Family Photos

While we were in UT, I thought it would be a good idea to get some family pics, just in case they didn't happen this year. My mom has a great camera and is great at taking pictures. My boys were not so happy to do them...especially James who we woke up from a nap. For a 20 minute photo shoot and lots of grumpy children (and a not so excited hubby), there were a few good ones. Better than nothing right?

Frogs and Spiders and Scorpion Tails

That's what MY little boys are made of. We've had such a great time with bugs this year. When we find them, we put them in a glass jar and have a "bug battle." Black widows are ruthless...we watched it spin a web around a huge wolf spider, dismember a scorpion and suck its guts, and get rid of a cricket faster than you can imagine. Does anyone know of something that can beat a black widow? If so, we'd love to know. It's been really cool for all of us to check on them every morning and see what has happened. Bugs actually have never bothered me, and having boys has eased my fears even more. They are just so interested in nature.

We also had the opportunity to have a pet frog for 2 days. Jace named him Max...they caught him at the church farm they helped on last Saturday. We tried to make him comfortable, and Jace was crazy about him. He kept saying, "I just never thought I'd have a pet frog." with a happy little smile.

When we told him that we would need to put him back in a place where he would have friends, Jace said, "Wow, it's really hard saying good bye to someone you love." He's so cute. Luckily for us, Max hopped out that night...hopefully to find more froggy friends!

I love my birthday....even when it's # 30!

Thirty things I loved about my 30th
1. I'm finally secure enough to admit that I LOVE MY BIRTHDAY!
2. The night before my birthday, we were on our way to bed at 10:45 and Mike turned to me and said, "Do you want to stay up for the last hour you are 29???" So, we stayed awake playing Rummikub and he was my first Happy Birthday wish at midnight.
3. I slept until 7:35...even though it was a school day.
4. Mike stayed around to do the breakfast dishes and make sure all was well.
5. Parker decided to puke 7 times before 9:30 am, but then he felt better.
6. Since Parker was sick, I had a great excuse to let Parker and James watch TV for much longer than I usually do, and I did absolutely whatever I wanted.
7. I got a dozen donuts from Krispy Kreme free since it was my birthday, and I loved eating more than my share. Then, I saw a grey hair in my bangs on the way home and didn't even care.
8. My parents called from Scotland to wish me a Happy day.
9. All my siblings, Mike's siblings, my in-laws and lots of friends called, and I LOVE chatting with family and friends. I especially enjoyed Mitch's hail Mary, but we figured it out.
10. I got lots of Facebook birthday wishes.
11. My parents, in-laws, siblings and friends were much too generous with gifts. I don't deserve them, but loved them all.
12. I got to take my kids to the library...we got to take home and read books all about bats, prairie dogs and snakes. I'm figuring out this boy mom thing.
13. Mike was home from work at 5:35.
14. I got a free dinner at Joe's Farm Grill...no cooking and no mess.
15. I got my favorite DQ ice cream blizzard cake...half girl scout cookie, half french silk.
16. Mike wrote, "Happy Birthday Old Woman," which the smart teenage helper questioned him twice on.
17. I loved it and the writing. I ate 2 gigantic pieces that night, and at least a piece every other night for a week.
18. I watched my boys' faces light up as they gave me their gift. So cute!
18. I watched Marly and Me, cuddled up with Mike on a weeknight, and had a cathartic cry.
19. I went with lots of great friends to Cheesecake Factory and laughed so much my sides hurt.
20. Mike sent me on a weekend alone with an amazing friend from our DC days. He stayed with the boys at his parents house, while Brandy and I shopped, walked, ate, read and relaxed.
21. I flew all alone to SD, then read my book for 2 hours at the airport, waiting for Brandy to arrive from Delaware.
22. I got a rental car all by myself, drove the city all by myself, and never got lost enough to start crying. Impressive. I felt empowered, must be the 30 thing.
23. I took my favorite walk in Del Mar with Brandy, twice.
24. I felt the cool ocean breeze and watched the waves while we chatting about everything.
25. I ate my favorite dinner of all time at Pacific Coast Grill...perfectly cooked seabass over a pile of mashed potatoes, steamed spinach and balsamic tomatoes. Heaven.
26. I shopped, a lot, but spent hardly anything. Found a great pair of flat, black boots at Nordstrom rack and used a gift card. Looked for baby girls clothes with Brandy, got to peruse H & M and no one ever told me we needed to go home, they were tired, or needed a snack.
27. Went to dinner and got to spend time with my cute grandparents. We got to celebrate Grandpa's birthday with him over a delectable dinner. My grandma is doing so well now and I'm so pleased. I just love being around them.
28. Ate crepes and gelato on Coronado Island (yes, I need to stop eating...NOW!)
29. Had a surprise birthday dinner made entirely by Mike on Sunday night. So impressive for a man who NEVER cooks. Saw the stocked shelves, fridge and pantry Mimi left which was more than kind and hearing Mike recount the BYU game while he beamed with pride was irreplacable. And, seeing my boys and my hubby all exhausted smiles after a perfect weekend for them too, what could be better?
30. Spending time with Brandy...soaking in her perfection, love for motherhood and do anything attitude. She was truly a lift to my soul and I've resolved to be more like her in every way. Rarely is someone as inspiring as she, but wow, I left that weekend ready to conquer everything, just like she does. Cheers to fantastic friends who love you always.
31. (Sorry, can't stop there) Had a great, quiet drive home with my family and talked for 5 hours with Mike, while my children slept and watched movies. It was fantastic.
32. Arrived home to a box of Utah peaches that I can't stop eating. Happy 30th to me!!!!

Strike a Pose

It's official. I'm addicted. Addicted to this boy, this face, this personality. Dad was away at a scout campout, the boys were asleep, I was reading Time magazine when down creeps this little monster. He knows the drill...if he stays quiet and dad isn't home, chances are...he stays up late. Then he put Mike's beanie on and I couldn't resist. We had a photo session, a snuggle session, and guess who slept in my bed??? Could you resist this one?