Everything but Pickles

Terje is Reading!!!

2012-01-31T14:48:00.000-08:00

We couldn't be more excited that Terje is reading! We started daily lessons at the beginning of the month and he is already reading little books with simple short vowel sounds. He even knows some sight words and has fun playing "making words". We only have short u left before we get to the nitty gritty, but he is moving right along. It's exciting for him to read a word and make a connection to something he knows. I think it surprises him a little that there is meaning to all these sounds, letters, words and sentences and that he is getting it.

Rhees is 7 months old!

2012-01-30T16:10:00.001-08:00

My my time flies! We ended up at the zoo the day that Rhees turned 7 months old. My friend Amy came for a visit from CT and we had planned on going to sea world. However, as soon as arrived I discovered our passes were expired! OOOPS! Epic fail. But we just drove on down to Balboa Park and ended up at the zoo. And it was a gorgeous day...Terje became rather attached to Amy and was so happy to hear that she'd be coming over to our house two days later for a party.

Anyway, some pictures from our day at the zoo, and the others I took this morning. Rhees doing his thing on his tummy. He tolerates it if I time it right, and he is even rolling off of his tummy when he wants to now...he can't get back onto his tummy entirely on his own, but he's getting there. He is of course sitting up pretty solid now, but there is the occasional tip. He is very good at reaching and grabbing what he wants, so dining with him on my lap is a greater challenge now.

His favorite thing to do is blow raspberries...does it all day long, and has perfected it. He has the vowels sounds too. He does say "mama" or "mehmeh" but only when he is complaining or unhappy (boo). Rhees is also a big giggler...loves to laugh, especially at Terje, but he'll squeal and laugh when he's playing all by himself too. We think he is going to be a little clown...but time will tell.

We love this little guy.

The Best Government Money Can Buy

2012-01-28T21:02:00.000-08:00

Just watched a documentary about lobbyists. Called The Best Government Money Can Buy
I suspected lobbying influence to be unrepresentative of the people, but I didn't expect to find out that there are nearly 13,000 lobbyists in Washington compared to around only 500 elected members of congress. Whoa! If you have money, you have influence. bottom line. no wonder the there is so much legislation and regulation taking over our lives!!!! Lobbyists write the memos for the legislation! Our government needs to be turned upside down...

http://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/index.php

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/112th_United_States_Congress

Quail Gardens...we missed you...

2012-01-18T17:53:00.001-08:00

We finally renewed our membership to Quail Gardens (as it's known locally, but it's now called San Diego Botanic Gardens), after 9 months away...I couldn't believe it had been that long that we'd been without passes! Oh how we love Quail. And now that Rhees is napping regularly we can get out around lunch time to hang all afternoon at quail and it's rather peaceful that time of day. Of course it's nice when Terje can play with other kids, but we also enjoy the quiet. We hit up all our favorite nooks and crannies, as well as the popular play spots today. The cactus and succulents look amazing this time of year..so much in bloom. And the volunteers have been busy the place is ship shape!
Good thing we were out too because Terje was terribly ornery today! At home I would have lost my mind. And now I'm all sleepy, all the sunshine, greenery, and salty air is like a mini vacation. Oh Quail Gardens it's good to be back!

Baby Stuff

2012-01-15T15:20:00.000-08:00

trying out his new teeth...this was a funny afternoon of funny new faces...

The title of my blog IS Everything but Pickles...so you will read a little bit of everything that's on my mind. It's not just about my babies, not just about politics or paleo eating... it is whatever is on my mind or whatever I am passionate about at the moment...or whatever I get time to reflect on that I think may be worth keeping in print.

Please read the post prior to this one called Why We Fight and watch the film. Let's all become activists for peace...(I am still trying to figure out how while I am home with my kids...I sure do a lot of reflecting and reading on the subject...I just really want to do something.)

Anyway, so this week I have night weaned Rhees. It took 4 days, but he is now sleeping all night and not requiring me to get back to sleep. I still hear him stirring and maybe fussing a little in the very early morning, but he gets back to sleep, and I know when he stirs with a laugh very close to 6am that it's time to get up. It's a little sad...weaning. But now he either nurses longer or gets in an extra feeding or two during the day...so I revel in those little moments knowing that I will get to sleep at night...WOO HOO! I had waited longer with Terje, til he was about 8 months old, but I recall he was only waking once at night almost precisely at 2am every night. Whereas Rhees, would wake anytime and 2 or 3 times a night. One never knew when. While he'd get back to sleep in just 10 minutes, That is just too many interruptions to function properly in the day. It's hard to get back to sleep (for me anyway). And since night weaning, two of those days following he had excellent naps. They do say sleep begets sleep...so true. So now we are on house arrest, as I want him to sleep well. It's not so bad, as now Terje and I get better quality time together, I will just have to make a point of getting out in the afternoon/early evening and/or inviting his friends over so he can have someone else to play with!!

He also seems to be getting his top two teeth now...they come in so fast! Poor guy has been pretty fussy today, possibly why he hasn't napped well today, but he's otherwise just a happy, easy baby, and just loves to smile and laugh! We love him so...

Why We Fight

2012-01-15T07:25:00.000-08:00

I watched this film last night, Why We Fight. (you can see the entire film on youtube, free.)

Why is America perpetually at war? Lately, we do not even declare war, by executive order the president (Bush AND Obama) goes to war without congress's approval, and does not even declare it, but just starts bombing. THIS IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL! THIS IS TYRANNY! THIS IS TERRORISM! Since 9/11 the propaganda that has been sold to us, is that the United States is fighting a war against terror, for our freedom, and fighting to spread democracy (well that last bit has been told to us for decades now). Why don't we question this? Well, we are told it's for our safety, and defense, our "national security" is at risk. Until I started following Ron Paul, I think I believed that. What I didn't understand is why wars never seem to end, and why the united states has bases all over the world.

One of the first issues people have with Ron Paul is his foreign policy. Really? Ok, well I did to. But that was before I understood what was going on. The media has made sure that we are scared of terrorism from the middle east. Made sure that we don't question what the government and military are doing, that they are looking out for our best interest. The media has put a face to the terror, and that face has been Osama Bin Laden, and Sadam Hussein, and others. Now we all are united to fight "the enemy". They have done a fine job covering up the fact that the united states has instigated every attack on our country. If the US was not occupying other countries, they would not hate us so. It has nothing to do with our freedom and prosperity. (Ron Paul's "what if speech" to Congress) (watch this...) (and this...Ron Paul predicts 9/11 attacks)

The real terrorists of the world is the United States.

I am ashamed to call myself an American right now. I won't be if there is a revolution...but as it stands I am embarrassed at our blind allegiance to the flag and the bankers and corporations that run this country. Ashamed at the devastation our all powerful military has caused around the globe. It makes me sick. A select few people get rich off of war and weapons, and they are in the pockets of the government, who make up excuses to go to war...so they all can get rich. And we are the slaves that fund it!! (End the Fed!)

Ron Paul's foreign policy, is to stop foreign aid to all countries and bring the troops home. If that is not the biggest proposal for peace, I don't know what is. As he says, foreign aid only takes money from poor people in a rich country and gives it to rich people in a poor country. Often US foreign aid has helped bring dictators to power. The US was once friends with Saddam Hussein, and when it became convenient for profit, he became the enemy. For those of you afraid of giving Israel its sovereignty by ending foreign aid to them, are you aware that the US gives far more to Israel's enemies? (I apologize that I have no sources to site, but I've been reading ravenously for months now, and also raising two boys, so not only do I not remember where I read stuff, I also haven't fully had time to reflect on all that I have read, just know I wake up every morning, first grateful I have a happy healthy family and secondly pissed off at our government!) ...and major distractions....lost my train of thought...ah motherhood.

I read this week, "Ron Paul, either you love him or you do not understand him." I want people to understand Ron Paul. Do I think he alone can save our country? No I do not. It's going to take more than changing a single person in the white house, it's going to take changing the minds of American citizens. (watch this...) (Iraq war veteran speaks out against the war..and there are many, many others who do to)

So when I say I am raising freedom fighters, I do not mean, military minded boys who want to fight for our supposed freedom. I mean, that I am raising my boys to understand what liberty and freedom mean for all people, and to stand up to tyranny.

YES! (watch this video)

2012-01-13T20:45:00.000-08:00

Yes! I knew it...it's cool to be libertarian.
Watch this short video (Lew Rockwell Explains the Ron Paul Revolution) on the way Ron Paul inspires people and how to be libertarian, really is cool. But you have to do your homework, there's a whole lot of reading to do.

I feel like Chicken Tonight...

2012-01-08T18:38:00.000-08:00

Well not really, but I bought a whole roasting chicken, and had tons of veggies around, so that's what we did, roasted a whole chicken. I have never done that before! SO EASY! Wash, dry, rain with salt put in the oven for an hour..It was perfect, moist, and tasted way better than a plain old breast or thigh. BRILLIANT! Now we have chicken for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a carcas to make our own stock (for Rhees' baby food). The downside was that Terje has never seen the whole bird before, and he gets now that when we are eating chicken, we are actually eating A chicken. So that totally turned him off, and he was definitely hungry at dinner time. He admitted he didn't like seeing the whole bird, kinda grossed him out. (me too...but it tasted good and I was HUNGRY). He did try about 3 bites dipped in our carrot cauliflower mash...and we let him go. Deciding to let the natural consequence of hunger teach the lesson, rather than begging and bribing him to eat, when he just sort of realized he's been eating animals all these years. He's pretty carnivorous, so I think as long as what he eats doesn't resemble the animal it is...well then he'll eat...he certainly is a selective herbivore...

Mmmmm...

2012-01-08T16:09:00.000-08:00

I really could just eat his face off...it's just so dang cute. I love this little guy. He's teething...again...first two popped out and now the top ones are working their way down...but you would hardly know it...he's just so easy going...love him, Terje, and Tyler so much. We are grateful everyday for each other and all that we've got.

Firsts...

2012-01-06T11:14:00.000-08:00

this is what happens when a photographer takes pictures of her own family...during our christmas card session...sigh...better luck next time I guess.

Rhees is now a happy, healthy, bouncing, gurgling, raspberry blowing, toe sucking 6 month old! He is nearly sitting up on his own, maybe by the end of the month? He also just got his first two teeth! I think the next two have already began to bug him...boo. I like toothless babies...He is also eating solids with gusto! So far mostly orange veggies, and a little broccoli mixed in, and a morning bowl of baby oatmeal...soon to be adding in some pureed fruits, and more green veggies.

More on Terje soon, just know the kid is is READING! Mostly short words with the short vowel sounds, but has learned others in the context of the books he's been reading. We are now having daily reading lessons because is just so ready to go. I don't see the point in waiting for school, when he is clearly ready. Besides, I think he likes the one on one time with me, and he does enjoy reading...not to mention the "treats" that follow the lesson. I'm sure once our lessons are established we can ease back on the treats, because just learning to read is motivating enough!

2011 Year in Review

2012-01-01T08:36:00.000-08:00

2011 comes to a quiet, uneventful end, and 2012 begins beautiful weather and good friends. On new year's eve I went to bed at 8:30 or 9 like I usually do, and Tyler recorded a dj set. On new year's day we met the Dendy's at the beach and shared mimosa's. The boys (that's right all 4 boys between us) played in the sand and we all soaked up the glorious sun. It was 74 and sunny, and so very clear. A day at the beach always reminds us just how good we've got it.

2011 in review:

Terje started preschool at Mira Costa's Child Development Center...and loves it! He started out going just 2 half days, and now he goes 3 half days. His best friends are Isaac, Ben, Colin, JR, and Dylan, Anabel and Hana.

We enjoyed sledding in Idyllwild, days at the science center and balboa park, hiking with Encinitas Explorers, hiking as a family, trips to Legoland, and playing at the beach.

Terje's obsession with spinning things is still burning brightly as he studies windmills, tornados, gears, pinwheels, turntables, blenders...and on and on and on...

We enjoyed gardening, and eating lettuces, carrots, cauliflower, onions, strawberries, blackberries, grapes, tomatoes and peppers from our little back yard garden. We learned about composting with worms, meticulously removing slugs and snails, and about "good soil". Tyler is quite the farmer.

We discovered the "Paleo Diet" and are enjoying the benefits of eating healthy. For example, more sustained energy, less aches and pains, fitting into our pants, fewer colds (yes that's right, we each only had 2 colds all year, one severe (before paleo) and one very mild (after). We eat so many great meals at home that eating out is often a disappointment. I am still trying to convince Tyler of going "all the way", and we do let Terje off the hook quite frequently, but I think we can all agree that we're better off if we at least keep wheat/gluten, vegetable oils, and refined sugars, and other processed junk out of the house.
We got a grill! Makes cooking and cleaning so much easier!
Rhees was born! and we all love him so much! What a sweet, happy, and round addition to our family. He's growing so fast, we wish we could slow down time. However at 6 months old he's an absolute treat to have around. Beginning to sit up, eating solids, sucking his thumbs, and toes! Babbling and blowing raspberries, giggling...good times! (and he just cut his first tooth!)
Tyler and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary and spent a weekend at Palomar mt. Just the two of us...and Rhees.
I've become politically/economically aware, and a passionate supporter of Ron Paul. Even campaigning in a small way. I discovered the libertarian party and have been reading ravenously from this viewpoint as it is just singing to me right now.
Tyler has been recognized at work for his achievements, and has finally, finally launched his product that he'd been working on for a year and a half. (I'm hoping that means he might be getting home from work just a wee bit earlier in the evenings for awhile..)
Tyler just took a week off from work. I don't know that he has EVER done that before! and we didn't do a darn thing...it's was just like a super long weekend with a few holidays thrown in. However, it was nice for us all to be together as a family, just relaxing and playing, especially after all the long hours he'd been working. We really don't want him to go back to work.

So while it was a not so prosperous year (thanks to inflation), nor a glamorous or stylish year (for us) either, we are truly, truly blessed and fortunate to have all that we have, and to be safe, healthy, free to learn and choose what we want to do, and to have support and camaraderie of family friends. It's all these things that really make us feel rich.

In 2012, we look forward to watching Rhees grow (the next 6 months are full of major changes! so fun!), teaching Terje to read and begin kindergarten, improving our parenting skills so that Terje (our independent thinker) can flourish, pursuing our health/active goals, being outdoors more, and surviving this collapsing economy! Gonna be a wild ride hope to see you soon!

Oh No! Ron Paul is Winning!

2011-12-21T19:50:00.000-08:00

Good Grief...it's hysterical how the media and so many republicans are responding to the fact that Ron Paul is winning or in the top 3 of all the presidential candidate polls in Iowa right now. They are freaking out! They don't want him to win, so they say that he can't win, and they talk about how if Ron Paul wins he'll screw up the race. What a joke. Why don't they all let down their freakin' egos and back Ron Paul. He'd have a landslide victory and we'd all get to keep our money come 2013. Here's a video. and an article.

Rhees Eats Food...

2011-12-15T07:19:00.000-08:00

I know I have no pictures...but just as it was with Terje, I didn't choose a day, just one day it made sense. Like I noticed he really watches us when we are at the table. And well I hope to have him night weened in a month or two and hope that having more calories during the day will help with that. Two days ago I let Rhees try some avocado. He did a good job keeping it in his mouth and genuinely seemed to like it. Then again the following days he still seemed to like it. This morning we tried baby oatmeal. I decided to skip rice cereal as it totally backed Terje up and we had to give him apple and prune juice. Anyway...baby is beginning to taste stuff. Not full on meals yet, just trying stuff out. He does a good job except that he likes to put his hands in his mouth when it's full of food...MESSY!

End the Fed

2011-12-05T20:25:00.000-08:00

I had no idea what this meant a few months ago, and now I think it should be first and foremost in everyone's mind if they want to see an end to war, and end to bail outs, and an end of inflation. Check out 100 Reasons to End the Fed.

Here's reason #40. "For all of these reasons, if you are earnestly antiwar, if you believe that the effects of war are destructive, horrific, unnecessary, and evil, then one of the most important things you can do to end the madness is cut off the funding for it by supporting an end to the Federal Reserve Bank."

Is Peace Possible?

2011-12-02T20:52:00.000-08:00

...Imagine all the people living for today

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people living life in peace

You, you may say
I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one
I hope some day you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people sharing all the world...
-John Lennon

Please watch this video.

Ron Paul - The Revolution & The Anti-War Movement

(There is some disturbing scenes involving children and animals in this video. Also a story of rape that is very disturbing too, but it does shed light on what the American public should know about war. These do involve some of our own US troops.)

I have found my Political Party

2011-12-02T10:11:00.000-08:00

According to What It Means to Be a Libertarian by Charles Murray, Broadway Books, 1997.

The American Founders created a society based on the belief that human happiness is intimately connected with personal freedom and responsibility. The twin pillars of the system they created were limits on the power of the central government and protection of individual rights. . . .

A few people, of whom I am one, think that the Founders' insights are as true today as they were two centuries ago. We believe that human happiness requires freedom and that freedom requires limited government.

The correct word for my view of the world is liberal. "Liberal" is the simplest anglicization of the Latin liber, and freedom is what classical liberalism is all about. The writers of the nineteenth century who expounded on this view were called liberals. In Continental Europe they still are. . . . But words mean what people think they mean, and in the United States the unmodified term liberal now refers to the politics of an expansive government and the welfare state. The contemporary alternative is libertarian. . . .

Libertarianism is a vision of how people should be able to live their lives-as individuals, striving to realize the best they have within them; together, cooperating for the common good without compulsion. It is a vision of how people may endow their lives with meaning-living according to their deepest beliefs and taking responsibility for the consequences of their actions.

I am ashamed and it is embarrassing that I had never heard that there was such a thing as the libertarian party until I really started following Ron Paul (2012 Presidential Candidate). The more I read, the more I like, and the more I identify with this party. I do think with some research many of my peers would consider themselves libertarian as well. But, as politics seems to be a hot, taboo, emotional topic...I will have to let them come to it on their own. I can't help but share new information I find via facebook, as I follow certain news groups and it's easy to post articles and videos that way. However, as no one comments or "likes" my political posts, I'll assume they are uninterested, afraid to comment, or completely disagree with me (and maybe some have hidden my posts for tiring of them). So talking to the "wall" that is facebook seems to be getting me no where fast. I have joined a San Diego Meet up group for Ron Paul and hope to meet some like minded people soon. It is especially disconcerting that my peers will post trivial political news, ie. a young man speaking out for gay marriage rights and of being raised by gay parents who is a perfectly normal, smart, and productive member of society... (I too felt his words were important for the masses to hear) however, to me such news is overshadowed by a national economic crisis looming, several undeclared wars in progress, and country wide protests against the establishment being met with a violent police force, bills in progress that would censor the internet and give government control over it, and bills that could imprison American citizens without trial (indefinitely!, and fortunately that one did not pass!)...I never cared before about any of it. It's easier, safer, more comfortable to get distracted by just about anything else! This may be my new wall to talk to as I start to define my political perspective and understanding.

Chatty Baby

2011-11-18T08:57:00.000-08:00

Rhees, 4 1/2 months old now, is a rather chatty baby. He wakes up in the middle of the night just to make some gurgling, babbling, singing sounds, and then goes back to sleep. I'd be insanely adorable, if it wasn't the dead of night while we are dead asleep...

Stuff Terje Draws...

2011-11-16T09:47:00.000-08:00

Terje is beginning to draw people/stick figures, sad suns (why they are sad we do not know), cars, and still drawing blenders and helicopters all the time. However, drawing people with faces is quite new for him. They are rather interesting to look at...so many details. (eyelashes? tears? they're kinda emo huh?) And if you aren't on facebook, he is also writing his whole name as well. He often includes his middle name. This is all very exciting in our little world. Anyway, just thought I'd share, something other than my thoughts on politics....

Democracy?

2011-11-03T20:25:00.000-07:00

"The word democracy is used loosely these days, and it is useful to remember that one of the primary reasons for America‟s early economic success was that our founding fathers recognized a distinction between democracy, which they understood as populist government with counterproductive implications for capitalism, and republican government, which stressed checks and balances, such as the Electoral College and staggered senatorial terms, designed to keep the evil forces of democracy at bay. James Madison, the father of the Constitution, writing in the Federalist Papers, said, “Democracies . . . have ever been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property; and have in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their death.” After the Constitution was ratified, Benjamin Franklin was asked, “What form of government have you given us, Mr. Franklin?” His answer: “A republic if you can keep it.” Perhaps if we could have kept it there would have been no need for me to write this book.
For those of you who incorrectly believe that the United States is supposed to be a democracy, just check the Constitution. The word democracy does not appear once. However, Article IV, Section IV, reads, “The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government.” If you are still unclear, just recite the “Pledge of Allegiance” and listen carefully to the words." Peter Schiff from his book Crash Proof 2.0

Angry

2011-11-02T21:03:00.000-07:00

We try not to look because we don't want to know how much Tyler has to give away, but we wanted to know tonight how much we really pay out in taxes. The government takes 30% of Tyler's earnings, (including SS which we will NEVER get back but could have put towards a 401k) this does NOT include sales tax, gas tax, utility tax, fees at various places etc, that they also take. I'm willing to bet the government takes close to 50% of his earnings. Don't forget inflation is very much a tax! hasn't your grocery bill gotten ridiculous and your utilities gone up as well?...and what is the national deficit? the gov't doesn't tell you the real number but folks it's way over $14 TRILLION!!! The government is STEALING from ALL of us and can't pay its bills. I just don't understand how people want the government to tax any one one penny more...when they have stolen from us (social security), when our dollar is losing it's value, and all they've got in their vaults are IOUs... PS. I am reading Peter Schiff's book, Crash Proof 2.0...wish I had read the original...

Skills...

2011-10-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

So it's not news that Terje has advanced fine motor skills and less used gross motor skills, however I had no idea he knew how to write with a bottle of glue! We had all these acorn squash seeds (I was cooking dinner) and he wanted a project. So, I dried the seeds, wrote his name in pencil and put glue on the paper for him to glue seeds down. (started with just his first, but then he wanted his middle and last too!) Well I had been squeezing glue one letter at a time, then Rhees needed my attention, and so did dinner...so while I wasn't looking he managed the glue bottle all by himself! He traced his name with glue perfectly, far better than when he traces and writes. There wasn't any extra glue anywhere...I was amazed! Impressed, and well just plain proud. I discover his magnificence in the littlest ways each and every day.

I love these boys...

2011-10-19T21:53:00.000-07:00

CNN GOP Debates

2011-10-19T11:25:00.000-07:00

In my opinion it is time that Perry, Bachman, Santorum, and Cain leave the race. Rommney is certainly a confident debater, but I'm not sure I agree with all of his ideas. Newt might be a good VP? and Paul...are you all listening? His ideas are radically different...liberty, peace, freedom, prosperity,and less government...he is absolutely consistent in all of his answers, get back to our foundation, the constitution.
Watch the debate here.

Ron Paul 10.18.10

2011-10-18T21:27:00.000-07:00

Ron Paul talks about his plan if he gets elected.

Ron Paul will school ya on economics.

Here We Go

2011-10-18T10:28:00.001-07:00

So my last obsession was with our diet. I am still obsessed, but it's just a way of life now, I feel so much better, and fit into my pants and shirts better, so I will continue to eat mainly meat, veggies, and good fats as long as the science proves it's healthiest (avoiding grains, beans, dairy)...with nursing though I am consuming still tons of fruit and nuts so I don't waste away....some days I am so hungry! Terje's behavior is better too if I can get him to eat protein at each meal, and without all the crackers and cereal bars around, he is eating more fruits and veggies as well.

My new obsession came about, maybe because of the last one. I had thought that this new way of eating organic produce, and grass fed, free range meats instead of grains and beans was the reason our grocery bill seemed to have doubled. Yes, the meats are more expensive, but I wasn't strictly buying grass fed/free range...really a little of both. Same with organic, some things make sense, others don't so I do both. But I couldn't figure out why month after month we were feeling strapped and shuffling things around to pay our bills. The only things I spend money on are gas and food, and occasional household things, and we all hardly buy new clothes. I started questioning what we were doing wrong. Our rent is cheaper than our last mortgage, we paid off one car...things weren't adding up. And all the while Tyler has been following the news and the economy. Quietly reading on his laptap during his morning coffee and occasionally sharing with me. Then it hit me! INFLATION! Oh my goodness, water went up, gas and electricity went up, gasoline went up, price of food went up, even cable and netflix went up. (We cancelled cable and the dvd service on netflix). This suddenly and ravenously had me reading the news (from alternative sources, not all mainstream media) and following the economy.

In just a few short weeks, I feel like I "get" what is going on in our country and little worldwide. Granted there is much more to learn and know, but I feel like I've woken up. It is incredibly easy to ignore what is going on and it's incredibly easy to believe what the mainstream media puts out. In fact I used to try to follow the "news" on TV and everything coming in brief segments felt disjointed and I couldn't piece things together, and it would just seem confusing, and overwhelming, so I stopped paying attention. Ignorance is bliss. However, while staying home with the boys and watching Tyler work really hard for his money and feeling guilty buying gas and groceries and watching all that he makes leave our hands before we cash the check had me upset and angry. I mean he has 2 degrees, he's an engineer of medical devices, he makes a decent salary...why isn't it enough? Ok yes, we could find a place with cheaper rent, we could skip eating out, we already go without buying nice clothes and extras. Sure we can find more ways to scrimp. The problem is, all this "scrimping" isn't helping us save any money for the future, all it's doing is helping us stay afloat! All it's doing is helping us keep up, barely, with this runaway inflation that is wiping out the US economy. How can we get ahead? I feel like we've been robbed! I also feel like our boys have been robbed, especially if you really look at where economists say we're heading.

This is what has caused me to care about economics and politics. In order to get my K-8 teaching credential, it was suggested that I pursue a liberal studies major for my BA. Ok, so I did that. I learned vast information about our country's history that I was not taught in elementary or high school. I felt I was being truly informed. All this information had me believe that the governments roll was to take care of it's people. So fast forward to the 2008 election. I'm listening to Tyler and my family tell me that McCain is right that we must vote for him to save the economy. But he said some things that didn't sit right with my "liberal education", so I started listening to Obama. Wow, what a handsome, charismatic, inspiring speaker I thought he was. When he spoke about hope and change I was right there with him. I voted for Obama. I thought I was helping make history by electing the first black president. I wanted change and I was hopeful.

Fast forward to today. What has Obama done since he was elected??? I kept asking that as we kept hearing about the outstanding number of people unemployed, and the downgraded but more expensive healthcare we're paying for, and the price of gas. He said he wouldn't increase taxes for those of us who make less $150K. However, the taxes are hidden...in gas prices, and other places where we have to make purchases. He said he'd end the patriot act (the policy that invades our privacy in the name of finding terroists), but he extended it. He said he'd bring the troops home but he hasn't. Instead he bombed libya (without consent of congress) and is now sending troops to africa, and no end in sight for the war in Afghanistan. And now he has killed an American citizen without a trial (breaking the constitution), and is trying to pass a useless and very expensive "jobs bill" without congress because congress refuses to pass it. How does this give us hope? How has he changed things? And then all the while we are watching people protest on Wall Street he has been taking the most money from wall street bankers than any other president ever has, while commending the protesters for standing up to wall street. HUH?

Then I watched a GOP debate. I listened to them and I observed how it looked as though Mitt Rommney had one. He was cool, collected, and was able to answers the questions thrown at him. Rick Perry just seemed totally creepy and I wanted nothing to do with him. Michelle Bachman sounded like she had a handle on things, but she sure does like to toot her horn. And Cain was he at that first one? with his 999 plan (the price of a godfather's pizza was it? LOL). And then there is Ron Paul. He had a few minutes airtime, and when he talks he doesn't give canned answers (hence why he gets cut off by the timer over and over), but real answers and exposes what is wrong in Washington that many of us may not realize. Hmmm. He has some great ideas. But how could he possibly get elected I asked. A friend has me look a bit deeper into Ron Paul. So I do. Oh my goodness! He is so real and genuine and refuses to play by the current political rules. He's totally old school. Someone teased about his campaign that he should be wearing a 3 corner hat (like washington). What's wrong with that? What's wrong with upholding the constitution for every matter/issue? What's wrong with wanting to give back our civil liberties? I liked everything I was reading, and then read his book Liberty Defined.

I had an epiphany. I once thought it was governments job to take care of it's people. This is why we're taxed. We must be cruel if we are not helping people (ie. entitlements). But then I thought about child development and various teaching disciplines for children ( I do practice this daily). Don't we want to help our children become independent? Don't we let them pour their drinks and feed themselves even if they're messing at first, because we don't want to baby them or feed them for the rest of their lives? And don't we teach them to dress themselves, brush their teeth and do a myriad of other things that they can do so that they do become less dependent upon us? Don't we offer choices for them? Isn't that respectful of their individuality? Ah ha! Aren't people the same? If we keep doing for them what they are capable of doing for themselves, how will they ever become independent? Can't they make their own choices. I believe so, and this is also the major thought behind Ron Paul's libertarian ideals. Less parenting, ie. less government, and the country prospers. (I can't reiterate the entire book here, but I highly suggest people read it). Going back the fundamentals of our constitution, and the true meaning of liberty and freedom sounds and feels extreme in our current culture. We have slowly lost our liberty, privacy, and freedom, since long before my generation was born. So much so that we've come to believe that the government is going to take care of us, and bail us out. Turns out government is highly corrupt. I have also learned that the two leading parties Republican vs. Democrats is a false dichotomy. They are one in the same. They operate the same under different guises. So it's silly for those of us that hold to the parties to even argue. I've also come to see the contradictions in the two parties, and Ron Paul pointed this out to me in his first chapter in his book. If you look at the liberals, they support a woman's right to choose an abortion (a right to kill a baby), and yet they oppose the death penalty? Whereas Republicans are prolife, but uphold the death penalty. When is a baby a baby? how is it different to kill a baby in the first few weeks gestation vs. a few months? where is the line? How is it ok to keep a serial killer alive, and not an innocent baby? Ron Paul supports a right to life in both instances. (read his book Liberty Defined) (ps. he was an obstetrician and has delivered 4,000 babies and never performed one abortion).

Many believe it's only fair that we are taxed, and that wealth gets spread around. The problem is that government is sorely inefficient with our money. I don't mind paying taxes if the money is allocated to the proper places and spent wisely. However, we are just being taxed more and more, and now the country is bankrupt. How is THAT working? How does that make sense? The best example is schools. Property taxes are supposed to pay for the masses to be educated. What do we read about daily? Hiring freezes, jobs cut, salaries cut, programs cut, larger class sizes, students under performing? And many want to increase taxes. What a waste of our money!

So in the last near century our government and military presence has grown far too large, and taxes increased entirely too much, and our economy gone bust. I'm listening to Ron Paul, and what he says makes sense. He predicted the housing bubble, he predicted the devaluing of the dollar, he's been absolutely consistent in his voting practices in his 30 years in congress. He is educating us on what's wrong in Washington. He's not playing games, he's not taking money from special interests, he doesn't flip flop on his views. He wants us to know liberty and freedom and help us restore our prosperity. He's the real deal. So, more on him in the coming weeks.

See the links at the top right under Revolution. and I will share more soon.

My babies...

2011-10-11T15:41:00.001-07:00

I need to spend more time reflecting here, but there is no extra time? Rhees is officially a thumb sucker...but not when I need him to be. He put himself to sleep like this while hanging out on my bed...oh yeah and Terje got a haircut. I really like his hair long, but for some reason we have trouble articulating how we want his hair cut and it ends up like this...too short. wah! oh well...we can go that much longer between cuts I guess...

Pumpkin Time

2011-10-09T16:00:00.000-07:00

I love Fall. I met Tyler in the Fall. Tyler proposed in the Fall. We were married on the first day of Fall. Both our babies were conceived in the Fall. I love the dry crisp air. Sometimes cool, sometimes warm, but dry. I love crunchy dry leaves, I love pumpkin muffins, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin spices. I love Halloween costumes and bewitching decorations. I love when I start to notice only the slightest hints that the seasons have changed, like a scent in the air, the angle of the sun, the bluer sky, those creepy spiders that make their giant webs in prominent places in the yard. I recall several Halloween's where Tyler and I either out did ourselves on our costumes and partied all night, or carved several pumpkins to put out on display. And now that we have kids there is trick-or-treating and the pumpkin patch! Last year I took some awesome pictures of Terje and his classmates at Bates Nut Farm in Escondido and I wanted to do it again. (see here: Bates Nut Farm) So that's where we headed this morning. However, the Farm is quite popular on the weekends and a bit too crowded for our taste (Terje and I are learning that we do not like crowds...weirds us out). Anyway we spent enough time there to check out the giant pumpkins, pick a pumpkin, ride in a wheel barrel, peek at the pigs, turkeys, and goats, and eat some tacos...And we got out of there before the real crowd showed up...there was traffic to get in at 12!!!

...sigh...

2011-10-06T23:49:00.000-07:00

So I've been a bit obsessed with politics and world affairs in recent weeks. In trying to get caught up I watched some so called documentary's that essentially portray a coming apocalypse. AND DANG I'M SCARED! Not only that but Tyler in his quiet way has been pointing to all of these things as he reads the news each morning, but as I've done all my life, I hear it, I forget it, I ignore it, I get distracted. Well I don't think I can ignore anymore what's going on after all the stuff I've read in recent weeks, but I have to if I want to focus on my boys and enjoy my boys where they are right now. However, I also have to plan ahead to "survive the crash"...what is a mother to do? I'm at home alone all day with no one to bounce ideas off of so what do I do...I put the information I'm reading out there on fb...oh silly me...even if people are following they don't want to discuss it on fb...other than my 1 or 2 friends who see any hope in Ron Paul merely "liked" some of my statuses or video posts, but either no one wants to talk about it, or no one cares. Time for me to get out...I deactivated my fb account. I've been wanting to for months...but afraid I'll miss something, and well it's my "social" outlet while I am home alone all day. Guess it's time to rack up the minutes on my phone and get out to the park or invite some folks over, cuz whatever is going on in the world right now seems really really important and darn it, I want to talk about it and make my strategy. I'm nutz right? I think the only reason I care is because I have kids...their future is at stake here...too late and I need to go to bed....and not even a fraction of my thoughts and concerns are mentioned or hashed out....Well I can say that Terje and Rhees are my biggest joys and I love sharing about them. Terje is brilliant and I have so much guilt over not spending more time fostering his creativity and brilliance, hence another reason I really needed to deactivate my fb page. and here he is being his sweet brilliant self...

Rhees Kelan...100 Days Old!

2011-10-06T10:48:00.001-07:00

So it was my Oumma who told me that in Korean Culture when a baby is 100 days old they celebrate, and so as we did with Terje, with Rhees we celebrate. Happy Birthday Rhees Kelan you are 100 days old.

Who is Rhees Kelan Holschlag? Well so far his an easy going, lively curious, and happy little guy. Just like his brother he isn't into napping more than 40 minutes at a time, so our days are all over the place, but he's beginning to have a bit of a pattern, so I'm sure in the next few months we will have a solid routine we can count on. Nights seem to vary...last night was a dream he slept from 6:30-11:30, and then 12am to 6am! Wooo hoo I am a new mama this morning. He is also quite a chatty little guy. I don't recall Terje being so chatty this early, but then again it is so easy to forget the little stages. Yes, he smiles easy and makes all sorts of vowel sounds, coos and gurgles. He is quite healthy and robust, but a bit lazy like Terje was. That's ok with us. ;o) We know there is a lot going on in his mind. He loves the bath, not terribly fond of the car, but luckily at some point it does put him to sleep.

Rhees Kelan has also been quite a few places since he was born. Just like Terje he attended Jazz in the park in Carlsbad (days before he was born) also when he was just 9 days old. How that happened I do not know...but so cool. He's been to Terje's swim lessons, to each of his grandparents, and goes with us to drop Terje as school each morning and grins at Terje's teachers and fellow parents. He went to Legoland when he was just weeks old. He also went with us on our Anniversary trip to a cabin up at Palomar Mt. He's been out at the park for our monday playgroups, and afterschool picnics, and he's even been to the beach! What a lucky, busy little baby!

He is a super good, super sweet baby and we love him so! Happy 100 days Punk'in.

Catching up

2011-09-30T12:17:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it'll be a while before I get caught up here, but let's just skip on by the past 3 months and here are two videos of Rhees taken this week. One of him "talking". He really is a chatty baby, he has a lot to say if you engage him...it's super cute. And he is super smiley as well. The other video is of him in the bath...he LOVES the bath! Whoa check out those chubby thighs! Hope you get to enjoy this stage with him soon, it's extra sweet...he is becoming less newborn and more baby. We are looking forward to celebrating his 100 day old birthday on October 6th!

Where Did the Last Three Months Go?

2011-09-29T11:27:00.000-07:00

I have 3 minutes to "blog". Where did the last 3 months go? Well let's see, about a week after my last blog post here I had a baby! Yes, he came almost 4 weeks early! Rhees Kelan Holschlag was born June 28th, 2011. So yes we have been busy! He is perfectly healthy, sweet, happy, and easy! We are so blessed, so fortunate, and so grateful! Having two is easier than I thought it would be, but we definitely had our challenges. Mainly with Terje, our now 4 year old who had some behavior issues the past 3 months. However, I am happy to report that things have settled and he's become more comfortable with having a little brother around and more comfortable with the fact that the Rhees takes a lot of mommy's attention. Tyler and I had to adjust our behavior to help Terje. Meaning, letting our chores and things we want to do go to spend time with him and let him know we're all still a family and that we haven't forgotten him. Focusing on the positive when it happens has helped to. So relfecting upon the last post, I am happy to report Terje now feeds himself! Ha! He eats healthy and can even cut his food with a knife...but he still has a sweet tooth like none other.

Oh there is so much to report, and so little time, but I will be back with pictures! Rhees has woken from a nap and it's time to pick up Terje from preschool!

Tough Love???

2011-06-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Somehow over the past few months Tyler and I have developed a very bad habit of spoon feeding Terje. I think it began because of this limited naps. Although he isn't ready to nap at 1, 2, or 3 like he used to be, by dinner time if he hadn't napped, he'd be a useless wreck. In order to get him to eat Tyler would look at google images with him and spoon feed him. Then I in similar circumstances would do the same while he watched a TV show. We've noticed he will eat ANYTHING when we do this. Well when we changed our diet to excluded all grains, limit sugar other than fruit, our meals changed a bit. We discovered Terje still liked whatever we made, as long as we fed it to him. Wow, he's eating whole foods, steak, fish, ground beef, chicken that hasn't been processed and breaded, so many varieties of veggies, kale even! So we continued down this hopeless path.
Now, it's almost impossible to get him to feed himself unless it's yogurt or some kind of snack like nuts, fruit or roasted plantains.
This morning, I am attempting some tough love and refusing to spoon feed him. I imagine by lunch he'll be hungry enough to feed himself. He asked for a smoothie, wouldnt drink it, I let him look at a magazine while I tipped the straw in his direction, he drank it with little enthusiasm. He's really just obsessive compulsive about the blender and does not care what comes out of it. So I drank half of it and am now a wreck from all the sugar and yogurt. So yeah, I'm on edge and irritated at myself and my son for the situation we've created.
We figure by the time our baby gets here we'll be too busy to spoon feed Terje and he'll have to do it himself, but I think I'm ready to start the tough love now, I mean a near 4 year old who won't eat unless someone feeds him? That is just ridiculous. I am embarrassed to admit we've done this. I've noticed to, he is always starving after spending time with either of his grandparents. Oh yeah, they don't spoon feed him, they think he's just not hungry. Not so, he's just LAZY!
So, while difficult, because I may have to accept that he won't eat as balanced and hearty of meals if I don't feed him myself, I have to employ some tough love here, because I don't want to raise a soft, helpless, hungry child. Difficult times ahead.

Smoothie?

2011-06-15T11:56:00.000-07:00

So since "going Paleo" we've tried a few smoothies around here as treats and as you all may know Terje is OBSESSED with his toy blender as well as our kitchen blender so he requests smoothies EVERY day. However, so far only on one occasion do I recall he actually liked and drank his entire smoothie. Typically he tastes it and says, "I don't like it". So Tyler or I usually drink 2x our share getting way too much sugar than we need. We've tried several different types of smoothies but this kid is expecting Jamba Juice or something. Today we may have had a winner...not sure, but he did go back for several more sips....we'll see if he finishes it. So I want to write it down.

About 2 cups frozen tropical fruit (bag from costco)
about 1 cup or more of Kefir milk yogurt, I'd try full fat greek yogurt too.
some honey to balance the sour yogurt
2 tbls of coconut oil
1 banana
blend
drink

Nutrition Studies

2011-06-09T22:01:00.000-07:00

Found a great resource for learning about healthy eating, what to eat, what not to eat, and why. Too bad our government and colleges don't teach this stuff...we'd be a healthier nation. Hoping the tides turn so folks don't have to suffer. We can reverse so many diseases and pains just by eating the right stuff.

Check out these article on Healthy Skeptic:

9 Steps to Perfect Health

1. Don't Eat Toxins (seems simple, but some of your favorite foods are considered toxins...go have a look)

2. Nourish Your Body (Yes, eat your fruits and veggies, but don't forget the FAT!)

3. Eat Real Food

Guess there is more to this list....hope you'll follow along with me. I also found some interesting stuff about sugar. As I've been committed to eating a Paleo diet, I've become more sensitive to sugar, and noticing a little sugar makes me want more sugar, and too much sugar doesn't make me feel so good. Gives me headaches and hangovers and affects my sleep, and it's a little rush with one hell of a crash. But sugar is far worse for us than I ever thought...see this list:
141 Reasons Sugar Ruins Your Health.

Rootbeer Floats for Bottle Tornados....

2011-06-05T20:39:00.000-07:00

So Terje is still obsessed with anything that spins, and this has now included tornados and water spouts. His "Tia" Carey gave him an adapter to create the bottle tornados (or vortex), but we don't drink any sort of soda so we had no soda bottles. Grandma gave us one, but we decided since we needed a bottle we'd turn it into a treat and have root beer floats. Ice Cream is RARE in this house, and soda...is just about NEVER. Anyway it was fun...You'll see which treat Terje prefers...and I'm with him.

Together Time

2011-05-29T20:18:00.001-07:00

Feels like the three of us have been spending more quality time together. Not sure how it's happened, could be more home cooked meals, could be the fact that it's staying lighter later, or it could be that Terje requires more interactive playtime lately, or maybe it's that there will be a new addition to the family soon, and somehow we know the dynamics and routines will change, so we're enjoying each other while we can make the time. Whichever it is, it doesn't matter, it's nice. We play more, hang out more, pitch in more, even Terje is cooking with me more, and we're getting out more. Love these guys, but wondering what adding another boy to the mix will bring. More shenanigans yes, but more love too...gonna be good.

Going Against the Grain

2011-05-23T20:23:00.000-07:00

I'll say, it feels good to go against the grain. Literally. I haven't had, bread, crackers, cereal, tortillas...in I don't know when at least 2 weeks and have had limited amounts 3 weeks prior, and I have to say, I feel amazing. No fog, no bloat, and I have more energy, and I'm happy and chill not moody, depressed or crabby. I have replaced grains and beans with lean meats (at least 3x a day) and vegetables...so many vegetables...and fruit, and good f'ats. I've mostly given up dairy too, and my skin has cleared up. I've had teenager acne far beyond my teens and it's been frustrating and has made me quite self conscious through adulthood. Now it's virtually gone, and I don't have to use acne washes to keep it away.

Considering I kept telling everyone during the first half of my pregnancy that I felt so old and so huge...I don't feel that way at all anymore. It's incredible. Sometimes I have to reach down and rub my big baby belly to make sure it's there, because I feel flat and skinny. I have gone Paleo and am taking my family with me. Terje is now eating the same dinners with us, when we eat them and actually staying at the table. He's more satiated during the day and can skip afternoon snacking so he's truly hungry for dinner, making him more apt to try everything on his plate and eating a good amount...thai green curry dishes with bell peppers, onions, broccoli (not a month ago he would refuse bell peppers), steaks, cauliflower, fish, beets, meatballs with veggies...even zucchini, he used to refuse zucchini as well. Now it's true he and Tyler haven't joined me 100%, but we're making the change gradually, getting used to the idea and noticing how our bodies and behaviors and energy levels are changing. I've even felt my prenatal vitamins are a bit of overkill now (too energetic even into the evening) that I'm eating so many fruits and veggies, meats and fat...and often just cut them in half...only taking them cuz Doc says to.

Breakfast is the toughy for the guys they just want their cereal. They get up together, I lounge in bed while I still can. I'll be up before the both of them when baby comes (and we've got the most annoying birds that wake me at 5:30am every morning, totally ruining my awesome deep morning sleep! No I am not fond of birds) and I'll admit some mornings I'd rather have a bowl of cereal too just cuz it's so easy, and well gosh it's so cheap too! But I did notice the last few times I traded eggs/veggies/bacon for my beloved cereal...it kinda gave me a tummy ache, and I do think it affected my mood as well. So I've been skipping it. But I'm going to have to get creative quick as the cereal and waffles are dwindling and Tyler hates cooking for himself in the morning...I think Paleo muffins and fruit may be a good start, and I've actually gotten Terje to eat eggs this week! I make them taste like french toast, without the toast! He's all about it...and he likes, thankfully, breakfast sausage.

So anyway, not only did I read two books about the Paleo diet, and now have a cookbook devoted to getting the family eating Paleo, but I've been all over the internet trying to find more information about getting kids to eat Paleo and the benefits of it, as well as the trials of going against the grain. Or going against the norm. It's hard to give up dairy for kids cuz it's such a cheap source of protein, so I'm having trouble letting that go for Terje. Here are two articles I read tonight to help me decide that as long as we're at home, or can pack our lunches/meals/snacks...we're all going Paleo.

Nutritian and Health in Agriculturalists and Hunter-Gatherers
Kids, Paleo and Nutrient Density

And yes, this is a total 3rd trimester of pregnancy nesting obsession thing, but I feel so good I know as long as I can cook for us...it will continue after baby comes...I'm glad I'm working out the kinks and finding recipes now! And I can't wait to do some killer work outs and gain some muscle! I've been skinny fat, waaaaaaaaaaay too long!

Terje and his Terrific Teachers

2011-05-09T21:56:00.000-07:00

Terje's preschool had an "open house" art show last friday, so we got to check out all the classrooms and all the artwork they've worked so hard on. Parents bid on the big projects which is a sort of fundraiser for the school. Terje was a total spaz when we were there. Something about being at school at night, or maybe all the people, who knows. Anyway we had fun, and we learned terje really loves to be "cooking" in the kitchen. he played with 3 different kitchens that night!

We just really love all 3 of his awesome teachers. They're smart, enthusiastic, they get him, and they're totally down to earth. Thank you room 3 teachers for working so hard to let the kids really play and learn we think you're awesome!

Busy Boy

2011-05-09T21:25:00.000-07:00

Everything is backwards...anyway...it started with catapults and ended with the bath...All in under an hour, Terje built catapults, painted sandwiches, raced cars, hopped around the house on his hopping ball, took the painted sponge sandwiches to the bath, and all sorts of other things...phew! some days I leave the house just so I don't have to follow the tornado and pick up...though with help, he does do a good job of picking up after himself.

cooking...

2011-05-09T21:06:00.000-07:00

Got two nights worth of dinner from this curry pineapple salsa/dressing.
First night we had it over Ono and salad, and the next night over bbq shrimp and veggies. It was really really yummy and perfect during those few warm days we had.

The first steak I have ever marinated or grilled (tyler grilled but I gave him instructions and set the timer), and the first steak I have eaten since high school. It was soooooo delicious and so easy and the recipe came from this month's issue of Sunset magazine...we had onions we needed to pull from the garden, and I had just bought some grass fed top sirloin beef. (recipe called for rib eye, but they were too expensive...maybe next time). Now we need steak knives cuz I will be eating more for sure!

We used to make this all the time but with ground turkey, this time with grass fed ground beef and instead of brown sugar I used honey. but it's just ground beef, cinnamon, apples, raisins and acorn squash...but I like onions with meat, so I added onions and celery too...and guess what?
Terje ate it too!

I hope my new love of cooking and eating "natural" foods continues after this baby is born and isn't just some strange nesting thing because I am pregnant. I've been in my kitchen cooking or cleaning up after cooking probably 70% more than I used to...but I'm enjoying it...except for the dishpan hands...need to get some gloves again! And nesting I've been doing...to the point of being totally anti-social. I prefer to stay home and keep things picked up (though that's impossible with Terje around...he's just too busy), or getting ready for baby...crazy how my head totally shifted once I began the 3rd trimester. Anyway, pictured are some of our "Paleo" meals that we've been eating...yes Terje is eating them too! This is exciting as I'm really not down with making him his own different meals, especially if it's not such a healthy one...he's had plenty of waffles and french toast in the bath nights that he can join us now in eating meat and veggies...and he has! I just have to make sure he's well rested and not snacked too close to dinner time. When he's tired...forget it...kid is TROUBLE. So...yes, expect to see more foodie pics...maybe I'll get better at them.

Dinner Tonight

2011-04-28T20:49:00.001-07:00

This was our meal tonight...burger salads? the lettuce and spinach are from OUR OWN GARDEN! I ate mine with a fork and knife, but because of the hearty and quite large leaves of spinach from our garden Tyler picked up his burger as if it were on a bun! these turkey patties were so yummy! I added onions, celery, apple, siracha, tj's bbq sauce, pepper, garlic powder, and a teensy bit of cumin. and I think what made it PERFECT was the use of our new BBQ GRILL! Whoo hoo... so exciting to have a new grill! guess I should have photographed that. Cooks quick, no fry mess in the kitchen...oh I'm so excited. Hooray, I like cooking again. Oh and the sauteed mushrooms and avocado made the burgers extra yummy, did not miss the cheese. though to my dismay my very old bottle of Worcestershire sauce (which I use when I saute mushrooms) has HFCS in it! I never would have thought. So that's going out. Anyway, dinner was yummy. And you see Terje ate most of those FROZEN peas, but none of the cooked veggies, and he loves those frozen raspberries, and ate a bunch of cantelope as usual...and what do you know, he preferred the turkey patty without the bread!! hoorah. And yes, for our side, we had organic, mixed, veggie medley (cooked not frozen), but in place of what we typically have with burgers...baked beans.

So in effort to eat healthier we've all but cut out grains, beans, and dairy completely (See Paleo Diet here, here, or here)...we are serious morning cereal addicts over here, I'm sure cereal will be the last to go...if it goes. Tyler has a wheat allergy so he's used to not eating buns and breads, but I recently cut them out to make more room for meat and veggies that I'd been avoiding most of my pregnancy. I'll never miss rice or pasta, but bread maybe. And we still eat the greek yogurts (nothing but milk cream and cultures in there, but we add fruit or honey...honey is good for you!) We've replaced refined carbs with loads of fresh fruit and vegetables, and replaced beans and cheese with meats. It's amazing how much better you feel when you stop eating beans and cheese; one of our staples (but not always together like in what used to be our almost daily burritos). Anyway...expect to see more pictures of our food...I love bright colorful food, that's what I get excited about cooking...though I usually eat my veggies raw, I just like them like that...ok and maybe because I like to chop and assemble but not really cook.

Easter Sunday

2011-04-24T21:04:00.000-07:00

It was a wet, dreary, gray day, but not lacking in smiles. We met our family at Santa Rosa Plateau for our 4th Annual Easter Hike, but it was very foggy and misty up there so we didn't tote the camera with us. Even the vernal pools were closed this time. It was still lovely and beautiful to see the rolling hills, long grasses and peeks of wild flowers. We even saw a tarantula...eeek. We enjoyed our lunch at the Adobe house, compared snacks and water bottles. Always nice to be together to walk, explore, and catch up. We're not so sure about visiting state parks these days though, as it seems there's always a fee...what exactly are our tax dollars doing? Certainly not funding our natural spaces. This is too bad.
Here are a few images we managed to capture today...Terje finding his Easter Basket, Tyler, my brothers and dad humoring me by putting on Terje's "spring" masks, and part of what was our yummy dinner (the other part, cranberry pork). Happy Easter.

The Hunger Games

2011-04-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

I just marvel at the synchronicity of life (or rather the synchronicity of facebook?). During the time that I read the teen novel series by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay, I was reminded of the evil omni-presence of the Monsanto corporation (via FB) , and I also learned of the Paleo diet. Fascinating to me how a consciousness was born in me of these three separate but totally related subjects. The Hunger Games illustrate how dominating a government can be over its people, to the extreme that they will play "survivor-like" games with it's youth that end in death to prove who is in control. This is not unlike our own government subsidizing big crops that use Monsanto's "round-up" ready (cancer ready more like it) seeds for massive corn crops used to make High Fructose Corn Syrup in highly addictive, cheap easy snacks, that is giving our country's youth diabetes and cancer (see previous post to learn more about the evils of monsanto.) This only makes me more conscious of the foods I buy and the ingredients our family eats, and is my small way of fighting agains what the government has forced upon us.

Speaking of eating, our heroine in the The Hunger Games story, Katniss, is a hunter. She and her friend Gale (boy) met in the forbidden/out of bounds woods outside their district where they began working as a team to hunt game and gather shoots, berries, and plants to bring home to their families or barter for other needed items. Not only was hunting and gathering imperative to theirs and their family's survival, it was imperative to Katniss' and Gale's friendship and well being (being outside). As I was thick in the series, I noticed a FB post by a friend saying she's eating like a caveman. I asked, "what's this?" and this is how I learned about the Paleo way of eating. Essentially eating as we are genetically designed to eat; like our hunter/gatherer ancestors. I found this interesting, and first just saw it as another "for athletes" low carb diet and just filed it away. But still pondered upon the idea of having to work so hard to get my food.

I completed the Hunger Games series and wasn't entirely satisfied with the conclusion. I wanted it to end differently (sorry don't want to spoil it for anyone), but I think it followed logically considering the plot and circumstances. But I was left thinking quite a lot about food, how we acquire food, how we socialize around food, how food makes us feel, etc. Well I continued eating how I had been anyway...buying easy convenience foods, stuff that required either minimal cooking or minimal clean up when cooking, or "I want it now" food from restaurants. I really am for the most part a lazy cook, if I cook, and haven't been inspired since I used to make baby food purees for my son 3 years ago. Well I spent a week eating a whole lotta carbs. Pizza, sandwiches, crackers and cheese, cookies, frozen yogurt, chocolate bars...whatever I wanted, I mean I am pregnant...I'm already fat and bloated, why not? Well, I noticed after eating a pop in the oven pizza from Trader Joes that I not only felt bloated and gassy, but I was ITCHY as well. I had also learned this day that my hemoglobin test came back low, meaning I haven't been getting enough iron. Hmmm. The very next morning I Googled "Paleo diet", ordered 2 books and searched the popular websites, and have since read both books and adopted for the most part the Paleo way of eating, and I don't think I can look back! I feel great! I've never had so many servings of vegetables a day in my life!! And adding protein to every meal and snack has dramatically increased my energy and endurance...no sugar crashes! My skin has mostly cleared up, and I don't feel full and bloated. And this is my kind of cooking, soups, salads, quick broils, grilling, or pan fries. I don't do casserols, or baking, and I like my food to be colorful...suddenly I'm inspired again. Wow, phenomenal! I highly suggest friends and family look into it. (Paleo Diet, Robb Wolf, or Mark Sisson, or Dr. Cordain) Anyway, all this because after 6 months of being pregnant, I have finally realized, that a baby is coming at the end of all this...Oh yeah, duh, that's what happens when you're pregnant, you get a baby. Poor guy has been deprived of yummy healthy food, ok so he had a taste of junk food, but now he's getting what he needs. (yes tangent)

The idea behind the diet is that we eat like hunter gatherers. Eat like our ancestors did before the agricultural revolution and skip grains, legumes, and dairy. It also suggests we be active like hunter gatherers as well. Not unlike my latest story book Heroine, Katniss. What's been great is friends are sharing their beautiful tasty recipes, their successes, their support, and eating this way supports sustainable and organic farming. All of this backed by REAL science and proves it's better for our physical and mental health, and our planet too, to eat this way. Sadly the food guide pyramid and usda guidelines are backed by politics and lobbyists and some other agenda besides true health of people and the planet.

Anyway, I could write a good essay relating The Hunger Games novels to our current food and diet and Gov't budget crisis, well I almost have, but just wanted to take a moment to reflect...because I don't often do that anymore. And well is this the synchronicity of my life and pregnancy or is it because all 3 topics came to my attention via facebook at the same time, and this is how they relate to my life? yeah, that probably has something to do with it. However it goes, I recommend reading the books by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games series, action packed and thought provoking with a great Heroine. Find out for yourself all the evils of Monsanto and just how Omni-present they are in the Genetically Modified foods (and species), and in the creation of cancer causing chemicals (like DDT, Agent Orange, and Round Up/glyphosate). But more important even maybe, check out the Paleo Diet it is worth looking into, even if it just gets you to replace some grains and dairy with more veggies and take some Omega-3 supplements. The Hunger Games could be our reality by the time my children grow up...if they aren't already.

We love preschool!

2011-04-14T15:48:00.000-07:00

...and here I thought I wanted Terje in a more "academic" setting...and he's getting to do all the things he loves to do...build and experiment, think, and socialize. We are so fortunate we got in to Mira Costa's CDC. Today I had the privilege of visiting all of the classrooms to take pictures, and I witnessed some cool stuff! Wood cutting and sanding for an art project. Girls collecting flowers to leave on a dead lizards grave. Children building with pvc pipes and then turning them into polo sticks. And the pretend play centers are a HOOT! One classroom has a "beauty parlor" and it was awesome to see one girl in a chair with the apron on, having her hair curled, sprayed, clipped, and brushed by another boy and girl...while her friend sat across from her to keep her company. The cutest damn thing I've seen kids do in a while!!! (and they have all of the appliances, color applicators, lotions and potions, empty of course, to make it that much more real...phenomenal!) In Terje's classroom they have a pet grooming area, complete with collars, leashes, brushes, food bowls, crates...the works. One class had a sensory tub full of red jello...it looked like blood and guts to me, but there was a child thoroughly engrossed in it. So much fun...I can't wait to go back next week...hopefully I can get more creative with my images, today I merely captured some of the many awesome activities, and got more comfortable going in and out of classrooms...It's so great to see that the teachers really are inspired by the children's interests and their innate desire to learn through play. Made me want to teach preschool again...maybe in a few years...;o)

This is What We Do

2011-04-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

This is what we do. We sit around and build windmills, out of whatever we've got. Erector sets, tinker toys, cardboard, you name it...windmills, fans, pendulums, mixers..we sit around and build stuff. Oh yeah and mega blocks make good Airplane hangers. And to think Terje's best buddy is wearing his parents out with all his energy for playing ball games in the house in the evening...we really do a lot of sitting over here in our house.

If you've not been following my facebook posts....Terje's preschool teachers are simply phenomenal. They totally get him and have already accommodated his desire to build things...as well as tape things, the tape dispenser has been a hot item since he started school there. Next they have a plan to build a funnel and tube thing for he and his classmates to explore with water, because they cannot seem to keep him out of the water. We are so fortunate that he's able to go to school there, he really really likes it, and I have so much respect for his teachers. They have also invited me to participate in a photography project. The images will illustrate the school's philosophy and will be on display in the front foyer. I've got lots of work to do!

Got My New Camera!

2011-04-12T22:11:00.000-07:00

Time to get down to business.

Our misfit strawberries

Got a Canon 7D today!!! whoop whoop! So messed around with it of course...it's set up differently than my rebel, so I've got things to learn...but it does some cool things my other camera couldn't and has some really cool features. I'm sooooooooo excited! Here's it's portrait, and just a couple of the first pics I took. They were beautiful right off the camera...but I just can't leave the images alone...so yes...they've been "photoshopped".

I'm MAD! Here's my Rant.

2011-04-07T16:15:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's true for some reason when I am pregnant or nursing, I'm far more "earth conscious" than I am when I'm not. It must be some sort of primal instinct that comes forward with those hormones. Whatever it is, it's got to be self preserving and therefore good for me and good for my family. I try to keep it up, but admittedly get lazy.

Anyway, I'm mad. I am mad that a company like Monsanto exists and that our government has a tight relationship with them. Control the worlds food sources and you control the world, no? I'm mad that cancers, alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and diabetes and other such hideous diseases and food allergies are on the rise because of pathogens (and HFC's) created by Monsanto and used on our food. I'm mad that someone has decided in the name of science and profit they will mess with our food and genetics. I'm mad that family farmers are powerless against Monsanto. For some reason, when I think of Monsanto, I can't help but think they will be the end of the world, if war isn't of course. And at the end of the world I see organic farmers going underground to survive. It scares me really.

So we've been trying to start a spring garden, and it's fun and challenging, but I think it's something we will need to become really good at in the future. I cannot afford organic food most of the time...I do when the price difference isn't too steep or if I can give back to a local farmer, but it's ridiculous that there's even a choice between organic and not organic...no chemicals or chemicals with your dinner ma'am? Along with trying out a garden in the back yard, we've now the added responsibility of taking care of a lawn and landscaping since we are renting a house where a gardener is not provided. I noticed that Tyler had given up using his edge trimmer/weed wacker in favor of just spraying the edge of the lawn with weed and grass killer. I've decided if anything has the word "killer" in it, it's because it is in fact a killer...killer of bugs, killer of weeds=killer of people, I mean the stuff doesn't know where to stop. I questioned his practice when we put the garden in and asked him not to use it. He didn't need to, it so thoroughly has killed the edge of the grass, it hasn't come back at all. I wonder when or if it will. Then I read somewhere in my Monsanto research about the main ingredient in their famous Round Up Weed Killer, which they invented, called glyphosate. It is a known pathogen. Pathogens cause cancer. Monsanto does everything it can to discredit any studies that shed light on their evils. This is the same company that invented Agent Orange and DDT. Why and how do they exist? Can't science be put to better use???

I now have an appointment at the hazardous waste center to drop off the "weed" killer along with some paint and batteries... Tyler will have to just use the edge trimmer if the grass ever grows back. Oh and on a side note we just bought a push mower!!!! The gas powered one he bought when we moved here has been more trouble than it was worth, rarely ever starting, requiring Tyler many hours of trouble shooting in attempt to fix it...he even gave up on an electric one and just bought a push mower. The whole family was excited about it!

I was also reminded of the perils of plastic recently as well. I watched the movie Tapped (rented it from Netflix) and wondered how I can stop buying all sorts of plastic containers...and the way our culture has become...it's rather difficult. I gave up bottled water years ago but still have such guilt over the yogurt and milk containers, and yes, our disposable razors...(I should weight the cost with waxing eh? ) anyway, it's an excellent documentary that the entire world should watch.

I could go on and on how Monsanto and plastic scares me so...instead I'll let you decide and do a little research yourself...
10 things Monsanto does not want you to know
http://www.organicconsumers.org/Monsanto/ten-things-monsanto.pdf

The article that set me off today...regarding weed killer, glyphosate. (please stop using glyphosate)
http://thecalloftheland.wordpress.com/2011/03/29/latter-day-luther-nails-troubling-thesis-to-gm-farm-food-citadels/

organic consumers association
http://www.organicconsumers.org/

join: Millions Against Monsanto
http://www.organicconsumers.org/monsanto/action.cfm

Tapped trailer (documentary about production, use, and sale of bottled water)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72MCumz5lq4

Family Self Portraits!

2011-03-21T16:16:00.000-07:00

My son the rebel.

This was the look all weekend long...tongue out to one side.

Can you say, "cheese"?

There it is again.

and again...

Getting a good tickle for being a rebel.

Gosh I love this one...

Oh yes, we are now certain of the "magic" or "golden" hour of the day for fotos.

My sweet boys.

Singing at the top of his lungs...what I don't know.

Really not sure why we've put him in a chair...he's sort of going along with it.

Self portraits with a heavy camera and giant lens...not so easy...
but funny looking with that wide angle!

Rented a camera with a full frame sensor...shows my lens's full potential. Uh yeah, I'm ready to upgrade! So this made my lens is wider, which gave us a chance to take some family self portraits. Of course we could do a tripod and set the timer...but that takes too long...camera in the face is so much funnier. Here's some pics we took this weekend at the beach and park...just to play with the camera and get outdoors before the rains came.

In the Back Yard

2011-03-18T09:17:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is why we moved...to have a back yard all to ourselves, to relax, to dig, to build a garden, to watch the birds (we have so many different species of birds who make appearances in our back yard, even birds of prey!), one day to BBQ (when we get one), to have time together. I wanted some foto practice in that "golden hour", and well this is what typically happens in the evenings, Tyler goes out back to check on his plants, and Terje digs and follows him around. I love these boys.

Vocabulary

2011-03-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

So Terje has been trying to add two new words/phrases to his repetoire. "Random" and "old school". He's certainly got the inflection correct on "random", but he really doesn't get how to use it, he just throws it out there when he feels like saying it. We've been trying to explain what it means, but he's not getting it. And old school he uses very literally, though he wants to use in the urban context. We try to explain that old telephones, old music, old technology, are "old school", but when you're 3 and you don't understand time...well history and old stuff just doesn't make sense, it's all new to you.

pictures coming soon.

A day in the Life of Terje

2011-03-09T09:00:00.001-08:00

Flies helicopters at preschool

tests pulleys, conveyor belts, and physics at the science center

new obsession: tornados

Studies graphic design

puts out fires in his underwear

tinkers in the garage

helps out in the garden

investigates (while looking like a fisherman)

Dj's and listens to music (learning there are only 2 scratch records
in dad's collection, the others are strictly not to be scratched.)

explores nature

picnics by the lagoon and questions the weather

hiking buddies

insists we make paper lanterns for chinese new year, so we di
and hung them proudly!

draws and traces, a recent drawing was a diagram
of gears and belts...he's also drawn pictures of Tio's motorcycle!!

visits with Tio and later draws pictures of Tio on
the motorcycle with his helmet.

Terje is one lucky kid! My goodness the things he gets to do at his young age! He's also a busy kid. We are so fortunate that he gets the opportunity to explore so many things! Building his knowledge base and experiences will only further his learning when he gets to school. We really are so blessed. Lately he's given up naps. Yes, that's right he's no longer napping. He does need a nap at least once a week maybe twice to catch up where he's missed, but otherwise, he seems fine without one these days, so long as he's ready for bed by 6 and asleep by 7, he's a happy camper, and I guess we are too. When he first began to protest a few months back, I was not ok with giving up naps because by 3 or 4 in the afternoon he was a wreck (moody, clumsy, impulsive, no focus, useless). But now he seems just fine. So until the next growth spurt...no naps, and Tyler and I get the evenings to ourselves. It's taking a little adjusting with the timing of dinner and our bedtime routine but the transition is much easier now that I can see he's really ok without a nap.

Science Center & Old Town

2011-03-06T17:16:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago we decided to check out the Ruben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park. It had been ages since either of us had been there, and we thought Terje would like it. A family ticket for the day is about half the price as the family making two visits in a year with a membership...so we went for a membership. And of course Terje loves it. He can put his hands on everything, experiment with and watch his favorite actions...gears turning, wind blowing, cyclone's forming, guitar strings vibrating...and they have a kid zone which is super fun...He and I went back this past week, and enjoyed a quieter time than when we went as a family on a Saturday with the rest of San Diego. I took Terje to see an IMAX movie too...whoa...intense. I was actually surprised he made it through..guess he's growing up!

On the same day that we first went to the science center we went to old town for lunch. We knew it had been taken over with new ownership, but didn't realize how much it would change. It's more old California than it is Mexican market and restaurants like it had been. So a place we thought we could get Mexican food (the cosmopolitan hotel), was a bit more California than Mexican...but we enjoyed our lunch. Terje really loves to drink Tyler's margarita's...maybe a bit too much...so he ordered him his own "Shirley Temple". He of course loved this too because he never gets to drink such things. Sometimes it's nice to be a visitor in your own town, though down town, old town and balboa park feel a world away.

Itty Bitty Baby in a Vast Universe

2011-03-02T18:19:00.000-08:00

So we had Baby #2's 2nd Ultrasound today. First to be sure it is a healthy baby, and second to find out it's gender. It's HEALTHY AND IT'S A BOY! I knew it'd be a boy...I won't go into details why I knew, but I knew. We are stoked that Terje will have a brother and we're stoked that this little guy is healthy. He was asleep when we started, but after all that poking he woke up! He started holding on to his feet while we were watching him, that was fun to see. Today he was breech, but he could do several somersaults before delivery, so not to worry. He has a super strong heartbeat. And based on the Ultrasound I am at 19 weeks 6 days today. This baby's growth is in 50th percentile, not too big, not too small, we're right on target. Tyler and Terje joined me for the first part of the ultrasound just to find out gender and then they left because Terje would have distracted the tech...but I am glad they came.

Afterward, I took Terje to the Science Center in balboa park. Terje loves that he can run around and put his hands on everything. I managed to talk him into seeing an IMAX movie. The only theater movie he's ever seen was a 4D movie at legoland, and that freaked him out and we had to leave. And this time just being in the theater seemed to scare his pants off, but he was brave. He buried his face in my shoulder during certain parts, but really seemed to enjoy some of the movie. The screen is crazy, kinda feel too close. Oh yeah, we watched Hubble. How amazing to see space, stars, planets, and earthy on such a screen. What a trip to seem my baby today at 19 weeks gestation, and then to see an image of earth from space. I didn't tear up at seeing my baby on the sonogram screen, but I did tear up at the image of earth, looking so beautiful and peaceful and possibly vulnerable floating out there so far from anything else in space. I felt so small, and all of my worries insignificant when looking upon that image. What an honor that we exist on such a planet. I am so saddened that we've created such destruction, war, and hatred in such a beautiful place. We are so small, why should money, material things and power and disagreement be so big in our lives? This movie raised so many questions for me, possibly because I am bringing another life into the world and have been blessed to play such a miraculous part in this gigantic universe of ours.

SNOW PLAY!

2011-03-01T14:36:00.000-08:00

While a Mammoth Trip during a big snow is always our first choice, when we can't make that happen a day trip to Idyllwild will suffice. It's gorgeous up there, and we've found a sweet spot for snow play. This time we went with our good friends, The Dendy's. And it was pretty cool that we all fit in our car! Was nice to hang out on the long drive up there. We have a 3rd row that we never use, and they left their littlest with grandma, so we all fit. Ok we had to strap our lunch and snow clothes to the back, but it worked, and our car rocked it up and down the snowy mountain. Love that thing. I think the pictures speak for themselves...we had a great time!

funny things...

2011-02-20T19:24:00.001-08:00

So we have been watching quite a bit of Netflix videos lately. They have videos we can play instantly, sweet simple shows with no commercials!!! I quite prefer it to cable...though I'd rather we didn't watch anything at all. Our week of couch vegging started us all with a bad habit...if we just don't turn the TV on at all it's not an issue, Terje entertains himself just fine, or we find things to do together. But once the TV has been on once during the day...I've noticed Terje is a bit less cooperative, and he'll expect to watch more later. Can you tell I'm feeling a little guilty about it? Anyway, we've discovered that Terje thinks Netflix is called Nutflakes. Ha ha ha. We think it's hilarious.

February thoughts....

2011-02-18T14:59:00.000-08:00

I just love to watch Terje draw. This was the beginning of what he called a car wash. it's also interesting to see what he chooses to draw...girls seem to draw faces and rainbows, Terje draws Ospreys, helicopters, and car washes, and hot air balloons. It's also interesting to me that he draws grids quite often. I mean where has he seen grids? Anyway...the workbench is coming in handy, but he sure does use up a lot of paper!!!

Still recovering from being sick...I can't believe how long this cold is dragging on...took this one of Terje I think the day I cut his hair...ok, actually I gave him a buzz cut...so sad...I don't know what happened...boredom, pregnancy...poor kid. Anyway, he's still handsome...now we wait for the blonde locks to come back...hopefully. Terje took A LOT of baths the week he was sick, and he has now learned he can float!! he's a bit timid in the pool, not terribly, but we dont' go swimming much, so to make the discovery in the bath is great, now maybe it'll transfer when we do go swimming. I think I will sign him up for swim lessons soon, I've got a credit with the city of carlsbad, so we'll see. Anyway, the expression says it...we are tired of being sick!!! ARGH! He's all better now...but me...I'm still waiting...

Oh and valentines day? I dont' think we talked about valentines day...we made some hearts and such, oh and I've got pictures up on snap this foto, it wasnt' much of a valentines day considering I was quite sick, but Tyler did buy us a box of heart shaped Belgian dark chocolate truffles...mmmm. I shared one with Terje, only to be reminded that he and chocolate do not mix. It's taken a few episodes for us to realize but we now know, Terje CANNOT have chocolate. It really makes him moody. Moody like he needs a nap...he's no fun...so we steer clear. Candy does not have this affect on him, but chocolate, whoa watch out.

Leo Carillo Ranch

2011-02-18T14:47:00.000-08:00

Our Family Adventures in Nature group, Encinitas Explorers, made their way to Leo Carillo ranch today, and we had to join them. It was the place where Tyler and I were married after all. We showed up right on time only to discover we forgot to put shoes on Terje!! I laughed so hard, and poor Terje did not think it was funny and cried. I felt so bad. Luckily we're only 10 minutes away...so we went home to get his shoes and came back. So glad we did it was a gorgeous morning and there's lots of rain in store for the weekend...wishing we'd planned to go to mammoth! Oh well. Anyway, I just love this little historical site. So relaxed, so california, so enchanting.

Recent Happenings

2011-02-17T11:15:00.000-08:00

Terje loves preschool. He was so excited to go to school today. We had gone a little early because we were supposed to meet with his teacher, and he was still eating a granola bar on the way in, but we had to eat it out front because his school is a "nut free zone" (sorry Dad you'll have to stay out. ;o)) because of allergies. So we were hanging out front and it was so sweet to see him try to connect with every kid who entered. To him school is a party. He also helped a boy come in to class who was reluctantly waiting at the door, I told Terje "Charlie" has the same shoes that you do, so he walked over and showed him and then he and the boy hopped on in. Terje is the welcoming committee.

Random thoughts by Terje: Last night about half an hour or so after we tucked Terje in to bed, he came out of his room and went into the office where Tyler was sitting at the computer. He told Tyler, "Tennis balls do not belong at the beach." An important enough realization to him that he had to get out of bed to tell Tyler. Silly. They had a little conversation about it, and then he went back to bed.

We are sloooooooowly recovering from this awful cold. Terje seems just about 100% took 11 or 12 days. Me, I'm on day 10 and I still can't hear, taste, or smell....it's a tough one...luckily Tyler didn't get anything other than a mild sore throat. Phew!

Starfall...

2011-02-13T21:19:00.000-08:00

This was the beginning of the cold, before things got really bad, but Terje and I literally spent 5 whole days on the couch...it was not fun, and I'm still getting over this bad cold...this also was before I gave him a buzz cut. Oh I could just cry. (it's ok, hair grows...I keep telling myself). Anyway, I posted on FB, but I had learned this day that he can use the mouse on the laptop, or the pad (not really a mouse), and that Tyler has been showing him how on both the mouse on the desktop, and the pad on the laptop. I did not know this...I had shown him a few times but I get impatient. (that is my middle name). So he can do Starfall.com on the computer all by himself. Amazing. so proud.

Little White Mustaches a Cabin Fever Haircut and a Jaunty Little Tune

2011-02-12T20:46:00.000-08:00

We are sick. All three of us. I saw it coming, last Wednesday at the park. A nanny preschooler pair we are familiar with, and whom Terje had missed, were also at the park (they live just down the street from this park), but they were sick. I spotted it the second I layed eyes on them. Sucks to be sick, sad to see that they were sick, but really...they should have been at home, they looked BAD. So although Terje was so excited to see his friend, I tried my best to distract him, get his own sand toys, wash his hands, etc...but it was to no avail. First thing Saturday morning, Terje woke up sick. Sometimes I can avoid it with my ridiculous regime of zinc lozenges, vitamin C, hand washing, saline spray with xylitol, etc, and I do this liberally usually and thus if I get sick, it's really not bad. However, Terje refuses, absolutely goes out of his way refuses, to wipe/blow his own nose, and he started coughing a lot, right at the start. (and being pregnant I didn't want to OD on zinc) I keep trying to make him do it himself, by refusing, or holding his little hand to his nose and showing him how to wipe without smearing...but he'll find me, even if I'm halfway down the street, and follow me with a tissue until I finally give in to the ridiculous begging. So that with his endless coughing fits was impossible to avoid it myself. So he's on day 7 of being sick, I'm on day 4, and Tyler, likely day 1 as he had some mild symptoms today. Oh yeah it started out mild but it has kicked our butts! Terje and I have been sitting on the couch since monday watching every episode of Kipper and Thomas the Tank Engine on Netflix. (regular TV SUCKS). Thought we might make it out to the beach this morning just to get out, and thought it'd be a safe place to be and not spread germs, however, I ended up in bed, and Tyler and Terje...I don't know what they did.

Anyway, to the Little White Mustaches....
Terje's skin just below his nose and just above his lip has been red since day one of this cold, when he kept rubbing the area with whatever, a colar, sleeve, blanket because he felt the start of a runny nose. I thought this was a sure sign of allergies...but no, nope it's a cold. Anyway, I've been putting vaseline on it several times a day to help heal/protect the chapped skin, but it really doesn't help. Finally, today I realized diaper rash ointment would probably be the best thing. So I tried it. Can't tell yet if his skin is healed, but it's nice that while he's sleeping it's dried and staying there protecting/healing his skin...but he's got a funny little white mustache. Oh yeah, so do I. Been blowing my nose non-stop and my skin is quite raw and chapped, so I decided to make sure the ointment didn't sting or anything before I tried it on him. It's organic and soothing, and feels great...so we are quite the pair with our little white mustaches. I just feel bad for Tyler because he is next in line to wear the mustache, and he has to go to work (wish he didn't, wish companies/work world was more understanding about illness and let people stay home when they are contagious. I propose that if the entire world stopped everything and stayed home for 30 days, that we could wipe out the common cold. Really? what's 30 days in the grand scheme of things? Everyone gets 30 days of rest and relaxation and no exposure to illness, or time to get over what would hopefully be their last cold, and then no more colds! I know I am such an idealist, it would never happen. But maybe if I wrote to the president and the united nations...we could make it happen...world wide quarantine. Oooh that'd feel apocalyptic. But we'd never have another cold again! unless of course we catch it from animals, well then, that'd suck, but at least most of us would be without a cold for a few years? I'm no doctor or biologist, but I'd be curious to know what they'd say. Tell me I'm on to something.

Cabin Fever Hair Cut...
Poor Terje. He was sitting helpless on the couch, and I kept staring at his hair. He got a bad hair cut awhile back and it's been bugging me, but I thought I'd let it grow out before getting him a nice hair cut from a real hairstylist not a recent beauty school grad at Adventure Kuts where they have no skills! I knew I'd have to wait a week or two now that we were sick, and I'm so insanely impatient, that I asked him if I could cut his hair with daddy's clippers, he said yes. So I got them out, and he was pretty much oblivious to what I was doing, because he felt so miserable. But I tried to just buzz the ends (I thought it'd be faster than a scissor trim), but I did a terrible job and realized I had to just buzz it all over. And that is what I did. My poor baby's blonde locks are GONE! I instantly regretted it. With such short hair and his morose mood this week he looks like someone we know that I don't particularly like, poor kid. I promised him I would NEVER cut his hair again, and he was glad. Preggy brain and cabin fever and now illness are a really bad mix. This has been such a bad week and I'm so ready for it to be OVER and to be well again and to go outside and enjoy the sunshine!!!

Oh right the Jaunty little tune...
So Tyler had a bit of an allergy attack last week where he felt his throat tightening up, so he went to see a dr. Turns out it's allergies (seasonal pollen), and the dr. suggested using a Netti Pot (a little tea pot that allows you to pour warm salt water through your sinuses), but of course also gave him steroids in the form of Nasonex and an inhaler. I've wanted to try one for ages, because I love using saline spray when the weather is dry. And with this pregnancy I have such bad "pregnancy rhinitis" that I wondered if the Netti pot would help. So we got one. I was scared at first, (tyler tried it first and he liked it), and I would not let Tyler see me do it, but oooh it's so nice! Kind of challenging to figure out just the right way to hold your head and what not, but anyway, afterwards your nose feels clean and hydrated, it's a lovely feeling when you've had a stuffy nose for 3 months. So when I think I'm going to set it up and use it a jaunty little tune comes to mind...(to the tune of Lolli pop) Netti Pot Netti Pot oh Netti Netti Pot Netti Pot...badumbumbum...Yes staying home for 7 days straight has made me NUTS!

He Reads! He Writes!

2011-02-08T19:10:00.000-08:00

he draws Osprey's...his favorite military helicopter...Sea Knights come in second...

Yes, ladies and gentlemen there is no stopping him! He's been sounding out words...when the mood strikes him, or when we ask him, and today he shocked my pants off with writing! In the fall he and his markers and our giant pieces of cardboard had been inseparable. He was drawing all sorts of pictures. Hot air balloons, grids, even helicopters. It was all very exciting. He can write all the letters in his name, but has difficulty putting them all together and lining them up. Still it's a major feat for a 3 year old! Don't ask him to write the alphabet or one letter at a time, that is too daunting, but ask him if he wants to address the envelopes that hold the pictures he drew...oh yes, now that sounds exciting! And that is just what he did with the little burst of energy he had after spending all morning on the couch being sick.

I nearly fell off the couch when I watched him write "mom" (he would have kept going to write "mommy", but I showed him how nicely mom fit on the envelope the way he'd written it). Then he wrote "daddy" all on his own as well, ok somehow he got a little lost with the A and needed help, but then he wanted to address envelopes to his friends Jacob and Liam. (Sorry Liam he thought to write to Jacob first, so guess little baby brothers have preference.) Anyway, I just couldn't believe my eyes. I'm so proud, and let me just say we've not been training him to write either, those shapes are in his head!

A Preschooler's Obsession

2011-02-03T15:15:00.000-08:00

Terje has been obsessed with anything that spins since Tyler first put him in the baby bjorn carrier and dj-ed on his vinyl turntables. (gave Terje a front row seat and he'd chew on the head phone cord, made for one happy baby!) One of his first signs was for "fan", and one of his first phrases was "round round" (but sounded like a wound up roun' roun'). He never tires of looking at fans on google images, he loves a building if there are fans installed, he can tell you every restaurant in town that has fans. Windmills, and helicopters are tied in this obsession, he can spend lots of time looking at images of them on google, he even has his own special image slideshows on our comptuer. Helicopters became especially exciting after attending the mira mar air show. He now is fully obsessed with military aircraft. Though many airplanes also fit this obsession because of their propellers. (Oh blenders, mixers and pinwheels make this obsession list as well.)

Needless to say when he builds things, or draws pictures they are aircraft, fans, or appliances. The other night I was washing dishes and he was in the other room playing with Lincoln logs. When I think of Lincoln logs, I think cabins and wood piles, and woodland animals. He came running to me because he wanted to show me what he had made. He made a helicopter! With Lincoln logs! Then he made a Sea Knight (military helicopter), then an Osprey (also military helicopter), and then a bi-plane...I just thought he was so clever, that I took pictures. And dude, he was PROUD! Since then he's also made these same vehicles with his tinker toys, and previously he's made them with duplo's and other toys we have.

Remarkably obsessed, I'd say.

Preschool Round #2

2011-02-03T14:46:00.000-08:00

Ain't he handsome? 3 1/2 is big and little at the same time...

I swear I don't pose him, I told him to stand by the tree and he chose to hug it...

He is soooo ready for school!

So, Terje started a new preschool this week. We are all so excited. I took him out of the last preschool because I did not like it's lack of professionalism, and it was a bit chaotic, and focused too much on "product" with the art/theme activities. I wanted him to learn social norms, how to be less impulsive, and I wanted him to be creative, not stifled by being asked to copy a sample the teacher made during art. And it was a bit too far to drive for the short time he was there. So we enjoyed our free time the last 3 months, spending it at Quail Gardens, Legoland, the beach, and various playgroups.

Then, thinking about having a newborn at the end of summer, had me wondering what I'll do with Terje since I'll be quite busy. And while we do some preschool activities at home, and I was willing to step it up, being pregnant makes me awefully lazy, and I hadn't stepped it up, and then I wondered if he'd be at a disadvantage when he entered kindergarten...you know silly stuff you worry about when you have preggy brain. Anyway I had nearly signed him up at another preschool nearby (still with some reservations about the program though it is such a sweet school), when we got a surprise call from The Child Development Center at Mira Costa College. Yes, I had applied in November, then received a regret letter, however they had some drops and Terje fit the criteria they needed. So here we are, Terje started preschool!

It's such a beautiful facility, the staff and teachers are all very professional, and well it's a lab/model school for students of Early Childhood wanting to be teachers, so they set the example! And they're very good about enforcing hand washing, so hopefully illness will be at a minimum...but with preschoolers one can only hope. (sigh) Oh did I mention it's totally affordable? No major down payment, no waiting list, no car payment size bill... I really feel we won the lottery here.

Terje seems to really like school! Most of the class has already been there a semester, and they know the rules and procedures, but Terje does pretty well watching the students and teachers to figure out what he's supposed to do. He also learned from his peers in the sandbox that, "WE DON'T THROW SAND!" It's been a tough one to learn from mom at the park and beach...but at school, I think he got the picture. Well I hope, I didn't see what happened, but he told me, so it made some sort of impression. And this is why he's in preschool...to learn how to follow rules, procedures, cultural norms, make friends and have fun! I think the rest will fall in line for him, he seems to be an auditory/visual learner and so should have no problem in school with the "basics", I mean he is already starting to sound out words...all the emergent reader signs are there...and his one to one counting has improved in recent months, and he's a natural born investigator. We are just so excited for him to be in school. I can't even say! Although we're eager to move back to Carlsbad, we may just stick around O-side to be close to his school. ;o)

The Mitten

2011-01-30T17:54:00.000-08:00

We've had the story "The Mitten" by Jan Brett for nearly 2 years it seems. We used to read it often, but had forgotten it for awhile. Then we went to the library and found 3 other versions of the Mitten story by different authors. We read each several times before returning them, and found that while Jan Brett's illustrations are by far the most realistic, detailed, and beautiful, we had found that we liked the other retellings better. (not sure which was first, all are retellings of an old folk tale). One we liked because each time an animal wanted to join the other animals in the mitten it would say, "My toes are cold as ice, your mitten looks so cozy, and warm toes would feel so nice." We liked repeating this. We also noticed the animals are different in each of the stories, but in each it seemed to be the smallest of them that finally caused the mitten to bust. In one story the animals were welcoming and hospitable, but in another quite rude and reluctant. It was fabulous to compare the different versions. So with these in mind, we took out terje's little knit gloves and several of his plastic animals and tried to stuff as many as we could into them. Our mitten didn't bulge and stretch or burst like the ones in the story, but it sure became cramped and difficult to fit everyone in... but it was fun to try!

"I'm Four"

2011-01-30T17:45:00.000-08:00

We are bad parents, on Terje's 3rd birthday he wanted to ride the jousting horses at legoland, but you have to be at least 4 to ride. When we told Terje, sorry but you are only 3, you have to be 4 to ride, said, "I am 4" and put up 4 fingers. Well we couldn't resist and let him ride. I mean, that's clever! Well we went for a quick trip last sunday, and the scene repeated itself. So here he is riding a jousting horse because he can tell a lie.

Naptime Charades Commence

2011-01-27T17:07:00.000-08:00

So whoever thinks my son is through with naps just because he likes to play games with me at nap time instead of peacefully lying down to sleep is out of their minds. I had finally resolved the charades a few months ago by lying down with him at nap time. If he acted up I left, and that seemed to help him make up his mind to go to sleep (he would ask me to come back or I would ask him if he was finally ready to nap, if so I'd come back.) Well, the charades are back. I think he does it mostly to see how I'll react. I'll be honest my hysterical screaming banshee lady comes out because he knows how to precisely push my buttons. So since I've lost it on occasion...he likes to coax that lady out, even if she scares us both. So this week I've tried my best to take deep breaths and just leave his room before I lost it. I hideout while he plays quietly in his room. Yeah, I've got a Kindle with millions of books to read, and I'm pregnant and don't mind using that excuse to lie around, but hiding out feels totally lame. I have locked myself in my office to work. However, I have found after an hour or so, he either gets bored or tired and puts himself to sleep, in his bed, under his covers. And he will SLEEP FOR 2 OR MORE HOURS! Still think he's through with naps? I don't think so...he's just old enough to play games. Bah it's frustrating as all get out and I'm ready for a vacation!!!! By the way this is compounded with the fact that we are retraining him to poop on a big potty rather than the baby potty. He still holds it, acts scared, refuses, fights it, lies around (will even nap) instead of just pooping when he's good an ready. SO LAME! I've really got no patience have I???

Terje is Reading!

2011-01-26T20:37:00.000-08:00

Ok, I know I'm lagging with any pictures or videos, but just have to get these thoughts our when I have time, sometimes. Terje has been showing all sorts of reading readiness in the past 6 months, not only has he always loved books and being read to, but he seems to have always known his CAPs (concepts about print), like we read left to right, which is the front and back cover of the book, etc, he's also been able to identify the alphabet for well over a year, and this past year has been learning the letter sounds. And for as long as we can remember he's been finishing the words in books we read often. Often when we read I ask him, "which word is snow, dog, mouse, etc." and he can usually pick these out based on the starting sounds. Sometimes he guesses, but most of the time he's right.

Well tonight we played a "making words" game with his magnet letters and asked him to sound them out. For example, we put up the letters -a-t and then changed the first letter. He sounded out and read all the words we put there! (mat, cat, bat, sat, get, jet, set, etc...) It was very exciting and he was very excited. I've been trying to figure out how to make that leap from letter sounds to sounding out words, and that was a simple way to start...I've also been trying to read the alphabet, when we see it in print, with the sounds rather than the names. He's quite good at reading letters in words from left to right, but needs to be quicker with using just the sounds. He's so close! It's very very exciting. I think for now it'll be about catching him when he's in the mood, cuz he's right there. Cat in the Hat here we come!

Clean Mud

2011-01-24T16:25:00.000-08:00

I casually follow a few preschool blogs via facebook and remembered reading about a "recipe" for clean mud and thought we'd try it. I mean, a kid's gotta get bored of sand and water right? Well, I was a super winner at my cousin's baby shower and scored some soap petals. I don't like to use actual soap because it makes cleaning the showers/tubs 10x harder so we use bath gel. So I thought these would be perfect for clean mud. The recipe showed the kids grating the soap, and that seemed daunting to me....it's probably some montessori thing that teaches the kids real life skills like how to grate cheese and veggies, but I wasn't into it. These soap petals dissolve quick and were fun to tear up so that's what we did. The other ingredients are toilet paper and water! Terje had fun setting it all up and mixing the ingredients but when it came time to actually touch the stuff and play with it, he was done and wanted nothing to do with touching the stuff. It sat on the counter, this bright blue-turquoise glob for a few days and we threw it out. Oh well.

Progress???

2011-01-24T16:17:00.001-08:00

Sort of making progress...at least he doesn't cry hysterically anymore when I tell him it's time to use the potty. In fact, he doesn't cry at all! Each day gets a little easier, but I still have to tell him, it's time, let's sit and then I read to him. It was this way when he was 2 (on the baby bjorn), so I imagine we'll have a few more weeks or possibly months of this, but as long as he's not severely withholding or crying...we're good! He knows he'll get a reward when he starts taking the initiative to go by himself like he used to on the little potty, and well for now he's still getting a candy treat when he goes. Not sure he'll ever get over the fear of using potties (for BM's) away from home, which makes traveling no fun at all!!! Because if he's uncomfortable, he's whining and refuses to have fun, and then no one is has fun. We are working on it, because we would like to take some family trips, oh in the next decade or so!

Random Thoughts

2011-01-17T18:39:00.001-08:00

About the last post (potty talk ahead):
Terje has made some progress. Today, he had only minor protests and no tears when I told him he had to use the big potty. He's been acting so funny working so hard to hold his BM's, we'll know he's got to go when he either can't sit still or goes all the way up stairs to lie in his bed for however long it takes for that feeling to subside. So when he does that I just say, nope you can't lie in bed you have to sit on the potty, the time is NOW. There has been all sorts of protest and tears, but I realized that's how I did it when he was 2, it worked after a few days, and that's how we'll do it now.

Magnificent day:
We will see how the next few days go, but I can't tell you how nice it was for him to go first thing in the morning and then we got to head to the beach right away. We had a marvelous morning at Ponto in Carlsbad, our favorite beach. What a gorgeous day! Sunny, near 80's, low tide, mild waves...ahhhhhhhhhh. Just happy grateful, blessed thoughts all day.

Harry Potter:
Been reading the Harry Potter Series every waking chance since Christmas day. Tyler gave me a Kindle and it's awesome. It's been quite the adventure. By the time I finished the 3rd book in the series I had decided that Terje could not read beyond book 2 until he was at least in high school because it gets rather gruesome and dark. However, now that I've finished the series...I wondered if a high schooler would even be interested in harry potter or have time to read it? But I also realized that with discussion and read alouds about the subjects and scenes brought up in the book, it could be a great learning experience. Some of the themes that are repeated in all of the books are trust, faith, friendship, following instinct, love, and more. So many rich conversation could come up. So ok, he can read it if he wishes, but not without our input. He can only watch the movies after reading the books. :o)

New Baby:
So it's beginning to sink in, the idea that we're going to be adding another personality to the mix here. Slowly, very slowly. It's funny with Terje all my pregnancy symptoms were acute and intense, and my attraction to and worry for him were instant. However, this time is different, my so called symptoms are mild and intermittent and I'm not as fatigued, lazy but not fatigued. (no complaints, but I worry that the baby won't be healthy if I'm not feeling it all) And it's funny, Terje was a surprise, and this one absolutely intentional. Not sure if it is because I've already done it, or I'm too busy, (but I'm hardly busy if I can read a 7 book series in just under a month), or not sure how I'll do with two, or because I wasn't so sure I wanted to commit my body, mind, and spirit to house and home and baby for another 6 years. (yeah, I know it's a lifetime, but in the now I'm feeling selfish...), or if it's all just about hormones, and things were intense last time, and this time not so much.

Anyway, while I haven't felt anything definite yet (flutters, kicks etc) (we had felt Terje's hiccups by now), but when I'm very still and quiet I know someone is moving about in there, and we already love him (or her). Terje has given my belly a few kisses now saying, "I want to kiss the baby". It's him that has caused me to start wondering about this new little one. Terje has been remarkably sweet, and brilliant of late, and it's him that assures me that adding a new personality to the mix will be good.

Potty Woes

2011-01-14T08:57:00.000-08:00

So it's a gorgeous day out, I'm looking forward to hiking with our friends, but Terje hasn't pooped in two days and he's rather uncomfortable at the moment. I put the little baby bjorn potty in the laundry sink to clean two days ago and never bothered to bring it back up. He's been holding it because he hasn't seen the potty. When he doesn't have to go, he'll sit on the new integrated child seat on the big toilet, pee, smile and feel proud, but when he's got to poop,
he goes hysterical if we tell him to sit on the big potty. OH GOD HELP ME! WHAT HAVE I DONE??? I really don't think giving it away will help. he knows now where the potty is and I think he thinks I"ll finally bring it back up...battle of wills now. I've been feeding him prunes, and juice and pears all morning...somethings bound to happen....probably in his pants. no bribing for anything (not candy, not reading a special book, not toys or even the prospect of getting a new scooter ) does any good, he just wants the damn baby potty!!! and I am so sick of that freakin' thing! It's so gross! Next kid does not get the luxury of the baby bjorn potty, they have to sit on the giant scary potty and deal with it. argh.

12 weeks, 3 days and counting....

2011-01-05T14:14:00.000-08:00

So if this is the first time you're hearing, I'm pregnant, I do apologize. I'm funny about announcing it, and decided I'd send out my christmas greetings with the news. Some folks heard by snail mail, other's email, and a few on FB. So yes, we are expecting our second baby, due the third week in July, just days from Terje's 4th birthday. I finally, finally saw an ultrasound and saw a dr. today. Long story, but the first place I went was absolutely horrible, so it was a bit of a set back, and then with the holidays...well. Anyway, I just trusted the process and since I didn't have any major issue, I figured everything was fine. (found a new, very nice, office, but my old dr. is there, stoked!) And today it was confirmed, so far so good. Was so nice of the technician to call the little black and white blob on the screen a cutie pie that's, perfect. So nice. I'm sure she tells all the moms that. This little person has all its limbs, a head, a brain, and a heart and a spine, so, so far so good. In 8 more weeks we will know if it's a boy or a girl. Sorry folks, I tried to get the ultrasound tech to try, but she said she'd rather not, as it is early, and well better not to know than be wrong....ok I can wait.

Torrey Pines...

2010-12-01T15:15:00.000-08:00

Wow, Terje has become quite the explorer/hiker. This was almost a 3 mile hike, beach, hill side, and road. We piggy backed him a little, but he just charged along and seemed to be enjoying himself. And I think Tyler and I did too. Seeing the expanse of ocean from the cliffs reminded us of our Na Pali coast hike (on our honeymoon in Kauai). It was a gorgeous day, and it seemed everyone in san diego (or del mar) was out hiking the trails this day. Everyone was working off their pumpkin pie I guess.

Day after Thanksgiving...

2010-11-26T15:16:00.001-08:00

oh no, we don't shop. no way. leave the madness to everyone else. we did go for a short hike and then out to lunch after. Terje and I took Tyler to Buena Vista Lagoon, so he could see the tall grasses, try the salty plants growing along the edge of the path, and make a mess with the seeds. It was nice to explore the trail while the sun was shining, it was foggy the first time we'd been there. Always good to be together in the great outdoors.

Thankful Turkey's

2010-11-25T20:42:00.000-08:00

Initially, my idea was to create an image with all of our painted hands, but when I instructed Tyler and Terje on painting Tyler's hand, I forgot to leave him the right paper, and he used a paper plate instead, and well it just would not scan. So here you some digital craftiness...from me and Terje. Terje would not let me paint his hand until I painted mine and made my own print. His turned out so cute!

The three of us are thankful for so much. We really do have an incredible life. Thankful for each other, thankful to live in a nice house with an awesome view (we just realized we can see big bear from the back yard...with snow on top!), and still not too far from the beach, thankful that we eat all too well, thankful for simple things like running water and even toilets (millions of people don't have either!), thankful for our educations, thankful for our health, thankful to have so many great friends and family to share with us this journey called life. Love you all so much!

Yay! for video!

2010-11-24T15:57:00.000-08:00

One of Terje's favorite things to do at Legoland...the helicopters! finally, I can post videos...
look forward to more!

Family Adventures in Nature

2010-11-24T14:42:00.000-08:00

I don't remember if I've posted pics from our hikes with a group we joined called Encinitas Explorers, which is a branch of Family Adventures in Nature, a group dedicated to getting families out in nature. Well we've also joined another group from time to time, called the Oside Trail Tribe. This photo is from a recent morning spent at Buena Vista Lagoon. From the little trail just outside the nature center, there's not much to see but very tall grass and reeds. Kinda cool. I really love our mornings with these groups. Not only are the families down to earth, but we always learn something new, and it feels good to get outside and explore!

Band-aids

2010-11-24T14:37:00.000-08:00

Terje is beginning to have an interest in band-aids...poor Chuckanuka fell out of the stroller and needed a few...

Oh Yeah, Terje's Big Boy Bed...

2010-11-24T14:28:00.000-08:00

I'm so behind on this blogging thing. Terje is LOVING his great big, big boy bed. He looks so tiny sitting in those drawers.

Just Remember, I Am in Charge!

2010-11-14T15:26:00.000-08:00

That's right, we are back in the business of naps! Hooray! May not always be as easy as it
once was, and it may require my staying in the room or lying down with him til he falls asleep, but it's worth it. He needs those naps! After watching his behavior and red ringed eyes after 2 weeks of no naps, I realized, no this boy does need to nap. Just because he is resisting, and has all the Tom and Jerry tricks for keeping his eyes open when he's tired, does not mean he does not need to nap, I just need to find a new way to help him. And...went back to my stand-by sleep book for help. And while I never thought I'd have to lie down with him, it worked! One it saved us both from the hysterical crazy mommy, and gave us a little snuggle time once he stopped trying to wrestle me to keep himself awake. He's not like any other kids I used to put down for nap in that he won't let me rub his back, I can rest my hand on his chest, but that's it. Today he didn't put up much of a fight and went to sleep in 10 minutes instead of taking an hour. I'll keep at this to reestablish his nap. Sleep is just too important to learning and happiness, and staying healthy!

Loves to Draw!

2010-11-08T18:33:00.000-08:00

As Terje drew this on his chalkboard he said, "It's someone in the dark, with glasses."

Notice the drawings on his feet as well! Still his favorite canvas.

For a little over a week now, Terje has had a marker, pencil, crayon or piece of chalk in his hand for most of the day. We brought out giant pieces of cardboard, and somehow that just seemed to make drawing fun for him, or it's when he realized he's got control of those pens and pencils, that just kept him at it. It's really exciting to watch his progression. I've seen him draw railroad tracks, grids (with more than 25 rectangles to them!), and the beginnings of smiley faces! His favorite things to draw are, you guessed it, fans, helicopters, and windmills, and what he calls, "machines". Here's him in action and a few of his works of art.

Terje's Letter to Santa...

2010-11-08T15:20:00.000-08:00

So I wanted to sit down with Terje and write a letter to Santa Clause that we could mail and send to the North Pole. Somehow I envisioned him listing off a bunch of things he wanted for Christmas. But this is what he said instead. (When he says top top, he means an old style tin spinning top) And don't you love his first smiley faces????

So Long Siesta?...

2010-11-05T15:02:00.000-07:00

I realize I'm far behind in my blogging...we had lots of halloween fun this month and have lots of pictures to share, however it's not been easy as Terje has been refusing to nap. (and tyler works at the computer at night, and well I'm not much of a nightowl)

Our days of 3 1/2 hour naps are behind us. It started almost 6 months ago when it started taking him longer and longer to fall asleep. It seemed it didn't matter how busy or active we were, or what time I put him down, he found ways to keep himself awake for a good hour until he crashed. Then he started getting out of bed, and then he started getting out of his room. Well this of course started a battle of wills and became a game and most days it'd be us battling until nearly two hours were up and I'd throw in the towel. Lately I'd just say good night I'm going to take a nap, and I'd ignore him, and after an hour of keeping himself busy he'd crawl in bed and pull the covers over his head and sleep. But this didn't last either. The downside to this, is having to keep an ear out rather than throwing myself into a project and actually getting something accomplished. Additionally, he'd take so long to fall asleep I'd have to wake him so he would go to bed at a decent hour. And if you've ever had to wake a kid when they're deep in sleep you know you don't always meet with a smiley one, and the rest of the afternoon you're dealing with grumpies.

So wondering why I keep trying, I had to think on why I insist he take a nap. Well for one, most days he looks like he needs one, he'll have droopy eyes, and be yawning, or just wanders around with no focus. And of course I could use a break too! I mean it's difficult to entertain a kid 10-12 hours a day without a break! You're either driving all around town or your house is a disaster. But other than that, while thinking about why I can't seem to shake naptime I realized that naptime has been a part of MY routine long before Terje was born. When I worked in preschools, we stopped everyday for naptime just after 12 until 2. Then for 10 years after that all the children I nannied for took naps, even the 4 and 5 year olds! And so, naptime is what I DO! I plan my morning around it, making sure to get back in time for the routine, planning what I'll get done during those 2-3 glorious hours (Or plan to nap myself). and I make it a comfy cozy time to read and talk about the morning. I do wish we practiced Siesta as they do abroad. I think it's good for everyone! A little downtime so we can recharge and be happier people.

So my difficulty is that we are in transition, and I am resisting because naptime is my HABIT. Don't we LOVE our habits and schedules? It makes us comfortable and secure. Without this habit, I don't know what to do in the middle of the day instead. I'm still trying to figure it out. Sure we could draw pictures or read books, but sometimes that's what our morning already consists of, and frankly I can only do so much of that before I need some time to myself. We could stay longer at our morning activity, but when we do get home, my tired kid needs all of my attention, when I'm already spent. TV. No I do not like this option, but it is an option. I'll let you know when I've figured it out. I had just about given up on naps, as Terje hasn't napped in a whole week, but today he REALLY needed one. I'm sort of a mess when I don't have a routine to follow. Guess I'd better do a little homework.

Terje is napping now, after a bit of game playing I gave up and he gave in, and now he's asleep, but I will have to wake him soon, or he won't sleep tonight. And all I've accomplished is a mini nap and a blog session. Ahhhh.

Terje's Latest Obsession

2010-10-22T21:19:00.000-07:00

One day I'll feel I have time to sit down and reflect on myself and where I'm at in this whole parenting/life process, but for now I keep us all updated on what Terje is up to, if nothing else, here is his childhood blogged and ready for print to hand to him when he has a child?!
Anyway, Terje's Grandpa John wanted to take Terje to the Mira Mar Airshow a few weeks ago, so they and Tyler went. Hooray for me I had a day to myself! They apparently had a great time. It took a few days for Terje to process the day, but he had a magazine or event book with pictures of the many aircraft he'd seen that day, and low and behold he discovered military helicopters and is all about them. He often asks us, "do you like Osprey's?" and we say, "we like them because you like them." Pictured above is the vehicle I speak of incase you are not well versed in military aircraft. We draw pictures of Osprey's, we make them with erector sets and duplo blocks, we talk about them, we watch videos of them, we look at them in the event book. Along the way we've also learned about Sea Knights, and Cobra's (also helicopters), and we're beginning to show interest in the super fast, sound barrier breaking, shock wave creating fighter jets.

We tried to influence him afterwords with the heroic works of firefighters when we visited the fire station open house, and to some extent we did, he will be a fire fighter for halloween, but in the book about fire fighter frank, it's the helicopters with the buckets of fire retardant chemicals that he's most excited about! (thanks grandpa john)

Oh speaking of, Grandpa John also wanted to take Terje to see the Steam engine and tractor show last weekend, so we made it a family event, even Terje's Tia and Tio came down for the event. I would have happily taken another day to myself, but since the whole gang took part I joined in too and enjoyed hanging out with everyone in the muddy field, under the drizzly rain, in the exhaust of the steam engines. Terje was most impressed with the largest and smallest of machines we'd seen that day. He asks us, "did you see that BIG WHEEL?" (deep inflection on the words big wheel) and we say, "oh yeah". When we entered one of the where houses a man had a bunch of tiny little machines on a table, what they did or what they were for I have not a clue, but upon discovering them, Terje said, "oh, now that's what I need in my house!" (so funny!) but it's true, nothing would have made him happier than to bring one of them home.

typical day...

2010-10-13T17:18:00.001-07:00

we had an awesome morning at quail gardens....we took part in all things preschool, wondered, oohed and awed and enjoyed each other's company. Then it was time for a nap, and terje just paraded around upstairs after I left him alone, and I ignored him because this seems to be the only thing that works, saves my sanity, and he eventually, goes to sleep.
then when it's time to cook, I found paper and scissors or duplo blocks hold his attention for very long periods...so I let him go to town and he stays out of trouble!

We visited the fire station!

2010-10-11T16:09:00.001-07:00

Terje was VERY excited to explore the fire truck and see the inside of the fire station. He helped himself to cookies at both of the stations that we visited, but the highlight was sharing the visits with his friend Liam.

Bates Nut Farm!

2010-10-11T15:37:00.000-07:00

Ms. Nicole's 3's Preschool class

Our first field trip with Terje's preschool class was to Bates Nut Farm. It's so big, and there are soooooooooooooooooooooooo many pumpkins. We might have to go back before pumpkin picking ends.

Terje's New Look

2010-10-07T20:35:00.000-07:00

This seems to be the constant look on Terje's face lately. Grumpy, negative, unsure, un-liking everything, scheming and testing limits every second of the day. Hope it is a phase that will pass....

Can't Clean Up

2010-10-06T18:47:00.000-07:00

Terje can't help clean up because he's "got a message". (proceeds to find my phone and pretends to talk to daddy).

Still My Baby....

2010-10-02T09:27:00.001-07:00

He may already be 3 years old, but he's still my baby.

Comic

2010-10-01T20:47:00.000-07:00

I came upstairs to find Terje tucked into my bed reading a parenting book. I asked him, "what are you reading?" and he replied, "a comic book!" Oh my goodness.

Dance Party in Terje's Room

2010-09-29T19:22:00.001-07:00

On the walk home from the park this evening, Terje asked, "can I have some more lights in my room, blinking lights, and music (made a high hat and beat sound), and all my friends and we can dance and have a party?"

Our First Camping Trip with Terje

2010-09-27T14:53:00.000-07:00

We went to Hurkey Creek up near Lake Hemet and Idylwild. It's a lovely place to camp with kids. There are lots of trees and the campsites are spread out, and there's a giant grassy area surrounded by pines, and a new playground too. (all of this surprising as we heard the whole area burned not too long ago). There are hiking and biking trails as well, but our little guy wasn't quite a happy camper so we didn't do much exploring, we did ride our bikes around camp a bit though. Oh yes, ladies and gentlemen, our young boy is only himself when he can poop in the comfort of his own home on his own little potty that is supposed to be used only when training. We brought it along, but apparently being out in the open freaked him out a bit. So we hung around camp....waiting....Not only this but Terje's been refusing to nap, even when he's yawning and has droopy, red eyes (PUNK!), so going into the trip he was already sleep deprived. Needless to say, we only stayed one night. That was enough....had he been well rested and comfortable...well we would have had a great time.

Like that silly picture of Terje with my lip gloss smeared everywhere? We thought he was reading a book in the tent, oh no, he's always up to mischief!!

We did enjoy setting up camp and getting dirty, Terje liked helping us make our coffee with the coffee press, and gathering pine needles to start the fire. We collected lichen and berries for our "wilderness stew" like papa bear from the Berinstein bears. And cooking over a fire only reminded Tyler and I that we really miss having a grill and are going to have to get one...even though summer is over. BBQ chicken and Teryaki Skewers are really meant to be cooked over flame...not baked in the oven!!! Well we have everything we need now, so the next time we get the itch we'll be ready to camp. I don't think a camping trip would be complete without an injury, Terje just broke open an old scab when he slipped and fell, but man did it bleed!!! Poor kid needs shoes with more traction. Anyway, wasn't a miserable trip as it was nice to focus on each other and the outdoors, but it wasn't exactly stellar either. Oh wait, the giant moon was awesome...we had a family potty break in the middle of the night and the moon shadows were spectacular!!!

(oh and since we returned I did not bring Terje's baby potty into the house, and am retraining him to go on the big potty...it could take awhile now that he's older...but hopefully this will help us a little when we're traveling. We'll see how it goes)

Happy Anniversary!

2010-09-23T13:59:00.000-07:00

Today Tyler and I celebrate 4 years of marriage. How he loves me so, I do not know. Still, I am forever grateful for his love, kindness, generosity and simple ways. He may not have a clue what kind of flowers were in my bouquet on our wedding day (as might someone who's romantic), but he's certainly savvy when it comes to buying camera, computer, or music gear, and for that who can complain??? Terje and I are so fortunate to have him in our life, he's an incredible husband and such a sweet and patient father. Our marriage promise is an easy one to keep. I love you, Tyler.
(and I keep posting pictures from our wedding each year, because I love to relive that day! It was the most fun and happiest day I think I've ever had! Maybe because it was our day and I was wrapped up in all of it, but thanks to all our friends and family who came, supported us, and helped us celebrate, we hope you had fun too!)

Difficult Days............

2010-09-20T18:05:00.000-07:00

So Terje has been hitting us lately, mostly me. I am his punching bag when he's bored, frustrated, or wants my attention. I am going to have stay home with him more often and plan some structured learning games/ activities....somehow even though he is by my side all day long, it's not enough, he wants me to constantly engage him. The hitting has been very very frustrating. I've been losing my cool all too often and it feels ICKY! We stopped doing time outs for hitting because it didn't help and no one felt better because of it. Instead we ask him to stop and then ask for a hug. This works only temporarily, but he still continues to hit. I need to stop losing my cool, and just continue to hug him, gently. Sometimes I'm so irritated that I've had to ask him to stop hitting me for the 25th time that I squeeze him really hard. Today was a really tough day.
In addition, Terje's boycotted naps the past two days. for about 3 months he's been taking a full hour to fall asleep at nap, but he stays in his bed and plays with this blankets and pillows and just sings or kicks the wall, and finally falls asleep around 2pm, and then I have to roust him at 4. But lately he's carried on for so long that he's now running out of his room after an hour and a half. So yesterday he went to bed at 7pm, tonight, 6:30! We'll so how we deal with this over the next few weeks. Not ready to give up naps, and neither is he, not sure how to get him to go to sleep when he knows how and wants to, but refuses.
Tough day, tough week....hoping tomorrow is better. (hoping just being sick and then having to get a flu shot are the major culprits, but I still think I need to brace myself more the next year...gonna be tougher than the last)

Children's Museum

2010-09-19T08:58:00.000-07:00

Playdough

2010-09-17T15:26:00.000-07:00

Terje wanted to make red playdough, and when it came out pink, we made a second batch. Not quite noticing how much food coloring we added, on the second batch we used half a bottle. However, we got exactly the same shade of bubble gum pink, again. I guess all that white flour is a bit too much to make red...next time smaller batch and a larger bottle of food coloring.

Working on creating narratives (5 images that tell a story) in my photography class....this is not my best stuff, and may be a bit too straight forward? not enough imagination? Well anyway, it's a start, and it's Terje, so I like it, and that's why I'm sharing.

See more here at my other blog.

3 year check up

2010-09-17T12:45:00.001-07:00

ok, so I lagged on getting Terje an appointment for his 3 year check up...but we made it. We learned that he's 39 3/4 inches tall, and 34 lbs. Tall and skinny, but we knew that. He braved the hemoglobin prick on his toe (oops we didn't do it when he was 2), and he also braved a flu shot...so proud of him. Thanks Liam for always being brave, Terje wanted to be like you and get a shot (instead of the spray). And we already know he's on track and is especially smart. So proud of him. Now if only he'd fall asleep quicker at naptimes....he'd be just about perfect. ;o)

Stuff Terje says and does

2010-09-10T13:39:00.000-07:00

Last night Terje road his balance bike up the street and back and then wanted to keep going! He went all the way to the park and back! I couldn't believe it, he usually only rides it for a minute or two and then he's done. Even when I take him to the park with it. So this felt like major progress.

He's been talking some nonesense about sawing the house down and building a new one. We have no idea where he came up with this. I think he hears us discuss what we like about this house or other houses, and whenever we walk the neighborhoods we pick out ones we like...hmmm.

and

This morning Terje said, "Cereal likes to be in milk".

there's more....it's just that if I don't come here and write it down, I forget....

An interview with Coast News

2010-09-10T13:37:00.000-07:00

I was interviewed for an article that highlighted the nature group that Terje and I have been a part of for most of this year. check it out: Coast News Group-Local group connects families with nature.