Alice's Wonderland

1001: The proposal

2009-10-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

No this is not a story of how Jared and I got together...rather a different proposal. A few weeks after Finn was born, and we were at my parent's house eating pancakes Jared ''proposed" that we start a family blog. A new beginning. Well, the layout, design and name have been in the works for the next couple of months. After several photo shoots and editing of our bicycles (and just plain finding the time to design the blog) I have finally moved and merged with lovey to officially say goodbye to the Aquayellow blog and HELLO TO:

Jared, Alice, Etc located at jaredalice.com

So update your readers if you want to keep following our fairytale.

1000th Post, 1000 Bubbles

2009-10-06T19:44:00.001-07:00

Fall has arrived!

2009-09-29T15:25:00.000-07:00

Fall arrived all of a sudden today...a much anticipated Autumn. I was getting really tired of those late summer heat waves. I hope the weather sticks...you never know in California. As my mother always said, "Dress in layers."

Finn's ready with his freshly knitted pumpkin hat...thanks to Heather L.

Pausing Finn...

2009-09-27T20:06:00.001-07:00

Um...I would like to pause Finn...he's so stinkin' cute right now. I can't get over how hilarious he is. For instance, a lot of kids hate being changed, diapers, clothes...the works. Not Finn, he thinks it's hilarious...like it's a game or something. At night I'm trying to calm him down to get him to go to sleep and he's just cracking up and flashing me big smiles.

***I sneaked into Finn's room tonight and turned on his nightlight that I use for nursing and used my trusty tripod and remote and set my camera to a 4 sec. shutter speed. He sleeps on his stomach by choice...I didn't do it...he's also completely done a 180° since I left him...HOW DOES HE DO THAT?

Propped up Finn

2009-09-25T18:48:00.000-07:00

There's just something that I find so cute and funny about propping up this little guy who can't sit up on his own yet. He gets a kick out of it too!

"Hello mother:)"

"This is sooo exciting!"

Staring at his favorite pillow on the couch.

"Wait mom, seriously I'm gonna fall."

Just chillin'.

Oven dried tomatoes

2009-09-25T18:38:00.000-07:00

Remember how I had all of those tomatoes from my mother's garden? Well, I had already made tomato sauce a few weeks earlier with a bunch and had some stocked up in the freezer, and I really don't have much time to cook nowadays. So I decided to oven dry them.

Then for dinner the next night I made this. And OH MAN WAS IT GOOD! I'm going to go eat some more right now for dinner tonight. Well, you can't go wrong with wine and cream...I omitted the lemon this time which I usually add to pasta sauces.

Oven dried tomato, basil and toasted garlic spaghetti:

-oven dried tomatoes drizzled in olive oil on 200° F for 8-10 hours.
-saute whole garlic cloves in olive oil until they're browned
-chop fresh basil
-cook spaghetti and drain
-in spaghetti pan poor in some white wine and cream (you choose on proportions)
-salt and pepper
-simmer for a bit
-add tomatoes
-stir
-add basil
-stir
-add spaghetti
-cover for like 10 mins and let the flavors fuse.
-it'll be better the second day as is often the case with tomato sauces!

Finn makes me laugh

2009-09-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

I am so in love with this kid. He makes me laugh many times a day. After I change his diaper I always set him in the crib to go wash my hands...sometimes I hear him giggling in the crib by himself. It's hilarious. He also thinks changing his diaper or is clothes is a game and is always laughing...even when I'm trying to put him to bed and calm him down he's totally cracking up and flipping over. I have a large painting just sitting on the dresser behind the changing pad and Finn has figured out how to pull it on my head and of course...laughs. I need to get that painting hung:)

Out for a morning walk

2009-09-23T14:38:00.001-07:00

Finn and I went on an early morning walk with our cousins who live a couple of blocks away. He was just too cute in this porcupine outfit and Robeez shoes (that are still too big) from his great-grandparents.

What's with the dirty look Finn?

I made up this little bed for Finn to kick around in and hung a toy (which he now loves)...because before that he would SCREAM in the stroller and I had to get out of the house. Now he's perfectly content:)

Away we go!

Goodbye Mother

2009-09-18T13:54:00.000-07:00

My mother left today for a year to work in the Manhattan Temple.

....so I raided her garden...

...and am currently making pesto with all the basil I picked.

Finn and his tummy

2009-09-16T11:40:00.001-07:00

So Finn hasn't quite figured out that when he rolls over that it takes him to his tummy (a place he hates.) However, I roll him to his back and then he just rolls right back to his tummy (again a place he hates.) So I've decided to just leave him there and let him get more used to it...he screams and squirms (this kid has a temper) but he's getting used to it more and more. It's the only way for him to figure out how to get back so me letting him scream is for his own good.

Where Finn hangs out sometimes.

2009-09-16T11:36:00.001-07:00

Two Grandma Ps

2009-09-14T15:10:00.001-07:00

My mother has a best friend from college who also married a doctor who happened to have the same last name (no relation.) She was down from Seattle last week visiting and helping my mother pack up her house.

Finn was right at home snuggling with her:)

OK, so he might have gotten a little nervous...he does that with anyone who isn't Jared or I.

Strawberry Jam

2009-09-14T15:09:00.001-07:00

I made some last week.

Tomato from my yard

2009-09-14T15:06:00.000-07:00

My mom noticed a tomato plant in my side yard. It's gone wild. I'm in heaven.

Look what Finn learned how to do yesterday

2009-09-12T12:14:00.001-07:00

Toting the kids around

2009-09-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

My cousin Emily (who lives just around the corner) I sit and chat about how we want to cargo our kids around in the future on bikes.

I really want one of those Bakfiets bikes. They're from Holland. It would go lovely with my cruiser. (Which is from Amsterdam.) I've been searching high and low on how to get a hold of one in the states. I saw a woman giving 3 of her children a ride to school in one the other day while I was out for a run so I know it's possible to get one.

Turns out there's a place in S.F. to get one. mydutchbike.com

I would LOVE one of these below...with the two wheels in front. But I'd probably have to move to Holland for one.

***The down side is they're ~$3000. I guess I'll have to figure out some way to earn that money before Finn's old enough to ride in one.

Sound asleep

2009-09-11T14:37:00.000-07:00

The early morning light and my boys sleeping

Having fun with Finn!

2009-09-11T14:31:00.001-07:00

Finn and I have fun together:)

***Best to let the whole video load before pressing play.

Where's Dad?

2009-09-10T12:55:00.001-07:00

After three years my mother finally got a headstone for my Dad.

So we don't have to do this when we visit him

"Hmmm....where is he?"
Me shouting from the car while Finn sleeps, "Go up from the garbage can and once you've hit the sprinkler it should be on your left."

Mom, "Seriously I can't find it, I never have this hard of a time."

"Oh here's Uncle Bill, so Dad's right here, HUDSON WE FOUND GRANDPA!"

Too young to be a widow.

Labor Day Family Outing!

2009-09-08T12:12:00.000-07:00

Last week I told Jared that for Labor Day I wanted to get out of the house...not just hang out and do chores like we mostly do when Jared isn't working. I really wanted a crab sandwich and remembered having one in Sausalito a couple of years ago. (Apparently it was also on Labor Day.) So when I get an idea in my head...I have to meet the needs of that idea, in this case it was food, in a beautiful place.

Well after a nice car ride (Finn didn't scream) up across the Golden Gate Bridge and a walk around the town we found a place that had a melted avocado crab sandwich PERFECT!

Handsome!

Another prefect thing was that Finn slept through lunch so we

Oh how I love San Francisco

A little over 25 years ago Jared had attended pre-school in Sausalito when his father was in the army and they were living in the Presidio. We looked it up and actually found it.

It was so cute!

There's even a student there right now named Alice!

Then back across the Golden Gate (I can't believe the toll is now $6.)

While driving home we decided to stop off in Pacifica.

I hadn't been to the beach since...well... I was 5 months pregnant.

Finn slept.

Waves crashed.

Finn's first time at the ocean:) He liked it.

Jared got his feet wet.

Then I got my feet wet. A woman turned to me and said, "isn't it cold." "No," I replied, "it's so refreshing." I love California beaches and the cold ocean water.

Finn Giggles!

2009-09-02T13:40:00.000-07:00

Yes this has turned into a shrine to Finn. Whatever! I love him. Yesterday on his 3 month birthday he had a lot to giggle about. He also rolled over, belly to back. It might have been a fluke since he was trying to watch the news which was firmly mounted on the wall...(in preparation for future climbing Finn.) I rarely have the tv on...we only have an antennae which randomly gets a signal...but hooray for free HD! So when the tv is on...it's news in the evening (unless it's cool enough to get a nice evening walk to meet Jared out on the corner.) Anyhow, back to the roll, he looked up...and up...and up...and rolled over!

A gnome in the family

2009-08-31T16:34:00.000-07:00

Our friend Amanda turned 30 and we gathered at Emily's (who took all the photos) house to celebrate.

Then we figured out something about Finn.

He looks just like a gnome!

Actually our whole family does.

Other people taking shots

2009-08-29T15:10:00.001-07:00

At the reunion my cousin Jaime took some shots of me. It's always fun when someone else just takes photos of you instead of me going, "Jared will you take a photo of me." But it's always hard getting candids of myself when I'm the one who usually has the camera.

Finn holding on for dear life!

Finn takes on the night

2009-08-28T12:10:00.001-07:00

So, Finn was doing pretty well with the 8pm bedtime. Then the other night he refused to go to bed after several attempts. We think he might be getting a tooth, too early you might say. Well, I know he's not even 3 mos. but something sharp is there up top and he has been gnawing on our fingers and knuckles like crazy. Anyhow, I ended up succumbing to his wants and boy did he have a lot to say.

Picnic in my backyward with friends

2009-08-27T10:36:00.001-07:00

It's been super beautiful (well it always is in California) and we have a wonderful backyard that I wanted to take advantage of so I invited some friends over for a picnic yesterday. I spent most of Tuesday cooking for it, (takes a lot longer when someone in particular is always demanding my attention.)

Menu:
pasta salad with tomatoes and basil from my mother's garden
sun-dried tomato, chive and dill potato salad
strawberry lemonade
mint chocolate cherry oatmeal cookies
cocoa ginger zucchini muffins
(don't ask for recipes, they were all made up)

The boys found sticks.

Lillie and Sarah telling us all about it:)

Finn only lets Emily hold him...and my new friend Karisa and her new baby.

So Finn is particular about people, but he's warmed up to my cousin Emily (thank goodness) probably since we see her almost everyday. (note the double chin...weighed him this morning and he's 16 lbs.)

Her son James sometimes gets jealous when he sees her holding another baby.

My awesome friend Emily made an appearance. Oh what a treat!

***Still not happy about blogger's poor photo quality!

You are the best thing - Ray LaMontagne

2009-08-26T14:08:00.000-07:00

I LOVE THIS SONG! I sing it to Finn and he gives me the best smile! I can't wait for Jared to come home from work so I can sing it to him.

Finn gives a lecture

2009-08-26T13:33:00.001-07:00

Yet Another Family Photo

2009-08-26T10:09:00.001-07:00

This is the beginning to what will hopefully be many family photos...and hopefully more people will join in the future!

Sleeping feet

2009-08-25T12:20:00.001-07:00

Phineas meets Royal

2009-08-24T22:50:00.000-07:00

Finn got to meet his cousin (technically 2nd cousin) Royal who is just 2 weeks older.

Royal, "um, how long are we doing this guys? I've got a feeding to get to."

Royal, "Do you mind if I snuggle with you a bit Finn?"

Finn, "Sure why not!"

Royal, "MOM!!! HELP...ENOUGH SNUGGLING!"

Finn, "Royal, come back and snuggle some more!"

P.S. Blogger is posting my Hi-Res photos in horrible quality. Need to figure out why.

It was a two bath kind of day...

2009-08-21T18:18:00.000-07:00

...if you know what I mean.

My reward for changing a dirty diaper

2009-08-20T17:26:00.000-07:00

What we do at our family reunions

2009-08-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

Meeting up with family

2009-08-18T15:38:00.001-07:00

Finn did pretty well on the flights this time...probably because he didn't have more than one in a day. He charmed the people ind the aisle seats with his smiles.

It sure was a joy to see Hudson again. I love this kid.

I hadn't seen Johnny in a year. He is so much bigger. It's sometimes hard to get a shot of him though...he artfully hides from the camera.

There we go!

Doesn't my sister Emma look great with another baby:) She gave me a break and carried Finn around (while he slept...sure was mad when he woke up and found out that he wasn't with his mom.) He suffered from MAJOR separation anxiety...I barely had 30 secs to use the bathroom, he would scream in anyone else's arms.

After a couple of days with SO MANY people around...Finn finally warmed up.

Content in Dad's arms.

A Big Time reunion '09

2009-08-17T18:03:00.001-07:00

First there were
2
who had 7
to =
9
Well those 7 got married and then there was 16.
Those 14 had 25. So we had 41. 13 of those 25 got married and produced 24 more to equal 78.

Here is the original 25 cousins line up (well the 15 who could make it) and some of their offspring.

*I'm signing an "e" for Emily. She's usually right before me in the lineup...but couldn't make it.

Rocking my baby

2009-08-12T18:25:00.000-07:00

This is my great-great grandmother's rocking chair. I used to rock my dolls to sleep on it.

My mother gave me the rocking chair (now refinished) before Finn was born. This is where I spend my nights with Finn. Nursing him and kissing his soft warm cheeks as he zonks out on my shoulder before I reluctantly place him back into his crib for more sleep.

*I edited this post because my grandmother informed me that the rocking chair was my great-GREAT grandmother's rocking chair...not just one great.

Welcome to the world baby Keturah!

2009-08-11T16:42:00.000-07:00

Finn has been waiting a long time but she is finally here...

I'd like to welcome my brother's new baby girl Keturah Eve into the world today!

You know your husband really loves you when...

2009-08-08T08:24:00.000-07:00

...he is still willing to paint your toes even though you're not pregnant anymore and can reach them again.

Tahoe '09

2009-08-07T17:10:00.000-07:00

Tahoe was a bit different this year. I'm used to running, biking, swimming in the lake each morning and hiking a lot. However I did a lot of laying around with Finn, some swimming in the lake...Jared and I did get out to kayak once. It was a lot more mellow. As Jared got to do a swim each morning, or bike ride...I tended (along with my mom's help) to our new little one.

I got this big hat to shade Finn while I held him at the pool.

Uncle Sam getting the hang of things.

Little feet poking out.

Something I do ALL THE TIME...nurse.

It was nice to hang out with my brother Sam.

My boys sleeping!

Beautiful sunsets.

Finn enjoys his baths, and Grandma loves giving them.

San Diego for the day

2009-07-29T22:31:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday Jared, Finn and I got up at 5:30 am and flew down to San Diego for the day to see Jared's father (twice a widower) get married to a wonderful woman who he actually knew in high school and was recently reunited with and they each quickly fell in love

One of the highlights was seeing Jared with all of his siblings together!

Krista, Jared, David, Genean, Chase and Josh (in front.)

Here are the original 3. I loved seeing the boys tease beautiful Genean.

It took them a couple of shots to decide which order they would stand in.

I haven't seen the San Diego temple since it was being built when I was 8 years old.

Getting some more family shots in there. Poor Finn was such a trooper being toted around all day long. Two flights in one day was tough for the little guy.

Jared's Dad.

His new wife Wanda, definitely a super fun addition to the family.

The newlyweds.

Highlights of the trip included:
1. Seeing Jared interact with his siblings.
2. Josh helping me put socks on Finn's feet and him keep saying, "they're so cute and little," in his cute southern accent.
3. Eating at "Fin's Mexican Eatery" which actually was pretty good.
4. Meeting lots of random people while hanging out in the temple waiting room.
5. Having those precious 15 mins alone with my sis-in-law Genean face to face to do a quick catch up on life since she has 3 wild kids and it's rare to get a moment on the phone with her. This was a big treat! Can't wait for Christmas to hang out with both my sis-in-laws and this time...I have a baby too!

Still very much in love

2009-07-29T21:13:00.001-07:00

Great Grandma and Finn

2009-07-29T21:06:00.000-07:00

The Family Oriental

2009-07-23T11:23:00.001-07:00

If you're related to me go ahead and cry...I already did.

This oriental rug was in my Grandparents house for as long as I can remember. Anyhow, after they both passed it was given to my parents and they've had it in their house for the past few years. Anyhow, now we have it in our new house for a while.

This is a photo of my father rolling around on it. What is that he's playing with? a silver bowl...oh Grandma, she only had the finest of things.

Here is Finn who has yet to roll around on it. But our cousin (Finn's 2nd cousin) James has tested it out with his crawling. (We're still working on the head. Mama's tired of getting headbutted by mr. bobblehead.

It seems like my Dad sent Finn down with a few of himself in him. Like this look with that droopy eyelid...totally my Dad.

What is love?

2009-07-22T10:34:00.001-07:00

A couple of years ago my friend asked me to talk to some people about "what is love." At the time I really felt like I had no idea. I hadn't really been in love with anyone up until that point in my life. I had fallen into deep likeness and been hurt before...but those were easily forgotten within a couple of weeks or days and I moved on. I knew what fatherly, motherly and family love was...I knew the love that I had for all those children in Africa, I knew the strong love that I have for my nephews Johnny and Hudson...but not true love.

Since Finn was born, each night I've been deep in thought before I fall asleep on the concept of what love really is. Like the list of thoughts on love that I previously gathered some years ago I have been compiling a list of my own over the past few weeks. I first developed a true love with Jared...and now I am not the recipient of motherly love but the giver...I guess the recipient also, as Finn burrows his nose into my shoulder when he's tired and those times when he cries and only calms down on my shoulder...I love that feeling.

TWO GREAT LOVES OF MY LIFE - Jared and Phineas

Love is:

-Your husband noticing you are cold in the early morning and covering you up with an extra blanket.

-Not eating the entire banana but leaving 1/2 of it for your spouse.
-Even though you're so sleep deprived, still actually looking forward to those midnight feedings because you miss your son.
-Letting that delicious sandwich that you just made sit on the counter so you can feed your baby first.
-Not wanting to say goodnight to your spouse because you have to retreat into separate dream worlds.
-Even though you hate making cookies, you still do because you know someone loves them:)
-When you see someone else kissing, like in a movie...you instantly wish your spouse would come home from work and kiss you!
-Keeping the kitchen well stocked with oatmeal for the oatmeal lover.
-Moving three times in a year so that your wife and child will have a pleasant place to live in and spend her days.
-Running out late at night to get whatever your pregnant wife is craving at that very moment.
-Getting up with the baby and holding him in your arms so that he'll sleep longer...thus your wife may also.
-Telling your wife she looks beautiful, even though you don't like her outfit...and might be embarrassed by the combination of colors and articles of clothing.
-Always letting your love have a bite of whatever you're eating...even when you don't want to share.

This is just the tip of the iceberg...the list goes on.

Although, I still can't believe the amount of love I have for little Mr. Finn.

He surprises me everyday! Like growing out of an outfit in just 3 days.

Laid Back

2009-07-21T18:19:00.001-07:00

We borrowed this swing from one of my friends and Finn loves it:) It's great because it saves my back from carrying him around everywhere in the carrier....(except for right now, he's in the pouch as I sit on the exercise ball bouncing up and down while he snoozes and I get some internet stuff done.) Anyhow, Finn swings away while I get things done around the house.

Window Sill

2009-07-21T18:14:00.001-07:00

I love the late afternoon sun that comes through my window. I am so happy in our new place. It's really light and cheerful and the birds are always chirping. Finn and I are really enjoying our days here. My cousin Emily lives a few blocks away and comes and visit with her son James. Finn and I are enjoying our little walks around the neighborhood on the tree lined streets. Finn also looks forward to his evening walk with Jared when he comes home from work while I finish up preparing dinner. What a life eh?

Mr. Big Tipper

2009-07-20T21:32:00.000-07:00

I am so much in love with this little guy.

Glow and Shine

2009-07-18T14:35:00.000-07:00

I miss the good old days when my skin glowed and my hair shined!

Sunday in the Park

2009-07-15T17:39:00.001-07:00

It was a beautiful day.

So we headed to the park.

To lay in the grass.

While Finn slept.

Then he woke up...

...and joined us on the lawn.

And had some tummy time with Dad.

Before I die...

2009-07-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

In HS I made a list of things to do before I die. I keep in my bedside table drawer. I haven't looked at it or ages but it's really fun to mark things off. Some of them are irrelevant now. The other day I got to mark off two.

#32. Become a mother.
#38. Marry someone tall.

I particularly love #124. Be in the circus and #76. Break a bone....Um what was I thinking about #76?

...more Jared and Finn

2009-07-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

I just can't get over how cute they look together.

Jared and his Oatmeal

2009-07-14T09:52:00.000-07:00

Jared eats oatmeal (not the instant kind) for breakfast every morning. He has a special way of microwaving it so it's just right. He also adds lots of extras to it, like raisins, flax seeds, walnuts, sunflower seeds and the list goes on. Very hardy for someone with his speedy metabolism.

When we moved last week I hadn't unpacked the dishes and who knows where the silverware was, (it took us 4 days to find it.)
Jared needed his oatmeal the morning after the move...he improvised with a measuring cup and spoon:) You've gotta love it!

*When we were on our honeymoon at the Hilton in Kauai I ordered the all you can eat buffet our first morning. Breakfast is my favorite meal. Jared got oatmeal...I was baffled at first thinking, "you've got all these yummy pastries and fruit and you're having oatmeal...something you can have whenever?" I thought it was so weird at first. Now I just find it cute.

July 10

2009-07-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

This is a post about cars. Today marks the 7th anniversary of my crazy crash just outside Elko, Nevada on my way home for school for the summer. But we'll get to that later.

So, in HS I shared a super boring '89 Honda Civic with my mom. I got to take it to school on the days when she didn't have errands to run...it was rare. But, most of my friends had cars so who cares. I always wanted a cool car.

Well, I got one. (Only because Sam totaled the Honda the night before I was supposed to drive it back to school)...thanks to him I got to take out my Dad's old '86 Mazda RX7. OH IT WAS FUN! It had a short clutch, which made it easy for speed shifting and you could rev it up to 7k rpms before it redlined. Since it was a fast two seater with a rotary engine and rear wheel drive it caused a few problems in the snow, where I was attending school. I kept a couple of bags of sand in the back to weigh it down...or my friend Travis who always volunteered to chill in the back.

Yes, I did have many spin outs...sometimes thanks to Phil who would spontaneously pull the parking break while I was driving. Yes, I became really good at driving.

After a while my parents thought it wasn't safe enough to be driving that car around and they bought me a '96 Subaru Legacy Outback. It was hard getting used to. Different clutch, not as fast. However, I didn't need to slow down while going over bumps and in and out of driveways. It had great clearance, and great sound with it's boxster engine. Just not as fast as a Porsche.
I did a lot of offroading in this thing. Another fun car.

Except, for what I did to it.

JULY 10, 2002.

I flipped it. 3 times. No, I didn't roll it...I FLIPPED IT! It was airborne. My rear right tire skimmed the headlight of the semi driving next to me. That's like 5 ft tall or 6. Y'know the big semis that drive your goods across the U.S. Then, the car landed on the roof and slid for 1/2 a football field. The first thought that entered my mind was as tons of gravel, glass and dirt was burying me was...Lois Lane. Y'know the part in Superman I when there's an earthquake and Lois is in that car that falls in the cracks and she's "helpless" and is buried by dirt. Well, unfortunately I didn't know Jared then to come save me.

The car ended up on its left side where I unbuckled and crawled out on the super hot ground. People were to me immediately and I cried after I looked at the wrecked car that I loved. So sad. I wiggled my toes. I wasn't paralyzed. Someone covered me with a towel to shade me from the sun because it was so HOT!

Then an ambulance came and rushed me to the hospital. I had no shoes. My flip flops are still somewhere in the dessert....along with art supplies, cds and other random stuff. I was moving a bunch of things home because I only had one more semester left at BYU. Somehow, I lost control, over corrected and flipped. I really think blew a tire.

*If you're driving on a long trip with a few cd cases, keep them zipped in case you get in a crash, you'll end up losing a bunch...like Prince's 3 cd case along with his B sides. I still haven't replaced it. So sad.

Anyhow, at the hospital I called my mom, couldn't get a hold of her. So I called my Dad at work. Well he tracked down my mom, who was at my Aunt's house because they just found out she had cancer (ARGH!) and my mom tracked down a nice couple from Elko who were members of the church who came to pick me up and take them to their house. I walked out of the hospital in bloody clothes (got a big gash in my head) and a pair a socks that the hospital staff gave me.

The tow truck guy scavenged my belongings from all over the highway and threw them in the car and towed it. After the nice couple fed me dinner they took me to the junkyard to pick up what I needed.

My sister was on the phone getting me a flight home from Elko, Nevada (super small airport). I remember he husband Lee just wanting to drive out (8hrs) to pick me up. Fortunately my cousin Keith was driving back from Utah with a big truck the next day and he stopped to pick up all of my stuff. That was nice of him.

The annoying part about flying home is that it was a quick ticket and one way and this was soon after 9/11 that I was flagged for security checks. I kept getting them. By the 4th one I was like, "look, I'm a mess, I just totaled my car in the middle of the desert and I just want to get home to rest." They let me on through.

The bike didn't land there, they just stuck it there when they towed it.

Since I survived the crash so well....except for the 6 months of jaw therapy (it was misaligned and I couldn't open up all the way) I bought a '99 Outback. Which was sold right before we went to Switzerland.

Jared was nice enough to let us buy another Subaru Outback when we moved back from Switzerland. An '06 and we got a sweet deal. I searched all over the Bay Area for one that was a manual transmission. No automatic for me. We've put less than 7,000 miles on it in 11 months. Not bad eh? And that's with one car. Jared bikes to work and I walk to friends houses and do all of my errands in one day...well that will change. I don't think Finn will allow me to go to 5 stores at once.

Some day this will be replaced by a mini van. But not after a few more kids. Oh, and Jared is getting an electric car also...someday. Just hasn't found the perfect one yet.

Happy 4th!

2009-07-04T16:11:00.000-07:00

From the little man in Stars and Stripes!

From 8.4 to 12 Lbs in 1 month

2009-07-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

Yup. Finn has gained almost 4 lbs in one month. This kid EATS! Good thing I've got milk for him.

I put my foot in the shot for a little perspective. Everyone on the street thinks he's 3 or 4 months. NOPE...just ONE

He occasionally thinks he's Superman. Or he just likes to stretch. I've nicknamed him STRETCH because he's sooooo dramatic when he stretches after sleeping.

I thought this shirt was appropriate for this post.

Too many shoes?

2009-07-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

OK, so I was counting my shoes the other day...I lost count somewhere around 60 pairs. There's more. I'll do an official count someday. Anyhow, at any point since Junior High I've owned several pairs of Vans. I've been holding at 6 for a while. Do I really need 3 pairs of slip-ons? Well they came in handy when I was pregnant and Jared wasn't around to tie my shoes...so did the velcro ones. The bottom right ones are essential, I've always had to have a pair of the blue old skool...men's of course. The woman's are shaped funny.

I also love clogs. Currently I own 5 pairs. I lived in those also while I was pregnant. So easy to slip on and off without bending over. Jared promised me that we'd make it the the Netherlands someday so I can acquire a pair of real clogs...or did I just promise myself?

Bull's Eye

2009-07-01T14:28:00.000-07:00

The other night when Jared was holding Finn and swinging him to sleep, he spit out his binky and it landed in my water glass.

Got Milk?

2009-06-30T11:14:00.001-07:00

I do! Actually I have so much that I accidentally drench my leg when I'm chatting with Finn after nursing him.

2009-06-30T10:08:00.001-07:00

A few days ago Jared got Finn to take a bottle of milk I pumped earlier that day. He downed it! So now he gives him a bottle every evening. It's good bonding time.

Finn just loves hanging with his Dad in the evening...a very sleep Dad.

So cute when he sleeps!

2009-06-30T10:03:00.001-07:00

Alice in Wonderland

2009-06-29T21:14:00.000-07:00

*Live Blog*

Jared and I are currently watching the Disney version of "Alice in Wonderland." Frankly I've always thought it a very depressing movie.
REASONS:
1. Why would she follow a white rabbit? Not interesting and weird...beside white rabbits always scared me with their red eyes.
2. I hate cats.
3. Y'know the part when the dog sweeps away the path she's on with his nose? Well, I found that severely depressing. Now she was lost in the wilderness.
4. The big fat queen who just wants to kill everyone.
5. It's basically just about drugs. (Something I found out later on in my life.)

However she does say such things as, "How peculiar?" and "Curious." I'm going to start using these in my everyday vocabulary. If you are "curious" and think "how peculiar that Alice in using such terms," you'll know why.

Conversations with Jared

2009-06-26T19:13:00.001-07:00

Me, "Jared, will you smell Finn's bum and let me know if he's stinky?"
Jared, sniff sniff.
Me, "So is he stinky? What does it smell like?"
Jared, "I dunno, it just smells like baby."

Me, "I can't believe Finn will be 1 month soon."
Jared, "OH FINN, you're graduating from newborness."

Me, "Are we still newlyweds?"
Jared, "We're freshlyweds:)"

Light Sensitive

2009-06-25T11:58:00.000-07:00

I often wake up in the early morning to see Jared sleeping with a pillow over his face. He's extremely light sensitive. If I had it my way we'd have the curtains open to let the morning sun shine in.

I think Finn shares the same sentiment as Jared.

Thank goodness for a sister named Emma

2009-06-24T15:16:00.000-07:00

As soon as we got home from the hospital my mother has been helping every second of the day. Doing laundry, burping Finn, preparing delicious dishes, buying groceries...you name it, she's done it. I don't know how people have babies without my mother's help...or their own for that matter. She even slept with Finn in her own bed getting him to sleep longer, and confirmed that yes, he is a noisy sleeper. The kid talks in his sleep. We have to put him around the corner in the bathroom/vanity area and drown out his noises with the fan. I went through a bit of separation anxiety not having him next to for the first few nights...I still jump up to check if he is breathing. And yes, Jared that was my hand on your chest last night, I still occasionally check to see if you're breathing also.

My sister Emma came out to visit last week to help out with Finn and in general get some baby time. She was there on cue ready to burp Finn or give me some rest. She also taught me several things about getting him on a good sleep schedule and the importance of swaddling.

Thank heavens for a sister who forged her way into motherhood before I did.

As a bonus she brought this little guy for lots of entertainment. I sure do wish they lived closer. My favorite part was when he was trying to pawn off his stinkiness onto Finn. Me, "Hudson, are you stinky?" Hudson, "noooo, I think maybe it's baby Finn:)" Nice try kiddo.

Dad's b-day

2009-06-23T17:20:00.000-07:00

Today was my Dad's birthday. So naturally I made his favorite jello salad.

Dad on top of Ayer's Rock in Australia. Summer, 2001

Dad's Birthday Jello
1 #2 can crushed pineapple
1 1/2 cup pineapple juice and water
1 package lemon jello
~ 1 Cup of grated carrots
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 tsp salt
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup whipping cream

Drain pineapple. Add enough water to juice to make 1 1/2 cups. Heat to boil. Add 1 package lemon jello. Stir until dissolved. Add sugar, salt, lemon juice. Chill till thickened. Add pineapple and grated carrot and whipped cream. (You whip the cream and then gently fold it into the chilled but not too set jello mixture). Fold pineapple and the whipped cream into the gelatin. Pour into 8-inch mold or dish.

Finn's blessing

2009-06-21T21:15:00.000-07:00

Today Phineas was blessed.
It was the longest day of the year.
My Father's favorite day.
Jared's first Father's Day as a Father.
It was a glorious day.

Finn meets family and friends

2009-06-21T20:38:00.000-07:00

Uncle Sam

Great Grandmother

Heather

Grandfather Dean and Wanda

Aunt Krista

Uncle Josh

2 Years!

2009-06-16T14:49:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how fast 2 years went by. Jared and I were looking at our honeymoon photos last night reminiscing. Ah yes, it would be nice to be on a honeymoon right now. Yes, I know what you're all thinking, "you guys had a year long honeymoon in Switzerland." True, but now Jared has been working so hard lately and we are both sleep deprived that a honeymoon sounds so wonderful.

I woke up this morning (for the 4th time) at 8:30 to feed Finn and was sad that I didn't see Jared around. He always says goodbye and kisses me before he leaves for work. I was hoping that maybe he just went to the gym later than usual.

As I was sitting there, feeding Finn and wondering how I could get some food into my super hungry belly, my incredibly sweet lovey walked in with breakfast from Hobees. He had stopped off after working out to get me an omelet and their notorious blueberry coffee cake. My savior. How did he know? Well, we've known each other a long time (6 years) and I'd like to think that we know each other pretty well by now:)

I am more in love than ever. I couldn't possibly think that I could love Jared more now than I did the day we got married, but sometimes I just look at him and cry because I'm overwhelmed with the feeling of love for him! I could make a list of all the amazing things he is and does...but I don't think the Google server could handle that much information.

Funny story about the helicopter photo. We could only hear each other and everyone else, right before we took off I said to Jared, "in case we crash I totally love you." Well, everyone else in the helicopter laughed. I forgot they could hear.

Now we are 2 years later and +1. I think Finn is wonderful addition to our family.

Finn's Faces

2009-06-13T12:00:00.001-07:00

These are just a few of Finn's hilarious looks. I took them with my camera phone so they're not the best quality.

"I didn't just make that sound in my pants."

"I'm loving life."

"I'm a little suspicious."

Happy Boy!

Just plain cute!

Hanging by a thread

2009-06-13T11:57:00.001-07:00

Remember our laptop? Well, the cord doesn't really work and it has trouble charging. (It must have been that incident with the garbage can in Salzburg.) Jared taped it in just the right position to charge it. He finally got on ebay this morning and bought a new cord. HOORAY! However, we do have a new one coming in the mail:) Yup, we held out just in time because they dropped in price this week and we got to use our friends discount who works at Apple!

CUTE

2009-06-13T11:55:00.001-07:00

Yes, we'll all a little sleep deprived.

11th Day Stats

2009-06-11T17:32:00.001-07:00

Finn is 11 days old today. He had his 2nd Dr.'s appt.

He is now 9 lbs 6 oz. A week ago he was 8 lbs 2 oz. Yup, he gained 20 oz in 1 week. And that was after a nap, he had not been fed in a couple of hours.

First Family Photo

2009-06-11T17:30:00.000-07:00

STRIPES

2009-06-08T11:37:00.001-07:00

Do these stripes make me look fat?

2009-06-08T11:24:00.001-07:00

This is what's been going on with Finn.

Interacting with Dad.

Napping with Mom.

Meeting cousin Eric.

Hanging out with Grandma

Sleeping on Grandma

Observing

Peeking at the world

Grumpy morning face

2009-06-06T10:10:00.001-07:00

Baby comes home!

2009-06-05T13:55:00.000-07:00

*WARNING - this blog has been taken over by the cutest baby ever.

Finn came home on Wednesday and this is what he has been up to.

Sleeping...wishing it were more at night.

Observing our every move...he is very alert and moves around just as much as he did in the womb, which was A LOT! up until the end!

Learning his animal sounds from Dad. He's pointing to dogs that go, "ruff ruff ruff."

*One of my favorite baby books by Sandra Boynton "Moo, Baa, La La La."

Sleeping on grandma.

Cooking with Grandma. Thank goodness for Grandma!

Jared + Alice = Phineas

2009-06-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

A little preview.

On my way.....

2009-05-31T22:03:00.000-07:00

...to have a baby!

Nothing to report

2009-05-31T15:14:00.000-07:00

Waiting for Christmas

2009-05-29T10:50:00.001-07:00

I feel like a 5 year old waiting for Christmas. Except it's worse, I don't know when Christmas will be. I just can't wait to hold and snuggle and kiss this baby. I can't wait to feel his little toes. I can't wait for him to wrap his tiny fingers around my pinky. Today is my due date and I can't possibly think that this baby is comfortable doing his acrobatics in there. He still moves A LOT! ALL THE TIME! I keep telling him that there's more room on the outside.

I want my body back

2009-05-26T17:42:00.001-07:00

Last week Jared looked at me, rubbed my belly and said, "I'm going to miss your pregnant body." I've found it strange and unusual that he has found me way more attractive pregnant. What planet is he from? Anyhow, it is comforting and he tells me I'm beautiful all the time which really lifts a girls self esteem when she feels like a roly poly in bed.

I can't wait to run freely and ride my bike in Tahoe and do flip turns without somebody's feet in my ribs, this summer.

Most importantly I just can't wait to meet the little guy. Will he come out already and play with us!

Sunday Cooking

2009-05-24T19:19:00.001-07:00

For Sunday breakfast I made Dutch Babies/Oven pancakes/Puffed pancakes (whatever you want to call them.) Topped with delicious strawberries from the Thursday farmers market and fresh squeezed orange juice from the oranges from my mother's tree.

Before church I got the blackberry ice cream started. Jared wondered when we first got married why I needed so many bowls. Well for things like this.

Oh it's yummy. Thanks to Cooks Illustrated.

Strawberry Ice Cream (which I made with blackberries)
from: Cooks Illustrated

Makes 1 quart. Published July 1, 1993.

Though the frozen ice cream will keep in the freezer for up to 2 days, its flavor and texture are best when it is eaten the day it is made.

Ingredients

16	ounces fresh strawberries (about 3 cups), hulled and sliced
	Pinch Salt
1 1/4	cups granulated sugar (8 3/4 ounces)
1 1/4	cups whole milk
1 1/3	cups heavy cream
6	large egg yolks
1	teaspoon fresh lemon juice
3	tablespoons vodka (I omitted this.)
1	teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Toss the strawberries, salt, and 1/2 cup of the sugar together in a medium nonreactive saucepan. Mash the berries gently with a potato masher until slightly broken down. Let stand, stirring occasionally, until the berries have released their juices and the sugar has dissolved, 40 to 45 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, position a strainer over a medium bowl set in a larger bowl containing ice water. Heat the milk, cream, 1/2 cup of the sugar, and the salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until steam appears and the milk is warm (about 175 degrees), about 5 minutes. While the milk is heating, whisk the yolks and remaining 1/4 cup sugar in a medium bowl until combined and pale yellow. Whisk about half the warm milk mixture into the beaten yolks, 1/2 cup at a time, until combined. Whisk the milk-yolk mixture into the warm milk in the saucepan; set the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until steam appears, foam subsides, and the mixture is slightly thickened or an instant-read thermometer registers 180 to 185 degrees. (Do not boil the mixture, or the eggs will curdle.) Immediately strain the custard into the bowl set in the ice-water bath; cool the custard to room temperature, stirring it occasionally to help it cool.
3. While the custard is cooling, set the saucepan containing the berries over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the berries are softened and broken down, about 3 minutes total. Strain the berries, reserving the juices. Transfer the berries to a small bowl; stir in the lemon juice and vodka, then cool to room temperature, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until cold. Stir the vanilla and the reserved juices into the cooled custard, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until an instant-read thermometer registers 40 degrees or lower, at least 3 hours or up to 24 hours.
4. Pour the custard into the ice cream machine canister and churn, following the manufacturer’s instructions, until the mixture resembles soft-serve ice cream. Add the strawberries and any accumulated juices; continue to churn the ice cream until the berries are fully incorporated and slightly broken down, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container, press plastic wrap flush against the surface, cover the container, and freeze the ice cream until firm, at least 2 hours.

Lemon/Goat Cheese pasta

I sauteed an orange pepper and lots of whole garlic cloves.
Whisked together 1/2 log of goat cheese with the zest and juice from a large lemon, a few dashes of s/p, tarragon and several leaves of chopped up fresh basil. After pasta is cooked, mix it all together.

Hanging by a thread

2009-05-24T19:16:00.000-07:00

My maternity swim suit is WORN OUT. It used to be the color of my swim cap there. It's practically see through, and I bet the next time I swim it might just disintegrate. This is yet another reason why the baby needs to come. It just didn't hold up the 3x per week swims I've been doing.

9 More days until due date!

2009-05-20T16:48:00.000-07:00

I got this idea to do a profile shot of me pregnant from my friend Kristen who just had her 4th child and is also a photographer. I contacted my friend Rob Bradshaw and asked him if he could take some shots of me. He's an amazing photographer. If you're local you should definitely use him.

So today I walked over to his place, since he lives just a few blocks away, and he got some memorable shots of me pregnant with our FIRST!

Here I am...ready to POP!

All photography by Robert Bradshaw
http://www.robertbradshawphotography.com/

Baby's Dresser!

2009-05-16T11:11:00.001-07:00

I finally finished the baby's dresser. We bought it off craigslist last summer for $40 and I've been using it. I thought it was the perfect height to double as a changing table. I had to fix the tracks, fill in the holes and drill more because I wanted to put on my own knobs.

BEFORE

AFTER

I few highlights include Alice in Wonderland knobs that Jared bought for me off of etsy, and some turtle knobs.

I used the leftover paper from the art shelf.

Here's the baby's corner of the room. I'll get something on the walls eventually and am going to make a mobile someday. I also might paint some dodo birds on the front to go along with the Alice in Wonderland theme.

You can come out now!

2009-05-15T16:35:00.001-07:00

I gave the baby an eviction notice today. We'll see how well he obeys his mother.

The countdown is 14 days until due date, but I'm ready.

Brunch with Friends

2009-05-11T15:52:00.001-07:00

My friend Emily hosted a brunch for me and some of our close friends. It was great to see them before I go into hiding for a couple of weeks when the baby arrives.

I love Emily's glass rain drops and her blue bubble cups and pitcher!

The Gang:
Amanda S, Emily, Me, Rechele, Amanda H.

Thanks guys, it was fun to see everyone and hang out!

Sunday Picnic in the Park

2009-05-11T15:39:00.000-07:00

After church on Sunday it was too beautiful to be inside. For the first time in many weeks Jared didn't need to work so I whipped up some salads and we headed up the windy path to Foothill Park.
I have many fond memories of going here since it was my father's favorite park. A couple of weeks after he died I wanted to go camp in the park and couldn't get anyone to go with me. I was about to go by myself when I tried Jared, (before we started dating and were good friends.) He said yes and we packed up the car and spent a night under the stars. We chatted until we fell asleep.

Jared has an incredible mind. He told me about all of the things that he reads and learns about and just concepts that not a lot of people think about. I remember thinking that night, "who in the world is this guy going to marry, he needs someone who can captivate him and keep him mentally stimulated." Little did I know it would be me:)

Jared doesn't like beets....unless I roast them:)

Beet salad:
roasted beets
green onions
roasted cherry tomatoes
yellow/orange peppers
basil
grapefruit olive oil
s/p to taste
goat cheese

It turned out to be delicious. I think we'll eat the leftovers tonight!

There were quite a few deer.

Breakfast in Bed!

2009-05-10T08:49:00.001-07:00

Whenever my sister had a birthday or it was Mother's Day she would always get breakfast in bed from her husband and children. I was secretly hoping that one day I would get that:)

Well, this morning Jared brought me breakfast in bed for Mother's Day (I'm almost there, just 19 more days until the due date.) He brought me the perfectly cooked scrambled eggs with lots of swiss cheese, just how I like them, juice, milk, toast with honey, and strawberries and bananas. I scarfed it all down and the baby hasn't stopped moving since!

I look forward to little ones getting into bed with me wishing me a Happy Mother's Day in the future with their handmade goods!

Notice the salt and pepper...I love it!

I love summer produce!

2009-05-08T09:48:00.001-07:00

I love summer fruit. Fortunately in California our Strawberries are grown less than 2 hours away. Jared and I are trying to eat as locally as possible. Not possible with pineapple and bananas though. Anyhow, a 1/2 flat of strawberries were just $4.50 at the Milk Pail the other day. I'm going through them fast. The first of the season are always the best. YUM!

I can't wait for California Plums. None of this Chile business.

Here's a great site where you can enter your state and month and it'll tell you what's in season in the area. Food miles.

Heirloom Tomatoes

2009-05-06T18:24:00.001-07:00

We are on the cusp of summer and all things yummy. I saw these at the Milk Pail yesterday and was hesitant to buy them since we haven't had any real heat to produce delicious tomatoes but I couldn't resist. Just added a bit of orange olive oil, salt/pepper, 2 dashes of balsamic vinegar and basil flakes (saved the fresh stuff for the pasta.)
OH YUM! I just ate some as my afternoon snack. Savory and mouth watering. I sure hope my mom planted some in her garden this year.

Baby Girl Clothes

2009-05-05T17:20:00.001-07:00

I have a cousin who makes cute girl clothes that you can buy from her.

Check our the blog here.

Just a peak.

Babyfying

2009-05-05T16:56:00.001-07:00

I'm trying to make the room look somewhat pleasant for a baby to live in. I found this bear rug at Target on clearance for $11 from their DwellStudio collection. Not too bad eh?

Buttons and Ribbons

2009-05-04T18:45:00.000-07:00

I have all of these buttons and ribbons and I thought it would be great to display their beautiful colors rather than keep them hidden away in a box.

27 more days....

2009-05-02T15:09:00.000-07:00

Hopefully sooner....but not too much sooner I still have things to do!

Can't wait......

2009-04-28T11:43:00.000-07:00

...to snuggle with my own baby. This is me and my 2nd nephew Hudson. I went out to NYC a week after he was born to help out a few years ago. We fell asleep together after I flew in on a redeye. We thought he was going to be a mellow kid....little did we know he'd be the wildest of the bunch.

The crib is up!

2009-04-26T16:37:00.000-07:00

We've done some rearranging in the nursery/office to accommodate that little guy inside who kicks like he's in a swimming race. Also Jared put up the crib. It made me ever more excited. We got in on clearance which was great! I didn't want one of those new boxy modern cribs. I wanted something sturdy to last through at least 8 children and had a sidebar that came down so a certain grandmother didn't have to bend over to pick up her grandchildren. Plus those cribs were just so expensive.

I like this one because it's a bit old fashioned and super sturdy and just looks good!

Thanks lovey!

I started on the dresser. We got it off craigslist last summer and it's the perfect height to double as a changing table. I had to take out the tacky hardware and fill in the holes to put in my own knobs. This week I'll be sanding, priming and painting. I'll post photos when I'm done:)

Boys clothes!

2009-04-26T16:35:00.000-07:00

My sister who has two boys generously sent me two boxes worth of baby clothes for me to borrow. They arrived the other day and I'm so excited because I remember my nephews wearing them.

Water, lets save it.

2009-04-22T19:44:00.000-07:00

In honor of Earth Day I want to talk about water. I've been wanting to post about this for a while.

I grew up during a long drought. We spent many FHE's talking about how to save water. My parents were very adamant about it. They would go to extreme's as to pop their head into the bathroom to let us know we've been in there too long. This was all before low-flow shower heads and water efficient toilets were around.

What did we do to save water?
-Put bricks in our toilets
-Let the lawn die
-took shorter showers
-soaked dishes longer before washing
-washed our cars less frequently

Oh the list goes on. One of the things I would do was dip my toothbrush in a cup of water before brushing. Normal people run it under the faucet to wet the toothpaste. Does this do much you ask? Well, I still have the habit and I'm sure over the years I've saved gallons of water:)

While living in a house last summer that these people so generously offered to us when we were homeless while coming back from Switzerland we learned a great trick. Take an old milk gallon jug and while waiting for the water for your shower to warm up save it in the jug. Then every time you go to the bathroom dump it in the tank when it's refilling. This is so great.

We would do it now but we have a flash water heater so the water gets hot instantly. But, we do have a drip in our tub that we leave a pitcher under and when it gets full we dump it in the toilet tank.

Tips for saving water:
(these are basic tips for people who don't own a home and are renting.)

1. Take shorter showers (you can even go to extremes like Jared does and turn off the shower when you're lathering up.)
2. Don't run water while brushing teeth
3. Rinse razor in a sink full of water
4. Don't run the water while loading the dishwasher
5. If you have a lawn PLEASE DO NOT WATER DURING THE DAY! HUG WASTE! THE WATER EVAPORATES. I see this all too often. WATER IN THE EARLY MORNING!
6. Do laundry and run dishwasher when you have a full load.

Jared and I can't wait to own a house someday so we can create a system to save our rainwater for watering the plants.

These are just the basics and easy for EVERYONE to do.

Here are some helpful websites with lots more tips.

http://www.americanwater.com/49ways.htm
http://www.eartheasy.com/live_water_saving.htm

HAPPY EARTH DAY!