Anaheim

I'm laying here in my uncomfortable hotel bed and everyone else is sleeping. We had an amazingly fun day at Disneyland today. The weather was cool then warm and sunny and then cool again. The lines were short or at worst very bearable. Even the kids were pretty well behaved. I did loose my temper with Naomi once. I still feel badly, sheepish maybe. The kind of situation where something else is the stressor, you feel frustrated and suddenly, "snap." You (I) bark at your (my) child for somthing minor. I know I'm not the only mom who has done (does) this. But maybe I am the only mom who blogs about it though.
Anyway, that was realitivly minor and an exception to our awesome day here. Let me just get something out on the table. I love Space Mountain. A lot. Naomi was unconvinced that she should like it. it's very dark and terrifyingly thrilling. Dawson and Drew were not big fans either. This little posse consists of me and Naomi, Erica and her boys Isaac and Dawson, and Brooke and Jesse with their boys Matthew and Drew. Lots of boy for my little Naomi to play with! She just finished a mini weekend with her (boy) cousins on the other side, Talia and Wes's kids. it's been fun and so much more than that to spend all this time with family we don'y see as often as we would like.
So, it's late, I'm tired and we have 2 more days here! I have photos and videos that would make you laugh and melt your heart, (yeah, it's that magical here). But I can't post them now.
Also, I have stuff to talk about concerning my race last Saturday. That can come later. I'm tired of "typing" on my phone.
And one more thing. This is blog post 300. Wow.

Okeedokee Artichokee

We like artichokes at this house. It's a new development, within the last 6 months. I must have presented them in a good light the first time, the kids were actually hungry, or something. Or maybe it's the melted butter. Never underestimate the power of melted butter.

The kids go wild for them. It is, at the very least, comparable to the excitement level of when we have ice cream cones. Seriously.

I know, who knew that kids could be so perplexing?

I guess I should add though, in all fairness, that my kids do like vegetables in general. Broccoli, peas, carrots, corn, peppers, squash, and cucumbers are regular winners. And avacados and mushrooms for James. So there wasn't that bump to get over. And artichokes are fun to eat. And Naomi will try anything once, and James will do anything she does.

So there you have it, a recipe for artichoke lovers.

They are just kinda weird looking.

Naomi asked me the first time, like she does often when a food is only vaguely familer or altogether new, "do I like this mom?" And what do you think the answer invariably is? "Yes, you love it!"

Now don't start worrying that either, 1) I am bragging and exaggerating, or 2) my kids like everything. Neither is true. Well, definitely not the second one.

My kids have plenty of things they do not like. Will not eat. Not one bite. And James is the worst when he decides he is done. He is DONE and will not, no matter the coaxing, bribing, demanding, camaraderie, take one more bite. Not ever. He's better with distraction, like "look, that's a neat __________, eat your _________." And sometimes absent-mindedly while he's looking at said distraction he will take another bite. Not usually though.

So, back to the artichokes. Naomi asks every time we hit the grocery store if we can buy one. I tell her we will check the prices. It's a good introductory to the concept that things cost money, things change price and we don't like to spend too much money. Buy low, eat high. Something like that.

So last shopping I brought home from Macey's not one, but two cool-funky looking artichokes! Oh happy day!

I cooked up the big one,  using this recipe page the first time and they have turned out delicious repeatedly.

I set the kids up with their own little cups of melted butter. I reuse applesauce cups for stuff like this. They are perfect.

Naomi danced a happy dance before I finally told her she had to sit down to eat. James has entered the "I DO IT" stage and I supplied him with fresh leaves. He dipped, licked, slurped to his belly's content. I often had to confiscate and replace leaves once he had stripped the edible part off and was trying to see if he should eat the whole thing. Naomi was more precise but I did stop her from sipping the butter at one point. Only to turn to see James's butter cup bottoms up and then him bring it down to the table and ask innocently for "mo butter. pees."

Naomi babbled about the artichoke heart and was just as excited for that part as anything. It's a pain to get clean. You have to cut off or dig out the little thistle things once all the leaves are off. But then it's a big delicious chunk of artichoke. We split it three ways, a satisfying way to end a meal.

So if you haven't tried these before, go check prices next time your are shopping. Supposedly they can get as cheap as a dollar each. You might just love them, and your kids too. Shocking, I know.

First times for James

James had a day with a few "firsts" in it. He's 22 months and seems to be changing so rapidly right now. He's learning new words and talking more. Learning colors. All that good stuff. So it's sweet when I consciously can catalog a moment that he did something brand new.

Earlier my kiddos were playing in the next room and I heard James come running to find me. He did, hugged my legs and then looked at me and said; "Naomi, hit. Naughty."

He had his first experience tattling. On his sister, of course. I found it to be so sweet that I laughed when I should have shown concern. It was a good moment in an otherwise kind of ornery-mommy day. We talked to Naomi and she was sorry and gave him a hug and a kiss. All better.

This next part wasn't a "first" but it's related to the above incident.

Later he had apparently  thrown a (quite heavy) Lightning McQueen at Noami. It hit her head. She came crying to me. It hurt and I could also tell that she was just plain sad that he had hurt her. On purpose, or so it seemed.

We then found him and I told him that we never throw toys at each other, that Noami was hurt, etc, etc. I asked him to say sorry to Noami. Instead of saying anything he just embraced her. He was sorry. Poor thing, he wasn't quite sure what he had done wrong in the first place by that time.

And best of all, today while we were just about ready to eat lunch I asked Naomi if she would ask a blessing for our meal. She, as usual, kinda declined, wanted me to say it. I said that I would help her. Ok then, she consented. I started out and James piped up. He was folding his arms and smiling. He proudly repeated "Hevly Fahder" and so he said the little prayer for us with my help. I told him he did a good job, it was so sweet! Naomi added, "you liked saying the prayer, maybe you can do it again next time!" Meaning, I'm sure, that she is now forever off the hook. What a gal.

He was so proud of himself, and so was I.

This is today, after a mid-morning shower. He busied himself with the squeegee, wiping down the shower door and floor, also trying to avoid the shower spray.

Naomi

This girl deserves a post all her own. She is energy, attitude, curiosity, generosity, inquisitiveness, brilliance all stuffed in a little 3 year old body.

She never ceases to amaze, surprise, frustrate, and make me laugh out loud.

She has a knack, like most little girls, for putting together some pretty awesome outfits. She also likes to gather together favorite items and stash them away. I'm a forever finding these little treasure troves.

So here are a few I captured on film to share.

Christmas Stockings

I am finally making Jame's Christmas stocking. It's only his second Christmas, not bad. And it's been a effort to get motivated. But I'm excited and ready to do it.
I had originally planned on a teddy bear for his stocking, but I couldn't seem to get a pattern that would look good. Or even very much like a teddy bear. I was feeling frustrated and stuck, I had already purchased the brown corduroy.Then Zach suddenly said, why don't you just do a gingerbread man? Perfect!
So here he is so far. I'm stitching the double layers of the little man to the top layer of the front of the stocking. After he's on, I'll finish all the other embellishments before sewing the stocking together. I learned my lesson the hard way a few years back. It's easier to sew stuff onto it without sticking my hand inside the finished stocking.
On this site, she has a great stocking tutorial. Mine are similar, but I have the unfinished edges out and I snip them so they are frayed.
Merry Christmas!

Edible Fun

Yes.

I am getting a little ahead of myself, but Christmas is so much fun!

We decorated our gingerbread house for a family home evening activity tonight.

While watching Dancing With The Stars. (Go Donny!)

It was really fun, I was a little surprised. Best case scenarios played out. For once. How nice!

James helped stick candy on at first and then he just wanted to eat it. We presuaded him to eat non-attached candy rather than roof and window decorations.

Naomi was a pro, she specifically did the roofline, window coverings, front door and window decorations, and the side of the roof that isn't pictured below. It's more artistic than this side.

We all ended up eating a fair amount of sugar.

This was a ready to go kit from our loving WalMart Supercenter. Naomi want's to make another one, and I have a recipe for sturdy gingerbread. I think I'll give a homemade version a try in a few weeks.

Naomi also said she wants to smash it, with her toy hammer. So we'll see how long this lasts.

Nice Smile

Naomi has mastered the "forced smile" and apparently James is well on his way.
Cute.

Christmas decor

I pulled out the Christmas boxes last night! Naomi could hardly contain her joy. This was better than the actual presents on Christmas morning.

We love our Little People Nativity. It's really the best. Go out and buy one if you don't have one, you won't regret it.

While I was loading this photo, James found the Styrofoam packaging from a new ornament. He managed to crumble it into thousands of tiny little balls that stick to everything. I mean everything.
Sweet.

Museo de Naomi

Naomi's room daily. All her drawings, art projects, etc from the past year or so. Daily spread out on her floor for her viewing pleasure. I need storage or display ideas.

T

Tuesdays with Trisha

I have busy mornings on Tuesdays. I am an aide at Naomi's preschool.

I trade for a gym membership and a discount on her tuition. I like being involved and in the know about her school. I love having a membership at the gym. I dislike getting up early and for a while felt guilty leaving James with grandma.

I don't anymore, he loves it now. Today when I told him it was time to go home, he told me "no". Stinker.

Tuesdays I get up with my alarm, 7:05. Ok, so I actually get out of bed by 7:20. At the latest!

Naomi is usually up by 7:30 and I get her dressed and seated eating breakfast.

She wears a swimsuit under her clothes because she swims at preschool on Tuesdays. And I have to remember to pack a pair of undies for after swim.

Next, I get ready, get James up and dressed then get breakfast for us.

Sometimes I take mine to eat on the drive, a banana and yogurt. Or something.

We are on the road by 8:15.

Every other Tuesday I drop James off at Grandma Stevie's on the way to pick up Naomi's cousin Dawson. On the other Tuesdays I squeeze three car seats across the back and Grandma Linda meets me at the preschool parking lot to take James with her for the day.

I have to remember to pack diaps and wipes, extra clothing, and naptime lovies to send/leave with Grandma.

(Grandmas are the best ever. THANKS!!!)

We are at preschool by 8:45 and ready for an active day at school.

After preschool Naomi and Dawson go to play at the kid care at the gym after swimming while I finish out my last hour at the preschool. There are two classes, theirs ends at noon and the second at one.

At 1:15, when the last little one has gone home and preschool is straightened up, I retreive Noami and Daws from the kids club, and they inform me they are starving.

I remembered to pack granola bars for them and all is well.

We take Dawson home and join Grandma for a relaxing afternoon while James finishes his nap.

Then I have to remember that the next morning is garbage day.

Today I was on time, and we remembered to bring everything we needed. Overall it was a pretty good Tuesday.

But I left Jame's full sippy sitting on the counter this morning. Yummy warm orange juice.

Foiled.

That's what I get for making lofty plans;)

Naomi is sick so we are home recouping. Poor thing. She's a good sport though and hopefully she'll feel better by tomorrow.

Yesterday I combed her hair out and then curled with a curling iron. It was so pretty! She kept saying she had hair like "Giselle." Funny girl.

I would have taken a photo to show if off but my little camera is broken. Naomi dropped it on the tile the other day. I've been avoiding thinking about that.

Maybe the day home will be perfect for Christmas decorating.

What's the plan this week?

Well, best case scenario is that the kids will not wake up before 7 a.m. (Naomi) and I will be patient, creative, and fun. I will get all my miles in this week, no one will be sick (James). I will cook yummy dinners every night and have good hair days. All week.

Also I will get Christmas decoration out and up and the little darlings will leave the tree alone.

I'll keep my hopes up and see how well we do;)

Naomi and James playing "nap time"

Losing Baby Bear

This is Naomi two years ago. The same age James is now.

Isn't she so cute:) And it still amazes me how much her hair has grown!

That, in her hands is her very favorite "Baby Bear"

It has been misplaced and is yet to be recovered.

We're still looking but I've explored replacement options in the meantime. It's findable online at ebay and the likes for pretty reasonable prices.

Don't you hate losing special toys? Has this happened to you? Did you replace your little one's special lovey or just let them mourn and move on?

They must be related

Our House

It's a continually renewing cycle here at our house of breakfasts, snacks, coloring, princesses, dinosaurs, diapers, runny noses, cookies, walks, playgrounds, mittens and hats, baths, jammies, bedtime stories and songs.
It's just all part of the parenthood deal.
Sometimes you find little snippets that make you just giggle, this was one of them.
The other day Naomi was having a hard time staying in her room for a quiet time. But eventually she did stay put, but only after she had tornado-ed her room. She fell asleep with no less than 3 princess dresses on her little body. And there were shoes, wands and crowns all over the floor. She needed to look just right for her beauty sleep!


And this. This is the sippy cup collection I pulled out of the dishwasher today. I don't usually have this many on active duty at one time, but this isn't really too far from the norm. I think it's time to address the situation. Naomi doesn't' need them at all anymore, I'm just lazy and it means less spills. And James does really well with a cup too. But then they have to be at the table.
Regardless, it's time to scale back! And what's with the chewing? Why do they always chew on the straws?

Christmas Gifts

(this photo will not for the life of me, stay right side up...)



Ferrero Rondnoir would be a delicious gift that's not the ordinary box 'o chocolates for Christmas.

My Brother in law brought a box of these divinities to me from Geneva Switzerland when he visited Utah last month. Thank You Mark!

They are truly heavenly.

The Ferrero website says it best:

"Ferrero Rondnoir dark chocolates, are a unique combination of dark chocolate creme surrounding a "black pearl" of fine dark chocolate, within in a delicate, crisp wafer...topped with crunchy dark chocolate morsels."

Obviously I love dark chocolate.

What's for Lunch?

Sometimes it's hard to know what to make for lunch (or dinner) that your kids will eat and that will actually be real food for you. Mac 'n Cheese does not a mom meal make. Trust me on that one.

Yesterday I made these, and they were very good. Happy kids and Happy Mom.

Quick Veggie Paninis/"grilled cheesies"

For the kids:

Two slices of bread, lightly buttered with Monterrey Jack cheese slices for the inside. Feeding kids cheese as you slice. That's what happens at my house anyway.

Pull out your old George Foreman or the like. I haven't used mine in years, but for today it was perfect!

Grill until browned and cheese is melty. Done.

Add to plate sliced red peppers, avocado chunks, mushrooms and (very important) Dip. My kids like Kraft Green Goddess. It's very tasty.

For Mom:

Two slices of bread, lightly buttered and Monterrey Jack cheese slices.

Add to sandwich: baby spinach, avocado slices, red pepper slices, mushrooms, and a little bit of your favorite vinaigrette splashed on there. I like Kraft Cesar Vinaigrette with Parmesan.

Grill to perfection and enjoy your yummy veggie Panini!

*Tomatoes would be great on this too, but I didn't have any today.

Extra avocado and peppers for me.

Ok, so I know that there are professional photographers that still can't make food look appetizing, and I realize that my sandwich photo might make you not want to make this. But photos make things more fun. So bear with me will ya?

Happy Birthday Mom!

We made "pinkalicious" cupcakes, yummy!


29 years young ;)

"You can't wear the same thing every day"

That's what she said.

And it's true, I really needed some additional workout clothing. I have one pair of capris I like to wear and then a pair of yoga pants that are a little too loose (and short) for running.

So with the help of Erica I found some great running capri shorts, a half zip top, in red, and a long sleeve underarmour top, that last one in purple, nice.

I wore the shorts and half zip today for a run with Erica, and I'm in love. The top is for cold-weather and it was perfect for today.

What workout gear do you all love? Where do you buy, what item can you not live(workout) without?

Highlights

Good things so far today.

9:20 a.m. on the way to the gym Naomi tells me she want's some "dance music" on the radio. I tell her that I like the song that's on. She says, "me too, but I need something for my legs and head, something to bounce my legs." We found something good.

10:30 a.m. finishing a 3.5 mile run and feel happy.

10:45 a.m. playing in 60 + degree weather at the playground with my kids. Running and rolling down the big grassy hills. Teaching James how to climb up the ladders.

1:00 p.m. finding all the pictures Naomi took of James and random toys with my camera.