The Child Family - A New Chapter

The "Red" Hulk

2012-01-16T00:45:00.000-07:00

Calvin was very specific to let me know that this is the "red" Hulk. It's so cute though, he was copying his figurine and tries to include very specific details, yet coloring it red doesn't seem to dawn on him yet.

Thanksgiving 2011

2012-01-16T00:34:00.001-07:00

Calvin gnawing on a turkey leg and enjoying his Thanksgiving dinner.

And as you can see, turkey seems to have the opposite effect on Calvin has it does the rest of us.

Calvin's First Race

2012-01-16T00:27:00.001-07:00

Calvin had his first race this year with the Turkey Trot held at Ustick School. He was super excited, and did pretty good until I realized we should have gone over the rules of racing with him. He was so determined to win that in his mind he realized eliminating half the course would help him with that goal, so with cutting out a few pertinent areas he came in 2nd.

Off to a great start above, then you can see the desperation in his face below as he's trying to pass up first place.

But overall, he had a great time and can't wait to race again!

You think I need a new punishment?

2012-01-15T23:15:00.001-07:00

Putting toys in time out was the greatest thing...for a little while. Calvin would get a toy put in time out, and be on his best behavior until he earned it back and then some. And for a while, it would never be more than one toy at a time. I guess this is how you know its time to switch techniques.

Monster Patch

2011-11-15T00:58:00.000-07:00

So I patched Calvin's jeans on Saturday after finding a cute example on Pinterest. This is how they turned out.

And this is after one day...I take that back just 4 hours of wearing them. :(

Zombie Party

2011-11-13T19:31:00.001-07:00

With all the fun stuff we've been creating at work lately, throwing Calvin a Halloween party was a must. I let him pick between several party items from work, but the idea of a Zombie party was no contest. Of course Pinterest was a big help too!

Swamp water and zombie eyes!

We had Zombie spray (a zombie's version of monster spray and body parts for party favors).

It's not the best picture, but here are our zombie brain cupcakes.

All the cute mummies and zombies! Dalton, Liam, Logan, Calvin, Brandon and Micheal

The Haunted World

2011-11-13T19:12:00.001-07:00

This is what Calvin has begged to do all year since his visit last year. What's pretty funny is although, he wants to hold your hand pretty tight. He doesn't really get too scared. These two faces below were the best nervous faces I got. Quite honestly, the Haunted World is one of the best I've seen, I'm surprised he didn't have nightmares over it.

The Corn Maze with Step Ahead

2011-11-13T19:03:00.001-07:00

Halloween and Best Friends

2011-11-07T00:46:00.004-07:00

Calvin informed me the other day, "Wemi (Remi) is my best friend, cause she's a gwown up!" So this is him and his grown up friend Remi, trick or treating on Halloween night. By the way, Calvin also let me know that Optimus Prime always looks like that (the pose he is in with Remi).

Calvin with Tresa , Skylar and Tiffany

Calvin trick or treating at Jill and Darron's

RaeLinn's Halloween cake.

Us at the trunk or treat...a little lack luster this year, but I was just glad I could convince Calvin to wear the Grandma jammie over the werewolf costume. I had to tell him over and over again that he just ate the grandma and he was in disguise, stressing the awesomeness of eating the grandma.

Jill and I at the Fusion Magazine Party. It was the easiest thing to be since being Zombies for Calvin's zombie party.

Calvin's Mini Party at Jabbers

2011-10-22T11:10:00.003-06:00

We did a little mini celebration for Calvin's birthday at Jabbers, with Calvin's playschool friends--Logan, Dalton and Liam. It was great, and the service at Jabbers was amazing!

What was really cute, was watching these boys play 'house'.

Georgia's Body Building Competition

2011-10-22T01:20:00.003-06:00

Once again looking fat and pasty, me, with my dear and amazing friend Georgia at her body building competition. Just so you know, I quized Georgia on what she does to look like this. She says its 80% diet, eating clean foods. And then on a side note she mentioned that she does 400 lundges a day, and let me tell you her butt is amazing!

Easter Outfit

2011-10-22T01:16:00.000-06:00

My cute boy in his easter outfit!

Easter Day

2011-10-22T01:13:00.001-06:00

Calvin and his goods from the Easter Bunny.

Hunting for eggs....

Pre School Easter Party

2011-10-22T00:08:00.000-06:00

Say hello to my new favorite indulgence...

2011-10-02T00:02:00.003-06:00

When I was in SLC a few months ago and went to the ever so scrumptious Bruges Waffles (do yourself a favor and go sometime). The owner introduced me to this delighful Belgium treasure...Speculoos Spread. It spreads like peanut butter, but its made out of Speculoos cookies and absolutely heavenly. To my excitement, today I found it sold at Cost Plus, called Biscoff Spread in the US. Give them a week or so before you go and try to get it because I just bought them out...

And tomorrow, I'll be making these...Stuffed Biscoff White Chocolate Cookies.

Calvin-On how not to be sexy...

2011-09-19T17:08:00.001-06:00

So today was the first day I put Calvin's new school jeans on him.

Me: Oh my gosh you look so sexy in these! (FYI he hates wearing pants so I keep thinking the flattery will work).
Calvin: I'm, not SEXY! You are!
Me: No way, I don't have sexy pants on. You are definitely the sexy one.

Then Calvin proceeds to pick at his nose.

Calvin: No, I picking my nose, so I not sexy.
Me: Yup, you're right, now you're not sexy anymore.

Optimus Prime's First Day in Pre-K

2011-09-15T00:36:00.001-06:00

Calvin started his last year of pre-school last week. He was a little bummed he no longer had the same teacher, or in a class with the same friends, but overall he is adjusting well, minus the fact that he now wants to change his name to Optimus Prime.

Calvin: My name isn't Calvin anymore, it's Opitus Pwime (Optimus Prime).
Me: Ok, Optimus Prime did you decide you didn't like Calvin anymore?
Calvin: No, its a pretty name not an awesome name. Opitus Pwime is an awesome name. Can you tell my teacher dat I'm Opitus Pwime now?

Donnie Mac's Trailer Park Cuisine

2011-08-22T00:41:00.001-06:00

We finally hit up Donnie Mac's. The only place in town that you can order Spaghettios, Koolaid and good old PB&J's. They also have delectable frozen custard! The kids had a blast, and I enjoyed the atmosphere and tunes.

St. Patrick's Day

2011-08-22T00:38:00.002-06:00

We had to build a Leprechaun Trap for Calvin's school. And this is where doing what I do comes in so handy!

The finished trap has a false top, so when the leprechaun reaches the stack of gold coins, he'll fall right in.

Will's Sleepover

2011-08-22T00:12:00.001-06:00

Will was sick in bed. I had to laugh when I found Calvin's collection of T-Rex's asleep with him. Apparently Calvin thought, Will would feel better if he had some friends to sleep with.

Calvin's Creations

2011-08-22T00:09:00.001-06:00

It never gets old seeing this boy get so proud of his creations. Especially when he asks me to take a picture :)

Elton John

2011-08-21T00:42:00.000-06:00

6 months out...

2011-08-16T10:31:00.000-06:00

6 months out and today I got the results from my stimulated thyroglobulin test...No sign of cancer whatsoever. Whoo hoo!!!!

Photo Booth Fun

2011-08-08T00:08:00.001-06:00

Once again using my favorite model for work. We both had fun with this one. Need any fun and easy to make Photo Booth Disguises???

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-08-07T23:59:00.001-06:00

And yes, we are way way way behind...but here's a little look at V-Day boxes I designed and made for Calvin's class. You can get your own boxes here!

I loved the monster cupcakes one of the mom's made for the kid's preschool party! So cute!

Utah

2011-08-07T00:26:00.002-06:00

After I got done with radiation, we made a quick little trip down to Utah. I almost died in a blizzard, when Jill's car wouldn't start at 1am. I had to trek out to save her, and let me tell you, being night blind is one million times worse in a blizzard.

Calvin loved all the snow and his cousins Alyssa and Aubri (Li Ping and Li Xuan).

Seriously two of the sweetest cutest girls. Love!

Toys

2011-08-07T00:04:00.002-06:00

I've been getting a kick out of the things Calvin's been making lately with his blocks, or whatever these things are called. He is so proud of what he makes too, its stinkin' cute. Here is a Spinosauras, Robot, and Bird monster.

The proud builder/magician. Yes he is wearing a cape and holding a wand.

Then here is some robot tinker toy creation.

Sledding (On the dang coldest night of the year!)

2011-08-06T00:45:00.000-06:00

We decided to go sledding for New Year's Eve. It was the freaking coldest night of the year, at negative temperatures we didn't last long. But it was fun for a couple runs down the mountain.

Ice Skating

2011-08-06T00:35:00.001-06:00

And when the sledding got too cold, we hit the skating rink. You can see how well it went with Calvin, then Jill and I attempted our best Apollo Ohno impersonations. Although I think Jill got confused with Forrest Gump.

Sock Hands

2011-08-06T00:11:00.002-06:00

This cutie is a genius when it comes to making due. Don't have mittens? Just take the socks off your own sweaty feet and instant snow protection.

Gettin' Our Bounce On

2011-08-06T00:07:00.001-06:00

Bounce is one of Calvin's favorite places to go to, but as you can see pretty much everyone enjoys the fun. Although Jill and I had higher hopes for the Velcro wall, imagining ourselves jumping up and attaching much higher than 6 inches from the air mattress. We also imagined we'd be stuck in position much longer than 2 seconds. I guess you need stronger Velcro for us fatties!

Addie

2011-08-03T00:41:00.001-06:00

So this is cute Addie, and this is how she normally lets people hold her.

But for some reason, she adores Will and wants to snuggle up in his neck without fail, EVERY time! It was so cute. She'd look up at him, smile, then snuggle. Such a little flirt.

Meet Emily...

2011-07-13T21:45:00.002-06:00

Ok I admit I'm stealing all these pics from my sister-in-law's post, but they were too funny to pass up, and perfectly represent the cuteness that embodies this little human being. I don't think I've ever meet a baby that could communicate as well with a single expression (of which she has about forty). But even though I don't appreciate the "stink eye" in regards to myself, I have to say it never gets old! Beware all strangers...cause she has no problems telling you how she feels.

Then here are the forty other expressions she is capable of in one sitting! Love this patootie!!!

Something sitting on my toilet...

2011-06-19T00:12:00.004-06:00

Somebody was yelling for me to come wipe his bumm, but when I got to the bathroom I found this sitting on my toilet...scary!

And then this little guy surprised me!

Da Elders

2011-06-19T00:08:00.001-06:00

We got to know these two elders, pretty well this year, as they were giving the discussions to our neighbors. Elder Akina was from Hawaii and Elder Redpath was from England. (By the way, Elder Redpath only wears Armani suits ;) Calvin adored them, but was being a goomball in this pic, and refused to look at the camera. But anytime he saw them he would get so excited, "It's da elders, its da elders!"

Mr. Miyagi

2011-04-18T10:43:00.002-06:00

There was a fly buzzing around the house this morning at breakfast. I kept opening the back door trying to shoo it out, without success. All the sudden I hear, "Got it mom!" I turn around to see Calvin pinching the fly between two fingers. Disgusting, yet impressive. But clearly the disgustingness won out, cause I was too icked out to get a picture and immediately made him throw it out the door and wash his hands. The kid has some reflexes though!

Happy Meal Toy Still Life

2011-04-14T12:44:00.000-06:00

Calvin's latest creation is this Happy Meal Toy Still Life. I don't know who this guy is, but its so cute. I love the details he captures, the green irises, the red bandanna, the belt and the little T thing on his head.

Sneaky...

2011-04-11T13:50:00.000-06:00

I'm not going to tell you what I snuck in where, but this is how a girl gets it done.

Stylish Blogger Award

2011-04-09T12:35:00.002-06:00

A big thank you to my dear dear daisy double for this nomination! Love you Sarahmajayne!

THE RULES:

1. Thank the person who tagged you to do this.

2. Share 7 facts about yourself.

3. Award 7 blogging buddies this "Stylish Blogger Award"

7 facts about me:

1) I'm %100 germaphobic.

2) I really would love to join a roller derby team, although I am a bit scared I would get annihilated.

3) I'm really pissed off that I can't find dish washing detergent with phosphates anymore. Anyone using anything that doesn't leave a white residue on your dishes? I'm about to give up on washing dishes altogether and switch to disposable,which I am sure is far worse for the planet than phosphates are.

4) I lettered in yearbook.

5) Since I came to the conclusion that I'm no longer invincible, I have a daily debate of whether I should do what I can to try to be more invincible (ie. quit diet pepsi, sugar, become a work out fiend, etc.) or....do I just say screw it and enjoy life to the fullest while I can?

6) Kim Chee is the bomb.

7) I'm totally and utterly obsessed with my kindle, which I never thought anyone would be able to get me to switch. I do still miss buying books, I love everything about them, the way they smell feel. I love brand new crisp clean beautiful books, however there is nothing like have 100's of books in your hand all at once. Thank you Nat for convincing me otherwise!

Thank you Jayne!!! And now I nominate Natalie Cliften, Megan Jaynes, Becky Monsen, Leslie Arnold, Kirsten Brockner, Rochelle Brown, Andrea Payne

Self-Portrait

2011-03-29T00:16:00.001-06:00

So now that Calvin has taking to choosing his own clothes to wear, he has forgone my "skater boy" look for a more athletic one...and persists in wearing basketball shorts 24/7, rain, snow or shine. Anyhow, I finally succumbed to the idea (more like I was tortured with him only wearing the two pairs he already had every day) and got him some new athletic wear that he was very excited about. So excited, the cute boy drew a picture of himself, even adding the word on his shirt! It's so fun watching him draw, as he so intently observes the thing he is trying to draw.

When he is drawing a picture of me, I hear, "Mom, you have heet (feet)?"

"Yes, I have feet."

"Let me see." So I show him my feet. And the conversation goes back and forth as he observes, asks and draws the rest of me. It's pretty stinkin' cute!

A girl just can't catch a break...

2011-03-22T21:59:00.002-06:00

So Thursday I did this to my finger, by probably the most retarded means possible. I was using a stick blender, and lifted the blender out of the bowl. I then proceeded to take my finger and clean out the end of the blender, with the blender plugged in. Please view my photo of the stick blender below, with the very large and easy to press button, that you essentially have one hand on at all times. Yes, I did then accidentally press the button with my finger in the end. Blech! So after 4 hours in the ER (apparently it was a busy day) I find out there is good news and there is bad news. The good news is...my nail saved my finger from being cut off, at least that is what the doc said. The bad news however, not only will it take a year to grow out, but more than likely my nail will never look normal again. Every time I look at it I shudder, and think I'm just glad I have my whole finger. I would have passed out if I had to pick up a piece of me and take to the ER with me.

So my experience in the ER was interesting. I sincerely hope I never have to go there with something life threatening. They seriously would come in check my vitals or something, then leave for an hour. Then they come back and say do you want something to numb that??? Um, yes please. Ok here is a shot, it will last 4-6 hours. They give me the shot and leave. 1 hour later, all the numbing wears off, in fact my finger hurts worse now then it did when I first came in. I'm just hoping and praying I can get out of there soon just so I can go home and take some Ibuprofen. Doc comes back and says, "Ok I'm going to stitch it now." "Um, I'm not one to usually complain, but I can't let you do that till you numb my finger again." "Well that shot should have done the trick." "I promise, my finger is not numb, and the thought of you stitching it right now is about more than I can bare." So the doc gives me another shot, and says he can't give me anymore that I've had my limit. Fine whatever, just give me the stitches now. So he stitches me, and while he is doing so he pricks himself. "Uh, you don't have aids do you???" "No, do you?" "I'm going to need you to have a blood test now." "Whatever, I've only had 2 dozen in the last two months, what's one more." So, now how come the doc doesn't have to have one for me??? Unfortunately, the blood test meant waiting for another hour, in which my 2nd shot wore off. So word from the now wiser...before going to the ER take some Ibuprofen. Oh and don't put your finger in a stick blender with it plugged in.

Jill got me a gift that night:

Fingerless gloves, Dip Stix, Press on Nails, Fusion juice, flesh colored paint, nail polish remover, anti-bacterial hand sanitizer, Butterfingers, and more stylish fingerless gloves (perfect cause I had a Rockband party to attend). Notice the theme?

update: Just got the bill for this little beauty...$771.00. Lovely.

Cancer, Shmancer...

2011-03-20T00:09:00.005-06:00

It's no secret that I've always been a bit of a hypochondriac. I used to scour my mom's health handbooks, trying my best to diagnose even my smallest complaints, then with the invention of Web.MD, one almost doesn't need a doctor anymore (well at least for the diagnosis part). Jokingly in the past, I've diagnosed myself with cancer about 2 dozen times, I guess my hope was that if I told myself it was the worst thing possible, that it would never actually become that. Well, unfortunately my worst case scenario has become my reality, however fortunately it hasn't been as bad as I imagined. Although, it's still a bit of a blow when you realize that you are no longer invincible.

So everything started going downhill when I miscarried at the end of last September. I never intended to blog about this,especially since my blog isn't private,but I do believe its an important piece of the whole story. Anyhow, I can honestly say it was one of the hardest things I believe I have ever experienced. I was 12 1/2 weeks, and already showing. (In my family, we are lucky if we can make it a week or two after implantation without showing.) Anyhow, I had had 2 ultra-sounds previous, and everything was perfect, saw the heartbeat, all the blood work was normal, etc. Then I started lightly bleeding, and got very concerned, I immediately called and the doctor got me in by noon only to confirm by then what I already knew. I was devastated, mostly because by that time, you think you are safe, and you are really planning, and that baby already seems a part of your life. It broke my heart to tell Calvin, who seemed to understand and was so excited to have a sibling.

Anyhow, at first it seemed like I was having weird symptoms that I assumed might be related to the hormones of pregnancy or the miscarriage. My hair changed, became dull, lifeless, and wouldn't curl at all. It seemed no matter what I did, it looked like crap. My sister will even admit this is true. I blamed the product my hairdresser used to dye my hair with, and tried washing my hair a million billion times to get rid of it, but to no avail. Then, about a week before Thanksgiving I came down with Strep. That same week I started feeling shaky all over, like I've had too much caffeine. I assumed it was a weird symptom of the strep and tried not to worry about it too much. Within a couple of weeks after that, as I'm still feeling shaky, I realized that I felt intolerably hot all the time, which I may mention is the polar opposite of what I normally feel like. I spent the winter walking around in a 3/4 length sleeve jacket and was sweating. At first I thought it was my special poor man's mittens, the kind that don't have fingers. I thought wow, it's amazing how warm I feel by just wearing these gloves, but it soon dawned on me it was not my special gloves. I only wish they would work that good now! Lastly, I lost about 8 pounds between Thanksgiving and Christmas, which I thought was pretty awesome. I didn't mind that symptom. So, a week before Christmas, I finally decided to google all my symptoms. And the thing that came up that seemed to make the most sense was Graves disease. Not only did it describe my current symptoms, but I learned that Graves which causes a hyperthyroid often causes miscarriages as well as severe mental birth defects in a fetus. So as I'm reading, it also mentions that Graves is often associated with a lump on your throat, otherwise known as a goiter. So I immediately reach for my throat to feel, and holy shit what do you know? I've got a ginormous lump on my throat. I do not know how I was so oblivious.

I get in to see a doctor the next day. He immediately does all sorts of blood tests, and then sends me over for an ultra-sound. You have to love those ultra sound techs, that absolutely don't breath a word about what they are seeing. Everything, moved super fast from here. I got in to see the Endocrinologist, by the following Wednesday, who unsurprisingly to me, diagnosed me with Graves Disease. So big points for Rani here, for making an accurate diagnosis! Anyhow, for those of you that don't know what Graves Disease is, it's an auto-immune disorder of the thyroid. Technically, not curable, but the symptoms all go away by having the thyroid removed or destroyed with radiation. Now, typically Graves is most commonly treated with radiation, but because I had so many nodes in my lump, they were a bit more concerned. They did warn me that it could also be cancer, but that the chances were low,. They honestly felt it was just a toxic goiter. Anyhow, his recommendation was a complete Thyroidectomy just to be safe. I was game, only because the idea of radiation scares me. My surgeon, Dr. Garner, made room for me the following week, and within 2 weeks of first going to the doctor, I was having surgery.

The surgery wasn't bad at all, of course I don't remember a thing, but recovery was super mild. My darling little guy said several cute prayers for me, when I got home. "Tank you for the dockers not to cut mommies head off and dat mommy could get better." Did he really thinking I was getting my head cut off? I'm not sure, but I'm thankful the doctors didn't cut my head off too.

The hardest day came when pathology came back a week later, and I get the phone call, where all I hear is "Blah blah blah blah, carcinoma. So it's a good thing we got it out!" What? Did you really just tell me that I have cancer? "Yup, and its a good thing we got it out!" But what does this mean? What do I do now? "I'm not sure, probably nothing, but your endocrinologist will follow up with you at this point." Um, ok, click. Ba ha ha, tears more tears. I am messaging my family, I have cancer...what kind they ask? "I don't know. All I heard was carcinoma. I'm all cancery!" Anyhow, I realized I hung up, and didn't know squat, and was a mess by this time, so I had my sister call back and pretend to be me so she could write it all down. So she finds out that I have a follicular variant of a multi-nodular papillary thyroid cancer...no wonder why I didn't understand what the nurse said.

So now my worst fear comes to light in more than one way. I find out I have Thyroid cancer, and number two...I get to do radiation. It's one of those things that your damned if you do and damned if you don't. I love medicine, and I feel very blessed to live in a time where we have so many options, but I am not oblivious to the fact that some options, are merely a slightly better scenario then doing nothing at all. Radiation is a very successful treatment for thyroid cancer, and they do consider me cured at this point, but I do have reservations as to what my future holds. You can't help to be concerned when you walk into go get your radiation pill, the guy helping me unscrews the lid on a giant containment unit, and you see all this dry ice smoke come out. Immediately an alarm sounds, and he uses these two foot long tongs to hand me a tiny single pill from the containment unit and says, "Don't worry about the alarm, that is just to let us know that there has been a radiation leak (your pill)." With raised eyebrows, I just give him a skeptical look, and think seriously, I'm suppose to swallow this thing?! "Swallow it and leave now," he says. Gulp. Ok done, there is no going back now. And I go home to live 3 days in isolation. So tell me...if its not safe for anyone to be around me, what exactly is it doing to the rest of me??? I never could get a straight answer about that by the way.

For those of you that don't know, my dad actually had Thyroid cancer before I was born, and was treated with surgery. It reoccurred 20 years later while I was in high school and that time he was treated with the radiation. Dr. Garner (who also knew my dad)says that we actually have 2 different kinds, however the coincidence does seem a bit uncanny.

So, what's done is done. My scan results were good. And for now I'm considered cured. I have been warned I have a type that can reoccur, but fortunately thyroid cancer is very slow growing as well as treatable. They say that if your going to get cancer, this is the one to sign up for. Personally, I'd rather not get any cancer, but what can I do about that now? I hardly missed a beat with all of this, and I honestly feel better than I have felt in a long time. I look forward to a much longer life, cause I'm really not quite ready to go towards the light. I have amazing family and friends. And I feel so fortunate to feel so much love and support. Thank you to everyone for everything!!!

And here is a pretty picture of my Frankenstein scar 2 days after surgery. I have to admit, I was scared, and started looking online for chokers and scarfs, but already 2 months later you can hardly see it!

And Calvin drew me this darling picture to take to the hospital. I love that kid!

Tired...

2011-03-19T09:53:00.001-06:00

You know someone is super tired when he falls asleep dressed in full snow gear.

AB Enhancer

2011-03-18T09:52:00.001-06:00

I'm really excited about this latest gadget I purchased. It's guaranteed to give me a 6-Pack in seconds! And what's even better, is that you don't have to be a real athlete to get results!

And this year's Christmas card...

2011-03-13T19:39:00.002-06:00

So I realize that with the invention of the DVR, that watching commercials is mostly a thing of the past. So unfortunately, not everyone understood my Christmas card this year. In fact, I'm surprised I knew who I was, since I don't watch any show that isn't recorded. However somehow I've managed to see a few, but I was trying to emulate the Crazy Target lady. She is always on Target's 2-day sale commercials, I've come to love her. You can check out her here!
And here is a still of her:

$2 Dollar Shirts

2011-03-13T19:29:00.002-06:00

I got stoked when I found some christmas shirts for 2 bucks. So we all got some, the sizes were limited, and maybe a few were a little gay, but it was still fun!

Jaleese and I noticed that we cordinated, so a pic was needed ;)

More Christmas Pics...

2011-03-13T19:24:00.003-06:00

Calvin's fake smiles, kill me. I love this kid, he has so much personality and I love it! Will, sadly had to work Christmas morning, but we had his family over Christmas eve night for dinner, then did our family present opening that night as well. Afterwards, we headed to my mom's for the usual festivites there.

Unfortunately, Calvin doesn't look thrilled to take a pic with me, but this is all I got :(

Christmas Pics

2011-03-13T19:21:00.002-06:00

We had a great Christmas, and Calvin was a very lucky boy. He got a batman car from katelyn, his Trio Batcave from Grandma, a batman fishing pole, books, Moon Dough, movies, and mommy searched high and low for a giant "Breaky Man" otherwise known as Fantastic Four's the Thing. Calvin first spotted a giant ceramic Thing at a gift shop in Spokane. He had a giant melt down over the fact that we refused to buy the $50 ceramic. A. It was ceramic, not really play worthy. B. Sorry kid, I love you but $50 bucks is more than I spend on a just because gift ;) So I searched and searched for something comparable, and I think I found the only available one. He was stoked! Thank goodness!!! Santa also brought Calvin the Dragon house he had been begging for for 6 months. So it was a good day!
Carter, Calvin and Uncle Dane (Can you see the love?)

Bug and Adele

Preschool Christmas Program

2011-03-13T18:19:00.003-06:00

Calvin had his first preschool program. I was so excited for him, and invited the whole family to come watch. Calvin fell asleep in the car on the 5 minute ride to the school, and turned into the crying crank pot. He refused to participate at all during the songs. Although, I should just be glad we got him to go up there, he wasn't about to let me leave his side. As soon as Santa came though, he was all smiles!

Ward Christmas Party

2011-03-13T18:19:00.002-06:00

Calvin and Santa at the Ward Christmas breakfast.

Pajama Party

2011-03-13T18:00:00.000-06:00

Calvin's preschool did a pajama Christmas party. It was pretty stinkin' cute. Is it sacreligious of me to take a picture during their prayer? I just think its cute. I love that his preschool prays before each meal, too many schools try to remove God from the picture, so it was a nice surprise to see that they do this.

More Snow...

2011-03-06T21:59:00.004-07:00

This was the back up plan for this year's christmas card. Calvin made good on doing his fake cheesy smile ;)

Snow Days

2011-03-06T21:42:00.003-07:00

We were fortunate to have lots of snow this winter, and Calvin and his friend Remi made the most of it. My favorite though is when I left them in the backyard alone, and they both excitedly came in to get me and show me the snowman they made by themselves. My favorite part is the fact that the snoman has feet (see the twigs). I also thought it was cute they managed to find a carrot in the fridge for the nose.

Jaleese's Birthday!

2011-03-06T20:45:00.001-07:00

We also celebrated Jaleese's 22nd birthday!

Emily's digs suckers!

2011-03-06T20:24:00.001-07:00

This cute thing is my niece, Emily. She is Kyle's newest. They came up for Thanksgiving and we gave her her first sucker. A sticky disgusting but extrodinarily cute mess!

And these cute kids played together so well! We can't wait for their next visit!

Holey Jeans

2011-03-03T12:32:00.002-07:00

Calvin gets home from school today and I notice he's got another hole in his jeans. This is particularly frustrating to me because the kid refuses to wear jeans other than to school, which is 2 1/2 hours per day, two days a week. The jeans were brand new in September and he has 2 pairs, so basically he wears one pair for 2 1/2 hours each week. I wish it was more!

Anyhow I say, "Man, you have another hole in your jeans!"
And Calvin replies, " I know, I am soooo lucky!"
"And why are you so lucky?"
Calvin, "Because I look like Jaweese!" He does love his Jaleese!

And come to find out, it seems he is putting the holes there on purpose somehow with his blue chair at "pweschool."

The Scooby Doo Crew

2011-02-23T14:27:00.005-07:00

Calvin has a new passion, not that he has forgotten Batman, he has just added to his love with Scooby Doo. I found Calvin quietly drawing this today, and then proceeds to tell me exactly who everyone is. I love how observant he is, in that even his simple drawings he tries to add details that he notices, like Velma's glasses. He also told me that "Reddie" has blue pants on and a white shirt. Hopefully one of these days he'll start to color in things, instead of imagining them.

Today he also drew both a "red" hulk and a "grey" hulk, which were both black and white line drawings. "Mom, tan you get me my wed (red) hulk?" "Uh, sure, now which of the 12 black and white hulk drawings would that be?"

Dey Dead...

2011-02-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

I pick up Calvin from preschool today and ask him how school was.

Calvin: Oh it was dood.
Me: Oh good, and did you get to share your Robox book?
Calvin: Ya
Me: Did everyone like it?
Calvin: Ohhh, dey dead.
Me: Whose dead?
Calvin: Huh?
Me: Who died?
Calvin: What!? What you saying?
Me: You said someone died? Who is dead?
Calvin: WHAT YOU SAYING?!
Me: Clearly I don't know. Back to the Robox book, did your class like it?
Calvin: Dey dead.
Me: What do you mean they are dead? Who died?
Calvin: Huh? WHAT YOU SAYING MOM?!

Finally, I start to think things through...

Me: Are you saying, they did? They did like your Robox book?
Calvin: Yes dey dead.

He likes me!

2011-02-14T17:01:00.001-07:00

Will's friend Brian brought his son over today to play with Calvin. As Calvin is showing him around he says, "Dees are my toys, and dats my mom (pointing to me in my office). I like mommy!"

I have to admit, it felt good that he is proud enough of me to show me off :)

Mr. Hyde

2011-02-14T01:12:00.001-07:00

Since birth, I have often worried that Calvin was bipolar. One moment he is the greatest, happiest kid in the whole world, but like the flip of the switch he will turn into beastie boy...otherwise known as Mr. Hyde. And let me tell you, when he is Mr. Hyde, no one wins. By the way, having me take pictures of the moment totally improved the mood too (not).

Fondue Love

2011-02-13T23:29:00.001-07:00

I love Fondue! Calvin loves it too...well at least the dessert fondue. That's ok, more cheese for me. Just had to get a shot of this cute face chowing down.

Vivian Ritchie Child

2011-02-13T23:26:00.001-07:00

Will's sweet Grandma passed away this past November. She was definitely ready to go, but she will be missed. She seriously epitomizes the "sweet old lady." She was probably the size of my pinky, and was always so happy and such a joy to be around. I know she missed Will's Grandpa dearly and was anxious to join him. I never met Will's Grandpa, but I did notice that his obituary never left her site.

Double Rainbow

2011-02-13T23:22:00.001-07:00

After recently watching Double Rainbow man on You Tube, I got excited about spotting my own double rainbow...back in October. Still playing catch up, but I'm almost there!

Darth Vader

2011-02-10T19:33:00.004-07:00

Aladdin

2011-02-06T23:31:00.002-07:00

Have you met Aladdin, er I mean my nephew?

This was Dall's halloween costume this year, I loved it so much I had to post it. Complete with a flying magic carpet.

Halloween Pumpkins

2011-02-06T23:29:00.001-07:00

I forgot to post the pumpkins Calvin and I made. Calvin did a great job, but he still has a hard time with the concept of painting and preferred to draw on his pumpkins.

Halloween

2011-01-18T00:18:00.006-07:00

I hate that I'm so behind, but I have a really good excuse, which I'll probably explain later. Anyhow, here is Halloween finally. I was bummed that Will was out of town because I lost my Joker to go with my trio. Calvin wanted to be Batman, Wolverine, Iron Man, Captain America, and like 12 other things, I finally got him to settle one Batman, and bought him a cheapy Iron Man for his class party. Since I like my family theme costumes, I decided to go with Posion Ivy. I was only able to find hooker Poison Ivy costumes available for purchase, so I had to make my own. It was fun though. I bought the green catsuit, and then glued a bunch of leaves that I had previously painted and glittered up to a bustier. I painted some gloves and boots, and then my finishing touch and favorite part of the costume was my eyebrow leaves. Which I glued on with eyelash glue then painted gold paint on my lid and up over the leaf.

We headed to Haunted World after the ward Trunk or Treat. Calvin had been asking to go to a haunted house. I was worried that he was going to be scared to death and permantely scarred, but he absolutely loved it! And I have to say, that is one Haunted House worth the money, they did an absolutely amazing job. I don't know how my kid just laughed through it.

We also brough Max back out for Boo at the Zoo!

Farm Man

2011-01-17T23:58:00.001-07:00

I ran Farm Man this year, a 3k obstacle course. It was dress up, so I pulled out Jane Fonda for this one. It was a blast, and Cherie kicked my trash.

School Halloween Party and Monster Bananas

2011-01-16T20:49:00.000-07:00

Calvin had his school Halloween party and decided on his Iron Man constume for this one. I made chocolate covered bananas, I got the idea from my friend Mary, however that was easier said then done. As many of you know, cooking is not my forte, but I usually count on my artistic skills to get me by with stuff like this. What I did learn though, is cooking is a science and a+b does not = c. Meaning, the most important thing you can know about dipping things in chocolate: DO NOT ADD WATER. Water makes ghost bananas look like furry monster bananas. So I think I ended up with like 5 smooth ghosty ones, and the rest were monsters.

The Halloween Decor

2011-01-16T15:26:00.003-07:00

Will spent the month of October working out of town, so I had asked Jill to watch Calvin one night while I ran some errands. I come home to my house all ready for Halloween. No expense was spared, Jill let Calvin pick out any decoration he wanted from the dollar store. So even though it looked like the dollar store threw up in my house, Calvin was so stinkin' proud of the decorations that I was only able to undecorate by convincing him it was finally time to put up Christmas decorations. It was pretty cute though, I think my favorites were the bloody hand stump and the mirror werewolf.

Outlander

2011-01-14T17:29:00.000-07:00

Well I jumped on the Outlander bandwagon, and for anyone that has read it, you will appreciate this comment from Goodreads Holly:

How To Commit Adultery Without Being a Cheap Slutty Whore: A Q&A by Diana Gabaldon

Q: I love my husband but I'm feeling kind of restless. But adultery is wrong. So what do I do?
A: Easy! Go back in time!

Q: What do you mean, Ms. Gabaldon?
A: If you go back in time, your husband hasn't been born yet. So you can have wild and crazy S&M sex with impunity.

Q: But won't I still be married to him?
A: Aren't you listening? He hasn't been BORN yet. So you aren't married! But if you are really being such a stickler, then just have someone force you to get married to someone else.

Q: But, but, no one can force me to get married against my will!
A: Okay, let me lay it out for you: You're really hot for this sexy warrior barbarian guy, right? I know this, because you stop thinking about your husband about 24 hours after you've been dropped in this guy's arms. So you get in this situation where some obscure tribal law insists you have to get married, make a little protest, sign some papers, and voila!

Q: But that doesn't mean I have to sleep with him.
A: Oh but you do, because some random dude insists that you have to. Don't worry, the sex will be great even though he's a 23 year old virgin. So you see, you HAVE to do it, so it's okay.

Q; But isn't it a sin?
A: Fine, find a priest at the end of the book to absolve you, whatever. And anyway, it's okay because your husband basically told you it was okay, right before you were whisked back in time. Seriously, go for it. When else will you get the chance? You've been married for years. You deserve a little hot and heavy barbarian action.

Q: So what's this hot barbarian guy like?
A: Well, watch out, because he loves to reminisce about how his dad used to beat him and how wonderful that was. And he really gets off on beating you, but it's just the once. Oh, and it seems that he wants you so badly he can't restrain from ramming you repeatedly with his male member while telling you how much he can't restrain himself and that gets seriously annoying after the twentieth time. But otherwise, it's all good.

Q: Anything else I should be aware of?
A: Surprise! Buttsex! But not for you, so it's okay.

Oddly, I'm going to read the next one in the series. Because I'm bizarrely fascinated. It's like a train wreck.

The Corn Maze

2010-12-26T22:34:00.001-07:00

Calvin's preschool spent their first field trip at The Corn Maze. And as I was going through the pictures I realized I had one of the "da boy wid da fat cheeks" or Calvin's best friend at school...the cute little blond kid here. Calvin loved the maze and was anxious to go back with his playschool.

This is Ellie Brunson. She's in our ward and I would be totally cool if Calvin married her. She's an absolute doll.

Meeting R2D2 and a Storm Trooper

2010-12-26T22:26:00.001-07:00

Calvin was stoked to find R2D2 and a storm trooper at the mall.

Art in the Park

2010-12-26T22:18:00.002-07:00

Every September, Boise has Art in the Park at Julia Davis park. They always have a kid's section where they can created something. Calvin got to make a stand up "Daddy" and painted a little Jackson Pollockesque piece!

I too Hick to go to tool...

2010-12-19T22:56:00.001-07:00

And even though going to preschool has gotten better, he still has his days.

Calvin: Mom, I torry I can't go to pwe tool today I too hick to go to tool.
Me: You're sick, what's wrong?
Calvin: I don't feel dood, I too hick to go to pwe tool.
Me: Me, that's too bad. I hate when you are sick and still have to go to preschool.

Seriously, how has he figured this one out already?

He went on that occassion, but I did relent 2 weeks ago when he says:
"Mom, can i pweas not go to tool. I too hick. I need to tay home and get better."

First Day of Preschool

2010-12-19T22:48:00.002-07:00

Calvin started preschool this year. I wish I had taken his picture the day he had orientation, because he was super cute about it. He goes to A Step Ahead, and they had given him a t-shirt the day i signed him up in May. Calvin instantly loved the t-shirt. I on the other hand didn't love it...I have to admit, even though I love his preschool and teachers, I'm not fond of the logo. A pair of sneakers from some free clipart site I'm sure. Anyhow, Calvin wanted to wear the t-shirt day and night, so I finally hid it, and forgot about it. The day I am getting Calvin ready for orientation (3 months later), I tell Calvin, ok, we gotta go get dressed for pre-school. And he says, "I gotta wear my pwe tool shirt." Oh, right that thing...um ok, and I have to admit the thought crossed my mind, "does wearing the school shirt on orientation day make you nerdy??" Regardless, it was too cute that he remembered it and was anxious to put it on. So out the door he went in his pwe tool shirt.

So school has been a bit of a challenge...and although he loves it now, it took about a month of tears and cohersing to get him to stay. Whenever I picked him up he would say he had fun, but that he didn't want to go back. Finally bribes from both my mom and I got him to go without crying, and without fail every day I drop him off he always says, "Mamma always comes back." He has yet to trust Will with dropping him off though.

And when I ask Calvin who his best friend is..."Da kid wid da fat cheeks like dis, (And then he proceeds to puff his cheeks out)." Does he have a name? Calvin, "I dunno his name but he has fat cheeks like dis, (And again puffs them out). I like him mom, can he come to my house and pway?"

Freakin' Rad...

2010-12-06T23:49:00.001-07:00

see more

Click, I promise it's worth it.

Spokane...

2010-12-04T16:43:00.002-07:00

Over Labor day we headed to Spokane for Katelyn's baptism. For anyone that hasn't been to Spokane, it's such a fun city, with the World's fair stuff, and Courd'A Lene just 15 minutes away, there is so much to see and do. We had a blast, and are so thankful to our amazing hosts, Kyle, Ashley, Katelyn, Brooke and Emily. Thank you!

Will, Calvin, Jaleese and I hit up the World's Fair park in Spokane. Besides being absolutely gorgeous, there is so much to do. They had a giant delicious food fair going on that day and the park has an amazing carousel that I believe has been there since the World's fair. But I have to say, my favorite part is the the gondola you can ride over the falls.

Calvin and I in the gondola.

more Spokane...

2010-12-04T16:00:00.001-07:00

We got to see Katelyn's baptism. It was so fun and we were so happy to spend that special day with her.

Ty came to visit for a little bit, and I can honestly say this is one kid that can give Calvin a run for his money. Calvin was so excited to play with him, but Ty just wasn't as excited to play with Calvin, and spent most of the time in the playhouse. Calvin tried to invite himself inside and Ty slapped Calvin across the face. I think that is the first time someone has stood up to Calvin, although Calvin tried to take him out after that.

The girls convinced Calvin to play dress up, and surprisingly he eagerly complied. Normally he hates all things girly.

Calvin and Emily

In Courd'A lene, Idaho. I ranted and raved to Will how incredible Courd'A Lene is and it was freezing the day we went, still beautiful though.

Thug Life...

2010-12-03T23:05:00.001-07:00

The Zoo

2010-12-03T22:44:00.001-07:00

Ok i didn't quite capture it, but not kidding this giraffe seriously sat their and drank the other giraffe's pee. I bet money he is the one that died.

Weddy

2010-11-30T02:11:00.001-07:00

Calvin: Mom, I'm toe weddy!
Me: You're wetty?
Calvin: No, I'm WEDDY!
Me: You're ready? Ready for what?
Calvin: No, I'm suh, suh, suh, suh (long pause) WEDDY!
Me: You're sledding?
Calvin: No, I'm suh, suh, suh, suh (another long pause) WEDDY!
Me: Um....
Will: You're sweaty?
Calvin: Nodding. Yah, I'm suh, suh, suh WEDDY!

Glad someone was able to figure it out :)

Addie with the back Fatty...

2010-11-28T23:59:00.001-07:00

Here is Adele at a month old, as I'm trying to squeeze her into her 0-3 month sized swimsuit. The diaper had to be removed. Seriously, she is the cutest thing. I love the back fat!

The Fair

2010-11-28T23:54:00.001-07:00

Cutey Baby Toes!

2010-11-28T19:40:00.001-07:00

Adele's Blessing

2010-11-28T19:39:00.001-07:00

Painting at Ceramica...

2010-11-28T19:36:00.004-07:00

We had to hit up Ceramica when Krista and Carter came to visit. Adele also needed a baby plate to match Carter's. Everyone had a great time, but I have to say...I miss my discount :(

Meg's Wedding

2010-11-20T21:56:00.001-07:00

A day in the life of my goofball...

2010-11-20T21:39:00.001-07:00

Randoms

2010-11-20T16:04:00.000-07:00

Meeting Li Xuan

2010-11-19T21:19:00.003-07:00

This is Li Xuan (pronouced Li Chen), my newest niece, born just one day after Adele. So cute and tiny tiny! We loved meeting her, and would really like some recent pictures (hint hint). I'm not even sure my brother reads my blog, so he may not get the hint.

We all had to take our turns holding the cuteness...I think Dane needs a baby. We are all anxious to see the gorgeous thing him and Jacque produces.

And here is cutey patootie Ping...

And this is what Calvin does while we wait for our table at the restaurant...

Russell's Graveside Service

2010-11-19T20:50:00.001-07:00

My Great Uncle Russell passed away this year, the very end of July. We were his only family, and he was kind of a recluse, so we just had a small graveside service with my mom, Jill, Will, Calvin and me. He was buried in Gooding, near his brother (my grandpa) and my mom's brother and Calvin's namesake).

My mom and Calvin next to Uncle Calvin's grave.

Calvin got a bit bored, but found a good spot to sit.

Here is my grandpa's grave and my great-grandparent's grave.

Meg's Bachelorette Party with Micheal Franti

2010-11-12T20:08:00.000-07:00

For Meg's and Jeremy's Bachelor/Bachelorette Party, we headed to the Micheal Franti concert. It seriously was one of the best concert's I have been to in a long time. Michael Franti is one of those musicians that has the ability to reach inside your body and make your whole soul sing. With an upbeat and infectious vibe, he had the entire audience dancing and groovy groovin' along to every song. My ideal concert is one that can get everyone jammin' and that is just what he did! Tabitha and I even got to talk to Micheal and get our picture taken with him!

Meg's Bridal Shower

2010-11-12T19:46:00.001-07:00

My dear friend Megan got married this summer...wooo hoo! Here we all are at her shower.

Music Festival

2010-11-06T00:15:00.000-06:00

Boise brought back a smaller version of Riverfest this year...called the Music Festival. Bret Micheals, Macy Gray and the Backstreet Boys all performed for free. Rock On! And there was some great booths where we found some amazing finds. Besides our hats, we found Sam (one of my dearest friends from high school, oh and senior prom date ;) What I love about running into Sam is that he never changes...here he is trying on his new hip hop duds he bought from the gangster booth. Mr. Goff is teaching at Centennial now...whose doesn't want a teacher that dresses like this?!

Just a little Tim McGraw...

2010-11-06T00:09:00.000-06:00

What Calvin did all summer...

2010-11-06T00:02:00.001-06:00

Calvin's favorite pastime this summer..."jumping tricks" into the pool. He about gave me a heart attack as he often scared us with what looked like would be a near fatal plunge, but amazingly enough spent the summer stitches free! He's pretty hilarious to watch, trying to emulate different characters from TV as he was jumping. It just never got old.

Addie the Fatty...

2010-10-15T14:37:00.002-06:00

Megan shared with me this adorable new photo of Adele yesterday. She is 3 1/2 months now, and definitely not starving! So stinkin' cute! Calvin thinks she's something special too as you might be able to tell from what he said upon seeing this picture:

"Look at dat baby wid da big fat tummy and boobies!"
"I like dat baby! I don't throw rocks at her, cause then it will make her cry. And I will go to the closet wid da monsters."

McDonald's is making me miserable...

2010-10-12T17:59:00.001-06:00

This stupid cheap piece of plastic will soon be the death of me. As some of you may know, McDonald's recently unleashed a series of Marvel heroes toys in their happy meals...Calvin's dream come true, and my personal hell. Little did I realize that our once fun little reward ritual would turn into a never ending quest to find each and every one of the stupid little toys. I have even surprised myself in some of the actions I have taken to get them, just so that he would quit talking about it. The kid is relentless. The Marvel items were probably there about 3 months ago, however, last week he was at a friend's, who had "The Thing," or as Calvin likes to refer to him as "breaky man." So now going on one week straight, he has tortured me with never ending demands to go to every McDonald's in the state, since he is sure one of them will still have it. And trust me the kid keeps track of the McDonald's we have already been to. The Star Wars skateboards just aren't cutting it...so at what age are kid's suppose to get easier???

update: A sweet woman by the name of April answered my craigslist plea. Calvin is the happy new owner of "The Thing." And he tells me, "I so lucky. I so happy. I have breaky man." The deal is he will go to preschool without crying and fighting me now, or else "breaky man" goes bye bye.

Chalk Calvin's

2010-10-12T01:27:00.001-06:00

Chalk Calvin's became one of Calvin's favorite past times this summer. Jill would trace around him and then he would fill in his features.