It's worth the wait (watching the entire video) for Grammies and Aunties ( all others may just be getting too much of a glimpse into a typical night at the Stikas. ) Clara took her first steps on MLK day and has taken them here and there since then. She prefers using mom as a walker, or the security of her stroller. I am in no rush to move her to the toddler stage. I am happy to oblige in holding on as long as I can.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
noah quotes
I've needed to write down some of these noah quotes before they are forgotten. These were hilarious when said so if they crash and burn, blame the writer, not the cute three year old.
Background: Noah and his neighbor buddy talking about helicopters.
noah: "that's my helicawer"
robbie: "noah, your not saying it right it's HEL-I-COCK-KER"
noah: "HEL-I-DOCTOR"
robbie: "Better, it's a hard word. Now say AM-BLU-ANCE. That's hard too."
noah: "AM-U-LANCE. That is hard, but BUS is not hard."
robbie: "Yeah bus is not hard."
Background: Noah has started Joy school and is loving it. They have been talking about goals (his is to pull up his own pants after going potty). One night, Becky was over for dinner and during a lull in the conversation Noah pipes up, "Aunt Beck, what goal are you working on?"
Background: Noah has started Joy school and is loving it. They have been talking about goals (his is to pull up his own pants after going potty). One night, Becky was over for dinner and during a lull in the conversation Noah pipes up, "Aunt Beck, what goal are you working on?"
Last two have a bit of self awareness theme...
Background: Daddy and Noah having a tickle fight in the kitchen. Daddy (gently) pokes at Noah's chest area. Noah changes his disposition from laughter to very solemn. Gets big, teary eyes and says so seriously,"Careful Daddy, it's my life."
Background: Just this morning I swing Noah up into my arms and pat his bum. "No, no mommy. That's my privacy."
Saturday, February 7, 2009
25 random things
Okay, I am being totally lazy and copying the "25 random things tag" that got passed around facebook the past few weeks. (I had about 8 sent to me before I finally took the time to respond, forgive me if anything is a repeat.)
1. I usually love to read these kind of emails but never respond to them, so here goes...
2. I surfed in Hawaii when pregnant with Noah, and I hiked the Great Wall of China when I was pregnant with Clara.
3. I'm not good about checking phone messages
4. I've never gotten a ticket.
5. I avoid confrontation at all cost.
6. I prefer baking to cooking.
7. My hair was cut while studying in the BYU library by a 12 year old with a hair fetish. (it made the police beat in the University paper)
9. I can't count the times people ask where my kids get their red hair from.
10.I have always been more of a morning glory then a night owl.
11. I sleep through most movies.
12. I don't have a cell phone.
13. I taught school in Tonga, Utah, and California and kids are amazing everywhere.
14. I have much more patience for kids then elderly.
15. My kids will probably not think musicals are that weird since I break into song or dance at anytime.
16. I love to travel but always get homesick.
17. My mom had her sixth child by the age I had my first.
18. I still say my hobbies are playing guitar, hiking, and art but I haven't done much of any since having two kids.
19. I am so grateful for changes in seasons.
20. I have always loved my homes (family as the heart of it) .
21. My husband's brother made me a guitar when he found out Josh bought me one from guitar center (Josh's dad and brother are luthiers??guitar makers)
22. Josh went so over the top for the proposal that I rarely get the chance to share the whole amazing story.
23. I will always be a California girl.
24. I'm terrible and keeping in contact with friends, luckily my connections don't seem to fade. 25. I keep trying to enjoy the little moments in each stage I'm in.
1. I usually love to read these kind of emails but never respond to them, so here goes...
2. I surfed in Hawaii when pregnant with Noah, and I hiked the Great Wall of China when I was pregnant with Clara.
3. I'm not good about checking phone messages
4. I've never gotten a ticket.
5. I avoid confrontation at all cost.
6. I prefer baking to cooking.
7. My hair was cut while studying in the BYU library by a 12 year old with a hair fetish. (it made the police beat in the University paper)
9. I can't count the times people ask where my kids get their red hair from.
10.I have always been more of a morning glory then a night owl.
11. I sleep through most movies.
12. I don't have a cell phone.
13. I taught school in Tonga, Utah, and California and kids are amazing everywhere.
14. I have much more patience for kids then elderly.
15. My kids will probably not think musicals are that weird since I break into song or dance at anytime.
16. I love to travel but always get homesick.
17. My mom had her sixth child by the age I had my first.
18. I still say my hobbies are playing guitar, hiking, and art but I haven't done much of any since having two kids.
19. I am so grateful for changes in seasons.
20. I have always loved my homes (family as the heart of it) .
21. My husband's brother made me a guitar when he found out Josh bought me one from guitar center (Josh's dad and brother are luthiers??guitar makers)
22. Josh went so over the top for the proposal that I rarely get the chance to share the whole amazing story.
23. I will always be a California girl.
24. I'm terrible and keeping in contact with friends, luckily my connections don't seem to fade. 25. I keep trying to enjoy the little moments in each stage I'm in.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
I am a child...
Becky (the friendliest flight attendant in the sky) has had a few Salt Lake overnights so we've stolen her from her hotel downtown to do a few excursions. We went to the church museum's exhibit, I am a Child of God, on our last adventure. So sweet. Noah was the perfect age to enjoy it. They had several fun activities but he loved the nursery where you take care of the babies that just came down from heaven best. I am loving watching his pretend play, it brings out his tender, sweet side. He always names his babies Clara Jane. Those two are becoming quite the buddies. They squeal back and forth to each other in their car seats. Clara always wakes before Noah and crawls right over to his room to find him.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
my winter comforts
a warm bed
Our master bedroom is over the garage and seems to be a good ten degrees colder then the rest of the house. I beg Josh to make snow angels to warm up the sheets before I hop in. Clara is still up 2/3 times a night (I know she's 10 months, that's a whole other post). Getting out from those warm covers can be painful. A warm bed also makes me think snuggle time with the whole family...nothing better.
TLC and HGTV
Josh points out how amazing it is that after a crazy day of chasing kids, I will tuck them in and fall on to the couch and for a break turn on John and Kate plus Eight to watch the tantrums and cries of strangers children. I admit it is bit bazaar but there is some comfort in it. He even gave me their book for Christmas. (Which embarrassed me a little but I didn't hesitate to read and was really inspired by the deep faith they have.)
4 wheel drive
I hate driving in the snow and I have labeled our street Snowville instead of Coalville. There have been storms where our street will have 8 inches of snow and a mile down the hill a mere trace. Our Pilot has given me peace and comfort through many a storm.
There was a time during college I drove a Mercury Tracer. (Remember I was a California girl going to BYU) The car had this snowflake button on the dash. I was so grateful it had that snow feature that I drove with a little more confidence every time I pushed it in. One day I had my sister (I think) in the car who was like, "why are you turning on your AC on, it's freezing! Oops.
food
soups, breads, sweets. Basically all things baked, or creamy that hide nicely under layers of sweaters or sweats (another comfort). Unfortunately these do not fall in line with my New Year's goals. They are sorely missed and not forgotten.
Our master bedroom is over the garage and seems to be a good ten degrees colder then the rest of the house. I beg Josh to make snow angels to warm up the sheets before I hop in. Clara is still up 2/3 times a night (I know she's 10 months, that's a whole other post). Getting out from those warm covers can be painful. A warm bed also makes me think snuggle time with the whole family...nothing better.
TLC and HGTV
Josh points out how amazing it is that after a crazy day of chasing kids, I will tuck them in and fall on to the couch and for a break turn on John and Kate plus Eight to watch the tantrums and cries of strangers children. I admit it is bit bazaar but there is some comfort in it. He even gave me their book for Christmas. (Which embarrassed me a little but I didn't hesitate to read and was really inspired by the deep faith they have.)
4 wheel drive
I hate driving in the snow and I have labeled our street Snowville instead of Coalville. There have been storms where our street will have 8 inches of snow and a mile down the hill a mere trace. Our Pilot has given me peace and comfort through many a storm.
There was a time during college I drove a Mercury Tracer. (Remember I was a California girl going to BYU) The car had this snowflake button on the dash. I was so grateful it had that snow feature that I drove with a little more confidence every time I pushed it in. One day I had my sister (I think) in the car who was like, "why are you turning on your AC on, it's freezing! Oops.
food
soups, breads, sweets. Basically all things baked, or creamy that hide nicely under layers of sweaters or sweats (another comfort). Unfortunately these do not fall in line with my New Year's goals. They are sorely missed and not forgotten.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
happy highlights of 2008
What a year! I feel like time flies twice as fast having two kids. I'm going to dive right in, no particular order.
1. clara jane
My year in review took about a year to do (and for you to read.)
1. clara jane
I carried her for nine months in the womb and have since carried her nine sweet months from her birth on March 21st. She has been attached on my hip (or chest) day and night. Just in the last week or so her mobility and confidence has led her to explore beyond my arms reach. Instead of what I thought would be cheers, I have felt a little sadness. I guess that is true mothering...loving, nurturing, and letting them take those steps on their own.
2. the french laundry
Back in June I was invited by a former student's family to go to Napa Valley and enjoy a nine course meal at the top restaurant in the country. It was a way to say thank you to all the teachers Anna had in elementary school. I was flattered by the invitation, Josh and I looked up the restaurant online, were completely giddy but I didn't consider it (clara was only a few months, and we live in Utah). Josh swooped in with perfect perspective and totally made it happen. It was an amazing, once in a lifetime experience, start to finish. It was so wonderful to visit with my old friends, student and colleagues. Stepping back in to that special time of life made me appreciate the opportunities I was able to have before kids and the gratitude I have to be home with my own now and hopefully bring a little magic to them every now and again.
3. noah takes a ride
I sent Josh to the store to buy noah (then just 2 yrs. old) a scooter. I had in mind a three wheel scooter with a big deck, and a picture of elmo on it. Josh came out with a red razor. yes, like the one your 10 year old might ride...heavy, two wheels, narrow sharp edge deck, that's the one. My little Noah, (who still is in a crib that he lines with police cars and firetrucks to protect him, sleeps with the light on, door open, and is terrified to be swung upside down) jumped right on and never looked back. He is this agile, tricked out rider, for whom (as his mother) I feel this horrible sense of pride and fear.
4. santa cruz
We rented a beach house for two weeks in August. Josh woke early and carried his surfboard down to all his old surf spots. He is a long boarder which makes for a more friendly crew on the water. He was even given a name by one of the old timers, "Utah." I see a lot more surf trips in our future. The boardwalk was another fun night. I know I sound silly but I felt true joy as I watched Noah's pure fun in riding the carnival rides. He was so happy! We were also so lucky to have visits from family on both sides able to enjoy the home with us.
5. markets down, rates down, and josh up
If you have the chance to come north on I-15 from Provo to SLC,just as you crest the point of the mountain, look to your right. There on the billboard is my husband advertising his mortgage company. He did a loan for the owner of the billboard and voila! - his face in lights. The last 6 weeks have been so crazy with rates in the 4's. Josh is so busy. I know it is a good thing, I just need to take the kids on drives on I-15 to tell goodnight to dad.
6.home for the holidays
I love where I grew up. I didn't realize it was a small town until I went to college. I was pulled over twice for driving with my lights off. (Provo was so well lit, and where I lived you put your lights on to see the road) My roommates also laughed when I started a story of "I went into town with my mom" like I was some hillbilly driving into town to get supplies. This Christmas I was reminded again of those roots when we all drove 4-wheelers and a bush hog on our 5 acre property. My sister (in-law) labeled her pict. on facebook "a redneck Christmas". I can fully embrace it all from cutting down the fresh Christmas tree at a friends farm, caroling at Gagons and Evers, to having the well freeze and water stop right as the shampoo was all lathered in good. It really was happy times, clara learned to wave, and noah had fun playing with his cousins and Aunt Beck.
My year in review took about a year to do (and for you to read.)
Happy New Year!
Friday, December 5, 2008
family pictures
I couldn't resist sharing just a few of the family pictures we had done a while ago. Noah had just turned three and Clara six months. They will be cherished for years to come. (thanks diana!)
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