SOLD

One word...sold! Money in the bank :)

Finally.

Magic?

Well...there was nothing of Christmas wonder or magic today. Today was just one little growing guy expressing his need for control over his world and one tired mom trying to deal with it.

May there be magic tomorrow...

Arnold and Special Cookies

Today Ian woke up in a REALLY good mood! It was a welcome surprise after the cranky moods he's had for the last few days.

It was supposed to be $5.00 music class day, but once we drove out there (in the rain) we discovered that Lisa had to cancel since the school didn't have space for her class today (weird). So with a pretty upset guy in the backseat asking for "art class" (he's got his classes a bit mixed up lately!) I told him we'd do something "special".

Special turned into a really sugary iced snowman cookie for him and a yummy gingerbread latte for me followed by storytime at Borders. Surrounded by a million books with airplanes, cars, fire engines, and pirates he lasted through 2 books and 3songs and we were out of there!

Home just in time for a nap! Did I mention he no longer will sleep in his crib? Big boy bed arriving this weekend hopefully!

Tonight we went to the Capitol to see the tree lighting (ok I really wanted to see Arnold since I've decided after 4 years I can admit he's our governor) We got there just in time to hear him say "People of Calefornea" and walk off the stage. A few songs, a little talkity talk by Leza Gibbons the Holywood production of turning the lights on ended and our fun began. We let Ian run around the water fountain, watch the lights, and smell the roses all dangerously close to his bedtime!

Topped off with a little pepperment mocha (cause it's the season) and our day was cmoplete. (have I mentioned I'm currently addicted to Starbucks again? after so long with not wanting it now I NEED it! ahhhh)

Happy 4th of December :)

Wishes Needs and Fantasies *with Santa in Mind

Ian
The bus from Costco (and at every MyGym and Bounce Place we've gone too)
Sweatshirts 2T

Art By Patrick McDonnell (a book)

Shea
movies of course

Katrina
ExpoAperture Depth of Field Guide

A new kitchen mat (not the ruggy kind but the matty kind)
Gift certificate to Designer Digitals *****

Family Wishes
The First Season of Adam-12 or Emergency on DVD (how cool is that!)

3 feet and under

My first SB Peppermint Hot Chocolate of the season! Tis Christmas time!

Spent the entire day putting ornaments back on the tree after Ian removed them! In a few days there will be nothing three feet and under on our tree. Then I really have to worry since today he discovered he can carry his little chair into the kitchen and reach the counter top.

Updated Christmas list for those of you who care (Mom?!)

I finished our Christmas card today, but if I post it the surprise will be gone! You'll just have to wait for the postman to deliver!

26.2 Miles of Christmas

4 Sightings! Yes I said 4.

We were able to see Justin in 4 different locations today. What fun! Loaded everyone (all 6 of us) into the van raced from spot to spot with the map in hand. It was great to see the look on his face when we turned up somewhere unexpectedly. And he PR'd! Congrats :)

We decorated the tree tonight -- in rounds.

Shea, Ian and I.
Ian and I.
I
Justin and Ian
Justin, Ian and I

Now it's quiet, tree is partially decorated and I'm sleepy. Pictures tomorrow...

He Shouted With Glee!

We began decorating today. The tree is up with lights, some decorations, and Rudolph is out! Ian discovered a year old candy cane...and yes I let him eat it! This is going to be a crazy fun month! Nice to have Taylor, Kylie and mom visit.

Ian absolutely made my day when he came in the living room after his nap this afternoon. I had just hung the "Merry" letters I made. He looked at the fireplace, saw them and then said "Oh Look!" Then jumped up and down and shouted with glee! (really...it was glee!)

Christmas Trees!

Found our tree at the first lot we stopped at and picked one after looking at only 10! New record. I love how excited Ian is about it!

Thankful For Being Here

I should have guessed there was a blog dedicated to listmaking!

I tried to do the "corny" around the table what are you thankful for thing at our preThanksgiving Thanksgiving/Mom's Birthday dinner with my parents on Sunday. It broke down completely and I just kept thinking "I'm thankful I don't have a sharp object to fling at them right now!"

Even though no one else really wanted to play but my mom, hers was worth it. She said she was thankful for being here since earlier this year she didn't think she would be.

I guess too much feeling for my silly family to handle! I'm thankful she's here too...

Ian's First Protest

I just needed to mark today as the day that Ian took part in his first organized protest. Who says D's don't have family values? :)

Girls?

I went to an "event" today to connect with some moms and kiddos, learn about some "parenting" stuff. Figured people are good and goodness knows I can use any help I can get in the parenting arena.

I left (early) because Ian was done. The kind of done where he is curling up in a corner crying, signing and saying done over and over.

What did I learn?

1. That little girls don't share well and have little (ok big) emotional outbursts prompted by their own silliness.

2. Girls are possessive (even when they have lost interest in something it is theirs for infinity)

3. I am glad Ian is a boy.

Get The Lead Out!

So...I'm beginning to think that just about any toy that we might buy, be given, inherit, have in the house already might just be recalled tomorrow. I'm beginning to see something very positive in this though! We are slowly sorting through toys and creating less and less mess! My Christmas gift theory is that Ian should only receive books and nonpainted nonplastic toys. Yeah! Not a lot more stuff to be added to my living room. Don't get me wrong. I appreciate all the thoughtfulness of everyone, but we simply don't have room anymore! (and he's only 2!)

So this year I plan on giving him card board boxes, books, and maybe an unpainted wooden block or two!

Now if they would just recall all the boxes stacked in our garage!

Makes Me Happy

He is such a cutie pie lately I can hardly stand it!

Oh...and because I won't be able to call tomorrow to say it...My mom is amazing! Not only did she send me a superb birthday present that so exactly fit me, she gave me the most touching card I've ever received. It meant more than she probably knows :)

Jubileeeeeeee!

I love my birthday!

Arrrrrrrrr

Its almost 9am and he's already eaten a sugar cookie and candy corn...we're in trouble!

Snot

The word that best describes our home this week.

I was going to title it "mucus" but let's just call it like it is! SNOT!

My Momma Said...

there'd be days like this!

refused to wear pants
stuffed newly washed blanket into toilet
while unrolling all toilet paper
took cd's out of the cabinet
inserted said cd into computer and was found listening to Christmas music
broke a yard stick into 2 pieces and ran around the house with the sharp pointy piece
pooped 3 times before 10am
broke just about everything he could get his hands on
climbed onto his bench in his bedroom to get closer to the ABC's

now...

he's outside with Dad...I needed a break!

Gentle Cycle

Well...I walked into the living room for 10 seconds to put the laundry down. Walked back into the laundry room and found this...
He wanted to put his blanket in...and there is no way he'll part with it! With his dirty little face it probably would have been a better idea to crawl into the washing machine!

I'm in for lots more boy shenanigans aren't I?!

U2 - Where The Streets Have No Name (Full Version - Live)

I showed this video to Ian and now he asks for "drums" and "Bono"! Oh what a good boy!

How strange that his "classic rock" will be U2. And to think one day I will tell him the story of how I heard the announcement about this and was just about a 40 minute drive away...oh how I wish I'd gone!

2 Years Ago Today

This seems like so long ago...how did he turn into a little boy so quickly?

I'm Obsessed!

Ok...this is supposed to be Ian's blog with lots of fun and cute stories and pictures of his life. But his mother is obsessed. All I do lately is cruise the internet for ideas...looking looking looking for inspiration so I can just do more of this...and this...

and this...

And digging out older pictures...this

My poor child...and husband...and neglected dirty house...

No photos...

I haven't picked my camera up in two weeks...unbelievable! (well I did pick it up to vacuum under the bag today but that hardly counts)

Just a few things from the last 2 weeks that need to be remembered though!

Shea went to get Ian out of bed one morning and I heard from his room, "I found you Daddy."

Sometime in the last two weeks Ian has discovered both the words I and you...and is using them correctly! Amazing!

Without prodding he looked at me and said "thank you momma"

Everytime he gets a little frustrated or mad lately he throws whatever he has in his hands down and says (so innocently) "I dropped it" ....right

This morning (Saturday) he looked at us and said "School!" When we told him he wasn't going to go to school today he sat on the ground and cried. Of course yesterday when we took him to "school" he sat on the ground and cried!

Ahhh 2

Room Service and Cable

So I should be completely enjoying myself. A plane trip by myself. A hotel room with free wifi and cable. Room Service.

Funny how I miss Ian and Shea when I so often need a break when I'm around them!

Maybe it's the fact that I'm in San Bernardino and that my veggie burger was served on a hot dog bun and tv means nothing since I've not had one in my house in 5 years....

But I think I just miss them! Glad I'm going home tomorrow!

Off to find the Discovery Channel...maybe Deadliest Catch is on! (thanks Mom for showing me that!)

Christmas Thoughts

It has been a crazy couple of weeks filled with....sleep! 8 hours of sleep! Every night! For the last week! Unbelievable. I have so much energy I don't know what to do with it.

Ian amazes me again! He is now almost 3 weeks bottle free and doesn't even ask for it anymore. Naps and bedtime are back to normal. And yes, the best gift is he's completely sleeping through the night...in his own bed! (in fact he's there right now!) You'd think my house would be clean and my laundry done!

Pacific Grove last weekend was excellent! It was a beautiful day to share with so many people. Shea and I completed our races (a little slowly) and then went to Big Kahuna 1/2 Ironman on Sunday to watch my brother. I'm so inspired by his talent and dedication even if he is a gassy smart aleck! I cried went he crossed the finish line (but he'd say I cry at everything!) Pictures to come...after I sort through 3ooo of them!

And then to Christmas...

All of this sleep has me planning!

So I'm working on lists so there will be no family complaints that I didn't do them! So watch for an ever changing post that I'll update with wants needs and pure fantasy!

Toddler DeTox

Well...we have entered hour 34 or so and all is well.

We had a 330-430am meltdown of sorts with everybody up trying to console a very unhappy little guy. Thankfully Mary Poppins, Pirate's Booty and a little water almost did the trick. We finally had to be the slightly bad parents I worry we are becoming and left him in his room to cry. I'm not sure how long he cried since I was out of it within a few seconds...bad mom!

Since our friends Terri and Lisa didn't have child care today he spent the entire day (from the moment I woke him and carried him to the car) playing with Jonah. The distraction was great!

He's sleeping now...and so should I...

7 Hours

So far it has been 7 hours without a bottle...easier than anticipated...

Keep your fingers crossed

The Ears

Everyone of my siblings and my nieces and nephew have their pictures at "the ears." It is a family tradition that is now about 40? years old I think! Wow...that is a long time when I write it! Some of those pictures are happy and some...well, not so happy! Justin's pouty picture is probably my favorite! He still doesn't like to have his picture taken 25 years later!

We were in Morro Bay this week part work and part pleasure. Ian loved the beach, and the "pirate boy", but his ear experience fell somewhere between happy and not so! Funny to think my parents took one or two pictures on their instamatic cameras and then waited to develop the film to see what they would look like. (and I love those pictures) Now Ian joins that family tradition. I clicked off about 5 pictures, looked at them, and then decided we needed more. So much changes, and so much stays the same.

12 Years Ago Today...

Today is the day the Shea asked me the question that led us down this 12 year journey together! WOW...I can't believe it has been that long and at the same time it feels like we've been together forever (most of the time in the good together forever way!)

So against his will I asked him a few questions:

1. Most memorable moments -- Ian's birth, our wedding, finishing our first marathon together,

2. The days you could repeat over and over again -- the day in Puerta Vallarta and the day in Hawaii where we sat and had tuna on the beach

3. How is our marriage different today than you imagined it being -- I don't know because I don't know that I imagined how it would be

4. What did you learn about me over last 12 years -- to know when NOT to talk to you

5. Favorite gift received over the last 12 years -- watching movies all day long with me when I was sick on my birthday

6. What was the worst thing I made for you -- that orange cake thing you made for me -- that was terrible (with not a moments hesitation in his answer)

2 and 38

Yesterday Shea did the Tri For Fun at Rancho Seco. Hard to believe Pacific Grove is only 5 weeks away! We've hit the point in the season that I feel like I need more time...even though we've been training since April!

Ian got his first body markings...maybe next year his first Tri?!

TWO

Two Years Ago Today

Wow!

We were in such a different place two years ago today...

One Year Ago...Today

Just a quick trip to Bodega Bay to escape the heat...where did my baby go? Look at that whispy barely there hair and the little baby fat cheeks. I can barely remember a time when he couldn't walk! Or say crazy things like his new favorites "yes sir," "bad to the bone," "water too, " or "shake-n-bake."

Where did my baby go?

Scrapbooking Stuff

A Weekend Outside

We spent the entire weekend at Rancho Seco Park for the Tri For Fun/Tri For Real only coming home long enough to sleep, repack, and head out for the next day! Ian had a great time playing in the water, cheering everyone on and getting a lot of attention from his "friends". By Sunday he was done! He fell asleep in the car about 2 minutes after we put him in his seat!

Uncle Justin did really well at his first triathlon ever! He had a little crash at the beginning of the bike which required some patching of both his body and his bike. (poor bike...they don't heal as easily)

Off to Santa Cruz this week for more swimming and biking and then Vineman 1/2 Ironman in Napa on Sunday! It is definitely tri season!

How cute is this? A picture with the three of us (that I like!) from Leo's 2nd birthday party. Thanks Sarah W.

Where Did This Week Go

So...I haven't picked up my camera in 5 days! I don't know how that happened. It was a good week with some photo worthy events, they just didn't get taken!

On Monday we took Ian on his first weekly city bus excursion. He LOVED it. We rode downtown and walked around, ending up in Old Sacramento. He loved watching the horses and just being outside. He had "rice and beans" for lunch, his FAVORITE meal. He has started saying "rice and beans" at about every meal. He cracks me up with how he says it with such enthusiasm. Shea is working on the video (he is still trying to figure out his new toy :) )

He was a tired little guy by the time we came home (after his typical nap time). Poor little guy didn't understand why we had to let 3 buses pass before we could get on one. By three he'll be a city bus pro!

I really can't remember what we did the rest of the week...I can remember yesterday some still though!

Last night we all went to the Tri workout and he (once again) cracked me up! He started out by passing gu to EVERYONE! He was sooo proud of himself. After the workout he passed out cups to everyone (again proud of himself).

The next couple of weeks are packed with activities...I will take pictures!

Open Water

So we've started open water swimming at Folsom Lake. I think Ian likes the water!

Leo's Party!

Ian loves his buddy Leo! Every time we drive anywhere once we stop Ian says Leo...just like Leo MUST be there...what other reason would we have for leaving the house?!

Today we pulled up to a house, Ian said Leo! And he was right...we were at Leo's for his 2nd birthday party.

What fun!

There was homemade clay, water to play in, food to eat, toddler trampolines, friends, and just all around fun!

Leo was the star of the day!

...and they all tried to drink the water!

Did You Miss Us?

So...we are back! My mom is doing well (of course since my mom is one of the 3 people reading this I'm really telling her (you) that she (you) are doing well...and hopefully she (you) know that)!

As tiring and hard as it was to see my mom go through everything we really enjoyed being with my family. I was able to talk to my sisters, brother and neices more than I maybe ever have. It feels a little strange and a little wrong, but I really enjoyed our (frequent) breakfasts together at The Whistle Stop Cafe before we headed to the hospital. I think I ate there 6 times in 11 days! It just became our familiar safe comfortable place since mom wasn't around to cook!

So much has happened...so here is my recap...this is going to be a long post. My mom said she's bored and needs something to read :)

Kylie graduated from Junior High and turned 14! (NOOOOOO...when did she get that old?) ! I think that is the same "Class of" sign they used when I graduated from Junior High

Ian's sleep schedule got a little messed up!

Ian and Lainie initiated the new swing in Mumzy and Gramps' front yard. "Mowa swing, mowa swing"

We spent a morning at the City Park. Mumzy and Ian liked the slide!

Ian and Lainie picked flowers

Mom had surgery. We spent a lot of time in the hospital hallway with Ian! He loves playing with his Gramps.

Shea had a birthday! Poor Shea...it was almost forgotten. But being the good sport he is it worked out okay. Mumzy coming home from the hospital was a great gift. When we got home we found out that Shea now also shares his birthday with Raj and Colleen's new little guy! (don't you love baby toes?)

Kelly and Ian planted flowers for Mumzy's homecoming. Ian also learned his new "uhhhhhhh" sound (imagine great effort going into a digging motion)

We came home...as we pulled into the driveway Ian said with a big sigh, "hooooooooooooooome".

And since we've been home we have been laying kind of low resting and regrouping. It was good to be with family but always nice to be in our own home again.

We had a great father's day...Shea got a shiny new toy that we'll show off here soon. Just think moooovies :)

Oh...and if you've made it this far and are still bored...go here to see what I've been doing for fun!

Squinty Eyes

This silly kiddo can make me laugh when I need to most! For the last 6 months or so he's made this face when we say "squinty eyes". We think it started as his way of winking at us! He now has taken it to a new extreme putting his entire body into the action! He cracks me up.

This is also a really good shot of his chipped teeth!

He also slept through the night without any problem last night! Sprawled across Shea's side of the bed while dad slept in the living room! Oh my! What has our world come to! Tonight he's in his crib!

Busy Weekend

This was one of the most busy weekends we've had since Ian was born! One activity after another...kept him out until 9PM last night! We NEVER do that...and won't do it again soon! Although he did sleep completely through the night.

I did get this great picture of he and my dear friend Becky. He got to spend the entire weekend outside with his Team In Training friends so he was a happy little guy!

A Day Out With Thomas

Ian and I ventured out to see Thomas the Tank Engine on Friday! I was sooo excited about it for him and for me!

As soon as we pulled into the parking lot I think he new something special was happening. He squealed with delight just with my opening the van door...and the fun hadn't even begun!

The plan had been to meet Charleen and Leo and ride the bus from the parking lot to the train together. But...when Ian saw the first bus leave without him on it he broke into tears! I couldn't bear to see him watch another bus pass so we hopped on. He oohed and ahhed and said bus about 50 times. He sat in the seat on his own and didn't even attempt a wiggle.

the bus ride

We met up with Charleen and Leo and got to see Thomas in the station and then climbed on board for the ride. (must add they really didn't understand the standing in the long line to wait to get on...but I don't either so...) I just have to say the bus ride was his highlight! He liked the train and the entertainment and the company, but he LOVED the bus. We hung around after the train ride and stamped, played with trains, got a tattoo, played in the sandbox and the really dirty water fishing game. BUT the bus was where it was at!

I'm taking more $1.25 city bus trips with him!

Happy Mother's Day

I can't believe that this is my second mother's day...in fact today I used the words "next year when he goes to preschool" How did this happen?

For the last two years I've had an amazing group of women in my life who have helped provide perspective, advice, confidence, and friendship. I am a better mother because of you all and certainly couldn't have made it through some tough times without your patience and support! Ian will appreciate it someday! I made this silly little video for Valentine's Day and had a bit of an issue getting it to you all! So...here it finally is! Enjoy = ) And thank you for being my friends!



(and thank you Mom...all of the above applies to you too)
(and thank you Sarah for all the trips to Selland with and without child)

Cutie Pie

One Year Ago

Oh how I wish we were there now!

He perfected crawling while we were there...just a year ago...time is flying by.

I Hope It's Not Too Late

Charleen had said it Praise Junkies: Part Deux
But NOOOO I can't even clicky click on the link to read it. So today I'm exploring del.icio.us, my new favorite way to avoid doing anything productive and I find and read this...
Smart Kids/

I certainly hope we aren't too late...

Next time I will read Charleen's links!

BTW I'm KatrinaKennedy over there if you want to join my network...more like a phone with no charge than a network though!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle...well at least Reuse

So our street's 10th annual yard sale happened this weekend. I was too busy taking pictures and playing with those pictures to actually organize anything for a yard sale...so we purchased things instead!

Ian is now the proud new owner of...

A sandbox (that will probably hold water instead of sand if we can get him to give it up as a bed)

A slide/house combination thing

An indoor mini slide

A very loved basketball hoop and slowly deflating ball

Not bad for $25 -- I love our neighborhood!

Failed?!

I've failed to post in a while not because I've been working so hard or taking Ian to the park every moment or organizing my desk or cleaning my house or washing my car or paying bills or working out or volunteering my time or taking phone calls or designing training programs...

No...I've been addicted to all things Photoshop. I can't stop myself. I can't get up out of this chair. I can't breathe fresh air. I can't do anything but resize, adjust hues, crop, create new layers, rinse and repeat. I'm addicted. My poor child!

But I am a real mom now...I bought a laminator on ebay.

Looking Back

I'm ignoring the fact that Ian is playing with Shea's dvd player...probably breaking it beyond repair to upload this! I'm really enjoying getting Ian's babybook together. Laundry? Clean house? Who needs it?