Blogging Funk

I think this is normal. I've seen it before.

I'm in a blogging funk.

I hope it doesn't last long because I really enjoy blogging.

and I really enjoy YOUR blog updates.
and I'm sorry that I haven't been keeping up on my end.

wish me luck. I want to come back.

here is a little photo journal for now.

THAT trip to san fransisco
this is where I spotted jaden as we were standing in line for the trolley ride.
he was trying to get a better look at the pirate ship.

don't miss the golden gate there in the background.
beckam on his "hog"he finally figured out pedaling

we told the boys they could wait outside on the stairs for us to leave for church
(before I realized their hair hadn't been combed)
when micah looked out the window, this is what he saw
jaden told beckam to lay down on his lap again, like he was before, so daddy could take a picture
I just LOVE these boys!!
we are so lucky. they are so much fun.
I can't believe my "baby" is so big.
nobody ever believes he's only recently turned 2.
he also talks like a 5 year old:
"I already told you that," "okayyyy,"
"no, YOU [do such and such]," "is this dangerous?" (although our 5 year old never asked that question)

today, I heard beckam crying while at the playground. I found him at the base of the stairs with his "hog" tipped over. I asked him if he had ridden down the stairs and he said yes. when I told micah, he said, "no way, that doesn't sound like something he would do." he was right. when beckam reenacted the accident he was actually trying to ride UP the stairs and flipped backwards or perhaps sideways.

oh and in other news, I was just reminded that I felt the baby moving yesterday and more today.
I'm nearly 18 weeks so it's probably been happening for awhile and I didn't realize it.
only 3 weeks until G day (aka ultrasound, gender day--if it'll cooperate).

have I told you about our exciting excursions lately?

it started with that eventful trip to the bay. we were lucky enough to have jenny come stay with us for a few days over her spring break and we decided to go visit erin while she was here. we arrived friday, late afternoon. during our visit, we walked the streets of china town, saw a fortune cookie factory that was incredibly interesting, toured HM, saw cannons being fired aboard a pirate ship, rode a trolley--jaden even got to hold on to a pole on the outside for one leg of the trip, ate at the rain forest cafe and had our first taste of ethiopian cuisine.
oh yeah and whilst awaiting the arrival of the check at said authentic eatery, a lady comes running to our table asking if we drive an acura suv to only then inform us that it had just been broken into and whatever was attached to our windshield stolen. that would be our portable gps. we always considered its portability a bonus, hum. so saturday, what was supposed to be 45 min. turned into most of the afternoon being spent at the glass shop. of course we had to leave saturday evening because a certain furry somethin' would be arriving in the morning to hide the easter eggs. and we left beckam's stroller at home. oh, and on our way back to erin's house on friday evening our car started making this strange knocking noise. and I'll just stop there.

after a good nights sleep and the morning festivities, including creamed eggs on toast, I got the courage back to pack up again for our road trip to arizona. "our" being me and the boys (just the little ones). we were a little curious about that knocking noise considering the hundreds of miles I'd be covering in the next couple of days so micah set out to access the situation. what he found--oh, two of our lug nuts loose enough to turn with his hand. coincidence? I say NO. had it not been for our lug nut locks, I think we may have been missing more than our gps (micah's not convinced).

I'm happy to report our trip to arizona was perfectly smooth and only eventful by way of visiting with old friends and family (including my 93? year old great, great aunt) and fun kid activities. I have to give a shout out to my incredible boys, who I'd wager are the best 2 and 5 year old road trippers ever. we were on the road for 13 hours each way (broken down to 4 hrs. one day and 9 the next) and there was never a complaint heard or a whine uttered--AMAZING! yes, I realize that will ALL change in 6 months but that's precisely why I did it now. I also have to admit that the only dvd watching was during beckam's one nap (each way), which was a welcome and much deserved reward.

so we've just been recovering lately and trying to get back into the groove. I was in bed by 9:30 the first few days, which really cut into my blogging time--I had no idea how exhausted I was. I think we're back now.

Miriam Lovell Photography

we just returned from a HELL-a-tious (is that a word?) trip to san fransisco. I can't post about it yet because it's all too fresh in my mind that I'm afraid you wouldn't hear any of the positive things about it and there were a few--all I want to do is whine about the series of unfortunate events.

so instead I would LOVE to tell you about the package we found upon our arrival home and how much it brightened my spirits.

our cousin miriam (or minna as she's more commonly known to us) has recently launched a line of photo cards. she is so creative and has cards for any occasion.
and she just sent me my very own box. I am so thrilled! they are beautiful!
I didn't realize that it was an actual photo attached to the card.

this is just one of many photos available at
miriamlovell.com
go there now and see for yourself.
I think my very favorites are Places.
but you must see them all.
right here (click.on.here).

April Fools Fun

Our family takes April Fool's Day pretty seriously. I'm glad they do, it is an important and distinguished holiday.

In a nutshell:

My dad and sister tried to trick me into believing that he was dating a 29 year old woman that was very appreciative of my dad's financial generosity. Amy did a GREAT job of being believably concerned about it. I actually didn't realize she was in on it - I thought my dad was just trying to trick us both.

As payback, I called my mom (serving a mission in South Africa) and then conference called my sister. I kept quite so my sister only thought she was talking to my mom. My sister didn't pick up the first call, so my mom left a message detailing how there was some risk of military action in South Africa and all the missionaries were being removed as a precaution. My mom and her companion were able to either come to a state-side temple or come home. My sister was pretty quick in calling the prank - but she was most surprised that I was in on it.

That was just the beginning.

Once Amy was a part of it, and now that we had my mom's message on the machine. We called all of our siblings and our dad to further perpetuate this April First Fun. We didn't get a hold of two brothers (probably wisely screening their calls) and our sister-in-law answered by saying: "whatever it is we don't believe it." Indeed she didn't buy it - although she did say it was a great attempt after hearing the message from my mom.

The brother I did get a hold of was quite convinced - although he brilliantly inserted his own little lie to quickly flush out whether it was a prank. After a few conversations about it (and without having heard the tape yet) he said that he had told his cousin who told his dad who was calling the Church office because he was so concerned. Nice job Myron. Way to flush out the prank.

My dad was equally suspicious at first, but upon hearing the tape he fell for it hook, line, and sinker. This was most rewarding considering my dad's history of pranks (see below). The best part was when he was looking for the news on the web and I told him I'd found some information on it at www.aprlfls.com - gradually adding more vowels until it was abundantly clear that he had been April FOOLED.

Notable Past Pranks:

My dad made a tape with a delayed start. On the tape was the sound of broken glass and the sounds of someone breaking into the house. When he and my mom went to bed he started the tape and turned the volume up. Not too long later my mom hears the sound of breaking glass and excitedly tries to get my dad to go downstairs because someone's breaking in. My dad cowered under the covers and refused to go down. My mom got so mad at this "chicken" behavior and finally went down on her own - after pounding on my dad as subtle coercion to take care of things - which was unsuccessful.
Lolly would kill me if I tried something like this.

While on her mission, my sister wrote a letter telling us that she was being transfered from New York Spanish speaking to the Salt Lake City Temple Visitor's Center. Before my mom even finished the letter (in which the April Fool's disclaimer was subtly expressed) she called the Bishop and others, very sad about the transfer. This is one of the reasons why this years Payback was so enjoyable.


While at Ricks College, some friends and I switched the living room and dining room furniture between two apartments (and much of their kitchenware) while they were sleeping. We also tied the doorhandles shut in a dorm hall (with facing doorhandles) and lined up all the vacuum cleaners from the entire building in their hall and turned them on.

While on my mission, I sent my zone on an early morning wild-goose hunt walking from chapel to chapel only to find another note saying the meeting got changed to another location. The end result was, of course, no meeting but what was hopefully a motivating activity/lesson (not the prank, the banana splits).

Once we called my mom on her way from California to Salt Lake for General Conference and told her that conference was canceled due to a terrorist threat.

Oh so many more . . . . Like my sister said: We're going to have to assign different days to celebrate this dignified holiday. Then we'd have to keep track of which days were allowable prank days from the different people. This would spice things up even more.

it's official

we have booked our campsite for

Limekiln State Park in Big Sur.
we'll stay the night thursday, august 16
and leave on saturday the 18th.

unless they'll let us stay one more night.
we'll be living in monterey by then,
which is only an hour away
so we can hang out there sat. night.

our space accommodates 8,
which will cover our family and
the jeromy and carrie dyer family.
this is our 2nd limekiln camping trip together
and it was our turn to book.

spaces are extremely limited.

so family (and friends),
if you're game,
book your reservation NOW.

click on the Limekiln link above
and then on "reservations & fees."
ours is a tent space only.
but reservations are not site specific.

we discovered this hidden treasure during our first year of marriage while living in san luis obispo. I randomly selected this campground from all others along the 90 mile Big Sur coastline and surprised micah for his birthday. the campsites are under the redwoods along a beautiful creek while others overlook the ocean. the creek flows all the way down to the ocean and up to a beautiful waterfall. after 5 years, it was so interesting to see how much the fall had changed. much of the pool had been filled from landslides and the amount of water falling was much less.
still amazing and beautiful!

Is it too early to post about Mother’s Day?

(Note: This is my inaugural post in the blogging-world. Micah)

The Little Boy Found, by William Blake (1791)

The little boy lost in the lonely fen,
Led by the wand’ring light,
Began to cry, but God ever nigh,
Appear’d like his father in white.

He kissed the child & by the hand led
And to his mother brought,
Who in sorrow pale, thro’ the lonely dale
Her little boy weeping sought.

(from Songs of Innocence)

I love my mom, my mother-in-law and my grandmothers. But this praise of the highest order is for my dear wife and the mother of our boys.

During dinner tonight Lolly and Jaden had this exchange.

Lolly:

Thanks for eating your dinner so good, Jaden.

Jaden:

You’re welcome.

Thanks for being a mom.

Thanks for having babies.

Thanks for having me.

I was glad that Jaden expressed what very few mothers get to hear. Thanks. Not just for making the dinner. Not just for sacrificing so much for him everyday. Not just for being the kind of mother that would go through the lonely fen looking for her lost child. But thanks for being my mother.

Thanks for deciding to have me. Thanks for giving birth to me. Thanks for staying up with me, feeding me, bathing me, teaching me how to walk, how to talk.

Thanks for always asking about my day after school, even when my responses are somewhat lacking. Thanks for praying with me and teaching me about my Heavenly Father.

Thanks for everything. Basically . . . as summed up by Jaden (and expandable to all mothers):

“Thanks for having me.”

can anyone guess

where you can do this
AND this
all on the same day?!

here's another hint
it was amazingly beautiful
(why is this the 1st time I've ever been I ask you?!!!
it won't be the last.)

what a fabulous weekend with family
for such an exciting cause.
we were celebrating the nuptials of
shane and lauren dyer.
(click above)
she's an incredible girl and we're so happy for them!

here's some more pics of the FUN:
THANK YOU dyers
for including us in this perfect weekend.
so FUN.

The Goods

ONE girl made a whole LOT of people happy todaywith this generous donation.

15 ENORMOUS bags of loot were transported from the hill residence in bakersfield
here to solano park to bless the lives of many.
21 families at last count.
when jaden got home from school and saw the scene he asked his dad,
"did you sell anything yet?"
micah replied, "well, we're not selling it but we've given a lot away."
jaden: "why aren't you selling it? don't you want to make some money?"
micah: "since auntie shelli gave it to us, we're giving it to other people."
--end of discussion--

2 minutes later, jaden returns with these:
and his cash register and announces,
"10 dollars for this side and 12 dollars for that one."
then he waits for a second and wonders why no one is coming.
micah was ever so proud. a boy after his own heart.

there was something for everyone:

shell, we can't THANK YOU enough.
you can't even imagine how grateful everyone was!

YOU are AMAZING!
in my lifetime, I hope you can feel charity at its finest for yourself.
we loved seeing you and your family this weekend.
we LOVE you!

a womb with a view

I know, not a very good one.

but good enough for us to see a 9 1/2 week old baby with a HEARTBEAT.

jaden is REALLY excited and would LOVE a SISTER.
he took this picture with him to school today.

beckam thinks a dog would be nice:
"beckam, do you want a baby brother or sister?"
"no, a DOG."

WE JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW!

today

jaden comes running in the house upon returning from church after being told to come inside to change clothes to get ready for our picnic and exclaims,
"mom! I started to stay outside to play but then I remembered...EXACTNESS...and I ran right inside."
LOVE THAT BOY!! may he always remember exactness.
AND, in reflecting on his recent field-trip to the library and getting to see behind the scenes of the book return, he said, "that was such a great opportunity."

as beckam is walking out of the house on his way to our picnic with his ovaltine, he says, "I going drink my coffee outside."
you know, since that's a drink of choice in our house--WHAT?! where do they come up with these things?! oh yeah, from my family. he's also been heard from the backseat calling, "I want my starbucks." ever tried their strawberry creams? he knows what's good.

the girls are back!

this just so happens to be the view out our back sliding glass door. these are my hydrangeas.
my dear friend becky left them in my care when she moved to arizona. with my extremely limited skills, I've tried my best to care for them. I was so sad and worried when I had to leave them over the summer for 3 months.
luckily, they were well cared for and they were even still in bloom when I returned.
since I honestly have zero plant sense (you know, like common sense, which I do have but have learned it doesn't apply to plants since they usually die in my care. I tend to over-care for things like plants and, well, fish. BUT I am getting better because see I realize that I tend to over-care so I'm curbing that now), I've been terrified for them since winter hit. I did some research but there are so many different varieties,
many requiring different types of care
so I decided doing nothing was my safest bet.
well, the other day, my sweet neighbor came over while I was outside. she handed me this little pouch of powder and suggested I mix it with water and use it the next time I watered (which I haven't even done for probably 4 mo.). it was miracle gro, which I proudly and excitedly announced, I happened to already have--purchased especially for them. so I took her advice.
then I gave them so more. and viola! they liked it.
thanks for looking out for us wendi!
now just wait til you see these girls in full-bloom!!

This Is the view...

from my kitchen window.

I really love having a window in my kitchen with a view

to look at while I'm working.
over the summer, the ocean was really nice
but I enjoy this one, too. especially right now with all
the cherry blossoms!
they really make me happy and the dishes get done before I know it. Totally coincidentally, I noticed yesterday, we're even using cherry blossom hand soap--thanks grandma.
kinda fun.
this is also an important view because just beyond the cherry trees is a huge playground where Jaden can run around free while I make dinner or clean-up.
I very SERIOUSLY don't know how we'll live without this!
I'm sad that we'll have to.
I know it's monterey but that will probably mean no yard or fenced outdoor area.
there are some things that are important to my sanity.
easy access to forms of energy release is one them.
over the summer we resorted to a mini-tramp and chin-up bar.

Have You Seen This?

Did you LOVE it?
we did!

I know we're a little behind.
actually a lot.

My Auntie

this is my auntie. she is my mom's identical twin sister. she is marlys and my mom is mayvis. these two are as genuine as their names! since my mom became a single parent of four when I was 2, auntie's role in our life was HUGE. we were her children. she lived with us a lot of the time and her authority was taken no less seriously than our mother's. in fact, you'd NEVER dare contend with her...if you knew what was good for you. there is no time in my life where her presence is not felt. she was always there. we always looked forward to her arrival. she LOVED, nurtured, adored, taught, guided, directed, supported and admired us as our own mother did and we could always count on that! you could always spot her face (or more accurately--her arms, flailing wildly to get your attention) in a crowd beaming with pride because she was really convinced that we were the smartest, prettiest, most creative and clever children alive. she would go on and on and on, and on and on, and on until you were nearly convinced yourself. like my sister said, "no need to spend too much time considering what to wear to the funeral because she won't be there to tell us how gorgeous we look." our auntie passed away Feb. 6, 2007 to a beautiful guitar serenade. she struggled with her health for the past three years, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma a year ago and underwent stem-cell replacement therapy in november with my mom as the donor. her body was tired and now she can rest in peace! her presence will be missed exponentially but she will be with me always. she is a part of me and I am forever grateful for the things she taught me and the hand she had in molding me into who I am today!!
thank you auntie, you will be cherished always! I LOVE You!

a candelight dinner

after tossing the kids in the tub and returning to the kitchen to finish up our leftovers, this is what I found.





a candlelit dinner-- with the yummiest leftovers served on the kids plastic plates--it was a surprise and such a sweet and spontaneous move by the coolest husband!

now the recipe for the yummiest leftovers
(so quick and easy and great to freeze)
chimichangas
1 can (29oz.) pinto beans, rinsed/drained
1 can (4oz.) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 can (7oz.) diced green chilies
1 cup prepared coleslaw mix with carrots
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
1 3/4 cups salsa
6 whole wheat (or low fat or whatever kind YOU like) tortillas (10 in.)
lowfat sour cream
sliced green onions

*combine beans, olives, chilies, coleslaw mix, cheese and 1 cup of salsa in bowl
*wrap tortillas in cloth towel and microwave 1 1/2 min., until hot and pliable
*fill tortilla with mixture, fold in all four sides
* place seam down on a lightly oiled baking sheet
*bake at 425 until crisp and brown, about 15 min.
*top with remaining salsa, sour cream and green onions
(from Quick, Light and Healthy)
I can give you all the nutrition values if you're into that.
THANK YOU SANDY

oh, and speaking of chimichangas, please read
skippyjonjones
by judy schachner
there are three and they are hilarious!
THANK YOU SHELL

inspiring and creative posts

You should read this:

"on blooming where you're planted"
kelly is INCREDIBLE

look at this:
"Fancy Nancy"
and read this, too
"Last Breath"
amy is AMAZING

a BEAUTIFUL day

today, jaden stayed home from school with a hacking cough.

(it's so hard to know when to keep your kids home!)
beckam had to be to the Dr. by 8:30.
he hasn't been in over a year so I wondered how it would go.
he weighed in at at 31 lbs. the dr. said his cooperative nature was quite unusual for a 2 year old exam!
the very sad part was after his perfect exam, he had to have 3 shots. his feelings were so hurt and as he's crying he's saying, "that hurt me." heartbreaking.
he didn't even want to do a donut run afterwards!
so we went to the cow barn instead. beckam always calls cows horses so I wanted to set him straight. the calves were so cute and the cows were kind enough to give some good "moos."
the kids loved it.
in order to give little B a good comparison, we headed over to the horse stables. the colts were in the pasture putting on a great show and the mares were all getting new shoes. I'd say the highlight was the obnoxious "hee-hawing" donkey...right in our face. the boys thought it was hilarious.
then, jaden and I did 6 loads of laundry during beckam's nap, played bocce and birdie golf until jaden's buddy came over and invited him to go on a bike-ride through the arboretum to visit the horses...again, to feed them carrots.
remember we live on-campus. the arboretum runs through the campus with a beautiful scenic bike trail along it. the horse stables are along the way.
beckam and I spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning up the front and back patios. we did such a good job even micah noticed when he got home.
for dinner: yellow curry! trader joe's has the most delicious yellow curry sauce. steam some potatos and carrots, sautee chicken, add sauce and serve on a bed of jasmine rice--so tasty, easy and fast!
we had a successful pretzel dipping/decorating mutual activity attended by TWO of our inactive YW and upon returning home, my AWESOME husband was tackling the laundry!
now, it's nearly all folded as I'm completing this post.
a very BEAUTIFUL day, indeed!
does it get any sweeter than this?

here's what they think of me...revised, again

you've seen these right? this email forward that you usually delete when you get tagged. but I couldn't resist responding to Laura and thought it would be fun to see what others had to say. so forward I did hit and this is what some of them (those selected from my contact list) had to say:

Where did we meet:
BYUH School of Education; in Davis at church; hawaii: in your office, you were my academic advisor for a little while; Jenny's 10th birthday party; a party

Take a stab at my middle name:
Lynn; Petunia; Marie; Anne
actually Janelle

How long have you known me:
since 2001; 2 years; 3 years; 5 years; 18 years; 9 years

Do I smoke:
no way; sometimes (j/k); no; weed?
actually no. tried it once, maybe twice. I wasn't raised lds, remember?

What was your first impression of me upon meeting:
I thought you were older than you really were. I thought you were very nice; fun and outgoing; she's a fashion icon; you were so young to have such a big job; this girl is not very nice (ok. remember this was 18 years ago); very friendly and easy to talk to
I'm glad I at least give a good first impression. fashion icon? nope, just have a really cool sister and humility to accept her hand-me-"overs."

Color of my eyes:
blue; brown; hazel; green
actually blue

Do I have any siblings & how many:
2 sisters & 1 brother; a lot-maybe 5; yes-no idea; yes, but your family always confuses me. I know you have two sisters...
yep. 2 sisters, 1 brother and 3 step-sisters and 3 step-brothers

What's one of my favorite things to do:
be with your family & going to the beach; visit family in Bakersfield; blog; play with your kids; talk--in a great way. also service. whenever I see you, you're helping your sister or grandma or other sister or someone
right on! I especially like being with my family outdoors: riding bikes, going on walks, hikes, adventures. I also really like to organize and try my best to stay in touch with friends.

Do you remember one of the first things I said to you:
nope; you're from Bakersfield? so am I; hi; probably something [rude]; probably, "you're mormon? do you know micah nilsson?"

What's my favorite type of music:
I think you like all kinds; Jack Johnson; 80's?; alternative
yeah, that about covers it

What is the best feature about me:
you are very nice & a wonderful friend; body, pretty face and smile; you are so___but really nice and friendly; super nice; your heart; eyes, infectious smile
well, I try really hard to be a good friend, to eat right and stay active (know I could use more exercise) so Thank You for your kindness! But now I'm still wondering about the: "you are so___but really nice and friendly" part? The blank line really wasn't included but there was no word there. hum?

Am I shy or outgoing:
outgoing; definitely outgoing (I love that about you)
I'm not very shy am I

Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules:
mostly follow the rules; when I'm around you follow the rules; borderline rebel; follow the important rule, bend the rest
actually I think I'm a rebellious rule follower. I'm all about the spirit of the law! I really dislike (trying to avoid using the word "hate") following the rules for the rules sake. I like finding the true and greater purpose in obedience.

What's your favorite memory of me:
I loved in TVA when we would just hang out at night after work. Life was so easy then!!; helping me out when I was sick. You were a true Angel. You came over to my house and decorated it and really made it beautiful. I will never forget this; reading your yucky histories on your blog; seeing you in El Cajon at Panda Express-sooo random; cockroaches, crazy chicken lady, joey spray, green rocks, saddam hussein & moldy underwear, poor deaf guys @ subway, frogs in the pool, toilet papering joe cliffords house [and the cops], ordering rusty's at midnight through your bedroom window, sub station on a friday evening after school, falling down your backyard fence, falling down the stairs babysitting, getting stuck in a tree 5 feet off the ground, dogsitting for the crazy lady, so many 4th of july's; staying with you in San Diego and laughing because brian said my dad wasn't fat, having you introduce me as the girl who kissed micah at your baby shower in hawaii (not favorite but memorable), you bringing jaden to the hospital to meet davin--I just loved it because we had talked soo much about them
these are all great memories--I still laugh when I read them! But again, I have my sister to thank for the opportunity of being an interior decorator for a day! all those at the end would make for some very humiliating yet entertaining stories!

Any special talents:
You know how to make people feel special; yes many: straight forward, real, not fake, a great mom and a true friend, funny, energetic, very compassionate, very well-rounded; good taste in decorations, very compassionate; smart; hanging loogies over friends faces and sucking them in and out of your mouth, super strength crushing thighs, amazing pinching toes (again, this is a best friend of 18 years!); making people feel very at ease, an ability not to stress, fun mom, wonderful wife
It's so fun/nice/interesting/embarrassing to see how others perceive you. Being real is important to me and I really try to be a good mom and true friend. Can't take credit for decorations--Shell, you're getting a lot of attention here. I think my friends would really like you!
Also, I think my mom is onto something: if you're tall people think you're smart (isn't that funny). I sure have you guys fooled. and, oh, I do stress. when this tiny little space I live in gets too out of whack--I stress. tripping over stuff, chaos=stress.

How many children do I have:
2: Jaden McKay Maika'i & Beckam Scott
exactly

If there was one good nickname for me, what would it be:
Lolly; sexy mama; lolly princess; Lol-bug; cali girl;
actually hilarious!

If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what one thing would I bring?
Book of Mormon; health food; your make-up (he he); your family; a tape-recorder; your glasses that you fished out of a port-a-potty
I love this one! I do have to say though that if it was a desert, it would be sunny and hot, right? Since my complexion does much better with sunshine, I could leave the make-up. I would LOVE my sunglasses...obviously, right? I'd also really like some pictures. I LOVE pictures!

Pretty much sums me up. There's a lot of things I'm not but I'm learning to be grateful for who I am and to just appreciate others for who they are instead of wishing I were more...or thinking I'm the worst because.... and of course, I'm always working on improving in areas of need and thankful we can do that.

the family of perpetual motion 2006

Creative Geniuses

so many of my girlfriends have started on-line businesses!
you can check them out under the
"my friends and their cool stuff you can buy" heading.
the large majority of the christmas gifts I gave came from them
and were such a hit.
I admire their creativity and dedication.
this is my plug.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Beckam Scott Nilsson

he arrived with his chord tangled around his body, around his neck and in a knot.
he was underwater for a long time while the midwives unraveled him.
AMAZINGLY, he was just fine.

then he had to go back to the hospital twice in his first month for 5 days
but he's been PERFECT ever since!!

we think he's VERY special.
he came out ready for the world!
Today, he's
2


Best Buds!
Beckam's world revolves around his brother!

recipes, as requested:

BBQ Chicken (phoebe)
4-6 chicken breasts
1/3 cups chopped onions
3 tablespoons butter
¾ cups ketschup
1/3 cup vinegar
3 tablespoons brown sugar
½ c water
2 teaspoons yellow mustard
1 tablespoon worchestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Sautee onions and butter. Add all other ingredients and simmer 15 min. while browning chicken in oil. Place chicken in baking dish and add all other ingredients. Bake at 350 for 1 hr., uncovered.
*This can also be prepared in the crock-pot.

Mexi-bowls
Place desired amount of chicken breasts or boneless pork chops in crock-pot (frozen or thawed)
Add 1 jar salsa verde
¼ jar red salsa
1 can chicken broth
1 can Ortega chilies
Rinse jars with a small amount of water and add water to crock-pot
Season with:
garlic salt, lemon pepper, salt, pepper, pinch of sugar and a bit of lemon juice
Cook on high 4-6 hrs
Shred meat in crock-pot and add chopped zucchini, let simmer until tender. Place in bowl with Spanish rice, top with sour cream/cheese and serve with tortillas or corn chips.
*This can also be prepared on the stove-top

Spanish Rice (Heather)
1 ½ cups long grain white rice
3-4 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves pressed garlic
2 ½ cups water
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon paprika
1 can stewed tomato (pureed)

Sautee rice, oil, onion and garlic until rice is golden brown. Add all other ingredients and bring to boil. Cover and simmer 30-45 min. until water is absorbed and rice is tender.

Deep Pit (Ray)
1/3 cup red wine
¼ cup white vinegar
Garlic salt
5 cloves garlic
Tri-tip/chuck roast

Season meat with garlic salt and place in crock-pot. Add all other ingredients and cook 10 hrs. + on low. Shred meat in crock-pot and let simmer until ready to serve. Serve on French rolls with salsa.

Totally Divine Butternut Squash Soup (cchrissyy)
6 Tablespoons chopped onion
3 Tablespoons butter
6 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed (heaping cups, error on more, ie. 8 cups)
½ teaspoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
8oz. Cream cheese
3 cans chicken broth
Salt to taste before serving

Sautee onion in butter until tender. Add everything except cream cheese. Boil 2o min. (until squash tender). Puree squash and cream cheese until smooth (immersion blender, $10 Walmart, works GREAT). Do not boil. Serve with sourdough baguette.

*This soup is also great with these sandwiches:

Mozzarella/Basil/Tomato Sandwich (Alyson via Rachel Ray)
Fresh mozzarella balls, sliced
Fresh basil
Tomato slices
Rosemary focaccia bread (or any good bread)
Balsamic vinegar
Olive oil
*other veggies can be added: grilled red pepper, portabella mushrooms, zucchini, etc.

Grill bread in olive oil. Melt mozzarella with basil and tomato slices. Drizzle balsamic vinegar on bread before serving.

Post Season Highlights Cont....

Santa comes to Solano Park
atop a Fire Truck

anyone recognize this guy?

Beckam did.
After Santa left, Micah returned and asked Beckam if he saw Santa.
His reply--"Daddy Santa?"
___________________________________________________________________________

BAKERSFIELD highlights
this is what keeps us going back:

best buds. even better race car buds.
beckam can always find the "hemi-cudda" out of the entire collection.
he thinks his Papa is his infinite chocolate milk, juice and hot dog supplier
And looks forward to going to "papa's house to take a nap." wouldn't you?
and look what fun grandma's house is.
a remote control chair, a little red wagon chuck full of candy,
a jar of starbursts just within a little boys reach, tons of little nik-naks
that are so magical to little eyes and especially
a nice cozy lap for sleeping when you wake up too early.

COUSINS
staten, bradon and jaden
raia, cairo, beckam, jaden, evan, bradon, windsyr

Zorro
(with two SILVER cowboy guns, which are now illegal in CA and NY)
please don't miss this expression
___________________________________________
my adorable husband
I love hanging out with him. School breaks are oh so nice. How I wish this is what life was like once you grow up and that we didn't have to say goodbye to 3 week breaks once he graduates.
Retirement will be nice.
Early retirement would be even nicer.
On New Years Eve, we celebrated 7 years of LOVE and Marriage!!
We've LOVED and ADORED each other for 16 years now.
I'm so thankful to be married to my BEST friend.
What I LOVE best about him is that his family always comes first.
The balance he's maintained throughout law school is unbelievable.
He is so supportive, helpful and willing
(I mean he was Santa Claus for a night. he held screaming kids. he was sweating bullets. he'll treasure that experience forever. he didn't just do it. he loved it).
We are a great TEAM!
I'd follow him anywhere.

I'd still say all these things even if this hadn't been sitting in the driveway
on Christmas morning. with the red bow and more bows.
even though I didn't get to keep the diamond necklace or ride the Amtrak back to Davis. those things were just to throw me off. but the key that was in the jewlery box with the necklace, unlocked the padlock that was on the front door.
the keys in the box sitting on the front porch
unlocked our new (to us) 2002 Acura MDX.
Did I mention how INCREDIBLY romantic he is. He's so good as surprises.
really good at surprises.
have you heard our engagement story?
why did I get so lucky?!

I ADORE you Micah Nilsson. You're my Hero.

Post Season Highlights

We love this tree. It reminds us of Grandma Kip.

She bought it last Christmas for us.
This year, we've added four African ornaments from Cape Town crafted by "The Wild Bunch."

enchanting village from auntie shelli
(other favorites not pictured: playmobil nativity set and the singing/piano playing Frosty)

This is what kept one little boy very busy
(digging for treasures: marbles, animals, coins)

(can you view it?)
while I did THIS:

16 dozen peanut butter kiss cookies

PERFECT for delivering!

to be continued...

P.S. The videos on the previous post are now working