S To The G

Last month we met up with The Curtis Family in St. George for a little T 'n' C time.  

It was lovely!

We visited the St. George Temple

Documented the get together on film by balancing the camera on the heavy trash can we drug over into the middle of the parking lot

Cohen and Simon

Simon practicing his big brother skills

BFF's

BFF's

Yummy Brazilian food now in St. George!

On the way home.

2.5 days just isn't enough time with them.  Guess it's time for another road trip!

Shout Hooray

I wasn't going to have a birthday party for Cohen.  

He's well stocked with toys, clothes, books etc. plus he's one and not going to really care, and ultimately it would just mean more work for me. I know, Mom of the year.

However my family insisted so we had a low key night of presents and desserts.   

The pictures below are the only ones that weren't super blurry.  

Cohen scored big time in the book department

One of the clothing items he received was an Angel tee to wear this season.  Sparkle (his girlfriend) has a matching one too!

Whack-a-ball

I copied this idea.  It was easy and I'm please with the finished product.  

Note: The Very Hungry Caterpillar is one of Cohen's favorite books

Singing Happy Birthday

I think he liked it

I Heart...Domino's

I know I can't believe I'm saying it either.  

But since the I heart segment involves my recommendations it had to be done.

I recently watched an interview/mini documentary on Domino's Pizza.  In the video the CEO talked about Domino's history and past success in the pizza business.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't remember Domino's being a success or  tasty palatable in my lifetime, the words card board come to mind actually.  So, after watching and hearing them go on about how they started from scratch and completely reinvented their pizza recipe I though I would give it a try.
Friends, it was tasty!  Hands down better than Pizza Hut and yes, I'm going to  say it, Papa John's.  Their crust tastes like a garlic buttery bread stick and the sauce has a nice zing to it.  I also recently learned if you order online you can earn points toward a free pizza, not bad, not bad.
I heart Domino's.

Hola

Holla!

Como esta?

Bien, gracias.

Por favor enjoy...

Welcome to Manhattan Beach my love.  

Oh, pork salad, how do I love thee and the good ice in the fountain machine.  

We went opening week and got 5 stamps on our frequent diner card and I scored a free t-shirt that had a free meal coupon...cha ching!

Child labor

He's quite strong and follows directions well

We've been staying hydrated in the recent heat thanks to our friendly water boy

We've been putting our Disneyland passes to good use before Fridays become blacked out.  John and I have been on two dates baby free (it's nice that my parents live a stones throw from the magic kingdom)

Getting ready to see...

I was four when this came out originally.  I remember my dad took K.L. and me to see it for family home evening and we loved it. We came home and tried to recreate every dance for my mom and baby Janae.  Scooter, the dancers, the scary lady with clicky fingernails, and MJ were all just as good as I remembered.  "It's just another part of me...hee hee"

Cohen and I also joined some friends in our ward for super fun a day at Disneyland.  I totally felt like a mom pushing around a stroller in the crowd with my packed lunch and snacks and taking pictures with characters.  All I was missing was the fanny pack.

Me, Cohen, Danielle, Connor, Dale & Chip, Becky, and Kevin

Our boys are just a few months apart, we're training them to be BFF's now

Love the looks on Cohen's face in these next two

I found the Mad Hatter to be quite enjoyable, though Cohen was not amused

**Cohen got into a fight with the brick walk way out side of the mothers room (an awesome room off of main street with a partitioned nursing area, high chairs, a kitchen, and a sweet changing room with little toilets, ...they really do think of everything) and cut the inside of his lip.  He was bleeding so I tried to grab a paper towel in the mothers room but the Disney cast member sent me next door to first aid where they have certified R.N.'s.  By the time I walked the 10 yards to the first aid station Cohen's face and my hand were covered in blood, dang! the mouth sure can bleed.  Cohen was a bit shaken up by it, especially the part where me and two other nurses held him down to see how bad the cut was.  Once they let go and he got his sippy cup and a hug from mom he was fine.  Three cheers for the quick, kind, and professional nurses at Disneyland.**

Cohen gave in on Small World

Shortly after the other two boys followed suit

For Your Reading Enjoyment

This is my cousin Kaitlyn

Looks, brains, and humor, not to mention she rocks the neon paint.

I was looking through her abandoned blog tonight in hopes she had posted something. Negative. (Don't give me crap attitude about not posting)  Then I came upon this morsel of goodness and I laughed because
1. I couldn't agree more with her
2. I love playing would you rather, it was a favorite past time in college.
3. I am all to familiar with some of her entries. For example, the Uncle Lynn she speaks of is my dad and his toe nails are gross. And I've had to clean out my grandma's fridge...tortillas should not be green!

If only she posted more often.

I Heart

In an effort to keep up on my posting goal I've decided to add a reoccurring segment? feature?...you get the idea, called, I Heart.  It will be products/things that I love and would recomend. 

I Heart...cleaning

Dawn Direct Foam
One squirt really does last through all of your dishes (unless you have a huge batch).  In any case I find myself using much less soap than I used to with the dish gel.   I have gone through two bottles in the past year and a half.  Plus there's no need to keep buying a new bottle because they sell a refill bottle. 

Dyson Vacuum
This vacuum really is amazing.  Its suction power is impressive.  I love vacuuming with my Dyson, I don't have to go over and over the same area of carpet to get it clean.  The bagless design is convenient.  The telescopoing handle is easy to use.  What can I say, it just works properly. 
BTW have any of you seen/used the crazy Dyson hand dryers?  They have them at the Southwest terminal at LAX and at the new Cafe Rio in Manhattan Beach (post coming soon).  That Mr. Dyson knows what he's doing.

Mr Clean Magic Eraser
Oh. My. Goodness.  This is the answer to all (I don't want to be extreme in my reviews promising world peace if you use these products) most of your cleaning conundrums.  
Tough oven stains? No problem. 
Soap scummed shower doors and walls? No problem. 
Scuffed walls?  No problem. 
Crevasse ridden linoleum?  You guessed it, no problem. 
These little babies really have changed my cleaning life.  I have no idea what they are made of but they work.  Now, do yourself a favor and go buy some.  You can thank me later.

Like A Record Baby

TP

Since the beginning of toilet paper the masses have debated; should the roll be placed under or over?

Sides have been taken. Passionate arguments have been made.

The good folks at Cottonelle have taken it upon themselves to end the epic debate.

To add your two cents click here

Where do I stand?

It's all about the OVER. You never have to spin the roll round and round trying to find the start. It should fall like a waterfall. Period. 

Confession:When I'm in an offending loo I am tempted to turn it around and put the roll on the right way.  Most of the time I restrain myself.  People are entitled to hang the TP as they wish, even if they're wrong.

365=UNO

Ready for the "look what my kid can do" list? 

• He signs: more, milk, dad, finished/all done, eat/food, book, shoes, socks, orange, ball, thank you. And is getting good imitating me on many others
• He says: dad (da or dadada), mom (mama), woof/ruff
• He blows kisses
• He no longer drinks from a bottle
• He LOVES books
• He has 6 teeth. Four on top and two on bottom.
• Is a great night sleeper, though he is asserting his will power when it comes to naps, both in frequency and duration.
• Not a fan of showers.  Well that's an understatement, he HATES showers.
• He is a boy through and though.
• He loves blankies, like me.
• He is still very vocal and has recently found he has the ability to squeal.  This past Sunday during sacrament meeting, when everyone was quiet he let out a scream.  Yes, I have the noisy kid...but most of the time they're happy noises.
• When he gets tired he does a perfect downward dog, flat feet and all.
• Overall he is a good eater though we struggle with veggies still. grrrrr.
• He is friendly
• He loves his family (immediate and extended)
• I love holding him.  He has recently started to be a little clingy which I don't mind most of the time.  He has never been a cuddler but lately he has provided me with many a snuggle, hug, and kiss.
• He is such a happy smiley boy

 

Playing with John.  He loves to be thrown high.

No, I did not pose this picture.  You can often find him surrounded by books

the squeal

being silly

You are my I love you

Author: Maryann K Cusimano

I am your parent you are my child
I am your quiet place, you are my wild
I am your calm face, you are my giggle
I am your wait, you are my wiggle
I am your audience, you are my clown
I am your London Bridge, you are my falling down
I am your Carrot Sticks, you are my licorice
I am your dandelion, you are my first wish
I am your water wings, you are my deep
I am your open arms, you are my running leap
I am your way home, you are my new path
I am your dry towel, you are my wet bath
I am your dinner you are my chocolate cake
I am your bedtime, you are my wide awake
I am your finish line, you are my race
I am your praying hands, you are my saving grace
I am your favourite book, you are my new lines
I am your nightlight, you are my sunshine
I am your lullaby, you are my peek-a-boo
I am your kiss goodnight, you are my I love you

(Yes, Kevin, I cry every time I read it)

6 pm

Yesterday was my first day back at work after a wonderfully long winter break.  

It was a long day for both of us.

What was really impressive was his ability to stay asleep while I washed his hands and face over the sink.

Cohen as Joe Dirt

Amigos

In an effort to put off doing my lesson plans for a little bit longer I've decided to blog.

Today I am grateful for:

 Friends.  

Two kinds specifically.

1. Girlfriends.  

Even the ones who move away. 

Yesterday a very dear friend fell victim to the job opportunities and house prices of Northern California. (Nor Cal, I will never forgive you!)  Chelise left with her cute family taking with her Cohen's buddies.  She was Cohen's first babysitter and my go to yoga gal/comic relief/sister of my bf Challon/always make me feel good/up for visitors or activities any time lady and good friend.  Love ya like a sister (said in the style of Sue Sylvester)

Chelise (the offender), me, Kimi (previous offender), & Amy Jo  last year when Kimi left

2. Tall friends.

John's one and only suit had tear that required some fancy tailoring.  It will be ready Wednesday or Thursday.  No biggie, he was not due to appear in court til Friday, or so we thought.  Plans changed and he had a Monday court date and no suit.  

Cue the drama-Who would take him seriously in slacks?  Would he even be allowed to enter the courtroom sans suit?  Our livelihood was at risk people! 

Enter Brad.  Our friend who is tall.  Freakishly tall, like John, sorry Brad.  Truth be told Brad is 1 inch taller than John. He generously loaned his suave silver suit ensuring John's job.

No photo of our tall friend because I didn't want to steal one from their blog or fb but trust me he's tall...and nice...not necessarily in that order.

And scene.

Dangerously Close

In response to Brooke and Kaitlyn's comments from an earlier post

"The last one reminds me of a picture I've seen of a little kid in front of a tree"-Brooke

"Oh my gosh cohen IS doing the tree face!"-Kaitlyn

And now the pictures in question...

The infamous tree face picture of Brooke

Cohen's Letherby face

So, what do you think?

My thoughts- I think it's funny and cute (in a I'm his mother and will always think he's cute kind of way).  However, this would not be the picture I use to brag about my childs dashing good looks:)

Christmas 2009

Our Christmas was spent up north in Sacramento county.

We...

spent lots of time playing with cousins

This sweet thing was blessed

Trying to get the babies to smile

With our favorite Vivrette uncle and aunt and half of their family

The John P. Tullis family minus Tom :(

fun and games at the park

Enjoyed us some good chocolate cake...

And overall had a very happy Christmas