Ponies and Dancing

We went to a little "farm like" thing last night with our family. El was able to ride ponies, pet baby pigs ( held the little bugger- so squeely- but cute), and dance.

When Craig and I went to the concert the other night Elliott really wanted to go with us- so much that he shouted out "You can't leave me..." (pretty funny I must admit). So this little opportunity was his chance to hear some live music- he termed it "a concert". The best part was him digging through Craig's jacket pocket-finding a little ticket- asked Craig what it was and Craig said he didn't know- E's response- classic- "It's our concert ticket". He wanted to dance the night away. I am stoked to have a kid who likes music and now has a love of concerts.

Silly El

Elliott thinks it is so funny to wear my glasses- They are strong enough to give anyone a quick headache just trying them on. He'll put them on and look around- I have decided that he thinks it is funny to see how distorted everything looks with them on. Crazy boy with a crazy imagination- wonder where he gets that?

The things he says-

Elliott has been saying the greatest things lately.
Last night we were talking about his little "ocean bag" he brought home from nursery at church. He even brought the subject up again today- so sweet.

Aunt Jennifer, this one is for you!

Elliott- did you know that on the fifth day, God made the birds in the sky and the fish in the oceans?

He did?

Yes, Heavenly Father and Jesus created the earth together, it took 7 whole days. He made everything (I go on to mention a few things- plants, ocean, food, etc.). My favorite thing he made was fruits and vegetables what is your favorite thing?

My favorite thing is Costco. Dad what is your favorite thing?

Dad: Humm, my favorite thing he made was the ocean.

Oh, my favorite thing is Jennifer.......and Troy.

Dad: Oh really? Of all the things he made? Costco, Jennifer and Troy?

Yes, Jennifer.

Musings on Muse

Craig and I went to a Muse concert over the weekend and had the GREATEST time! It has been awhile since we have been to a big venue for a concert (side note- totally forgot how much I hate smokers and girls with long hair standing next to me at concerts.) and it was really great. I have been listening to them a lot on my satellite radio- then when I so selfishly got consumed by the Stephanie Meyer Vampire books and found out she used their music to write her novels to- I was hooked. I must admit- it made the show that much more interesting when you listen to the songs and put the characters right into the music.
I even think Jacob and his crew were sitting right in front of me- poor Craig had to listen to me ranting about all the little things from the books. (Smile) I know he is intrigued by these books- wondering what in the world has gotten into me.... I imagine in the next few months he'll be hooked too- thank heavens he cares about the things I like and actually makes an honest effort to enjoy them- I keep telling him he won't be disappointed by these crazy books. Poor guy.

Anyway- if you get the chance they are fabulous and they put on a good show- who knew gigantic white balloons with confetti in them were their style?

Favorite Tracks at the moment?- Supermassive Black Hole and Knights of Cydonia (the horses at the front crack me up!)

Things I learned this summer...

My cousin did this on her blog and it felt apropos that I should do the same. (Feel free to join me!)

Sunscreen and children (often mixed with sand) BITE the big one!

Pirate savviness is a positive thing and continues to do us all good.

Farmer's Markets are a little piece of heaven on earth.

Planting tomatoes and having them to eat fresh every day is totally and utterly rewarding.

Beach parking passes are the way to go- amen to Crystal Cove Beach.

Trying to change a part of yourself when no one else around you is doing the same thing is nearly impossible.

Little ones surprise you every day by their constant ability to learn and grow.

You can go through a whole toy room and play with almost everything in under 20 minutes.

Baking soda and vinegar volcanoes are still just as cool as they were when we were kids.

Sirius satellite radio can save your life every so often.

Remembering what reading a really good book was like again. Who knew- Vampire Trilogies would rock the summer.

Planning fun activities for the little one's for every Friday of the summer (ahead of time) is pure genius. (Thank you Amy and company)

Vacations with my boys go by way too fast and are too far in between.

If you threaten putting your child in the ocean when they are throwing a fit- they might just stop- as long as you follow through with the threat.

Putting your child into the ocean as a threat to their fit makes them spend time in the ocean water. Thus learning that it is good and fun- then making the rest of the summer not just beach time but beach and ocean time!

The more you tell your child that something (sand) isn't that bad and is totally fun- the more it becomes that to you too.

Taking a little time out for yourself makes you a better mom and wife.

Spending almost every Saturday at the beach with your family can become a new family tradition to look forward to.

No matter where or what you do for vacation it doesn't matter as long as you are having fun and are together.

Summer nights with my boys are something to look forward to the rest of the year.



This summer has really been one of the best I have ever had- some really good moments and really special memories. Actually- it makes me look forward to next summer. I have never really been a lover of summer until now.

However...I am totally excited to welcome Autumn and Winter- they are my favorite seasons. The cool crisp air, the holidays, family, sweaters---I could go on and on....

Elliott's Imagination

Elliott has a crazy rad imagination. We will be sitting somewhere and out pops a pretty great scenario that he has created. Yestertime (as Elliott would say instead of yesterday) we were sitting at home looking at a magazine of Halloween costumes- talking about the costumes that we like and don't like- next thing I know (as we are on our way up the stairs for a rest- convenient.... I know) he has wrapped himself in the drapes and here is our conversation:

Help Mom, they have got me and I am tied up.

Who has got you?

The Ghosties and the Monsters, I need you to save me mom, I'm all tied up.

Oh really?

Oh, I got away.

And off we go up to the nap!

Okay- where did he learn that you can get tied up anyway?
Never a dull moment with him or a dull thought in his head.
Proud and happy to know that he is such a creative little kid.

These Days

Up until this last week we have had family in town since the end of July. Needless to say, we haven't had a lack of things to do. This week has been interesting for my guy and I. He got a little cold so he didn't have preschool and we have gotten a little bored. Going from tons to do to nothing planned has made for some exciting impromptu moments. Seriously- I think some of my ideas are pretty good- not always to Elliott. Hence- the tent. Tents are GREAT- add a pirate ship a little one that isn't feeling too well and I am MOM of the YEAR! Who knew...

Nate- Sweet Nate and Beautiful Kenoyn!

This is my rad nephew Nate- he is so stinking coordinated at 3! It amazes me- okay so not that this picture shows how coordinated he is- but he is totally cruising around on a razor scooter- not just playing on it- but cruising! I told him to let me get a shot of him on his razor and this is what I got- he told me "It's my scary face Carly". I love him- he makes me happy.




This is my beautiful Niece Kenyon- she loves to be crazy and be my little actress. The next photo cracks me up- If you only knew her.....

And now he is 3...

Elliott had his 3rd birthday on Sunday. What a good 3 years we have had with him.
Of course- as you all know Elliott has dedicated his life to piracy so we decided to really go overboard with a family birthday party done pirate style.
Craig and I had a great time putting this together- you know, a little Friday night/date night/bake-a-thon. Now, we are already wondering and working on next year's cake!
Happy 3rd Birthday to my Elliott!