things and says he's the angel Moroni. Any ideas out there? We need help. Thanks in advance.

Frazzles

There's no denying that Eden is rocking a baby mullet. I love it! In the tub she's got a real mermaid look with her hair swimming around her chubby cheeks. The only reason I mention her hair today is because during a feeding Taj was entertaining himself with a butterfly hair clip of hers that he found. When Eden was done eating Taj decided to do her hair then comment on how beautiful she was. It was one of those moments as a mom where you kind of melt a little and realize for the five million and eighth time that you wouldn't want to be doing anything else than growing up with the little ones.

Quite a Game of Blog Tag

what is your occupation? Mom.

what are you listening to right now? Nick Drake, Pink Moon. I was listening to it then when I went to Molly's blog to get these questions the same song came on. Kind of crazy.

what is the last thing you ate? Cucumbers and tomatoes with lime and salt.

do you wish on stars? Of Coarse, but I'm running out of wishes.

if you were a crayon what color would you be? Depends on the day. There should be a mood crayon like mood rings.

how is the weather right now? Tolerable, which is better than it's been for months.

last person you talked to on the phone? My Mom. She brought us dinner cuz I've been a little sick.

do you like the person who tagged you? Molly? What's not to like?

how old are you right now? 27

your favorite drink? agua pura

favorite sport to watch? Not big on watching sports. I swear I have ADD. I'd much rather be playing.

have you ever dyed your hair? Yup. I'm in denial that I'm not truly blonde now that I'm out of the sun.

your favorite job? Mom. Most of the time.

any pets? Nope. Thank goodness cuz we came close to getting a dog while waiting on Eden. That would have been disasterous I think.

favorite month? April. New life gives me a renewal.

favorite food? Sandwhiches or a big salad. Yum. Wait, does chocolate count as a food. Maybe I pick Ice Cream. Hmmm. It might take a while for me to decide on just one.

what was the last movie you watched? 27 Dresses. Thanks Micah, but I shouldn't be allowed to pick. It was pretty bad.

favorite day of the year? That's usually a suprise. You can never really tell what a day has in store for you.

what do you do to vent anger? Exercise, and if not watch out Micah.

fall or spring? Spring. Fall is like the haunting of what's just around the corner.

hugs or kisses? Either one. Eden's turned into quite the huggy bear lately and I love it.

cherry or blueberry? Blueberries every time.

living arrangements? Micah and I live in Taj and Eden's house. They run this place.

when was the last time you cried? Can't remember. I forget about the bad time's pretty quickly.

what is on the floor in your closet? Dusty slipper.... I'm coming to get you out soon!!!

who is the friend that you have known the longest? Amy Smith or Sara Chase.

what did you do last night? After the kids went down I got down with some 30 Rock and Americone Dream ice cream.

what inspires you? Taj, Eden, and the other beautiful things-thoughts, actions, feelings, views....

what are you afraid of? Cancer. Never living by the ocean. (I must have it pretty rough to be most afraid of that). I also hate scary movies. I'm pretty scared of the world I get to raise my kids in too.

how many keys are on your key ring? two. Want to guess what they are?

how many years at your current job? 2 years and five months, not counting pregnancy.

favorite day of the week? Friday cuz I'm excited about getting the weekend started.

where have you lived? Utah, Hawaii, New Mexico, and Florida.

first cd you ever bought? I think it was PM Dawn. Maybe it was Richard Marx. Don't remember that specificly, but either way I'm pretty sure I was a dork.

favorite vacation? Costa Rica, Lake powell or each time we've been back to HI.

favorite tv shows? The Office, Colbert Reprt, Flight of the Concords, 30 Rock, My Name is Earl, A.F.V. america's best dance crew. Just realized how much t.v. I'm watching these days. Yuck.

You're it Lindsay Horne and Bailey.

an Update

Taj has been getting worked lately. He goes through little periods of being really clumsy and getting hurt, usually during growth spurts, but lately he's just plain getting dosed. We went to a basketball game of Micah's the other night and as Taj sweetly sat on the front row getting into the excitement of the game and the atmosphere a guy got mad at the ref and threw the ball. The ref didn't catch the ball and it goes flying right at inocent little Taj. He was hurt, but as a kid the suprised and embarrassed factors made it sooooo much worse. I was shocked how quickly he bounced back and pleased that he was more willing to stay close to mom afterwords.
It's finally warm enough to go outside so Taj was taking full advantage. We played until he got so hurt I put my foot down and made him come in for a nap. First he hit the beam holding up our balcony with the top of his head (not sure what was going on to cause that one), then he was riding his bike and not really watching where he was going and rode right into our gate leaving his nose and eye all tore up. What a tough kid doing his best to smile while I took the picture of his battle wounds.Here we have "Fireman Sam". Anyone heard of the show? Me either until we found it on Demand a week ago. Now that's all Taj talks about. We turn on the fireplace and all of a sudden it's, "Fireman Sam to the rescue. He's gonna save the day." We got into it with him.
We finally got to use the "Hawaii Stroller". I got this stroller before we went to HI and haven't used it since we got back until today! I wasn't the only one excited. Taj and Eden were all about it.

the "Great Job on the Crapper" Phone Call

"Hi Nana. Miss you Nana. He went poo poo on the potty."

Silence.

In a whisper, " It look like snakes. Hsssssss."

That boy cracks me up. He gets M&M's when he goes on the potty so every once and a while Taj will ask to try it out. We've had great luck a few times now. Who knew the potty could be so exciting. I'm definitely waiting a little longer to dive into it whole heartedly, but yeah! It looks like snakes!

Thanks for Blogging

Last night I hung out with Molly, a girl I grew up with, after at least a few years. We hardly even talked to each other until a few months ago when we found each other through the computer and have been hanging out in Blog-ville, checking up on each other. We finally got together with our families last night and had a blast-ee. I can't even list the cool people from my life that I thought might be lost that I've reconnected with through blogging. It might sound cheesy, but this housewife in the cold of Utah is really grateful for blogging.
In other news, I am also grateful for Babywise. I'm not saying it's for everyone, but everyone should at least consider. Ha. It really has made an amazing difference for us in just a few days. It made a difference from even the first day. Eden woke up once last night! I don't think I was a bad mom before, I think I was just a tired and rundown mom before. I love the predictable routine of it, and it seems so does Eden because she's a happy camper. I'm worried I'm jinxing it by talking about it. Thanks for the input and support. Just knowing there are other mom's out there with sleep issues too is comforting.

New Room, New Sleeping Habits

Eden started sleeping in her own room a couple nights ago, and I think they were two of the longest nights I've had with her in a couple months. I'm wondering if it's the new location and if it might just take a few more days or what. Whatever it is, I'm getting worried that this up-every-other-hour-for-a-hug thing is her new style. In a nervous fit I've been reading "On Becoming Babywise" hoping to find a solution, or at least an explanation for this sleeplessness. As I'm reading it I feel like I'm getting a bit brainwashed. I also wonder if it's too late to start at four months. I will take any feedback on Babywise: the good, the bad and the ugly.

I also wanted to show off some pictures of the room that we finally got ready for Eden. I'm so proud of Micah's handy work on refinishing the dresser and painting the walls. I could say he did it for me, but the truth is I know he would do anything for that sweet little girl.

My funny Valentine's Day

The first Valentine's Day I shared with Micah was more amazing than any I even imagined. I woke up to roses placed around my room with notes next to them telling of reasons he loves me. The day got better and better. Needless to say, I married that secretly romantic guy. We haven't quite topped that first Valentine together, and probably because we don't feel like we have to. Every year with Micah has been special and memorable in their own way.

This year was extra special because it was new and special for Taj. We started the day with pink pancakes (they were suposed to be hearts) and pink milk. I've never seen him eat so much in my life. He just kept asking for more. I like this picture because you can see he snuck his hand in the shot to get a pink pancake. He couldn't wait. I've added food coloring to his food a couple of times and it has helped keep my two year old interested in eating- pretty hard to do. At his "Wee Read" class they read and sang all sorts of fun Valentin's Day books and songs, and he got a lolipop (posibly his favorite part of the day). At home we made Valentine's for a few special ladies in his life. The most exciting part for me was his date that night. Taj went out with his Nana and PopPop to a play of "Jungle Book". He sat through the whole thing and had an amazing time, from what I'm told anyway. I love this big boy stuff.

Micah and I took it easy that night, but made up for it the next day on our date. I planned the most romantic thing I could think of- Kangaroo Zoo! It's a huge warehouse full of jumping castles, slides and mazes. We felt like we were on the set of American Gladiators. After getting sweaty there we went and got pedicures. A little girls day out-ish, but I challange anyone to get a pedicure and say they didn't enjoy it. I guess it was Micah showing me one more time how much he loves me by humoring me on that date. We have fun together no matter what we do. I'm so lucky to have married my best friend, and we still like and love each other after all this time.

"Finally!"

We gave Eden her first serving of rice cereal yesterday. She ate almost every drop, holding onto the spoon unil she got it all. When we were done she kept trying to eat everything she could... the bib, the high chair and even her hands looking for more of that tastey rice cereal. I love this stage.

Little Van Gough

Taj LOVES to draw. Anytime he sees a writing utencile he imediately asks for some paper to draw on. I wonder where he gets it. Maybe my talented husband. This is one Micah did most recently, and one of my favorites.

This is one of Taj's first major works of art. He had so much fun, and we love it so much that I think I'm going to start framing some of his stuff.

We just got this art eisle from Ikea (love that evil place). He had so much fun drawing and erasing (doing majic) that he would stop every other minute to jump and dance around. Good purchace. Happy parents.

So Bored