Brownies

It was 10 pm and I thought I was fine. Didn't eat too much today; rare for a Sunday. Felt pretty good and then it crept in... the chocolate hankering. It's the grocery store checker's fault. I bought 2 brownie mixes the other day at Dan's since they're on sale for 88 cents... just to stock up you know. Always have to have at least one brownie mix in the cupboard. Well as she slid them through at checkout she looked at them all sentimental-like. She looked at me and said, "Oh I just remember how when my sister was pregnant she went through a pan of these a day." I looked at her like she was lying. "She really did," she said. I smiled all the way home thinking, 'Well good then if I eat like five brownies I don't need to feel bad.'

Since Croz was still awake I stuck him in the swing and like a maniac whipped together a pan of brownies. My plan: a brownie sundae. I think I ate about 2 1/2 brownies in the sundae with vanilla ice cream and choco syrup on top. This is starting to sound like a food journal. It was so worth it!



Go buy your 88-cent brownies at Dan's. And then use the willpower I didn't to keep them in the cupboard and not turn the oven on until Fall.

Firsts

It's Flashback Friday! The idea came from Lacie; I figured it sounds fun... why not? Anyone who wants to spend an extra minute reminiscing about the past, go for it! You have an excuse on Flashback Fridays. Just post whatever you're thinking about.

I was thinking about 1998. I loved that year. I have certain years that stick out that I can just say, "That was the BEST year!" '98 was a year of firsts...

Summer of '98 our family took a trip to San Diego and it was the first time I had been there. We went with Pops, Fay, Beth, and Gene. I was in heaven. It was the most beautiful place I had seen... blooming with flowers, San Diego temple, the ocean. I remember my brother Steve and I swimming in the pool at the Marriott and some ducks that roamed the grounds jumped in with us one morning! I remember Pops encouraged us to eat as much as humanly possible at the breakfast buffet. I remember how much my mom loved Seaport Village. Beth and Fay and their travel-savvy. My dad and his vacation T-shirt. Everything. An ACTUAL vacation was a MAJOR event for my family and so it made it all the more memorable. I'll never forget...

First time in San Diego!



When we lived in Washington my mom got involved with our elementary school's camp program. It was so cool... the teachers took the sixth-graders for a whole week to a gorgeous camp in order to give them "wilderness education." Campfire, hiking, songs, compassing, rappelling, high ropes course, mess hall. My mom was the photographer and would put together slide shows for the staff's party later in the summer. I was thrilled to participate in the camp when I was I think in fifth grade and my mom was a counselor/photographer and I had so much fun. My mom tried to go back as a counselor every year she could, it was just the neatest experience and the friends and people made the camp program amazing. I got to be a camp counselor for the Wauconda Wolves cabin in June 1998! I was stoked. We had the best cabin. I went several years with my mom and sometimes brother but couldn't find a '98 pic, so this was more recent.

First time as a camp counselor!



My dad was/is a drummer. He had THE COOLEST drumset on the planet. It was red, sparkly, and... geez it was the COOLEST thing ever. When we were little and my dad would go nuts on the drums and have a solo jam session we were mesmerized. How cool could a dad be? Well all of us played around on the drums a bit but my brother Steve made it his passion. That red sparkly drumset got used to a pulp and so around Fall of '98 Steve bought his own DW drumset and I think it was one of the happiest days of his life. Couldn't wipe the grin off his face for weeks! I just remember feeling as thrilled for him as ever.

Stevie's first drumset:



My high school buddies provided for some serious entertainment. We would do the dumbest things but you wouldn't BELIEVE how much fun we had doing them (: I think this was from a sleepover one night and we ate our weight in junk food, had a shoulder-massage train, watched a movie, lip-synched to Salt N' Pepa. Ha, what I wouldn't give to relive some of those fancy-free times. Looks here as if we are about to start our arm-wrestling match? Who knows, but I came across this hilarious picture of us so I will deem it...

First four-person high school sleepover!



You all know mine and D's story by now... summer of '98 was when we had seen each other and kind of met, but when summer wore into Fall is when we actually started talking and then it grew from a friendship pretty quickly into love. I remember Steve's band played at the seminary opening social for Highland High down at the dog park by Hogle Zoo! I recall going and sort of flitting from table to table talking to people but the main reason I was there (besides to see my brother of course) was to see D! Shortly after this we were joined at the hip... for the rest of the school year.

First time meeting D!

Summertime Blues

I was weeding out clothes that don't fit my growing baby anymore and I came across this blue outfit that I had ordered before he was born. I was so excited to have him wear it as a newborn in February, all cuddled up. Well it ran big for a 0-3 monther and so now that we've hit triple digits it about fits him.



Being in a full-body sweater in this heat wasn't his idea of fun but I had to have my baby fashion show.

Happy Four Months today to Crosby!

Tag. Don't Hate Me.

This one's from Catherine...

ABC's TAG

Complete the ABC's of you. Then, each player tags 3 people and posts their names, goes to their blogs and leaves a comment letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog and copy the tag to theirs.

A- Attached or Single: Attached. Married. Whatever you call it.
B- Best Friend: I don't bestow that title on anyone! But my close friends that I don't go more than a week without connecting with are Jessie, Steph, Christina
C- Cake or Pie: White Cake with lots of any kind of frosting and apple pie with vanilla ice cream melting over the top
D- Day: I am intrigued by the fact that almost every Sunday is sunny. There's gotta be something to that. I love Fridays.
E- Essential Item: My son. I haven't forgotten him... yet.
F- Favorite Color: White
G- Gummy Bears or Worms: The texture of gummy worms beats out the texture of gummy bears most definitely. Gummy bears are too... little or something
H- Hometown: I was born in Salt Lake but wouldn't mind calling another town my home.
I- Indulgences: Thrift store purchases such as infant bike shorts
J- January or July?: Used to be a summer person but Winter has won more of my adoration than it used to... I'd say it's a tie
K- Kids: Yes and I think everyone knows him by now!
L- Life is incomplete without: Love. Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and above all things... Love (Yes I am quoting Moulin Rouge because that's the first thing that popped into my head)
M- Marriage Date: 10/02/02
N- Number of Siblings: One fabulous older brother Cameron, your friendly local dentist (and one of the funniest people I know). A younger brother Stephen, the next Neil Peart (and crazy scarecrow uncle). Then the youngest brother Patrick, the next Bill Gates (and perpetually exhausted).
O- Oranges or Apples: I close to worship Fuji apples because my body DEMANDED at least one a day while I was pregnant and they are delicious
P- Phobias or Fears: Can't trust anyone. Spiders included.
Q- Quote: " Tis the mind that makes the body rich." Shakespeare
R- Reason To Smile: Have to agree with that one Cat... Crosby's smiles, stretches, laughing, spitting, eyebrow-raising. He is the sweetest baby guy I know.
S- Season: The majesty that is Autumn. I cannot fathom being blind and not having the chance to see such beauty. The smell too is so distinct; I want Fall now!
T- Tag Three: Caitlin and Codi might be the only ones who will... and... Steve??
U- Unknown fact about me: I get melancholy-gloomy-doomsdayish quite often (doesn't usually last long though)
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: Hmmm. The latter and the former. Don't eat much red meat though.
W- Worst Habit: Same with me Catherine, I like to do EVERYTHING. And my way. And quickly. I am concerned about the discipline it is going to take for me to let Crosby do things on his own since that is the only way a child can learn. Oh no, tying shoes... "Here, just let me do it!" Baking cookies as he dumps flour everywhere: "Okay, you just sit there and watch me."
X- Rays or Ultrasounds: To see our son moving inside of me... I've never witnessed such magic. What a blessing that we have such tools for so many purposes
Y- Youngest or Oldest?: Second oldest, only girl
Z: Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Who Wants To Go Swimming?

Hallie and Croz had a swim party this week and Catherine and I were pumped to get these little ones in the water!



Crosby likes his bath time enough to where I figured he'd enjoy swimming, but I figured wrong. He's about ready to throw one of his famous punches.



He normally enjoys the water, but since it was a little on the cool side it didn't suit his fancy. He'd rather just chill on the towels with his bikini-clad baby hottie.



Or even better practice sitting up in Hallie's Bumbo in the shade...



Can't wait for our next swim date Cat and Hallie, you guys rock!

D's Shows

For those of you who don't know, D plays in a band called Slow Ride.



They have a show tomorrow night, Wed, June 18th, around 9 pm at Liquid Joe's

1249 East 3300 South



Then they have a show at the Huka Bar & Grill around 9 pm on Thursday the 19th this week

151 East 6100 South



It is white man's reggae, like UB40. If you hate being around cigarette smoke, skip LJoe's. If you haven't been to the Huka Lounge, I recommend it... good food and "clean" air, always a good crowd of people. Huka is a good place to bring a group of friends too; they have booth-type areas like a restaurant and the atmosphere is great...

I'll post when he has more shows coming up...

Kickin' It In Panguitch

A tradition was established in summer of 2001: my family goes to visit Vee at his old house and farm in Panguitch, southern Utah. It is so much fun because we have learned some history from the old folks over the years. Vee is my grandpa's brother (my grandpa - Pops - died in November 2006). We all head down there to eat, play, hike, swim, eat, visit, do chores, and eat some more. It's been a fun little weekend to look forward to every June because Vee's house is a true gathering place with a sprawling porch and country feel. An awesome break from busy little Salt Lake City.

Relaxation means different things to different people:

For Crosby and Lucy it's all in the footwear



Vee's orange '72 truck lulls D and Miles into country comfort mode



Paul likes his cheese by the barrel and his beer in a service station cup



All my dad needs is a breeze and the rest is history



Crosby needs Dad for a landing pad

Zion

Miles (my cousin) came with D, Croz, and I a day early. We left early Thursday for Zion NP because it is one of my favorite places ever. The scenery is so amazingly gorgeous. It was a perfect day to be there: mid-80's, slight breeze. Crosby was a surprisingly fantastic hiker for a 4-month-old!



We took some short hikes, this one to the lower Emerald Pool. I love hikes where some type of water waits for you at the end. Preferably a waterfall, but drips of water will do:



The end stop of the park (Temple of Sinawava) has a small trail to river access and so we got to the shade of those towering rocks and after getting hot and sweaty it felt great... I challenged Miles to a race across the river so we kicked off our shoes and socks and went for it while D and Crosby tried to snap pictures. I thought Miles would wimp out but he kicked my sorry little butt across that river, taking about 5 seconds to make it across. The kids in the background asked, "Where y'all from?" They said, "We're from Miz-sippi." They were so happy that someone else would play in the water!



Bright colors by Emerald Pool. I was taking my snapshot of this and a rude hiker-lady waltzed in front of the camera and said, "It's columbine" in this gruff voice. Thanks, but I didn't ask you rude hiker-lady.



Weeping Rock is so pretty when you're under that shelter watching the sunlight glint against the water drops

It's All About Family

Beth and Vee, the two remaining (original) Worthens... they are why we go to Panguitch!



Codi and Luce on a perfect Sunday morning



4-day-old English Bulldog pups at the Indian jewelry store. Their mom died after giving birth... so so sad. They were looking for their mom in this little Tupperware and since they couldn't find her they were trying to suckle off one another. I about was in tears ):



The blue girls!
Becca, Beth, Brooke



Sunday morning Blake was proudly holding Lucy and Crosby and it was darling to watch them look at each other and then look at their audience... Lucy did what she was told and gave little Croz a kiss and it was about the most adorable thing EVER

Morning Hike

Bryce Canyon is a mere 20 minute drive from Panguitch and early Saturday morning D, Miles, and I set out on our Fairyland Loop hike. Couldn't have asked for a more gloriously beautiful morning...



This is Boat Mesa. It's called that because it looks like the Titanic sinking:



Bryce Canyon's sky is a spectacle. Look at this brilliant blue!



Tree silhouette



Tower Bridge

Dads

It was D's first Father's Day on Sunday, and he was glad to spend the day with Crosby.



On the other hand, with Cam being born in '78, I realized that this was my dad's THIRTIETH Father's Day!



If I could name just one quality that I admire in D and my dad, it would be patience. Don't have time to go into all of the others!

#1 Goal = Sleep

Sleep: A Necessity, Not a Luxury
(By Dennis Thompson, HealthDay Reporter)

Before Thomas Edison invented the light bulb in 1880, people slept an average of 10 hours a night. These days, Americans average 6.9 hours of sleep on weeknights and 7.5 hours a night on weekends, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

"It's sort of part of the culture," Belenky said. "People pride themselves on getting little sleep. You'll hear people bragging, 'I only need six hours a night.' So there's a macho element here."

Doctors have linked lack of sleep to weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, depression and substance abuse.

The U.S. National Institutes of Health offers these tips for getting a good night's sleep:

Stick to a regular sleep schedule.
(Oops... broke that rule around the end of February!)

Avoid exercising closer than five or six hours before bedtime.
(Is that really possible for any of us?)

Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before bed.
(But those Diet Dr. Peppers are a NECESSITY!)

Avoid large meals and beverages late at night.
(Would take so much discipline... )

Don't take naps after 3 p.m.
(Already broke that rule today too.)

Relax before bed, taking time to unwind with a hot bath, a good book or soothing music.
(Again, sheer discipline.)

If you're still awake after more than 20 minutes in bed, get up and do something relaxing until you feel sleepy. Anxiety over not being able to sleep can make it harder to fall asleep.

*** I thought I'd post parts of this article to remind you all: If you have the option to sleep at any given time... SLEEP! Today Crosby has slept more than ever in a day and I have slept the whole time he has; a new woman, I tell ya... so what do I do? Stay up blogging. Yes I am insane. And now: I'm going to do Caitlin's tag!

Another Tag... Just for Fun!

1) Do you like blue cheese? No. I can't get over the chunky factor.
2) What superstition do you "most" believe in? None, but I think it's funny how none of the Marriott hotels have a 13th floor!
3) Do you own guns? No, but I def know some homies who do, and they have my back.
4) What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? That would certainly depend on the mood of the day. For instance, today it would have been something in the orange family for sure. I have always wanted to make it to that 2-4 pm Happy Hour at Sonic but haven't gotten to it yet! Half price on all drinks!
5) Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Yes, but mainly I am petrified of those dreaded gynecological exams, urgh they are the WORST EVER. Contrary to Caitlin passing out in the dentist's chair, I am in a very happy place while at the dentist; even euphoric upon leaving. Love it! Sometimes when they floss FOR you it's quite annoying and rough, but clean teeth = happiness.
6) What do you think of hot dogs? Oh my gosh, fat free hot dogs?! I used to hate these things but I can handle them only when burnt.
7) Can you do push ups? This is a silly question at this time in my life.
8) Can you do a chin up? I don't even know if I could DRAW someone DOING a chin-up I'm in that bad of shape!
9) What's your favorite piece of jewelry? Definitely my wedding ring.
10) Favorite hobby? Baking! And then unfortunately eating what I bake.
11) Ever been in a car wreck? No, just rear-ended someone. Note to self: You may not ever pick up your cell phone while driving ever again. I repeat, you may not EVER pick up your cell phone while driving ever again. I'm not trying to be funny: it is so serious! D got me an earpiece for Christmas and this is one of the best man-made contraptions that has ever happened to me.
12) Do you have A.D.D? Yes and it stands for Alisa Day Dreams. A lot. In fact I'm a complete space cadet and it is embarrassing most of the time.
13) What's one trait that you hate about yourself? Mood swings… I agree! I chalk it up to the fact that I'm a Gemini. "No, it's not PMS... I have a dual personality. Hmf." It is a GREAT excuse (;
14) Middle name? No middle name.
15) Name 2 thoughts at this exact moment? I need my back cracked. I am so thirsty.
16) Name 3 things you bought yesterday? Baby formula, toilet paper, and a slice of Costco pizza
17) Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water, milk, fruity drinks like fruit punch
18) Current worry? Why has Crosby slept about 20 hours today?
20) Current hate right now? After-baby body.
21) How did you bring in the New Year? Going to the Cleveland Browns game with D at the Browns stadium and best of all... spending all of New Year's Eve with Cam, Audrey and family. And then driving back to our hotel in the Cleveland ice storm as the clock struck midnight.
22) Where would you like to go? Oh I would die to go to Prague, Czech Republic. Bangladesh. I've also always wanted to visit the deep South here in our own great country... Georgia with towering trees and beautiful huge plantation houses/yards.
23) Name three people who will complete this? Whoever can type fast!
24) Do you own slippers? Yep, my favorite are the red Chinese-looking with gold symbols that I bought in China town in NY but I've never worn them!
25) What shirt are you wearing? A white sweatshirt with the dorky Lifeguard emblem. That is uber-dorky when you have never been a lifeguard!!! Yikes! But you have to admit that brilliant red lettering against a crisp white is so striking.
26) Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Who wouldn't?
27) Can you whistle? Kind of, if I suck in air instead of blow it out. (I do too, funny).
28) Favorite color? White.
29) Would you be a pirate? No, because I'm sick of pirates. But I'll probably be reincarnated as one as punishment.
30) What songs do you sing in the shower? I always end up singing "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again," or some other hymn.
31) Favorite girl's name? I really don't know but I like it when first and last names sound good together, like Thandie Newton. Lately I've liked Tess for some reason.
33) Favorite boy's name? I like Will.
34) What's in your pocket? My phone.
35) Last thing that made you laugh? D making Crosby talk like "Pierre," the baby's alter-ego
36) Best bed sheets as a child? The ones I would use when we visited Nan's house, pulled from the drawer and I would inhale that scent; musty or something but the best ever! Pastel stripes and the bubble-gum pink pillowcase.
37) Worst injury you've ever had? Recovering from birth. Or... I don't remember this... but I fell out of a shopping cart when I was 5 I think and had a concussion. Hmm wonder why I don't remember...
38) Do you love where you live? Absolutely love it; we are the luckiest people ever.
39) How many TVs do you have in your house? 2
40) Who is your loudest friend? Stephanie by far; I used to force her to muffle her laugh with a pillow
41) Who is your closest friend you have? Mainly Jess, Steph, and Christina
42) Does someone have a crush on you? I hope so; that's what makes life exciting
43) What celebrity would play you in a movie? It will take me too long to think of that but personality-wise maybe Cameron Diaz
44) What is your favorite book? Sylvia Plath's unabridged journals
45) What is your favorite candy? Gummy anything
46) Favorite Sports Team? Go Celtics!
47) What song do you want played at your funeral? I'm not sure but I'm going to have my people contact Sarah McLachlan so she can sing at it
48) What were you doing at 12 AM last night? Probably feeding the baby, but that was yesterday and my mind erases the previous day almost completely ):
49) What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up this morning? I want some salty fried eggs

Congratulations to whomever made it through this! I tag Audrey, Catherine, Tara, and Jodi. Or whoever wants to, I love to read them!

Saturday in the Park

Croz and I spent a whopping 2 1/2 hours at the park today and he slept the ENTIRE time. It started out a really cool temp but then it got hot. But then it got cold again. Then the sun. Then breezy cold. Good thing I wore a unitard.

It was beautiful though. I LOVE Liberty Park. There are lots of reasons why but I think it is a feel-good park, friendly. My first time around I passed this daddy-daughter duo. The dad was explaining to the girl how to propel herself along on rollerblades. This girl was TEENY! The dad kinda was too though. Anyway he was being amazingly patient. Her baby steps on those rollerblades were about a millimeter a minute. I know this because on my second time around I was catching up to them and I think they had progressed like ten feet. She looks big in the picture but this girl was the tiniest! I loved seeing that patient dad though. And patient daughter too, it was quite sweet.



A little later on as I was "running" I was passed up by a couple of lean mean spaghetti-leg men. I thought I was doing okay until they passed me, heads high, shoulders squared, and... HOLY! Their calves. Bulging is an understatement. I had seen them pull into the park in a silver Mercedes convertible and they were outside their car stretching, etc. Next thing I knew they were invading my sidewalk space with their larger-than-life calves. These men had SKINNY legs. But their calves! I guess what it was is they were so defined. Anyway I was quite the sight to see... first time I saw them I fumbled for my camera and was CHASING them to try and steal a snapshot of their legs. I considered it a race and had my camera in one hand and Crosby's stroller handle in the other, running, looking like a fool. Couldn't get close enough, dangit. 'I'll show them,' I thought. So I kept looking behind me, camera ready, waiting for them to come around again prancing like deer. I was ready to compete with these fellas. Well here is my best shot! Click on it for your muscle-viewing pleasure.



"Were people out paddleboating?" you ask... of course they were. It was an awesome day for it.



There was a hippie tent set up where people with orange hair were selling jewelry. There was a Fabio-looking guy with a sourpuss lady selling "hand-blown crystal roses and dragons," but I fought the urge and decided to save my money for a Slurpee or something. Now the tie-dyed goods were the most tempting...



Geez I can't believe Crosby slept all that time and he woke up in his after-naptime-bliss as I was putting him into the car. He was all smiles but they were hard to capture.

After those 2 1/2 hours at the park we both had those little crusts that fester at the corners of your mouth from drymouth/park air/breathing through mouth, hehe! Didn't think you'd like to see a picture of MY crusty lips!



What a guy to hang in there for a REALLY long day. Look how tuckered!

Legs and Hands

Crosby woke up for a 3 am feeding one night and after eating he wanted to stay up. Nooooooo.... I was so exhausted. I always play with him though if he wants to stay up. This time was different. I changed his diaper and had no strength left to even snap his onesie back on, let alone find where I put his pants. And then I just laid him right next to me on our bed and who knows what happened because I fell asleep and woke up 45 or so minutes later to find him like this:



I thought to myself, 'Aww, what if he never gets in this position again?' and mustered some energy to go find the camera. I like to think he looks like a man ballet dancer practicing plies in his sleep. D likes to think he is in a frog position. Regardless, it was one humdinger of a night. As you can see I didn't even bother to pull our bottom sheet back over the matress.

When Crosby is really hungry or really tired he expresses himself with his hands. I love this. He balls those hands up and gets his fingers all entwined and recently when he did this it looked like he was saying a prayer, no?

Summer Here We Come

We are thrilled that summer is finally here! Doing things like going to the park with Lucy and Codi...



Finding places for a cool-down spot and treat... (Croz and that middle finger!)



Visits and kisses at Nan's house...



And stormy afternoons spent inside with Mom!