The Future of U.S. Swimming

Emerson and friends at his very first birthday party.

The Big Four

Emerson's 4th birthday proved to be the first where he was totally engaged during the entire party (dinner, presents, cake and all), completely awestruck by the fabulous gifts he received, uttering the palindromic 'wow' the whole night through.

What things?

Upon finishing his nightly poop:

"Mommy, I am wiping my butt with the tissue because there are no more butt things."

Translation:

"Mommy, I am wiping my butt with the tissue because there is no more toilet paper."

First Bloom

I have pretty much what you could call a brown thumb. But, I love flowers -- tulips in particular. Well when Costco had a vase of bulbs anchored so that all I needed to do was add some water, I was intrigued. The fruits of my minimal efforts paid off today with this lovely bloom.

Anticipation

Progress in Paradise

The painting project continues, with an interruption to create my first true library. A work in progress, the library is taking place of what would be a formal living room. Since T and I rarely have folks over for a serious formal tea and finger sandwiches affair, I figured that big plush couches, some nice art, a rug and coffee table (all yet to be purchased) surrounded by my books would make for a cozy and intimate setting perfect for the kind of people and gatherings we do host.

So, here we are, my collection on display, with room to grow.

Traditions

While Times Square celebrated it's 100th ball drop, my small group of friends gathered for the 7th year in a row for a ferocious night of game playing, homemade spaghetti eating and Bailey's shake drinking into the new year. The laughter was as rich as in years past and the story telling as animated. I find myself blessed to have such good friends.

As I embark on another year, I look to carry over many traditions from years past and celebrate some new ones, like keeping a journal and reminding myself of the good things in life on a regular basis. Taking a cue from from my internet blogging friend Karen, here are the 25 good things in my life that I never tire of. As you read through it, think of your own, list. Write it down and keep it handy for those days when nothing seems to be going right, or you just want some time for reflection. It's bound to bring a smile to your face:

1. Emerson's laughter.
2. Fresh cut grass under bare feet.
3. A really well made movie.
4. Good music.
5. Book Club.
6. Making my hubby laugh (which is sometimes easier said than done).
7. Clean sheets and freshly shaved legs.
8. A good joke.
9. The smell of rain.
10. Completing a crossword puzzle without any cheats.
11. My mom's cooking.
12. A game of Sorry! or Scrabble with my competitive Oklahoma family.
13. The Olympic Games.
14. Reading and dozing and reading and dozing and reading and dozing.
15. Sitting in front of the fire.
16. Girly weekend in Mexico.
17. A day at the spa.
18. Story time and songs with Emerson.
19. Hearing I love you.
20. Making others feel happy.
21. Taking photographs.
22. Setting up a new calendar or planner.
23. Starbucks Non-Fat Chai - hot or cold.
24. Looking at slide pics on the old projector.
25. Hugging someone close.

Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man

Painting is progressing nicely, even with the six or so minutes that Emerson contributed. After painting his signature E (to his left), he rolled for a few minutes and was off to watch Elmo.

Sharpie Love

You can personalize a license plate, your Starbucks cash card, and now Sharpie permanent markers! Who knew? I certainly didn't. But Claudia (and this is why she's in the nearest and dearest category) did and knew I would love them.

When TiVo Dies...

...and Emerson is at school, Daddy is at work and mommy has the day off...I become the next, soon-to-be-identified star of DIY-TV.

Now, let the record reflect that I am not a home improver. In fact, we bought this house because of it's move-in-readiness. And it was move in ready, despite some painting (that of course we would hire out) and then we found out about the flooring issue and then the car accident, and well basically everything stopped. Everything, including this past weekend, our TiVo. What on earth could I do on a day off without TiVo? I could take control.

You see, I keep being reminded that there are only so many things (and actually it's really very few things) that we can control in life. So as things for the latter part of 3 months have been spinning out of control, I realized I could control the appearance of my walls. In particular, two walls that are a faux-finish shade of rust that I just don't care for. Today, that all changed. Well, 80 percent of it changed and once my hubby can move our china cabinet for me the remaining 20 percent can change.

Here's the said ugly wall (on right side), upon immediate move in and mess:


Here's the wall now, one afternoon later, sporting a much nicer color!


Now even though this wall will soon hold some bookshelves and much of this nice color will no longer be visible, the important thing is that the nasty color is gone and the wall is just calling for books!

Happy Christmas

Luminaries Line our Lane

On Saturday afternoon, our homeowner's association supplied us and all the houses in our subdivision with bags and candles with the instruction to place and light the luminaries along our sidewalk by dusk on Christmas Eve. This is an annual holiday tradition for Moonlight Cove and one in which we enjoyed partaking (as did the number of drivers and passersby this evening).

The Last Several Weeks

It's been a whirlwind of a good time this past month or so. With birthday parties to attend (Aidan and Lauren's), a Christmas dinner and recital for school, play dates at the park (with Jason), the Zoo (with Lauren), our favorite friends from Connecticut (Alix, Tim and Owen), the city light parade, a visit to the fire station to drop of toys and measure up against a tire, there's barely been time to rest and recoup. Hoping there's some time for that before the year's end!

Accomplishments and Realizations

It has been a busy holiday week and weekend with a lot to celebrate beyond the usual Thanksgiving fare. To name a few...

1. Aside from two gifts yet to purchase, all of my Christmas shopping is D-O-N-E. I even have half of the gifts wrapped. It's still November and this is accomplishment is nothing short of a holiday miracle. To think of all the money I will save on not having to rush ship or have my online retailers wrap my gifts has me giddy!

2. Our Christmas lights are hung! I think we have hung lights maybe twice (with T's busiest work time hitting during the holiday season it just hasn't always been a priority. Now, that Emerson is really getting into the Christmas spirit and we are in a new hood that is a pretty festive one, we got a bit of the lighting bug and T did a great job with some help from Emerson. See the during and after...


3. As of Thanksgiving day, Emerson is no longer a napper, and this leaves me feeling conflicted. Selfishly, I love the time he naps. It's time that I can rest too, or catch up on some reading or just steal some time a way for a couple of hours. On the flip side, it gives us A LOT more flexibility to not have the day broken up by a nap. And, it's a bittersweet reminder that he's growing up faster than we could ever imagine.

Neighborhood Toughies

Thanksgiving

It probably got no warmer than 75 degrees here in the today -- a beautiful day to give thanks.

As T worked into the wee hours of today, Emerson and I took off for the park and some sunshine so that Dad could get some rest. I was surprised how many people were at the park, but couldn't agree with being out on a day like today. There were at least 3 groups playing touch football, a full-fledged soccer game, kids on the jungle gym and me and my little guy exploring. Emerson loved playing on the jungle gym, watching the big guys play football and soccer and climb his first tree (with a little help from me).




After playing around we grabbed Daddy and met up with Grammy Kathy at the home of our dear friends Scott and Claudia. Great company and the greatest of comfort foods put a nice close on a rather perfect day.

Sick Day Photo Shoot

Emerson was sent home today for being sick. Despite the gastro-intestinal bug that bit him, he was surprisingly up for a quick change of clothes and some fun in the backyard.

Hedgehogs and Baseball and Hot Tubs, Oh My!

It was a busy weekend with a school friend's birthday at the zoo, a jaunt to the park to bat some balls, and our first dip into the hot tub.


L-R: Birthday Honoree David, Emerson and Grace look on while Zoo Volunteer Kat shows off a hedgehog.



Emerson keeps his eye on the ball.



Our little goldfish takes his first hot tub dip.

Have a SMOKIN' Halloween

Hall of Flames

Thanks to our friends, the Cummings, we learned about the Hall of Flames Fireman Museum and their open house today. We made it over to the museum with just an hour left of the open house and just enough time to catch a ride on an actual fire truck and take a look at some historic engines. Emerson was his usual awestruck amongst the trucks and memoriabilia. A great, albiet quick, excursion for a Saturday.

Fall Festival

After a leisurely day at the spa, the family headed out to Emerson's school for the annual Fall Festival, Boo-Attitudes. Emerson had a fantastic time fighgting fires with fellow classmate Evan...

Enjoying the company of a lovely lady (miss Anna)...

Getting some help from handyman Bob (friend David)...

And catching up with scary skeleton (and new neighbor, Jason)...

Walks Among the Stars...

...relax amid the desert.

Today, my mom and I had the treat of spending the day at the spa (a gift from T for Mother's day that we took too long to redeem). Lounging in the sun underneath this Lakota woman, Walks Among the Stars, displaying her heirloom quilt was just what we needed after enduring a rather stress-filled fall. The massages and desert rain loofah treatments weren't so bad either.

Celebration

Another year gone by and I continue to be surrounded (literally and geographically) by good people. The day was perfect - with a lot of twists and turns: lunch with a dear friend and her baby and baby on the way; Bunco with the girls (where we don't get enough of us to play but we don't even notice because we have so much fun gabbing); dinner with the usual suspects; and divine homemade carrot cake cupcakes with a double layer of cream cheese frosting.

It was perfect.

Good Things

**Some family time Sunday afternoon at the Train park. While I miss my mega-camera, my little PowerShot captured some nice afternoon light and my two nice guys.

**Our living room furniture arrived and we found some barstools that work. The house, despite the flooring issue, is starting to feel more like a home.

**I took Emerson over to the park across the street from our neighborhood and ran into a friend I haven't seen in years. It was instant recognition in that, "Aren't you Lara?" "Aren't you Julie?" kinda way. Her 2 year old and my 3.5 year old said nary a word to one another while we mommies chatted things up, but of course they did the obligatory hug when we all departed. It's so sweet to see little kids and their willing affections.

**A bubble bath, a great magazine and my iPod set to a mellow mix. A perfect way to wind down after a busy weekend.

Books Books Books - A Meme

I found this surfing the net and finding a new blog that I like Katie's Books & Baubles.

What are you reading right now?
Love is a Mix Tape by Rob Sheffield for my book club.

Do you have any idea what you’ll read when you’re done with that?
Actually, I don't!

What magazines do you have in your bathroom right now?
None in the bathroom, but my nightstand holds Real Simple, News Week and Working Mother magazines.

What’s the worst thing you were ever forced to read?
Moby Dick.

What’s the one book you always recommend to just about everyone? The Feast of Love by Charles Baxter or Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Admit it, the librarians at your library know you on a first name basis, don’t they?
Nope, I am an avid buyer.

Is there a book you absolutely love, but for some reason, people never think it sounds interesting, or maybe they read it and don’t like it at all?
The Giant's House by Elizabeth McCracken

Do you read books while you do other things?
Only if it happens to be one of those glorious times when I have the luxury of reading and dozing and reading and dozing. But as the mother of an almost four year old, those times are rare.

When you were little, did other children tease you about your reading habits?
No, my friends also read. I remember saving a seat on the bus for my friend Barbara and we would each read our books on the way to and from school. Sometimes we would talk about what we read. We were 13 and I guess that was my first book club.

What’s the last thing you stayed up half the night reading because it was so good you couldn’t put it down?
Probably Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love.

If you are a fellow reader, and you haven't done this one yet, then tag, you're it!

Progress

Emerson had his most recent modified barium swallow study on Oct. 2. We learned that he was sitting pretty comfortable with no decline in ability, but no improvement either. It was because of this, that our Speech Therapist Pamela recommended we challenge him a little bit - oh so catiously - by upping his thickened liquid by two ounces a day in the form of anything other than his formula (aka Kiddie Milk).

The rationale for this is that if we can give him an additional two ounces a day, every day for a month with no adverse side affects, then in November we can add another two ounces per day. With each ounce of thickened beverage that he consumes orally, we can then remove an ounce that he gets via the tube. In a completely perfect world, one could reason that if we could get him, albeit slowly, to consume all of his liquid in a thickened state - with no issues - then we could remove the tube. It's certainly something to work toward.

So last weekend we tried some organic, low sugar juice. Tonight, for the first time ever, Emerson had Grape Kool-Aid. Just two ounces, and he thought it was perfect. "That tastes really good, Mommy."

This is also the first night he agreed to reinstate the toilet for his more complicated waste removal.

Progress, no matter what form it takes, is progress.

Gratitude

Our lives have been eventful as of late; in both positive and not so positive ways. But one ray of light was this fall bouquet and card delivered anonymously and not signed. There was also a balloon and pumpkin pail which Emerson will use for trick or treating. Anyway... I had my hunch, but when shared my prediction was proven wrong. So rather than wrack my brain to figure out who did such a nice thing for us, I am just going to enjoy it.

Thank you whoever you are. Wherever you are.

Things I Miss Most About My Car

I never really thought of me as a real car person. But now that my beloved Highlander is damaged goods sitting at the tow lot awaiting an evaluation...AND...while I am driving a not so beloved Dodge Nitro...I am compelled to make a list of the biggest misses I have for my dear car.

1. Steering Wheel Radio Controls. Despite the sense of luxury, they really are safer than leaning and reaching for the dial. Really.

2. Auto running lights. Every night since having the rental car, T has had to remind me to turn my lights on. I am a hazard waiting to happen.

3. My comfy seats and smooth car-like ride. The Nitro is a bit lacking here being as boxy and stiff as it is.

4. My Sarah Bareilles CD and Emerson's We Are the Dinosaurs - Whaddya Think of That? CD. Thank goodness for iTunes and the ability to reburn cds.

5. My Oprah and Friends XM Channel 156 radio. This is probably the biggest adjustment. Her friends are my friends. They talk about everything I want to talk about. And now it's like they have left for summer vacation and we can't catch up until Fall.

Whirlwind

There's a reason I haven't posted in a month. And that's the whirlwind we have been experiencing over the last 30 days. In these days, T and I have entered our busiest seasons at work, have purchased a home, moved, uncovered a pretty significant flooring problem in our new haven, adjusted to new and mainly better commutes,and not necessarily new and better neighbors, survived a car accident this weekend (me and Emerson) and have lived without any real living room furniture (cozying up to the season opener of The Office on some collapsable camp chairs) - until purchasing some today.

I guess it wouldn't be life if it weren't for the highs and the lows (and the sometimes string of highs and the one-right-after-another-can-someone-give-us-a-break-lows). And there's no better chance for perspective than something horrific like an accident. The universe is telling all of us to slow down and thankfully, oh so thankfully, sparing us this time.

So, as we wrestle with insurance and floor repairs, I am reminded how grateful I am for what I do have - healthy family and friends (some near, some far), a roof over our heads, food in our bellies, and laughter. A lot of laughter.

Birthday Fun

Today we got to take in all the joy and mess of a baby's first birthday. The family celebrated our good friend Will's first along with his proud parents Ali and Dave. Emerson had fun exploring with Will and eating cupcakes too!







Happy Birthday - not so baby anymore - Will!

At 35, I am old

Tonight I am in the check out lane at Old Navy and my cashier appears to be about 22 years old. As I approach with my items for purchase, I notice that he (Chris) is wearing a Snow Patrol t-shirt. As he's ringing things up I say, "Oh, did you go to the Snow Patrol concert?"

He happily replies, "Yes, I did."

"Wasn't it a great concert? They are one of my new favorites," I say.

"Yes, the are really cool and [as he looks right at me] have a real cross-generational appeal."

"Are you saying I am old?" I remark.

"Well, uh, [blushing], I mean...." Chris stammers.

"I'm just giving you a hard time, Chris. I am older than you," I say as cheerfully as I can muster.

It's official. I am now the age that I couldn't ever imagine becoming when I was young and carefree like Chris.

When Toddlers and Scissors Mix

After a lengthy discussion, Emerson now knows the correct answers to the following questions:

1. Who cuts your hair? Miss Alice.

2. Who doesn't cut your hair? Not me!

Big Things

Lotsa big stuff going on in our little corner of the universe...

1. We bought a new house. It's got everything we could want and more. We close on September 21 and can't wait to start calling it home sweet home.

2. Emerson started going poopy on the toilet at home. All he needs is a little privacy (and sometimes some books) and he seems to have it.

3. I have been reading more now than ever and it feels really good.

4. We went to a movie...The Bourne Ultimatum...and loved it.

5. I finished up my postcards for Karen's postcard project. A picture and more on this shortly.

We've Gone All Simpson on Ya!

And you can too! Everyone's doing it...from my colleagues to my friends to my colleague-friends!

Create your own Simpson likeness here.

I HEART the World Wide Web

For all the obvious reasons, of course. But for these two very unique ones:

1. The Kind Journal Project.

Over a year ago, I stumbled across a great blog managed by Karen. She's an amazing woman, with an energy that permeates through cyberspace. She's just good people. She's the reason for my Kind Journal tag on my blog--she focuses on the good of things, the good of people, the good of everything.

Well, after being a regular lurker and sometimes poster to her site, she put out a proposal. This idea of hers was to seek interest in her online community of friends to create a Kind Journal. If you signed up for the project, you would be willing to receive the journal at a given point in the process and would contribute one page to it -- whatever you wanted, so long as it was positive and promotes kindness.

How freaking cool is that? So cool and so different, that I signed up.

Well, sure enough the schedule was published and I am second on the list to receive out of 40+ participants. Almost any time in my life (except during the annual holiday gift swap) have I wanted to be picked first or at least in the top 3. This was not one of those times.

My creative insecurity flared up. I wanted the luxury of seeing at least 10 people go before me as a form of inspiration. I hemmed and hawed and flitted and fretted and before I knew it, the Journal was in my hands. As I debated, I took some time out and visited a friend's blog and was immediately inspired and I promptly stole the content from her site (giving credit where credit was ultimately due).

The quote I found resonated with me and was the exact definition of a friendship we all deserve and one I am so fortunate to have in a few dear people. Here is my page (and here's where you can see the Kind Journal as it progresses).



2. The Geniusly Talented Irisz.

Where else other than the WWW could a gal in Arizona stumble across this way cool site, to read an interview by the author of this way cool book and find this super sweet illustration that inspired me so much I had to know who made it. By clicking on the picture of the sweet girl in the rain. I was directed to the site of the woman who created it and she is an illustrator and she lives in Budapest and she does illustrations for a living. And yes, she will make some of Emerson. And, boy did she!

For those that know my sweet child, his mop top hair and crazy cowlick, his love of reading and animals and books and cars and swimming will see that she captured his spirit and has immortalized this little dreamboat at the tender age of 3 and a half.







It's not enough for me to shamelessly brag about how cute I think my son is, but how great she is too. See Irisz's amazing works of art.

Sweet Treat Midweek

Last night Cynthia and I partook in a sweet treat - seeing Snow Patrol perform. It was a pretty good concert and a great venue (not a bad seat in the house and the acoustics are good.)

Better yet, no traffic, parking or walking drama there or back. Amazing, indeed.

If you haven't checked out Snow Patrol, what the heck are you wating for?

Here's their best album, followed by this this close second.

Good Things

KIDDO: Every day on the way home from school, I ask Emerson how his day was. Last week for the first time ever... after he told me about his day, he says, "Mommy? How was your work?" I gushed of course and looked back at him telling him how sweet he was to ask only to have him thrust his finger at me and say, "Look, mommy! I got a booger!"

GADGETS: I got a cool new phone, a Palm Treo! iPhone, shmiPhone. I will wait until a second release...

KIDDO, PT 2: One of my favorite parts of a Saturday is putting Em down for his nap only to hear him reading books. He gets most of the stories right from the sheer fact that we have read most of them 19 million times; but, it's also great to hear him switch things up and put in his own stuff.

MUSIC: Sara Bareillas, Little Voice - Fantastic debut. Artists never want to be compared, but if you haven't heard of her, she's a mix of Fiona Apple and Maroon 5. Interestingly enough she's opening for Adam Levine and the boys on their current tour.

KIDDO, PT 3: You never think you are going to talk so much about poop, but when you have a kid, you surprise yourself. Emerson is fully, daytime potty trained, but Number 2 is another story. He has advanced to knowing when he has to go, but is very embarassed. When the time comes, he discreetly asks for a diaper and to be left alone in his room where he will lie on the floor playing with his cars or reading (so this is where it starts!). Over the past week, though, we have made a smidge of progress...we have advanced to going on the toilet, but while still wearing a diaper. Keeping my fingers crossed this kid won't be wearing Depends in high school.

BOOKS: I am reading something I should - as an adult, as a citizen of our great country - Food Fight: A Citizen's Guide to the Farm Bill. But I must say it's not something I would have picked up on my own. Thanks to Book Club for keeping me current and informed. But the Libra in me needs balance and a little bit of fun, so I am trading off and going back to summer in New York in the 40s and am enjoying Marjorie Hart's Summer at Tiffany.

Discoveries

The past handful of days have been disproportionately focused on work, but in that time I have also uncovered some little gems that bring a smile to my face:

- Podcasts. Okay, I realize that podcasts have been happening for a while but I really kind of just ignored them and figured I didn't need yet another thing to spend my money on. Well, it turns out that I should have been paying more attention. It turns out that every week that I miss Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion broadcast on NPR, I can actually download it, FOR FREE, and get each week's monologue to enjoy at my own pleasure. I have even subscribed, FOR FREE, and will get each week's monologue on my iTunes and, with the ease of syncing, my actual iPod. I am sure that there are a number of other podcasts I would love to get, but I am going to take it easy and savor this new found treat.

- Drive + Play. In other iPod-related news, my friend Scott found a way to route your iPod through your car speakers via your satellite radio. This reduces the need to buy any type of FM transmitter or the like. It works like a charm and I can hear all of my music, or newly downloaded podcasts, while en route anywhere.

- Taylor James. Not to be confused with James Taylor, Taylor James is a female performer who has two albums out that really seem to only be available through iTunes. She's really great and would probably be better classified as a folk singer. I found her through researching some music for a Father's Day mix and I am thisclose to buying both of her albums after previewing her songs.

- Emerson is a couple of pounds and a couple of inches from eschewing his car seat and graduating to the uberbigkid car accessory - the Booster seat. We are thrilled at this prospect and may start stuffing him more to speed up the process.

What new things have you discovered?

I've Been Tagged

I was tagged when I read Cynthia's Blog...

An alliterative meme:

Your name: Lara
A Country: Lebanon
Song Title: Landslide
An Artist: Leonardo Da Vinci
A Reason to Stay Home from Work or School: Lovesick
Something you'd see at a Zoo: Lost Lads
A Snack: Lemon Drops
A Character in a Book: Lolita
Something Icky: Loogies
A Six-letter Word: Laughs
Something Breakable: Lipstick
Non-Alcoholic Drink: Latte
Something you Whisper: "Love you."

June Book Club Broohaha

The second Monday of the month is a most favorite day for me. I get to connect with some great gal pals and dish over usually fabulous food about a usually fabulous book. We were two for two tonight with the tasty food at the Cheesecake Factory and a divine piece of fiction - The Master Butchers Singing Club by Louise Erdrich. It's one of those kinds of books and she's one of those kinds of writers that you instantly want to pick up everything she's written and keep taking her in.

But until I have a bit of a break, we are on to the next selection: The Three Junes by Julia Glass.

Not so Happy Feet

My little piggies needed major attention today. They were haggard and chipping and just deserved some TLC. Off to a new pedi place (which I hearted mucho). The gal loved on my feet and scrubbed the callouses away, brushed on a beautiful, bright, berry lacquer, painted on some darling little flowers that had me saying, aloha and mahalo and it was just what Dr. Scholl's ordered.

Imagine my utter shock and dismay when I just looked down at my precious piggies (click pic to enlarge for full effect)...



I don't even recall the slightest of bumps, swipes or stubs.

Well CRUD

I have become the person I most didn't want to become. No, no, no - not my parents (that's pretty inevitable, right?) I have become a blogging hypocrite. I used to kindly suggest, send friendly notes to some of my dearest blogging buddies, saying,

"Yoohoo. Hey there. I know you're busy, but you should update your blog - I would love to know what's going on in your world."

Funny though, they always read it as,

"Uhm, can you take a minute and update your blog? I am tired of clicking over to it ONLY TO FIND THAT IT STILL HASN'T BEEN UPDATED IN TWO DAYS/WEEKS/MONTHS/YEARS. If it's going to sit dormant, why even have a blog?!?!?!?!"

They say perception is everything.

Anyway, back to my lament. I have turned into the lazy blogger and I have no one to blame but myself. I guess I have been busy (actually, I know I have). It's possible I haven't been inspired (well that's true too). It's come to me in a ray of clarity that I haven't updated my blog for the same reasons my friends often don't udpate theirs.

I hang my head over my keyboard in shame and vow to do better.

The Blessing of Patience

I have never been a really patient person. It's something that's worsened as I have gotten older; the desire for results and immediacy often marring my attitude and view. And then Emerson came along and then challenges between T and me that forced me to slow down and embrace patience. I have had to redefine success and focus on the day at hand not the ones that may come my way. Or may not. It has felt slow--painfully slow--at times. And yet, I know I am on this journey to learn and this is one of the lessons I am to take with me.

So, after much time caring for Emerson and his dysphagia, after training myself that a plateau can be a good thing (it's better than regressing, remember), after reminding myself to walk the careful balance between hope and realistic expectations, we had movement today. Movement to the plus side of the page. Movement that will expand Emerson's diet into a greater realm of normalcy and one that tonight, let him drink from a straw.

Happy Easter!

Easter

Drops of color swirl and glide across our gloved hands
and slowly stain the delicate shells of still-warm eggs.

Two of them tumble to the table and crack;
Your little hands still learning the weight
of delicate and fragile and gentle.

The light comes through the glass and showcases
the beauty of these miniature works of art
you helped me create.

You can't even see the fractures.

____________________________________________________________

It was a great Easter weekend. Beautiful weather, stunning flora and a reasonably cooperative toddler.



Saturday was pretty cool, too. Click to see if you agree.

Weekend Highlights and Lowlights

* Emerson got a private swim lesson on Saturday due to the mere fact that his three other classmates failed to show up. He was in heaven having Coach Adriana all to himself. His placement in heaven resulted in some spot-on swimming too, and he emerged from the pool wielding his second ribbon - awarded simply for being Awesome.

* A trip to the bookstore, a favorite place of mine, and a well-behaved toddler to boot! Until, that is, we ran into one of his daycare buddies and the two began running and reeking havoc. A quick check out and McDonald's lunch diversion put a stop to, "But I want to wait for David, Mommy!"

* We went to dinner at one of my favorite places for comfort food and for the first time - EVER - I ordered my chicken grilled and not as breaded tenders or as a steak (read: chicken fried steak). This is huge and may need a descripter more important than highlight.

*Picked up everything needed for Emerson's Easter basket, sans the candy and the basket.

*Emerson cried from 10 p.m. - 1 a.m. complaining of an ear infection. It was the saddest thing to hear him pleading to go to the doctor and asking for medicine. Rough night for our bleary eyed little guy. Meds kicking in and some self portrait fun livened him up and we were all asleep by 2 a.m. See below...

My New Celebrity Boyfriend

First, I need to thank Tristin for setting me up on my first celebrity date. This was several months ago and it was a serenade, if you will, by THE John Mayer. I have to admit that I was a bit overwhelmed when he showed up and sang like 12 songs just for me. And they were all perfect and resonating and left me all warm inside and thankful. Not for the results in life, but for the moments, the precious moments that make a life.

So anyway, we really hit it off and all and imagine my devastation that he's actually pretty seriously inolved with someone. And that he sings his songs to millions. Not just me. MILLIONS.

A girl can dare to dream and as I close my eyes in wonderland, let me leave you with one of John's gems...

The Heart Of Life from Continuum

I hate to see you cry
Lying there in that position
There's things you need to hear
So turn off your tears
And listen

Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
No it won't all go the way it should
But I know the heart of life is good

You know, it's nothing new
Bad news never had good timing
But, then your circle of friends
Will defend the silver lining

Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
No it won't all go the way it should
But I know the heart of life is good

Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
Fear is a friend who's misunderstood
But I know the heart of life is good
I know it's good

DUMB - OUCH! - REALLY DUMB

So, I decided that since I had to leave work early today, I didn't have time to do the whole gym workout, but I could go out for a 20 minute walk. It's nice out today and my loafers are comfortable enough. No, no, NO, I do not need to get the tennies and socks that I have IN MY CAR. at the ready. I will be fine. Really.

I take off to go around the half-mile loop of the business park, for which there is no re-entry point along the way. Halfway around, the balls of my feet are on fire. I take off my loafers and walk in the grass along the side all the way back. I returned to my desk with uniblisters stretching across the balls of both feet.

WTF was I thinking?? I have ruined my potential for walking the rest of the week until these heal.

My sweet friend went out to my car for me to get my socks and tennies so I could be semi-comfy the rest of today.

At almost midnight my feet are quietly throbbing. Oh so quietly.

Okay, I am done whining.

Good Reads, Good Site

I received a nice surprise today... an e-mail from a friend of mine that I haven't spoken to in forever, inviting me to join this site called Good Reads. The site enables you to rate and track what you have read, are reading or want to read. Then, like Netflix, you can invite friends and see what they are reading, recommending. You can write reviews or just rate books.

When something like this comes my way, my usual tendency is to go in and account for everything. But, in my new effort toward simplicity, I simply rated the books I have read since November, and have to read in the coming months, per book club. I am going to keep this clean and simple. No matter how much it hurts!

Weekend Recap

It had all the components of a pretty perfect weekend:

*Saturday morning swim class and Master Emerson actually paid pretty close attention.
*Joining T for Centennial Days at UPS (click link for more) and Em got to sit in his first big rig.
*Early evening at the park with sand squishing between your toes, desert flowers lighting up under the emerging moon and a happy boy in our sight.
*Lunch and catch up with a good friend.
*Lazy reading on Sunday and finishing another book.
*Ending the week content, starting the next refreshed.

Candy Hearts Go Virtual

No chalky taste and you can personalize them!

Make Your Own Candy Hearts Here.


Kudos to Cynthia for the cute idea!

Busy Bee, Busy Me

The last few weeks have been teeming with activities, tantrums, milestones, funny sayings and more. It's only now, as the little one sleeps that I can attempt to recount it all. A list will have to suffice.

**Emerson graduated from being a Little Snapper to a full-fledged Goldfish. The result is bittersweet. Mommy no longer has to get in the pool with Emerson, and Mommy misses that 30 minutes of action-packed, water-soaked quality time. Looking on from the 'bleachers' has its great moments and and ones that keep me longing.

**I survived another crammed work week. Every quarter we get a major project that requires one - three late nights. The good news was that only one was required, and it was a long one!

**Emerson turned the B-I-G T-H-R-E-E. Party at school, party with the family, professional pics (his best ever), and big-boy 'tude. I have heard the terrible twos can take until 4 to subside. Deeeeeeeep breaths.

**I got to reconnect with a childhood friend that I haven't seen since childhood (as in about 30 years ago). How lovely, that she's cool and creative and geniune and down to earth and all the things you want someone from your past for which you have fond memories to really be.

**Tomorrow will be the first day Emerson goes to school fully commando. Okay, not totally commando. He WILL wear big boy underpants and jeans, but no pull up. AT ALL. We are to arm his teachers with four changes of clothes. Let's hope our kiddo isn't the one to think it's cool to wet himself...

Bet You Didn't Know I was a Royal

The internet proves it!

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is: Entirely Miss Reverend Lady Lara the Charming of Hoptonshire by Leer Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title

This is Kinda What My Life is Beginning to Be Like

Yep this is pretty much My Life.

Tee-hee.