Spring Frost

Just before Easter we had a lovely little Spring frost. Of course I'm always bummed when yet ANOTHER cold front blows in, but this one actually brought a little beauty with it. I was driving the boys to story time at the library in the next town over, and wound up taking a detour through a nature preserve to get some shots. All the trees looked as if they had been dipped in glitter frosting, and it was melted by the time we finished at the library. It's always amazing to me how striking the beauty of nature can be, and yet so fleeting. So sit back in your nice warm house and enjoy!

Eat a Bunny

Easter with a two year old - what FUN, I tell you! The Easter Bunny visits our house on Saturday, so that we can have our fun and remember to think about Jesus on Sunday. This year, when the Easter Bunny knocked on our door on Saturday afternoon, Eli was so scared about it, that we had to drag him, kicking and screaming to the door to answer it! Alas, we missed the bunny, but there was a basket of goodies for each boy. When Eli finally figured out that the bunny leaves treats, he kept asking for the "Eat a Bunny" over and over again. Lucky for him, the bunny knocked on our door at least three more times and left little candies on the porch =).

Coloring eggs was right up Eli's alley this year as he has really gotten into cooking. Whenever we cook he says "make eggs," so this time we really were making them! His hands are still blue, but we managed not to ruin any clothing. He and Owen each got a Baltic Amber necklace (traditional teething remedy in Europe), and Eli got some monkey toddler plates and Owen got a book. It was WAY TOO COLD to hunt for eggs outside, so the bunny managed to hide them in our house when no one was looking - two different times! Eli had a blast finding them, and has a pretty good eye. Owen mostly liked to play with the Easter grass, and enjoyed touching the eggs for the brief moments Eli allowed him to. And as usual, I took a bazillion pictures to document the occasion! The boys were so cute for church today in their coordinating sweater vests - which are both Eli's (yes, Owen was wearing a 2T vest!) that I snagged off Craigslist last year for a buck! We had pancakes and sausage and hard-boiled eggs for our Easter dinner. We love you and miss you everyone!

Coloring Eggs

The Goods

Our Little Easter Bunnies

Momnesia

My friend and fellow blogger Shelley recently posted about the "Momnesia" phenomenon. You know, the loss of proper brain function that comes as a symptom of motherhood - caused by lack of sleep, hormones, multi-multi-tasking, and being run ragged by kids! Well I had a noteworthy "momnesia" moment today that I thought I'd share.

Brad asked me to go deposit some money into our checking account today. I already had to leave the house with the kids for a Dr.'s appointment, so why not? The bank is right around the corner from our house, and they have a drive through. Should be easy, right? So I pull in the drive through and give the teller my name and SS# to look up the account, because I didn't have the number with me. After a few minutes she tells me she can't find the account. So I give her Brad's name and SS#. After a few more minutes she tells me she can't find it under his name either. I can see my kids in the backseat are getting restless, and I'm hoping I don't have to go inside to figure it out. Then the teller says to me, "You know you are at 'Bank A' right?" Oh crap. Ummm 'Bank A' is not my bank - I'm supposed to be at 'Bank B' just a block down the street! Doh! Embarassing! But in my defense, they practically look the same from the outside, and definitely look the same when you are sitting in the drive through! The teller laughed her head off while I pulled away. At least I made it to 'Bank B' and got everything squared away. =)

Dinner Time!

We've been eating a lot of breakfast foods for dinner lately - namely pancakes and french toast. Why? Because it is one thing that my *selective* toddler will eat with relish. And he likes to help make it too. Heaven forbid that I whisk together the eggs and pumpkin (I make healthy versions) by myself. If he even catches a glimpse of a wire whisk, he's right on top of it. It makes the clean up a little more interesting, but we're cooking up memories along with our dinner. Since I'm usually working on dinner before Brad gets home, and dinnertime happens to be a fussy time for my youngest, he gets strapped on my back for the activity.

1 "worn" baby + 1 whisking toddler + 1 disheveled mommy = good food and fun!

The other night Eli had a major sobbing tantrum just before dinner, and we soon discovered why. He inhaled most of his pancakes, but then just couldn't quite make it to the last bite. He passed out in mid-bite... completely ASLEEP sitting up with the fork halfway to his mouth!!! He sat there with his head-bobbing for a few minutes while we video-taped him. It was hi-la-ri-ous!!!! We started getting worried that he was going to hit his head on the table, so we took him up to bed. Well the stinker woke right up and wouldn't go back to sleep for another three hours... it was worth the laughs though!

YUMO:

Pumpkin Pancakes
1 C whole wheat pastry flour - 3/4 C unbleached white flour
1 Tbs baking powder - 1/2 tsp salt (I omitted)
2 tsp cinnamon -1/2 tsp ground ginger -1/4 tsp allspice - 1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 eggs
1 C pureed pumpkin or winter squash
1 tsp vanilla
2 C milk
3 Tbs canola oil

Stir (and sift) together all the dry ingredients in a med. size
bowl. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the pumpkin & vanilla.
Beat in the milk & oil until smooth. Add to flour mixture. Cook as usual! These smelled *wonderful* while cooking....like Christmas! SOURCE: "Beyond the
Moon" cookbook by Ginny Callan **Freezes Well**

http://www.wholesometoddlerfood.com/toddlerbreakfast.htm

This Boy

Apparently Eli is now referring to himself as "this boy." Today it was "help this boy" and "hug this boy." Also today I asked him if he was my boy, and he said "yeah, MINE boy!" Later I was cuddling him and Owen both on my lap, and he said "oh, MINE boys!" Then Eli held Owen's hand - it was so precious! Yep, I love mine boys =). While they were both still cuddled on my lap, Eli said "Love you mama" for the very first time!!!

Really that had to be one of the most tender moments of motherhood that I've had so far... and it got me thinking. Usually when we (I) think about these early and intense parenting years, besides "hard work," the word "sacrifice" often comes to mind. But looking deeper, I can see that all the hours/days/weeks/months/YEARS of cuddling, rocking, holding, singing, reading, playing, nursing and loving are not so much a sacrifice as they are an INVESTMENT in the future. And days like today show me that some of the fruits of those efforts are not so far in coming. So please, next time I vent on this blog about how tired and stressed I am, remind me of this truth! =)

My Seminary Teacher

Dear Brother Howells,

My heart was saddened to learn that you were taken from this earth so unexpectedly. It weighed even heavier knowing that I missed the chance to thank you in this life for the lasting impact you made on mine. I last saw you at my wedding reception 6 ½ years ago, and I should have thanked you then. I can only hope to have the chance one day to tell you, but for now I thank your family for sharing you with so many of us.

I was a sophomore at CDO during your first year of teaching seminary there (1996). I think all of us were a little unsure about getting a new teacher, but you won everyone over pretty quickly. Your enthusiasm for the Gospel was contagious, and your ability to make studying it fun was just what we all needed. It was through studying the Book of Mormon in seminary that year that I first really gained a testimony of the Gospel. Your own personal example of kindness has stayed with me through the years. You had an ability to show genuine interest in each of us as individuals, which for me personally made me feel important during a time when I was struggling and really needed a boost. You were like an extra father figure to me, and to many of us.

Your dedication to and love for your family is also something I will always remember. You couldn’t talk about your wife without completely lighting up, and you kept a framed poem she had written to you in your office. Surely your children have grown up a lot in the past ten years, but I remember your two darling little girls coming to visit you at Seminary, and how you and they both would light up every single time. I knew that I wanted to live my life in such a way that I could have a family like that someday.

All I have left to say is thank you. Thank you for giving of yourself, for living in an exemplary way, for loving those around you, for changing lives. I thank your family for sharing your light with us, and my heart goes out to them as I know they will be sorely missing you along with the rest of us.

Til we meet again,

Jeanine Kramer Benson

Obituary

Stranger Danger

Eli has "stranger danger" down pat! It has come to him naturally - whenever ANYONE says "hi" to him that he is not sure about, he SCREAMS bloody murder. What a great survival skill... it just gets a little old when he keeps screaming at the SAME people that we see every week at story time, or at church. At least I *thought* it was annoying... until today.....

I had the kids at church by myself again. A young man in our ward came and sat in front of us in Sacrament Meeting, and he happens to be a little obsessed with my kids - to the point that it makes me a little uncomfortable. I'm polite, but I usually try to dodge his attention. Today he kept turning around in his seat and practically hanging over the bench to touch Owen and try to hi-five Eli. Eli steered clear for a while, but it was still really distracting to have this guy in my "space" and touching my baby ... just when I was starting to get really annoyed with the situation, Eli saved the day. He suddenly scoots next to me, puts his hand on Owen, and looks right at this kid.... and yells "NO!!! E-I's! Mommy's Owen!" The kid gave us a wide-eyed look and turned back around in his seat. He didn't bother us the rest of the meeting - way to go Eli! He's Mr. Protective these days =).

Dancing Day

Today was one of those wonderful days that was just great for no special reason. Eli crept into my room bright and early this morning, and though I wasn't ready to be up yet, his and Owen's giggles got me going. After breakfast, we danced the morning away to some Fisher Price baby dance music (think nursery rhymes gone techno) and Raffi's Banana Phone. I actually wore Owen in a wrap, which I haven't done much since the newborn days. He LOVED all the dancing in it... he even went to sleep. After I wore myself out, we slow danced with the whales to Orca Suite (piano music with whale sounds). Lunch went smoothly, then we played outside! It was cool enough for a light jacket, but otherwise sunny and cheerful. Eli loves his little sand table that I got for free off the side of the road, and throwing rocks into a bowl of water. Then, naps and quiet time. Dinner was one of Eli's favorites - French Toast! It's always a boost to see him actually enjoy a meal. We read some books, then all three of us hopped in a warm bath together. Owen went to sleep at 630 so I got to enjoy some quiet one on one getting Eli ready for bed - then Brad got home! He made it home in time to say goodnight to Eli, who was very pleased. He kept saying "Daddy come home" and giving Brad kisses. Now Owen's back up and being fussy, but Brad's got him. Just an ordinary lovely day!

And by request of my dad, I got some pictures from our dancefest. I figured out the timer function on my camera - nevermind that my hair is not done and I don't have makeup on. It's just honesty... that's how I look everyday unless I have some big plans outside the house, ha!




And you know I can't help myself. I take a lot of pictures because looking at them reminds me how much I love my kids - and Brad gets to see what we do all day. Here are the boys doing their thing.

Foop Toes

The two year old "language explosion" has me cracking up on a daily basis. Eli has turned into a little fountain of funnies, and the things he tries to repeat always surprise me. I thought I'd put down some of the recent ones.

Funny Pronunciations:

Foop toes - French toast
Abocabo Sambeech - Avocado Sandwich
Bubba-fwy - Butterfly
Here geh go - Here ya go
Psee-puh - Pizza
Tamin - Dolphin
Luh boo - Love you
Takes! - Thanks!
Sowee - Sorry
Juan - Swan
Sock - Shark
Sea-ego - "sea eagle" meaning Seagull
Foof or Sheesh - Fish
Baby C's - ABC's
Kick - Stick
Kiss Keek - Kiss Cheek
Ba-ba - Grandpa
Mah-Mah - Grandma
Nus - Nurse
E-I - Eli
Tahdos - Dinosaurs
Rex - TRex
Hamma - Hammerhead Shark
OH! S'at! - Oh, what's that?!
Die - Car
Guts or Guck - Duck
Butt - Bat
Mockey - Monkey
Bi-mins - Vitamins
Hnot - Snot
Hnow - Snow
Anoner one - Another one
Hoopa Why - Super Why (a PBS cartoon about the alphabet that he loves)

A big wayo sock eat yeyow foof! - A big whale-shark eats a yellow fish!

Funny Stories:

When Owen cries, Eli will sometimes kiss him, or tell him "Ok Owen! Ok!" He will also ask "You OK mama?" and then "mama kiss" if I say "ow."He will say to himself "You OK?" if he gets hurt.

All four of us were in bed one morning, and Eli took turns kissing everyone saying first "Mommy kiss, Daddy kiss, or Owen kiss." Then he looks at Brad and points to his face and says "Daddy ha' biiiiig blowhole!" Keep in mind the kid loves whales, but it sounds so borderline naughty.

My visiting teacher was over and she was talking baby talk to Owen, who was smiling and cooing and eating it up. Eli sees this and runs to my side, looks at my visiting teacher and tells her "NO! Mommy's Owen!" What a protective big brother.

Eli also tortures Owen, but somehow thinks it's ok as long as he follows it up with a kiss, and pats him saying "Nice Owen." Guess I need to clarify that one =).

Sitting in church, our friends were sitting behind us and their newborn started filling her diaper. Eli hears this and announces "Oh mommy, POOP!"

Whenever Eli gets upset with me during the day, he will cry "Daddy, come home!"

I took the kids to an Enrichment activity the other night. Walking out to the car, there was a freezing wind blowing and we didn't have our coats. Eli starts screaming "HOT! Oh, it's HOT!!!" Haha. No, it's freezing Eli, but I know what you mean!

Almost every bite of food is now "Too Big!" and must be cut down more before he will eat it.

Says "Yay" for everything, but says it in a serious and matter of fact way, so it's funny.

Eli is always interested when I'm nursing Owen. He will come over and say "Some!" and put his mouth next to Owen's and pretent he is nursing too. He also likes to stake claim to the other "side" and will point to where Owen is nursing and say "Owen's" then point to the other side and say "E-I's" then point to himself and say "Big Baby's."

One night I was putting him to bed. I was tired and he wasn't so I fell asleep on his pillow while he laid there playing with his whales. After a bit, I woke up to Eli's face right in mine. He gave me three kisses and then said "'Night Mama, 'Night" then he laid down on his pillow and went right to sleep. That was a melt your heart moment!

Eli will insist "Need Hep! Need Hep!" (hep=help) whenever he wants out of the tub, or to get his jammies on.

At a friend's house in Surprise when we were visiting, their daughters had a poster of the Disney Princesses on their wall. Eli points to the princesses saying "Big Mommy Guys." Now all women are "mommy guys."

In Tucson, Eli loved feeding the ducks and would talk about them all the time. "Oh guts! Big guts, Mommy guts, Daddy guts..."

In Utah while driving in the car, we hear Eli in the back saying "Mommy die, Daddy die, baby die." We cracked up - he calls cars "dies" and was merely pointing out mommy, daddy, and baby cars - or big and little cars. It sounded crazy though.

While bowling in Utah - the bowling ball was a "big mama wayo (whale) ball."

Coincidence?

Apparently my blog controls the universe. First, I complain about the weather here, then we FINALLY start getting some sunny days. Today was so warm in fact, that we spent over 2 hours playing outside with rocks and water, in SHORT SLEEVES. Yes, I know to you Arizonans that 50 degree weather does not warrant short sleeves, but after our winter here it almost felt HOT.

Second, I complain about not getting sleep - then last night Eli ONLY woke up once, and I was able to get him back to sleep in his own bed where he stayed for the rest of the night. I still had to nurse Owen of course, but I'll take just dealing with one kid at night.

So there you have it. I guess I should start blogging about the bad economy, and all the war and violence in the world and maybe something will change.....

=)