josieposie

Pregnancy is a four letter word...

2012-02-15T19:16:00.000-08:00

And it's spelled L A Z Y. I am seriously whack this time around. I feel like i am in a daze. Can I blame it on the fact that I have a female growing inside of me? I don't know why that would make it any different than my previous pregnancies. I am seriously LAZY with a capital L. Look at the last time I blogged...Lazy. There are so many examples I could list it's sickening. Starting with...

I can shop for groceries, even carry them into my house, but for some reason they stay in their bags for most of the day or even 2 days until I get them put away.
I can do the laundry, rotate multiple loads, but when it comes to actually bringing the clothes up from the basement it's just too much for me. They sit down there until Eric is yelling at me at 6:30am while trying to get ready for work, "where are all my whites?"
I don't shave my legs until Sunday.
I seriously cook out of guilt. The same boring meals we've been having for years that everyone is sick of. Why can't I bring myself to plan a menu, try new things, surprise myself and Eric once and while - Lazy.
Just today I actually accomplished something I have been meaning to do for months. Yes, months. I ordered stuff online before Christmas and just got around to sending it back today. Problems.

Sometimes I just stand in the kitchen staring out the window with a whole sink full of dishes in front of me but I just can't turn the sink on.
I truly don't care all that much that I look homeless when I take the boys to school.

For the first three months of this pregnancy I was for sure exhausted. You'd be correct in assuming that that's before the kids go to bed. I've since snapped out of the crazy tired stage but it's turned into Laziness and I can't turn it around. Please help me!! My mental status has been compromised.

My only conclusion is that the universe is trying to prepare me (and mostly Eric) for the absolute lazy ass I will become once this baby comes. And for good reason. I have had it easy with both boys in school. I have been able to accomplish most of the stuff I had on my list for the day. I cleaned the bathrooms weekly, changed the sheets weekly, helped out in Eric's office, ironed the ironing pile before it became a mountain, dusted, prepared decent meals, went to the gym, actually got myself ready in the morning, I took more pictures, and I think I was a lot nicer to my kids. Sadly, if I had to guess, most days they probably wish they still lived with Ed and Diane. I am kind of a chonch this time around. Maybe it's because Eric is already talking about the sibling this one is going to need since the boys are so much older than her. Maybe I am subconciously putting it out there that having me pregnant isn't good for anyone because I can't fathom having another child. I am old and feeling it. I think my overall view of this pregnancy and life in general would be greatly enhanced if I could just get over the laziness that currently exudes from me. Is there such a thing as pre-partum depression? Please advise.

Halloween

2011-11-08T08:30:00.000-08:00

Halloween this year seemed like it lasted for weeks. Cohen's friend had a Halloween party, then there was the school Halloween parade. Add that to Trunk or Treat at church and Trick or Treating on the 31st and my boys were in their costumes half a dozen times. Thankfully, they chose costumes that were easy to get in and out of and not too conforming.

Jello Brain

Brain-eaters. They didn't like it. Who doesn't like Jello? They are pretending for the camera.

Cohen's Birthday, round 2

2011-11-07T21:35:00.000-08:00

Cohen got to celebrate his birthday in his classroom with his other buddies who have a birthday in October. He looks a little shy! Then onto his party at MyMuseum. It's a local children's museum we belong to. It's a great, easy party idea because the kids just run around and thrash whatever they want to thrash without it being my house!

Kicking Dolphins

2011-11-07T20:24:00.000-08:00

This was Cohen's first year playing soccer. He signed up for a team that had a bunch of his kindergarten classmates on it so he was more willing to go. I can honestly say he isn't too aggressive. I'm on the fence if this is the sport for him. I guess it was only his first year playing but he complained most days about having to go play. Such a funny kid.

Butterfly Sanctuary

2011-11-05T11:12:00.000-07:00

This is what I'm talking about when I say millions of butterflies migrate here. They are easy to miss because they look like leaves in the trees.

Butterfly Parade

2011-11-05T11:08:00.000-07:00

Pacific Grove is known for it's butterfly population. Every year millions of butterflies migrate here and hang out in the trees. Ethan & Cohen's school have had what they call the Butterfly Parade for over 80 years. It is a huge event that the two elementary schools participate in. All of the Kindergarteners dress up as butterflies and Ethan's class were assigned Native Americans. The boys had a great time marching with their classes. After the parade the PTA puts on a huge party in the field behind the school with bounce houses, dunk tanks, games, bake sales, etc, etc. I think they will look forward to this for years to come.

The Wedding

2011-11-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Dean and KC were married on October 14th in the Salt Lake City Temple. It was great weather. The boys were acting like monkeys, climbing on the gates and sliding down the temple walls - but they came around in time for a picture. Congrats to Dean & KC!

Park City

2011-11-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

After our whirlwind break in Southern California including Ethan's birthday, Ethan's baptism, and Cohen's birthday we flew to Utah for a weekend in Park City. Park City is gorgeous in the fall. I love all the colors, something that you don't see in Monterey. We had great weather and had a great time taking Ed, Diane and Gma Bishop to all of our favorite Park City places.

Cohen Turns 5!

2011-11-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

Cohen is one crazy kid! He says what he is thinking and what he's thinking is usually mildly humorous/offensive! I love this kid. He loves to cuddle and still takes naps. Something Ethan never enjoyed. He is a patient younger brother and is a very good sharer. I can't believe he is already 5. We celebrated at CPK with family and friends for dinner and gifts. When we get back to Monterey we have a party scheduled with all of his new school friends which he will love!

Ethan's Baptism

2011-11-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Ethan's baptism was conveniently scheduled on October 8th to take place in our old ward so that our friends and family could all be there to celebrate with him. It was a great day. Ethan has been preparing for this for a few months now. He has been reading books about baptism and having FHE lessons tailored to baptism. Seeing his many friends get baptized this year helped as well. I am so proud of the obedient boy he has become. He is a great kid and I am lucky he is mine! Thanks to all that could come participate in his special day.

Photo Shoot

2011-11-03T19:52:00.000-07:00

These pictures wouldn't exist today without a considerable bribe. I just needed one good one for his baptism announcement - I think I ended up taking upwards of 50 pictures. I kind of like the rebellious/crazy-faced pictures though!

Ethan turns 8!

2011-11-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

Wow. I have an eight year old. That went fast. I truly can not believe it. What I can't believe is that in just that same amount of time, 8 years, he will be driving and close to graduating. INSANE! How could this kid be able to drive, date, or apply for colleges? Oh my gosh, tears. He's mine! I don't want any stupid girl to change him or take him away. Look at me getting all sentimental. Did you enjoy it? Cause it's over.

Since it hasn't been too long since we moved to Monterey, Ethan decided he wanted to celebrate with his friends in RSM so we drove down for the weekend. We were planning on having a pool party but the morning of his party it started raining and was freezing outside. Ugh. I quickly made a call to the local bowling alley which proved to be a good idea - they had a great time!

Point Lobos

2011-11-01T15:15:00.000-07:00

Ed & Diane came up for Labor Day this year. The boys have seriously missed their grandparents since we moved. Cohen keeps telling me he wished he could go back and live with Papa. It's quite sad but I really think he thinks Ed is his other father. His fun one that spoils him rotten. Having moved to RSM when he was 18 months it makes sense that he would think that so I really feel for the kid.

On Labor Day we packed up a picnic and went hiking around Point Lobos. I had no idea this even existed and that it was only 10 minutes away until Eric suggested it one day. It is so beautiful. I guess it is a big diving location too. I need to see if there is camping available but I don't remember seeing any sites.

Tiny

2011-11-01T14:51:00.000-07:00

This is Tiny. He's (i guess he could be a she but I'm not an expert on these things) our "adopted" pet sea lion. Most days he's out on his favorite rock in front of our house just barking up a storm. I love him but sometimes I think we should rename him Roo, as in rooster, because he likes to wake us up at the crack of dawn.

Mecum Auto Auction

2011-11-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

Monterey is known for it's classic car shows. The Mecum Auto Auction is held here every year. Now I am not a car person, but Eric is so he was super excited about it. One morning we looked out our window and there was a car parade going on down Ocean View Blvd. The boys had to run out and wave to all the drivers as they passed by.

The auction was filmed at the Hyatt...the hotel Eric sneaks the boys into to go swimming. There were thousands of cars and boats auctioned off over a few days. Cars going for millions of dollars just amazes me. I had only seen it on tv before so this time it was cool to see it in person.

The reserve on this car wasn't met. It was only listed for 1.8m. The highest bidder bid 1.65m. Sickening.

Robert Down Elementary

2011-11-01T14:00:00.000-07:00

Pacific Grove has two elementary schools in their district. Everything I have heard about this district leading up to the first day of school was positive which helped ease the serious anxiety I had about the new school year. Moving up here was one thing but having the boys start at a new school was even more difficult for me. I really didn't want them to hate it and to hate me and Eric for taking them away from their friends and previous school. It was a rough go for the first few days with Cohen. He's a young kindergartener so that didn't help but he warmed up to his classmates and teacher pretty quick. He's definitely worn out by the time he gets home. He still takes naps after school some days.

Ethan has another male teacher this year. He really seems to prefer it. He even lives up the street from us so we see him out and about quite often. Ethan has made friends quickly and enjoys school. I can't say he has the group he had in RSM but I'm pretty sure that was a fluke. The school mascot is the "otters", pretty typical of the area. The district has a lot of funding so they are able to take lots of field trips and have small class sizes. I have been really impressed with this district and am happy to know they are getting a great elementary school experience.

Orange County Fair

2011-10-31T21:55:00.000-07:00

For one of our last nights in Orange County we hit up the fair. It was soooo crowded but I guess it always is. The boys liked it so much more this year, amazing the fear that disappears after a year.

These are for you LUCY!

2011-10-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

Anne - really? Is it that boring in Singapore?

You have nothing better to do than look at my blog? ....

(blog comments from Anne)

Here are some pictures from August when we spent the afternoon at the beach in San Clemente. Lucy is adorable! COME HOME ALREADY!!!!

Apologies

2011-10-31T20:40:00.000-07:00

There is going to be some major catch-up on here over the next few days. My apologies in advance when you see stuff like the first day of school. Brutal I know.

SUGAR

2011-09-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

WOW! This diabetic was loving his birthday cake!!

i know i am wicked behind... more later

Balboa Ferry/Pier

2011-08-01T17:52:00.000-07:00

San Clemente Beach Day

2011-08-01T17:43:00.000-07:00

The beach is a little more inviting in S. Cal vs Monterey. The boys had a great time. I think this was Ethan's first time trying to boogie board. He loved it and kept asking when we could buy one. Cohen thought he was a body surfer the way he kept playing in the waves. Scared me half to death.

The Many Faces of Cohen

2011-08-01T17:32:00.000-07:00

My eyes are buggin out

2011-07-24T02:10:00.000-07:00

You know I used to be grateful for gotomypc.com, however, not so much anymore. I'm kind of over it. Kinda over the late night work sessions that occur only at night because the "real 8-5" work has been done and I can now get access to the computer used during that time. It's 2am!! I will be sitting in Sacrament Meeting in less than 7 hours. Tonight was filled with work for Eric's office. Thursday night was filled with work for my Dad. I am complaining because, well, Eric is in bed and has been since 11. If sleeping weren't such a beloved hobby I wouldn't be this annoyed. However, I did manage to get through the entire first disk of Friday Night Lights. Not bad, not bad at all!

More Visitors!!

2011-07-19T20:32:00.000-07:00

The Russell's were in Fresno for the 4th so after my family left they came over for a weekend visit!

Point Pinos Lighthouse

I am a lighthouse virgin so maybe all lighthouses are like this one but I was amazed to learn that a lightbulb 2 inches long can shine a light 17 miles out to sea.

Carmel Beach Bonfire

Creepy fire dancer

Church - they all matched!

Asilomar Beach

2011-07-19T10:54:00.001-07:00

More 4th

2011-07-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

Carmel Mission

Back home for a BBQ

Swimming

Tennis lesson with Grandpa

July 4th

2011-07-19T10:51:00.000-07:00

First stop: Monterey Bay Aquarium

2nd stop: 17 Mile Drive, the Lone Cypress

End of School Pool Party

2011-07-17T19:13:00.000-07:00

Ethan decided he wanted to have a pool party as kind of a going away party. He invited some of his best buds from church and school. It was perfect weather for a pool party and bbq. Good times.

Pirates Baseball Pics

2011-07-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

Last Day of 2nd Grade

2011-07-16T22:57:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, I had a mini-breakdown on Ethan's last day of school. I was in his class watching him celebrate with his friends and teacher and I wanted in that moment for everything to stay the same for him. I didn't want him to have to move and start over. I started crying and had to put on my sunglasses. What amazes me about Ethan is that he hasn't shed a tear about this move. Has it not sunk in yet? Is he just that well adjusted? He's a great kid, one that impresses me on a daily basis.

Ethan's Play

2011-07-16T22:30:00.000-07:00

Ethan was a village person in his 2nd grade play this year. I'm not sure the other kids in his group got the message. Here they are doing the YMCA part of the song. Which letter were they on in this picture? Everyone is doing a different thing...

Cohen's Graduation

2011-07-16T00:18:00.000-07:00

My little graduate! I can't believe he is almost 5. He truly is a momma's boy. He loves to cuddle (unlike Ethan) and he still takes naps at least 4 times a week. It's unbelievable how different he is from his brother. Cohen is very decisive. He doesn't like to disappoint either. He gets very sensitive or sad if he knows he has made Eric or I upset. Lately, Cohen has become very helpless. It seems he has gone back on his past life as a baby and can't do ANYTHING for himself. Every other word out of his mouth is "I can't, I need you to do it". It's starting to get very frustrating. Just tonight he asked to be spoon fed. What the? It's lucky for him he's pretty cute...

Random Pool Pics

2011-07-16T00:05:00.000-07:00

These goggles creep me out.

Beach Club

2011-07-15T23:35:00.000-07:00

Gotta love a warm day at the beach club! While Derek and Julie town we had to go at least once. Where else can you get a chlorinated pool and a sandy beach in one? Genius.

Cohen's End of School Activities

2011-07-14T23:05:00.000-07:00

Cohen's pre-school visited Irvine Regional Park at the tail end of school. He was super excited to hang out with his buddies Jayden and Kyle. He has loved school this year. I only hope he is that excited to start a brand new BIG school in a few weeks.

Then came his class circus. He was super hush hush about this one. I don't think he liked acting like an elephant or a monkey trainer one bit. He was very shy and wouldn't crack a smile during the performance. He was very serious - but oh so cute. Check out the mustache!!!

Back to School Night

2011-07-14T22:22:00.000-07:00

Ethan had an amazing teacher this year, Mr. Henry. He loved going to school every day and would come home with stories about his awesome teacher that loved Tron just as much as he does. He is even type-1 diabetic which relieved a lot of my fears. Ethan was in a combo class this year which had only eight 2nd graders in it. Five of those are in his church primary class so he was loving the group he was with.

For Ethan's back-to-school night/ open house this year he had to prepare a speech about a famous person or inventor from history. Of course he chose something about Lego's. He researched the creator of Lego's, Ole Kirk Christensen. Yes, Christensen. I didn't get his whole speech on tape because there were about 100 other 2nd graders all standing around him saying their speech at the same time, but I filmed a little bit of the interview Mr. Henry had with him.

The Office

2011-07-12T20:31:00.000-07:00

Eric with Dr. Sato. He's such a sweet man - I really pray his cancer isn't as serious as it seems. He's only 65 and wasn't planning on retiring this early in life. His patients have been amazingly loyal. Some of them come in telling stories about how Eric is now their third dentist at this location, that they have been going there since the 40's.

Dr. Ishizuka - the original dentist at this location. He still owns the building!

WOW - can you believe the sight (or lack thereof) of our building? This is how it looked from the street at the time of purchase. Dr. Sato must have gotten used to it after a while. How did patients even know where to go to find his office?

This juniper was a disaster.

Oh my gosh - there's a building behind all of that greenery! It took two and half days and a full crew to rip it all out.

Here's a picture after the mulch and plants went in. They better grow quickly - they look so little right now. But, it's a definite improvement. NEXT PROJECT: paint the exterior...

The awesome logo Martha designed. Now we need to have signs made to put out front.

Moving Day - Take One

2011-07-11T09:22:00.000-07:00

These pictures were from the first load we brought up at the end of April. It was a beautiful day! We are renting the home from three siblings who inherited the house over a year ago from their parents who had passed. It's a 1920's Spanish style with hardwoods throughout. I am struggling with the dust balls! Who can I pencil in as our next visitors??

Shell Ave

We kind of have an amazing view

We also have an amazing bird population that inhabits our roof...

AND - a pesty neighbor...

Changes

2011-07-10T20:23:00.000-07:00

A lot has happened in the past two months that I have been away from this blog. A lot of life changing decisions have been made. A lot of changes have taken effect. A lot of money has been spent. A lot of tears have been shed. A lot of boxes have been packed. A lot of miles have been driven. A lot of hair has fallen out (mine). And a TON of prayers have been said. Never in my wildest dreams did I think this new life would be the one I chose for myself. I always pictured myself in Southern California. Even when Eric and I were researching practices in Breckenridge, Seattle, Jackson Hole, and Monterey, I always assumed we would end up finding our practice in S. Cal. I even told Eric this past February that we need to stop looking elsewhere. We need to make it work in RSM. I was uprooted a lot as a child and I didn't want to do it to the kids now that we had been settled for three years. The boys had great friends, a sweet school and a strong ward. They had both sets of grandparents close and even great-grandparents - so I was resolved to stay put. I knew that ownership wouldn't be immediate but I was willing to wait it out. Oh how ideas change.

March, a call came in from the Monterey Bay Dental Society secretary that a doctor was looking to sell due to health problems. We had looked at two practices in Monterey a few months back but both just weren't the right fit. We were kind of on the fence about going up there to investigate it. Mainly because I was OVER it. Eric did anyway. Turns out the doc was recently diagnosed with liver cancer and needed to find a buyer pretty quick. Eric met with the doc and the broker all while suffering from the flu. He had to add an extra day to his hotel reservation because he was too sick to drive. Oh and the practice was solid. Uh oh.

A week or so later we drove the kids up to see for ourselves. A week or so after that we were securing funding. A week or so after that we were negotiating the purchase price. And a few weeks after that we were in escrow. All of this happened by the first week in April. Unfortunately, we were on the doctors closing schedule because he needed to start cancer treatments ASAP. This meant that Eric would need to commute for a couple months until the kids finished school. So, it left us with a couple weeks to secure a place to live and get partially moved in. We started boxing up the things that could sustain Eric until we all got to town. Eric and I took a trip up to look at rentals. The search was frustrating. We wanted to live in Carmel because of the schools and the ward. However, Carmel is filled with a multitude of vacation rentals but only a few long term rentals. Our search turned then to Pacific Grove, the town between Monterey and Carmel. We found an amazing house close to the beach and our search ended.

The week of our move to get us to Eric's first day, May 2nd, started on Monday, April 25th. Eric was in town to meet his new staff and sign on the dotted line. The staff seemed solid. They were all comfortable (or so they made it seem) with Eric and excited for him to start. They were definitely in shock about Dr. Sato's diagnosis. Wednesday, April 27th, I turned 34 and picked up a moving truck. Thursday the 28th, we packed up the truck with our stuff from Grandma Bishop's garage, etc. Friday, Ethan's baseball game at Tijeras Creek, under the lights. Walking to the field Eric gets an email. An email. Dear Dr. Brown, blah blah blah, I am truly sorry, blah blah blah, have decided not to make the transition with you, blah blah blah, I have worked for Dr. Sato for 20 years and have decided to retire as well, blah blah blah, I wish you the best of luck. BLAH BLAH FREAKING BLAH.

INSERT PANIC HERE.

AND HERE.

AND HERE.

20 years the front office manager had worked for Dr. Sato. You can't buy that kind of security, knowledge, or patient familiarity. Ummmm.... stress. Saturday, we hit the road with Ed and Diane in tow. Molly and KC were already in Monterey hanging out with some friends so they came over to help us unpack the truck. It was a sunny day in Pacific Grove, and it was appreciated. Eric was quiet throughout the unloading. I think we were all a little freaked.

Sunday, May 1st we unpacked boxes, ran errands, and checked out the office. 2:00pm, a second email. Dear Dr. Brown, blah blah blah, my shoulder has really been starting to bother me, blah blah blah, I think I might take this time to go back to school, blah blah blah, therefore, I won't be seeing you TOMORROW. BLAH BLAH FREAKING BLAH.

PASS THE XANAX

Wow. That's half the staff. Via email. Eric starts in 16 hours. PANIC ATTACK.

Solution: Ed and Diane take the kids home Monday morning and I stay and work the office with Eric. Not ideal but we'll make it work. We placed two ads on Craigslist for an assistant and a front office manager. Luckily, the hygienist and second assistant stayed on. So we showed up bright and early Monday morning for Eric's first day. What a surreal ordeal. Not only were we short handed, sick to our stomachs, and totally unaware of the office systems, but Eric had to walk into every room and greet unknowing patients. Because the sale happened so quickly a lot of the scheduled patients had no idea they were showing up to see a different doctor so Eric had to explain the situation to every patient he treated, silently hoping they stayed seated in his treatment chair. And wouldn't ya know, he won them over one by one. It was seriously impressive.

The first ten days passed in a blur. Our hiring efforts were thwarted with idiot, flaky people who followed suit with the first two office quitters by sending Eric text messages at the last minute - quitting before they even started. Each time it brought me back to the office and away from my boys. It killed me because our problems created problems for our amazing family members that pitched in and picked up the slack for us. Diane, Ed and Anne were all-stars. Their support and amazing care for the boys is the only thing that got us through this and allowed me to stay with Eric. Not having to worry about if the boys were ok was such a relief. Seriously, so lucky.

By the last week in May we had filled both positions with people we were excited about. We didn't settle. They were set to start in June, and this time, we had a guarantee that they, under no circumstances, would bail at the last minute!! What's most telling about the staff that bailed on Eric in the beginning is that they tried to claim unemployment. They tried to claim that they had been fired by Dr. Sato (which technically is sort of true) and that they had no job to come back to because he was retiring. Such a load of crap. Dr. Sato fought the claims - in between his chemo treatments no less - and he won. Awesome. In the end, even after all the stress and uncertainty that they caused us, I can honestly say I am so glad that they didn't come back to work for Eric. It would have been a disaster with them running his office. And I can only say that because I worked it for a month and witnessed the crazy.

Quickly, a little too quickly if you ask me, Ethan's school year came to a close. This meant it was time for another moving truck, more packing, and lots of goodbyes. Ethan finished school on a Thursday and we left RSM the next day around 1pm. Can you tell how anxious Eric was for us to get up there and keep him company? We pulled in around the boys bedtime on Friday and decided to tackle the truck the next day. What a relief it was when six elder's quorum members show up and did all the unloading for us!! I was on the verge of tears I was so happy that Eric and I didn't have to do it all ourselves. It was amazing how quickly they had everything off the truck and ready for me to unpack. Cortney drove over from Fresno the next day to help out. Surprisingly, we got a lot accomplished! For the most part we are pretty settled. We've had visitors every weekend since we've been here and have more to come this weekend. We love it! The boys look forward to it all week. I still drive around town thinking I am on vacation. It hasn't sunk in yet that I live in Monterey. As in, I changed my address and everything. So weird. Seriously, so weird.

Um, yah, so, I'm behind.

2011-07-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

Very behind. Maybe I'll get around to catching up soon... if I can get a break from having to get up every five minutes to stop the constant fighting and bugging and teasing and pestyness that my children now enjoy.

Easter Sunday

2011-05-21T22:55:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure I didn't get any "normal" pictures from them but I think I'm ok with that.

NEED FEEDBACK

2011-04-11T19:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, we all know the majority of people look at blogs for the pictures/inspiration and not for the text, I being one of them.... So, I changed the size of the pictures in my last post and would appreciate it if you could please comment and tell me if the pictures too big and if I should just leave them smaller like the post before it. Personally, it bugs me when I have to click on peoples pictures to enlarge them/open them in a different window. Thanks, the management.

Spring Break 2011

2011-04-10T19:51:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a long week! Spring break kinda of snuck up on my this year and I was left to throw some fun things together for the boys. There were multiple play dates with friends, a Jump N Jammin outing, baseball practices and lunches with friends. Luckily, Eric took two days off from work so we were able to go to LA to hang out with Anne, Lucy and Martha for a little while.

Anne is always the best hostess. She always knows fun places to go so that we are entertained. It was the same way when we went to San Francisco to visit them last year. We were BUSY!!

Park time...

Light post exhibit at LACMA

Tar Pits

LA Craft Museum - an exhibit made from yarn

LA Science Museum

I want one of these keyboards!

Then off to the Farmes Market at the Grove for dinner.

I'M SO READY FOR THE BOYS TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL!!

Saturday Morning Lego Session

2011-04-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

Ethan has been busy this morning. He woke up early and came straight downstairs to work on his new lego sets. See.....when Eric and I go out on a date, and their grandparents are their babysitters, their grandpa is too easily convinced to make a trip to the toy aisle at Target. It's a problem, but the boys LOVE IT!!

The Lego elevator. Ethan lined them all up and kept raising and

lowering the hood vent by the stove.

Jog-a-thon

2011-03-30T14:00:00.000-07:00

Ethan's school has a jog-a-thon every year to raise money for the PTA. This year it kept getting postponed because of bad weather and I can't say the day they finally had it on was all that great either. The field was wet and slippery and the air was cold and damp but he still managed to sweat. I put one of those Nike+ pedometers in Ethan's shoe to calculate how far he ran. I'm pretty sure I should have calibrated it first because it said he ran 2.65 miles in 28 minutes. Not sure that's even possible since he walked for some of it.

ARE YOU READY?

GET SET!

GO!!

Ethan's teacher - the appointed school mascot!

Aarrrrrrrgggggggh Mateys

2011-03-21T19:33:00.000-07:00

Ethan is now a Pirate! He sure is making the rounds with his team names. First he was a Dodger, then a Yankee and now a Pirate. I need to ask him which his favorite is. This year has been a breath of fresh air because his skill level has gone up so much since last year. It was pretty slow the first two years when they used the T or had the coach pitching to them. They have moved onto machine pitch which is so much faster and more fun to watch.

At Saturday's game Ethan was given the game ball because he did a great job!

There's no yawning in baseball.

WATCH THE BALL ETHAN, WATCH THE BALL....

I TOLD YOU TO WATCH THE BALL!!!!

Thank goodness for the cup he was wearing.

He didn't even feel it. (pitching machine is 30mph)

Monterey Bay

2011-03-19T17:50:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we jetted off to Monterey for a quick weekend away. The traffic was a joke heading up there, it ended up taking 3 hours more than normal....thank you LA/Friday commuters. What is it about kids and hotel rooms? It's like some magical fairyland no matter the star rating or amenities. We kept taking the boys to fun parks and beaches and they just wanted to get back to the hotel. Weird.

Dennis the Menace Park

This table was from the playground at a local Elementary school. I thought it was hilarious. Sad for the kids allergic to peanuts though. What if there's only one kid with a peanut allergy and he has to sit alone?

Behind

2011-03-19T16:59:00.000-07:00

I'm way behind and I know it. I haven't been taking pictures or very motivated to blog at all. But, we got a new MacBookPro so I figured I have no reason not to anymore (my iMac is so frustrating and old so it made it no fun to blog). Plus, I need to finish my 3rd blogbook so I gotta catch-up. Bear with me while I post stuff from a long time ago.

School Activities

2011-02-25T17:17:00.000-08:00

There's been a lot of school productions in the past few months. Sadly, I took all of these pictures with my iPhone so the quality is junk.

Jacob, Sammy & Ethan

2nd grade play: "We Come Everywhere"

Cohen's Valentines day program

Cohen's Fiesta... his Spanish name: Caesar!

President's Day

I think it's in the Brown blood

2011-02-22T10:06:00.000-08:00

Ethan had to do a project based on the book, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. He was to pick from a list of options, such as making a diarama of the town, designing a travel brochure, writing a different ending to the story, etc, etc. Well, what did he choose? To film his own weather report! It's pretty cute if you ask me. I blame the actors in the family... Ed and Diane.

Park City Ski Weekend

2011-02-14T17:03:00.000-08:00

Eric and I were so excited for our annual couples ski weekend in Park City. We lucked out with awesome weather and fresh snow...among other things like great friends! Eric boarded all three days but I was good with one full day. Gotta save a day for shopping and lunch, right?!? Park City is so convenient for quick trips. When we were there for New Years it was so bitter cold so this trip was a nice follow-up.

View of the Resort from the condo.

Goggleface

Cameron & Sarah

Why didn't I get any pictures of Dan & Leigh?? Sarah - did you take any?

I may or may not have had some time to kill this afternoon.

2011-02-08T19:14:00.000-08:00

Here's some recent finds on Etsy. There really is some serious junk on that site but I weeded through the nastiness and found these. Enjoy!

Handmade Rocker

Custom Lounger

Folding Desk

Planters

Why the sideways camera angle?

Nursery?

Fan

Superbowl 2011

2011-02-07T16:49:00.000-08:00

What could be better than having the Packers in the Superbowl? Um... nothing, unless they are the winners of the Superbowl! We had a great time cheering them on with the whole family. The boys were excited for about 5 minutes.

Green & Gold M&M's

Anne supplied most of the parts to this edible football field and then we put it together surrounding the 7 layer dip. It was a masterpiece of twinkies and pretzel mix. I can't remember the last time I ate a twinkie - and I had my fair share that day.

This is some car that I have seen at school everyday for the last couple weeks leading up to the game. I wanted to paint something on mine the day after the Steelers lost just to stick it to this lady. So obnoxious.

As if I need another reason to be woken up in the middle of the night.

2011-02-02T17:15:00.000-08:00

3:30am: Sound asleep on my back (I sleep on the left side of the bed). Eric is asleep on his left side, knees facing me.
3:31am: I am awoken by the most painful blows to my right thigh/hip area. Blows that are coming from the swift kicking legs of my bedmate, Eric.
3:31:20am: In tears, I have to arouse Eric from sleep to get him to STOP kicking the crap out of me.
3:31:40am: Eric is now awake, heart pounding, sweating, trying to explain himself.

Eric was dreaming. Dreaming about being confronted by a black poodle bodied animal with a racoon face and teeth. What? Can this be happening? Apparently, Eric and the rapoodle, were in his driveway at his childhood home. It was a stand-off, and when the rapoodle charged Eric fought back. And he fought hard. I have never been kicked like that before. Eric was really trying to protect himself and unfortunately, I was on the other end.

Telling this story makes me laugh becuase it is crazy ridiculous, but it isn't the first time that I have been attacked in bed. After Eric and I were married I woke up with a pillow smothering my face. Seriously. I don't recall what that was about but I'm sure he had a great explination at the time. Then there was the time that he punched/knocked me in the nose so hard that it cracked - I thought it was broken for sure. Therefore, this is an issue that needed some research.

Thank you WebMD

REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is characterized by the acting out of dreams that are vivid, intense, and violent. Dream-enacting behaviors include talking, yelling, punching, kicking, sitting, jumping from bed, arm flailing, and grabbing.

In one study, 38% of patients diagnosed with RBD subsequently developed Parkinson disease within an average time of 12-13 years from the onset of RBD symptoms.

The main symptom of REM sleep behavior disorder is dream-enacting behaviors, sometimes violent, causing self-injury or injury to the bed partner.

The person may be awakened or may wake spontaneously during the attack and vividly recall the dream that corresponds to the physical activity.

Seek medical care if unusual behaviors, such as violent thrashing and kicking, occur during sleep.

I think an appointment needs to be made.

Just looking at this nerves me out.

2011-01-27T20:53:00.000-08:00

west elm

Lemonade Stand

2011-01-20T14:33:00.001-08:00

Ethan had a some buddies over yesterday and what did they decide to do? Random... a lemonade stand. Ethan provided the table, chairs, cups and quarters and Sam provided the product! They had a great time. I think they each went home with over $3 so that was pretty good for selling each cup for 25 cents. You could hear them screaming "STOP" and "LEMONADE" from two streets over they were so loud. Cohen was angry with me because I kept telling him to stop drinking the lemonade. He was loving it.

D Day 2011

2011-01-17T14:15:00.000-08:00

Ethan made it through yet another year of dealing with type 1 diabetes. I love spoiling on his D Day because a day full of spoiling Ethan is way better than a year full of moaning and complaining about having to do blood sugar tests and eating a restricted diet. He really is great about it. In February he will be switching to a new pump which hopefully, will be an easy transition.

In essence it's his day to choose what to do, so of course he chose to go to Chuck E Cheese again to play the arcade game. I refuse to eat there so In N Out was his first choice - because of the shake. I was a horrible mother to forget my camera - the iPhone just doesn't cut it but I guess it's better than nothing! Here's to one more year of health without any emergency room visits!

Read This

2011-01-16T12:33:00.000-08:00

This article was interesting - never really thought of "us" this way.

thanks Nat

Summer's here?

2011-01-15T15:54:00.000-08:00

January 15th, 2011... what were you doing?

Won't shut up about it!!!

2011-01-13T15:56:00.000-08:00

Diane got me this book for Christmas. I was excited because I love using a slow cooker but am kind of sick of just making pulled pork and pot roast. So, I tried the recipe on page 189: Sirloin Teriyaki. Let's just say Eric won't stop talking about it and is now insisting that I try a new recipe from this book every week. So here it is....

2/3 c soy sauce

1/4 c vegetable oil

1/2 c rice wine (mirin)

1/4 c packed light brown sugar

1 t freshly grated ginger

2 cloves garlic, minced

One 2.5-3lb sirloin roast (tri-tip)

2 c beef broth

2 large sweet onions, chopped

2 t cornstarch mixed w/ 2 t water

Chopped green onions for garnish

**the author is a huge fan of the slow cooker liners you can get in the Ziploc aisle of your store. I used one and it was amazing - no clean-up!!

Combine the soy sauce, oil, rice wine, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic in a large zipper bag. Add the sirloin to the bag and marinate in refrigerator for 8-24 hours.

Pour the marinade and the meat into the slow cooker. Add the broth and onions. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours.

Remove the meat from the cooker, wrap in foil to allow to rest for 15 minutes. Remove the cooker liner from the slow cooker and pour liquid through a strainer into a sauce pot. Bring to a boil. Taste the sauce and dilute with water if it is too strong.

Add the cornstarch mixture (i started with the recommended teaspoon but ended up using a tablespoon to get it to thicken how I wanted it), bring back to boil.

Served meat with sauce and garnishes. I also had brown rice and broccoli.

Drive-in

2011-01-09T17:39:00.000-08:00

Last weekend Eric got this wild hair to take us to the drive-in. I haven't been to a drive-in movie theater since I was a kid. I didn't realize they still existed. Good news...they do, but you have to visit City of Industry, not a town I would ever volunteer to spend time in. The boys were confused about the whole concept but ended up enjoying themselves. The double feature included Tron and Yogi Bear. Tron kept Ethan's attention but Cohen was not that into it. By the time Yogi Bear came on it was 9:30 and Cohen fell asleep 10 minutes in. What was amazing was that we were able to do this in January.

Happy Resolution Making

2011-01-05T21:21:00.001-08:00

Etsy

to blog or not to blog....

2011-01-05T16:35:00.000-08:00

Wow, I am seriously struggling with this. I started this blog in 2007 because we lived in BFE and needed a way to keep family and friends up to date on our lives in the Midwest. When I moved to California blogging became a chore. I look at my archives and the number of posts have seriously dwindled. However, the amount of times I have had to reference this blog because I couldn't remember when a certain event happened tells me that I have no memory of anything anymore and that blogging might be imperative if I am actually going to remember what happens in my life and the lives of my children. Talk about a really long sentence.

CRAP.

TBD.

Park City

2010-12-30T15:02:00.000-08:00

The day after Christmas my family loaded up our cars and drove to Utah. Everybody but Molly & KC were able to make the trip. Unfortunately, Eric had to work a few more days so he got to fly up on Wednesday. The first day was filled with nothing more than lying around trying to feel better. Anne and I were crazy sick and Eric had to call in a RX so we could make it through the week. It was so cold up there. I think the average temps for the week were in the teens... but it sure was pretty.

Tuesday I signed the boys up for ski school. The morning started out with some tears, mainly because they were cold, but by the end of the day they were happy and full of smiles. I tried to get pictures of the boys without letting them see me. Thank you 70-200mm lens! At one point Cohen was hot and frustrated and started to have a melt down. I think he was a little bored as well because he didn't get to go on the lifts like last year.

Ethan was lucky to get into a class of just three kids (normally it's 5). I got to meet up with him at lunch so that I could dose him for food and he seemed like he was having a great time. Of course, his number was crazy high, just like last year. I haven't quite figured out how to calculate an adjustment to compensate for adrenaline/fear! I don't know if I will ever be able to predict something like that.

On Wednesday my Mom gave each grandchild one of these! I posted about them a while back and I guess she took the hint. The kids loved them. I think they would have worked much better had the hill been steeper. They still had a great time, even Grandpa!

Lucy loved the snow - except when it was hitting her in the face!

Wednesday night was kind of stressful. Eric was supposed to arrive around 9:00pm but Salt Lake was hit with a crazy storm that delayed tons of flights and closed a lot of roads. He ended up landing around midnight and thankfully by then Parley's Canyon was safe to drive through. The next day we all woke up to 10 degrees weather but hit the slopes regardless. There was a dozen of us out there freezing our butts off. Cohen didn't fare too well. He wasn't into it at all. He kept complaining his cheeks were red. How he knew that I have no idea.

Bundled up...

Martha & I, no skin to be seen on me!

Christmas Day

2010-12-25T14:49:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day was so chill this year. Grandma Bishop and Marv spent the night so they could hang out and watch us and the boys open presents. We didn't make it downstairs until about 8. We tried to hold them off but 8 was long enough. I had to put a sheet over the doorway so they didn't peak.

Eric got a battery operated foot sanded. Highly necessary.

Then there's the alligator biting game. It makes you jump every time. Toys that involve teeth are always a good thing for this family.

And yes, my sweet husband got me these!!

If we had a Christmas card....

2010-12-24T16:42:00.000-08:00

....it would have included some of these.

Instead I made another CD (volume 3) of some of our favorite Christmas songs. I think it will be my last CD. I did one in 2004, 2007 and 2010. I think I am maxed out on favorite Christmas tunes. Merry Christmas!!

Eric turns 35!

2010-12-24T14:32:00.000-08:00

I have been celebrating Eric's Christmas Eve birthday for 12 years now. It just keeps getting better and better! This year my family came over for a big dinner and some not-so-typical Christmas Eve games. Among the white elephant gift exchange we play a dice game that has become a staple. Anne was the lucky winner this year and took home over $50.

New Christmas jammies!

Ethan reading the Night Before Christmas to us.

Christmas Happenings

2010-12-23T14:19:00.000-08:00

Christmastime always brings home tons of school crafts, projects, and keepsakes. Our kitchen cupboard is packed full of what the boys have brought home this year. They are so proud of it. Cohen's preschool class made frames and Ethan's class got to make gingerbread houses. I love it when my boys are crafty!

Santa has been a bigger deal this year. Last year the boys were younger and didn't quite understand what Santa was or meant. I will be sad the day their imaginations get the best of them and they figure out the truth. All I know is the "Santa's watching" threat worked for about a week or so. Then, it changed to "Santa isn't going to bring you any toys if you keep acting like that". That too worked for about a week. As the calendar hit December 18th and the boys were out of school with nothing to do but think about December 25th, their behavior started to get even worse. Suddenly, the Santa threats didn't work and I had to start removing presents from the pile that they knew were for them. That helped.

E & C both wrote Santa a letter. Included was a Nintendo DS, a new Woody doll, an Xbox 360, and a Lotso bear. On Christmas morning when Ed opened his Xbox from Santa, Ethan was convinced Santa had made a mistake.

Rain, rain, go away

2010-12-22T14:13:00.000-08:00

California is under water! We have had a week straight of constant rain. And not just misty rain, I am talking a total downpour. Our pool almost over-flowed. I can stand a little rain here and there but this was a ton, almost 10 inches in less than a week. Ethan had to get out and run around in it...

Hank's Blessing

2010-12-08T22:31:00.000-08:00

This cutie is ALWAYS asleep.

Advent Calendar

2010-12-08T21:59:00.000-08:00

I don't have an advent calendar for the boys so this year, among all the other madness, I decided I should make one. I'm so silly like that. So I pretty much copied Pottery Barn's . I have yet to add the dates but I think it turned out pretty close to the original and the boys love it!!

Among filling the pockets with candy canes and little ornaments, I made cards that describe an activity we would do that day or present that they could open. Every fifth day there is a card that says, "Christmas book".... I bought ten paperback books (ranging from $1.50-$4 each) and wrapped them and each boy gets to pick a book and read it that night before bed. Some of the other cards include:

- go bowling
- drive around to see Christmas lights
- make sugar cookies
- decorate an ornament
- deliver Christmas treats to friends/neighbors
- watch a Christmas movie w/ hot chocolate
- make gingerbread houses

RED

2010-12-08T14:58:00.000-08:00

Yes, I will be including a blog post about the Utah victory over the cougars. No, I will not let this opportunity pass me by. It's awful to think that I am eternally tied to a family of BYU grads. What's worse is that for the rest of my life I will have to watch the Holy War surrounded by them in my living room. So, when the Utes pull out one of the messiest wins over BYU of course I am going to have to rub it in a little bit. Laces out!

My first born, whom I might have mentioned to that Santa likes the U...
"but how do you know mom?"
"duh, that's why they wear red."
He wore the shirt to bed that night as well.

Thanksgiving

2010-12-08T14:47:00.000-08:00

The sight of these rolls make me want to go back and have a Thanksgiving do-over.

November was a crazy hot mess. It was very busy to say the least. We had tons of visitors, grandpa's funeral, a kitchen remodel, hosted Thanksgiving dinner for 25 people, both kids were off from school the entire week, and my Dad's 60th birthday. It seems like I have been playing catch-up ever since.

The day after Thanksgiving, we headed over to the beach to celebrate my dad's 60th birthday. He took us all to Jack Shrimp, our favorite place in Newport Beach, and then back to the house to look at old slides and eat more pie! I don't think that it's a coincidence that my dad was born so close to Thanksgiving, pumpkin pie is his favorite.

I'm not sure what KC is telling them but it must have been important.

Baby Hank!

I need to branch out....

2010-12-01T11:26:00.000-08:00

... and learn how to use photo editing for fun stuff like this!

seen on designmom

Running Buffalo

2010-11-24T07:36:00.000-08:00

Cohen's preschool class had a Thanksgiving Feast/Indian Celebration the other day. I'm pretty sure he didn't eat any of the Thanksgiving fare. Cohen chose the name Running Buffalo - which I thought was pretty funny. These pictures were the last ones I took before I dropped my camera and had to take it in for service so I've been without one for a while and it's very unsettling. I will have to borrow Diane's for tomorrow.

Grandpa Bishop

2010-11-11T19:14:00.000-08:00

It's posts like these that make me want to hand the reigns over to Eric for a change...

I don't remember the first time I met Grandpa Bishop but what I do remember is he was always happy to see me! Every time I would walk into the room he would say, "Well, if it isn't Josie". Gpa has been a part of my life for the past 12 years but he has been a part of Eric's for 30+. Diane's father died when Eric was 3 and so Gpa Jim was the only Gpa he can really remember.

The services the past few days have taught me a lot more about this sweet man. He was a Veteran. He lived to serve; his country, his church, his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. He was an avid tennis player and water skier and he had many lifelong friends that spoke of him fondly. My kids were lucky enough to spend almost every Sunday at Grandpa's house. I don't remember my great-grandparents all that much but I hope my boys will know how much he loved them.

Eric's Baptism

Graduation

First time meeting Ethan

Cohen's blessing - the James in Cohen James Brown is from Grandpa

Gpa and his red cardigan, and V-neck sweater and button-up shirt and undershirt. He was always cold!! And that red cardigan was a staple every year at Christmas time.

WE LOVE YOU GRANDPA!!

Halloween 2010 - Lego Costume

2010-11-03T18:22:00.000-07:00

Well, this year I got a little ambitious. I have been wanting to make Lego costumes for a while now but every year the boys had something different in mind. This year I just started making them and didn't bother asking and they seemed fine with the idea. The head was the hardest part to make. And if I were to do it over again I would change up a few things but I was still happy with how they came out. I love legomen!

We celebrated Halloween a few times this year. First at our ward Trunk or Treat!

Second, Cohen's school had a Halloween parade/program. Giving you a thumbs up!

And third, on the 31st! We drove up to Fullerton to trick or treat at Grandma Bishop's door. She was happy to see the boys in their costume and the boys got to trick or treat around her neighborhood. They had a great time. Poor Ethan couldn't move from house to house quite as quickly as Cohen but they still managed to bring home a ton of junk.

Pumpkin Patch

2010-11-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

Cohen's Pre-School class tried like crazy for weeks to go to the Irvine pumpkin patch but each day the weather was uncooperative, as it rained and rained. Finally, after rescheduling it four times they got to go and the weather was great! I've never been to this farm before but it is a busy place. There were hundreds of kids there picking pumpkins.

Like mother like son...his reaction to the petting zoo part of the farm. He's not a fan of goats or anything with legs/fur for that matter.

Yes please!

2010-11-02T21:36:00.000-07:00

Garnet Hill - I Heart Thee!

Check out this sled. This will come in handy for our trips to Park City this winter.

And of course, one must have cute luggage for said traveling!

2010 Christmas slippers

2010-11-02T20:28:00.000-07:00

Thank you TOMS for giving us with a better choice than the typical, ugly Christmas slipper.

Because let's be honest, these aren't cutting it.

Hank Kenneth Oliver

2010-11-02T20:18:00.001-07:00

I have a new nephew!!! Hank was born October 29th, to Molly & KC. 7lb 5oz, 21". We have been waiting for what seems like FOREVER for him. Congrats guys - I can't wait to meet him in a few weeks!

How is this possible?

2010-10-23T10:22:00.000-07:00

This is how I found the boys last night when I went in to test Ethan. I don't understand how this happens. Why is Ethan in Cohen's bed? Why is Ethan's arm on the wall? How does Cohen sleep with his legs dangling off the side? Isn't he cold? Weird kids.

Cohen turns 4

2010-10-16T17:48:00.000-07:00

This past week we celebrated Cohen's 4th birthday. I can't believe this kid is already 4. I still think of him like a toddler...

But he's grown, he's in Pre-School three days a week and loves it! He loves Legos like his older brother. He has started asking the meaning of things and what signs say. He's brave and silly. He's loves to cuddle and still takes naps. He will hum/sing along to any song that's on. He is a good sharer and doesn't like to disappoint me. Cohen is a very happy kid and I am so thankful to be his mom!

Cohen thought it would be a good idea to go to CPK and then on a Ferris Wheel ride at the Spectrum. I think he had a great birthday. He really enjoyed the frosting but hardly touched the cupcake.

Think this would go well with my new cookware?

2010-10-15T15:48:00.000-07:00

I think not, however, I am kind of liking this and I am seriously AFRAID of color. And by color I mean REAL color... that isn't neutral. We used FLOR tiles in Cohen's nursery and would use them again in a heartbeat.

Make a mental note: future housewarming gift....

2010-10-14T19:29:00.000-07:00

Please tell me you all noticed this new set of Le Creuset cookware on the cover of the latest Williams-Sonoma catalog. I am drooling.

I COULD DESIGN A WHOLE KITCHEN AROUND THIS COLOR.

Kind of loving this...

2010-10-09T13:48:00.000-07:00

It's $360 but who's counting! The fact that the Packers are represented is reason enough. However, I'm not sure we have room here at Casa Brown. Do you think it's weird that a purchase like this is what it takes to get me to find a place to buy/rent? But seriously, how many minutes do you think the boys would actually spend in these, 5? 10? 15 minutes? They can't even sit down at the dinner table, they eat while standing, my newest/biggest pet peeve since having kids.

don't you love how the pictures are hung about 12" from the floor. weird.

Any guesses?

2010-10-02T17:14:00.000-07:00

Any guesses what the boys are going to be for Halloween? 1 down, 3 to go.

This might help...

Balls is having a BOY!

2010-10-01T10:16:00.001-07:00

The name is chosen, Hank Kenneth Oliver. A little different than waiting till two days after Anne had Lucy to find out what her name was. Molly's shower was at my parents house last weekend. Friends from college, high school and the Irvine stake came to celebrate. I was in charge of dessert, cookies of course. Anne made some yummy orange rolls, Mom made the diaper cake and Martha made the Hank decor. It was a pretty chill shower. I didn't take too many pictures, sorry Molly. I know Martha has a lot more. I didn't even take pics of the burp cloths I made. Oh well.... can't wait to meet the little guy in a few weeks!!

Cohen's first field trip

2010-10-01T10:11:00.000-07:00

Last week Cohen's preschool class visited the Portola Hills Fire Station. I don't know where he heard this from but as we were driving up to it he said, "mom, is the fire station open for business?" I about died. Such a funny kid. It was his first time at a station so he was pretty excited. He even got to sit in the truck!

...like my teacher tells to me...bum bum

2010-09-28T18:40:00.001-07:00

You know I couldn't resist. I bought this today after seeing it on FB.

thanks Pam!

And now it's 3:06am and it feels just like 3:06am.

2010-09-17T03:21:00.000-07:00

Cohen's been in our bed since 2. He moves around a lot. I don't think he is ever sufficiently asleep because he seems so restless. I couldn't take it anymore so I finally put him back in his bed. But, now I am awake. WIDE. AWAKE.

Things I've been thinking about at 3:06am; sinkholes and what if I got swallowed up in one, if Ambien would cause me to eatwalk (a version of sleepwalk), am I required to scrapbook my kids school years - do boys even care about such things? Would I wear a wig if I ever got cancer and lost my hair - because let's face it, I rarely do my hair as it is. I wonder what show is on at 3:13am on HGTV. I wonder how mad Eric would get if I were to find out. My eyes are on fire.......oh, hello again Mr Cohen, back for round 2?

Sent from my iPhone

Oh, the things you find on Etsy

2010-09-16T21:21:00.000-07:00

Sisters: we have to draw names for Christmas quickly because I wouldn't want to miss out on this sweet find....

(yes that's Brett Favre)

It's 8:05, yet it feels like 11:30.

2010-09-16T20:05:00.000-07:00

Cohen has never been a great sleeper. Ethan, on the other hand was a great sleeper. He would sleep in till 10 back in the day. However, Cohen has been his roommate for the past 2 years, which has forever changed Ethan's sleeping habits. This morning I woke up at 6:30 to get ready for work. I thought it was strange that Cohen hadn't come into our room yet to say "good morning, is it wake up time yet?" I peeked into the hall and found their bedroom light on, door wide open, the bathroom light on and noises coming from downstairs. Yep, already awake, Ethan included. So I call downstairs to see what they are doing.....um, playing Toy Story on the computer. Nice. Who knows how long they had been down there. Because of this Cohen has been a crank for the past couple weeks or so, and it hits right around dinner. It's non-stop whining, moaning, and crying, like he's two again. He's almost 4 yet I have concluded that his afternoon naps are making a comeback. We'll see how that goes.

I guess this is another favorite early morning activity.....no one around......why not take a few pictures.....I found these just now along with 17 Photo Booth movies of him looking at himself and talking to the computer, I will have to get to posting those later.

3 whole hours to myself.

2010-09-13T13:39:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have blogged a lot today. Why? Well, for one I am behind, but really it's because Cohen started Preschool. I dropped him off at 9, ran some errands, came home and started to catch up, left to go get him by 12, he fell asleep in the car on the way home and is still sleeping. It's a little weird with this much free time. ENTER: comments about me having more kids to fill the gaps. Don't even start.

Cohen is a great kid. He is so happy and smiley, and is afraid of nothing. He is my affectionate kid - always giving hugs and cuddles. I love this kid. Today was his first full day of preschool. It's run by a lady in our stake at her home. Lets just say the kid was ready to go. He got Buzz, put him in his backpack, and was anxiously waiting for me hurry up so we could leave. When we got there we waited for a few minutes for the teacher to come out and when she did she asked, "are you ready to come in?".... Cohen looked up at me and said, "I'm ready Mom" and took off running. I could barely snap a picture. I didn't know if I should be offended that he wanted to get away from me so quickly or thrilled that it wasn't a battle getting him through the door.

Cohen high stepping it...

I have a 7 year old. Whaaaaaht?

2010-09-13T13:08:00.000-07:00

I still can't believe it. Seriously, I am getting old and so are my boys. Next year Ethan is going to be 8, and before I know it he's going to be 16, NOOOOOOO! I don't think I can handle him dating. Girls are sneaky and manipulative. It is years away and I am already hoping he doesn't fall for any stupid mean girls.

Anyway, his birthday came up so quick this year. We had a long weekend for Labor Day in Yosemite and came back and started school the day after so it didn't leave me much time to plan a party. Thankfully, he's been begging me for a Pump it Up party for years which just so happened to be running a last minute party special, PERFECT!! He was thrilled. Cohen is already thinking he is going to have his party there as well. Not gonna happen.

Ethan with the ladies...

I died over this face of Roxie. So great.

Cohen going down like he should.

Cohen bored with the regular way decides he needs to try and ride a toy down the slide. It didn't quite work.

Again, with the ladies...I'm in trouble.

And home, to open presents, LEGO CITY!!

2nd Grader...

2010-09-13T12:48:00.000-07:00

Ethan lucked out this year with a sweet teacher named Mr. Henry. Mr. Henry is our favorite because he is type-1, just like Ethan, so it alleviates any worry because he knows what to look for and how to treat him if there is an issue. His class is a combo class with two grades which at first I was unsure about but I think it will actually allow for more focused time because there are only 9 2nd graders in his class (4 of which are from church!!). I can't believe he's already in second grade.

Yosemite: Take Two

2010-09-13T12:35:00.000-07:00

All packed - amazing what that rack will hold. We had a minor problem on the way up, one of the plastic lids to those tan bins flew off on the 5 freeway and stuff started blowing out of the bin. Luckily, Ethan noticed it and we were able to pull over and secure everything. Whoops!

I didn't think we could top last year's trip to Yosemite but we managed to do so. The weather was perfect, the Rover didn't break down, the food was awesome, the campsite was eventful, and the bears stayed away! Eric and I and the boys drove up a day early so Eric could climb Half Dome. He didn't take a camera with him but met some other hikers along the way who said they would email him some photos...we have yet to see them. He did take one of the chains with his phone. He looked pretty thrashed when he got back to camp. The soles of his shoes were separating.

Hanging around camp - we had a double site which accomodated 12 people. We had five tents between the twelve of us. Diane and Ed win "Best Tent Set-up" they brought cots, a piece of carpet to put in their tent and even a side table for storage. It was very "lower-bowl of them". It's amazing to me that I didn't take any pictures of us eating because I think we spent the majority of our time doing just that. Seriously, we planned it perfectly - we were well fed... foil dinners, dutch oven cornbread, cobbler, pasta with peppers and sausage, breakfast burritos, gourmet turkey wraps, pancakes, s'mores, homemade churros - yummy!

The hike to Vernal Falls - last year this hike seemed to go on forever and ever. I was worried about this year because the boys would have to walk it themselves. Cohen did pretty good, he got pretty much the entire way up but was tired going down and needed to be carried for part of it. Ethan did great though and Lucy got to take a nap. The hike isn't too long, about 3 miles, but it's pretty much straight up, it was a great day hike.

The Falls - during the Spring/early Summer these falls are raging. By the time we get to them they are just a trickle, but still amazing to see. The brave ones jumped into the pool below the falls, I would bet the temp is about 50 degrees. No way I was getting in.

Floating the Merced River - we didn't do this last year and decided we needed to make it part of our trip. The river was pretty chilly but not bad when the sun was out. We floated a 3 mile stretch that winds through the park.

Headed home - thank goodness it didn't rain like last year. Until next year! Who's in?

YOOOOsemite

2010-08-31T13:42:00.000-07:00

WE ARE GOING BACK IN LESS THAN TWO DAYS!! We're all very excited over here if you can't tell. We've been looking for sites on craigslist ever since we didn't secure any during the competitive lottery that they have for reservations. We got robbed, the guy charged a crazy amount because demand is so great and because it's Labor Day weekend but we are still excited to go. Hopefully, it will meet or even exceed last years trip.

Maybe the best $100 I've spent at Costco

2010-08-31T01:21:00.000-07:00

Last week Diane and I went to Costco. We weren't there to buy anything in particular and I think that's why I ran into trouble. I started browsing. Not good in most cases. However, I found a cheap underwater camera that turned out to be a decent buy. I am scared to bring my dslr around water. I do it, but it makes me nervous. And after what happened to my iPhone a month ago my water/electronics paranoia is through the roof. So, how could I pass it up? I think it did pretty well...