I stole this from a friend and fellow blogger, but I thought the timing too perfect to not copy her post. (Thank you Kj! I hope you don't mind...)
"If you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com , you can pick out a thank you card and message (or compose your own personal message) and Xerox will send to our troops serving around the world. It is FREE!"
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
sofia-isms
Lately, Sofia loves to ask me, “are you bien or mal?” then answers “que fabuloso!” or “pobrecito!”
I eventually had to ask her to say “nice try mom” when I don’t pronounce the Spanish as she wants me to! She was getting so picky, and I could never do it right, of course!
Sofia feels very empowered by the number 6 these days. I'm wondering if someone in her class turned 6 perhaps? Or, perhaps she just realized it’s bigger than 5? Anyhow, it’s pretty funny!
Today she asked me if she could watch a movie when we got home. I told her perhaps. She responded, "Mom, one time when you were a little girl, you watched too many movies, and your brain squashed and squashed down and down until your head disappeared!"
I eventually had to ask her to say “nice try mom” when I don’t pronounce the Spanish as she wants me to! She was getting so picky, and I could never do it right, of course!
Sofia feels very empowered by the number 6 these days. I'm wondering if someone in her class turned 6 perhaps? Or, perhaps she just realized it’s bigger than 5? Anyhow, it’s pretty funny!
Today she asked me if she could watch a movie when we got home. I told her perhaps. She responded, "Mom, one time when you were a little girl, you watched too many movies, and your brain squashed and squashed down and down until your head disappeared!"
Saturday, November 22, 2008
sofia dresses herself
The first day we had snow, Sofia looked out the window and said, "I need to wear my Santa coat today because Christmas is coming!" (Sofia's Santa coat was my coat when I was 3.) Here is a picture of her, ready for school!
Friday, November 21, 2008
the greener challenge
I found a blog, http://www.enviromom.com/, started by two moms in Oregon. They have a "one bag a month" challenge. See if you can reduce, reuse, recycle to the point that you are only tossing one bag of trash out per month! I want to try, and I think it is even more possible now, with the Denver composting program we just started! I believe that between the recycling and the composting programs, we are actually recycling/composting more trash than we are tossing in the dumpster. But, I know we could do better!
anyone want to join me to see what you can do to become greener?
Much of it has to do with going back to simpler ways that our parents and grandparents used. Two easy things to do:
1. there is no reason to use a paper towel or napkin, because you can use towels and cloth napkins and reuse.
2. take bags with you shopping, and never let the store give you a bog.
anyone want to join me to see what you can do to become greener?
Much of it has to do with going back to simpler ways that our parents and grandparents used. Two easy things to do:
1. there is no reason to use a paper towel or napkin, because you can use towels and cloth napkins and reuse.
2. take bags with you shopping, and never let the store give you a bog.
oh, sofia!
Sofia was taking gymnastics, for about 2 months. Then one day, she asked me, "mom, when gymnastics is done, can I take ballet and dance on the stage in front of all the people?" I of course, thinking gymnastics would be done in a few months, said "yes, of course, honey!"
Well, the next Saturday, when we were getting ready to go to gymnastics, Sofia said, "no, I'm not going to gymnastics."
I guess she was done with gymnastics when she asked me to take ballet classes!
Well, the next Saturday, when we were getting ready to go to gymnastics, Sofia said, "no, I'm not going to gymnastics."
I guess she was done with gymnastics when she asked me to take ballet classes!
the palin parade continues
Oh my, Palin continues to be an embarassment! I can't believe the latest interview, where the turkey is slaughtered right behind her, during the interview! Disgusting, tasteless. It should have been stopped!
This beats the interview upon her return to the Governor's office in Alaska, when she said that whomever leaked to the press that she didn't know that Africa was a continent and not a country was just "mean-spirited"! Please... it may be mean-spirited if it's on Jay Leno's "Jaywalking" segment, where average people on the street are asked about trivial knowledge. It is downright scary when someone contending to be Vice President doesn't know this!
For some reason, I like it when the people who lead this country who are SMARTER than me. Sarah Palin makes a better cheerleader than a politician on the world stage. Not to say that being a cheerleader is not influential. I am sure she will have an impact on the party politics, and we have yet to see what that will bring.
This beats the interview upon her return to the Governor's office in Alaska, when she said that whomever leaked to the press that she didn't know that Africa was a continent and not a country was just "mean-spirited"! Please... it may be mean-spirited if it's on Jay Leno's "Jaywalking" segment, where average people on the street are asked about trivial knowledge. It is downright scary when someone contending to be Vice President doesn't know this!
For some reason, I like it when the people who lead this country who are SMARTER than me. Sarah Palin makes a better cheerleader than a politician on the world stage. Not to say that being a cheerleader is not influential. I am sure she will have an impact on the party politics, and we have yet to see what that will bring.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
harnessing the power of the fairies!
I had a conversation with a few friends this morning about how the various fairies help them and their children (both 3) throughout the day. I thought that was a great idea, and I'd have to try it sometime!
I decided to try it out today when picking Sofia up from school, yet again having forgotten her "car snack"! When we got to the car with a very unhappy Sofia, I said, "Caylah's mommy told me that there is a fairy in our car! Oh, there she is! I have to brush the car fairy out of your seat, so you can get in!" Sofia stopped crying, and became very interested in this fairy, who rode home on her lap.
This afternoon, she announced that we have a "car driving fairy" and a "house living fairy" and a "new-new sleeping fairy" (new-new is her bed). I told her that I have a helping fairy on my shoulder, and she helps me whenever I need it. This fairy even helped Sofia to get off the floor when she fell down!
With the power of the fairies, I think we're onto something magical!
I decided to try it out today when picking Sofia up from school, yet again having forgotten her "car snack"! When we got to the car with a very unhappy Sofia, I said, "Caylah's mommy told me that there is a fairy in our car! Oh, there she is! I have to brush the car fairy out of your seat, so you can get in!" Sofia stopped crying, and became very interested in this fairy, who rode home on her lap.
This afternoon, she announced that we have a "car driving fairy" and a "house living fairy" and a "new-new sleeping fairy" (new-new is her bed). I told her that I have a helping fairy on my shoulder, and she helps me whenever I need it. This fairy even helped Sofia to get off the floor when she fell down!
With the power of the fairies, I think we're onto something magical!
i'm a domestic goddess?
I, in my independent life or wildest dreams, never imagined this description of myself! But, this is the name Kent bestowed on me after we'd all been sick, I'd cared for him, Sofia, and Emerson, made multiple batches of chicken soup with rice (with lots of garlic and fresh ginger), completed 10 loads of laundry, cleaned and disinfected the house, etc. etc. Actually, I think it was the evening that I surprised him with BEEF stroganoff for dinner that he made the declaration. Anyhow, I will take on this description, and feel empowered by it. DOMESTIC GODDESS I AM!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
old mother west wind
Lately, Sofia has really loved a set of books that Grandma Nori bought her while visiting last month. They are a collection called Old Mother West Wind. Grandma Nori remembers her grandmother read to her when she was a child. The neat thing is, these are chapter books, meaning there are no (or few) pictures! I have been amazed at how Sofia will sit quietly and listen to the stories, and then ask for more and more! This evening, she even paged through the books all by herself! (Thank you Grandma Nori!)
Friday, November 7, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
dead bugs
Sofia: Mama, I saved a bug from a spider web!
Me: Oh, great [insert sigh]. Is it alive?
Sofia: No.
Me: Oh, do you want to put it in the trash?
Sofia: Sure. Well, no. I want to put it outside. It will start flying soon.
Me: Oh, great [insert sigh]. Is it alive?
Sofia: No.
Me: Oh, do you want to put it in the trash?
Sofia: Sure. Well, no. I want to put it outside. It will start flying soon.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
My Peoples
Hi there. It's the lesser-blogging part of this dynamic duo, Kent. We're sitting on the couch on a Wednesday night, the kids are asleep, we're 1/2 watching a movie, 1/2 laptopping. I'm trying to get my new laptop setup (ugh) and Kristen's sorting photos.
Mom and Jerry visited 2 weekends ago, we had a lot of fun! We went to the zoo for "Boo at the Zoo", and on Sunday, Mom found + gifted to Sofia a series of stories that her Grandma read to her. Mom and Fia had lots of good play time together!
Last weekend, my friend Dave came to visit. We cleaned up the garden on Saturday, saw game 1 for the Nuggets (Lakers), and saw the Broncos-Dolphins game on Sunday. And then, Sofia and I got the flu that Kristen had. Blech. The familia's still digging out from our collective colds.
Update on the kiddos... Fia can read the Madeline book through by memory, can count to 10 in Spanish, is recognizing the letter S all over the place ("Look - it's a ssss" [phonics]), and is really enjoying school and gymnastics. Emerson is more alert all the time, grabbing things, and was turning himself over today. Kristen will bring him down to visit while I'm working, and he's so full of smiles and alert - he's adorable.
If you're reading this, I hope that you're doing really well. We're so blessed and thankful to have such great friends and family. We love you!
Lots of love from Sloans Lake, Kent
PS - Kristen posted a bunch of new pics below - check em out!! :-))
Mom and Jerry visited 2 weekends ago, we had a lot of fun! We went to the zoo for "Boo at the Zoo", and on Sunday, Mom found + gifted to Sofia a series of stories that her Grandma read to her. Mom and Fia had lots of good play time together!
Last weekend, my friend Dave came to visit. We cleaned up the garden on Saturday, saw game 1 for the Nuggets (Lakers), and saw the Broncos-Dolphins game on Sunday. And then, Sofia and I got the flu that Kristen had. Blech. The familia's still digging out from our collective colds.
Update on the kiddos... Fia can read the Madeline book through by memory, can count to 10 in Spanish, is recognizing the letter S all over the place ("Look - it's a ssss" [phonics]), and is really enjoying school and gymnastics. Emerson is more alert all the time, grabbing things, and was turning himself over today. Kristen will bring him down to visit while I'm working, and he's so full of smiles and alert - he's adorable.
If you're reading this, I hope that you're doing really well. We're so blessed and thankful to have such great friends and family. We love you!
Lots of love from Sloans Lake, Kent
PS - Kristen posted a bunch of new pics below - check em out!! :-))
we have the most beautiful children!
Yes, I AM biased, but I believe it to be true! They were just lovely today!
first attempt at a video
So, this is my first attempt at uploading a video to the blog. This is Emerson, lying in his favorite spot - the bathmat in the bathroom! enjoy!
Monday, November 3, 2008
why i voted for barack obama
Here we are, one day before the election! I have high hopes!!
I have read both of Obama's books, Dreams From my Father, and The Audacity of Hope, and knowing what I know about Obama's youth, education and career development, perspectives on America, respect for the Constitution, and world view, I don't understand how anyone could accuse him of not being in touch with the average American, of not having a vision for how to improve their situation, or that he is not ready to lead this country. I have incredible respect for him and what he has accomplished. I think that he will be able to lead this country, and I hope unite us.
Obama understands diversity. He does not see the stereotypes, rather the unexpected nuances, of people. He understands people like me, who love this country, yet question or doubt that we are going in the right direction. As Colin Powell pointed out, the Republican party has moved too far to the right. It has become too divisive in its rhetoric. The mentality of "if you're not with us you're against us" has caused citizens like me to be uncomfortable to wear red, white and blue, to sing the National Anthem, to exhibit any form of patriotism. This divisiveness, this "us" vs. "them", is dangerous. I hope that President Barack Obama will help me again feel that pride about our country, and trust that we are moving in a direction that will re-establish the respect we have lost in the eyes of the world.
I also believe that President Obama has the strength and ability to lead. A good leader knows how to gather information from a team of people from all sides, and can make decisions based on that information. I trust that Obama will make the right decisions, not necessarily the ones he 100% agrees with. He will unite us. He will motivate us to once again work to help our neighbors. We have become a country of people who are in it only for ourselves. We have forgotten how to help each other, that it is our responsibility to help each other. Obama can help us to turn that around.
This is needed now more than ever! I truly believe Obama to be a unifying force that no other candidate has matched. My hopes are for the best!
Good luck to us all on November 4th!!
I have read both of Obama's books, Dreams From my Father, and The Audacity of Hope, and knowing what I know about Obama's youth, education and career development, perspectives on America, respect for the Constitution, and world view, I don't understand how anyone could accuse him of not being in touch with the average American, of not having a vision for how to improve their situation, or that he is not ready to lead this country. I have incredible respect for him and what he has accomplished. I think that he will be able to lead this country, and I hope unite us.
Obama understands diversity. He does not see the stereotypes, rather the unexpected nuances, of people. He understands people like me, who love this country, yet question or doubt that we are going in the right direction. As Colin Powell pointed out, the Republican party has moved too far to the right. It has become too divisive in its rhetoric. The mentality of "if you're not with us you're against us" has caused citizens like me to be uncomfortable to wear red, white and blue, to sing the National Anthem, to exhibit any form of patriotism. This divisiveness, this "us" vs. "them", is dangerous. I hope that President Barack Obama will help me again feel that pride about our country, and trust that we are moving in a direction that will re-establish the respect we have lost in the eyes of the world.
I also believe that President Obama has the strength and ability to lead. A good leader knows how to gather information from a team of people from all sides, and can make decisions based on that information. I trust that Obama will make the right decisions, not necessarily the ones he 100% agrees with. He will unite us. He will motivate us to once again work to help our neighbors. We have become a country of people who are in it only for ourselves. We have forgotten how to help each other, that it is our responsibility to help each other. Obama can help us to turn that around.
This is needed now more than ever! I truly believe Obama to be a unifying force that no other candidate has matched. My hopes are for the best!
Good luck to us all on November 4th!!
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