Saturday, November 22, 2008

Shout Out

Oh how I have failed. Many of you commented a while back on the fantastic header. Just want to give a big shout out and thank you to Tyson. He listened and made it just how I wanted. It's perfect and made by my love.

Banana Strike

As of late Aiden has been on a banana strike. Then all of a sudden he wanted bananas. The first day back from the strike he consumed 3 in one day. 2 for lunch and 1 for dinner.

FYI: Tyson just walked into the room and asked Aiden if he wanted a banana.
That's a funny coincidence.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Happy Birthday Aiden

Aiden turned TWO!!!!!
I am forewarning you all. This will be a long post full of pictures that all look similar. I will not be offended if you don't savor every word and every snapshot. Aiden will only turned Two once. And I want to remember it all.

I don't know about you but in our home growing up you had to wait all day for your presents. After all day there was dinner. Then a rest period, then cake, then finally presents. It was torture. Maybe my parents thought it would build character, like the time I broke my hand and my Dad told me to wait a week to see the doctor. But I'll save that for another day. This post is long enough as it is. My point being that my kids can open their presents at their own speed starting before breakfast if they so desire.
Aiden came down to a decorated house with balloons and streamers.

His eyes were pure excitement.

It didn't take him long to spot the wrapped gifts. (How did he know what they were? As Amberly pointed out it's been half his life since he's seen a gift)

He dug right in.

More balloon time.

Daddy had to run up to get Liam so we asked Aiden to wait for a minute. This is him peering in.

He was so happy to see a big truck.

Very Happy.

Loading his wrapped gifts in the truck.

We thought he would sit in the dump part. But that's because we aren't very creative.

He even pouted until I let him take Liam for a ride.

Then off to breakfast. Tyson and I were busy eating and we heard paper tearing. We looked in the front room and there is Aiden going to town on his next gift. A beloved ukulele.

It's so exciting that he is old enough to open his own presents.

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for the awesome trucks.

Liam and Megan

It's his birthday so I thought why not let him let him watch his first movie. (His first cartoon was about a month ago). So Tyson and Aiden watched Cars. He loved it.

Not a cake decorator.

Aiden lined his cars up. Maybe he thought they were missing out.

Cake time.

Finally I blew out the candles.

Perplexed.

This is Aiden signing want (okay it really means more, but he thinks its want).

It's his birthday so I obliged and relit the candles.

Liam was content.

I wasn't sure about Aiden finally having sugar. I spent way to much time thinking about it. Finally I decided it would be fine. I made him a whole wheat banana cake that was delicious. And wouldn't you know he wanted no part of the cake. He was running from me and the cake, tripped and fell into his cake and drug it across the carpet. Then I tried again, to feed him cake and he leaned into his dad's cake. Needless to say he didn't eat cake. And I felt disappointed. Silly I know.

Finally Liam before bath.

What a blessing Aiden is in our lives. He has taught me so much about enjoying life. He is such a beautiful and happy little boy. That is growing entirely to quickly. I love this little guy with all my heart.
Isn't it fitting that he was born in National Adoption Month.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup


This is a made up recipe. With very clean flavors. Very easy to make and many variations.

Put into Large Pot

Shredded Rotisserie Chicken or two Cooked Chicken Breasts
(Cook 2 frozen Chicken Breasts, salt and pepper at 350 Degrees for about 45 minutes, then Shred with forks)
2 cans chicken broth
2 chicken bullion cubes
5 peeled and chopped carrots
5 chopped stocks of celery
salt and pepper to taste
1/8 tsp chopped rosemary (you can use dried)
6 cups water

Low Boil for 20 minutes until carrots are fork tender.

Add 1/2 package of egg noodles and cook according to package directions.

Note: Last night I made Whole Wheat noodles and they were easy and delicious. Just use them in place of the egg noodles.

Homemade Noodles
4 cups Whole Wheat Flour (I grind hard white wheat)
2 large well beaten eggs
4 T milk
1 tsp salt

Combine all ingredients into a stiff (and slightly sticky) ball. (I dropped all ingredients into my Kitchenaid with the dough hook attachment and it took 1 1/2 minutes on speed 2, I did not beat the eggs first). On a lightly floured surface roll dough until very thin. Let dry 1- 1 1/2 hours. Cut into 1/2 inch strips with a pizza cutter. You can store in a container that is not airtight until ready to use.

Drop into boiling soup or water. Cook 8 to 10 minutes. Makes 16 ounces or 6 cups.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

An Opinion is just that an Opinion

It's on everybodys mind. So I am going to spit it out and be done with it. Living in California brings warm weather, the sun and a diverse group of people. It is wonderful to experience different cultures and lifestyles.
The election has come and gone but it still is coming up in EVERY conversation. While doing hair, at church, at playgroup, on blogs, in phone calls...you get the picture. There is no escaping election talk. Mostly because 52% of California voted in favor of Prop 8. It seems like a small percentage of the No vote is VERY UPSET. So upset that they feel that people that voted Yes and Donated money to the Yes campaign are BIGOTS. Are they serious?????
I am not happy that Prop 4 did not pass. Teenage girls can have an abortion without Parental consent. I think that is CRAZY. But the State voted and it didn't pass. You don't find me spray painting on anyones door MURDERER. No I am just sad inside, disappointed that murdering a baby is okay to some, and happy that Aiden's birth mother choose life for him and for us.
My point to all of this is AN OPINION IS JUST THAT AN OPINION. You don't have to like it, you don't have to agree. You can picket if you must. But please stop lighting our churches garbage cans on fire, you are putting peoples lives are risk. How you might ask because there are houses 20 feet away with sleeping children in them. Think about it. Please stop painting Bigot on our Bishops doors. They may not have agreed with Prop 8 but choose to follow the living Prophet in his council. Did you think about that? And Please stop mailing fake Anthrax to our Temples. We should not be scared to Worship how we choose, and you should not be scared to Worship how you choose. Employees should not be afraid to donate money to a political cause. They should not be denied a promotion because they believe in something. What will happen if we cannot donate money without fear of repercussions.
I leave you with one final thought. When the Judges in California overturned the Majorities vote on Prop 22 allowing Marriage between any two people, the Majority didn't picket these Marriages. The Majority waited until they could vote again.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Random Pictures

For your viewing pleasure.



Aiden posing before his bath.



Friday, November 14, 2008

What makes Aiden Happy?

Mr Hat of course. But there is something that makes him happier........
It's FOUR Mr Hats.

Big Hug.

Trying to carrying them all up the stairs at one time.

Mr Hat #1 and #2 even after many washing have started to smell. So we bought Mr Hat #3 and #4. Come to find out I couldn't get rid of smelly #1 and #2. I guess I'm a sucker for sentimental. The other night Aiden stumbled upon all four. I have never seen his face light up like that.

Not anymore

I used to think baby with teeth were so cute.

Until I had to nurse one.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Veterans Day

Our four Grandfathers all served their country. Three in World War 2 and One in the Vietnam War. A big thanks to our Grandfathers. Also a big thanks to all of those our have served and fought for this Country. We have Freedom because of their service.

Gerald Gay
Born 29 October 1926
Died 26 March 1982
A Sailor


Ronald Skeen
Born 14 February 1926
Died 6 March 1997
A Marine


Larry Ray
Born 18 August 1935
Died 23 April 2008
A Navy Pilot


John AKA Jack Sherman
Born 03 October 1943
Special Forces

Grandpa Jack if you are reading this I need a picture of you in your uniform.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Thanks


Dear Grandma Marbles and Grandpa
I wanted to say thank you for my birthday present.
My new red shoes.
My Mom and Dad took me to the store to try on shoes.
There were a lot of options.
But then my Mom put on a pair of red Converse.
I knew right away that I loved them.
My parents took a little convincing.
I wouldn't let them put any other pair on my feet.
I even insisted on wearing them out of the store.
My parents have been hiding the shoes in my dresser in the day.
I think it's because I want them on and off all day.
But mostly on.
I treat them like toys.
I line them up and carry them up and down the stairs.
If I have another pair of shoes and and I see the bright red I make my parents change my shoes.
I love love love my new shoes.
Thank you for the perfect birthday present.
I love you guys.
Aiden


Saturday, November 8, 2008

San Diego

Have you been to San Diego lately?
I plan everything. But not this.....we have been talking about maybe heading to San Diego but hadn't planned it. Friday night at 1 am Tyson said so do you want to go. I swallowed my fears (like nursing Liam in public, kids missing naps, kids being stuck their car seats, strollers...etc).
Off we went to San Diego Saturday Morning. And you know what it was wonderful, comical, fun and a great family day.
We started off by heading to the Zoo. On the way there we found ourselves driving through a No on Prop 8 protest.....I thought we had already voted on that.....Guess I was wrong.

Aiden was so cute pointing at the animals (Okay only the large ones because he couldn't find anything smaller than a bear. Except for Orangutans but they were against the glass.)

The Bears.



Liam was patient.



Lunch Break





Orangutans.








After the Zoo we headed over to Balboa Park to wander through the gardens.










A very talented man playing the didgeridoo.

Liam's Pow-Wow Position.

Liam finally fell asleep as we reached the car.

Aiden quickly fell asleep.

On our way to get some food we saw a naked women outside of a GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS club. Sorry no picture.
Coming up the I-5 we drove by the temple. We started the trip in a No on 8 protest and we ended the trip passing by a beautiful place that promotes peace, love, and that families are sacred and eternal. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day.