Four Eyes

It seems that when it rains, it pours - at least as far as blog-worthy moments in our lives go!

So, yes, I am an exhibitionist. I took these pics myself and am here to show off my new set of eyes. Am I diva (or is it grandma?) enough for all of you? Ha.

I am near-sighted. The funny thing I am getting used to about these new glasses is that when I walk around, I feel like I am only three feet tall! The ground seems so close! And going down my steep stairs is a little freaky. I'm sure I'll get used to it over the next couple of days, and it is so nice not to be squinting anymore!

Tyler's First Prayer

Up until this point during our prayers, Tyler has only been an observer. He has folded his arms, closed his eyes and said "amen." Last night, however, Tyler gave his first "real" prayer - he actually attempted to say what we whispered to him to say. It was so cute, and went something like this, after the initial opening:

M: "Dear Heavenly Father,"

T: "Der."

M: "Thank thee for this day."

T: "Dayee."

M: "Thank thee for my family."

T: "Fameeee."

M: "Please bless our Grandmas & Grandpas."

T: "Ama, Ampa."

M: "Please bless that I'll have a good sleep."

T: "Seeeeep."

M: "In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

T: "Jeees, AMEN!"

Progressing with Flying Colors

I figure I should document about my first parent-teacher conference! It only happens once!

Parker has grown by leaps and bounds since starting preschool in the fall. Where there once stood an extremely cautious little guy, now stands a full-fledged monkey boy. He thoroughly enjoys any playground time and especially his gymnastics class through parks and rec.

His preschool teacher commented that he has a "winsome" smile and is always ready for fun! This could not be truer of our little guy, who every night prays, "Please bless that we can do something fun tomorrow." He is doing extremely well with his letters, shapes, numbers and drawing skills and interacts well with the other children. He is "working on" his cutting skills and paying full attention during circle time. Here is a picture of him showing off his artwork at the local library (albeit with his eyes shut!). I'll be posting another round of "Parkasso's" finest again soon. We are so proud of our Parker boy!

Has Anyone Seen My Crystal Ball?

This has been a very "buzzy" week at our house. By buzzy, I mean there has been lots of buzz. Buzz about the future. Buzz about Peter's future career. Buzz, buzz, buzz.

I can't give too many details at this stage in the game; you know how nobody ever wants to talk about what "might not come to pass" in an effort to spare looking stupid later? Yeah, that's me. I will say, however, that after enduring a winter funk that has lasted more than three months, I am feeling really, really happy for the first time. And my family is happy. And it has nothing to do with the sun (or, more appropriately, the lack thereof)!

Idol (Idle) Predictions

Okay, Peter and I got sucked back into American Idol this season and after last night's show, we have already picked our predictions for who will make the top twelve....I'll rank them in the order that I like the most:

1. Jason Castro - LOVED this guy.
2. Michael Johns
3. David Archuleta
4. David Cook
5. David Hernandez
6. Robbie Carrico

I didn't realize until just now how many Davids there are! Stay tuned for an update of our girl predictions...

*UPDATE* Here are our girl predictions - again, in order of my preference. This was tough. I have to say, I was not as excited about the ladies' talent this year! Maybe because they were all "sick"....

1. Brooke White (this has nothing to do with her being Mormon!)
2. Syesha Mercado
3. Asia'h Epperson
4. Amanda Overmyer
5. Kristy Lee Cook
6. Ramiele Mulabay

I definitely feel like there is more wiggle room for change in our ladies predictions, but I feel pretty solid about the dudes. I hope Noriega is outta there tomorrow night!

Feelin' the Love

Valentine's Day at our house! We had lots of cute decorations - thanks to the Grandmas!

Parker & Tyler had fun assembling their "love train" from Grandma Brown.

On Valentine's morning we gave each of the boys a heart-shaped mylar balloon. I felt like a little bit of a disappointment to my kids, since I purchased these the night before and as sort of an afterthought (Parker was going to be stuck with a Winnie-the-Pooh balloon - not ideal). But, our gifts were a hit! We seriously could not have picked a more perfect Valentine present for our little cupids. They have had the balloons in hand ever since, holding balloon races, having punching bag balloon matches and chewing on the strings as they watch t.v. Nice.

Thank you to my wonderful friends for the Valentine cards!

You are all so creative & I felt very loved!

Peter surprised me early in the week with roses. Aren't they gorgeous?

He also got me some rice bag slippers. Those who really know me know why these were the perfect gift for me!

I surprised Peter with a Valentine CD that I made for him with lots of his "indie/modern" love songs. I also got him some green m&m's :) - thanks for the tip, friend; you know who you are.

We ended the day with a heart-shaped pizza from Papa Murphy's, Ben & Jerry's "half-baked" & the movie "No Reservations."

A Song for You

I realize this is my second post today, but I could not pass up the chance to inform my fellow Celine Dion & Josh Groban lovers that their single, "The Prayer," was released today! I've been waiting for this day for a long time! Go grab it on itunes!

Stir Crazy!

I wish I had something really fabulous to post about, but this is our reality today:

And this is just the BASEMENT! I won't post on here my ever-climbing pile of dishes and laundry that are crying mercy from the other parts of the house! I am sick with a beastly chest cold, have been house-bound since Friday night and winter has decided to make a comeback in the form of a snowstorm. Although I don't feel well enough to get out today in the freezing weather, I am stranded without a car (I make Peter take the Rodeo when it snows) and I think I might lose my mind today! This little saying that my aunt Vickie taught me long ago comes to mind on a day like today...

Crazy? I was crazy once! They put me in a room! A rubber
room! With rubber rats! I hate rubber rats, they drive me
CRAZY! Crazy? I was crazy once...

You get the idea! At least Peter had the morning off today since the schools were canceled. He let me sleep in and had his first chance this winter to play in the snow with the boys. Here is a cute shot of them - maybe the one happy moment we'll capture all day!

got chocolate?

I don't know how anyone is supposed to see a sign like this:

...and not enter the establishment. Peter and I hit this place last weekend and it did not disappoint. The dessert menu was to die for, so we had a hard time settling on this little number:
Of course, it was as scrumptious as it looks. The major selling points here are the three chocolate "faucets" they have continually running behind the counter - dark, milk & white chocolate. So, naturally, when the waitress asked us which we would like drizzled over the top of our already decadent piece of tuxedo cheesecake, we chose all three. As you can see, they also submerge your fork in chocolate before serving. If you are still reading this post and haven't raided the chocolate chips in your pantry yet, then kudos to you! I think I'm headed to mine right now...

The Magic Bullet

This is simply one of the greatest inventions, ever. I bought it last Wednesday and so far we've made tomato soup, cheesecake, pureed veggies (for hiding in not-so-healthy foods), chocolate milkshakes and a gajillion smoothies. It really is so quick & easy, with minimal clean-up, which is key for me! I copied my friend Lisa and I'm also planning on grinding flax seed in it to add to everything. Who knows what the Magic Bullet will produce next?!