We call him the extremist

Joel and I often say that when Mason does something, he does it to the extremes.

Case in point.

The temperature outside, a nice 72 degrees (FYI, the weather...well it sucks lately).



The beautiful Colorado sky.



My child. In his snow coat.

April showers....

do not exist in Colorado. Well, not really. We did get rain all day Easter but it was only 38 degrees. A little to close to snow for what I always picture as a sunny day. But that never happens out here.

Colorado is a weird state. It's a great state but very weird. We had 60's and 70's through February and March. So far in April, we've had 2 of our greatest snow storms of the season. And we're in the middle of one of them. My city is predicting 14" to 26" over the next 24 hours. But I'm a little thrown because out my window, birds are chirping away. Odd? Yes indeed. Oh, and my tulips are popping up through the snow. And, it supposed to be 70's all next week. Speaking of birds...

Here is my wreath for the spring/summer. I especially like the eggs. Joel made fun of it. I believe his direct quote was "Do you think it looks like a spring wreath just because you put eggs on it?"

Indeed I do honey. Indeed I do.


And I think the eggs accomplished the look of spring. Would you like to know why? I'll give you a clue.


Do you see it? I didn't add that fluff to it.


A little birdie made it his home. I do think I should remove the nest, don't you? What if the bird puts eggs in it and I open the door and they fall. Or what if, oh my goodness, I open the door and the bird fly's in!?!

You see, when I was 11 a squirrel got stuck in our chimney and my dad wanted to get it out. Unfortunately, it was too fast for him and instead of him catching it, it jumped on my head. Think National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Ever since that incident, wild animals running in the house kinda freak me out. And our ceilings are so high...the bird could be up there for hours!

Mason thinks we should hammer the nest out...hmmm.

Due to the weather today, we thought it appropriate to have a spontaneous all day pajama party. Don't they look so cozy?

The Sunday Night Movie

Growing up, we used to have a family tradition of watching "The Disney Sunday Night Movie". You know, Michael Eisner would come on and walk around Disney World and then Mickey or one of his pals would walk up and talk, yade yade yada?

So we have semi-started that with Mason although it has been very unintentional. And, it isn't usually Disney. We have reached all realms from Robin Hood, Cars, and The Incredibles, to all Star Wars and even The Bourne Identity and Supremacy. Little disclaimer: it's the tv version and we pause and fast forward all questionable parts for those of you concerned about the 3 year old mind.

Earlier in the week we were putting him to bed and were talking about being scared of things. Mason stated the only thing he is afraid of is monsters. So of course, that led to the idea of showing him Monsters, Inc. I on the other stated my fear of snakes and I can honestly say, we will never watch a snake movie ever...not even if it's Pixar and the snakes are actually super heroes.

So we set up shop last night and ate dinner on TV trays whilst enjoying the show. We even made fried dough, another family tradition. Needless to say, he was wired until 10:30 due to all the sugar.

We had a great night. The funniest part? About 2/3 of the way through the movie when Mason referred to the little girl, who is called "Boo" as "Poo".

Another little reminder that boys will always be boys.

Perhaps a bit unreasonable

My favorite questions from today...

• Mommy, it is okay if I throw the ball at your tummy to play with the baby?
• Mommy, can I eat a popsicle in your bed?
• Mommy, it is okay if I pee in the bath to shoot the bubbles?

And I wonder why we don't stay home more often!

Heartbeats and Prayers

We reached a new milestone today...14 weeks!

I am now officially in my 2nd trimester and SO excited about it.

I have been going in every week for heartbeat checks and everything has been great.

I have finally started throwing up less so maybe things will start turning around. Not a bad diet I suppose though.

Tonight we are going to tell Mason the big news as well.

This was his prayer last night:

"Dear Jeus...please bring us a guurl baby for mommy, a boy baby for daddy, and a boy baby for me. Pleeease. Amen."

I was trying hard to not to snort from laughter.

My prayer was more along the lines of:

"Dear Jesus, thank you for not bringing us 3 babies.
Thaaaank you. Amen."

the stalking camera

Just some cute pix from a day with Mase...

Does this bed head not rock your world?!?!

Don't you wish you could make nerd look this cute?

Ah, be still my heart...like mother, like son

Happy Valentine's Day!

Um, for the record, pigs flew because the child never naps!
Look at those sweet pink cheeks!

everything but the sled

So this morning I woke up for my morning run. Thankfully I heard the slushing on the road and it turned out to be this:


(Like the toy lawnmower and balls?
We change weather like pants in Colorado.)

This morning, within 15 minutes of being awake, we accomplished the top 2 signs that it was the seasons 1st snow.

Reason #1: I took a picture of the snow
Reason #2: Mason dressed in full out snow gear
and was outside by 7am


Truly, I have never seen the child get dressed so fast.

And thank goodness he did, because I really needed my grass shoveled!


As he was coming in, he looked up the sky and said "Mommy, what's these things?"

I was kinda puzzled as to what he was talking about since I didn't see anything out of the ordinary.

"Um, oh, you mean snowflakes? Those are snowflakes" was my confused reply.

"OOOhhh" came the mesmerized response.

I'd forgotten that he hadn't seen snowflakes since he was 2. It was so fun to see it through his eyes. Made me want to get on my snow clothes too (that and because I wanted to wear my cute snow outfit)!

About an hour later Mason and I had to run out briefly. And it was then I discovered the #3 sign that it was the 1st snow of the season.

Reason #3: A semi abandoned on a main road in 1 inch of snow

Seriously??

Later this morning Averie and Hadley and special guest star Kinsley joined us for some fun in the snow.

Don't you wish you were with us? I only wish I had gotten a picture of Kinsley, who later dressed herself and put it all on backwards, boots included.

I am now on round 4 of snow pants on, boots on, find the mittens, get on the coat, position the hat, and welcome Mason back in after 5 minutes of outdoor snowy fun!

Happy 1st snow day!

1-800-222-1222

If you live in the Denver metro area, write that number down.

It is a number that is now near and dear to my heart.

It is the number of our Poison Control, now known as my new close friends.

As if I needed another trip to the hospital and another bill from my new best friends, the nursing staff at Sky Ridge Medical Center.

This afternoon, Mason was supposed to be in his room having "rest time".

Until his called me up stating "Mommy, I spilled the medicine all over my pants!"

Um...wwhhaatt?? What medicine?

Children's Ibuprofen (with a child proof cap- we'll talk about that in a minute) spilled all over the counter, all over his pants and hands, and leaving his mouth oh so sticky.

"Mason, did you drink any of this?" I tried to calmly ask

"Yes, I drinked A LOT- like water!"

UUmmm...huh. What does one do?

My doctor's office was very kind to the mom trying to act cool but oh so close to becoming unglued. The sad thing was (and I hate admitting this), I was just as concerned about the looming hospital bill and visit and being there again for the 4th time in 3 1/2 weeks as I was about my kid getting his poor stomach pumped!

They kindly directed me to poison control while I acted like I had that number downstairs and I was up so could they just remind me of it?!?!

Anyway, long story short, poison control came to my rescue and calmly helped me figure out the worst case scenario of what Mason had consumed. All was fine.

Turns out ibuprofen is not as harmful as they would like you to think. I gave him some crackers and water and they said that I shouldn't be concerned if he gets a bit drowsy...I wish.

Now, about these child proof caps. This is the 3rd time in 2 weeks I have come upon Mason opening a child proof lid. That word is a complete oxymoron. I don't get it! How has he figured it out?

Does this look like the face of a mischievous kid?

calling all theologians

Do you see anything out of the ordinary?

Not the mess.


Ashamedly that is normal since naps haven't really been working.

Look closer.

Over on the table.


Jump for joy you seminarians and theologians.


Another one joins the masses.

my straightening iron is hot pink

Don't read that again. Yes, my title is for real.

As all bloggers have at some point, I have run out.

I don't know what to share with you. Yes, I have things going on.

But nothing remarkable.

So here it all is.

In it's glory.

It has come to my attention that I am the only girl in the house. Of course that was obvious all along but Mason has become such a little man.

He is now potty trained. I think. One day he wore underwear and he hasn't gone back. So I'm assuming it's done but wasn't that supposed to be supercomplicated? I have no idea. Remember, I'm a rookie.

Back to my title.

I love my straightening iron.

It's pink.

Hot fuchsia pink.

I love it. It's sits on my counter day in and day out and rarely returns to it's rightful place under the sink.

Because on the counter is where it's most comfortable.

And where it regularly reminds me of my status as Queen of the House.

Truly, what women among you doesn't secretly wish she had this?!?!

I also have a hot pink phone and a hot pink iPod.

Do I love pink? Apparently so.

Mason assumes I love pink simply because I'm a girl.

Which is why he is confused as to why Uncle Josh wears a pink shirt.

But the more I move forward in life, the more I realize that I am currently outnumbered.

Now that I have two boys using the potty, I am putting down 2x as many toilet seats.

I am hearing double the amount of flatulation.

And double the amount of bragging about it.

2x the amount of tools laying around (fake or real), 2x the amount of boys glued to the TV, 2x the amount of sports equipment laying around, and on and on it goes.

And Mason is barely 3!

Can you see why I need so much pink in my life?!?!

He is such a daddy's boy that I hold to anything I can that makes me S*P*E*C*I*A*L!

But alas, I have found a common bond with my son.

It's much too quiet upstairs.


What is he doing?!?!


Ah yes. Like mother like son.

a proud moment

I took Mase to my office to get his teeth cleaned for the 1st time. He was so excited he practically dragged me out the door of the house.

Here's my friend Anna cleaning his teeth while he watches Cars aka "Yiting Queen".



Mom, can you please put the camera away?



Isn't it so cute the way he swims in the chair?

No cavities, a toothbrush, and a toy later, he's more than ready to go back for the next one.

Ok, thanks for letting me brag on his mouth opening skills for a bit!

If you know Mason

then you know Kinsley.

If you know Kinsley, you know Mason.

Their names are commonly used together and "the next super star couple".

They are 7 months apart and the best of friends. Amy and I often joke about their future and wonder...

The funniest thing happened when Amy and I were teaching them in Sunday School this week.

Case in point: Mason is actually in a different class but wanted to be with Kinsley that day.

A little boy was pushing Kinsley in class. Mason, seeing her getting pushed around, steps in, places his arm on Kinsley beside him, stepped very close to the boy, and pushed him in return.

Seriously, there was nothing funnier than watching the 2 of them form a gang against someone bigger than each of them.

Being the awesome mom's that we are, Amy and I were laughing too hard to yell at them for being unkind (see evolution of a boy for my awesome mom sense).

We love you Kinsley Jane!

Lost in Translation

Today I told Mason I needed to put stamps on my letters. So I did.

So Mason decided to put stamps on his letters. This is what he did.

Seriously, I know you are smiling from the amount of cuteness.

Evolution of a boy

I have a boy. I always knew he was a boy of course. But somehow, this week, he became what we would refer to as a boy. It all started after we buzzed his hair. It suddenly made him look more mischievous. Take away my baby and his curls and replace it with complete and utter boy.

I would also like to say for the record that I would like to fill this blog with pictures showing my boy being a boy but the other BOY in the family decided to take the camera in the ocean. Enough said.

Anyway, to prove how my life has dramatically changed, I have a few points I would like to focus on.

Exhibit #1: Yesterday, Mason built a fort. He then decided he should bring down his toys and play house in his fort. He then blew up his house with guns and swords (?!?!) so he could be a firefighter.

Exhibit#2: Yesterday (it was a big day) Mason and I went to the zoo with my friend Ashley. We went in the Feline house and got a pretty good view of the leopards. We put our kids against the railing and let them watch the angry pacing leopard. She and I are in conversation and I'm not paying attention to Mason (mind you, I do think I'm a pretty good mom- I am rethinking it). I then turn as Mason has jumped the railing, put his face on the glass, and is staring face to face with the leopard. I mean face-to-face people. The only thing separating their noses from squishing together is a thin piece of glass and that leopard is looking at Mason like he is the most delicious thing he has ever seen. Mason was unphased. I was not.

Exhibit #3: Tonight Jackson and Lilly are over. And apparently Tarzan too. Because in slow motion I watch my toddler leap from the couch, onto my prized and beloved curtains, and slide down them as if he was sliding down a pole at the playground. Um...I don't think so.

Now, if you have a boy, this may seem normal to you. If you have a girl, it may sound normal. And if you have a boy with a buzz cut, you would probably say the best is yet to come. But these are all new to me- and I absolutely love them.

disclaimer: since Joel once ran in front of a moving truck, you would think I should have been prepared.

The Way We Were

Mason loves his "foccer" socks. He wants to wear them everywhere. Originally, this was supposed to just be while we were in the house. Then it was 1 store. Then 2. Before you knew it we spent the day like this. And I can honestly say, my life has not altered in the least bit. Who knew?

Of course, don't expect to see him picking out his clothes again anytime soon.

Now that Mason is in his big boy bed, bedtime includes mommy too, not just daddy. I now lay on his pillow next to him as Joel reads to, sings to, and prays for us. Having been excluded from the bedtime routine for over a year now, I have some insight into what deep spritual converstaion occurs in those times.


Mason: Mommy, where is Jesus?

Me: Jesus is in Heaven.

Mason: Why he live in Heaven?

Me: Because he lives there with God, his Father.

Joel (aka, Seminaryian, theologian): Mason, do you know who doesn't live Heaven? The Holy Spirit. He lives in Daddy and Mommy but we can't see him.

Mason and Mommy: blank stares

Mason: You guys leave now.

Swing batter batter

It's shameful, I know, but as parents of a boy, you want your kid to excel in all sports. We're pretty proud of his form when he swings.

It's the timing that has us concerned.

Pass the Motrin (for me...)

For those of you who knew Mason as a baby, do you remember the obnoxious amount of drool that came from his mouth on an hourly basis? I avoided all bibs in order to make his outfit remain cute therefore, making him a soaking wet disaster. Well, the time may have arrived to take off the tags and actually use them in his 2 1/2 year old state. Mason is getting his two year molars. For those of you in the dental world, the mesial buccal cusp of his maxillary second molars has erupted. For the rest of you, translation- cranky pants!

So far today we have had some strange conversations....

Mommy, Dora having ice cream (7:35am). I need too. YESSSS! I WANT ICE CREAM! Mommy MEAN!!!!!

Mommy, I want a baby in my tummy.

Mommy, I no like you last day.

Mommy, I neeeed you.

Mommy, I no like your bathrobe.

Needless to say, I have no expectations for what the next few hours will hold. Except perhaps a soaking wet child who yells at me because my red pants "bodder" him.