Sunday, October 07, 2007

Back Bay Days


E and I spend a good deal of time at the Back Bay- you name it- walking, bug finding, lizard chasing, playing at the Nature Center- so on and so forth- and now- pilfering will be added to our repertoire. E has decided that he really likes to pluck up the cute "little flags" (workers have left to mark certain spots for plants, etc) and move them around -or just play with them. I am sure that we will become one of the workers most loved visitors.

His facial expressions crack me up- it is as if he totally knows what he is doing and he is totally stoked about his new hobby.

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Happy Birthday Shelly!


The two Shelly's in my life have birthday's in October! Happy Birthday to my fabulous- seriously fabulous sister-in-law-but-just-like-a-real-sister Shelly! I hope it is really a great day and that you are pampered just as you deserve to be! I adore you!

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Ponies and Dancing




We went to a little "farm like" thing last night with our family. El was able to ride ponies, pet baby pigs ( held the little bugger- so squeely- but cute), and dance.

When Craig and I went to the concert the other night Elliott really wanted to go with us- so much that he shouted out "You can't leave me..." (pretty funny I must admit). So this little opportunity was his chance to hear some live music- he termed it "a concert". The best part was him digging through Craig's jacket pocket-finding a little ticket- asked Craig what it was and Craig said he didn't know- E's response- classic- "It's our concert ticket". He wanted to dance the night away. I am stoked to have a kid who likes music and now has a love of concerts.

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Silly El



Elliott thinks it is so funny to wear my glasses- They are strong enough to give anyone a quick headache just trying them on. He'll put them on and look around- I have decided that he thinks it is funny to see how distorted everything looks with them on. Crazy boy with a crazy imagination- wonder where he gets that?

Monday, September 24, 2007

The things he says-

Elliott has been saying the greatest things lately.
Last night we were talking about his little "ocean bag" he brought home from nursery at church. He even brought the subject up again today- so sweet.
Aunt Jennifer, this one is for you!

Elliott- did you know that on the fifth day, God made the birds in the sky and the fish in the oceans?

He did?

Yes, Heavenly Father and Jesus created the earth together, it took 7 whole days. He made everything (I go on to mention a few things- plants, ocean, food, etc.). My favorite thing he made was fruits and vegetables what is your favorite thing?

My favorite thing is Costco. Dad what is your favorite thing?

Dad: Humm, my favorite thing he made was the ocean.

Oh, my favorite thing is Jennifer.......and Troy.

Dad: Oh really? Of all the things he made? Costco, Jennifer and Troy?

Yes, Jennifer.

Musings on Muse



Craig and I went to a Muse concert over the weekend and had the GREATEST time! It has been awhile since we have been to a big venue for a concert (side note- totally forgot how much I hate smokers and girls with long hair standing next to me at concerts.) and it was really great. I have been listening to them a lot on my satellite radio- then when I so selfishly got consumed by the Stephanie Meyer Vampire books and found out she used their music to write her novels to- I was hooked. I must admit- it made the show that much more interesting when you listen to the songs and put the characters right into the music.
I even think Jacob and his crew were sitting right in front of me- poor Craig had to listen to me ranting about all the little things from the books. (Smile) I know he is intrigued by these books- wondering what in the world has gotten into me.... I imagine in the next few months he'll be hooked too- thank heavens he cares about the things I like and actually makes an honest effort to enjoy them- I keep telling him he won't be disappointed by these crazy books. Poor guy.

Anyway- if you get the chance they are fabulous and they put on a good show- who knew gigantic white balloons with confetti in them were their style?

Favorite Tracks at the moment?- Supermassive Black Hole and Knights of Cydonia (the horses at the front crack me up!)

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Things I learned this summer...

My cousin did this on her blog and it felt apropos that I should do the same. (Feel free to join me!)

Sunscreen and children (often mixed with sand) BITE the big one!

Pirate savviness is a positive thing and continues to do us all good.

Farmer's Markets are a little piece of heaven on earth.

Planting tomatoes and having them to eat fresh every day is totally and utterly rewarding.

Beach parking passes are the way to go- amen to Crystal Cove Beach.

Trying to change a part of yourself when no one else around you is doing the same thing is nearly impossible.

Little ones surprise you every day by their constant ability to learn and grow.

You can go through a whole toy room and play with almost everything in under 20 minutes.

Baking soda and vinegar volcanoes are still just as cool as they were when we were kids.

Sirius satellite radio can save your life every so often.

Remembering what reading a really good book was like again. Who knew- Vampire Trilogies would rock the summer.

Planning fun activities for the little one's for every Friday of the summer (ahead of time) is pure genius. (Thank you Amy and company)

Vacations with my boys go by way too fast and are too far in between.

If you threaten putting your child in the ocean when they are throwing a fit- they might just stop- as long as you follow through with the threat.

Putting your child into the ocean as a threat to their fit makes them spend time in the ocean water. Thus learning that it is good and fun- then making the rest of the summer not just beach time but beach and ocean time!

The more you tell your child that something (sand) isn't that bad and is totally fun- the more it becomes that to you too.

Taking a little time out for yourself makes you a better mom and wife.

Spending almost every Saturday at the beach with your family can become a new family tradition to look forward to.

No matter where or what you do for vacation it doesn't matter as long as you are having fun and are together.

Summer nights with my boys are something to look forward to the rest of the year.



This summer has really been one of the best I have ever had- some really good moments and really special memories. Actually- it makes me look forward to next summer. I have never really been a lover of summer until now.

However...I am totally excited to welcome Autumn and Winter- they are my favorite seasons. The cool crisp air, the holidays, family, sweaters---I could go on and on....

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Elliott's Imagination

Elliott has a crazy rad imagination. We will be sitting somewhere and out pops a pretty great scenario that he has created. Yestertime (as Elliott would say instead of yesterday) we were sitting at home looking at a magazine of Halloween costumes- talking about the costumes that we like and don't like- next thing I know (as we are on our way up the stairs for a rest- convenient.... I know) he has wrapped himself in the drapes and here is our conversation:

Help Mom, they have got me and I am tied up.

Who has got you?

The Ghosties and the Monsters, I need you to save me mom, I'm all tied up.

Oh really?

Oh, I got away.

And off we go up to the nap!

Okay- where did he learn that you can get tied up anyway?
Never a dull moment with him or a dull thought in his head.
Proud and happy to know that he is such a creative little kid.

These Days


Up until this last week we have had family in town since the end of July. Needless to say, we haven't had a lack of things to do. This week has been interesting for my guy and I. He got a little cold so he didn't have preschool and we have gotten a little bored. Going from tons to do to nothing planned has made for some exciting impromptu moments. Seriously- I think some of my ideas are pretty good- not always to Elliott. Hence- the tent. Tents are GREAT- add a pirate ship a little one that isn't feeling too well and I am MOM of the YEAR! Who knew...

Nate- Sweet Nate and Beautiful Kenoyn!

This is my rad nephew Nate- he is so stinking coordinated at 3! It amazes me- okay so not that this picture shows how coordinated he is- but he is totally cruising around on a razor scooter- not just playing on it- but cruising! I told him to let me get a shot of him on his razor and this is what I got- he told me "It's my scary face Carly". I love him- he makes me happy.




This is my beautiful Niece Kenyon- she loves to be crazy and be my little actress. The next photo cracks me up- If you only knew her.....

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

And now he is 3...



Elliott had his 3rd birthday on Sunday. What a good 3 years we have had with him.
Of course- as you all know Elliott has dedicated his life to piracy so we decided to really go overboard with a family birthday party done pirate style.
Craig and I had a great time putting this together- you know, a little Friday night/date night/bake-a-thon. Now, we are already wondering and working on next year's cake!
Happy 3rd Birthday to my Elliott!

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Summer Tales

I can't believe the summer is over- Labor Day weekend is this weekend- where in the world has the time gone?

We have had a great summer. I was going through the photos and realized that we took 700+ photos in August. High time to revisit the photos and fill some of you in on our summer!


Elliott has also taken to making faces and being silly. Sometimes I can break him out of a mood just by making some crazy face at him. Thank heavens kids are so silly.


This ride was pretty cool- they had to pull the rope and it would take them up- then let go and they would fall- both Craig and I were a little curious how Elliott would like this- he LOVED it- totally loved it. The bummer- all the rides were 2 people rides so this one was a Daddy and Elliott ride.

We took a little day trip to LegoLand in Carlsbad. They have a big water area that they claim is all about pirates- bit of a let down- but all in all was a good day with my boys.
Best ride at LegoLand- it is hilarious! It makes little clopping noises and moves up and down like it is galloping. So funny.




Elliott and I just liked the colors of this Lego dinosaur.








We decided to take a couple of days and take the boat to Catalina Island to go camping. It was beautiful and surreal. Where our little campsite was- truly made us feel like we were on an island. It was a boat in only site and we were the only ones in all 3 of the sites in the area. My first ever- Sleeping right next to the waves. So perfect.





I know- a little cheesy- but hey- we wanted a family picture that we would remember- where we were and what we were doing.


Between all of the company and Elliott's new love of the beach- we spent many a day there this summer. We had the greatest time. Quite blissful- well, most of the time.







All of my beautiful nieces. Crystal, Kimberly and Kenyon. Crystal and Kimberly were able to stay here for a little over 2 weeks with us- we all had a great time and have missed them- especially El.







Days in the pool- many days in the pool- we are a wee bit water logged. Craig has had a good time getting El to jump off different parts of the pool. It has been funny watching how El is so much more brave when just Craig and I are in the pool with him verses the whole crew.

New Bike

We got this fun learner bike for El- well we got it for him for his birthday this week- however, he found it last week- so we broke it out and he has been going to town ever since. It has been so great for him.

Friday, August 24, 2007

Friday, August 17, 2007

35's



One. Word. No. Explaining.


1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Your hair? blonde
3. Work? Momma
4. Your father? Cows
5. Your favorite thing? Boys
6. Your dream last night? Swimming
7. Your favorite drink? Water
8. Your dream car? Unimportant
9. The room you're in? Kitchen
10. Your fears? Breathlessness
11. What do you want to be in 10 years? Momma
12. Who did you hang out with last night? Family
13. What you're not good at? Patience
14. Muffin? Yum
15. One of your wish list items? Vacations
16. Where you grew up? Idaho
17. Last thing you did? Sang
18. What are you wearing? Grubbies
19. What aren't you wearing? Bathingsuit
20. Your pet? Nope
21. Your computer? Laptop
22. Your life? Lovely
23. Your mood? Mellow
24. Missing? Alonetime
25. What are you thinking about right now? Waterfalls
26. Your car/truck? Fun
27. Your summer? Hot
28. Your relationship status? Happy
29. Your favorite color? Pink
30. When is the last time you really laughed with meaning? 4:30am
31. Last time you cried? Wednesday
32. School? Tear
33. Least favorite weather? Hot
34. Soup? Minestrone
35. Movie? Hilarious

Feel free to try this on your blogs.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

If you know...

Craig and I have gotten quite a good laugh at my new title. If you don't know- it won't hurt you- if you do know- well- can't we all quote "The Office" by now?

Anyway- it's been fun making a change. I am sure there will be a new one sometime soon too- I am always changing things on here- helps me in my need to be creative and make something (besides breakfast, lunch and dinner) since I am not doing floral design anymore. I am missing it a bit these days. Hence- the blog changes...

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Messy

Pardon the mess- I am in the middle of a change.

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Let's see...

Let's see- should I go on a bike ride with dad?





I do already have the helmet on...



Hummm...




These pictures totally made my day. My two boys took a ride together tonight and E was so stinking excited- so I thought I'd take a few shots of him. This is what my little actor came up with for me. So silly.

Cardboard box -what?


Elliott has the GREATEST imagination! I love it. Everything in the house (and outside) is something more exciting and thrilling than it once was. For instance- a cardboard box is quickly a pirate ship and my vita mix plunger thingy is a pirate sword- way more fabulous than what they were before.

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Gag me with a spoon

Craig and I were both lost in our own little worlds last night- he was reading and I was working on my blog transformation (of sorts). I was ranting on about something and out of my mouth popped -gag me with a spoon. Who knew where that one came from- there are some funny things that have been said in this world.

Friday, July 20, 2007

Elliott

A Saturday at the beach with my boys. Where did he learn to use a shovel correctly? Isn't it so cool how they just learn these things?

Thursday, July 19, 2007

7 Randoms about C

This one was hard- sorry to those of you who I tag- I only know a short few that have blogs- so you get all of this stuff!


Instructions: These are the rules…. each player starts with 7 random facts about themselves on their Blog. People who are tagged need to blog 7 facts about themselves and post the rules as well. At the end of their blog list 7 people you are tagging. Let them know that they are tagged by leaving them a comment.

1. Although many of you might think I love food because of all of my weird eating habits- I actually dislike it very much- for the most part- except for the simple things that take no time to prepare and eat. It takes too much time out of my life. I wish I could just take a perfect food pill 3 times a day and be done with it. I wonder why in the world everything must revolve around food- why can’t we just enjoy each others company without basing it around a meal and dessert? We would all be getting a lot more done if this were the case!


2. I’m a closet mini trampoliner. Since E and I are home all day and the stroller isn’t his favorite thing to be in- my exercise at present is the mini trampoline. I love it! Any time of day I can use it and it makes me feel great. Elliott loves it too.


3. I have totally fallen in love with the Farmer’s Markets in our little area. They are tiny compared to some- but they totally make my day and I am totally giddy walking around trying things and buying things.


4. I can’t swim. Well, I can swim- but I am no kind of swimmer that looks good or does it well. Good luck to Elliott! Thank heavens Craig is a fish.

5. I’ve never been a fan of scrapbooking but I totally LOVE making cards and pretty things with paper.

6. I used to teach water aerobics and yoga/pilates mat classes. I am no master by any means- but it was awesome to do and I (at the time) never had felt better or more healthy.


7. I get totally annoyed with people who do not enjoy their husbands. They get annoyed when they are home and they talk about them going back to work (after the weekend) as if it is a relief. So sad really. Craig is my best. The weekend and days he has off are the best days in my life.


You're It (if you have time- this is a tough one- took me forever!):
1. Jennifer
2. Mandy
3. Stephanie
4. Karlea
5. Wendy
6. Jeff and Shelly
7. Cami

Saturday, July 07, 2007

Pirates, more and more and more pirates





Happy Birthday to Nate! Nate turns 3 on the 10th so we had a birthday party today. He cleaned house on pirate paraphernalia- now there is enough to go around- for everyone! It was so funny watching each of the kids dressing up in their own choice of pirate garb. Not one time did they fight over something the other one had- there was that much to go around! So funny! The all proceeded to march around and then have a pirate band that marched around!

A Week with Dad

Craig took off Thursday and Friday this week. It has been the best week! We love having him home! We haven't done anything- yet- we have done so much- we are exhausted! We are a little water logged from swimming- somehow it hasn't gotten old. Elliott seems to be enjoying himself.

Scuba Diver Elliott


Elliott is ALL about stories about himself- that we tell him at night. At present, he likes stories about "Elliott the Diver" going through the ocean of bubbly goo and the chocolate river (he has no idea that you can't see in a chocolate river). Anyway- when Craig got out his fins to go body surfing and Papa Dave got out this old kids snorkel mask- it was the GREATEST day! Craig, Elliott and I all had to keep taking turns putting them on and being divers. So silly.

Boating Begins




Craig's dad bought a boat this last week- so now we have a boat in our lives. At first, I must admit I wasn't exactly excited- more neutral. Now however, after seeing E's excitement and totally complete blissfulness on the boat- I have changed my mind a bit. We had a good time just cruising the bay- but when we FINALLY made it to the ocean it was really fun. Somewhat like a ride at an amusement park. Especially with my 2 1/2 year old on my lap while we were flying and bouncing around! Crazy madness now that boating has begun!