KnudsonKnundrum

Best Christmas ever

2011-12-30T07:06:00.000-08:00

we started out by sleeping in until just past 9, then Ezri and I snuck downstairs for a peek. "oh, yeah... Santa definatly came . .Zain was so tired, we had a hard time convincing him it was okay to open presents "NOT Christmas! It's Halloween!" but once we pulled off our last paper link in the christmas countdown, he decided it must really be Christmas

the last picture wasn't taken on christmas. it is just a bonus of that crazy little guy

zain's black eye is about gone

2011-11-01T23:02:00.000-07:00

I love that Zain's Mega toe is in this one

Kindergarten!!

2011-08-29T08:58:00.001-07:00

Ezri's cute first day of school outfit. She decided to wear an old favorite today, instead, so she was head to toe pink! (And she told me she was "pinked-out")

"Is today the last day of summer?"

The Knudsons Go Camping

2011-08-07T15:40:00.000-07:00

"HishKaBubs" and roasted marshmallows and a mini moose hike and backing right into a boulder and a fever and vomit and a ton of dust and disassembling a muddy tent and air mattress in the dark . . . I would say, for this group, it was a success.
Zain learned he can go potty in nature!! (even if it is right in front of the car door . . . right next to the road, completely naked, while a caravan of ATVs and dirt bikes drives by . . . ) The weather was perfect, the bugs were tolerable, and the food was really yummy. Ezri even said she had fun today, and Zain said "I love camping."

Both kids were crying "This is SCARY!" before even getting out of the car. "You're going to drive right off the road! Slow down!" I was not even making it up to 10mph. "Let's just go home!"
But they both started to have a little fun once the fire got going.

Zain rocking out

2011-08-05T07:48:00.000-07:00

I just noticed Zain in the background of a picture of Ezri . . . he was really rockin'!

my internet is horrible . . .

2011-07-28T19:47:00.000-07:00

Ezri and Zain are experts at terms like "connection problem"
"player has crashed"
And our all time favorite . . . "LOADING"
But we love Pucca on Netflix. If it loads, a 7 minute show for the kids before bed is just what mom needs to hop in the shower.

I know you missed me . . .

2011-03-01T13:04:00.000-08:00

but I missed you more!!
I finally got into the Dr. to get checked fro Bieber Fever - and I am waiting for blood work to come back from the lab before we have a definitive diagnosis (apparently, Bieber Fever and Lupus share some symptoms . . . whatever, I just need more Bieber!) but the Dr. I saw gave me a handful of steroids - and now I can check Blogs again!!

Morgan, I think a dose of Qi therapy would be very helpful as well

Trying to get Zain to sing "Baby baby baby oooooh!"

2011-02-09T12:53:00.000-08:00

His hair is almost to a Bieber-ish length - but he doesn't want to sing and dance . . . yet . . .

happy new year

2011-01-03T11:12:00.000-08:00

I am rocking out to Ke$ha on Pandora and nursing my gimp arm/hand. I didn't take a single picture this holiday season - I know my camera is around here somewhere, and right after I put Zain down for an afternoon nap, and load up on Alieve - I will get the rest of this mess sorted out and find it. (What? you didn't know I heart Ke$ha? well, Pandora figured it out for me . . . )
I should have everything ready by the time Justin Bieber's movie is on DVD, and I plan on making an event out of it. It opens in theaters Feb 11th - so a few weeks after that - everyone can come over and watch it with me at the new place. AWESOME (what? you didn't know I had Bieber fever?)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-26T11:37:00.000-08:00

Nicest November 5th I can remember in Idaho

2010-11-05T18:36:00.001-07:00

Not only was there NO SNOW . . . but the sun has been shining for the past few days, and right before it goes down - it is just warm enough to play outside for a few minutes before it gets chilly again. I love the light this time of day. It makes taking pictures easy.

Haunted . . .

2010-10-31T18:38:00.000-07:00

Cinderella's glass slipper, & vampire Zain

2010-10-29T19:40:00.001-07:00

Fishing with Grandpa

2010-10-29T19:26:00.001-07:00

It must have been opening day of goose hunting season, and I swear I could hear bullets whizzing past us as we tried to fish . . . but nobody got shot - so it was fun.
Zain's catch - golsfish crackers. Grandma's catch - smelled a little different . . .

I love to read "Richard Scary's Bedtime Stories" to Zain and Ezri . . . especially, "The Three Fishermen"
The part where "Daddy didn't catch anything. He was Deeeeeescusted. "Let's go home, there are no fish out here . . . " Ezri laughs, and I wonder if she is thinking of Grandpa.

Well, not every weekend . . .

2010-09-14T19:46:00.001-07:00

But with each chill night, I am reminded that these days are coming to an end . . .

W.O.P and Zain turns 2

2010-09-05T10:28:00.000-07:00

I will speak for zain in saying that things have definitely gotten better in the past couple of years, even if his expression hasn't changed . . . .
lucky for Zain, his birthday will always be able to piggyback onto Grandma Pat's. I think this weekend will conclude out celebrations - happy birthday, grandma, and happy birthday to big boy Zain.

what black eye?

2010-08-02T19:50:00.000-07:00

On Thursday night, Grandma and Auntie Morgan got home from girl's camp at the same time that Rich and Buffy showed up with Kade, Ty, and Zack. It was very exciting, and all of the kids were running around in circles. Ezri and Zack ran straigh into each other, and Zack went flying - but Ezri ended up with the black eye. It hurt for a minute, but I think she is enjoying looking like a pirate.

Eel

2010-07-29T20:20:00.001-07:00

Mr. Man learns to talk, and in other news . . . .

2010-07-25T11:04:00.000-07:00

The air show has inspired Zain to really start talking . . . nobody quite knows exactly what he is saying, but 3 words are clearly enunciated as he rambles on: more, airplanes, and please. He has even reached into his archive of language skills to use all 3 baby signs while talking about the show, something I haven't seen him do for months. He is quite the little man.

SUPER AWESOME PLUS BLUE ANGLES

2010-07-23T13:11:00.001-07:00

Say Cheeeeeeeese!

2010-06-30T16:55:00.000-07:00

When I asked Ezri to tell me all about her day, she said, "Phew . . . I don't want to talk about it. It was sooooooo boring!"
Auntie Morgan might have to step it up!

Sir Zain

2010-06-28T20:21:00.000-07:00

Enjoying our 5 minutes of hot summer weather . . .

check out the dude in the background

2010-06-12T18:27:00.000-07:00

he's like a grumpy cartoon

It's freakin' COLD~!

2010-06-12T18:13:00.000-07:00

We tried to go to Lagoon . . . we tried to swim in the pool . . . we tried to go for a walk - but it is cold and windy and rainy and we are running out of things to do inside! Lucy and Ezri were playing the piano - and I asked Ezri if i could sing a song while they play the music.
"no, I am singing Mary Had A Little Lamb, but you don't know the way I am going to sing it. I am singing Mary Had a Little Lamb, but it's the different one."
Then she starts singing. And I am thinking it is really a different version that they maybe sing at daycare or something.
"Mary had a little lamb, but she went down the wrong path, and her lamb got lost. Mary lost her little lamb, little lamb, little lamb, when she went on the wrong pathway . . . "
The tune was kind of jazzy, and she was even playing pretty good notes to go with it on the piano . . . and I think she is just totally improvising, and it's pretty good.
"So Mary had to go look in the petunias for her lamb, and little red riding hood took her to a pet store, but it was a pet store with only cats and dogs, not her lost little lamb, little lamb, little lamb, and sheep. And Mary fell on the path and broke both her elbows, so she couldn't find her little lamb, little lamb, little lamb, so they cut down all the trees in the forest, and went to a pet store with lambs, and she found her laaaaaaaaaaamb!"

BRavo!

The best song of the day was Zain rocking out on a keyboard in the attic, singing, and dancing, "Barbie, Barbie, Barbie, BAAAAAAARBIES!" He mostly played with the Barbie Corvette and the Barbie Bar-B-Q this time. We had to cut Barbies short when Ezri opened a "vial" of "potion" that was a sampler of old lady perfume, and smelled just terrible. I had to wash her clothes twice. but they did get to wear their swimsuits in the tub - so I am counting that as swimming.

Buffy - we need to meet in farmington . . .

2010-04-26T19:46:00.001-07:00

Yummy!

2010-03-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup of Grandma Patty's Raspberry Jam instead of pie filling and take it easy, because they are super yummy - but 2 will do you in!
here is the recipe

Say Cheeeeeeeese!

2010-03-09T19:15:00.000-08:00

I love the dough ball he smooshed on top of his head before doing his "cheeeeeese."

Bunny Dust

2010-02-20T08:43:00.000-08:00

Ezri's sucker fell on the carpet and picked up some fuzz. She handed it to me and asked, "Can you wash off the bunny dust?"

February

2010-02-16T20:27:00.001-08:00

First of all, I think my camera is working quite well, even after flippin' off the ruff of my car at 60mph, last summer. Second of all, I am not uploadin' any videos, due to the fact that I am talkin' in all of them, and the phrase "you can take the gurl outta the cuntry, but you can't take the cuntry outta the gurl" pops inta mah head . . .

We spent the last two weekends at my dad-in-laws cabin, and hope they don't mind that we hung up some of Ezri's art work. Heck - it matches that couch, so I think it will be fine . . .

Zain has had repeated ear-infections (or one that hasn't totally gone away??) Both weekends, we have packed up his antibiotics and let him take it easy . . .

I love Zain's leg warmers. They worked great for keeping the snow out of his shoes and pants.

Cold?

2010-02-04T13:06:00.000-08:00

Ezri-isms

2010-01-13T18:55:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure the scariest thing in "Finding Nemo" is a shark . . . but this week, at the doctor's office, while observing the fish in the tank, she told me, "Fish live in the water . . . except when a demon takes them . . ."
"What?" I asked, sure I had heard it wrong, "Say that again . . . "
"You know, mom, a demon that takes the fish out . . ."
"What?"
Then her eyes open real wide, she leans close to my ear, and half whispers, half growls, "a Demon!"

oooooh-kaaaaay.

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T16:27:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve 2009 matching outfits.

We match the blog! ha ha ha

Pre-Nutcracker photo shoot with timer on camera . . .

2009-12-22T12:43:00.001-08:00

Ezri brought her blanket, pillow and two puppies to the show.

When Zain was home sick with a high fever, mopping the floor, and wearing these pretty little slippers seemed to comfort him. He is such a silly guy!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-17T19:49:00.000-08:00

Ezri had very nice manners, and politely asked Santa for a "Dancing Dora and the Crystal Kingdom Doll." Santa then asked, "is there anything else you want?"

Ezri's eyes about popped out of her head. Her little feet kicked up and down and she looked at me like, "I can ask for more than one thing!!??" I nodded at her and said, "go ahead. . . "

She started asking for diamonds, diamond necklaces, diamond butterfly rings . . .
Santa looked at me like, "What the heck?"

It was neat. He gave her an ornament that you hang on your tree with a list of things you want Santa to leave. Then Santa can check it when he comes to your house. I thought that was pretty clever. Ezri filled it out in the car and told me, "Santa can read kids' handwriting, even when moms can't," so it was all done.

I was going to ask the lady to take another shot that showed Ezri's boots better, but glanced back at the line of kids waiting, and Santa didn't seem to want Zain on his knee any more than Zain wanted to be on Santa's knee - and thought I better not. Her boots are super cute, and you will just have to take my word for it!

Merry Christmas!~

halfway

2009-12-13T06:56:00.000-08:00

Yay! I wasn't 100% confident in my theory that if I simply didn't worry about weight, and just ate like a normal person, the excessive amount of baby weight would just take care of itself... and I was a bit concerned when my mom's bathroom scale broke, and I didn't check my weight for about 3 months. . . throw in Halloween, Birthday cakes, Thanksgiving pies, and cold weather, and I did hesitate to get ont he scale this morning. "why bother?" I told myself. "this will probably just ruin my day . . ."
Then I thought, "what the heck." Kicked off my shoes, and hopped on.

A pound a week for 63 weeks. Sure, it's not as dramatic or attention grabbing as doing it biggest looser style in 5 weeks . . . but it is still an accomplishment, and I'm halfway to my goal. And I'm not a crazy obsessive dieter, just a regular person, who doesn't get up at 5am to exercise for 3 hours before work, who doesn't write down every calorie consumed, and who doesn't freak out if someone brings doughnuts to work.
It has been a great 63 weeks, and I look forward to the second half, where I won't have Metamucil for lunch, and I won't eat celery everyday, and I definitely will not be running a marathon. Hooray for slow and steady! Hooray for hot cocoa at breakfast, and Hoooooooray for sleeping in and not jogging on mornings like this one.

More Ezri-isms

2009-11-18T19:20:00.000-08:00

"Mom, your bum is like Jell-o."

To Morgan, "Morgan, I like your friend's hair. Morgan, I like your friend's necklaces. Morgan, I like your friend's earrings. Morgan, I like your friend's shirt . . . "

Morgan: "My friend's name is Kristie."

Ezri: "Oh. Morgan, I like Kristie's hair . . . "

Riley and Macie popped in for a minute on their way to the basketball game. When they left, Ezri sighed, "I miss them sooo much already.".

She likes to sing little songs to herself. I don't know if they are actual songs they sing in Daycare, or if she makes them up - but this morning it was "step on the X's not the Checks-es" while she drew X's and check marks up and down her paper.

Oh, hold up, she is singing now~
I will try to keep up . . .

"the itsy bitsie spider crawled up the water spout and she ran up the sock and she started snorring and she started eating a taco . . . and wake up piggie, snore - snore - snore, 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 fourteenfivetyandnine, and the little kitty started crying and socks and aha aha aha, and she spitted out her food and pop goes the weeeeeeeeezle, and water out the fountains, and she started crying in the toilet, and she started snorring like a little baby taco in a paint. . . .(panting to catch her breath) I don't want to sing that again. (sigh) That was HORRIBLE!"

If you have seen the Disney/Pixar movie UP -

the part where Mr Fredrickson has to go to court --
"That's the Naughty Chair. He has to sit in Time-Out!"

the part where both of the old guy's throw out their backs while sword/cane fighting --
"Mom! Mom! They both gotted OLD!"

"The scariest part is where the puppies yell and take Kevin prisoner and she has to feed the babies!"

story time

2009-11-13T12:33:00.000-08:00

2009-10-31T19:24:00.000-07:00

Yeah, Zain decided Halloween is okay

Zain is Frankenstein, I am Frankenstein's Mom, and Ezri is Princess 5 Purple Ponytails

I don't like heels either . . .

Zain went to bed, but we stayed up and carved pumpks

2009-10-26T19:19:00.000-07:00

Ezri's job was to draw the faces on, them mom cut them out. We have more mini-pumpkins that we will carve up closer to Halloween.

Yes, we are in Idaho

2009-10-19T19:34:00.001-07:00

and, yes, it is just as exciting as it looks . . .

Seriously, though, we are having the time of our lives, and it is nice to be close to family for a change.

No much going on here . . .

2009-10-12T19:21:00.000-07:00

It is very cold . . .

Jenny Lake, Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point

2009-09-15T13:58:00.001-07:00

Morgan before the dance

We went to Jenny Lake and hiked up to the falls on Labor Day.

Zain had the most fun . . . he would put his feet on the strap of the backpack thing, and jump!

The last part of the hike. See how Zain has his feet tucked in there?

Ezri is a good little hiker.

Best Birthday Ever

2009-08-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

2009-08-24T19:51:00.000-07:00

After church - in the pouring rain -
at least she took her church shoes off

Camping

2009-08-11T20:25:00.000-07:00

Catching Chipmunks . . .

Yes, it was exciting

Christian loved it. He loves nature.

I thought I had more pictures, but mostly, there were a lot of shots of me from behind showing off my super glamorous sweatpants-wedgie. Whoever picked up my camera to document my ba-donk-a-donk . . . thank you. That is just what I wanted to remember about the first camp-out with my kids - that I am huge! Anyway - it was a fun trip for me and the kiddies.

2009-07-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

Me to Ezri: "My goodness you are growing up so strong and tall!"
Ezri: "It's because of all of my yummy dinners."

(at a different time)

"Ezri, you are getting so big!"
"Yeah, but not as big as you, Mom."

Ezri: "Kim, take your bathroom out of yourself."
Me: "I don't even know what that is supposed to mean . . . "
Ezri: "Just use your imagination and pretend, Kim."

Ezri to Riley: "Hey, big-sister-cousin, can I have another smarshmallow?"

Ezri singing to herself: "Row, row, row, your . . . . Daddy, gently down the . . . street! Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dreeeeeeeeam."

When I lie down on her bed at bed time to "rest by her" she will ask me questions about the sounds at Grandma and Grandpa's house. "Kim, what's that sound?"
"A car driving by."
"No, Kim, not that sound, the sound that is like, 'mmmmmmmm.'"
"Oh, that's Morgan's shower."
"Oh. I think it's Grandpa's shower. Morgan left with her big-sister-friend. mmmmmmmm."
Me: "I think you're right."

Grandpa yelling up the stairs at 10pm: "IS MORGAN HOME YET?"
Ezri, quietly sneaks out of bed, knocks on Grandma and Grandpa's door and whispers: "No yelling, Grandpa."

Summer Fun

2009-07-28T11:34:00.001-07:00

You know Christian is trying - because he didn't grumble once when I said, "Let's all put on our tie-dye's and take a picture!"

Look how much he has changed in just a few short months

2009-07-15T20:39:00.000-07:00

I laughed out loud when I saw this.
it's so much like the one from the 4th, but his chin is toooo funny

Happy 4th of July everyone!

2009-07-05T18:43:00.001-07:00

We had a lovely weekend in Brigham city with Christian and the Knudsons.
Zain was not sure about fireworks at first, but he seemed to at least not be terrified by the grand finale that Papa Pete lit up for us in the driveway. Ezri clapped and cheered for more. She cried when we left, "I want my cousins . . . " there were lots of hugs goodbye for cousin Lucia. they are really cute together. It was a fun 4th.

Last weekend

2009-06-24T20:04:00.001-07:00

All the cousins and aunts and uncles who went to USU

It was so neat to see long lost cousins. Even Casey was there!!
I love this picture of Jay holding the twins. Soooo sleepy!

Fun in the pool, and at Great Grandma Madsen's

2009-06-17T21:16:00.000-07:00

Taking a spin in Great Grandpa's chair.

Well, week one in Idaho was a bit bumpy, but we have still managed to have some fun with cousins and grandparents. Ezri has been really shy around new faces all week, crying and hiding in her blanket - but she was all smiles at Great Grandma's. But who wouldn't smile with one of Freda's cookies?

My Dad really does get some great shots!

Zain had a great time at Great Grandma's house.
Fancy Ezri

I love how ZAIN looks GiGanTic in the stroller.

Zain did not like the pool, at all. So I took him inside and then I heard all of this giggling and laughing from Lucia and Ezri. Of course, by the time I got the camera, Lucia was no longer laughing.

There are about 20 shots of Zain and Dad where they are both making the same face. This one was my favorite.

2009-06-06T15:53:00.000-07:00

Zain and Ezri have been having fun inside since the weather in Idaho this week has been very cool and rainy. Zain is a fast crawler and climber and really likes exploring all over Grandma and Grandpa's house. Ezri has been using the big potty all by herself.

should have kept my camera handy . . .

2009-06-02T15:05:00.000-07:00

Sorry, no cross country road trip pictures of our move. I did remember one interesting mini-adventure.
Sign at Utah rest stop: "beware of scorpions and snakes"
As I open the door to the bathroom, I see a scurry - my heart races, but I manage not to scream as I realize it is just a big mouse and not a scorpion. There was nowhere for the little mouse to hide, so Ezri could really see it running around the rest room.
She said, "I hate animals when it's a mouse in the potty!"
We went to an alternate rest room that did not have any animals or bugs.

Ezri is also reminding me that there was a "Skeeto-bug" and she screamed, "AAAAAAA BUG!" and yelled at everyone in the rest stop and ran out the door. She really screamed!

We also got to see Buck at Aunt Anita's house. Winnemucca was probably the best part of the trip. It was so nice! Thank you for letting us visit.

Idaho or Bust!

2009-05-28T21:03:00.000-07:00

Jury duty is finally over - what a relief!
We will see most of you this weekend

Ta-Da!

2009-05-24T15:31:00.000-07:00

Zain just started pulling himself up in his big crib this morning - he also took his diaper off and soaked all the sheets - So he is in the mini-crib, which is already lower, (and dry.) I think I will just take the big crib apart for the move, and lower it when it gets put back together. He seems thrilled to be able to stand up to see what is going on.

"I quit"

2009-05-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

So, Ezri has been saying some funny things. She told me her chewable Claritin "Tastes Awesome!"
Then, while we were eating KFC at our indoor picnic dinner "This is AMAZING!"
She told Zain, "You look gorgeous!"
And my favorite - she was mad at Christian for some reason, so she went and got a towel, then threw it at him, and yelled, "I quit!" literally, throwing in the towel, I guess.
It's just funny the vocabulary she is picking up.
When I walked in the door today, she asked, "Mom, where have you been?"
"At the court for Jury Duty," I told her.
"Oh, that's great."

Big man Zain is having some serious separation issues lately. He is very sensitive. Scared to go in the swings at the park - terrified to sit bare-legged on the grass, traumatized by running the shower if he is in the bath - and forget about bouncing him on your knee. He really gets frightened. He can drag the whole jump-a-roo across the living room, but despite his tough-guy appearance, he is a real mamaa's boy.

Sibling fun

2009-05-18T10:02:00.000-07:00

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

2009-05-14T16:09:00.001-07:00

Guess who gets Jury Duty?
Yay! Me!

What could be more fun - packing up and moving, with Jury duty right before. AWESOME!

It's not a tumor . . . oh, wait, well, technically it IS a tumor

2009-05-13T14:14:00.000-07:00

AH-ha! I knew it!
http://www.missionforvisionusa.org/anatomy/2006/06/what-is-conjunctival-hemangioma.html

The good news is that I was right. "Eye birthmark," or conjunctival hemangioma is what is on Zain's eye. It's pretty rare - and Zain's hemangioma is actually under the conjunctiva, in the next layer of the eye - but since the conjunctiva is clear, it looks about the same as the picture... however, Zain's is (luckily) under his upper eyelid - so nobody has seen it, except for me, and the doctors. The eye doctors were impressed with Zain's size and strength, and resilience. He didn't like having his eyelids pulled on, but stopped crying as soon as they were done checking him out.

The doctor said, "While 1 in 7 babies are born with some sort of birth defect, this one is a rare anomaly."
"You want to see an anomaly - check out his mega-toe!" I blurted out. I am happy that his visible birth defect is one that I think is cool, and the one that would look scary, is hidden under his eyelid.
He said there is no reason to biopsy it. Hallelujah! And it is not putting pressure on his eye, so no need for injections or other treatments right now. So really, it's no big deal. We will just keep checking on it every 3 to 6 months.

Not that I would ignore potential health problems in my children, but I am smiling and walking around thinking, "See, I told you so . . . sometimes, mom's just know"
I didn't know that it might just go away. The doctor said it's good that it hasn't seemed to change or get bigger since birth, and it might start to get smaller, and eventually dissappear.

2009-05-09T17:44:00.000-07:00

So, about a week ago, I went through the local attractions, and filled out our calendar with all of the days that area parks and museums offer free admission. Since Ezri and Zain have had fevers, and colds, we missed the Exploritorium, and the De Young Museum this week. Today, I was determined to get them out to the Discovery Museum again. I figured, most of it is outside, anyway, so who cares if they are a little sniffley... and the weather is awesome this weekend!

Well, we walked up, and the back gate was locked - "uh, oh," I told Christian, "if it's not free, I guess we can go for a hike and check out the water...."
We went to the front, and they hostess lady said it wasn't the free day. "Oh, I thought it was the second Saturday," I said. I mean, I had just checked the website last week -

She waved her hand and brushed that comment off, "Oh, like, months ago we did that . . . now it's on Wednesdays..."
"Yeah, months ago, like LAST month?" I questioned.

"Well, maybe, sometimes, when there is a festival - or, like, tommorrow, for Mother's Day, it's free...."
I was about to say we could just come back tommorrow, when she said, "We aren't going to turn you away - "

So, we went in without paying addmission. I thought that was very nice. Maybe we will still go tommorrow. Ezri loves it. I can't imagine paying ten bucks a piece to get into what is basically, a playground for toddlers. I think that is why I never signed up for Gymboree. Just pay your taxes, and take your kid to the neighborhood park.
I suppose, if you were only in town for a few days, and had little kids, it would be worth it. There are cool things there. Very pre-K friendly. Enough to keep busy for 2 or 3 hours, and that's as long as my kids last, anyway.

Not the swine flu...

2009-05-02T17:20:00.000-07:00

...just a cold.

And not even a very bad one.
Just sick enough for me not to want to take pictures for a couple of days.

I am sneaking Tylenol into Ezri's apple juice - since it is "tooo icky and gross!"

Here is a picture of Zain just doing his regular Zain stuff.

2009-04-29T20:18:00.000-07:00

Ezri has been doing so good in her class - that I felt confident enough to come home and do my own crafty. Zain loves his key fob - Ezri hooks hers to her Blue's Clues leash. It was nice, and I got to walk back and forth between home and class an extra time. Hey - not a 7 mile run - but every little bit helps.

When we picked up our mail on the way to class - the little hardware package had already arrived - and I was thrilled to put it to use so soon.

The teacher had all of the kids hiding behind their sunshine masks. I think the idea was to have all of the kids reveal their faces at the same time? . . . but Ezri jumped up "Mooooooommmmeeeeee!" as soon as the door opened, hugged her teacher - then we left - with the rest of the class still lined up with their masks on.

2009-04-28T23:45:00.000-07:00

After Zain found the last bit of Mac'N'Cheese in the bottom of the bowl - I made these

Cute baby booties . . . So cute, I stayed up a little later and made a Pair for Zain, too.
I'm normally really annoyed when he wakes up right at 10:30 - just as I'm falling asleep . . .
but, tonight I was thrilled - they were just finished, and I could try them on him. I don't know how comfortable they are, but he crawled all over, and they didn't fall off - so I am calling it a success.
You can find the pattern by following The Michael Miller link on the left.
I didn't take pictures of Ezri's fat lip - she flew ~face first~ out of her swing at the park today. It doesn't look too bad. She's a tough gal.

Ezri's pictures

2009-04-25T20:19:00.001-07:00

Ezri got a camera for her birthday - it must be the same camera Macie and Riley have - you can put a pirate eye patch on the pictures . . .
Here are some of her shots.

Could he get any cuter?

2009-04-25T20:03:00.000-07:00

Down Low Too Slow

2009-04-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

I do dress my children - it was just exceptionally hot on Tuesday.

Cool Beans & Doodlebug Week 4

2009-04-22T19:37:00.000-07:00

Among the "Earth Day" projects the Doodle Bugs worked on this week, was this clay, rocks, stick, pine-cone, and shell sculpture. I managed to get a few pictures before Ezri remodeled it . . .

The bean plant is growing strong - lots of pink blooms, and a few bean pods developing.

Half Moon Bay (a.k.a. Sorry, Brad . . . )

2009-04-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

The forecast was 70* and partly cloudy, but Pacific beach was fogged over. We were all loaded into the car in our swim suits, and everyone we could see was wearing a coat! So we decided to go the extra 12 miles to Half Moon Bay - even though I didn't pack a bottle for Zain. It was worth the extra driving, and Zain was fine(I didn't even have to try to maneuver my swim-suit for breast-feeding.) They both conked out on the ride home, and Zain didn't seem to mind borrowing one of Ezri's hats. Hey, at least it isn't pink.

The Bean Flower Bud!!!

2009-04-16T14:14:00.000-07:00

decided mr. bean needed a bigger pot. Ezri was checking it out before bed. Talking quietly to it, "c'mon little guy, you are growing . . ." and telling me, "I'm just making his flag straighter, and planting him in for bed . . . "

awwww - she can be so sweet.

Checking it out

Sportin' 2 Band-Aids today. It was a rough day at the park.
Luckily she has Zain to pick on at home.

Discovery Museum

2009-04-11T15:27:00.001-07:00

Ezri's comment on the Bay, "So sparkly and glittery!"

Zain's favorite part of the day was the delicious applesauce.

And the best part of making Easter Eggs - you get to eat them for lunch!

Doodlebug art class week 2

2009-04-08T17:04:00.000-07:00

Ezri did not want her picture taken, so Zain will model her hat. I am glad I took this picture, because I didn't even realize that there was crayon all over the wall. Magic eraser to the rescue~
I wonder if she asked for a Blues Clues coloring page. I like the pink tongue.

There was candy hidden in the bottom of this carrot basket!
The projects have been very spring themed. I liked this bunny rocket they made. Zain enjoyed Ezri's bunny puppet "hop hop hop" Chek out the whiskers she put under its nose, and the bushy eyebrows!

Ezri really likes her classmates and teacher. When I went to Tai Chi the other night, she asked me if her teacher taught my class. I thought that was pretty cute. I love that when I ask her about class, she actually tells me about the things that they did. "We danced and sang twinkle twinkle, and I glued, but no painting today, and one boy was crying, and one kid went crazy."

Sounds like fun.

2009-04-04T22:41:00.000-07:00

Well, my kids fell asleep today at 6:30. (Hallllllaaaaaaaayllllloooooja!)
After a week of waking up at 6 am, then staying up past 8pm - it was a welcome siesta. So, I whipped out my handy "to do" list . . . hmmmmmm

laundry
cleaning
start "Billy's Boot Camp". . .

booring boooooooring, and too sweaty

So I looked at my project list -
too complicated, too expensive, too involved, don't have all the supplies . . .
- wait -

I do remember a little toy ball I wanted to make -
and there you have it, a toy ball and a stuffed pear. A fine way to spend a very quiet evening.
Ezri can give them to her doggies in the morning, and Zain can have fun chewing the ribbons on the ball thing while I do the fun cleaning stuff.

nick knack patty whack . . .

2009-04-04T15:23:00.000-07:00

Ezri: Mom, give doggy bone?
Mom: okay.
Ezri: Mom, need 3 more bones . . .
Mom: uh, okay.

Dad gives Zain his first haircut

2009-04-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

2009-04-02T19:18:00.000-07:00

the wind here is carrying some sort of allergen that has given me trouble since moving here. The past 3 years have been bad, with last year being the worst, pregnant and all - but I can really relate to my hay-fever siblings. It is quite awful - I know a sudafed would knock it out, but I am holding off as long as I can, because it gets into the breast milk.

So, today we stayed inside. mostly cleaning, and trying to get organized --

I love checking out oneprettything.com for crafty ideas and free patterns or tutorials, and found a good one for a kid's bedside organizer. I have some super cute fabric that I almost used, but then decided to save it for something else.
Zain graduated to the full-size crib last night, and I didn't like how the red and black bed skirt went with his green froggy/monkey side of the room. And since I can't figure out how to get the bed skirt to work on the bunk-bed, I decided to use it for the kiddie organizer.

This is how well it went:

Step one:
melt goo to your iron

Step two:
disassemble bed skirt

(now take a break to clean poo out of the bathtub)

Step 3:
reassemble bed skirt and nail it to the wall

Doodlebug art class day 2

2009-04-02T14:06:00.000-07:00

Ezri's teacher sent us the pictures taken during class. The kid in the middle does not look like he wants to be wearing pink bunny ears.

We walked to class this time. Zain loved the stroller ride and playing in the hall while Ezri did her project. There was a big sign on the door:

Parents of anxious children must stay inside the building. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!
I kind of giggled. All the parents had to sign and turn in a form saying as much on the first class. But, before being too critical, I reminded myself, you don't always know if you have an "anxious" child or not, or what might make them "anxious."
As far as I could tell from outside, there were only 2 minor meltdowns - and one parent leaving halfway through with a kicker and screamer covered in pink glitter. Each time I would hear a fuss inside, I would hold my breath that they wouldn't bring Ezri out covered in throw up.

It was so windy on the walk home, we almost lost her bunny. She was kind of grumpy after that. If you look closely at her ScoobyDoo, she wrote a big capital "E!"

Today, she jumped out of bed and told me "Get ready for class! Let's go to class!" I'm glad she is liking it.

April Fools!

2009-04-02T09:46:00.000-07:00

Christian said he would take out the garbage . . . HA HA HA HA HA!! I should have known better. I am such an April fool ---

Tai Chi

2009-03-31T23:06:00.000-07:00

The hardest part about this class was finding it - the building, and the "Chi."
I will work on it, but perhaps if I can focus on my Chi and practice the moves I learned, it will stop cramping up so much . . .
The instructor described it as "internal. Place your index finger in your belly button, then behind your pinkie finger - that is where your "Chi" is. It is like your center -"
I wanted to blurt out - "the center for P.M.S!" but resisted . . .
It was a lot of fun. At least, a quiet place to go for an hour once a week without the kids.

1 hour art class for pre-schoolers

2009-03-30T15:22:00.000-07:00

Ezri ran up to the building, "Can't be late, mom!"
Wiggled with anticipation as I paid the supplies fee, "I'm soooo excited, mom!"
Sat right down and started coloring -
then started crying when another student grabbed some crayons. I took her out into the hall for a minute . . .
"I'm so scared, mom. This is really scary . . . " she choked out between sobs.
I told her I would stay right by the door for this class, and she was fine after that. I peeked in on them, and she was painting her egg saying, "I need more orange."
And telling the teacher, "You're welcome!" when the teacher told her "good job."

We will work on "please" and "thank you" some more before Wednesday.
There were 3 more children that broke down before class was over - but 2 of them had parents nearby to take them out for a break. The other girl couldn't calm down, and it was pretty hard to keep the projects going while the teaching assistant tried to comfort her and track down a parent. I was glad Ezri calmed down before the project started, and that I didn't leave right away.

Hopefully, I can stay outside the whole class next time and read, or chat with the other moms. My plan was to go run for the hour - but after seeing how one kid with a meltdown can really throw the lesson plan off - I think I'll at least stay in the building for the first few weeks... just in case.
It was really neat seeing her run up to me at the end and show me her projects. I think it will be a great experience for her, and get her ready for preschool this fall. Wow . . . preschool! What a big girl!

The big 3

2009-03-29T19:12:00.000-07:00

It was so much fun to decorate for her big day - I think I'll leave the ribbon chandelier up all week.
Decorating cupcakes.

Zain napped through the cupcakes, but had fun wearing his party hat, and subsequently taking off his hat and chewing on it until it was soaked.

We have a couple of packages to pick up in the morning. Thank you in advance!

bean plant

2009-03-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

I hate trying to get pictures in the right order on this thing . . .

2009-03-22T10:49:00.000-07:00

Ezri Turns 3 on Sunday. WOW!
I can't believe how grown up she seems, putting on her own shoes, taking care of Zain, thinking about all kinds of crazy things...She was eating her broccoli and saying how yummy it was, then turned to look at me and asked, "How does broccoli grow?"
I asked her,"What?" twice, thinking she must be saying her broccoli is cold, or something. (Mine still had frozen spots . . .)
"How does broccoli grow? On a big tree?" She points out the windows at the trees. "A BIG tree covered in broccoli!? What!? Ha ha ha ha ha!"

This picture makes me think of all the magic she has been doing with her red blanket. "I'm going to magic Zain." She puts the blanket over his face and waves her hand while saying, "presto alakazamo, chango like a cow!" then whips the blankie away sending Zain into his grunting/laughing fit.
"See, mom? Zain magic-ed to a cow!"

Happy Birthday, big girl!

Zain's first carousel ride

2009-03-22T10:37:00.001-07:00

It was members day, so rides were free. Ezri would have gone 10 more times, but I tend to get motion sickness after 3 or 4 turns. I knew Zain would be riding and packed the camera... turned it on, and the batteries were dead. But Christian had his phone - not too bad for phone pictures. Zain was a little shaky at first, but after a couple of trips
he seemed to be more comfortable, and rode a cat with Ezri
Then he took a solo ride. He really liked his first ostrich ride. When it started to go up and down, he was very excited.I look like a lady from one of those Suave commercials . . . you know the mom that has "lost it." Only I haven't "gotten it back," yet. I don't know how mom's do it. I think I will just have to switch the getting ready routine to be dressing myself first. I always get the kiddos ready, hair, outfits, teeth brushed, Ezri even gets lip gloss some days - then I do what? Pony tail, sweats, and let's go out the door...

I'm a BlogHog this week . . .

2009-03-19T18:10:00.000-07:00

Ezri sings the ABC's. I really enjoyed all of the little cousins singing the alphabet, so I hope you enjoy this.Apparently, she would rather be singing Rancidyeah, I don't know what is up with Zain's shirt. Too much drool and a big head.

2009-03-18T22:37:00.001-07:00

the hairstyle

2009-03-18T22:32:00.000-07:00

Ezri the photographer, and Christian's birthday

2009-03-18T18:26:00.001-07:00

This morning before leaving for a fun, friend-filled day with Dad: "Mom, Zain's done. he can't want breast-milk. He wants his formlua in his baby bottle." He was still fussy after we went downstairs, and Ezri got his bottle out of the fridge,"Here, I give it to him."
I didn't think he would drink any of it - I had just finished feeding him, but he drank it all. Ezri kept saying, "See, mom, see. He likes it."

I need to find the pictures I took of her hairstyle yesterday . . . an entire can of hairspray. It actually looked pretty neat. Too bad our hot water was off all day, and she had to wait to wash it out. She had itchy chunks dried to her head for hours!

He loves the lizard toys. Ezri found them one day, and told me, "There, that's a good toy for him." He sings to them and plays with them like a big kid .
Zain has been poking his little tongue out all week. It's too cute.

Ezri has been taking pictures and videos all over the house on rainy days. It's kind of exciting to check the camera and watch them - like a little peek inside her world. I like how the toys are sharing the blanket. She is actually getting better at composing her shots. Not as many blurry pictures of feet and floors
On Christian's birthday. Zain loved the napkins, and sitting in the high chair, giving dirty looks to the table next to us. The ladies were cooing and saying he was cute, but he was really staring them down with the evil eye.

Sprouts

2009-03-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

One warm day this week. We made the best of it.
This little bean sprout is really big now. I will post a picture if it gets any little flowers.

2009-03-10T16:02:00.000-07:00

with the "exterior remodel and earthquake retro-fit" happily behind us, I was looking forward to some peaceful afternoons crafting away. No luck. Once a neighbor moves out, the apartment is gutted and remodeled on the inside. We have lost a lot of neighbors in the past 2 months, and the interior construction is just as loud. At least Zain sleeps though it, and the weather is . . . I spoke too soon, zain is not sleeping though it anymore ...

2009-03-04T19:38:00.000-08:00

Zain had his doctor's appointment today. Ezri told me, "Him scared to get the sharp hurtie at the doctor, mom." I told her shots only hurt for a minute, and he will be fine.

The doctor asked if he has had constipation, and Ezri answered, "I have constipation. Zain not have constipation. Ezri have constipation."
We all had a good laugh.
He is 21 pounds and 27 inches.

Big Boy

2009-03-02T14:53:00.000-08:00

Ezri asked me if she could hold Zain the other night. Then, "stand up and take him over there?" I tried to help her carry him, but he was indeed, "too big! too heavy!" They have been having fun on our rainy day mornings playing 'roll ball' on mom's big bed. "Zain drooled on my ball! So slippery!" She is really starting to like him. In the morning, she tells me, "Mom, Zain can't want any more breast milk. Zain wants to play with me, now."
And he usually does. He adores her! Smiling, and laughing, and lunging for her whenever he can.

She was eating Ritz crackers for her snack last week, and she had taken one bite out of each one, then lined up the crescent shaped leftovers in a row on the counter. I walked past and ate one. "MOOOOOM! You can't eat them!"
"Why?" I asked.
"Cause them are my mustaches!"

Lately, she has been using the word 'probably' in all of her sentences... only, she pronounces it like 'poopy' So, when she says, "I probably wanted to watch Cat and Jerry," It sounds like "I poopy wanted to..."

She is telling my I need more pants on, because my bum is peeking out ... she is poopy right.

Billy Goats WILL Eat Anything!! (And Zain rolls over)

2009-02-18T15:17:00.000-08:00

ouch . . .
all of the excitement and attention over Zain rolling over inspired Ezri to show us that she, too, could roll over. Her forward flop, or, "summer-sauce," is documented with just as much enthusiasm . I have no longer have patience for loading videos. Sorry.

Even though he is cutting 3 teeth, he is so happy! Mom is happy too. It is nice to be able to just plop him on the floor, and he can entertain himself for awhile.

Update

2009-02-17T12:22:00.000-08:00

Congratulations! This letter is to inform you that you have successfully completed and passed the testing phase in Procter & Gamble’s hiring process. We will continue to keep your information on file and contact you by email to arrange an interview.
At the present time, it is difficult for us to tell you how soon we will be contacting you for the next step, which is an interview. However, please contact us at ************* if you change your address, phone number, email address, are no longer interested in employment.

Thank you for your patience and your interest in employment with Procter & Gamble in Box Elder.

Sincerely,

February in South San Francisco and NOFX

2009-02-15T10:39:00.000-08:00

*This post has pictures from my cell phone - some are good, some sre not so good.

Zain finds his toes
Ezri finds a new friend

That's me - then the small stage. Notice, nothin in between . . . just me - then stage.
Yes, the cherry bloosoms are here in full bloom by February

muliti tasking and multi talented
I almost brought my camera, but didn't want to drop it or loose it - and after the band's first couple of songs, when someone first - punched me in the back, then- poured an entire beer over my head . . . (not spilled . . . poured!!) I am glad I didn't have it. But it would have been sweet to have good pictures. The only thing keeping me back far enough to keep my face from squishing right onto their guitars, was my belly. For the first half of the concert, I was the closest one to the band.
"I am the closest!!"
Cool for awhile, but some more aggressive fans really wanted to claw their way through me to take that spot. One crazy dude was climbing up on Christian's back - Christian just threw him down, but it was weird! I would turn to look at him, and they were like monkeys climbing all over him!

I didn't think to take a video . . . bummer.

Test time

2009-02-10T08:46:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for your help and support this weekend. (especially Trent and Kylie for the ride, Heather for picking me up and entertaining me, Brad, Ali and "M" for driving to visit, and Nana and Papa for the overnight stay and meals)

This is a sample question from the test I took. Is a square of toilet paper 3 inches? It seemed important that applicants be very aware of how to measure exactly 3 inches . . . (I think I did okay... )
While making toilet paper may not be as exciting as taking 9-1-1 calls, or as glamorous as searching bags and passengers at the airport, it is closer to family and actually pays quite well. And lets face it, it is an important part of a modern, healthy lifestyle - you know . . . wiping . .

When I was struggling with the decision to leave the airport and go to emergency communications, weighing the pros and cons, I took a tour of the 9-1-1 center, and when they showed us the full gym, washer and dryer, and nice locker room showers - I was convinced. I even used the gym a few times. It was really neat to work out on breaks - before switching to graveyards and getting pregnant.
Well, the P&G HR rep that gave us a mini orientation before the test, explained that this plant will have many "healthy employee" features, including, an exercise room, sunroof-like windows for daylight, a healthy menu at the cafeteria, and a no-tobacco policy for the entire site. Wish me luck in the upcoming competitive interview process.

weekend creations

2009-02-01T17:01:00.001-08:00

Valentine Heart Garland

Sweet Peas for my Sweet Pea

When I was cleaning this up, Ezri said, "Sorry, Kimmer... I just want to make you a spice cake."

Caramel Mock Macchiato

more craftiness

2009-01-24T20:34:00.001-08:00

made a fancy little doll dress

Zain has been closing his mouth and drooling a lot less today

The hook and eye closure is hidden under a crossover back. Unfortunately, Snow White can do nothing to hide her V.P.L. in this form fitting evening gown. Sorry, Snow.

Christian is wearing a tie~!

2009-01-21T10:12:00.000-08:00

These are pictures of a rare moment where Ezri let Zain touch her, and she didn't shudder and shiver in disgust. In fact, she kicked me off of the bed and told me she was going to read a book to Zain - then started kissing his head! He looks shocked.
Then, he started to warm up and snuggle with her.
(the yellow on his shirt is from drooling the iron suppliments)

That's right, Christian is off to a job interview in Morgan Hill. YAY!

In other news - Ezri recognizes Obama on TV and shouts, "Kim, look! It's Ogoly Moogolly" Then, blesses "President Momomma" in her prayer.
I was surprised, because we don't talk politics...but, the TV has been on inauguration coverage since Sunday. There's something to be said for repetition. . .

She has been singing this song I don't recognize, "Follow the comet, follow the comet . . ." I figured she must have picket it up on Diego, or Dora, or maybe the Wonder Pets - (following a comet sounds like some adventure they would go on.) and I figured she just didn't have the tune quite right, because it was so flat and dreary . . . then, last night while we are putting pajamas on, a song comes on the Children's Songbook CD, and Ezri gets all excited, stands up on top of the chair, and starts belting out "Follow the comet, he knows the way!" then falls down into the chair in a dramatic fainting spell.

I about died laughing, because she had the tune exactly right to "Follow the Prophet." The song must have 10 versus. It's no wonder she picked up the tune, at least. Too bad it isn't exactly a plesant melody!

2009-01-19T15:36:00.000-08:00

I am still breastfeeding, but this was too cute - he still gets a bottle every once and a while - and this one he guzzled down all by himself.

2009-01-06T15:29:00.000-08:00

Ezri gave Zain all his toys while he was swinging. He's growing so fast. Ezri loves to hand him a rattle and when he grabs onto it, she will squeal, "He likes it! Look, mama! Look! Zain likes him toy!" He is doing really well. The iron supplements are back in the mix - his last blood test was just a little low - so we are back to some interesting diaper changes. But whatever he needs to be healthy.

We have "dance time" when the dance clothes are clean and dry - so, about once a week . . .

I wasn't going to post today, but, what the heck - why not . . . The first, oh, 5 seconds. So, if it's loading slow, you're not missing anything but documentation of my messy apartment after that . . .