Four Yorkshiremen

Anna-Lisa, we miss you!

three photos

A Christmas morning chuckle:
And Mom, why do you keep taking pictures of me?

Josh's Top 20 (updated)

[update: a few hints]

I couldn't just sit back and let everyone else have all the fun...

1. Woman: I'd ask you to sit down, but, you're not going to anyway. And don't worry about the vase.
Man: What vase?
[Man turns to look for a vase, and as he does, he knocks over a vase of flowers, which shatters on the floor]
Woman: That vase.
Man: I'm sorry...
Woman: I said don't worry about it. I'll get one of my kids to fix it.
Man: How did you know?
Woman: Ohh, what's really going to bake your noodle later on is, would you still have broken it if I hadn't said anything? -Jenny

2. Girl 1: [reading] "Wholesome, spiritually wealthy couple have found true love with each other." Aw... all that's missing is your bastard!
Girl 2: I want a parakeet. -Skylark

3. I've fought many wars in my time. Some I've fought for land, some for power, some for glory. I suppose fighting for love makes more sense than all the rest.

[new quote] Men are haunted by the vastness of eternity. And so, we ask ourselves: will our actions echo across the centuries? Will strangers hear our names long after we are gone, and wonder who we were, how bravely we fought, how fiercely we loved?

4. Woman: What do you mean he don't eat no meat?
[the entire room stops, in shock]
Woman: Oh, that's okay. I make lamb. -Janssen

5. Woman: C'mon, blow. Nobody likes a Mr. Sniffles.
Man: Yeah, uh, I hate Mr. Sniffles. -Janssen

6. Man: Shane, you've got three pairs. You can't have six cards! You can't have six cards in a five-card game!
-AND-
Man 1: Hit me.
Man 2:It's not blackjack. -Andrea

7. Animal: Come on, humans. While we're still young!
Boy: If he tells us to hurry one more time, I'm gonna turn him into a big, fluffy hat. -Em

8. Woman: The last thing I need is another picture of me looking like a porcelain doll.

[new quote] Woman: I believe you are blushing, Mr. Big Artist. I can't imagine Monsieur Monet blushing.
Man: He does landscapes.

9. God: Every time I try to talk to someone it's "sorry this" and "forgive me that" and "I'm not worthy"... -Em

10. Man 1: So, yaw fatha was a Woman? Who was he?
Man 2: He was a Centurion, in the Jerusalem Garrisons.
Man 1: Weally? What was his name?
Man 2: 'Naughtius Maximus'.
[Centurion laughs]
Man 1: Centuwion, do we have anyone of that name in the gawwison?
Centurion: Well, no, sir.
Man 1:Well, you sound vewy sure. Have you checked?
Centurion: Well, no, sir. Umm, I think it's a joke, sir... like, uh, 'Sillius Soddus' or... 'Biggus Dickus', sir.
[guard chuckles]
Man 1: What's so funny about "Biggus Dickus? "
Centurion: Well, it's a joke name, sir.
Man 1: I have a vewy gweat fwiend in Wome called 'Biggus Dickus'.
[guard chuckles]
Man 1: Silence! What is all this insolence? You will find yourself in gladiator school vewy quickly with wotten behavior like that.

[hint] Think the mastermind that brought us, "We were evicted from our hole in the ground."

11. Man: That was a warning, Highness. Next time my hand flies on its own. Where I come from, there are penalties when a woman lies. -Janssen

12. Woman 1: It's great to see you, but I gotta tell you, I've got no idea what you're talking about.
Woman 2: Yes, words are useless! Gobble-gobble-gobble-gobble-gobble! Too much of it, darling, too much! That is why I show you my work! That is why you are here! -Stephanie

13. I shall call him Squishy and he shall be mine and he shall be my Squishy. Come on, Squishy Come on, little Squishy. -Janssen

14. Son: I was thinking I like animals. Maybe I'd be a vet.
Father: An evil vet?
Son: No! Maybe like work in a petting zoo.
Father: An evil petting zoo? -Skylark

15. Man: Good news, everybody, we're extending arts and crafts time by four hours today.
Old Woman: My fingers hurt.
Man: What's that?
Old Woman: My fingers hurt.
Man: Oh, well, now your back's gonna hurt, 'cause you just pulled landscaping duty. Anybody else's fingers hurt?... I didn't think so. -Andrea

16. Mama says they was magic shoes. They could take me anywhere. -Em

17. Man 1: Man 2 was in an accident and now he only has a ten-second memory.
Man 2: I was in an accident? That's terrible.
Man 1: Don't worry, you're totally gonna get over it in about three seconds. -Andrea

18. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next. -Jenny

19. Man 1:Now, ancient people found their clothes got cleaner if they washed them at a certain spot in the river. You know why?
Man 2: No.
Man 1: Human sacrifices were once made on the hills above this river. Bodies burnt, water speeded through the wood ashes to create lye.
[holds up a bottle]
Man 1:This is lye - the crucial ingredient. The lye combined with the melted fat of the bodies, till a thick white soapy discharge crept into the river. May I see your hand, please?
[Man 1 licks his lips until they're gleaming wet - he takes Man 2's hand and kisses the back of it]
Man 2: What is this?
Man 1: This...
[pours the lye on Man 2's hand]
Man 1: ... is chemical burn. -Jenny

20. Woman: [watching a news report about a man's death] Yesterday I couldn't find my ID. You didn't take it, did you?
Man: Would you prefer a lie or the truth?
Woman: Did you have anything to do with... that? (the news report)
Man: Yes, I killed him. -Jenny

the movie game (final update)

Good work, everyone! I have listed the last two since there were no guesses. Now, go out and rent these movies!

1. "You shake and shake the ketchup bottle, none will come, and then a lot'll." (Kate & Leopold)
2. "There's nothing more irresistible to a man than a woman who's in love with him. " -Em
3. "I am wondering, why are you here?" -Quindi
4. "What do I need manners for? I already got me a wife." -Janssen
5. Man: How do you do?
Woman: Mutual, I'm sure. -Quindi
6. Woman: Listen, I'm a big supporter of fixing potholes and erecting swing sets and building shelters. I am more than happy to pay those taxes. I'm just not such a big fan of the percentage that the government uses for national defense, corporate bailouts, and campaign discretionary funds. So, I didn't pay those taxes. I think I sent a letter to that effect with my return.
Man: Would it be the letter that beings "Dear Imperialist Swine"? -Skylark
7. Woman: Have we won?
Man: No, but it got me apple tart brought in now didn't it. (Waking Ned Divine)
8. "I'm looking for baggage that goes with mine." -Quindi
9. "Uh, we had a slight weapons malfunction, but uh... everything's perfectly all right now. We're fine. We're all fine here now, thank you. How are you?" -Janssen
10. Woman 1: I'd like to turn her into a fat ol' hop toad.
Woman 2: ...we can't. You know our magic doesn't work that way.
Woman 3: It can only do good, dear, to bring joy and happiness.
Woman 1: Well, that would make me happy. -Em
11. "Your standing films will time and test themselves." -Janssen
12: "Look at you! You have a baby! ...in a bar."-Janssen
13. "Here's to evolution" -Jenny (the bonus movie. Not a favorite, but all time lamest movie ending)
14. "I shall go down in history as 'the man who opened a door'!" -Janssen
15. Woman: My boyfriend thinks I'm fat! And I can't eat in front of him! I can't eat in front of you! I have to go to the bathroom.
Man: Honey, I don't think you're fat! I don't think she's fat! -Janssen
16. Woman: Amnesia. Oh that's rich. All right, fine! I want my stuff back.
Man: Fine. Then I want my stuff back.
Woman: What stuff?
Man: Your nose. -Janssen
17. Man 1: I think my eyes are getting better. Instead of a big dark blur, I see a big bright blur.
Man 2: There's nothing to see. I used to live here, you know.
Man 1: You're gonna die here, you know. Convenient. -Janssen
18. "Greater good? I am your wife! I am the greatest good you are ever going to get!" -Janssen
19. "Mostly, I remember the last one, the wild finish. A guy standing on a station platform in the rain, with a comical look on his face, because his insides have been kicked out." -Jenny
20. "It's possible, pig." -Janssen
21. Girl: Your little girlfriend gave me the stink eye in art class yesterday.
Boy: Katrina's not my girlfriend alright? And I doubt she gave you the stink eye that's just how her face looks, you know? That's just her face. -Quindi

O Christmas Tree

We put up and decorated our Christmas tree tonight. For the second year, we started singing "O Christmas Tree" spontaneously. The problem is, we don't know the words! We made up a few lyrics (think, "we really need to learn the words, so we can sing this song someday. O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, what are the song's real lyrics?"). Upon searching for the real lyrics, though, we found this jewel. Enjoy!

our afternoon: a haiku

grass to touch and eat
beautiful overcast day
until he fell down

are you there, santa?

Janssen has (like with the $1,000 reward for starting college kiss-free) started quite the debate on her blog with her thoughts on Santa Claus. You see, her parents never led her to believe in St. Nick and she plans to do the same with her children (on threat of death, of course, if they spill the beans at school). I think Janssen's plan is great. It's similar to Jo Anne's approach to raising Josh: answer any question truthfully no matter what. Some of the comments on her blog make me wonder, though, if Santa is really the issue.

I love Santa Claus. On the other hand, I'm usually all for the simplest route when it comes to holidays and parenting in general. I just don't know if I'm willing to blame Christmas's commercialism and the ills of the world on Santa Claus. I do agree with one commenter whose parents, when asked if Santa was real, responded with, "what do you think?" Most kids I know figure out the Santa thing on their own. I figured there was no way Santa could afford to buy all the toys (which he obviously bought since they were the same as the ones in the store) so my parents must leave him a check on Christmas Eve. That is, except for the blanket that came with my doll when I was 5 or 6. That one was handmade by Mrs. Claus herself, I was very certain. Oh, I loved that blanket.

Of course, why hang on to a tradition just for tradition's sake? Apparently, there are lots of families out there telling their kids that Santa lives in the mall, or that people dress up like Santa because he is their favorite immaginary character (a la Mickey Mouse or Tom & Jerry). One family tells their kids when they turn 8 that Santa is fictional and then let them stay up late to help set up Christmas for the little kids (I like this one!). Oh, and there are families who don't drink milk, but Katie and Erin got me used to that one at a young age. So, without knowing the crisis existed, I'm there.

Is the Santa wrapping paper (which I'm excited about, since I love wrapping presents) lying to my kids? Will it lead them away from the Church in disillusion? Is Janssen a Christmas HATER (ugh, mean anonymous comments bug) for not wanting to play Santa? Any thoughts?

another way to waste your money

Can't quite master that cute little lump at the back of your head all so common in "Utah hair"? I remember my first semester at BYU looking at a girl in my Spanish class and wondering what her head looked like underneath her hair (she had the newborn cone head thing going, almost). Well, I later learned how she achieved such glory: teasing and hairspray. Don't have the skills? Just Bump it Up!

P.S. In case this post seemed anti-Utah, I should say that the girl in my class was from Colorado, not Utah, and I have seen just as many ASU (sorority) girls with the hair style. That said, I still don't plan on buying a Bumpit.

to anyone looking for a gift for a pregnant friend

Please don't buy this. For only $34.99, you too can buy this body cast set to mold your pregnant body to cherish forever. Who would want to? Even if you do want to (which I doubt), Josh appropriately asks, "where would you put it?"

From the sale page: "Once made, a belly cast can be left as is for a simple, yet elegant look, or it can be decorated in any way imaginable."

Not elegant.

what i read through november

Title: This is What I Did

Author: Ann Dee Ellis

Synopsis: A middle school-age boy, Logan, endures endless teasing (to the point of abuse at some points) because of something that happened the year before. We don't know what happened until the end, but he feels guilty and confused about the whole thing. Throughout the book he and his family try to figure it all out.

I really liked this book. For starters, I really wanted to like it because I had Ann Dee as an instructor at BYU (and loved her!). Second really strong point: the parents and counselor, although they don't always "get" Logan, they are not the bad guys. Logan feels bad when his mom cries about his situation, but she doesn't try to sweep it all under the rug or tell him to just "get over it." I think the book finds the balance between allowing the kid to be the true hero without painting adults as evil or out of touch. It's a quick read (I read it all last night) because it's mostly dialogue. The writing is clever without being overdone. One review on Amazon.com said "this book is not in the Christian perspective because it deals with child abuse." I disagree. I think she handles the issue in a very real way. I ended the book feeling uplifted, but there was do "deus ex machina" moment (thank goodness).

What's it worth?: I'd buy it, but mostly because I want Ann Dee to write more.

-------

Title: The Wheel of Time: Eye of the World
Author: Robert Jordan
Synopsis: Fantasy novel about, among other things, three boys from a small village who are integral in the fate of the world. I'll leave it at that, since you're either into fantasy or you're not.

This series has all the things I enjoy in good fantasy: magic, lore, good vs. evil, etc. while still maintaining decently believable characters. Eye of the World is the first book in the series (I've read through number nine currently) and pretty awesome. Those of my friends that have read the series and I still disagree on who is the favorite character, but we all agree the series is pretty fun.

What's it worth?: Buy it if you're at all interested. It's worth reading more than once since (for better of for worse) there are more characters and sub-plots than I can count.

-------

Title: Hippos Go Berserk
Author: Sandra Boynton
Synopsis: One hippo all alone calls two hippos on the phone...all the way to 40 hippos and back down again.

I love Sandra Boynton because her books have a fun rhythm and cute pictures.

What's it worth?: Buy it and read it again.

---

Title: The Tiny Seed
Author: Eric Carle
Synopsis: The littlest seed survives and becomes the prettiest flower.

Um, not anywhere near as fabulous as some of Carle's other works.

What's it worth?: We only read it once and promptly returned it to the library.

the tenth little reindeer

Watch out, Rudolph. Here comes Jonah!

Thanks, Mom!

dropped again

A few more that didn't make the cut, but two are sitting on my coffee table right now waiting for me to read:

• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
• Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking
• The Hunger Games
• Death, with Interruptions
• Moo Baa La La La
• The Zookeeper's Wife: a War Story
• The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society
• This is What I Did
• High Fidelity
  

monkey see

Last video, I promise. Josh was trying to get Jonah to talk on video. You see, Jonah has this really intent look on his face when he goes "na na na." We're sure he's trying to tell us something because his eyebrows furrow and he looks us in the eyes very deliberately. Anyway, Josh was mouthing to him behind the camera and instead of talking, he did the same thing! If you can last until :38, you will be rewarded.

P.S. He's only gained 8 oz. in the last 3 months, so the doctor wants us to feed him all kinds of cereal and veggies in addition to his normal meals and then to see him in a month for a weight check. The doctor's not too worried. He says each child has to settle into his own growth curve, but he does want to check everything out just to be safe. So we started him with some carrots today and he hated them. Poor kid. I hear it gets better after a few days, but I've never seen such a look of disgust on his face.

I'm also pretty glad we have the pediatrician that we do. I have heard horror stories from many people about doctors that berate breastfeeding mothers when the baby's growth slows down (which our ped. says is very normal) and talk them into formula instead. Our doctor has been very supportive and helpful. The last thing we need as new parents is a condescending pediatrician.

for Katie

Katie asked me to get some video of Jonah laughing. Problem is, he doesn't laugh so much as cough. It took us a while to realize it was his laughing, not tuberculosis.



...and again (just ignore the poor lighting).

Dropped

So here they are: seven books I just deleted from my Amazon shopping cart. These are either perfect books but not for anyone on my list or near misses for people on the list. You can bet I'll be checking some of these out at my library, though.

1. Trespassers will be Baptized
2. The Thirteenth Tale
3. The Christmas Sweater
4. The Nine
5. The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt
6. Uncle John's Unsinkable Bathroom Reader

strong dad, strong me

In my quest to give books for Christmas this year, I'm spending a lot of time on Amazon.com. Coming soon, the books that made my shopping cart but I won't be purchasing (I won't tell you what I am buying so I don't ruin your surprise...so don't ask!) This post, though, is not about that. It's about my dad.

One of the books that Amazon recommended based on my selections is Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know. I don't know what the 10 secrets are, but I have some guesses based on my relationship with my own father.

1. Treat her like a princess. Who doesn't like to be adored by her daddy?
   
2. ...but not all the time. But I am really grateful I'm not one of "those girls" (you know, the spoiled rotten ones?)
3. Learn her interests. When I started taking Spanish in high school, my dad noticed that one of the papers they had at work printed Peanuts in Spanish, so he cut them all out for me. I didn't understand more than one a week, but that speaks volumes. When I changed my major to Comparative Literature, he found a newspaper columnist that also majored in Comp. Lit.
   
4. Call. My dad called me the other day because I ran out the door without saying goodbye. He just wanted me to know he missed me. I can't help but be strong with a dad like that, right? After Jonah was born, he called every so often to check up on me. This is a big deal since my dad's not much of a chatterbox.
5. Find things to talk about. I know families who sometimes struggle to find common ground. My dad always saves a few stories he thinks I'll find interesting for our next meeting. I love hearing about the jokes he told that no one got (that he knows I will), even if it is a week later.
   

Many of the strong women I look up to also have great dads. So girls, what other 5 points should be on my list?

what Jonah could have been

I think we did better.

translations

According to the site (and verified by yours truly at a translation site online), this reads: "I am not in the office at the moment. Please send any work to be translated."

word of the day

I was playing the stalk-friends-of-friends-that-I-don't-know-personally blog game (one I played a lot at work) and came across this interesting article on the blog of a friend of Anna-Lisa's. It talks about how smart people are trying to save money and end up making some ridiculous choices. I learned a few interesting things in the process:

1. loss aversion is the term for cutting back drastically in one area and leaving the rest of your budget untouched. For example, driving to 3 different stores to capitalize on food sales while keeping all the premium cable channels. Makes sense.
2. Something that doesn't make sense (and elicited a chuckle): Loss aversion is a naturally selected trait, said Rom, a psychologist, “left over from when cavemen were trying to keep the deer they had just killed away from the bear.”
3. feckless: weak, ineffective, worthless, irresponsible
4. If you highlight a word on the NY Times website a little question mark pops up. Click on that question mark and it will open a new browser with the definition of the word or the search result on answers.com.

Maybe there is some intellectual stimulation going on here every now and then. Maybe the half and hour I just spent reading blogs of complete strangers wasn't so feckless after all.

too much food network? [updated]

P.S. Am I the only one who is disappointed that Alton Brown sold out and is now doing commercials? ...not to mention his terrible haircut.

[update: picture and video to illustrate]

AB before:

Click here to see his Welch's ad. I wasted too much time not finding a picture of the new do to continue.

not so white Christmas

I know much of the country is enjoying snow right now, and I'm jealous. You see, I don't like going to school or work in the snow (I hate that soggy pant bottom feeling), but there is something magical about snowy holidays that we just don't get here.

Still, I've recently fallen in love (again) with Arizona. Want to see my beautiful desert? We were at the park the other day and there was the most beautiful sunset. Seriously, though, better than anything I've ever seen. We had no camera on hand, however, so no luck. You'll just have to trust me on that one.

It's going to be 86 degrees today. I guess instead of wishing I could sip hot chocolate (I tried; too hot!) I'll spend some time outside in my sandals and enjoy the warmth.

if you were an animal

Josh and I watched The Golden Compass last night. I'd heard a variety of things about the book and movie, none of which I will address here. I just have one question. For those of you who have not seen the movie, it takes place in a world in which each person's soul exists outside of his or her body in the form of an animal (called a daemon). The type of animal can change according to the situation or mood of children, but by adulthood, one's daemon remains constant. Here is the question: what would your daemon be?

So far, we think Josh would be a predatory cat (hunter, playful, smart, etc.) and I am a cattle/sheep dog (loyal, unsure around strangers, intelligent, hard working, etc.). What do you think you'd be? A dolphin? giraffe? tiger? mouse? We've pinpointed what we think each of our family members would be. It's kind of fun.

Or maybe one of us would be this guy:

We were at the park today and this giant bird (probably a pelican?) came swooping down and landed right next to us. It did not fly away, either, when we came closer to take pictures.

Books for the Holidays

Reading Jen Robinson's Book Page I came across a blogging cause I'd like to join (there have been many in the months this blog has been active and I have yet to choose one): Books for the Holidays. The idea that we readers should put our money where our mouths are by giving books instead of clothes, toys, etc. this holiday season. There is nothing greater than giving (and receiving) the perfect book as a gift. Sure, not every book will be just the right one, but give it a try.

Need ideas of what books to buy? You could check out the New York Times Bestseller lists, the local library (many have reading suggestions), a book lover's blog, or contact your favorite English teacher. Brodsky always has good ideas when I ask. Or, you can use my preferred method: call Anna-Lisa. I've been reading a lot of YA books recently, so if you need suggestions for the kids in your life, just ask. I'm going to see if I can give nothing but books. I guess that ruins the suspense for most of you, though. Now you'll just have to guess what book it is.

back to the future

I was reading my sister's blog tonight and was thinking about how much her kids love her. Here's my favorite example: Josh and I were hanging out at her house one afternoon when the kids came home. Us: "Hey, Nate, how was school?" Nathan: *grunt* Then, when Ros got home, he was all chatty. That boy sure does love his mom. Looking at the picture of Ros at Eric's class Halloween party was like a time warp where I could remember being 10 and having my mom come to school at the same time as imagining Jonah being 10 and going to his classroom myself. It was a Marty McBride moment if I've ever had one.

Tonight, while I gave Jonah his bath I tried to get his attention. "Jonah, Jonah. Jonah." Nothing. He was too busy splashing and playing with his feet. "I'm going to try to be a good mom, kid." Splish, splash.

Proving my point...

SEE!?

How old is she?

What? He's a he and he's almost six months old. I guess I should take it as a compliment that strangers think Jonah is a girl. That means he's really cute, right? We were asked how old she is today while we were fishing. Other than that, Jonah had a great time on his first fishing trip. True, he got tired and was ready to leave before the men, but then again, so was I! Here are some of the happier moments, starting with Josh driving the boat to our spot at Saguaro Lake.

And then looking either really fierce or really cute depending on who you ask.

And then Jonah helping Grandpa reel in the fish!

Jonah says,

"I like to suck on my bottom lip."

We don't know why he does this. Maybe it's because he likes to feel his new tooth!

baby baubles?

My sister gave me a beautiful necklace at my baby shower with Jonah's birthstone. I love it. Josh loves when I wear it. We both love anything that reminds us of our little boy. Considering how much I love my necklace, it might seem contradictory that I am so offended by the idea of a "push present"--a gift for the new mom presented after birth. This article suggests jewelery or a Louis Vuitton diaper bag. Bleh.

Josh took off work and stayed with me in the hospital during my recovery, even though I wanted the room at 60 degrees and he had a crummy chair to sleep in. Quintin brought me half melted chocolate milkshakes in the hospital to replace my yucky meals. Those "push presents" were more meaningful to me because I didn't demand them.

change

Emily writes about the search for home when you no longer have one, not really. Quindi writes about change and holding on to impossible dreams. Not to mention the dream team torn apart. Sometimes, it's more than I can read with dry eyes even though I'm well rested and fed (hunger and exhaustion often lead to tears around here, and I'm not just talking about Jonah). Instead of coming up with anything certain, I just have more questions.

How is it possible to want to be 10 years younger again at the same time as loving my life now? Why does running make it easier to run, and why do I always forget? Why was I so driven to get out of school but now I miss the it enough to want to go back? How can I wish I was still at home sitting in the basement with Q while I tip toe into Jonah's room to peek at my miracle? Why do I fear seeing my parents grow old but look forward to it myself? How is it that yesterday I realized the joy of having a sister in a new way and today want things back the way they were with my brother? Is this why we have the word poignant?

It's enough to make me want to bury myself in a good book. But then Stephanie says she's reading Gone with the Wind again. Definitely not the kind of book I mean, seeing as it makes me cry too. No book has ever made me cry like that one, for some of the same reasons I'm crying today. Why can't things stay the way they were? What's a woman to do? Instead, I think I'll go do the dishes. It was a hard thing for me to pinpoint, but I finally got it. If I keep my house clean, it improves the mood of the world. My world anyway.

lights and sirens

Yesterday, we went to CG to see the grandparents. Josh's dad had to work, so we went by the station and Jonah took his first ride in the fire truck!

There was an air show at the airport (where the fire station is located) and Josh and I took a helicopter ride. It was amazing. So amazing, in fact, that Josh wants a helicopter for Christmas. Right after the yacht, of course.

unplug the iron! grrrr...

I asked Josh what I should call this post. Blame him.

Quiero leer.

Attention friends that read Spanish: please help. I would like some suggestions of good books to read. While I do have a special place in my heart for Borges, it can be current and fluffy too. For example, I was reading Harry Potter in Spanish the other day. It's not quite the same, though, since I know it was written in English. I checked out the Isabel Allende section at the library but wasn't sure what to grab. Any suggestions? Please let me know.

As mentioned above, I was reading Harry Potter in Spanish to Jonah (he fell asleep on page 3, so I guess I was really reading it to myself) and learned that to say "the Potters" as in "they didn't want anyone to know they were related to the Potters" you say "los Potters." In case you were wondering, that's where I got the title of the blog- Los Mays. I think it's cool. I tried saying "thes Mays" but it doesn't work as well.

And because the grandparents don't like any post that does not include a picture of the baby, here he is in all his 5-month glory:

What's that? He has a huge face? Yes, well, I just love those cheeks.

Attention dog owners

I would just like to announce that the Old Navy website has a new link. Dog.

brown + green = what?

Josh's dad has this amazing garden. I'm talking AMAZING. My parents have also turned their backyard into quite an oasis, but it has been a long time coming. My dad jokes that I've inherited his brown thumb. As we try to cultivate our own yard, we are hoping the green thumb genes come through.

Here is the plot before:
After planting some flowers:
Then the next day, the flowers died!Well, not quite died, but close.

We've since planted veggies in the back (no sprouts yet) and stopped our flowers from dying completely. They're still a little droopy, but I'm hoping love will perk them back up again. My grandmother taught me how to make snapdragons "talk" and they have been a favorite ever since. Hear that, flowers? You're my favorite! Please live!

can you sleep like a chicken?

Jonah has started sleeping on his stomach. It might be that he has figured out if he turns his head it is more comfortable than laying with his face smushed into the ground. I don't think he has figured out comfort completely, though.
We try to straighten his arms out, but he won't have it.

testing 1, 2, 3

I got bored with our blog, but I don't have time to create a new design. So this time I just used one from Leelou Blogs. It doesn't hurt that the design is named Kimber! However, the text is a little hard to read. What do you think?

Uh...under construction. Maybe done tomorrow.

with a face like that

Some days are easier than others. During the Relief Society broadcast, Elder Uchtdorf's talk lifted my spirits. Last weekend, conference filled me up more. Even with all of that, sometimes I need a pick-me-up. When we were in junior high (and beyond) Katie, Erin, and I painted our toenails red for a boost of confidence. In college, calling home to talk to someone off campus did the trick. A few award-winning children's books cheered me up after Jonah was born and I was too tired to see straight. I have some CD's I love for cleaning house or boosting spirits. Anna-Lisa introduced me to Mala Gente (by Juanes) for a dance and sing along purge. Right now, this is my desktop picture:


It's big and close and Josh laughs at it, but he's so happy and innocent, it works for me.

in another life

Ever wondered what life would be like if you had a different name? My parents were going to name me Ashley and Josh's parents were going to name him Christopher Cody. Well, that and Aubrey Jo (hehe). Because I don't want to do anything productive, I have come up with our names in another life. Josh is first.

1. Rock Star name: Sassy Taurus & Little Girl Taurus (first pet + current car)
2. Gangster name*: Butter Pecan Snickerdoodle & Rocky Road Chocolate Chip (favorite ice cream + favorite cookie)
3. Detective name: Green Gila Monster & Purple Dog (favorite color + favorite animal)
4. Soap Opera name: Ryan Chandler & Roxanne Chandler (middle name + city where you were born)
5. Star Wars name: May-Jo & May-Ki (first 3 letters of your last name + first 2 letters of your first)
6. Superhero name: The Orange Juice & The Red Ice Water ("The" + 2nd favorite color + favorite drink)
7. Nascar name: Dennis Richard & Thurman Karl (grandfathers' first names)
8. TV Weatherman name: Mayhugh Madrid & Volz Vancouver (5th grade teacher's last name + major city starting with the same letter)
9. Hippy name**: Waffle Sauguaro & Waffle Birch (what you ate for breakfast + favorite tree)
10. Rock band name***: The Camping Rains & The Reading Monsoons ("The" + favorite hobby + favorite weather element)

* Doesn't sound very gangster to me
** There is some debate in the house whether or not a Saguaro is a tree
*** Where was this when we needed a name in Ohio?

Brandon's fiesta

Yesterday was Brandon's 26th birthday and we celebrated at his house yesterday afternoon. Everyone who couldn't refuse (by this I mean dogs and children) wore party hats. Jonah wasn't too sure about his at first, but he warmed up to it eventually:But Tabasco (ok, her name is really Nevaska) loved hers:
Oh, what's that? You think there should be some pictures of the birthday boy instead of the baby? Fine.
All in all, it was a great time. The weather has been wonderful and cool enough in the evenings to really enjoy being outside, which we were. I think this weather calls for some homemade ice cream. All in favor?

the grass is always greener

...on your back. Or is that on your stomach? Jonah rolled over today for the first time! Then he cried because he was on his stomach, which he hates. I guess life gets harder and harder.

BYU mint brownie recipe

I was never a fan of the BYU mint brownie (more because I don't always like the mint/chocolate combo and I really don't like icing on my brownies) but many of my friends adore them. So, it is with you in mind that I pass on the BYU mint brownie recipe! This link was provided by the BYU alumni association email. Happy baking!

Now, if anyone knows the recipe to their peanut butter cup ice cream or why the rice krispie treats are so perfectly gooey, I'd be standing in line for that.

would you like to supersize your account?

Sometimes, I want to stuff all my money under my mattress. After a 2-week long frustration with our bank, I finally changed our address and ordered checks. Then, my free checks turned into $20 checks. I am not under any circumstances going to pay $20 for (ugly) checks when a) they were promised to me free and b) I could get polka dot checks for $4.99 through the mail. Don't worry, though. I marched myself straight down to the bank and (politely) qualified for free checks. The only hassle there was signing up for overdraft protection. The banker didn't believe me when I told him I never overdraw my account. I signed up to make him feel better so I didn't have to sit through his pitch. Ugh. It reminded me too much of buying a cell phone, car, hamburger, whatever. And they wonder why people bank online.

moo?

Once again, Em brings to our attention something interesting and terrifying at the same time. PETA recently encouraged Ben & Jerry's to use human breast milk instead of cow's milk to make ice cream. Hah! While there are many things that could be said about this suggestion, including the offense I take at being compared to a cow, I offer one more. The suggestion letter stated that cow's milk "in the long term, will set kids up for obesity and heart disease." I'm not sure changing the milk will help ice cream be any more healthful in terms of obesity and heart disease. Nice try, though.

where were you 3 years ago?

Three years ago today, Josh and I got married:
Two years ago today, we went to Vegas for a friend's wedding and spent the evening watching the water show:One year ago today, we started telling our parents about this:


Today, we laid around the house in our PJ's trying to recover from one of the longest nights in months with him:

Looks kind of like a piglet in this picture, doesn't he? A loud, refusing to sleep piglet wearing a hat, that is. Still, I wouldn't trade it for 20 years of sleep. It seems things just keeping getting better and better around here.

Adios, Becca

Sad for us because Becca just left. Here's a picture of us by the ugliest cactus I've ever seen:


We had a great time visiting the Gilbert riparian, riding horses with Ryan, playing Wii Fit, watching "Win a Date with Tad Hamilton", eating caramel apples, sleeping in, and putting together bookcases.

if you were a song...

I probably won't be doing much in the way of posting this week because Becca is coming to see us! However, my sister Rosalyn and I had an interesting (ok, maybe not that interesting to anyone but us) discussion the other day that I'd like some opinions on.

How do you feel about music on blogs? On the one hand, I like to see what my friends feel are their personal soundtracks. On the other hand, it sometimes is delayed and rather loud and wakes up my baby or gives me a jolt. So, yes or no to the music?

Woohoo!

Why are we so excited? Because someone is coming to visit us tomorrow:

We will be sure to take her for some Mexican food. What else?