Free Day at the Zoo

More mom stuff

I found a couple coupons in the newspaper for the Discovery Gateway so Gus and I have gone twice in the last week. This place is amazing. We both love it. There were tons of other pregnant women there that I made friendly conversation with. All those I talked to were having boys so I tried to snake some good name ideas. No luck yet. We are still undecided. Only five more weeks to go!

Holes

This is a straw sticking out of a hole in my Scentsy candle. Gus has a strange obsession with putting things in holes he finds around the house. He has a keen ability to find something just the right size to fit a specific hole.

Here we have another straw as well as my keys stuck into Gus's bed

And here's a toothbrush that fits perfectly into the hole in the sink. Does anyone know of a future job for Gus where this skill might come in handy?

This Brand of Joy

My sister-in-law Alicen posted this article in her blog and I read it through twice in a row because it made me feel so validated. I thought all the mothers that I associate would enjoy reading it as well. On the eve of having a second baby boy I feel it's especially pertinent to post.

I like the paragraph about resisting constant temptation to seek short-term relief at everyone's long-term expense.

Gus's Christmas present highlights

Gus's new kitchen

Gus loved this wooden birthday cake so much he wanted to keep
sharing it with Dad while he was taking a nap.

The superman suit. I was grateful that he didn't wear it to church on Sunday.

And of course the playdough was a big hit. We really could have gotten away with only buying $2 worth of playdough and he would have been happy (Gus - not Les).

Gus stuck that glob on my head at the last minute so I could be Harry Potter.

Gus-isms

We are really discovering how very funny and creative Gus is lately. I just have to blog a few of his funnies so I don't forget.

-A couple days after Christmas he came downstairs with a cardigan on his head and said -"I'm Jesus"

-He loved the play dough he got in his stocking. He was playing with it one evening and came in to me and said - "Show me" which translates as "I'll show you". He took me into our front room where he had given our statue of Joseph Smith a bright green hat made from play dough.

- Gus loves giving blessings. I'm not sure where he got this idea - he has seen Les give blessings only twice or three times. He'll often lay his hands on our Joseph Smith statue, on daddy or mommy, and sometimes on stuffed animals and say a prayer.

- So much for being a spiritual boy. He took a Mike-n-Ike candy between his middle and ring finger and smoked it like an expert. Again, not sure where he gets this stuff. Probably from nursery - haha.

- One busy errand filled day a few weeks ago, while I was pumping some gas, Gus was deep in thought. "Look mom," he said, folding his ear in half, "Taco".

- Gus loves to wear head bands, gloves (socks on his hands), goggles, hats, a bucket on his head, and all kinds of other accessories. He'll typically go through 5 pairs of socks per day.

- Gus is obsessed with facial hair -he thinks it's hilarious- mustaches especially. He'll often put on a headband and move it down under his nose and wear it as his mustache.

Christmas Danger

I have a big task in December to try to come up with both Christmas and Birthday gift ideas for myself to help my poor husband.   I just can't bear the thought of him wandering around store after store looking aimlessly for the perfect gift.  Apparently I'm hard to shop for.  

Before I started brainstorming ideas I was satisfied with everything I have.  I was so very content. I really don't NEED anything.  In fact, every year the idea of collecting more STUFF makes me feel yucky.  

But, once I really get thinking and looking I can definitely find really cute things that catch my eye.  Danger.  Now I think I need this and this and this and maybe even a few others as well, and I have the burden of thinking about these things all throughout the day and how great it would be to have them.  I am so weak.  

Here Comes Christmas

Les's amazing cousin Jen posted this on her blog a few weeks ago.  I loved it.  I am in the process of planning our Ward Christmas dinner as well as the usual family Christmas planning and I keep going back to this message.  Whether you donate money or food or love or time, let's make this year one that is meaningful and one that we will remember. 

P.S. I want to know... what are you going to do this year to make Christmas more meaningful?    I need some ideas.

The Gas Station

A couple days ago I was filling up my gas tank at the local Smith's.   I, along with most of the people there, probably don't understand why the cost of gasoline is going down so drastically (anyone want to fill me in?)  But regardless, I dare say most of us there were in a good mood to be filling our tanks for 1.91/gallon.  (Smith's cost today is $1.85 - I can hardly wait to fill up again)

There were about 3 cars using the pumps, 5 pumps still available, when a suburban pulled up across from me and began waiting for a very old & slow gentleman to finish.  He was having trouble trying to get his Smith's discount to process.  The woman waited.  I looked at her and grinned a kind of - 'what are you doing' grin.  She rolled her eyes in response - like I might be understanding of her frustration.  Did I mention there were 5 pumps available?  She waited another few minutes and then made an audible huff and turned her car towards another pump.   Aren't people weird? 

Iron Man

Les and I finally watched Iron Man last night after so many people recommended it highly. I honestly wasn't sure if I'd like it or not....turns out I LOVED it. Les said at one point in the movie I was standing on my chair and yelling. I'll probably go ahead and make this picture my computer wallpaper.

It is really hard for me to not constantly write about our sweet little 2-year-old boy. But I figure this blog is really for me and only those that choose to will read this stuff...so, I can sneak one more little thing in about him, right?

Now that Gus has been talking more, Les and I have discovered that Gus is a very kind and considerate boy and here's the proof.

Example 1:
Whenever someone sneezes or even coughs - especially Les or I - he responds "Bess you, Mama" or "Bess you, Dada." Sometimes when I forget to 'bless him' he'll quietly bless himself, "Bess you, Gus."

Example 2:
Gus kisses all my boo boos as well as moles, headaches, made up owies, and he even tries to kiss away sleepiness. Actually, when either Les or I is acting sleepy he'll fetch a pillow and blanket and tuck us in wherever it is that we're sitting.

Example 3:
Gus likes to make sure we are well fed - when I'm done eating he'll ask in a concerned voice "Mama, More? Yes? No? Mama, Full? Mama, Bite?", offering me some of his food.

Example 4:
Gus is very liberal with his 'sorrys' and his 'thank yous'. It makes us feel bad when he says sorry when it's Les or I that owes him a sorry.

I'll guess we'll keep drilling that Thingamajig book, it seems to be working.

Diaper Boots

I love my 2 year old

Yesterday Gus and I were cruising down the road and I was singing loudly as I usually do to that "Almost Paradise" song from Footloose. From the backseat Gus says to me "SSSHHHHHHHHH".
I laughed a little and asked him "you want me to stop singing?"
Of course he said, "yes".
"Do you like this song?"
"Yes."

We kept driving down the road and I was really trying to hold back on some of the best parts of the song (I know, I'm sick). I started to kind of hum/sing really softly.
"Mom." small pause "No." again came from the backseat.

Humbled, I stayed quiet the rest of the song.

(Oh maybe the best part of the whole story was when Gus exclaimed "Colby and Amy" as the singers of Almost Paradise. He loves Colby's music and is always able to identify one of his songs. I'm glad he at least recognized it was a duet.)

Yearbook

(sorry about the poor quality - I just used photo booth. This picture is missing Adrienne & Amy)

It's probably a girly thing to do but I love pulling out the wedding video, old photo albums, or an old note from a friend and oozing over old memories. Last night I pulled out my yearbook from my Senior year at BHS to show a picture to a friend. I couldn't put it down. I got all nostalgic and scanned through the photos and read the cheesy notes for over an hour. It was awesome. I want to share a few good ones. (This will mainly be enjoyed by those I went to high school with.)

Thanks for being such a cute friend. I will always remember you.

Josh Hansen

(yeah, this came from a guy - weird. and funny. I noticed he was voted most likely to retire at 30...and, it could actually happen)

Here we are at the bridge of life. The times together are forever imprinted in my brain, from the short love affair to the silly fights and heated conversations. I will miss you while I'm gone. ..It is weird how things turn out over long periods of times. Although our friends aren't as tight as they used to be and some almost non-existent I will always consider you one of the best friends I have... It has been a high school to remember. I love you always.

Lucas

(he was leaving for boot camp in a few days. In person- really funny, in print - very serious)

Have a great summer.

Dede Hughes

(message #1)

Christy, You are so great! ... I really did appreciate the times I had with you. Hopefully, they won't stop here. I went to a XXX bar last night and it made me realize how much I like you. I think I'm a lucky guy to be this close to you. In all seriousness, I treasure the fun times that you were a part of. If you hold me, I'll hold you back and then some. Memories are good but you know what's better? Hamburgers and Hotdogs. Thank you baby.

-Tyler Sorensen "Stallone"

(maybe the funniest guy i know. currently in medical school)

...I thoroughly enjoyed the times that we shared, especially when we were sucking face. (*didn't happen) When I wasn't with you, I was always thinking of you. Please do not water balloon me or start a fire in my house. However, you can come to my window whenever you need a friend. Heart, Reese

(also in medical school. he was so fun to play tricks on - like the time we spelled REESE about 20x40 in the snow in his backyard - in the middle of the night)

Bateman -

You are hot! I love you!

Heart, Dede

(message 2)

I love you.

Heart, Dede (your best friend)

(message 3 - there are more)

How come cannibals can't eat people like you? Because they can't keep a good woman down! Thanx for being my buddy.

Roane

(sweet sweet seminary president)

Bateman -

You and me in study group were like mashed potatoes. It is likely that we were meant for each other since 9th grade. I wish we could be on the same team next year. Keep in touch -k-

Pimps forever.

Love, Sean Mawhinney #32

(not one of my immediate group of friends. smart guy, baseball guy as you can see)

Christy-

We've been through a lot of s--t together. I'll always consider you one of my closest friends. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. I love you man.

DJ Rosevear

(great guy. good thing he wants to be my friend since he married one of my best friends)

Big City Girl

It seems like everyone I talk to or read about is taking a summer vacation. I'm feeling jealous. We're not taking our big vacation until November, so I feel like I need to reminisce about a past vacation to make myself feel better.

In January 2007 Les gave me a trip to New York for my Christmas present. New York was thee place I had always wanted to visit. I love big cities. I'm not really a beach vacation person. I like to be walking/traveling around seeing things. We saw Central Park, China town, Ground Zero, The Statue of Liberty, The United Nations Building, A Broadway Play, The Museum of Natural History, Time Square, The Museum of Modern Art, Lots of Subways, Rockefeller Center, Ellis Island, H&M about 8 times, and more. This was probably my favorite trip ever - even if the temperature was below freezing most days. We have several great friends living in New York City that I was able to site-see with and catch up with. It was dreamy. Honey, let's go back.

Here's a comment

My mom sent me this email which she said she would have posted as a comment(s) on my blog if she knew how.  After reading it I forwarded it to Les for his enjoyment.  His reply was "Let's be honest.  Your mom is amazing."  I agree.  

Oh my gosh, I just watched that Matt thing with the wigmen on your blog. I was laughing so hard. That was so I don't know what? Funny and amazing. The wig men were sure good-natured about the whole thing. Just looking at them you'd be afraid they were about to come after you with spears, but they were just laid back and cool, like yeah, whatever. I loved it. I'm editing right now, but then I want to watch the others. Where do you find these things?
Your pictures of the things you did last week (or the week before?) turned out great. I'm glad you could tell in the picture how cool those centerpieces were. Sometimes pictures don't do things justice, but that picture was nice. And the pictures of Gus of course couldn't do him justice because it would be impossible to capture his cuteness. Les looks so young. But then he is. Thirty is very young! What a week you had, Lady!
Oh, now weren't you supposed to tag some people after you met Alicen's challenge? (Good fears, by the way. Hey, you wuss, who's afraid of falling out of roller coasters? Certainly not me.) This isn't a hint for you to tag me, by the way. I don't want to talk about my fears, thank you. Who has that much time? It's just that I noticed you hadn't tagged anyone.
I would have put this comment on your blog, but I didn't know how. It's too long anyway. Love you mucho, Mom.

14 months, 42 countries

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

I'm a huge fan of impromptu dancing. This video put me in a good mood.

Event #2

The day after my work luncheon I was to carry out the Ward Campout. Our campout last year was my first activity being in this calling so it was pretty simple - not a lot of fluff. So, this year I tried to amp it up. And I might have gone overboard a little bit. Thank goodness for a forgiving committee. We had a chili cook-off for dinner, a game after dinner, we brought a projector and showed the Princess Bride, and then we had canoeing the next morning. I think I'm learning that the food is the main thing that people care about. Everything went well. No bear attacks. The campsite (up Weber canyon) was really beautiful. It was nice to spend some time in nature.

Gus scoping out the canoeing

Gus and Les hanging out in our tent

Our dope ward

Event Planner

The last week of July I was a busy girl with 2 big events to plan/carry out.  On Thursday the 31st we had a luncheon for work.   My boss wanted to impress several of the Realtors that bring him business regularly, thank them, and hopefully get them refocused on their yearly goals with the year being half over.  Crazy thought - 2008 is half over.   With a theme of FOCUS I bought and wrapped a pair of binoculars for all of the attendees.   At the last minute I realized I needed some centerpeices so I ran to Costo the morning of and threw these together.  Luckily they turned out really nice.  And we raffled them off after the lunch.  

Tag

My mom reminded me that I'd been invited by Alicen to participate in the following tag... so, here it is.

3 Joys:  Hanging out with Gus when he's in a good mood.  Hanging out with Les when he's in a good mood - just kidding Les is always in a good mood.  Having a good conversation with my parents.  I guess life is best when it's simple.

3 Fears:  Losing Les or losing a child.  I don't know - being tortured, or being in a pit full of snakes, being attacked by a bear, falling out of a roller coaster,  stuff like that.  It's dark, I know.

3 Goals:  I've always wanted to be able to identify trees, flowers, and maybe even some birds like my grandma can.  I'd like to have a successful interior design business.  And I'd like to raise good, nice kids. 

3 Current Obsessions:  Studying up on Landscape Design to try to make my yard beautiful... I'm still pretty stumped (I'd love any tips).  Cooking healthier.  So you think you can Dance... dance...dance...dance.

3 Surprising Facts About Me:  I refuse to read Twilight (at least for now).  I watch the Disney channel - Raven and Hannah mostly.  I sound old over the phone.