tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344327522011-10-03T05:55:44.605-07:00Frannynoreply@blogger.comBlogger4861100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-39614429690619723892011-09-28T21:33:00.001-07:002011-09-28T21:45:43.731-07:00

While the Jewish New Year is largely focused on reflection and atonement, I am taking the time to announce my resolution/intention to spend more time blogging this year. I have missed the writing and also, really value the record it creates...and the chance to share more of our lives with our family and friends. L'Shanah Tova and more to come soon!

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-91000756214416950922011-06-13T13:45:00.000-07:002011-06-13T13:54:35.630-07:00

Here's some pictures of the birthday card that was waiting for me yesterday morning! My sweet, sweet boy is already writing in code! Look out computer world!

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-38751058055618139032011-06-13T13:37:00.000-07:002011-06-13T13:45:13.247-07:00

Yesterday I pretended to be 12 years old again, when in fact, I turned 35. My friends obliged me and accompanied me to a roller rink where we skated to 80's music in our best retro garb. Here's a picture of the best lemon cake ever!

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-71050943163675376562011-05-16T19:51:00.000-07:002011-06-13T13:37:20.271-07:00

I have a blog! I should probably update once in a while, right? Let's see the big news, as of late, is that D money turned 3 years old! We celebrated his birthday with a return trip to the yurts at Nehalem Bay. It was fantastic despite the rainy weather. We climbed sand dunes, played ridiculous lawn games, made a camp fire, and "roughed it" with some good friends. D wore his birthday crown

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-20464670324470642992011-03-27T13:30:00.000-07:002011-03-27T14:00:36.850-07:00

When I'm not working, running, driving, cleaning, or taking care of the kiddos I am most likely reading. Two years ago, I joined the book club trend with three other amazing women. It is easily one of the best things I've ever participated in. Besides finding new books and having people to talk to about them, we have grown really close as we share the stories of our lives. Two weekends ago,

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-57326428608491110052011-03-25T23:14:00.000-07:002011-03-25T23:33:41.797-07:00

Somehow spring break isn't as fun when you are not a college student or when it is raining 92 hours a day and you are stuck inside with two little boys whose main form of entertainment is making each other scream. We did manage to have quite a bit of fun though despite the weather and temper tantrums. I braved the OMSI with the boys and the masses on Tuesday. We spent most of the time in the

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-16560764240335688962011-03-25T23:10:00.000-07:002011-03-25T23:14:30.720-07:00

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-47698611552601075002011-02-24T18:36:00.000-08:002011-02-24T18:41:48.295-08:00

Snuggling under the covers after some serious snow play. 100% adorableness.

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-90964295086140414892011-02-23T21:13:00.000-08:002011-02-23T21:29:57.744-08:00

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-77706560298723534242011-02-23T20:24:00.000-08:002011-02-23T20:26:30.897-08:00

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Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-61674690922666189742011-02-20T07:53:00.000-08:002011-02-20T08:05:24.403-08:00

It was a beautiful day yesterday and I did what any sane parent would do...did a few shots and took the boys to the park. OK, so I skipped the shots, but we did head straight to the park, the minute that all the boys woke up. That's right, yesterday, Mizz, D, and Dave all took naps, which meant that the house was all mine for a few hours! Here's the proof that the sun still exists in Portland:

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-70168030100502381492011-01-05T14:41:00.000-08:002011-03-08T12:44:48.160-08:00

I have been waiting patiently for my blogger's block to subside, but it seems that it is not going to go away anytime soon. So, much like putting on my running shoes and forcing myself to run the first fifteen blocks, I am going to simply start with whatever is on my mind and see if it leads to anything fruitful. At least with running, after those first fifteen blocks, my body is usually

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-63130070641345458532010-12-21T15:17:00.000-08:002010-12-21T15:22:21.421-08:00

Mizz: Christmas only comes once a year, right? Me: YupMizz: Well, every holiday only comes once a year right?Me: Uh huh.Mizz: Well the only special day that comes twice a year is going to the dentist and doctors appointments can happen a lot, right?Me: That's right.Hopefully not too many doctor's appointments this year. I'm glad Mizz thinks going to the dentist is something to be looked

Frannynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-28035243755174958032010-12-19T20:44:00.001-08:002010-12-19T20:45:58.014-08:00

If you let your kids stay in their pajamas all day, the bed time routine is super easy! The getting dressed battle: nonexistent!

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-49145060157178908792010-11-25T10:41:00.000-08:002010-11-26T20:55:23.137-08:00

At this rate, tomorrow will be Valentine's Day! The days are going so fast, I barely have time to blink! Or think. It seems that we are always running from one thing to another. There are so many things getting left behind on the proverbial back burner, which often leaves me feeling frustrated. Still, this is not meant to be a rant, because really the busyness right now is quite good. Life is

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-24005582202178498642010-11-11T21:39:00.000-08:002010-11-11T21:45:25.534-08:00

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-59911440159992282142010-10-31T21:18:00.000-07:002010-10-31T21:34:26.053-07:00

This weekend started with a Halloween dance on Friday evening, a six year old birthday party Saturday afternoon, a late night out for mom and dad, and friends over for dinner for the Giants game and trick or treating. The costumes got some good use this year. Dave make some awesome pumpkins again. Here are the pics to prove it.

Frannynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-31125888142338668962010-09-30T19:27:00.000-07:002010-09-30T19:46:23.391-07:00

Riveting stuff to be sure!Me: What do you think about Kindergarten so far?Mizz: I think that it is a lot of fun.Me: I'm glad to hear that.What has been surprising to you?Mizz: That there were two recesses instead of one.Me: What has been the hardest part of Kindergarten so far?Mizz: Drawing persons on paper at writing time.Me: What has been the easiest time in Kindergarten so far?Mizz: Playing at

Frannynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-66620245692014397852010-09-08T13:00:00.001-07:002010-09-08T13:17:51.119-07:00

Dave and I celebrated our eleventh anniversary this weekend. While it might not have been the most romantic weekend--we spent it largely stripping and sanding bookcases(and by we I mean, Dave and his fantastically helpful and industrious parents), it was really gratifying and wonderful. Like in the previous post, the days leading up to our anniversary had me reflecting on our relationship. And

Frannynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-71131704002571486062010-09-07T18:19:00.001-07:002010-09-08T13:00:00.256-07:00

Yesterday was Mizz's first day of kindergarten! Needless to say, I have spent the last few days trying to get a handle on my feelings surrounding this momentous event. For months I have been saying how excited I am and how ready Mizz is for school. His reading and math skills are incredible. He can build complex structures and trouble shoot mechanical problems better than I can. He has also

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-82577867462692629292010-09-06T13:18:00.000-07:002010-09-08T13:46:11.212-07:00

We ate more candy than you could shake a stick at, did puzzles, flew kites, walked the boardwalk, and stared at the mesmerizing ocean view for hours. It was six days and five nights of heaven. Thanks Grandpa and Gran for flying out here and sharing an amazing beach vacation with us! I will live at the beach one day.Can you say Portlander? Funky hat+raincoat+coffee mug=serious

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-20803688449464543292010-08-16T06:40:00.000-07:002010-08-16T06:45:28.472-07:00

At the table Mizz just reminded me that today was his last day of preschool (as if I could forget)!F: Yeah buddy...how do you feel about that?M: Well, I am little bit happy because I get to go to kindergarten and a little bit sad because I am going to miss seeing my teachers. But I'm happy also about my goodbye party. F: I know buddy, I feel the same way!That's right my friend, it's good to go

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-28830915461098709362010-08-15T22:06:00.000-07:002010-08-15T22:12:28.742-07:00

D money still fits in the Bjorn! OK, he sort of.Mizz wanted to get in on the action but you gotta draw the line somewhere right? He got a piggyback instead.

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-66199672671107056242010-08-12T13:16:00.000-07:002010-08-12T13:24:25.978-07:00

And no time to write it.Here's a pic for now... I snapped it this morning.

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-57502047390242608382010-07-16T22:04:00.000-07:002010-07-16T22:32:44.744-07:00

Just because you have kids doesn't mean that you stop having birthdays. On the contrary, you age twice as quickly and barely have time to register it. Here are some pics of Dave's recent festivities. The day started with me preparing a top secret ENORMOUS Oreo Cookie Cake. Don't be alarmed no actually Oreos were harmed or even used for the cake. You have to kill me or go to Williams and

Frannynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-75741084024904591662010-07-16T21:35:00.001-07:002010-07-16T21:56:29.366-07:00

I think these pictures pretty much speak for themselves. I am so thrilled about all the options for kiddo entertainment in the summer. This week we have spent hours playing in the sandbox and local fountains and also managed to visit four different parks. Mizz is spending more time playing with his peers at the park. It did my heart good yesterday to see him running around with three other

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-4157460253482934592010-07-09T19:50:00.001-07:002010-07-09T21:05:42.527-07:00

It should come as a surprise to no one that the usual cliches have been running incessantly through my head recently: "The last five years have passed in a blink! My baby is going to kindergarten soon!, He is so amazing! Really, he is so smart!"After we gave Mizz a stack of pancakes with a candle, D made his own birthday cake with strawberry candles. He loves singing the Hapty Birfday song to

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-53145000881187392422010-06-24T13:03:00.000-07:002010-06-24T13:23:07.374-07:00

It's a little known fact that all four members of my family have birthdays that occur on the same day of the week every year. This year all of our birthdays are on Saturday which is sweet! Somehow, birthdays on Tuesday are never as good. Unless it's the first one I suppose, in which case, the day of the week is not the most pressing thing on anyone's mind. I have always loved having my

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-57365630809578592352010-06-23T21:09:00.001-07:002010-06-23T21:19:45.653-07:00

According to the National Weather Service, the Portland area has had only three clear, sunny days between March 21st and June 21st. And, um, I can vouch for that (if I was one of them real blogs I would link to it). In any case, it has been a long, wet spring which was finally punctuated today by what I think was the sun. It reached a whopping 83 degrees today and the Mizz, D, and I frolicked

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-41783595734343673912010-05-30T13:18:00.001-07:002010-05-30T13:29:29.744-07:00

A yucky, rainy morning turned into a splendid day. The Mizz got to ride his first pony and ferris wheel. He enjoyed both activities a lot although, on the walk back to the car, he admitted that he had been a little scared on the ferris wheel. We ate popcorn, drank lemonade, and had fun admiring the exotic animals on display (ie big snakes and a rather sad looking tiger and lion). D tolerated

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-31148887766977221852010-05-19T21:18:00.000-07:002010-05-19T21:25:42.557-07:00

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-2997861142629205262010-05-19T12:58:00.000-07:002010-05-19T13:12:19.891-07:00

I loved, loved, loved Lite Brite as a kid. So do these guys although, D needs a lot of supervision at this point seeing as he still calls the pieces candy.

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-77693130776275582962010-05-19T12:48:00.000-07:002010-05-19T12:58:20.545-07:00

Every morning D has been waking up drinking some milk and then "getting dressed" and asking to go to the park. He got some of the basics down but pants are clearly optional. How many engineers does it take???

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-63083691946520168272010-05-18T13:39:00.000-07:002010-05-18T13:43:13.671-07:00

This weekend we got our garden on. Peas went in, as did tomatoes, a new rose bush, some pretty white thing, and a zucchini. We also unleashed the power of 150 ladybugs to take care of those pesky aphids. Today I had the great idea to go ladybug hunting. I didn't mean it literally I swear but Mizz and D tried their best. They were very excited to find the critters and were really excited to

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-74303757542808274822010-05-18T12:21:00.000-07:002010-05-18T20:03:38.390-07:00

Right after Alma left, Dave set sail for Bend for one week for work. The boys and I have become a lean mean machine and the week flew by quickly and relatively easily. We missed Dave to be sure, and seeing the boys' faces when they first see him almost always makes up for the inconvenience and loneliness that sometimes accompanies Dave's travels. In any case, Dave got back Friday night just

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-71847862162974096082010-05-02T20:43:00.000-07:002010-05-02T21:14:51.848-07:00

I am feeling pretty darn fantastic after a long weekend visit with Alma. In roughly two days we managed to visit: Blueplate, The Oregon History Museum, some random bar, The Dragontree Spa, The Country Cat, the downtown Farmers' Market and Saturday Market, Imelda's, Oasis Cafe, Powell's, Cool Moon Ice Cream, SCRAP, Biwa, Pine State Biscuits and the Crystal Springs Rhododendron garden. Yowsas!

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-18386150647323817222010-04-25T08:23:00.001-07:002010-04-25T20:19:39.318-07:00

Well for starters, right here on the couch. D is OBSESSED with Lady Gaga and asks for her, oh, forty thousand times a day. Imagine my horror, when he informed me in no uncertain terms that he prefers the Lady G to the Big M (Madonna). Kids these days.When we are not boob tubing it up. We are outside enjoying the flowers and spending hours moving dirt from one pile to another. The boys can

Frannynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-10666885747441087852010-04-15T13:41:00.000-07:002010-04-15T13:55:42.427-07:00

Since I have been so lax about posting recently, I decided to invite a guest blogger to post a never before released piece of fiction. That's right folks, you get to read Mizz's first ever internet post RIGHT HERE!One dark and rainy day, there was a little boy who wanted to go outside but it was the evening and "Nobody goes outside in the evening" his mother told him. He really, really, really

Frannynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-8528039273866962192010-03-25T13:17:00.000-07:002010-03-25T13:23:46.554-07:00

Reminiscing, that is. While I was going through my photos today, I came across this beauty. It made my heart hurt, in fact, with it's beautifulness. How could it not? My sweet, loving husband looking all tender and D looking all tiny and come to think of it, IMMOBILE. Ah, those were the days!

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-77426622972455225042010-03-15T22:39:00.001-07:002010-03-15T22:43:39.696-07:00

I got to hold a two week old baby! Bliss!D's evolving behavior in toddler classroom Mizz in a play! His first live appearance ever as a UNICORN!Casting my ballot in the Kindergarten lottery.Awesome grandparent visit.Stay tuned.

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-4883387147810410262010-03-02T22:38:00.000-08:002010-03-02T22:41:15.119-08:00

From Mizz: I want rock and roll! (radio is turned on) That's not rock and roll! (Yes, it is, says Dave) Well, I don't like it! I want Vampire Weekend!

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-46141932181109002462010-02-17T09:12:00.000-08:002010-02-17T09:24:12.528-08:00

I realize we still have a few weeks until spring officially begins, but I not letting that pesky detail get in the way of my newly improved mood. The Camellias started blooming last month, we now have six fully opened daffodils in our yard, with more opening daily, AND it has been almost 60 degrees the last two days. Yesterday, the boys and I walked for almost an hour around the neighborhood.

Frannynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-80977945937251259102010-02-12T20:37:00.000-08:002010-02-12T20:50:15.469-08:00

It appears that the love of my life is no longer in vogue. Yes, people, it seems that cupcakes have, sadly, lost their trendy status and are being replaced by Macaroons or Macarons (if you are French or pretending to be) as the dessert du jour. Check it out. I say; more cupcakes for me! In fact, my love of cupcakes predates the trend that sprung up cupcake shops all over the country. Eleven

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-10370328380956225912010-02-04T12:48:00.000-08:002010-02-04T13:00:04.968-08:00

A few days ago Mizz asked Dave why he has a daddy who always has to work. This makes me sad a little bit, but I also realize that even with Dave's traveling, there are many, many men out there that work way more hours than him. In any case, when Dave reminded him that people work to make money for things we need like food and toys, Mizz interrupted him and said. "No, no, no, we NEED food, but

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-67473610043747217792010-02-03T09:21:00.000-08:002010-02-04T17:32:47.791-08:00

D wants to eat all the time. The past two mornings he has asked for food again not twenty minutes after he finished breakfast. Any time we past any sort of eatery (cart, restaurant, vending machine, etc) he makes the sign for and says eat, eat, EAT! He is relentless in his pursuit of food, which I suppose supplies his relentless barbarianism. We have made some progress with his passion to

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-70159549980132335632010-02-03T09:01:00.000-08:002010-02-03T09:03:01.082-08:00

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-88645297285143548242010-01-19T10:30:00.000-08:002010-01-19T10:38:04.651-08:00

Mizz is obsessed with connect the dots--with a twist. He both makes the dots and then connects them. They are quite elaborate at times. Spider? Mizz's first family portrait. Notice my three segmented body, it's quite svelte, eh? In case you are wondering the dots represent the food in our tummys. Oh, and D is still in Mama's tummy. I wonder what the child therapist would say about the that?

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-39330244683477600112010-01-18T14:09:00.001-08:002010-01-18T17:33:02.321-08:00

As you can see, we still have some work to do. D can, in fact, sing the whole song, but he is still really likely to get distracted and start doing something else, like eat an unidentified object off the floor. What cracks me up about this behavior is that right before he does try to eat something he says icky. In the video he even says "icky" and then says "j" before he becomes too engrossed

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-46667773672805987572010-01-02T17:27:00.000-08:002010-01-02T17:46:50.486-08:00

Frannynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-71945555991944513782009-12-22T21:47:00.001-08:002009-12-22T21:55:53.548-08:00

It's been a musical Chanukah at our house what with a spinning, bouncing, singing, LED dreidel and seemingly ubiquitous guitars. I mean there are dreidels and guitars everywhere!Here's the photographic evidence. See if you can spot the dreidels.Just kidding... no dreidels were used or harmed in the making of these particular pictures. In fact, they are all tucked away safely in their crate

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-78972242172930503812009-12-16T14:14:00.001-08:002009-12-16T14:24:54.270-08:00

Please direct all your concern and serious inquiries to our new CEO.

Frannynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-52960864875908480332009-12-15T11:41:00.000-08:002009-12-15T11:47:15.105-08:00

Between our new laptop, cell phones, and my new camera, Dave and I are geeking out big time. In We have been communicating to each other primarily through said devices. In our defense, there IS a lot to set up and learn about. In any case, after realizing that this new system might not be the healthiest way to remain connected to each other, I hired a babysitter last Saturday night. We

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-2781617187193993762009-12-15T11:34:00.000-08:002009-12-15T11:40:53.505-08:00

And occasionally (I swear!) I am a mom that likes to brag about her kids! D had his first official day in the toddler classroom at school and....peed on the potty. That's right folks, his second time on the pot and he um, delivered! I realize that it was probably just lucky timing, but I am adding it to the lists of signs that potty training this little monkey is going to be a whole heck of a

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-8193883534665960472009-12-09T13:23:00.000-08:002009-12-09T13:28:05.103-08:00

Police car tent is roomy enough enough for two or three friends, and it attaches to any twin mattress with elastic straps. Strong plastic connecting rods hold it upright. Lightweight silkscreened fabric has flap doors and mesh for ventilation. Quality assured. Real siren sounds. Clear pocket in which to insert driver's name. 72" x 36" x 36" H. Ages 4 and up.Would anyone in their right mind

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-38707091848140552782009-12-08T21:57:00.000-08:002009-12-08T22:02:23.539-08:00

Dentist, Haircut, OMSI, and beaucoup holiday shopping done today OH MY! I also spent an hour looking at pics of D from his first year. All in all, it was a pretty great day.

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-55136201589476732922009-11-17T18:40:00.000-08:002009-11-20T12:39:12.160-08:00

If I had time to dwell on guilty feelings, I have to admit, that I occasionally feel guilty that I haven't been able to post more about D's development on this blog. It has been such a joy to watch him learn to walk, run, and talk all in what feels like an absolute blink. He is, in fact, a warp speed type of guy. Specifically, at this point, D will repeat almost every word said to him and can

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-55867731263736202022009-11-01T10:31:00.001-08:002009-11-03T10:03:33.357-08:00

Yes, my non costume is extremely lame. Mizz opted for being a train engineer instead of Spiderman or Mater from the cars movie (two costumes I had picked up super cheap). He was actually in his glory. While last year, Mizz still was working on the mechanics of treat or treating, this year he had it down pat. Well, mostly down pat. My favorite interactions included: 1) When asked if he was

Frannynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-49947136584435227672009-09-27T21:25:00.000-07:002009-09-27T21:28:31.409-07:00

What four year old boy doesn't need his own tux?

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-33609231627932618512009-09-18T19:26:00.000-07:002009-09-18T20:29:49.249-07:00

How old are you?M: I'm four years old. Where were you born?M: I was born, um, at Kaiser.What's your favorite thing to do?M: My favorite thing to do is play cars.What's your least favorite thing to do?M: I think, my least favorite thing to do is to not listen to you, because that's not nice. I don't think I am going to do anything bad for the rest of my life.What does Mommy do for work?M:

Frannynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-66241397334689067312009-09-13T20:59:00.001-07:002009-09-13T21:08:54.327-07:00

This cowboy wear has now graced three generations of our family. As you can see the photo shoot started off a little rocky, but D quickly got with the program. Thanks Grandpa and Tutu for such a fun and productive weekend!

Frannynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-88415425997049725472009-09-13T20:37:00.000-07:002009-09-13T20:58:40.850-07:00

Happy Anniversary to us! We got married ten years ago. Can you believe it? We just celebrated last weekend with a trip to The Resort at the Mountain (theresort.com), which apparently has as much regard for itself as UVA does (UVA being "The University"). In any case, it was spectacularly wonderful to retreat to a fairly luxurious hotel room without any kids. Dave and I quickly regressed to our

Frannynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-67758217982808932222009-09-13T15:06:00.001-07:002009-09-13T15:41:37.052-07:00

I set out to compose a post about this summer since I have been largely absent from the blogging world. And, for the most part, I want to remember everything. Of course what I really want to remember, is not the birthday parties or the big outings, but all the little stuff. The stuff that is so fleeting I have trouble getting it down on the page let alone remembering it at all after a few

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-60520355051552426562009-09-01T09:40:00.000-07:002009-09-01T09:45:43.698-07:00

In a recent discussion about school, Mizz made a bold statement."I'm not going to go to college".After a mild heart attack, I asked why not. Mizz quickly put my mind to rest, when he replied that he was going to skip college and go straight to grad school. He is not set on his career path yet though. Most of the time, if asked, he says he wants to be a bus driver. Other times though, he

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-48236701576960032422009-08-23T20:44:00.000-07:002009-08-23T21:09:59.056-07:00

This weekend's sunny and mild temperatures meant lots of outside time. Yesterday the highlight was an engagement party at a beautiful park for D's teacher. Mizz amused himself with a golf club set, the swings, and doing calculus from the park benches. D, on the other hand, occupied himself with meeting and greeting every dog in the park. The engaged couple had brought Boomer, a bassett hound

Frannynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-66455042796784636932009-08-11T22:40:00.000-07:002009-08-11T22:46:06.867-07:00

Instead here I am.

Frannynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-20304094905856281252009-08-10T19:53:00.000-07:002009-08-10T20:08:55.850-07:00

And you can come too, too, too! This weekend we took advantage of the perfect weather and hightailed it up to the zoo early Sunday morning. D loved it! He is big enough to some walking now and thought all the paths, fences, and, well everything, were awesome. And he LOVED the animals! He has developed a simple taxonomy of animals--everything is either a DOGGIE! or a CAHT (sic)! So

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-20583262852859681702009-07-23T07:37:00.000-07:002009-08-02T15:20:52.825-07:00

Yes, we play in the bathtub a lot--both with and without water. While D hates to be contained anywhere (go figure!) he will spend many, many content minutes playing in the tub. I am not so secretly wondering how long it is until he turns on the faucet and soaks himself.Check out the size of this monster! I have mastered zucchini bread, omelets, fried zuch, etc. I actually love it and can't help

Frannynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-80922698859415380582009-07-13T11:12:00.000-07:002009-07-13T11:17:54.392-07:00

D continues to amaze me with his fast paced learning. Today he uttered his first no to one of his teachers in response to whether or not he wanted to take a nap. He also reportedly said stop and held out his hand, while mimicking a teacher who was instructing another baby to tell D stop. D is so fun right now! He hands people toys and tells them thank you. He is beginning to sing along

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-90020378273137867762009-07-12T15:37:00.000-07:002009-07-13T11:09:23.787-07:00

Every year it happens. How could it not? With seven birthdays of just my immediate family over the last three months, not to mention the majority of Mizz's class and some of my closest friends, by the middle of July the mere mention of cake makes my stomach a little wary if not outright distressed. And I love cake. I love the word cake. And all the images that go through my head when I think

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-69183367695611016312009-07-12T15:33:00.000-07:002009-07-12T15:37:03.894-07:00

I didn't make it back to my ten year college reunion because D was just two weeks old. For now, these shirts and my fam will have to suffice until we can get back to the ville in October.

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-83590404292961826532009-06-28T17:39:00.000-07:002009-06-28T17:53:14.526-07:00

We set out for a day of hiking in the Gorge and somehow got bamboozled into spending a day with Thomas and his friends and 200 other preschool boys! It was, as always, really fun to watch the Mizz having fun. It also brought back lots of memories of last year when D was just a a teeny baby and Mizz wasn't nearly as savvy at anything. Not that Mizz is really savvy at anything yet but he is making

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-6235636041736325722009-06-13T17:04:00.000-07:002009-06-18T10:17:11.079-07:00

I have post it notes EVERYWHERE with things to blog about. Mostly they are about the sometimes ridiculous, sometimes amazing, and ever expanding conversations that I have with Mizz. I really am not sure where all my time goes. I do spend a good deal of it doing the usual suspects: laundry, cleaning, cooking, repeat to infinity. The double whammy of almost never eating out and playing outside

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-51659033501631216822009-05-25T09:26:00.000-07:002009-05-26T15:03:23.425-07:00

For months now, I have been thinking that I was going to start getting about weaning D once he turned a year old. Visions of cute shirts, nights away, and being able to take pills without worrying about passing them to D through my milk danced through my head. But then, as his birthday got closer, I started second guessing that decision. For the most part nursing was really rewarding.  We were

Frannynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-75720879901072483682009-05-19T07:02:00.000-07:002009-05-19T07:04:48.972-07:00

Mizz just looked at the clock and told me it four minutes to seven.   He can do this with both digital and analog clocks.  I guess it pays to have a semi obsession.  

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-41752372172040803792009-05-17T20:26:00.000-07:002009-05-17T20:31:32.319-07:00

When Dave was tucking Mizz in to bed tonight, he asked him what was the coolest thing he did today.  Mizz got a haircut complete with balloon, sticker, and lollipop, went for a wagon ride, played excitedly with his new water table, read new library books, ate a yummy grilled dinner.  The highlight?  Sliding down the box that the water table came in.  I've give it to him--it was a creative use of

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-72620185031888416362009-05-17T15:29:00.000-07:002009-05-17T15:32:20.971-07:00

Frannynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-86805928962245728662009-05-17T15:24:00.000-07:002009-05-17T15:28:51.564-07:00

We went to my favorite local garden--Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. The blooms were spectacular!

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-17476052933595947062009-05-17T12:06:00.000-07:002009-05-17T21:57:31.537-07:00

Our house just expanded by about five hundred square feet now that we are spending all our time outside.  The yard looks so beautiful with so many new interesting additions.  And we have added a number of new kid "features" that are guaranteed to keep Mizz and D occupied for a hours and hours.  Mizz has now been promoted to assistant gardener and has his very own patch to tend--complete with some

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-48629163990095035832009-05-10T14:35:00.001-07:002009-05-10T14:38:10.187-07:00

In addition to getting a great deal on them, D loves them! Fear not, there are no plans on roasting the baby. I am going to make some scrumptious mac and cheese for my wee ones today. The pots are so beautiful it has taken me awhile to get over my fear of messing them up.

Frannynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-55757757313462501012009-05-10T07:45:00.000-07:002009-05-10T08:10:02.150-07:00

The weather could not have been more perfect for D's inaugural birthday bash. The kids occupied themselves with bubbles, balls, and the sandbox. The grown ups indulged in margaritas, cervezas, and wicked chips and dip. D showed off his walking skills and general adorableness. I think he must have known the party was all about him.The cake recipes were fairly involved and we finished them right

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-27284024630923310642009-05-07T18:56:00.000-07:002009-05-07T20:29:34.407-07:00

In seven hours, D turns one year old.  Which means a year ago I was one huge, nervous, and excited pregnant mama.  One year later, I am almost back to my non pregnant shape and less nervous, but the excitement remains.  D is changing at such a fast past--I forgot how fast the first year goes!  Especially with D who has an older brother to keep up with...he learned to crawl in three weeks, and now

Frannynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-76674691130527898002009-04-04T07:05:00.000-07:002009-04-04T07:11:50.514-07:00

For some reason this headline caught my attention this morning. In other news, speaking of viral monkeys, Mizz woke up at his usual time of 5 AM. Per our agreement he did stay in his room until 6. Apparently though he is still tired, because he woke the whole family up at 6 with a loud tantrum and pretty much didn't stop crying for an hour. Waking up to a child screaming about "the boogers

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-65974279404875878322009-04-02T06:44:00.002-07:002009-04-02T15:18:32.643-07:00

Apparently I am not the only one that has some issues with voice mail.  Check out this NY Times article.   I'm not as bad as the folks in the article; I do check my voice mail most of the time, but often it is after I have already talked to the person.

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-37093833823151107792009-03-26T19:26:00.001-07:002009-03-26T19:34:28.790-07:00

Both of my boys are improving their A game (which is code for trying to drive Mama insane).   They are getting faster and stronger and are basically scaling new heights to basically confirm my worst fears about having two boys.  In the last two days, Mizz has discovered the joy of sending things flying down the stair.  A rod from the closet made it's way down this afternoon.  While I admit it is

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-44471520884250768072009-03-10T17:51:00.000-07:002009-03-10T18:14:09.693-07:00

I almost feel guilty writing this, as I don't really want to add to all the hype about the recent octuplet birth, but I feel like this article presents a few points most people haven't considered. While I personally can't imagine taking care of three kids, let alone six or ten or fourteen, I also realize that it really isn't my place to judge her decision about the family she wants. It seems

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-16324067415090650022009-03-08T13:08:00.000-07:002009-03-11T11:32:29.364-07:00

Well, it is almost spring. It's spring enough complete with daffodils, warmer weather, hail storms, and lots of rainbows. I love spring! Fall foliage is nice, but longer days and warmer weather mean way more outdoor time, which ultimately translates into less squirmishes with Mizz, since we are both happier outside. Check out my very own little angry bunny. This isn't his best bunny face, but I

Frannynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-44396005778406458752009-03-06T20:56:00.000-08:002009-03-06T21:05:36.565-08:00

"This broccoli is crunchy...Whoever made the broccoli just made it that way."Mizz is trying to drive me insane by asking why about everything. Why is that trash can there? Why does red mean stop? Anytime I ask him to do anything elicits a why? Most of my responses take some form of: "they are for decoration" (in response to why boys have nipples), "I don't know" and "because it is made that way".

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-81459193174501248042009-03-04T10:50:00.000-08:002009-03-04T18:12:08.212-08:00

D Money has a fat lip to go with his tounge wound. Apparently those five teeth are creating some serious ruckus. Well, that and the fact that he is one busy, wobbly little guy. We went to the Children's Museum yesterday. It was very fun...we haven't been there in a really long time. It was newly renovated and as an older kid now, Mizz was able to really get involved with a lot of it. I got

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-19806521915626103972009-02-20T11:54:00.000-08:002009-02-20T12:01:11.107-08:00

I have the flu and while just just yesterday was crying for morphine, that sorry state is already almost forgotten, because today D said "Mama" and waved and repeated back the sign for milk! He has actually been saying Mama for maybe two or more weeks and over time it has been more and more clear that it is actually attached to me and not just random babble. He has also been working on his wave

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-32779517876379992292009-02-14T17:22:00.000-08:002009-02-14T17:30:34.380-08:00

Ten years ago today I got engaged.Look what happened...I am one lucky lady to have such sweet men in my life.

Frannynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-81811639820407624212009-02-12T14:45:00.001-08:002009-02-14T17:19:07.171-08:00

He's my baby. Weighing in at a whopping 16 and a half pounds makes D Money larger than only 2 percent of the nine month old population. But he's a tall one, beating out a robust 75% of nine month old boys. Don't messy with Scrappy! After all he has been rolling over since he was two months old and is threatening to walk any minute now! Trash talk aside, he just fed me a cheerio and is seriously

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-15690103253184855042009-02-05T10:04:00.000-08:002009-02-05T10:20:09.359-08:00

Check out D's teeth. Check out the fact that it was sunny in February in Portland. It has been so dry, D got to crawl around in the grass for the first time! We blew bubbles, "mowed" the lawn, and shot hoops yesterday... I can't wait until spring and all the warm, easiness that comes with it.

Frannynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-86956071719593793792009-01-23T20:05:00.000-08:002009-01-23T20:24:41.139-08:00

Check out this amazingly cool picture. Zoom in and scroll around till your heart's content. I would have loved to have experienced firsthand all the joy, thrill, and hope that must have been flooding Washington for the inauguration. Instead, I had to settle for watching it at home by myself. Mizz chose to play in his room and D was sleeping. Still, Mizz came down and sat on my lap for

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-30026902719969322012009-01-22T16:15:00.000-08:002009-01-22T17:01:38.634-08:00

For the record, I am referring to D this time. In the last month, since he has gotten super mobile, D has decided that he would prefer to not sit still for diaper changes. Which is unfortunately timed with the fact that now that he is eating solid food, he needs a lot more diaper changes. Of the stinky kind. Of the kind that sometimes takes a good minute to neutralize. D is also not fond of

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-38563984354218671762009-01-22T15:56:00.000-08:002009-01-22T16:15:05.265-08:00

Reeling to keep up with the whirring brain of my three year old. During "quiet time" today Mizz proceeded to put every toy, and I do mean every toy, into his bed. Picture a landfill of toys. It seems to be quite an impressive feat being that he is rather short and the pile is rather tall. Upon seeing his masterpiece, I cracked up and jokingly threw an errant shoe on top of the pile. Mizz

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-24029192948168137782009-01-17T16:02:00.000-08:002009-01-17T16:09:23.988-08:00

Mizz just turned down the opportunity to help me a make a cake so he could keep checking out tools in the garage with Dave. Yep, that's right, Mizz gave up an opportunity to eat cake batter in exchange for some dusty safety goggles and nine hundred screwdrivers. I suppose there's still hope for D... Actually, it was pretty cute watching Mizz and Dave work on their project (a bunch of screws in

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-23767208905824236182009-01-10T19:58:00.001-08:002009-01-10T20:03:18.059-08:00

A recent conversation with Mizz while playing with stickers:"Can you help get the onion out?""I can, but that's actually a coconut sweetie""Well, that's a coconut, but you can call it an onion if you want."And then today:"Are Steve and Ava coming?" "That's Keith, Mizz""Yeah, you can call him Steve, but mostly it's Keith"

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-5482059025759575492009-01-10T19:28:00.000-08:002009-01-10T19:57:56.366-08:00

Never, ever, ever, get pregnant again. Reason #342Dave and I have recently downgraded the dinners wars to a low level squirmish. After too many angry dinners, we have finally swallowed our egos and decided that we can not prove a point to the Mizz with loud, negative reactions to his increasingly bad behavior. At three years old, he is well aware that dumping milk, throwing waffles, and upending

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-14047515761184816972009-01-07T19:53:00.000-08:002009-01-07T20:01:01.654-08:00

D's eight month birthday is tomorrow and apparently he got the memo. Yesterday he cut his first tooth (why a little speck of white on his gum line is so adorable I don't know...), started eating food with gusto, and also began pulling himself upright to a standing position on Mizz's train table. He is started to crawl on all fours the majority of time and is (knock on wood) sleeping really well

Frannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432752.post-6730260289906273462009-01-04T20:31:00.000-08:002009-01-04T20:38:22.619-08:00

The other day Mizz asked where he was before he was in my tummy.   

Frannynoreply@blogger.com0