June is Patrick's month

Here's a look at the best little son a Dad could ask for during the month of Father's day and his birthday.

Fixin' Stuff (no need to mention that this toy still isn't fixed... at least Dad & Son got to use TOOLS and work on a project together!)

BUBBLES!!

Patrick is 27!! For those of you not nerdy enough to know, the cake is a "circuit board" with the number "27" written out in binary code. (I know, what a woman!) I always tell my wonderful man that he's a "sheek geek" -and I wouldn't have him any other way! I love that I get to spend forever with him! He's so fun, encouraging, and good! This engineer doesn't go anywhere without his pocket pc, or my heart.

Payson points out "Jesus" all the time now, and pretty much and picture at church is a picture of Him. I usually turn on "Music & the Spoken Word" Sunday morning as we get ready for church, but when Payson yelled out "Jesus" (seeing the Christus on lds.org) I got an idea to look for pictures of Jesus on YouTube. Of course, someone, somewhere has hymns to pictures of Jesus! (Who takes the time to do stuff like that? I sure appreciate it!) So this was our morning:

Yesterday, when getting Payson ready for swimming, I decided to teach Payson how to flex his muscles. (As you can see, his manly chest inspired this...) He picks up on things FAST! (BTW that picture in the back is where the whole "Jesus" thing started. Having church pictures around really is a great way to teach your child the gospel. They observe everything, and ask questions about what they see -teaching opportunities!! I need to get a temple picture or something for Payson's room, he spends a LOT of time in his crib -wish I slept that much!)

Yes, this is sideways, my bad. And don't watch the whole thing. I just wanted to show Payson's new FAVORITE thing. Jumping into the swimming pool with his floaties -let's just say, it doesn't go over well when Mommy says it is time to go home & say "bubye" to "wawa".

Payson loves his toilet, and will sit on it, and "flush" it (makes a water noise than says "all done"). Here he is NOT sitting...grrr... but pointing out all the characters. Tigger is his favorite, when he plays with his stuffed talking Tigger, he "tickles" it and mimicks the "whoo whoo whoo whoo". He is young for potty training, I know, but a Mom can have a dream!

Blogging is Journaling?

Lately I have been getting into You Tube. Mostly for 2 videos from Sesame Street. Elmos song & Cookie Monster's C is for cookie. Payson asks for "Melmo" everytime he sees my laptop now. So, I recalled this morning that our Bishop mentioned in church the "mormon messages" that are now on you tube. This one by Elder Eyring was very inspiring:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF01BQAcj8E

I jumped up in search of my journal, vowing to write a little somethin' everyday from now on. But upon arrival of my journal's usual spot, I was shocked to find it missing! How long has it been since I last wrote? I can't even find it! My blog becomes a journal of the precious moments in my family I catch on camera, but even more important are the things I learn and see that strengthen my testimony daily. These are not the public blogging things, but the things that allow me to see God in my life daily and help me realize how truly blessed I am! So hears to blogging! And to keeping (finding...) a journal!

Dadda Work

The first words out of Lil' P's mouth when he wakes (be it morning or post nap):

He's also quite the singer & runner, more videos to come.

TRIATHLETE

I set a new years resolution/goal to do a triathlon, and Memorial day was it.  Here in my very own Rancho Sahuarita I swam 1000 meters, pulled off my wetsuit, jumped into running shoes, threw on a helmet, and hopped on a VERY nice (borrowed) road bike for 16.6 miles, then jumped off, tossed the helmet, put on my bib# and ran for 5km.  All in 1:41:54.  I got 4th place for women in my age group.  The swim was sooooo stressful (considering the last time I took swim lessons I flunked, and was probably 10 yrs old... what could I expect?).  Swimming in a pool is much easier than a lake.  But I borrowed my friend Joe's wetsuit and I floated!  So I just had to figure out how to move forward.  I was able to make up a lot of time on the bike & run.  I thought I would be slow running, or at least it feels that way after going 18+mph on a bike, but I got pretty close to my best 5k time.  What a thrill!  Hopefully I will do one again someday.  As for now, I am going to try to do a marathon while in Utah July 24th, and enjoy my 4 weeks of ballet nostalgia!  I am taking an adult ballet class Tues/Thurs nights at the Ballet Tucson during their summer workshop.  Maybe I will have to get picture of me on pointe shoes -it's been a while!

   

Thanks to my wonderfully supportive family who came to cheer me on! 

Kali Hoenes and Rhonda Brieshaft are my training buddies!

 

 

After too much good food at the Creer's bbq, we headed to the pool for just a little more sun.  Payson was so distraught when we took him away from the water!  

 

Happy Land

My friend Emily McGuire called Disneyland "Happy Land" on a post once, and I thought it was so cute and appropriate, that I am adopting it.  We just returned from a week in LA where we went to China Town, Santa Monica Pier, LA Zoo, DisneyLand, LA Philharmonic @ the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Hollywood, and of course, had a blast at my sister Melinda's with her hubby Ryan, and 4 boys (David -7, James & Joseph -5, Mark -3).  

One of the many mansions in Cali I wouldn't mind living in...

 

Payson saw these guys and started pumping his arms and saying "go, go" trying to move himself + stroller on his own I guess!  He gave them hugs, and kicked and screamed when we told him to say "bye bye"

Oh - and he calls them both "Melmo" (Elmo) and then says "rough rough" (like he does for a dog), hmmmm, maybe he needs to start watching tv.... :)

  

Zoo favorites:  Zebras, hippo, giraffes, gorillas, monkeys, & flamingos (actually saw them sleeping on one leg - so cool!).

Easter 2009

What's Easter without an egg hunt and new Sunday clothes?

 

As is fashionable these days, we went "green"

  

Our neighbors the Quinns & Husteds shared an Easter brunch & egg hunt with us on Saturday.  Super yummy & super funny!

We have been so blessed and are greatful everyday for the atonement and ressurection of Christ.  We watch "The Lamb of God" each Easter to remind us.  Also, we had a big ham with my Dad and the Gibson family.  Not sure what pig bums have to do with ressurection, but tradition is tradition I guess.

Also, Payson has really been getting into the alphabet lately.  He is always pointing at letters in pictures, on clothes & toys, etc; and then starts singing...

Cheese connoisseur

Have I mentioned that Payson is a cheese snob?  He will not eat Kroger brand or Kraft cheese, it must be Tillamook.  And he has always been this way!  Not that I blame him, if I am going to eat cheese plain, I want the creamy, tasty & delightful Tillamook.  There is also some nostalgia involved from my Sophmore year of college -getting home from dates on the weekends and discussing "boys" over cheese & crackers with my roomates (Aub-dog & sis Shar).   

Payson loves to run up to doors and knock on them.  Our neighbors got a surprise visit Sunday night when Payson ran up their driveway, knocked on the door (in his soft little fist pats that they somehow heared), and upon a door opening, ran into their living room and became glued to extreme fighting for 15 straight minutes (why do I even try kid movies?). 

Payson, upon finding keys, runs to the front of the house saying "deys" and reaching as high as he can to unlock the doors -no doubt trying to escape, as inside is boring, and outside is ALWAYS exciting.

Although I do not like Payson to touch my laptop, ever.  Of course I cave, and I decided to just let him have at it.  The fisherprice website has games for infants -ABCs & Peek-a-boo - which are big winners.  Every letter is "Eee" and every animal is a dog & says "ruff ruff" -so, so cute!

My cute husband had a dozen pink -gorgeous- roses waiting at home for me & a PI day welcome home mat & PIE!!  Payson & I went to Portland to visit my sister Sharleen.  Patrick is doing such a good job of being festive -even for the silly occasions like March 14th (aka 3.14).  It's good to be home with my man again!!

Oh yeah, the shoes & the credit card were jokes, as I had already ordered the new running shoes which arrived in the mail while I was gone, and the credit card was just the new one that needed to be signed to replace our expiring one.  Maybe next time he'll get me a credit card with some ridiculously large limit & send me to the mall... :)

I Love Hiking!!

Hiking up Madera Canyon to Bog's & Kent's "Springs"  

Let's just say, that they were true to the desert, since you really have to search for the water...  

Actually we climbed up to 6100 ft, which ascent happened to be all in the last 1/2 mile - Patrick may never go hiking with me again, or at least not straight uphill with Payson on his back.  On the way down Payson fell asleep on my back and his head kept bouncing against my back!  Who can sleep like that?  The "family" picture is what happens when I try to be in the pictures, oh, and us not having showered and all sweaty from hiking.  We were quite the treat that morning!  We've decided that hiking is a great way to spend time together & outdoors.  Walking, talking, beef jerky (which even Payson enjoyed), beautiful surroundings, aaahhhh, I just love it!

  

Payson tries to eat animal crackers with a pencil, not pictured is the attempt that actually worked!  How much more satisfying food must taste when you've truly worked for it!  He also found his way into the oven drawer, it was only a matter of time.  And, the pot lid, well, that was actually Mommie.  Oops!  Free advice:  don't burn a glass lid over flame, and then resume to use as normal, because, it wont function as normal and can't take a pot of boiling water, it will indeed shatter!

    

Payson found some keys in the "junk" drawer and ran to the front of the house to open the door!  Later he tried to set the table while I was cooking in the kitchen.  He did a pretty good job: place mat, fork, spoon, and bowl.  It's hilarious when we find out how much more he understands and remembers, and his desire to do everything himself.  If he can't reach it, he'll bring over is plastic $ store chair as an enabling device, the world gets bigger for him, and becomes more "over" for me! 

  

February as of yet...

Payson broke my beautiful lamp - luckily Kent Perry, who was playing with us that morning, wasn't in there at the time to get hurt.  Payson will be sad to not be able to plug it in and step on the "on" button - he and the lamp had shared a lot of good times!

Payson at the park.  He is seriously in love with basketballs & watching people play basketball!  It's fun to hear him say bee-bee-bahl when he recognizes them in stores, on his walls, clothes, etc.

  

Kali Hoenes ruining a cute picture of Jenni & I...  hee hee  j/k Kalie.  February Bunko was Jungle theme - ah, good times with the ladies!

We went to the driving range & Payson got to see what we really do with golf clubs.  He practices regularly in the back yard -what a swing!  He's also a great ball boy -I can hit the ball and he will run and bring it back to me, just to see me swing again!  Awesome - I know this wont last forever.

Payson - aka mr. independent feeder - decides that he needs to hold the banana himself, he actually did a great job, until he needed the sides pulled down which resulted in the usual life & death scream... 

    And yes, he is holding his spoon in his left hand - Patrick has been trying to break him of that habit -good luck!

 Payson tried to "clean" my cabinets with my fluffy pink socks!  Thanks buddy!

Erica decides to learn how to caulk -there's definitely an art to it that I so have not mastered!  Next job will look better...

Payson loves the laundry basket, and convinces Carter & Wyatt that it's fun to push him around in it.  They loved his remote control Caterpillar - a toy his parents were more excited to get him than he is to play with it!