This is my little boy

 Just look at this little guy pause for a second for me from his pretend play of fighting dragons and tigers in his outfit of choice: hand-me-down shirt, homemade pants, rain boots, and a "cowboy hat." I don't oppose. It's good for his fair skin, our budget, and confidence or fortitude . . . or something.

We recently celebrated his third birthday with balloons, breakfast at a bakery with a big cookie courtesy of the baker, a couple of gifts, my attempt at a lego cake, and a viewing of Born to be Wild (which was darling).

His words: "I'm so essited for my bertday today!" I also got a, "Thanks for making me that ego cake, mom." 

He loves books, tigers, dinosaurs, being told the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears (with multiple alternate endings), and when I just asked him he responded with, "pancakes, balloons, meat . . .no, no pencils or crayons, um . . . pictures, capes . . . what else me like? . . . Emers likes you hair and your mouth. . . I like dragons too."       I love him.

A Road Show Apology

I would like to apologize to the babies whose mothers I pulled away for various tasks and practices, to the little girl I made cry during the performance after poking her eye while frantically grabbing a laptop that was needed on stage, to the girls I lost patience with for not getting their act together before the show, and to anyone who witnessed my weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth during production of the performance. 

The past few years have given me some personally stretching and unexpected responsibilities in the religious aspect of my life. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers all members opportunities to serve in various responsibilities to teach and strengthen the lives of others. Such "callings" have allowed me different titles such as "counselor", "teacher", and "advisor." Just when I thought that "coach" was probably the most surprising of my titles, "director" was added to the collection. Road Show Director. . . yeah. Have I ever participated in a road show? No. Have I ever seen a road show? Hardly. 

My experience felt somewhere between completing a task on The Apprentice and approaching people with multilevel marketing. After I finished weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth, I realized that the purpose of activities such as this is to help others increase in their talents and give opportunities that might not otherwise be given. I was taught patience.  

Our viewers were given a package complete with a deadly chess game, cross-dressing, and a Burt Reynolds mustache.  

       

      

                

Our Bishopric 

     You can find me dead in the background here.

           Do you see the raw talent?

JR really took his roll and ran with it.

He revealed to me that he had actually had some experience playing the part of Solinus, Duke of Ephesus in an elementary school production of The Comedy of Errors. And I thought there wasn't anything more to learn about each other. 

After a few hiccups and not very much time to throw things together, I am thankful to everyone who participated. 

Looking for a Mother's Day Gift?

You're sure to find something at this weekend's Art Market in Sugarhouse. I will have a table there with screen printed items. Check it out!

Spring Art Market Starts Tomorrow!
Don't miss the perfect Mother's Day gift.
April 29-30, 2011
Sugarhouse Garden Center

www.artmarketutah.com

He is Risen

These are images of the Via Dolorosa, or "way of suffering" within the Old City of Jerusalem. It is believed to be the path Jesus was taken down carrying the cross to his crucifixion. Looking at them reminds me that there was a trial . . . an atonement . . . a crucifixion . . . death . . . and resurrection. . . that we might live.

"I believe in Christ; he stands supreme!
From him I’ll gain my fondest dream;
And while I strive through grief and pain,
His voice is heard: 'Ye shall obtain.'
I believe in Christ; so come what may,
With him I’ll stand in that great day
When on this earth he comes again
To rule among the sons of men."

-4th verse of the Hymn "I Believe in Christ"

Having a small child to teach has given me a new set of eyes with renewed focus. Teaching him about Easter has made me reevaluate the surrounding celebrations. To make my own explanations and teachings to my children easier, I declared the day before Easter the official "Bunny Day" in which all festivities involving baskets, eggs, and giant white bunnies will take place. Do any of you do this already? I'm hoping the separation will work well in the future.

Also, wouldn't you be proud to have a son like THIS? Watch for a true Easter message.

We Love the Mountains

If it was feasible I would move the Old Farmhouse to a new resting place at the foot of the mountains. Comfortably settled in its bed of pine bedposts, a canopy of trees, and a headboard of granite, it would spend each evening taking in an open view of the sunset from the west. I love the Wasatch mountains and everything they have to offer. We are forcing that same love upon our children at an early age. It might also have something to do with JR's desire to experience fulfillment of olympic aspirations vicariously through his boys.

Fueling up in the lodge

And yes, he is tied to that chair.

If you have seen one picture of me skiing in the last eleven or twelve years, you have seen them all. I have worn the same North Face jacket for over a decade and I don't even care.

Don't worry, I didn't allow him to go on the lift papoose style. We made great use of the free rope tow.

Emerson on the leashes

This is JR adapting to having children.

Do You Remember

when it only took a swing to make you this happy?

Before

I thought I was ready to commit and yet I find this large white space staring at me continuously. What would you paint if you had a canvas competing with your own height in the front room?