My Own Personal Andy

After getting a good thorough thumbing of Boo's luggage I have come to the conclusion that I would like my own personal Andy. She is amazing. Not only has she packed an outfit for each day for Boo, but it comes in its own labeled ziploc bag. Each bag contains a shirt and pants (this is what I consider an outfit) AND coordinating shoes, socks, sweater, and hair accesory. Would you expect anything less from Andy? Well, I kinda did sinse she told me that she was packing "play clothes" for Boo. I am just wondering how I can get on Andy's wardrobe list. How nice would it be to have your clothes picked out and ready to go for each day... ESPECIALLY THE ACCESORIES! But my favorite part is the labels on the bag, "Leisure Boo", "Cuddly Boo", "Cowgirl Boo", "Bloated Boo" ... Today Boo is sporting "Cuddly Boo" although the shoes and socks only made it until about 10:00 a.m. when we went for a car ride to pick up Superkid's friend. Boo tossed the shoes and socks into a little dark place in the van that my body didn't feel like contorting to reach. Sorry Andy, I am no T.

Jammy Party

First of all I want to say Welcome to all of you that are peeping in this week to view Boo's adventures while her parents are off in Paris having their own adventures. I can't promise you the witty banter that Andy provides... but I do have the "goods" with me, so I can promise lots of great pics of Boo and her cousins!

As for Boo, her parents gave us this great song and dance that Boo always goes to bed at 6:00 p.m. and that they are just fighting to keep her up later. All I know is that the party was just getting good by 6:00. The kids were zipping. Boo has made herself complety at home. She even has taken over paying the bills. After answering the phone, I went back into the kids bedroom, where my desk and bills are located, and she was happily thumbing through a stack of bills and clicking away with the mouse. She tilted her head to the side and smiled and said, "Hi!" As far as I'm concerned, she can have the bill paying job. She did take my hand and lead me around the house saying, "Mommy?" putting her hands in the air questioningly. I explained to her that she was here for a week of good times. Mom and Dad were stuck in a plane and weren't having any fun. She seemed satisfied. At 7:30 p.m. we finally put an end to the craziness and Boo crashed pretty hard in Abizella's bed. This was her second choice. She was really hoping to sleep on Superkid's big boy bed, but had a hard time staying in it. Even after Superkid gave her his favorite blanket to snuggle with. Maybe tomorrow. Abizella is quite taken with the pack-and-play that was brought for Boo, mostly because she can climb into it and out of it by herself (don't worry Andy, I won't let Boo see this trick). And Boo was happy to go night night in Abizella's crib. So all is well that ends well.

Jr. Bow Tie of the Month Club

This morning when Pops was helping Superkid get ready for church, Superkid asked Pops if he could wear a bow tie to church. Pops was out of his mind excited. Then Superkid asked if Pops would wear one too. I don't think Pops has had a prouder moment. Superkid went into our room and selected a bow tie for Pops. The two boys were absolutley giddy. We'll have to see if there is a Jr. Bow Tie of the Month Club out there.

Snackerment

This morning as we were rushing to get ready for church I warned Superkid that there will be no snacks at church so he better make sure he gets enough to eat before we leave. (This is a move from my kinder, gentler mothering when church was a smorgasbord). Out of curiosity I asked him if he gets treats in his Sunbeam class. He said no. He then asked me, "Do we get bread at church?" I said that we do. He said, "Do we get water at church?" I said that we do. Then to test my indoctrination I said, "Do you know what it is called when we eat bread and water at church?" He said, "Snackerment!" It was a proud moment for me.

Devil or Angel?

I had an interesting conversation with the nursery teacher at church yesterday. I commented that Abizella is probably a little maniac for her. She shook her head knowingly and said, "You've got it wrong. Abizella is a little angel. It is Superkid who is the maniac!". Apparently I don't know my kids as well as I thought I did. She said that Abizella quietly plays with her best friend A.K. They do puzzles together and always sit by eachother. They hold hands and quietly listen to stories and lessons. Superkid on the otherhand is an instigator. To this day the nursery workers all give him credit for starting the tradition of all the kids immedietly removing their shoes upon entering the classroom. This leads to all kinds of fun. Running across the room and trying to slide (across carpet!) into homebase, trying on all of the other kids shoes, and running around teasing other kids that you have their shoes. Apparently Superkid has made quite the impression on his former teacher. Even though he has now been in primary for 4 months she was not short on stories of Sam leading rebellion in the nursery.

This is actually why I like to teach primary/nursery. It gives you such an interesting perspective on the ward. When we first moved here everyone in the ward talked about a certain young lady being amazingly mature and the best helper in the world. I often heard that whe could easily run a household, even though she was only 9 years old! Interestingly enough, she was in my primary class and this was not my experience with her. She was very disruptive and always insisted on drawing on the chalk board.

Primary and Sunday school are interesting places. You are expected to go every week and sit and listen to your teachers with little insentive. At least in school you have the report card hanging over your head. But in primary and Sunday school, you can get away with anything that doesn't get you drug out to your parents. And it is a lot of fun testing your teacher's limits. I don't recall any specifics and I'll bet for the most part I was probably a pretty good girl. But I do plea guilty to raising distraction to an art form. It brought me endless joy (even in Young Women's) to get the teacher off subject. Why? It was just fun. Who doesn't like to see their teacher loose control? Can you think of any times you were more devil than angel in primary/Sunday school? Please do tell!

Experimentation

Last Sunday Pops was busy in the kitchen doing dishes when he heard Superkid musing to himself behind him. Superkid thoughtfully said, "I think I will just take this out..." The next thing Pops knew his pants were being hosed down by a warm stream originating from you know who. Superkid started emphatically apologizing, "Dad, I'm Sorry! I'm Sorry!" Even while the soaking continued. Luckily for Superkid, Pops has a great sense of humor and helped Sam clean his little experiment up.

An Optimistic Farewell to Tights and a Regretful Farewell to Red Shoes

Time for another season change! For those of you in New England you are probably wondering if we still live here. Well yes we do, and yes I understand that it doesn’t actually get warm here until the middle of June. But hasn’t it been lovely lately? Do you think there is a chance that we can lay to rest tights (no matter how stinking cute they are) for rest for the season? I am optimistic… or maybe unrealistic. My kids are the ones that always show up at the park without jackets when the other kids are still bundled in coats, hats, mittens and boots.

As for the red shoes, I have been cramming poor little Abizella’s feet in this pair far too long. It is time to retire the Mary Jane’s and begin the search for her next pair. I have found some red Mary Jane Crocs I am tempted to buy Abizella. I used to think they were pretty ugly shoes, until a friend gave Superkid a pair last year and they immediately became my favorites. They are so stikin’ cute on his feet and have the bonus feature of never coming untied (a big deal to a pregnant lady), are super comfortable (the only important thing to Superkid), and they are perfect for the beach (the only place I care to be this summer). The only thing is, will Abizella wear the Mary Jane’s if Superkid has regular Crocs? I might just have to buy identical pairs if I am going to get my money’s worth. Thus the dilemma: Fashion or practicality. I am hoping with a little salesmanship Abizella will take to the Mary Jane’s. It is that or Superkid will have to wear girl shoes this summer.

Fast Food Family

After reading Fast Food Nation, Pops and I made a pact that we would never be one of those families that their kids practically jump out of the car every time they pass a McDonald's. Not because of the horrors presented in the book i.e. fatty food, workers spitting in food, bad working conditions, poor animal treatment. Those were reasons we actually liked going to McDonald's it is like rubbernecking at a car crash. There is just some sick side of everyone that likes to see a wreck or a scandal. Plus we really like the food there. We just thought we would keep it our own little secret. We would plan on getting a babysitter and going out for a hot night on the town to get some salty hot fries and hamburger lovin'. Our kids would be the only ones in America that would have no idea what McDonald's was. I actually think the real reason we didn't want our kids to know of the joys of fast food is because we witnessed a child melt down after being denied a Happy Meal. Little did we know pre-kids that it isn't just denying fast food that will cause a child to loose it.

Well, needless to say our idyllic world did not last long. With Pops working nights, and me not finding a compelling reason to cook, Superkid and I made the Wendy's by our apartment a regular stop on the way home from work. It got so bad that I couldn't even go through a drive-thru pharmacy without Superkid begging for fries. After Abizella was born I had become so desensitized to the fast food craze that I didn't give my idyllic world another thought. We ate at Mikey-Ds all the time. Where else can you go and order food that your children will actually eat for an affordable price and the kids can be kids (drop food on the floor, talk loud, run and play, and melt down)? I have taken the hook, line and sinker. I just hadn't realized it until Wednesday when we were driving down the road and Abizella started yelling, "Dis! Dis! Dis!" and pointing out the window. I look for a balloon or a truck or something when she started yelling, "Donald’s! Donald’s! Donald’s!" Sure enough we were passing those golden arches that even a child less than 2 years old can't miss. Superkid started up too, "Mom, let's go to McDonald's, I want some fries!" It would have been mutiny in the car, except the kids were tethered to their car seats! I had to admit, McDonald's did sound pretty good. So much for raising kids that are immune to the fast food bug...

Welcome 'Lil H!

I LOVE this pic I took of Mindurs last Sunday. I think it speaks volumes of modern woman. Mindurs is a highly educated, working woman who is always at the peak of fashion (I wish you could see her fabulous pedicure...). And here she is just like the women of her past, taking a break from her labors rocking on a chair, with her pregnant belly bursting forth from an apron. In front of what? That's right the American flag. She is living the dream.

We welcomed yesterday that bundle under her apron. Some of us were present, some of us were barely back in MA (this is something 'Lil H will never live down). I can't remember the stats, but he is over 8 pounds and Mindurs is VERY relieved that he is here. She really worked hard for his arrival. One night I caught her running up and down the stairs at Mom and Dad's house. I told her if she really wanted to get things going she should do some Ashy and Abizella squats. This involved holding one of the kids and taking some deep squats and then dumping them on Grandma's bed after a lap on the stairs. I kind of feel guilty making my sister go through the workout when it was mostly for my own entertainment. But she brought more pain on herself than I had the heart to inflict. One day she did 6 hours of gardening followed by hiking up and down the hills by Mom's house. She was painfully consistent at her aerobics class, and by pain I am reffering to the other participants that begged her to stop coming because they had all been in the 9th month of pregnancy and knew how crazy she was! Mindurs, you are amazing! Congratulations to you and the family! We are excited to meet the little guy, and to post his pic on the blog... so send his pic ASAP!
We love you!!!!

Superkid's Utah Favs

It was fun to see all of the things Superkid remembered about Utah from our trip there last summer. He knew that Gradnma Sheri had his cap gun. He remembered Tizzy and Murphy (his doggy Aunties). He remembered the air puffer security machine at the airport (this had obviously emotionally scarred him, but was now older and braver). It is fun to witness him building memories. Here are some of his Utah favs (this is the list that he gave me):
1. Trading in our shameful purple minivan for a RED SPORTS CAR!
2. Cruising in Grandpa Jim's blue sport's car with the top down!
3. Playing airplanes with cousin Ashy
4. Flying in airplanes (he got the window seats!)
5. Fishing with Grandpa Bob
6. Going to the movies and playing with Grandma Sheri

Superkid is a dream to travel with. I have never taken a plane ride with him without one of the other passengers complimenting him about what a great traveler he is. We flew all through the night. When we landed a passenger a few rows back said," What a great kid, he sat up all night long watching cartoons and never once whined or cried, he is a peach!" Superkid perked up and said, "Yep, I am a peach!" and started giggling, which made everyone giggle. Little did they know Superkid was living the dream; he was on an airplane, staying up way past his bed time, sipping soda and eating treats and watching cartoons! His kind of heaven!

Abizella's Utah Favs

Abizella was a lot of fun to watch as she explored her new enviornment. When she saw something she liked, or found interesting she would point and say, "Mommy! Woooow!" I found her to be a real kindred spirit when we went to Bryce National Park. It was after a long car ride. We had left our warm and sunny camp in Zion and climbed to the cliffs and pinnacles of Bryce. I can't remember how much higher the elevation is there than Zion's but it was over 8,000 feet and very windy and cold. Superkid wasn't interested in the wind. He and Pops stayed back to play in the "cool red sports car" while Abizella and I hiked out to the viewpoints to see the Hoodoos. She didn't mind the wind. She just kept running to the edge and saying, "Mommy! Look! Woooow!" She was as impressed by the sights as me. She was equally impressed by the trains of horses and mules carrying people across the ridge. That was one of my favorite moments with her. Here are a few more of her highlights:
1. She definately LOVED the animals at the Hogle Zoo.
2. Playing with cousin Ashy!
3. Temple square, particularly the fountains and the stained glassed ceiling in the Joseph Smith Memorial building.
4. Body slamming Grandma Sheri's big stuffed Easter bunny.
5. She loved the airports. On the way home she was sitting on Pop's lap pointing out the window saying, "Look! Plane!" over and over.
6. Jumping on Grandma Suzy's bed.
Pops says it best; Abizella has an eye for fun! As many of you have witnessed first hand, this usually means a BIG MESS!

My Happy Place

This is my happy place! I am so glad that the first southern Utah adventure for my kids was to Zion, and it was only better because Jupawsly and her family joined us. My first trip to Zion was with Jupawsly’s family probably 16 years ago. I think it was over St. Patty’s day. It was love at first sight for me. The morning after we got there, we prepared for our first hike with a big breakfast at Driftwood (correct me if I am wrong Jupaws). It is a little restaurant that closed down a few years later with a spectacular view of the canyon cliffs. Jim, Jupaw’s dad, was not impressed with my choice of oatmeal for breakfast. He kept warning me about the length and strenuous nature of the hike and finally just ordered me some toast and jelly (he was insistent on the homemade quality). I don’t remember for sure what hike we did that day, but I know I had the time of my life. Jupaw’s family hosted me on many more trips down to Zion. I benefited from critiques from her older brother about going down hill on my tiptoes and assaults from her father about not ordering enough at breakfast to sustain myself for the day’s rigors. This is what endeared me to the family. They treated me like I was one of their own.

The trips continued after we started college. Zion became a place of refuge for Jupaws and me. All of our friend’s colleges started around Labor Day, while the U of U did not start until mid October. I always felt left behind during those 6 weeks. It was healing to go down to Zion with Jupaws and enjoy the park when every one else in the world was back at school and work. We actually started a tradition of sneaking into the Dixie college amphitheater in Springdale for some stargazing. We would take a small radio and play some Indigo Girls (I am guessing on the music, but that was the favorite of the era) and dance under the stars.

In my recollection, I think I have only taken 2 trips to Zion without Jupaws. I think that is where our friendship was cemented. I can’t think of a better place to take our daughters (that are the exact same age!) and begin their friendship.

P.S. Jupaws, this is where I will post the pics you are going to send me... the whole world is waiting... feel no pressure

Would You Have Run This Year’s Boston Marathon?

Let’s just forget about the 26.2 miles for a minute. Let’s talk weather. This is what I have been able to gather so far: temperature with wind chill in the mid 30s, up to 5 inches of rain, and up to 50 miles per hour wind gusts in your face (as if it isn’t hard enough to run when the air is leaving you alone).

This from the Boston Globe…

Race officials said the storm kept many racers away, with 2,449 runners of a total of 23,903 registered failing to pick up their bib numbers before registration closed Sunday.

This is what our chubby non-running Mayor had to say…

"… it's the worst thing for a runner, cold, wet and windy,"

This is what an actual runner had to say…

"This is great. This is perfect. I can't wait. This is going to be good. If the wind dies down it couldn't be any better," another said.

As I sit here today, looking more like Mayor Menino than a runner I would have to say I would sit this one out. But maybe after training through a Boston winter I would just shrug the Nor’Easter off. The way I see it, if I run or not because of weather, I will at least have marathoner legs (after training of course), and that is what it is really about.

Cafe Rio

Can you believe that we have been here for almost 2 weeks and NO ONE has suggested going to Cafe Rio? This is unbelieveable; on past trips we have eaten there day after day sometimes twice a day. So today we took matters into our own hands. I had the salmon tacos.... HEAVEN! Pops had the pork burrito and Mindurs had the salad, all delicious! In other wierd news, this is the first time that I have been to Cafe Rio and not run into someone I know (usually Cherie Taylor). In even wierder news, Superkid actually ate! He, Abizella and Ashy had the quesidillas. I feel like we have wasted 12 days. We will be eating there the next two days, so we will meet you there for lunch!

Thanks for all the Easter fun!

It is a nice change to actually be around for a holiday, instead of just having the holiday phone call. Abizella and Superkid are big fans of "Gramma's House!" (that is what Abizella says every time we pull up at a house). We had a great time gorging on holiday eats including ham, salads, rolls and CANDY! We love you all so much, and treasure the time we get to spend with you!

"Look At All Of These Mountains For Us To Climb!"

Superkid woke up as we were pulling into Springdale, Utah. I think some of the most majestic views of Zion National Park are even before you are immersed in the park. Superkid drowsily observed the scenery from the back seat. Then he said the words that sent electricity through my body, “Look at all of these mountains for us to climb!” I have never been so proud of my two little chicks. They were true desert babies. You should see these kids hike. Abizella insisted on walking on her own, and she liked to walk by the edge too. I would try to walk between her and the edge, but that only made her run up ahead and get closer to it (I hope this isn’t a metaphor for her life). Superkid and Abizella did not let one good climbing rock pass them by. They are regular billy goats. I couldn’t have had more fun.

Abizella is a true child of the dirt. Pops renamed her Dusty. She liked being barefoot best. Who wouldn’t want the soft cool desert sand between their toes? Superkid, that’s who! He was wearing sandals when we first got to the park and some dirt got into the sides. He spent the next hour on the picnic table until proper shoes could be found. But once he had good shoes on, there was no stopping him.

Infact, Superkid discovered his power to turn dirt into mud. While out hiking he needed to pee pee. I informed him that there were no potties on the hike but Daddy would help him pee in the dirt. He came back very satisfied and said, "Mommy I pee peed in the dirt and the dirt changed to mud!" I am tickled with his power of observation.

The hightlight of the trip for Superkid and Dusty was the last day. After we had a big breakfast at the “Historic Pioneer” and cleaned up camp, we went on one last nature hike. This time we barely made it onto the trail before we got waylaid to the Virgin River. Sometimes the best destinations are right in front of you. We saw a small tributary running into the river. Superkid and Dusty quickly made it into their own personal water park. They had a great time splashing in the muddy banks. And the kids both got named Muddy. But we all agree, this is one place we can’t wait to come back to!

The Dueling Bellies

I told myself before I came out here that I was dedicating my trip to making sure my sister Mindurs has her baby while I am here. Now this is a lofty goal and I knew it would take dedication, Ashy (her first born) came on his due date only because he was induced. I had an arsenal of great ideas like trampoline time, hiking, having her baby-sit Abizella and Superkid. So far all we have done is take a pregnant lady nap and eat ice cream. I have managed to take our traditional tummy-to-tummy shot. This is the real reason I have come to visit. My secret is that I wait for my sister to get pregnant before I do and then insist on a picture together. It is the only way to EVER get a picture with her and come out with the smaller waistline. You will notice that our legs are not pictured. I still haven't figured out a way to come out with thinner legs than her.

Mindurs, You look Fabulous! I can't wait to see 'Lil H!

Easter Past...

Inspired by Andy, I have dug out a few Easter past pics from the Davi. It was great fun digging for the pics with my sister Cinta-Ann, who flew in from Seattle last night. We laughed ourself to tears over the bad hair-dos (mostly Mom's) and cried ourselves silly over our lost waistlines. But probably the best part was watching my Easter dress become Cinta-Ann's dress the next year (Mom said Cinta-Ann was more into the Easter dress funds going to something fun). All I know is that I was beautiful every year. I haven't found my favorite Easter dress yet. It was a ribbon dress my mom made for me... so there may be more to come!

We're Going To The Zoo Zoo Zoo!

We found Abizella's happy place today. She is a regular animal enthusiast. Grandpa Bob and Grandma Sandi treated us to a day at the Hogle Zoo. The only way we could get her to move away from one animal to the next was to promise another animal. I think her favorite were the giraffs. When the rest of us were out of steam, she was glued to the fence pointing and OOOHHHing and AHHHHHing. Infact when we got home she and grandma pretended they were Zoo animals too. Superkid liked the Zoo too, but more for its gizmos and climbing features. The best quote of the day was, "Dad, I weigh as much as poop!" (he was standing on a comparison scale). Abizella and Superkid didn't think it could get better when we took a ride on the choo choo train! It was a great opportunity for Abizella to showcase her, "Choo Choo!" skills. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for a FABULOUS day!!!!!

The Nation Mourns

It is a sad day in Red Sox Nation. The Sox lost their season opener, even after we threw them a season opener party. Superkid and Abizella had all of their little league buddies over for Fenway Franks and rootbeer to kick off the season. The kids had a great time lugging balls off the T and running the bases. Maybe we should have filmed the event and sent it into the Sox as a training video (ouch!). We are still and always optimistic for the season. We Sox fans love the pain.

Mr. Hanky goes for a swim…finally!

That’s right, it’s Christmas around here!
We are so proud of our Superkid. Without a moment of hesitation after asking if he wanted to go poo poo, he jumped up on the toilet (that’s right, not the baby potty) and asked for a little privacy. Pops and I waited anxiously on the couch. Abizella kept watch by the bathroom door. A couple of minutes later Superkid called out, “Mom! I DID IT!” Pops and I looked at each other in astonishment. I ran for the bathroom. Superkid was very proud. He called out impatiently, “Dad, come and see!” Superkid was pumped to put a sticker on his potty chart, but Pops pulled out the Lex Luther toy he had been dreaming of. We are excited to take this show on the road and show off Superkid’s new trick to the grandparents!