The Bramwells

Soccer and dance

2009-10-11T10:57:00.000-07:00

We are those kinds of parents. The kind that try to "instill" a love of whatever activity/sport that we love into our kids. Thus, Caden is in soccer and Soleil is in dance. Both kids seem to love it! I am such a proud mama!

Caden (on the left side dribbling the ball) is becoming a soccer stud!

Caden got the "player of the week" award on his very first game!

Soleil loves her tap/ballet class. And I have no idea how to turn this picture.

Shuffle, ball, step across the room

Labor Day weekend

2009-10-11T10:50:00.000-07:00

In need of an adventure before getting bogged down in the school and upcoming holiday craziness, we headed to Big Bear Lake with R&M and gang for the Labor Day weekend. It was a lot of fun! Big Bear reminds me a lot of Jackson Hole - quaint shops set in a beautiful landscape. We rented a cabin and explored the area.

The water was freezing!! But that didn't stop the kids from having a great time!

Muscle men!

Feeding the ducks and fish

First day of school!

2009-10-11T10:33:00.001-07:00

Caden started Pepp this year. Pepp is a pre-kindergarten program that our school district has for the late-fall birthday kids, since our birthday cut-off date is in December! It gives them another year to mature and grow before kindergarten. It is only held at a couple of elementary schools, so we were lucky to get in at all. Caden loves his class and his teacher! Caden's good friend Brennan is also in his class, along with some kids from his preschool, so that helped with the transition. He's never really been a clingy kid, and on the first day, he marched right into his classroom without a look back. I, however, did leak out a couple of teardrops. I can't believe he is at the big kids school now. It is still tripping me out that my baby is almost 5, and for all intents and purposes, in kindergarten! How did this happen so fast??!!

Caden and Brennan

Soleil started preschool this year. She LOVES it!! Her teacher is amazing! She also has some friends from church in her class, so it helps seeing familiar faces. I was worried about the potty issue with her, but after the first week, it hasn't been an issue. Hallelujah!

I am loving my 9 hours/week to myself. It's so nice to get the car smog-checked and grocery shop by myself! ;->

Summer 2009

2009-08-28T21:56:00.000-07:00

We had a fantastic, full summer. We drove up to Idaho for my brother Forest's mission homecoming. The kids did great for the long drive, thank goodness for DVD players! The family all dressed in our best missionary outfits for the airport arrival of Forest. It was so fun to see him, and have everyone together. I love hanging with my family!

Yes, we were quite the scene at the bustling Idaho Falls airport.

My mom did the forced matchy-match photo.

Stormie teaching Caden all her best faces.

Soleil and Forest walking the river belt. I love having everyone home!

Since Scott can only handle a few days with my family at a time (just kidding, Mom!), he flew up to Alaska to meet up with his brother, dad, and uncle for a week of fishing, beard-growing, and male bonding. They caught some serious fish, including a 5"4' halibut. Yes, that is as tall as me. (so is that a big fish, or a small person?) I now have 125 lbs of salmon and halibut in my freezer - so if you've got a fish hankering, come and get some!

Uncle Doug, Scott, Ross, and Barry

Holy fish, Batman!

The kids and I also spent the 4th of July week in Utah hanging with my dad and family at our good friends' home. It was a relaxing, though hot, week. Thanks, Gary and Sue, for letting us take over your house!

David and Soleil

Caden on the 4th of July
After yet another week back in Idaho, Forest and I drove back to SD. We played at the beach and did a little post-mission shopping before he went home.
At the beginning of August, we flew out to N. Carolina to Scott's uncle's lake house. Despite the 5 hour plane ride, this is one of my favorites of our annual trips. Eat, swim, eat, nap and read, eat, take a boat ride, eat, watch a movie, eat and go to bed. See the pattern? Scott's aunt and mom are great cooks, and I am a great cleaner, so together we are unstoppable!

Scott and Caden enjoying a pre-dinner boat ride. Guess who feel asleep?

Scott getting some air wakeboarding.

Soleil imitating the older cousins and attempting her first toe touch.

Uncle Ross and Brinley on the pontoon boat.

Cheese!

Caden did two summer camps, his first ones ever. He and his cousin Drew first did a sports camp and then the next week did a bible camp at his old preschool. Gotta love the songs!

Hope your summer was as good as ours!!

Bramwell B&B

2009-06-23T14:01:00.000-07:00

So our bed and breakfast is officially open for the season. Actually, it's been open for the last 6 weeks, but will be closing for the next 3 weeks. Our latest guests have included my wonderful in-laws back in mid-May. We went to a Padre game with them, huffed and puffed our way through the cystic fibrosis walk, and celebrated Scott's 33rd birthday with them. It was a lot of fun! I think I have pictures, but as stated in the previous post, I'm still learning the in's and out's of this new computer, and the photo program and I are fighting right now. The program is winning.
Three days after Barry and Linda left, my dad and stepmom's best friends came for the weekend. Gary and Sue are like my....fourth set of parents. Caden loved playing with Uncle Gary, and Gary and Sue both helped with my dreaded sac. talk. (see post below) They were also here for the start of potty-training, and even assisted with taking Soleil to the potty. Talk about great friends!!

Four days after Gary and Sue left, my brother David and his girlfriend Carrie arrived. David did a month internship at Scott's work, and Carrie washed windows. It was so fun to get to hang with my brother for an extended time, and gave my kids the opportunity to get to really know him. He and Carrie played with the kids, babysat the kids, and explored San Diego when we weren't unloading the kids on them. I really enjoyed having them here. Carrie left a week ago, and David pulled out this morning. And somehow I didn't take a single picture of David and the kids. He was here a month! Why am I so bad at this??? ugh!

My dear aunt Cathy came over from Phoenix last week for 24 hours to help me decorate my bedroom. She is a master decorator - incredibly talented and creative. She sewed my drapes, and I enjoyed her company, if only for a short time. One day I'll get her out here for a "non-working" trip. Thanks for all your help, Cathy! I LOVE the drapes!! It's probably weird to post pictures of your bedroom online, but I am so pleased with how these turned out. I'm anxious to finish the odds and ends, and get this room done!!

Please ignore the ghetto lamp. It WILL be replaced!!

This last week we had 2 different bouts of the fever thing going around. Caden got over it in a day, but poor Soleil got hit a little harder. I think we are all better now, just in time for our trip!

With the beginning of the month came the end of school. Caden LOVED his preschool and his teacher. This is from the last day of school.

Miss Cullison and Caden

Hope everyone has a happy 4th of July!

Sigh of relief

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

Sac. mgt talk - check. So glad that one's done with. For at least 5 years! Don't call me about speaking again until 2014, people! My nerves and my marriage can't handle it any sooner!

Summer calendar - double check. SUPER glad that sucker is done. While it is an annual affair, I think next year's will be easier...cause Scott got me a new computer!! I love him. He is da' bomb. We bought our computer when we got married, 6 years ago, which is like 50 in techno years. My computer did not have a calendar feature on it. It didn't want to download anything from the internet. And our newer laptop is a Mac. Shoot me in the head...I can't handle going back and forth between a Mac and a PC. Too hard. Anyways, complaining aside, the calendar is done, and I have a new PC!! Hopefully soon my special IT guy will come to set it up for me...firewalls and all. ;->

From Melissa's senior dance recital in April. That shirt makes me look prego. Dang, I thought it was a keeper.

Dad, Michelle, Melissa, Jill, and me. Shiny, happy people.

This is what happens while I work out. Maybe that's why I still have my "baby" weight, and my baby is 2 1/2!! Look closely...that's her hair caught up in there. And she's neekid!! Where are her clothes?? ;-> We are potty-training, so that means no clothes while at home. Keeps the laundry down.

Got to give her props...she never cried while Daddy got her untangled.

Send some happy thoughts for the potty-training. We need it!!

April Adventures

2009-05-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

It's time for the Easter post!!

We had a busy April. Caden did a couple of spring break day camps with his cousins. On Easter weekend, my mom and my cousin Jill and her family and her mom, my dear Aunt Cathy came for a quick visit. We ate and laughed and reminisced. Thanks for stopping by, guys! The Easter Bunny was good to the kids this year.

Decorating eggs

While we were in a decorating mood, we finally finished our last gingerbread house from Christmas. I put it up on the counter to harden up, and went upstairs. Soon I noticed how very quiet the house was. I snuck back down, and peeked around the corner to find Caden and Soleil standing on stools whispering to each other and picking the candy off of the gingerbread house. This is them "getting caught."

I love Caden's face, but I'm a little nervous that Soleil isn't fazed at all by being caught.

Caden showing off some of his Easter wares.

Why does my 2 year old have more toned arms than I do?? She doesn't even care about toned arms!!

Still...how cute is she??

Trying for a Easter pix with Grannie. Soleil is all attitude already - heaven help me!

My mom's friend Penny and her 2 daughters came down from Canada to defrost for their spring break. We played at the beach and Legoland, and laughed at how quickly those Canucks got sun-burned here in sunny SoCal. And it's always good when my mom comes to visit!

The last weekend of April I flew to Austin to watch my little sister in her last high school drill team recital. It was so much fun to see...I'm so proud of my youngest sis!! Of course I forgot my camera, so Melissa - email me some photos!! It was a quick trip, but it was fun to just be daughter and sister, and leave the parenting to Scott for the weekend. Thanks, honey!! I love you!!

As soon as I find the camera, I'll post about May.

Feb and March

2009-03-30T14:01:00.000-07:00

February was filled with valentines, playdates, meetings, and errands. It feels so long ago, I can hardly remember it. This is why I blog!

Soleil ready for her school's Valentine's party. I didn't get a pix of Caden before school, and there is no use taking one after school.

Caden finished his latest sports class. He loved it, and is counting down the days till the next one starts.

Running the football obstacle course.

A lazy Saturday morning spent popping bubble wrap. We are easily entertained.

As for March, we seemed to keep busy. Scott and I went with Ross and Maria to the Rascal Flatts concert. Mock me if you will, but I love their music! They aren't as cute as some of the NKOTB boys, but I do like their music a little better. (I know, blasphemy from a NKOTB fan) And of course I forgot my camera.

We had a free plane companion ticket burning a hole in our pocket, so we ran up to Utah for a long weekend. My youngest 2 cousins on my mom's side were sealed to their mom and stepdad, so most of the family was in town for that. It was a really cool experience. And thanks to Stormie, Star, and Russ for watching the kids during the sealing.

At the Mt. Timp Temple. Special thanks to Dusty for a pretty cute pix.

We had 3 different families and lots of friends to see, so we were constantly on the go during this trip. We were exhausted by the time we got home, but it was great to see all those that we were able to. Sorry to those that we didn't make it to. (Sara, Soleil and Scott both had colds, so we weren't infecting your babies if you read this before I get a chance to call you!)

My bro Dusty arranged to play in BYU's Guitars Unplugged that weekend, (out of like 75 bands that tried out, his was one of the 15 that got in) so we got to go cheer him on there. (Now you know you are getting old when the college kids look young!) He wrote the song that he and 2 friends played and he sang lead vocals. It was really cool!

Dusty is in the green turtleneck on the left. The drummer, John, is invisible, and Naomi, in black on the right, is ripping the violin.

Scott took Caden skiing for the first time at Sundance. He LOVED it! By the end of his lesson, he was skiing the main hill. I see lots of trips to Utah in our future, that or Big Bear.

My BFF Jenna lives in Orem, so I got to spend an afternoon with her. I love you, Jenna!

Caden and Matthew hamming for the camera.

Caden with David and Michelle. Yes, that is Cafe Rio all over the table. Yum, yum!!

Thanks to David and Michelle for hanging out with us one nite. It was fun to chat and catch up. I love you guys! We also saw Scott's bro, Brent and his family on Brent's birthday. The kids played and the adults ate. My idea of a good time. Thanks for the yummy dinner and extra-yummy Nothing Bundt cake, Kierstin! And last, but not least, thanks for lunching with us, Chanel. Even though it was brief, it was still great to see you and your cute, tiny baby belly and catch up. Next time we FOR SURE will go shopping too! I'm still sad we ran out of time!

Love to all you Utahans! See you next time!

January in Review

2009-02-23T12:16:00.000-08:00

I wish I had more time to post great entries filled with humor and happiness. But I like television too much, so that's what I've been doing lately at nite instead of blogging. With American Idol finally getting interesting, and the new show Lie To Me (have you seen it? It's brillant!), and of course my old favorite stand-bys NCIS and The Office, I've been way too busy (and exhausted by 8pm) vegging than blogging. Plus, it's easier eating snicker doodle cookies while watching tv rather than typing.

That said, I have a lot to post about. The most important is, we finally have family here! After 5 1/2 years of pleading and begging, we finally convinced Scott's bro Ross, his wife Maria, and their 3 kids to move to San Diego from Atlanta. Ross is working with Scott. They ended up 8 houses down from ours. All the kids love going back and forth. I love having family nearby. It's been so fun!!

So to further celebrate, Scott's parents came out for a week visit. We had them running back and forth between our house and Maria's house all week. We all went up to Disneyland for a day, and met up with Scott's other bro and family there. It was a rainy day, but it was great for Disneyland. We didn't have to wait at all for the rides. Caden rode Thunder Mtn (his favorite - it's a train!) 5 times. Definitely worth the rain and the poncho purchases.

Soleil met Princess Jasmine for the first time. She was completely enthralled with her - or scared. You decide.

We completely filled up the "Small World" boat.

Grandma and Grandpa finally resting while little Carly slept. Those ponchos seriously came in handy!

Caden and Drew hamming it up for the camera. These 2 guys love playing together.

My dad and stepmom also dashed in for a quick visit. Jill and I unintentionally ended up gardening for hours - she has an incredible green thumb! My yard looks so much better! Thank you for always helping me with my house and yard! I love you!

The only pix I got during their quick visit - taken at 7am as they were leaving for the airport. Yes, my dad's eyes are, in fact, open.

December

2009-01-27T16:21:00.000-08:00

Since it's almost Feb, it's time I posted about December activities and Christmas. Right on time for my behind-a-month post.
Caden had his first school program. Granted it was a preschool program, but I was beaming like the proud parent that I am. He was so cute! The whole class sat up on bleachers and sang their songs and recited their memorized lines that the preacher is brainwashing them with. It was great!

Caden's friends, Chaz (behind Caden) and Alex (next to Caden) make this picture great. I love their faces.

Our Santa picture for 2008. Soleil is screaming and hiding in my shoulder. Caden looks bored. We'll try again next year.

Christmas morning with her new shoes. At 2, this girl is all shoes. Hopefully we'll end up in the same size when she's older cause I have my eye on those Sleeping Beauty shoes.

Caden in his new Batman costume with his new scooter and sunglasses. Santa certainly set him up for lookin' good in 2009!

The Botanical Gardens - very pretty at night.

The Gardens even have free marshmallow roasting. That was Soleil's favorite part.

My family came down for the week between Christmas and New Years. We had lots of fun with them. We did Disneyland, and for the first time, Cali Adventure. Meaning for the first time, we stayed in a hotel up there and did 2 days of parks. It was a lot of fun! Having lots of aunts, uncles, and grandparents to help with the kids, or hold them while I go on a ride made it even more fun! Thanks for coming! We love you!

My mom and Caden in Cali Adventure. Mr Potato Head actually spoke to Caden!

My bro Dusty watching the parade with Soleil. To be 2 and carried around everywhere again. Ahh...

Because my feet are killing me!

The gang at Cali Adventure minus Scott and Soleil.

Target

2009-01-27T15:58:00.001-08:00

I love Target. For those of us that are high-class, we call it Tar-ja'. I find some reason to go to Tar-ja' at least once a week. Out of mascara? Off to Tar-ja'. Soleil blasted through the last box of diapers? I shall dash to Tar-ja'! In need of a cheap popcorn fix? Tar-ja', here I come! So I was at Target (I have tired of typing Tar-ja'. too much work, so it's back to Target) a couple of days ago. Soleil and I were weaving our way round the store, her sitting in the bottom of the cart eating the cheap popcorn while somehow pulling everything within arm's reach off the shelves, when a stranger asked me where the laundry detergent is. Now, I am a friendly person, and I know Target well, so I explained where the detergent was located and sent the stranger on their happy way. A few minutes later, another customer asked me where the garden hoses were. Having just perused Target's gardening section myself, again I explained the general location to the stranger, and off she went. For the third time in about 10 minutes, another person asked me the location of a product. I couldn't figure it out! Maybe I am spending too much time in Target...Do I really look like I know the entire store that well? I'm sure Scott would not be happy to hear that!
Until it hit me. I was wearing a red shirt and khakis, the uniform of Target employees. I grabbed Soleil out of the cart and ran home to change.

Child-less shopping

2009-01-08T09:49:00.000-08:00

Lately I have neglected my blog, just barely journaling our activities but not much else. So right now I'm going to put my Christmas post on hold for a little day-in-the-life-of-Sunshine story.
Disclaimer* If you are male or under 18, read at your own risk.
Wednesday mornings both kids are in school for a blessed 3 hours. I save up non-kid-friendly errands for Wednesdays and go crazy for those 3 hours. It's a good time. I was in Nordie's yesterday with a gift card burning a hole in my pocket and found myself in the "sleepwear" department. A good non-kid-friendly errand, buying bras, plus who wants to try on bras with a kid screaming at you trying to escape the dressing room while you are half nekkid? It was time for a new one. Now I've had a "fitting" before that consisted of the tape measure going over the shirt, but before I knew it, Carrie* (whose name has been changed to protect the innocent), had me down to my bra and undergarment. For you Mo's reading, you know what undergarment I'm talking about. Unfortunately I had on a well-loved undergarment, complete with yucky pits and a bit of leftover lint that wouldn't come out despite my repeated washings. I was in a hurry when I got dressed in the semi-darkness yesterday morning, so I didn't even realize what a yucky (though clean!) undergarment I had chosen until I was under the harsh lights of Nordie's. Now if I lived in Utah, the sales girl probably wouldn't have thought twice about the yucky undergarment, but I'm in Cali, so Carrie did a double take before she composed herself. "Ha, ha", you are thinking to yourself. "Good story, Sunshine." No wait...it gets better. After nursing both my babies, my girls aren't what they used to be. A fact of life I'm sure will naturally rectify itself once I'm done having kids, but in the meantime I just have to deal with the droopiness. (seriously, if you are a male reading this, please stop!) Last year to fill out the Jewish wedding dress (if you are new to my blog, go back to March of '08 for the Jewish wedding dress) I had to get a pair of falsies. I don't ever wear them - they are uncomfortable and sweaty (there's a nice pix for you!), but for some reason, yesterday I stuck them in the bra. It helped the cute shirt hang better....anyways, I find myself in this dressing room with Carrie already wondering about the nasty undergarment when I have to pull these puppies out of my bra so she can get a correct measurement. I turned away from her to plop them into my purse as discreetly as I can, but at this point I'm sure Carrie is really wishing she would have ignored me on the sales floor. After she took my measurement (I'm still the same pre-baby size, how did that happen??) she ran off to find some bras for me to try on. I took this time to take off the yucky undergarment and stuff that into my purse with the falsies, thinking Carrie probably didn't want to look at my lovely yellow armpits any more. I sure didn't. Quick thinking on my part, because she ended up putting every bra on me!! I've never had a fitting like this, where she stood behind me, I put the bra on, and she fastened and adjusted each bra. Thankfully her hands were warm. Must be an employment requirement. But thanks to Carrie, I rediscovered the joys of the push-up! Why, oh why did I abandon you, push-up? You bring me confidence and happiness! To help make Carrie feel better after the weird, yucky undergarment and pair of falsies, and to replenish my push-up-less wardrobe, I bought 4 bras. The girls are back where nature intended, and now I'm off to get new undergarments. Apparently they have a shorter life than bras.

November in a Nutshell

2008-12-21T16:39:00.000-08:00

We went to Maryland for Thanksgiving week to celebrate with Scott's family. For the first time since before I have joined the family, we had everyone there for a holiday! It was so much fun! My mother-in-law outdid herself, and we all had a blast. Talk about good food...I haven't dared weigh myself since we got home...since the eating hasn't slowed since. ;-> Caden and Soleil had so much fun with their cousins! And I have almost thawed out. Brr!!

Playing in the leaves. The kids LOVED those leaves!

Seriously, they loved those leaves. 3 acres of leaves!!

What's a Thanksgiving without a little touch football?
That's Caden in the blue sweater with the ball...already a quarterback!

Well, it was supposed to be touch football until the uncles started tackling each other.
I think that's Scott getting tackled by his older bro Brent. Tackled or wrestled....just like old times.

The 3 boy cousins, or should I say the 3 boy superheroes?

Soleil loved playing with Grandma.

Grandpa and Caden's birthdays are a day apart, so they had a joint family birthday party.
Happy Birthday boys!

We went to the Baltimore and Ohio Train Museum on our last day there. ( The B&O Railroad has a square on the Monopoly board if it sounds familiar to you) Caden still loves all things trains, and we all had fun.

Well, we all had fun until it was nap time, right Soleil?

Thanks for a wonderful trip, Barry and Linda! We can't wait for the next family reunion!

2008-12-21T16:35:00.000-08:00

My good friend Maree was kind enough to have her birthday in November as well, so we rounded up the gang and went to lunch. It was perfect, crazy chaos with as many kids as adults, but it was so fun being with good friends, eating good food, and only having 1 kid to wrestle myself. Happy Birthday Maree! And sorry I didn't get these pictures to you any sooner!

2008-12-21T16:28:00.001-08:00

My mom was able to spend some time with us in November. She timed her trip with Caden's party, so we had an extra set of hands to help and she got to help us celebrate his birthday. It was fun to have her!

Grannie with her favorite grandkids.

My dad was also here for a couple of days, but for some reason I CANNOT remember to take a picture when he is with my kids. I kept him busy with house projects - thanks Dad for being my Mr Fix It!

This is from his July visit. At least we have good tans!

Love you both!

2008-12-21T16:11:00.000-08:00

Caden turned four in November. It's been a fast four years! He is such a sweet kid - so funny and kind. He is a great helper, which I love, and is becoming quite the sports fanatic, which Scott loves. Caden loves playing with his friends and being outside, so this year we did a Batman birthday party in the park. We played lots of games, ate pizza and cake, and hit the Batman pinata. It was a super hot day (because what else would you expect at the end of November?) but we stayed cool in the shade. Happy Birthday, Caden! I love you!!

Duck Duck Goose...but where did the Goose go?

The boys waiting their turn for the pinata.

You are going down, Batman!

Showing off some of his Batman spoils.

2008-12-21T16:02:00.000-08:00

Soleil got her first haircut at the beginning of November. It was time to clean it up and make it less mullet-ish. She's watched Caden get his haircut for a year now, and has wanted her turn for a long time. She loved every minute of it. This girl is all girl!

The end result. She even got bedazzled!

Note to self: even though it sounds cute, do not get the glitter again. It just makes a mess and gets all over everything!

Let's Review

2008-11-21T15:54:00.000-08:00

Now that it's practically Thanksgiving, let's review October. We went to Austin to visit my dad and clan and got to see my little sister dance with her high school drill team at the football game halftime. I was on my high school's drill team back in the day, and out of all of my 7 siblings, Melissa is the only one to follow in my footsteps. (7 siblings from 2 families. Let's not forget that vital fact!) My other sister and brother (plus girlfriend) who are currently edumacating themselves in Provo flew in for the festivities, so it turned into a big family reunion. Party!!

Soleil thinks she can swim by herself, which is scary, but at least she's got the posing down!

At the morning pep rally at school. From L-R: girlfriend Carrie, bro David,

sis Michelle, stepmom Jill, sis Melissa, dad John, Caden, Scott, me and Soleil.

All the Osborne kids together for the first time in over 3 years.

Making sushi, yum yum! Caden was off chasing the dogs, but the rest of us huddled around the food.

We swam and ate and swam and ate and had lots of fun in Texas. Thanks for a great time, Papa and Grandma!

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Pumpkin Patch and Halloween

It seemed wrong to be picking pumpkins at the end of October in almost 100 degree weather. We had fun, but didn't stay long. Phew!!

And the end result of the jack-o-lantern carving:

Soleil was sad because...I don't know. But I think it's a hilarious picture. Does that make me a mean mom?

It was so hot here that these pumpkins rotted in 5 days. So 30 minutes before we went trick-or-treating, we quickly carved out 2 more pumpkins.

Caden wanted to be a bat for Halloween. Since his preschool only allowed animal costumes, the bat idea was great! I figured we have years of princess costumes ahead of us, so this year Soleil got to be a bat too. Although I will give her this, she accessorized the bat costume all by herself! Those shoes kill me! And yes, Caden picked his shoes too...just didn't have the same effect.

Yeah for bats!!

Getting ready to get some candy!!

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Caden's Sports

Caden has been taking a sports class once a week. They rotate through the different sports, giving the kids a chance to figure out what they really like to play. Caden is a natural athlete, like his dad, and loved every sport, like his dad. And for once, he was the biggest kid in the class! Coach Steve was great with the kids. There is a 2 month break until the next session starts up, and I don't know what do to with Caden in the meantime....he's been asking for his sports class all week.

Budding Beckhams and Kobes.

Happy Birthday Soleil!!

2008-10-28T14:16:00.000-07:00

My baby is 2. Wow, that happened really fast! We went to Chuck E. Cheese's and celebrated in style there. Both kids love going there, and since Scott and I can split up and each follow a kid, it's fun and easy for all of us. Then back home for cupcakes and presents.
We have now officially entered the princess phase. She is starting to love all things girly and pink, which is such a stark contrast to Caden and all things boy. She got so much pink stuff this birthday, it's almost the main color of the playroom! (thanks, grandparents!) Soleil still loves to play trains and throw balls, so I don't have to worry about her not being too well-rounded. Although to add to her girly-ness, she seems to have developed a love of makeup. She loves to watch me put it on and she loves to put it on herself (she doesn't know there isn't anything on Mommy's big blush brush). She loves to color - anything, this is why I have microfiber couches - and makeup is just another version of coloring, right?
Soleil LOVES animals. It seems like her favorite is an elephant. She knows most of the animals and their sounds, and will imitate them for you. She does a mean elephant, complete with hand gesture.
I love to watch my kids interact. They love to play with each other. I'm almost intrigued by their relationship, never having any close-in-age siblings myself. Soleil will walk around the house when Caden is at school yelling, "Caden, where are you?" Whenever Soleil gets in trouble, which is just starting to become more frequent, Caden will tell me to leave his sister alone. I dig the big brother vibe. I love that they watch out for each other and love each other so much.
Soleil is such a happy, easygoing kid. She has a smile and giggle for everyone. She also has a strong personality and is becoming more independent, which I am glad for and scared of all at the same time. I wonder what I'll think in 10 year's time?
I love my little girl!!

I know I'm biased, but how cute is she??

Lining up the shot...Caden is a natural air hockey player!

Mmm....pink frosting! Although she never did eat any of the chocolate part.

What's that about?

"I love cupcakes!"

I love this picture. It shows how "well-rounded" my baby is....trains and tutus. And princess shoes, cause every girl loves her shoes!

A big shout out and thanks to Aunt Judy for making that adorable tutu for Soleil. Since none of her 3 Grandmas do homemade crafty things like tutus, I bug my aunts to adorn my daughter in their creations. Thanks, Aunt Judy....she LOVES it!

Another thanks to Tom and Jen. I got some wonderful comments from my last post about applying for my couch warmer position (you are all hired, by the way!), but Tom and Jen actually brought over chocolate! Thanks, guys!!

Taking applications

2008-10-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

Now that it's autumn and school has started, I thought our lives would slow down a little with the Bramwell Bed and Breakfast vacant. But if anything, things have gotten crazier! The last two weeks either Scott or I (or both, in some cases) have had something every nite. And with my swim class and Scott sign waving for Prop 8, every morning is filled now too. So I am taking applications for an evening stand-in couch warmer. (I get the Laz-E Boy chair to unwind at nite, and Scott gets the couch) Requirements: Sense of humor, a bag of chocolate, and no adverse body odor. Any takers?

Soleil's birthday is Thursday. I can not believe my baby is turning 2. Although the girl is all attitude already. She is going to give me a run for my money as a teenager. And my mother is laughing hysterically at that. Karma, right?

Love you mom!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

2008-10-09T14:28:00.000-07:00

I AM SO EXCITED I JUST CAN'T STAND IT!!!

I have regressed back to being 11 years old. I didn't think it possible, but last nite, as I was standing in the 3rd row, watching the New Kids on the Block come onto the stage, I found myself screaming and jumping up and down, hysterical, practically in tears. Mock me if you will. I don't care! Cause that was the BEST CONCERT I HAVE EVER BEEN TOO! (the awesome seats didn't hurt, either!) I was able to gather my emotions enough to dance the nite away, still screaming all the while. Good times. And, to further convince myself that I have regressed 20 years, I am very proud to say that both Joey and Donnie looked at me and Jen twice. Joey did the head nod thing, and Donnie winked at us. And yes, I screamed like a little girl and almost had my knees go out. I'm glad Scott doesn't ever read this.

So Jen and I drove up to LA last nite for the concert - today is my birthday so this was my big birthday present. What a great husband to let me go and not mock me too much about this. (Thankfully my sis-in-law is going to a NKOTB concert next week, so at least the teasing will be spread throughout the family!) Jen and I had a great time, and got home at 2 in the morning. Can't remember the last time I was up that late that didn't involve nursing a baby! ;-> The 1 thing I am bummed about pictures. Online it said "no cameras allowed", so I obeyed and didn't bring my camera. Whatever! Everyone had their cameras! So we only got bad camera-phone pictures. Bummer. Oh well.

My throat still hurts from screaming. Good times!

Dark and grainy, but so fun!!

Whose Joey looking at? That's right, baby, ME!!

Jordan and Jon

The Boston Boys are back!! NKOTB For-eva!!

It's my birthday. Feel free to send flowers or chocolate.

First Day of School

2008-10-09T14:18:00.001-07:00

I know it's October, but bear with me as a catch up. Caden started preschool a few weeks ago. He loves it! And I love him loving it! He started while I was in Aruba with our camera, so these are from Scott's phone. I think these are the first 2 days of school. How cute is he?

Soleil started yesterday in her Mother's Day Out program. It's 1 day a week for 3 hours. She absolutely loved it, and I loved having 3 hours to run errands by myself. I think Wednesdays are going to be my new favorite day!

She was so excited to go to "preschool!"

I'm posting 2 pix of her so you can see that she does have hair. When I did a ponytail in her hair, I didn't think how that would translate into bald-looking photos.

The Bramwell Bed and Breakfast

2008-09-28T15:58:00.000-07:00

70 days. Out of the 122 days in June - Sept, we have either had guests or been gone. No wonder I am so tired and my guest sheets are looking so threadbare. That's more than half the summer!
I started wondering how busy we were this summer after realizing that, as of today, we have had 6 days this month without someone here or us gone somewhere. We've been REALLY busy. But it's been so fun. I really do love having company. Especially if they help clean up!
Let's recap: Five of the 6 grandparents visited. Five of my 7 siblings visited (one being on a mission, so he doesn't count.) One of Scott's four siblings visited, but he came twice and his wife came once, separately. (We are trying to convince them to move here, so they were on recon missions.) Two of my dear cousins came, with family. And two (friends) families stayed with us this summer. We went to to Idaho, Phoenix, and Newport. Scott went to Portland, New York City, Baltimore, and camping. I went to Aruba.
So then I started thinking about the entire year. Last year we traveled every month but Jan and Feb. This year it didn't seem like we had really done that much traveling...until I looked at the calendar. Again, no traveling the first 2 months of the year. March - Maryland and Philadelphia (plus guests later.) April - Phoenix. May - Idaho. June- Sept. I already recapped. Oct - Austin. Nov - Maryland. Dec - NO WHERE!! Yeah for December!

So we just went to Phoenix for my Grandmother's 75th birthday party. It was so much fun - most of the family came for it, so it turned into a mini-reunion. Good times. I love it when my extended family gets together. I cackle just like my mom and aunts and (girl) cousins, so it's really funny when we all get together.

My beautiful Grandmother, the woman who holds us all together and who I absolutely adore.

Some of the cousin crew.

Hmm...maybe it's not just the women in my family that can cackle.

You'd think these guys would have seen an underwater camera before, but I got home with a full memory card of underwater self-portraits.

So after our whirlwind trip to Phoenix (thanks again for letting us stay with you and for watching my kids, Jill and Spencer!) my mom came home with us. We played with Grannie for the week and had lots of fun. It culminated with going to Disneyland and meeting my cousin Jill and her crew there. That was the best Disneyland trip I've ever had! Sorry, Scott! He didn't go with us, and boy, did my arms feel that for the next 3 days! Pushing 70 pounds of stroller and kids or carrying kids is tiring! Since Caden is finally tall enough to ride everything, for the FIRST time in my adulthood, I did all the big rides. We went on Space Mtn, Thunder Mtn, Splash Mtn...all the mountains! It was so much fun! Caden loved them all except Space Mtn. My mom was a rock star helper, and Jill and Spencer were so much fun! Thanks for introducing me to all those rides, guys!

Jill with her daughter, Avery, and Caden and I getting ready for the roller coaster ride! Nice picture taking skills, Spencer!

While we were getting jiggy with Mickey, Scott went to NYC to watch the Yankees play his beloved Orioles before Yankee Stadium closes after this season. He had fun rooting for his team and catching up with hometown friends and family. Plus he brought back great presents, so we were all happy. ;->

Our next trip is in a couple of days, and hopefully I won't be too late posting about it! Soon enough I'll be all caught up on my blogging...you know it's been awhile when your Google reader has 24 after your friend's name. Whoops!

Until next time...

Swimming Iguanas

2008-09-11T15:05:00.000-07:00

"Aruba, Jamaica, Baby why don't we go???"

I am surrounded by awesome-ness. My awesome husband let me go to awesome Aruba with my awesome friend (without him or the kids). I am awed. The trip was so much fun! Jen and I sunbathed (with very high SPF, Mom!), ate, read, slept, and shopped to our heart's content. Good times. All the makings of a great and relaxing vacay. We explored the island (took a day; it's tiny), snorkeled, and parasailed. We did our best to keep the local Baskin Robbins in business for the week we were there.

That was my first Caribbean experience. I loved Aruba, but not sure it will be a repeat vacation destination for me. There are so many islands out there to discover. Aruba is a desert island, so it's not as green or wet as Hawaii. It was still lovely and fun, though. Iguanas rule over there, every size you can think of. We had to look down and watch where we walked so Iguana Joe didn't get his tail stepped on. I did have one huge guy jump into the swimming pool about 2 feet in front of me and swim to the other side of the pool. Who knew iguanas could swim?

I did have some mishaps on the trip. For some reason, I get sick on every big (and by big I mean, non-family) vacation I take. The two exceptions are my trips to Hawaii with Scott. I guess that is the universe telling me not to leave my hubby at home. ;-> So for the Aruba trip, I had an internal infection, strep throat, fever, contact dermatitis, and a bruised and swollen knee from being a klutz. Good thing Aruba has good (prescription) drugs! Thankfully Jen was incredibly patient with me and my issues.

The only time I will ever post a pix with me in a swimming suit.

The snorkeling was awesome.

Jen and I at Baby Beach.

Jen got creative with her photo skills. Nothing like a beautiful Caribbean sunset through the feet!

Me complaining of all my mishaps. Sniffle, sniffle.

For more photos and Jen's version of the trip, feel free to visit her blog at http://jen.cloes.net/.

S.T.R.E.P.

2008-08-06T21:14:00.000-07:00

(think to the tune of "Respect")

My poor baby girl has been hit with the horrible strep throat illness. She has been so miserable, and despite the drugs, hasn't been able to get her appetite or energy back. She started with a slight fever on Saturday, and was blazen to 105' by Sunday night. She is slowly getting better. We have watched a lot of Disney this week. Caden has been a little stir-crazy due to the self-imposed quarantine we've been under. Thankfully no one else has gotten the bad germies. Ugh - I hate having my kids sick. The only good thing is that I was able to finish the newest Twilight book in a day and a half while Disney continued it's influence on my kids. The book rocked! I thought it was the best of the series! (and today, Caden wanted scrambled eggs and an apple after watching various Disney characters eat them. I'll take that kind of influence.)

Continuing with the bad news, So You Think You Can Dance is over tomorrow night. I know the rest of summer time TV is bad, but I LOVE this show. And this season has been the best by far. I don't really have a favorite dancer, but I won't miss Mary Murphy's craziness. Sigh...at least Wade Robson came back for the finale.

A couple of weeks ago, my dad, stepmom and 2 sisters came out to visit from Austin. We had a whirlwind vacay with them, doing the beach and the zoo here, then heading up to Newport for a few days to explore up there. We checked out UCLA's campus for my senior sister and of course had to go to Fashion Island. One day I will return to that mall sans kids. It's like the mother ship calling me home. ;-> We had a great time with Papa and Grandma and Michelle and Melissa. Of course my camera remained hidden for their trip, but hopefully I'll have pictures to post from them. (hint hint, Texas!)

A poll, or two

2008-07-10T13:20:00.000-07:00

I need your help, fellow San Diegans. I need a handyman referral. Anyone know a great handyman? We have some house projects that are beyond Scott's or my (very limited) knowledge.

I was recently comparing local eateries with some friends. One of my only complaints about San Diego is the lack of really great restaurants. But we get stuck in our rut of usual take-out places. So where are your favorite places to eat? Big chain or little hole-in-the-wall, and don't care about the genre. I'll start -
Chinese - Chopsticks by Target and Alby's. Better than Panda, but pretty sure there's something better out there.
Mexican - haven't found the "it"place yet. And Mexican is my favorite food. I have to go to 'Zona for good Mexican!
Sushi - Japan House on Scripps Poway. Pretty good.
Sandwiches - Panera is yummy, but anyone know a better one?
Cake - Nothing Bundt Cake. Holy cow, their white chocolate raspberry makes me happy.
Whole Lotta Yogurt -I just went here the other nite. It's the place that Jen and Melissa love. Wow, that tart yogurt is good stuff! No wonder you guys are there so much! Yummy!

So where do you like to eat?

When Jill and Spencer come to visit...

2008-07-10T12:54:00.000-07:00

We swing, take wagon rides, and play in the backyard for hours.

We are patriotic on the 4th of July. We also swim and BBQ, but forget the camera.

We go to the beach. The camera made it there, but never got out of the bag.

We read uplifting material. Or, at least Spencer does.

If I knew how to edit pictures, I'd make his shorts longer. Hope you don't mind me posting your G show, Spencer! Sexy legs!

And we try to take a cute kids' picture. This is the best one we got!

Avery (2), Logan (8 months), Jill, Soleil (1), me, and Caden (3).

Jill and I were roommates when I met and dated Scott. (We both met our hubbies the same nite.) She is my cousin, but more importantly a great friend. She not only gets my sense of humor, she enjoys it! (right, Jill??) I loved having them with us. Avery called Caden her best friend (how cute!), and he has been asking for her since they left. Come back soon, guys! Whenever you need to escape the heat!

When Friends Come to Visit....

2008-06-24T13:42:00.000-07:00

When Friends come to visit, we play at the pool.

I know this pix doesn't really show anyone, but it's the only pool pix I took without any Moms in it. And I didn't want to post a Mom in her swimming suit without her permission.

When Friends come to visit, we play golf and frisbee. And pose for pictures together.

Unfortunately I didn't take very many photos while the Widdisons were staying with us. But we had a great time with your guys! Come again soon!

When the Uncle and Cousin come to visit...

2008-06-16T13:29:00.000-07:00

When the Uncle and Cousin come to visit, we drive cars.

And we dance for joy.

(Seriously, this picture doesn't do her dancing skills justice. So cute!)

When the Uncle and Cousin come to visit, we shoot water guns.

And take boat rides.

When the Uncle and Cousin come to visit, we fly in airplanes.

And we go root for the Padres!

When the Uncle and Cousin come to visit, we wrestle.

And after all that, then we finally relax.

Thanks for visiting us, Ross and Drew! We had so much fun with you. Next time bring the girls!
P.S. Maria, if you want bigger copies of any pix, let me know!)

When the Aunties come to visit...

2008-06-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

When the Aunties come to visit, we go see Shamu!

And splash in the water park.

When the Aunties come to visit, we play hours of Guitar Hero...

(Stormie is a MASTER GENUIS on this game. Major holla's to ya!)

We eat lots of yummy food....

And go see the Padres!

But when the Aunties come to visit, what we love most of all are cuddles and loves!

(Apparently Caden avoided the camera for most of this week. He was still cuddled and loved as much as a 3 year old boy allows.)

We love you, Aunties! Please come visit again!!

May recap

2008-06-06T13:18:00.000-07:00

Sorry for my absence, folks, but it's been season finales on all my favorite shows, so my nights have been busy. I know that's lame, but what can I say? I love my Office and House. I finally made it through my tivo, just in time for my all-time favorite summer show.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE!!!

I will be watching every Wed and Thursday nite, so unless it is a dire emergency, please do not call.

Now to recap May:

We did the Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser walk with Scott's work. This is the second year we have walked to raise money for CF research. There are a few people afflicted with this terrible disease in our stake, so this cause is near and dear to us. Last year it was May Gray, but this year the sun was out in all her glory. Man, it was hot! But the kids were great (they were being pushed after all!), and we raised over $15,000!

"Cornerstone for a Cure" Team

Scott and Caden had their Father/Son campout. They both "had fun". (That's about all the details I got.)

Caden with his buddies enjoying the outdoors.

The night of the campout Scott's work had another fundraiser we had also committed to. I ended up getting another ticket, so Jen, Tammy, and I went to the Women's Gala. It was fancy and fun, with yummy free food and excellent company. (And I got to wear my fancy dress one more time!)

Since it's May, that means it's Padre season! (the season actually starts in April, but we got our first free tix this month) Jen and Chad went with us for 1 game. Garlic fries, anyone?

We tried sitting with the kids at another game. We lasted 1 inning before we went to sit on the grass hill and Caden played baseball with the other kids.

And of course, the love of my life celebrated his 32nd birthday. Very last minute I decided to throw him a suprise party, but since his actual birthday was on a Sunday, I had a hard time coming up with a valid way to get him out of the house. So about 4 hours before the party, the Bybee's very graciously offered their house. It was a lot of fun, even if it wasn't too much of a surprise.

And to cap off the month, my baby sister graduated from high school. Only 13 years after I did. I never have to step foot in that building again. (because in Idaho, graduations are in the high school gym or the football stadium, depending on the weather) Adios, Hillcrest.

And now onto June.

Disneyland

2008-05-04T21:29:00.001-07:00

On Thursday we went to Disneyland. It was the perfect time to go - the weather was great and the lines weren't long at all. We met up with Scott's bro and his family and had a great time. I'm really sorry we didn't end up staying up there and doing 2 days at the park with them, but my kids were pretty tired the next day. Somehow we forgot to get a photo with both families together - ugh. But it was so fun seeing you guys, Kierstin! Let's make it an annual thing!

Wow - 3 smiles and 6 eyes looking at the camera. I thought that was an urban legend!

What cuties I have!

Cousin Lauren, Cousin Kate, and Caden in the train cage. These are 2 of the cutest, sweetest girls - with one of the cutest, sweetest boys!

Now back to the real world.

I don't want to jinx us, but...

2008-05-04T21:11:00.000-07:00

I think Caden has finally mastered pooping in the potty! We started this long process called potty training in Jan, but he refused to go #2 in the toilet. I don't know why. We went through countless pairs of underwear. I bribed him with all sorts of things if he could just go stinky in the potty. Cars, cookies, a trip to Chuck E. Cheese, anything. I even bought a few "Cars" characters that were really hard to find (we have almost all of them), and told him he could have a car every time he was successful. Nothing worked. I was so frustrated that I considered putting him back in diapers. That, or ship him off to Grandma's house for the summer so she could try her luck. ;->
Then something clicked this week. He's been successful 4 times - yes, I'm counting and you would too! - and my stash of cars is down to the last one. I couldn't be happier. I'm hoping he's figured it out and soon I'll be able to start calming down the bribes a bit. Unless you find the "Bob Cutlass" or "Mario Andretti" car character for me.

Around the World in 80 days

2008-04-25T11:33:00.000-07:00

Whew! It has been one crazy month! After our fun with Jenna and family, we ran to Phoenix for a week. My cousin got married, so it was a great excuse to see lots of family, eat lots of food and do a little shopping. ( I would have preferred lots of shopping, but at least it was QUALITY shopping!) The bride was beautiful, the family was fun, the weather was enjoyable. It's on the brink of getting hot over there, so it was the perfect time to get married. I got to spend some good time with my closest, bestest cousin Jill (her sis was the bride) and her kids and hubby. (Jill and I were roommates and both met our husbands the same nite at ward prayer. (so Utah, I know) Scott and I beat Jill and Spencer to the alter by 4 months...guess who got the hormones in the family? ;->) Plus some of my Mom's family came into town the same weekend, so we got a double dose of family catch-up. Lots of fun. (You look great, Brooke! You have that beautiful pregnancy glow that always eluded me. I had that green, nauseated glow.) It was a fun trip.

Scott, the kids, and I with Jill, Spencer and baby Logan enjoying the outdoor reception.

Soleil danced ALL night long. That's her in the pink. Her and cousin Avery (Jill's daughter on the far right) kept everyone entertained with their dancing skills. Those girls are so like their mamas!

*Thank you for the photos, Aunt Judy!! It was great to see you!

Then 2 days after our return from Phoenix, my mother-in-law came into town for us to go to Hawaii to celebrate our 5 year anniversary. We had a great time in Kauai! Our resort was beautiful, the pools were fantastic, the food was delicious. Scott surfed, we both snorkeled and swam and hiked. We did a zip line tour with lunch and swimming at a waterfall. So fun! Highly recommend if you aren't too afraid of heights. I did some more shopping - are you surprised?? - and we both ate and ate. Thanks for the restaurant tips, Melissa. Dinner was delicious every nite. Now for the fun photos:

This is the back of the resort. There were 2 adult pools, 150 foot water slide, a lazy river, 3-4 hot tubs, and countless other pools for everyone. We would get yummy smoothies and relax!

This is the saltwater lagoon. The beach is next to the lagoon.

Overlooking the coast on top of the Kalalau Lookout.

Nothing like an early morning hike along the coast to make you feel manly.

Scott zipping. He is trying an advanced trick of trying to touch the ground. So adventurous.

Going out to dinner. This is the hotel lobby.

Leaving Kauai. So sad. I don't know why I'm pushing my chest out in this picture. Wishful thinking maybe!

A huge thank you to Linda, my dear mother-in-law. She took fantastic care of the kids at home for us. The kids had lots of fun with her. Caden is still asking for you, Linda. We love you and a million thanks!

Until next time, friends, Aloha!

BFF

2008-04-07T19:45:00.000-07:00

Sunshine and Jenna - BFF's 4EVA.

My best friend Jenna and her family came into town to play for a week. We did Disneyland, Legoland, Wild Animal Park, the pool (still too cold for the beach) and ate and ate. It was so fun to hang out with her! Since she lives far far away, our time together is limited nowadays, so we got a year's worth of talking in in a week. I love this girl like my sister. She has a great hubby Eric, and three of the cutest kids - Sydney Marie (after me), Matthew, and Noah. These kids are like my niece and nephews. Thanks for coming, Torgersens! We love you!

Waiting for the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

Caden and Scott at Legoland.

Are we having fun yet? Notice Caden is saying "cheese". Soleil is mad she can't grab the NYC Lego people.

While I'm online, blogging, and no one is bothering me....

2008-03-23T21:18:00.000-07:00

...I'll keep going.

Caden was sick today. High fever and very lethargic. I hate it when my kids are sick (like all moms). Since he obviously wasn't going to church today, Soleil stayed home as well. I'm sad we didn't get an Easter picture of everyone dolled up in their new outfits, but maybe next week. Scott spoke in sac. mtg, and I didn't get to hear him. Hey - those who did hear him, how'd he do? After he spoke, we switched, he came home and I went to nursery. It was like a Children's Place fashion show in there. SO cute!

Caden and I took another trip to the e.r. this week. How many times can you take your child into the same e.r. before they start reporting you to Social Services? This is our second time. I was taking a plate out of the microwave when it slipped out of my hand, and came crashing down on his nose. Right between his eyes on the bridge of his nose. It was a bleeder. Poor guy! And oh, the Mom guilt!

Caden had to have the blanket wrapped around him at breakfast - not that he ate a single bite. Soleil polished off his pancake, and Caden went back to laying down. Poor guy. I really hope he's better tomorrow.

Here's Caden from a couple of weeks ago. He "dressed" himself for church. This is his cheese face - as in he says cheese until you take the picture. How cute is he??

Onto other completely different thoughts:

On a scale of 1-10, how cheesy is it to match your daughter? I don't have 2 girls to dress alike, and so to quench that matchy-match part of me, sometime I coordinate Soleil and I. Is that cheesy?

This is us in our should-have-been St. Patrick Day's dresses.

We aren't really matchy here, but it's a cute photo. I was trying to get a picture of her cute outfit, but you can't see any of the embellishments. It's all tulips. How spring-y! I love girl clothes!

And since I need to post a picture of Scott too....

"I'm so glad when Daddy comes home!"

Hope you all have a great week!

My Big Fat Jewish Wedding

2008-03-23T20:39:00.000-07:00

(Please ignore my crazy eyes. We barely knew the guy who was nice enough to take our picture and email it us. I couldn't be picky and ask for a retake.)

It's official. Mormons do not know how to throw a wedding. How often do you attend a Mormon reception in the church gym (hey - if there is a basketball hoop overhead, it's a gym not a cultural hall), with half the male attendees in jeans, and eat green jello with a side of mints? Ok, so I'm stereotyping a bit. And I apologize if you did have your reception in the cultural hall. But after this last weekend, I think Scott and I are going to become Jewish. Or at least find some more Jewish friends. Cause this wedding ROCKED!!

It started on Friday night with the couple renting out a ritzy downtown Philadelphia steakhouse. Open bar and hor d'ourves (did you know that diet coke can look a little like wine when it's in a wineglass? the ice gives it away.) then onto the 3 hour dinner. It's been awhile since I've seen a lot of drunk people in action. Pretty funny.

The wedding was Saturday nite, so Scott and I had the day to roam downtown Philly - saw the Liberty Bell, Congress Hall, ate a cheesesteak, all the appropriate Philly tourist attractions. Did a little shopping too...of course.

Then it was wedding time! I am so desperately sad that we forgot our camera. The 2 pictures I have, one is from Scott's phone camera, the other from a guy we met at the wedding that was kind enough to take our pix and email it us. Love that digital age.

Anyways, the wedding was in the Grand Ballroom of a gorgeous Philly hotel. The flowers were beautiful. Gigantic. We are talking towers of flowers taller than I am. The Chuppha (wedding canopy) was beautiful. Didn't understand half of the ceremony, but it was fun and somber all at the same time. (Mine was just somber. So unlike my personality!)

Right after the wedding, it is tradition for the groom and bride to be alone for a time to embrace and savor the first few moments of being husband and wife (yuchud). What a fabulous tradition! While Adam and Julia were alone, the 400 wedding guests moved to 3 smaller ballrooms to enjoy the open drink bars, pasta bars, sushi bars, and meat bars. (multiple bars of each) We had a traveling band that walked through all the ballrooms to entertain us. Finally it was the reception. The hotel had quickly transformed the Grand Ballroom into a reception room - 35 tables, each one with a different, HUGE centerpiece, another live band, dance floor, more open bars, and my favorite, chocolate plates on each table. We ate and danced for the next 3 hours. We finally left at 12:30 am, dessert still hadn't been served (but I had done some damage on the chocolate plate), and everyone else was still going strong. (we had to get up early to drive back to Scott's parents for church) It was the first time I've gotten Scott out on the dance floor in 5 years - since our wedding luncheon. It was so much fun - although harder to dance in heels than I remember.

This is the couple being hoisted up on chairs and paraded around the dance floor. I'm sure you've seen it done in movies, etc. Except Adam is 6'5" and 275 pounds. You can see he's a bit lower than Julia. ;-> This is from the phone camera, but can you see the ballroom's ceiling? Crazy big!

It was a fun weekend. The kids were good for Grandma and Grandpa, which is important cause Grandma is coming out here in a month to babysit for our anniversary trip to Kauai. We are getting spoiled!! So does anyone have any suggestions for Kauai adventures? I'll start practicing my hula now.

A little ditty for Diane

2008-03-11T15:02:00.001-07:00

First and foremost, a major thanks and "holla" to Diane for letting me borrow a bunch of stuff. I will be the belle of the ball, thanks to you! I have also been promising her the eclair cake recipe for way too long now. So here it is! It's so yummy; feel free to make it whenever. My only stipulation is that for any and all ward functions in which I am supposed to bring a dessert, I get dibbs on the eclair cake. Yes, it is that good!

Eclair Cake
2 small packages instant vanilla pudding
3 cups milk
12 oz. Cool Whip - thawed
Keebler Club crackers
1 container chocolate frosting

Whip pudding and let set for a few minutes. Add in Cool Whip. Layer Club crackers, then half pudding mixture, then another layer of crackers, then the rest of the pudding mixture and finish with a layer of crackers on top. (Do not forget the finish with crackers! The frosting won't adhere without them!) Cool overnight in fridge - or at least for a few hours - the top off with the chocolate frosting. Delicious!

Have a good one, everybody! See you on the flip side!

Tagged again

2008-03-10T22:19:00.000-07:00

10 years ago I was: a junior in college, dating lots of boys ;->, having lots of fun. I think everyone should go away to college, for the very least of experiencing the fun social aspect in addition to gaining a higher education. (Of course!) I LOVED college...all 5 years of it! ;->

Things on my to-do list today: the laundry (check), exchange 2 pairs of Soleil's shoes I bought too small (check, and ended up buying more - ugh!), get Caden's hair cut (check - he's so cute), play outside and do a little gardening (check), get house cleaned (check, thanks to Ms. Recendic and friends), start packing (check), talk to girlfriends (check). Wow...I got a lot done today!

4 things I would do if I became a billionaire: invest, invest, invest....and pay off my mortgage. And all the other usual philanthropic donations - although I tend towards children's hospitals. Go St. Jude's!!

3 bad habits: Caffeine. I love to sleep too much. And shop too much. And eat too much...oh wait, how many habits?

5 jobs I have had: clothes retail, customer service and sales rep, photographer, sales account rep, MOM!!!

6 things people don't know about me: aren't I an open book?

1. I am extremely flexible. Without any sort of stretching, I can do the splits 3 different ways. Lucky Scott!

2. I LOVE the theatre. I will go to any show, any time, anywhere!

3. I play the piano. I will NOT play in church, so don't ask! I took lessons for over a decade, but it's been longer since I played consistently.

4. I love reading the smut magazines. So bad, so addicting. People, Star, In Touch. I don't buy them (well, hardly ever), but I still love reading them at the salon.

5. I almost moved to London. I had my apartment packed up into a storage unit and was getting ready to go, without a job or place to live, when I got the unquestionable impression to move to SLC and live with my cousin. One of the first times I obeyed unquestioning....and met Scott 1 month later.

6. But I still want to live in London some day. Or any place Europe. One day.

I tag Jill, Cathy, Diane, and anyone else who wants to play!

25th Anniversary

2008-03-07T13:45:00.000-08:00

Today is a bittersweet day for me. It is the 25th anniversary of my school bus accident. I was hit and ran over by my school bus when I was 5. Following is the newspaper article that ran 3 days later. I don't think it's too depressing, but read at your own caution.

"Bethel Hopes For A Little Sunshine"
"By telephone, the happy word spread from Country Road to Mitch Haven Drive to Braun Road: Sunshine could move her toes. 5-year-old Sunshine Osborne alighted from a Bethel Park school bus and started to cross Braun Road. The driver, unaware, started to pull away from the stop. She either stumbled or was knocked down by the bus, and the vehicle's wheels passed over her. The bus continued along Braun Road, the driver oblivious to what had happened.

Sunshine was admitted to Children's Hospital in serious condition. Monday evening she had no feeling or movement in her legs.

It was about 28 hours later that her stepfather, Greg Hulet, relayed the hopeful message.

"He called me and I kept the word going,"said Lee Jodoin of Mitch Haven Drive. "Soon, we were all smiling." Mrs. Jodoin said Sunshine is as her name implies - "just bubbly and sunny and friendly to everybody. That's why the whole neighborhood's upset."

Though she moved to Bethel Park with her parents from Idaho Falls, Idaho, only last May, Sunshine, her pixie-like quality enhanced by dark blue eyes and blond hair which falls on her shoulders, became the object of special affection from neighbors and parents of her classmates.
Police Chief Joseph Kletch of Bethel Park said the bus driver, whom he declined to identify, didn't learn of the accident until he returned to the bus garage 90 minutes later and was met by police.

There were a final few articles to check out in the investigation, Kletch said, but "to this point, we find no real negligence on the part of the driver and anticipate no filing of charges."

An irony to the near-tragedy is that the driver - Mrs. Hulet and other parents say his name is Bill - has befriended nearly every one of the children he transports, calling each by name.
"Bill called this morning and said how sorry he was that it happened," she said. "He said how fond he was of her..."

"Bill has a little grandson in California who has cancer and has been in intensive care all week. Being close to the children who ride his bus kind of makes up for his grandchildren being so far away."
Kletch said the driver "seems to be a very personable man who gets involved with the children and makes their ride to and from school enjoyable, which is important, when it involves 5-year-olds like Sunshine."

He said the driver waved to the children who stayed on the side of the street on which they got off, tooted goodbye on the horn and pulled out.
Mrs. Hulet said Sunshine apparently dropped her umbrella as she was about to clear the front of the bus.
"Only two other kids crossed with her, her friend Erin Poses, and a little boy who's in the second grade, I think. The way I understand it, he (the driver) looked to wave to those who didn't cross and didn't see Sunshine."
"Sunshine's friend, Karen Jodoin, was seated at the back of the bus and felt a bump and looked out the window and saw Sunshine lying on the ground. She said Erin was waving her hands for another car coming along to stop."
The accident occurred in front of the home of Peter and Robin Poses, parents of Erin, on Braun Road.
"Sunshine comes to our house on Mondays to play with Erin until her mother gets home from work," Mrs. Poses said.
Mrs. Poses said Erin "isn't saying too much about it. I'm not even sure she saw it. I found her crying in her room last night but she doesn't care to discuss it."
Mrs. Jodoin said for Karen, the incident was "like an adventure to her, everyone asking her to tell what happened. I think she really thought Sunshine had just fallen down.
"When she looked out the bus window, she couldn't really see it was Sunshine, but knew it was her from her yellow book bag on the ground.
"But when she heard yesterday that she was getting a little better, Karen was really happy."
Dr. Edwin Merritt, superintendent of Bethel Park schools, said a close watch is being kept on Sunshine's classmates for any adverse psychological reactions to the accident.
"We've been in touch with all the parents and have asked them to stay in touch with us should they observe any problems," he said."
He said all aspects of bus safety training, both from the drivers' and students' standpoint, "are getting an exhaustive look."
Mrs. Poses said that residents along Braun have been "fighting" to have a school crossing guard placed at the stop, as well as the next one, where Mitch Haven Drive runs into Braun.
The speed limit on Braun is 35 mph, and she said she has seen cars on many occasions "drive right by a (stopped) school bus. And we have so many buses that use Braun - from St. Louise de Marillac, St. Valentine's and all the Bethel Park schools.
"But I certainly wouldn't say that a school guard could have prevented what happened to Sunshine."
However, Kletch said that Sgt. Lois Heckman, who has been in charge of crossing guards for years, does not recall any request for a crossing guard for either location.
"When a request is made, a full evaluation is made of the situation, including a traffic survey. If the situation warrants a school guard, one is placed, "Kletch said.
Hulet, a Westinghouse Electric Corp. engineer who was transferred to Bettis Atomic Power Lab in West Mifflin, said the move was temporary and family will soon return to Idaho.
Doctors "really, really don't know" why Sunshine lost the movement of her legs, he said.
"The X-rays showed micro-cracks in four vertebrae, but the problem would come from the higher part of the spine, where the controls for her legs would be," he said, repeating a doctor's theory.
"But when she was being moved in her bed yesterday (Tuesday) she could move her toes one at a time. She had control of that. But there was severe pain with it and she didn't want to do that."
But that she did do it has brought smiles and hope all along Country and Mitch Haven and Braun Road."

These photos aren't in recovery order...sorry. And remember, this is 1983.

This is my physical therapist trying to teach me how to walk again. I still have that little walker!

I had a body cast on for weeks (from my chest to my knees). I think this photo was taken soon after getting that stupid cast off. Can you say whole body itch??

(Ballerina till the end! Notice the ballet slippers!)

Lying in a bed for weeks gets boring when you are 5, especially when Popeye cartoons start repeating.

On a cruise around the hospital. I loved getting out of my hospital room, as long as it wasn't going to physical therapy!

The ballet slippers are still on! HA!

Since I'm 2 Blessings behind in my 52 Blessings Project, this week and last week's Blessings are my able body. I think that counts as 2!! As much as I complain about how my body looks, I am SO thankful that I made a full recovery and regained complete control of my body. I can deal with the left-over problems I have. The doctors didn't know if I would ever be able to walk again, so I DANCED instead! Seriously, if you tell me I can't do something, I fixate on it until I finally have to just do it. Sometimes it's a good thing (like helping the full recovery) but mostly it's not. Oh well. I'm gonna go turn up the music and dance now.

Does your tummy hurt?

2008-02-27T21:45:00.000-08:00

I don't know if this is spillover from my pregnancy with Soleil, but occasionally Caden will ask if my tummy hurts. He is genuinely concerned, and is very cute. Today the kids were playing, and for once, I was sitting down watching. This alone is apparently cause for concern, because Caden climbed up on the couch next to me. I was slouched down pretty far, and he reached over and cups...my chest. The conversation was as follows:

Caden: "Mommy's tummy hurts?"

As I move his hand down to my actual stomach, "No, my tummy doesn't hurt."

Moves hand back up to chest. "You sure Mommy's tummy no hurt?"

Move his hand back down again. "This is Mommy's tummy. No hurt."

It's happened. I turned 30 and you can't tell my stomach from my boobs. I'm gonna go do a 100 crunches before bed.

Backseat driving

2008-02-25T22:09:00.000-08:00

It's late, I have at get up at 6 am to willingly jump into a cold pool (what??), and I'm on Scott's new laptop, so I can't add any pictures. But Momma's memory is a thing of the past, so this needs to go down now.

Yesterday it was raining and cold. Scott had his usual EQ meetings before church, so I was trying to get the kids and I out the door on time. I like to think of myself as a good driver, but I guess most people think they are good drivers, and both you and I know that the world is full of HORRIBLE drivers. (Especially in Utah.) Am I one of those unaware bad drivers? Anyways, I digress. As I am safely yet quickly driving the church in the rain yesterday, Caden calls out, "Mom! Slow down! Don't drive so fast!"

He's 3. The backseat driving has begun.

Achoo!! and other thoughts

2008-02-17T15:59:00.000-08:00

I need to do some serious catch-up on my 52 Blessings. Sorry that this is all I'm blogging about right now...but hey, at least I'm posting once a week.

Blessing #4 - HEALTH. We don't have it at my house right now, so I'm really missing it. I shouldn't complain....we don't have any big problems. Soleil has a virus infection that made her lymph nodes swell so big she won't eat or drink anything. Poor thing. Caden has a cough and runny nose; nothing too big. And both Scott and I woke up this morning with the starts of colds. Just annoying, but thankfully nothing alarming. So I am thankful for HEALTH. (and you should be thankful that I didn't post any pictures of our non-health)

Blessing #5 - PHOTOGRAPHS. My mom went through her thousands of pictures and organized them into boxes for us 5 kids. I went through my photographs and discovered ones I've never seen before. It's been so fun finding these. I'm not sure how old I am in this picture (one-ish), but it's pretty funny. Some habits never die, huh? JUST KIDDING!

Blessing #6 - MEMORIES. Looking at all these old photographs but having no memory of them makes me very thankful for MEMORIES. My dear Grandmother was just diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Makes me want to start doing brain/memory quizzes right now. Hey - isn't that why I love Sudoku? This is my Grandmother and I on my 1st birthday. (She's an Arizonian and I get my coloring from my dad.) Love you, Grandmother!

Blessing #7 - HERITAGE. I know our church is really big into geneology, but I'm not. Yet (maybe in another 30 years). But I am thankful for my ancestors. And I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to have known all my grandparents, even some great-great grandparents. Knowing where we came from enriches our lives. This picture that I came across is a 5 generation picture of my mom's dad's side of the family. Seriously, did I have any hair??

When there's love at home

2008-02-12T13:56:00.000-08:00

Blessing #3

What a hottie!!

Normally I would have posted about family before friends, but I had to get a current picture of Scott. This week I am so thankful for my family. I have the most wonderful husband. He is patient with me, even when I don't deserve it. He is loving and kind and smart. When he really gets laughing, he has the funniest, best laugh! He works hard and plays hard. He is athletic and handsome and sexy! (Have you seen his cute behind?) And he didn't dumb down the gene pool! (that was for my mom) I really could go on and on about how wonderful Scott is, but let's just say I LOVE YOU!!

Cuddlebugs

I love my kids. They are sweet and playful. Both are opinionated (I wonder where they get that from?), but so far it's been fun to see how they think. Which means they are smart, of course. I am years older than my next sibling, and always felt more like another mother than sister growing up, so it is so exciting for me to see these two so close in age (23 months) interact and to watch their relationship develop. I envy it a little. Caden loves being a big brother, most of the time that is, kissing Soleil if she falls down, trying to make her laugh, getting a toy for her to play with. And by toy, I mean car or train.
I also love my extended family, which if you've read my blog before, you know is numerous. (See family pix on sidebar.) I have 4 wonderful parents, 7 fantastic siblings, and Scott's family is great. Seriously. I hear in-law horror stories, and am thankful that I married into such a great family. My dear cousin Jill is also one of my closest friends. I am so thankful to have such great people in my FAMILY.
Ok, Soleil is screaming now...better not ignore that "family" anymore.

Friends

2008-02-06T11:53:00.000-08:00

I obviously need to do a little catch up with my 52 blessings. Yesterday I hosted playgroup at my house. It was probably one of the biggest playgroups we've ever had. I think we had 9 or 10 moms there, each with their kids. Good thing it stopped raining so the kids could go outside. (and get completely muddy) It was hectic but fun having everyone here to play. While I didn't get a picture of the craziness from yesterday, I thought I'd post some pictures from when Caden had a couple of friends over. Ady and CeCe are my friend's girls, and between them and Caden, they played with just about every toy we have. I love having people over, and since we live so far from any family, our friends here become our family. So FRIENDS are my blessing for this week. My friends (love you guys!), my kids' friends, Scott's friends. I am so thankful to have wonderful people surrounding me and my family. And since this blog is about friends, I have to give a shout out to my best friend, Jenna. We have known each other since 1st grade, and have been best friends for 15 years. She lives in Utah, so I don't see her as much as I like. But she is the greatest friend and confidante. Love you, Jenna!

Also, this picture was taken in 2004 - Jenna was 36 weeks pregnant with her son, Matthew, and I was 27 weeks pregnant with Caden. (sad that our bellies are the same size with a 9 week difference, but that's another story!) Normally I would not post a prego picture, but this is the only picture I have of just the 2 of us. Time to update!

Can you relate?

2008-01-31T14:18:00.000-08:00

My aunt sent me this email today. I don't think she even knows that we are knee-deep in potty training right now. Maybe because I am, I found this so funny. I was crying from laughing so hard. Hopefully it will tickle your funny bone too.

A 3-year-old tells all from his mother's rest-room stall. By Shannon Popkin
My little guy, Cade, is quite a talker. He loves to communicate and does it quite well. He talks to people constantly, whether we're in the library, the grocery store or at a drive-thru window. People often comment on how clearly he speaks for a just-turned-3-year-old. And you never have to ask him to turn up the volume. It's always fully cranked. There've been several embarrassing times that I've wished the meaning of his words would have been masked by a not-so-audible voice, but never have I wished this more than last week at Costco. Halfway, through our shopping trip, nature called, so I took Cade with me into the rest-room. If you'd been one of the ladies in the rest-room that evening, this is what you would have heard coming from the second to the last stall: 'Mommy, are you gonna go potty? Oh! Why are you putting toiwet paper on the potty, Mommy? Oh! You gonna sit down on da toiwet paper now? Mommy, what are you doing? Mommy, are you gonna go stinkies on the potty?' At this point I started mentally counting how many women had been in the bathroom when I walked in. Several stalls were full ... 4? 5? Maybe we could wait until they all left before I had to make my debut out of this stall and reveal my identity. Cade continued, 'Mommy, you ARE going stinkies aren't you? Oh, dats a good girl, Mommy! Are you gonna get some candy for going stinkies on the potty? Let me see doze stinkies, Mommy! Oh .. Mommy! I'm trying to see in dere. Oh! I see dem. Dat is a very good girl, Mommy. You are gonna get some candy!' I heard a few faint chuckles coming from the stalls on either side of me. Where is a screaming newborn when you need her? Good grief. This was really getting embarrassing. I was definitely waiting a long time before exiting. Trying to divert him, I said, 'Why don't you look in Mommy's purse and see if you can find some candy we'll both have some!' ' No, I'm trying>to see doze more stinkies. Oh! Mommy!' He started to gag at this point. 'Uh oh, Mommy. I fink I'm gonna frow up. Mommy, doze stinkies are making me frow up!! Dat is so gross!!' As the gags became louder, so did the chuckles outside my stall. I quickly flushed the toilet in hopes of changing the subject. I began to reason with myself: OK. There are four other toilets. If I count four flushes, I can be reasonably assured that those who overheard this embarrassing monologue will be long gone. 'Mommy! Would you get off the potty, now? I want you to be done going stinkies! Get up! Get up!' He grunted as he tried to pull me off. Now I could hear full-blown laughter. I bent down to count the feet outside my door. 'Oh, are you wooking under dere, Mommy? You wooking under da door? What were you wooking at, Mommy? You wooking at the wady's feet?' More laughter. I stood inside the locked door and tried to assess the situation. 'Mommy, it's time to wash our hands, now. We have to go out now, Mommy.' He started pounding on the door. 'Mommy, don't you want to wash your hands? I want to go out!!' I saw that my 'wait 'em out' plan was unraveling. I sheepishly opened the door, and found standing outside my stall, twenty to thirty ladies crowded around the stall, all smiling and starting to applaud. My first thought was complete embarrassment, then I thought, 'Where's the fine print on the 'motherhood contract' where I signed away every bit of my dignity and privacy?' But as my little boy gave me a big, cheeky grin while he rubbed bubbly soap between his chubby little hands, I thought, I'd sign it all away again, just to be known as Mommy to this little fellow. (Shannon Popkin is a freelance writer and mother of three. She lives with her family in Grand Rapids, Michigan , where she no longer uses public restrooms.)

52 Blessings Project

2008-01-31T13:54:00.000-08:00

Since I finally got on my blog to update yesterday, I also finally checked out some friends's blogs. On Katie and Christin's I found the 52 Blessings Project. I LOVE that idea! So I'm a little late and will have to make up the last 4 weeks, but better start now than never. The idea of the 52 Blessings Project is this: Once a week post a photo of something you are most grateful for. This gives us a chance to reflect on the good things we have learned from or that have made us better in our everyday lives or things we just enjoy! I think everyone needs to be more grateful for what they have now days instead of always thinking about what we want! This is one of the things we can do to be more gracious people. It will be like a photo gratitude journal.

So my Blessing for this week is President Gordon B. Hinckley.

I am so thankful to have lived while he lead and guided our church. He was such a wonderful, loving man, and he inspired me to be a better person. He was 97 years old when he passed, and he will be missed.

Potty Training

2008-01-30T15:57:00.000-08:00

Oh, it's been a long couple of weeks. Good, but long. Why, you ask? (not really unless you ignored my title) We started potty training a week and a half ago. Caden's been pretty good. If I take him to the bathroom every hour then we are ok. But he doesn't ever initiate wanting to go on the toilet. Quite the contrary, sometimes he's kicking and screaming not to go. Then there is #2. Everyday he goes in his pants - he hasn't made that connection yet to go in the toilet. So moms, another poll if you will. How do I help him go #2 in the potty and not his underwear? And will he initiate going to the potty by himself at some point? I realize it's only been 12 days, but it's been a long 12 days! I need to call the carpet cleaner!!
To top it all off, I started a diet. Now I'm not a big dieter. Never have been. In fact I think the only time I've ever been on one was Weight Watchers for a week. I lost 5 pounds and found out I was pregnant with Soleil. (you can't do WW while you are pregnant.) One of my dear college friends is getting married in March in Philly. We are going (yeah!), and since it's only an hour from Scott's parents, they are going to watch the kids for us. I'm excited - so fun! HOWEVER, there will a few other college friends at the wedding too. Now, maybe I am shallow, but I do not want to see these people while I am retaining this much extra weight. It's been 10 years (give or take a few) and I probably won't see them again, and this is not the lasting memory I want them to have. Vain and shallow, I know. But it's good motivation for me. My dear, dear friend Jen is a runner - like does marathons and stuff - and has graciously let me puff along beside her once a week so I can try to become more runner-ish. (Thanks to my bus accident, I run like a gimp. Seriously. I call it my whip-kick.) I will never be a runner, but I can aspire. And our swim class just started back up, so between that, running, and doing weights on Fridays, I can drop 15 pounds in 6 1/2 weeks, right? To show how serious I am about this - I SWITCHED TO DIET COKE. I can't stand Diet Dr. Pepper - I am a purist - so I had to switch to Coke. Or Pepsi - I don't care which one. But that is commitment on the highest level for me. (if you happen to own any stock in Dr Pepper, you might consider selling it. At least until mid-March when the wedding is over.) So far I am down 3 pounds. Very exciting. I'll keep you posted.
And a shout out to Diane! I am so excited you joined us bloggers now instead of stalking silently. You are hilarious, and I can't wait to see what comments you have for us all!

What to do?

2008-01-04T13:59:00.001-08:00

To go along with one of my New Year's Resolutions (be more organized), I was cleaning out my catch-all drawer at the computer. I found all of Caden's art projects from school. I don't know what to do with all of it. Do I save it, thinking one day he'll get a kick out of seeing his art projects from when he was 3? Or do I toss it? This is a question I'd like feedback on....do you save or toss? And if you save, what do you save it in? These projects aren't all in a nice 8x10 size - some are really big. Suggestions?

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

2008-01-02T14:36:00.000-08:00

We got back from our holiday travels a couple of days ago, and I'm finally sitting down to the computer to check emails and pay bills. We had a fun albeit cold trip to Idaho to spend Christmas with my family. It snowed constantly! I have forgotten what a real winter is like in Idaho. The snow was beautiful, but brrr! Thankfully Scott was willing to do all the outside activities with Caden. We went up to my family's cabin in Island Park on Christmas Day and stayed the rest of our trip there. The snow is so deep at the cabin that if you walk off the porch, you don't sink down at all. (see picture!) The snow is packed down pretty well, or we could have lost Caden! He loved playing in the snow, but only for 15 minutes at a time. Then he'd be ready to come in and get warmed up again. Just like his mom! The real fun of our trip was when Scott and I stuck the snowmobiles in tons of snow. The kind where you step down, and lose your boot 2 feet down in snow as you pull your foot out again. We did manage to get both snowmobiles out finally! Then the next day on our drive back to IF, I got the Xterra stuck in a snow drift. Mind you, it's been over a decade since I drove in snow on a regular basis. I was trying to avoid on oncoming car and gave him too much room. My wheels caught the ice ridge on the side of the road and 100 feet later, we were stuck. Scott, Stormie and I dug for half an hour before some people stopped to help push. (Thank you!) The kids were thoroughly entertained watching our heads bob up and down, so they were great. After those 2 experiences, I am convinced I am a warm-weather gal. Sorry, Mom, you'll never get me closer to IF - it's too dang cold!

My brother Forest is on a mission right now, so my sister printed out a picture of his face and put it on a stuffed mannequin. So this is Forest enjoying the Christmas morning festivities. We miss you, Forest!!

Caden is totally into all things Polar Express right now. He tells everyone he meets about it! This is him opening up his big present from Santa, a Polar Express train set. You can see Gordon and Henry are already in his hands. (for those of you who don't know Thomas the Train characters, consider yourselves lucky!) If you look closely, you can see (part of) my present from my favorite blue box bling'ing on my wrist. Santa stopped at my favorite store before heading to Idaho. Thank you, Santa!!

I had to add this picture because it is so precious. Soleil is finally starting to like being read to. She and Scott read that book 10 times in a row. She loves her daddy! (And a shout out to Star, lounging on the LoveSac in the background. Happy grading papers!)

And yes, that is the Forest mannequin. He went to the cabin with us. I think he even went snowmobiling at one point. Shout out!!

Bethleham Village

2007-12-17T13:45:00.000-08:00

Ahhh. Both kids are napping, I'm done Christmas shopping (I think - you never know what will pop up in the next week), and my housekeeper is coming today. Yeah - I love a clean house! Today is a good day!

This weekend we stayed busy doing all the fun December-kind of things. Friday nite we went to the Presbyterian church across the street from our neighborhood to their "Bethleham Village." I was SO impressed - they had llama rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, a live nativity, crafts for the kids, and refreshments. All for FREE! It was so fun! We ended up running into so many people from our ward....the Mormons take over the Presbyterian Christmas party! Ok, that wasn't as funny now that I typed it. But I found it fairly humorous at the time. What can I say? I'm easily amused!

Here is Caden and Chaz waiting for the llama rides. Thanks for the picture, Tammy!

Saturday nite was our ward's Christmas party....and we also did a Bethleham Village-theme. The food was good and we had fun. It's always fun to hang out with friends. Since I'm in nursery now, I have to leave sacrament mtg. before it ends, and stay in nursery until all the kids are picked up, so I miss chatting with everyone. Ah, well, that's what girls' nite out is for, right? (which was Thursday...and very much needed!) Santa showed up at the party, so hopefully Pix with Santa are forthcoming. I'll warn you now...Soleil was SCREAMING when I sat her down on Santa's lap. Hopefully she'll do better this week. I plan on taking the kids to do the mall Santa pictures. Wish me luck.
Why I didn't get any pictures of the cute party, I do not know. I was entirely focused on getting a picture of Soleil's first pigtails! Can you see them? Little wisps of blonde hair. And this picture also debutes my new hairstyle...I tried bangs. What do you think?

Saturday we made a gingerbread house. (Thank you Costco, for the premade sets!) Caden totally got into it. Soleil liked throwing the candy all around the kitchen. I think this will have to become a Bramwell tradition. (not the throwing of the candy. the building of the gingerbread house!)
Tonite we are going to a stake member's home that completely decorates their entire house for Christmas and has an open house every nite complete with Santa, little toys for the kids to take home, cider and cookies, and lots of fun decorations. Fun pictures to follow!

One of those days

2007-12-12T19:09:00.001-08:00

It was one of those days. It really started out yesterday afternoon with Caden getting a fever and acting quite lethargic. I gave him some Tylenol and after his nap he seemed a lot better. Fast forward to this morning. We had just finished breakfast, which today for Caden meant all the marshmallows out of his Lucky Charms (bad mom, I know), when Caden coughed. Then threw up. All over himself, the Laz E Boy, his beloved blankets...you get the picture. I scurried around trying to bathe him, throw his blankets into the wash, and spot-treat the chair. Get him dressed, teeth brushed (not even the 3 year olds like the taste of vomit much), and settled in with a movie. Finally get everything taken care. Ok, breathe. Now Soleil wants a snack...no big deal right? After she's done, I'm getting her out of her chair and have her steadied with one arm when she loses her balance? throws herself back? still not sure what she did, but she falls back and goes down on the back of her head on the wood floor and electric train set underneath the tree. I finally get her calmed down...no bruises that I can see. Phew. I did get to talk to my dear cousin today. That was a highlight. Of course Soleil crashed into the coffee table and bonked her head, in the same spot as before, so our conversation was cut short. Congrats on Logan, Jill! I promise 2 kids does get easier....just don't put too much into this post! Usually the kids will nap at the same time in the afternoon, but today Soleil skipped her morning nap, which meant she went down at 11, which meant she woke up right when Caden went down for his nap. No break, and this mama NEEDS her breaks. I did finally squeeze in a shower and Hot Pocket at 12:30. Thankfully I did have an easy dinner planned...only to discover that the meat had gone bad. Had it really been over a week since I bought it? Breakfast burritos as Plan B!

I did try to put Soleil down for a second, really late nap, but 30 minutes of her crying/talking to herself/singing convinced me she wasn't going to fall asleep. (early bedtime anyone?) I walked into her room to find her half out of her shirt. This is the second time she's undressed herself during nap time. The first time she took off her pants. I thought it was so funny - here's a picture.

After the frustrating and sometimes scary day I had with these two, this reminded me why I do this day in and day out. And love it - for the most part. (I could do without the vomit.)

Caden's 3rd birthday and Day Out with Thomas

2007-11-29T14:50:00.000-08:00

Caden turned 3 on Thanksgiving this year, so we had his birthday party a little early. (Naturally I am late posting.) We held it at Kidsville, an indoor playground for kids. We - I - did a "Cars" theme; notice the cake. It was great; we had a party host directing and keeping track of everything (he's the one helping Caden play pin the tail). I just made sure everyone ate as much as possible and had a good time. (the two are directly related, right?) Some pictures from the fun, compliments of my friend Liz:

The next weekend Thomas the Tank Engine came to town. (When I say town, I mean an hour + drive north.) We loaded up early - it was so foggy I could hardly see. But it cleared up and we had fun riding Thomas, playing with all the trains, and eating carnival foood.

Tagged...

2007-11-16T21:10:00.000-08:00

Ah, crap. I got tagged....three times. Here goes...
The rules: A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning. B. Each player lists 6 facts/habits about themselves. C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.
1. I love Dr Pepper. The sound of the can opening is only a slight second to the sound of my children laughing. That is how much happiness I get from drinking a nice, cold DP. I know this is sad. I have tried to beat my addiction, only with limited short-term success. Hey - this problem is genetic! My family has been drinking DP since it was introduced to the public in 1905. My great-grandma took a big glass of Dr Pepper to work with her everyday. I know, still sad.
2. I have lots of family. Seriously. In our 5 years together, Scott still hasn't met all my family. Because of a few divorces in my family, I have 7 siblings, 4 parents, 7 living grandparents, 25 aunts and uncles, and so many cousins, it'll make your head spin (I think first cousins number at about 60). I cannot fathom what it's like for those people without a lot of family. Boring, kind of sad, but definately cheaper...do you have any idea how much I spend at Hallmark in a given month? (And this isn't even counting Scott's family!)
3. I love to travel. I have been to every state except Alaska. Thankfully the kids travel pretty well, so we log a lot of frequent flier miles, especially since none of the aforementioned family lives close. So far my favorite places are London and Hawaii. I'd like to explore mainland Europe and Australia, and have to mark Alaska off my list.
4. I love to white-water raft. Rafting is a family tradition - we go every Memorial Day weekend to the same spot in Idaho, and then try to go on a 5- or 7-day long trip sometime in the summer. You get all sorts of people out on the water, but away from the hustle and bustle, you also get the best out of people. Some of my favorite memories are on the river. All of my family loves it too - my stepdad's favorite joke about my boyfriends was that if he could stay in the raft, then he was ok. (Yes, he even said that same joke at my wedding luncheon!) We didn't get to go this last summer, and I truely missed it. I can't wait for Caden to get old enough to take him down his first wavetrain. This is a love I hope to pass onto my kids.
5. I love to dance. I started when I was 3 and danced into college. In high school, I loved having the house to myself so I could turn on the big stereo and use the windows as my mirror and dance, dance, dance. I trained in all types of dance - ballet and jazz were my favorite. I miss dancing. I really miss my dancer's body! ;->
6. I am an organizer. There is a certain thrill I get from clearing off my desk, finishing my to-do list, making a new file. So far I have refrained from buying a label-maker; I'm seriously afraid I'll go to crazy with it. Example: we just had Caden's birthday party (pix and a post forthcoming), and I had to go through the toy room and take out old toys to make room for the new ones. When the time comes for me to go back to work, becoming a professional organizer holds quite a bit of appeal for me.
Whew - enough soul-searching for tonight! I tag Star, Jill, Lisa, Tammy, Chanel and Amy.
Hope you enjoyed!

Family Picture Gallery

2007-11-08T13:51:00.001-08:00

We had our annual family pictures taken Tuesday, this year on the beach. We used the same photographer from last year, Molly, since she did such an excellent job. (Shout out to Amy who told me about Molly!) I was a little worried about how the kids would do at the beach. Would they just want to be in the water the entire time? Would they both immediately get covered in wet, sticky sand? The day of the pictures it was cold (San Diego cold), overcast, and both kids were cranky and tired. I was actually worried that Molly didn't get any good shots. I mean, Caden REFUSED to look at the camera and smile. Threat, bribes, nothing worked. Scott and I were completely frazzled on the drive home. Then Molly emailed me the picture gallery.....if you are interested, check out http://mollyhilton.com/BramwellSlideshow/. The pictures will only be posted till Monday. Turn up the music....and grab the Kleenex. Seriously.
P.S. No comments about how my butt looks. I will not be purchasing those pictures, and would take them out of the gallery if I could.

Pumpkin Patch and Halloween

2007-11-08T10:30:00.001-08:00

I really need to catch this blog up - so this post will get me through October and hopefully caught up.
We went (almost a month ago!) to Bates Nut Farm with our neighbors for some hay rides and photo ops. It was so much fun! Definately a tradition in the making!

Caden and Brennan started a game of King of the Pumpkin. They had so much fun climbing up and pushing each other off. Ah...boys will be boys.

And now for Halloween!

Jen inspired me with her cute themed Halloween pictures from years' past, so I convinced Scott to also do a theme. I originally wanted Caden to be a BYU football player and Soleil a BYU cheerleader, but apparently so did every other BYU alumni. The bookstore was sold out of the cheerleader outfit for weeks, but I think we came up with a great alternative.

Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook, and Tiger Lily!!

Seriously, have you seen a cuter Peter Pan??? And Soleil killed me in her little Tinkerbell outfit...trying to crawl with all that toile and satin...too funny!!

Peter Pan LOVES Halloween - totally got into trick-or-treating. We went around the neighborhood with Spiderman and his dad, Don Ho, and Spiderman didn't want to get out of the wagon. Peter Pan got so much candy that we had to empty part of his bag into Spiderman's so he could keep going. Good thing too, cause Spiderman needed something in his bag!

(Ok, so looking at the pictures, I needed to pin up my apron. It looks like I'm pregnant. Oh well - and I'm not!!)

This was my first time trick-or-treating with Caden. It was so much fun! We left a bowl of candy out - and I wondered if the first kids that came would empty it out - until we started going and noticed that that's what most houses did too. Made me feel better. Anyways, Caden got quite a stash that Scott was kind enough to take to work the next day so as not to tempt me. Hope everyone had a safe and happy Halloween too!

Happy 1st Birthday, Baby Girl!!

2007-11-06T15:21:00.001-08:00

Soleil turned 1! Ok, she turned 1 two weeks ago, so I stink at promptly blogging. Sorry. I figured I had to get this up before Caden's birthday party this weekend. Then I'd really be behind. Since her birthday was in the middle of the firestorm, we celebrated low-key with our neighbors, presents and cupcakes. Not that a 1 year old needs much more! I can't believe Soleil is one already. Wow, that was a quick year! Since this is supposed to be somewhat of a journal, I thought I'd list some Soleil-isms. She growing up so quickly, if I don't write them down, they'll be gone and forgotten.

Moves: while she still isn't walking, this girl can MOVE!! Maybe that's why she's not walking yet; she is an incredibly fast crawler. And the apple doesn't fall far from the tree - whenever Soleil hears music, she starts dancing! I love it! Already I'm having images of her in black leotards with pink tights, her hair piled into a bun, and practicing her plies in the reflection of our fireplace. While I don't want to ever push my kids into a sport of activity they aren't interested in, I REALLY hope Soleil dances. I loved dancing so much - still do. Too bad there's not a class for has-been, used-to-dance moms with a little extra baby weight to work off. But this post isn't about me....Anyways, Soleil is just starting to stand unassisted for a few seconds, so I think she'll be walking in no time. Which means she'll be into more stuff than now, if that's possible. I got so used to Caden - he wasn't interested in the cupboard under my bathroom sink. I can't keep her outta there! Hmm...maybe because that's where my makeup is. She is a girl; maybe she's already wanting to get dolled-up!

Foods: Soleil didn't stay interested in baby food for long. She has always wanted to feed herself - as long as it's not on a spoon. No yogurt or applesauce or oatmeal. Favorites of hers are fruit leather, bananas, any kind of cookie (seriously, this apple hit the tree on the way down!), pancakes and waffles (although I try to give it to her sans syrup, justify it as healthier somehow), peas (she squishes them, then eats them), quesadillas, chicken nuggets, lunch meat, hot dogs, and she just tried PB&J for the first time and loved it! I wish this were a healthier list. Sigh.

Words and Gestures: she definately babbles a lot. Not much is coherent. She does say hi and wave - so cute! Caden and I were singing "Ring Around the Rosy" in the car today, and she sang along with us in her own little language. She also has been giving lots of sideways thumbs-up's. Don't know where she got that gesture, but she sticks out her thumb then holds her hand like she's giving "daps." Cute until she sticks her thumb up your nose or into your eye, just hopefully not in that order.

She has been good at sleeping through the night lately -YEAH - although now that I typed this, she'll have a horrible night tonight. Murphy's law. I'm actually surprised at how great she's been sleeping - she, like Caden, is a late teether. She got her first tooth just in time for our New York trip a month ago, and is getting 3 more teeth right now. Her poor gums look so sore, but she never complains. That's another great thing about this precious girl. She is the happiest baby! She smiles all the time and rarely cries or is upset. And this girl is TOUGH! Maybe this is how most second kids are, but she puts up with a lot from Caden without complaint. I don't think Caden would act the same if the roles were reversed. That's another reason why I can't wait for her to walk. Then she can really stand on her own! ;->

This little girl brings me so much joy! She is so fun and loving. I am so thankful for her and her sweet personality. And I'm so excited to watch her grow up and into the wonderful person I know she'll be.

Ok - sorry for the sappiness. It had to be said. P.S. This picture is her first "ponytail." If you look closely at the top of her head, you can see it. A little wisp of hair.

Safe in San Diego

2007-10-25T20:24:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy, scary few days here in San Diego with all the fires. Thankfully we never had to evacuate, but the fires got within a couple of miles of us, so we were packed and ready if needed. An experience like this really makes you take stock of what is important. If we would have only had time to get us and the kids out, that would have been fine. Hard, but everything in the house, and including the house, are just things. But since we were on the edge about evacuating for a few days, I had a lot of time to mull over what to pack. There are the obvious things like important documents, photo albums, diaries. But then there are the baby books - located in a different place that any album (which themselves are spread throughout the house). Or our wedding video. And how easy is it to fit a 20x24 framed picture in the van? The insane organizer in me is disappointed that it would have been hard for us to assemble all the "irreplaceables" throughout our house. I'm making a PowerPoint list of everything we would want to grab and sticking that list in our 72 hour kits, just in case there is a next time.

Thankfully no one we know lost their home in the fires. I do feel horrible for those who did. How misplaced they must feel! Our stake is having a meeting tonight trying to house displaced members. Since we have an extra bedroom, I'm sure we'll have some house guests for awhile. I'll let you know!

And since no post is truly complete without a picture, here is all the ash that is piled up outside of our garage. I'll be power-washing for a month as the ash continues to settle!

The 3rd Decade

2007-10-14T22:24:00.000-07:00

So I'm 30 now. That age has always sounded so old to me. Officially settled down. Not like I haven't been "settled down" for the last few years...married, 2 kids, minivan, mortgage...but somehow I always took solace in the fact that I was still in my twenties. No longer. I am a 30 year old, minivan-driving, suburban, stay at home mom. Wow, that happened fast. Did I really graduate from high school 12 years ago? Freshman year at ASU doesn't seem like that long ago.

Well at least I've lived to see 30. I consider that an accomplishment in it's own right. But what have I really achieved in my 30 years on this earth? I have a college degree, that's good. I married a wonderful (and older!) man who puts up with my crap. That's even better. Plus I have 2 hilarious, loving kids. I've been to Hawaii 4 times, Europe once, Mexico too many times to count, and all over the continential U.S. I have dear friends near and far, and so much family that in the 4 1/2 years of marriage, Scott has only begun to meet them all. (scary, isn't it?) And I'm healthy. I have to list that, because even with all that this body has gone through, I can still get frustrated at it/me. I need to remind myself of where I could be instead of complaining about where I am. If only I could lay off the Dr. Pepper....

Turning 30 is supposed to be a milestone, but frankly I don't feel any different. I don't feel 30. And thankfully, I don't look it either. Vain, I know, but hey - there'd better be one advantage to having extremely oily skin! Besides, when I'm out with the kids, I get comments fairly often about how young I must have been when I started having kids. Ha - by Mormon standards, I started late at 27. Maybe it's the next decade that you feel it AND look it. I'll let you know in 10 years.

This weekend I went out with the Girlfriends for my birthday dinner. This time the conversation didn't seem so rushed to me. Maybe that's because we had just gone out last month and had talked for hours. With no kids to distract us, it always seems like we just talk and talk as fast as possible to get it all out until next time. Maybe we should just go out once a month - get all that "talk" out. One of the Girlfriends, Amy, is moving. I am sad."Only 30 minutes away," she says. I'm holding you to the occasional Tuesdays, Amy. That and beach playdates.

Here's a pix from Friday nite. Aren't the Girlfriends gorgeous! (And yes, that is 3 huge desserts we shared!) Thanks, girls!

New York City

2007-10-14T21:55:00.001-07:00

Forgive my delay in posting about our fabulous trip. Let's get down to business.

We went to the Letterman show last Thursday. We sat in the front row and were even on TV....for a split second. Of course I noticed the camera on me, so I very nerdly (is that a word?) waved. If you'd like to see our Letterman debut, come to my house. I have it TiVo'ed. I really wish the second picture turned out. I'm posting it anyways. All around the city there are these guys selling bus tours. (I highly recommend doing the tour if you are going to NYC. Great and cheap way to see everything, and since it's hop-on, hop-off, you can use it in lieu of a taxi.) Scott and I bought our tickets from these 2 Jamaican gentlemen. They learned it was my birthday and insisted on singing to me. Loudly. With lots of movement - if you know what I mean. It was great!

This is Ground Zero. We poked the camera through a hole in the fence to get this picture. After 6 years, this is all that's happened.

We are huge Office fans, so I had to get Scott in front of the Dunder Mifflin sign. I should have bought him a Dwight bobblehead.

This is the view from our hotel room on the 42nd floor. We stayed right in Times Square. Had to be in all the action.
This is me doing what I do best. It's been so long since I've shopped without kids...I loved it. Why Scott took a picture of me shopping, I'm not sure. Maybe to document what I spent. Yes, I bought almost everything in my arms....and then some. ;->

2007-10-14T21:22:00.000-07:00

Perfect Angels....Or Devils??

2007-10-01T15:23:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we leave early a.m. to go to New York. I am so excited! We are dropping the kids off at Scott's parent's house in Maryland, going to a Philly playoff game with a college friend of mine (the Phillies might be playing the Padres that day, depending on if the Padres win tonite. Go Padres! We want to cheer you on in Philly!) (Ok, I know it's sad that I know this much about baseball.), then onto the Big Apple. We will sleep in (maybe, depending on Scott...he hates sleeping in and I love it), go shopping (that is NOT a maybe!), go see Wicked, and, mark your calendars, go to the Dave Letterman show on Oct. 4th. Everyone TiVo Dave that nite, and keep your eyes out for Scott and I. I'm so excited....getting tickets is quite the process involving answering a Dave trivia question. Good thing my aunt and uncle went last month...I asked my aunt what her trivia question was...and I basically got the same one. Whew! I love Dave, but he's on too late here. Maybe in a few years when sleep isn't such a precious commodity we'll watch him and Leno more often.

Hopefully the kids will be good for Barry and Linda. Soleil is (of course!) getting her first tooth now. She slept through the night last night; I'm hoping that becomes a habit. Caden loves his grandparents so I have no worries about him.

Ok, Jen just stopped by with vacay goodies. How cute is she?? Thank you! I will enjoy it all immensely!! You are too awesome, girl!

I know everyone gets on to see pictures, so I added a couple of the kids. I actually like these pictures of Caden and Soleil. They are looking at the camera and smiling, which as all you parents know, is a feat unto itself. The last picture is what I do not want to come back too. I know we are just starting the sibling rivalry/teasing/physical tortue stuff and we have years of it to come, but maybe the kids will miss us so much, they'll be perfect angels. At least for the 5 hour plane ride home? A girl can dream....

Alright. Enough rambling. I have to continue the all-day process of packing. I will leave you with this thought (directed at the San Diego Girlfriends): my 30th birthday is next week. When and where are we going to dinner? Discuss.....

Girls' Day Out

2007-09-25T14:16:00.000-07:00

I got the best present from my husband and got to run away for a day with some girlfriends. Amy, Chanel and I went downtown on Saturday for some shopping, spa-ing, and lots of eating! We stayed at the ultra-hip W Hotel- so hip, in fact, that the lobby turned into a nightclub, much to our surprise. Good thing we were on the 17th floor so the bass thumping wasn't too loud! It was so nice to indulge ourselves. While I did miss my family, it was nice to have a break from the dirty diaper routine and get to enjoy some nice, leisurely meals with some great adult conversation. Can't wait to do it again! Thanks Chanel and Amy! And special thanks to Scott for taking over with the kids so I could go play! I love you, hunny!

Starting the day off at the W Hotel

Us out on the town
Pretty dinner at Laurel (gotta love Amy's hand position!)

Us in Laurel's lobby (gorgeous!), yummy desserts - without the hands

Are we ready for potty training??

2007-09-20T15:15:00.001-07:00

Awhile ago, we bought Caden a little toilet for the impending journey known as potty training. I haven't been in any hurry to go there yet. I mean, Caden and Soleil are finally wearing the same size diapers! Anyways, we had the toilet, never used, in the guest bathroom, until we had guests stay. (This is the Bramwell Bed and Breakfast!) Being the wonderful host that I am, I tucked the still-pristine toilet away in Caden's closet. These poor guests don't want to stub their toe on the kid potty during a late-nite pee break, do they? Fast-forward to this morning. While Caden is getting dressed, he pulls out the toilet, asks to take off his diaper, and proceeds to pee into the toilet!!! I WAS SO EXCITED!!! (I know it's sad that a 2 year old's pee excites me so.) I didn't even mind that it was slightly weird that all this occurred in his bedroom. So I showed him how to wipe (little boys wipe after peeing, right? I seriously need a handbook!) and happily whisked the toilet away to sanitize and sterilize. Needless to say, this was a moment NOT to catch on film, but thought I would share anyways. Little boy underroos, here I come. Ok, moms of potty-trained kids.....how do I do this? I've heard of letting them walk around naked for a week (staying at home, obviously) while they figure this out. And buying tons of underwear and throwing them out when dirtied instead of trying to clean them. I need suggestions!!!

Go Big Blue!!

2007-09-11T09:38:00.001-07:00

This is how I need to position myself for all photographs. Just my head showing. We went up to LA for the BYU v UCLA game. It was hot and the drive was long, but it was fun. That will be the last game we take the kids to for a long time. Caden LOVES to go to the Padres games, but this game didn't hold his attention like baseball. Maybe it's because we always have rockin' seats at the Padres, and as you can see, we were up the stadium a bit here, maybe he just likes baseball more than football (fine from my mommy perspective!), maybe it was just too hot. He and Soleil both squirmed the entire time. Well, at least I know to get a babysitter for next month's game in San Diego!

Eatin', swimmin' and boatin'...then back to reality

2007-09-06T14:35:00.000-07:00

We just got back from our annual trip out east for Labor Day at Scott's family's lake house. So much fun, as always. Since we hadn't been back to HdG (Scott's hometown) in over a year and a half, we stopped there first for a couple of days. We hung out with Scott's best friend, Jason, and his family. Jason and Amy are so fun - and have the cutest 4 blonde girls you have ever seen. Their third girl, Caroline (in the purple shirt), is exactly Caden's age, so of course we've already started the matchmaking efforts. She is as white-blond as Caden....if they do end up together, their kids would have no chance of pigmentation! And how cute do their names go together too, Caden and Caroline. Just like Scott and Sunshine. Eww...that was too sugary sweet. Anyways, what do you do in Maryland in the summer? Eat crabs!! Or, if you are under 6, eat chicken nuggets.

Then it was onto North Carolina to the lake house for more good eatin', swimmin' and boatin'. (This is the South, folks, drop your g's.) Caden got to play with his cousins, Soleil got cooed over by everyone, I got to read a book, and Scott got to hang out with his family. I was fiddling around with the camera trying different setting with 3 of Scott's nieces - this was self-portrait. My arms aren't long enough to get everyone's faces in the frame. And the next picture is Scott and Caden on the pontoon boat with Grandma. Caden fell asleep about 30 seconds later. Scott's aunt is a FANTASTIC cook, so I now also have to lose the 5 pounds I gained there. And that is in addition to the my-baby-is-10-months-old-now-and-I-still-haven't-lost-that-weight weight. This is a sad admission, but it's my goal to not eat fast food for the month of September. I am totally addicted to french fries. Think I can do it? So far, so good. 6 days down, 24 to go. This morning was the first swim class I started with a couple of friends. Now I know I can't run a marathon. Heck, I have enough self-awareness to know I can't run a mile. (I HATE running!) But I've always considered myself a fairly strong swimmer. Until today. Jen and Tammy must have both lapped me 3 or 4 times. Excuses: because of the previously mentioned vacation, I missed the first 3 classes, so they are 3 classes stronger! I also forgot goggles and a swim cap, so my hair was in my face and my eyes were stinging! Lame excuses, I know. Jen and Tammy CAN both run marathons (and do!) so I know I've got my work cut out for me just to try and keep up with them. Hey, maybe I really will lose some weight before our big trip to NYC next month. That's right - Scott and I are going to the Big Apple next month for my 30 birthday!! (childless, of course!) I am so excited! We are staying in Times Square, going to see Wicked, and will for sure be dropping by the diamond district! ;-> So if anyone has suggestions on what to do/what not to do in NYC, I'd much appreciate them! Ok, Sunshine out!

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-08-25T16:07:00.001-07:00

Break from swimming

2007-08-23T14:47:00.001-07:00

I've tried a couple of swim lessons for Caden the last couple of days, so we've been in the pool a lot lately. I love it, Caden asks to swim everyday, even Soleil likes swimming in her floatie. Good times. Anyways, a bunch of us were at the pool on Monday, getting one last before-school swim day in since school started here yesterday (can you believe that?? it's so early! not that the school year affects our family much yet!) My good friend Jen, who is a great photographer, shot a couple of pictures of Caden. I thought this one was excellent. He was taking a break from swimming and getting a snack. He took a really good nap that day! (Another reason why I love to go to the pool...wear the kids out!) I just love this picture! Thanks, Jen!

Caden and Miles

2007-08-23T14:37:00.001-07:00

This weekend Caden had a friend, Miles, over. What a day these two had - lounging around in pj's until noon, then eating cereal half-naked for lunch. (What can I say, I know how to throw a party!!)

Cha-ching!

2007-08-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

I'm posting like crazy since both kids are sleeping right now. I took this picture last month when Caden got his new piggy bank, but it's too cute not to post! Plus, all 4 eyes are looking at the camera...a rare victory for the photographer. Grandpa Jim would be so proud! Caden played with his piggy bank for days, but would get frustrated trying to get the money back out. (So much like his mommy!) Now the bank is sitting high on a shelf as cute decor.

Kayaking with Lisa

2007-08-17T15:48:00.000-07:00

Lisa and I went kayaking last week as a last girls day out hurray. It was so fun! Lisa got a little seasick, but she braved through it! She did roll our boat over trying to get back in. Good thing I have years of experience of getting myself back into boats from rafting. Anyways, we had some good swells, saw some good sights, had some good fun. Bye Lisa!! My visiting teaching record won't be the same without you!!

Late Nite Ramblings

2007-08-03T21:49:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted for awhile. Between being gone to Utah for the Bramwell family reunion and having my family in town for a few days, then having Scott out of town for the next few days, I haven't had a lot of spare time. I did have time to read the latest and greatest Harry Potter - yes, I am a self-proclaimed Potter nerd. I read most of it while Scott drove back from Utah. What a great husband! I loved the book, was very satisfied with the ending, and can't wait for the movies. So do you really think J.K Rowling is done writing about Harry? I hope not.
The kids were fantastic on the long drive to Salt Lake and back. Caden did get his fill of movies. Poor Soleil is still sitting backwards, but occasionally she'd try to turn around and watch the screen. Big news: she started crawling during the reunion! She's been belly-scooting for over a month now. I kept waiting for her to get up and go, but she seemed quite content callusing her tummy. She is all over the place now...she is so fast. Time to put the baby gates up.
Caden is still going crazy. He had so much fun with his cousins, especially Drew. (the only other boy cousin his age.) I wish Ross and Maria lived closer so the boys could play together. Isn't Atlanta too hot?
Scott just got back from spending 4 days in Boston with a client. The purpose of their trip was to go see the Boston Red Sox play Scott's beloved Baltimore Orioles. Nice, huh? The client paid for some of it, and Scott will get comp'ed for the rest of it...that is the way to do a "business trip," right? It sounds like they had lots of fun, had awesome seats, and good weather. And since I slaved day and nite with the kids by myself, I forsee a Pottery Barn Kids purchase to even things up. What do you think, girls? Sound fair? I'm almost done with the playroom...then I'll post a pix of it. I'm very pleased so far with the results.
Speaking of pictures, sorry for the lack of one right now. Scott took the camera to Boston with him, and who know's where it is. Then I'd have to download them onto the computer, then upload them here.....you get my point. Too late, too tired. Next time for sure. I know that's why you get on here in the first place! ;->
My good friend Lisa is moving away. It is confirmed. Practically all my good friends move away. I am so sad. Her little boy is Caden's good buddy too. I don't think he'll understand that Peter Jon has moved away. Ok, Tammy, Jen, Nicole, and Amy......don't even think about packing a box and moving away. I will hunt you down and drag you back. Lisa, I will miss you terribly. You are a wonderful friend.
And now it's off to bed.

Caden and Soleil

2007-07-13T20:11:00.000-07:00

Caden climbed into Soleil's crib right after she woke up (and I accessorized Soleil). They laughed at each other, and for once, I remembered to grab the camera. Aren't my towheads cute?

The Sunshine Posse

2007-07-13T19:45:00.000-07:00

This is my all-time favorite picture of our family. Soleil is 2 weeks old and Caden is almost 2 years old, so it's a little out-dated, but I still love it.

Am I doing this right?

2007-07-12T15:15:00.000-07:00

After much pressure from some friends, I decided to join the online world of bloggers. I feel so techy. Let's see if I get this set up right. It seems like a great way to keep in touch with family and friends, and helps ease my constant guilt about not keeping a journal very well. Crosses off two items on my to-do list, and for those who know me, know that that makes me very happy!