The Soto Family

A Girl and Her Dogs

2010-02-25T17:54:00.000-08:00

While visiting my mom in Silver City, she captured these photos of me snuggling with Shelty and Max. This first one shows one of the best things ever. It's a Miwa sandwich with Shelty and Max for the bread. Snuggling like this with Shelty has always been one of my favorite things. While I was pregnant she slept with me and was my body pillow. During the winter she used to sleep with me under the covers. Truly delightful.

As many of you know, Shelty recently passed away. She had been sick since before Christmas. Struggling to breathe and fighting a ghost. The vet did lots of testing and it looked like everything was fine, but she still fought to breathe, lost her appetite, and couldn't get enough air to go on walks. At the time that these photos were taken, I knew her time was likely limited. I am so glad that my mom took the time to take these picture of us snuggling. Sadly, on February 15, I just couldn't let her suffer anymore. I realized that her quality of life was really gone and that it was only my attachment to having her around that was keeping her here. She felt she had to hold on for my sake--she has always been so tuned into me and my emotions. I was terrified she would suffocate while I was at work and that she would die alone. I knew I would have to face losing her someday and the least I could do was to stop her suffering. We had to put her down. It was so difficult to let her go, but seeing her finally able to lay her head down peacefully and relax was actually quite healing for me.
I have always said that Shelty is my angel girl, she always has been and always will be. I take comfort in knowing that the 11 years we had together were full of amazing memories which are mine to cherish forever. I am now taking time to try to build my relationship and closeness with Max. Hopefully, if he and I can build more closeness and trust, he can attain more "normalcy."

Soccer Dude

2010-02-24T21:28:00.001-08:00

I have officially become, dah, dah, dah...a soccer mom! Isaac has been wanting to try out soccer for a while now. We stumbled upon a team that practices about half a mile away and we could sign up for just 2 months. Done deal! So 2 days a week we head down to the park and Saturdays he has a game.
As many of you know, I have never been a fan of running. However, I recently decided to try it again. I have been working out for a year now, and felt that maybe I would feel differently about running at this point in my life. I don't *love* it, but I do like it, especially when I see the heart rate monitor telling me the amazing number of calories I just burned running. While Isaac is practicing, I run around the park. It works out well and it's nice to get done with my workout earlier, leaving the evening to relax. So for the next month, at least, I'll keep running 3 days a week. As for Isaac and soccer...I don't know if it's a love affair. He usually doesn't want to go to practice, but by the time he gets there I can see that he's really excited. And when we leave, he is pumped up. We'll just have to see if he ends up wanting to go another season.

Silver City and the Giant 7 Year-old

2010-02-23T20:52:00.000-08:00

So, in September, as I usually do, I went to Old Navy and bought Isaac a whole winters worth of the next size (the one he's growing into) of jeans. In December I noticed that he was struggling to get them on, up, boxers tucked in and snapped. Then I noticed how the hem had crept up onto his leg. Okay, so I went to Old Navy and bought him another set of jeans in the next size, size 8 (he's still just 7). I figured they'd be big, but that's what adjustable waists are for...They fit him perfectly in length and waist. Geez! About 4 weeks later, it was deja vu--difficulty getting the pants on. Ummm...seriously? Two sizes outgrown in one season?
I was, needless to say, shocked, for about a week. So naturally, I had to weigh and measure him. Yeah, 70 lbs. and 51". And that was at the end of January, who knows where he is now.
Anyway, Isaac has been skateboarding since the beginning of the school year. Every week he seems to improve and is trying new tricks. Luckily, he isn't too much of a dare devil. He tries new things that are a realistic stretch of his skills. The mom in me says "Whew!"

Toward the end of January, Isaac and I made a spur of the moment trip to Silver City for a few days, where my mom has recently moved. Silver City has an amazing skate park, which Isaac got to visit a few times. I included a picture of him practicing going backward. He has been practicing going down and up in a bowl, back and forth so he is going forward then backward. He also tried out the tunnel into a lower portion of the park's bowl. If you know skate parks, the last picture will show you about half of the park, and you can see how awesome it really is!

Gift Card Cupcakes

2010-02-23T20:44:00.001-08:00

Ok, I'll keep it to a minimum. I have been super lame about updating this thing, and for those of you who check in and wonder what happened to me, sorry! I've been busy, and honestly it's much easier to just throw some pictures up on FaceBook and not have to deal with lots of silly Blogger issues I don't know how to fix--Blogger never acts the way I want, I really want it to look a certain way, but know no HTML and therefore have to try to force Blogger to play along.
Anyway, my friend Heidi saw these somewhere and I had been looking for an excuse to make one (or some). Christmas for the nieces provided just the excuse I needed! No they are not edible, but they do hold gift cards in them and I think are super cool. Once I get through quilt-mania, if I get through quilt mania, I might just have to make another one. Here's a link to the video on how to make them:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkVm1Tif6gI

Cousins

2009-10-23T19:32:00.000-07:00

One of the coolest parts of Lorrie's wedding was that all the kids got to be in the wedding. When the fun dance music started, the kids were the first to get out there and start boogying down. Here they all are strutting their stuff. From left to right: Stephanie, Ashly, Samantha, Isaac, Sarah and Daisy. I'm so glad that Isaac has such great cousins, even if they are *all* girls! He sometimes complains about being the only boy, but I remind him that being the only boy on either side of the family has its rewards, too. Being the youngest doesn't hurt either. After I remind Isaac of the benefits, he remembers being the only boy can be pretty good!

Handsome Gents

2009-10-23T19:29:00.000-07:00

Here are my guys! What more can I say? They are handsome and I love them!

Proudest Boy

2009-10-23T19:21:00.000-07:00

Isaac was SO excited to be in the wedding and to get to wear a tux...he was only disappointed that he didn't get to keep the tux, that's my boy! At the wedding he caught the garter and this is the blissfully proud face I snapped afterward. Way too cute. When he told Uncle Brian that he caught it, Brian told him he had caught four garters. Then Isaac told Brian "You should really get married." Then he offered some advice about going to a restaurant to meet a girl, or Target. There you have it single gents, if you're looking for a wife all you need to do is catch a garter (or two, or three, or four) and then take a trip to Target. You'll be hearing wedding bells in no time!

Still In Love

2009-10-23T19:18:00.000-07:00

At Lorrie's wedding we let Isaac be the photographer and he got some amazing pictures. He captured this one of Paul and I dancing. We were all in the wedding, hence the fancy dress that you can't really see and Paul's tux. We look pretty good together, I have to say. Cheers to many more years!

Rockwell Wedding Quilt

2009-10-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

Paul's sister Lorrie recently got married. I have always wanted to make someone a quilt for their wedding. Thanks to Lorrie, I had the chance! Since she was going with a fall theme for the wedding, I decided to go with that for the theme. It was the largest quilt I've ever made and wasn't the easiest to get a photograph of the whole thing. As it was, I had to hang it sideways and it still wanted to drag on the ground. Had to put chairs under it to hold it up, hence the lopsided look to the right.
This is a little closer and shows some of the squares. The pattern was for a quilt half this size, so I had to double it to make it king-sized.

Here is one of the "double" layer squares, they kind of look like a square within a square. I had so much fun picking out all the different fabrics for this one.

And as always I included a shot with the back folded over. The quilt was so large I had to add in some extra fabrics to make it big enough for the quilt top.

Skateboarding

2009-10-23T18:43:00.000-07:00

Right near our house is a high school with a smooth rink area. Sometimes we head over to let Isaac skate. We snapped a few pictures recently and here they are. I can barely stand on a skateboard, so Isaac must get his "mad skills" from his daddy.
He totally loves skateboarding and it's really exciting to see him try something, struggle, and keep at it.

His school has a skateboarding club and every other Friday they go to a skate park. The other Fridays they go to a park near the school and practice.
Isaac claims that skateboarding is his "thing" right now. Interestingly, just like he swims "left-handed" by breathing on the left, he also skateboards left-handed--by pushing with his right leg instead of the left.

Seattle Sky

2009-10-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

Once again I am miserably behind on blogging. Sorry, it's so much easier to just throw pictures up on Facebook than to make Blogger do what I want it to. But I'm going to try to catch up some. This is a quilt I made for one of my dearest friends from way back when. She had her second little one earlier this year. Since I made her a quilt for the first one I couldn't very well not make one for the second...at least that's the excuse I used to justify making it. The first picture shows the whole thing.

Next up is a little closer to show some more details.

A closer look to show the fabrics. Followed by a look at the border and quilting.

Lastly, part of the back folded over the edge so you can see it with the front.

Molly Ringwald's Butterflies

2009-09-03T18:42:00.001-07:00

My friend Julie had a baby last August named Athena. Julie loves butterflies and Athena's room is all pink and green. Being me, I wanted to make her a quilt. I bought all the stuff and then while I was at her house, found out that her family had already made her a quilt in all the same colors. Darn! So I decided to make the quilt anyway and then donate it to Quilts for a Cause. They auction off the quilts and donate the money to cancer research in Southern Arizona. But when Julie saw the quilt top, she wanted the quilt. How could I refuse? I recently got it back from the quilter and now that I gave her the quilt today, I can post pictures and not ruin the surprise. To the left is the whole thing.
Here is a close-up so you can see some of the fabrics a little better. I found lots of fabric with butterflies, but also some flowers, polka dots and fruit.

The next picture shows the quilting. I don't do this, I pay someone else to do it as I don't have the skill or the several thousand dollar machine to do it.

Last is a picture that shows a little of the back--pink with green polka dots. I actually made her a French memory board out of the same fabric. I couldn't help but name it Molly Ringwald's Butterflies because the color combination reminds me of all of the great 80's movies with Molly Ringwald that I grew up on.

Solo Kayaking

2009-09-03T18:32:00.000-07:00

Watching his cousins go on their first solo kayaking tours this summer Isaac told me "Daddy is never going to let me go by myself ." But what do you know, when it was Isaac's turn, he, too, got to go in his own kayak with Paul nearby on his kayak. He was so proud of himself. I got lots of pictures, but this one shows him paddling in through some rocks as he gets back from his trip. As always, looking forward to next summer!

The Lake

2009-09-03T18:24:00.001-07:00

Um, so do I need to explain why we drive 13 hours, plus stops, every summer to and from this place? I kind doubt it. Shaver Lake.

Rock On!

2009-09-03T18:20:00.000-07:00

Isaac and I rocking on in the Lake. Need I say anything else?

Karate Kid

2009-09-03T18:02:00.001-07:00

Every year the water level at the Lake is a little different. That means every year there is some new "it" spot to hang out and play. This year the water was pretty high, but just low enough to reveal the top of a long granite rock. My brother, in all his genius, did a karate kick off the rock into the water. I saw Isaac's face go from hanging out to complete and utter awe. I knew Isaac would just have to try it! In fact, it became the "it" activity for the whole week. We got a few pictures, and here are a couple of them. The first one is one of those pictures that I see Isaac and think "he's not a teenager yet, why does he look like one?"
This one gives an idea of what it looks like after the kick is executed. It looks like he is jumping right on my brother and niece, but actually he's not. Can't wait for next year's trip!

Max Snorkeling

2009-09-03T17:58:00.001-07:00

You may or may not know, but Max isn't the biggest fan of swimming. He doesn't mind getting wet up to his chest, but feet leaving the ground, actual swimming, is something he has basically avoided all three summers we've taken him to the Lake. This year, his 3rd year, he was a little more brave. He did a little intentional swimming and as you can see here, decided he needed to see just what was under there. I saw him doing this and Paul was quick enough with the camera to capture it. Too funny!

Isaac's Eye

2009-09-03T17:54:00.000-07:00

While out on the patio at Pineridge I managed to snap this picture of Isaac's eye. He thought it was so funny that I took it. Paul noted that you can see me holding the camera reflected in his eye. Just a cool picture I wanted to share.

The Wiggle

2009-09-03T17:48:00.000-07:00

I am still behind on blogging...but I'm working on it! Maybe I'll be caught up by the end of the day. While we were at the Lake, Isaac's other top front tooth got really loose. Here he is in Paul's hat from childhood--now it's Isaac's--wiggling his tooth with his tongue. The tooth actually fell out about a week later while we were in the car. Uncle Brian took a picture on his phone, but I don't have that one. Regardless, I really like this picture, it shows the Isaac that I see every day: a happy smile, enthusiasm, and to be a mom...I see sweetness. That's my boy.

Worm Farm Fun

2009-08-25T21:31:00.000-07:00

When Isaac found out that my grandparents had sent Grams a worm farm he hoped with all his might that it would arrive before we had to leave. Lo and behold, it came and he was there to help build it. Who knew that shredding paper and moving worms from my mom's compost pile into her new fancy worm farm would be so exciting to him, but it was one of the highlights of the trip! Had to capture the moment...so here they are shredding newspaper for one of the layers of the farm. Good times to be had by all!

Horseback Riding

2009-08-25T21:18:00.000-07:00

Before horseback riding, we drove up to the ski valley in Taos to catch our ride to Big Al's camp at 10,000 feet in his truck nicknamed the Popemobile since the back is plexiglassed in and looks like whatever you call the thing the Pope rides around in. The dirt road up wasn't so smooth and it was cool and windy when we got there. Before we got our run-down on how to work with the horses we took in the awesome view. This picture of Grams shows me a woman in her element!

Next up we got trained on the wooden horses by the man himself, Big Al. Needless to say, though we wore our fleeces, we were more than happy to borrow the extra jackets they had available! Chilly and uber windy! Although Isaac was a little too young to ride alone, Big Al still taught him how to maneuver the horse--he rode in a kids saddle behind Big Al. Once we'd made our way through the trails, seen the view and enjoyed our ride, we headed back to camp for a

snack. There, Big Al let Isaac take a ride, led by Big Al, around the camp so he could practice what he'd learned on the wooden horse and ride "alone." Not sure how much he enjoyed himself, he may have been too cold to get full enjoyment at the time. But I know it will be a memory he keeps.

Blokus

2009-08-25T21:09:00.000-07:00

While visiting Isaac, Grams and I were able to do lots of fun stuff. For Isaac it was great to be out in basically the middle of nowhere and be able to explore and go on adventures around the house alone (as long as he could hear us when we called). He set up a rope and swung across the acequias, explored, found sticks and rocks, and went for several days without needing much from me or my mom. But we also roasted marshmallows, played Blokus, went for a few walks, went swimming in town and went horseback riding starting at 10,000 feet--I'll get to that in the next post--as well as built a worm farm--also forthcoming. It was a wonderful time for all, except the flat tire on the way there that I changed at 11 at night in a gas station while 3 sheriffs loitered outside the convenience store chatting. Thanks dad for teaching me how to change my tire, those sheriffs weren't so good at "serving and protecting."

A Woman and Her Dog

2009-08-25T19:27:00.000-07:00

My mom has long been waiting for the right time to get a dog. They are the most amazing companions; loyal, loving, kind and understanding. Along with her wonderful home came a truly amazing and wonderful dog. Tango is polite, mannered, quiet and independent, but is learning to love having a devoted person to hang out with. Her fur is, well, always in a tangle, hence her nickname Tangle.
She is a real beauty and I know one of the many pluses in my Smojer's world these days. Thanks Tango!

Smoje's Taos Home

2009-08-25T19:16:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have been the biggest slacker at blogging. My apologies. Back in June, Isaac and I took a drive to visit my mom at her new place in Taos. For any of you who know her, you will look and see that if there is any place she should be, this is *it*! The first photograph shows her stone and wood cabin--yes, it's there tucked away behind the trees. There is an amazing view of the mountains behind her home, dirt roads and elk trails to walk on, neighbors with all kinds of cool animals, including yaks. There are also asequias (not sure how to spell that) running through the area--neatly dug waterways that control water run-off from the mountains.
To the front of the house you look out over the mesa, which is what is pictured to the right. It is a beautiful spot at the end of a dirt road, on the outskirts of a little town, fits my momma to a "T."

First Top Tooth Gone

2009-05-03T09:05:00.000-07:00

As you all may know, I get really excited when Isaac loses a tooth. These top teeth have been lose for 6 months, but he finally wiggled one enough to get it to come out! Woo-hoo! Haven't put the tooth under the pillow yet, Isaac doesn't want the tooth fairy to take his tooth. In fact, we had a long exchange about how he wanted to get the first 2 teeth back from the tooth fairy, which ended in tears when I informed him that if he wanted them back he'd have to give back the money since the deal with the tooth fairy is you get money in *exchange* for the tooth. Regardless, he was glowing when the tooth finally did come out. We raced outside in the back yard and took a few pictures to remember the moment.

Earth Explorer's Quilt

2009-05-03T08:46:00.000-07:00

This year, Isaac's class is named the Earth Explorers because they are traveling to the seven continents in Jo's Jet (the teacher) and studying that continent. The class is also focusing a lot on reduce, reuse and recycle. One of the parents comes once a week and they do a recycled art project. I decided to incorporate both the traveling and recycling themes in the quilt. Each square features a piece of fabric from an old article of clothing from each kiddo, and also each teacher. Hopefully it was cool for the kids to see their old shirt or pants made into a quilt. The border fabric (and back) is a cool travel-looking fabric, that sort of looks like a topo map blended with a regular map and with mariner's compasses.
Instead of the super complex and time consuming chameleon center square I made for last year's quilt, this year I decided to go a little more simple and just did the class name square at left. For any of you who are curious, the title of this quilt pattern is called Attic Windows since each square looks like a pane of a window.

Fire Dragons Quilt

2009-04-26T14:11:00.000-07:00

For the fourth year in a row I made a quilt for Isaac's first teacher at Satori. Well, it's not really for her, it's for her 3's class to put in the school auction. Every year the class has a name, this year they are the Fire Dragons. I found this super cool dragon fabric that looks kind of like Japanese tattoo art. I found some fabrics to go with it, including some that look like dragon scales. The kids make the squares by using fabric paint to make their handprint and fabric markers to write their names and decorate their squares. I embroider a center square, this year because of the shape I had two; one with the dragon and one with the name of the class and the school year. It goes into the auction May 2nd, may parents bid high...the money goes to the school.
This is one corner of the quilt that shows a little of the front with part of the back folded over so you can see the dragon fabric.

Here is the bottom half of the quilt, it's a little closer so you can see more detail than the picture below which shows the whole quilt.

Pima County Fair

2009-04-26T14:00:00.001-07:00

Going to the fair has become a pre-birthday tradition. This year Paul had his head in the books, but Isaac and I went and had a blast. The last couple of years the water ride was broken when we were at the fair. This year it was up and running and Isaac went on it three times in a row it was so fun. Then it was time for a jacket and some dinner. At the end of the night I let him ride it three more times because he could get wet and then go change in the car. This ride was definitely the highlight for Isaac, though he likes the fun houses a lot, too. My favorite was the rollercoaster, so much fun it made me scream and laugh histerically.
This picture captures the afterglow from the thrill of the water ride! He was so pleased with himself for going on the ride. I couldn't go because I had our precious camera and couldn't get it wet. But seeing his face as he went down the second and larger waterslide while he screamed was the second best part of the night--best part was eating funnel cake.

After several tries and lots of strange faces from Isaac, I finally got this picture of Isaac and I. Not the best, but the best of what I had to choose from. Already looking forward to the fair next year!

Birthday With Buddies

2009-04-26T13:49:00.000-07:00

For Isaac's birthday this year he decided to have his two best buds Sam and Sam over for an afternoon of playing and a sleepover. One of the favors I made was an altered frame from the Dollar Spot at Target. I took pictures of the boys and then had this one printed to put in the frame to send home with them. There were tons of other good pictures of them playing in the backyard, but I thought this was the best pic to share here. What a great group, they had lots of fun and Paul and I enjoyed watching them play. I am so glad the two great boys are Isaac's best friends.

Tilden & a Dare

2009-04-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

When Dan met us at the park, he offered to take us up to Tilden for a trip to the Little Farm. Most of the animals had been put away, but we saw a few critters and someone else was nice enough to share some lettuce to feed to the goats. We also took the quick, but muddy walk around the pond. Lucky for us we were able to see some of the local turtles. Amazingly enough we didn't scare off the turtles and were able to catch a few good pictures of them.
After the pond circuit we let Isaac play on the playground a little. Most popular was making loud and raunchy farting noises through these sound carrying tubes with Dan. As many have noted before, farting sounds are funny to guys of *all* ages and Isaac and Dan had each other in stitches.

Foggy Beach

2009-04-26T13:32:00.000-07:00

I have seriously been slacking on getting posts up...but now that I'm about 6 weeks late, here are some pictures from our trip to the beach is SF on our Bay Area trip in March. It was a perfectly foggy day when we reached SF by BART. We had a delightful lunch with my Aunt Rebecca and then we headed to the beach. Isaac got soaked and didn't seem to mind. We collected lots of sand dollars, shells and rocks. As folks from a landlocked state, a beach is a rarity and we try to make the most of it.
When we left we headed back to Rebecca's where she was kind enough to loan Isaac some dry shorts and a bit of cord to belt them, for the ride home on BART. Isaac had lots of fun running from the waves and scooting around on his bum to "mark his territory" around Rebecca and I. Brr, but so much fun to hang out with Rebecca!

East Bay Visit

2009-04-04T09:38:00.000-07:00

Isaac and I recently had the chance to visit the Bay Area for both my grandfather's 95th birthday, as well as to visit friends and family. We arrived on Sunday March 15 and had the pleasure of being greeted at the airport by Kier and the girls with a "Welcome to CA Aunt Miwa and Isaac" sign. That evening we went to my grandfather's party and had the extreme fun of surprising my grandparents with our visit. My grandmother's face when she realized it was us was priceless, and that it took my grandfather a full 45 minutes to truly believe it was me just added to the fun of the surprise. Monday Isaac had no plans and so went to my old stomping grounds in north Berkeley and Albany. Turns out that in order for me to find my way around there is to put me in my old neighborhood and then I can get where I want to go, otherwise detailed instructions are absolutely necessary. I learned to drive after leaving CA and so only know how to get where I used to walk myself. First, we stopped in to see my 7th grade teacher Ms. Davis who is now the principal of the middle school. Ever since I moved to AZ in 1988, she and I have managed to keep in touch. Next we headed up Solano and ate lunch at Zachary's Pizza and then drove to the park next to the pool where I used to go to swim team practice. The day was perfect, overcast and yet sunny, cool with the warmth of intermittent sun. I had my camera and snapped some pictures in the awesome light.
Since the weather was so nice, and we had no where to be, it was really great to just hang out at the park and let Isaac play. He had a blast and loved that I wasn't hurrying him home. Out here in AZ parks are most always *hot* and it's little fun for mom to sit while kiddo plays...

To top off a great day, Dan, a friend from swim team that I hadn't seen in over 20 years, came and met us at the park and then took us to the Little Farm in Tilden Park. Unluckily, most of the animals were put away, but we did tour the whole place and also walked around the pond. While Isaac ran ahead and tried to hide, Dan and I chatted--it was just like no time had passed, pretty amazing since the last time we were hanging out I was 13 and he was 14. Our only failure was to take a picture of us together! Next time, we'll have to remedy that, Dan! Capping the day off with dinner at Kier and Eric's made for the perfect ending to a great day!

Renaissance Festival

2009-04-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

I have totally fallen behind on the postings, so I guess I'd better start catching up! Back in the beginning of March, Isaac and I went up to the Renaissance Festival. Paul couldn't go this year, too much homework and studying to do...As usual, Isaac created some ensemble out all hiss various mom-made costumes. We make the Renaissance Festival and all day event, Isaac tried lots of rides and games, I focused on the food. On the right is Isaac after completing the joust, one of his favorite rides.
Another of Isaac's annual favorites is the bow and arrow. In fact, this year he liked it so much that he spent the remainder of his Christmas money to buy a bow and arrow to bring home. At home he sets up a cardboard box and shoots his arrows into it. For some reason, the booth where the bow and arrow target practice is always has the best light for awesome pictures with super cool shadows. I particularly like this pictures because of the focused look on his face and how his mouth is working so hard to help him string the arrow.
Naturally hitting the climbing wall is a must. In previous years Isaac took his boots off, but this year, despite them being a little too big and quite awkward on the wall, he kept them on and still made it to the top. There is a little dragon at the top of the wall that you're supposed to tap when you get all the way up, but I think the bells at the gym are better. Isaac loves to get up there just to ring that bell.

I always knew there were elephant, camel and llama rides at the Renaissance Festival, but had never actually found them. This year in our search to find the bow and arrow booth, we came across the animal rides. Since Isaac was using his own money at this point for more rides and games, he opted for the camel ride since it was cheaper than the elephant ride. It's amazing, now that I have started making Isaac use his own money to buy things he has been so much more frugal! And since his birthday and Christmas are almost six months apart it's pretty easy to let him know that that money needs to last him since mommy won't be buying him anything in between.

An Isaac & His Grams

2009-02-23T17:42:00.000-08:00

This past weekend my mom came to visit. It was a really fast weekend, but Isaac had so much fun playing with his Grams. Saturday we got out of the house (so Paul could prepare for his interview to get into the MIS department at UofA) and went up to Mt. Lemmon to play in the leftover snow from our last storm. Sunday we hung out at home, Isaac rode his bike, played hide and seek, had a pillow fight and all around had the most fun ever with Grams. Last night after dropping her off at the airport, Isaac was majorly bummed. Today, returning to school seemed a little bit hard, and a little bit of a letdown after his amazing weekend. But I think he's on the upswing now. This is a short week at school for us--we get Thursday and Friday off for Rodeo Break--and we have fun plans for Thursday and Friday, so the week should only get better!
On another note, less than two weeks ago it snowed in parts of Tucson and it's outlying areas, today it was 90 degrees. What a crazy "winter" it has been! But still better than some of the freezing cold, snow and ice of many other places this time of year!

Valentine's Day at the Zoo

2009-02-15T15:41:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Isaac and I decided to go to the Zoo, turns out a lot of other people had the same idea...The Zoo had lots of special activities planned for the day. They had several activities visitors could do, including making enrichment activities for some of the residents of the Zoo (put lard and pumpkin puree inside a cardboard tube then fill it with bird seed and nuts, etc), and free face painting. Our first stop was face painting, where Isaac asked the teen volunteer to make him a white tiger.

The coolest activity by far was definitely the polar bear enrichment. Our zoo has a three part enclosure for the polar bears: outside grass, boulders, tree; rocks and water; lower level viewing of the polar bears so you can watch them swim at eye level. For this activity the staff put the bears in the back quarters, opened the windows in the lower viewing area and gave the kids gloves to let them smear frosting on the bear side of the windows.
When all the smearing of frosting was done, they closed and locked the windows and let the polar bears out. Then we all got to watch as the polar bears smelled out the frosting, dove into the water and came to lick the frosting off the windows just on the other side of the glass from all of us. It was so fun to see them so close enjoying their Valentine's Day treat!

Oh Boy Oh Boy! Snow!

2009-01-27T17:33:00.000-08:00

Just a couple of pics of Isaac that I thought came out especially well. The hat he is wearing used to be Paul's when he was a kid, and Isaac loves to wear it. Taking Isaac into the wilderness is so much fun because he is amazed by every little thing. Rocks are fascinating, as are look-out points, trees and anything else he happens upon.
While on the way up the mountain and the air started to smell like pine trees, I thought my heart would break for the joy of that smell. I hope one day Isaac will feel that same way about nature.

My Man in the Mountains

2009-01-27T17:30:00.000-08:00

Look closely and you'll see Paul in his element. Not much to say about this picture. I thought the trees, light, shadows, snow and my husband all looked great!

Happy Hiking Dog

2009-01-27T17:25:00.001-08:00

Shelty grew up hiking with Paul and I. As of late we haven't made much time for hiking. But whenever we get her out on the trail she is the HAPPIEST dog on Earth. She has perfect trail etiquette, she even does her business off trail! Though she is over 10 years old, she is like a puppy on the trail, it makes me thrilled to see her hopping around the trail and keeping track of her pack.
Shelty has always loved to swim, and she has always loved the snow as well. She will tear around in the snow until there's not a single patch left untouched. Just like in the sand, Shelty likes to get a good back scratch and fur cleaning by rolling around in the snow. What a good girl!

Hiking Mt. Lemmon: Snowball Fight

2009-01-27T17:17:00.000-08:00

While on the mountain, Paul, Isaac and Brian had a snowball fight, with what was left of the icy, leftover snow from a few weeks ago. Isaac had a blast and didn't even mind getting cold and wet in his street clothes (imagine that, we don't have snow clothes here in Tucson). I stayed out of the fight by being the camerawoman, though Isaac did get me once on the stomach where it caught on the jacket tied around my waist and burrowed in.

I really wish we got to snowy places more often, even if it was Mt. Lemmon on those rare occasions when it snows. Somehow we talk about doing it every year and never happens. I guess it's one of those things I imagine will happen more when Paul isn't so busy with school...

Hiking Mt. Lemmon: Max's First Hike

2009-01-27T17:12:00.001-08:00

It's a pathetic thing to have to admit, but Max has never been on a hike. This past weekend Paul's brother Brian came for a visit and we made the short trek up Mt. Lemmon for a hike. I wasn't sure how Max would be on trail. Shelty has always been a perfect trail dog and I had my doubts that Max could live up to her history. However, I was truly impressed that he stayed close, came when he was called and was even polite to folks we met along the way. For those of you who don't know Max, he is hyper protective of me and so we weren't sure what he'd do when we met people along the way; he can be quite crazy/obessive/bark happy. But he held it together pretty well. Yay Max!

Our Tree Decides it's Fall

2009-01-27T17:02:00.000-08:00

In our backyard we have a huge and beautiful Chinese Pistachio tree. Every year around now, it has finally been cold enough long enough that the tree thinks it's fall. In a couple weeks it'll probably be sprouting new leaves for spring. Isaac had a great time playing in the leaves and throwing them up in the are around him. This is a rarity here in the southwest so I snapped a few pictures. By now the rain has glued them to our flagstone patio, I'm sure that'll be super fun to try to clean up...it is every year.

Isaac and His Best Buds!

2009-01-23T18:41:00.000-08:00

One of the teachers at Isaac's school snapped this photo. I liked it so much I asked for a copy. So I present to you Isaac, Sam and Sam! These three are pretty much inseparable this year and I adore both boys so I couldn't be happier! Just to make the picture even more a sign of the times, they are playing with Legos, the biggest thing to capture Isaac's fancy as of late. Thanks for checking in and reading my blog!

Go Obama!

2009-01-23T18:36:00.000-08:00

Like the rest of the nation, it seems, Isaac is totally stoked about Obama being our new President. At his school they took time out of their school day to watch the inauguration, I was super happy to hear that! Isaac came home and was so excited he drew this picture to show his enthusiasm and support. I was never really into politics so having him be so aware, interested and excited is thrilling for me. So, "GO, Obama, go!" we can't wait to see what you'll do!

Frost in Tuscon

2009-01-02T17:53:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, it actually gets chilly here in Tucson occasionally. Last week the Catalina mountains and outlying areas got snow. We got lots of rain in town and woke up to a totally frosty yard. Of course I didn't think of taking pictures until after I was walking the dogs and when I got home there was only a little left. But I got a few pictures to share. The first two are on the oak tree we planted in the backyard when Isaac was born. The tree apparently thinks that it's fall...But the frost was beautiful.

The next couple of pictures show other plants with frost. The small blue flower is Electric Blue Sage which apparently thinks that it's spring. For those of us here in the Southwest, frost is a special thing, so please bear with us as we get all excited about something many of you see as no biggy. If it makes you feel better, it's back into the 70's again here.

Work Bullies

2008-12-28T22:27:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I have no picture to go with this story, but it's so funny that I have to post it anyway. Tonight Isaac had some homework to do, that *shockingly* he wasn't so keen on doing, duh he has totally cool new Legos to play with. Paul and I were trying to explain how important homework can be in helping you retain information and learn. I told Isaac to ask Paul why he always does his homework. He still wasn't satisfied. So I explained that getting into college depends on good grades which depends on doing homework which is a habit you build...blah blah blah. Then I explained that if you don't get good grades lots of colleges won't let you in and so Isaac said he'd just climb over the wall and go to college anyway. So, I explained why that might not actually get you a degree. Next up: the importance of having a college degree...for example Paul can't do the job he wants without a degree, they won't even interview him without a college diploma and Isaac said "That's like work bullies!" I had to laugh!

All I Want For Christmas is my Two Front Teeth

2008-12-26T22:31:00.000-08:00

Ever since Isaac's friend Kira lost her first tooth last November I have been anxiously awaiting Isaac loosing his first tooth. I have asked ad nauseum if his teeth are loose yet. They recently became loose enough that I thought for sure they'd come out soon. But after much waiting, still no lost teeth. Then the weekend before Christmas I brushed his teeth and then while I was flossing, noticed that one of his fillings was missing. Goodness knows how long it'd been gone. I guess I'm just happy it wasn't hurting. While I was in there looking I found another surprise...his adult tooth was coming in BEHIND the baby tooth.
I called the dentist first thing Monday morning and they saw him at 8:30. Whew! Of course they refilled the tooth that had lost the filling. And, as per their recommendation, pulled the two front teeth. Luckily, Isaac likes the dentist and had no problems with them doing their work. Even better is having good dental insurance! Funniest of all, they tried to trick Isaac by not telling him what they were doing when they gave him novicane--after numbing his gums with a gel. Evidently they thought they could outsmart him...not so much! He knew exactly what they were doing and called them on it. I don't see any reason why they couldn't have just told him what they were doing, he would've been fine. I guess not all 6 year-olds pester their mom's about when their next dentist appointment will be (until I called and asked so he'd leave me alone) like Isaac does! I couldn't help it, I laughed outloud at them for trying to trick him! He is so proud and shows anyone who will look.

Last Christmas

2008-12-26T09:42:00.000-08:00

Ok, so this video is super funny, at least we think so. Enjoy and happy holidays!

As Per Reader Request

2008-11-28T21:02:00.000-08:00

Rarer than pictures of Paul and I together may be pictures of me. Not only does it require another adult to be with me, but it also requires me giving up control of our beautifully, wonderful, I-can't-put-it-down camera. Today Paul managed this unbelievable feat as well as another: getting good pictures of me. So here they are readers, a look at the author, mom, wife, interpreter, quilter.
I think the first one makes me look way cooler...but I threw in the second one for those of you who like a smile. As always, thanks for reading!

Hoosband and Wif

2008-11-28T20:59:00.000-08:00

It's relatively rare for Paul and I to have time to go anywhere together, therefore it's even more rare to have a picture of us together. Well world, here's proof that we are still happily hoosband and wif! Photo taken in the aviary at the Desert Museum.

Family Photo

2008-11-28T20:53:00.000-08:00

At the Desert Museum today we found a perfect rock for a few family photos. Usually the best way to get Isaac to smile is to tell him NOT to smile. However, this trick finally backfired today as he put all his efforts into not smiling. Finally, I had to resort to tickling him to get this picture. But, still pretty good. If only Paul and I had thought to take off our sunglasses it might be a possible Christmas card photo. I guess we'll have to get another one...since our future isn't so bright we have to wear shades.

Making Butter

2008-11-28T20:50:00.000-08:00

For the Thanksgiving day feast, each class is responsible for bringing one item for the feast. This year, Isaac's class made butter. Who knew that by putting heavy cream in a jar and shaking it like crazy you will eventually make butter! Well, I didn't. Grams and I went and hung out with Isaac's class as they played and made butter. Here is Isaac shaking some cream into butter. Butter was delicious to boot!

Grams and Isaac at Satori's Thanksgiving Day Feast

2008-11-28T20:44:00.000-08:00

Every year, Isaac's school (Satori) has a Thanksgiving day feast. They start by singing a song all together, then the students each say what they are thankful for. This year, Isaac was thankful for "Jo, because she is a great teacher." Then we all head inside for our feast. This photo was taken while the other classes are saying what they are thankful for. I was happy to capture one of the many sweet moments between Isaac and his beloved Grams. She says she comes to visit all of us, but from the moment I pick her up and she sits in the back with Isaac, the truth cannot be denied: Paul and I are bonuses that come along with a trip to see her grandson. But we don't mind!

Smoje Opens Her Quilt

2008-11-28T20:36:00.000-08:00

So, not the greatest picture, of us or the quilt, but it's the best one...so take it or leave it. Turns out my mom really likes the quilt, thank goodness since I spent quite a bit of time on it. I picked this pattern and bought the fabric about 2 years ago. I just finally got to making it this fall. Funny though, the last time my Mom was visiting, she was looking through the quilt book that this quilt pattern and said of this quilt "you can make this quilt for me anytime you want." I just chuckled on the inside, the kind of chuckle you have when you know something someone else doesn't--you know the kind where you feel so clever just being you. That doesn't happen so often to me, so I really enjoyed it. So I guess I picked the right quilt! So happy that she likes it.

Desert West of the Tucson Mountains

2008-11-28T19:36:00.001-08:00

Today we went to the Desert Museum with Grams. It was very cool for Tucson--low 60s--and there was a storm moving in from the West. The Desert Museum is on west side of the mountains on the west side of Tucson (Tucson is almost surrounded by mountain ranges). Sometimes, I am simply amazed by the beauty of the desert. Today, we captured many photos of the desert I think are stunning. This is just on example.

All Important Halloween

2008-11-03T21:28:00.001-08:00

Every year we head out to my friend Heidi's house for trick-r-treating. Our neighborhood doesn't have too many kids and so isn't the best for Halloween. Heidi's neighborhood on the other hand is awesome, full of kids and lots of participating houses. From left to right: Isaac, Kira and Evan.

As you can see, I made a cover for Isaac's helmet to make it match is uniform. We also added an American flag, Paul's US Army and Mountain Division patches in all the authentic locations. From the shot at right you can see his excitement at getting candy!
Once again my camera rocks and it's "night scene" mode saved the day and got me lots of pictures that didn't suck. Unluckily for those I was photographing there was still a flash. The last picture shows Isaac at the end of the night, this is how he prepared himself for the pictures. Sorry kiddo, but I gotta get your picture!

Behind the Scenes Tour of the Zoo

2008-11-03T21:21:00.000-08:00

Back in October, Isaac's class was able to do a behind the scenes tour at the zoo. Lucky me, I was able to go with them. Isaac and I have been to the zoo many times, but we've never had the chance to pet the rhinos! We also saw the zoo kitchen, pet a snake and a large lizard as well as saw the animal hospital where we saw real animal x-rays. So much fun! At the end Isaac and his buddy Sam (for those of you keeping track, Isaac's two best buddies are both named Sam) spontaneously posed for a couple of pictures. Rock on Isaac, rock on!

Just Got the Halloween Costume

2008-11-03T20:37:00.000-08:00

So, trying to catch up on a couple of posts. Since Isaac wanted to be an "army guy" for Halloween, we decided to buy his costume at Miller's Surplus. Isaac was so excited and immediately came home, put it on, and took his pop gun into the back yard. He did some awesome posing in the grass (let's be honest, it's weeds that I've given up on getting rid of, crab grass has more stamina than I). Gotta love those pictures!
You can just barely see him in those first two shots, I guess the camo helps him do what he is already good at.

Couldn't resist this last picture that shows the Isaac I know so well--happy and smiling. He's even wearing Paul's dog tags underneath for authenticity.

Desert Critters

2008-10-05T21:09:00.000-07:00

The weather here has gotten to be what we like to call "fall." Meaning, it's in the low to mid nineties. This weekend was even nicer, with temperatures "way down in the eighties." So Isaac and I spent a large part of the day at the Desert Museum. With the cooler temperatures it made it possible to see everything without getting heat exhaustion (though you could pick out the non-Tucsonans by listening to those who were complaining about how hot it was). There were so many beautiful animals to see from the Sonoran Desert. In order of appearance: mountain lion, white-tail deer, Mexican gray wolf, bighorn sheep, coyote, bobcat, gray fox, unknown cute gray squirrel-like thing.

Daddy Time

2008-10-05T20:51:00.000-07:00

With Paul in school, as well as working part-time, his time is pretty well consumed with school, work or homework most of the time. But, he is an amazing dad and manages to find the coolest ways of spending time with Isaac and making that time special. Saturdays are often fort nights in the living room, watching a movie and then sleeping there for the night. It's a simple thing, but means the world to Isaac.

Quilt For Conner

2008-10-05T19:12:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know, I love making quilts for the people I love. So when Shoni, my friend Tonya's friend from grade school, had a baby, I saw an excuse to make another quilt. When Tonya was getting her degree in education she had a class that required her to learn how to do something new. Tonya asked me to teach her how to quilt, which I gladly did. Tonya and I made this quilt together for Shoni's new beautiful baby Conner.

Conner's daddy, Nathan is a pilot for the Air Force (he chases hurricanes and flies the plane through it, crazy!) so we tried to go for an airplane theme. Crazy enough, with all the millions of available prints of fabric there were no airplanes! We had to settle for helicopters...Turns out it was a hit with mom, so next up is something for Conner's older brother Tyler. Aww, gee, darn, I have to help make another quilt. P.S. If this quilt looks sort of familiar, Madi, it's because it's from the same pattern as the one I made for you. Amazing how something the same can also look so different!

Zoo Animals

2008-09-21T16:35:00.001-07:00

Just a few of my favorite shots from the day. As always, I loved the giraffes. We missed the giraffe feeding times today, but still got to see the giraffes up close. To me, their eyes, fur and awkward yet beautiful lankiness is always unbelievable. Their tongues are amazing too, and totally unexpected: black, snake-like fingers that grab food for them.
The lion graced us with his presence today and once again the handy-dandy aquarium mode on the camera allowed me to get a good picture despite the glass.

The anteaters were eating when we passed by today. They are the most curious looking creatures. It's hard to even tall which part is their head, it is so narrow. Here they are both facing forward, the black "strips" heading back over their shoulders. The one on the left has his bizarre long thin tongue sticking out.

Funny Bird

2008-09-21T16:30:00.000-07:00

We have never seen this bird before at the zoo, but there he was today. When we first came up he was trying desperately to kiss/eat a little girl through the glass. Then he started picking up his feet and trying to climb over or through the glass. As Isaac moved his head around, the bird copied his movements. I was able to capture one of the times the bird was putting his foot up and Isaac reached at the same moment and gave him a high five.

Trip to the Zoo

2008-09-21T16:20:00.000-07:00

Isaac and I took a trip over to the zoo today. We have a membership and it's only a couple miles away, so now that it's not killer hot (under 100 degrees) it seemed like a good time to go. They have a small water splash area and after Isaac came out he was happy to have cooled off. Snapped this picture right afterward.

This photo was downstairs at the polar bear exhibit (it's at water level so you can see the polar bears up close as they swim). I really like how the light looked, and the handy dandy "aquarium" mode on my camera kept the reflection down on the glass. Have I mentioned how much I love our new camera yet? Oh, and could he look any more adorable, asked the biased mother?

My Six Year-Old Tween

2008-09-21T16:08:00.000-07:00

Isaac has just started getting more into music and often asks to use my iPod so he can listen to his music. On this day he thought it would be extra funny and like a teenager to wear his hat sideways while he ate his lollipop and listened to the High School Musical soundtrack. This photo was followed up with some lip-syncing and dancing. Watching him grow is such a mixture of sadness that he's getting so big so fast, but at the same time excitement to see him becoming the grown-up version of my baby.

More Army Guys

2008-09-21T16:01:00.000-07:00

Grammy and Papa, knowing Isaac's propensity for "Army Guys" sent Isaac a big bag of Army Guys. The smile on his face speaks for itself. He loves to use the Jenga blocks to set up broken down buildings and walls for his Army Guys to have a battle scene. We went through his toys and took out old toys he doesn't play with. That cleared out a toy tub on his toy shelf and made room for him to have an Army Guy tub.

Uncle Brian & the Kids

2008-09-21T15:57:00.001-07:00

While Paul's family was visiting, we went over to the pool at their hotel so the kids could swim. Uncle Brian is always their favorite uncle and all the girls, plus Isaac, naturally gravitate toward him. Lorrie and I zoomed in for a couple of pictures of them all together. From left to right are Stephanie, Daisy, Isaac, Brian, Samantha, Sara and Ashly. Lots of the girls are doing bunny ears, but Isaac, the interpreter's son, when with "I love you" instead.

Ring Bearer

2008-09-21T15:37:00.000-07:00

No so recent, but I'm just getting to it. At the beginning of August most of Paul's family came down to Tucson. During their stay, Paul's sister Lorrie and her fiance asked many of us to be in their wedding. Isaac was thrilled to be asked to be their ring bearer. As an additional surprise, Lorrie had t-shirts made. To the right Isaac shows his proud grin above his cool *black* and silver shirt with Lorrie and Neil. Below Isaac donned the shirt and gave a little "check this" attitude.

Isaac can't wait to wear a tuxedo, he has been asking for one for a couple years now but I could never justify the cost just for dress-up. The wedding isn't until NEXT October, but I'll be sure to post pictures when the time comes.

Clown Hands

2008-08-24T13:33:00.001-07:00

While working with the pastels, Isaac decided to decorate Paul's hand like clown. He even used white pastel to make the "face," AKA palm, look like a clown's white face.

Later, Isaac colored his own palm to look like a much more colorful clown. It seems his creativity never ends. That's what is so cool about kids, they don't limit themselves or their ideas by ruling them a waste of time or silly. Awesome!

Isaac's Business & First Customer

2008-08-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

Isaac has a great talent for back-walking and this summer decided to turn it into a business. He even made a sign for his business and set a rate. We decided to post the sign at home so that whenever people are over and want a massage they can request one. That way we don't have strangers coming over for a massage.

When Grammie and Papa came over a couple weeks ago, Isaac got his first paying customer, Papa. Isaac kept at it, but did keep asking when the fifteen minutes were up. Papa was a good customer and went easy on him :-) and didn't make him go the full fifteen minutes. Isaac is saving his money to buy a huge Playmobile pirate ship. Thanks Papa!

Paul At Work

2008-08-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

So while Isaac tattooed Paul, this is what Paul was working on. I come from an artistic family and can hold my own with a drawing, but whenever I see Paul do artwork, I am still always amazed. He has an incredible knack for capturing what he sees. Trust me when I say that this photograph doesn't do this little masterpiece justice.
So when you wonder where Isaac gets his talent, now you know! Though I will take a little credit, and offer up a little credit to Mother Nature and to Isaac himself. For those of you who only know Paul as a computer geek, here's a glimpse of the other side of Paul!

Tattooing Dad

2008-08-24T12:52:00.001-07:00

While drawing with pastels, Isaac came up with the idea of drawing tattoos on Paul. Paul agreed and so Isaac went to work, tattooing dad. He started with a heart, then to an eye with rays coming out of it like a sun. They he switched to the other side where he put burning torches crossed in an "X" and couple others.
Next time we looked, Isaac had put "W.R." on Paul's right deltoid. When we asked what it stood for we all nearly fell over laughing when Isaac said "It stands for women rock!" After laughing our butts off it occurred to me that maybe we should be worried that he's saying that kind of stuff at six...Still funny though!

Artists At Work

2008-08-24T12:47:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, Isaac loves to draw. But my Aunt Rebecca is also an artist, as is Paul. One afternoon they all sat down, Kate too, on the Lake patio to do some artwork with pastels. Here's the whole gang! In the background is the Lake's outdoor camp kitchen and on the left is my grandmother, Connie.

Boy: About To Take Flight

2008-08-24T12:36:00.001-07:00

Although it's just a picture of Isaac using his towel as a cape, for me it is representative of how quickly Isaac is growing up. I think this year will be a record for him in progress. He has the same amazing teacher as last year and so far is doing really well as one of the "big" kids in the class. He seems to do well in the role of role model, so being one of the first graders in a kindergarten/first grade class is turning out to be a successful place for him. I think I enjoy every age better than the last--six is definitely my favorite so far. It makes me sad that it will be gone in just 8 months...but maybe seven will be even better!

Binocs Boy

2008-08-24T12:28:00.001-07:00

I am slowly catching up on Lake posts, but you'll see newer stuff mixed in now and then as it happens (well more or less when it happens). Usually the Lake cabin has a telescope set up on the railing of the porch. It's great for scoping out the Lake, boats, JetSkis and for finding the osprey and their nests across the Lake. This year, my grandmother forgot to bring it. Luckily, she did bring some great binoculars and was kind enough to trust Isaac to use them. Isaac is now tall enough to reach on top of the tall cabin cupboards and get them down for himself.

Cool Pictures Abound

2008-08-13T22:08:00.000-07:00

Just another picture that I like; two of my favorite things together in one shot. I feel so lucky and blessed to have access to this beautiful place that I can share with those I love. Wish I could be there again now.
In case you're wondering, waves at the lake come from boats and Jet Skis.

Cool Picture

2008-08-13T22:01:00.000-07:00

I have NO idea how the lighting in this picture came out so cool. Reflection? Flash? Some setting I got by mistake? Regardless, it looks like it has been PhotoShopped for a ritzy ad, and that he isn't actually at the lake--it looks like a set. Did I tell you all that I love our new camera?

Shelty: Angel Dog

2008-08-13T21:55:00.001-07:00

After lots of swimming, "rescuing" swimmers (she'll tow you into shore) that didn't really need rescuing, sand rolling beauty treatments, fetching sticks thrown into the lake and the like, turns out even Shelty eventually gets tired. To me, Shelty still acts like a 3 or 4 year old dog, though her 10th birthday approaches in November. She is the best dog in the world (though I may be a little biased) and I can't imagine what life would have been without her for the last 9 plus years. She an angel dog.

Nesting Nugget Dog

2008-08-13T21:43:00.000-07:00

Max isn't the biggest dog, just 36 lbs. but I am still consistently amazed by how small he can make his body--he's a little nugget of a dog when he curls up. At the lake he liked to find a shady spot with wet sand, dig a nest, and curl up. Once again this year he wasn't so sure about swimming. Getting wet, yes, swimming, not so much. However he did get in a little swimming (once elective, the others gently forced by me). Maybe next year Shelty the master swimmer dog will finally influence him enough that he realizes how great swimming is. At least this swimmer mom can hope so. Just love that creepily loyal little boy!

Swimming With My Guy

2008-08-13T21:37:00.000-07:00

I've always been willing to swim around with Isaac on my back and when he requested it this year I agreed without a thought. Turns out kids get heavier all the time, huh, who woulda thunk it! It was a little harder than I remember it...Not sure I'll be able to do it next year. Still lovin' that he thinks I'm cool enough to hang out with and doing my best to keep it that way!

Mud Fling

2008-08-13T19:56:00.000-07:00

One of the many perks of the lake, at least for Isaac, is the silty, soft, squishy mud right at the shoreline. He found it good for skin treatments, flinging and offering Kate's dog Alex (who deemed it worth trying). Paul captured these super cool actions shots of Isaac flinging mud. Ahh, the simple pleasures of childhood.
My brain is still on vacation, but now that I've been back at work for a couple weeks it would be nice if I could actually get my act together. Already looking forward to next year's trip!

First Day of First Grade

2008-08-13T19:46:00.000-07:00

I still have LOTS of pictures from our trip to blog, but I'm getting off track for a moment to blog Isaac's first day of school today. I wasn't able to be there to drop him off, but Paul was kind enough to take a picture for me. I know, I know, awww how cute. I think it's going to be another great year in Jo's class! Jo has already asked Isaac to be her helper this year to teach the kindergarteners that are coming into the class "the ropes." He does well when he knows he's a leader/role model. I can't wait to see him shine!

The Meeting Place

2008-08-05T16:03:00.000-07:00

As my first cousin once removed (AKA my dad's cousin) Tokkie pointed out when we met him at the Lake, Isaac really needs to come out of his shell more. Tokkie advised calling Dr. Phil to try to start working on Isaac's shyness. Ha! While on vacation this year, Isaac spent a lot of time talking people up. It seems that if you're in the family, you're fair game, so look out. First up to bat in the meeting place (the top of a rock Isaac took a liking to) was Rebecca (my dad's sister). I think he would have talked to her FOREVER, given the chance!
A couple days later my cousin Hannah came up with her mom Jenny (also my dad's sister). Next thing we knew, he had her up in his meeting place, offering up an earful of goodness knows what information. I suspect when she woke up the next morning she found a pile of words on her pillow that had poured out of her ears when she laid down her head! When Isaac gets going the listener need not even say "Really?" "Uh-huh." "Wow." or "Cool." He is content to rattle on without the signs of an active listener. Both Rebecca and Hannah, and anyone else he chatted up, were sweet and listened to all his words of wisdom.

Me. 2008.

2008-08-04T21:27:00.000-07:00

Every year it seems that Paul manages to snap a picture of me that I actually like. I must admit there were a few other pictures he took this year that really weren't so flattering (let's just say they were from the back). Needless to say, those pictures WON'T be showing up here, so no need to cover your eyes!

He's a Happy Boy

2008-08-04T21:21:00.000-07:00

Seeing Isaac with this smile on his face, well, as a mom, makes me truly blissful. Maybe it's that how he looks is an outward representation of how I feel inside when I am at the Lake. Or perhaps I just love that he is so happy. Additionally, the shadows across his face make for an awesomely cool photograph.

Paul. Relaxed.

2008-08-04T21:08:00.000-07:00

With school and work and regular life, sometimes I don't see this Paul too often, the relaxed one. But it's inevitable that at the Lake and Pineridge, I get to see Paul's face relax. That is something truly worth seeing! Soon I'll post pictures of Paul at the end of our vacation and you'll all be able to see what a difference 2 weeks vacation can make. It was good to get in a long rest before school and work start back for all of us, it makes it possible to do it all over again.

Tribute

2008-08-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

Before I get too far in all the pictures, I have to give a little thanks and tribute to my grandmother, Connie. Without her, I wouldn't be able to come to the Lake or Pineridge, let alone bring my friends and family to enjoy our little patch of Heaven. It was her parents who built the cabins on both properties, and left them to their children, for those of us who came along later to enjoy. I have the utmost respect and love for my grandmother, who when thanked by my brother for the opportunity to come to these beautiful places said "Oh, don't thank me, thank who ever is in charge!" Just love her!

He's Got Skills

2008-07-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

Last year, Paul taught Isaac how to use the little ax at Pineridge. This year he was eager to get to do it again. The first afternoon there, Isaac got to work using the ax to chop up small branches. This year, Paul gave Isaac his first knife, thrilling Isaac beyond belief. It has a sheath and Paul put it on a long shoulder strap. Isaac took it on many adventures and was proud to have Paul teach him how to whittle a stick to roast marshmallows.

Blissed-out Boy

2008-07-30T14:40:00.001-07:00

What makes this boy so happy? Let's see, vacation: check. Mountains: check. Adventures: check. Fleece feety jammies: check. Reading Jack Sparrow books with mom: check. Absolutely love this picture of Isaac. It shows how happy going to Pineridge makes him, and it reflects exactly how I feel when I'm there: blissed-out. Just wish we were closer so we could go more often. Maybe one day, after Paul graduates, we'll move closer...we'll see.

Arrival

2008-07-30T14:33:00.000-07:00

Driving all night from Tucson leaves me feeling a little pooped. We arrived around 11:30a, after stopping at the grocery store, then had to unload, get settled in and clean. By the time all that was finished, Isaac, who slept all night in the back seat, was itching to go on an adventure. Paul took him out while I found the only padded horizontal surface I could and took a snooze. I know it sounds crazy to drive all night, but it means the drive is so much cooler for us and the dogs, less traffic and Isaac can sleep through the majority of the 13 hour drive.

Digging to China

2008-07-30T14:22:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I've got some serious catching up to do! These pictures are from the day before we left for our annual trip to the Sierras. I'll starting working on all the trip pictures soon. I'll TRY not to overdo the pictures from our trip, but there are over two weeks of great pictures...Here Isaac decided to try digging a hole to China, must be genetic because growing up Paul was always trying to do that very thing himself. But Isaac may be more serious about it since he needed my headlamp for when the digging created a tunnel and it got dark.
These are also some of the first pictures taken with our new "baby." Paul and I bought our Canon G9 when our old camera started acting funny just before our biggest picture taking event--our trip to the Sierras--of the year. Afraid it would totally die in the middle of our trip, we decided to do what we've been wanting to: get a new camera. LOVE it! Is it me, or does Isaac look much older than six in these pictures. I repeatedly ask him to stop growing, but he just won't do it! I am loving six, and I told him it's not that he can't get older, but could he just stay six for a few years and then move on the seven? Nope.

Isaac Tries the Diving Board

2008-06-25T19:20:00.000-07:00

Today at the end of swim lessons, as a treat, Isaac's teacher took him into the diving bay and let him jump off the diving board. Naturally I had to go see. He knew the pool was 12 feet deep, his teacher had him jump off the side and swim a little to show him he could do it, then he climbed up the ladder onto the board, walked to the end, bounced a little and went right in! Totally AWESOME! He did it a few times, then went down the water slide a couple times, then returned to the diving board. This video clip is of the last jump where he was so fearless he went even before his teacher was in the pool. He did it and got to the side all on his own! I guess it may seem like no big deal, but for a kiddo who has never done anything like that, in water that deep, I am so proud.

Painting

2008-06-24T22:14:00.001-07:00

Isaac originally bought this sword at the Renaissance Festival, yes way back in February. He wanted one of the cool painted ones, but they were ridiculously expensive (like $38 or something), so we bought a plain wooden one that we could paint ourselves. Well, we FINALLY bought the paint for it and over the weekend Paul and Isaac painted it just how Isaac wanted it. Citron green with dark purple and blue flames on it, a black hilt and a red handle.
You can see Isaac's extreme focus while painting. Although I could have taught Isaac to paint, having his daddy (who, if you don't know, is an amazing painter/artist and far more qualified than I to instruct on the subject) teach him was a fun time. Turns out Paul really enjoyed having that paint brush in his hand again and so who knows what masterpiece that might inspire.

Private Swimming Lessons

2008-06-24T17:24:00.001-07:00

Last year Isaac took swim lessons at the YMCA (just like I did years ago, and the class names are still the same: eel, guppy, shark...) The classes were four days a week for two weeks, each class 30 minutes. Seemed like a good deal, and he learned a lot. But then I realized each class had six students. That meant he got 5 minutes from each lesson=40 minutes of 1:1 time. When I saw that the private lessons were less than double the price of group lessons, it was a no-brainer to pay for private lessons this year.
Day one consisted of using a kick board to practice controlled kicking, then blowing bubbles while kicking, then doing strokes and breathing while using the kick board, then swimming freestyle. In just 30 minutes the improvement was phenomenal. Day two was a little more of the same, but also started learning backstroke and worked a lot on diving to the bottom of the pool for rings! The second two pictures show Isaac getting ready to dive for the rings and pulling himself down, putting his legs up in order to get his head down.
Yesterday and today were more diving for rings and using the kick board, but today they really focused on rolling onto his side for a breath. I am totally amazed by how quickly kids learn, and I am especially happy to have Isaac learning how to swim. I explained to him that kids his age are already on the swim team and he is now talking of joining the swim team next summer. Of course this would make me unbelievably happy and proud, but I won't pressure him into it. If he wants to do it, I am totally supportive, as I would be with whatever else he is inclined to try or do. A week after Isaac finishes his swim lessons we head to the Sierra's for our annual trip to Pineridge and the Lake. This year we're going for over 2 weeks and we are SOOO excited because we've never gone that long. Plus, we get to see Uncle Eric, Aunt Kier, Ella and Kaia--our one time to see them the whole year! Maybe we'll get them for Thanksgiving this year, if we're lucky. We miss you guys and can't wait to see you!

Urchin Nose

2008-06-24T17:19:00.001-07:00

At the bowling alley, Isaac managed to convince me to give him 50 cents for a toy vending machine. This "urchin" is what came out. Though it wasn't the huge one he was hoping for that he could wear over his head like hair, Isaac has spent a lot of time playing with this since. His favorite thing to do with it? Put on his nose and breathe in and out to make the urchin expand and contract. What else can I say?

Boys...

2008-06-24T17:06:00.000-07:00

As usual, Isaac was full of ideas of things that we could do. Here, he had the inspired idea to wrestle with the guys. All fun and games and good times. Clearly, Brian took Isaac's side and it quickly became two against one, Paul being the one. After a while Paul said he was done, it's hot and, well wrestling at six is a lot easier than at 34. Then Isaac asked Brian if he was tired. To which Brian responded something to the effect of "I'm not that old yet" he's 33 ;-) Being brothers, you can only imagine where this lead...
This is where it lead. Paul and Brian had their own little match. Thus the title of the post "Boys..." Understand they were both laughing so hard that I feel confident in saying little real wrestling went on.

Bowling

2008-06-24T16:50:00.001-07:00

Isaac has been begging to go bowling for quite a while now, and recently I went with my friend Heidi and our kids. Isaac had a blast and so did I. Then, while Uncle Brian was visiting we were finally able to find a Wii (we saved as a family but had spent over a week trying to find one--they're sold out everywhere!). We were sitting at home trying out the games we had, including bowling when it occurred to me that it would be WAY more fun to actually go bowling for real. Seeing as how the nearest bowling alley is less than a mile away, we decided that we'd make the trek. Turned out to be really fun, though Paul is a little too good (Brian beat him in the last game though).
I suck at bowling, but it was still fun, even if Isaac can bowl as well as I can (he had the bumpers up, though). Isaac's technique pretty much consists of flinging the ball somewhere in the lane and letting the bumpers bounce it back and forth until it knocks out a surprisingly large number of pins.
Here are shots of Paul and Brian bowling. Notice I didn't include pictures of me bowling...it was way too pathetic to share. But maybe Isaac and I will go a few more times this summer and in theory I could improve. Don't anyone hold their breath, it is only theoretical that I could get better!

Sword Fighting with Uncle Brian

2008-06-24T16:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have fallen behind on my blogging, so now I'll attempt to catch up. Last, last weekend (not the one that just passed), Paul's brother Brian came down to visit for the weekend. Uncle Brian in THE COOLEST uncle, just ask any of the kids in the Soto family. We got to him all to ourselves for 2 full days! Always ready for a sword fight--dressed up of course--Isaac asked Uncle Brian to have a sword fight and Uncle Brian said yes (remember I said he's the coolest). Paul had the presence of mind to snap a few pictures. Good times in the morning before we went to the climbing gym. Sadly, neither Paul nor I had the presence of mind to even remember the camera, so no pictures of that...Uncle Brian, you'll have to come back again soon, we'll all go climbing and remember to take the camera this time!

Diaper Cake

2008-06-10T21:13:00.000-07:00

No, no, it's not edible. When I first heard of these I thought it must be a cake shaped like a diaper, but who would want to eat that?! Then I did what every American does, I googled it! Then I had an ah-ha moment: it's a cake made out of diapers, decorated with things needed for new baby and topped off with anything cute, fuzzy or useful. A friend of mine is expecting in August and I decided to make a diaper cake for her. It was so much fun!
For those of you who are curious, the whole thing is built around something cylindrical (paper towel tube, bottle full of candy, or in my case a stacking cup set). I rolled up diapers and secured them with rubber bands, then held them in place by yarn which I covered up by a wide ribbon. Then I used narrow ribbon to tie on small baby needs (pacifiers, feeding spoons, a rattle, teething rings, etc). I made smaller bows and ribbons with large flower buttons at the end as decorations. Lastly, I cut a large circle out of cardboard and covered it with some fabric as a base. I'm sure for some of you this truly boring, but maybe not for some of you...It was really fun for me, hopefully the mom-to-be will like it!

The Addition

2008-05-27T18:32:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, after saving for quite a while, Paul and I bought the plans and hardware for this play structure. We bought the wood, redwood (a pretty penny I might add) and my dad helped Paul cut and drill all the pieces. Eventually we got them all sanded and treated and the play structure was built, pah! It has been loved and used ever since. So now, we've added Isaac's own personal suite at the bottom by turning the never used sandbox into a fort. We started by adding floor joists and decking.

Next siding and the window for the east wall. At the end we went back and made a shutter that can close so he can have the window open or closed. Tomorrow we hope to add the latch to keep it closed, as well as a handle to help him close it from the inside.
Next we added the door, with a lock as requested by the boy. From the second picture you can see that the door actually works! Yay Grams! Lastly we added the front (north wall) which is just that, a wall. The back (south) wall was already existing--the climbing wall. Next up is treating the wood for our crazy dry heat, sanding the older portion of the play structure and re-sealing it. Then maybe a glider for the last open slot on the swing beam. As of now Isaac has decided the only people allowed in the fort are myself, Paul, Grams and of course himself. I have a feeling the first time he has a friend over that'll change...Isaac is so excited to have his own key (to unlock his fort). It's interesting what make things "holy cow" cool for him.

War

2008-05-27T17:29:00.001-07:00

So, what, you may ask did innocent water play between Isaac and Grams turn into? All out water war. How could such a thing happen in hot Tucson after a day of working in the sun, who knows. I was out taking their pictures, capturing their precious moments, when Isaac squirted out the contents of a water balloon onto my back as I went into the house. I was a little miffed, but whatever. Then Paul got doused and we decided it was war. We skipped over water balloons and spray bottles. I got a bucket and Paul a pitcher. First we went for Isaac, then Grams joined Isaac's team and before you know it, WAR.
From the pictures, you can see who the war was really between and who was smart enough to get the camera and stay out of the thick of it. When I went for the hose, Grams got ahold of it too and pretty soon we were wrestling it between us, spraying each other and occasionally aiming it as Isaac. We were laughing so hard that we often could do little with the hose besides hold it, because there was no strength to fight each other for it. Isaac did his part with water balloons and the bucket. In the end the three of us were SOAKED. It's a good thing we were all already wet because we laughed so hard we may have wet ourselves, just a little.

It was so much fun and all that laughter was just what we all needed. In the last picture you can see that I am tending to Isaac, he got scratched in all the mayhem. So what did my mom do? Poured a bucket of water over my head. This made Isaac laugh hysterically and the whole scratch situation blew over. Gee, thanks Grams.