Snow and Birthdays

We had a blizzard earlier this week. It was NASTY. I lived in Salt Lake City for 8-9 years, so I don't mind snow. What I can't cope with is a blizzard. Picture this: mega snow storm with winds reaching 50 mph and the temperature around 0. The roads closed, the city practically shut down and travel wasn't classified as hazardous, it was "treacherous". There's something eerie about a large city closing businesses, schools, restaurants, day cares and doctors offices when mother nature takes over. It makes me feel like we have no control. Anyway, we were snowed in but that was fine because we had a very sick little boy. Poor Beefy. Fever, vomiting and you know what else made him drop a few pounds. He's better now and back to running and jumping.

This is what Jesse shoveled after the snow started falling.
This was taken an hour and a half later. Poor Jackie had no place to pee.
The next morning.
Jesse looking very freaky.
He got his snowshoes out to shovel the driveway but then I found him in the drifts in the back yard. It was 3 degrees, so not a temperature you want to be outside in.
While Jesse was outside, Maximus finally stopped vomiting and fell asleep. I completely covered him in towels and laid next to him in case he threw up in his sleep. He's never thrown up before, so we were freaked out and scared for him. I NEVER want him to be sick like that again. It's not fair for him to be in such discomfort.
On a lighter note, here are Jesse and I before we went to dinner on my birthday. We went to Wilderness Lodge and it was so enjoyable. We both loved it.
Birthday kiss from Maximus.
Jesse's birthday was yesterday and we stayed in and had his family over. It turned out to be so much fun! Oddly enough, I didn't get any pictures of Jesse. Hmm. Of course I got some of Maximus playing with Guytin and Ashlie. He was playing the weirdest game of whatever with them but having a blast running around and screaming.
Poor Jackie was spent by 7:30pm.

I don't get it

He's playing with Puffins cereal in his little kitchen. Now I get why Jackie is stalks him when he goes in his play room.

California

I'm back! I apologize to the 4 people who read my blog that I haven't posted anything for a while.
Wednesday, November 18 my grandmother passed away. We were all completely shocked as the news hit us like a ton of bricks. The Saturday after Thanksgiving, I flew to California for a few days. I'm not going to write much about the whole thing because I'm still so sad, but getting better each day.
Although the reason my family gathered in California was for a death, it was so good to be with them. My brother and I both flew into Los Angeles within an hour of each other, so we met up and ate In-N-Out on Sepulveda (the main street of LAX) within the first 30 minutes of arriving in California. My brother is a very professional, quiet, deep intellectual. We had a lot of driving time together during the weekend and we bonded in a way I thought I'd have with my brother. After the trip, he sent me a birthday card and he actually opened up a bit emotionally. That's a card I won't ever throw away.
Here are several pictures from the trip...
Dad, me, Mel, Dave and mom at the graveside service.


My grandmothers casket was so her. Pink and gold with delicate flowers.
At home before we left for the service.

On a much lighter note- this is Chickie. My parents have 2 chihuahuas and they are mother and daughter. Chickie is missing teeth, so her tongue hangs out ALL THE TIME! I honestly hate chihuahuas, but Chickie and Marley are awesome dogs. They're so loving and smart! I made them sleep with me during the trip and now I miss saying, "Marley! Be nice to your mother!"I had to snap this picture one morning. My dad will be running and exercising daily until he's 105. The man is a machine. And he's notorious for wearing some of the most ridiculous workout gear. This get up isn't bad at all, but it's just how I'll always think of him. He's shorter now too- about my height.

My sisters daughter, Mary on the zip line in my parents back yard. My sister is tiny and so is her husband, so they have have these miniature- almost pocket-sized kids.
Outside the restaurant my grandmother loved after the services.
Me, mom, Aunt Al and Anne. Alice is my grandmothers older sister. When my grandmother died, she decided to move to the east coast with her daughter Anne. Her Pug dog (Babe) will have to fly alone! I just found out that Alice had exploratory surgery a few days ago because she suddenly couldn't swallow, was in a lot of pain and had a flipped bowel. She's in ICU for the next 5 weeks and is doing better. Wow, out of nowhere. I'm so glad I was able to see my family. I can't explain how nice it was to be with my family again. I only wished Maximus and Jesse were with me. Anne (on the end) is one of the funniest people I know. She is a hoot.
Three of the four kids of my sisters: Mary, Eliza and the youngest Jared aka:punk.
My one and only cousin Coli. I wish I lived closer to this girl. She's awesome. And her husband makes fun of her nose just as much as Jesse makes fun of mine. And her husband is a huge Cowboys fan like Jesse. She's expecting her son Ezekiel in about 10 weeks.
My favorite picture of all. I stood up at the restaurant and took a picture without telling anyone, but somehow my dad saw the opportunity and is the only person posing in this shot. I keep laughing!

I took a few pictures of the West Covina house that has changed so much. I love it!

Front porch...my dad swept the leaves 10 minutes prior to me taking this picture.

Livingroom...
Family room...

She has the silent washer and dryer that I want.
My dads marathon picture.The desk off the kitchen. I don't get my mothers chicken thing...

Smile!

Funny Guy

Tonight I was standing at the kitchen sink rinsing some dishes. Maximus was shooting hoops in his playroom. I heard a quiet giggle behind me and turned around to see...
This one is Maximus in timeout. He head butted me one morning and then hit me when I told him, "we don't hit!" He actually sat in his timeout spot for over a minute. When I felt he had enough, I sat down next to him and reminded him why he was in timeout and asked for a hug. He gave me a GIANT hug and a slobbery, snotty kiss. It was very sweet. And he hasn't headbutted or hit me since!

Thankful

I've recently thought of the many things I'm thankful for and here are a few: my health, my family, my extended family on both sides, Jesse's job, Jacqueline's health, my friends, the toys we're fortunate to buy, Jesse's handsome smile that melts me, organic frozen food for Maximus during times I need to make him food fast, Lysol wipes, hot showers, wine, expensive bed sheets, a toy room for Maximus, Fletcher making me laugh at anything, my Ugg slippers and GUYTIN (grandma) WATCHING MAXIMUS.

Grandma came over today to watch Maximus during my hair appointment. She arrived early, so I had time to go to the grocery store alone- usually I run down the isles with Maximus because my shopping is limited to the amount of time it takes him to finish a granola bar. I went to the salon and enjoyed myself. Jesse was home during the afternoon because he had a doctor appointment, so after my salon indulgence, he and I had time to go to dinner ALONE. We had sushi together and it was LOVELY. We don't go out to eat much because Maximus lasts about 3 minutes before he wants to get out of his highchair and run around the restaurant. Oh, how I love dinners alone with Jesse. We can talk, take our time and not worry about Maximus chucking a cracker across the restaurant with his incredible athleticism.

As I get older, I am grateful for different things. It's the simple things that make me happy these days. Listen to me, I sound so sentimental...but thank you Guytin. So much!

Hold On, Dude!

Halloween

Our Halloween was fun! We just went trick-or-treating in our neighborhood and Jesse's parents came over. We actually ordered a pizza, had sushi and hummus. Maximus was a monkey because it was the last year where we could dress him as a cute, cuddly animal, the costume was super warm and we couldn't find a decent shark getup. He looked cute and we ran into an identical monkey halfway through the night. Anyway, we were worried that our neighborhood wasn't going to have trick-or-treaters, but I was so pleased to see that the tradition didn't die here. Our neighborhood is so uptight and ridiculous that I thought the parents would make their kids trick-or-treat in the mall or do the parking lot trunk thing. (And the trunk-or-treating worked for a young Maximus last year, but not this year.) But no! There were TONS! And we even saw some parents walking around with a beer in their hand as they walked through the neighborhood with their kids. We probably had over 50 stop by our house alone-and they were psyched we handed out Play Doh and little parachute guys. The little boys would run away saying, "mom! I got a parachute man!"

We started out with Maximus in a wagon, but we weren't thinking. All our boy wanted to do was RUN. Jesse's mom always tells us it's a shame we never taught him to walk because he only runs. Maximus really didn't like walking up to peoples porches because he'd rather be sprinting on the sidewalks through the neighborhood. He could care less about collecting candy. But we did go to several homes. He had fun; we all had fun. He really enjoyed the time spent at home after trick-or-treating helping us hand goodies out to the kids who stopped by.

Maximus before we headed out. He had tired eyes.
Jesse, Guytin (That's how Maximus says "grandma") and The Maximus. The wagon didn't last long. Ooooh! I just noticed he's holding her hand. So cute!
Family picture.
Notice Maximus held his little Pooh blankie the entire time.
This is me dragging him to a porch.
Guytin and Handsomer after picking up some treats.
Team Handsomer.
Yes, I'm wearing flashing pumpkin earrings because I'm a dork.
Maximus pedal-kicking Jacqueline. My mom sent all 10 of her grand kids matching socks to wear trick-or-treating. Cute to know that Emma, Eliza, Addie, Mary, Bryn, Nathan, Eli, Jared, Maximus and Simon were similarly decked out.

More Maximus

Tuesday's "Shark School" was a little too much fun for him. We came home and he passed out on the floor.

This kid is eating pasta made from quinoa flour and spinach. It's a pasta that definitely needs sauce, but he ate close to 2 cups worth! I get so happy when I see my child stuffing his face with things that only benefit him. So pure!

Finally, asleep WITHOUT dodo in his mouth.
The other day he woke up from his nap saying, "mmmm!" and when I walked in, he was informing me that chewing on his sock was tasty.
Oh wait! I realized I still have Halloween pictures to post. They will appear soon.

In the meantime, here's a cute video of him eating. As a mother, I think stuff like this is priceless...

No Wonder he has Bruises

Wow!

Maximus-LJ (Little Jesse) and picture of baby Jesse.

Omaha Zoo

Stacey, Jesse, Danny, Vicki, UnkFa (Fletcher), Ransom, Ashlie, Paul, UnkDa (DJ) and The Maximus.

We went to the Omaha zoo this past Sunday and had too much fun. Maximus enjoyed all parts of it, minus the caves. He squeaked and jumped when he got to visit the petting zoo area because everything was his size. We went with Jesse's family and each one of us had a blast! Thank you Guytin and Pawpaw for the gifts!
He's a good pointer.
Maximus and UnkDa during lunch.
Maximus and UnkFa checking out a Black Swan...which was totally beautiful!

UnkFa tickling Maximus.

The relaxing train ride toward the end of the day.
One of the sweetest things I've ever seen! Look closely, just like a human baby! Guess it goes to show we are descendants.
Maximus in the petting zoo.
Maximus giving a goat lovers.
Peeking through some kind of bird cage.

He loved running around on the grass next to the polar bear area.
Maximus was Pawpaw's little Velcro. I have about 12 pictures of him attached to his Grandpa during this trip. In fact, as I'm typing this, Maximus is pointing at the computer saying, "paaaw paaaw..."

Excellent profile picture.
DJ trying to give the lion lovers.
Maximus being carried out of the zoo by Pawpaw. At this point during the day, he didn't want his stroller or anyone else. Just Danny and his blankie. He actually started to fall asleep. It was a total tear jerker.
It was SO much fun! We came home and Maximus and I crashed on the bed watching cartoons. We even ordered dinner out. The animals in the zoo always make me sad and I get the urge to unlock all their cages and set them free, but I practiced self control. Maximus is at the age where he enjoys doing so many different things and he LOVES learning. Jesse and I were talking about different things we can do with him to stimulate him and help him learn and grow. I just enrolled him in another 6 week block of Shark School (swimming lessons) and I'm thinking of joining the Parents as Teachers group. Maybe, it's ultra conservative, which I am not. Anyway, we loved the day. Everyone did. Totally worth it. Thank you Guytin for the brilliant idea and I'm sorry you're not in any of these pictures- Danny hogged them all.

My Other Blog

I was emailed by the "Skinny Chef" herself (Jennifer Iserloh) and she wanted me to change the name of my food blog. I guess she has trademarked "Skinny Chef" and asked me to change my blog URL "NOW". I don't want to. It's not like I'm making money from my blog, I doubt anyone reads it anyway and it's mainly a tool for me to remember my recipes and vent about unhealthy food. I'm not going to change it and I'm not going to reply to her email. What's she going to do? Delete it? She even bribed me with a free copy of her cookbook. No thanks.

You can see I'm not trying to compete with her. I have a blog. Just a lame, little blog. Not a full service, professionally designed website with category tabs.

Mine: www.secretsofaskinnychef.blogspot.com

Hers: www.skinnychef.com and www.secretsofaskinnychef.com

The Frozen Park

Sunday afternoon, we went to a park so Jesse could ride his bike on the cyclocross trail. Jackie, Maximus and I bundled up because it was only 34º, but felt like it was 27º. Brrr...

Handsomer spotted an airplane.
He climbs up the ladder on his own now!
Jesse was BEAT!

Beefy watching dad.Frozen mama.

What's in His Cup Today?

Cannellini beans, of course! He loves them and ate an entire cup!

And here is is on the back of the hutch balancing. Totally safe.

Snots and Snorts

This morning Maximus didn't have a cold. But this afternoon when he woke up from his nap, he did. He had the clear, drippy, runny snot that I can't keep wiping fast enough before it reaches his top lip and he has a little cough. I feel bad for him, but he sounds funny when he eats.

Tonight I slathered him in Vicks (after bathing him in Vicks bubble bath) and I put him in bed with Jesse to watch the Sprout channel. He loves to watch a few minutes of the "Goodnight Show" while I warm his milk and I think he just loves being in bed with dad and zoning out. After I warmed his milk, I walk in and see this:



Handsomer NEVER falls asleep before milk! It was so cute because he was snuggled and not only was Jesse snoring, but Maximus was snorting. Poor little Beefy.

Here are a couple pictures of him being cute earlier today. One is taken in one of his toy boxes and the other he was making some Goldfish thing. (Yes, I stooped and bought Goldfish to quiet him down while grocery shopping, ew...)

My Laundry Helper

The Many Names of Maximus

• Handsomer
• Baby Shark
• Max-eye-mus
• Maximii
  
• Sir
• Dude
• Hans
• LJ (Little Jesse)
• The Greek Norsky
  
• Googoo (sometimes just "goog")

...and the newest one: BEEFY! We always comment on how he has "big beefy legs like dad" so I just started calling him Beefy. He started out with the skinniest legs ever and now they're so big and strong. He and Jesse stood in front of the mirror the night and both had shorts on. Maximus' legs are just a shorter version of Jesse's. I would post a picture, but Jesse was in his boxers, so I'll post this one instead. And notice how "Max" isn't on the list? We never call him that! Everyone else does.

Better to Laugh Than Cry

Our morning started out nice. Maximus and I slept and Jesse took off super early to get 9 holes of golf in. After Maximus woke up, we sat in bed watching cartoons. We got up and I started sorting laundry and Maximus came into the bedroom with the used coffee grounds in the filter that were in the kitchen garbage. Wonderful. When I said, "what the..." he took off running and shaking the grounds EVERYWHERE! That started the cleaning.

I started by vacuuming the kitchen floor and when I was almost done, I caught him ripping up the freaking carpet! He found a string or something and pulled on it until the carpet started coming up! Once I finished vacuuming, I used my very last Swiffer refill pad thing and wet cleaned the floor. Maximus kept coming into the kitchen and I kept telling him "no". Finally, in full defiant mode, he bursts into kitchen and attempts to cross the wet floor and slips so hard that he crashes his head into the kitchen door window. Yeah, I realize I should have waited until he was asleep to clean the floor and it's my fault.

I vacuumed the rest of the house and then I fed him. He ate a banana and then I fed cold cereal to him myself to avoid any messes. I set the bowl down (not on his highchair tray, but on the kitchen table) so I could refill my coffee and he reached over and knocked it off. Instead of crying, I laughed at the milk mess on my clean floor. I laughed even harder when I remembered that I had no Swiffer refills. I realize what a whiny, ungrateful bitch I sound like, but since I don't keep a journal, I'll look back at this post and laugh. JACKIE JUST THREW UP ON THE CARPET as I am typing this post. It's bad to start drinking at 1pm, isn't it?

Chores

Maximus is 19 months old and he has chores. Actually, he just loves to help me with my chores. I was talking to my mom a few weeks ago and she mentioned how little kids enjoy responsibilities and especially helping mom or dad. Here is his list of duties:

1. Unload the dishwasher. I don't even have to bend over because he hands me the dish, I put it away and once the dishwasher is empty, he closes it up.

2. Put trash in it's place. He will find a teeny-tiny feather from our down comforter, run into the kitchen, lift the lid and throw it away. I went grocery shopping today and after I unloaded the bags, I told him, "pick up all the bags and throw them away, please" AND HE DID!

3. Put all dads shoes back in his closet. He does it in like, 10 seconds!

4. Help mom make the bed. He does this by throwing all the pillows back on the bed after I make it.

5. LAUNDRY. Yes! When I'm stiff like I am today and can't bend over, this is a lifesaver! I opened the washing machine, and took each piece of clothing out and dropped it on the floor. (I'm proud to admit that my floors are so clean, you can eat off them) Maximus picked them up and not only threw them into the dryer, but he made sure nothing was hanging out at all! He hung halfway out of the dryer because he was making sure everything was loaded properly. I handed him a dryer sheet, he threw it in and I said, "close it up guys" and he shut the door. I just hit "on" and we'll see how he does with sorting.

He's so cute and he claps and laughs after he does something to help me. I just love him. He's so important to us.