A Walk on Saturday

Last Saturday I was about to venture out on my own for a morning walk, but Cole and Greg decided they wanted to come along. Since I had a hat on Cole insisted he have one too. We rummaged around until we found the only hat that would fit his head.

Occasionally we'll walk to the horse stables by the house. So, Cole insisted that we go visit the "horsees" and that he bring his stuffed horsey along too.

Greg caught these pics of Cole riding his horsey in his PJs with his fishing hat. Typical Cole.

"need you"

My heart just melts. Every time. And I wish I could capture the moment forever.

"Need you" comes his two-year-old voice with pleading eyes and up-stretched arms. "Need you Mommy." It starts soft and comes louder and louder and follows me around until my attention is gained.

"I need you too" I respond as I pick him up. Sometimes it's just a whisper, sometimes an exclamation, and other times a quiet thought.

I hope; no, I need to remember and keep the sweetness of our exchange forever in my heart. I need to remember the moment almost as if I am capturing air to save for a time when I know I will need a breath.

I know as time goes and he grows the outward expression of his needs will become more subtle and less dependent. And this is what I hope for, but can't bear to think of: the journey of his independence. And yet, it has already started... In fact it is part of my responsibility to teach him and help him grow into it.

I have been accused a time or two of thinking too far ahead. Of taking on worries that do not need to be worried about just yet. And although I know it, I still do it. I reason that it comes more out of preparation than fear. That somehow if I can prepare, my heart will weather better.

But today, I resolve not to think of tomorrow, but to treasure this moment so deep that it need not be recorded to be remembered.

Between American Fork and Mapleton

I can't believe a week's gone by. Last weekend we took a quick road trip to Utah. It seems like it takes me a week to recover after we've been gone. I still haven't gotten to laundry yet (I decided to blog instead). And, it was just last night that I finally worked up enough umph to unpack. Does it take you that long to get back in the swing of things after a long weekend?

Anyway, we spent last Thurs.- Sun. going back and forth between American Fork and Mapleton. We had a great visit with Greg's folks and my sister. We even squeezed in breakfast with Greg's sister Tonya and her family before conference on Sun.

And, best of all I had Chick-fil-a twice...(Greg's still whining because he didn't get any)...I also picked up two jars of salsa from my sis. She's so great. On our way out of town we stopped by her place and she had made fresh bread, soup and cookies for us to take home. She rocks!

I got some good shopping in too and took in my first bead show. I loved it. I must admit it was a little overwhelming to see so many beads, have so many ideas and so little cash-o-la. Anyway, we had a great time and now I have new beads to add to my collection and hopefully make into some jewelry soon.

Greg went skiing at Sundance with his Dad and his retiree ski buddies. (They kicked Greg's butt). He also paid a visit to Cabella's to drool and almost came home with a pontoon fishing boat.

Cole spent time with his cousins and Abby, my in laws dog. He loves Abby. Every morning he woke up and wanted to play with the dog. I'm glad he likes Abby and I'm even happier that Abby lives at my in laws. Don't get me wrong, I like dogs...other peoples. :-)

Here's some pics Greg took on his iphone. I forgot my camera.

Here's Cole riding in cousin Lexi's Cadillac (Lexi loves the camera)

And a couple of photos of Cole with Tonya's boys (Boston and Carson) when they visited LV for the Monster Jam the last weekend in March.





Besides being cold (I'm such a wimp now), it was a great weekend. Thanks Mom and Dad Childs, your basement suite was great!

The Tough Part

I've been remiss in posting because I've been having a little pity party for myself and just couldn't think of any fun posts. I didn't want to dredge up all the ugly feelings and doubts I've been having and I just couldn't think of anything sunshiny. After moping around and being miserable for a day, I finally got some sleep last night and slept in this morning. That's right, no morning walk...but it was actually good.

I've been having back issues since Cole was born. It seems no bed is right and at about 4 a.m. every morning I wake up with an achy back and have to move to the recliner or another bed. Anyway this coupled with some recent disappointments kind of threw me into a funk (again). These last two years I've found myself there a little too often. Its weird how life is...its tough and it can make you crotchety if you let it. The tough part isn't enduring it, because you can choose to lay there and moan and you'll probably make it. The tough part is getting up, getting out and making yourself look for the light and the lovely. Anyway, the fog is lifting, I still can't see the path, but at least the air is a little lighter this morning.

Our Family Photo Shoot

Salsa Sadness

It is with great sadness that we finished the last of my sister's muy bueno salsa. Every time we visit, I sneak down to her basement cold room and steal some salsa (and mustard pickles). I tried to smuggle out the jars without being noticed, but she caught on to me...

This last year Becky left the jalapeño seeds in the salsa and it gave it the best heat. She sent me the recipe, but it is far easier to sneak into her basement for my own supply.

Like any good sister and one who knows me well, she offered to teach me how to do it for myself this summer. I'm not sure I'll ever do it on my own, but if Becky's lined up the test kitchen, I'll be there to score my very own supply.

Stay tuned for posts later this summer about my adventures in canning...if my sis sees potential, there is hope for me yet.

Cole and his new Trike

My dear co-worker gave me a little trike for Cole on Friday. I called Cole on my way home from work and told him I had a surprise. He was waiting for me in the driveway when I pulled up. He screamed with delight when I pulled the tricycle out of the trunk. He was having a bit of trouble handling the hill of the driveway, so we pulled it into the backyard (not before riding it through the house) and captured this video.

Notice how when he falls (or pretends to fall) he grunts and lays there for a few seconds for dramatic effect.