Fraiche and Friends

A few weeks ago some friends from New York came to Palo Alto. Amy, Mary, and I went to Fraiche for the first time. And since then, I have been back and back and back for the yummiest yogurt. Amy having been to Pinkberry and Fraiche said they are really similar - so hooray, I feel like I can finally taste what I keep hearing about - and it is yummy. I went three times this week and I keep dragging friends along. Thank you Hannah for sharing in the first place! It was the perfect place to take old friends and I am making new friends too. As I was waiting to pick up James from school I found another friend - just by saying Fraiche. So hooray for the yogurt that has the power to make and keep friends, just by being so yummy!

Does calcium really help burn fat? Sounds good to me!

Miss Teen Jabberwocky

There haven't been so many nonsensical phrases and words since Lewis Carol's Jabberwocky. Not having enough maps is such a problem...what?! "The Iraq and the Asian Countries" - The Iraq?! And of course, her use of "such as" is beyond words. I haven't laughed so hard.

JABBERWOCKY
(one stanza from Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There, 1872)

`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves

Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:

All mimsy were the borogoves,

And the mome raths outgrabe.

"Beware the Jabberwock, my son!

The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!

Cookies for Breakfast

Call me crazy, but I think that cookies are a perfectly acceptable breakfast. In fact, that's what I had this morning. Oatmeal...Eggs...Butter...don't most breakfast foods contain these ingredients?! And have it with a glass of milk, we're talking a perfectly rounded meal. Energy bars are passe - cookies are where its at. Or at least I'll keep telling myself that as I tend to eat more cookies than the average person.

Lullaby

I love singing lullabies to my children. There is something so gratifying about singing for all I'm worth without being told I can't sing. They like the company so endure the sounds...Tonight I invented quite a few words to Wynken, Blyken, and Nod. But, my kids favorite is Barges...

Out of my window looking in the night
I can see the barges’ flickering light;
Silently flows the river to the sea,
And the barges too go silently.


Chorus
Barges, I would like to go with you,
I would like to sail the ocean blue
Barges, have you treasures in your hold?
Do you fight with pirates brave and bold?


Out of my window looking in the night
I can see the barges’ flickering light;
Starboard shines green and port is glowing red,
You can see them flickering far ahead

iTunes - Apologize.

This song was in my head all weekend - and I could only remember the chorus. Anyhow, here it is...Apologize by Timbaland featuring One Republic. Its been in my head since I heard it on SYTYCD. But, before you click - know that's its not a music video - it's better. I have discovered that if you are a teenager the best way to waste your time is to create your own love videos between characters you adore. This one is Ron and Hermione - its hysterical. I also stumbled onto a Zanessa treasure trove. That's right...go to YouTube, search for Zanessa (the predictable combination of Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudges from High School Musical 2), and you will find so many videos...plastering posters to your wall is nothing compared to this newest form of expression.

First Day of School

The Cars backpack is very hot - trust James.

If I can draw your attention to the shirt - its actually wearing the backpack. James laid it out just like this!

Here he is! The Kindergartener!

tummy ache

I was going to do a cute post about the shoes and backpack James picked out for Kindgergarten. But, I just can't. Try as I might, I cannot feign any excitement for the rotten first day of school tomorrow. We went and met his teacher today with all of the other kids in his class - and all I felt was a tummy ache. You know, the kind of yucky feeling you have when you don't want to go to swim lessons (well, that's what James has been telling me at least). Anyhow, I want to sit down and mourn his childhood - I feel like its over. I thought I would feel elated - but nope, sick. I don't want to pretend I'm fun and cute when meeting the other moms - I'd rather just hide. So, there it is, the truth.

Lemonade and Cookies x 2

The number one rule of summer is...
STOP at all lemonade stands.

Today as I was driving home from James' last swimming lesson, I pulled over for the cutest little six year old girl selling lemonade and cookies. It reminded me of the summer my sister stopped at what looked to be like a lemonade stand. But, the little girl was selling pet rocks. Pet Rocks!! How cute is that?

Anyhow, I have to sadly admit I have broken the number one rule of summer three times this year - and buying three glasses today helps me feel better.

I must also say that the little girl did a much better job with the lemonade than the ladies from the school board. They were serving lemonade and cookies as well. It was this afternoon, at a before school get together, and I learned all about the props and parcel taxes that pay for schooling. Lets just say, that the treats were the highlight.

But for my final tangent, let me just say that my cookie recipe and the Limeade from Odwalla would probably earn the more that the little girl and definitely more than the school board woman...maybe I should have a lemonade stand. Do you think I'd get benefits?!

Shuka Splash Me

When I was in Utah, my parents took my boys to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Marine World in my youth). James loved the roller coasters and even created Nine Flags Discovery Kingdom on paper. Chase cannot stop talking about the whale that splashed him, "Shuka splash me" he says over and over! Here they are sucking the salt water off their hands - ewwey! You can tell they are riveted!

I almost forgot

It has been a long time since I've been on BYU campus, and I almost forgot about all of the door holding that goes on. Everywhere we went on campus, someone was holding a door. Its nice to be in a land of gentleman - its a dying breed. But, I am hoping I can raise my boys to be one of the door holders -- gentlemen.

Red Toes

Red shoes and red toes are the best, because when you can see toes, you know its still warm! Here's to summer!

Redwood Giants

The redwood trees of the west are more than a little bit amazing. On a recent visit, I couldn't help but be strengthened by their story. We found redwood trees that had literally had their insides burned away by fire, but the tree still found a way to grow; hollow at the base and yet flourishing in the canopy. Because the redwood actually gets 70% of its water from the fog or moisture in the air it can survive without a strong root system. It goes against what we know, but I suppose the metaphor for life is expanded when we think about this giant Sequoia. We can indeed find strength all around us - when a piece of us is gone, it doesn't mean its over - just different.

What to Wear?

Isn't this the never-ending question. What should I wear? Every morning I ask it. And right now I am wondering what I'll wear to the wedding? and the breakfast? and the reception? I feel the weight of fashion week every time there is a big event - a dear friend getting married, a trip, a luncheon with old friends. Who am I kidding?

I wish that I could just take a page out of Chase's fashion guide. He is ruled strictly by jerseys and shirts (the "s" is very important because now that he has learned to put his own shirts on he like to wear multiple). And how could I fail to mention - the boots. That's right, its not raining but it is once again wellie weather - Chase is still wearing his boots to the pool, to dig holes in the yard, and of course when he feels like he really needs to dress up. The Crocs are perfect for James - but hold no temptation for Chase. And I guess that's why he reminds me of Gossie - the goose who is always wearing red boots.

So, watch out, if I show up to the wedding in red rain boots - you'll know I've put on my finest!

...it really is the never-ending question, isn't it?!

Holey, Holey!

Here we go...

So, it looks like my chance to over-program my child starts now. I just received my back-to-school packet and have the opportunity to sign James up for...
fencing
spanish
french
math
one on one basketball
engineering fundamentals
chess
sports
...and of course, these are only the activities provided at the school. So, I have a longer list if I look at the community. Here's the thing - how am I to pick the one or two things. And I shutter to think of the people doing it all - because some people just do.

Its times like this that I realize I am in the slow lane - just permanently stuck here. I like activities - James has done music, art, swimming, gymnastics over the years - but I can only do about one thing at a time. And then I like to sit down and take a deep breath and do a whole lot of nothing for awhile. I really like it when there isn't a mad rush to drive here - do this. I am just not a do-er. Sigh. But here I go...non do-er about to enter a very doing time.

Austen Snob

Old Grouchy Lady (a Lady Katherine DeBourgh type) says to young Jane Austen, "What is she doing?"

A sister replies, "Writing."

Old Lady Response, "Can anything be done about that."

Thank goodness no one is going to tell me to stop writing...even though there are times I probably should. I know that without an editor, I probably get too winded. But writing is such a release. So, here's a lot about a little -- a stream of consciousness, because I can.

I couldn't decided about going to see this newest Jane Austen movie - because lets be real - its not a Jane Austen movie. Somebody wealthy wants to capitalize on the cult like fans of other Austen books turned into movies. I've personally seen all versions of the Pride and Prejudice - including earlier and later BBC versions. So, I guess I am that target audience - the cult member without realizing it. But, I really can't get enough of Austen's language. She uses words I drool over - words I couldn't ever work into conversation - but wish I could. She is hysterical too - I can hear lines like "I would have been a great proficient, had I ever learned" -- love it. She is so sarcastic - I can't help but chuckle. Austen seems to mock so many groups - wealthy people with no prudence, women who do nothing but drool over men, all people without intellect. And I think that I, myself, am a mocker. I mean, not really, never on a one on one basis. But in general, I seem to have an opinion. Like about the movie. I decided I couldn't keep myself away. The dresses, the romance, I had to go. And although, it doesn't work out happily ever after like the movies - the real was refreshing. And because I guess I am a sell out - I have to don my mother the true crown - she is officially an Austen Snob who won't see the flick. And that's why I love her (although, I'm hoping she'll sell out after reading one little portion of the real letter from Jane Austen to her sister...)

On 16 January 1796, there is another mention of him in a letter.
Friday. -- At length the day is come on which I am to flirt my last with Tom Lefroy, and when you receive this it will be over. My tears flow as I write at the melancholy idea.

Its just enough to build on - and I'm a sucker for romance. And hello, James McAvoy - I really fell for their tete a tete. It just makes sense. Ok, my word hoard is over - but watch out - there's more ink where this comes from.

Chase Face

I found the camera in Chase's bed - he happily took forty four pictures before the camera's batteries died - but, there was only one photo with his little face - the proof of his mischief - I wish I could see his little grin - he had some fun before he fell asleep!

Usefull Spells (sic)

I was cleaning up James desk and found this list of "Usefull Spells" - its nice to have a list like this on hand (although it appears he has been inventing spells as well as borrowing them). He also told me he was making a list of "fierce names for sports teams" yesterday morning, if I find it, I'll include it.

Charming James

Opal is charming - look at that cute pig grin - really, I am in love with Holly Hobbie's watercolors and characters. She is really the happiest author - and now we have something in common with Charming Opal...James has a loose tooth too! This is great excitement. And now all I need to figure out how best to get in touch with the tooth fairy. Does anyone have ideas of the going rate? I remember she used to bring a quarter (or various loose change from her pocket) - but I heard of a child who found ten dollar bills under his pillow - did he have extraordinary teeth - or is this the newest standard? I really need to get in touch with her - it could be any day.