more on AZ

my oh my... can't seem to find time to sit and write up a post these days..  I'm going to go with "better late than never" and finish my post on AZ :)

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Another year, another great trip.  This was the first trip that we didn't go in the spring or fall, but in the Summer.  Hot. AZ. Summer.  Chad was on a mission trip in MX the week we were there and met up with us at the end of his trip, which is why we went in June and not October.  I kind of thought we would die in the heat, but it wasn't quite as bad as I expected... maybe b/c I had in mind it would be awful?!  I can't say I was in the direct sunlight for more than a few minutes at any one time, but we were still outside quite a bit.  We did some outings and swam in the pool.

This was also the first year (since those simple pre-kid days) that it felt like we didn't have any babies, making us feel more mobile and up for activities out-and-about.  My highlight is always time with B... when we go out for a late dinner, or a quick trip to a store while the kids nap (yes, we leave them home alone... ;)), or an early morning hike.

But since that's not usually what gets photographed, here's some of what does:

A day at the zoo

the jeep was very popular... as you can see by C's response to not getting to drive

not sure how little Norah is strong enough to pull Beck!

being monkey's at the monkey exhibit

C and See trying to get along... they had their share of friendly two-year old battles :) 

fireworks!

finger suckers :) 

fun at the children's museum

 And a play-by-play of the kids enjoying their donuts :)

And a few more memories that didn't get captured:

- summer movie at the theater - Penguins of Madagascar
- yummy dinners out, including the Best Vietnamese food ever... I've been craving it ever since we went!
- story time at the library [twice]

We will be back soon, AZ!

pics of the boys

About a month ago we went on our annual trip to AZ to visit Seth and Brandy and their kiddos.  While we're there, I usually have B do a quick photo shoot with the boys, since she has a nice camera and seems to enjoy it.  

It's always a little unknown how the boys are going to do during pictures.  In general, I've observed that little boys care much less about getting their picture taken than little girls.  Little girls like to pose and smile at the camera.  Little boys kind of look at the camera and do a cheesy-fake smile here and there while trying as hard as possible to not stay "in pose."

This session turned out to be one where we got some fun pics, but Beck was grumpy, then Creighton was grumpy, and it took lots of convincing to get the smiles out. :)  I kind of like the grumpy ones though... they show their real moods and personality!

Here's some of my favorites.... Beck is 4.5 and Creighton is 2 (although he quickly says he's five! if you ask him :) )....

our first attempt at smiles... "shoot guns!"

love the drool pictures...

trying to hide from the camera....

playing peek-a-boo with the camera 

ready for pictures to be done... love the pouty face :)

made him spit his gum out for pictures and gave it back a little too soon

Beck trying his hardest not to smile!

important life updates

... ok, so maybe not really important, but here's a random assortment of information about our life as of late:

Beck got his first ever short hair cut in time for summer.  Loved his longer hair, but he gets sweaty from fairly minimal physical activity and Chad was always promoting a short 'do, so I finally caved.... and Beck finally decided he was brave enough for the trimmers.  My first thought was "oh no, what did I do" after I cut it... hair is such an identity and it totally changed his.  He looks more grown up and I think he even got more of an attitude the minute it was done. :) 

Beck also got his first set of real kid golf clubs and went to the real golf course with Chad and loved it.  Chad tried to go play a few holes by himself the next day and Beck's sadness just wouldn't go away.  We have a family membership to a course close to our house and I have a feeling they'll be spending as much time there as possible.

The inside of our house is pretty much finally done so now it's time to focus on the outside.  Patio and landscaping.  Here's the patio, but the landscaping is still quite lacking.  If anyone wants to come do it for us, that would be great.  We'll even let you do it for free. :)

I love food.  I love cooking.  I need to talk about food more.  I also love Costco and food from Costco.  Sometimes I think about starting a food blog to promote Costco products just b/c I used them so much.  I can find simple, quick food to make from there that still feels fresh and delicious.  If you happen to have these three items on hand,  you can make some amazing lettuce wraps:

Think: the dressing from the slaw mix tossed on the noodles and topped with the peanut butter, grain mixture.  Then I topped it all off with some pickled onions & cucumbers, chopped peanuts and lime juice.  They were quite colorful and pretty but I didn't think of taking a picture until after they were devoured, so just close your eyes and picture it.

And speaking of pickled onions.  They are one of my favorite food accents right now.  On burgers, tacos, Asian... love the tangy, zesty crunch they add.

It's funny to hear yourself in your kids.  I like to say "say ok, mom" to Creighton to make sure what I'm saying is sinking in (or it makes me feel better about the interaction at least).  Beck caught on to this and he'll frequently lay out a situation to Creighton, explaining how they are going to play or what Creighton is going to do, followed by a "say ok Creighton," ensuring himself that Creighton is going to oblige with his desires...

My favorite phrases these days are "Creighton, stop screaming.  That is an awful noise.  If you need something just ask me." and "Beckham, just leave Creighton alone and give him some space.  If he's screaming that means he doesn't like it."  and "Creighton it's not ok to scream when you don't get your way."  Creighton is a screamer.  Beck was not.  It's not fun.  Advice?


I catered a rehearsal dinner.  First time for that.  It was  fun  enjoyable, but it is a lot of work for one meal.  I think my favorite part of it all is the menu planning, working with friends the day of the event, and having someone tell you that they tried something new and liked it.  My not-so-favorite part is the many, many details that float around in your head that you try to keep straight (list, new list, updated new list).... but I am an organized person that can handle details, so it works out.  I would do it again, just wouldn't want to do it every week.  I mentally told myself to take pics of the food, but the night of was too busy for me to remember, so a menu list will have to do, should you care what we served (the bride and groom wanted Italian):

Appetizers:
tomato.basil.mozerella toothpick kabobs drizzled in balsamic reduction
roasted grape and goat cheese crostini - p.s... I used the leftover roasted grapes to make a peach/grape crisp kind of dessert, topped with vanilla ice-cream and roasted coconut.  First time I had roasted grapes in dessert form and it was yummy!
prosciutto wrapped melon drizzled with mint pesto
sausage, cheese, and walnut stuffed mushrooms

Meal:
Bread w/ olive oil
Salad
Pasta with an alfredo, basil pesto, oven dried tomato sauce
Chicken stuffed with prosciutto, provolone and asparagus with a lemon sauce

And thankfully I didn't have to make dessert, which was ice-creamy and delicious.


Chad is letting his creative side come out and made this etsy-inspired piece of artwork for our living room out of scrap wood we have lying around.  He's scheming up his next project for the back yard and I'm all for it.  Love being resourceful and making cheap things that look great.  Turns out it's handy to live in a construction zone where they are regularly throwing away wood pallets. 

... and the most important one... Creighton took his FIRST drink out of a straw!!  Yes, he probably should have done this like 2 years ago, but every time I would offer him a straw, he would just kind of look at it or kind of put his mouth on it, but I COULD NOT get him to actually take a drink (but I didn't really try very hard).  Then at Costco he decided he could drink out of the straw!  So yes, this is huge.  I had to take sippy cups everywhere that used straws, unless I wanted him to just drink out of a regular glass.  Freedom!  He hasn't been consistent with it ever since though, of course. :)

The goof balls that are a delight and exhausting all at the same time:

Riding "fast backwards" mowers (Beck's name for mowers that go fast, backwards, of course!) during one of our many trips to Lowes.  They love climbing on the mowers and Beck always pretends to be "Scott," the name of the guy that mows aunt Sheli's lawn.  He has a "fast backwards" mower and he is very cool.

a sweet moment while watching the rain

first trip to the pool for the summer!

the little guys

I started drafting this post months ago and am just finishing it.  And the boys are already different than they were when I started writing it...


... Every now and then I feel the pressure to write a post about the boys.  To write down as much as possible about what they're saying/doing before I forget it all.

They are finally at a stage where they play together.  Which = more messes, chaos, and many toy battles, but I'll take it over Creighton bugging me to hold him all day long.  Creighton is still my biggest fan, but he's getting much better at playing with Beckham, or entertaining himself... which is refreshing for me.  I used to hardly be able to sneak through the room he was in without him following me and wanting held.

And speaking of that needy little Creighton who has been more challenging to parent so far (solely due to personality differences to Beckham... nothing really that challenging)...  well, we've discovered how much he reminds us of me, and Beckham is more like Chad.  So I guess I'm the one to blame. :)

How is Creighton more like me?
he's independent and wants to make the decision/do things himself
he's more of a risk taker
he's carefree and doesn't want to be restrained
he's busy and doesn't want to just sit
he's silly and likes to be the center of attention (not sure how silly I am, but I don't mind attention)
he's kind of a touch-me-not and often doesn't care for his brother's affection (although he loves to cuddle with me?)
he's stubborn and doesn't mind being told "no"/being disciplined... likes to see what he can get away with :)
he's particular and likes things a certain way... has an opinion about his shoes/clothes, how I do things, likes to clean up

How is Beck more like Chad?
he's soft hearted and feels things deeply
he's quick to say sorry and hates to disappoint
he likes to relax
he knows the right/thoughtful thing to say
he's cautious
he likes being taken care of and having things done for him :)

Creighton even looks more like me and Beck more like Chad.  Kind of fun to see them take after one of us.  I'm also predicting their sports are going to follow us... Beck's already into basketball and golf and I'm banking on C being the runner. :)

What else are the boys up to these days?

Creighton is learning new words every day, talking more and more.  When he turned 2 it's like a switch flipped and he knew how to talk.  He says "that" all the time, wanting to know the name of what he's pointing to.  He'll repeat the same word over and over while reading a book.  He loves books, but usually just wants to turn pages quickly and point to various objects, but is sometimes interested in hearing all the words.  He's starting to know his ABC's.
His latest favorite saying is [insert word] first.  Such as "Thomas first" when that's the show he wants to watch.  Or "milk first" when he wants a drink.  "Cheese first" is a common saying at meal times.  I'm waiting for his food palate to mirror mine... although he likes random things like blue cheese.

Beckham is still our our super observant/amazing memory little guy who is quite the smooth talker and always knows the right thing to say at the right time (but it feels genuine too).  He can be super sweet and say things like "I just can't stop loving you mom" or try to manipulate a situation... like "mom, how about you read me three books b/c you love me," or "I have an idea, how about I watch just a little show."
Beck has been very sweet with his brother lately, encouraging him to be obedient or trying to sooth him when he's worked up about something.  Some examples:  coaxing him to try his vegetables at dinner, helping him calm down during a time-out by reading him a book, soothing him while he's scared at the Dr's office, trying to get him to say sorry when he's disobedient. 
He'll say things like
"it's ok Creighton, just calm down"
"just take a bite Creighton, just one bite"
"we need to be obedient to mom and dad Creighton"
"I'm right here Creighton, it's ok"
"Just say sorry Creighton"

Creighton hanging out in the sink at Sheli's house... this is what she does with him while she needs to get things done, like make dinner.  I guess he likes it and asks to go in the sink!

love times like this when they play peacefully together

Creighton has some amazing bed head!

Creighton loves being the frog after bath time and will walk around for a while with this towel on his head

looking all grown up in their matching outfits ... I think it's the comb over :)

glad their sandbox is done so they no longer feel the need to dig in the mulch in our front yard.  it was a little chilly this day, so this is me being lazy and taking a picture from inside.  :)

sharing a hot dog at Costco!

Creighton determined to brush his own teeth.

Might as well suck your fingers and pick your nose at the same time!  I'm pretty sure he wasn't feeling too well in this pic..

This is what frequently happens when I pick Beck up after work and he hasn't taken a nap... falls asleep on the way home and can't wake up for dinner.  Even Chick-fil-A. :)

Ok, what do you think... does Creighton look like me?

Creighton (obviously)

me (even more obvious!)

this is me too :)

contradiction

Does anyone else get... what's the word... sick of, overwhelmed, annoyed by the contradiction of information that exists in the health and wellness world?

It's one thing to stumble upon new information that's helpful and easy to implement in your daily life, if so chosen.  Like learning about the importance of fat and fermented foods in our diet, or that it would be a healthy (and resourceful) idea for me to start making my own bone broths. (not that I don't still question some of these types of things or make gradual changes)

It's entirely another thing to learn about contradictions that are contrary to what you have known to be true your entire life and seem to go against what society believes as a whole.  Topics such as:

- Is sunscreen necessary?  Or is it better to just soak in the sun and the benefit it provides, fighting off the harmful effects with an antioxidant rich diet.  Because soaking up the sun actually fights cancer... don't worry about it causing it.  (a very simplified and over-generalized summary of the article)
- The measles vaccine actually spreads the virus.  Which is why as more people get vaccinated there are so many cases of the measles, right??
- Diary causes osteoporosis.  You should not drink milk to have strong bones.
... and the list could go on and on.

I am naturally curious about health topics and am drawn to reading these kinds of articles.. but clearly some of them are not helpful.  It's after I read the ones above that I stop and just think "really?  Like what I've known my whole life to be true about these topics is actually false?!"  And most of the population has no idea?!  How can it be that there is this small group of people that is privy to discovering all the secrets to good health and how we should Really be living our lives?

Some topics are easy to brush off and not worry about, but with others it's harder to decide if it's actually important.

As I thought about this, I realized I do have a few "rules" of sorts for processing these kinds of things, but it doesn't always take away the uncertainty I feel after I intake new information.

(in no certain order)
1.)  We live in a fallen, sinful world.  There is no perfect answer to anything, nor can anyone completely control their health and environment.  People that are diligent to live responsible, healthy lifestyles still get cancer (or other life-treatening diseases), while very irresponsible and careless people can live to 90 and never have an illness.  At the end of the day God is sovereign and in control.
2.)  God has created many people that are smarter than me and called them to jobs that I will never know much about.  While there is a sect of distrust for the medical world, I have to believe that they are smarter than me, the FDA is not out to kill me, and I can kind of believe what I'm told.  I don't want to live a fearful and distrustful life, questioning everything I'm told.
3.)  If the general public embraces this without obvious consequences, then it's probably ok for me too. [things like vaccines, eating x,y,&z, applying sunscreen, or using gasp, store bought formula (vs homemade, if you didn't know you could actually do that)... ]
4.)  Would it be stressful or expensive to implement?  Then it's probably not worth it.
5.)  If it's something that would affect the whole family, would Chad be on board?  If I know he wouldn't or would feel dumb even bringing it up b/c he would think I'm weird/crazy, then I can probably forget about it.
6.)  If it's about food I talk to my food scientist sister Amber.  She provides a very practical, facts-driven, the public has no idea what they are talking about perspective.  It usually brings me back to reality.  Thanks Amber. :)
7.)  If I find a natural alternative to the "normal" that works well and is price-comparable, I'll probably switch that... things like deodorant, cleaning supplies, lotion... most any household/personal care product.  I tend to not go the homemade route due to time/energy and have found lots of Honest products I like.
8.)  Stay balanced and don't get extreme in any one thing.  Information is always changing.  Read one article and you will feel like you should never eat carbs again, and other one will explain the importance whole grains have on your body and if you avoid them you could be missing out on good nutrients and protein your body needs.  I'm waiting for the day we learn that organic is worse for you than regular food and that it's actually good for you to drink wine while you're pregnant. :)


So how do you analyze these topics?  Or new information that doesn't align with what you've always thought?  Maybe this all is far off your radar (which sounds kind of nice), or you are far more level-headed and can analyze much better than I?

Maybe I give way too much thought to all this stuff, and should just cut it off completely... but it is interesting and sometimes helpful, so I will probably keep reading and trying to filter the good from the bad.  :)