The Simple Life

Micah Says

2012-02-01T21:57:00.002-07:00

When I ask him to smile this is the face he makes

Micah loves to stand in front of the fridge, tug on the door and the following conversation ensues (keep in mind that this child wants to eat all the live long day):
M: Mama, can I have nothing?
A: You want nothing?
M: Yeah.

Anytime I put his winter coat on he makes the request, "Can you out my neighbor-hood on?"

Micah is still learning to be a good cleaner-upper. He doesn't particularly enjoy cleaning and usually he tries to create more messes while I work.

Recently I was singing the Clean Up song when he chimed in for the last stanza, "Clean up, clean up everybody do my share." Some people might call it a cute mistake, I say Micah was going for accuracy.

Parting words at bedtime tonight (according to Shane): "I wish I could have more broccoli."

listen up

2012-01-31T08:42:00.001-07:00

Love the bike, love the dress and love this song from Meghan Smith.

Listen Up

2012-01-24T23:12:00.001-07:00

Smooth. Oh so smooth.

What's Happening: Haven Edition

2012-01-21T21:35:00.001-07:00

This picture is courtesy of one of the kiddos...not sure which one as they both love snapping away. I like it because you can see the Joker-like (as in Batman) curl of Havie's lip.

All of our children are late bloomers. Sage walked at 13 months, Micah at 19.5 months. Sage just lost her first tooth at 6 and 3/4. And according to this pattern Miss Haven just began sitting at 8 months and she doesn't yet have a single tooth. By the way Haven is a teeny little thing. She's as light as a feather and I haven't had to buy many new clothes as she hasn't grown much. Sometimes I do worry but then I remember that she has an appetite like a velocraptor, she has more than her fair share of dirty diapers, she is happy, sleeps well, her eyes are bright and shiny, never been sick etc. It's helpful that she's never been to the doctor so I don't have to worry about the weigh-in and measuring and stress about percentiles (which truth be told, I think are silly). I guess I'm learning to just trust that every baby is different and will develop at different rates and there's no need to stress because there's nothing I can do about it.

Sage so nicely offered to hold Haven for her first haircut. Actually second. A month prior to this picture I got tired of seeing her hair in her eyes and I took a pair of fabric scissors and hacked away. Haven looked like Lloyd from "Dumb and Dumber" when I was through.

A chilly walk on Christmas Day. Haven LOVES to be facing outward in the Moby. She used to cry and fuss when I had her facing. It took me a long while to determine that this kid loves action. She really enjoyed NYC because there was so much to look at. She's happiest when the kids are running around the house, making lots of noise. She's a hustle and bustle kind of girl.

What's Happening: Micah Edition

2012-01-19T13:22:00.003-07:00

When Micah first got sick, in January 2010, he would scratch constantly during naps and at night, resulting in lots of blood and a sad, sad boy. My ever-resourceful dad and brother created a special bed for him. He slept in that little bed for 20 months, his hands tied down with zip ties.

Micah has been doing so well (minimal scratching and sleeping well) we let him go zip tie free over the TG break. He didn't know what to do with himself at first. Many nights we would peek in and see him lying flat on his back with his arms semi-spread eagle---his old sleeping arrangement. After a few weeks he settled in to sleeping on his tummy, curled up with his loveys.

And at long last Mr. Micah sleeps through the night... most nights.

Santa brought Micah some wheels...a Strider. He's not sure about it yet.

Sage shared her chocolate reindeer with him on Christmas morning. Chocolate is a no-no food but anything goes on Christmas, right?. Micah was thrilled to say the least. "I really, really like it."

First time sledding. He has a love-hate relationship with the hill...mostly hate.

First snowman. "I want to svoove it down." (translation: I want to smooth it down)

He loves "Russel Sprouts" as he calls them. Micah's never met a vegetable, or any food for that matter, that he doesn't like.

He loved lentil soup but the lentil soup didn't love him as evidenced by the puffy, red lips. Poor kiddo.

First official haircut. Ashleigh comes to our house for cuts...woot woot!

Micah always sleeps with "Dressy Bessy" and "Mr. Monkey." Dressy Bessy was Sage's; she's a special doll that helps you learn to button, tie and zip. For some reason Micah decided he loves her.

Micah loves to get bundled up and go outside to play. And then within 5 minutes he's ready to come back inside.

He loves "geen svoovies" (green smoothies)

What's Happening: Sage Edition

2012-01-18T21:13:00.000-07:00


Before her first Boulder Children's Chorale Concert.

She's in a cute little choir that practices at a church literally 3 blocks from us. She loves it. Her director is a bear (i.e. I emailed her to tell her that Sage would have to miss a concert and in response she demanded to know why and we proceeded to email back and forth---her emails? Not so nice)

Sage's new wheels & poncho from Grandma Mia

Sage couldn't wait to get out on her new scooter. Here she is on Christmas Day (our fake Christmas day---explanation in future). Nothing deterrred her, not snow or muddy puddles or the cold. Actually she pooped out after a block but no need to dwell on that.

Finsihed!!

We began reading the BOM to Sage when she was two. We got through one verse (two if we were lucky) a night for the first two years, then we upped it to a column a night, next a page a night. Then in November, Sage set a goal to finish by the end of the year which bumped her up to two pages a night. She was mighty proud when she finished (her parents too!). She's continuing to read two pages a night so she can finish it again before her baptism in February 2013.

This mama doesn't buy school photos. Call me Ebeneezer Scrooge but I didn't want to pay $30 for no mucho pictures. So instead I just got my handy dandy Grab tool off the Mac and cut the picture out of the online viewing gallery. I might seem like a criminal but on my honor I will never, ever print this photo. I just wanted a copy for posterity's sake.

Sage lost her first two teeth! She's pretty excited. It's fun seeing her grow-up. She lost both teeth at school. The school nurse puts your tooth in a little tooth necklace and send you home with it. Sage wore that necklace like a badge of honor

Listen Up

2012-01-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

Geeky white boy + old school soul sound= Mayer Hawthorne

I like.

back in the saddle

2012-01-07T20:38:00.000-07:00

We headed up to Eldora today, our first time on the slopes this season. Shane was SO nice and stayed with Micah and Haven at the car while Sage and I skied for a nice long spell. Sage is pretty pro, her mama on the other hand, not so much. I was proud of myself just for making it down every run without falling. But I do believe that this old dog can learn new tricks so I'll keep on going back, with my daughter in tow to coach me down the mountain.

invisible 'do

2012-01-04T14:09:00.001-07:00

I counted. I saw 9 people I know yesterday and not one of them noticed the new 'do. That might be a record.

Finally while Shane and I cleaned up dinner dishes I asked him if he liked my new haircut. This is what followed:

A: Notice anything different?
S: (stares silently)
A: My hair! I got bangs!
S: I knew there was something different.

Sweet Boy

2011-12-27T14:01:00.001-07:00

I kind of think Micah is just the cutest boy around, second only to Shane. He has this darling, robotic, deliberate way of speaking. He also loves big words and uses them often.

On Sunday as I was nursing Haven he shared this heaven sent message,

I fugot to tell you Mommy, Heavenwee Faver wuvs you.

In the morning when we open his shade and we tell him that the sun is shining he'll respond with:

Dat means da sun is awake!

Showing us his paper bag puppet made in Nursery:

I actually goo-ed it on myself (goo-ed=glued)

When I tell him daddy's coming home soon:

Ip Ip ooray...yipeee! (said in a high pitched girlie voice)

He loves to give us pats on the backs or little back rubs when we hold him. He'll follow the pat/rub by saying, "She likes dat." And sometimes when I'm really lucky he'll caress my face (SO cute!) and follow it with, "Mommy likes dat."

LIsten Up

2011-12-14T15:11:00.000-07:00

Haven and I were just sitting folding laundry, listening to our Mellow Mix on iTunes and suddenly this song by The Civil Wars came on...it's too good not to share!

Day 5 in the Big Apple

2011-12-06T21:27:00.000-07:00

Statue of Liberty

On Ellis Island

Am Egyptian tomb at the Met

A mummy!

An Egyptian statue

Outside the Met

Dear Sage,

Today was a busy busy day. Kassie and I left her apartment at 8 AM, hopped on the subway and then boarded a ferry (boat) to Ellis Island. On the way to the Island we passed the Statue of Liberty. It was being renovated (fixed up) but normally you can walk all the way up into her crown and face!! It was a wet, gray day but we didn't mind. Long ago, Ellis Island was where immigrants (people coming from other countries to live in America) had to stop before going on to New York City (or other places). Kassie and I learned that 13 million people passed through Ellis Island. We loved looking at all the photographs of the people from all over the world. My other favorite sight were the baby shoes they saved from babies who had been through Ellis Island.

Kassie had somewhere to eb for a few hours so Haven and I traveled alone to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (also known as the Met). Haven and I were very tired by this point (it was about 3 PM) and from the point we arrived at the Met until we got home at 6 PM we experienced what Kass calls a typical NY day.

1) waited 20 minutes in the coat check line to check my heavy backpack

2) start walking into the gallery when a security guard stops me and informs me that I need a ticket.

3) go to get a ticket but oops remember I left my wallet in my backpack at the coat check. One of the ladies takes pity on me and tells me I can pay on the way out.

4)We need to use the bathroom which the guard informs me is on the bottom level. Walk downstairs, find the bathroom, use it. Feed Haven then attempt to use the elevator. It doesn't come 5 minutes later so I walk upstairs and get all turned around (it's a huge museum). The I walk upstairs another gigantic flight of stairs and by that point I'm pooped and hardly even care when I see Monet (my favorite!). I decide it's time to leave.

5) go outside and wait for bus. I wait for 15 minutes wondering why the buses keep passing out stop. I ask someone next to me and learn that I'm waiting at the tour bus stop. We find the right bus stop and wait some more.

6) get on bus but bus doesn't go. Everyone starts to get mad, driver finally goes and we're on our way.

7) Get off bus, it's dark, I feel unsure of where I am.

8) fall down while crossing street. I fall on umbrella and break it So now I get to walk the rest of the way home in the rain. Lovely.

9) Get home at long last...tired, hungry and sick of the city.

I'm excited to come home and see you and Micah and dad and hug you and hear all about what you've been up to. See you tonight.

xo Mom

Day 4: Walking

2011-12-05T22:09:00.002-07:00

A grey day

Cool. cool park called Highline....that's literally high above the park where an old El track used to be.

Oh what a cutie this Evan is

6 oz of gooey cookie goodness at Levain

The temple

Cops at Central Park

Dylan's Candy Bar....every candy under the sun

Tub o' gumballs

Two pros playing the piano at FAO Schwartz (Sage I triesd to get a video but it didn't work!!)-- it costs $250,000

Holy wreath! (please note the token menorahs)

Serendipity for dinner with Kassie's homey, Karley....long wait but well worth it for the potato skins

Frozen hot chocolate...good but not sure what all the hype is about.

We walked from 8 AM until 5 PM. Phew. In 9 hours we hit up 15 spots: school to drop the kiddos off, Trader Joes for groceries (they deliver!), Union Square Farmer's Market, Highline Park, Chelsea Market, Jacques Torres for hot cocoa, Murray's for a WW Everything bagel with a schmear, Grey's Papaya for a delicious dog, Levain for gigantic cookies, the temple, Central Park, back to school to pick up kiddos, Dylan's Candy Bar, FAO Schwartz and then finally the Plaza Hotel (swanky!). My feet were sore but Miss Elyse provided me with a lovely foot rub and Kass insisted I take a nap before we headed out to eat tonight (I didn't protest one bit). Good times and I can't remember the last time I've been so pooped. Tomorrow is Ellis Island and the Met....and plenty more eatin' I hope.

2011-12-04T19:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday in NY was a nice quiet day. It felt funny taking a cab to church but it was that or the bus. Boys took the bus and the girls the cab. The cab drivers are nutso...weaving in and out of traffic, almost grazing pedestrians and other cabs. One cabbie had a book and would pick it up each time we stopped.

Kassie has a wonderful ward...so friendly. I think every person I met commented on how much Evan and Miss Have look alike. I spent most of the three hours in the Mother's lounge trying to cheer Haven up. I got to talk to lots of Kassie's friends about natural birth (one mom had just used Kass as a doula at her home birth).

We came home, rested then Kass and the babes and I went for a walk to whet our appetites for dinner. We saw beautiful churches and Rockefeller Center.

I love spending time with Kass and chatting and just beign around her. Her kids are so funny...Elyse has a dramtic flair that cracks me up, Levi is darling and so is Evan.

Can't wait for more sights and eating tomorrow. It's great having a NYC pro to show me all the best places to see and eat.

Off to church

Inside St. Patrick's Cathedral

Atlas at Rockefeller Center

The crowds at Rockefeller Center

The giant tree at Rockefeller Center

Inside Saks (Schmancy!)

Inisde St. Bart's

NYC: Dia de Craziness (Day 2)

2011-12-03T22:56:00.005-07:00

The beauty of vacation is being able to take a nap any time I feel like it. This morning that meant 9 AM when Haven napped. Following my morning snooze and a lovely breakfast of eggs and fried potatoes, we left for the Gershwin Theater. Every day at the theater they pick names and 12 people win two $26 front row seats to the Wicked matinee. We won!! Kass has already been so Elyse and I planned to go together. We had 2 hours to kill so we all headed down the street to Times Square. That place is everything wrong with the modern world contained in a few short blocks...nice. Let's just say I have no need ever to go there again in my life. Christmas in NYC equals hordes of people. First we thought we'd stop by Hershey's...too crowded. Next stop M&M store...too crowded. Next stop Toys'r'us...too crowded. Noticing a pattern here? Our two hours were up so back to the Gershwin we went and spent two blissful hours at Wicked. Great show and yes, I am the very last person in America to see the show.

On our walk home Elyse and I ran in to massive crowds..it was kind of fun pushing our way through the throngs of people. She and I stopped at the delicious pizza place, Krunch. Wowee, amazing pizza made all crispy crunchy by a second journey into a wood fired oven. Then home to put the chilluns to bed and then back out again just us mamas for more grub a dub dub. Including 3 desserts.

The lovely Elyse

Love this little lady

Da cousins...bit of a family resemblance eh?

Yay for Wicked!

Times Square

The NY Salvation Army workers don't just ring those little bells, the sing and dance too

Dark haired cuties

Pre dinner dessert at Buttercup Cupcakes

Finally some subway music!!

Spell check please

Kass and I LOVE Ethiopian food. It was worth the long wait and seats in front of the door

Dessert #2....delicious.

Dessert #3 at Rice to Riches....Hazelnut Chocolate with toasty pund cake on top....mmmmgood

Miss you Sagie!!! And Shane I know you're not reading this but since miracles do happen and you could be reading this blog I miss you too.

Day 1 NYC part deux

2011-12-02T20:12:00.000-07:00

Day 1 in NYC!!

2011-12-02T19:54:00.000-07:00

Off to the Big Apple.

2011-12-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

Miss Haven and I are leaving in a few hours to see Kass and family and meet little Evan. I promised Sage that I will post pictures and stories every day....everything you never wanted to know about our trip!

If you have any fave NYC spots let me know! My only firm plans are to visit the Met and eat my way through the city.

To Watch

2011-11-28T14:04:00.002-07:00

This was a great documentary about Buck Brannaman, a real life Horse Whisperer. It was so good that Shane and I have been talking about it ever since we watched it (Shane even watched it a second time). I know what you're thinking, "Horses?" but trust me this is worth your time. Lots of parenting and life wisdom to be gleaned.

P.S. It's on Netflix Instant Play

Listen Up

2011-11-16T14:30:00.000-07:00

I'm sort of in love with Jack Johnson's music. And when I heard this song yesterday I swooned a little. A sweet tune about Christmas morning with his son.

Spelling

2011-11-08T16:33:00.000-07:00

Sage and I had a chat recently about what to do if you're the first one up in the morning:

1. Under NO circumstances do you wake mom or dad.

2. Find something quiet to do and wait for the first riser.

This morning she was up bright and early and she found herself something quiet to do...she did a Google search that I found up on the screen when I sat down at the computer:

Did you get that? "Sad casols"

And here's what Google came up with (exactly what she was looking for it turns out):

In no particular order...the past 4 months in pictures.

2011-10-20T12:04:00.000-06:00

Haven loves to lie under the trees watching the leaves.

Grandma & Grandpa came to visit.

Micah takes a bath after a YEAR without.

Micah is looking good and starting to sleep through the night at long last

Papa Jack came for Haven's blessing in July.

Micah loves Haven a lot. He loves to pat her and hug her

listen up

2011-09-13T08:45:00.001-06:00

A groovy little song from The Head and the Heart.

Watch this.

2011-09-09T09:38:00.000-06:00

This is utterly stupid but it made me laugh until I cried.

It.

2011-09-04T12:14:00.000-06:00

Micah loves the word "it". A few examples:

mix it

pat it

bang it

pass it

read it

and our all-time favorite:

I did it! (he shouts this one out)

And one day this week he decided he would begin perfect pronunciation of a few tricky words:

echinachea

delicious

sacrament

Hair.

2011-09-01T21:16:00.002-06:00

For all those breathlessly awaiting pictures of Haven (I mean you Grandmas and sisters) here you go. I didn't say they'd be new pictures. I'm not quite that together. And quit complaining, they're only 2 months old.

I give you rockstar hair ala Haven:

From the front.


From the side.

Enough with the pictures Ma!

Day with Dad.

2011-09-01T20:57:00.001-06:00

To all the Grandmas and sisters (aka the only people who read this blog--Grandpas only read if coerced by Grandmas): on my honor I will post pictures of Haven soon, very soon. She's a cutie and her wild mane has been tamed. And she rolls. And giggles.

A few weeks ago Shane and Sage made the trek to LA to visit the orthodontist. After their appointment they spent the day at Santa Monica Pier. Together they rode a rollercoaster (Sage's first), ate junk food and frolicked in the waves.

Shane wasn't quite sure how to help put Sage's suit on and so she ended looking like this:

Shane wondered why one bum cheek and one nipple were hanging out all day.

Nice view eh?

When I saw this picture I was jealous.

When I saw this picture I was REALLY jealous. Mmmmmm.

Listen Up

2011-08-23T09:00:00.000-06:00

David Gray always sounds good to me.

Listen Up

2011-08-09T12:10:00.000-06:00

Imelda May is a little bit of KT Tunstall, a little bit of Gwen Stefani and a whole lot of rockabilly.

Micah says

2011-08-02T12:16:00.000-06:00


testing out Sage's wings.

bah-uh-uh-uh (vacuum cleaner)
fie-sa-sa-sa (fly swatter)
be-da-da-da (blueberries)
key-da-da-da (cucumbers)
straw-la-la-la (strawberries)
meat!! (he yells this in a manly way)
bit-tee (binky)
biddy (birdie)
sissy (Sage)
zoo!
mid-dee (music)
fun! (he loves to yell this as after going on airplane ride with Shane or following a good chase around the living room)
Muck-ah (Micah)
Hay-dah (Haven)
Up High (when he wants to play "gimme 5")

When phone rings he will immediately say: Gam-ma (grandma), Kah-see (Kassie)

sad but true: he is SO good at not eating our food. He'll just peek at it and say "mmmm." He knows how to say cake, cookie, pizza, cheese, butter...all off limit foods. But not forever we hope!! And occasionally he steals bites of things but he knows he's being naughty...banana bread was his most recent swipe.

He loves to walk around humming or singing and we love it.

Listen Up

2011-07-19T09:22:00.000-06:00

Big Head Todd and the Monsters are definitely best live.

Guess who decided to show up?

2011-07-10T21:43:00.003-06:00


This morning. Love that goofy grin.

Mr. Micah. At church. All three hours. First time in a year and a half.

I've been praying and hoping for this for a long time. And I was dancing on the inside all day today.

Opening Micah's closet and seeing his little button down shirts hanging there, bought with a hopeful heart but never worn, was always a painful reminder of how far he had to go to leading a normal life. Today, at long last, we got to put him in one of those cute little button downs; it made my heart just about burst with happiness.

Shane and I decided that since Micah is looking and feeling so good and napping so consistently that we should give the church thing a whirl. In the past year and a half we've only attended as a family once. We have been swapping Sundays staying home with Micah since he first got sick.

I stayed with Micah during the first hour of Nursery. Shane was planning to stay the whole second hour but Micah was doing so well he decided to leave and it went off without a hitch.

I haven't seen Micah with kiddos his age so I really enjoyed my time in Nursery with him. As I watched him play and occasionally interact with the other Nursery-ites (or should I say Bedlam-ites? Name that Conference talk!) it confirmed once again that this kiddo is easy going and good-natured.

Micah was so worn out after his big day he didn't even make it through the 3-minute drive home. Here he is snoozing away:

P.S. So I guess the question is: why is Micah better? Well he's been doing something called Bodytalk. I don't really understand it and it's kind of out there. But guess what? I don't care one bit as long as it works. Shane thinks this stuff is so out there that we now have a "don't ask, don't tell" policy. He doesn't ask what happens at our appointments and I don't tell. But that's what I love about Shane...he may not agree with or understand the whole Bodytalk business but he's willing to try it out. At this point we'd probably drink yak pee if someone told us that it would get Micah better.

P.P.S. Isn't that tie darling? My lovely friend Em made it.

2011-07-05T12:41:00.001-06:00

I'm sort of proud to say I've never seen "The Bachelor" or "The Bachelorette." Call me crazy but reality shows make me cringe. I think all the fake drama is lame and painful to watch.

But did you know there's a mormon online dating show called, "The Mormon Bachelorette?" I've followed it the past 2 seasons and I really like. It's clean and fun to watch. 22 first dates in 22 days and then 8 second dates. Ultimately the Bachelorette chooses one guy to take home and meet the family. Season 3 just started and it's a good time.

tubby.

2011-06-29T07:00:00.004-06:00

Chub is in the house.

Two of us in the family have recently become rather chubby.

First up is Mr. Micah. In one month's time this kiddo has gained 4 pounds. He weighed 22-23 pounds for almost a year and then he took this sudden leap. I can't seem to stop kissing his cute pudgy feet and pinching his chunky thighs.

Then there's moi. I got a load of my caboose in a Target mirror recently and all I can say is I ought to hang a sign on that thing. Wide Load.

Oh yes I have chub. Equal opportunity chub. It's spread out equally amongst all my body parts.

Fortunately there is a nice gym about 2 blocks from our house. Shane kindly suggested that I join. I tried it out last night for the first time. I weighed myself after my workout and discovered that I have 20 pounds to lose. T-w-e-n-t-y. 20. Yowza. Can I blame nursing? Time to get to WORK!

But seriously I don't worry about the extra weight. In fact I love joking about it with Shane; I tell him I'm not chunky I've just been magnified. I don't even mind when Sage tells me I look like I still have a baby in my tummy. It's all part of being a mama to a darling little 8-week old. And it's worth every extra flabby pound.

listen up

2011-06-28T07:00:00.001-06:00

The Weepies sing it just right.

seven weeks worth of catching up

2011-06-26T17:05:00.002-06:00

Kindergarten graduation.

A visit from Kass.

Short new 'do. Mama was tired of combing tangles so off went the hair.

A visit from Grandma Shelly.

a reminder.

2011-06-18T14:36:00.003-06:00

Investment

How enviously I watched the rose bush bear her bud,

Such an easy, lovely birth.

And at that moment I wished the sweet myth were true,

That I could pluck you, my child, from some green vine

But now as you breathe, through flesh that was mine

Gently in the small circle of my arms, I see the wisdom of investment.

The easy gift is easy to forget.

But what is bought with coin of pain,

Is dearly kept

-Carol Lynn Pearson

listen up

2011-06-14T09:00:00.001-06:00

Eddie Vedder's mournful voice is the perfect foil for the ukelele. This song is from his new album called (what else?) Ukelele Songs.

8

2011-06-12T16:51:00.003-06:00

A candid by Sage...pardon the messy study.

We're best friends, we look out for one another,
We're best friends, we take care of each other
I know you and you know me,
We fit together like puzzle pieces.
When I wake up in the morning it's you I want to see...it's you I want to see.

--Frances England

We celebrated our eighth anniversary last month. After almost a decade together I've decided that wine and marriages get better with age (just pretend I know what I'm talking about when it comes to wine).

Shane and I have become a real team this past year. During this rollercoaster of a year we've clung to each other and tried to enjoy, and sometimes just survive, the ride. We have agonized together as we've watched Micah suffer, sat together in the wee hours of the morning taking turns holding Micah. Together we've pleaded with the Lord for help and direction. We've worked together cooking and cleaning, caring for our little family and building a business. We experienced the joy of Haven's birth, just the two of us. We've laughed and cried (well I cry, he holds me) and been stretched in ways we never could have imagined.

Reflecting on this year brings a Quaker Proverb to mind: "Thee lift me and I'll lift thee and we'll ascend together." This year I learned that Heavenly Father wants us to go through life two by two. And here's why: because sometimes I feel like I can't go on; I need Shane to take my hand and be strong for me until I can be strong again. And then I do the same for him. And together we grow.

a rose by any other name.

2011-06-01T14:06:00.001-06:00

Cute Sage and Haven and an oh so round mama.

I wanted each of our kiddos to have a special name: a first name with real meaning and a middle name that belonged to a special someone in our family. Shane, on the other hand, has only two rules for names: easy to say and easy to spell.

Sage Elea
Sage- one who is wise
Elea- Shane had the great idea to take the first initial of the name of each of my sisters who have died and create a name: Elena, Laura and Elizabeth Anne. My sisters were each so precious and such an important part of our family and I'm happy we could honor them in a small way.

Micah Elias
Micah- one who is like God (boy has this proven to be fitting...he has the patience of Job)
Elias- Shane's maternal grandpa was a wonderful father and grandpa. We knew he was coming to the end of his life and wanted to honor a man who did so much good.

Haven Theresa
Haven- A safe place
Theresa- When my parents married neither family was very happy nor supportive of the young marrieds. Luckily my Dad's aunt Ricky (Theresa) loved them and opened her home to them.

P.S. Shane likes to tell people that I wanted a girl just so I could use the name "Haven." And you know what? It's true.

listen up

2011-05-31T09:30:00.001-06:00

Shane and I caught Colbie Caillat in San Francisco a few years back and we both agreed then (and now) that she is genuinely talented. This is the first single from her new album due out this summer.

Micah sings.

2011-05-26T09:32:00.001-06:00

It seems like every kiddo has a special love, for Micah it's music. He is happiest when we're singing to him or he's listening to some good tunes; he loves Jack Johnson, Bach and Laurie Berkner equally well.

Micah learns little phrases from songs and walks around humming them. We first discovered that little talent about 6 months ago. Shane was humming "Frere Jacques", he paused for a moment and Micah hummed the next couple of bars for him. That sure took us by surprise.

Recently we've been listening to a lot of "Sound of Music" and we've noticed Micah walking around singing, "Ah-do, ah-do ah-do ah-do, ah-do" as in "Adieu, Adieu to you and you and you." (Remember from that song where all Von Trapp kids sing at the ball?)

Lately Micah is digging scales. This little video is him warming up his voice.

rocket baby

2011-05-19T12:08:00.030-06:00

Just a few minutes after Haven's birth.

On Tuesday (May 3rd) after lunch I started to feel crampy and began having contractions that were a little different. But I'd had contractions every day for weeks and intermittent cramps so I shrugged it off and went grocery shopping. All afternoon and into the early evening those contractions came but I didn't think much of it. My midwife, Flame, warned me over and over again that third births are wild cards. So even though my labor/birth with Micah was about 3.5 hours long she told me not to expect a fast birth again. I took it to heart and figured I'd have a nice long labor. Ha!

According to my phone here's the timeline:

6:24 PM- call Flame and let her know we need some help finishing the birthing tub set-up (it's a little complicated) but I assure her that nothing much is going on contraction wise.
7:19 PM- call Kass (my sister) to report on contractions and chat, meanwhile I am doing some shopping at Target. Those contractions start getting progressively longer, stronger and closer together. I move at the pace of a snail since I have to keep stopping to close my eyes and breathe through the contractions.
8:13 PM- call Shane on my way home from Target and let him know this could be it but I'm not really sure.
8:30 PM-arrive home, Shane and I put away Target purchases. At this point I am barely able to shuffle around. The contractions are coming hard and fast but I still think if I can just lie down they'll ease up.
8:56 PM- call Flame, have a nice long contraction while we're on the phone and then she knows it's getting to be time. She says she'll be on her way.
9 PM- call my doula (labor coach), Courtney, and tell her to come
9-9:22 PM- order Shane around..."fill up the tub," "get my toothbrush and toothpaste." At this point I am in the basement and have no desire to go anywhere else.
9:22 PM-Shane calls Flame and leaves a message telling her I feel pushy.
9:23 PM- I kneel over the fireplace and suddenly I feel lots of pressure, I yell out, "Shane I need you!" Shane arrives, puts a hand on my shoulder and Bam! my water breaks all over the carpet. Lovely. With Sage and Micah my water broke in the last few minutes before they were born; now I know baby will be here any time. Shane calls Flame to report....she is on her way but I swear she must be hitting every red light.
9:29 PM- (call time: 3 min 14 sec)- Shane calls Flame to tell her the latest. I tell him to, "Get off the phone!!!" Am I bossy during labor or what? He leaves the phone on, throws it next to me, we can hear Flame talking but have no idea what she's saying.

I lay on the floor on my side (Flame told me to do this if I ever the baby is coming and she can't get there), tell Shane to pull off my pants (luckily they were leggings and easy to remove). He does. Then he looks down and says "I see the head." And then Haven came shooting out, no pushing needed. Shane catches her and holds on tight to that slippery little baby. We look between her legs and are surprised to find that we have a girl! Then we look at her full head of black hair and marvel. Shane is cool as cool can be the whole time. We hop back on the phone with Flame. She heard the whole birth including Haven's first cry so she is relieved and almost to our house.
9:38? PM- Flame arrives
9:40 PM- doula arrives

Easy peasy. Can every birth be like this? I loved sharing that sweet moment with Shane and Shane alone. He was amazing. Always calm, always steady Shane. I sure love him. We were both amazed how normal everything felt...giving birth on the basement floor and having Shane catch our little baby. I think we were more shocked that we got a girl with a full head of black hair.

We are so happy and grateful to have little Haven here with us.

what we do all day.

2011-05-09T13:23:00.004-06:00

Nurse, snooze and eat.

My midwdife told me to eat like a pig and I'm just following orders. That's 4 eggs and 5 slices of bacon in case you wondered.

she's here!

2011-05-06T15:28:00.000-06:00

Haven

born Tuesday, May 3

8 lbs 14 oz.

21 inches

This girl came speeding into the world. Our midwife was driving over but Haven didn't want to wait. Shane ended up catching her....so fun! More on that story soon.

listen up

2011-04-12T10:00:00.001-06:00

Love this one by Andrew Lipke. "Stick by You" could be the motto of the past year of our marriage...I wouldn't trade it for anything.

traveling days are done

2011-04-10T15:54:00.000-06:00

Brace face

Sage and I have been traveling to LA every 6 weeks or so since October for her orthodontist appointments. Yes it's a long way to travel and yes it's exhausting (there and back in 1 day) but the results are worth it. And yes Dr. Hang is a pretty special ortho, one of only a handful of guys in the country who use unconventional treatment methods i.e. widen upper jaw, move lower jaw forward...exclusively on kiddos ages 4-11. This time Sage had her braces and expanser removed and got a retainer. next visit she gets a big old appliance that postures her jaw forward.

Our travel day goes something like this: Wake up very early (between 4-5 AM), walk to bus stop (1/2 mile), ride bus 1 hour to airport, hop on plane to LAX for 2.5 hour flight. Take shuttle to rental car, pick up rental car, drive 1 hour to Thousand Oaks, go to appointment (1/2-1 hr), grab a smoothie and some goodies at Trader Joe's, drive back to LA, drop off rental, take shuttle back to airport, hop on plane and back home. Catch bus back to Boulder.

Phew! Long day. In spite of the long travel days I sure love getting Sage all to myself for a day. And Shane is wonderful and has Micah without any break...tiring on Micah's hard days.

We ordered up a perfect day...not a cloud in the sky.

Well this week our trip was 2 days long since she had to wait for a new appliance being made. It sure felt leisurely compared to the usual trip. We had time to go to Malibu and soak up the sun, eat at In-N-Out (mmmmm) and spend the night with a friend who lives right by LAX (thanks J!).

This mama's travel days are over. Shane will take over for the next six months or so of treatment.

Down we went to the beach

walking

2011-03-28T23:14:00.000-06:00

Shane was determined to get Micah walking and we did lots of practicing with him last weekend. All that practice paid off and Micah now officially belongs to the land of walkers (at long last!). He sure loves being so mobile and has been keeping extra busy exploring.

surprise

2011-03-27T14:46:00.002-06:00

Two prego mamas. Sheesh I look huge.

Two weeks ago on Wednesday Micah woke up later than usual (6:30 AM). Instead of heading back to bed I stayed up chatting with Shane in the kitchen. Suddenly someone grabbed me from behind. I turned to find...Kassie!! She stayed a week. She cooked, she cleaned, she kept me company all day, made food for Micah, made me laugh, shopped with me, ate lots of junk with me. It was blissful.

There is nothing better than a sister.

P.S. Shane gave Kass a compliment that he rarely hands out, "She's a good worker." Yep she sure is. We'll be so glad to have her back in a few weeks when #3 arrives. She's going to try to catch the birth again. My fingers are crossed that we'll get her here in time.

the kindness of a stranger

2011-03-21T13:05:00.007-06:00

The card.

Micah and I limped our way through last night.

At 4:30 he wouldn't go back down (not uncommon) so I handed him over to Shane, told him that I don't think I can do this anymore, had a good cry and went back to bed. Later in the morning I woke and saw how itchy Micah was, how bad his skin looked, how much there was to do and I had another cry. I silently prayed for help all morning. A friend in the ward took Sage and Micah and I braved the grocery store. When I say brave I mean braved. On days when my emotions are at the surface I have to steel myself a bit for the stares and questions. And I have to steel myself for a wriggly, itchy Micah who will need to to be held while we shop, not so easy these days with a big belly and minimal energy.

When we got to the checkout a lovely lady ahead of us said hello and looked at Micah with such love it was unnerving. I wondered, Do I know her? Does she have a child with eczema? She started to speak to me and I started to cry. I tried to keep my sobs in check while I listened to her lovely kind words.

She handed me her card, hugged me, told me she loved me and left. More tears but this time happy tears. I like to think Heavenly Father sent this stranger to let me know that He loves me and knows what I am feeling.

The questions in my mind are still the same: "How can we get Micah better?" and "How will we manage him and a newborn?" but at least I know I'll make it through this day on the kindness of a stranger.

listen up

2011-03-15T10:26:00.001-06:00

Kina Granis sings the perfect Valentine's song.I know, I know...Valentine's Day is long past but can't every day can be Valentine's Day when you're with the one you love?

listen up

2011-03-08T13:38:00.000-07:00

Just a fun little love song from Matt Nathanson.

listen up

2011-03-01T12:41:00.000-07:00

Gomez is easy on the ears.

six.

2011-02-26T16:32:00.002-07:00

Ready to make a wish.

Dinner.

Sage turned 6 last Sunday. We tried to make it a fun day (inspite of being Sunday). In the morning she enjoyed fresh mangoes and waffles. For lunch her favorite pizza from Nick 'n' Willy's for lunch--the Big Kahuna--canadian bacon, pineapple and mandarins. Don't worry Mom we bought it on Saturday. For dinner: hamburgers, fried potatoes and no salad...we let her off the hook on her berfday. And chocolate cake with pink sour cream frosting 'cause mama forgot to get cream cheese and we had to improvise. It was a hideous cake but it tasted good going down and that's what counts.

And she opened some EXCITING presents....a chiropractic pillow to make sure her sleep posture is good, books and gummi vites. We're fun like that.

Donuts.

Then on Tuesday I went to her class to celebrate. She and I made baked mini-donuts for the kiddos. They had to be gluten-free and dairy free. When the time came to pass the treat out the student teacher double checked the treat. Gluten-free? Yep. Dairy free? Yep. Egg-free? Sheesh...nope. The one lone non-egg eating kid got to have rice crackers instead.

A few things about our six-year-old:

When she earns money by working at Shane's office or receives a gift or her weekly allowance her first question is, "How much tithing do I pay?"
She loves to make Micah laugh and the sound of them laughing together is magic.
She's great at rolling with the punches.
When I call her down from upstairs her immediate reply is, "Coming," or "I'll be right there." And then quick as a wink she's at my side. I sure love that.
She loves to help: cooking, washing dishes, peeling pears (for Micah), watching Micah...she does anything and everything. I always say that I couldn't get through this time without her.

Listen Up

2011-02-22T18:47:00.000-07:00

Lisa Hannigan is pretty fabulous.

Sage's valentines.

2011-02-16T20:22:00.003-07:00

Cute eh? And no it wasn't my idea...I found it on a blog.

funny little thing called Sage

2011-02-04T08:34:00.001-07:00

Taking Micah for a ride.

Driving home from school:

S: Did you see his hair?"
A: "Shoot I missed it. What was it like?"
S: "It was like....a muffin."

I peeked in the rear view mirror to see the dude in question....he had a giant 'fro. Gives a new meaning to the word muffin top.

_______________________________________________________________

Shane was having a hard time getting his ski boots on one morning recently and Sage had some wisdom to share:

"Just think about skiing, not your boots. I think about cake when I eat my salad and then I don't taste it."

Winter Park.

2011-02-02T15:35:00.008-07:00

When I zip up my very humungo ski jacket I look like a puffy marshmallow. I told Shane I want to wear a sign that says "I'm not fat, I'm pregnant." Note to self: buy a maternity jacket next time...much more flattering.

The resort has little wagons everywhere you can drag your kiddos (or ski gear) around.

Riding a gondola up the mountain. And then we came right back down.

Two of Shane's patients offered their condo in Winter Park and we jumped at the chance to get away for a few days. Well one of us jumped, the other balked....yup that would be me. Going away to a 1-bedroom condo (remember Micah wakes and cries many times in the night?) lugging all of Micah's things including a blender (for his food) and his special little bed sounded like a real good time. I need a vacation like that like I need a hole in the head. But I went along with it.

I've been having lots of meltdowns lately (why can't we get this kiddo better? And how will we manage with a newborn?). Just ask Shane...after 7 PM his shirt is usually soggy with my tears. Thankfully I had a huge cry fest the day before we left; I felt cleansed and ready for an adventure. Good thing because when we arrived at the condo after a 2-hour drive it was occupied. Yes, clothes strewn about, phone charging in the kitchen, toothpaste and toothbrushes lying on the bathroom sink. Lovely. Well turns out the patient booked us for Sat-Thurs instead of Fri-Sun. I was ready to head home stat. It was getting late, the kids were hungry and boy was I steamed. Shane being the level-headed and ever calm half of this duo suggested we stay and find another condo for the night. Eventually he convinced me and we paid a ridiculous amount of money for one night. It was a miserable night for all of us. Micah cried and was awake for many hours. Shane was so nice and kept me company for a lot of it. Micah's crying kept Sage up and she was exhausted in the morning. We had to move condos (oy!) at 10 AM.

Sage and Shane persevered and went skiing inspite of their fatigue. She only last a couple hours on the mountain. She was so tired that when they stopped in the lodge and ordered a cheeseburger and fries Sage didn't want even a bite. Shane called me and had me come pick them up. When I pulled up Sage was lying in the snow, almost asleep (where's my camera when I need it??). Shane stayed and skiied some moguls and had lots of fun and the kids and I enjoyed naps and quiet back at the condo.

Note: So...I wrote this awhile ago and now I can't remember what else we did. But I do know that we came away from that weekend relaxed and glad we went.

Nails

2011-01-26T08:02:00.000-07:00

If you've had your nails done one of those salons with all those little Viet women (Happy Nails anyone?) then this is funny, funny.

Date with Daddy.

2011-01-23T14:57:00.001-07:00

Off they go...

Sage got her birthday present early this year...a trip with Shane to see Cirque du Soleil's current show, Allegria. It's a mishmash of dancers, contortionists, clowns and acrobats, beautiful music and spectacular stunts. They had a wonderful time together. Shane said Sage laughed hysterically at the clowns...wish I could have seen that. They returned home with a DVD of the show so I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot of Allegria this year.

Months back Sage and Shane somehow stumbled upon the theme song from Allegria and they've been learning it every since (it's in English, Spanish and Portuguese). Cute to hear Sage walking around singing it.

We hope this is the first of many shows with Sage. We promised that for her 8th birthday we'll take her to see Phantom in NYC. Can't wait for that!

Mango Paci

2011-01-20T09:15:00.003-07:00

We just discovered how much Micah likes dried mangoes. He pops one in and sucks it until dissolves or he leaves a slippery pile of mango goo for mama to discover.

P.S. Micah's skin looks pretty good here because we found a cream that helped a lot. BUT after a week it stopped helping...{sigh}.

Snowflakes

2011-01-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

Our front window all decked out.

Sage wanted to make snowflakes today; I haven't made one in about 20 years so we sat down, did a little Googling and found some great instructions.

Simple, easy and fun.

Fold a piece of paper in half.

Fold over one side, then the other, to make two 60 degree folds. You can do this by eye, or you can use a protractor. This is a good exercise in geometry and measuring angles.

Cut off the edges of the paper in an arc - this makes a circle (if you were to unfold the paper).

Cut a lot of the paper away.

Unfold your snowflake carefully.

Optional: Decorate your snowflake with glitter or glitter glue.

Lazy days

2011-01-02T19:22:00.001-07:00

Micah watching Sage brave the cold all alone.

We got our first real snow and cold spell starting on Friday we have been l-a-z-y ever since. Jammies all day, naps, warm food and books have been the name of the game.

We did accomplish a few important things...made snow angels, shoveled the walk and attempted a snowman...he ended up being about a foot tall. How on earth do you make a passable snowman with powder?

P.S. Around here you have to bundle up all day and night. That's what happens when you have single paned windows and no insulation...bless you 130 year-old house. Shane and I sleep in our hoodie sweatshirts and wool socks.

Boo man.

2011-01-01T20:38:00.000-07:00

From the back he looks perfect...we love that little towhead of his.

We really like Micah around here. He makes us laugh and sometimes cry (darn eczema). Maybe it's all those tears that have made the good times with him that much sweeter.

He's made lots of progress lately (insert sigh of relief). He's been crawling for the past 2 months, he just learned how to climb stairs, will walk with us holding one hand (maybe walking in a few weeks?), and gained some weight. He loves to take laps around the coffee table...about a dozen each time, as fast as his stumpy legs will carry him. All this movement has made for a happier boy. I think being mobile distracts him from feeling miserable. He also enjoys the park and the swing and slide at long last.

Newest signs: hat (patting head), fish (swimming hand in front), pacifier (sucking noises), change diaper (pat hip), yucky (wiggle hands under chin), cracker (drop RT elbow into left palm), book (clap hands together), frog (sticking tongue out), daddy (hard to explain), sleep (put hand on side of head)

New words: "zhooz" (shoes), "ah da" (all done), "ka" (car), "kaka" (cracker), "sss-nah" (snow), "kee" (key) and "nah" (no) is another favorite.

Showing off

Merry and bright.

2010-12-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

Before the unwrapping began

Christmas Eve events:

Skiing in the morning (Sage went down her first blue and rode the chair lift solo!)
Sage hunted for the baby Jesus while dressed in shepherd's clothes (she even slept in them)
We ate good grub: Roast Leg of Lamb, Butterhorn Rolls, Rainbow Quinoa, Carrot Souffle and Parmesan Broccoli
Read "The Night Before Christmas" and the Christmas story from Luke
Forgot to set out cookies and milk for Santa..shoot!

Sage wanted Shane to open the first present....a sports movie (Hoosiers) from her.

Micah surrounded by some of the goods

Christmas Day:

Ate waffles with whipped cream and berries and waaaay too much sausage
Napped and played and did absolutely nuthin' else
Sage watched Finding Nemo all the way through (usually she gets to watch half a movie on movie days---I try not to let her languish too long in front of the boob tube)

Trying out her new wheels. Santa also brought that hula hoop and jump rope you see in the picture.

Micah and his sock monkey from grandma. We decided he needs a lovey so that when he starts sleeping through the night (ahem...soon) he'll have a buddy.

Dress from Grandma S. And quacker from Grandma M....most annoying toy ever but she loves it.

Favorite presents?

Shane: Don't laugh but we got him a box of Honey Nut Cheerios (the fake, organic kind)...he hasn't had them in years and he had about 6 bowls in a few short hours.
Sage: harmonica (she takes that thing everywhere)
Micah: Shape sorter
Alicia: Best present hands down was from Shane. Long story short but we lost a bunch of pictures (about 5000 of them) when our computer crashed months ago. Most of them were from Sage's babyhood. I was very sad about it but resigned to it. Shane magically got all of our pictures restored. I cried and Sage looked pretty confused (why in the world would somebody cry over a gift?).

A perfect Saturday.

2010-12-23T08:30:00.000-07:00

Riding the bus back from the lodge. Micah decided that dirty bus seat
tasted better than anything the lodge had to offer.

Shane here. I don't often write in the blog, so you know if I do, it's gotta be something special. One of my best memories of growing up is skiing at Lake Tahoe. Living in Boulder, we've joined the rest of the town and bought season passes to El Dora, a resort 30 minutes from our house. Sage is a good athlete, but had never skied before last month. She spent the first 3 days holding onto my hand or pole as we went down the hill. There were mostly happy times, but a few tears came after hard falls, cold weather, and getting frustrated.

I bribed Sage with a $10 bill if she was able to make it down the bunny slope all by herself and lunch at the lodge if she could make it down the green hill one lift over. Two Saturdays ago, she was so close, but didn't quite make it. Once going down the hill that day, she tried to negotiate with me. If she skied down just half of the hill, could we go to the lodge for lunch? I told her that I had high standards and that only when she skied down the whole hill, including getting off the chair lift and not falling while skiing and not touching me at all, then she'd get lunch. While laying in the snow after falling, she was cold and started crying, and said, "I don't like standards."

I knew that this past Saturday she was going to do it; the weather was warmer and we were up there early. On the 2nd or 3rd run, Sage did it! It was one of the happier moments for me as a dad. We went over to the next hill and she went down that one on her own as well. The next 5 runs, she was totally on her own, even asking if she can could on the chair lift by herself. She earned her rewards.

After Sage and I finished, we went back to the car where Alicia and Micah were hanging out. It was Alicia's turn to ski with Sage. From where we parked, I was able to see both of them as they skied down. I was relieved that every time Sage make it to the bottom she would patiently wait for Alicia. Sage taught Alicia everything that she knows and they both did well.

Compared to other kids in Boulder, Sage is getting a late start in skiing, but I have a feeling that she's going to pass many of them soon. Check out the video and you'll see that she looks like a natural. Even started using her poles and doing really great!!!

Micah, you're next...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now it's Alicia. I just love seeing Shane be the proud papa....he's not one to brag about our kiddos but he sure is proud of Sage. Skiing was lots of fun last week. Sage and I got in 6 runs together. She was coaching me all the way up on the lift and even on the mountain, "Great job Mom!" and "I can hold your hand if you want."

By the way, we did eat at the lodge that day. Local ski resort is code for cruddy lodge...the food brought back memories of my elementary school cafeteria. We had a snack there and then went to Sage's favorite place for dinner, Larkburger. Mmmm...truffle (as in mushroom) burgers and truffle parmesan fries. Yum.

Listen Up

2010-12-17T10:04:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite Christmas songs. Such beautiful words (video not so much).

A wonderful Christmas time.

2010-12-12T21:15:00.000-07:00

Sage and her best buddy, Aurora, getting ready to make molasses cookies

This Christmas is definitely going to be a lot more fun than last Christmas. Last year we were friendless (we'd only lived here 4 weeks), homeless (still living in a vacation condo) and jobless (still hashing out contract details). Oy....glad that time is past.

This year is off to a good start. Christmas tunes playing, tree decorated, lights hung outside and presents wrapped and under the tree.

Sage and I made a different kind of cookie every day this week. We used our cookie scoop to make little dough balls, placed them on a cookie sheet, froze them for an hour and popped them into ziploc baggies. Now our freezer is full and ready for baking and cookie deliveries this coming week.

We're serious about our treat making. This was the line-up:

Monday: Gingerbread men (for our tree)
Tuesday: Chocolate Chip Cookies
Wednesday: Peanut Butter Cookies
Thursday: Em's Sugar Cookies (divine!)
Friday: Molasses Cookies
Saturday: Buckeyes

CCC and Buckeyes for a neighborhood cookie exchange today.

The Buckeyes are kind of like a Reese's Cup for grown-ups (hence the sea salt sprinkled on top). Delicious and addictive.

{buckeyes}

via smitten kitchen

Yield: 36 to 42 tablespoon-sized candies (we got about 52)

1/4 cup (2 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
1 cup graham cracker crumbs (from about 7 graham crackers)
1/2 teaspoon salt ( if you use natural pb this is a must!)
2 3/4 cups confectioners’ (powdered) sugar
10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks or 5 ounces) butter, melted and cooled
12 ounces dark chocolate (60 to 72%), coarsely chopped

3 tablespoons coarse sea salt

Make the filling: In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and peanut butter together until combined. Add the graham cracker crumbs and beat for 10 seconds. Add the sugar and butter, and mix on the lowest speed until it stops floating off everywhere, then increase the speed until the ingredients are combined. Scrape down the whole bowl well, then mix again. The mixture will be quite sturdy and a little dry — perfect for shaping. Set it aside while you prepare the coating.

Make the coating: Melt the chocolate either over a double boiler, stirring until it is completely smooth or in a microwave in 30 then 10 second increments, stirring before you start it again until it is completely smooth. Let it cool to tepid (about 100 degrees) while you shape the peanut butter centers.

Assemble the candies: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Scoop out slightly more than one tablespoon’s worth of filling (I used a scoop that made them a little smaller) and use your hands to form it into a ball. Place the ball on the prepared sheet and repeat the process until all of the candies have been shaped. They can sit close to each other but make sure they are not touching.

Using a fork or large skewer, dip each ball into the chocolate and roll it about so that the entire candy is coated. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.

Chill the buckeyes until they are set, about 30 minutes. Buckeyes will keep in the fridge for about a week.

A test.

2010-12-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

Home birth midwives don't have much use for ultrasounds...if you want one great, if not great. I didn't really want to pay money for a five-minute ultrasound just to tell me the sex so I ran over to Target and picked up a little test called Intelligender. Similar to a pregnancy test... green means you're having a boy and yellow, a girl.

And it turns out we're having a boy! It will be fun adding another little guy to the crew.

The only tricky part about boys are the names. I have a long list of girl's names but those boy names plague me. We need something strong, easy to spell and say and not too common. Good thing we have a few more months to mull over this.

Buck

2010-12-05T14:46:00.000-07:00

A note: We have a lovely buck (male deer) who would come and spend autumn days sunning himself in our backyard. We would always make sure to tell Sage when he was around..."Sage the buck is back." Now on to the story.

Yesterday Sage and Shane saw a woman on the street corner with a sign that read,

"Down on my luck, need a buck."

He read the sign to Miss Sage and she replied,

"We have a buck at our house. But he hasn't been around for awhile. Why does she need a buck?"

Shane explained.

Critters

2010-12-01T10:24:00.000-07:00

Sage and a deer in the backyard

Run-in #1:
Recently I was waiting Shane's arrival after work. It was late, the house was dark and I was upstairs. I heard a bang and some shuffling, thinking my hubby was home I ran downstairs and yelled out my "hello." No answer. More shuffling. Suddenly I remembered that the back door was open. My adrenaline started pumping. Thinking there was an intruder I started flipping on lights and made my way to the mud room by the back door. Heart pounding, I turned the corner and saw....a wily raccoon in my kitchen trash. He hissed at me and not knowing what else to do I stomped my feet loudly and off he ran.

Run-in #2:
Early one morning a few weeks back Shane heard a crash outside. He looked out the window and saw a bear in our trash. In the light of morning we assessed the damage: backyard full of dirty diapers and two big piles of bear poo. Lovely.

Run-in #3:
Shane hitched a ride with a friend to Priesthood Session on Saturday night while the kids and I went off for a night with some friends. Shane arrived home around 8:15 PM and knocked but no answer. As he waited on the porch he saw a bear a couple houses down. The bear lumbered along on the sidewalk and then crossed the street. Waaaaay too close for comfort.

Our neighbor next door has had a bear cub and mama in her tree. Bears have also been spotted strolling around the alleys in the neighborhood.

The neighbor 3 doors down kept finding decapitated raccoons lying around his yard. He wanted to know what was creeping around at night and killing those 'coons so he set-up a motion sensor camera. After a few days he had a photo of a great big mountain lion.

This is why we don't go out in our backyard after dark.

Santa came early this year.

2010-11-28T16:57:00.000-07:00

Ready to roll.

Generous old man that he his he brought us ski equipment, a rack for the car and season passes to Eldora, the resort in town. The season began 2 weeks ago and Shane and Sage have been up 3 times now.

Riding the chair lift for the first time.

Sage's first day out the bunny slopes were closed so they went straight to the green runs and hopped on the chair lift. Boo and I sat by the lift and watched Sage and Shane on their first run together. Needless to say it took a long time and many spills to make it down the mountain. After that Micah and I went on a walk then headed to the car for some lunch and snuggles in the open trunk. The skiers joined us later for some grub then back to the mountain.

It was a nice day for everyone. Micah napped in the car after lunch and I dozed a bit and by the end of the day Shane and Sage managed to squeeze in more than dozen runs! On the way home as Sage snoozed Shane told me that she did really well. She loved going fast and had no fear and never fell again after that first run. She'll be coming down on her own in no time.

Today this made me laugh...

2010-11-17T13:41:00.001-07:00

Listen Up

2010-11-16T20:11:00.000-07:00

The members of Pat McGee Band are machines; they do something like 200 shows every year. They've been around a long time and their sound is still fresh.

Wouldn't you know there's not a single decent youtube video of these guys so go here to listen.

Surrendering.

2010-11-12T14:50:00.000-07:00

Our old kitchen...I miss that dishwasher...a lot.

I did it.

I finally caved and hired a house cleaner. Today was Yuliana's third time here. All it took was much badgering on Shane's part, Elder Uchtdorf's talk (slow down in times of turbulence) and then my SIL telling me that during a recent crazy, stressful time in her life she had a cleaning lady.

Fifteen months of sleepless nights have resulted in one tired mama. First it was the nursing woes...Micah and I would be up for an hour plus each time he nursed at night. I thought that was rough. Ha! Try getting up 6, 7, 8,9 times each and every night (for 10 months) to comfort an itchy baby. Sometimes it's easy and I just pop a binky in and we drift back to sleep. Other nights I'm in for the long haul....the walking and comforting, rubbing tummy or ears (his magic spot).

What took me so long to get some help? Some part of me felt that having a cleaner would be admitting that I'm a failure. I love keeping my home neat and clean. I love making everything from scratch (errr...used to). I love keeping it all together. But keeping it all together has been a distant memory this year. Unfolded laundry sits in baskets for a week at a time, floors gather dust and crumbs, dishes pile up all day long and we eat many a grilled cheese sandwich for dinner.

That said Shane is a marvelous helper. Guess who does the dishes most every night? Guess who makes yummy hearty breakfasts for his wife every morning? Pancakes, bacon and eggs, always something good to fill my belly. Guess who patiently takes Micah each morning at 4:30 AM so that I can get a few hours of real sleep? Only trouble is most nights we get the kids down and he hops on the computer and gets right back to work. Not much time (or energy) to clean at night.

We already love Yuliana. She comes once a week, cleans and even does some cooking. She showed up on her first day with homemade frijoles, tomatoes and peppers (from which she made homemade salsa) and tortillas. We gobbled her dinner down that night and we both agreed that it is worth every penny to have a clean home and delicious food that we had nothing to do with.

Listen Up

2010-11-09T10:03:00.000-07:00

Thankfully the days of icky, sticky, painful break-ups are over. Even so I love Francis Dunnery and his ode to breaking up and moving on.

At last.

2010-11-07T11:27:00.000-07:00

Micah is signing. We knew how darling it is to see a baby communicate this way since Sage was a big signer but it's even more thrilling to see Micah catch on...every milestone is long in coming with him and we've eagerly anticipated this day.

He signs: milk, more, apple, dog, light and up. We're working on other signs like: change diaper, daddy, mommy and lots more.

P.S. Micah doesn't really drink milk...we just call it that. It's millet, pears, salmon and ground beef blended with water and herbs and supplements. Bottle feeding is just the easiest way to get lots of calories in him.

Listen Up

2010-11-02T09:55:00.000-06:00

In the words of Goldilocks, Matt White is just right.

Notes on Pregnancy

2010-11-01T09:42:00.000-06:00

From the front....what baby?

Ohhhh...there it is.

I had Sage take those photos because I was in denial. Until I put this belt on and suddenly instant baby bump.

It seems like everything happens a little faster the 3rd time around. I'm 14 weeks along and already I've pulled out the maternity clothes. That skirt in the picture? Maternity. These skinny jeans I'm wearing at the moment? Maternity.

And this time I felt quickening pretty darn early. Would you believe it if I said 9 weeks? That definitely surprised me. I think Shane thinks I'm imagining things.

I love being pregnant. I feel really really blessed because besides peeing 4-5 times/night (I'm up with Micah...might as well empty my bladder and be comfy), craving steak and potatoes constantly, a humongous belly in the works and feeling a bit tired pregnancy is easy peasy. No morning sickness, no back pain, no nothing. I don't think I fully appreciated how easy it is until this time; I have a feeling it might be impossible to care for Micah (day or night) if I was sick and miserable. So in the midst of all the yuckiness of eczema there are still blessings to count.

Now I just need to find a midwife. There are a dozen or more home birth midwives in Boulder alone. Yikes. I'd better get a move on it.

Happy (sort of) Halloween

2010-10-31T15:40:00.001-06:00

This Halloween we had: a sick Sage, a costume that never got finished (mea culpa Sage!) and a pumpkin eaten by squirrels. Oy.

Luckily Sage felt well enough to go to our friend's Halloween party last night, she happily agreed to a last minute costume (a repeat of 2 years ago) and we replaced our pumpkin.

Halloween is pretty much over for us now except for carving that pumpkin today and the traditional english muffin pizzas tonight.

All's well that ends well.

Listen Up

2010-10-26T15:20:00.000-06:00

Audra McDonald takes lovely show tunes and brings them to life. This song is a tender one that I sang to both my babies.

Listen Up

2010-10-19T09:16:00.000-06:00

M.I.A. kills me. Dare you not to get up and dance.

P.S. If you saw Eat, Pray, Love you might remember this song from when Elizabeth arrives in India.

Ear Candy

2010-10-18T13:21:00.000-06:00

As a kid I loved deliciously scary books by authors like Roald Dahl and John Bellairs. And it seems that Sage inherited my delight in dark tales.

We've been reading Lemony Snicket's books, "A Series of Unfortunate Events." We're in the midst of book 5 (of 13) and loving every minute. It's always fun when you enjoy a book as much as your kiddo does.

Today in the car Sage quoted a bit for me from Book 3 (she's been listening to it non-stop during her quiet time):

"It was like the orphans were on a train that only stopped at stations of misery and horribleness."

That about sums up the experiences of the Baudelaire orphans, heroes of the series. Sounds miserable eh? It is...but it makes for a great time.

While zooming around on her bike.

2010-10-16T22:25:00.000-06:00

Sage commented,

"Look at the pretty flowers! I don't have time to stop and smell them."

Listen Up

2010-09-29T13:07:00.000-06:00

This song from Florence and the Machine gets my groove thang shakin'.

Life is full of surprises.

2010-09-29T11:08:00.000-06:00

And this one will be appearing in May of next year.

Listen Up

2010-09-28T12:33:00.000-06:00

Amos Lee is so soothing.

Worker Bee

2010-09-23T08:39:00.000-06:00

Trimming the grapes

Sage is a good little worker. Each day she empties all the trash cans in the house, unloads utensils, cleans her room up, clears the table and once a week she rolls the big huge trashcans in at the end of trash day. We are glad she is learning to work BUT lately her attitude hasn't been so hot. In an effort to help her work cheerfully I taught her "Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel." I explained what shirking means and how we never want to shirk what needs to be done. She loves the song and I often hear her singing the chorus as she goes about her chores:

Put your shoulder to the wheel push along,
Do your duty with a heart full of song.
We all have work let no one shirk,
Put your shoulder to the wheel.

On a recent Saturday as we were all cleaning the house, Shane stepped away for a minute to check a score online. Sage saw him and quickly informed me, "Uh-oh! Daddy's shirking."

Listen Up

2010-09-21T12:58:00.000-06:00

Mindy Gledhill's new album, Anchor, is magic. This song makes me want to fly away somewhere with Shane.

Best. Store. Ever.

2010-09-20T10:42:00.000-06:00

Wow. I love this place. Name brand stuff, in great condition for dirt cheap. Just got some Kenneth Cole Peep toe heels for $6 and some red Steve Madden Platform heels for $12. Also got some Joe's Jeans for $15. The shirts are all between $6-10 and they are darling. There are tons of designer jeans: Sevens, Citizens and many more usually between $30-$50. And you can find belts, jewelry and great purses.

I try and go once a week (it's around the block from me) just to see what's new...there's always a great find.

Best part is Plato's Closet is all over the place. Go here to find one near you.

Mama-cation

2010-09-19T10:25:00.000-06:00

My "baby" Robyn and I

You've heard of vacations and staycations...well last month was my mama-cation. I ran away from home for 5 days and went to Utah to see two of my favorite girls, Emily and Camille.

Day One (Saturday):
Shane and kiddos drop me off at airport and pick up my MIL, Shelly. She watched the kids so I could go....I could kiss her feet. I Fly into SLC , pick up my rental car and speed off to try to get to my pedicure appointment but find out I'm too late. Darn! Run over to Temple Square to meet my first "baby" (first missionary I ever trained) Robyn. We hug and talk and eat and walk and talk some more. I could have spent a whole day with her just catching up. It's funny because the love you feel for the missionaries you train is a kind of mama love. I'm so proud of her.

Arrive at Em's and get a tour of her beautiful new home. And then stay up late trying to cram too much talking into too little time.

Day Two (Sunday):
Sleep in until 7:45 AM!!! A miracle to sleep that many hours in a row. Em makes a mean bowl of oatmeal (peanut butter and cinnamon are two secret ingredients--brilliant Em!) and I gobble it all. Then off to Stake Conference---lucky me it's great. Home for an almost 3 hour nap---hallelujah-- and then dinner at Uncle Charles'. A delicious, restful day. Camille arrives that night and the party really gets started. We're bedmates....good because I LOVE chatting in bed, bad because we stay up waaay too late.

Shannon and I snarfing KK.

Day Three (Monday):
Rush off to Provo and pick-up sister-in-law Shannon on the way. Find a great parking spot by the MOA and off to our first class, "Teaching Children Joy."

Lunch at the Skyroom. The place I could never afford to eat as a freshman. Not quite as yummy as I remember but fun just to be there and reminisce.

After a long day of wonderful classes we hit up Krispy Kreme. Nothing beats a hot fresh, sugary, fatty donut. Except a second one.

Day Four (Tuesday):
Wake up in the wee hours of the morning sick as a dog. Let's just say I never strayed far from the bathroom. No Provo for me. I spend the day napping, watching Netflix and reading. I hate being sick but maybe it's my body's way of saying "You NEED to rest!"

Last fling at the Creamery. Sorry I ate all your fries Em.

Day Five (Wednesday):
Find the perfect parking spot yet again. Big deal at Education Week since there are 20,000 people attending. First class of the day, "Drawing on the Powers of Heaven to Realize Your Righteous Desires." Shannon and I hold back the sobs (barely) as our lovely teacher tells the story of losing her husband in a car crash on their 20th anniversary. After the accident is in the hospital for months and has 6 children to care for. That put my life and trials in perspective.

Do some damage at the Downeast Basics $5 sale. Two dresses, 1 tee, 2 swimsuits and a cardigan later I am all shopped out and we head to the Marriott Center for some Sheri Dew. Note to self: These boots aren't made for walkin'...cowboy boots might look adorable but they don't feel so good when you're haulin' around campus.

We eat at the Museum of Art (yum!) and then I wander about soaking up all the glorious art. More classes then homeward bound.

Watch a scary movie called "The Lovely Bones." My first scary movie in almost a decade (I swore them off on the mission). I decide no more...just can't do it. My heart is too weak. I can't take the suspense so I drag my suitcase downstairs and pack and peek every now and again at the screen. Say goodbye to Em and Camille since I leave at 5 AM.

Five wonderful, uplifting, delicious, hilarious days. Shall we do it again ladies? Say next week?

Micah talks.

2010-09-15T10:00:00.000-06:00

At least he did this morning. And Shane is my witness. Thank heaven he was there or he would never have believed me.

We were saying our goodbyes to Shane as he headed off to work and Micah joined right in,

"Buh-bye Dada."

Melted our hearts.

Listen Up

2010-09-14T07:50:00.000-06:00

Jess Penner makes me smile.

Listen Up

2010-09-07T12:01:00.000-06:00

This may be the one and only song featuring my name...pronounced correctly and all! Emilie Simon is very French, tres funky. And given my current state the lyrics are fitting, "Alicia is sleeping."

Thrilling

2010-09-01T14:18:00.000-06:00

Wearing Sissy's (Sage) shades

Every milestone that Micah reaches is so so exciting for us. When he first got eczema it was as though someone hit "Pause" and he's been stuck at 6 months old ever since-- in weight, size and progress. But here and there he starts doing something new and it gives us a reason to cheer.

2 weeks ago: began signing "up"

1 week ago: began holding bottle all by himself

Today: waved "bye-bye" to Shane. I got a bit teary eyed, it was just so sweet! These days whenever anyone mentions Shane, Micah perks right up and starts saying "dada." He love love loves Shane and always wants to be in his arms.

Update: Today (9-2) Micah clapped for the first time. Hope he keeps up the good work.

Listen Up

2010-08-31T07:00:00.000-06:00

Love her or hate her, once you watch this video you'll have to admit that Imogene Heap is genius.

And so it begins.

2010-08-29T21:06:00.000-06:00

First day of school came and went around here...two Fridays ago to be exact. Sage is going to a Waldorf charter school. We love Waldorf Schools; their basic philosophy is to educate heart, hands and mind. The kids at Waldorf do things like build treehouses and plant gardens, learn languages and play instruments. All lovely and good only trouble is tuition is somewhere in the neighborhood of $12K/year. Not happening for us...not for a few years at least. Luckily here in Boulder not only do we have a lovely Waldorf school, that we hope to send the kiddos to down the road, but we have charter schools galore. There are 8 or 9 charters in our town alone.

In January we entered a lottery and out of 200+ kids that were entered in the kindergarten lottery we were one of the 26 who got a spot. Hooray!

Our school BCSIS (Boulder Community School for Integrated Studies) is classic Boulder:

When we drop the kids off, all the parents and children gather outside the door and sing this song in Swahili (that's a wild guess)..."Funga alafia ash-ay ash-ay....I greet you with my mind, my heart, and go in peace."

A few classmate names that stood out:

Aurora
Elias
Sala
Axel
and best of all
Disco Diamond

The snack schedule:
M: rice and soy sauce topped with sesame seeds
Tu:hummus and carrots
W: lentil daal
Th: Lara bars
F: cheese and crackers

Every Thursday the kids go hiking. And get this, the teacher has the kids call her by her first name, Batya.

This is Boulder, wild and crazy and wonderful.

Dinner on the Deck

2010-08-26T13:06:00.000-06:00

Sage did her own hair...very fancy. And check me out...I look as tired as I felt.

We try to do as much as we possible can out on the deck. Games, stories, meals...any excuse to soak up the view and the fresh air.

Yesterday afternoon was Farmer's Market where we picked up lots of yummies. I was feeling lazy (and tired) so we ditched our dinner plans and had a Farmer's Market meal instead---caprese salad. Mozarella, tomato slices, sprinkled with fresh basil, drenched in olive oil and balsamic vinegar with some sourdough to sop it all up.

Yum yum yum. Simple pleasures make us happy.

One

2010-08-24T14:24:00.000-06:00

Our baby boy is one. All day I sang him every birthday song I know, "You've Had a Birthday" "Happy Happy Birthday" and "This Month is Such a Special One." He love love loved it....everytime I sang he smiled and giggled.

We celebrated with a slice of pear (one of the few foods he can eat) topped with two candles (Sage's idea---one to grow on).

Just in time for his birthday his first top tooth broke through. A few days later the second one came along. That makes four teeth total.

Shane and I tried for almost 3 years to get pregnant with Micah. When at long last I found out Micah was on his way you can imagine our joy. Then at his birth more joy. And Micah continues to bring us joy inspite of the challenges of eczema.

What a first year it's been for this kiddo. We think he is a brave, patient, darling boy and we think we'll keep him...eczema and all.

P.S. My sister Kassie was here on Micah's b-day and she took photos on her camera, put them on her laptop and then it crashed. Not sure if we'll ever see those again.

Jane Austen's Fight Club

2010-08-13T19:32:00.000-06:00

If you're a Jane Austen junkie (oooooh me me!!) then this is funny. And if you're not....well no guarantees.