Hostile Environment

I don't have an explanation for this picture, only that the child knows how to wear sunglasses (even pink ones).

And For a few minutes, I couldn't find this child. Under normal circumstances, if I just stop and listen for a moment, Sam can easily be located. Not tonight, it was very quiet. As most of you know, a quiet (and awake) baby can mean all sorts of trouble. I was a little worried, until I saw this:

And this:

And this:

And finally this:


Sam has also taken to making a loud, angry, rattling noise (similar to an insect you have no desire of stepping on in the grass). No doubt these are a few defense mechanisms he has had to develop in order to protect himself from these two:

Pizza & Sparklers

I'm trying my best to improve my skills as a domestic chef (and I use the term "chef" loosely). My latest challenge you ask? Grilled Pizza. I was a little intimidated to try it, but it was much easier and tastier than I thought it would be! I used this recipe for the crust:

Grill Dough

My dough didn't quite mix like I thought it should, so I added a little extra olive oil. Grill one side first, flip, and then add your toppings. The crust can burn quickly. As for toppings, I just did the usual: sauce, cheese, pepperoni. I will be a bit more adventurous with the toppings next time, now that I'm a pizza grilling pro.

And now I leave you with a few sparkling digital images.


Look how calm I am with my baby holding a sparkler, maybe too calm? Not to worry, he was properly supervised by his grandma.

And I added a few pictures with a glimpse of my kiddies's professional sports careers (props courtesy of the Utah Olympic Park).

Scrambled Eggs Anyone?

I have always wanted a goat. I don't know why, but when I was young I pictured myself waking up in the morning and feeding a goat. Strange, I know. I have all but given up on my dreams of owning a pet goat for something not entirely different. Now I want chickens. Feast your eyes on this beauty:

It's called an eglu, and I really need one. It also comes in hot pink and orange, so many choices. Only one problem, it's almost $700. I could buy a lot of eggs for $700. I may be too cheap for the eglu, but isn't it pretty?

He Walks!

The very same day I threatened to buy Sam a baby wheel chair (the moment I said it, I realized I already have one - it's called a stroller), he took his first steps! Coincidence? I think not.

First Game of the Season and First Game Ever

Here's a recap with all the stats:

1 time Chad had to use the tee (the rest were coach pitched), and it's tee ball! So proud.

3 times Chad had to be reminded not to kick up the dirt and ruin the chalk lines.

1 awfully cute cheerleader.

5 point harness came in very handy for a good portion of the game. Sam was some serious trouble on the sidelines. The restraint allowed him to focus all of his attention on heckling the batters.

11 Aloha team members crouched down and playing in the dirt all at one time.

1 argument between team members regarding who got to throw the ball to first base.

2 team players per base, as a general rule.

Oh, how I love tee ball.

A Break in the Sunshine

Not usually a fan of rain clouds and 60 degree weather in June, but today was different. After weeks of sunshine, I welcomed the rain (more like mist). Perhaps a sign that I have finally acclimated to Oregon? I just discovered soy nuts and kinda like them. Another sign? Probably not entirely acclimated. On days like this, there is a certain earthy tree smell. I love that smell. Even when I am 800 miles from home, that smell still reminds me of growing up in the foothills of the Wasatch mountains. That smell makes me feel at home and away from home all at the same time. I opened a window to let it all in, and discovered a happy compromise for Sam & I. We have one window without a screen in the kitchen. With that window open, Sam feels like he's outside and I am happy to have him in! My baby still refuses to walk. I'm growing weary of taking slivers out of his chubby little knees. Chad blew bubbles to him, probably causing a a sticky film on my floor but well worth it if that stinkin horse fly found his way out the window. He's been tormenting me for days.

Conversations with a 5 year old

After being told to do yet another task, Chad announced his candidacy for Oregon president. His first item of business: create a law where I would be subject to his every whim. I gave this serious thought (he very well could have a political future), then tried to distract him by telling him that when he is a parent, he will get to tell his kids what to do. That idea spurred a ten minute brainstorm of what we could make Chad's children do. Here are a few ideas we came up with:

1. Make them go to Disneyland even if they want to go someplace else, like Ohio.
2. Play UNO all day long.
3. Brush their teeth.
4. Clean the entire house.
5. Make them visit their grandparents, even when they are teenagers and refuse to go (I added that one).
6. Deny them all vegetables.

I'm thinking I should probably exercise my parental rights more often, while I still have them.