A little tribute

Happy Happy Birthday to the man I love! June 21st is a very special day indeed! Lots of things I love about him. Permission to toot his horn! (Permission granted... by me.)

You love me. You love our girls. You are honest and loyal. You have a bigger sweet tooth than me, so I never feel bad about myself after I binge. You make me laugh. I make you laugh. You are adventurous. You love Saved by the Bell and Mean Girls. You work so hard. You like to snuggle and watch movies. You are determined and goal oriented. You are an amazing birthing coach. You take the garbage out. You let me flat iron your hair once. You sleep on the couch if you're snoring. You gave me a garden. You are virtuous. You like musicals and plays. You will do the dishes. You are patient. You want me to succeed. You push me to my limits. You let me use your razor sometimes. You forgive me. You collect worms and bugs with Lucy. You follow through with what you say you'll do. You are a wonderful teacher and speaker. You grew up on a farm. You love Heavenly Father's creations. You are humble. You and only you put you through all of your schooling. You are compassionate. You don't think I'm gross or ugly on my gross and ugly days. You take sexy pictures of yourself in waterfalls...

(The only thing missing in this pic is blue steel.)

And the list could go on and on and on. 'Tis true. We are more than happy to celebrate you every year for many many reasons!

*This picture was taken while he was vacationing in Costa Rica, and I was on my mission in Paraguay. I was covered in dirt and sweat in church clothes, clunky shoes and white ankle socks, picking worms out of my feet (atrocious, I know-- and I'm talking about the white ankle socks and clunky church shoes being the atrocious part). Anyway, while living in a third world country, trying to talk to people who for the most part didn't want to talk to me, he would send me an occasional picture like this to help remind me of why I was there and not gallivanting around the world with him. It was really awesome of him. (Ok, so maybe he didn't send me pictures of his topless self, but they did perhaps border on risque for a missionary.) Then I'd pass the pics around to the other sister missionaries and there would be lots of awkward squeals and giggling and "Parece Rambo!" (He looks like Rambo!). So I only thought it was fair to send him this picture of me as a sister missionary during our morning exercise routine:

Look how different my long blond hair made me look back then. Crazy.

Okay, onto his birthday celebration! It's that time again folks. That's right, we hit up Seven Peaks again for some good splishin' and splashin'

And don't forget posin' for the camera...

Scarlett especially loved the waterslides.

Lucy wandered out in the wave pool by herself, told dad she wanted some alone time to meditate and do yoga.

In deep thought again, contemplating the mysteries of the universe. Or thinking about mac and cheese, one of the two.

After a day in the sun we came back to our place for some grub. I took a peek around during the prayer on the food and much to my dismay this was going on... Becky whisper-yelling at Brandon to hurry up and give her some cake... Some people are just so rude. And so I took a picture... in the middle of the prayer as well.

Here's a shot of the family looking in adoration at Jason. Surprisingly, they weren't looking at Lucy sticking her hand in the frosting who was sitting on his lap... no, no they didn't even notice her. They were looking at Jason, thinking about how much they love him.

Look at Lucy eyein' that cake.

Another great party for the books! Happy Birthday Jason Seely!

A shout-out to fathas

I remember when Jason and I were first dating we had a conversation about some of our lifelong dreams. As crazy as it may sound, Jason confided in me that ever since he'd seen the movie "8 mile", he knew he was destined to be a rapper. Even years later, he would make up his own little rhymes, walking around the house saying, You say 'Mali', I say 'Bu', 'Mali- Bu! Mali- Bu!' So, as an early Father's Day gift I arranged for him some lessons in freesyling. You know, just letting the rhymes come as they may, keeping it real. He's improved so much since taking lessons, his rhyming, his hand gestures... and just over-all gangsterness. All that practicing and getting booed off stage at those open mike nights over and over again paid off honey! You are so dope. I'm so proud of you. Happy Father's Day!

A birth to celebrate

Yesterday was Jesse's birthday. He would have been 33. I kept feeling like I should write about him and his special day and then kept putting it off, avoiding the inevitable flood of emotion that sometimes you just don't feel like feeling. Like, I'd think about it being his birthday and then get a sick pit in my stomach and then make myself think of something else. Like organizing my closet. And so I did that instead. And if you ask what I did the rest of the day, I'm not ashamed to tell you that it took all day to organize my closet.

Oh Jesse. Jesse, Jesse, Jesse. Yesterday morning mom called me and told me through tears we were starting a family tradition on your birthday. She told me I needed to go to Baskin Robbins and get some pistachio almond ice cream because it was your favorite. So your brother and sisters and parents in different states all hoovered pistachio almond ice cream yesterday on your behalf. Jason was at work all day and when he got home he was hustling and bustling around because he was having all the young men in our ward over for a barbeque. So the ice-cream would have to wait. By the time we got everyone scooted out it was Lucy's bed time and Scarlett wanted to nurse, so Jason and I divided and conquered. I put Lucy to bed and he nursed Scarlett. Just kidding. :) After that was taken care of, Jason had DVRed game 6 of the NBA finals, so of course that had to begin immediately. That's puts us at about 9:30. So Jason stayed behind and I ventured out all alone (thankful for a little alone time, even if it was driving to get ice cream and driving home) to BR. I let myself think about you finally after avoiding it all day. And the visual that kept coming to mind was of mom and dad in the hospital holding their tiny firstborn son for the very first time.

I was thinking of all of the wonder and awe that came with that moment. They hadn't met any of us yet, but 33 years ago yesterday, they were introduced to you. And you were the one who introduced them to "parent love". As a mom I can say that "mother love" is totally different than any other love I'd ever known prior. You were the one to let mom feel mother love and dad feel father love for the very first time in their lives. Leading up to having a second child, I worried (as everyone does) that I just wouldn't have the capacity to love another child as much as the first. I can say I do love Scarlett every bit as much as I love Lucy. The difference is, the love that overwhelmed me for Lucy was such a total shock on my senses. I didn't have any idea that was coming to that magnitude. I wasn't prepared for it. It sorta made me crazy for a bit (the craziness related to that love is mostly under control, but still comes in waves). The moment I held Lucy in my arms for the first time was extremely pivotal in my existence. Everything in my life changed, and I knew it had changed forever. I was thrilled to feel that same degree of "mother love" holding Scarlett, but it was more like... a sense of rightness for me... like, Oh yeah... I remember, this is the way it's supposed to feel, because I was more prepared for it. It wasn't quite as mind-blowing as the first time around because I'd felt it before and had been feeling it for a solid 21 months for her older sister.

So, you were the one who had the priviledge of giving that to our parents for the first time. You were the one who took their breath away, because they just didn't know they could love so much before you. You were the one who taught them what sacred responsibility comes with bringing a child into the world, and paved the way for us to follow you down from heaven. What a special honor. I'm so thankful you were born Jess...so thankful you were born to our family, so thankful you are ours.

Happy Birthday Jess. I love you, brother, and I miss you. (And I'm poaching this pic of you from Nessa's blog because I love it so much. Don't you judge me.)

Taunting shoes

Lucy loves putting my shoes and purses on and striding around the house. She does best with flats and a clutch. And she likes to bring fashion trends back, like one silver shoe and one gold. And the "two right shoes" trend.

Sometimes she gets bold and goes with heels. I was watching her the other day endeavor a particularly painful pair. It was particularly painful, not only because there was absolutely no way she was going to be successful at taking even one step, but also painful because it dawned on me that I couldn't walk any better than she could in them.

These pretty ladies are sitting in my closet. I bought them on sale at Nordy Rack, and felt great about the purchase at the time. I bought them about half way through my pregnancy with Scarlett. I think they are quite stunning with jeans. Skinny or a wider leg. But I am yet to wear them. I just can't see how it's probable that they will make it onto my feet. Jason and I went on a hot date Friday night to a fancy restaurant and a movie (Yay for A-team! Good one!) I was contemplating the shoes all day leading up to our date, trying to buoy myself up and strategizing how I was going to conquer them that night. And alas, they remained behind. I'm not sure what it is about them that have made my relationship with them so unsuccessful. They aren't that wildly different from some other shoes I have. But they are impossible. I have tried them on several times. But cannot even walk across the bathroom in them to my full length mirror. CANNOT walk. And every time I go into the closet and see them sitting there, they taunt me, "You spent money on us, loser!" or, "You'll shoot your eye out!" And then I get angry. And throw them behind my other shoes. And then they somehow creep their way up to the front again, like an ouija board that keeps reappearing. I keep hearing the jumangi drums in my house and when I run to where the sound is coming from, it's the shoes. They're big snobs, these shoes. Arrogant snobs. But now I'm torn between taming the wild beasts and really learning to walk in them and and donating them. What to do. WWYD?

I wish my husband gave a lick about this kinda stuff. If he was behind me, giving me moral support, maybe I'd find the courage to conquer them after all. Those shoes are beautiful, Mer. You have to wear them! They are so flattering... they make your foot and ankle look so feminine...there's that sassy mama I married. That's what he should be saying. But I have to remind myself that this is the man who, in response to asking him how he liked my new perfume, and which scent he preferred between two perfumes, said to me, "I don't know. I just know good smell. And bad smell. Good smell, as in perfume in general. And bad smell, like... poop. Your perfumes don't smell that different to me." Are you kidding me??? I stared at him blankly for no less than a straight 27 seconds. So, since then we've gone with, "spit up and B.O." It's comparable to Escada's newest fragrance. No... he doesn't care about the shoes. I might as well be in white Reeboks 24-7 for all he cares. (Lucky for him, you'll never catch him in white Reeboks. Over my dead body.)

So, if you ever see me wearing the shoes out and about, you should probably come give me a huge congratulatory hug. A lift-me-up-off-the-ground, spin-me-around hug would be nice. And I'll probably act like it's no big deal. "Oh, these old things?! I just threw them on..." But I'm telling you now, IT'S A BIG DEAL.

On a sad and kinda gross note, Lucy has the worst eye infection. Poor thing. And it's really contagious. I hope no one gets it at church or nursery, because we had to give her eye a good wipe and then leave her in there yesterday with all the other kids. I only share this because I know the majority of you are fellow moms and know how it is, but this morning she woke up and her eye looked like this:

Just kidding. Sick!! She does has a love/hate relationship with that oatmeal though. On one hand she loves it so much that she tries to create an oatmeal mask every time it's presented to her. Makes her skin incredibly soft and supple she tells me. I should try flinging it around my face when I eat it, too.

And at the same time she hates it in between her fingers and on her hands. And she becomes distraught almost immediately. As if she has nothing to do with getting it there. Such a victim, Lucy. Take some responsibility. You can't blame oatmeal for all your life problems.

Classic Skating

Last night NorthStar rented out the skating rink, Classic Skate in Orem for a little 80's dance/skate party. Before we get to last night's pictures, I wanted to share a little gem, give you all a blast from the past.

Just take a gander at 'im. Complete with feathery brushed hair and a wee lit'ol mullet. Look at 'im sportin' that letterman's jacket with such finesse, playing his board game at home, with his wee lit'ol Garfield T-shirt and sweats on. This is the man I married folks. This is him in his glory days. When I still hadn't yet even completed the D.A.R.E. program.

Fast-forward to present day: He's put on a little muscle here and there since then, but he really hasn't changed too much. Same mullet, sportin' that same jacket, representin' Granger High with pride. Ooooh how much you wanna make a bet he can throw a football over them mountains?... Yeah...If Coach woulda put him in fourth quarter, they would've been state champions. No doubt. Ooooh man, if he could just go back in time. He'd take state.

We were pleasantly surprised to see these little skates that they rent out to minis- just clamp 'em on over the shoes and it's party time! Still a little too big for Miss Lucy.

Scarlett knew we'd be clamping those skates on her shoes next...

This next pic is of Lucy trying to get in on some of that dance floor action.

Sweet moves. Mind if I join?

That little blond might be the smallest of the group but it was clear she was definitely the alpha female. Look, just because you wore the right color doesn't mean you're one of us. You haven't proved anything.

Lucy doesn't like to show off but as initiation into the group she was forced to break dance for several minutes, spinning on her head and freezing in many diverse positions. After that they had no choice but to welcome her to the dance party with open arms.

Jason loves a little friendly competition, and this one was especially enticing. You can't see this here, but there is a line of people gathered behind him waiting their turn for a chance to hit the ball into the hockey net from various distances...

And the moment of victory arrives... it was just as sweet as he thought it would be. He didn't mind making fools of several little girls between the ages of 7 to 13 by beating them so badly, in fact he reveled in it. And then when their parents weren't looking he knocked them down on the rink, and glided away in triumph. O'doyles rule!!

I haven't had me some good roller skating for quite some time. I'd forgotten how invigorating that wind feels in your hair as you land from a triple axle. You know what I'm talking about. We will definitely be back!

Recent Happenings

I've been feeling like a robot lately with the blog. Sometimes I have so much to write about. Like seriously compelled to write. And then sometimes my brain is mush and there is so much happening in our lives but I have absolutely nothing to say about anything. That's how I feel today. Mush brain. And I should probably be waking Lucy up right now from her nap. Because she turns into a crazed lunatic at bedtime when she naps too long during the day. And it's a big drama session in our house trying to wind her down. But it's just so dang peaceful and quiet right now that I'm having a hard time finding the motivation to go get her. Just 10 more minutes.

Scarlett was blessed yesterday in our church house. Her daddy gave her a beautiful blessing. June 6th, 2010 marks the 6 year anniversary from our first date. We went to "Phantom of the Opera," at the Capitol Theater. Little did we know when we were sitting there in that cozy theater... Jason inching his pinkie finger closer and closer to my pinkie finger, sweaty palms quaking with anticipation...that 6 years later to the day he would be holding a new little person that we would eventually be creating together in his arms, giving her a name and a blessing. (He decided it was too much for a first date, no matter how bad he wanted those pinkie fingers to connect, so no hand holding just yet. He might tell you that he wasn't quaking with anticipation, but I can assure you, he was. Sweating bullets, stuttering and stammering with nervousness, quaking with anticipation. That's the way I remember it. Don't you dare believe his side of the story.)

Oh glorious day! We are so thankful you've been sent to our family, Scarlett. We are so happy to be your mother and father. The spirit was so strong as your daddy gave you a blessing. We could feel how much he loves you by the tenderness in his voice and words. You are absolutely beautiful and joyful and so wonderful.

Divine Scarlett Marie laying on her very own Grandma-made-blankie...

Sissydoodles

With Papa and Grammy

With Grandma and Grandpa

We had the pleasure of having the Collard family stay with us for a few days... (That's Abe and Tiffany and co.) Abe is in med school in Pennsylvania so it was most excellent to have them here!

Kinley girl:

Calum:

Ethan:

Among other exciting news: I have a garden! I've always wanted a garden, but it's always seemed like something I would have when I was...older. So I think subconsciously I've been putting it off because only grown-ups "garden". Well, Jason spent a lot of time putting together these garden boxes for me, and I had no choice but to plant. And I realized kids can have vegetable gardens too. We will be enjoying lots of fresh salsa come August. Seriously, anything better than garden fresh tomatoes? Anything?

Still in progress:

After a few weeks: We have tomatoes and peas and carrots and squash coming up. This is my first time doing this, so it's kindof a big deal. If you've never done this, seeing the little green start to poke through the soil is much more invigorating than you expect it to be. I'm quite attached. :)

Another of baby girl looking extra scrumptious. I have an outfit that matches this, and we wear them together. I put a large diaper on too, just for added effect.

We are happy that summer weather actually finally came! Except do you ever get claustrophobic having the AC running all day long? Keeping the windows closed and knowing that you're breathing in the same recycled air you've already breathed except the oxygen content is just getting lower and lower?? I get like this in the winter, too. Maybe it's just me. One time when I was single and home alone, I got the one and only migraine I've ever had in my life and thought I was being poisoned by carbon monoxide. No logical reason I would think that. But the AC was blasting 24 hours a day and no fresh oxygen was getting in, so that's what I came up with. I crawled in agony on my hands and knees to the door and burst it open, laying there in the doorway taking in big gasps of fresh, hot air. Then I puked. And my migraine didn't go away with the fresh air. The point is, constant air conditioning gives me the heebie jeebies for some reason, even though I'm really grateful for it. I don't think the AC has actually killed anyone, but I wouldn't be surprised if it did. Sorry for the tangent.

Another reason we lack fresh air in our house is because Lucy can open the doors, so they are dead bolted 24 hours a day. Lucy thinks she is being held in prison, thankfully the little runt hasn't figured out how to unlock them yet. I'm not really holding her prisoner, we go outside every single day. And once she gets out there she runs and runs and doesn't really look back. She revels in the freedom. She is a little Huck Finn discovering snails and rollie pollie bugs and earth worms. We're pretty much Swiss Family Robinson, I'll be riding an ostrich around in no time.