Playing tourist. Playing chef.

I've got a backlog of family fun I haven't blogged. Here's a sampler...

TOURISTS

We gave Aunt Kay a lift from LAX to Santa Barbara and decided to check out the beaches. We got our exercise and toured the coast on this cool...bike. I guess you'd call it that. It was the perfect day: cool and sunny. Funny enough, I think our favorite part was when we drove through the Santa Barbara Cemetary on our way home. Beautiful views. My camera phone couldn't capture the beauty of this tree on the edge of the bluff with the ocean behind. Gorgeous. Not to mention the fascinating history just reading the gravestones. Is it weird that I like cemetaries?

CHEFS

J.R. with her fancy crepe pan
Emma and I saw a cooking show where this chef woman with crazy hair made crepes. We've been wanting to make them ever since. We saved it on our DVR because crazy-haired chef lady didn't have the recipe on her show's website. *hmpf!*

We had to wait for fresh cherries to go on sale. (Harland never misses that. I think he ate 5 lbs. by himself that week.) Lucky for me, it was the week of my birthday. We pitted ours (something new to try!) and made a yummy topping. Inside was a mixture of marscapone cheese, a little sugar and mini chocolate chips.

Emma working hard (see the tongue?) to make crepes in a regular pan.


This was the delicious result. Birthday cake paled in comparison to this dessert. Mmmmmm.

Differences

I carefully planned my last trip to Barnes & Noble. The boys were camping. Emma was at a friend's house. (Free time! No one to chase!) I had a $25 gift card to spend and no idea what I wanted to buy. After 3 hours (yes, three!) of wandering the stacks (none of which were in the children's section), leafing through books and sampling CDs in their music department I decided on this book (a sequel to this book which I read last summer) and a CD by this girl who I'd never heard of before but thought I'd like. There were probably 3 or 4 more books I would've liked and a CD or 2 that would've quickly been ripped and added to my MP3 player, but I stayed within my budget and still had some fantastic alone time.

Yesterday, my mom came home from a day out with Papa and a Don (family friend from AZ). Among the grocery bags I noticed the familiar Barnes & Noble bags. 2 bags! I was instantly jealous and went to peek at what treasures she'd found. I opened the first bag and was a little confused, so I checked the second bag, too. Sure enough it was identical to the first. Harry & David chocolate and chocolate covered popcorn. 6 boxes. So I ask my mom, "You went to B&N and all you bought was chocolate?"

Her immediate response, "IT WAS ON SALE! HALF OFF!"

sigh

39...for the first time

I'm not one to lie about my age. I say embrace your age...well, in theory. Last week, Rachel, my BFF, turned 39 (sorry to out you, sista). We had a rip roaring weekend where she got to eat whatever she wanted and not make any plans (yes, this is what is exciting to us these days)! Tomorrow is my turn. We're grilling (after church) and will have a fairly mellow "party" with just my family hanging out...like most Sundays around here.



I'm not against turning 39, but I'm not looking forward to it either. With some introspection (I didn't make that word up. I have a big vocabulary...or maybe I heard it on The Big Bang Theory) the thing that bothers me about being 39 *sigh* is that my next birthday...oh, I don't know if I can say it...I'll ...turn....*choke*....FORTY! 365 days until I am in my forties.

Why?! Why does it bother me so? My wonderful grandmother, Beth Fenton, used to tell me all the time, "Don't get old, dear. It's awful." Thanks, Gram.

But what am I worried about? 40 isn't old! I have friends who are in their forties. Fabulous, cool, funny, women who I admire (or is it "whom" - whatever). So, next year I could celebrate my 2nd annual 39th birthday....

...but instead I have 365 days to embrace the milestone that is coming my way. If I'm going to embrace it then I want a big party. I'm not talking a couple of my close friends at Chili's either. I'm talking throw down, all out, everyone I know is invited celebration of AnnaBeth.

Next year. Put it on your calendar, especially, if you are one of those women I love in their 40s (and if you are reading my blog, then I love you). I want every wonderful woman in her 40s that I know to come and share your secrets, share all the things you love about your age.

June 6, 2011.
Party.
My house.

Hate is the new Love

scene: naptime as i leave the room

me: i love you, buddy.

nash: i love you better.

scene: my bedroom as i'm contemplating how to dress

me: i don't think i'm going to the gym today.

husband: why not?

me: laundry and stuff...i just don't feel like it.

husband: i'll do the laundry. you should go to the gym.

me: i don't want to

husband: {insert meaningful comment that i won't share}. go to the gym. you'll feel better after.

me: i hate you.

i dress for the gym

scene: a few minutes later in the kitchen

me: nash put your shoes & socks on.

nash: no.

husband: come on, nash, i'll help you get your shoes on.

nash: no! i hate you!

me: see. it's not just me. he hates you, too.

scene: 10 minutes later outside. husband standing next to my car as nash & i are about to drive away

me: bye. i hate you.

nash shouting from the back seat: i hate you better.

7th grade - check!

Ok, so the year isn't over, but this week Emma and one of her besties, Amber, got inducted into California Junior Scholarship Federation for their hard work, good grades, and time spent volunteering. Aren't they lovely?

That and her progress report was stellar and there are only 3ish weeks left of the school year and she was doing a big ole happy dance yesterday as she informed me that her math teacher is recommending her for honors math next year. She happy danced over math.

I am not going to be so lucky with my boys, am I?

Mom's Choice Saturday

Last weekend Har had ditched us for a roadtrip with his BFF, Norman. We had no birthday parties, school concerts, church activities...nuthin. I love that rare Saturday where no one expects me/us anywhere. Love it.



Take that Saturday and add some beautiful, sunny weather. What other choice do we have, but to go to the coast?

So I grabbed my latest issue of Family Fun with an article about Ventura - one of my favorite places to hang out when I was a kid - and decided to do some things in Ventura we haven't done before. No solid plans except to hang out with my kids in the beautiful weather. Emma & Nashers. Why do I love these things you put your head in?

Dedan the octopus

We beached, we boated, we ate...it was a lovely, fun day. My children are amazing. I'm so blessed to be their mother. I love hanging out with them and watching them play together and enjoy each others company. As a mother, there is no greater joy than to see my kids love each other...is there?

Fantastic day. I wish every Saturday was so perfect. Well, it could've been more perfect....if Har was with us, but we won't fault him for hanging with Uncle Norman.

There was this little hat store where we tried lots on. Emma seemed to prefer the funny food hats.

My gator boys.

Ice cream tastes better at the beach, especially if there's a giant cone outside the store.

We got to the beach and my kiddos played together in the sand "dunes" by the parking lot for 20 minutes before we even walked down to the water.

Emma is a big nerd who is teaching her brothers her "model" pose. Seriously.

Nash & me at a little hole in the wall fish & chips place on Seaward...

the whole place is decorated with dollar bills that people wrote on. Pretty cool.

Cute to the power of 3

So what if I'm a little prejudiced being their mother and all. You cannot argue with this picture from last August. The dentist's office took it when they were all cavity free. We got to take the picture home this time...and we're still cavity free! Woohooo!

da baby bruder

My Nash is not a baby. Just ask him. I do.

Me: Nash are you my baby?

Nash: Nooooo. I'm da baby bruder!

(getting tattoed @ his party)

Well, now my not-baby is 4. Four. FOUR!

Don't get me wrong. I am so over (ala Rachel & Ross) diapers, midnight feedings, carrying car seats, and smelling like puke all the time. My neighbor thinks this is the best time in their young lives and I'm starting to agree. No diapers. No school schedule. He can entertain himself, but still likes to snuggle. He can ask for what he wants and I'm strong enough to restrain him when the answer is no (even if there are occassionally black eyes). His curious little mind is focusing more on letters, numbers, books, and he LOVES preschool days. He can go on playdates...to someone else's house.

His birthday party was going to get rained out, so we took it indoors...to the church. Turned out to be a great location. We had a cheetah theme (I'll have to post the story of Nash's fascination with them). Of course, my mom made a fabulous cake....that we still have leftovers of. Come over. I'll fix you a plate.

Heather Kiel took this - my favorite photo of the party. I love all the kids lined up by height in the background waiting for their turn.

...and the madness that ensued.

Thanks to all Nash's good friends for making his party...well, his whole birthday, FANTASTIC!

The Man I Love

For the last 15 years on April 14th, while many people are rushing to file and finish their taxes, I'm celebrating the best decision I ever made: marrying Harland.

I decided to post a little about my handsome man because other than the fact that he does laundry, I don't think I've written too much about him...and I needed a reason to post some old pictures his mom just gave us. *BIG GRIN*

In high school and college I dated football players, plain old players, cowboys & Cali boys (no comments from the ex-roommate peanut gallery), but I fell in love with a band geek...this one to be exact.

A friend recently reminded me how Harland locked himself out of a car he was borrowing on our first date when he walked me to the door. It was late. He decided not to bother his friend and slept on my couch. I should've taken that as an indicator - he's easily distracted....but I like his version of the next morning. Ask him sometime.

When Emma was a newborn Harland made a video that consisted of at least 20 minutes of him filming baby Emma while she lay in his lap making faces in reaction to his baby talk. No one else was in the room, just new Dad and new Emma.

Other men (you know, the kind you meet at church) always, always come up to me after they've played sports with Harland for the first time and tell me how fast he is. Always.

He carries my luggage, empties a car full of groceries in the fewest trips possible, and totes whatever else needs toting. I affectionately call him my "pack horse". He rolls his eyes.

My daughter thinks he looks like Tom Cruise. I used to watch Top Gun...a lot.

He'd snuggle a strange cat over a friend's baby in a heart beat.

When we met we lived just a few minutes away from my BFF, Rachel. She was dating (and later married) JP. Har and JP became instant friends when they didn't have to...well, they kinda did.For our anniversary this year he gave me a card that reads:

Here's to us. To what we've done:

Stayed together.

Supported each other.

Been happy.

Made something of ourselves.

Grew up.

Changed.

Defied the odds.

I'm proud of that.

Proud of us.

In love with you.

Still.

Always.

Best decision I ever made!

The Last Time?

The other day Nash wanted to go outside to ride his trike. As usual, I told him to get his socks & shoes on. Before I could meet him at the stairs (our shoe puttin' on place) he already had one foot taken care of and he was putting the sock on his other! I didn't know if I was more proud or sad.

Immediately, a lady from my exercise class popped into my mind. Just last week she was talking about how we do little things with our kids, like kiss their feet as we're changing a diaper, but eventually we stop doing it. The behavior, the act of love just fades away as they get older. She remarked that the last time you kissed their little feet you probably didn't even realize it was the last time you would. My heart aches as I think of all the "last times" I've had in my mothering years.

A.C.H.E.S.

Thankfully, I still get to help Nash with his stinky feet every once in a while, but I can't stop myself from wondering when it will be the last time. Tonight, I push it out of my mind as I get ready to put candy in Easter eggs and anticipate one of the few innocent Easter mornings I've got left as a Mother.

Damn. I'm crying.

Imported Breakfast

When Harland & I were first married he introduced me to Chocolate Malt-O-Meal. Yum! We'd only been married a few months when he had to leave on a 6 month "float" with the Marines. My newly high school graduate sister, Tressa, came to live with me (to keep me from utter loneliness) and attend school nearby. She likes Chocolate Malt-O-Meal, too. When Harland came home he wanted to know what happened to the box he'd left....14 years later he and Tressa still fight about it. Nowadays, we can get Malt-O-Meal, but not the chocolate variety. It's a problem. When we go to Colorado we stock up buying 6 - 10 boxes. Last week, we ran out. Guess that means we need to make a trip to Har's hometown for Spring Break! We weren't planning on it, but priorities changed...

Not everyone likes the chocolately goodness at our house, but I guess Dedan has his own reasons for wanting to go...like that Grandmother who spoils him.

Award with a Catch

Back at the beginning of the month I got a blog award from one of my Vegas friends/fellow bloggers. I don't take the award lightly since she is the coolest, most fun, nothing like the stereotypical doctor's wife woman & mother you will ever meet...but I wasn't doing much blog reading and missed it! So I'm back tracking, accepting my award - along with its stipulations - and fulfilling my duties as an award winner

First I must share ten things that make me happy (in no particular order):

1. I think this is a fruitless plum tree. All winter it has this dark, almost black, bark. Beautiful. Then suddenly it is full of these lovely, tiny pink blossoms. Every time I walk by the tree I smile...and I don't even like pink that much.




2. Sunday Afternoon Naps.




3. My friends/neighbors...this group in particular. Mike & Dejah organized this evening where we played croquet (a first for most of us) and suddenly we all had to wear funny hats. I'm not sure why. We had a blast...even though it sparked an "anonymous" letter from a neighbor. But that will be a whole other post.



4. Netflix. Movies that come in the mail. Genius.




5. Babies...specifically those belonging to other people that I don't have to wake up in the night to feed. This is Remy. I love him. I wish I lived close enough that I could go over for more baby holding therapy. It's a cure all.



6. My Chicky Babies. Emma and her friends. 12 year old girls are fun and still kinda want to hang out with me.



7. Weekend trips to Vista where my BFF lives, where the beach is a couple minutes away, where we began.




8. Baking. Even when my rainbow cupcakes look more like tye-dyed cupcakes. They still tasted good!





9. When my boys play well together. I would say when my "kids" play well together, but if all 3 of them are playing and happy something usually gets broken.




10. I'm just gonna say what I'm thinking (I know its so unlike me): sex with my husband.

Second, I have to give this award to 10 other bloggers...

• I must recognize the first blog I ever read (written by Remy's mom) Shadowbox. She's funny. She's hip. Now she's a mom.
• My friend, Muria, inspires me. She has adorable children. And she puppysits for me. What mother of 6 doesn't have interesting things to blog about?
• Never A Dull Moment: Another one of my friends with a zillion kids who she shares her musical talents with and houses two zillion pets.
• The Norris Family mostly because it's been a while since she blogged, but also because I love the way she writes about her family...and you gotta love a couple that's been together since forever.
• The Schaefer Family. Jen's my old college roommate. She needs this award so I can hear more about her.
• My friend that started the coop preschool we're doing: ZigBeetle. She's uber creative and super patient...and her last blog tickled my taste buds so much that I had to run to the kitchen and start cooking.
• You know the saying "Keeping up with the Jonses" it was made because people like my friend at Cookies and Crumbs exist.
• My favorite neighbor, visiting teaching partner, up & coming photographer, and instigator of the day of croquet: The Morris Family
• Mamie Jo, as I afectionately call her, has been my friend since before I started dating Har. She needs to update her blog. Figured I'd give her a good reason.
• Another old roommate, The Comeau Family, who has great stories from being an elementary school teacher and because she's pregnant with her unexpected bonus baby.

Thank you to my readers and to my friend, Linda, for awarding me. I look forward to many more reasons to celebrate blogging.