What a great party it was! More photos to follow soon! Lots of family in town. A couple hours in the kindergym at Technique Gymnastics and cupcakes and friends!
Ian had a blast and was really excited to spend time at "gym class" with his friends.
I'm exhausted and trying to catch up with photos. Be back soon!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Party Like A Pirate
Friday, July 25, 2008
Jubillee Friday
Ian and I spent the morning at a Friends of Grant Park event with Music Matt! He was great. A lot of singing, dancing, and fun! MMatt sang one song and then asked everyone if they knew their ABC's. Random hands in the air. He then asked for a volunteer to sing it with him and a cute little girl went up to him, said her name, and chickened out and went back to her seat. He moved on to another song and just kept the flow going. About 1 1/2 songs later Ian stood up, looked at me, and said, "I wanna sing." And away he ran. Without a moment's hesitation he was in front of the group of 40 or so moms, dads, and kiddos standing by a microphone that was 3 times his size.

He told Matt his name and then sang his ABC's in front of everyone. You could hear most of them even! I was so overwhelmed I didn't get the best pictures, but wow, what a moment! Yes, I cried, because geez, there was my kiddo standing there all on his own singing his little heart out without ONE OUNCE of fear or hesitation. When he was done. We clapped. He ran back to me and Matt went on with the show.Then the drums came out! He LOVED them! Waited his turn and then sat right down like he'd played a million times before!
Later in the day he recieved his first birthday gift via mail! A great book and this wild shirt from Cousin Kirin! Obviously he approves!
POTD 072508-1, originally uploaded by katrina.kennedy.
Grandma and Grandpa are here, which makes his day. Tomorrow Mumzy,. Gramps and Lainie arrive. And then the big birthday bash! Pirate Party pictures tomorrow!
It's a true jubillee around our house!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Jubillee!
We are in the middle of Ian's Jubillee (officially celebrated one week before and one week after ones birthday). So tonight we celebrated with a bike ride to Rubicon Brewing Company. Ian was one wild and crazy guy complete with a cup on his head! He was pretty proud of himself balancing it there!
The best part? At the end of the evening he looked at me and said, "mom, I need you." Geez, if only we could hear that forever!
Oh...and that guy in the background of the photo? He taught Ian his first pirate joke! So the next time you see Ian ask him, "what did the pirate say at his eye test?"
He knows the punchline even without understanding jokes or eye tests!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Gifts for a 3 Year Old
1. Art supplies
2. Shirts 3T
3. Shorts/Pants 2T (only if they have adjusting tabs in them...the kiddo is skinny!)
4. Kid size gardening equipment
Okay, so that was really my list of what I'd like him to have. He would probably tell you
1. Pirates
2. Dinosaurs
3. Candy
4. Candy
5. A movie about pirates and dinosaurs
6. Margarita at his birthday party
My friend Myra summed up gift giving so well!
Me...Labelled
Monday, July 21, 2008
Woohooo Number Two
So I have resorted to bribery. Ian has wanted absolutely NOTHING to do with potty training. Nothing we tried would intice him to even get close to the bathroom let alone sit upon the throne. We had decided a while ago that we wouldn't pressure him, just let him go at his own speed and he'd tell us when he was ready.
I guess we changed our minds.
One too many nasty diapers (while also feeling guilty about more diapters) and we'd had it! So...I bought a bunch of little toys put them in a basket and told him. When you go in the toilet...you get a prize! It was like I finally flipped the switch on! He looked at me, said "I need to poop" and away he went. Lots of close calls, lots of playing on the pot only to have nothing happen. BUT, we've had success of two varieties!
So there you have it. I've given in to commercialism just to rid our house of diapers and wipes and excessive hand washing by a clean hands obsessed mother. He's happy. I'm happy. That's what matters most, right?!
I do wonder though...at what point do I look at those big blue eyes and say, "ok, no more toys you just have to do the deed now buddy?"
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Happy Birthday Justin
We celebrated Justin's birthday tonight with a vegan sushi party! Everyone made a roll and then we all shared a huge platter of rolls with lots of yummy stuff in the middle! Our first few rolls were pretty simple and then we got more and more daring with sauces and rice on the outside of the roll and then got decorative!
We made our own but found some great recipes for inspiration at The Post Punk Kitchen
Great way to celebrate a birthday!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
POTD 071908
He loves his dad.
I could attempt to write some clever piece about the two of them and how good they are to each other blah blah blah, but I think those 4 words say it all.
He loves his dad.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Look What I Learned Today

Thursday, July 17, 2008
Life Is Good
Justin and Breena showed up on our doorstep tonight on their bikes! With a little persuading we took a little cruise across midtown to Ernesto's for dinner. It was just a perfect night! Our ride home was in the dark, but in a pack with Shea's headlight all was well!
It was one of those nights that we just knew we'd made the right choice buying our house in midtown. I feel about 100x happier than I've been in a very long time!
Happy Two Year Blogaversary
Here's the first photo from that very first post

Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Pouty Face

Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Practicing
What's next?!
Monday, July 14, 2008
POTD 071408
Monday is gym day so that means time with Kathy and her kids! Ian loves his Addy time and his visit to Starbucks with them after! I love that he almost always falls asleep on the car ride home and can be carried up to his room for a long nap!
Since I saw him last Corbin has learned to crawl! Kathy let him demonstrate for me! This is just moments before he went for my lens! And once again his smile just made my day!
POTD 071308
We had our first party at our house! A post softball game bbq for Justin's store. A completely fat free vegan meal and NO ONE complained! In fact they ate more than I could have ever imagined!
About midway through carrying all of the food out Shea and I realized we didn't know were Ian was. I went to the front door, Shea went to the back. He is usually really good about saying, "I'm in here" when we call his name. For some reason this time he said nothing. Justin's friend and coworker saw him and Shea and I went running. He had made his way into the back corner of our yard by my vegetables -- a place he has never gone alone. He told us he fell and he sat so sadly with his lower lip curled and tears in his eyes. I don't know that I've ever felt so sad for him. I'm not sure why he was there.
Fortunately 10 minutes later he was okay again, even introducing himself to people with an extended hand and the "hi I'm Ian" greeting! He cracks me up!!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
POTD 071208
We took Ian to story time at Time Tested Books. He tolerated it but didn't really love it! Somehow he had it in his little head that we were going to the "fish place."
After a couple of stories he was ready to go, no looking at books, just back in the bike trailer still asking for the fish place. Shea and I stood on the street and discussed just were a fish place might be found. So about 12 blocks or so later we arrived at the fish place! Ian loved it and he even found Nemo!

Friday, July 11, 2008
POTD 071108
Justin showed up at our house tonight with his new ride :)
We now can ride in a pack!!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
POTD 071008
Self Portrait time!
He was playing in the sprinkler this afternoon since our house was HOT! He would run in it, run to me and try to dry himself off on my shirt. He finally figured out if he snuck up from behind and hugged me it had the best effect of getting him dry and me wet!
I'm not a fan of being IN photos but I liked this...although the longer I look at this the more it is beginning to look like I photoshopped my head in...wonky angle! (and wow is my head big compared to his or what??!!) Thanks to Jessica Sprague for the great ShaZam technique for jazzing this up some.
Great visit with my mom and neice and nephew...photos tomorrow!
Ohhhh and here's the muffin man story. Credits here It's also on the Designer Digitals blog!

(this was a very link happy post!!)
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
POTD 070908-2
Thanks Mom and Shea! They stripped and painted our front door today! I can't wait to hang it! Great visit with my mom...they always go too fast!
POTD 070908
Do you see anything from yesterday's photo???
POTD 070808
Ian and I planted bellpeppers before we moved. When we finished putting them in pots I asked him what time it was. (since it was naptime!) He looked at me with his big grin and said, "grow time!"
And yes, it grew! This is our first one off the vine! Can't wait to try it out!! (and harvest a lot more!)
tomorrow (errr later today, I'll post the muffin man story!)
Monday, July 07, 2008
POTD 070708
Ian's first AAA game today! He loved it even in 101 degress at 7pm. Heat meant not a lot of people which meant lots of lawn space to play!
Sunday, July 06, 2008
POTD 070608
Ian's favorites at almost three
Food - waffles and strawberries, rice and beans, gold fish, broccoli
Book - Curious George
Phrase - "I don't like those choices"
Person - Dad unless it involves pain or upset then it's all about mom
Movie - Eloise, Madagascar, Mighty Machines
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Saturday? Sunday?
To celebrate the completion of our living room painting project we rode our bikes to the "big taqueria." Always a good bet for me since they will cook my veggies exactly like I need them without giving me that "geez lady you are annoying look."

After finishing rice and beans Ian was a little anxious to leave. "You all done guys?" Since we weren't he decided to wear the guacamole bowl on his head. And being the bad mom that I am I took a picture of it instead of telling him to take it off! I'm not sure why they put them on the table anyway. I think it is their little marketing maneuver...if they see the empty vessel on the table they will want to fill it with the green stuff...
He's such a little ham!
POTD 070408 - Kids...
don't try this at home!
4th of July
Like none we've had before! 4 parties to attend, much to be lit, and all within 4 blocks of home! Ian loved it and we (hesitantly) let him hold a sparkler. We climbed onto the levee and where able to see the Cal Expo fireworks before we started our own show!
After Ian went to bed Shea and I had the "adult" lighting with our next door neighbors. Joe truly got into the action :) And...well...there were some fireworks that I'm not exactly sure you can buy in California! But we won't talk about those!
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Pirate Cupcakes
Me: What kind of cake do you want for your birthday?
Ian: A pirate cake!
Me: Do you want cupcakes or a cake?
Ian: Cupcakes and a cake.
Me: Do you want party hats?
Ian: Pirate hats!
Me: Who do you want to invite to your party?
Ian: Justin.
Me: Ok
Ian: You
Me: Okay, I'll come to your party
Ian: Margarita
Me: Where is Margarita (since I didn't think who is would be helpful)
Ian: In her house (okay where is wasn't helpful either)
Me: Is she at school?
Ian: Yes
Me to Shea: Do you have any idea who Margarita is?
Shea: Nope
So who is Margarita?!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
POTD 070208
My first power tool! I'll show the project later...I can't give it away before it's done!
PIcture A Day Shutterfly Book
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
POTD 070108
I love summer vacation! Shea and I play a different game everyday! We've been through dominos, cribbage and today Scrabble! And well...let's just say that that long word you see is mine. And yes it was 71 points! Every tile! Wooohooo!
I can't wait to teach Ian to play! He'll be the 4th generation of Scrabble player in my family! :-)
****ETA
Well...I hope I can teach Ian to spell since my friend Mollie just pointed out that I spelled painting wrong!! Shea and I never even noticed that an N was missing!! Oh MY goodness!! I played it, scored it, and we never even noticed it was missing an N!! LOL Thanks MOllie :) SO much for that score!! But to my credit that blank could have been an N instead of the S!!
Monday, June 30, 2008
POTD 063008
The boy who will only sleep in his bed or sometimes the car seat fell asleep 10 minutes into our bike ride tonight! We were riding around looking for front yard landscaping ideas in our neighborhood and he suddenly got really quite!
When I got him out to carry him upstairs to bed he woke up unfortunately. He was so sad...and kept asking to go on a bike ride! Poor little guy remembered nothing about the ride! I think he may have been asleep much sooner than we expected!
Glad we found a cheaper way of falling asleep than driving the car around :) Now I just need to perfect lifting him out without waking him!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Carless Sunday...Yes We Can!
We decided today would be "carless Sunday"! We biked to the farmer's market, played at the park, drank SB's, biked to the Natural Foods Co-Op, took naps midday, and just had a great day! It's funny how quickly I've become possessive of my neighborhood and bitter towards all of the people who drive through it for something else. Especially those who don't know the code of letting bikes have the right of way at stop signs even if the car got there first! I love midtown!
Stay tuned for the post calculating the money we are saving by biking instead of using the car :)
And yes...Ian has made his first political statement! A woman has been at the Farmer's Market with Obama buttons and signs for MONTHS! She is there every Sunday with the same huge smile and kind words...true dedication! She gave Ian a button today (after asking if it was okay...which made me love her even more!)
He was so proud to wear it although he did say it was his police badge!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Young At Art
What fun! We went across the street today for the Young At Art celebration that Friends of Grant Park hosted. Ian was so excited to get to paint. It was amazing to see just how much he has changed since the last time we painted. He now draws almost everything in circles and lots of paint and bright colors. He's started to tell us what he is painting too! 
We also got to meet several people who live just a couple blocks away who also have kids! They are doing such a great job of bringing the neighborhood together and they really understand/share the reasoning behind living in midtown! I love that!
1 Forward 3 Back
3 years ago this week Shea and I were taking our very last childbirth class in preparation for the life changing arrival of Mr. Ian. Funny how important things like room decor, accessories, clothing and all of that other "stuff" was! Who knew it was really none of that "stuff" that we were going to need!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
POTD 062508
I came home this afternoon, opened the door and found this waiting for me :) It is so orange and just that right amount of girly without being too girly! Can't wait to take it for a little ride to the farmer's market! I need to get a basket for it because I can just imagine riding home with fresh flowers, a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
POTD 062108
We celebrated Leo's 3rd birthday party today! Ian had a great time, but was really most excited about eating the cake! He'd been happy to play alone most of the party...but as soon as the cake came out he ran for the table, climbed up in a chair and was eager to take part in the festivities! 6 little bites of frosting and he was done. Back to the toys!
Happy Birthday Leo!
Friday, June 20, 2008
POTD 062008
Ian got to go for his first ride behind Shea's new bike! He loved it!! Shea even willingly pulled him around midtown when it was 100 degrees! They came home with huge smiles on their faces! (and a nice icey beverage for me!)
Looks like I'm going shopping since we need to cruise together :)
Thursday, June 19, 2008
POTD 061908
Shea got his new bike!
Unfortunately we both have food poisoning...no riding it and kind of shakey photos of it!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
POTD 061806
Yummmm...prep time 5 minutes, cooking time 10 minutes...easy breazey yummy!
My version of this recipe. I used squash and black beans since that's what the fridge had for me :)
Monday, June 16, 2008
POTD 061608
I love that these two kiddos have known each other their entire lives! They love to play together and Ian has started talking about her ALL OF THE TIME!
This picture kills me though! Can't you just see exactly what they are going to look like as teenagers? Can't you see the trouble they both are thinking about causing? I'm worried already! They continued to pose like this every time I got the camera out! They even agreed to doing a cheek to cheek shot!
They crack me up!
***ETA click on the photo to see Ian's entire face! For some reason blogspot cut him off!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
POTD 061508
It was a happy father's day for Shea! Of course, you can't really go wrong if you give him a little Guinness for breakfast and buy him a chain saw at home depot!
OH my god!! I hadn't realized until I typed this that he did indeed mix a chainsaw and beer today!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Yes...He's My Child!
I think there is no mistaking that we are related! He wants to wear our glasses all the time! I think I need to explain to him that given his genes...he'll get his own soon enough!And a little page I made today. Credits here

Happy Birthday To Shea
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
I clearly need a break!
I walked into the building, found my typical training room not set up for my class. I asked the student assistant (who is truly brilliant) which room I was in and she gave me a confused look and said, "I don't remember." That was my first clue that something was seriously wrong. I followed her to her desk to confirm exactly what was wrong!! I had arrived at my client CalPERS when I was supposed to be at my client CalSTRS!!!
ahhhh no car, no keys, no materials for CalSTRS...AND...somehow no number for the manager at CalSTRS!!
I left frantic messages with everyone I could think of at CalSTRS since at 745am no one was at work yet! Then I began to decipher what I was going to do with myself 5 miles away from where I was supposed to be, no way to get into my house, no transportation, just my bag and my phone!!
With the help of my brother Justin I decided it made the most sense to take the bus to his store, get a ride from him to Shea's school, get keys and at least I could get into the house and have a somewhat productive day even though it wouldn't be the day I'd planned. (oh and probably figure out a way to keep CalSTRS from kicking me to curb forever!)
I began the walk...in heals...which I never wear, but on this particular Tuesday was sporting an extremely cute outfit that just required heals! About three blocks away my phone rang. CALSTRS! I'm not sure what I expected from them, but the response I got was the BEST! Having not listened to any of my messages, they were worried I was stuck in traffic or something worse had happened. Most embarrassing explanation ever from me followed!
Did they cancel class? Tell me I'm a loser? Post to their intranet to never hire me again? Nope! They picked me up! Yep, the training manager Katie drove across town, put me in her car, took me back to their office all while trainer Cindy ran an icebreaker with the group, student Youmaly copied materials for the class, and the class just rolled with it! Could you ask for a better client??!
I walked in 40 minutes late. Greeted the class, told my story, apologized and we went on like nothing had happened!!
Wow...what a day! I love CalSTRS!
Monday, June 09, 2008
Hearts
Today I came across this little girls story and it touched my heart...especially the post about her scar. It makes my experience seem like nothing. What are you doing for your heart?!
Jubillee Cake Recipe
2 cups whole wheat flout
1 cup (or less) sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup vanilla oat or nonfat soy milk (I used nonfat soy milk)
1 cup unsweetened apple sauce
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tablespoons water (egg replacer, I grind my own flaxseeds for the meal)
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Mix the first four ingredients in a medium bowl
3. Mix the remaining ingredients in a large bowl
4. Pour dry ingredients into liquid and stir by hand or beat until no lumps remain (easy by hand)
5. Spread evenly between two 9-inch round cake pans or one 8x13 inch baking pan
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean and cake doesn't feel sticky to the touch
7. Cool before removing from pan.
I topped mine with Chocolate Sauce (and snuck a little between the layers)
Chocolate Sauce
3 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a saucepan, combine all ingredients. Mix well and cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
This sauce is decidant!! It would be great to dip strawberries...or well...a spoon!
You can find similar recipes at Fat Free Vegan.
Friday, June 06, 2008
POTD 060608
Yummmmm and fat free! We celebrated the beginning of Shea's Jubillee tonight with a little cake! Ian helped make it which was a bit of a riot! He had his own little bowl and helped mix my ingredients and his own. He'd jump off his stool, run in the other room, do something (certainly something important) climb back up his stool and repeat the entire process again!
When Shea got home he met him at the front door and said "I want to eat it!" So we did! Before dinner even!!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Stinker!
He looked right at my and said, "No momma, I a pooper!"
What a stinker he is!
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Did I Do This?
Today was Ian's Preschool Summer Kick off. Kind of the post graduation party for all those 5 year old kiddos who are moving on to kindergarden. We went thinking it would be like many preschool events that we've attended -- go for a few minutes, eat the potluck food (I hate potluck...I need far more control and information about the food that I indulge in than a potluck offers), and then head out of there.
Today was different though.
I ended up spending most of the time talking to Ian's teacher and other staff who spend the day with Ian, hearing how much they like him. How sweet he is. How easy he is. How quiet he is. One of the staff told me about how willing he is to let her change his diaper and then pointed out all of the kids who weren't so willing or nice!
I'm sure the smile on my face was HUGE as I thanked them when inside what I was really thinking was, "oh my do you know how lucky I am? do you know how neurotic he probably should be and how neurotic I was for the first 8 months of his life?" Yep...I'm pretty certain his little sweet adorable loved personality is all him!! I got lucky!
Monday, June 02, 2008
To Post Or Not To Post
I refused to unpack anything.
I'm tired and should be sleeping.
I have to work tomorrow.
That's it...
Sunday, June 01, 2008
MOVED!
Well...at least with the moving out and the cleaning part! Now we just need to get unpacked and situated in our new house! We are loving it! It has just the right amount of quirkiness to match me!! I'm sitting in the living room right now listening to a gentle breeze through the trees ignoring all of the boxes piled around me!!
The move was long, but went well. My family is AMAZING! We couldn't have done this one without them...from watching Ian to cleaning stinky dirty places that you could only ask family to clean! My mom set up my entire kitchen while we were moving everything and even cooked us dinner our first night at home! What a great treat! I hated to see her go home!
We dropped my brother's truck off tonight and drove 5 blocks home and Ian was out in those 5 blocks at 430PM! I was able to carry him upstairs, take his pants off, change his diaper and he still was out! I think he may be down for the night! He was a trooper and actually seems so much happier here!
Glad to be done...and looking forward to taking a long time to settle in! We aren't going anywhere so really, what's the hurry??!!


Of course, Ian asked for the goose. He's just a bit confused!
I now have lawn art in my living room!