It's a nice day in Stepford

And the worst blogger ever award goes to...

Sorry guys. I just haven't been able to get my act together enough to update frequently. I blame this on 2 reasons.

1. I am a suburban mom who drives a minivan and finds joy in organizing my pantry with all kinds of little bins. The ones that I used to see in magazines like Better Homes and Gardens and shake my head thanking the Gods that I had more interesting things going on my life than that poor lady. I have unintentionally morphed into that lady. Basically, my life, while enjoyable to me, probably doesn't inspire anyone to sit and read about my new recipe for sweet potato muffins (which, P.S., is phenomenal).

I recently stumbled upon this discovery when Jason and I were talking about how some people change drastically when they meet a significant other. We both agreed that he hadn't really changed at all (other than always putting the toilet seat down-can I getta woot woot?!). Then I thought about myself and the fact that I now love cooking and cleaning and organizing and sewing and scrapbooking and...basically everything I used to find painfully boring. My Banana Republic card has suddenly been replaced by Jo-Ann's fabric coupons. I have been trained ladies and gentleman....and didn't even realize it was happening.

2. The other reason why I have been unable to get to my computer is what I call a pre-nesting phenomenon. I am NOT pregnant. However, the second we started talking (just talking!) about having another child I broke into a cold sweat and began running around trying to get caught up with all my little projects before we even consider trying. Suddenly I have found myself simultaneously trying to refinish an ugly end table, sell our very un-kid friendly light yellow living room furniture, and get caught up with 5+ years of pictures to organize/put in albums. I know that someday (which is NOT today-got that grandma's?) when I do find myself knocked up, I will once again suffer from what Jason and I have collectively termed, "pregnancy induced narcolepsy," which means I cannot sit down without immediately slumping over into a deep sleep. I know that these projects will remain unfinished. And they'll bug me.

The moral of this story is to beg you to bear with me through this anxiety ridden frenzy. I promise to come out of it soon....just as soon as I finish those muffins.

Tyson-isms

There was a time when I was afraid of toddlers. Nay, terrified would be a better word. To me, they appeared full of endless energy (true), void of reason (sometimes true) and really great at finding trouble (usually true). Oh yeah, and they are kind of loud too.

Now I have a toddler. I won't sugar coat it. It can be exhausting chasing a naked (un-potty trained) kid through the house while trying to explain that his super hero jammies are dirty so the monkey pj's will have to do. It's also a complete riot watching them develop their own personalities complete with quirks and idiosyncrasies.

This particular day Tyson was developing an interest in trying to put on Jason's sandals.

When he finally got them on, he stood straight up, looked me in the eye and said proudly: "daddy's shoes. I cute!"

Some other little gems he has blessed us with are his frequent attempts at showing off some new skill while yelling "ta-ya!" (which, when translated means ta-da).

Or who can forget the day I was getting ready when Tyson said, "mama, you have cute shirt and pants on." I don't know if Jason had coached him in my absence but who cares. The sooner my little nugget learns how to compliment a woman, the easier his life will become:)

Luckily these moments happen daily and are always good for a laugh. Because no matter how challenging parenting is, the "love you mama's" make everything better. The universe knew this cuteness was crucial to the design of toddlers. Otherwise there might have been a whole lot of only children out there.

Because everyone needs a cape...

The cape has an interesting history in my family. My sisters and I have all owned/donned a cape at some point in our lives. I know you're probably thinking, 'big deal lady, what kid doesn't run around with a dish towel tucked into his/her shirt pretending to be a superhero?' (sidenote: I actually used the dish towels to create a nuns habit but that's a topic for another day). I mean our adult selves have all been wearing a cape for one reason or another. With the help of my mom (because who else could make red pleather boot covers?), I made a kickin' wonder woman costume my freshman year in college. I will not be including a picture for many (many) reasons but you'll have to take my word for it that I was indeed wearing my cape.

My sister Jo owns a cape. Currently. She's an art teacher. And she's Jo.

My sister Jen made a cape out of an old t-shirt to wear underneath her clothes on the day of her GRE exams. She wanted to feel it's super powers so she would rock the exams...and to take over for Clark Kent in the case of an emergency.

I guess I've never asked my sister Julie if the cape has made it into her adult life but with her love for halloween and anything to make life more fun, I would be more surprised to hear that she hasn't owned her own cape.

So when I saw these Captain Adorable pajamas in Tyson's size (on sale!) with cape included, I knew I had hit the jackpot. He immediately had to wear them at grandma's on our recent trip to South Dakota.

The moral of this story is that everyone needs a cape...

but pants are optional.

Stuck in the middle with you...

Hey all-
Well we are smack dab in the middle of our "summer vacation." Our trip to Oklee, MN for the centennial was an absolute blast. It was wildly hot but full of fun. Now we are in South Dakota and get to do the whole big celebration thing all over again for Jason's all school reunion (because when you grow up in a tiny town like both Jason and I did, the whole school gets together instead of just the class).
I've already got some great pictures to post but they will have to wait until we are home. Right now I'd better tend to the cape wearing, piano playing, pantless toddler that is my child.

ode to a father: part 2

I am girl number 4 in my family lineup so by the time I came along, my dad was a seasoned pro.

My dad has done a great many things in his life. He has spent many years as an educator, coach and administrator but has also done everything from farm work to cement work. Because of him, I learned that I am not too good for any job.

I learned all kinds of other things as well. For example, in his infinite wisdom my dad taught me that it is better to be pissed off than pissed on. A statement that my sister Jo learned firsthand during an unfortunate incident when we were in Italy.

I learned the importance of education.

I learned that girls can do anything.

I learned that there is no replacement for hard work.

I learned that you can in fact, get pulled over for speeding while driving a school bus.

I learned the value of reverse psychology through burnt potato chips. (ps-dad, we all still love the burnt chips).

I learned never to say "I wish..." in front of him so as to prompt the old "wish in one hand, sh#* in the other to see which one fills up" saying.

I learned that a father's love for his girls is unconditional...even when they all have poodle perms and braces.

I am lucky enough that my dad is still around to keep teaching me things. And to teach my son things.

Love you dad.

Ode to a father: part 1

Two years ago, you became a father. I won't lie, it took me awhile to adjust to life as a parent. Not you. You were made for this.

You instantly became a teacher, cuddler, catch player, lego builder, loving disciplinarian.

Not surprisingly, he watches everything you do trying to be exactly the same.

Little does he know that he was born that way:) Lucky for me, now there are two people like you in this world.

*pictures from Heather Rae Photography*

Two...

My post will be short today as I'd rather spend the day trying to absorb the fact that my son is two. TWO! We've had a very busy week so more to come later. I love you Tyson:)