first year

C.J., Clarajane, Claire, Clara, or Dara is one!

She has brought so much joy to our family. On her actual first birthday the 21st of March she decided she is walker. It still freaks me out when I catch her cruising around solo out of the corner of my eye. She loves to follow around her brother she adores and Scout. She loves buttons, books, stairs, laughing, playing piano, toy cars (of noah's), water, cleaning, other little girls and the outside. She dislikes extended time in her car seat, bottles, sleeping through the night (well, she hasn't done it yet to know), and anything taken away from her. She has a delicate touch (even with her cake she gently dipped one finger in the icing and licked, so dainty!) and her tender heart is balanced by quite the adventuresome (climb anything) and determined side. I feel so lucky to witness every step on the way.

love of red

I have been blessed with two beautiful children and, due to some good fortune, both have red hair. I thought it a little strange how many people would say things like, "oh it will probably change" or "it's not that red." At first I thought it was just because Josh is a brunette and I'm a blonde . Now, I can't help but wonder about some of the comments people have already said in reference to my ginger hair beauties.

"They don't have too fiery red/or orange-y hair."

"It's a pretty color for red hair."

These two kill me and I get it all the time. (Each are said like it's a compliment!)

(noah's hair has already changed through many different shades from the bright red to orange. We love it all. clara is only one year old, so who knows what color she will be - so be careful what you say now.)

"Looks like he has a temper to match that hair."

(always from strangers and usually at a grocery store.) Thank you for perpetuating a stereotype that all red heads are wild and angry, that should make teaching self control and problem solving a cinch because it doesn't apply to them, they are not capable.

"What can you dress them in that doesn't clash with the red hair."

Can't even think of a response.

"Wow they are so fair - at least they don't have freckles."

No, not yet, I guess they were not looking too closely at my own face to recognize I have a face completely dusted with the sunkisses. That means its only a matter of time for my own to get them.

I've talked to Becky about it and she has enlightened me of even more unpleasant remarks and stereotypes. I've since picked up on it in commercials, sitcoms, and movies. ...naughty little boys (fire man sam, sandlot), eccentric sidekick friends to the pretty girl (how to lose a guy in ten days, buffy the vampire slayer, emma).

On the flip side some of the most beautiful, fun and courageous people in history are redheads . (emily dickenson, vivaldi, van gogh, thomas jefferson, mark twain, galileo, king david, brigham young, elizabeth 1, winston churchill, prince harry, julia roberts, lucille ball)

Some of my favorite people really are redheads: my sister Rebecca, my brother Adam, my Grandma Ukena, my neighbor Michelle (just to name a few). If my children have are lucky to share any other traits I will be so grateful.

one small step

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.

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?"

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."

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.

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.

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.