Annie

Today the World's Best Cat passed away. I'm quite sad about this. We got Annie when I was 14 or 15 traveling back to Salt Lake from a weekend vacation with the family in Mesquite. We stopped at the Smith's in St. George where a boy was trying to get rid of a bunch of kittens. My mom picked this long haired black kitten. I fell in love with Annie, a perfect tabby. As we got in the car with the black kitten, I begged and pleaded for the little orange one until Delbert turned around and we went back for Annie. It really didn't take much convincing. We never even made it out of the parking lot.

Annie got his name because 1) I loved the movie Annie as a little girl. 2)The boy giving out the kittens was positive he was a she. Katie (the black cat) was also a he. We learned this when we took them to get spayed and they wound up neutered.

Annie is the worlds best cat for a variety of reasons. He would lay on your chest for hours. He'd curl up on your pillow and purr. He was friendly, but not annoying. He liked popcorn. He was great with kids. They could abuse him and love him in anyway they pleased and he would take it. Eventually he might go hide, but he wouldn't hiss, scratch or bite. He just go limp and wait for the kids to be done with their misguided love. He was tough too. I once saw him take on a raccoon. The fight was a draw because I scared them, but it takes balls for a cat to challenge a raccoon.

I'm not sure where cats go when they die, but Annie deserves the finest spot in kitty heaven. You were one of the highlights and staples of moms house.

Halloween

I'm catching up on a few major activities from the year...so here is Halloween! With a variety of Halloween parties and activities this year, our Halloween costumes were put to use!
Parker was Indiana Jones but preferred being called Dr. Jones. Owie was a t-rex. Is that any real surprise?! And Zoe was a princess on warm days, but on Halloween she was a ladybug. We had lots of fun and got lots of candy. Parker had the most fun handing out candy at home, but trick or treating with friends door to door was a close second.

Our She-Devil turns 2!

It is official; yesterday my darling daughter turned two. Of course she had a birthday party with a My Little Pony cake, which she tenderly refers to as her “Hee Haw cake”. To Zoe, there are no horses, only donkeys. I hope that doesn’t indicate what kind of boys she will date when she is older. On the other hand, aren’t donkeys/pack mules seen as sturdy and reliable? From a parent perspective that must be better than the wild stallion. I’m sure it’s something quite different from a teenage girl’s point of view. The comparison must be similar to dating the nice guy. You know the one I’m talking about, the one who is always “the friend”. Thank God we aren’t there yet. As eager as I am for Zoe to outgrow the terrible two’s, I’m nowhere near ready for twelve through twenty four, and Lord knows her daddy isn’t!

Back to Birthday Joy (but aren't the tangents fun!)…..We celebrated with candlelit muffins in the morning. Our Christmas tree was transformed into a birthday tree, a highlight to Parker who is going to be sorely disappointed that he won’t have a Birthday tree for his January 9th birthday. And while Parker and Owen fully appreciated the candles and decoration, our Sweet Zoe was interested in birthday cake. Prior to yesterday she related birthdays to only one thing and that was CAKE! Yes, she sings happy birthday. Yes, she thoroughly enjoyed unwrapping her gifts with assistance from Owen and Lilly, but the highlight was the birthday cake that she cried about all afternoon. She sobbed. She clung to my leg. She climbed on the counter. It nearly took calling in the Marines to keep her from accomplishing her mission of capture the cake.


Thankfully the arrival of family and friends distracted her from her mission to engulf herself in cake. We stuffed animals and had snacks, and then we unwrapped gifts. A highlight at any birthday party, especially because all of the kids want to help. It’s great practice for Christmas morning this time of year. We now have more Barbies and My Little Ponies that necessary. In fact, Santa is reconsidering. Also received was a much needed kitchen, which was a grand idea; however the play food could go. Who knew that stepping on a plastic French fry could hurt?
What happens when Landon and I stumble upon a drum stick or banana? Will it rival the Matchbox car or lego?

Overall, our She Devil had a splendid birthday filled with lots of family and friends. It was exactly how a birthday should be, one filled with love. So congrats to you, Ladybug, for making it thus far. And a bigger congrats to daddy for successfully managing two full years of having a princess.


We love you Zoe! And despite what Owie tells his preschool teacher, we have no plans on giving you away as tempting as it may be sometimes!

Pics to come!

My Love Affair with Edward

Thankfully I can say that I have put this love affair to bed. Not literally of course, although I know what you’re thinking! It’s unfortunate that Edward can’t be put to bed…literally. (Kamille-that’s directed at you...as well as just about every mom in my moms group! I think I might be partial to Jasper…at least the movie version. )

My Twilight obsession is dwindling. I can once again sleep nights and not look at my dearest hubby to wonder what I am missing. I don’t need the intensity or drama of loving a vampire. Nor do I need to have the insecurities of a teenage girl. Marriage is hard enough as it is and the teens where hell. Who would want to relive them?

The intensity of a new relationship is something that seriously sucks with marriage. The newness that is full of surprise, suspense and flirtation somehow dissolves into daily routines. How is it that fun can be sucked out so easily and that responsibilities have to be such a bummer? Yes, I said bummer. However, there are bright sides. No more dating. Feel free to let you leg hair grow (too bad I'm a compulsive leg shaver.) And thankfully kids add a lot of humor to a marriage. Because laughter is critical in a successful marriage, at least it is in mine! Although, I must give Landon credit. He does provide a lot of humor which often turns into hysterical laughter!

So thank you Ms. Meyers for developing your Twilight characters so thoroughly. Once back down in reality, I appreciate my hubby and my family a bit more. The fact that my idea of a chase scene is running after a two year in attempts to get her dressed if just fine by me, albeit sometimes equally emotional draining as having someone trying to kill you. Well, maybe that's an exaggeration, but not by much!

But Edward, if you are out there....feel free to visit my dreams from time to time!

The Kindergartener & The Preschooler

The Kindergartener (written Sept 3rd 2008)
The countdown is over and the first day of kindergarten is HERE! Parker’s enthusiasm is contagious. My two minutes of sadness left last night. I’m sure if I got out his baby book I’d tear up a bit, but I’ll save my sentimental moments for another day. Today, I am happy. I am happy to know that I have five half days a week with only two of my little blessings.

I don’t know what my expectations were once Parker entered the classroom this morning. I thought he might hold my hand and be a bit unsure. I didn’t know I could be so wrong. Parker surprised me with this delightful confidence. He walked in, greeted his teacher (she knew his name which made him happy), promptly put his backpack in the coat room and found his seat. He needed no guidance from his teacher. As for me, there was not a kiss, a hug or even a goodbye. He was ready and his confidence and enthusiasm filled the room….as least in this mother’s eyes.


I think much of Parker’s enthusiasm is the fact that he gets to ride the school bus home, but the possibility of bringing the classroom show and tell bucket, known as the Mystery Bucket, home
comes in close second. Don’t get me wrong, he loves going to school. He is excited to learn, but a school bus to a five year old is magnificent. In our house it has risen past the almighty fire truck and the spaceship in status.

Another school perk this morning was the PTO hosted Boo-Hoo Breakfast for the mothers of kindergarteners. Owen, Zoe & I went to check it out. We’d already had breakfast, but how many of us really pass up the chance at free food? I was surprised at how few mothers were at the breakfast. I also found that the Boo-Hoo breakfast is misnamed and should be known as the Hip Hip Hooray Breakfast. A few of the mothers were downright giddy that another child was in school. Push them out and ship them off!

My morning without Parker was full of busy to dos but I still had plenty of time to obnoxiously wait for the school bus outside my house with camera in hand. Yes, I did indeed see the bus driver chuckle as he told Parker to smile. While I’m sure this behavior was nothing new for a kindergartener’s mother, I was slightly embarrassed. It was an embarrassment that I will wear with pride.

Now the interrogation began. Grandma Shirley and Grandpa Stan had come over to hear about Parker’s first day of KINDERGARTEN. We drilled the boy with questions and this is what we learned. Not much. He likes his teacher, he liked recess and he made friends with a nameless boy that was wearing the same shirt as Parker. All day I’ve been trying to get bits more, but there hasn’t been much. He and his classmates sat on the carpet and Mrs. Hadlock read them story. He also tells about a room that only five students at a time can go into…special toys, I think, but I’m not quite sure. Talking to a five year old is similar to a challenging riddle. There was one last thing I did learn about Parker’s first day, his disappointment in not bringing home the show and tell bucket.

The Preschooler
Today was also Owen’s preschool open house. Parker’s enthusiasm has obviously carried over into Owie. All morning it’s been constant questions about preschool…mostly, “Is it time to go yet?” Today he got to meet his teacher, Mrs. Kirsten. “O” doesn’t realize that he knows Mrs. Kirsten as Parker’s preschool teacher from last year, but the fact that she knew him made him happy. The fact that she had brownies simply sweetened the deal.

Owen has to wait until Monday to start preschool. I’m sure his excitement will continue especially once he learns about show and tell. I guarantee that every Wednesday he will take something regarding dinosaurs because to Owie life revolves around dinosaurs. In fact, my final mission before preschool begins is to get Owen to talk like a normal three year old. Currently and especially in public, he roars. Occasionally, he’ll tell you what type of dinosaur he is for the moment.

Piano Man
And to top the day off, today is also Parker’s first day of piano lessons. I’m sitting outside Mrs. Blackburn’s house patiently awaiting a detailed report. I have this feeling that by 8pm we will all be exhausted from all of the days new experiences. And with any luck the confidence and enthusiasm will continue through the school year and through life.
Ahh, piano was a success!!!

So, play me a song Mister Piano Man…….

Confessions of an Unloyal Blogger

I think about this blog on a weekly basis and the guilt, well is not too bad. So I'm sorry Kamille for letting you down!!! I'll do better...really. I have about five unfinished blogs on my computer that simply need to be posted. Titles include: Kindergarten-My Saving Grace and My Love Affair with Edward. I'm not about to guarantee photos, but I'll bump blog to the top of my to do list next week....right under laundry and cleaning the bathroom.

Hell No!

It's not a term Zoe has used yet, but her enthusiasm with using the word "NO!" may as well be the same as "Hell No!" The kicking and screaming has begun and she is delighted with herself. I'm not sure that I am prepared for the third and final round of the terrible twos, but I take a deep breathe and remind myself that it is essential to laugh.....often.

Her favorite naughty things include:

Climbing on the kitchen table. This often includes something flying across the room. Typically I wouldn't worry about her climbing on the table, but we have a tall bar style table and I don't do well with blood. Plus, every time she stands proudly in the middle of the table, I think of her future and hope table dancing is excluded. My morbid imagination seems to take it a bit further because Tina Turner's hit "Private Dancer" plays over and over again in my brain. In fact, it's the only song I have in my head these days....ask Landon.

The infamous flailing of the arms and legs at the attempt to put Zoe in her car seat. I think every parent goes through this with their children. Today Zoe was insistent upon kicking me in the head repeatedly. Zoe thought this was quite funny between her screams of agony. Surprisingly, I had no reaction to being kicked. I was more focused on confining my little angel and shutting the van door as quickly as possible.

Coloring on walls. She is my first wall artist and she takes every opportunity she has to happily draw a mural of scribbles on the walls, doors, cupboards, fridge and whatever else is under 30 inches tall. At visits with our pediatrician he always drills us on keeping medications and cleaning products out of reach, but he fails to mention crayons, markers, pens, paints and all other art products. These are critical products to keep out of a toddlers reach. If all households in America had these items on the top shelf, I have no doubt that child abuse statistics would drop drastically.

It's not too often that I want to shake Zoe. The rare occasion that I do want to shake her, my self restraint kicks in. Instead I opt for timeouts. Zoe is quickly becoming familiar with this practice of punishment at which she sobs and tries to cling to my leg. The sobs of "Mommy, Mommy" don't typically make me pity her. They do make me wish for a time machine to fast forward through the next year....at least the screaming parts. She also understands "spanking". It's not something I practice often, but just the word gets her attention and causes her to listen.

Zoe is still the sweetest little girl I know even though she is becoming known as Little Miss Independent. She is stubborn. Stubbornness is a horrible trait to have to deal with as a parent, but it will be a great attribute when she is in middle and high school. Her stubbornness along with her new age of independence keeps her repetition of the word "NO" so frequent that you'd think there was an echo.

Hi Ho Hi Ho It's Off To School They Go!

The thrill of school starting is running through the veins of our house. It's all Parker talks about these days. I, too, am equally excited...maybe even more excited than Parker. Today, we officially registered Parker for kindergarten. It's done! He starts on September 3rd. I think I hear angels singing......

Our Tropical Salt Lake City Vacation

So Salt Lake isn't what one would call tropical, but this year we enjoyed it as our summer vacation. We stayed at my mom's house for a week to house and pet sit while she (Toni) and my step-dad Delbert when to Oregon to see Delbert's uncle's 100th Birthday party....seriously, I hope I don't live that long.

We had a great week. It was a nice combination of family, friends, activities and just a bit of relaxing. I understand the concept of "vacation" is relaxing, but I like to go and do, not sit. Landon specifically requested that there be some sleeping in and down time.

We took the kids to Thanksgiving Point where we visited the Museum of Ancient Life and the farm. Talk about a great museum. My boys loved every minute of it and that includes my hubby. He probably had the most fun of all of us. After the museum we went to the farm. Landon named all of the animals. Landon and the kids petted a donkey (better known as both jackass and democrat) and the calf (Veal). Both animals got jealous when the other was getting attention. The calf kept ramming the donkey's kennel and the donkey was jumping around screaming. Oh, and the boys got to milk a cow. It was only three squirts each, but they thought that was fun. Landon was disgusted by it.

We hit the zoo while we were there too. It's not quite the zoo I remember as a kid. A lot of animals seemed to be gone. The lions and the polar bears are no more. A trip to the zoo is a trip to the zoo. They don't fascinate Landon or myself (well, maybe if we went in the spring), but the kids, particularly Zoe, really enjoyed it. She was all about the cats. The snow leopard looked her up and down asif he was ready to take a bite. Her favorite cats, where the small ones that looked like house cats. She would have loved to cuddle with them.

Our last big outing was Lagoon. Grandma Toni kept Zoe for the day and we took the boys. It was fun. No major meltdowns...well until it was time to leave, but the bride of cotton candy brought back smiling faces. I had two highlights of the day. First was taking Owen on the Log Ride. He shrieked when he got wet. Everyone is line was laughing. I had a hard time getting out of the log he was shrieking so loud. Immediately following that we took him on the river rafting ride. Of course I told him he wouldn't get wet! As we approached the waterfall, I decided I'd better cover him as much as possible, but it really didn't do much good. Surprisingly, he was okay with the river rafting as long as he didn't have to do it again.

My second favorite part of the day wasn't a moment, but the facial expressions and the joy you could see on the boys faces. It's stands out best on the Musical Express. Owie was hellbent on keeping his hands up the entire ride. His eyes were open as wide as they go. He put so much effort into keeping his hand up that there were no sounds coming from his smiling lips....unusual for Owen, who is the loudest kid I've ever met.

Our vacation was also filled with lots of family time. We went swimming with my brother Nate and his family. Nick, my nephew-age 6, was jumping off the diving board when he slipped into a perfect dive. Nick was terrified, but I think the crowd gave it a perfect 10. My brother has identical twins, Erik & Zack who are always fun to watch.

Family time, includes Kamille. We've been friends for years and for some odd reason we've never gotten sick of each other. Kamille has been married for almost 11 years and has four kids. This was the first time we've ever spent time together with our families. Typically when we see each other our husbands keep the kids and we go to lunch. I can officially say I like her husband Jeff. Prior to the 24th of July, he was just Jeff. There was no personality attached to it. To my surprise he is quite a delight. Their kids; Ethan, Maya, Kate and Logan are equally delightful and probably the most polite children I've ever met. Go Kamille!

Fun with Kamille includes a combination of white trash meets high school. The huge hill in her backyard allows for a thrilling homemade slip'n'slide. Parker's bloody nose and my grass burns ought to sum up the speed of the slide.

The best part of our vacation was the date night that Kamille planned. We went water sliding down a drainage covert under the I-215. No kids for this...and while I first questioned if I might die, I quickly realized that was absurd and the worst thing that could happen was being arrested. There's nothing like adding a bit of thrill to your life!

There were lots of other things that we did on our tropical vacation, but these few things needed to be highlighted for my memory's sake. Sadly, I can offer no photos. Our camera decided to die the first day we were there.

As for having a hometown vacation, I highly recommend it! Maybe next year, we'll vacation in Vernal. While everyone thinks this small town is vacant, I find it's a treasure if you scratch the surface....plus we've got a 42" rule for Disneyland.

So this is blogging?

I'm always a bit behind on the newest fad. In fact, I don't often follow fads....maybe I do and just don't always notice. I did just order new glasses that would be considered the "in" thing.

Anyhow....this blogging thing has taken me a bit by surprise. I am an intensly private person so airing my views might not be the wisest thing, but what the hell. I've realized that my writing skills are slipping. Maybe this will sharpen the pencil. AND it's an opportunity to write about my kids. That ought to make it fun because I've always got a story!