John & Lora

Training Wheels

2012-02-06T22:07:00.000-07:00

Maya's friend, Neah, took off her training wheels last month and I snapped a few shots of her riding for the first time. That is a fun kind of energy to be a part of.

Dance Off

2012-02-06T21:46:00.001-07:00

John was working late last Wednesday, so before bedtime Maya and I rocked out to "We Built This City" and took lots of pictures. She was quite in love with the camera remote.

Fingers and Nose

2012-02-06T21:36:00.000-07:00

When I read to Maya before nap time and bedtime, we sit in the rocking chair in her room. Maya always says "Mama, next to me." She doesn't want to sit on my lap, she wants to sit next to me. She's a big girl, guys. Anyway, tonight as we were sitting in the rocking chair she looked up at me and said "Mama, finger (shows me her finger). Nose (points to her nose)." "That's right, Maya," I replied, "your finger and your nose." I looked away to pick up a book, and when I looked back, Maya once again said, "Finger. Nose." However, this time her finger was in her nose.

2012-02-06T21:27:00.002-07:00

potaotes+salt+lard+heat=magic

That's all. John made some amazing hash browns yesterday. Wow.

Zoot Suit Riot

2012-02-03T18:06:00.001-07:00

Didn't I marry a total hottie?

Backpack

2012-02-01T12:30:00.001-07:00

The following conversation just happened.

Maya: Baby. Packpack.

Mama: Oh. You put your baby in your backpack?

Maya: Yep. Blankie. Packpack.

Mama: Your baby AND your blankie are in your backpack.

Maya: Yep. Bunny. Packpack. Boggle. Packpack.

Mama: Wow! You put your baby, blanket, bunny, AND bottle in your backpack? That's impressive.

Maya: Yep.

She unzipped her backpack to show me, but had a hard time zipping it back up.

Maya: Tight. Tight!

Mama: Yep.

Dryer

2012-01-31T20:34:00.001-07:00

So our dryer is PA.THE.TIC. WEAK.SAUCE. LAME. I have to run it 2 to 4 times to get the clothes/towels actually dry. If, perchance, I forget to run it the third or fourth time it starts smelling all manky in my laundry room and I have to wash that load again. It makes for long days of laundry around here. Arrrrrrrrrrrggggg! [Release pent-up breath.] I finally put in a maintenance request to have the vent from our laundry room to the outside world flushed. I wasn't getting my hopes up because I've done that before and my dryer still stunk (in more than one way). When the maintenance man came to my door today to do some work on this end of the vent he told me that he had already removed a bird's nest from the outer vent. Hmmmm. I really hope that means that my dryer starts working better. Cross your fingers!

Suit

2012-01-31T16:02:00.000-07:00

Maya and I went with John to the mall today--yes, you heard me right, the mall--to get him a new suit. He has been meaning to do this for at least six months (I gave up nagging him after the first two months). So when he planned the whole thing of his own accord, I was happy to go along. We got him a suit, a shirt, a snazzy tie, and a belt. His suit is being altered, so I'll get a photo as soon as I can. He was very well-bahaved and it turned out to be a fun family outing (usually shopping with John involves a lot of eye rolling and head-shaking and shoulder-tensing on my part and a lot of whining and teasing on his--I therefore, NEVER take him grocery shopping anymore, or any kind of shopping really, and I'm not even kidding--I'm sure that was his plan in the first place). Maya was adorable this morning while we were getting ready to go out the door. She saw that I was doing my hair (yes, DOING MY HAIR), and of her own accord she pulled clothes out of a basket of clean-and-yet-to-be-folded clothing (there are a lot of those around here), took off her pajamas, let me change her diaper, and asked for help getting her new clothes on. Then she got on her own Sunday shoes and her backpack and just waited around for me to finish. She also said "Oma and Opa" a few times. I've been pretty sick this weekend and we haven't gotten out much. I think she is starting to get a little stir crazy. We had fun!

Today

2012-01-27T20:31:00.000-07:00

So my day went something like this:

I did a bunch of cleaning and errands.
I made lunch and perfectly timed everything to finish for Maya's nap.
Maya went down for a nap demurely enough.
Half an hour later I hear Maya crying and screaming in her room.
I run in to see that she has a bloody nose. Through her tears she tells me "Tissue. Nose." I take this to mean that she has taken a tiny piece of tissue, balled it up, and stuffed it so far up her nose that it is past the point of no return. She then gave herself a bloody nose trying to get it out. (I know all of this because she performed the same stunt a few days ago--sans bloody nose--and I only found out about about it because she sneezed and along with a string of snot came a little ball of kleenex. I thought the scolding I gave her was enough to dissuade her from such unsavory and unsafe habits. (Ok, back up, she actually stuffed a tissue up her nose last week, and I laughed and took a picture. But, it got a lot less cute when she started using smaller pieces and began pushing them further in.)
I called my pediatrician brother to see if I needed to take her in.
He said no.
Bless him.
While talking to my brother, Maya started balling up another tissue to insert into her nasal cavity.
His wife asked me why she was doing that.
Naptime, therefore, did not happen at our house.
We went over for a playdate at 4:00 which was a blessed relief.
Two minutes before leaving our friend's house, Maya had a full-blown meltdown with flailing limbs and everything.
We came home, ate dinner, and Maya was in bed at 6:50.
I am now eating chocolate chip cookies while blog stalking my friends.
Yep. It's definitely been one of those days.

Tidbits

2012-01-23T16:04:00.001-07:00

I just barely downloaded pictures from my point-and-shoot camera, and I found these lovely shots from our Christmas break.

Mama and Maya

Annual Christmas dinner with the P family

I got to visit my friend and former co-worker Danielle in her new and BEAUTIFUL home.

The Muppets

2012-01-23T15:24:00.000-07:00

We took Maya to her first movie on Saturday: The Muppets. She sat quietly as long as we kept refilling her lap-napkin with popcorn, so that means about half the movie. For the second half she got up and down and changed laps a few times, not really fussing, just restless. Then we got ice cream cones at McDonald's. It was a lovely family outing.

Dear Mother of One Child

2012-01-22T22:29:00.004-07:00

My sister-in-law just sent me this link. I'm so glad she did (Thanks, Crystal!)! I often feel like I can't even pretend to complain to any mother who has more than one child--because if I'm having a hard time with just one, what must more-than-one be like? I'm so happy this mother of nine gave recognition and affirmation to the way I have felt many times: even one can be hard. I also liked how she put words to my feelings: "Dear mother of only one child, don’t blame yourself for thinking that your life is hard...My dear, it is hard. You’re not being a wuss or a whiner...You’re suffering now because you’re turning into a new woman, a woman who is never allowed to be alone." I am turning into a new woman. A mother. That's something I've never been before. I love the one that I have, but it's nice to be given permission to acknowledge the struggles of being mom to a singular individual. Baby #2, bring it on!

Home Visit

2012-01-20T16:16:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we had a home visit. That means that it has been a year since we have been approved and we have to update our adoption profile, including a home visit. Our former caseworker came to complete the home visit, because our assigned caseworker is out of the country at the moment (adopting a baby into her family internationally). We had a nice time chatting and catching up with our caseworker. She asked a handful of questions, walked into the rooms, and said adieu. Short and sweet. Just the way I like it. Although the agency tells us that the home visits are NOT a white glove test, but more of an assessment as to the safety and wholesomeness of the environment, I still spent the entire morning cleaning the house. I even dusted! I hate dusting. I know I didn't have to go crazy, but I always like to find Motivation for doing cleaning jobs that I especially detest, and a home visit gives the Big M.

Kangaroo Zoo

2012-01-20T15:35:00.001-07:00

Maya and I went with some friends on Wednesday to our local Kangaroo Zoo. It is a play place entirely made up of gigantic bounce houses and blow-up slides. I thought it sounded a bit like Maya-heaven. She excitedly went on the first slide with Jackson, but I think it scared her, and for the next ten minutes she wouldn't let me put her down. Finally Emily patiently sat down with her in the bounce place for 2-year-olds and let her sit until she was comfortable (thank goodness for other adults who can sometimes step in and show more patience than a parent might feel). After that, there was no stopping Maya. She bounced, climbed, and ran for the next two hours straight. I think she fell asleep approximately three seconds after I strapped her into her carseat. She loved it. I think we are going to have to go back.

Stuff

2012-01-19T19:35:00.006-07:00

Something happened to our computer mouse which has caused the scrolling ball thingy to do just the opposite that it is supposed to do. When I scroll down, the page moves UP. When I scroll to the right, the screen goes LEFT. I can't explain it. I don't understand it. I'm not sure what could have caused such an aberration. I do know that it makes me crazy. However obnoxious it may be, it has gone on so long that I've finally adapted to it. Now when I use somebody else's computer I have mouse dys-scrollia (yes, a made up word, but it makes perfect sense in this age of technology). Any computer geeks out there know how to fix this? (#region John; yes; end region) (#region Lora; I'm pretty sure I already asked you; end region)

Breaking glass + John = at least an hour of clean-up. I'm not kidding. (#region John; That's not entirely true. The cleanup wouldn't of taken an hour, it's just that it happened in the middle of a time sensitive cooking application so the final vacuum was put off for a while; endregion) One of his Christmas frosty mugs (a mug you put in the freezer until it is frosty and you are ready to fill it with a refreshing beverage) fell off the fridge and exploded into approximately one million, two hundred thousand, five hundred fifty-four pieces yesterday. I was more upset about the clean-up that ensued than the loss of the mug. We picked up the large pieces. John swept. I vacuumed. John and I removed every movable object from the kitchen and John then vacuumed the kitchen tiles. Maya was restricted to her booster seat or bedroom. Finally after all of that, we got to eat dinner.

Numbers. I have a funny relationship with numbers. I am pretty good at math. I got the Outstanding Math Student Award in 8th grade. See. Good at math. However, I am HORRIBLE at remembering information that includes numbers: birthdays, important historical dates, prices, diaper sizes, etc. You name it. Just ask my best friend, Beth. I ask her pretty much every year if her birthday is the fourth or fifth of April (which is it, Beth?). Or my sister, AKA the coupon queen, will ask me how much I paid for something, and I will ever-so-intelligently scrunch up my forehead in concentration, look at the ceiling as if the answer might be written there, and then shrug my shoulders and admit that I have no idea. And as for the year that Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue, well, I only remember that because it has a nice little rhyming chant to help me remember. (It's 1492, by the way. See. I really do know it). I also remember that Henry the VIII of the six wives was born in 1491 (the year before Columbus sailed the ocean blue). Other than that, I have very few dates committed to memory. A shortcoming, perhaps? A quirk? Laziness? I'm not sure. I just ask that those of you who are good at remembering numbers and dates have patience with me.

This past week has been highlighted by such things as ward building clean up, Sherlock Holmes group date with my parents and sister and her husband, book club, zumba, no hands spaghetti night, Haven Kimmel, Chuck-a-rama, game night, and the return of White Collar. It's been a good week.

I have recently made a rather important and interesting connection. Although women struggle with different SITUATIONS, the EMOTIONS are often the same. I realized this after talking with my sister-in-law who struggles with her job and after crying with my friend who's son has just been diagnosed with autism. Then I took into account my own situation with adoption and infertility. I found that while I was talking to these women who were coming from a very different experience, I kept nodding in understanding and empathy. I found that anger, loneliness, and sadness were themes that all of these trials had in common. And even better than finding that I was not alone in my emotions, was hearing how these strong, beautiful women have found ways to deal with these struggles.

This week I tucked Maya in her bed at naptime, as usual, but I could hear her playing an hour later. I finally went in there and rocked her in the rocking chair, where she quickly fell asleep. Holding her again reminded me how big she has gotten in the last year and a half. She used to fit in the crook of my arm, and now she lays across my lap. She is a sweet, precious girl, and I am so glad to have her.

Pictures

2012-01-15T17:04:00.003-07:00

I don't know why it is taking me so long to finish blogging about Christmas, but it is. While in California, I took family pictures for Amy and Jared's family. Adorable outfits + beautiful people + perfect lighting = cute pictures.

I also got a picture of John, his dad, and his grandpa. These men are each 30 years apart. John likes to tell the story of when he was little how his dad would ask him to figure out their ages. He would start with John's age, and John would say 8, then Gary would have John figure out how old he (Gary) was, and then how old grandpa was. Next Gary asked John how old he (Gary) would be if John was 30. John said "Sixty." And then he asked how old would grandpa be, and John, not wanting to count that high, said "Dead."

Haven Kimmel

2012-01-15T16:45:00.002-07:00

Yesterday I went to a family literacy symposium at the Provo Library with HAVEN KIMMEL as the keynote speaker! That's right, everybody, the author of A Girl Named Zippy (one of my all-time favorite books) came to my state! It was like a dream come true. She was as funny in person as she is in her memoirs. Haven Kimmel is lovely, just lovely. I want to write down some of my thoughts while they are still fresh in my mind.

She quoted Updike as saying "The book is the perfect compliment to the human hand."

She has always written her manuscripts on a mac.

"Rather than raised to read, I was born to read."

You can get to know someone by the books they own.

When asked by one of the audience members what one of her favorite books was, a book that had strongly impacted/changed/guided her life, Haven very simply responded "the gospel of Mark." I found that tremendously interesting and telling, What would I answer if given the same question? Have the scriptures profoundly impacted my life? I think I can truthfully answer yes! It was quite inspiring to watch her so serenely talk about the scriptures and her religion. I want to be more like that. I'm pretty sure she is one of my heroes.

Another audience member asked her if she could only choose between having her bookds electronically published or traditionally published (the less lucrative of the two), which would she choose. She said she would do it for free every time if it meant people could have access to books. She said that her mother, who grew up in rural poverty, would not have learned to read if it weren’t for free book programs like the public library or the book mobile.

Haven Kimmel is one of those people that I would love to be bosom friends with! Although I'm sure I would never stop laughing, I'm not sure what I would bring to the relationship. I wouldn't mind just sitting there in awe of her wit, wisdom, and humor.

After standing in line for almost an hour to get her signature in my Zippy book, I told her that the first time I had read her book I had laughed so hard I almost puked (which is a compliment). It was painful, in a good way. She laughed at that. She also said after our picture together that "Utah women are so tall. I am the tallest everywhere, but not in Utah."

When asked to elaborate on her family's reaction to the publication of her memoir, she said that her aunt still would not talk to her. Ms. Kimmel said that if she were to do it over again, she would NOT have published it. Interesting. I, for one, am glad that she did.

She is a Conservative Quaker, and when she told her son that she was going to Utah to speak, he told her that he hoped she returned with her soul intact. I wonder what she thought of all of us Mormons.

Besides listening to Haven Kimmel speak, I went to a breakout session on the Hits of 2012. I left the symposium wanting to read MORE and MORE WIDELY. It was lovely.

Thanks for watching Maya so I could go, Jen! Thanks for picking up the tickets, Emily!

Mimic

2012-01-15T16:17:00.003-07:00

The other day I called for Maya to come to me. She said “Yah. Coming. Just second. K?” Wow. There’s nothing like the mimicry of a two year old to unveil your most frequent phrases.

Treats

2012-01-13T16:51:00.000-07:00

I have eaten treats only four times thus far in 2012! For those of you who don't know me well, that's HUGE, bordering on miraculous.

Pink Flamingos

2012-01-11T19:12:00.002-07:00

Christmas morning we awoke to discover 14ish pink flamingos spread across the inhabited part of the Ranch. There was a tag on the one by the front door: “From: Gary, To: Sherry.” Gary didn’t know anything about it. We were pretty sure it was from a family in the ward who left a garden statue on the porch on Christmas Eve a few years ago with the same note. (Sherry thought that Gary had really gotten her the statue and she was delighted. It was hilarious when the truth came out.) So later that day Sherry asked Jerom about the pink flamingos, and he said that he didn't know anything about it because he and Meagan had gone Flamenco dancing the night before. Crystal and I went on a walk to see if we could find them all. I must admit that I am pretty impressed with their creativity!

The Ranch, Part 2

2012-01-11T18:56:00.003-07:00

Here are some interesting facts about the Ranch:

Although there are cows and it is called “The Ranch,” this property is not actually a working ranch (a man pays to have his cows come and graze on the grass).
There are three families, four washers/dryers, five ovens, five refrigerators, ten computers, two satellite dishes, seven cars, and four iPhones on the Ranch.
There is a functioning toilet and sink in the water tower.
John and I had our first date on the Ranch; and it was there that John chose to propose to me.
The yellow farmhouse is a restoration/remodeling of the original 1897 structure and has some original newspaper from that same year in the front closet.
The barn is used for storage, a workshop, and garage for the riding mower.
Cows, deer, turkeys, and rattlesnakes are frequently sited. Woodpeckers and squirrels are some awfully pesky varmints.
The pond has goldfish and catfish (well, it used to have catfish).
There are weekly pickle ball tournaments at the Ranch. The pickle ball court doubles as a sports court for the kiddies during the day.
The chicken coop really has chickens—there have been as many as 21 chickens at one time and as few as 3.
The Ranch is rife with tree life: oak, walnut, lemon, willow, pine, olive, pomagranite, apple, plum, western redbud, crate myrtle, sycamore, redwood, California pepper, flowering pear, maple, sweet gum, fig, Atlantic cypress, etc. There are also Manzanita and blackberry bushes galore.
There are two offices and a workout room within the big house.
Each room in the big house has it’s own outside door and it’s own bathroom.
We never go for walks without pepper spray, mostly because of dogs and wildlife.
Jared makes a wicked slip-in-slide during the summertime.
There is 1 creek, 2 springs, 2 wells, 2 septic tanks, 3 propane tanks, a gasoline tank, and a shooting range on the property.

Pretty much, this place rocks!

The Ranch

2012-01-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

John, Maya, and I drove to the Ranch for Christmas this year, and I finally went out and got some pictures to share. I have tried to explain the layout of my in-laws property to friends and family, but I'm thinking that these pictures will be better than words. This is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and we love to go visit the people we love best in such a lovely location.

Awww!

2012-01-08T20:22:00.001-07:00

The best thing EVER is when Maya gives me a kiss, puts her cheek next to mine, and says "Yah you, Mama."

Dolly Diapers

2012-01-08T20:16:00.000-07:00

Oma's Christmas present to Maya this year was cloth diapers, cloth wipes (that we put in a dispenser), a changing pad, and a hooded towel--DOLLY-STYLE. Cayelle got the same thing, and it was so cute to see them play with their new-found mommy stuff. We keep it all in a diaper bag that Maya hangs on the back of her stroller. Now Maya will tell me about half a dozen times a day or more that, "Baby stinky. Yucky. Change diaper." She has the wiping part down pat, but she still has a hard time getting the diaper on back.

Kitchen

2012-01-06T16:58:00.000-07:00

Grandmommy and Grandpa got Maya a kiddie kitchen for Christmas, but not just any kitchen, AN APARTMENT-FRIENDLY KITCHEN. Check it out: it has an oven, grill, stovetop, shelves, food, dishes, and utensils all contained within one small carry-size kaboodle. If I were in marketing or advertising, I would have named it "The Whole Kitch n' Kaboodle." Clever, eh? :) Maya loves it. She plays with it all of the time. The burners make a boiling noise when you put a pot on top of them. Maya loves to put a pot on and then say "really hot!" It also includes a hot dog with a hot dog bun. I mean, really, what more could Maya want?

Crybaby

2012-01-06T16:37:00.000-07:00

My cousin recently had her baby early, and the baby was itty bitty. So I went and pulled out my baby clothes bucket to lend her some small clothes. As I opened the lid to Maya's preemie and newborn clothes, a slight scent of Dreft wafted up. And as I pulled out those tiny onesies and miniature pajamas I may have shed a few tears: tears of missing how Maya used to fit in my arms, tears for how big she's grown, tears for wanting another baby, and also tears for how lucky I am to already be a mom.

Blacklight Zumba

2012-01-06T16:25:00.000-07:00

My ward has Zumba nights every Thursday. I haven't ever gone before because of this and that; you know, lots of good excuses. However, I decided that I would go try it last night. It was backlight Zumba night and it was AWESOME. I will never again underestimate the coolness of Zumba (or the sweatiness of it all). Next time I'll remember a water bottle. My ward ladies are awesome! P.S. What is the best way to get a good backlight picture?

Change

2012-01-02T16:51:00.000-07:00

Look at how much Maya has changed!

December 2009

December 2010

December 2011

Resolutions

2012-01-02T15:47:00.052-07:00

Reflection on my 2011 Resolutions

Publish blog book for 2010: DONE!

Research, write, and publish a family history book for Maya: Started, but far from completed, continue in 2012.

Organize iPhoto: Ditto.

Submit one scrapbook page a month to CK magazine: Yep.

Keep a record of books read: Check.

100% VT, temple, and courtyard activities: Yep.

Keep journal: DONE!

Exercise 3-4 times a week and reduce the number of treats eaten: YES! At least the exercise part. :)

Improve photography/Photoshop skills (strive to continue learning): That one is hard to quantify.

Make bed every day: Ish.

Fold laundry immediately: Bah! That was a joke from day one.

New Year’s Resolutions 2012

Mind

Read 52 books--one per week (or at least 40).
Memorize the Articles of Faith.

Memorize the Book of Mormon scripture mastery scriptures.

Spend some time learning every day with Maya.

Body

Exercise and eat right.

Shower by 10.

Work on posture.
Pull out and prep the food for dinner as much as possible IN THE MORNING.

Heart

Scrapbook at least once a month.

Go out on a REAL-live date (including babysitter and hair done) at least once a month.

Label the photos in iPhoto. Possibly label faces, too.

Continue working on book projects.

After I wrote these resolutions, I read President Monson's talk in the January 2012 Ensign entitled "Living the Abundant Life." It made me pause and re-evaluate my resolutions. I think I will still keep my same goals, but add the Prophet's recommended ABC's for obtaining the abundant life:

Positive Attitude

Belief

Courage

Words to Live By 2012

2012-01-02T15:39:00.000-07:00

Yep. It's that time again. A new year. So this year I was trying to think of three-word quotes that I could apply to the three of us. Some of my favorites are "Seize the day," "Live, laugh, love," and "Lather. Rinse. Repeat." However, I think the one that works the best for our family is "Explore. Dream. Discover." although "Ready. Aim. Fire." was a close second. So...drumroll, please...words to live by for 2012.

EXPLORE.

We hope that Maya will continue to learn by exploring the world around her.

DREAM.

I hope this year will bring the realization of a few dreams (in no particular order): a house, another baby, and winning the title of "Ultimate Uber-health-duchess" in our family health competition.

DISCOVER.

I feel confident that John is going to discover his inner Dr. John self and graduate this year!

Books Read in 2011

2011-12-30T21:48:00.000-07:00

These are the books I read this year. The books I would recommend anytime, hands-down, no questions asked are underlined. I'm happy to share my opinion on the others if you are interested. I think there is only one that I absolutely cannot recommend, and would in fact encourage you to avoid.

Prince Caspian C.S. Lewis
The Voyage of the Dawntreader by C.S. Lewis
Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and
Anne’s House of Dreams by L.M. Montgomery
Anne of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
The Help by Katherine Stockett
These Old Shades by Georgette Heyers
Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua
A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck
Persuasion by Jane Austen
1-2-3 Magic by Thomas Phelan
Remembering Isaac by Ben Behunin
Among the Hidden by Margaret Haddix
Goodnight, Mr. Tom by Michelle Magorian
A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel
The Web Designer’s Idea Book by Patrick McNeil
She Got Up Off The Couch by Haven Kimmel
The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby
The Maze Runner by James Dashner (I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!)
Forbidden Sea by Sheila Nielson
How to Never Look Fat Again by Charla Krupp (Don’t read into this too much—it was actually interesting and I DON’T think I am fat.)
The Emperor of Nihan-Ja by John Flanagan
The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo
When the Soldiers Were Gone by Vera W. Propp
Beyonders by Brandon Mull
How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell (Hilarious!)
The Lost Stories by John Flanagan
The Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan
The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery
Gifted Hands by Ben Carson, M.D.
The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester
Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood: Practical Parenting from Birth to Six Years by Jim Fay and Charles Fay

Cute

2011-12-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

It does not get much cuter than this, folks! Maya literally spent the day jumping up and down, spinning in circles, climbing on furniture, saying "really, really hot," and playing with the computer against her mother's express wishes. She's still cute, though.

Brilliant

2011-12-13T20:10:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have these two ideas that I hope will be created some day soon.

I want a water bottle hanger attachment for the fridge. Something like a wine glass hanging rack, but fits the top of a water bottle and attaches to the bottom of a wire rack in a fridge. I think that would be wonderful! I hate it when water bottles are tumbling around in my fridge. I like the cold water but not the disarray.

My other idea isn't actually a new invention, just a new application. I want a store scanner to use at home. Assign a bar code to all of the usable items that come into the house (shampoo, tylenol, flour, etc.) and then scan the list every time you use something--electronically keep track of all the items in your house. I suppose you could even generate a shopping list automatically. Ahh, that sounds like organizational nirvana.

$6 Waffle Iron

2011-12-13T17:28:00.000-07:00

I just have to brag for a minute. Only because I'm so incredibly pleased with my good deal. Those of you who have the uncanny ability to find fabulous things on the clearance rack, or the love of couponing, or the patience to wait for the exact right sale might not understand. I am not any of the afore-mentioned people, so when I get a really good deal, it's celebration-worthy. The waffle iron was at JCPenney for $26. But after a $10 in-store coupon and $10 mail-in rebate, voila, a $6 waffle iron. Plus, it's one of those cool-hotel-flippy-doo-da waffle irons. That's all. I just thought it was cool.

Big Girl Bed

2011-12-13T17:16:00.004-07:00

John recently converted Maya's crib into a three-sided big girl bed. However, as the math of life would dictate, big girl bed + big girl = big girl messes. I'm not sure why she didn't make messes before even when she could climb out of the crib. Almost every single time I go in to get Maya out of her room from timeout/nap time/sleeping there is one sort of a mess or another to shock and surprise me. Let' see, she has unwrapped a newly purchased pack of Costco tissue boxes, neatly peeled back the tops, and pulled out ~200 tissues. She has smeared lotion on the carpet and chair. She has dumped out her drawer of clothes. She has emptied 2-3 packages of baby wipes (on the upside she put them directly into the garbage to hide the evidence, but on the downside I didn't want to use them after they had been in the garbage). She has pulled out papers and journals from an important-paper drawer. Those are just the ones I can remember. After she dumped out her clothes, she rediscovered her panties (oh yeah, remember those?) and wanted to put them on. She naturally then wanted her baby to wear some panties too. It was very cute and helped to smooth my ruffled feathers. Also, Maya has taken to sleeping right next to the door with the lights on. I have to ask her to move before I can even open the door. Does it ever get better? I'm not really complaining, because she still sleeps through the night, but will she ever actually sleep in her bed and stop making messes? Just wondering.

Maya also likes to take all of the ribbons out of the hair-dressing drawer, put them around her neck, and say "So piddy (pretty)!" Move over, Mr. T, cause I piddy the fool! Note the bag of tissues she's toting around. Yes, the same tissues that she pulled out earlier.

O Christmas Tree

2011-12-13T16:46:00.002-07:00

A week or so ago we went and picked out our traditional tiny tree. Maya was happy only so long as someone was holding her. Was it the cold? Was it naptime? I'm not quite sure what was so upsetting about mini-trees. Once we got home and set up the tree on our side table, Maya kept saying "Twee (tree)!" and "Yites (lights)!" I think she'll get into it soon enough. P.S. I've had this red coat FOREVER, and the tag says "12 months," but I think it should really say 2T. Either way it fits her perfectly now. I love it. The hat is all Maya's doing. She doesn't like to leave the house without her hat or backpack. It's pretty adorable.

Happy #6 Anniversary, Babe!

2011-11-30T21:50:00.002-07:00

Health Competition

2011-11-30T21:50:00.000-07:00

John and I are starting a Health Competition with John's family tomorrow (well, at least with the willing participants). It is a three month competition to find who is the most committed to being healthy. There are 7 possible points every day. The one who has the most points at the end of February wins. Each person put $25 into a pot, and the winner takes all. I fully intend to win. It's that simple (plus I already know what I want to get if I win). I am committed, disciplined, and competitive. I want the prize, lifetime gloating rights, the official certificate of achievement (if there isn't one yet, I'll make sure to make one), and oh, you know, the health benefits, too. I'm sure there will be plenty of smack talk. I look forward to it. Wish me luck!

In bed by 10:30, up by 7:30
Read scriptures
Exercise at least 30 minutes
Eat healthy portions and don't eat after 8:00 pm
No treats (this is going to be my downfall)
8 glasses of water
Take vitamins

Shutterfly (Spoiler alert, Sherry!)

2011-11-30T21:33:00.000-07:00

Shutterfly is another thing that I love. I love photo books. Every Christmas we make a photo book of the year for my mother-in-law. My family also makes one for my mom after the new year.

2011-11-30T21:26:00.000-07:00

I may or may not have gotten sucked in to Pinterest. It really is ingenious. It is exactly what I needed to organize all of my good ideas and keep tabs on where I found it. If you have not looked at Pinterest, do. Or, on second thought, don't unless you're prepared to get sucked in.

Update

2011-11-30T15:34:00.002-07:00

10.23.11

My friend, Sarah, drew this for me. I gave her a picture of Maya and then she sketched it. Love it.

My mom gave this to me for my birthday. I think it will be the perfect Christmas decoration to bring out every year. It's beautiful!

11.17.11

All of my family still living in Utah went to lunch on campus. It was the perfect day to go because they were having a circus theme that day, complete with jugglers and a balloon man. Maya got a pirate's hat with a sword, Cassius got a fish on a pole, and Cayelle got Rapunzel. Impressive.

11.17.11

We also had two families over for dinner. Our good friends Clarissa and Dan were moving the next day, so it was our last hoorah. Unfortunately I failed to take a picture of all of us. Rats! We had a fun time talking and laughing. At one point the conversation turned to being particular. You know, the sorts of things one is particular about. Dan was particular about his desk being neat and clean, Nate likes a vacuumed floor, Clarissa likes the bed covers to be symmetrical before getting in to go to sleep, Rachel likes the sheets to stay tucked in a certain way, John can't stand to have cutting knives in the sink (and is adamant about having them near the back of the counter--blades toward the wall--whenever they are not in use), and me, well, we all know that we shouldn't get started with me, but the one I mentioned was my hands: I can't stand having dirty or smelly hands. Oh, that reminds me. That's how the whole conversation got started. Dan asked me why I had white gloves on the counter, for a white glove test perhaps? Pshaw! Have you seen the dust on my shelves and dirt on my floorboards (on second thought, don't look too closely)? I told them that I wear the gloves UNDER my dish-washing gloves, because I don't like the way the rubber gloves make my hands smell. Anyway, good friends are a treasure greater than gold, I tell you what!

11.20.11

Maya is definitely a little mama. She often needs to change her babies stinky diaper, she likes to sweep along with me, and when she puts her baby down for a nap she comes out and tells me in no uncertain terms, "Shhh! Baby seeping (sleeping)!"

Maya is constantly lugging around her stool to open doors, reach something on the table, wash her hands, or get into drawers. I guess that eight inches makes a big difference.

11.23.11

I have FINALLY taken my box of negatives out of the corner of my room and put the negatives into sleeves. This has been a project I have meaning to get to for years. YEARS, I tell you! That box has been sitting there for almost half a decade and would bother me every time I looked at it. Why do I do that? Leave projects undone? Especially when it would be simple to finish and be a HUGE relief to have done. I don't know. New resolution: finish my dormant projects and do other projects right away. I tried to explain to Maya what they were, but then laughed, because it's not really something she is going to know a lot about. The same goes for rotary phones, records, and cassette tapes.

11.23.11

That's my girl! Maya's friend brought her kid-friendly camera outside, and Maya immediately commandeered it. She would point it at someone, look at the screen, move back a step, or bend backward, say "Cheese!" or "Picture!" and then snap a shot. I wonder where she learned that. :)

11.24.11

We had a Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday night with my mom's side of the family. Then on Thursday we went and had dinner at Uncle Mark's. Yum! John made two pumpkin pies and one apple. They were all very tasty. He really is quite the baker.

11.24.11 Midnight.

I am proud to say that I went Black Friday shopping this year. I pretty much never do that. My sister convinced me to come with her to Mod Bod at midnight (while the kids stayed at home). We stood in line for about two minutes before they opened the doors, and we got in with the first batch of people. I must admit that I got a few impulse buys, but you can't expect me to have very good reasoning at such a late hour. My favorite was the matching hats that Jen and I got. I used to hate it when we had matching clothes. Now it's just fun. Lots of fun!

Published

2011-11-13T21:31:00.000-07:00

That's right, one of my scrapbook layouts appeared in Creating Keepsakes Special Holiday Edition. So the next time your near the magazine stand at the grocery store, flip through this beauty to find the work of yours truly. I'm really so excited! I've been working to be published for years.

Postcards

2011-11-13T21:28:00.000-07:00

John sent me postcards while I was gone. Four of them to be exact, but this one was my favorite. He likes to be stinkery and send guilt-trip postcards and tell people in our ward that I left him, but really I know that it's his way of saying he loves me and misses me.

Walnuts

2011-11-13T21:18:00.001-07:00

One day Maya, Grandmommy, and I went and picked walnuts. It was the perfect activity for a two-year-old, and Maya did remarkably well.

She did get one walnut that looked suspiciously like a rock (ok, it was a rock), but hey, can you blame her? Check out the picture below to see if YOU can find the one walnut hidden in plain sight.

Maya ADORES Grandmommy. They make such a cute pair. Maya also really liked eating some walnuts while taking a break.

At the Ranch

2011-11-13T21:02:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the things we enjoyed while visiting Grandmommy and Grandpa on the Ranch. And yes, I went with Maya to visit my in-laws, without John, for ten days. Friends and strangers alike are stymied by the fact.

Took cute pictures

Bath time is the best! Uncle Jared got Maya and Max laughing hysterically.

Before bedtime, the kids got to watch an episode of She-Ra.

Maya kept pointing at the screen and saying "She-Ba!" The boys kept telling her to shush.

More cute pictures.

Max and Maya are TOO CUTE!

I got to go shopping all by my onesie and get some new clothes with my birthday money.

Maya slept well and took great naps in her custom made crib/jail.

I went to the family Tae Kwon Do class with the rest of the family. It was awesome! And I was really sore the next day. Oh, TKD, how I've missed you.

Maya LOVES Grandpa

We went over to Great Grandma and Grandpa's on several occasions for cookies and a quick visit.

The Challenge

2011-11-13T20:49:00.000-07:00

After spending ten days with Maya, Grandmommy has a better understanding of her unending energy and constant motion. Grandmommy, therefore, has taken up the gauntlet that Maya has thrown down. She has accepted the challenge of finding a toy suitable for keeping Maya's attention for longer than ten minutes. Thus far she has tried beans, pudding in a bag, dress-ups, a blow-up cannon, toy fruit, and a tea set. All of these worked to some extent, but the toy fruit and tea set were probably the most successful. I look forward to seeing what she continues to come up with. What Maya doesn't know is that Grandmommy has unending creativity and will rise to the challenge.

Super Powers

2011-11-13T20:40:00.001-07:00

While I was out in California, my old friend and mentor, Gwen, and her girls had us over for dinner. Her girls are hilarious and entertaining. While talking we got onto the subject of superpowers. By superpowers, I mean things that the girls were really good at without even trying. Maya was good at story-telling and pacifying others (thereby getting herself out of trouble), Kira is good at remembering names and lyrics, and Linnae is good at remembering dates and getting up in the morning. After we got home I asked Sherry to tell me what my superpower was because I was feeling left out, especially since I do not share any of the superpowers that the girls had. Sherry thought for a moment and then she said that John had probably put it the best: the room lights up when I walk in. What are your super powers? What are you ridiculously good at doing, what comes naturally to you, what can you do well without putting forth any effort? Do tell.

Apple Hill

2011-11-12T15:27:00.000-07:00

One of our first adventures while out in California was to visit Apple Hill. I love Apple Hill! I think it is the epitome of Autumn. We did the usual: ate apple doughnuts, apple fritters, apple cider, and apple milkshakes. Then we went on a hayride and a pony ride. Well, actually Maya's cousins went on the pony ride. When I tried to put Maya on a pony, her claws came and out and she dug into me like a cat being threatened with a bath. I fully let go of her with my arms, and she didn't budge. Maybe next year she'll want to go on a pony ride. For this year, simply watching was enough.

2010 2011

Halloween 2011

2011-11-12T15:05:00.001-07:00

Finally, the long-awaited, much-anticipated Halloween pictures! Maya was Swiftwind, the winged unicorn of She-Ra, Princess of Power. Her costume is easier to understand when shown in tandem with her cousins Pearl (AKA She-Ra), Sam (AKA He-man, Master of the Universe), and Max (AKA Orko). Grandmommy is a wonder worker. I just brought the white pants and hoodie, and Grandmommy did the rest. We went to a ward trunk-or-treat on Saturday. Everybody thought Maya was adorable, even if they didn't recognize her costume. Maya loved the candy. Too bad everyone kept giving her "toddler-friendly" candy like smarties and dum-dums! Who do they think is really going to be eating all that sugar? Come on, show me the chocolate!

The Chalice from the Palace has the Brew that is True or Great Expectorations

2011-11-04T14:54:00.001-06:00

So I may have mentioned before that Maya has a little spitting problem. That problem persists. Auntie Amy suggested a behavioral technique called overcorrecting. When Maya started spitting because she was mad, I took a little cup down and had her spit in it for the next ten or fifteen minutes even when she wanted to stop. The idea was that she would get so sick of spitting that she wouldn't want to do it anymore. It should have cured her, but alas, it did not. I need to do the same thing every time she has a relapse, but I haven't. I didn't have a lidded cup with me while we were out and about yesterday, and I didn't want to have an open container of saliva hanging around in the car. Plus, it reminds me of the spit lab we did in AP Biology where lab partners were spitting into a beaker in order to test the saliva for enzymes and such. I literally had to excuse myself and go out in the hall until the spitting was over. It makes me gag just to think about. I may have lost one battle, but not the war.

Day 7

2011-11-04T14:33:00.000-06:00

It is day seven since John dropped us off at the airport. Yep. That's right. Maya and I are out here in California visiting John's family for ten days. So far we have visited Apple Hill, gone on a hay ride, stocked up on candy at a ward trunk-or-treat, eaten at a food joint that specializes in hot dogs (AKA Maya's paradise), enjoyed several long walks, kicked it up at TKD (as an entire family), gone shopping (I got to use my birthday money to buy some most excellent clothes), and played outside. There are many pictures to follow, but that might have to wait until I get back...and yes, folks, I am fully intending to come back to my husband next week (even though my father-in-law said I could stay until John finished his dissertation), so don't feel too bad for him...well, maybe you can feel a little bad for him.

#region John: Day 6

2011-11-03T19:38:00.000-06:00

My new family greets me with a smile everyday when I come home.

Day 6 since Lora and Maya left me all alone.

I'm bingo on bananas and Lora's chocolate reserves have been depleted. The flies and the smell from the kitchen trash got pretty unbearable for a while but I think it may have gotten better. Food has gotten pretty scarce but luckily the floor hasn't been swept in a while and there are some bits of food around Maya's chair. The soap dispenser in the bathroom has run out of soap. Disease will follow.

I'm so lonely.

#endregion

#Region John: Day 1

2011-10-29T13:42:00.001-06:00

It is now day one since Lora and Maya left me.

Moral is moderate. There is only one frozen banana in the freezer, the main ingredient in my smoothies. Lora forgot to stock up on them before she left. Without my daily smoothie survival is unlikely. The kitchen trash is starting to stink and I can only imagine it will get worse. I'm out of clean spoons. On an upbeat note I have located Lora's secret stash of chocolate.

#endregion

Friend

2011-10-27T20:26:00.000-06:00

This is my friend Bonnie and her kids. I've known Bonnie since second grade. I don't have any pictures of us from second grade, but these are from fourth and fifth. She was in town visiting family and dropped by to say hello. It was great to catch up.

Trick Horseback Rider

2011-10-27T16:58:00.000-06:00

FAQs

2011-10-27T16:57:00.001-06:00

Here is an update on the questions that we are asked most frequently:

How is the adoption process going? Well, we have been approved for eight months and we haven't had any nibbles yet, but we remain hopeful. We are still on the LDSFS website and Parent Profiles. We have had to start renewing some of our paperwork because it expires after a year. The good news is that for our background check this time we don't have to do fingerprints or pay extra money because we have now lived in Utah for five consecutive years!
When is John going to finish school? We are hoping to be officially done by April 2012. Please cross your fingers for us.
Where are you going to end up?/Where is John going to work? We don't know. John has applied to MANY places and interviewed with a good number of companies. We too are excited to see where we will be going next.
How is potty training going? Ha! Funny you should ask. After the three days of using The Three Day Potty Training Method, Maya definitely KNOWS how, why, and when to use the potty, but that definitely doesn't mean that she DOES use the potty at the appropriate time and place. After a few very frustrating, Bissel-busy weeks of cleaning up messes, we have decided to step back a little. Maya wasn't getting any better, and I was definitely losing my cool. We're not stepping all the way back to diapers, but have sought slight respite with Pull-ups. So if Maya lets us know that she needs to go potty, the Pull-ups can act as panties, but when she decides to keep the mess in her pants, it is an easy clean-up (and I don't have to have anxiety attacks about going out in public). That's how it is going. So please don't judge us until you have tried potty training Maya yourself. P.S. Pulls-ups also mean the eternal baby plumber crack. I try to pull her pants up, but to no avail. At least she has a cute little coin slot.

Thirty

2011-10-26T14:59:00.005-06:00

Sunday was my birthday. Yup, I turned 30! Kind of crazy. So on Saturday I had a totally tubular 80's party! Is there better way to celebrate a birthday than live up the decade in which I was born? No way!

The official invitation

John came up with his outfit the day of the party, and although I was worried by his procrastination, I must say he really came through.

So while John worked on his outfit for ten minutes, I have been working on my outfit for weeks! I am a self-proclaimed nerd, so I don't mind mentioning that I did some research. I googled 80's fashion, got hints and tips from my mother-in-law, and even watched a tutorial on applying 80's make-up on YouTube. I went out several times looking for the perfect pieces and accessories for my totally bodacious 80's outfit! My favorite prizes were a sweet slap bracelet for $1, tubular leggings for $1, and a righteous belt for $2. If you didn’t know yet, the 80’s are back! I kid you not. The Juniors section at Ross is where I found my skirt and shirt. And Claire’s is rife with righteous neon jewelry, fingerless gloves, and slap bracelets. Who knew, right? I even went to Savers to see what I could find for cheaper, and they were completely devoid of anything neon, wide-neck, or leg-warmer-ish. I have yet to find the perfect shoes. My friend Clarissa had shoes so awesome at the party that I had to keep myself from drooling and coveting (see below--well, kind of, I should have gotten a close-up of the shoes).

As luck would have it, I found this perfect "Sweatin' to the 80's" outfit for Maya in a tub of hand-me-downs. She and Cayelle both sported the side-ponytail most excellently.

My mom borrowed an authentic 80's dress from a friend. It had shoulder pads and everything. My cousin and her fiance get major points for the fanny packs!

Highlights of the party included cotton candy and a popcorn machine. There were also cookies, veggies, chips and bean dip, crackers, grapes, peanut butter m&ms. Yum! All things that I love.

Ben was the official 80's DJ. Righteous!

My friend Beth decorated with streamers and authentic 80's cassette tapes hanging from the ceiling. She also set up this awesome photo booth background. Love it! My cousin graciously stepped in as my personal hair dresser and Rachel painted my nails. Thanks, girls!

John even danced with me at the party.

Girls just want to have fun!!

And just for fun:

1981

1991

2001

2011

Nunn's Park

2011-10-26T14:36:00.000-06:00

I took Maya up the canyon to get some pictures. She sure is a beautiful little girl.

I got lots of running pictures. This is so typical Maya. As John puts it, she is not a sit-and-draw-pictures-quietly kind of girl. Any good ideas for indoor toys and games that would keep her active and busy during the snowy months?

Not Ready for This

2011-10-20T21:30:00.001-06:00

Last night my visiting teacher was over and Maya just trotted out to the living room and climbed up onto my lap. This would not be anything to write home about, except for the fact that I had JUST PUT HER IN HER CRIB. Who told her she could grow up? Where does it say she's not a baby anymore? How did she figure out how to climb out of and back in to her crib? And most importantly, what am I going to do now?

Photo Journal

2011-10-20T20:57:00.003-06:00

10.5.11 Maya and I went with Oma to a presentation about creating your own family history. Maya got a little antsy in the middle, so I took her out. We ended up meeting the lady who knew all about the presentation, and she took us to her office and gave us a private preview.

10.7.11 Maya and I went out to the playground and took some pictures. I think the playground will be our saving grace between pool weather and snow weather.

10.8.11 Beth and I went over to visit our friend Laura Michelle (P.S. I am also Lora Michelle). Laura recently got engaged and we wanted to hear her love story. I love listening to Laura: she is hilarious, blunt, and real. When I am around Laura, I often laugh so hard that I can't breathe (literally). I am hoping I can get her to record her toothbrush and waterpark stories so that I can share them with my children. We decided to reinact our dirty old man routine. "Where's my pudding?" "Give me some sugar!" Good times! I am so happy that she has found the love of her life.

10.9.11 I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but John has become quite the chef, and his latest thing is pies. I'm pretty sure I have become the Simple Simon in our relationship: I'm always asking the pieman to taste his wares. He has made Shoofly Pie, Lemon Merengue Pie, and Chocolate Pie. Wow! Tasty! All of them. However, if you ask John, he might like to tell you that the pies are too runny and the merengue is too weepy or non-fluffy or some such nonsense. Don't listen to him! They are delicious! He's just a perfectionist.

10.10.11 This is part two of cleaning out Oma and Opa's garage. This time we worked on the shelves and tossed another garbage can's worth of stuff. Ahhhh. So lovely.

10.12.11 Psych Night. One of John's coworkers and his wife invited us over for the first episode of the new season of Psych (a family favorite with us). We dined on pineapple upside down cake (unfortunately not cooked in an easy bake oven), pineapple and strawberry shishkebabs, and pineapple juice. The only way it could have been any cooler was if we had made t-shirts. Next time...

10.16.11 I took family pictures for some friends. This was one of my favorites.

10.17.11 We went on a family outing to drive the Alpine Loop and see the leaves. We were not disappointed! They were lovely this year. However, there were so many people, that we couldn't stop to capture the leaves to my satisfaction.

10.17.11 My beloved cousin/bosom friend/kindred spirit Karalee got engaged on Saturday! I cried when I got her text (1:20 AM). John and I went over to her family's celebration and retelling of "the story." Tain just got back from a tour (is that the right word?) in Afghanistan, and proposed the day he flew in.

10.18.11 I took family pictures for some other friends. It really is a lovely time of year for pictures. I think this was my favorite of the two girls.

10.19.11 Maya and I finally pulled out the Halloween bucket from the Jenga-like tower in our laundry room.

Other events not pictured:

My mother-in-law is out visiting her new grandbaby in Michigan (P.S. a person who originates from Michigan is called a Michigander). Maya and I Skyped her while she was there. Grandmommy was holding baby Quincy in front of the screen and Maya reached out and gently stroked the screen. It was very cute. We Skyped Grandmommy and Pooh-pa another time and Pooh-pa held up a cookie to the screen, and Maya tried to reach for it. When she was foiled in that attempt, she climbed on the desk and looked behind the computer screen.

Our October courtyard activity (that I am in charge of ) was our annual Choctoberfest. Everyone brought a chocolate treat to share and we played get-to-know-you games. It was a rousing success!

Our book club met to discuss The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo(not to be confused with The Magician's Nephew or Water for Elephants). I liked the book even more after discussing it with my gal pals.

When it is time to bless the food, Maya will fold her arms, bow her head, squint her eyes shut and say "Fawder, fawder..." Then she opens her eyes, takes a bite of food, and folds her arms again in time to say "amen." What a kick in the pants.

The Truth

2011-10-20T20:03:00.002-06:00

Ok, the truth is they are ALL true. I forgot to put in a lie, and hey, sometimes the truth is more unbelievable than a lie. P.S. John worked some serious magic with the lazy boy, and the arms look almost as good as new.

Terrible Twos

2011-10-17T21:23:00.002-06:00

I just played two truths and a lie, which has inspired the format of my next post. I would like you all to guess which events are true and which is the lie.

After noticing an unerring silence, I walked into my room to find Maya sitting by my nightstand surrounded by a pile of Tums. She had eaten, oh, I don't know, a good handful of them, and had a nice chalky residue around her lips. She had also licked every last one of the Tums she didn't eat. Here's the kicker: John was sitting three feet away on the bed and hadn't noticed her.
After ending a phone call, I noticed that Maya was suspiciously quiet. I ran into her room to find that she had drawn on both arms of our lazy boy with a SHARPIE MARKER!
After taking a shower, John called down the hall to tell me that Maya had scribbled in my scriptures with my marking pencil.
Several times I have walked into the living room to find Maya with my cell phone open. She quickly ran up to me with a winning smile and graciously handed it over.
On many occasions I will find Maya sneakily pilfering the chapstick and gum out of the diaper bag. Thankfully, she is never quick enough to actually get the gum in her mouth. I can no longer hang the diaper bag on the hook.
Today Maya did something naughty. I gave her the stink eye and she said, and I quote, "Maya! Do dat (i.e. don't do that!)! John!" That is far too telling. It makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time.
I now keep all of the bedroom doors closed to prevent any further mishaps. Although the doors won't keep her out, they will at least give me a heads up as to when she's trying to sneak away (they squeak and pop).
After changing the laundry, I noticed that Maya wasn't right behind me (as I had thought). I high-tailed it to the living room to find her sitting peacefully on the couch reading some of her board books.

JM Zen

2011-10-14T20:58:00.002-06:00

So lately I've been doing Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 workout video (as opposed to the 30 Day Shred). I'm not entirely sure what the technical differences are between ripped and shredded are, but I'm willing to go down that road with Jillian. My new favorite Jillian quote is, "Transformation is not a future event, it is a present activity. That is why you must bring everything that you have to give in every moment. And it doesn't have to be perfect. It's not about perfect. It's about effort. If you bring that effort every single day, that's where transformation happens. That's how change occurs." Deep. No seriously, I kind of like it. I think it has more applications than just getting physically fit. That is all.

Stickers

2011-10-07T08:49:00.003-06:00

Several years ago, John and I went with his family on a tour of Mrs. Grossman's sticker factory in California. It was doubly entertaining because John's sister has a deep-seated (funny, I always thought it was "deep-seeded," which totally makes sense, but dictionary.com says otherwise) fear of stickers. At the end of the tour each person is given a bag of stickers and a blank postcard to decorate. I ran across our creations the other day and just laughed! I bet you can guess which one is John's.

(region:John
For all of you who are being all judgy-judge let me just say that the 'free bag of stickers' you got at the end had very limited selections. All I had were puppies, XXOXOX's, emergency vehicles, and baseball stuff. What was I suppose to do with that?
endregion)

Words

2011-10-05T23:19:00.000-06:00

Maya has been talking more and more every day. Sometimes her new words are rather entertaining. Occasionally when I put her to bed before Papa gets home she will call "John!" from her crib. She also likes to talk along with us when we say prayers or bless the food. The most frequent word that she says is "Fawder" (for Heavenly Father). John frequently likes to ask Maya if she wants to fight. So she will often just say "fite" at random intervals throughout the day. Keen (plane), gook (milk), sheep (soap), Pooh-pa (Grandpa), ow-oh (towel), oddy (potty) are some other favorites. Ah-da (ta-da) is her signature word when she is actually able to spear her food with a fork. She recently did this when she lanced a blueberry during the prayer. Highly irreverent. She also says "Hep you (help you)" all the time. I have learned that when she says "help you" she really means "help ME."

Maya has also started using her newfound communication skills (and potty-training skills) to her advantage. She loves to use stalling tactics to put off the inevitable. If it's time to get in the shower she starts yelling "oddy" or "code (cold)" or "ow-oh" or "anties (panties)" or "shut (shirt)." John says that I engage too much with a two-year-old and that I should just pick her up and put her in the shower. If it's time to go to bed she says "book" or "oddy." She's smart.

Maya has a Little People Barnyard and the pig has mud around its legs and rump. I walked in to Maya's room the other day to find her looking at it. She looked up at me and said "Poopy. [sniffed the pig's bottom] Yucky."

Newborns

2011-10-05T22:36:00.000-06:00

John and I have not one, but two new nieces (born within days of each other).

Ruby Lu

September 29, 2011

Quincy

October 4, 2011

Aren't they precious?

A Quick Update

2011-10-05T22:30:00.000-06:00

I LOVE this picture! It's classic. Ruthie is saying "Cheese!" Laneah is being the big sister and blowing the bubbles, and Maya is psyched out of her mind. Later Maya wanted to blow the bubbles herself, and when Laneah wouldn't let her (I don't blame her), Maya came up to me and got right up in my face and whispered "Mommy, da bubbles! Da bubbles." It would have creepy or foreshadowy if it wasn't so hilarious! P.S. The bubbles at the end of Nursery is one of her favorite things about church.

Love this girly-girl.

We need to get this chick-a-dee into gymnastics or something! She's a natural.

Who knew rocks were so interesting and exciting (no offense, geologists)?

This is the story of a dad, his daughter, and a box. In short, you don't need much more to be happy. After pushing her around the living room, John sent Maya down the slide in her box. That was not happiness. Then they had an everyone-but-mom club meeting in their box (below). I'm not sure what sorts of items they checked off of their meeting agenda, but I'm sure it was important.

John and I went on a double date with some good friends. It was the Tokoyo Steakhouse where they come and cook your food right in front of you. It was like dinner and a show. The chef tossed us all pieces of shrimp to catch in our mouths. I actually caught it on the second try. :) Dates are the best! Bow-chicka-wow-wow!

During the priesthood session of conference the girls (and Cassius) got together for dinner at Oma's house. Good times!

On Sunday morning we had John's cousins over for pancakes and a session of Conference. I'm pretty sure it was the first (or second) time I had ever seen Bryan and Janelle. Family is the best.

So, you may have noticed that we like to stay busy. And busy we do stay.

Idioms for Life

2011-10-04T18:10:00.001-06:00

You've all probably heard the idiom about being "in hot water." It's an expression that means to be in big trouble. Well, last weekend our pilot light for the water heater went out. This has happened before. No biggie, right? However, this time we couldn't get it to re-light. Our water heater is most unfortunately located right next to our dryer which is a lint-and-dust-expelling machine. In the past we have been able to rekindle the pilot light until maintenance came to vacuum up the dust particles that were constantly working to snuff out that tiny flame. I immediately put in a maintenance request, but sadly, I was too late. It was Friday after 5:00, and our hopes of having hot water for the weekend were about as luke warm as the water coming out of the taps. By Saturday there wasn't a warm or hot drop of water to be had. Rest assured that I took a very fast shower. On Monday morning the apartment owner, who does a lot of the repairs himself, showed up on our doorstep. I was so happy to see him I could have danced a jig! After assessing the situation, he told me that he would have to have his "water heater guy" come take a look and fix the problem. So the tiny little pilot light that heats our water wasn't relit until 4:00 on Monday afternoon. Woof! After waiting the appropriate length of time for the water to get piping hot, I took a ridiculously long and hot shower. So, as far as I am concerned, the people who make up idioms have got it all wrong--it should really be "You're in cold water!" Because if you ask me, in the hot water is right where I want to be.

Another idiom that I didn't understand until recently was "spitting mad." I'm not sure how that one originated, but I can now see that it isn't too far off. Maya has taken to spitting when she gets especially mad. She spits on herself, on the floor, on anybody within range. I'm not sure where she learned this rather unsavory trick, but I do know one thing: it makes me spitting mad as well (just without the literal saliva).

Children's Books

2011-09-24T21:57:00.000-06:00

My sister-in-law just asked me for some children's books suggestions, and I was happy to oblige. I love children's books. Books are one of my kryptonites. Anyway, here is a list of 60+ of my favorite picture books. I also love suggestions, so send them my way.

Socks for Supper by Jack Kent

It’s a Book by Lane Smith (slightly irreverent with a character named Jackass)

Mailing May by Michael O. Tunnel

Ted by Tony DiTerlizzi

Two of Everything by Lily Toy Hong

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

What Are You So Grumpy About? by Tom Lichtenheld

The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog by Mo Willems (This is an ALL TIME favorite for me—I always do a Bronx accent for the Pigeon)

any of the Miss Nelson books by James Marshall

Pirate Girl by Cornelia Funke

How I Became a Pirate by David Shannon

Casey at the Bat illustrated by Christopher Bing (the pictures are AMAZING)

Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester

When Jessie Came Across the Sea by Amy Hest

Olivia by Ian Falconer

Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel

Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina

Goldie Locks has Chicken Pox by Erin Dealey

Moosetache by Margi Palatini

Hooway for Wodney Wat by Helen Lester

Ira Sleeps Over by Bernard Weber

Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato by Tomie DePaola

Falling for Rapunzel by Leah Wilcox

Strega Nona by Tomie DePaola

I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato by Lauren Child

The Five Chinese Brothers by Claire Huchet

Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly by Simms Tabak

The Purple Kangaroo by Ian Michael Black

My Lucky Day by Kieko Kasza

Fancy Nancy by Jane O’Connor

Leo the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus

Gregory the Terrible Eater by Mitchell Sharmat

The Emperor and the Kite by Jane Yolen

Goldilocks and the Three Bears Retold by James Marshall

Jennifer Jones Won’t Leave Me Alone by Frieda Wishinsky

Ruby’s Wish by Shirin Yim Bridges

Skippy Jon Jones by Judy Schachner

Good Queen Bess by Diane Stanley

Yummy Yucky by Leslie Patricelli

The Story About Ping by Marjorie Flack

Silvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig

Stone Soup

Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain by Verna Aardema

Pigs Make Me Sneeze by Mo Willems

The Story of Little Babaji by Helen Bannerman

Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Nummeroff

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett

CDB! by William Steig

Julius the Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes

Leonardo the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems

Why Can’t I Fly by Rita Golden Gelman

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka

Shrek by William Steig

Everything I Know About Pirates by Tom Lichtenheld

Tough Boris by Mem Fox

Roger the Jolly Pirate by Brett Helquist

Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies by Carolyn Crimi

Goodnight, Gorilla by Peggy Rathman

A Week in the Life

2011-09-24T21:36:00.003-06:00

Monday was September 19th, which, as we all know, is National Talk Like a Pirate Day! John reminded me of this fact by sending me the following text message, "It be talk like a pirate day, matey! I love yer heap'n pile o' guts! Arrr!" I then pulled out all of my pirate picture books to read to Maya and Neah.

On Tuesday we had our September Courtyard Activity. I actually combined with two other courtyards for this activity--it was that cool. We had a worker from the BYU Bean Museum of Life Science come and give a reptile presentation, and she brought LIVE reptiles. The kids all got to touch the snake, and that was pretty much the bees knees.

My sister called me on Wednesday to say that her husband couldn't go to a play with her and asked if I would like to be her date. I said, "Boo-yah!" We went and saw Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Hale Center Theater in West Valley. We were both really excited about the play because we had been in it together in middle school. Our older brother Robert played the part of Joseph. It was awesome!! We had front row seats, and one of the characters came over to put his hat on me and talk to me for a moment during the play. I also got a picture with the Muscle Men afterward--I honestly think they were cast as the guards based solely on the size of their biceps (yep, I just re-read the cast biographies, and one of them owns a nutritional supplement company and the other is a personal trainer). To top it all off, my sister took me to dinner afterward. It was an awesome sisters date and I had a grand time.

Thursday was a double-whammy. Because Oma was out of a town with a new grandbaby, Opa took the rest of us to dinner at McDonald's. This is becoming a family tradition. The kids loved the play place and didn't want to leave. Then our ward had their Iron Chef Triathlon Competition. There were three families per team, and each team was supposed to bring a salad, an entree, and a dessert using the secret ingredient: apples. The judges gave marks based on taste and presentation. Some teams went all out with coordinating outfits and outstanding presentation. John only had one teammate, Heime, and they decided to capitalize on the rugged nature of their team. The entitled their presentation "When men cook." Heime made bratwurst and sauerkraut and John made his infamous apple gillette (aka free-form apple pie). They ended up winning honorary awards for "Most Enthusiastic" and "Best Incorporation of the Secret Ingredient." I hope John will jump in here sometime and expound on his experience. I did not help with the cooking, but I was asked to be the official photographer. So I took pictures of all of the teams and the dishes of food. The lighting is never optimal in a gym, but I had fun doing it.

On Friday I got my complimentary copy of Creating Keepsakes in which my letter to the editor appears. Yep, I'm famous.

The Relief Society General Broadcast was on Saturday. I actually watched it at home because John was at school. However, I have a picture of the dinner that the priesthood put together for the Relief Society two weeks ago in lieu of the usual pre-broadcast dinner. Anyway, it was lots of fun! The priesthood brethren served us a sit-down dinner complete with glassware and silverware. There was even live music as the cherry on top.

Birth Family Visit

2011-09-18T10:21:00.001-06:00

Maya's birth parents and birth grandparents came over last night for a visit. We had a lovely time chatting and catching up. Maya was very shy and clingy the first hour or so, but towards the end she would deign to let Calen, Mahana, Kelly, and Ann hold her. And right before they left, she gave them kisses on the cheek (I think all of their hearts were melting). I told them that she had been dry for three days, but then she wet herself while they were here, naturally. They brought her an awesome bean bag which I'm sure she is going to LOVE when she gets back to her non-shy ways.

Garage Clean-up

2011-09-18T10:16:00.000-06:00

Yesterday morning my mom and I worked on cleaning out her garage for a few hours. My sister watched Maya so that I could really concentrate on the task at hand. My mom and I failed to get a true "before" picture, but you can still see a difference between the before and after pictures. We threw away enough stuff to overflow the garbage bin, with another entire pile waiting for next week. We packed her trunk and backseat with items for DI, and there is still more to go. The recycle bin is also completely full of cardboard boxes. And we didn’t even finish! We still have the back corner and the back shelves to sort through. Ahhhhh! I love getting rid of stuff, even if it isn't my own.

A Typical Day

2011-09-18T09:00:00.000-06:00

A typical day around here--friends, food, pictures, and playing.

Cautiously Optimistic

2011-09-16T17:34:00.004-06:00

Last diaper

First panties

Grandpa Gary said not to worry too much about potty training as long as Maya could use the bathroom by the time she goes to high school. John said he didn't want to start potty training any child until she could lift her monocle and say, "Yes, Father, I see the logic of disposing of my waste in such a sanitary manner. I shall no longer mess my pantaloons."However, I think our 25-month-old was showing was serious signs of readiness, so this Monday was our first day of potty training. I decided to go with the 3-Day Potty Training Method written by Lora Jensen. I must say that I was a little skeptical of potty training taking only three days, but I was willing to give it a go. Monday we had 8 accidents and 1 success. The accidents were mostly in proximity to the couch (AROUND the couch, not ON the couch). Note: Thank you to my mother-in-law for giving me a Bissel, it really came in handy. On Tuesday we had 4 accidents down the hall and 5ish successes. In order to maintain an upbeat attitude, I decided to focus on the fact that the accidents were happening closer to the actual toilet. On Wednesday I only had to clean up 3 accidents (2.5 of which took place on the linoleum of the bathroom floor--SO MUCH easier than cleaning the carpet) and I lost track of the successes. Something just seemed to click in Maya's brain and she started running for the toilet before it was too late. Yesterday was a completely dry-panty day (we will overlook the unfortunate poop-at-the-playground incident), and today has been completely accident-free (so far). Maya has even gotten up from her three-hour-long naps with dry panties on several occasions. Now we just need to keep up the good work during the day, and start waking up dry in the mornings.

As for me, I was wholly unprepared for the pains of potty training. Pains, literally. My knees were carpet-rubbed from spending so much time cleaning up puddles. My bottom was sore from sitting on the side of the tub. And my hands were chapped from washing them ten gazillion times. Then there was also the mental exhaustion of watching Maya's every move, trying to catch any signs or hints that she might need to use the toilet. We are slowly getting back to normal, where I can trust her to walk into another room without me (and know that the carpets are most likely safe).

I originally bought Maya some Peanut Butter M&M's for her potty treat, but those somehow managed to disappear. So then I bought her some Plain M&M's (far less tempting to the parents in the household), but I hid them so well that when Monday rolled around I couldn't find them. Then I got her some Skittles (also not tempting to me) and rediscovered the Plain M&M's, so she now has plenty of treats. And she is pretty good at reminding me to give her a treat every time she uses the potty. My cousin told me of a friend that potty-trained his little brother thus, "Every time he went in the potty, I gave him a treat. Every time he missed the potty, I ate his treat in front of him." Part of me really wanted to test that method.

Maya is quite the independent little miss. I tell her often (every 5-10 minutes) to let me know if she needs to go potty. The last two days she has responded quickly with "No!" accompanied by an "honestly, mother" exasperated expression. And true to her word, she does not need to go when I ask her, but will TELL ME two minutes later that she needs to go potty. I'm so proud of her! She is getting so big!

So whatever that place is between disaster and success--perhaps cautiously optimistic--that's where we are! I'm crossing my fingers that things will only get better. Tomorrow we are going to venture out of the complex for the first time since starting this rigorous training. Wish us luck!

Pear Picking

2011-09-16T16:51:00.000-06:00

Grandpa Bob

Pear picking and sorting

Opa and Maya

I have lots of fond childhood memories of playing with my cousins at Grandma and Grandpa's. After picking pears last week, I walked through their house and smiled at the pink wall paper in the kitchen, the bold 50's coloring in the bathroom, the low ceilings, and the general neatness and orderliness.

This is my mom with three of her four sisters.

My mom's side of the family has an annual tradition of gathering at my grandparents' house to pick the pears, socialize, and eat doughnuts. I haven't gone for a few years because it was too much to pack up a little baby and get out the door before 7AM. But I decided that we would go this year since Maya is two and usually up for an adventure. We were not disappointed. I now have a box of pears ripening on my doorstep. Maya and I eat a couple for lunch every day. Yum.

Magic

2011-09-08T15:33:00.003-06:00

Something magical has happened in the past few weeks. Perhaps two is a magical age. Whatever the reason, Maya just seems so much older.

She decided one day to start swimming. It has taken her most of the summer just to figure out how to stay upright in her life jacket, and then two weeks ago she could stay up AND move around the pool without my help. I love it. I wish I had a video of her at the pool at the beginning of the summer and now--such a difference. I also love to see her play with her little friends. I was scrolling through iPhoto the other morning and came across a few pictures of her neighbor friends. Her eyes lit up and she started naming them all: Abi, Oofie (Ruthie), Neah (Laneah), and Dakson (Jackson).

She has also magically decided that books are the bomb dot com. She likes to sit on our laps as we read her multiple books. She also likes to name animals and objects that she recognizes. Finally! I have been waiting for the day that she would sit through books for years (two to be exact).

She has also figured out how to scoot her slide over to the door and unlock it. Thankfully she hasn't figured out that you then have to move the slide out of the way to open the door.

I recently purchased a key ring from Target and put it in the laundry room under the hooks where I hang my wet swim suit. It's the perfect size and set up for Maya to hang up her own suits and swim diapers.

It also seems magical/crazy that she is ready to potty train. How did she get so big? It was not, however, very magical when she pooped on the potty for the first time, scared herself and stood up in the middle of the job and got poop on her step stool, the rug, and a little in the tub. Gross. Please be proud of me though, because I DID NOT freak out. My mother-in-law told me that although I will hear lots of theories and advice on potty training, her advice trumps them all: WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T FREAK OUT. So far, so good.

As for unmagical habits she has cultivated, shredding things would be one of them. We had to tape together our last Netflix packaging just so we could send it back. I also found a shredded page of a story book today. What kind of punishment fits that crime? (Seriously, I need suggestions).

Experiment Continued

2011-09-08T15:03:00.000-06:00

Grateful

2011-09-08T15:00:00.001-06:00

My sister-in-law posted an entry about what she's grateful for with her current pregnancy (have I mentioned that I have four sisters-in-law that have had or are having babies in 2011?). That made me think about my situation and adoption, and I tried to come up with my own list of why I’m grateful to adopt. It was a hard list to write and several of the original items I came up with seemed forced or cynical. Here’s my short and sincere list:

I’m grateful to adopt because I have Maya and I wouldn't have gotten her any other way,
because we have made friends and bonded with people that we might not have done otherwise,
because I get to hold onto my girlish figure [note: I am allowed to say this myself, but do not like hearing it from other people],
because it got me blogging,
because I have become more aware of and have more empathy for others who have to wait--for anything, not just children--or have experienced loss,
because it has given me further teaching opportunities,
because it has helped me to better understand the importance of temple work (doing something for someone who is unable to do it for himself),
because I have greater appreciation for the importance of the sealing ordinance than I did before,
because I have learned patience and strength to some degree,
because it has given me the opportunity to enjoy motherhood.

She did it!

2011-08-29T16:08:00.001-06:00

Yesterday's journal entry:
We borrowed “Elmo’s Potty Time” DVD from a neighbor. Maya likes to watch it, and has even asked to be taken to the potty (she likes to close the lid, flush the toilet, and carry the stool over to the sink where she tries to reach the faucet). She doesn’t ever go, but it’s a step in the right direction. As for me, I don’t know how many more times I can listen to puppets sing about pee and poo.

Today's journal entry:
Maya used the potty today!! I put her on the toilet after we went swimming and she actually peed in the toilet. It scared her a little, but she got over it quickly when I made a big deal out of it and gave her a peanut butter m&m. Now I really need to go get the toilet topper and panties! I think she's ready as she'll ever be. We called Papa to tell him, and he was excited too (#region John: Excited is a strong word. #endregion). Maya whined when I wouldn't give her more m&m's, but she'll see soon enough.

$FREE.99

2011-08-28T16:50:00.000-06:00

I recently ventured out with my friend Rachel and her girls to the mall. We wanted to use our $10 off a $10 purchase at JCPenny coupons. I bought this beauty. It's not a shirt I would normally choose, but since it was essentially free, I thought I'd give it a go.

New Mattress

2011-08-28T16:46:00.001-06:00

John and I recently got a new mattress!! Huzzah! Although we've been very grateful to have inherited furniture and such, after almost six years of marriage, I think it was about time we got a NEW mattress. We both sleep better for it. We've also added a memory foam topper to it, so it's TALL. It's so tall that Maya can't climb on anymore.

Words of Wisdom

2011-08-28T16:28:00.006-06:00

As a first-time mom, it has been nice to have words of wisdom shared with me by those who are more experienced. These words that have made me feel "normal" and not-alone or reminded me about the great gift of motherhood that I have been given, a gift that I relish and savor. Here are a few words or experiences that I have taken from e-mails, conversations, and blogs that have made me feel better about myself as a mom.

Patsy said "I'm busy at home with our 2 yr old and 10 month old, doing the mommy thing, enjoying it most days, trying to not let frustrations become habit on the off days. I have delightful kids - so I'm learning to see delight. I think that's part of the gift of young children. It is the job I always wanted, and wouldn't change it. There is something remarkable about these young one's and the role of mother, particularly when I remember to see it." Thanks for the reminder! It came at the perfect time: right after Maya bit her frenemy, Laneah, on our way to a shopping adventure.

Bonnie's shared the following story, "We took the kids to Dollywood last week. They got kicked off the ducky ride for fighting. The ride attendant seriously stopped the ride and said, "mother, you better come get these kids." So I had to walk the walk of shame as I went in to get them and put one in each arm and got out of there." It made me laugh hysterically--haven't we all had to endure the walk of shame at one time or another? I'm pretty sure I do that every day I carry my shrieking, pinching, biting, and flailing child inside from playing.

My friend Emily described the being-married-to-a-student situation perfectly: instead of the normal saying "Don't put all your eggs in one basket," it's more like "Honey, be careful and work hard because all of my eggs are in your basket."

Emily's mom also said that she really enjoyed her children at all of their different ages and stages. I want to be able to look back and say that, too! I am going to make a concerted effort to love even the terrible-twos days.

I read on C. Jane Enjoy It, the most addicting blog EVER (I am at this moment trying to contrive a way to become friends with her because I'm convinced that we are kindred spirits), "I've always loved Emma Lou's pledge to her children, "I love you with all my heart, but not all my time" meaning that the solitude time was part of her ability to thrive."

My sister-in-law Maryann replied to my potty training post with lots of good advice and help. I especially appreciated her closing paragraph. It helped me realize that I should do my best to potty train Maya, but ultimately I cannot control another human being (as much as I would like to think I can). "There are so many different potty training philosophies out there. I don't have any to recommend. Cumorah potty trained almost effortlessly before she turned two. Rivers was three in May and she is still definitely NOT potty-trained. She is wearing panties during the day right now. Multiple pairs a day. She pees everywhere. She will pee in the toilet, she knows how. She's totally capable. But she will not for the life of her go to the potty of her own accord, nor tell me when she needs to go. And often she'll fight going even if she does have to go. I have no idea why. I've tried many different things. It's been really stressful for me. But it's been really stressful for her too, so I no longer get upset with her (at least I don't most of the time, I'm not perfect). We've been 'potty training' her for over a year. She hasn't been in panties that whole year. Going nakey bottom really worked for Cumorah. We did it outside first on our porch, but we had a more private yard, that might be more awkward in your situation.:) It just helped her remember that there was nothing there to catch her wee wee. We did it inside to, but she really caught on fast. At this point, I'm not sure when to start Sidon since Rivers is still not done potty training. He might potty train before she does. So the only reason I'm sharing this with you is to maybe kind of relate to you how you can't be sure how things will go with Maya. Since every child and every parent is different, techniques that some swear by for potty training might totally fail for others. Do what makes sense to you. Be prepared to be terribly inconvenienced and frustrated. And if you find yourself getting upset, you might want to take a break, rethink and/or try something different. I still believe it's important to have using the toilet be a part of a two year old's life, but I also believe that you don't have to do hard core potty training if it's just really not working after you've given it your best go for a little while. I think you are an amazing mother. I greatly admire your sweet mothering skillz and think that you are the perfect momma for Maya. :) I'm sure that whatever you do, things will work out."

Movies

2011-08-28T15:02:00.002-06:00

I love movies. It is one of my favorite relaxing activities. Here are some movies that I have really enjoyed in the last year or two:

Megamind
Ramona and Beezus
Hannah Montana: The Movie
Miss Potter
Flipped
Temple Grandin
The King's Speech (the PG-13 version)
Prince of Persia
Sound of Music
Dispicable Me
Stardust
Young Victoria
Dan in Real Life
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
Leap Year

Purple

2011-08-23T16:38:00.001-06:00

Apparently purple is THE color right now. I mean, it's always a nice color, but now is the time to let purple shine. I came to this conclusion after browsing (ok, drooling like a teething baby) through Gap's Covent Garden collection, and then stumbling upon these purple beauties on a different site. So you can see that purple is THE color right now. Thoughts?

Lost in Translation

2011-08-23T16:26:00.009-06:00

Love Languages. Heard of them? The basic idea behind love languages is that people feel loved in one (or more) of five different ways: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, or physical touch. And as such, people often express love to others in the way that they feel loved, which doesn't always work if someone speaks a different language of love. I, personally, am a believer in love languages. It just makes sense. I've seen it in my own marriage. John and I are madly smitten with each other, but sometimes the sentiment gets lost in translation. I am all about acts of service and quality time and John's love tank runs on words of affirmation and physical touch. So while he's trying to show his love by giving me a hug, I'm giving it right back by wiping the counter behind his back. Total opposites, right? Things can sometimes get tough. My sister-in-law shared a story with me that I thought was HILARIOUS and all too true. Her love language is physical touch and my brother's acts of service. Anyway, she and my brother had quarreled over something or other and had gone to different rooms to cool off. A while later she came into the kitchen to find him madly scrubbing away at the tough spots on the stove. She asked him what he was doing, and he responded while continuing to fiercely scrub the stove, "I'm showing you how much I love you!"

Facebook

2011-08-21T16:38:00.000-06:00

So I think Facebook is great and all that, but I have to admit that I never check the updates or newsfeeds. I am definitely more of a blog stalker than a Facebook fiend. I primarily use Facebook to communicate with people or find long lost friends. However, last night John came home and said I needed to check the newsfeed. He showed me an update by his sister, and then his response to her post. I thought I would post it here for others of you who do not check Facebook either. John is a stinker and a tease, in case you didn't already pick up on that. He was trying to copy her pictures and show that his job was cool too.

Potty Training

2011-08-20T15:36:00.003-06:00

I think the time has come. Yes, the dreaded moment is upon us. The inevitable is about to happen. I think once our huge Costco box of diapers run out we are going to start potty training Maya!! Here is my reasoning: She is two. She has asked me to put her on the potty several times (she hasn't actually done anything but sit there, but it's a start). Our carpets are old and disgusting and will have to be cleaned/replaced after we move out anyway. I wouldn't mind not needing to change diapers anymore. Who knows when baby #2 will enter the scene and it would be nice to have only one bottom to clean. So I am preparing to gird up my loins and do some dirty work.

I have made a list of potty training items to purchase. However, if any of you experienced parents have additional suggestions, please let me know! I would like to be as prepared as possible.

panties (do they make them small enough?)
potty seat
potty seat transport bag (yuck! barf! gross me out!)
treats
carpet cleaner (what is the proper procedure to deal with stuff that belongs in the toilet that might end up on the rug?)
stool (correction, two-step stool so that Maya can actually reach the potty)
hand sanitizer (lots of it!)
movies and books to educate the prospective potty trainee and trainer (suggestions?)

Bagga Bagga

2011-08-20T15:17:00.000-06:00

Netflix has started streaming Yo Gabba Gabba, and we have started watching it. Maya really likes it! When I start an episode her eyes pop and her mouth gets really wide. She calls it Bagga Bagga and dances and sings along. I must admit that the songs are kind of catchy. I'm not a big TV/movie mom, but I think Yo Gabba Gabba will be a life saver when we are stuck indoors during the winter.

382

2011-08-20T15:04:00.002-06:00

I took some pictures for my sister yesterday. I ended up taking 382 shots, and there are a mere handful that are worth printing. Isn't digital photography grand? I love the behind-the-scenes pictures rife with wrangling, bribery, and boredom. (I know the moms sure got a work out.) I especially love the picture where all four of the children are looking at the pom-pom. Perhaps I need to strap a pom-pom onto my camera so they'll actually look at me. I have a new-found respect for children's photographers. Maya was quite the angel and sat quietly in her stroller holding her blanket and baby doll.

Parent Profiles

2011-08-17T15:27:00.004-06:00

John and I have been approved for adoption for almost six months now! We have recently decided to create a profile on the Parent Profiles website to try to get our names out there even more. Feel free to go check it out and share our information with your friends.
Here's a little review of our different adoption information (these can also be found on the right sidebar of our blog):
Blog: johnandlorablog.blogspot.com (but you already knew that if you are reading this)
E-mail: johnandlorablog@gmail.com
LDS Family Services Profile
Parent Profiles Profile

Unblogged Pictures and Unpictured Stories

2011-08-16T10:00:00.004-06:00

Although I do admittedly add A LOT of pictures to the blog, I do not by any means put on every photo I have. A friend of mine told me about a blog she had seen where the author put on a bunch of pictures that hadn't been shown before and also talked about stories and moments that weren't captured by the camera. I thought that was a lovely idea. So here it goes...previously unblogged pictures and unpictured stories.

This was the first time Maya consciously smiled for the camera and said "cheese!" That was unexpected.

Have I mentioned that Maya is good at throwing fits? Well, she is, and has been for some time now.

Pure woosh!

This picture was taken before Christmas last year. I went to a purse party and got a purse as one of my major Christmas presents. John was skeptical when he saw which one I had chosen (he calls it my orange dragon scale purse), but I told him to wait and see how many compliments I got. And boy, was I right. Every time he was there to witness one of the compliments he would roll his eyes and give me a look that silently acknowledged that I did, in fact, know what I was talking about. My taste is flawless! :)

Maya is one cool cat. Even when it comes to grocery shopping.

Maya loves her friends! This is her especial courtyard buddy Laneah. Every time we walk outside the apartment, Maya says "Ney-uh!" They are the best of friends (behold the look of adoration in Maya's eyes). Well, that is to say, they're the best of friends when they're not fighting. I believe the term is "frenemies." The headband that Laneah is wearing is apparently one of the coolest toys/accessories that I own. The girls love to wear this one and a sequin one that I have. Maya likes to wear that little doll sweater as a hat all the time.

Beautiful girl.

These are Maya's play sunglasses. She got them after breaking a pair of my sunglasses.

Now this picture I love. This is the absolute epitome of Maya. She's already soaking. She's hitting the water with a racket. And she's with her beloved cousin Cayelle. This is joy personified.

John took this with his iPhone. I don't know. I just like it.

Maya is my good sleeper. Thank heavens for that. Let me clarify, she wakes up easily if you walk in the room, but she's a good sleeper in that she sleeps 12+ hours every night and takes a good nap every day.

All kids love technology, and Maya is no exception. This must be getting ready for bed with Papa. He is usually the one to brush her teeth and put on her p-j-jammies.

Maya and her friends at the pool.

Now this is a true to life picture of Maya from her birthday. Get me out of here!

What a sweet mama! I love that despite the tear streaks on her face (she just wiped out), she is tenderly feeding her baby doll.

I love kisses from my little girl!

I don't actually have a store of unpictured stories, so I just chose some entries from Maya's baby journal. I hope I haven't shared these already.

Everytime Maya looks at her slide or the slide at the playground she says “Shide!”
When I pull out the camera for any reason, Maya runs up to me and says “Cheese!”
I ask Maya what a frog says, and she replies “Ro-bert!”
John took Maya with him to the store to pick up a few items. As is his tradition, John got a treat for the two of them. He bought a box of Lucky Charms. Since Maya doesn’t eat cold cereal very often (we eat oatmeal almost every morning), she kept saying “Wow! Wow!” and picked out the marshmallows with fervor.
At dinner, while being babysat, Maya indicated that she wanted a napkin. Then she wiped her hands in between taking bites. So cute! When it was bedtime, she grabbed her blanket, ran to the pack n’ play, and said “in.” She is such a good girl at bedtime. She really has been such a good sleeper her whole life. We are lucky!
Maya still loves being other kids. She is good at playing and sharing (mostly). She doesn’t cry very easily. My mom has an assortment of bibs at her house. They each have a word and a picture like "little" and a picture of a peanut, or "lucky" and a picture of a duck. On Maya's birthday my mom asked which one I wanted for Maya. I chose the one that said "tough" with a picture of a cookie. My sister said she would have chosen the same one for Maya. She is a tough cookie.
I asked Maya to put something in the trash a few days ago. As she walked toward the garbage can, I sneezed. Without missing a beat, she said “bless you,” and then threw the trash away. What a girl!
On Sunday Maya did a somersault all by herself. She might just end up being a gymnast (she’s small, tough, and flexible). Or a black belt in TKD. Or a black belt gymnast.
After we were done eating our family dinner, but while we were still sitting at the table, we sang silly songs to Maya. “Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall…cause they threw him out the window, the window, the second story window. High, low, low, high, they threw him out the window.” We clapped along to the window part and Maya smiled and clapped along with us. She must think we’re weird and crazy, but I’m pretty sure she loves us a lot.
Maya is a snack Benedict Arnold. I have various snacks hidden around the house. Hidden from Maya's reach and hidden from John's notice. The other day Maya was pointing at one of the hiding spots and said "nack, peaz" (Snack, please.). John looked over at me, smiled, and asked if there was something hidden up there. I very innocently said that I didn't know what he was talking about. Then I fired Maya on the spot.
Lately Maya has come up to me tugging on her pants and saying "potty." I have taken off her diaper and let her sit on the potty, but nothing has come of it yet. I figure I am going to have to gird up my loins and potty train her soon. Yikes.
When I go to get the door, I always look through the peephole first. Maya is a world-class imitator, and she runs to the door with me and puts her eye next to the door about a foot beneath the doorknob. Then we open the door together.
Maya likes to grab my nose until I say "honk." After doing this to a few of her neighbor friends, we have tried to teach her to lightly tap the nose and say "beep."
I often feel like a blinking doll. You know, the ones that close their eyelids when you put them down and open their eyes when you pick them up. However, I am an opposite blinking doll. I am tired all day when I am up, and the moment I put my head on the pillow to go to sleep my mind snaps wide awake. Bummer.

Birthday Checklist

2011-08-15T15:46:00.004-06:00

First item of business on Maya's second birthday was to turn her carseat around so that she could go to the doughnut shop with Papa in style. She is now 20 pounds and 2! Check.

Swimming. Check. Lunch and naptime. Check. Check.

Pictures by a shutterbug mom. Check.

Dinner. Presents. Cake and ice cream. Check, check, check.

John modeled Maya's cake after one of her very favorite things this year: her castle slide (and he and Maya were only 40 minutes late to the party).

Lots of time with her new birthday stroller. CHECK.
Here's the story of a girl and her stroller.

Every time we have visited a friend's house that has a stroller there have been fights, grabbing, screaming, and tears over who gets to play with it. So we were hoping Maya would like it as a birthday present. Since opening her stroller, Maya has been pushing it around non-stop. Literally. She took it on our Sunday walk. She pulled it to the park today. She even tried to take it with her as she climbed on the play structure (and threw a fit when someone else touched it while she played). Maya puts her cabbage patch doll in the stroller. Pushes her around. Stops. Signs “all done?” and then says “k” and takes her baby out of the stroller. Next Maya gives the baby a bottle. When the bottle is gone, Maya takes it away, and says “ahhhh!” She puts the bottle in the stroller and then the baby on top and starts all over again. John sat Maya down for breakfast Sunday morning, and reported that Maya has never eaten so fast. After she finished her eggs, John offered her some banana and a cupcake. She took a bite of each and then signed “all done.” She immediately got down and played with her stroller.

She has even tried sitting in the stroller herself. And she fits.

Happy girl. Happy Birthday! Check!

Dinner Party

2011-08-15T15:00:00.000-06:00

So a long time ago--ok, it was actually only four weeks ago, but it feels like a long time ago--our neighbors had us over for a dinner party. And I am now getting around to blogging about it. Everyone brought a dish and we all had to guess what ingredients were included in the different delicacies. One point was awarded for every correct guess, a point deducted for a wrong guess, and three bonus points if you came up with the best name for the dish. I can't remember all of the finalists, but the winner for the pink smoothie was "Pink Particle Drink." It was a fun twist on a dinner party, plus there were actually prizes! John's prize was a manicure kit, and you can see that he might need some lessons since he's filing his knuckles. :)

Singing

2011-08-15T14:00:00.000-06:00

Maya has turned into a regular nightingale lately. She likes to sing by herself, sing along with us, sing almost recognizable words, and sing jibberish. It is adorable.

The Hills are Alive

2011-08-15T13:00:00.001-06:00

Aubrey, Rachel, Lora, and Elizabeth

Last Thursday I went with some gal pals to see The Sound of Music performed in the outdoor theater at Sundance. It was fabulous. We actually had to climb a mountain to go see it. And we sat on a hill. The Rocky Mountains were the perfect pseudo Swiss Alps. There were also parts where the audience got to sing along. So cool.

Happy Birthday, Maya!

2011-08-13T10:10:00.003-06:00

ONE TWO

These are not my pants! Whose pants are these anyway?

2011-08-11T16:03:00.001-06:00

Did you lose something there, Maya?

Grilled Pizza

2011-08-11T16:00:00.000-06:00

Since our apartment gets beastly hot in the summertimes, we have taken to cooking our pizza outside on the grill. John has it down to an art with perfectly toasted crust. Yum. Our current favorite toppings are all vegetarian: green peppers, red onions, mushrooms, squash, and artichoke hearts. Yum.

SHOES!

2011-08-11T15:15:00.001-06:00

John's professor had all of his grad students over to his house for dinner on Tuesday. When it was time to go, Maya just ran over and put on her shoes and socks by herself. Everybody gasped and admired this amazing feat (pun intended). Maya's doctor has also mentioned that putting on her own shoes is developmentally advanced. Boo-yah! What I love is that Maya not only puts her own shoes on and is able to take them off, but she also places her shoes right next to the wall behind the door at home and lines them up next to mine at the pool.

She also loves to try on everybody else's shoes. This isn't usually a problem unless they belong to her four-year-old friend who worries considerably about Maya chewing on her shoes and wearing them around the courtyard. We're working on it.

Dream Room

2011-08-11T15:00:00.000-06:00

Um... So I found some pictures of my dream scrapbook room online. It sends chills up and down my spine. I might allow for more wall space to put up pictures, but other than that I think I have arrived.