Two thumbs up

Last night Steven and I watched this...
and I cried...a lot. It's such a sweet story about a little boy whose brain simply isn't wired like everyone elses (he thinks he is from Mars)...which is perfectly ok with his new adoptive father. Working with the kiddos I work with, stories like this always get to me. One quote (which I will paraphrase) that I loved was when the father said something about how he wasn't sure he wanted to bring a child into this world, but who can argue with loving one that is already here. That's a sweet statement, especially for someone in the process of adopting a troubled 8 year old. I recommend Martian Child, but be prepared to tear up.

Love at first bite

Steven and I have discovered a new favorite snack: pomegranates.
They are delicious! I remember eating them as a kid with my friend, Lily, and I loved them way back then. Steven recently bought one (because I love pomegranate flavored things, such as Jamba Juice) and thus started our new obsession. Just cut them into quarters, pick out and eat the seeds, and enjoy. Seriously, you should try one. They aren't exactly the budget-minded shopper's best friend, but lately they have been on sale for 2/$5.00. Not bad for a deliciously tart and juicy after-dinner indulgence that is 100% natural and healthy.




Note: Pomegranates stains are IMPOSSIBLE to get out, so don't wear your favorite white shirt when you eat your yummy pomegranate. Or, wear an oh-so-chic apron, as I did last night.

Something missing

What could it be? Oh yeah, a foot of my hair! I did it...I cut it off. I wanted long hair, I really, really did, but my hair just doesn't look good long unless I spend a lot of time on it. Believe it or not, as a mama, a full time student, and a wife I simply didn't have that kind of time to devote to my hair. Shocking, I know.
So, I took the plunge, and I love it. It's super easy, and still looks okay if I only have 4 minutes in the morning to get ready. Plus, I had enough to donate..so some child out there will soon don a straight, brown wig and possibly look like my offspring.
So, goodbye long hair. I worked so hard to grow you out, and now you are gone forever. Thank you short hair for being so easy. A part of me was hoping my new hair might make me look a bit like Katie Holmes, and I'm sad to report that it does not. Maybe next time.

It's the small things

Today my thoughtful husband sent me a text right before class was over to tell me him and Thomas were going to pick me up, so I didn't have to ride the bus...I was thrilled! But, then I got in the car and he gave me this delicious treat...

from this yummy pizza place.
Needless to say, I was elated! It was complete with my favorite toppings (tomato and spinach) with a few extras (olives, mushrooms and red peppers). I was STARVING after 4 straight hours of class. He was so thoughtful to bring me dinner, and although I didn't know that I wanted pizza, it was the perfect dinner....Which I shared with this cute little person (also a lover of veggie pizza). I was so happy Steven thought of me. It really is all about the small things in life.

Happy Birthday, my love!

I devote this post to my perfect husband who turned 24 yesterday. Happy Birthday, Steven! It was probably the busiest Tuesday I have had so far this term, and Steven had class until 6:00, but we made the most of his special day. He got steak for dinner, made by his charming wife, and chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting for dessert, with a side of dove dark chocolate. Did I mention Steven likes chocolate?
Attempt at a family photo...it's harder than you might think!
Thomas loved the balloons!! He kept throwing them over the coffee table, and then screaming when he couldn't reach them anymore. Then he would grunt as he tried to stuff them under that red chair in the background. Too funny!

He is usually great at kisses...must be camera shy.

I had no idea this golf game would be such a hit when I picked it up at the grocery store last night. It was a last minute purchase, but well worth it! The little golfer is spring loaded and chips the magnetic golf ball onto the metal green...and it sticks so well! It's actually possible to get a hole in one too...if you go to Safeway I recommend picking up this gem of a gift for a bargain price of $7.99.

Thomas loved the apple cider so much that he actually drank it out of a sippy cup...which is unheard of. He is strictly a regular cup drinker...and is surprisingly good at it for being 15 months old.



I love this picture for so many reasons. He looks so cute...but also old, which makes me tear up.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!! We love you!

At the park

We have so much fun with our little man! Every single day is precious.

Belated Halloween

Here are a few pictures from our fabulous Halloween. I misplaced the camera cord there for a while, but my wonderful husband found it for me...yay!
Muscle Man's mustache might be my favorite part of the costume. Thomas wears it well.


The strong silent type.
A cookie that was once shaped like a pumpkin with delicious orange frosting...smeared on everything within a 5 foot radius.

Clockwise from top: Baby pumpkin, Baby, Mama pumpkin.

Both are good, but which one to choose...

I think he's made his choice. Let it be known that he actually preferred a dirt-caked gourd that I found on the ground. He licked the gourd clean (gross, I know) and carried it around for days. If that isn't an environmentally friendly toy, I don't know what is.

New York

Steven got his first interview a few days ago, and he is so excited! It's in Albany, NY, and although that is far away from our families, it would be a fun adventure. He was able to schedule the interview for the last week of the term so I won't have to leave my favorite toddler much, although I'm sure waiting until next month will only increase the level of anxiety. My husband is the hardest working student ever, and I know he would do anything for his family. Thomas and I are so lucky to have him. Congratulations, Steven!

Tag

My friend, Kristin, tagged me. I have to answer with one word answers.

1. Where is your cell phone? Thomas?
2. Where is your significant other? Home
3. Your hair color? brown
4. Your mother? Nana
5. Your father? Papa
6. Your favorite thing? family
7. Your dream last night? short
8. Your dream/goal? bliss
9. The room you're in? quiet
10. Your hobby? running
11. Your fear? lonliness
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Residency
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. What you're not? Rested
15. Something on your wish list? Furniture
16. Where you grew up? Oregon
17. The last thing you did? Talk
18. What are you wearing? Jeans
19. Your TV? Off
20. Your pet? Thomas?
21. Your computer? SLOW
22. Your mood? Calm
23. Missing someone? Sister
24. Your car? Fit
25. Something you're not wearing? Makeup
26. Favorite store? Anthropologie
27. Your summer? Over
28. Love someone? Terribly
29. Your favorite color? Orange?
30. When is the last time you laughed? Daily
31. Last time you cried? Unsure

I tag Clara, Lindsay and Charami

Dear Thief,

I'm sorry you were so hungry for McDonalds and in need of gasoline that you had to break into our cute Blackberry Honda Fit to steal Steven's debit card. I'm sorry you were so in need of music that you were forced to steal the few decent cds that I had left from when your friend broke into my car in college and stole the majority of my cd collection. I hope my two warm winter coats fit you well, and will keep you cozy through the Oregon winter months. If you need a third winter coat, ask your friend who stole mine approximately 3 years ago. He/she will also be able to provide you with a great laptop computer, complete with thousands of pictures of my family, friends and myself. Next time, please just knock on our door and ask for these things, and save us the trouble of having to drive to Sunriver without a window, while our very bundled baby sits in the backseat.

I really do love Eugene...minus the rampant theft problem.

Happy news

The only thing more exciting than being pregnant with a baby girl....is for my sister to be pregnant with a baby girl. Yay! This cute little thing is her adorable daughter, and they are soon going to have precious girl #2. I couldn't be happier. Thank you Aryn for giving me a cute baby to cuddle...I can't wait to meet her!!

We got to have Kaileigh stay with us for a WHOLE week this summer, it was so fun! She played dress up with aunt Kayla's sun hat...which I must say, looks much better on her!

She loved her braids, and wanted to take a lot of pictures of her new 'do. Sadly, they weren't as cute in the morning after sleeping on them all night. It's ok though...she loved it. We love you Kaileigh Tayler!

Vote NO on measure 58

For all of you who are in Oregon, vote no on measure 58! If it passes, there will be a limit of two years for students in the English Language Learners programs in Oregon public schools. In the national "report card" Oregon is currently in the LOWEST THREE states for quality of education provided for ELL students. Now is not the time to limit these students to just two years in the ELL program. Students who are at risk must receive all the help they can get in order to keep them actively engaged and supported in the classroom. We want to give children every opportunity possible to have positive experiences in school, and measure 58 threatens to severely limit these experiences for many of our students. Please, vote no on measure 58!

A bathtub first

Warning: TMI...but it must be documented. It's a first we all must experience.



So, I've heard everyone talk about how horrible it is, but we had yet to experience the dreaded bath, until tonight. Thomas was taking his bath like usual, and life was grand. Soon his face turned bright red, he started grunting...and yes, he pooped in the tub. It was glorious. I was horrified. Luckily, we already washed him up pre-poop and he was ready to get out. I'm glad I can now join the "my child pooped in the tub" club. I love being a mama.